Secret Admirer

38. Poolside proposal

Kayu sank into the soft cushions of the lounging chair, letting out a contented sigh as his gaze fell on the serene swimming pool in front of him. 

The water glimmered faintly under the soft glow of the outdoor lights, rippling gently in the evening breeze. 

This spot was his favorite at Ciro's place—not just because of his love for water but also for the unobstructed view of the night sky. The stars were already beginning to appear, scattered like tiny diamonds across the velvet canvas above.

Tonight, the pool area felt even more tranquil. After an emotional farewell at the office, he and Ciro had come straight here. 

The thought of spending the evening together, away from prying eyes and noisy coworkers, brought Kayu a deep sense of relief.

The quiet sound of footsteps made him turn his head. Ciro was approaching, carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses. Kayu's lips curled into a smile as he recognized the label on the bottle.

"Is that what I think it is?" Kayu asked, sitting up slightly.

Ciro chuckled as he reached the small table beside Kayu's chair. "The very same," he said, placing the glasses down and holding the bottle up for emphasis.

Kayu let out a soft laugh. "I thought you said you would never open that. Isn't this the 'treasure' you have been saving for years?"

Ciro shrugged casually, though there was a fondness in his eyes. "Well, tonight feels like the right time."

Kayu leaned back, his smile widening. "There is nothing better than good wine to conclude a day like this."

Ciro sank into the chair beside him, setting the bottle on the table. He leaned toward Kayu, his tone playful. "Or maybe, there is a little thief I caught eyeing this bottle for days."

Kayu feigned offense, crossing his arms as he pouted. "Me? A thief? I haven't stolen anything!"

Ciro's smirk deepened as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Are you sure about that? Because you have already stolen something very important."

Kayu raised an eyebrow, his mock frown deepening. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Ciro's expression softened as he looked into Kayu's eyes. "My heart."

The cheesy line hung in the air for a moment before Kayu groaned, pushing Ciro lightly on the shoulder. "Ho, Khun Ciro. You are getting cheesier by the day, you know that?"

Ciro's laugh was warm and unguarded as he reached for the bottle of wine. "And yet, you are still here," he said, popping the cork with practiced ease.

He poured the deep red liquid into both glasses, handing one to Kayu and keeping the other for himself. They clinked their glasses together in a quiet toast, the sound crisp and clear in the stillness of the night.

Kayu brought the glass to his lips, taking a small sip before swirling the wine gently, savoring its aroma. 

Over the years, he had grown to appreciate fine wines—a skill he had picked up during his time as Ciro's secretary. 

Ciro's love for wine was legendary, and his collection was extensive. At first, Kayu had learned about wine as part of his job, accompanying Ciro to wine-tasting events and business dinners. But over time, his interest had become genuine.

He smiled to himself as he took another sip, the memories of those early days playing in his mind. Back then, he had been focused solely on proving himself as a competent secretary. He had never imagined that those days would lead to this—sharing a quiet evening with Ciro as his partner.

"What's that smile for?" Ciro asked, leaning back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Kayu.

"Just thinking about the past," Kayu admitted, his voice soft. "Those wine-tasting events, learning about wine... I have come a long way since then."

Ciro's lips curved into a knowing smile, but he didn't press further. Instead, he tilted his head back to look at the stars. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the night wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

Eventually, Ciro broke the quiet. "So," he began, his tone casual, "what are your plans now? You have resigned. What is next for Kayu?"

Kayu hesitated, biting his lip. The answer had been on his mind for weeks, but saying it aloud felt daunting. He glanced at Ciro, unsure how his boyfriend would react.

"I... I want to travel," Kayu said finally. His voice was quiet but firm. "I have always loved the idea of exploring new places, seeing the world. But with work—well, the only traveling I ever did was for business trips."

Ciro nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "That makes sense," he said. "You have worked hard. You deserve to go wherever you want."

Kayu let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. But before he could relax completely, Ciro added, "But only after you marry me."

Kayu froze, his eyes snapping to Ciro's face. "What?"

Ciro met his gaze calmly, though there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.

Kayu's breath caught as Ciro opened it, revealing a pair of rings nestled inside. The neither of the rings inside were the one Ciro had brought for Aya and had given to Kayu after breakup. It was a whole new pair.

The larger ring had a simple, elegant design, while the smaller one held a central, star-shaped diamond. On the inner side of each ring were tiny engravings—a half-moon on one and a quarter-moon on the other, symbolizing the moons on their respective birthdays.

Kayu's hands trembled as he reached for the box, his eyes filling with tears. "Khun Ciro..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Ciro's voice was steady but soft as he repeated the question. "Kayu, will you marry me?"

Kayu felt a tear slide down his cheek as he stared at the rings, their intricate design taking his breath away. He knew what the engravings meant—the moons on the days they were born, a subtle but deeply personal touch that only Ciro could have thought of.

"Yes," Kayu said, his voice choked with emotion. "Yes, I will marry you."

Ciro's shoulders relaxed, a smile breaking across his face as he took the smaller ring from the box. He gently slid it onto Kayu's finger, the diamond catching the light. Kayu picked up the larger ring, his fingers still shaking, and placed it on Ciro's hand.

Ciro leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to Kayu's forehead. "I love you," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth.

Kayu wrapped his arms around Ciro, holding him tightly. "I love you too," he whispered back.

They stayed like that for a long moment, the world around them fading away. The stars above sparkled brighter, as if celebrating the new chapter they had just begun together.

✨✨✨THE END✨✨✨