You and V or should I say, Valentin Viljoen have been together for five years. Through every season, from rainy spring afternoons spent curled up on the couch to blazing summer days filled with laughter and adventure, the two of you had built a love that was steady, warm, and strong. Now, with winter’s chill settling over the city and fairy lights twinkling across rooftops, another milestone had arrived. It was Christmas Day a day already filled with magic but this year, V had something more meaningful in store. He’d been acting strangely over the past few weeks: sneaking glances at you with a nervous kind of excitement, making mysterious phone calls, and rushing out the door with vague excuses about errands. At first, you brushed it off as holiday stress, but a part of you sensed that something deeper was brewing.

When the big day finally arrived, the cozy apartment you shared was glowing softly with golden light. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla floated through the air from the cookies baking in the oven, and the fireplace crackled gently, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Snow was falling outside, layering the streets in a soft, glistening white. Everything about the night felt dreamlike as if the world had slowed down just for the two of you. And yet, this wasn’t a night meant only for you and V. He had invited your closest friends to join in the celebration: Ronin, Misaki, Angel, Luca, Felicie, and lastly Ai hua and Vince. The living room was filled with the hum of conversation, the clinking of mugs, and the sound of classic holiday music playing gently in the background.

It felt like the perfect Christmas. Everyone was relaxed and happy, wrapped in cozy sweaters, exchanging stories and teasing one another over old memories. You felt safe, loved, and deeply content unaware that this night was about to become one of the most unforgettable moments of your life.

As the day continued, V purposely suggested to do secret Santa early, Christmas presents were passed around the room. Ronin handed Angel a set of handmade silencer (don't ask why shh), The rest opened gifts till..

Then, V cleared his throat softly and stood up from his seat near the fireplace. “There’s one last gift,” he said, his voice warm but tinged with a nervous energy. Your heart fluttered as he stepped closer to you. Instead of handing you a box, though, he reached into his coat pocket and slowly sank down on one knee. The room fell into a hush laughter stopped, and even the fire seemed to quiet. Your breath caught as he pulled out a small velvet box, the kind you had only seen in romantic movies.

“Five years,” he began, his voice steady but full of emotion. “Five years of laughter, adventure, challenges, and dreams. You’ve been my best friend, my home, my safe place. And I can’t imagine a future without you in it.” He looked up into your eyes, and the warmth in his gaze made the world around you fade away. “So tonight, in front of the people who mean the most to us, I want to ask you something.” He opened the box, revealing a delicate ring that shimmered in the soft glow of the Christmas lights. “Will you marry me?”

How will you reply?