Alexander''s hand hung in the air for a sec before he yanked it back. "Alright, I''m outta here. Just stop with the waterworks."


    With that, he spun around and walked out.


    Quinn mmed the door shut and leaned against it, tears streaming down her face. She slowly slid down, pressing against the shaky door.


    Alexander stood just outside, separated by the door. He stared at it and let out a silent sigh.


    He plopped down on the steps, gazing at the darkening sky, and lit up a cigarette.


    After a couple of drags, he started hacking, probably ''cause he smoked too fast. The coughing got worse, and he had to crush the cigarette on the ground. It took him a bit to stop coughing. He shut his eyes and took a while to catch his breath.


    Quinn stayed inside, not budging. He waited outside for over three hours before finally knocking on the door.


    As soon as he knocked, the door swung open before he could say a word.


    Quinn nced at him, then stepped out and shut the door behind her.


    She walked past Alexander towards the building ahead, and he trailed behind her.


    Using her phone''s light, she climbed two flights of stairs to the third floor, where there was an open-air balcony.


    They walked to the edge and looked out at the distant lights of homes.


    Those lights seemed to scream life, a stark contrast to the silence here.


    Quinn murmured, "I remember when I was a kid, it wasn''t so bright over there. Just a few scattered lights."


    Alexander said, "It''s been twenty years. The city''s blown up into a bustling metropolis."


    Quinn turned to look at Alexander beside her.


    The phone light was off, and under the night sky, they could only see each other''s vague outlines.


    "Alexander, can you just let me go?" Quinn asked.


    What followed was a long silence.


    She continued, "You keep hanging on, thinking your deep affection is noble, but it''s just selfish. You always do what you want, never thinking about what I want." Her voice was soft, but it cut deep.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    After a moment, Alexander''s voice came from the darkness, "Quinn, if I told you I have nothing to do with the Kennedy family, would you give me another shot?" "Do you still think it''s just about your identity?" Quinn asked.


    Alexander said thoughtfully, "I know I''ve hurt you in many ways, but my identity is the biggest wall between us. If we tear that down, maybe I can make things right."


    This wouldn''t weigh her down with guilt; it was just between them. All she had to do was say the word, and it wasn''t hard.


    The night was dark, but Quinn could feel his gaze on her, almost piercing through her.


    Quinn turned her back and said, "What''s the point, Alexander? I''m exhausted. I don''t want to be tangled up anymore. If you really want my forgiveness, respect my wishes and stop clinging to me." After she said this, the air fell silent again.


    For a long time, only the wind moved between them.


    After a while, Alexander spoke softly, "Quinn, is this really what you want? Do you really not want to see me again?"