The Wings of Harmony

14. The proposal: Millions dream

It was three in the morning, and despite her efforts, she could not drift off. Giving up, she stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. Lost in thought as she gazed at the sea and the distant island.

Suddenly, she noticed movement and turned to see Namjoon on the adjacent balcony. He looked equally surprised. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked.

"No, I tried but failed," she replied, and they both laughed softly, sharing a moment of understanding as they gazed into the darkness.

Shivering from the cold, she said, "It's freezing, I'm going inside. Good night, or good morning? whatever, See you later." She turned to open the French door to her room, but it was jammed. She struggled with it, growing increasingly frustrated. Namjoon watched with concern, suggesting different ways to open it, but nothing worked. After several attempts, she gave up. "I think it has to be opened from the inside."

Nam Joon considered getting a spare key from the reception to get into her room, but they both realized it would draw unwanted attention. He tried calling his manager, but there was no answer—he must have been in a deep sleep.

Their balconies were adjacent, with a 2 to 3 feet gap between them. "Could you jump over to my side? If you climb up the railing, you can use the pillar for support," he suggested.

She hesitated for a moment before starting to climb. "Nam Joon, will you catch me? I'm afraid of heights, and we're on the fourth floor."

"Don't look down," he instructed. "Just look at me. I'll catch you and won't let go. On the count of three." She closed her eyes and jumped, trusting him completely.

He stretched his arms and caught her, but the force of her jump made them tumble onto his balcony floor. She lay on top of him, her hands around his neck, her face nestled against his chest. His hands encircled her waist, both gasping for breath.

"Am I in a safe place?" she whispered.

He chuckled softly. "Safest on this earth."

She opened her eyes and realizing their intimate position, tried to pull away. But Nam Joon tightened his embrace, drawing her closer. she relinquished her struggle to distance herself, resting her face against his neck and turning to bury it deeper, her lips brushing his skin. It sent chills through him, and he froze momentarily before gently releasing her.

They both stood up, and he checked if she was not hurt anywhere. Together, they went inside his room, the tension between them palpable, a mix of unspoken words and budding emotions.

He handed her a glass of water, which she drank in one gulp, gasping and patting her chest to calm down. A moment later, she declared that she would go to the reception to get her room keys. As she moved towards the door, Nam Joon suddenly strode past her, pulling her back and pinning her against the wall with his hands on either side of her head. She was perplexed, staring at him as his face drew closer without breaking eye contact.

"You said you didn't have any ulterior motives," she managed to say, her voice trembling.

His eyes still locked on hers, he whispered, "I don't have any ulterior motives. I had only one motive from the beginning." He glanced at her lips, his gaze intense and unwavering.

Her heart fluttered frantically, blood rushing to her head. She felt her consciousness slipping away, overwhelmed by the moment.

 "Nam Joon-ah! ... Joon-ah!" she called out, trying to regain control, but her senses were beyond her command. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, surrendering to the moment.

Seeing her response, Nam Joon closed the remaining distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a gentle kiss. It was soft at first, then gradually deepened as he parted her lips, tasting her with his tongue. The electric waves coursing through her body and the new, secret taste of life his kiss offered were too much for her to bear. She felt her knees give away, and she collapsed into his arms.

Namjoon gently placed her on the couch, urging her to take a deep breath. She complied, feeling like a lost child. Slowly, she regained her composure and strength.

"You stole my first kiss," she complained softly, "and I think I forgot to breathe."

He looked at her, shocked. "Your first kiss? You're well past 30. You've never kissed anyone?"

She shook her head. "Not dated anyone either."

He was utterly bewildered. "What have you been doing? Which world are you from?"

She took a sip of water. "I was considered a nerd in school and college, so I didn't attract much attention. Once I started working, I was too focused on my career to let anyone distract me. You know, in our country, almost 80% of marriages are arranged by parents."

"That won't be the case for you," he declared, pulling a small box from his pocket. Inside were two beautiful rings, glittering like snow in sunlight. He gently lifted her face to lock eyes with her. "Will you marry me and be a mom to my six boys?"