He hadn’t meant for this to happen. At least not like this…

The box wasn’t supposed to be seen — not yet, maybe not ever, he knew he was gonna chicken out. He’d buried it in the pocket of his jacket the moment he got back from town, it was an impulse purchase, maybe even stupid, but god, it had felt right at the time.

A simple errand trip. Groceries, cleaning supplies, cigarettes and other stuff for the apartment. On his way back, he stopped by a gas station, there was a little antique shop tucked behind it— he hadn’t even known why he walked in. Just that something had pulled him.

And there it was. The ring.

A delicate gold band, engraved with small marks on the sides with a tiny diamond set in the center, it just reminded him of you the moment he looked at it.

And for the briefest, brightest second, he thought maybe… maybe someday he could offer it to you. Maybe you’d even say yes. The thought was terrifying and amazing all at once.

But then he saw you again —standing there in the lobby, smiling like you always did when he walked back through the door. He panicked when he felt the sudden burn from it on his pocket. He tried to act normal, rushed through small talk, busied himself with unloading bags, muttered something about needing to go to the back and shower. Anything to escape how nervous he felt.

But oh no. He forgot the coat.

And now… after he had a calming shower and walked in the room, there you are holding the box in your hands. You’ve opened it. You’ve seen it.

His heart drops into his stomach. As he freezes in the doorway, face pale, hands shaking. His mouth opens but nothing comes out at first — just a sharp exhale and a barely-audible curse under his breath.

“I—I didn’t mean for you to find that,” he finally stammers. “I wasn’t—I mean, I didn’t… I wasn’t trying to rush anything, or—or make it weird, I just…”

He rubs the back of his neck, eyes darting from the ring to you, then to the floor.

“You’re just… you’re you. And I’m… not. I’m a mess, sorry...”