I want to love you simply, in words not spoken: tinder to the flame which transforms it to ash

I love you—could you hear what my eyes had been trying to say, every time I set my sights on you? No, you shouldn’t—because I wish for your happiness.

I wish for your joy, because I live for your smile, your laughter. It’s okay if your smiles are not directed to me, if your laughters are not shared with me—it’s alright, because only the sight and the sound is like the air for me to breathe.

I never wish for you to understand, let alone reciprocate. I only wish for you to be safe and healthy and happy, and I only want to take care of you in the ways I could.

Because one day, you are going to leave with the person you love, and I’m going to send you off with a smile on my lips and congratulatory words on my tongue. I apologize, but I will have to scrutinize her beforehand, because I’ll be damned if she couldn’t take care of you.

Because you are precious, you have always been, ever since I first saw you years and years ago. The young and vulnerable you, under the gaze of hundreds, silently trembling before you graced me with the voice granted from heaven. I made a promise to myself back then, although I was not much older or much stronger, to protect you ever since.

Even if it hurts, please let me be the shoulder for you to cry on. As long as you smile at the end of the day, let me be the vessel for your tears. Please show me all of your hidden facets, all the ugly sides, because if it is me you show them to, I swear I wouldn’t reject your imperfections.

Please, let me love you, even if only in silence—I promise I won’t ask you to return my feelings back. You can push me and punch me, you may even hate me, but please don’t ask me to stop.

Until the day you must leave, please let me be by your side.

But my love is a sacrifice for your happiness—so I’ll let you go.

Please Subscribe to read the full chapter