The sky stretched endlessly above them, painted with the tender hues of twilight. Gold and lavender swirled together like the brushstrokes of a divine artist, their edges softening as the stars began to glimmer in the deepening blue.

The car hummed gently along the deserted road, its rhythm steady and unbroken, a quiet accompaniment to Y/n's laughter. Her voice, light and effervescent, filled the air like a melody, weaving warmth into the cool night.

"Jun-ho," Y/n said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. Her voice was light but laced with genuine enthusiasm, her eyes alight with that unmistakable warmth that seemed to radiate from her whenever she was excited. "I think your mom is actually my favorite person. Like, no offense, but she might even beat you."

Jun-ho glanced at her, his lips curving into a small smile as her words sunk in. "Oh, really?" he replied, raising a brow in mock disbelief. "I see how it is. I've been demoted."

"I'm just saying," she continued, tucking a strand of windswept hair behind her ear. "She's incredible. She didn't even break a sweat while whipping up dinner. That stew? I'll be dreaming about it for weeks."

"She's a pro," Jun-ho admitted, his tone tinged with pride. "I grew up thinking everyone's moms were like her. Turns out, not so much."

"Oh, definitely not," Y/n said quickly, shaking her head. "She's in a league of her own. Did you see the way she fussed over me? And when she taught me how to fold the dumplings? It was the cutest thing ever. I kept messing up, and she just laughed and said I'd get better with practice."

Jun-ho's smile softened, his chest tightening at the way Y/n's voice dipped, filled with a mix of fondness and nostalgia. He reached over briefly, his fingers brushing hers in a silent gesture of understanding.

"And dinner," Y/n went on, clearly on a roll now. "Can we just talk about how everything on that table was perfection? I swear, I was one bite away from asking her to adopt me. Like, forget you. I'll just move in with her."

Jun-ho laughed, shaking his head. "So, you're ditching me for my mom now? Good to know."

"Oh, come on," Y/n teased, nudging his arm. "You'd visit me, right? You know, on holidays or when she needs more dumplings folded?"

Jun-ho gave her a sidelong glance, his grin spreading. "I don't think I'll have to. Something tells me she'd have us over for dinner every weekend if she could."

"And then your mom looked at me like I'd just discovered fire when I said I'd never made kimchi from scratch," Y/n said, her voice laced with amusement. "She immediately started listing all the ways I've been deprived my entire life, like it's a personal mission now to save me from my own ignorance."

Jun-ho smiled faintly, his eyes flickering between the road and the glow of her face. He nodded along, but his focus was split, his thoughts tangled in her every word and expression.

Something tightened in Jun-ho's chest, the weight of her words landing somewhere deep.

"Jun-ho," Y/n called again, noticing his silence, her tone playful now as she tilted her head, her windswept hair framing her glowing face. "You're not even listening, are you?"

Her lips curved into a teasing smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and a touch of mischief.

Jun-ho's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles pale against the dark leather. He stole a glance at her, his gaze lingering for a moment too long.

It wasn't that he wasn't paying attention—how could he not? She was a force of nature, a burst of sunlight in his otherwise measured world. But words felt inadequate to explain the ache in his chest, the overwhelming realization that had been quietly unfurling in his heart.

My thoughts cannot move an inch without bumping into some piece of you, he thought. She was everywhere, in every corner of his mind.

Her laughter softened, replaced by a note of concern as she noticed the distant look in his eyes.

"Hey," she said gently, her hand brushing against his arm. "What's going on in that brilliant head of yours?"

He smiled faintly, shaking his head.

"Nothing," he murmured, but the word was hollow, a poor shield for the storm brewing within him. It wasn't nothing—it was everything.

Every thought, every feeling, every dream seemed to orbit her, tethered to her like the tides to the moon.

The car rolled to a stop at the edge of the park, the world around them quiet save for the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze.

Jun-ho stepped out first, walking with purposeful ease to open her door. He extended a hand toward her, his fingers steady despite the racing of his pulse.

"What's this all about?" Y/n asked, her curiosity piqued as she slid her hand into his and stepped out into the cool night air.

He didn't answer, only smiled and began leading her toward the overlook.

The path wound through a grove of trees, their branches arching overhead like a cathedral, until it opened up to a clearing where the ocean stretched out before them. The waves shimmered under the moonlight, their silver crests rolling in a rhythm as timeless as the stars above.

"Jun-ho..." Y/n breathed, her voice barely above a whisper as her gaze swept over the scene. "It's beautiful."

But Jun-ho wasn't looking at the view. His eyes were on her—the way the moonlight softened her features, the way the wind teased strands of her hair, the way her wonder seemed to illuminate her from within. He stopped walking, gently pulling her to face him, his hands finding hers.

