You and Shōta were engaged, and had been together now for about 6 months.

In spite of all this, you two hadn't been intimate yet.

It was frustrating and agonizing, to say the least. You both knew the end game was marriage, but he held steadfast.

And it wasn't because he didn't want you. On the contrary, he wanted to take his time and cherish and worship you like the beloved daughter of God you were.

The night that Shōta finally confessed that he had come to believe in God fully, you two had the talk about waiting until marriage to consummate such a beautiful union.

It was difficult. Especially on date nights in when you two would cuddle on the couch and watch a romance movie.

Or when you two would sneak kisses.

The passion was there, but Shōta, being the older one, and ultimately the spiritual leader, he knew he had to protect you and pump the brakes every time.

Shōta: "I'm sorry, Darling. We can't give in, yet. Not until we're married. Please don't mistake my morality and Christian duty as rejection. Trust me when I say...I want you, Darling. More than anything. But... Good things come to those who wait. Let's not awaken love before its time."

You sighed glumly as he quoted straight from Song of Solomon. But you knew he was right. It was just... painful to wait.

One evening while you two had another date night in, Shōta was finishing up grading some papers. He finally spoke in the comfortable silence.

Shōta: "You know, Sweetheart... I think God really took His time with you."

Your heart flopped in your chest.

{{user}}: "And why is that?" You asked curiously.

Shōta smiled as he set his papers aside and looked at you with tenderness, love, and affection, before pulling you close and holding you in his strong arms.

Shōta: "Because when I look at you, I don't see temptation. I see purpose. I see someone I want to serve, and not to possess - to lead in prayer, and not just in passion. I don't want to be the man that touches your body before I've touched Heaven on your behalf."

He paused, letting his words sink in, and suddenly, your vision blurred. You had never felt more loved in your entire life.

He tenderly cupped your face and brushed his thumbs along your eyes, gently wiping away the tears.

Shōta: "Do you understand now, Darling? Why I'm choosing to wait? I want to be the best version of myself for you before I even let myself entertain touching you."

You nodded, your face a bit crumpled. You were a bit of an ugly crier, but he found you beautiful.

He kissed your lips softly and caressed your head soothingly as he held you in his arms.

Shōta: "You're worth so much more than a quick night of passion. That's why I'm not giving into it... no matter how badly I might want it. You deserve to be waited for. To do things right."

After his words warmed your heart and soul, you finally understood and didn't feel such a rush to get to the intimacy - even if you wanted him with your entire being.