𝓗𝓪𝓷 𝓢𝓮-𝓶𝓲.

"You never forget but you also never quite bring it up again, like it's special but not special enough to talk about again. A memory worth keeping but just for yourself. Unlike a real proposal where you want to share the story" she kisses her hand "It's real solid silver and real amethyst so despite the dust...it's still a decent ring" she shrugs "I'm all for tattoos but lets wait a bit...we haven't even been together a month....maybe after a year" she kisses her hand "but I am all for it. I love the idea" she leans into the kiss to the lips "I want forever too....I always have. But everyone I've tried to be with....they abandoned me when things became too much. I know sometimes I am unstable...but it seems like I've finally found someone who can handle those volatile moments...like you would run headfirst into the chaos to grab me and pull me back instead of running away and leaving..." she wraps her arms around her and leans her forehead on hers and just stares into her eyes. "You make my heart feel warm and heavy...like it's so full and happy.." she didn't care how lame that was, it was the truest thing she could have said in that moment, she smiled big then leaned in kissing her on the lips again.

Se-mi would smile softly against the kiss, her hand brushing gently against her cheek as if she wanted to hold that moment in place forever. She’d whisper with warmth in her voice, “Then let’s keep it just ours… a memory we never have to share, because it’s already engraved here—” she taps over her heart, “and no one else needs to know but us.” Her thumb would graze along her lip, lingering just a little too long before kissing her again, deeper this time, slower, like she wanted to prove she wasn’t going anywhere. Pulling back just enough to breathe, she’d murmur, “I don’t care how volatile things get… I’ll hold onto you through every storm. If you start to burn, I’ll burn with you. If you fall, I’ll fall with you. That’s what forever means to me.” Her lips would curve into a playful yet earnest smile, brushing her forehead to hers. “Warm and heavy, huh? Guess that makes us two fools with overflowing hearts.” She’d giggle softly before stealing another kiss, this one featherlight but full of promise.

"Let's get naked and go take a hot bath, I want to cuddle in some soapy water. My back hurts, but I want to hold onto you some more." She didn't even wait for an answer; she kissed her deeply, then scooped her up and headed upstairs. She held Se-mi like she weighed nothing, but to Hayden, she didn't. She sets her down on the lid of the toilet. She turns the tub on and adds some bubble bath and bath salts for a relaxing soak, then strips down, she places some folded up towels next to the tub, and steps in. She sits down and opens her arms. Once Se-mi strips and gets in, Hayden wraps her arms around her and pulls her close. She rests her chin on her shoulder and smiles, "This is perfect."

Se-mi let out a soft laugh as she was scooped up, clinging around Hayden’s neck like it was the safest place in the world. Her cheeks warmed at how effortlessly Hayden carried her, but she didn’t fight it; she loved being handled like she mattered that much. When Hayden set her down, she kicked her legs a little, watching her with that small, affectionate grin that always slipped out when she was happy. Once she slid into the tub and felt Hayden’s arms circle around her, Se-mi instantly melted against her chest, her head tipping back to rest on Hayden’s shoulder. The heat of the water mixed with the heat of her body made her feel like every bit of tension was unraveling. She let her fingers trace idle little circles on Hayden’s arm, her voice low and content. “You’re right… It really is perfect,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to her jaw. “I don’t care if my fingers get all pruney, I’m not letting go of you.” She shifted slightly so she could look up at her, eyes soft and shining. “You always make me feel like I can breathe again… like nothing else matters but this right here.” She kissed her shoulder, then teased with a playful smirk, “Though if we stay in too long, I might end up falling asleep on you in the tub. Hope you don’t mind being my pillow.”

"Yeah we will not be staying here that long, after a bit we will get out and dry off then we can go take a nap...a nice nap would be amazing" she kisses her cheek then grabs a clean wash cloth and adds some soap before starting to wash Se-mi, she scrubs her clean then wets her hair and adds shampoo, she scrubs her scalp and rinses it. She adds conditioner and massages it before letting it sit in her hair for a little bit. After a bit she rinses her hair. She then smiles "You are now all clean, so just focus on relaxing" she hugs her tighter, she would wash herself after Se-mi got out, but for now the focus was just cuddling. She rests her chin on her shoulder and closes her eyes "So nice, I could stay like this forever....or until the water is cold and I get hungry" she laughs.

Se-mi let out the softest hum, melting into Hayden’s touch as the washcloth and her gentle fingers worked over her skin. Her eyes fluttered shut when Hayden scrubbed her scalp, a dreamy little smile tugging at her lips. “Mmm… you’re spoiling me,” she whispered, voice low and sweet. “If you keep this up, I’ll never want to bathe by myself again.” When Hayden hugged her close, Se-mi tilted her head, pressing a kiss to her jaw. “I love how you take care of me… it makes me feel so safe. Like nothing bad could touch me as long as you’ve got your arms around me.” Her fingertips brushed lazy little patterns over Hayden’s thigh under the water, teasing but soft. She chuckled lightly at Hayden’s laugh. “Forever sounds perfect… but I guess I’ll allow us to get out before we turn into prunes or starve to death.” She nuzzled into her neck, whispering, “Though, if it was between you and food… I’d choose you every time.”

"Well, that's what I want, I want you to feel loved and protected. I want to give you what you were missing in your last relationship" she shakes her head then kisses her cheek before resting her head against her again. She just cuddled her until the water got cold; she then pulled the tub drain plug and then stood up. She rinsed off and stepped out. She wrapped a towel around herself then rinsed Se-mi off before helping her out and wrapping a towel around her. She takes a second towel and hands it over "For your hair" she takes another towel and starts to dry her own hair as she heads out of the bathroom "That was amazing, but I will admit, I'm glad to be out of there because my legs were starting to cramp up" she finishes drying her hair then sits on the bed checking her phone while she lets her body dry in a mix of towel and air drying.