"Y/n," he began, his voice low and steady despite the pounding of his heart. "There's something I need to tell you."

She blinked, her brow furrowing slightly as she searched his face.

"What is it?" she asked, her tone soft, her fingers tightening around his.

He hesitated for only a moment, then took a deep breath, letting the weight of his feelings guide him.

"I've been thinking about you—about us. About how much I love talking to you, how your laugh feels like sunlight, how every moment with you feels like a gift I don't deserve but will never take for granted. I replay our conversations in my head, over and over, like my favorite songs. I've memorized every detail of your face, every expression, every nuance that makes you... you."

Y/n's eyes widened, her breath hitching as his words washed over her.

"I don't know what the future holds," he continued, his voice thick with emotion, "but I know this: you are my future. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I don't want to spend another day without making that clear."

He released her hands and dropped to one knee, the motion deliberate and full of quiet reverence.

From his pocket, Jun-ho pulled out a small velvet box, the rich, deep blue fabric almost luminous under the moon's gentle gaze. He held it delicately, as though the contents were as fragile as a whispered promise.

Slowly, he opened it, revealing a ring that seemed to hold the very essence of starlight within its delicate band.

The centerpiece was a radiant oval diamond, its facets catching the moonlight and scattering it in a dance of silvery brilliance. Encircling the diamond were smaller stones—sapphires, their deep cerulean hue reminiscent of the ocean's depths, cradling the central gem like a protective embrace.

The band, crafted in white gold, was intricately etched with tiny filigree patterns that swirled like vines, lending it an air of timeless elegance.

This was no ordinary ring.

Jun-ho's heart raced as he held it in his palm, his mind flickering back to the moment he had first seen it many months ago. He had wandered into a small, tucked-away jeweler's shop, the kind with a timeworn charm and a proprietor who seemed to understand the weight of love.

The ring had caught his eye immediately, as if it had been waiting for him, shimmering in its glass case like a secret meant only for him to discover.

The jeweler had told him about the craftsmanship—the care and artistry poured into every detail—but Jun-ho had barely needed convincing. The moment he saw it, he knew. I

t wasn't just a ring; it was her—a perfect reflection of Y/n's beauty, her depth, her spirit.

The diamond sparkled like her laughter, bright and full of life, while the sapphires mirrored the quiet strength he so admired in her.

He had bought it on the spot, his chest tightening with the certainty that this ring could only belong to her.

Every time he looked at it since, he imagined slipping it onto her finger, imagined her eyes lighting up, imagined the infinite possibilities of their future. Now, as the moment finally arrived, the weight of that choice settled over him—a weight not of doubt, but of love, reverence, and hope.

"I want your last name, or you can have mine," he said, his voice trembling now. "I want your Sunday mornings and your daily commutes. I want your quirks, your bad days, your good days—everything that makes you, you. I want to find your lost keys, make your coffee, and wake up to your laugh. I want your past, your future, and every moment in between. Y/n, I want it all." he whispered, his voice trembling now, "will you marry me?"

Y/n's hands flew to her mouth as a sharp gasp escaped her lips, her wide eyes brimming with tears that spilled over, cascading down her cheeks in glistening rivers.

Her breath catching in her throat as she stared at Jun-ho. The world seemed to tilt and blur around her, the only clarity found in the man before her, on his knee, holding her entire heart in his trembling hands.

She tried to speak, but the words tangled in her throat, overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the moment.

Finally, she found her voice, shaky but resolute, the truth pouring out like a flood.

"Yes," she choked, her voice thick with tears. "Yes. A million times, yes. I'll marry you, Jun-ho."

A sound of pure, unrestrained joy erupted from Jun-ho, half a laugh, half a sob, as relief and happiness washed over him in a tidal wave.

His hands trembled as he took hers, his fingers brushing against the softness of her skin as he carefully slid the ring onto her finger. The moment the cool metal met her warmth, the stars above seemed to burn brighter, the universe itself bearing witness to their promise.

Y/n couldn't stay on her feet.

She dropped to her knees before him, her arms wrapping around his neck with a desperation born of love so deep it ached. She buried her face in his shoulder, her tears soaking into the fabric of his jacket as she clung to him like he was her anchor in a spinning world.

Jun-ho held her tightly, his own tears flowing silently as his lips pressed tenderly against the crown of her head.

His breath hitched, his heart thundering in his chest as the weight of her love settled over him—heavy, warm, and perfect.

When they finally pulled back, their foreheads met in an intimate touch, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.

Y/n let out a trembling laugh, a sound that wavered between disbelief and uncontainable joy. "You could've just told me you loved me, you know," she said, her voice still shaky as her lips curved into a radiant smile. "This was... a lot."

Jun-ho chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving hers as he reached up to brush a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb.

His touch was feather-light, reverent, as though she might disappear if he wasn't careful.

