The moonlight spilled softly into the room, casting a silvery glow across Makoto's back as she slept peacefully on her stomach. Hiromi propped his head on one hand, his other gently caressing her back, tracing small, absentminded patterns. He couldn't take his eyes off her serene face, her relaxed expression tugging at something deep within him.

His mind raced. Should he ask her now? Should he ask her to marry him? The thought had been haunting him for days, but now, lying beside her, it felt both right and terrifying.

Suddenly, Makoto's sleepy voice broke through the quiet. "Told ya, it's creepy, Nagase," she murmured, her tone groggy but amused. She didn't even bother to move, her face still pressed into the pillow.

Hiromi blinked before bursting into a low chuckle. "Caught me again, huh?" he said, shaking his head.

Makoto's lips curved into a faint smile, but she remained as she was, her breathing deepening again as sleep threatened to pull her back. Hiromi continued to watch her, his earlier worry easing just a little, though the question lingered heavily in his chest.

Hiromi let out a small sigh, his fingers still gently caressing Makoto's back. "I'm just savoring the moment," he murmured, his voice soft, almost to himself. "Before I have to face another empty, lonely night without you here."

There was no reply. Hiromi glanced at Makoto and assumed she'd fallen back asleep, her breathing steady, her body perfectly still. He hesitated for a moment, the words bubbling up in his chest. Before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "Marry me, Makoto. Marry me?"

The effect was instant. Makoto's body stiffened, and her eyes shot open, any trace of sleep vanishing in an instant. She suddenly pushed herself up and turned to face him, her expression a mix of confusion and surprise.

"What did you just say?" she asked, her voice sharp with disbelief.

Hiromi froze, his heart pounding. "Uh…" he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I-I thought you were asleep! It just slipped out!"

Makoto raised an eyebrow, her mouth twitching as if she couldn't decide whether to laugh or scold him. "So, you propose to people while they're asleep? Is that your strategy, Nagase?"

Hiromi groaned, covering his face with his hand. "This is not how I planned it to go," he muttered, his ears burning.

Makoto sat cross-legged now, watching him with amused curiosity. "Oh, you had a plan? Do tell," she teased, though her tone was warm, and there was a flicker of something softer in her eyes.

Hiromi peeked through his fingers, groaning again. "This is so embarrassing."

Makoto laughed, reaching out to nudge his shoulder. "Well, you already said it. Might as well commit now."

Hiromi lowered his hand, looking at her seriously despite the heat still in his cheeks. "I meant it, you know," he said quietly. "Every word."

Makoto staring at Hiromi with a mixture of shock and deep thought. She opened her mouth to speak, but Hiromi raised a hand, cutting her off with a small, nervous smile.

"You don't have to answer now," he said quickly, his tone gentle but firm. "I don't even have the ring yet. I wasn't exactly prepared for this moment."

Makoto blinked at him, her lips twitching as if she wanted to laugh, but Hiromi pressed on.

"Before you say anything," he continued, his voice growing softer, "I want you to know... I'm aware of everything. I know how much you love your job, how important it is to you. I'm not proposing to ask you to give that up or change who you are. I'm proposing because... I'm terrified of losing you again." He paused, his eyes searching hers. "I can't imagine my life without you in it, Makoto. I don't want to go back to being that guy who let you slip away."

Makoto's expression softened, the teasing glint fading as she took in his words. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his hand. "Nagase..." she began, her voice quieter now.

Hiromi gave her a sheepish smile. "So, take your time. Think about it. I'll wait."

Makoto tilted her head, giving Hiromi a look that was equal parts amused and exasperated. "So, let me get this straight. You don't have a ring and you decided to propose while I was asleep?"

Hiromi winced but couldn't help the grin tugging at his lips. "When you say it like that, it sounds really bad," he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "But in my defense, I didn't think you'd actually hear me! And, uh, the ring… well, let's just say I was going for spontaneity."

Makoto narrowed her eyes, trying to maintain her serious expression, but a small laugh escaped. "Spontaneity, huh? Is that what we're calling this?"

"Hey, it's not completely unromantic," Hiromi replied, his grin widening. "I mean, moonlight, post-amazing moment, me admiring how incredible you are—sounds like a decent setup, doesn't it?"

Makoto rolled her eyes but was smiling now. "You're lucky you're cute, Nagase."

"And you're lucky I'm crazy about you, Takamiya," he shot back, leaning closer to steal a quick kiss before she could protest.

Makoto laughed against his lips, shaking her head. "Fine, I'll give you a pass—for now. But next time, I expect a proper proposal. With a ring."

"So, is that a YES"? Hiromi as with excitemnt in his tone

Makoto's lips curved into a smile as she leaned forward, pressing her forehead gently against his. "You really are an idiot sometimes," she whispered.

"An idiot madly in love with you," Hiromi replied, his voice light but his gaze steady and full of meaning.

"You know," she began, her tone teasing, "you'd better buy a ring sooner rather than later."

Hiromi raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? And why's that?"

She crossed her arms, pretending to think. "Because I might just change my mind if you take too long."

Hiromi laughed, leaning in to kiss her temple. "Message received, loud and clear, Takamiya. I'll get right on it."

"You'd better," she replied with a grin, the warmth between them filling the room.