I would rather live this lie

I would rather live this lie
Telling you I do not love you
And that I never will
Then to risk you hurting me
And leaving me
For now, we are friends
Close as we are,
I would rather live this lie
For my heart is truly in love
If love even exists
Then these are the feelings I have
For you and you alone
I wish I could tell you
But I would rather live a lie
Then to lose you forever