You slowly wiped away a tear from your eyes. You bit your lip and swallowed your sob.

The memories of just a few minutes ago hadn’t faded yet.

Your boyfriend—the one you thought was the best man in the world, the most attractive man in the world—was cheating on you. He had made an excuse to go see someone. You thought it was a guy, but it turned out to be a girl. You still can’t forget... when his lips touched hers. Soft and gentle, like something romantic.

You shut your eyes tightly.

Your hands gripped the railings hard. They were trembling. A soft breeze blew, sometimes biting your skin, making it sting. You stared up at the night sky, filled with stars. All you wanted was to throw yourself off the rooftop. Down there. The distance was great... maybe your skull would crack open and you’d forget everything.

Just as you tried to stand up, you heard an angry shout:

“Get down right now! What the hell do you think you’re doing? You think dying is that easy, you idiot?!”

The voice was familiar. You let go of the rails and turned your face.

It was Kenzo, the assistant to your boss.

Sometimes your friend. Sometimes your enemy.

Right now you didn’t know what to call him—friend, or foe?

When you tried to speak, your trembling lips wouldn’t let you. Your voice wouldn’t come out. You broke into sobs, covering your face with your hands and screaming:

"NOBODY WANTS ME! NOBODY LOVES ME! I WANT TO GO! I DON’T EVEN WANT MY LIFE ANYMORE!! I'M A LOSER..!" you shouted, then wiped your tears away. Your lower lip trembled as you bit it hard between your teeth. Your body shook. Your heart raced.

Kenzo was shocked. For a moment he didn’t know what to do. But then a worried frown appeared on his face as he stepped toward you. He pulled a colored handkerchief from his pocket and came closer. You didn’t notice until he gently grabbed your hand in his, bringing it close—close enough for you to feel his shadow, close enough for you to feel his warm breath on your hair.

He brought the handkerchief up to your eyes and wiped away your tears.

“Shhhh… you’re not a loser. The ones who don’t know how to live are the losers. You’re doing your best to build a better life. Love… isn’t something you should believe in too much. Calm down… let them all go to hell. You shouldn’t destroy your life over a bunch of trash. Never. Don’t you dare.”

He paused—then pulled you into a firm embrace.

Your eyes widened. Your breath caught in your chest. Your cheeks turned strawberry-red as his gentle yet deep words brushed against you:

“I know the pain you’re going through. Feel my heart. Feel your own heart… see yourself. I want to see your smile. Not those damned tears of yours.”