Top 10 Heartfelt Stories of Unrequited Love

I’ve fallen victim to my own wrong choices, life has taught me so much, and I’ve come to realize that everything is just an illusion...

I loved you more than I could ever express, but it all means nothing to you. You were cruel to leave me with a heartache that cuts deep. I know I have no right to ask for anything, nor to blame you, but deep in my heart, you will forever belong to that painful chapter of my past.

For the first time, I truly understand the meaning of despair. The harsh reality woke me from the illusion I had been lost in. I, a strong and independent woman, became fragile and melted in your embrace. I burned myself with a love full of passion and guilt, feeling happiness in the bitterness and sorrow.

You were passionate, intense, and intoxicating. Those moments with you were bittersweet, where I felt a mix of ecstasy and pain in the silence of the spaces between us.

My love, you weren’t the first man I ever loved, but you will always be the one I love the most, even though I know you will never be mine. I will continue to love you, in despair and in sorrow.

I will leave, walking away from your life with a bleeding heart, carrying with me all the memories of you. As for you, go back to everything that belongs to you, everything you chose. I will forever wish you happiness with everything you have now, and everything that is yet to come. Love has taught me the meaning of sacrifice, of acceptance. From now on, I will face everything alone, braving the storm of emotions, healing wounds that seem beyond repair.

I’m just a seventh-grade student. I don’t think I’m beautiful, but I like to believe I’m a little cute. I’m decent at school, not the best, but not bad either. I’m the kind of person who’s crazy about TFBOYS and tends to argue with adults. He, on the other hand, is a high school student. To me, he is amazing. He excels academically, especially in Chemistry. He’s always listening to Chinese music and is very respectful towards elders. We’re complete opposites. He’s brilliant, I’m average. He’s polite, I argue. He’s talented, I feel useless. To me, he’s the world I’ve always dreamed of embracing. And him… well, haizz.

He lives more than 1000 km away from me. Every day, I watch him through a cold screen. I want to message him, but I lack the courage. I know so much about him, but he doesn’t know a thing about me. I just wish, one day, fate would bring us together, so I could tell him, “I love you.” But fate is cruel. The more I try, the farther apart we seem to get. When will the distance between us finally disappear?

His hands must be soft and warm. His smile, surely, is charming and radiant. His shoulders, broad enough for someone to lean on. His arms, open wide to embrace someone in comfort. Oh, the more I imagine it, the more I long for him to treat me that way. Every time I see him sad, my heart aches. Every time I see him happy, my heart rejoices. If something were to happen to him, I would probably follow him. But… I mustn’t think like that. I must wish him only the best. Inside me, there is nothing but a world where he occupies my heart. He holds my youth. He holds my heart. What if someone else takes his world? Where will my youth and heart go then…

I’m not afraid of hardship or suffering. I’m not scared of ghosts or demons. What I fear is… someone else taking my world away. One day, I will meet him. If I’m lucky, we’ll be friends or something more. If I’m unlucky, we’ll be strangers. One day, I will meet him. If I’m lucky, we’ll be friends or something more. If I’m unlucky, we’ll be strangers.

I just want to tell him, “Please don’t take my youth away from me.”

P.S. I love you!

She and I were in the same class back in 8th grade. Before, no girl ever really caught my attention, but she made me feel something different. There was this strange discomfort in my heart, so I shared it with my close friends. Of course, they didn’t stay silent either, especially the guy sitting next to me. He went on to tell her best friend, after all, isn’t that what friends do? But I still don’t understand why she didn’t react... Maybe she knew all along, or perhaps she was feeling something for me too? Or was it because she already had a boyfriend and just didn’t care?

Every day felt the same. I went to school, she did too, but despite sitting in the same class, it felt like there was an endless gap between us. I decided to take a risk and asked for her Facebook. Fortunately, she didn’t notice, and that’s when our conversations started. We chatted about everything, from the sky to the stars, and I felt so happy. I couldn’t sleep all night because now I had a way to connect with her. Day two… day three… we kept texting, and though I was shy around her in class, at home we talked like we’d known each other forever. It felt like pure bliss.

