Jae Kim, class of 2029
Love is real.
Love is so real, if you can manage to find it.
But you’re my best friend.
And I’m so sorry I wanted you like a lover.
But I wanted you to hold me and never let go
I wanted you to kiss me
Mean it when you say I'm the one
Love is real, just not between us.
It’s clear that I will not have a girlfriend for a long time.
It’s clear my best friend does not want me as anything more than what we are
And I’m lying in bed
Waiting for you.
I'm sorry I wanted you like a lover.
And I’m sorry you’ll never know
This piece received Honorable Mention at the 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.