Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Hi," Mira says, slightly breathless as she pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose, a faint blush resting high on her cheeks. "I—ahh—I'm going to be honest, I don't quite know how to do this. But I want to try," she blows out a breath, clearing her throat before she continues, eyes locked on the headstone before her.

"I love your daughter. Or rather, I'm in love with your daughter. I have been for a long time now. Rumi is—well, she's my everything. I know if you were still here, you'd be extremely proud of her, like I am. She's incredibly talented, hard-working, beautiful, and she—she has such a kind heart. She's suffered a lot, and she still somehow manages to find the beauty in everything. Despite everything she's been through, she's still just as strong and resilient as ever. She's got this unwavering belief in people and their ability to change—to be better than they are. I should know, because every moment I'm with her, she inspires me to be better. She—she's changed my life. I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't met her. Which is actually why I'm here."

Mira exhales shakily, fingers trembling as she pulls out a small, black velvet box, opening it to showcase the ring encased within to the gravestone in front of her. "I wanted to ask for your blessing to marry your daughter. I love Rumi with all that I am, and I will spend the rest of my days protecting her, cherishing her, supporting her, loving her the way she deserves to be. I won't be able to repay her for the happiness she's given me, but if I could provide her with even a fraction of that same happiness, it would be enough. Rumi is my light, my heart, my anchor."

Mira isn't expecting a response, but she steadies herself anyway, voice cracking as she asks. "Eomeoni-nim, may I have your blessing to marry your daughter?"

Mira hastily blinks back her tears as a whisper of a breeze brushes over her cheek, like the faintest kiss. She clears her throat of the unexpected swell of emotion as she tucks the ring box back into her pocket. She crouches down in front of Miyeong's grave, gently clearing the small bits of dirt and debris that have gathered atop of the headstone, adjusting the bouquet of flowers she'd brought. "Thank you for the blessing, and for bringing my entire world into this one," she whispers, bowing her head in respect.

Mira stands back up, brushing her pants off as she looks at the grave. She tucks her thumbs into the belt loops of her pants, her fingers brushing against the box hidden in her pocket. She steals a glance at the grave over her shoulder, a sad, albeit grateful smile curling on her lips before she turns and walks away toward her car.

Mira adjusts her shirt collar for the umpteenth time, eyes flicking nervously between the mirror she's in front of and the little velvet box on the nightstand, one that's been haunting her mind for weeks now. She blows out a breath, nerves fraying as she strides over to the nightstand and picks the box up. She flips it open, thumb idly tracing over the cushioning of the box, careful not to touch the round cut diamond set within a silver band lest she risk dirtying the ring before she even gets a chance to show it to Rumi.

She closes the box, gaze flitting over her outfit in the mirror once more in a scrutinizing fashion. She's in a new suit she purchased specifically for tonight. Black slacks, black tie, black vest with a white blouse underneath. Her black tie is tucked within the vest, and a belt ties the suit together. She opted for a pair of black wedge heels and her black-framed glasses. Her hair is styled like usual, and her make-up consists of mascara, eyeliner, and a bit of concealer.

She nods to herself, sharp and assertive, tucking the ring deep into her pocket as she swings the door open to exit out into the hallway.

"She's almost ready!" Zoey chirps from where she's bundled up on the couch with her favorite turtle blanket, looking over at Mira with a knowing smirk. "Are you finally going to—"

"Yes," Mira hisses out, eyes darting between the couch where Zoey's sprawled out and the hall Rumi could emerge from at any given moment.

Zoey raises her hands placatingly. "Relax, I'm not going to ruin the surprise."

"You better not," Mira grumbles, glancing down at her watch, missing the way Zoey's teasing look shifts into a softer one.

"She's going to say yes."

"What?" Mira asks, meeting Zoey's calm gaze with her nervous one.

"Rumi. She's going to say yes."

"What am I going to say yes to?"

Mira and Zoey startle, guilty expressions on both of their faces as their eyes shift toward Rumi, who had just entered the room and now has a curious look on her face.

