THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Chapter 15: A Proposal Under the Stars

The weeks following their reunion were a whirlwind of joy and reconnection. Kristel and Kyou spent every moment they could together, rekindling their love and building a foundation for their future. They talked about their dreams, their hopes, and their fears, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

One evening, as they were strolling hand-in-hand through the park, Kyou stopped suddenly, his eyes sparkling with an uncharacteristic nervousness.

"Kristel," he said, his voice a soft whisper. "There's something I want to ask you."

Kristel's heart skipped a beat. She looked into his eyes, her heart filled with a mixture of anticipation and excitement. She knew that this moment was special, that something significant was about to happen.

Kyou took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "I've been thinking a lot about our future," he said. "About our journey, about our love, about our dreams."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Kristel's breath caught in her throat as she realized what was coming.

"Kristel," Kyou continued, his voice trembling slightly. "You're my everything. You're my best friend, my soulmate, my reason for being. I can't imagine my life without you. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

He opened the box, revealing a stunning ring, its diamond sparkling like a star in the twilight sky.

"Will you marry me, Kristel?" Kyou asked, his voice filled with love and hope.

Tears welled up in Kristel's eyes as she gazed at the ring, then at Kyou's face, his expression a mixture of nervousness and adoration. Her heart overflowed with happiness, with love, with a sense of completeness she had never experienced before.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, Kyou. A thousand times yes."

Kyou slipped the ring onto her finger, its sparkle reflecting the joy in both their eyes. He pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her in a loving embrace. They kissed, their lips meeting in a passionate embrace that sealed their promise of a lifetime together.

As they stood there, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, Kristel knew that their journey had just begun. Their love had been tested, their bond had been forged, and their future together was bright with promise. They had found their happily ever after, a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and commitment.