I waited for Ay08 at the lounge. It was a cold Sunday afternoon. After a couple of minutes, there she came, punctual as usual.
"Morning Ay08."
I greeted her with a smile.
"Very funny old man."
"So shall we get going?"

I followed Ay08 up the steps. The first time I followed her was when she first arrived. I helped to carry all her bags up these steps, and by God, they were the heaviest bag I have ever carried. While we were walking, we did not say a word. Somehow, I knew that she was feeling the same as me, sad. This was the place we met, hence, I guess this is where it ends. A fitting ending to an epic tale. However, I guessed wrong.

We reached Ay08's room. As she opened the door, I was shocked by the amount of bags.
"My God. Did the bags gave birth or something?"
I said jokingly.
"Haha. Stop talking and help me move down the stuff."
"Damn, I think it's gonna take at least 10 trips."
I looked at her. She looked at me, and guilt was written all over her face. Guilt for troubling me that is.
"Guess I better get moving now or else I'll miss dinner."
I said in hope to enlighten the mode. She laughed a bit.
"Jack, thank you so much. "
"Seriously, when you called and asked for a favour, I was hoping for it to involve more intimate activities."
She slapped my arm and we both laughed.

After around 6 trips, I was exhausted. I stayed in her room while she served me some cold orange juice. I remembered the first time I came in here. It was 3 am and we talked all night. I've only known her for a month then, but I can just feel it that she is the girl that's going to change my life forever. Ay08's room brings back a lot of memories for me.

"So Ay08, where are you shifting to anyway?"
"Oh, I am going pretty far from here. St John's Wood. Come and visit me sometime."
"Sure, will do."
"Promise me that I won't become like Mi07?"
I kept quiet. I can't promise her that.
"What do you want from me Ay08? Are we friends or something more?"
"I don't know Jack. I just...want you to continue treating me this way."
Somehow, that got me boiling. It's unfair for me to treat her like the world and yet she would not even acknowledge that she likes me. She should just run back to her boyfriend.
"You can't have everything Ay08."
"Jack, I..."
Suddenly, my phone rang. We paused. I was uncertain whether to pick up the call. I looked at the caller ID and I was shocked out of my pants with a little bit of happiness tingling within.

"Hi Ha, what's up?"
"Hi Jack. Sorry to disturb you. Can we talk now?"
Ay08 was looking towards me wondering who the caller is. I signified the hand gesture 5 minutes to Ay08.
"Sure Ha. Anything?"
"I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight at this mamak stall nearby my house? Teh tarik and roti canai? Real authentic mamak stall."
Wow, I was taken off guard. A date invitation? That's a first.

I took a hard look at Ay08. Am I still going after her? Do I love her?
I don't know. But one thing was certain, she is unfinished business. I guess before I pursue Ha, I should settle things with Ay08. And how will I arrive to this settlement? I don't know, but I'll find out. With that in mind, I replied Ha.
"Sorry, Ha. I am helping a friend move out today. Next time, definitely.
"Okay Jack. Next time. I'll be looking forward to it."
"Me too Ha. Goodbye."
"Bye Jack."

After the conversation, I then turned to Ay08.
"So, 10 more boxes to go, better get moving."
However, I have realized that Ay08 is silent. I guess she was feeling awkward due to my anger outburst. Just like on the way up, we kept quiet all the way down.

After a couple trips, we were finally down with our last 2 boxes. I was so tired and I think Ay08 was tired as well.
"Ay08, you look tired. Can we take a break?"
"Yeah, right. You are the one whose tired."
"What, you wanna go at it? Wanna see who can bring these boxes the fastest?"
"Bring it on Jack."
As I was about to grab one of the boxes, Ay08 tickled my waist. As sort of an impulse, I threw her on the bed. We laughed. I then kept on tickling her and I ended up on top. The situation suddenly became tense. You can cut the tension with a knife. I gazed into her eyes as she gazes into mine. My palms were sweaty, my heart was thumping and my hormones were raging. Suddenly, Ay08 grabbed my hand and whispered into my ear.
"Do not leave me Jack."