"A photo shoot!" Zoey blurts out, voice a tad too high-pitched to be convincing. "I was just—umm—trying to see if Mira knew what your opinion was about us doing a photo shoot sometime soon. She thinks you'd say no, but I think you'd say yes. I mean, what better way to get some hype for our new album, right?"

Mira can tell Rumi doesn't entirely believe Zoey, and she clears her throat, diverting Rumi's attention from Zoey and earning a grateful look from Zoey for it. "I didn't know if you wanted to do a photo shoot so soon after the last one went so horribly for you."

Rumi groans. "Ughh, don't remind me. That photographer was the worst. He kept trying to get me to flirt with him and do provocative poses that I knew for a fact weren't going to be published."

"Yeah, screw that guy!" Zoey exclaims through a mouthful of shrimp chips.

Mira and Rumi chuckle, and Mira finally allows her eyes to scan over Rumi, breath catching in her throat.

Rumi is in a sleeveless black dress that falls to mid-thigh, the neckline low enough to tease but not enough to scandalize. The dress subtly accentuates her curves, cutouts alongside her stomach on either side, exposing bits of her toned abs. Her iridescent patterns shimmer in the light, visible on every bit of uncovered skin. The golden locket Mira had gifted her a few years back rests delicately on her neck, her hair is styled in its normal braid, and her eyes sparkle with the gold eyeshadow and mascara she's painstakingly applied. Like Mira, she's also sporting a pair of black heels, though hers are strappy and taller than Mira's, making them eye-level with one another.

"You're gorgeous," Mira breathes out, and she preens internally at the way Rumi instantly flushes red at the compliment.

"So are you," Rumi says, eyes drinking Mira in greedily.

Mira smiles, holding her hand out toward Rumi. "Are you ready?"

Rumi nods, interlocking her fingers with Mira as she presses a chaste, sweet kiss to Mira's cheek. "See you later, Zoey."

"Have fun, lovebirds!"

Mira rolls her eyes as she presses the button for the elevator. "Don't crack open anymore energy drinks, otherwise you won't be able to sleep tonight."

"I make no promises," Zoey grins, waving at them as the elevator shuts behind them.

Mira sighs. "She's definitely going to open another one. Or five."

Rumi giggles, and Mira softens at the sound, shifting so her arm is now resting across Rumi's exposed shoulders, fingers idly stroking the patterns on her bare skin. "I meant what I said, you know. You're gorgeous."

Rumi's blush returns, and Mira's heart skips a beat as Rumi glances up at her through mascara-coated lashes. "You're such a sap," Rumi whines, leaning her head against Mira's shoulder.

"Only for you."

Rumi smiles brightly up at her, patterns flaring briefly before they settle. "Good," she hums, cheek squished against Mira's shoulder.

Mira's arm tucks Rumi closer into her side, and she's unable to resist pressing a soft kiss to Rumi's head.

The elevator doors open, and the two of them step out. The sound of their heels clicking against the floor of the lobby echoes around them, and Mira holds the door open for Rumi to step outside first, her hand falling to the small of Rumi's back as they walk toward their car. Mira waits for Rumi to get inside before she follows, thanking their driver with a nod of her head as the car door shuts.

Rumi instantly snuggles back into Mira's side, a content sigh escaping as she does. Mira's arm falls back onto Rumi's shoulders, her other hand absentmindedly rubbing over the box-shaped lump in her pocket. Her nerves return full force, and she does her best to keep her breathing steady so as not to alert Rumi that anything is amiss.

"So, are you going to tell me what you and Zoey were really talking about before I walked into the living room, or am I supposed to guess?"

Mira huffs, looking down at Rumi with a smile that feels too tight. "What do you mean?"

Rumi's eyes are dancing with mirth, and she pokes a finger into Mira's stomach. "Don't play coy with me."

Mira lets out a soft grunt as Rumi's finger presses into her side, and she shifts so she's facing Rumi fully while also keeping the box out of Rumi's sight. "I'm not."

"Mira."

"Rumi."

"Just tell me the truth."

"I am."

"You're not."

"Mira," Rumi whines petulantly, pouting at her.

