Side Story Chapter 5
A little later, after leaving the beach, we headed to the nearby hotel we had reserved. When we opened the room door with the card key exchanged for guest information, a spacious reception room came into view.
While I knew that “you have to spend when it’s time to spend,” I had previously been unable to do so due to lack of money, but now I had become someone who could boldly do such things. It was natural that precious people were included in those “times to spend.”
Today’s hotel flex was one of those. There were ordinary rooms available, but since it was such a special day, I made up my mind and reserved an ocean view deluxe suite room. It was a monumental moment of spending the most money on accommodation reservation.
The room we entered like this was clearly worth the so-called money at first glance. The space was so spacious that it seemed wasteful for just two people to stay, and beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the beach that Song Ji-hyeok and I had just walked on spread out vastly.
Behind me, as I inwardly admired the wonderful scenery, Song Ji-hyeok’s voice was heard.
“Isn’t this too much of a strain?”
“I’m someone who can afford this much now.”
Though I’ll be on austerity measures for a while.
Looking at the clock, it was just past 4 PM. Since there was plenty of time until the 7 PM dinner reservation, I decided to rest my eyes on the bed for a moment.
True to being someone who could sleep just by resting my head, I quickly fell asleep. However, that time wasn’t very long. Usually once I fall asleep, I rarely wake up, but perhaps because I kept thinking about and worrying about dinner, my eyes opened on their own before the alarm went off.
Song Ji-hyeok was sitting next to me looking at his phone. Then, perhaps sensing movement, he turned his head toward me.
“You’re awake already? There’s still some time left.”
“My eyes opened on their own. Haaaam…”
After stretching fully, I also sat up. On Song Ji-hyeok’s phone, a mixed martial arts video was paused. It seemed like he had been awake the whole time.
“Didn’t you sleep at all?”
“No.”
“Why, you must have been tired from using energy.”
I joked in a calm tone while suppressing laughter. After reflexively asking “What?” for a moment, Song Ji-hyeok soon massaged his nape and even pretended to crack his neck from side to side.
“I was so tired that I couldn’t fall asleep. I shouldn’t have written the kid’s name at the end.”
At his innocent appearance, I was the first to laugh. Soon, habitually ruffling Song Ji-hyeok’s hair lightly created a pleasant sensation. We were playfully tussling and almost fell into a strange atmosphere, but thanks to the timely alarm, it came to an end for now.
Song Ji-hyeok, who had somehow trapped me between the bed and his body, made a deliberately regretful voice.
“Can’t we cancel the dinner reservation? I want to receive that reward you promised earlier right now.”
“No. We can’t.”
How much money, no, effort did I pour into today? Cancellation was absolutely unacceptable, so I quickly escaped from the danger zone and fled to the reception room.
Fortunately, whether it was a joke or not, Song Ji-hyeok didn’t cause any more trouble and obediently got on the elevator with me. Our destination was the restaurant inside the hotel.
The private room we were guided to was almost identical to what I had seen in photos. Like the guest room, it had an ocean view, a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and fresh flowers and candle decorations on the marble table below, giving off a distinctly event room atmosphere that anyone could see. Song Ji-hyeok couldn’t have failed to notice this either.
“What’s the occasion today?”
Since it was an expected question, I also answered innocently.
“Every day is special when I’m with you, Ji-hyeok.”
“…That’s nice…”
“Aren’t your words and expression too different?”
It had been a while since I saw Song Ji-hyeok make such a rotten smile in front of me. Well, if I were in the opposite position, I probably would have gotten goosebumps and rubbed my arms vigorously too.
“Excuse me.”
The door opened and two staff members appeared with a serving cart. Receiving one-on-one dedicated serving service, Song Ji-hyeok and I began our dinner.
As a result, the meal was very satisfying. The food was not only pleasing to look at but also perfectly suited to our taste. After a leisurely yet fulfilling dinner time with wine, only the long-awaited highlight remained.
I had simulated this countless times in my head, but now that the time had come, my heart was beating wildly. Whew, after dispelling the tension with a long exhale, I called Song Ji-hyeok.
“Ji-hyeok.”
“Yes.”
“Could you give me your hand for a moment?”
Without even asking why, Song Ji-hyeok stretched his arm toward me. It was complete trust conveyed through action. Thanks to this, I felt my heart swell anew as I began the event I had prepared. I gently grasped Song Ji-hyeok’s long, slender hand that resembled its owner, and carefully slipped the ring I had secretly taken out from under the table onto his ring finger.
The ring sparkled beautifully in the light. Song Ji-hyeok looked at the small but highly prominent ring on his ring finger, then slowly shifted his gaze toward me. His obviously surprised expression filled me with unnecessary pride.
“Senior, this…”
“It’s a couple ring. Will you put mine on for me?”
I handed Song Ji-hyeok the remaining ring along with its case. Song Ji-hyeok immediately took out the ring and slipped it onto my finger without any hesitation.
“Actually, I was thinking about this too, but I didn’t know you would prepare it first. Next time, I’ll also give you something wonderful as a gift.”
Soon Song Ji-hyeok’s gaze repeatedly turned to his own hand. True to his honest emotional expression, the signs of being moved by the surprise gift were clearly conveyed.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes. I like it so much that if you told me to die right now, I could open the window and jump out immediately.”
I almost flinched involuntarily at the fierce expression that contrasted with his happy face. Moreover, an unexpected worry quietly crept in.
If he’s this happy with just a ring, won’t he really open the window and jump out if I give him ‘that’?
Glancing sideways at the window, I was relieved to see it was a structure that didn’t open even a span. Inwardly sighing in relief, I took out the second gift I had prepared for today. When I took out the paper envelope sealed with snap buttons that I had secretly prepared in advance, Song Ji-hyeok’s gaze immediately followed.
“There’s one more gift.”
After unnecessarily glancing at the window once more, I handed Song Ji-hyeok the A4-sized envelope.
“Take it out.”
When the neatly inserted paper was revealed outside the envelope, Song Ji-hyeok’s pupils shook more violently than when he had just received the couple ring. At this reaction that didn’t deviate from expectations again, I smiled broadly.
The second gift I had prepared was the documents to be submitted when filing for domestic partnership registration. Moreover, the section for writing my personal information had all elements already filled in.
Now it was time for another confession.
“Will you fill in the remaining blanks and go submit it with me?”
“Of course!”
Simultaneously with his answer, Song Ji-hyeok bolted up from his seat. I was momentarily startled, thinking he might really go to the window, but fortunately, his steps headed toward me.
Song Ji-hyeok bent his waist and hugged me tightly. I hesitated at the sudden embrace, then smiled softly and gently patted his broad back.
What rushed in was relief. As I said, same-sex couples filing for domestic partnership registration was no different from filing for marriage registration. So I couldn’t help but worry ‘what if Song Ji-hyeok’s feelings had changed or he showed a troubled expression,’ but seeing him this happy finally put my mind at ease.
“Senior, really…”
Really?
“Really awesome.”
“Pfft. What’s that?”
“I’m so happy.”
Seeing him speak seriously without any laughter, Song Ji-hyeok seemed truly moved. Eventually, I tilted my head slightly and whispered quietly in his ear.
“Remember what I said at the beach earlier? You can look forward to the bed later too. I’ll make it amazing.”
“Crazy, I really love it.”
Feeling the warmth of him hugging me tightly again, I smiled broadly in emotions more overwhelming than ever. Contrary to my worries, my first proposal in life was a great success.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
