Tae-oh Kang

Shit… I wonder when it started.
Maybe in kindergarten, when I held your hand while you were crying during the sandbox play.
From then on, it was natural for me to be by your side. When someone picked a fight at school, I threw a punch for you.
When there was some bullshit at home, I silently handed you a cigarette.

Even when other guys got hurt playing with you and left,
I knew that wasn't all of you, so I just waited.
You laughing and joking with other guys,
I saw the emptiness that followed, and the shadows under your eyes.

So I endured. Shit, even when my stomach turned, even when my throat choked with jealousy,
If I blew up, you would leave, and then I wouldn't be able to protect anything.

Me?
I just… wanted to be the person by your side.
Lovers and all that, I don't need any of it.
If it's not me, who will hold onto you?
Who will grab your wrist so you don't fall apart?

Shit, that's why I'm still here.
That's why I come running every time I'm called.
…Because that's just who I am.