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“Sannie, I think it’s closed.” Wooyoung pouted.
They had left the car in the nearest street and taken the narrow shortcut leading them to the park, but the blinding lights, upbeat music, and joyful laughter that usually came from the skating rink were oddly nonexistent tonight. The whole area was plunged into darkness, the only source of light coming from the street lamps of the path they were now exiting and the flashlight of San’s phone.
Wooyoung’s shoulders dropped a little in disappointment, but most of his concerns were turned toward his boyfriend.
Ever since his surprise date and unexpected confession two years ago, San had made it his life’s mission to always plan their anniversary date weeks in advance and outdo himself every year. Wooyoung would be content with a simple dinner and hours of cuddles at home but he knew this meant a lot to his boyfriend.
His Sannie was a romantic at heart – he couldn’t take this away from him.
This was why, when they reached the entrance and came face to face with a closed gate, Wooyoung’s heart sank. Not because they wouldn’t be able to ice-skate tonight, but because this could mean part, or maybe everything San had planned for their special night was now ruined.
Arms tightly wrapped around one of San’s, Wooyoung placed his head on San’s shoulder and faintly stroked his arm.
“It’s okay baby,” Wooyoung tried to reassure. “Christmas is just around the corner, I’m sure we can easily find something else to do. Did you make a reservation for dinner ?”
They hadn’t visited the nearest Christmas market yet and from what Yeosang had told him, they really needed to give it a try. Maybe they could go there instead ?
To Wooyoung’s surprise, San didn’t answer. Calmly, he reached for the ‘CLOSED’ sign hung on the gate and turned it around.
“I think we’re fine,” he said with a smile, and Wooyoung's eyes widened when his gaze fell on the words written there in front of him, in black bold letters.
‘RESERVED – JUNG WOOYOUNG’
“You reserved the whole rink for us ?” Wooyoung exclaimed, watching San’s smug grin widen.
His boyfriend shrugged and took a bunch of keys out of his coat pocket. After fumbling with it for a bit and finding the right one, he turned his head to press his lips to Wooyoung’s forehead.
“Anything for my angel,” he whispered, and Wooyoung immediately buried his face in the crook of San’s neck to hide his lovestruck smile.
He heard San chuckling and the keys jingling, then the entrance gate was open and San guided them into the park.
Aside from San’s phone, everything was dark. They walked in silence for a short moment, until San stopped them and carefully took his arm out of Wooyoung’s grip.
“Wait for me here ?” he asked and Wooyoung panicked a little. He knew the skating rink wasn’t far, maybe even right there from what he could remember, but he couldn’t see a thing past his feet. San must have felt his fear because he quickly took his hand and brought their foreheads together.
“I’ll be right back, okay ?” he promised. He waited until Wooyoung faintly nodded to take a step back and gave his hand a light squeeze before he let go. After one last smile, he turned around and dove into the darkness. Wooyoung watched the light of his phone moving away until it disappeared.
He looked up at the sky while he waited, a light cloud of steam passing his lips when he sighed. There were no stars visible tonight, thick clouds obstructing the view. It hadn’t snowed since the cold days had come back and the forecast hadn’t announced anything but wind and clouds for the next few days, but Wooyoung could still dream. The first snow for their anniversary, how romantic would that be ? Wooyoung wished he could control the weather, just so he could see San’s eyes twinkling in delight and his lips curling up into a beautiful smile.
The thought alone filled Wooyoung’s chest with warmth and he tore his gaze away from the sky just in time to see the whole place suddenly lighting up. Wooyoung started a little, surprised, before his eyes widened as he admired the sight in front of him.
String lights were wrapped around the railing encircling the rink and light bulbs decorated the trees surrounding it. Their golden light shone brightly, forcing Wooyoung to blink a few times so his eyes could adjust.
It was far from being his first time coming here and he had always found this place pretty, but knowing he was there alone with San tonight, everything seemed beautified.
Wooyoung walked forward without even thinking, his gaze stuck on the imposing pine tree in the middle of the rink, decorated with white and golden bulbs, tinsels, and fairy lights. Wooyoung couldn’t help but giggle at the sight, joy and awe overwhelming him.
