A STEP CLOSER

The atmosphere seemed a bit tense. Mei always hated the idea about relying on someone. So, Hui's intrusion was kind of irritating for her.

"Anyways, you will have to get admitted tonight. You have lost quite an amount of blood and you are weak with all the added wounds. I suggest you lie down for the night and leave tomorrow morning." said the nurse.

Hui asked for the forms to fill for her stay only to come across her rejection over and over. The nurse couldn't resist glancing at them.

"You know fights happens; you don't have to drag it when you are sick. It will only make it worse." advised the nurse throwing a meaningful glance at the two.

Mei gave up realizing that it was better to rest.

He completed the papers and headed towards her bed. Only to find her fast asleep with her guard down.

"She looks much more approachable with her eyes closed."

He found a comfortable spot and closed his eyes.

*****

The early morning rays brought in a strong wake up call.

Mei opened her eyes to come across Hui sleeping peacefully in an uncomfortable position.

'He sure can make himself comfortable anywhere' thought Mei to herself.

Her gaze moved to his face. She stared at him wordlessly as she felt a faint sense of familiarity.

He slowly opened his eyes only to see the strong gaze at him.

Despite her knowing that he was awake she kept staring at him.

"I am honored, are my charms so powerful for you to not be able to take your eyes of me."

She studied the known unknown eyes for a few seconds more and responded, "I wanted to confirm how common is your looks for me to think that you were familiar?"

After saying her honest thoughts she glanced away.

He was left speechless for a moment, 'Wait did she mean I was too common to even be distinguished.'

"That was rude" he said.

"Then just simply ignore."

"Hey, I think I deserve an apology. I have been putting up with you for a while and all you have been doing is just trying to be rude."

Mei got up, took a moment and contemplated.

"Mei."

"What?"

"My name. Also, let me make it clear for you, it was your carelessness that caused you to almost fall to your death. I just helped you out so that you don't have to fly up. Do you get it? And it was you who barged into my van, holding me of course, without my permission. Now do you see the picture. If you deserve an apology due to my actions lets tally that out with all the apologies that comes along with what I told."

"Hui." He introduced himself to her. She looked straight into his eyes. She felt bad for him as he looked a bit guilty.

"Since you apologized earlier, and I was partially responsible for just being there I will let it all slide. Now let's get going."

She turned around and left the room to pay up the bills.

He gazed at her and thought for a moment, 'She struggles a lot just to apologize.'

He followed her out.

She paid up her bills and headed to the jeep. She sat in the driver's seat slowly settling herself. He came by her window and said, "I will drive."

"Nope, I want to drive. Make yourself comfortable." Her flat and sure tone left him with no choice but to take the passenger seat.

She drove to Xue's place. It didn't take a while for her to reach her destination once she was within the outskirts of the city.

Once she reached near the apartment she switched of the engine, removed the keys and threw it to him.

"You can use this. It's not mine. Drive safe."

She got out and left without another word. He sat there dazed for a few seconds then got out and followed right behind her.

She decided to take the elevator considering her health. She got in and pressed the floor number. As the door were closing a hand interrupted to stop it from closing.

Hui entered as the doors opened due to his actions.

"Thanks." He said as the door closed behind him

"What are you doing here?"

"Is it possible to get a cup of coffee? I have a bad habit of having coffee once the sun is out."

She simply looked at him.

"Whatever"

As the elevator came to rest the doors opened and she got out followed by him.