Se-mi followed her out with a soft laugh, clutching the towel around her. “You really are a sweetheart, you know that?” she murmured as she started towel-drying her hair. Her voice came out warm and fond, dripping with affection. “You talk about wanting to protect me, but honestly… I feel like you already do. Just being near you feels like home.” She moved closer, her damp skin brushing lightly against Hayden’s as she sat beside her on the bed. “Also,” she teased, “if your legs were cramping, that’s your fault for holding me the entire time like some kind of hero.” She grinned, brushing her lips against Hayden’s shoulder. “Not that I’m complaining. Being carried around by my hot girlfriend is a pretty nice problem to have.” Leaning in, she whispered softly, her tone dipping more flirty, “Though, next time… I might have to return the favor and give you the massage after our bath. You know, to make it even.” She nipped playfully at her neck before pulling back, eyes gleaming. “Fair trade, right?”

"You never forget but you also never quite bring it up again, like it's special but not special enough to talk about again. A memory worth keeping but just for yourself. Unlike a real proposal where you want to share the story" she kisses her hand "It's real solid silver and real amethyst so despite the dust...it's still a decent ring" she shrugs "I'm all for tattoos but lets wait a bit...we haven't even been together a month....maybe after a year" she kisses her hand "but I am all for it. I love the idea" she leans into the kiss to the lips "I want forever too....I always have. But everyone I've tried to be with....they abandoned me when things became too much. I know sometimes I am unstable...but it seems like I've finally found someone who can handle those volatile moments...like you would run headfirst into the chaos to grab me and pull me back instead of running away and leaving..." she wraps her arms around her and leans her forehead on hers and just stares into her eyes. "You make my heart feel warm and heavy...like it's so full and happy.." she didn't care how lame that was, it was the truest thing she could have said in that moment, she smiled big then leaned in kissing her on the lips again.

Se-mi would smile softly against the kiss, her hand brushing gently against her cheek as if she wanted to hold that moment in place forever. She’d whisper with warmth in her voice, “Then let’s keep it just ours… a memory we never have to share, because it’s already engraved here—” she taps over her heart, “and no one else needs to know but us.” Her thumb would graze along her lip, lingering just a little too long before kissing her again, deeper this time, slower, like she wanted to prove she wasn’t going anywhere. Pulling back just enough to breathe, she’d murmur, “I don’t care how volatile things get… I’ll hold onto you through every storm. If you start to burn, I’ll burn with you. If you fall, I’ll fall with you. That’s what forever means to me.” Her lips would curve into a playful yet earnest smile, brushing her forehead to hers. “Warm and heavy, huh? Guess that makes us two fools with overflowing hearts.” She’d giggle softly before stealing another kiss, this one featherlight but full of promise.

"Let's get naked and go take a hot bath, I want to cuddle in some soapy water. My back hurts, but I want to hold onto you some more." She didn't even wait for an answer; she kissed her deeply, then scooped her up and headed upstairs. She held Se-mi like she weighed nothing, but to Hayden, she didn't. She sets her down on the lid of the toilet. She turns the tub on and adds some bubble bath and bath salts for a relaxing soak, then strips down, she places some folded up towels next to the tub, and steps in. She sits down and opens her arms. Once Se-mi strips and gets in, Hayden wraps her arms around her and pulls her close. She rests her chin on her shoulder and smiles, "This is perfect."

Se-mi let out a soft laugh as she was scooped up, clinging around Hayden’s neck like it was the safest place in the world. Her cheeks warmed at how effortlessly Hayden carried her, but she didn’t fight it; she loved being handled like she mattered that much. When Hayden set her down, she kicked her legs a little, watching her with that small, affectionate grin that always slipped out when she was happy. Once she slid into the tub and felt Hayden’s arms circle around her, Se-mi instantly melted against her chest, her head tipping back to rest on Hayden’s shoulder. The heat of the water mixed with the heat of her body made her feel like every bit of tension was unraveling. She let her fingers trace idle little circles on Hayden’s arm, her voice low and content. “You’re right… It really is perfect,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to her jaw. “I don’t care if my fingers get all pruney, I’m not letting go of you.” She shifted slightly so she could look up at her, eyes soft and shining. “You always make me feel like I can breathe again… like nothing else matters but this right here.” She kissed her shoulder, then teased with a playful smirk, “Though if we stay in too long, I might end up falling asleep on you in the tub. Hope you don’t mind being my pillow.”

"Yeah we will not be staying here that long, after a bit we will get out and dry off then we can go take a nap...a nice nap would be amazing" she kisses her cheek then grabs a clean wash cloth and adds some soap before starting to wash Se-mi, she scrubs her clean then wets her hair and adds shampoo, she scrubs her scalp and rinses it. She adds conditioner and massages it before letting it sit in her hair for a little bit. After a bit she rinses her hair. She then smiles "You are now all clean, so just focus on relaxing" she hugs her tighter, she would wash herself after Se-mi got out, but for now the focus was just cuddling. She rests her chin on her shoulder and closes her eyes "So nice, I could stay like this forever....or until the water is cold and I get hungry" she laughs.

Se-mi let out the softest hum, melting into Hayden’s touch as the washcloth and her gentle fingers worked over her skin. Her eyes fluttered shut when Hayden scrubbed her scalp, a dreamy little smile tugging at her lips. “Mmm… you’re spoiling me,” she whispered, voice low and sweet. “If you keep this up, I’ll never want to bathe by myself again.” When Hayden hugged her close, Se-mi tilted her head, pressing a kiss to her jaw. “I love how you take care of me… it makes me feel so safe. Like nothing bad could touch me as long as you’ve got your arms around me.” Her fingertips brushed lazy little patterns over Hayden’s thigh under the water, teasing but soft. She chuckled lightly at Hayden’s laugh. “Forever sounds perfect… but I guess I’ll allow us to get out before we turn into prunes or starve to death.” She nuzzled into her neck, whispering, “Though, if it was between you and food… I’d choose you every time.”

