Through my eyes||Dino

-17-

The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and Sara stepped out into the quiet floor of the apartment complex. The usual sound of the members practicing and laughter echoing from open doors were absent. Tonight felt different, and Sara couldn't shake the feeling that something was waiting for her.

She glanced down the hall, her gaze catching the door to Chan's apartment. He hadn't mentioned anything specific when they spoke earlier, just that he had a "surprise" for her. He'd been acting a little strange since their kiss, but in a way that left her more curious than nervous.

When she reached  her apartment door, she hesitated, feeling the butterflies from earlier settle into her chest. The night had been calm, but something told her that the moment she stepped out of there, everything would change.

"Come up to the rooftop, Sara" the text had said. "It'll be worth it." She smiled to herself, already guessing where this might be going, but she had no idea how much care Chan had put into making it perfect. The elevator ride to the top was silent. The soft hum of the machinery was the only sound as she ascended.

When the doors opened, she was met by the cool, crisp evening air and the sight of dim, flickering lights strung across the rooftop. The space was empty, save for a table covered in candles, flowers, and a few decorative lanterns scattered around the edges. Chan had transformed the otherwise utilitarian rooftop into something magical. Soft ambient music drifted from a speaker tucked discreetly in the corner, and the city spread out before them in all its glory.

Sara stood frozen for a moment, her heart beating faster. It was like something out of a movie--completely unreal, yet undeniably real at the same time. A soft voice broke the spell. "You made it." Sara turned to find Chan standing by the edge of the roof, looking as casual as ever, but there was something different in his eyes. Something soft, almost nervous.

"Chan," Sara whispered, blinking at the scene in front of her. "This is--this is beautiful" He smiled, stepping forward with his hands in his pockets. "I wanted it to be just us. No distractions, no crazy fans, no cameras. Just you and me." He gestured toward the table. "Do you like it?"

She nodded, her chest full of emotion. "I love it. It's perfect." She paused, taking in the the flowers, the candles flickering in the cool breeze, and the lights that seemed to soften the space around them. "I don't deserve this."

Chans expression softened immediately, and he stepped closer, his eyes intense. ""You don't have to earn anything." He hesitated, then took her hand, leading her toward the table. "Sit with me"

Sara sat down at the small table, and Chan followed, settling across from her. There was a moment of silence, a quiet comfort in the space between them, and then Ethan leaned forward.

"I know this is all a little... unexpected," he started, his fingers brushing against the edge of the table nervously. "But I've been thinking about us, about you. And I wanted to make it clear. I don't want to rush anything but..."

His voice trailed off, and Sara found herself holding her breath, waiting for him to say what she was beginning to suspect. "But what?" She asked, her voice barely a whisper, her heart racing with hope and uncertainty.

He smiled. His eyes lighting up with warmth and sincerity. "But I like you. A lot. And I want to be with you. Like, really be with you. Not just a one-time thing. I want you to be my girlfriend, Sara. Will you be mine?"

Sara's breath caught in her throat, her pulse pounding in her ears. "I--I didn't think anyone could feel that way about me." Her chest tightened with a mix of joy and disbelief. For the first time in her life, someone truly wanted her.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll be yours, Lee Chan." A bright smile appeared across his face, before she could even react, he stood and gently pulled her into his arms, lifting her off the chair and spinning her around in a sudden joyous motion.

Sara laughed, her heart light, her fears melting away in the warmth of his embrace. When he set her down, he kissed her gently, a soft press of lips that spoke volumes--words neither of them needed. This was real. They were real.

"I'm so glad." He murmured against her lips, his hands resting on her waist. "You have no idea."
Sara rested her forehead against his, a sense of peace settling in her chest. She couldn't quite believe it, but the way he held her, the way he made her feel--like she was everything- was enough. "I think I'm starting to believe it." She whispered. He smiled again.

Just as the warmth of their shared moment settled with them, a sudden sound broke the stillness. It was a soft rustling noise l-- like footsteps trying to stay quiet but failing miserably. Chan pulled back slightly, his brows furrowing.

Sara tilted her head, glancing toward the corner of the rooftop, where a stack of crates was hidden in the shadows. The noise came again, this time more clearly--shuffling footsteps followed by a barely stifled giggle.

Chan's face went pale, his eyes narrowing. "NO. NO WAY"

To be continued...