She lowered her head. ‘I like living here. That’s the real reason.’

Hearing that, Shoji was at a loss for words. Both of them were silent.

Eventually, Liyun looked up and said, ‘But I understand where you’re coming from. I’ll pack up tomorrow.’

‘Hey, I’m not asking you to move out immediately. Perhaps —’

‘It’s okay. You’ve done enough,’ she said, cutting him off. ‘Good night.’

She went into her room and shut the door.

•

That Saturday, Liyun packed all her belongings. By the time she had almost finished, it was past lunchtime. She had prepared something, but Shoji didn’t bother to look to see what it was. He didn’t have any appetite. He felt miserable, and the summer heat made it worse. The fan whirled at full speed, blowing nothing but hot air. The buzzing sound resonated in Liyun’s half-empty room.

‘Where are you going to stay?’ Shoji asked.

Liyun shrugged, folding the last few of her clothes. ‘Who knows?’

He took all the notes from his wallet and gave them to her.

She chuckled. ‘What is this? A parting gift?’

‘For the groceries,’ he said, well knowing it covered way more than that. ‘I’m sorry. I did ask you to find your own place, but you don’t need to move out so soon. If you’ve got nowhere to go yet, you don’t need to leave today.’

Liyun shook her head. ‘It’s all right. I was imposing myself on you. Anyway, it wasn’t sudden. You’ve been asking me for some time.’ She looked at him and smiled. ‘Keep your money. I don’t want it, and I don’t need it.’

Feeling uneasy, Shoji put the folded bills back in his wallet. ‘Can I see you to the —’

‘I’m okay,’ she said, her tone firm. ‘Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.’

He nodded. She had also turned down his offer to help her pack.

In the end, Shoji could only stand in the corner of the room, watching Liyun pack her belongings into two big suitcases. One was maroon and the other dark grey. They were the same ones she had used when she had come to his apartment eight months ago.

She opened the curtains. The afternoon sun flooded in, washing the tiny room in warm golden hues. A flock of black birds passed by, making loud screeching sounds. She turned to him and their eyes met.

Liyun kept quiet, but Shoji could tell from her unwavering eyes that she wanted him to tell her something. He couldn’t find the right words. Eventually, she closed the curtains and dragged her suitcases out. He followed her towards the door.

They stood in front of each other in silence. After a while, Liyun looked up and said, ‘You know, I wish we could have been more honest with each other.’

‘What do you mean?’ he asked.