I'm not afraid

"I'm not afraid anymore."

These are words I couldn't say for a long time.

When I was young, I was bullied for being mixed.
I was afraid of being different.
I even hated the katakana in my own name.
I hid part of it, trying to hide who I really was.

Sharp words.
Curious stares.
The constant feeling of not fitting in.

I don't know if I became stronger,
or if I simply got used to the pain.
But as I grew older, I realized something-
the parts of me I once called weaknesses,
the past I tried to escape,
were essential pieces that shaped who I am today.

My insecurities were never flaws.
Being different was never something to hide.

This song is about taking off the mask
and saying, "Look at me now."
It's not rebellion against anyone else-
it's acceptance of myself.

To anyone who struggles to feel confident.
To anyone who feels out of place.

I was afraid back then.
But I won't run anymore.

Now, I'm not afraid.