Can't Let You Go

***TALLY/HONEY***

Having survived Christmas vacation with Bethany, I feel like I'm lucky to make it back to Zayan's apartment in one piece. Waiting for me on the table by the entryway is a large envelope containing the legal documents to finalize the purchase of the apartment I liked. The price includes constructing the interior, but work won't start until I've made a wide variety of decisions. Obviously, I'm in no rush because I didn't actually intend to move out of Zayan's until I returned to Korea. Now that I'll be living with Dad and Bethany, I'm not sure if I should speed things up or delay them further.

Zayan would be happy if I were to become a permanent roommate, so I'm not exactly sure how to break the news to him, but I'll come up with a way to do it while I unpack. However, my plan is sidelined by the discovery of a large poinsettia sitting on the bedside table.

"Zayan, what's the deal with the plant in my room? You don't have Christmas decorations anywhere else." He's reading a magazine at the dining table, I pull out a chair and sit across from him.

"I... uh..." Zayan lowers his head and won't make eye contact. This is not like him.

"Spit it out." I wrap my hands around the warm mug of tea that Zayan made for me.

"It's from Ashton." He does not raise his head, but looks at me with raised eyes. "He dropped by my parents' on Christmas day to ask me if I knew where you were staying."

"And did you tell him?"

"No and I wouldn't give him your number either. He had this delivered to my parents' with my name on it. I collected it and there was a letter, too. Inside the envelope addressed to me was one for you." He reaches into the credenza drawer and gives Ashton's letter to me.

My hands tremble as I rip open the envelope.

"Dear Honey,
I feel like seeing you on the very day I arrived in Alaris is fate's way of bringing us back into each other's life."

I snort and start to throw the letter away. Zayan grabs it and reads out loud.

"I won't try to deny that I wounded you, but I hope these years apart have healed your heart. You will always hold a special place in mine. I sincerely hope we can salvage our relationship and be the close friends that we once were. Here's my number, call me anytime you want.
Love,
Ashton"

I can't help but scoff, "'Love, Ashton' give me a break."

"At least he's trying," Zayan whines. "The three of us used to be really close. Don't you miss that?"

I think about that for a while. "I suppose I do, but I still feel like he owes me an actual, honest, explanation... And an apology."

"Absolutely. So, you'll listen to him if he wants to talk?"

"We'll see. Although, being on good terms with him again is beneficial to my plan with Savis."

"That's the spirit," Zayan responds sarcastically.

Zayan has an open and forgiving heart. I know it hurt him when everything went down between Ashton, Emily, and I. He stayed loyal to me, but I know he missed Ashton at least. Emily was never his favorite person to begin with. If I decide to let Ashton back into my life, it will be partly for Zayan's sake.

"In other news on the forgiveness front..." I hesitate to go on, "I'm moving back into my family home."

"Shit, Honey, way to bury the lead. Why are you doing that?"

"Because I should get to know my brother. Because my dad asked me to. Because Bethany obviously hates the idea. Take your pick. All are valid reasons."

"How much longer do I get to keep you?"