“I’m pretty sure they added some lights this year.”
San’s voice came from his left and Wooyoung’s feet naturally guided him toward his boyfriend, who was already walking his way. They met in front of the benches by the rink’s entrance but even with San there, Wooyoung couldn’t stop staring at the lights. He knew he was smiling like an idiot and his eyes were probably comically wide, but he couldn’t help it.
“It’s beautiful…”
“It really is,” San breathed and somehow, Wooyoung knew his boyfriend wasn’t looking at the rink, the Christmas tree, or the pretty lights around them.
When Wooyoung managed to tear his gaze away to focus on his boyfriend, San didn’t look away like he would have done years ago, caught in the act. Instead, they held each other’s gaze for a moment, quietly, until Wooyoung smiled. San smiled back, just as softly.
“Now,” San cleared his throat, inevitably breaking their moment. He held up the pairs of skates he was holding in both hands. “Should we start ?”
—
It didn’t take them long until they were finally sliding on the ice, hand in hand under the golden lights. San told him about the way he had done some scouting that one night Wooyoung had spent at Yeosang’s, which explained how he got the keys and knew where to find the skates or how to turn on the lights. It didn’t explain how he got the permission to do all of this in the first place, but San simply grinned and kissed Wooyoung's cheek in lieu of an answer.
They skated in silence for a while, simply going in circles around the tree, enjoying the beauty and quietness of the place, each other’s presence, and the cold air biting their faces. Wooyoung appreciated San’s choice of keeping the place silent instead of turning the speakers on. That way, they were able to hear the sound their skates made against the ice and the bulbs occasionally jingling in the Christmas tree when the wind blew a little bit stronger.
After a moment, Wooyoung moved to stand in front of San and took both his hands in his, skating backward so he could face and admire San. His boyfriend simply smiled at him, not breaking their bubble of peace and quiet, before his gaze went back to his feet so he could focus. His cheeks were flushed by now, the tip of his nose a cute pink and in any other situation, Wooyoung would have leaned in to kiss it but he knew better than to disturb San while skating.
He had dragged his boyfriend to many skating rinks since they started dating and they had both improved, but San still lacked confidence in his skills. Wooyoung didn’t mind though. He loved watching San’s concentrated frown and the way his nose adorably scrunched every time he slightly lost his balance.
“You’re cute,” Wooyoung couldn’t help but say out loud. He chuckled when San grunted. “Even cuter now.”
That made San struggle for a second but Wooyoung instinctively held him by the forearms to ensure he wouldn’t fall. Once San was steady again, Wooyoung let go and only took one of his hands to skate by his side again.
“Remember two years ago ?”
Wooyoung could hear San’s smile when he answered. “How could I forget ?”
“You wouldn’t leave the railing.”
“And you wouldn’t leave Jongho’s arms.” San rolled his eyes.
Wooyoung openly laughed at that and almost instantly slapped a hand over his mouth when he realized how loud he had been, but he quickly remembered he was with San here, and San didn’t mind.
His smile turned fond when San squeezed his hand, silently reassuring him.
“I like your arms way more,” Wooyoung replied after some time.
“Oh that I know,” San laughed and Wooyoung couldn’t help but giggle with him.
At this point, Wooyoung was known among their group of friends for loving ‘big strong muscular arms’ and he was now blessed with a boyfriend who perfectly fulfilled his needs. Wooyoung had loved San with his cute non-muscular arms before and he would love them all the same if they had stayed that way, but he definitely wasn’t going to complain about the change either.
He might be a little bit obsessed though.
His friends regularly teased him for how often he attached himself to San’s arm but it really wasn’t his fault – it just fit perfectly with Wooyoung’s own wrapped around it.
San’s arms were made to be hugged. And kissed. And bitten.
Wooyoung giggled to himself at the thought but remained silent when San raised his eyebrows questioningly. They continued to skate for several more minutes until Wooyoung slowed down, naturally bringing San to a stop with him. He gently tugged on San’s hand, urging him to face him, and was about to slid their linked hands into San’s pockets but San stopped him oddly fast to hide them into Wooyoung’s instead. Not minding this change, Wooyoung smiled, chin slightly up so he could look at San in the eyes.