"Well, that's what I want, I want you to feel loved and protected. I want to give you what you were missing in your last relationship" she shakes her head then kisses her cheek before resting her head against her again. She just cuddled her until the water got cold; she then pulled the tub drain plug and then stood up. She rinsed off and stepped out. She wrapped a towel around herself then rinsed Se-mi off before helping her out and wrapping a towel around her. She takes a second towel and hands it over "For your hair" she takes another towel and starts to dry her own hair as she heads out of the bathroom "That was amazing, but I will admit, I'm glad to be out of there because my legs were starting to cramp up" she finishes drying her hair then sits on the bed checking her phone while she lets her body dry in a mix of towel and air drying.

"You never forget but you also never quite bring it up again, like it's special but not special enough to talk about again. A memory worth keeping but just for yourself. Unlike a real proposal where you want to share the story" she kisses her hand "It's real solid silver and real amethyst so despite the dust...it's still a decent ring" she shrugs "I'm all for tattoos but lets wait a bit...we haven't even been together a month....maybe after a year" she kisses her hand "but I am all for it. I love the idea" she leans into the kiss to the lips "I want forever too....I always have. But everyone I've tried to be with....they abandoned me when things became too much. I know sometimes I am unstable...but it seems like I've finally found someone who can handle those volatile moments...like you would run headfirst into the chaos to grab me and pull me back instead of running away and leaving..." she wraps her arms around her and leans her forehead on hers and just stares into her eyes. "You make my heart feel warm and heavy...like it's so full and happy.." she didn't care how lame that was, it was the truest thing she could have said in that moment, she smiled big then leaned in kissing her on the lips again.

Se-mi would smile softly against the kiss, her hand brushing gently against her cheek as if she wanted to hold that moment in place forever. She’d whisper with warmth in her voice, “Then let’s keep it just ours… a memory we never have to share, because it’s already engraved here—” she taps over her heart, “and no one else needs to know but us.” Her thumb would graze along her lip, lingering just a little too long before kissing her again, deeper this time, slower, like she wanted to prove she wasn’t going anywhere. Pulling back just enough to breathe, she’d murmur, “I don’t care how volatile things get… I’ll hold onto you through every storm. If you start to burn, I’ll burn with you. If you fall, I’ll fall with you. That’s what forever means to me.” Her lips would curve into a playful yet earnest smile, brushing her forehead to hers. “Warm and heavy, huh? Guess that makes us two fools with overflowing hearts.” She’d giggle softly before stealing another kiss, this one featherlight but full of promise.

"Let's get naked and go take a hot bath, I want to cuddle in some soapy water. My back hurts, but I want to hold onto you some more." She didn't even wait for an answer; she kissed her deeply, then scooped her up and headed upstairs. She held Se-mi like she weighed nothing, but to Hayden, she didn't. She sets her down on the lid of the toilet. She turns the tub on and adds some bubble bath and bath salts for a relaxing soak, then strips down, she places some folded up towels next to the tub, and steps in. She sits down and opens her arms. Once Se-mi strips and gets in, Hayden wraps her arms around her and pulls her close. She rests her chin on her shoulder and smiles, "This is perfect."

Se-mi let out a soft laugh as she was scooped up, clinging around Hayden’s neck like it was the safest place in the world. Her cheeks warmed at how effortlessly Hayden carried her, but she didn’t fight it; she loved being handled like she mattered that much. When Hayden set her down, she kicked her legs a little, watching her with that small, affectionate grin that always slipped out when she was happy. Once she slid into the tub and felt Hayden’s arms circle around her, Se-mi instantly melted against her chest, her head tipping back to rest on Hayden’s shoulder. The heat of the water mixed with the heat of her body made her feel like every bit of tension was unraveling. She let her fingers trace idle little circles on Hayden’s arm, her voice low and content. “You’re right… It really is perfect,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to her jaw. “I don’t care if my fingers get all pruney, I’m not letting go of you.” She shifted slightly so she could look up at her, eyes soft and shining. “You always make me feel like I can breathe again… like nothing else matters but this right here.” She kissed her shoulder, then teased with a playful smirk, “Though if we stay in too long, I might end up falling asleep on you in the tub. Hope you don’t mind being my pillow.”

"Yeah we will not be staying here that long, after a bit we will get out and dry off then we can go take a nap...a nice nap would be amazing" she kisses her cheek then grabs a clean wash cloth and adds some soap before starting to wash Se-mi, she scrubs her clean then wets her hair and adds shampoo, she scrubs her scalp and rinses it. She adds conditioner and massages it before letting it sit in her hair for a little bit. After a bit she rinses her hair. She then smiles "You are now all clean, so just focus on relaxing" she hugs her tighter, she would wash herself after Se-mi got out, but for now the focus was just cuddling. She rests her chin on her shoulder and closes her eyes "So nice, I could stay like this forever....or until the water is cold and I get hungry" she laughs.

Se-mi let out the softest hum, melting into Hayden’s touch as the washcloth and her gentle fingers worked over her skin. Her eyes fluttered shut when Hayden scrubbed her scalp, a dreamy little smile tugging at her lips. “Mmm… you’re spoiling me,” she whispered, voice low and sweet. “If you keep this up, I’ll never want to bathe by myself again.” When Hayden hugged her close, Se-mi tilted her head, pressing a kiss to her jaw. “I love how you take care of me… it makes me feel so safe. Like nothing bad could touch me as long as you’ve got your arms around me.” Her fingertips brushed lazy little patterns over Hayden’s thigh under the water, teasing but soft. She chuckled lightly at Hayden’s laugh. “Forever sounds perfect… but I guess I’ll allow us to get out before we turn into prunes or starve to death.” She nuzzled into her neck, whispering, “Though, if it was between you and food… I’d choose you every time.”

