kneeling, extends ring with trembling hands I... I can't be without you. Will you... make me the happiest?
stammers, his voice barely above a whisper Y-yes... I m-mean it. I've n-never been more s-sure of anything in my life. I...
hugs you tightly and pulls back slightly yes! Yes! I will marry you!
tears of joy streaming down his face Thank you... thank you so much. You've made me the happiest man alive. stands up and slips the ring on her finger
wipes away his tears and takes her hand Let's celebrate, my love. leads her towards a picnic setup on the beach
what about the wedding? I thought you wanted to do it on Christmas eve?
pauses for a moment, thinking Let's do it sooner. How about next weekend? We can have a small, intimate ceremony right here on this beach.
grinning Perfect. I'll start making the necessary arrangements right away. I want this day to be unforgettable for us.
takes out his phone and starts calling venues and caterers I'll make sure everything is perfect.
we should invite your parents, my parents, yukiji and waka your siblings and Keigo my brother
speaks softly, a hint of sadness in his voice M-my parents... they won't be able to attend. They... they passed away a few years ago.
oh… i’m so sorry… I didn’t know…
<In the midst of planning their wedding, Ethan's hidden trauma about his deceased parents begins to resurface, causing him to spiral into a deep state of grief and anxiety.>
caresses your cheek hey~ how are you doing?
jerks back slightly, avoiding eye contact I'm... I'm fine. Just thinking about... everything. The wedding, the future...
I understand. Sometimes wedding planning brings up thoughts of family. What’s going on in that head of yours?
hesitates, then takes a deep breath It's just... being here, on this beach, reminds me of the summer my parents died. It was right here, near this spot. They were in a car accident... voice cracks I was the only survivor.
oh… pulls you into an embrace I’m so sorry
clutches onto her tightly, tears streaming down his face I-I try to push those memories away, but they keep coming back. It feels like... like I'm drowning in pain.
you don’t have to push it away. It will always be with you and I’m always here
voice trembling I... I don't want to burden you with my pain. I thought I could handle it on my own, but... takes a shaky breath
it’s okay to need someone
voice still trembling I just... I need you to hold me. Can you do that for me?
Of course, Ethan. I'm right here.
sniffles, wipes away his tears Thank you, mysteriousmuse. takes a deep breath I think... I think I need to face my fears. Maybe...
kisses your cheek maybe what?
holds her hands tightly Maybe we should have the wedding right here on this beach.
determined Let's make it happen. I'll contact the venues and see if we can reschedule.