Even though I attempted to deny it, now I don't want to lose what we have. The thought of not having him in my life fills me with a sense of emptiness that I cannot ignore. It wasn't love at first sight, but as I got to know him, I found myself drawn to his kind heart and his infectious laughter. We started out as friends, but as our bond deepened, so did my feelings for him. I was scared to confess my love, afraid of rejection and the possible end of our friendship.

Angel Rupert is a visual artist and writer.