"You never forget but you also never quite bring it up again, like it's special but not special enough to talk about again. A memory worth keeping but just for yourself. Unlike a real proposal where you want to share the story" she kisses her hand "It's real solid silver and real amethyst so despite the dust...it's still a decent ring" she shrugs "I'm all for tattoos but lets wait a bit...we haven't even been together a month....maybe after a year" she kisses her hand "but I am all for it. I love the idea" she leans into the kiss to the lips "I want forever too....I always have. But everyone I've tried to be with....they abandoned me when things became too much. I know sometimes I am unstable...but it seems like I've finally found someone who can handle those volatile moments...like you would run headfirst into the chaos to grab me and pull me back instead of running away and leaving..." she wraps her arms around her and leans her forehead on hers and just stares into her eyes. "You make my heart feel warm and heavy...like it's so full and happy.." she didn't care how lame that was, it was the truest thing she could have said in that moment, she smiled big then leaned in kissing her on the lips again.

Se-mi would smile softly against the kiss, her hand brushing gently against her cheek as if she wanted to hold that moment in place forever. She’d whisper with warmth in her voice, “Then let’s keep it just ours… a memory we never have to share, because it’s already engraved here—” she taps over her heart, “and no one else needs to know but us.” Her thumb would graze along her lip, lingering just a little too long before kissing her again, deeper this time, slower, like she wanted to prove she wasn’t going anywhere. Pulling back just enough to breathe, she’d murmur, “I don’t care how volatile things get… I’ll hold onto you through every storm. If you start to burn, I’ll burn with you. If you fall, I’ll fall with you. That’s what forever means to me.” Her lips would curve into a playful yet earnest smile, brushing her forehead to hers. “Warm and heavy, huh? Guess that makes us two fools with overflowing hearts.” She’d giggle softly before stealing another kiss, this one featherlight but full of promise.

"Let's get naked and go take a hot bath, I want to cuddle in some soapy water. My back hurts, but I want to hold onto you some more." She didn't even wait for an answer; she kissed her deeply, then scooped her up and headed upstairs. She held Se-mi like she weighed nothing, but to Hayden, she didn't. She sets her down on the lid of the toilet. She turns the tub on and adds some bubble bath and bath salts for a relaxing soak, then strips down, she places some folded up towels next to the tub, and steps in. She sits down and opens her arms. Once Se-mi strips and gets in, Hayden wraps her arms around her and pulls her close. She rests her chin on her shoulder and smiles, "This is perfect."

Se-mi let out a soft laugh as she was scooped up, clinging around Hayden’s neck like it was the safest place in the world. Her cheeks warmed at how effortlessly Hayden carried her, but she didn’t fight it; she loved being handled like she mattered that much. When Hayden set her down, she kicked her legs a little, watching her with that small, affectionate grin that always slipped out when she was happy. Once she slid into the tub and felt Hayden’s arms circle around her, Se-mi instantly melted against her chest, her head tipping back to rest on Hayden’s shoulder. The heat of the water mixed with the heat of her body made her feel like every bit of tension was unraveling. She let her fingers trace idle little circles on Hayden’s arm, her voice low and content. “You’re right… It really is perfect,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to her jaw. “I don’t care if my fingers get all pruney, I’m not letting go of you.” She shifted slightly so she could look up at her, eyes soft and shining. “You always make me feel like I can breathe again… like nothing else matters but this right here.” She kissed her shoulder, then teased with a playful smirk, “Though if we stay in too long, I might end up falling asleep on you in the tub. Hope you don’t mind being my pillow.”

"You never forget but you also never quite bring it up again, like it's special but not special enough to talk about again. A memory worth keeping but just for yourself. Unlike a real proposal where you want to share the story" she kisses her hand "It's real solid silver and real amethyst so despite the dust...it's still a decent ring" she shrugs "I'm all for tattoos but lets wait a bit...we haven't even been together a month....maybe after a year" she kisses her hand "but I am all for it. I love the idea" she leans into the kiss to the lips "I want forever too....I always have. But everyone I've tried to be with....they abandoned me when things became too much. I know sometimes I am unstable...but it seems like I've finally found someone who can handle those volatile moments...like you would run headfirst into the chaos to grab me and pull me back instead of running away and leaving..." she wraps her arms around her and leans her forehead on hers and just stares into her eyes. "You make my heart feel warm and heavy...like it's so full and happy.." she didn't care how lame that was, it was the truest thing she could have said in that moment, she smiled big then leaned in kissing her on the lips again.

Se-mi would smile softly against the kiss, her hand brushing gently against her cheek as if she wanted to hold that moment in place forever. She’d whisper with warmth in her voice, “Then let’s keep it just ours… a memory we never have to share, because it’s already engraved here—” she taps over her heart, “and no one else needs to know but us.” Her thumb would graze along her lip, lingering just a little too long before kissing her again, deeper this time, slower, like she wanted to prove she wasn’t going anywhere. Pulling back just enough to breathe, she’d murmur, “I don’t care how volatile things get… I’ll hold onto you through every storm. If you start to burn, I’ll burn with you. If you fall, I’ll fall with you. That’s what forever means to me.” Her lips would curve into a playful yet earnest smile, brushing her forehead to hers. “Warm and heavy, huh? Guess that makes us two fools with overflowing hearts.” She’d giggle softly before stealing another kiss, this one featherlight but full of promise.

"Oh boy, do not tempt me like that...I've been down that road before...I like locking my partners in and it always bites me in the ass...but.." she reaches into a shoe box under the coffee table and pulls out a small jewelry pouch and pulls out a simple silver band with a few amethyst gems in it, she slides it on Se-mi's finger and smiles "While this isn't a personal..we can consider it temporary until we can get you one that is entirely yours" she kisses her cheek "this can be a a promise to get you a proper promise ring" she laughs at how silly everything sounded "I think it looks cute on you though, so if you decide you like that ring enough you can keep it" she wraps her arms around her waist pulling her closer and resting her chin on her shoulder "I feel so content with you" she sighs contently then smiles.