“Thank you, for all of this.” He vaguely gestured at the rink with his head, his hands trapped an comfortable. “You’re… You’re incredible, Sannie. The best boyfriend anyone could ever wish for, the most amazing person I’ve ever met, and yet you chose me.” He hid his face in the crook of San’s neck and inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. “I love you so, so much.”
“I love you too,” San murmured against his temple. He squeezed Wooyoung’s hands in his pockets and Wooyoung’s heart embarrassingly skipped a beat. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ll choose you over anything and anyone in any situation, in any life. You’re the only one for me, Wooyoung.” He leaned down to kiss Wooyoung’s cheek and brought his lips to Wooyoung’s ear to whisper. “Happy second year anniversary.”
Wooyoung smiled so wide it made his lips hurt. He moved away from San’s neck to look at his boyfriend again, seeing his own happiness mirrored in San’s glistening eyes.
“Happy eighteenth year anniversary,” Wooyoung replied, before leaning in and pressing his lips against San’s.
Eighteen years of friendship. Many of pining. Two years since San had confessed on this very same day, their special day. They had been stupid for an agonizingly long time, things had been hard and Wooyoung had gotten his heart broken too many times, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Their story was perfect as it was.
They kissed for a long moment, standing in the middle of the rink, San’s hands now cupping Wooyoung’s face, Wooyoung’s arms wrapped around San’s middle. They only stopped when San abruptly broke their kiss to avoid sneezing in Wooyoung’s face – which he did anyway, because sneeze number one soon became sneeze number two, three, four, and eventually stopped at five.
“We should go eat now,” San said, voice soft as his thumbs gently stroked Wooyoung’s cold cheekbones.
“I don’t want this moment to end.” Wooyoung pouted, tightening his hold around San’s waist.
He knew the date wasn’t over – San usually invited him to dinner and then they would finish the night with mind-blowing sex and sleepy cuddles, but there was a peace and quietness here that Wooyoung knew they wouldn’t find anywhere else. Being alone with San in such a place just for them… It pained Wooyoung to leave it so soon.
San hummed. He moved his fingers to Wooyoung’s chin and gently forced him to tilt his head to meet his gaze.
“What if I told you I reserved the whole park for you ?”
—
And he really did.
After leaving the rink and turning the lights back off, San held up his arm and Wooyoung hastened to wrap his own around it. They walked together in the dark again, crossing the park, their steps once more lit by San’s phone. The rest of the park was closed to the public at night so having it completely empty made more sense than the skating rink, but Wooyoung was still baffled San got permission to keep it open just for them.
San tripped twice on the way, which made Wooyoung laugh but also notice how stressed his boyfriend was tonight. He was always nervous when planning things for Wooyoung, like his birthday night last month or that one time he had tried to cook an entire dinner for him, so Wooyoung wasn’t too surprised, although tonight seemed worse than usual. He didn’t like seeing his boyfriend like that though. This was their anniversary ; even though San had been the one planning everything, they should both enjoy every minute of it.
So Wooyoung tried to soothe San as much as he could, complimenting him for his skating skills, for how amazing he looked tonight, kissing his cheek every thirty seconds, squeezing his arm… He also forced him to do a battle of ‘who can breathe out the biggest cloud of air’ and let him win, then kissed his lips as a winning prize.
Eventually, they reached the end of the line of trees they were walking under and Wooyoung unconsciously stopped, heart swooping and jaw dropping when he saw what stood in front of them.
There, hidden behind the trees until now, was a bandstand decorated with white roses and thousands of lights. Like the skating rink, string lights were set all around the railing, but also on the columns and all over the roof. Even more were attached to the ceiling, looking like drops of lights prettily falling from the roof. Wooyoung was so amazed by the sight he barely noticed San taking his hand and guiding him up the three steps of the bandstand.
That was when Wooyoung’s heart stopped.
