One-sided Love

I looked at you, the first day and thought Gosh how beautiful you are. You pull me close with words that almost mean something, then let go like you never reached for me at all. Some days you’re warmth— late-night messages, inside jokes, eyes that linger half a second too long. Other days you’re distance, short replies, careful silence, a wall I pretend not to notice. I live in the space between your yes and your no, decoding smiles, replaying conversations like they hide a secret answer. You say just enough to keep hope breathing, never enough to let it grow wings. And I hate how my heart waits for signs from someone who won’t choose me, but won’t let me go either. This isn’t love returned— it’s love paused, held hostage by your maybe.