Once, she told me she’d known me since elementary school. I felt so careless, the girl I had liked for so long was right there all along, and I never even realized it… how oblivious I had been! Then, one day, I saw a guy waiting outside my class after school. I thought he was just waiting for a friend, but she walked over to him, smiling brightly. He smiled back, and together they walked away. I stood there frozen, like a statue.

The feelings I had at that moment were overwhelming—pain, sadness, loneliness… it was unbearable. I remember my face, like a race track, with tears streaming down uncontrollably, my throat choking up. I stood there so long, my legs went numb. I took my bike and rode away… It was rush hour in Saigon, and I felt weaker with every pedal. I didn’t want to go home. But then I decided, I would confess to her, even though I knew I wouldn’t get her love in return.

I messaged her: “No girl has ever made me feel like you do.” She immediately replied with “JF.” I just stared at the message. It felt like a weight had lifted from my shoulders. The next day, I was back to normal, planning to ask her what “JF” meant. But… she started taking time off school, and wouldn’t reply to my messages. I got worried and asked her guy friend about it. It turned out, the guy wasn’t her boyfriend—he was just her cousin. She hadn’t even been dating anyone. The reason she’d been absent was because she had withdrawn from school and was going abroad for her studies. That very same day, her flight had already taken off...

P.S. What does JF mean?

I first met him by chance on social media, introduced through a mutual friend. He seemed interesting, and his name sounded so unique. He was the one who reached out to me first, and we quickly began talking. But our connection never went beyond ‘brother and sister’. It was a relationship that felt both uncertain and yet strangely sweet. He cared for me in ways that went beyond what a brother should, texting me every day and calling weekly, always scolding me when I forgot to eat. He would ask everyone who knew me, 'Where are you?' if I missed his calls. Some said it was love, but they were wrong. It was just the bond between a brother and sister.

A year later, he played matchmaker, introducing me to one of his best friends. Not long after, his friend confessed to me. He told me, 'He’s a good guy, go for it.' It showed how much he cared for my happiness, yet he still remained just my brother. Then came the day when his best friend fell for another girl.

'With anyone, you can wear a mask. You can act tough with anyone, but when you’re with me, don’t. I see right through that. I see the scars in your soul. I can’t do much, but I’ll listen and be there for you. And if anyone hurts you, as soon as you say 'yes', they’ll regret it.' I still remember those words when his friend hurt me. They made me feel protected. And without hesitation, he distanced himself from that friend for me. But was that a brother’s act? I still don’t know.

There were times during exams when we both stayed up late studying, and we’d call each other. Sometimes, we studied together in silence. Other times, he’d get upset with me and block my Facebook for a whole day if I skipped breakfast. But whenever I called, he was there, cheering me up in times of joy and sorrow. He was my true brother. When I was down, I wanted to drink and smoke, but he always helped me resist. He was a night owl, but he had a soft side, especially for sunflowers. I guess he wasn’t all tough. But while others saw sunflowers and felt joy, I now look at them and feel only pain.

Despite the distance between us, we tried to meet many times, but fate never let it happen. Then, when I considered deleting Facebook, I opened it again and saw a message saying, 'I’ve only got about a month.' I was terrified. I wished it was a joke. But if it was true, I would lose another brother.

And then, finally… I met him. That day… a day I’ll never forget. I went to his house looking for him. He was as handsome as I imagined, with a smile that could light up any room. But why were there so many people there? And why was I the only one in tears?

It turned out, the only thing left of him was a photo. Where did he go? I still don’t know. But I got the answer: 'He’s gone. He’s gone to a beautiful place we never got to visit, a place we always wanted to go but couldn’t.'

They say, 'What the heavens take away, it returns in another form.' The heavens took him from me, but all I’ve received in return is the memory of him. Even now, I still send him messages, sometimes to vent, sometimes to confess, hoping that one day I’ll hear from him again.

Today is such a sad afternoon... I sit quietly by the beach, gazing far away to some unknown place. The soft sunlight, fading with the approaching sunset, makes my heart ache with longing. I miss him so much. He entered my life quietly, and before I knew it, he had deepened his place in my heart. We didn’t share a long journey together, but the memories we made are unforgettable. When we talked, I felt warmth, whether in joy or sorrow, just sharing my thoughts with him always lifted my spirit. As a girl, I would sometimes get upset or jealous, but strangely, those emotions only made me love him more.

