On Saturday evening, Alex arrived at Naosa’s house wearing a nervous smile—and looking unusually polished.
“I made a dinner reservation,” he said, trying to sound casual but clearly buzzing with excitement. “I want to take you somewhere nice tonight.”
“The restaurant has a formal dress code,” he added quickly, avoiding her curious gaze. “So… maybe dress up a little?”
Naosa tilted her head with a small grin. “What’s the occasion?”
“It’s just… somewhere special.”
Lu and Kacy waved them off at the door, struggling not to laugh. Once the couple had gone, they turned to each other and burst out laughing.
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The restaurant was elegant, quiet, and softly lit—clearly a place for anniversaries, milestones, or life-changing moments.
Alex stopped her from opening the car door and hurried around to do it himself. His hand trembled slightly.
They were escorted to a private table with a view of the city skyline. Everything shimmered with quiet sophistication.
When the sommelier arrived with a leather-bound wine list, Alex froze.
Naosa leaned over, her voice gentle. “May I?”
She spoke confidently to the sommelier, discussing vintage and terroir with surprising fluency. The sommelier nodded with admiration and offered her something not listed on the menu.
“I’ll take that one,” she said with a smile.
She swirled the wine, took a long breath, then sipped with elegance.
“Portuguese wines from that era are truly in a class of their own,” she said warmly. “You’ll love it.”
Alex smiled, but barely tasted anything. He was too nervous to taste or think clearly.
“You know wine really well,” he managed.
Naosa laughed. “My mother’s family owns a vineyard in the French countryside. I’ll have to let you try it someday.”
Alex smiled faintly, a distant memory stirring. That wine… in the dream. Séraphine’s vineyard. Yeah… I’d love to taste it again.
Even when the food arrived—beautifully plated and delicious—he could barely eat. Every cell in his body buzzed with tension.
Naosa glanced at him, worry rising.
Is he not enjoying this? Was it better with someone else…?
After dessert, she brushed the thought aside and smiled softly.
“Thank you for tonight. It’s been absolutely wonderful.”
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But then… something changed.
A hush fell over the restaurant. Staff moved with subtle purpose. Musicians tuned their instruments. A quiet magic filled the air.
Naosa turned toward Alex—and saw him reaching for his jacket pocket.
Her breath caught.
“Alex… no.”
He froze. “Why not?”
Her voice dropped to a whisper. “If you’re about to do what I think you’re about to do… please wait.”
His hand pulled back—empty.
Waiters hovered, uncertain.
She smiled gently. “We’ve only been dating a little over four months. I think we might be rushing this. I want to stay just like this—at least until Kazu goes to college.”
“I’m not trying to rush marriage,” Alex said quietly, his voice raw. “I just… I want to be official. I want us to be committed in a way the world can see.”
“My feelings won’t change—even if no one else sees them,” she whispered. “You don’t need to prove anything.”
Her eyes flicked toward the staff, to the subtle setup around them.
“Is this about the upcoming seminar?” she asked knowingly. “You don’t have to make me look impressive, Alex. I can handle Wexley. I promise.”
Alex leaned forward and took her hand.
“I’m not doing this for them,” he said, his voice raw. “I’m doing it for me. I want people to understand that someone like you is precious to me. I want to look worthy of you.”
His eyes shone.
“I love you, Nao. With everything. Please.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I’m so sorry, Alex…”
She tried to laugh, even as she wept. “I know it’s too early to cry, but I can’t seem to stop. I can’t believe this is happening. You give me all my happiness.”
Alex finally smiled, relieved.
He reached into his pocket and took out the ring. Then, with perfect grace, he knelt beside her.
“Naosa Miyashita, will you marry me?”
She sobbed. “Yes. Absolutely yes.”
Her hands trembled as she offered her left one. He slid the ring on gently.
Guests applauded softly as the music swelled in the background.
They stood and kissed—wrapped in perfect, radiant love.
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The stars were brilliant in the night sky as they stepped outside.
Neither of them spoke for a long time. They just walked together, fingers intertwined, hearts wide open.
Alex glanced down at her hand, brushing his thumb over the ring.
Naosa smiled.
“I still can’t believe this happened,” she whispered. “It feels like a dream.”
“I’ve had dreams like this,” Alex murmured, “but none of them ever ended this perfectly.”
She leaned against him with a quiet laugh. “Thank you… for waiting when I asked you to.”
“You only had to look at me like that,” he murmured. “I would’ve waited forever.”
They stood still for a moment, breathing in the cool air.
“You know,” she said softly, “I didn’t need a ring or a title. But knowing you wanted to give them to me… means everything.”
Alex pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“I just wanted to give you something permanent,” he whispered. “Even if everything else changes.”
“You already have,” she whispered, her voice so soft it barely reached him.
He didn’t ask what she meant.
He didn’t need to.
They walked back to the car in quiet harmony—hand in hand, with nothing left unspoken between them.
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