Project: Teotwawki

a

12/31/20

"Are you sure about this Xueer?" Keyin asked.

I dumped my things inside a cardboard box along with its torturous memories. "Yes"

"The deparment would fall apart without you." Keyin's expression had softened, as our eyes converge in the midst of an empty office. The room of all executives had vanished into an almost deserted one; all the people had left – except for my existence and Keyin's. – Some staffs are still here, but it grew more desolated each day; ever since Liu Yuxin abandoned the division.

"Everyone's gone, everyone left. What are we going to do here?" I kept the calmness of my voice, but my eyes reflected hidden emotions.

"So what? if everyone left, then we're just going to recruit new ones."

"Shaking..." I sat on my swivel chair, facing my bare wooden desk. "The government made a new sector for investigation, and we're pretty much useless here."

Keyin took a deep breath. "Stay, please."

She's too emotional at the moment, and all I feel was pure sympathy. I pity Keyin; for the mere fact – that this was her father's department. – Almost all of the crews had vacated the area. I, Keyin, An Qi, and Xiaotang, were the only ones left after the massive floating session of employees.

Should I stay? "Xueer, please. You know how much this matters to me, right?"

"Yes," I wish Yuxin, Jiaqi, Yu Yan, and Keran were still here. The team was never the same without them; everything shattered into micro pieces, and it was so difficult to build.

"Please?" Keyin pleaded.

I felt the requirement of being necessitated. "Fine," I smiled.

She embraced my body — devouring the scent of my brand new office dress. I wrapped my arms around her, returning the sweet favor.

"Thank you so much Xueer!"

"No problem," I whispered.

We're separated by the cacophonous countdown outside. It's new year's eve by the way, and I'm celebrating in the office.

I'm Kong Xueer – Chief Investigator of A-Team – well, I guess back then. The department where I belong, crashed into failures. The 8 powerful executives before had parted their ways. Till now, I'm still wondering if Liu Yuxin's fine? I never got the chance to bid my farewell, since she left abruptly. I-I miss her... If I knew she'll be gone — I would've confessed my feelings for her, even if rejection was a choice.

I have plans of resignation, but I can't leave the current members behind — especially Xie Keyin.

"Get the party started!" An Qi entered the office, lifting a tray of liquors — while Xiaotang was carrying bags of chips, placed like an infant in her arms.

"Happy new year!" Xiaotang beamed a smile.

They settled the drinks on my table along with the chips. "What are these for?" I asked.