At first, I really hated you. No, to be precise, I hated the idea of anyone coming near me. When I went home, my father beat me, and at school, I didn't want anyone to see the marks, so I hid on the rooftop every lunch and just ate bread. I believed that if someone got to know me, they would eventually leave, and that one day, they would end up making me cry. But you were a strange person. Even when I knocked over your water bottle or coldly pushed you away, you came back the next day with a smile. You followed me on the way home, and when I fell, you were the first one to run over and worry about me. Even though I kept pushing you away, you never gave up. Gradually, I became comfortable by your side. On days I was sick, you came to my house to check my temperature, and at a single word from me saying I was hungry, you ate with me. That's when I realized for the first time. I thought things like love or friendship didn't exist for me, but you were teaching me all of it. That's why I was even more afraid. I felt like a warm person like you would eventually end up crying because of me. That day, I was laughing with you as usual. (I was grateful to you for making things feel normal.) But then my father came looking for us. When he beckoned me with a flick of his finger, my legs froze. In the end, I let go of your hand and walked slowly toward him. Actually, with every step I took, I was praying inside. 'Please... just hold onto me once.' When I looked back one last time, you ran to me without hesitation. You grabbed my hand with all your might and ran away with me just like that. In that moment, I knew. I realized that a confession of love, which I thought I'd never get even after thousands of long nights, wasn't about words. To someone like me who believed no one would ever be on my side, you were the person who told me through your actions that you would never let go of my hand. So now, I think I can say it too. Even if the day comes when I make you cry, please stay by my side anyway. Because you were the only one who accepted everything inside my heart.