The morning air was still a bit chilly, but
I put quite a bit of strength into my legs as I pedaled the bicycle.
The rustling sound of cherry blossom petals stuck between the wheels was pleasant. I felt a bit strange today.
Just before passing through the school gate, I saw your back as you walked to school from a distance.
I deliberately sped up and whizzed past you.
"Hey, Lee Yeo-ju! We're going to be late!"
And I didn't forget to crack some childish pranks.
You're behind
"Ah, Choi Beom-gyu!"
Hearing the shouting,
I headed to the bike rack, hiding the smile spreading across my face.
But, something felt missing.
I stopped my bicycle and casually looked at the bag under the saddle,
I felt a chill down my spine.
tucked into the crevice of an old wallet,
My most prized possession, a Polaroid photo, has disappeared.
On the day of last year's sports day, when you looked at a small flower with sparkling eyes
It was my favorite photo that I secretly took.
"Beomgyu..."
My heart sank to the floor at the sound of the voice coming from behind.
As I slowly turned my head, you were standing there panting.
And between your four fingers, until just now
I was holding that small Polaroid that should have been in my pocket.
"Why do you have this...?"
You were looking at me with a flustered expression.
My mind went completely blank.
It's too easy to just brush it off as usual with a "Oh, that? It's funny!"
It was obvious that you cherished the image of yourself in the photo so much.
Did you ask why I have this? You really...
Are you clueless, or are you doing this even though you know how I feel?
My voice trembled slightly.
I tried to laugh it off like usual, but as soon as I saw you, I couldn't.
I couldn't even look you straight in the eye, so I just nudged the bicycle wheel with my foot.
The fact that I went to school before you every morning and stood in front of the school gate,
Taking a walk with you using the cherry blossoms as an excuse... I didn't do that because I had nothing else to do.
I did it because I liked it. And I mean, really liked it.
"Beomgyu..."
I'm sorry for taking the picture without your knowledge.
But if I don't do even that, I'll go home.
I did it because I was going crazy wanting to see your face. Why, do I sound like a pervert?
I parked my bicycle as if abandoning it and took a step closer to you.
The distance between us narrowed so much that there wasn't even room for a single cherry blossom petal to fit.
I lower my head and stare intently into your eyes,
I was afraid you might hear my heartbeat.
I like you. No, actually, saying I like you isn't enough.
Actually... I've been in love for a very long time.
_______________
Written after all the cherry blossoms have fallen... ๐ธ