The sound of the waves is so soothing, gentle and soft, almost as if they were speaking to me. The waves roll in quietly, then surge forward, crashing onto the shore, touching my feet. Could the waves understand my feelings? Yes, they must. I long for him, his face, his smile, his voice—how I miss all of it. But what can I do? He’s thousands of miles away, and that distance always fills me with exhaustion and loneliness. I know what it’s like to love from afar, but I still hold onto the hope that everything will be okay—he always tells me that.

It’s hard for me to trust someone who isn’t physically there. The doubts creep in—where is he? Who is he with? Is he thinking of me? Those questions bombard me, leaving me breathless, as I can never get the answers I crave. Ever since I fell for him, I’ve also fallen for the screen of my computer, waiting for his messages, a habit that has become a part of my daily life.

The first time we met, I was so nervous I couldn’t sleep. I lay there, eagerly waiting for the message that said, ‘I’ve arrived.’ After a year of waiting, I felt reassured when that moment finally came. I just wanted to run to him and hold him tightly, to make up for the long months of longing. At 4 a.m., I woke up—though, to be honest, I hadn’t slept at all. I counted every second, just waiting to see his face.

The first hug, the first kiss, those moments are unforgettable, so warm and sweet. Being in his arms, feeling his warmth—it was the happiest moment of my life. But time, as always, was too short. It felt like I had just met him, and now it was time to say goodbye. Even on the last day, I didn’t dare to face him, afraid I wouldn’t have the courage to let him go. The pain was overwhelming, and I cried so much. I kept asking myself, 'Why does fate play with us this way? If we weren’t meant to be together, why did it allow us to meet?' Perhaps this waiting is the test for my fragile heart. Now, it’s just me and the sea. I don’t know when I’ll see him again here, but I’m willing to wait because I know this love is real.

Day by day, the sea remains unchanged—still so clear, still full of waves. And I remain here alone, waiting, waiting, and waiting... waiting for the day when I can see his face, see his smile, and hold him once more.

Not long ago, I confidently declared that I would never fall for someone without them feeling the same. The feeling of unrequited love—lonely, painful—is something I can't stand.

I don't want to be the one who smiles alone, laughs alone, and holds onto hope all by myself. Then, in the end, I have to extinguish that hope that I've nurtured. All because I 'accidentally' fell for you.

If I think about it, falling for you was my own fault. I daydreamed too much, was too fond, too easily moved by others. Maybe it's because I hadn't met anyone in a long time who made me feel at ease, who I could talk to, laugh with, and joke around with.

To say it’s 'unrequited love' might be a bit of an exaggeration. Maybe it’s just a crush. Yeah, just a crush on you.

You told me, 'Let things flow naturally.' I didn’t like that. Maybe you think I’m rude for saying so, but the truth is, fate and my desires have never aligned. I may succeed in many things, but love has always been a struggle for me. I cry more than I smile, I feel more pain than happiness. So, this time, I’m going to follow my own will. You told me to let my feelings develop naturally, not to force anything. But love can’t always follow some predetermined path, can it? Well, I’ll let my feelings take their natural course...

Let me just have this crush on you for a few days, or maybe just a few hours, or even just a few minutes.

Let me indulge in my feelings for a while, let them roam free, and eventually, they’ll come back to reality.

Let me dream just a little longer. And when the time comes, the present will be the present, nothing more.

The feeling of liking someone without needing a reason is truly fascinating.

I know exactly where this will go if I continue liking you. I know the outcome. You have so many people around you. And I? I’m just a grain of sand. You might notice me, or you might not. Either way, life goes on. Those who love more often bear the heavier burden.

But I know it will all pass. This feeling will fade.

And you and I will just be friends, at least, or at best, good friends.

One day, when I look back, I’ll smile, remembering how I once cherished you... more than just a friend.

If you ever read this, I’m sure you’ll never know that the person I secretly loved—was you!

The girl I love, she doesn’t love me. The boy she loves is a boy her age, someone who makes her eyes sparkle and her smile wide every time she mentions his name.

Her first love is as pure and fresh as the morning dew on the leaves. She’s a dreamer, and perhaps her love is painted in sweet, undoubted colors. But for me, I don’t know if I should even call it love because she’s still so innocent.