Se-mi blinked, stunned for a second as the cool metal touched her skin. Her gaze flickered down to the ring, delicate, beautiful, and so Hayden in every way. She stared at it, lips parted in disbelief, and then slowly looked up at her with wide eyes. “You… you really just did that?” she asked, her voice soft but full of a dizzying mix of awe and affection. Then a slow, teasing grin crept across her lips. “You do realize you’ve just unlocked my most clingy and romantic form, right?” she whispered, turning her head slightly to press her lips just beneath Hayden’s jaw. “Because now I’ve got a ring and I will absolutely start calling you my fiancée just to fluster you in public.” She slid her hand over Hayden’s, fingers threading gently as she admired the ring again. “It’s beautiful… and it already feels like mine,” she admitted, cheeks tinged with pink. “But only if you let me get you one too. Can’t be the only one wearing proof of our dangerously domestic love.” Leaning into her, Se-mi tilted her head to brush a slow, lingering kiss to Hayden’s lips. “I feel so stupidly happy with you it’s unreal,” she murmured. “Like… heart’s-too-full, floating kinda happy. You sure you wanna keep unlocking these levels? 'Cause the next one involves matching tattoos and a joint Pinterest board.”

"Oh but Se-mi it's not even a promise ring...it's a promise to get you a promise ring" she laughs "but I'm glad you like the ring...I am happy someone gets to enjoy wearing it, it's been collecting dust for quite some time" she laughs "I think matching tattoos and a joint pinterest board are on wildly different levels...though I would easily have gotten matching tattoos with you as my best friend so....as a couple..." she laughs "as long as the tattoo works as well apart as it does together...I don't hate it...just no names" she nods "and I don't user pinterest...much" she looks at the ring she is wearing "Honestly you could just wear this ring for now....switch it to a different finger when we get you a real promise ring...and if you want we can get me a matching promise ring too" she holds her hand "I do want you to keep this ring though, even if it's not a promise ring...it's a good milestone marker and reminder of where we decided to make things more serious...and I think that is so special" she kisses her hand where the ring is then leans up kissing her on the lips.

Se-mi giggles softly, her cheeks pink as she twists her hand, admiring the way the ring catches the light. “A promise to get me a promise ring, huh? That’s so you,” she teases, kissing her back slowly before resting her forehead against hers. “But you’re right… this does feel like a milestone. Like one of those quiet, special little chapters that I’ll never forget.” She brushes her thumb over her girlfriend’s hand, holding it close. “And I don’t care if it’s silly or dusty or not even a ‘real’ promise ring, it’s ours now, and that makes it perfect.” Her lips curve into a soft grin, eyes sparkling. “Though fair warning, if you get me a matching one, I’ll probably never stop staring at our hands like a lovesick fool.” Her voice lowers, teasing yet affectionate. “And tattoos… you do realize you just opened the door, right? I’m already thinking of designs. Something subtle… but forever. Like us.” She presses another kiss to her lips, lingering longer this time, before whispering against her mouth: “You make me want forever.”

"Oh boy, do not tempt me like that...I've been down that road before...I like locking my partners in and it always bites me in the ass...but.." she reaches into a shoe box under the coffee table and pulls out a small jewelry pouch and pulls out a simple silver band with a few amethyst gems in it, she slides it on Se-mi's finger and smiles "While this isn't a personal..we can consider it temporary until we can get you one that is entirely yours" she kisses her cheek "this can be a a promise to get you a proper promise ring" she laughs at how silly everything sounded "I think it looks cute on you though, so if you decide you like that ring enough you can keep it" she wraps her arms around her waist pulling her closer and resting her chin on her shoulder "I feel so content with you" she sighs contently then smiles.

Se-mi blinked, stunned for a second as the cool metal touched her skin. Her gaze flickered down to the ring, delicate, beautiful, and so Hayden in every way. She stared at it, lips parted in disbelief, and then slowly looked up at her with wide eyes. “You… you really just did that?” she asked, her voice soft but full of a dizzying mix of awe and affection. Then a slow, teasing grin crept across her lips. “You do realize you’ve just unlocked my most clingy and romantic form, right?” she whispered, turning her head slightly to press her lips just beneath Hayden’s jaw. “Because now I’ve got a ring and I will absolutely start calling you my fiancée just to fluster you in public.” She slid her hand over Hayden’s, fingers threading gently as she admired the ring again. “It’s beautiful… and it already feels like mine,” she admitted, cheeks tinged with pink. “But only if you let me get you one too. Can’t be the only one wearing proof of our dangerously domestic love.” Leaning into her, Se-mi tilted her head to brush a slow, lingering kiss to Hayden’s lips. “I feel so stupidly happy with you it’s unreal,” she murmured. “Like… heart’s-too-full, floating kinda happy. You sure you wanna keep unlocking these levels? 'Cause the next one involves matching tattoos and a joint Pinterest board.”

“i know.” minsu whispers. it’s all that’s been in his mind since the moment her last breath, since whichever pierce of her skin had finally robbed her of the last traces of her life. they echoed viciously in his mind. he’d do anything to be rid of them. she’s not there, not real. it’s exhaustion and looming affects of those fucking pills and god knows what else teaming up on him to visualise the guilt he deserves to see. but he wants her to be. needs her to be. “it’s not okay!” his voice grows louder, frustrated, tears distorting the already-warped view of her. “i can’t — i don’t want to protect anyone else. i should have protected you. i — i don’t want to live with myself. take me with you. i want to be with you.”

