Grian led Fatima to the middle of the ballroom. It feels like the world around them stopped as if it’s just the two of them there. It’s like a dream come true for Grian, the woman he’s been longing for is standing right in front of him in a beautiful red dress, ready for a dance. It feels surreal but it’s finally happening.
When the music started, the people around them started dancing while they stood still and looked each other in the eyes. “You look so beautiful tonight, Fatima,” he said in a low tone and she smiled while blushing. Good thing it’s not that noticeable because of the blush from the makeup she’s wearing.
“You’re looking fine as well,” she said while looking down. He held her chin and lifted it so she could see his face. “My eyes are up here,” he said with a smirk and she wrinkled her nose.
“Everyone else is dancing, shall we?” he asked and she nodded. He slowly wrapped his hand around her waist while she awkwardly put her arms around his neck. She was looking away as they swayed side to side. He grinned while looking at her. “Nervous, aren’t we?” he whispered while smirking and she pouted.
“Shut up,” she replied, making him chuckle.
“Have I already told you that you’re looking very beautiful?” he asked and she rolled her eyes before nodding.
“Way too many times,” she said and he chuckled again. They continued dancing to the slow music as some cameras focused on them. She felt a bit camera shy but kept her cool for Grian. They’re dancing and she doesn’t want to ruin the moment by nervously complaining.
As they continued to dance, more cameras flashed. “I hope I don’t look ugly in those pictures they’re taking,” Grian joked and she chuckled. A few more minutes went by until Grian stopped dancing.
“Come on, let me show you something,” he said and her eyebrow raised. He let go of her waist and instead held her hand and started pulling her elsewhere. They passed by the guests and cameras before they reached outside. Now, the two of them are alone. “It’s dark here, where are we even going?” Fatima asked as she looked around. It’s hard to see anything because of how dark it was but he continued walking.
Once he stopped, she almost bumped into him. He held her shoulder and pointed at something in front of them and her face was puzzled. “It’s darkness,” she said in a deadpan tone. He smirked before everything lit up.
Her eyes widened and her lips parted after every light turned on. In the middle of the garden, there’s a table under some sort of roof above it with fairy lights attached. The table has a white cloth surrounding it while the chairs are covered in gold paint and have a cushion. She stared at it in shock and blinked a couple of times.
“Is this-“
“All for you,” he said before leading her to the table. She looked around, mesmerized. He led her to a chair and pulled it for her. She sat down while still looking around. “You did all this?” she asked and he nodded with a smile.
“Well, there was a little help but.. yeah, pretty much,” he said before scratching his neck. He started playing soft music in the speaker that was set up before sitting down in front of her while admiring her beauty.
“But why?” she asked before looking at him.
“Hmm?” he asked before resting his head on his hand that’s leaning on the table.
“Why do all of this?” she asked while she blinked slowly as their eyes locked. He smiled before breathing heavily. “I think you already know the answer to that question, Fatima,” he answered and her breath stiffened. Her lips parted and they both know what she’s thinking.
“I don’t,” she answered, wanting it to come from him. She already has an idea but she wants it to come from him. He instead smiled before opening the food that was covered by silverware. “Let’s eat first,” he said and she looked at him before looking down at the food presented. She breathed heavily and clenched her jaw. Her heart beats rapidly the more this goes on. A feeling she only felt for Christopher back in college.
The food that was on the table was steak, mashed potatoes, and two small cakes for side dishes. Fatima grabbed the knife and fork and so did Grian. She tasted the food first and was delighted by how tasteful it was. “Impressive,” she said and he smiled before he took a bite as well.
“Don’t you need to make another speech and talk to the guests?” Fatima wondered and he cheekily smiled.
“They’re eating right now, I’ll be doing the speech later. Everything is taken care of inside,” he explained and she nodded. She looked to the right and saw fireflies. She looked to the left and saw more fireflies. The place looks magical.
“It’s pretty here,” she said and he nodded.
“And you’re-“
“Yeah, I already know. I’m prettier,” she answered before rolling her eyes and he chuckled.
While they continued eating, Grian looked below the table which confused her. A couple of seconds later, he looked up at Fatima. He lifted his arm and she saw a white paper bag. She raised an eyebrow and he handed it to her. “What is it?” she asked and he shrugged. She grabbed the bag and looked inside and saw a black box. She grabbed it and placed the bag down.
“Before you open it, let’s dance first,” Grian said and she looked up and raised an eyebrow. He stood up from his seat and approached her and offered his hand. She grabbed his hand as she stood up and he made the music louder.
They went beside the table as they danced in the middle of the fireflies at night while the music was the only thing they heard except for the sound of the wind and the sound of the creatures of the night.
His arm was wrapped around her waist while she had her arms around his neck as they danced while looking at each other. “Have I told you that you look handsome?” she asked slyly and his cheeks began burning in an instant and she chuckled. Looks like he can’t take a compliment that well considering how he looked like a ripped tomato.
“When I confessed to you more than 7 years ago or something, did you take it seriously?” he asked, getting all serious all of a sudden. She looked up and blinked a couple of times before pursing her lips. “I didn’t. I was in a relationship back then, and he was your friend.” He nodded and she eyed him.
“Why?” she asked and he looked her in the eyes.
“If I confess to you right now, will you take me seriously now?” he asked and her eyes widened and she tried to stop dancing but he continued while looking at her eyes. This reminds her of the time he confessed when she was getting interviewed. She already blocked that in her mind but now it’s coming back.
“I—I’m not sure..” she murmured and looked down as her heart started beating faster and faster by the moment.
“Fatima,” he called out and she looked up. They stopped dancing and he grabbed one of her hands and placed it on his chest. She looked at her hand before looking back up at him. They were both silent as she felt his heart beating rapidly.
“Apart from the speech I prepared for the people, I also prepared a special speech for you,” he uttered and she couldn’t say anything but just stare at him.
“You were a good friend, back in college and until now. You were there for me, for him, and was the sweetest person I’ve met. You had something that I was looking for.
Everything about you intrigues me, it makes me feel some sort of way that I really couldn’t understand way back. When I did realize, it was too late. Someone else already got your heart and it crushed mine,” he explained.
“Grian-“ she tried speaking as she stared at him with her lips parted.
“Now, I found you again. After almost a decade, you’re back. I thought I already stopped longing for you but I didn’t. I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to be with you this time around again but it turns out.. there may be a chance. Well, it’s up to you to decide anyway. I’d like to say that I had deep feelings for you. And even after years, I still do.” He took a deep breath as her hand felt his heart beat faster.
“My heart beats for you, Fatima Mendez,” he whispered. He grabbed the black box and opened it as she stood there in silence. She looked down at the box and saw it was a ring.
“This is a promise ring. If you accept my feelings, I assure you that I will take care of you, be there for you, and treat you the best I can. I’ll make sure to make you the happiest woman alive,” he explained and took out the ring and grabbed her hand as she stared at him dumbfounded.
“So, Fatima. Will you be my girlfriend?” he asked and she didn’t answer.
After a couple of seconds, he was getting nervous. “Fatima?” he asked anxiously.
She wrapped her hand around her neck and just like that, she kissed him on the lips. His eyes widened but soon kissed her back and wrapped his arm around her waist as they continued kissing each other.