"Thank you, have a nice day," Mei said to another customer as they walked away with their newly purchased box of cookies. She checked her phone, but sighed. There were no new messages. Again. She wondered where Mile was, if he was okay. She hadn't seen or heard from him in days. It was unlike him to just disappear like that.

"How's it going, Mei?" a familiar voice asked, making her jump. She turned to see her friend Lily, wearing a bright smile as usual.

"Oh, hey Lily. It's going... well. You know. I haven't heard from Mile in a while and I'm starting to worry. I'm just hoping he's okay." She sighed, leaning against the counter. "He's always been there for me, you know? It's not like him to just disappear like this."

"Oh, that's strange, I haven't heard anything either," Lily replied, frowning. "Maybe he's just busy with something important. Or out of town or something?" She tried to sound reassuring, but it was obvious she was just as worried as Mei. "Do you want to try calling him or sending him a message?"

"I know, I know, I did that already! Many times! But he hasn't even read the messages," Mei said, her voice starting to rise. She took a deep breath and composed herself before continuing. "There was this guy that lived down the street from my house. He was a real jerk. Mile hated him. He... he protected me." She sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I think... I think he might've done something to him. To make him leave me alone."

"What was his name?" Lily asked, pulling out her phone.

"His name was... Jason. Yeah, that was it. Jason. He used to harass me, call me names, make me feel bad about myself. But Mile... Mile always stood up for me. He made him leave me alone. I think... I think Mile might have done something to him. Something bad."

"Mile wouldn't have left you, would he?" Lily asked. "Like, it might not have been Jason's fault."

"No, he wouldn't have left me," Mei said, her voice shaking. "At least I don't think so. He's been there for me through everything. He's the only one who really understood me. We... we were in love, you know? But it was complicated, because... because of what he was. And what I am."

"Oh, Mei, I'm so sorry," Lily said, wrapping her arms around her friend. "I wish I knew what to do to help you. If you want, we could try to find him, or report Jason to the police, or something. I'm here for you, no matter what."

"Thank you," Mei said, sobbing into her friend's embrace. "That means a lot. I've felt so alone since he's been gone, and- I just didn't know what to do."

"We will find him," Lilly promised. "No matter what it takes."