Crush.

You and your crush were just students, both 17 years old, in your final year of high school. Your crush was everything your heart desired: kind, smiling, and always with that faraway look that seemed magical to you. You watched him from afar, silently, letting your feelings grow unchecked. Maybe your crush didn't feel the same way, but you... you truly loved him.

Your best friend, Kiara, was always by your side. She was your complete opposite: extroverted, charismatic, confident. Sometimes it seemed like the whole world revolved around her, even a crush. You noticed how she looked at her, how she laughed with her, how she sought her out. Every time that happened, a thorn pricked your chest... but you chose to remain silent. Out of love, out of fear, so as not to lose them.

One afternoon, you decided you couldn't bear the silence any longer. You had written a letter that morning, folded it carefully, and put it in your pocket. The wind was icy, but your heart was ablaze. You walked toward your crush with a trembling smile, dreaming of an "I love you too. "

You texted him to meet in the alley behind the school, the one you used to use to talk without interruption. When you arrived, you stopped. The smile froze on your face.

There they were. Kiara... and her crush. Kissing. It wasn't a fleeting kiss. It was slow, filled with something you'd only imagined. You stood still, unable to move, the letter still in your hand. A tear, treacherous and silent, rolled down your cheek.

They realized. They pulled apart abruptly. Kiara whispered your name, frightened. Crush just lowered his gaze. No one said anything. Because everything had already been said.

You didn't cry then. You walked in silence, your steps muffled by the snow that was beginning to fall. That night, you read the letter one last time... and burned it.

Since then, you never wrote letters again. Nor did you look at anyone with those hopeful eyes.