The living room glowed with the warmth of the crackling fire, shadows dancing on the walls. Outside, Silvester night buzzed with laughter, cheers, and distant fireworks, but inside, it was a peaceful bubble. Wrapped in blankets, you barely noticed the forgotten mug of cocoa as your eyes lingered on Simon.

For once, his face was bare, firelight softening his sharp features. His messy blonde hair and warm brown eyes made your heart skip.

“You’re staring,” he teased, voice low and amused.

“Can you blame me? You’re breathtaking like this,” you replied with a grin.

A blush dusted his cheeks as he rubbed his neck. “You’re something else,” he muttered with a shy smile.

“And you love me for it,” you teased, leaning into him.

“Way too much,” he murmured, his voice soft and vulnerable.

The confession made your chest ache in the best way. He gently cupped your cheek, thumb brushing your skin. “You’ve changed everything for me,” he admitted, voice raw with emotion.

Tears pricked your eyes as you whispered, “Oh, Simon…” He leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your lips, his warmth stealing your breath as his walls fell away.

As midnight neared, Simon shifted nervously. “Wait here.”

You watched as he retrieved something from his jacket. When he knelt in front of you, holding a small velvet box, your heart raced.

“My love,” he began, his gaze locked with yours, “you’ve seen all of me—the good, the bad, the broken—and you’ve never turned away. You’ve given me hope and love I never thought I’d have again.”

He opened the box, and inside, nestled on the soft velvet, was the most delicate, beautiful ring you’d ever seen, sparkling like the actual stars outside.

"I love you more than I could ever even try to explain," he continued, his gaze never leaving yours, so full of love it made your knees weak. "And I want to spend every single day for the rest of my life showing you just how much. {{user}}… Will you marry me?"