minsu shakes his head, desperate. the sight of tears glimmering in her eyes furthers the ache in the depth of his chest, and he wants nothing more than to chase them away. to step closer and sweep her into his embrace and make all the noise in his mind stop, but he knows the world wouldn’t be so gracious on him. he doesn’t deserve it. he looks down as her hand hovers by his heart, a stuttering breath catching within his throat. “no…” he whispers, swallows firmly. “i can’t. i won’t. please, let me come with you…”

the very sight of her falters, reminding minsu of the limited time he has with her — no, not her, but the illusion of her. there but not. here but far. he can’t bear the thought of witnessing her flicker into nothingness. even if the semi that stands before him isn’t real, even if he knows that, he needs her to stay. again, he’s shaking his head. frantic. desperate. he’d give anything in the world for her to stay. “i can’t,” minsu says again. his whole body shakes like he’s feverish. maybe he is. maybe that’s the sole reason he’s seeing her. he’s barely been sleeping. barely eating. simply floating through the hours as if he’s merely witnessing them, not living them. “i can’t, semi… i need — i need you with me. i need to touch you. to feel you. i need you to be real again.”

minsu feels his lower lip tremble, and it’s then that he’s aware how pathetic he probably looks in the moment. much like he did on the moment that he’d failed semi. cowered on a bunk and pressed his hands over his ears in an effort to drown out her screams, her final breaths. he’s aware of the darkness that swallows the sleeping quarters now. there’s only a handful of players left. he could win. but he doesn’t want to. he can’t. his hands rise to his face, and he breathes a shaky sob into the palms of his hands, shaking his head. “no,” minsu cries. “no, no, no, no… semi!” he pleads. the moment is ending, she’s on the verge of leaving, and her abscence has never felt so heavy on his chest. he reaches for her, practically stumbles over his own feet in an effort to catch up with her. when did he end up on his knees? “there has to be — has to be something. anything! i-i’ll do anything to have you back… if there isn’t, just… just please let me die as well.”

time passes in a strange blur, where one moment feels like an eternity and the next seems to pass in a heartbeat. minsu watches semi’s hand hover over his own, but he feels no warmth radiating from her, not in the way that he used to. he crumples further. hands make their way to his face, catching the thick tears that fall rythmically from his eyes. he slumps, defeated. shakes his head again to nothing in particular. she isn’t real. regardless of how much he confronts the notion, it doesn’t become any easier. she isn’t real, won’t ever be again, and it’s his fault. his mind can conjure up all it likes to try and convince him that she’d forgive him, but none of that changes the harsh, unforgiving reality. she’s dead. “semi…” minsu sobs, voice barely there, fading away like the rest of him threatens to.

he isn’t sure how long he’s spent like this; a weeping mess crumpled upon the floor like a piece of discarded litter. surely one of the other finalists will pity him enough to finish him off in one way or another if he remains like this. minsu hiccups around a trembling sob, words beyond him. there’s plenty more he could say to semi, or the illusion of her, but none of it manages to break through the surface of choked cries. shaking hands still stay by his face, shielding him from the harsh reality, the possibility that when he looks again, she might be gone, nothing but a whisper echoing off of the tall walls of the sleeping quarters. he remains there, listening to her, curled in on himself, trying to trick himself into feeling some trace of warmth from her, until his tears eventually nurse him into a light sleep full of dreams of semi.

restless dreams follow minsu deep into the night, distorted views of semi that keep slipping away from him. regardless of how closely he follows her, how fast he runs after her, she ceases to exist right before he can reach her, fading into thin air. each time it aches his chest, makes him stir where he lays on the discomfort of the floor. classical music wakes him from his sleep, greeting him quickly with a pounding headache. he groans, the rest of his body aching with complaint to how he’d slept curled up on the floor. for a moment, he thinks he might be dead, that another finalist might have finished him off, but reality eventually greets him. he rubs his eyes with the back of his hand, sniffling. “semi…?”

“semi,” his voice breaks. “noona.” there’s no need to call her that, is there? she’d told him otherwise, let him in on the secret of her age that the remainder of their team hadn’t been granted. but he does anyway, finds comfort in sharing that with her. who else would he call such a thing in a place like this? “no, i’m not — i’m not leaving you.” minsu steps forward shakily, takes her wrist into his hold. trembling fingers brush warily against her skin, as if he has to convince himself that she’s really there, not about to dissolve in front of his eyes. “i’ll protect you, semi…”

“you’re not dead weight,” it’s the firmest his voice has been yet, the most effort he’s put into conveying something. “i don’t care how this game works. not anymore.” minsu’s voice drops again, practically a whisper. he did once, when he were even more of a coward. when nothing but his own survival proved important. but something had changed now, and it was all because of her. his hold upon semi’s wrist tightens, likely to leave angry red marks in it’s wake if he ever brings himself to release her. it feels like the least of his concerns. something ignites beneath his skin when she moves closer, and he recalls all the cliche love stories that highlight the spark of true love. he swallows harshly, forces back further tears that threaten to spill. “i won’t let you go. i’ll do anything for you. i promise…”

it takes a few moments for minsu to allow himself to feel the moment; semi’s enticing warmth that practically swallows all trace of cold that had previously enveloped him. he leans into her, hands hovering by her sides. wants to touch her, but is far too scared that he might harm her with even the slightest graze of his skin against hers, like she’s made of fine china. and just like that, she kisses him. he’s frozen for a second, convinced he’s stumbled into the kind of dream he’s about to be roused awake from. then, slowly, he returns it, movements slow and careful against her lips, still cautious anything else might break her. when they part, he releases a breath, soft and shaky, barely there. “anything,” minsu confirms. “i’ll stay with you. no matter what.” another kiss. this one he’s a little more prepared for, and eases beneath. he shakily cups her cheek for a moment, until the sound of heavy footsteps nearby draws him from the moment. “we have to move.”