"When I walk with him, I feel nervous, my hands tightly clenched, and I can’t even find the words to speak…"

"When I’m with you, I chat non-stop like a bird welcoming the warm summer sun…"

"With him, I’m gentle and soft like morning mist floating by…"

"But with you, I’m childish, I’m easily hurt, and I’m a bit too emotional…"

She says she likes the rain, how it washes away her sadness…

She smiles and says that you are the sunshine in her life, while he is the wind that passes through her world...

The sunshine is soft, always there to comfort her…

But the wind makes her smile on windy days. The wind is hard to catch, and she finds it fascinating...

Yet that wind makes her cry so much, like endless rain on a dreary afternoon. I can’t see her tears, and I can’t be there for her when she needs me. The girl I love, she’s so fragile. Her first love is as beautiful as the warm winter sunshine, soft yet always full of purity and innocence. But maybe the cold of winter, or the chill of the rain, causes her fragile heart to tighten with suffocation. She’s so sensitive, so thoughtful, and all those qualities that once made her special to me now just fill me with frustration.

I hate how sensitive she is, how easily hurt she gets, unable to protect herself.

I hate how she overthinks everything, how she gets sad, how negative emotions easily take hold of her.

I hate how small and fragile she is, how she cries so easily. Her tears make my heart skip a beat. A little pain, a little sadness, a little jealousy, a little anger—and all the hopeless love I have for her—it surrounds me.

I hate her fragility that makes me want to protect her constantly.

Do I hate the girl I love like this? Can I really hate her like this?

Whenever her heart is full of tangled thoughts, she texts me. Maybe it’s become a habit for her, this 17-year-old girl who’s been hurt before. She calls me every time she feels sad. And then she sings me a song, a song she loves but that makes my heart ache:

"There was a time I wished I never loved you
So today I wouldn’t have to be apart from you… I wouldn’t have to carry this longing
You, like the clouds and the wind at the end of the horizon.
I’ve forgotten the promises, the promises to keep you in my heart… You no longer remember me…"

I hear her voice—the little girl I love—crying, her tears falling, soaking her beautiful brown eyes, her pink cheeks, and my fragile heart that trembles with her. Does she hear how my heart has gone silent for her?

She says she hates the rain, that she no longer loves the rain. The rain makes her feel too cold, too lonely. She used to spread her hands and watch the raindrops dance. She used to walk in the rain from school to home with her pink umbrella. She told me about the summer downpours, the autumn drizzle, and how the light winter rain used to capture her heart.

But how can she hate the rain? She once embraced it, feeling the cold droplets trickle down her arms, hair, and eyes, swollen from crying too much. Her tears fell, warm and flowing down her pale cheeks, as the rain hid them. The only thing that saw her tears was the rain, and maybe, just maybe, the rain was crying with her.

She’s still stubborn, still a bit too proud. And many nights, she buries herself under the thick blankets, no one seeing her tears, no one knowing that she’s silently crying over a love that’s passed. She’s still the same—hurting others with her own pain. She’s still too naïve at 17, lost in her dreams.

One day, I suddenly realized that the image of "The Fool" had become so big in my life, it felt as though the weight of that feeling was crushing me.

More than 7 years of knowing each other, yet it seemed only I had carried this indescribable feeling, the one that "The Fool" often called "unrequited love." Over 7 years, there were moments of happiness, but also times of immense exhaustion. For those 7 years, that image never faded. I kept telling myself that "The Fool" never thought of me, hoping it would lighten my heart, but no, the more I told myself that, the stronger my feelings grew.

There were times I tried to suppress it, to let go and find a new direction, but it was never comfortable, and the feeling would always come back, growing stronger. Occasionally, "The Fool" would do things that left me speechless, but perhaps because I knew them so well and we were so close, I couldn’t tell if it was just innocent friendship or something more. There were times I tried to distance myself because I was afraid, afraid that those feelings would grow even larger, that I wouldn’t be able to hold back my emotions. But I couldn’t stand by when "The Fool" faced difficulties, so I would follow my heart, rushing to their side to help. And each time, I knew those feelings would only grow stronger.

Whenever "The Fool" faced troubles or complained to me, my heart would ache as if everything happening to them was happening to me. We seemed to grow closer, but to me, it felt like just a long-standing, familiar friendship. I did everything, but I never once thought that it was to make "The Fool" see me in a different light. Never.