Mira removes the hand that's resting atop her pocket and uses it to flick Rumi on the forehead, an affronted gasp escaping Rumi as Mira looks down at her with a nonchalant smirk. "You're being paranoid, jagiya."

"I don't think I am," Rumi shoots back.

Mira simply shrugs, ignoring the quickening beat of her heart. "I don't know what to tell you, then. If you don't believe me, then you don't believe me."

Rumi crosses her arms, her pout still firmly in place even as she leans back into Mira's side. "Fine. Keep your stupid secrets. See if I care."

Mira chuckles, hand lifting so she can grasp Rumi's chin, fingers slightly digging into Rumi's skin as she tilts Rumi's head up so their eyes can meet. She takes note of the way Rumi's breath hitches, the way Rumi's eyes darken, the way Rumi bites her bottom lip. "I don't like your attitude, jagiya. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I—I'm sorry," Rumi stutters, slightly breathless.

"Good girl," Mira whispers before claiming Rumi's lips in a surprisingly soft kiss.

Rumi melts into it, eyes fluttering shut as Mira kisses her calmly, confidently, like they've got all the time in the world. She lets out a soft whimper against Mira's mouth when Mira's tongue teases her bottom lip before Mira pulls away. She looks up at Mira through hooded eyes, the tips of her ears burning, lips tingling and parted as she pants softly.

Mira smiles down at Rumi, thumb tracing the same path along Rumi's bottom lip that her tongue had moments ago. "I love your mouth," she murmurs, releasing Rumi's chin to trail her fingers down the column of Rumi's throat, stopping once her hand is above Rumi's heart. "But this is what I love most."

"My boobs?" Rumi teases as she tries to regain her composure.

Mira sighs loudly. "Yes, I love those too, but that is not what I was talking about," she chastises through Rumi's giggles. "I was talking about your heart."

Rumi's giggles die down, her teasing look shifting into a fond one as she stares at Mira. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Mira admits, fingers splayed out against the skin, the beating of Rumi's heart steady and sure against her palm. "I love how forgiving it is. I love how strong it is. I love how kind it is. I love how loving it is."

Rumi's eyes well up with tears, and she blinks rapidly to keep them at bay. "Mira, you cannot seriously be making me cry before we even get to the restaurant," she chokes out, her lower lip quivering. "I worked so hard on my make-up."

Mira's eyes glisten with tears as well, but she's doing a much better job at keeping her composure. She clears her throat and looks away, a tint of pink dusting her cheeks. "Sorry, I just—got carried away."

Rumi places a hand on Mira's cheek, encouraging Mira to look at her, and Mira can't resist. Not when it's Rumi. She turns her head back, looking at Rumi with soft, unguarded eyes.

"Don't apologize for your feelings," Rumi whispers, pressing her forehead against Mira's.

"Sorry," Mira says automatically, wincing as Rumi instantly giggles, Rumi's breath ghosting over her lips. "It's not that funny," she grumbles, the corner of her mouth lifting up when Rumi giggles even more at her words.

Rumi eventually gets herself under control, and she shyly smiles at Mira. "Hi."

"Hi," Mira echoes, her own smile fully forming.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Rumi strokes her thumb along the apple of Mira's cheek, tugging her in for a slow, loving kiss that ends when the car rolls to a stop seconds later.

Mira steps out first, holding her hand out to assist Rumi. The action earns her a chaste kiss to the corner of her jaw, and her hand automatically falls into place on the small of Rumi's back. They enter the restaurant and are led to their table within seconds of Mira giving them her name. She pulls Rumi's chair out for her, and takes the seat across from Rumi once she's sure Rumi is comfortable.

Dinner is a smooth affair. They order a bottle of wine to split, share bites of food with one another, steal glances at one another when they think the other isn't looking and simply admiring them in the dim, romantic lighting of the place.

Mira finds herself becoming more tense the closer they get to dinner being over, her hand diving under the table every few seconds and patting the outside her pocket and searching within it, ensuring the box is still there. She finds herself focusing more and more on the rapid pounding of her heart and the clamminess of her hands, finds herself spacing in and out of her conversation with Rumi as her anxiety kicks up and sends her mind reeling.

