AITHAN

The Devastating End of the 'Trial'

A week felt like a second, but it was enough time for a crushing realization to sink in: I was the only one putting in the effort. I believed that since we both agreed to "get to know each other," the effort should be mutual.

Yet, you seemed profoundly uninterested. Even when I was silent, watching you from a distance, it became clear you only agreed to this trial because you were afraid of hurting me—not because you genuinely wanted us to work.

That night, I chose to take the painful path to clarity. I asked you directly: "Do you like me?"

I couldn't understand why you couldn't answer such a simple question. I rephrased it: "Are there any chances for us at all?" You still couldn't answer. I broke down, begging you for a direct answer so the pain could at least bring closure.

Instead of answering, you completely shifted the narrative. You argued that you had to take responsibility for my feelings, which was unfair, and that you were being overly careful around our circle of friends because of me. You made it sound like I was limiting your actions. The most shocking part was when you mentioned you were even planning to resign and apply to another company because you felt watched and restricted by our friends on my behalf.

I dropped the call. I cried uncontrollably, wishing I had never confessed, wishing I had never even applied to this company (SixEleven). You called me many times. When I finally answered, I told you that since I was the one at fault for coming into your life, I would be the one to stop.

Feeling like a fool, I made the final, desperate request: I asked you to forget my confession and for us to go back to being just friends. In that heartbreaking moment, I truly believed sacrificing my feelings was the only way left to keep you in my life, even if only platonically.