high school: time of bliss. it was when we instantly became friends after getting detention together, though it had been completely coincidental. you were there, i was there, and somehow, that mere coincidence was the start of it all. even as we were getting punished, we enjoyed every minute of our time together; we stuck together like twins. we were inseparable. on the way, we lost loved ones, gained a few, learned new things, experienced so many wondrous and horrendous things. yet, throughout all those events, no matter how big or how small, we were going through it together.

graduation came. i noticed your forming tears and your quivering lips. but as a man, you had your pride and you held back your tears. as for me, i didn't care; i cried, and i cried, and you were with me the whole time, lending me your already soaked shoulder. you didn't move an inch except when you shifted to hug me and give me the proper comfort that only you could've given me. i still remember your touch, your soothing pats on my back, your whispers of solace that told me everything would be fine and that, despite the physical distance between us, we would never be apart; we would always be best friends.

the thing is, friends became a label i grew to hate. i was in love with you and perhaps, i still am.