"I like you," You say, barely able to meet his eyes. He doesn't flinch. Doesn't smile.

Kairo just says, "I don't like you."

You look down and nod. Like you weren't just holding your heart out in the open. "Right," you mumble, "of course." But your chest already feels too tight.

---

A few days later, you try again. Because hope is stupid like that. Because some part of you still believes. "I really like you."

Kairo sighs. Not in surprise, not in guilt. Just tired. "I don't like you. I only see you as a friend."

You nod. You smile. You pretend the word 'friend' doesn't feel like a knife.

---

One last time. You hate yourself for it. But the words still come out, shaky and small. "I still like-"

"Stop bothering me." His voice slices through the air. "Stop being so delusional." "I'll never like a boy like you."

It stuns you. Not just the words...but how easily they came.

You blink. Then quietly say, "Sorry..." You turn, walk away. And this time, you don't look back.

__

Weeks pass.

The ache lingers, but you're learning to live with it. You laugh with someone else. Someone who doesn't make your chest ache. Someone who looks at you like you matter. You're not over him. But you're trying to be.

And then...you feel it, a stare. Heavy. Intense. You glance up...

It's him.

Standing across the room. Eyes locked on you. Expression twisted in something that looks like... regret. Longing. Like he finally noticed.