"You deserve a lot," he said simply, his voice steady, the adoration in his gaze making her heart stutter. "And I'll spend every single day proving it to you. I swear, Y/n."

For a long moment, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other's arms, their love a palpable force that seemed to defy the vastness of the night.

The stars shimmered above them, the ocean whispered its eternal melody, and the world itself seemed to hold its breath, cradling their love in an infinite embrace.

In that perfect moment, nothing else existed.

The vast expanse of the universe had shrunk to just the two of them, and for the first time, they truly felt infinite. Their love was no longer a fleeting thought or a quiet dream—it was real, shining, and forever.

____________

The warm glow of the setting sun bathed Chan-yeol's dining room, casting a golden hue over the dark wooden table. The faint hum of the city outside served as a soothing backdrop to the clinking of plates and soft laughter.

A fragrant spread of dishes adorned the table—steaming bowls of jjigae, grilled fish, and colorful side dishes carefully arranged.

Y/n sat between Jun-ho and Ha-kun, her fingers lightly grazing Jun-ho's under the table

. The evening had been easy and light, filled with Ha-kun's teasing banter and Chan-yeol's steady presence as he poured drinks and ensured everyone's plates were full. B

ut beneath Y/n's calm exterior, her heart beat faster with anticipation.

Jun-ho noticed and gently squeezed her hand, his eyes meeting hers with a silent question. She nodded, her lips curving into a small, reassuring smile.

Ha-kun, mid-bite, looked up at the pair, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly.

"Alright, what's going on with you two? You've been giving each other those weird secret looks all night. If this is about another surprise hike, I swear I'm boycotting."

Y/n laughed softly, her cheeks flushing. "No hikes this time, I promise," she said, her voice steady but warm.

She glanced at her father, who was watching her carefully from the head of the table, his chopsticks paused midair.

She set down her utensils and folded her hands in her lap. "Actually, we do have something to share."

She glanced at Jun-ho again, who gave her an encouraging nod.

With a deep breath, she turned back to Ha-kun and Chan-yeol. "Jun-ho and I... are engaged."

The words hung in the air for a moment. Y/n extended her hand, the delicate ring catching the last rays of sunlight filtering through the window.

Ha-kun froze, his spoon halfway to his mouth, while Chan-yeol set his glass down slowly, his expression unreadable.

Then, Ha-kun let out an exaggerated gasp, dropping his spoon with a loud clatter.

"Engaged?!" His eyes darted between Y/n and Jun-ho, his face a mixture of shock and mock outrage. "Jun-ho, you proposed without telling me? Your future brother-in-law?"

Jun-ho chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "It was kind of a personal moment, Ha-kun."

"Personal?!" Ha-kun threw up his hands dramatically. "How am I supposed to trust you with my sister if you can't even let me be a part of the proposal? What am I, chopped kimchi?"

Y/n groaned, hiding her face behind her hands as Jun-ho laughed.

"Ha-kun, please," she said, her voice muffled but amused.

Ha-kun leaned closer to Jun-ho, his expression suddenly serious, though his eyes twinkled with mischief. "Alright, listen up, future brother. If you ever make her cry—the bad kind of crying, not the 'happy engagement tears' kind—I will personally ruin your life. Got it?"

Jun-ho nodded solemnly. "Understood."

Chan-yeol finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the laughter. "Ha-kun, enough."

He leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze landing on Jun-ho. "Marriage isn't a decision to take lightly."

Y/n tensed slightly, but Jun-ho met Chan-yeol's eyes without wavering.

"I know," he said, his voice steady. "And I promise you, I'll do everything I can to make her happy."

Chan-yeol studied him for a moment before nodding. "Jun-ho, can I have a word with you?" His tone was calm but firm, leaving no room for argument.

Y/n's eyes widened. "Appa, don't scare him away now!" she protested, but Jun-ho stood, his expression calm though his hands betrayed a slight tremor.

"It's fine, Y/n," he said gently, offering her a quick smile before following Chan-yeol to the adjacent study.

The study was cloaked in a warm, amber glow, the dim lamplight brushing against the edges of bookshelves crammed with weathered volumes.

Jun-ho stepped inside, closing the heavy door behind him with a soft click. His shoulders squared instinctively, though the flutter in his chest betrayed the steadiness of his expression.

Chan-yeol stood near the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the faint shimmer of city lights beyond. His hands were clasped behind his back, his stance deliberate and commanding, yet there was a softness to his profile, a quiet reflection in the furrow of his brow.

"You love her." His voice broke the silence, low and steady, each word weighted with meaning. It wasn't a question.

"Yes," Jun-ho said without hesitation, his voice carrying the strength of conviction. "More than anything in this world."

