New Years Day

The glitter, streamers and abandoned glasses lay scattered around the apartment. There was a sweet quiet to the morning. A silence unknown to the city. In a city that never sleeps the quiet was welcome. Waking up after the festivities the night before was difficult.

But the cold.

The bed felt cold suddenly. Yuqi knew who the culprit was. Soyeon usually woke up early and for Yuqi it was probably the only thing in their relationship that annoyed her. She loved when Soyeon would just stay in bed with her and relax, but these days it felt like Soyeon was always getting up and leaving for work as soon as possible.

It unsettled Yuqi in a way she didn't like. She hated the feeling it left in the pit of her stomach. As far she could tell, though, Soyeon wasn't being unfaithful or anything. She was just distant. Last night she had been closer to Yuqi than she had the last few months, and it was a relief. When Soyeon had looked at her last night the way she had when they first met.

With a sigh Yuqi pushed back the covers inviting the cold air in. the hardwood floors felt cold to her feet that had embraced the warmth of the covers. Just another reminder of the reason she should go back to bed and leave Soyeon to clean the mess left behind last night. Then again, Yuqi would never let Soyeon suffer on her own like that. She would just have to endure the cold.

She could hear the clinking of bottles touch a black bag. The girl holding it still in her winter vegetable pyjamas Yuqi had gifted her as a joke. Soyeon claimed she hated them but still wore them in the cold season. Yuqi couldnt help the chuckle that escaped her seeing Soyeon in them, they made her appear even more adorable than she already is.

The small noise made Soyeon jump but when she saw who it came from, she smiled at the younger. Yuqi said nothing as she walked forward, the older just watched as Yuqi grabbed the plastic bags from her and set it to the side. Yuqi took her hand and led them to the couch, taking Soyeon into her arms. Soyeon leaned into Yuqi welcoming back the warmth she left behind.

Soyeon knows Yuqi has been feeling self-conscious lately. The way shes been leaving so early in the mornings and coming back late at night. There was a reasonable explanation, of course there was but Soyeon didn't know how to explain it without completely exposing herself.

"You were up early again this morning," Yuqi's voice filled the silence, "You haven't slept in, for a long time now."

Soyeon hummed, "Yeah, I've been busy at work."

Yuqi released a sigh, it was the same excuse as always. She was starting to grow tired of it.

"Are you seeing someone else?" Yuqi eventually let out.

Soyeon immediately sat straight up and looked Yuqi who had lowered her head. The shock was clearly visible in her eyes. How could Yuqi think such a thing? Then again with Soyeons constant disappearing act it made sense. The realization struck Soyeon instantly, she knew Yuqi felt a bit neglected lately but she hadn't realized just how much her absence had affected Yuqi.

Soyeon took Yuqis hands into hers, "I would never, never, ever do that to you. I love you, Yuqi."

Yuqi kept her eyes down as she listened to Soyeon, "You've just been so distant lately and I didn't know what to think about it."

Soyeon sighed as she released Yuqi's hands and leaned back to stretch her arm out and grab something from the draw next to the couch. Yuqi still refused to look at Soyeon, but she cupped her cheek. Yuqis eyes immediately locked onto Soyeon's. A small gasp came from the puppy-eyed girl when she saw the object Soyeon held.

Soyeon smiled at the expression on Yuqis face, the tears in her eyes. She was always the more emotional one between them. Today though, today Soyeon couldn't keep the tears that threatened to surface either. She loved Yuqi so much and knew. She knew that they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together.

"I love you Song Yuqi. I love you more that I could explain. When we first met, I never would have guessed that I would love you as much as I do. But I couldn't imagine being with anyone else for the rest of my life. Youre the sun in my life, always shining on me whenever I need you most. You're there for me even on my worst days, even when I push you away you stay by my side. I love you Yuqi-ya," Soyeon knew at this point she wouldn't be able to hold back her tears. Soyeon giggled because of the nerves, "Would you keep making me the happiest person alive and be my forever?"

Soyeon nearly fell when Yuqi immediately jumped onto her. Wrapping her arms around Soyeon's shoulders and burying her face into her neck. Soyeon only smiled as she wrapped her arms around Yuqi and held her tightly.

"Yes," Yuqi said still holding onto Soyeon. All these weeks spent worrying about the status of their relationship, Yuqi felt relief wash over her.

Soyeon pulled back to look at Yuqi. Her eyes still held tears of joy as she beamed at Soyeon. Soyeon gently took Yuqi"s hand as she put the ring on her finger.

"Is this why you've been so absent lately?" Yuqi asked.

Soyeon nodded as she curled herself back into Yuqis arms. The latter already ready to embrace her now fiancé.

"Yeah, I have had to work extra hours to save the money for the ring and I've been doing ring shopping. I wanted to find something that was perfect for you."

Yuqi tightened her hold on Soyeon, a silent show of her appreciation for the woman.

"I love you, Soyeon."

Soyeon closed her eyes at the warmth that flooded her chest. The familiarity of the comfort and safety she felt when she was in Yuqi's arms was all that mattered to her. To the both of them. They were at home when they were together. The love they hold for each other meant more than the world.

"I love you too, Yuqi-ya."

"Does this mean you'll stop leaving me to a cold bed in the morning?" Yuqi couldn't help but ask.

Soyeon chuckled at her, "Yes, I will be waking up next to you from now on. For the rest of our lives."

Yuqi hummed, "Can't wait."