“I love you, Shin Hye ya… Will you marry me?”

I stared down at the man in front of me, bearing me his sincere heart and soul. He had put his reputation beneath him, beneath us, the moment he knelt on one knee.

This moment between us was all ours. We’re just two people in this busy, vast world whose worlds revolved around each other. My lips were starting to tremble, but I willed them not to. My tears were threatening to trickle over, but I willed them not to. My heart was like a hundred birds taking flight… and there was nothing I could do to calm it.

“We’ve… really come a long way, huh?” I managed.

He smiled, always giving me the strength to go on. His eyes staring into mine, to my soul, so profoundly that my cheeks heated by instinct. My heart yearned for him, for the nth time, at such intensity now that it hurt… and I realised now, after so long, I can finally satisfy it.

That was when the first tear dropped.

And then another, and another and the one after that.

I felt myself losing my control. That self-installed iron grip on my heart and feelings finally broke away. Why now? Why now, the moment I need my self-composition the most?

Not wanting to embarrass myself any longer, I tried to find my footing but the second a pair of familiar strong arms enveloped me, I realised that I can’t… So I let myself fall- fall into his warm and loving embrace.

After a few seconds passed, I peered up at him from his collarbone. He hasn’t said a word, which was uncharacteristic of him and the hushing sounds he made whilst caressing my back were very considerate of him too.

But he would think I’m a cry baby now, wouldn’t he? I’ve ruined his perfect moment to propose, haven’t I?

I tried to keep my voice from wavering, “I’m so s-”

We kissed.

I was shocked at first, but that soon melted into his warmth along with all my worries and me, myself. It was soft and slow, gentle and loving but that didn’t stop us from displaying our passion for one another in a way that makes your head spin.

Standing there in his arms was all I needed, and I finally acknowledged that out of all the places in the world, I’ve never felt safer than I am when I’m wrapped in his arms, and out of all the people in the world, I’ve never been happier than I am when I’m with him.

Only with him, am I truly myself…

I will…