Chan-yeol turned slowly, his dark eyes locking onto Jun-ho's. They were sharp, searching for cracks in his resolve, for anything less than absolute certainty.

"Loving her," he began, his tone like tempered steel, "means more than flowery words or grand gestures. It means knowing her worth and treating her with the respect she deserves every single day. It means patience when she's stubborn, strength when she's afraid, and protecting her—not just from the world, but from your own flaws. Do you understand what that means, Jun-ho?"

Jun-ho's jaw tightened, and he nodded once before speaking. "I do," he said, his voice soft but unyielding.

He stepped closer, his hands curling into fists at his sides as if to steady himself. "Y/n is the best part of my life. She's my anchor, my reason, and I'd face the world's hardest trials if it meant she could smile without worry. I don't just want to love her—I want to deserve her, every single day."

Chan-yeol's expression softened slightly, though the weight of his scrutiny remained.

He took a measured step forward, his imposing presence filling the small space between them.

"And what happens when things get hard? When she doubts herself, when you're too tired, when life throws obstacles in your path? Loving her means choosing her even then, Jun-ho. Always."

Jun-ho's eyes didn't waver. "Then I'll remind her of her strength when she forgets, and I'll shoulder the weight when she's too tired. I'll love her through everything—through the days that feel endless and the nights that feel too short. I swear to you, Chan-yeol, I will never take her for granted."

The room seemed to exhale, the tension easing as Chan-yeol's features softened. He took another step forward, placing a firm but gentle hand on Jun-ho's shoulder.

"You speak well," he said, his voice quieter now, though still laced with authority. "But words mean nothing without action. Prove yourself, Jun-ho—not just to her, but to me, to Ha-kun, to everyone who loves her. Because if you falter, if you hurt her—" His voice tightened for a moment, the protectiveness in his tone almost fierce. "You will answer to me."

Jun-ho nodded, bowing his head slightly. "I understand, Chan-yeol. And I promise, you'll never have to."

For a moment, Chan-yeol was silent, his gaze lingering on the younger man before his lips curved into a faint smile.

"For what it's worth," he said, stepping back and folding his arms, "I think she chose well. I knew it would be you."

Jun-ho's shoulders relaxed, a small but genuine smile breaking across his face.

Chan-yeol's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before he nodded. "Good," he said simply, then turned toward the door. "Come on. Ha-kun's probably trying to talk her into letting him 'borrow' the ring by now."

Jun-ho chuckled softly, following him out of the study and back into the warmth of the dining room.

Back at the table, the soft glow of candlelight danced across the polished wood, casting warm shadows over the gathered group. Y/n was perched on the edge of her seat, laughter spilling freely from her lips as she reached for the small ring that Ha-kun had swiped.

"Give it back!" she demanded, though the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth betrayed her mock sternness. Her cheeks were flushed with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Ha-kun held the ring aloft, his grin wide and unapologetic.

"But it's so shiny!" he teased, tilting his head to examine the ring as though he were a jeweler inspecting his finest piece. "Are you absolutely sure you don't want to trade it for something cooler? Like... a motorbike? Or maybe my signed basketball jersey?"

"You're impossible!" Y/n laughed, leaning over the table in a futile attempt to reclaim her prize.

Just then, the door creaked softly, and Jun-ho and Chan-yeol reentered the room.

Jun-ho's gaze immediately softened as he saw Y/n, her eyes sparkling brighter than the ring she was trying to retrieve. His heart swelled with affection; this was the woman who made every moment feel like a miracle.

Ha-kun froze mid-taunt, his mischievous grin faltering as Chan-yeol shot him a pointed look.

"I was just admiring it!" Ha-kun said hastily, handing the ring back to Y/n with a sheepish chuckle.

"Good call," Jun-ho quipped, his lips curving into a knowing smile as her rolled his shoulder. "Y/n's fiercer than she looks."

Y/n shot him a playful glare before turning her attention back to the ring. She slipped it onto her finger, the delicate band glinting in the soft light.

Chan-yeol cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

He raised his glass, his expression softened but resolute, his voice carrying the weight of his blessing. "To Y/n and Jun-ho," he began, his tone warm and steady, "may your future be filled with boundless joy, unwavering patience, and a love that only grows deeper with time."

The clinking of glasses echoed through the room, a symphony of celebration that mingled with their shared laughter.

Y/n's heart felt impossibly full as she turned to Jun-ho, her fingers instinctively seeking his beneath the table. Their hands intertwined, his thumb brushing gentle circles over her knuckles.

As the conversation swirled around them, Jun-ho leaned in, his voice low and tender. "You know," he said, his eyes crinkling with a smile, "I think I'm the luckiest man alive. Not just because you said yes, but because you're mine."

Y/n tilted her head as she whispered back, "And here I thought I was the lucky one."