ᴛᴀɪɴᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ

ᴛʜɪʀᴛʏ ᴏɴᴇ

"What—?" Akira replied, her voice trailing off. She'd heard him clearly, but something inside her wanted him to repeat the words, to make sure she wasn't imagining it.

"Should we move in together?" he asked again, his voice soft yet sincere. He leaned in, resting his head on her shoulder and burying his face in the crook of her neck, his arms gently wrapped around her from behind. She sat in front of him, frozen in the intimacy of the moment. She looked up at him, her heart racing with uncertainty.

"Isn't it too soon? I... I just moved into this apartment," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't want to?" His tone dropped, and a tinge of sadness filled his words, almost as if he were a puppy that had just been scolded. He pulled her closer, his chest pressing against her back. She met his eyes, and the sight of his sad expression made her heart ache.

"Okay," she said softly, her own heart hammering in her chest. "But after I graduate, I only have four months left."

"By then you'll be six months along," he murmured to himself, a glimmer of excitement returning to his voice. "I'll find a three-bedroom house," he continued, his words spilling out faster now. "We can decorate a room for the nursery." His hand moved to her stomach, and he gently rubbed it, his eyes full of love. "Daddy can't wait to see you, baby," he said, his voice tender and full of warmth.

"Ciel, are you sure about this?" Akira's voice was soft, tinged with concern.

"What do you mean?" he asked, looking at her, his brows furrowed in confusion.

She turned to face him fully, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her shirt. "Ciel, you're in your first year of college. You're about to be a father. Don't you think it's a bit too soon? You're still in school; you should be enjoying your college years..."

"Akira, stop. You're making me angry." His voice was sharp now as he stood up, pacing the room. His hand ran through his hair, his breathing heavy as frustration set in. "Are we back at square one, Akira?" he shouted, the words leaving his mouth in a burst of raw emotion. "FUCK!" he yelled, the intensity of his anger filling the space between them.

Akira flinched at his outburst, and he immediately stopped pacing. His shoulders sagged, and he knelt down in front of her, his expression softening.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and apologetic. "It's just that I want this, okay? I want you, our baby, a family. I don't care about living the so-called 'college life.' I'd rather come home to you and our baby than be out partying. I want to be with you. I want to help take care of our little bean. I want this, Akira. I know you're having second thoughts, and I'm sorry for letting this get complicated. I knew you weren't ready for kids right now, but I'll be there for you, for our baby. I promise. I love you."

His hands trembled slightly as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small velvet case. He opened it, revealing a simple yet beautiful diamond ring inside.

"Marry me?" he asked, his voice a mixture of hope and vulnerability. "I mean, not now obviously—we'll wait until you're ready. But we can wear them as promise rings for now, if you want. I've got another one for myself," he rambled, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he held the ring up, his eyes searching hers.

"Ciel..." Akira whispered, her heart full of emotion as she reached out for him. "Ciel," she repeated, her voice steady but filled with affection. "It's fine. Yes, I guess we can wear them as promise rings for now."

After they both put on the rings, Ciel placed a gentle kiss on the corner of Akira's lips, his touch tender and full of affection. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her, pressing her softly against his chest. He rested his head on her shoulder, breathing in her sweet, familiar scent, feeling at peace in her presence.