They say, there are no rules to love and war. Personally, I've only followed one simple rule: know when to stop. Every plan must have an exit strategy, because everyone knows, the battle will never stop regardless of you winning or losing.

It has been a while since I felt this way. It felt like I was on cloud nine. At that instant, I was content. I talked to Ay08 and the time breezed by as if it is not a constant. It felt like old times. Like as if nothing ever happened. However, once the cab stopped, we knew that things were not like old times. So much has changed and yet we both try to cling dearly to the past. We disguised our relationship as 'friends' but deep down, we both knew that it was something much more.

I opened her cab door for her. I took out some of her boxes while she paid the cab driver. After paying, she then helped me to carry all the boxes out. As the cab left, we both stood quietly in front of Ay08's new apartment. From the outside, it looks like a lovely place.
"So Ay08, aren't you letting me in?"
She still stood in awe. She was in a hypnotic state until I gave her a nudge.
"Huh, right, sure Jack."
She opened the main door to her apartment building and we both carried the boxes in. After all the boxes were in, it is time to visit her apartment.

We both carried a box each. The apartment was on the second floor and so we decided to take the stairs while leaving the boxes on the first floor. When we reached the front door, Ay08 gave a knock and then she used the key to open the door. We both entered and we were greeted by her housemate. After giving our introductions, Ay08 and me then proceed to go to Ay08's new room. Ay08 screams in shock as we entered the room. I just smiled as it happened.

The entire room was filled with flowers. There have to be at least 20 bouquets or so.
"Jack, was it you?"
I just smiled.
"How did you do it?"
"I called a couple of mutual friends, they tell me that you are moving here."
I could see that Ay08 was holding back her tears, tears of joy I hope.
"Why would you do this Jack?"
The actual reason I did this was as a goodbye present. But I guess now the main reason has changed.

I held Ay08's hand. I got down on one knee. I turned around and got something out from my knapsack.
"Because...I love you Ay08."
Ay08 looked surprised. I handed her that 'something' that I took out from my knapsack.
"Jack, this rose, it's..."
"It's the same one as the first rose that I gave you."
Ay08 is stunned.
"Let's start over, Ay08."
"But Jack, I have a boyfriend."
I will not be making the same mistake as I did previously. No more. This will not be Dublin all over again.

"I know, that's why I will not be asking for an answer right now."
"What do you mean Jack? I do not understand."
"Just let me know what do you think of us being together in 3 months time. That should give you an ample time to really think about it."
She grabbed my shoulders and pulled me up. There were tears in her eyes. Without saying a word, she hugged me.

Looks like someone has not been playing by his own rule. Will it lead to a triumphant victory or a humiliating defeat? Only time will tell.