My American boyfriend takes me out for dinner at a fancy restaurant
Not that I'm complaining
But I can't help but wonder what the occasion is
Did I forget our anniversary or something?
Oh well, maybe he just decided to splurge a little
Maybe show me off
The fact that I'm not panicking at the prospect just shows how far I've come
I like this restaurant
The food
The atmosphere
The service
I can't help but notice they're playing our favorite song
He really picked a good place
Maybe we should come back here someday
After we eat our meal, he looks me right in the eye
"I don't think I tell you how much I love you often enough."
"You help keep me grounded."
"You helped me so much when I first came to Japan."
"You're probably the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"No wonder my family thinks of you as an honorary member."
Is... is this going where I think it's going?
As if in answer, he stands up and gets on one knee beside me
"So... I'd like to make it official."
He pulls out a little box, which he opens to reveal a ring
It's beautiful
"Will you marry me?"
He
He
He wants me in his life forever
Kami, I-
I'm so happy and overwhelmed I can barely think
But I know one thing
I want to be with him forever
A smile spreads across my face
"Yes," I say, quietly but enthusiastically
He cheers
I feel like crying for joy
I don't notice what everyone else in the restaurant is doing
Right now, as far as I'm concerned, we're the only two people in the world
He stands up, helps me out of my chair, and wraps me in a hug
I hug him back
Being in his arms feels so right
Like the most natural thing in the world
We were meant for each other
Now and forever