Just a Childhood Friend

Since childhood, Yuichi and I have been two peas in a pod. We've laughed together, bickered together, and most importantly made countless memories. I've always been the cheerful one, and he, the snarky, sarcastic type. Together we were a 'dynamic' duo, as if the good times would always last forever.

But all it took were a few words... to shatter "our" perfect world.

"Thank you, Akari, for being such an amazing friend."

"Remember that I will always support what you choose. Whatever happens from here on out, I will be there for you. If you ever need help on anything, you can always depend on me ..."

... like how you have always been for me.

Heartbroken, I masked my true feelings and helped him confess his love to someone else. For his sake, I continued to don my same happy smile.

Those once joyful days with him now seem like distant memories, slipping through my fingers, and I was too late to realize it.