xmnjee:
(…)
“But you may place the ring in my hand, now that I have acquiesced to your charming proposal. ”
Bringing up Liran was a terrible idea, because now the woman was encouraged to be difficult.
“Fine.” He was prepared to do this anyway.
Youngwon took the ring back, extracting the emerald from its velvet casing with his thumb and middle finger. He examined it for a moment, watching it glitter innocently under the light - a symbol of love and union, utterly unaware that it was in reality, a tool to bond and sharpen two already deadly weapons. This, fortunately or unfortunately, was a matter of power.
“My dear Minjee,” he started, deep and steady voice not matching the affection suggested by his words. From the website he studied marriage proposal speeches from, he was supposed to reminisce on their past before popping the question. “When I first saw you, I knew you and I are cut from the same cloth.” They met on the job and dealt with their task with a similar efficiency. “I have admired you for your ambition and thoroughness. Your ability to crush obstacles underneath your feet and conquer your dreams.” The waitress was listening fondly to his proposal, smiling until he got to this part, and a strange expression came over her face.
“I love,” he started. This was the part where the proposal person should say something they really like about their partner. Something that was not admiration or inspiration related. Shit. Youngwon took Minjee’s hand in his, stalling for extra time. “I…love…your…eyes.” His gaze had followed up her hand, over her arms and drifted to her face. It was true, Minjee did have very nicely shaped eyes. For a second Youngwon imagined how they would look on a child that had some of his features. The thought brought a softness into his own eyes, and for a brief moment Youngwon’s lips curved in what could have been a genuine smile.
But too soon he was pulled from that thought, because he had never been the type to linger in hope or expectation. Minjee’s eyes were beautiful, like his mother’s, but he could not imagine them gentle with kindness and that was true for both women.
“Will you be my wife?” The answer was already yes, so he did not wait before sliding the ring onto the correct finger. It fit perfectly, as he knew it would. “I promise you a marriage of honor and respect. Faithfulness unto death.” He pulled her hand up from the table and pressed his cold lips against the ring.
“Satisfied?”
A knock of an eyebrow as Youngwon took her suggestion to heart and seemed to prepare to state whatever proposal he had concoted for the occasion. The rest of her face settled into impassivity as she listened, slim fingers still draped over each other at the table.
As far as proposals go, it was certainly unique. She could appreciate the male's attempt to personalize the frivolity. Given that sentiment was neither their strong suit. She would not deny that he was right that she did like to crush obstacles, if she were a gushing sort of fiancé, she would be thrilled at such an accurate study of her.
When he mentions her eyes, both eyebrows rose now in surprise. It did not surprise her that he was observant enough to notice her physical features, but rather, she was surprised he even bothered. One of the more reasons why she agreed to this arrangement was that there would no mistaken sort of sentiment or messy emotions. Base attraction had been considered as well, however, Min Jee hadn't even considered he would notice something as banal as her eyes.
"Hmm, are you asking for a grade?" She intones when he finishes, feeling the weight of the ring settle upon her finger and she watches it glimmer under the lights. The waitress who had watched the entire thing seemed to preen with delight, as strange the proposal may have been and was sprouting nonsense about free champagne for their table. Honestly, do the regular folk enjoy celebrating mediocrity?
"Oh, I believe I must accept yes?" She mutters underneath her breath before straightening and in a slightly louder voice, still with none of the warmth that would have normally been found in such a momentous occasion, "I accept."
Now that was settled, a brief look of satisfaction passed across her face. The task was done and over, both their parents would be appeased. "It was perfectly adequate, as far as proposals go. Any sort of dramatics would just make it ludicrous." The words might have been harsh but there was a tinge of what could a comforting tone in her words?
"And the last bit need not to be added, as it seemed quite something one would say as wedding vows. To which of course I would concur as well. Honor and respect, as all good marriages ought to have. Or so I have been told."
She gives a shrug just as the champagne arrived and Min Jee exchanged looks with her now fiancé. "I would like to keep my maiden name. As we rise through the ranks, it would do me better to be distinguished apart from my husband. Wouldn't you agree?"





















