" LOVED YOU " [ JD ]

CHAPTER 6 ( FLASHBACK- 3)

CHAPTER 6 : FLASHBACK
PART - 3

After that day, Joong and Dunk started hanging out even more. Their bond grew stronger with each passing moment, and Joong knew in his heart that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Dunk. So, he decided to propose.

Joong's POV

"Pond, buddy, help me! Which ring should I choose?" I asked, holding up two very different but equally stunning rings, the cool metal glinting under the store's soft lighting. My eyes darted between the velvet displays, my heart thudding in my chest. I didn't want just any ring. I wanted the ring-something that would capture everything I felt for Dunk.

Pond let out a long, exaggerated sigh and crossed his arms, leaning lazily against the glass counter. "Bro, they all look the same to me."

I turned to him with a look of utter disbelief. "No, they don't! Look at this one-the diamond is set deeper into the band, it's got this vintage feel. And this one-see how the light hits it? That sparkle, man. It's different."

Pond rolled his eyes with the weight of someone who had clearly reached the end of his patience. "Dude, if you don't like my selection, why'd you drag me here? You could've tortured yourself alone. I am so done. Two hours, Joong. Two. Freaking. Hours."

I laughed softly, the sound more nervous than amused. "Calm down. This is a huge moment. I need it to be perfect. I want him to look at it and know, without a doubt, how much I love him."

Pond let his head fall back, groaning theatrically. "It's not like I have any other choice, huh? Stuck in jewelry hell with my love-struck best friend."

I smiled, ignoring the jab. My fingers brushed over another ring-simple, elegant, and classic. But still, it didn't feel right. I was starting to think maybe I'd never find it. That maybe the perfect ring only existed in my imagination.

And then-I saw it.

A subtle shimmer caught my eye, drawing me to a small velvet box nestled in the back of the display. I asked the clerk to take it out, and the moment I held it in my hand, I knew. My breath hitched. It wasn't flashy or overly ornate-just a clean, timeless design with a single diamond that sparkled like it held a secret. Like it knew something about love.

"This one," I whispered, almost reverently. "This is the one."

Pond perked up at my tone. "Wait-really? We're done?"

"Let's go!" I said, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning, cradling the box like it was the most precious thing in the world.

He sighed in relief and threw his hands up. "Thank God! I thought I'd grow old in here watching you have an emotional crisis over gemstones."

But I wasn't listening anymore. My mind had already drifted away, painting a vivid picture in my head. I could see Dunk's eyes widen in surprise, hear his breath catch, feel his hands tremble as I knelt down and opened the box. I imagined the way his smile would break through the shock, how he'd laugh through his tears, whispering "yes" in that soft voice that always melted me.