How many times had I seen others approach and express their feelings to "The Fool," and each time, I would stand behind quietly, watching. I admired those who dared to confess to "The Fool." As for me, I was always afraid of losing such a good friendship, so I would keep my feelings to myself.

Then one day, I noticed some strange signs from "The Fool." I wanted to confess, but held back. They were too busy with work and life, and I didn’t want to burden them, didn’t want to interfere with their life. Most of all, I wanted "The Fool" to achieve everything they deserved. But "The Fool," you know, keeping these feelings in check is so painful. Just thinking of you brings me happiness, but then it also tears me apart, because you’ve never seen me differently. You’ve never felt anything more than friendship.

It’s exhausting, so tiring. I really wish you could understand what I feel and think, truly.

The evening sea was peaceful, the waves softly caressing the shore, yet my heart felt heavy with sadness. I miss you, more than you could ever know. I’m not your first love, and you’re not mine either, but somehow, the truth remains—we must part like the fleeting sea breeze.

That evening, just like any other, I let myself be carried away by the waves, my spirit intertwined with the gentle breezes on the golden sands of the beach, a timeless beauty that lingered in the countryside. The peacefulness filled me after a stressful week, as I surrendered to the vastness of the sea, the wind, and the fresh scent of eucalyptus trees.

And then, I met you. A young girl with eyes as dark as night, long hair cascading down your back, a smile that revealed a dimple on your cheek—an exquisite and gentle beauty. You came to me like the soft sea breeze, refreshing my soul the moment we first met.

- Excuse me, could I ask you something? - you spoke as I was lost in thought, and I startled, turning to you. - Yes, what is it?

- Did you attend the University of Medicine? You look familiar to me.

- Yes, I did! But I graduated and have been working for over a year now. Is there something you need? How do you know me?

- No, I don’t need anything. I just thought I recognized you!

- When did you see me?

- Oh, I have a friend who studied there, and sometimes I’d visit and saw you a few times. I guess you wouldn’t remember me.

- I’m sorry, I don’t remember, but I appreciate you telling me.

- Since you were the class president, it’s understandable you wouldn’t remember me. I came along with my friend to participate in some of your class’s outings, and I remember you being always lively, cheerful, and full of jokes.

- You’re too kind, I’m just an ordinary guy. So, what school do you go to? Where are you from? What brings you here?

- I’m visiting a friend this weekend, her house is near the beach.

Your name is Tuong Vy, a name as beautiful and meaningful as you are. From that day, we became friends. It was pure coincidence, but somehow, we began to connect, and I never expected that even after our student years had passed, I would still be remembered by you.

From then on, we talked on the phone and texted often, our bond growing stronger. I was surprised to find out that your workplace was close to mine. Over time, our love blossomed quietly, without any rush. The more I got to know you, the more I loved you, and I slowly began to forget my first love.

As we shared sweet, romantic kisses and cherished simple moments of happiness, one day you asked me:

- If you had four days to love me, which ones would you choose?

- I would love you on the days of spring, summer, fall, and winter, I replied.

- What about three days?

- I would love you on yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

- So just two days left?

- I would love you on odd days and even days.

- And only one day left?

- I would love you every day I’m alive.

You said you were just asking for fun, but deep down, I was overjoyed because I knew that no matter what, my love for you would never change. It was always yours.

Tuong Vy, a delicate and proud flower, beautiful and graceful, yet fragile. You are just like that—full of love and surprises, bringing joy and pride whenever I’m with you. But behind your strength, there’s a heart that’s vulnerable and easily hurt. I love you, respect you, and I cherish the love we share.

But love is never simple, is it? Although I couldn’t fully grasp the deeper meaning behind your questions, perhaps they were the start of something uncertain. Still, my mind drifted into the past, because three years had passed since we began this journey together, and it was enough time to listen to our hearts.

Then, one morning, I received a message from you: “I miss you so much.” Those simple words filled my heart with happiness, making my pulse race. Little did I know that behind that moment of joy, sorrow would follow, a sadness I couldn’t share with anyone.