Am I really doing this? What if she says no? What if she doesn't even want to get married? What if she decides to break up with me because she realizes she doesn't want this anymore? Want me anymore? What if—?

"Mira."

Mira startles slightly in her seat, head snapping up to meet Rumi's concerned gaze, a furrow between her brows as she tilts her head at Mira. "Are you ok? You've been acting off all night."

Mira clears her throat, wiping her sweaty palms down the front of her slacks. "I'm fine, Ru," she says, reaching for her wine and taking a small sip, knuckles white around the stem of the glass to hide the way her hand is trembling.

Rumi doesn't look convinced, and the wine Mira had just taken a sip of seems to get stuck in her throat.

"Are you sure? We can go home if you're feeling sick. I don't mind. We can cuddle and put a movie on in bed," Rumi offers, tone soft and sweet.

Mira hates that she's been acting so differently that Rumi has noticed and is worried about her. "No, I'm fine. Really. Just a lot on my mind, is all."

Rumi reaches for Mira's hand across the table, and she wordlessly offers it to Rumi. She blows out a breath as Rumi takes her hand and drags her lips across each of Mira's knuckles, eyes soft with adoration as she does.

It punches the breath out of Mira's lungs, and she can't quite believe she's gotten so lucky to have someone like Rumi. "Let's go."

Rumi looks at Mira, surprise etched across her face as she sets Mira's hand back down on the table, though she keeps it within her own. "Now?"

"Now," Mira confirms.

"You don't want to stay for dessert?"

Mira shakes her head, pulling her wallet out and handing her card to the waiter before he can even set the bill down on the table. The fingers of her free hand tap against the rim of her wine glass while her leg bounces rapidly and nervously under the table.

"Mira, what's going on?" Rumi asks, her brow knitting with concern at Mira's behavior.

Mira neglects to answer, thanking the waiter with a slight bow of her head as she tucks her card back into her wallet. She shoves it into her pocket and slings her suit jacket over one shoulder, tugging on Rumi's hand to indicate she should stand. "Come on."

Rumi is confused, to say the least, but she follows Mira's lead, taking in Mira's tense posture and the way her eyes dart around, seemingly unable to focus on one thing. She reaches for Mira's hand, interlocking their fingers and squeezing Mira's hand in what she hopes is a reassuring gesture.

Mira leads them down the street to their car, whispering instructions to the driver, which only serves to ignite Rumi's curiosity.

"Mira, are you sure you're alright? You never skip out on dessert," Rumi frowns, hesitantly reaching up to tuck a strand of Mira's hair behind the shell of her ear.

Mira's eyes flutter at the touch, and she leans into it without a second thought. "Everything will make sense in a bit. I just—I need you to trust me, jagiya. Please?"

"Always," Rumi responds without a moment's hesitation.

Mira breathes out a sigh of relief. "Thank you," she mutters, turning her head slightly to kiss Rumi's palm. "Can you close your eyes for me?"

Rumi arches an eyebrow at the request, but she relents as she sees the pleading look on Mira's face. "Ok," she says, closing her eyes.

Mira bites her lip as she reaches for the blindfold she'd stashed away in the door of the car, fingers trembling as she ties it around Rumi's eyes. She kisses Rumi's shoulder when Rumi stiffens at the loss of her eyesight, but relaxes at Mira's reassurance. Mira waves her hand in front of Rumi's eyes, satisfied when Rumi doesn't react.

The car comes to a stop almost twenty minutes later, and by this point Rumi is vibrating in her seat with anticipation.

Mira takes Rumi's hand, guiding her out of the car and down the path. "Wait here," she tells Rumi, only leaving once Rumi confirms she will stay put and leave the blindfold on.

