Extra Chapter 4

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It had been a few years since Yunjin and Kazuha first met in high school, their relationship growing from playful flirtations and heart-stopping moments to something deep and grounded in mutual respect and love. The days of uncertainty had long passed, replaced by an unwavering connection. Yet, time had also brought them challenges. Both now had demanding jobs, balancing the excitement of their careers with the ever-present weight of adult responsibilities. They didn't see each other as often as they used to, but when they did, the time felt even more precious, and the love between them only grew stronger.

To celebrate their anniversary, Kazuha had suggested a small vacation away from the bustling city. They were both used to the hustle, but sometimes, they needed to step away, to breathe, and to remind themselves of the spark that had brought them together. Yunjin had smiled at the idea. She loved spontaneous adventures with Kazuha, and this one felt like just the escape they both needed.

They had booked a small cottage by the sea, far enough from the city to make it feel like they were in a different world. The cottage was cozy, nestled near the edge of a cliff where the waves met the shore, crashing rhythmically against the rocks. There was a feeling of peace here, a sense of calm that neither of them had realized they had been craving.

The first night of their stay, they sat outside on the porch with a blanket draped over their shoulders, sipping wine under the stars. Kazuha leaned into Yunjin, her head resting on her shoulder, a small contented sigh escaping her lips. Yunjin smiled down at her, her fingers brushing through Kazuha's hair.

"This place is perfect," Kazuha murmured, her voice low, almost sleepy.

"Mm-hmm," Yunjin agreed, her hand gently stroking Kazuha's arm. She hadn't felt this relaxed in what felt like forever, and it was all thanks to the person next to her. "It is. But it's not the place that makes it perfect. It's you."

Kazuha looked up, meeting Yunjin's gaze. A soft blush crept up her neck, and she smiled shyly, but there was something more in her eyes—something that spoke of years spent together, the quiet moments and the loud, and everything in between. "You've really changed me, Yunjin. I never knew love could be like this. You make everything feel easy."

Yunjin's heart swelled with affection. Kazuha had always been the more reserved of the two, the one who didn't wear her emotions on her sleeve. But over the years, she had opened up, little by little, trusting Yunjin with all of her fears and desires. She had become a version of herself that she never thought she would be, and Yunjin was honored to be the one she trusted with it all.

"You make me feel like I can take on the world, Kazuha," Yunjin replied, her voice thick with emotion. She took Kazuha's hand in hers, twirling the ring on her finger. "I know I've always been the impulsive one, but you balance me. You make me want to be better."

Kazuha leaned up and kissed her softly, a kiss that was full of quiet promises. "We're in this together, right?"

"Always," Yunjin murmured, pulling her close again.

The next few days passed in a haze of joy and serenity. They spent their time exploring the nearby town, going on hikes along the cliffs, and stopping to take pictures of the stunning views. The weather was perfect, the sun bright and warm during the day, and the nights cool and perfect for cuddling under the covers.

On the last day of their vacation, Yunjin suggested they go on a final adventure, a walk through the nearby forest that led to a secluded beach. It wasn't something they had planned for, but Yunjin had found a small trail map in the cottage, and the thought of exploring it with Kazuha felt right.

The walk was peaceful, the only sounds being the occasional chirping of birds and the crunch of their footsteps on the forest floor. Kazuha was leading the way, her hand clasped tightly in Yunjin's. They walked in silence for a while, both of them content just to be with each other. But as they neared the edge of the forest, where the trees started to thin, Yunjin felt her heart race. She knew this moment was coming—she had planned it for weeks, and now, the time had finally come.

"Hey, Kazuha," Yunjin said softly, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

Kazuha turned to face her, a curious look on her face. "Yeah?"

Yunjin's heart pounded in her chest as she stopped in her tracks. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Kazuha's brow furrowed slightly, sensing the shift in her energy.

"I've been thinking about us... a lot," Yunjin continued, her voice shaky but filled with certainty. "About everything we've been through, everything we've built... and how much I want to keep building it with you."

Kazuha's eyes softened, her hand reaching out to gently touch Yunjin's cheek. "What are you trying to say?"

Yunjin took one more breath, then slowly got down on one knee, pulling a small velvet box from her pocket. The air seemed to still around them, and for a moment, Kazuha just stared at her, blinking in shock.

"I've never been this sure of anything in my life," Yunjin said, her voice steady now, filled with love and certainty. "Kazuha, will you marry me?"

Kazuha's breath caught in her throat, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. Tears welled in her eyes as she slowly sank to her knees in front of Yunjin, the emotions too much to contain. "Y-Yunjin, are you serious?"

Yunjin smiled, her heart swelling with relief and joy as she held the ring out to her. "I've never been more serious about anything. You're my person, Kazuha. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

Kazuha's hands trembled as she took the ring from Yunjin, her voice breaking as she finally whispered, "Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."

Yunjin slipped the ring onto Kazuha's finger, her eyes never leaving hers. They both laughed and cried in that moment, overwhelmed with happiness. The world felt so small and perfect around them, as if nothing else existed but the love they shared.

And in that moment, standing together in the forest with the ocean breeze in their hair and their hearts full, they knew that no matter what life threw their way, they would face it together. Forever.

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