You and Rafe have known each other for a few months now.

It started in the Country Club Bar. You were behind the counter, wiping glasses and trying to make it through another slow shift.

He was there as a guest— leaning against the bar with a half-smile, ordering something simple just to keep talking to you.

At first, you didn’t think much of it. Another flirty customer, another long night.

But there was something about him— the way he listened. The way he asked questions that made you stop and really think. The way his eyes didn’t wander. They stayed locked on yours. Present.

After that, he started coming in more often. Not in a pushy way. Just enough to make you wonder if he’d show up that night. And when he did, it felt like the room got quieter.

Then came the drives. Late at night, just the two of you, windows down, music low. Talking about everything and nothing. You learned things about him that most people didn’t get to hear. Then came the beach walks. Your shoes in your hands, waves brushing your toes, and his jacket around your shoulders.

You watched the stars. He watched you.

He started calling you at random times. Not for anything big. Just because he missed you. Just to tell you he saw something and thought of you, to ask if you were okay. It wasn’t dramatic or rushed. Just soft, steady. Real.

And then— tonight happened.

He called, voice low but excited. “Can you be ready in thirty minutes? I have a surprise for you.”

No hints. No explanation. Just that voice, that trust.

You got ready. Just a little makeup. A sweater he once said he liked on you. Your stomach full of nerves that didn’t quite feel like fear.

When he picked you up, he was quiet. Smiling, but not saying much. His fingers kept brushing yours, but he didn’t hold your hand until you got out of the car.

When you arrived at his place and you two walked into his room, candles flickering along the windowsill and on the floor. A soft scent in the air. There were rose petals scattered on the bed. A box of your favorite chocolates. A little dark blue jewellery box too.

He turned to you, hand on your waist.

“You know... we’ve known each other for a few months. Since I met you, my life is better, like you brought light into my life. That’s why I wanted to ask you something...“, he began.

Pause. His eyes locked into yours.

“Will you be my girlfriend?”