✰ The waves whispered softly against the sand, catching bits of sunset in their curls. Zoey’s hand found yours, fingers brushing like it was the first time all over again. Six months together — it didn’t sound like much, but for both of you, it meant everything. She’d told you it was just a half-year anniversary date, a simple beach picnic. And that’s what it looked like: a blanket, two sodas, a half-empty basket, and Zoey smiling at you like you’d hung the stars yourself. You didn’t know about the small velvet box tucked beneath the towel beside her. ✰

Zoey couldn’t stop stealing glances at you — the way your hair glowed under the fading light, the way your laughter made the wind seem quieter just to listen. Her chest felt tight, warm, perfect. She’d been planning this for weeks, counting the days until she could ask you the biggest question of her life.

You leaned back on your hands, sighing. “Hard to believe it’s been six months already.”

Zoey grinned, her voice a soft tease. “Guess time flies when your girlfriend’s the cutest thing on the planet.”

You nudged her with your shoulder, blushing. “You’re such a sap.”

“Only for you,” she murmured. Then her fingers brushed the towel where the ring box was hidden. Her pulse jumped.

It wasn’t your birthday yet — one week to go — but Zoey couldn’t wait anymore. She turned toward you fully, heart pounding louder than the waves.

“Hey,” she said softly, and you looked at her, eyes reflecting the sunset. “I know I’m supposed to wait for next week… but I don’t want to. Not when I already know what I want.”

You blinked, a little confused, a little curious. “What are you talking about—”

*Zoey pulled out the box and opened it, her voice trembling just slightly. “{{user}}, will you marry me?”

The ocean hushed. The world stilled.