7 Minutes In Heaven (SUNGHOON)

20: Beginning Again

The campus was buzzing with excitement and pride. It was graduation day, and the air was thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers. The once-familiar grounds of our university had transformed into a vibrant sea of colors, thanks to the countless banners and decorations celebrating the occasion.

I stood near the grand stage, my cap and gown feeling slightly heavy, but the weight of the day felt even heavier with the swirl of emotions I was experiencing. Sunghoon and I had made it through college together, side by side, navigating the highs and lows of university life. Today was supposed to be a day of celebration, but my heart was racing with a mixture of excitement and nerves.

I glanced around, spotting familiar faces. Our friends, family, and classmates were gathered, their voices a murmur of excitement and anticipation. Sunghoon's family was present as well, his father looking proud and relaxed, a stark contrast to the man I'd seen years ago, weighed down by pressures and expectations.

As the ceremony progressed, the names of graduates were announced one by one. Each name was met with applause and cheers, and I could hardly believe that it was finally our turn to walk across the stage. The moment was bittersweet, marked by the joy of accomplishment and the sadness of parting from the place where we had forged so many memories.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the campus. As the ceremony drew to a close, I felt a hand gently brush against mine. I turned to see Sunghoon standing beside me, his face illuminated by the soft light. His expression was a mix of happiness and nervous anticipation.

"You did great today," he said softly, his voice just above a whisper. "I'm really proud of you."

I smiled, feeling a surge of affection. "Thanks. You did too. It's hard to believe we're finally graduating."

Sunghoon's gaze lingered on mine, and there was a look in his eyes that I couldn't quite place. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you. I wanted to do it today because it feels... special."

Before I could respond, Sunghoon reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. My heart skipped a beat as he opened it to reveal a delicate, silver bracelet. The intricate design caught the light, shimmering softly.

Sunghoon took a deep breath, his gaze meeting mine with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Eunju, over these past three years, I've realized how much you mean to me and how important it is to hold onto the moments that matter."

My breath caught in my throat, and I felt a lump form as I tried to process his words. Sunghoon's hand trembled slightly as he held out the bracelet.

"I know things haven't always been easy, but I want to be with you. I want to build a future together, starting now. Will you... be my girlfriend?"

The world seemed to stop as his words sank in. The crowd around us faded into the background, leaving just the two of us in our own little bubble. The soft fragrance of flowers and the warm, gentle breeze created an almost surreal atmosphere.

I looked at the bracelet, feeling its cool, smooth surface against my fingers as I took it from him. Sunghoon's hand lingered near mine, his touch light and reassuring. I could feel the warmth radiating from him, the sincerity in his eyes making my heart swell.

"I... I don't know what to say," I stammered, my voice trembling slightly. "This is so unexpected."

Sunghoon's expression softened, and he gently took my hand, his touch sending a pleasant shiver up my arm. "You don't have to say anything right away. I just wanted you to know how I feel and that I'm here for you, no matter what."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him, seeing the depth of his emotions. The weight of our shared experiences, the highs and lows, and the bond we had formed over the years felt like it was culminating in this moment.

"I... I would love to," I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've been hoping for something like this, but I didn't know if it was ever going to happen."

Sunghoon's face lit up with a relieved and happy smile. He gently clasped the bracelet around my wrist, his fingers brushing against my skin with a tenderness that made my heart ache with affection.

"I'm glad," he said softly. "We've been through so much together, and I can't wait to see where we go from here."

As the sun set completely, casting a deep orange glow across the sky, we stood together, the weight of our shared journey and the promise of the future hanging in the air. The excitement of graduation and the joy of this new chapter in our lives created a perfect harmony.

Hand in hand, we rejoined our friends and family, the bracelet a symbol of our commitment and the start of a new adventure. The evening was filled with celebration, laughter, and the warm glow of hope for what lay ahead.