I heaved a heavy sigh and tried not to cry, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I packed the last of my stuff.

I gathered my suitcase and avoided Mei’s eyes. She was… crying?

Well, it made sense.

I was going to leave. To- to another country. Away… from her.

…

It was never meant to work out.

“Zeke, before you leave, I-“ she hesitated as I turned to look at her, my eyes growing hot at the sight of of her red, tear-glazed face.

“You’re a jerk.” She spat out before crossing her arms disapprovingly.

I turned around and walked out.

I shoved my stuff in the car.

Turned on the engine.

..

“That little-“ I swore under my breath before getting out the car and running back into the house.

I threw myself into Mei’s arms and started crying onto her shoulder.

Who cared if it wasn’t manly?

“Mei, I’m not leaving until you get in that car.” I whispered angrily.

She shoved me off,

“Zeke..” she stared at me wide-eyed, half-happy, half-angry.

I grabbed her wrist before immediately dropping it as I remembered she has boundaries.

“Mei, _please_. I-.. I love you, Mei.”

…

She ran into her room.

I sighed sadly and went out into the car.

I was about to drive off when I saw her in the side mirror, yelling something and holding two suitcases. Was she coming along?

My heart leapt with joy and I couldn’t help but smile.

She got in the car and dumped her stuff in the back, sniffling,

“You’re not leaving without me, jerk.” She smiled.

My smiled widened as I kissed her on the cheek and drove off.

This was the start of a new life.