My favorite person

"Zean left for Country T today," She says. "I think I should probably go home now. Can you drive me?" Mei Lien tries to speak normally. Luckily been a singer also compromise taking a few acting lessons or maybe she has to thank her friend Zheng Xie Na for the free classes.

A sadness enters his eyes and when it does, She knows that leaving is the right thing to do.

Neither of them speaks the entire drive to her apartment.

"Do you want me to make sure no one's here?" he asks.

She nods. Mei Lien knows Zean isn't here because he's on his way to Country T, but still a little scared to walk into the apartment by herself.

Jin Liang walks in before her and flips on the lights. He continues walking through the apartment, flipping on all the lights and walking into each of the rooms. When he makes it back to the living room, he slides his hands in his jacket pockets. He takes a deep breath and then says, "I don't know what happens next, Mei."

He does. He knows. He just doesn't want it to happen, because both know how much it hurts to say goodbye to each other.

He regards her silently for a moment, not at all surprised by what Mei Lien is saying. But is obvious there's so much he wants to say.

He looks at the door momentarily as if he's trying to decide to leave or speak. "If you ever need me, I want you to call me," he says.

He hasn't changed a bit after all.

"Goodbye, Liang."

Saying those words again tears her up almost as much as the first time she had to say them. He winces and then turns and walks to the door like he can't leave fast enough. When the door closes behind him, she walks over and locks it, then presses her head against it.

Mei Lien jumps back with the sudden knock at the door. It's only been ten seconds since he walked out, so she knows it's him. Mei Lien unlocks it and opens it and suddenly she finds herself pressed against something soft and tone. Jin Liang's arms wrap tightly around her, and his lips are pressed against the side of her head.

"Mei," he whispers, still holding her tightly. "I know this is the last thing you need to hear right now. But I have to say it because I've walked away from you too many times without saying what I want to say."

He pulls back to look down at her and when he sees her tears, he brings his hands up to her cheeks. "In the future . . . if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again . . . fall in love with me." He presses his lips against her forehead. "You're still my favorite person, Mei Lien. Always will be."

He releases her and walks away, not even needing a response.