Mayl collapsed on her bed in tears. After hearing that Lan might possible going away forever, it was too much for her to take. Roll merely sat in the PET, unable to think of anything to say or do.

"It can't be…he can't be leaving!" she sobbed into her pillow.

"Mayl…we don't know if it's going to be forever," said Roll, trying to comfort her. "It may just be temporary…"

"I don't care! He can't leave!" screamed Mayl. "How can he leave me when I love him?"

Mayl suddenly stopped crying and picked her head up.

"Did…did I just say…what I think I said?" she asked.

"I think you did," said Roll.

Mayl sat up on her bed and began thinking. She thought about all the experiences she'd had with Lan. She thought about all the times they'd been together, all the times they'd helped each other, all the things they'd done over the years. She thought about her feelings toward him and came to one definite conclusion.

"This is love," she said to herself. "I love him. I have to tell him."

"Then the best time would be tomorrow during the going-away party," suggested Roll. "He'll be getting on the plane to leave right after, so you'll have to do it then."

"You're right. That's what I'll do."

The party being held in the classroom seemed to be going quite well. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, either because they were happy for Lan or happy that he was going away. Lan certainly seemed to be enjoying it, mainly because of the cake. Mayl had spent her time in the back, afraid to say anything.

"He's never gonna know if you don't tell him," said a voice.

Mayl looked around and saw Yai standing there.

"You know, huh?"

"It's pretty obvious, expect to Lan, of course," replied Yai. "Go on, tell him. It's for the best."

"All right," said Mayl.

She got up and walked over to Lan.

"Hey, Mayl," said Lan. "How're you doing?"

"Not bad, I guess," she replied. "Lan, there's something I really have to tell you…"

"What is it?" he asked.

"Well…I just wanted to say…"

"Hey, Lan, c'mere and try this cake!" called Dex. "It's great!"

"Just a second, Dex," said Lan. "What were you saying, Mayl?"

"Ah…nothing."

All during the rest of the party, Mayl saw several other chances to tell Lan her feelings, but chickened out every time. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't bring herself to tell him her feelings. By the time she felt ready, class had let out and she was back home.

"Only one chance left…" she thought to herself. "The airport. I have to go now!"

Mayl raced to the airport, desperate to catch Lan before he left.

Please, please, please let him be there, she thought.

As she ran up to the departure area, she found Lan saying goodbye to all his friends. Lan's parents were there as well. Lan was currently talking to Dex.

"C'mon, Dex, gimmie a hug!" said Lan. "There's no shame in two guys hugging!"

"Get away from me, you freak!" shouted Dex, running away.

"I don't know about the others, but I'm gonna miss you, Lan," said Yai.

She went over and gave Lan a hug. Lan hugged her back.

"I'm gonna miss you too, Yai," he said.

Even Chaud was there.

"Yeah, just wanted to say…I'm gonna miss you and stuff," muttered Chaud. "Look, sentimentality isn't my thing, okay?"

"I know what you mean," said Lan. "I'll miss you too."

"You try to hug me and I'll beat you senseless," threatened Chaud.

"I get the hint," said Lan, stepping back.

"Hey, Mayl," he called out. "Glad you could make it!"

"Lan!"

Mayl ran up and gave Lan the biggest hug she'd ever given him.

"Mayl, I'm gonna miss you most of all," he said.

"Lan, I have to tell you…" she began.

"C'mon, Lan, the plane's about ready to leave," called Lan's dad.

"Listen, I really have to go," said Lan, hugging Mayl back. "Okay, guys, I guess I'll see you all later."

Lan broke off from Mayl and began to walk to the plane. Mayl just stood there for a second, then called out to him.

"I LOVE YOU!"

Lan stopped dead in his tracks and looked back at Mayl. All of their friends looked shocked at Mayl.

"What did you just say?" asked Lan.

"I love you," repeated Mayl.