A few weeks had passed since that stolen moment on the balcony. Things between Min-jun and I had gotten even more complicated, but also deeper. Every day, it felt like we were walking on a tightrope, balancing between the public and private parts of our lives, stealing moments in between classes, and making sure no one found out about our secret.
But, deep down, I knew it wasn't going to stay that way forever.
---
The News
It started as a quiet afternoon. We were sitting in our usual spot at lunch, our friends chatting around us, and Min-jun's hand was resting casually on my knee under the table. No one seemed to notice how our fingers intertwined whenever there was a pause in conversation. And I liked it that way.
But then, as I took a bite of my sandwich, Min-jun's voice broke through the chatter.
"Eun-ji, we need to talk."
My heart skipped a beat. I had no idea where this was going, but I had a feeling this wasn't going to be a normal conversation. I put my sandwich down, my stomach turning with nerves.
"What's wrong?" I asked, leaning in closer.
He glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention, and then, in a soft, serious tone, he said, "It's time."
"Time for what?" I asked, my voice shaky.
Min-jun's lips quirked up into a smile, but there was something in his eyes that made me hold my breath. He stood up, walking around the table to stand in front of me.
I looked up at him, waiting.
Then, he did something I didn't expect—he pulled something out of his pocket.
My eyes widened when I saw the small velvet box in his hand.
"Min-jun, what are you—"
"Eun-ji," he interrupted gently, kneeling down in front of me. "You know I've been thinking about us for a long time. About what we mean to each other. I can't imagine my life without you in it."
I froze, my heart hammering in my chest as he slowly opened the box to reveal a delicate silver ring. "Will you marry me?" he asked, his voice steady but filled with emotion.
My mind went completely blank. Was this really happening? Was I really standing in front of him, surrounded by our friends, who still had no idea what was going on between us?
I looked around the table, and everyone had stopped talking, staring at us with wide eyes.
But I couldn't focus on them. All I could see was Min-jun, the person who had captured my heart in ways I never imagined.
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "Min-jun, this… this is crazy."
"I know." He smiled softly. "But it's not a joke. I'm serious."
I stared at the ring, my mind racing. I had never pictured this moment, but somehow, I knew this was what I wanted. I loved him. I loved everything about him—the way he made me feel, how he understood me when no one else did.
The way his touch made my heart race, even after all this time.
"Yes," I whispered, finally finding the words.
"Yes?" Min-jun repeated, his eyes lighting up.
I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. "Yes, I'll marry you, Min-jun."
He grinned, so wide it made my heart swell. He slid the ring onto my finger, and as he did, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.
---
Telling Our Parents
A few days later, Min-jun and I made the decision to tell our parents.
It was nerve-wracking. My palms were sweaty as we sat in his living room, his parents seated across from us.
"Mom, Dad… there's something we need to tell you," Min-jun began, his voice calm but I could hear the nerves underneath.
"What is it, son?" his father asked, looking at us curiously.
"We're engaged," I blurted out before Min-jun could say anything more.
His parents blinked, clearly taken aback by the announcement.
"You're what?" his mom gasped, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Engaged," I repeated. "We've been dating for a while now, and… well, we want to spend our lives together."
There was silence for a long moment before Min-jun's father spoke. "You're both young, but if you're sure, we support you."
Min-jun's mom nodded. "We just want you to be happy."
I smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. They weren't angry or disappointed—just supportive.
When it was my turn to tell my parents, it was a little more difficult. My mom wasn't exactly thrilled when I told her, but after talking things through, she came around, and my dad was all smiles, giving Min-jun a firm handshake.
---
Eun-ji and Min-jun's Journey
At 23, I had never imagined I would be standing at the beginning of a new chapter of my life, about to marry the love of my life, the person who had made me feel seen and understood in ways I never knew I needed.
Min-jun was 26, and even though we were young, we both knew we were ready to face the world together, hand in hand.
The journey ahead was going to be full of challenges, but I had no doubt that as long as we were together, we could handle anything life threw at us.