Roaring Hearts

High On You

Flashback
First walks with the biggest smile into the jeweler's shop.
A young woman with a friendly grin welcomes him, "Can I help you?"
"I hope so. I need an engagement ring." He tells her as she gestures for him to step closer to a vitrine full of rings.
"She will be a very lucky girl with such a handsome man." The young woman compliments him.
"He. I will propose to my boyfriend." He replies with a genuine grin.
"Then these will fit better." The saleswoman takes out a range of more masculine rings, and instantly, First's eyes fall on the perfect jewel. Half silver on top and half gold below, matching the one next to it with just the opposite design.
"I will take these." He points to the two rings, satisfied with his choice.
On his ride over to pick up the love of his life, a hundred thoughts run through his mind. He wants this moment to be perfect.

"Why did you bring me here?" First's boyfriend Game asks when the latter stops the car in front of their high school.
"You will see." First's hands sweat and shake when he walks his boyfriend to the central court. As they stop in the centre, he asks "Do you remember this place?"
"Of course, this is the place I fell in love with you." Game admits with a bright smile.
"At that time, I had no clue that the boy smiling at me from the other side of the court, hiding behind his book, would change my life forever," First recalls his first impression of his boyfriend.
"Oh my god, I was so shy back then." Game hides behind his hands in embarrassment.
"Don't hide. Never hide again. You are so beautiful." First compliments his lover, leaning closer to kiss him softly.
"So why did you bring me here?" Game asks, curious about what this is all about.
"Oh yes. I have big news."
"Did you get it?" Game asks in excitement, jumping in First's arms when the other nods.
"I am shocked and proud. You are already the director of the financial department after only two years. You are unbelievable, my little genius." Game cannot stop complimenting his lover.
"But that is not the only reason I brought you here." First gets down on one knee and pulls the little velvet box from his pocket. "Will you marry me?"
His voice shakes as much as his hands, but when he looks up at his boyfriend's eyes, which fill with tears, he knows he will be a lucky husband to this beautiful man.
Game gushes as he lifts his hand for First to put the ring on, "Yes! Yes!"
The latter kisses his partner's hand before he gets up and pulls him in for a passionate kiss that leaves no doubt that this couple is made for one another.
Game states giddily as they walk back to his convertible, "Oh, I want to tell my parents right away. My mother will be thrilled."
"It's the weekend. Why don't we drive to their house to tell them." First suggests with a genuine smile.
"But it is so far. We will take at least six hours to get there." Game tries to reason with his newly titled fiancé even if he wants nothing more than to show everyone that he loves his happiness.
"Don't worry. I want to tell them in person as well." First reassures Game, opening the passenger door for his fiancé to get in.

The ride is long, but First does not mind the hardship if he can make his fiancé happy.
The night has fallen, and Game is lightly snoring on the passenger seat. First brushes a strand from his fiancé's forehead, whispering sweet words of love to him.
He does not know when he has drifted asleep, but when he startles awake, it is already too late. The passenger side hits the wall of the tunnel, and in the next moment, the car flips over. First screams out for his lover, but when he tries to look around, it is impossible as his body is trapped by the car on top of him. The pain is unbearable, but the uncertainty about Game is what is killing First.
"Game! Where are you?" First tries to roam with his hand under the car. Finally, he can feel his fiancé's hand. He holds it tightly, but he can already feel that Game is gone.
Flashback end

The horrible memory has been haunting First for two years now.
As he lies on his bed, in the home that should have been the happiest place on earth for him and his belated love, he feels exhaustion taking over his body.
He closes his eyes, but they fill with tears as the memory of the exact day twenty-four months ago hits him again.