Waves Casting Whispers

Day 7

Sushi awakened in her bed, feeling abnormally tired as the dawn sun peaked through the curtains, throwing a warm warmth across the room. She made an effort to get over her fatigue, but she was still experiencing a dull ache in her legs and a constant headache. 

Her phone rang just as she was about to nod off again, waking her up. As June's name flashed on the screen, she groaned and jumped for it, the rhythm of her heart pounding louder. Even though she was weak, the thought of talking to him made her heart race.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice raspy with sleep.

"Hey, Chloe, it's June," came the familiar voice on the other end. "I hope I'm not waking you up too early."

Sushi couldn't suppress a tiredness at the sound of his voice. "No, not at all. What's up?"

"I was thinking... would you like to go out tonight? There's this place I've been wanting to take you to. I think you'll really like it," June said, his tone hopeful.

Sushi's heart skipped a beat at the invitation, her fatigue momentarily forgotten. "Sure.." she replied hesitantly, a tinge of confusion in her voice. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't shake the puzzling thought of why June had addressed her as Chloe.

"Great! I'll pick you up around seven. okay?" June said before bidding her goodbye.

After hanging up, Sushi's head was full with questions. Was June aware of the reality? Or was he just acting, using the same tricks that she had? She was unable to get rid of her doubts and reach a firm decision.

Her mother entered the room, looking worried, while Sushi was still thinking about the phone call.

"Sushi, please, you should have gotten some rest; why did you wake up early? Putting a tiny cup of medicine on the bedside table, she said softly, "Take this medicine; it will help you rest." With a weak nod, Sushi quietly swallowed the medication. Before she could figure out the puzzle of June's invitation, the tiredness took hold of her and dragged her back into a deep sleep.

At around six in the evening, Sushi awoke and recalled meeting with June. She hastened to get dressed, rushing to brush her hair and throw on clothes. She had no time for fancy styling. She walked out of the home feeling both anxious and excited.

She noticed a waiting car not far away. Anxiety made her heart skip a beat as she hoped to see June inside. She was disappointed, though, to see simply the driver waiting quietly behind the wheel. She was confused and worried by June's absence and wondered why he hadn't shown up.

When Sushi arrived to the penthouse near the lake, she felt conflicted. Confusion mixed with excitement as she thought what's going on.

Sushi was surrounded by a beautiful atmosphere as she strolled along the beach, lit warmly by path lights. Fairy lights twinkled throughout the path, creating a cozy and inviting glow that danced across the sand. Sushi followed the lit path on her bare feet, enjoying the sensation of the fine sand between her toes.

The lovely scent of the flowers she picked up from the walk added to the magic of the moment, and she couldn't help but giggle. She wondered what surprises awaited her at the end of the trail, and her heart skipped a beat with every step.

Sushi walked along the glowing path till she came to the end, where the waves lapping softly against the sand. June was waiting in front of her, a perfectly arranged dinner table in front of him, a warm smile on his face. A romantic atmosphere was created by the gentle flickering light of candles in the evening breeze. His gesture was so attentive that Sushi's heart leaped at the sight of it. She walked toward him, letting a wave of calm sweep over her as she absorbed in the beauty of the moment as the waves softly tickled their feet.

June held Sushi's hand and walked her to her seat as they settled in peace, the sound of the waves creating a calming background for their time together. Their gazes, each full of unspoken affection and compassion, expressed oceans without a word being exchanged.

With a gentle voice, Sushi interrupted the quiet, her curiosity stirred. She gestured to the tastefully decorated dinner table and the pleasant setting, asking, "What's all this?". June gave a soft smile, his eyes sparkling in the candlelight. "I desired to craft a unique experience for us," he answered, projecting a warmth that mirrored the fading light. "I thought we could enjoy a quiet dinner together by the beach." His comments made Sushi's heart miss a beat, an explosion of feelings. They started eating in the peaceful atmosphere.

Sushi inquired gently about June's absence the day before, expressing her worry at not being able to get through to him. June tossed her a charming smile, his demeanor showing through in his answer. "Oh, were you missing me?" he asked, humor glimmering in his eyes. "I must have been so engrossed in my work that I didn't even notice. But I'm here now, aren't I?" he asked in a lighthearted and playful tone. Sushi chuckled heartily at his amusing says, feeling a wave of warmth sweep over her as they proceeded to savor their special meal by the shore.

As night fell, June and Sushi found themselves immersed in lively conversation, laughter, and the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore. The atmosphere was serene, filled with an undeniable sense of connection between them.

With emotion overflowing in his eyes, June suddenly reached inside a little box with ring. He stared into Sushi's eyes, his demeanor anxious but determined, and said the words she never would have imagined hearing. "Chloe, will you marry me?" Honesty and love were evident in his voice, as his emotions were spoken at that precise moment.

"I know you agreed to this marriage because of your parents rather than me. However, I want to take a chance with us. Do I still have a chance for you to love me?. I'm truly sorry for everything I did to you, whether it was yesterday while you waited for me or something else entirely. I promise to treasure every time we have together so that you never have to be upset or cry", June poured his heart out.

His words resonated deeply within her, touching a chord she hadn't realized was there. As she listened carefully, she felt a wave of warmth come over her due to his honesty and openness. She held his hand with tears shining in her eyes and spoke in a gentle yet passionate voice.

"June, words cannot express how much I value your sincerity and integrity. Even if I agreed to this marriage for the benefit of my parents, it doesn't imply I haven't given thought to the idea of loving you. But I have to tell you something about me and you might reconsider all this once you heard...", she tried to reveal the truth until June cut her off.

"Chloe, I can't bear the thought of life without you. You mean everything to me, just as you are. It brings me immense joy to finally share my feelings with you. Please, just for today, could you say yes?", June asked passionately and with trembling hands, he gently slid the ring onto Sushi's finger, a symbol of his unwavering love.

Looking at the ring, Chloe's eyes filled up with happy emotions as she realized how much June loved her. They both knew at that very moment—amidst the lovely glow of the moonlight and the gentle lap of the waves—that their love was destined to last a lifetime.