The Supernova Effect

Chapter 40 (Final)

Nova

I didn't hear the world anymore.

Not the soft buzz of the gallery lights overhead.
Not the muffled footsteps from the hallway behind us. Not the quiet murmurs of people drifting through the other rooms.

All I heard was his voice.

"Nova Desir... will you marry me?"

Daisuke. Kneeling. Holding a ring. Hands steady, eyes wide. His mouth just barely trembling.

My hand flew to my chest, as if it could slow the rush of my heartbeat.

"You're serious?" I whispered.

He gave a crooked, breathless nod.
"More than anything."

I dropped to my knees with him.

His face cracked into something between a laugh and a sob.

Tears stung my eyes — not from shock, but from how deeply right it all felt.

"Yes," I said first, breathless.
Then again, louder. "Yes. Of course I'll marry you."

He let out a sound that shattered quietly inside my chest relief, joy, disbelief all tangled into one breath.

I threw my arms around his neck and he caught me like he always did. Picked me up in a small, laughing spin.

His forehead pressed to mine and I could feel him shaking.

"I didn't think I'd get this far," he whispered.

"You're not done," I whispered back. "This is just the beginning."

He slid the ring onto my finger — a little crooked at first, his hands still trembling — but it didn't matter.

I'd wear it bent. Scratched. Scorched.
I'd wear it through fire if I had to.

His hand stayed on my waist. My fingers still tangled in his hair.

Behind us, I heard comtion I didn't realize was there berfore.

We turned.

And suddenly we weren't alone.

"Omg, Nova — you're getting married!"
Maria and Antonio was standing together, Antonio had his hand over his mouth, and Maria was snapping photos on her phone.

"You know you just raised the bar for the rest of us, right?" Antonio smirks.

Behind them were, Giselle, Giovanni, Andre, and Nahmari stood wide-eyed in the doorway, like they'd just stumbled into something sacred.

"I'm so happy for you guys," Giselle said, her voice thick, tears welling in her eyes.

"Yo, don't mess this up. We like her more than we like you." Andre smiles teasingly.

"That ring suits you, Nova. So does he." Nahmari smiles grabbing my hand.

"Wait, wait—" Darius pushed in behind them, pausing mid-step as his eyes caught the ring on my finger. Something complicated crossed his face — surprise, pride... maybe even peace.

"I didn't think you had it in you." He says giving a nod of approval to Daisuke.

Then a familiar voice cut through the chatter:

"Dear Lord, this is beautiful—"

My mom.

She pushed her way through the crowd, already reaching for me. "Let me see the ring."

I held out my hand. Her fingers closed around mine.

She stared at the ring for a second too long, then looked up at Daisuke with wide, assessing eyes.

"I liked you before," she said giddily, voice wobbling with emotion. "But now I think I love you."

My dad stood behind her, his arm around her waist. He chuckled. "I definitely like him."

Daisuke looked like he might die right there.
Blush rising. Shoulders tense. But he didn't let go of my hand.

If anything, he held it tighter.

"Alright," Giovanni said, raising his hand half-seriously. "Just putting it out there. I'm available to officiate. I've seen, like, three weddings and half an episode of Bridgerton."

The room laughed, just enough to break the tension.

I leaned into Daisuke, my voice low, "this isn't how I pictured telling everyone."

"Same," he murmured, squeezing my hand.
"But I think it's better this way."

•••

After all the congratulations and photos and chaotic joy, everyone began to trickle out. The gallery dimmed to a soft hush. The hum of vents and faint echo of footsteps were all that remained.

My heels were off, dangling in Daisuke's hand.

He sat beside me in front of the final painting. He hadn't said much since the whirlwind, and I didn't push.

He looked peaceful.

I stood slowly and fished my phone from the folds of my bag. He glanced up.

I didn't speak. Just tapped the screen.

"At Last" by Etta James poured gently from the gallery speakers.

Daisuke blinked.

"You're playing music?"

I shrugged.

"It's our exhibit. We get to close it how we want."

"Our?" he echoed, tilting his head.

I extended my hand.

"Come dance with me."

He stared at it like it might vanish. Then, slowly, he stood. Slipped his hand into mine.

No hesitation.

His other hand found the small of my back. I stepped into him easily. Familiar.

We swayed under the spotlight, the painted version of him watching us — whole and winged.

I rested my cheek against his shoulder.

"You're not allowed to vanish again," I whispered.

He pulled me closer.

"You'd find me if I did."

"You're right," I said. "I would."

"At last... my love has come along..."

I could feel his heartbeat against mine.

"You really think I can do this?" he whispered. "Be... someone better?"

I pulled back to look at him.

"No," I said softly. "Not better. Just... you. But this time... with love."

His throat moved like he was swallowing that whole.

We spun slowly, quiet and close, the stars in the painting flickering in the soft light. His wings no longer broken. Just wide. Waiting.

He whispered into my hair.

"Thank you... for bringing me back."

I didn't answer.

I just kissed him, slow and certain, and whispered back, " I never let you leave."