Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 54

The Last Sunset Together

When Aen woke up, she had a terrible headache, and Yoongi took good care of her, quietly bringing her water and medicine until the room stopped spinning.

Before they could head out for the day’s activities, they sat down for a quick breakfast.

The house was quieter now that the birthday guests had cleared out, but the air was thick with the scent of garlic rice and leftover lechon.

​As Aen reached for her mug of Milo, her mother’s eyes caught the flash of silver on her ring finger.

Her mom nudged her sister, and the two shared a knowing, silent look before her mother finally spoke up.

​"Aen-ah," her mom started, nodding toward her hand.

"Nindot lagi kaayo nang imu sing-sing. Kagabie pako kabantay ana ba. Lamang arang man kabanha mangutana."her mom asked, her voice low but curious.

[Translation : ​"That ring of yours is really beautiful. I’ve noticed it since last night, but it was too loud to ask you about it."]

​"Lagi, Te. Kagabii pa ko kita ana pud, unsa diay na siya." her sister added with a mischievous grin.

​[Translation: "True, Sis. I saw that last night too; what is that exactly?"]

Nearby, her father looked up from his plate.

He didn't say a word, but his eyes were sharp.

He looked first at the ring on Aen’s hand, then up at her face, searching her expression.

Then, slowly, his gaze shifted to Yoongi, finally landing on Yoongi’s own hand resting on the table.

He saw the matching band.

He didn't offer a comment—he just took a slow sip of his coffee, his silence speaking volumes.

​Aen froze for a second, her heart skipping a beat.

Beside her, she felt Yoongi shift, sensing the sudden change in the room’s energy even if he didn't understand the words.

He looked between the three of them, his brow furrowed in confusion.

He could tell the topic was serious by their expressions, but the rapid Bisaya left him completely clueless.

He leaned closer to Aen, whispering in Korean, "Everything okay, Jagi?"

Aen bit her lip, suppressing a chuckle at his worried face.

She realized she couldn't keep them in suspense in two languages.

She switched back to English so Yoongi could be part of the conversation.

​"It’s a promise ring, Ma," Aen said, her voice steady but soft.

She stole a quick glance at Yoongi, who offered a small, supportive nod.

"Yoongi gave it to me as a gift yesterday... a promise for our future."

The realization hit Yoongi then, and he sat up a little straighter, reaching under the table to find Aen's hand.

He didn't need a translation for the pride in her voice.

​Her sister leaned in, a playful but curious smirk on her face.

"A promise, huh? It looks like a very serious promise, Sis."