The Quiet Proposal
Read the storyPerfect — this one should be **very soft, very fluffy, very sincere**. After all the contracts, misunderstandings, jealousy, and chaos, the proposal should feel **simple and heartfelt**. Donghae doesn’t need grand theatrics anymore. Just the truth. Let’s end with sweetness. --- # Bonus Chapter — The Love of My Life The rumor had not gone away. If anything, it had gotten worse. Hyukjae stared at his phone. “…They think we’re engaged again.” Donghae looked up from the couch. “Again?” “Yes.” Hyukjae turned the screen. The headline was ridiculous. **“ENGAGEMENT CONFIRMED? LEE DONGHAE CALLS PARK HYUKJAE ‘THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.’”** Donghae blinked. “…Did I say that.” Hyukjae squinted. “Did you?” Donghae thought for a moment. “…Possibly.” Hyukjae groaned. “You can’t casually say things like that in front of microphones.” Donghae looked mildly confused. “Why not.” Hyukjae stared. “Because the media will explode.” Donghae shrugged. “They already do.” Hyukjae rubbed his face. “You’re impossible.” Donghae smiled faintly. “You love it.” Hyukjae muttered, “I tolerate it.” --- Later that evening they walked through the park near the Han River. It was quiet. No reporters. No cameras. Just the sound of the river and the city lights in the distance. Hyukjae stretched his arms. “…Peaceful.” Donghae hummed softly. Hyukjae glanced at him. “You’ve been suspiciously quiet.” Donghae tilted his head. “I’m thinking.” “That’s dangerous.” Donghae laughed. “You’re rude.” Hyukjae shrugged. “Accurate.” They kept walking. Donghae suddenly stopped. Hyukjae took another step before noticing. “…What.” Donghae looked at him. For a moment he didn’t say anything. Which made Hyukjae nervous. “…Donghae.” Donghae reached into his coat pocket. Hyukjae’s eyes widened. “…Wait.” Donghae pulled out a small box. Hyukjae froze. “…Wait.” Donghae opened it. Inside was a simple ring. Elegant. Quiet. Exactly like Donghae. Hyukjae stared. “…You’re serious.” Donghae nodded once. “Yes.” Hyukjae blinked. “But the rumors—” Donghae stepped closer. “I don’t care about the rumors.” Hyukjae’s heart was already racing. Donghae spoke softly. “You remember the contract.” Hyukjae laughed weakly. “How could I forget.” Donghae smiled faintly. “You wrote the rules.” Hyukjae nodded. “And you crossed them out.” Donghae took his hand gently. “That was the best decision I ever made.” Hyukjae swallowed. Donghae looked at him the same way h