Since that message, you stopped contacting me. Your phone calls went unanswered, your texts remained unread, and you left without a word, leaving behind a longing in my heart. All I could do was remember a joke you once made, one that had now become all too real: “One day, I’ll be like the sea breeze, drifting away so gently.” You left, unaware of how much I missed you, how much I longed for you. Even though you had your reasons, I wouldn’t hold on. I let you go quietly, wishing you happiness and peace in your new love.

"Because over there, I won’t see you anymore, because over there, you’ll like someone else, because..."

Perhaps when the heart reaches its limit, when emotions no longer follow the logic of reason, as if by instinct, Thu began to act purely on her feelings. She only wanted to hold on to the man she loved, the one who made her restless every night but whom she couldn’t express her feelings to, couldn’t approach. He was perfect, polite, wealthy, surrounded by many admirers. But what was Thu? She was just an ordinary, unattractive contract preschool teacher, and she only knew how to follow him around, asking her brother to invite Nam over.

For so long, she had only dared to stand at a distance and admire him, her heart fluttering when he gently called her “little darling.” Perhaps to him, she was just a little sister. He treated the younger sibling of his best friend as his own. This thought had gradually settled into her heart, and she never dared confess her feelings to him. She feared losing the fragile connection between them. She feared that one day, once he knew of her feelings, he would disappear from her life forever.

She often recalled his affectionate gestures, like when he said, “Grow up fast, I’ll wait for you…” She knew it was just a joke, a tease, but at times, she hoped it was a sincere statement from him. Yet, Thu always held back at the right moment, not wanting to deceive herself with illusions, not wanting to stay up all night thinking about someone she couldn’t approach.

She remembered when he held her hand in the crowded concert, but instinctively, she pulled her hand away. That night, she spent hours staring at her own hand, remembering the scent of his presence. She couldn’t tell if it was her growing longing or the deepening feelings for him, but at times, she saw his gaze full of depth, and in the nightly messages, she sensed there was more than just affection for a friend’s younger sister.

But, as always, she knew how to withdraw, how to stop her heart where it was. And Nam remained the same, preserved in her heart. Even though she regretted missing the chance when he invited her for a casual café outing, or when he held her hand tightly through the crowded street, she didn’t want to go too far. If he didn’t return her feelings, she wasn’t afraid of the pain; she could endure that. What she feared was losing him, not being able to see him again.

Her friends said she was shy and overly sensitive. Some of her friends even thought Nam liked her too, but she just smiled sadly. Yes, perhaps she was too shy to express herself, but she didn’t want to risk it. She had always been this way, and she was content just seeing him.

When she heard from her brother that Nam was about to transfer and that a farewell party was being planned, her ears went deaf. She hurriedly walked to her room and unconsciously burst into tears: was there truly no chance for her? Gathering all her courage, she called him to meet. For the first time in her life, she wanted to be herself, to claim her own happiness.

Facing him at the café, she looked into his eyes, waiting for something, and felt herself on the verge of tears. So many things she wanted to say, so much she wanted him to understand, but it all seemed to disappear. The courage she had prepared seemed to vanish as she rushed to meet him. In the end, she couldn’t believe she said, “I heard you’re about to be promoted and transferred. Congratulations…” He looked at her with a mix of surprise and disappointment: “Congratulations?… Thanks… I need to go prepare my luggage, I’ll see you later…” Seeing Nam smile sadly and walk away, she instinctively ran up and grabbed his sleeve. His steps froze as she sobbed, “Don’t go…”

Bending down to wipe her tears, he gently asked, “Why, my dear?” Thu couldn’t bring herself to look up at him. Her reason had been overwhelmed by emotions, the turmoil in her heart was evident in every feature of her face: her flushed cheeks, her sniffing nose, and the tears that kept threatening to spill. The emotions she had suppressed for so long, all the heartache, suddenly burst out: “Because over there, I won’t see you anymore, because over there, you’ll like someone else, because…” she sobbed. But she didn’t notice the happiness in Nam’s face, the tears in his eyes that kept her from seeing his beaming smile. It wasn’t until he hugged her and said, “I was just teasing you, I’m not transferring anywhere. I asked your brother to lie because you’re too difficult; I tried everything, but nothing worked. I just wanted to see if I meant anything to you…” Thu looked at him, stunned, seeing the face she had never dared to face before. She knew it was the truth, and this moment of happiness was hers. She had finally found the answer for her heart, and her future.