Mira lights the candles, adjusts the bouquet of flowers, and with very shaky hands, she pulls the ring box out of her pocket. She opens it up and gets down on her knee, heartbeat thundering in her ears. "You can take it off," she says through the lump in her throat

Rumi reaches for the blindfold and takes it off, blinking a few times as her vision readjusts. Her hands fly to her mouth, tears instantly forming as she takes a hesitant step toward Mira. "Mira…"

"Ryu Rumi," Mira starts, her vision blurring and voice cracking. "I love you with all that I am. Ever since I met you all those years ago, you've done nothing but bring joy into my life. You are my rock, my light, my heart. When you smile, it makes my heart sing. When you laugh, it brightens my entire day. When you kiss me, it's like nothing else in the world matters. When I think about my future, the only thing I can picture is you. I want to spend the rest of my life cherishing you, supporting you, comforting you, loving you. Ryu Rumi, will you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife?"

Rumi nods, hand still over her mouth as tears continue to fall down her cheeks. "Yes, Mira. Yes, yes, yes," she repeats, holding her hand out so Mira can slip the ring onto her finger.

Mira does so with a smile, even as she fumbles a few times before it finally slides onto Rumi's finger—a perfect fit. She lets out a grunt as she's tackled to the ground, her own tears finally slipping down her cheeks as Rumi cups her face and kisses her, tasting of desperation and salt and love. Her hands wrap around Rumi, holding her close as Rumi then proceeds to kiss her all over her face, and Mira can't even find it in herself to grumble and complain because Rumi said yes.

"We're getting married," Rumi says through her smile, brushing Mira's tears away with her thumbs.

Mira smiles back, staring up at Rumi above her, breath catching at how gorgeous she is, tear-stained cheeks and all. "We're getting married," she agrees, leaning up to kiss Rumi again.

Rumi giggles against her lips, sighing dreamily once she pulls away before her eyes widen in realization. "Is this why you were so worked up tonight?"

Mira nods, throat bobbing as she tries to swallow back her emotions. "I was nervous. We hadn't really talked about marriage, so I wasn't sure if this was something you'd even want."

"Are you kidding?" Rumi huffs, propping herself up on one elbow, her other hand lingering on Mira's cheek. "Mira, I want nothing more than to call you my wife and spend the rest of my life with you."

Mira props herself up as well, capturing Rumi's hand, the ring glittering in the candlelight as she brings it up to her lips and kisses it, thumb stroking the back of Rumi's hand reverently as she gazes at Rumi through her lashes. "I love you."

"I love you too," Rumi whispers, eyes leaving Mira's to look at the headstone behind them, one that is currently littered with candles and a fresh bouquet of flowers. "Thank you for including her."

Mira hums, thumb still tracing the back of Rumi's hand. "I asked for her blessing," she admits before she can stop herself.

Rumi whips her head around to stare at Mira, eyes shimmering with tears again. "You—you did?"

Mira nods, averting her eyes from Rumi to look at the ground, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I did. A few weeks ago, actually. When I told you I had that meeting with Bobby."

Rumi's eyes widen. "Mira…"

Mira swallows as she forces herself to meet Rumi's gaze. "She's your mom, Rumi. It was the right thing to do. And I—I think she gave it to me. Her blessing."

Rumi chokes on a sob, and Mira wastes no time in bringing Rumi close to her, stroking Rumi's back as Rumi's fingers curl into the fabric of her blouse, face hidden against her chest.

"I love you," Rumi whispers against her skin, tears still falling down her cheeks.

"I love you too, jagiya," Mira mutters, kissing Rumi's head before she looks toward the grave.

Thank you, she mouths.

A breeze rustles her hair, and Mira closes her eyes as a few tears slip down her cheeks.

A few minutes later, Rumi lifts her head off Mira's chest. "Can we go home now?"

"Of course," Mira agrees, and they work together to blow out the candles and gather them up to bring them to the car.

"Can you…give me a minute?"

Mira nods, and Rumi steals a kiss from her before Mira walks off.

