Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin

Chapter 54: The Proposal

The days leading up to Wonbin's proposal felt like an emotional rollercoaster for Juhee. His behavior had shifted dramatically-one moment he was affectionate and playful, and the next, he was distant and lost in thought. Juhee couldn't shake the feeling that something was troubling him. It was as if a wall had gone up between them, leaving her longing for the connection they once shared.

She tried to reach out to him, asking about his day or suggesting a movie night, but he often deflected, offering only vague responses. "Just busy with work," he'd say, flashing her a reassuring smile that never quite reached his eyes. Each interaction felt heavier than the last, and she could sense he was holding something back. But every time she pressed, he would retreat further into his shell.

Finally, Wonbin suggested they go to the beach one afternoon. "How about we take a little trip?" he asked, trying to mask the tension with a casual tone.

Juhee agreed, her heart fluttering with anticipation and a hint of anxiety. She hoped that some fresh air and time together could break through the barrier that had formed between them. The drive was filled with a heavy silence, only broken by the sound of the radio playing softly in the background. Juhee's heart raced as she tried to make conversation, but Wonbin seemed distant, staring out the window as if searching for something far away.

Upon reaching the beach, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the sand. Juhee felt a rush of nostalgia wash over her-this was a place filled with happy memories, yet today it felt tainted by uncertainty. They set up their blanket in a quiet spot, but Wonbin's focus remained elsewhere, his mind clearly preoccupied.

As they walked along the shore, Juhee's frustration bubbled beneath the surface. "Wonbin, what's going on? You've been so distant lately. It's like you're here but not really here," she said, her voice tinged with desperation.

He turned to her, his eyes filled with a mix of regret and sorrow. "I'm sorry, Juhee. I just... I don't know how to say what I need to say."

Her heart pounded, and she felt tears prick her eyes. "You're scaring me. Just talk to me! I thought we were in this together."

He stopped walking, taking a deep breath as he struggled to find the right words. "I've been thinking about us, about everything we've been through. And I just-" He hesitated, the weight of his emotions heavy in the air between them.

"Wonbin," Juhee urged, stepping closer, desperate to break through his wall. "Please don't shut me out."

He ran a hand through his hair, his expression tormented. "I know I've been avoiding you, and I'm sorry. It's just... I've been scared. Scared of losing you, scared of what the future holds."

The raw honesty in his words made Juhee's heart ache. "You're not going to lose me, but you have to let me in."

In that moment, the sun began to set, the sky exploding into vibrant colors, mirroring the storm of emotions inside them. Wonbin's expression shifted, determination taking over. "Juhee, I can't imagine my life without you. I've realized that I don't want to live a day without you by my side."

With that, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. Juhee's breath caught in her throat as he knelt down on one knee, the world around them fading into a blur. "Will you marry me?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion. "You're the love of my life, and I want to spend forever with you."

Tears streamed down Juhee's cheeks as she processed the moment-the overwhelming love and vulnerability in his eyes. "Yes! Yes, of course, I will!" she cried, her heart bursting with joy.

Wonbin slipped the ring onto her finger, and as he stood up, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly as if fearing he might disappear. "I was so afraid you'd say no," he admitted, his voice muffled against her hair.

Juhee pulled back to look into his eyes, her heart racing. "I could never say no to you. You mean everything to me."

As they stood on the beach, surrounded by the fading light of the sunset, it felt as though time had stopped. The distance that had plagued them melted away, replaced by a profound understanding and connection. They had navigated through the storm, and now, standing together, they were ready to embrace a new chapter-one filled with love, hope, and a promise for the future.

With the ocean waves crashing gently behind them, Wonbin brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and whispered, "I love you, Juhee. More than words can express."

Juhee smiled through her tears, feeling the warmth of the moment wrap around them like a cozy blanket. "I love you too, Wonbin. Always."

Hand in hand, they stood there, united, as the sun dipped below the horizon, marking the beginning of their forever.