Se-mi could have stayed in that moment forever, tucked beneath the warmth of his promise, of his lips moving gently against hers like she was something sacred. And maybe to him, she was. For a moment, it felt like she could believe it too. But the illusion shatters the second she hears it, Shoes. Sharp. Heavy. Close. She stiffens instantly, eyes snapping open just as Minsu cups her cheek. Her hand darts up, wrapping around his wrist, steady but urgent. Not to pull away, but to pull him with her. ❝You're right.❞ Her voice is quiet but sharp, stripped clean of hesitation now. She pulls back just enough to look him in the eyes, still close, still tethered to him by breath, by feeling. ❝We run. Together. No splitting up. No hero bullshit. Got it?❞ Her hand lingers for just one more second against the side of his face, thumb brushing over the skin beneath his eye as if trying to wipe away the last trace of fear. Then she grabs the key off the floor and shoves it into the pocket of her pants. Her free hand latches onto his without question, and this time, she doesn't let go. ❝Let’s survive this, Minsu. And when we’re out—❞ she glances back at him, eyes finally glowing with something faint, something fragile, but real, ❝—you owe me a real kiss. One without blood and death, and players breathing down our necks. Deal?❞ Then, with one last squeeze of his hand, she yanks him into the shadows. Running. Together.

minsu nods, swallowing in an effort to rid himself of a stubborn lump that finds itself lodged within his throat. he’s terrified, but he won’t let himself acknowledge such a thing. not this time. he won’t dare to fail her again, especially not now that there’s this something between them that leaves his heart stuttering pathetically. “y-yeah.” he agrees breathlessly, fingers finding their way around her wrist. worry surges through him as he glances down at the blue vest she wears. players will be targeting her — might go as far as to ignore him entirely to get to her. instinctively, he shifts to shield her from the direction of the heavy footsteps growing closer. his gaze flickers towards her lips for a moment, and he flushes. “deal.” minsu murmurs, sparing one last glance behind him before setting off into movement, holding tightly onto semi.

any amount of space between them feels like far too much, as if it might invite someone to snatch her from his grasp. his hold tightens, fingers pressing into her skin perhaps a little too harshly, but he can’t pay too much mind to it, not when those footsteps still feel so close to them. brows furrow when she speaks, shaking his head before semi can even finish. “semi… no. i’m not leaving you.” he tells her, breathless from the running. he strays behind for a moment, now following in her lead. “we just — we have to find you those other keys, right? then you can get out…” minsu’s words cease as she tugs him around a corner, and it becomes apparent that there’s something else beyond the footsteps; a voice. not talking, but singing. they duck out of sight, and minsu presses himself against a wall, urging semi to do the same. the voice draws closer. he stiffens. it’s namgyu. his trembling grip on semi tightens again, well aware that if the other male has one target, it will surely be here. he leans close, whispering by her ear. “stay here. i’ll — i’ll lead him away. tell him i saw you somewhere else.”

“semi,” his voice breaks. “noona.” there’s no need to call her that, is there? she’d told him otherwise, let him in on the secret of her age that the remainder of their team hadn’t been granted. but he does anyway, finds comfort in sharing that with her. who else would he call such a thing in a place like this? “no, i’m not — i’m not leaving you.” minsu steps forward shakily, takes her wrist into his hold. trembling fingers brush warily against her skin, as if he has to convince himself that she’s really there, not about to dissolve in front of his eyes. “i’ll protect you, semi…”

“you’re not dead weight,” it’s the firmest his voice has been yet, the most effort he’s put into conveying something. “i don’t care how this game works. not anymore.” minsu’s voice drops again, practically a whisper. he did once, when he were even more of a coward. when nothing but his own survival proved important. but something had changed now, and it was all because of her. his hold upon semi’s wrist tightens, likely to leave angry red marks in it’s wake if he ever brings himself to release her. it feels like the least of his concerns. something ignites beneath his skin when she moves closer, and he recalls all the cliche love stories that highlight the spark of true love. he swallows harshly, forces back further tears that threaten to spill. “i won’t let you go. i’ll do anything for you. i promise…”

it takes a few moments for minsu to allow himself to feel the moment; semi’s enticing warmth that practically swallows all trace of cold that had previously enveloped him. he leans into her, hands hovering by her sides. wants to touch her, but is far too scared that he might harm her with even the slightest graze of his skin against hers, like she’s made of fine china. and just like that, she kisses him. he’s frozen for a second, convinced he’s stumbled into the kind of dream he’s about to be roused awake from. then, slowly, he returns it, movements slow and careful against her lips, still cautious anything else might break her. when they part, he releases a breath, soft and shaky, barely there. “anything,” minsu confirms. “i’ll stay with you. no matter what.” another kiss. this one he’s a little more prepared for, and eases beneath. he shakily cups her cheek for a moment, until the sound of heavy footsteps nearby draws him from the moment. “we have to move.”

Se-mi could have stayed in that moment forever, tucked beneath the warmth of his promise, of his lips moving gently against hers like she was something sacred. And maybe to him, she was. For a moment, it felt like she could believe it too. But the illusion shatters the second she hears it, Shoes. Sharp. Heavy. Close. She stiffens instantly, eyes snapping open just as Minsu cups her cheek. Her hand darts up, wrapping around his wrist, steady but urgent. Not to pull away, but to pull him with her. ❝You're right.❞ Her voice is quiet but sharp, stripped clean of hesitation now. She pulls back just enough to look him in the eyes, still close, still tethered to him by breath, by feeling. ❝We run. Together. No splitting up. No hero bullshit. Got it?❞ Her hand lingers for just one more second against the side of his face, thumb brushing over the skin beneath his eye as if trying to wipe away the last trace of fear. Then she grabs the key off the floor and shoves it into the pocket of her pants. Her free hand latches onto his without question, and this time, she doesn't let go. ❝Let’s survive this, Minsu. And when we’re out—❞ she glances back at him, eyes finally glowing with something faint, something fragile, but real, ❝—you owe me a real kiss. One without blood and death, and players breathing down our necks. Deal?❞ Then, with one last squeeze of his hand, she yanks him into the shadows. Running. Together.

minsu nods, swallowing in an effort to rid himself of a stubborn lump that finds itself lodged within his throat. he’s terrified, but he won’t let himself acknowledge such a thing. not this time. he won’t dare to fail her again, especially not now that there’s this something between them that leaves his heart stuttering pathetically. “y-yeah.” he agrees breathlessly, fingers finding their way around her wrist. worry surges through him as he glances down at the blue vest she wears. players will be targeting her — might go as far as to ignore him entirely to get to her. instinctively, he shifts to shield her from the direction of the heavy footsteps growing closer. his gaze flickers towards her lips for a moment, and he flushes. “deal.” minsu murmurs, sparing one last glance behind him before setting off into movement, holding tightly onto semi.

