Nin

You were like a puppy, running recklessly after its human, with the same dedication with which a fire burns down to the ground.

It was as if this connection was your last chance, the only thread you could cling to, keeping you from falling over the edge. Too many things, captivating, connected you, creating the illusion that you were almost one. But there was always the problem—her blinding popularity, which drew others to her, causing conflicting and tormenting feelings to arise within you. You were jealous, plunging into a pit of agonizing thoughts: "Why does her time belong to them and not to me?" You blamed yourself for everything, constantly thinking you were simply not good enough, mercilessly destroying yourself at the root.

Nin slept again until lunchtime, and you, having already prepared everything and put it away, waited patiently again... She finally appeared in the kitchen, hearing you, without addressing anyone, quietly mutter into the air: — Do I want to know... Is it all mutual?

The girl sniffled, staring at you with slight bewilderment in her eyes, and said: — Did you say something?

You rose abruptly from your chair, wrapping your arms tightly around her as if afraid she would disappear at any moment, and exhaled:

• If you don't reciprocate, all this is meaningless.

The girl, after hesitating awkwardly, finally hugged you back awkwardly, muttering: — Hey... Reciprocity? Who said I won't reciprocate? With these words, she deftly turned to face you, tenderly reaching out for a kiss.