Maybe if it was one year ago on this day, his answer would have been different. One year ago today, I was the one who was doubtful about what exactly this connection would have led to. Was it just friendship? Could it be more? Had I been completely oblivious to the fact that he might have been the one for me? The thought had crossed my mind, but I consistently waved it away.

Omari had always been my listening ear. Whilst revealing little of his life, he was always empathetic and caring about what was happening with me, and who was affecting me that had made me ever question my self-worth. My protection, my comfort. A jewel that I had taken for granted.

It took me a year to realise my love for him. The love that had been festering in my soul and heart since I had met him four years ago; a love that I constantly questioned what kind it was. The truth was that it didn’t take me this long to realise it - it took me this long to come to terms with the fear that I would possibly lose him if I took the leap, if things somehow faltered in our relationship. My lifelong friend would disappear.

Now came the time that I was confident enough to face the truth of my feelings and let my courage take heed over my fear. There’s not a life to live, if you’re persistently holding yourself back. Unfortunately, the time it took for me to come to terms with myself, was too far gone. The signs I had missed, the obvious love he had for me but I could tell he was too afraid to show in case I didn’t feel the same; that precious time and meaning was lost.

In my mind, I made peace that I could make a decision later; that time would still be on my side. That later never came, and in the time it took me contemplate, there had already been another who had noticed the value of my one true love - now his heart belonged with her instead.