Rumi turns to the grave, biting her lower lip to keep it from quivering. "Hi, eomma. I'm sorry it's been so long, but as you can see, a lot's happened," she holds her hand out, the diamond glittering in the moonlight. "Can you believe it? I'm engaged," she exhales shakily, swiping a tear away with the back of her hand. "Y—you would love Mira. She might be a bit rough around the edges, but underneath she's a big softie. She's so good to me, eomma. She's thoughtful, she's smart, she's tough. She gives me so much and expects nothing in return. She's selfless in that way. I never knew I could love anyone the way I love her. Honestly, I never thought I'd be able to. Not with these," Rumi says, wrapping her arms around herself as her patterns flicker briefly.

"But she does. And I don't think I can ever repay her for that. For loving me when I couldn't love myself. I want to try, though. Because Mira is my heart, and she deserves everything good in this world. She makes me so happy, eomma. And I know–I know that's all you've ever wanted for me. So you can rest easy now," Rumi whispers, pressing her forehead against the stone. "I love you."

Rumi stands, clearing her throat as she does. Her eyes fall shut as a gust of wind surrounds her, drying the last of her tears before it dies down. She smiles, eyes heavy with emotion as she looks at her mother's gravestone. She takes one last, shuddering breath as she makes her way down to the car, where Mira is leaning against the side, scrolling mindlessly through her phone.

Rumi takes a moment to admire Mira, warmth bubbling in her chest when Mira looks up and smiles at her. She makes her way down, nuzzling into the crook of Mira's neck, wrapping her arms around Mira's waist as she sighs softly.

"You ok?" Mira asks, arms wrapping around Rumi and holding her.

Rumi nods, lifting her chin up to look at Mira. "Yeah."

Mira tilts her head, scrutinizing Rumi before nodding to herself, satisfied with whatever she must've found within Rumi's expression. "Alright. Let's go home."

Rumi steals another kiss from Mira. "I like the sound of that."

Later that night, when they're cuddling in bed, Rumi takes the opportunity to properly study the ring. She tilts it this way and that, marveling at its beautiful simplicity.

"Rumi, go to sleep," Mira grumbles against Rumi's neck, arm thrown over Rumi's waist like an anchor, body curved to fit perfectly against Rumi's back.

"Sorry," Rumi whispers, lacing her fingers with Mira's over her stomach. "I'm just—I'm still in awe, I guess."

Mira sighs, tugging Rumi even closer to her, nose brushing along the curve of Rumi's neck from behind. "Can you be in awe tomorrow? I'm tired."

Rumi bites back a grin at the sleepy whine that seems to have engraved itself within Mira's voice. "Alright, alright. I'll hold off until tomorrow."

Mira hums in satisfaction, another sleepy sigh escaping as her body starts to go lax against Rumi's. Just as she's about to fall back asleep, Rumi shoots upright with a gasp. She groans in discontent, face half hidden in her pillow as she glares up at Rumi through bleary eyes.

"This is what you and Zoey were talking about before I walked in, wasn't it?!"

Mira lets out an exasperated sigh, tugging on Rumi's arm to tug Rumi back down into bed, a tired, albeit amused smile forming. "Yes. Now will you go to sleep?"

"I knew it," Rumi grins triumphantly, turning her smug gaze toward Mira.

Mira tucks herself against Rumi once she's lying down, leg thrown over Rumi's hip and tangling with Rumi's legs while her arm settles around Rumi's waist again. Her head fits neatly against Rumi's shoulder, and her eyes start to droop within seconds. "Yeah, yeah. Now sleep."

Rumi chuckles, finally settling down, her hand stroking up and down Mira's back. "Ok, ok. I'm sorry. Goodnight, Mir."

"Night," Mira mumbles against Rumi's skin.

Mira is on the verge of sleep when she feels Rumi shift beneath her again. She doesn't bother opening her eyes as she speaks. "Rumi, I swear to God I will take the ring back if another word comes out of your mouth."

Silence.

Then: "…I was just gonna say that I love you," Rumi mutters.

Mira presses her lips against Rumi's collarbone in a silent apology. "Love you too. Now will you please go to sleep?"

Mira feels more than hears Rumi's nod, and Rumi finally settles down, the two of them tangled within the sheets and each other, the ring on Rumi's finger glinting with the faint moonlight that slips through the curtains, a tangible reminder of their promise to devote themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

And they do.

Happily.