“i know.” minsu whispers. it’s all that’s been in his mind since the moment her last breath, since whichever pierce of her skin had finally robbed her of the last traces of her life. they echoed viciously in his mind. he’d do anything to be rid of them. she’s not there, not real. it’s exhaustion and looming affects of those fucking pills and god knows what else teaming up on him to visualise the guilt he deserves to see. but he wants her to be. needs her to be. “it’s not okay!” his voice grows louder, frustrated, tears distorting the already-warped view of her. “i can’t — i don’t want to protect anyone else. i should have protected you. i — i don’t want to live with myself. take me with you. i want to be with you.”

minsu shakes his head, desperate. the sight of tears glimmering in her eyes furthers the ache in the depth of his chest, and he wants nothing more than to chase them away. to step closer and sweep her into his embrace and make all the noise in his mind stop, but he knows the world wouldn’t be so gracious on him. he doesn’t deserve it. he looks down as her hand hovers by his heart, a stuttering breath catching within his throat. “no…” he whispers, swallows firmly. “i can’t. i won’t. please, let me come with you…”

the very sight of her falters, reminding minsu of the limited time he has with her — no, not her, but the illusion of her. there but not. here but far. he can’t bear the thought of witnessing her flicker into nothingness. even if the semi that stands before him isn’t real, even if he knows that, he needs her to stay. again, he’s shaking his head. frantic. desperate. he’d give anything in the world for her to stay. “i can’t,” minsu says again. his whole body shakes like he’s feverish. maybe he is. maybe that’s the sole reason he’s seeing her. he’s barely been sleeping. barely eating. simply floating through the hours as if he’s merely witnessing them, not living them. “i can’t, semi… i need — i need you with me. i need to touch you. to feel you. i need you to be real again.”

minsu feels his lower lip tremble, and it’s then that he’s aware how pathetic he probably looks in the moment. much like he did on the moment that he’d failed semi. cowered on a bunk and pressed his hands over his ears in an effort to drown out her screams, her final breaths. he’s aware of the darkness that swallows the sleeping quarters now. there’s only a handful of players left. he could win. but he doesn’t want to. he can’t. his hands rise to his face, and he breathes a shaky sob into the palms of his hands, shaking his head. “no,” minsu cries. “no, no, no, no… semi!” he pleads. the moment is ending, she’s on the verge of leaving, and her abscence has never felt so heavy on his chest. he reaches for her, practically stumbles over his own feet in an effort to catch up with her. when did he end up on his knees? “there has to be — has to be something. anything! i-i’ll do anything to have you back… if there isn’t, just… just please let me die as well.”

time passes in a strange blur, where one moment feels like an eternity and the next seems to pass in a heartbeat. minsu watches semi’s hand hover over his own, but he feels no warmth radiating from her, not in the way that he used to. he crumples further. hands make their way to his face, catching the thick tears that fall rythmically from his eyes. he slumps, defeated. shakes his head again to nothing in particular. she isn’t real. regardless of how much he confronts the notion, it doesn’t become any easier. she isn’t real, won’t ever be again, and it’s his fault. his mind can conjure up all it likes to try and convince him that she’d forgive him, but none of that changes the harsh, unforgiving reality. she’s dead. “semi…” minsu sobs, voice barely there, fading away like the rest of him threatens to.

he isn’t sure how long he’s spent like this; a weeping mess crumpled upon the floor like a piece of discarded litter. surely one of the other finalists will pity him enough to finish him off in one way or another if he remains like this. minsu hiccups around a trembling sob, words beyond him. there’s plenty more he could say to semi, or the illusion of her, but none of it manages to break through the surface of choked cries. shaking hands still stay by his face, shielding him from the harsh reality, the possibility that when he looks again, she might be gone, nothing but a whisper echoing off of the tall walls of the sleeping quarters. he remains there, listening to her, curled in on himself, trying to trick himself into feeling some trace of warmth from her, until his tears eventually nurse him into a light sleep full of dreams of semi.

"You do both, duh!" she laughs. "And if you are willing to propose, then you mean to say I am wife material because I am already your girlfriend," she smiles. "This is how it's supposed to be. If you aren't feeling like this with someone, then you aren't in a proper relationship." She pulls her in for a kiss. "I will not let you die a soup-related death, don't worry, go get comfy." She takes the dishes to the sink and then returns to Se-mi. She pulls the girl close and kisses her neck. "I love being full of soup and cheese and cuddling my adorable best friend who's also my girlfriend. This is the life," she kisses up her neck and then nibbles on her ear before burying her face in her neck and just cuddling her tight.

Se-mi melted under Hayden’s affection, letting out a soft, breathy laugh as those warm lips traced up her neck. Her hands found Hayden’s waist and held her close, fingertips gently trailing along the curve of her back. “Mmm… god, you really are wife material,” she murmured, voice low and teasing, but laced with genuine warmth. “If I wasn’t already obsessed with you, this soup-and-neck-kisses combo would’ve sealed it.” She turned her head just enough to brush her lips over Hayden’s ear, whispering, “You spoil me, you know that?” before giving it a soft bite in return. “Like… full-on domestic goddess. All that’s missing is the matching pajamas and a ring.” Then she pulled her even closer, arms wrapping around her like she never wanted to let go. “This right here? This is dangerous. Because I could stay like this forever,” she whispered against her skin, letting her lips linger there. “And the more you do this… the more I start planning our honeymoon in my head.”