A floor sprinkled with red roses petals, artificial candles, and white balloons. A round table in the middle, covered with a white tablecloth, even more candles and petals. A pretty bouquet of red roses put in a vase next to the flutes.
The perfect imitation of their very first date.
Tears welled up in Wooyoung’s eyes and San was in front of him in an instant.
“Are you okay ?” he asked as he gently held Wooyoung’s hips and tried to meet his gaze. The concern laced in his voice only made it harder for Wooyoung to keep himself from breaking down in tears, but he was getting better at holding himself back – which was something San hated, but Wooyoung was tired of crying all the time, so he tried.
He quickly wiped the corner of his eyes and nodded.
“I’m fine. You’re just really sappy and I love you a lot.”
San laughed cutely, which made Wooyoung smile too. He brought San into a hug and kissed his nose and lips several times, whispering “thank you” over and over against his skin until they detached from each other to sit at the table.
The food was still warm when they removed the cloches from their plates, which meant someone had been there to settle everything not too long ago. Knowing San and their friends, it was probably Yunho. And while the main dish didn’t look or taste familiar, the cupcakes waiting next to the bouquet were obviously Seonghwa’s.
Everything was delicious but it was all even better with San sitting right in front of him, staring at Wooyoung like he meant the world to him, with a smile so beautiful Wooyoung kept missing his mouth, too busy admiring those dimples he loved and cherished so much, or the cute way San’s eyes crinkled every time he laughed. By the end of their dinner, Wooyoung’s fingers were so cold he could barely feel them but his chest and heart were warm enough to make up for it. He leaned back against his chair with a satisfied sigh.
San looked at him for a moment, strangely quiet. There was something in his expression, something Wooyoung couldn’t quite read, which was unusual, but before he could try and ask if something was wrong, it was gone. San’s chair scraped the ground as he stood up and held his hand out for Wooyoung.
“I have something to show you.”
Wooyoung’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “You have more than all of this ?” he asked, astounded, gesturing to the table and balloons on the floor.
Wooyoung was already thinking San would never be able to outdo himself with what he had done tonight, and he had more to show him ? What kind of world-saving act had Wooyoung done in his past lives to deserve a boyfriend like him ?
San laughed, but it sounded too nervous for Wooyoung to let it pass. He abruptly stood up, ignoring San’s offered hand to cup his face instead, scrutinizing him. He frowned when the first thing he noticed in his boyfriend’s expression was some sort of fear that should not be there tonight.
“What’s wrong ?” he asked, as softly as he could. “It’s just me, baby. You don’t have to worry about anything, no matter what you have planned.”
That made San crack a smile, although too shy and hesitant to fully lift Wooyoung’s concern. San set his hands on top of Wooyoung’s and gently lowered them, linking their fingers instead.
“Sorry, I’m just a little bit nervous,” he confessed. “I want everything to be perfect for you–”
“And that’s stupid,” Wooyoung interrupted. He rolled his eyes when San’s eyes widened a little. “Like I said, it’s just me. I’ll love and enjoy everything you want to show or give me. You don’t have to be scared of my reaction, kitten. Not now, not ever. As long as I can be with you, I’ll always be happy.”
His words were followed by silence, but Wooyoung knew it meant San was thinking. He stared at Wooyoung for a long moment, unmoving, as if trying to find something on his face. Wooyoung had been genuine with his words and hoped San could see it in his eyes.
After some time, San’s shoulders slightly dropped, his expression softening. He smiled, more confidently this time.
“It’s up there,” he said, letting go of Wooyoung’s hand to point at the darkness behind him.
Wooyoung had to bend down a bit to see past the roof and noticed some light coming from another part of the park, a little further away.
He knew that place. It was the highest part of the park, where they could have a panoramic view of it all. There was a square there, with trees only on the side, and some benches. That was where Wooyoung’s uncle used to play boules with his friends. Considering the darkness around them, Wooyoung guessed the view of the park wasn’t the thing San wanted to show him, which meant something else was waiting for them up there.
Smiling, and now slightly curious, Wooyoung tugged on San’s hand.
“What are we doing standing there then ? Let’s go so I can kiss you and tell you how perfect you are again.”
—
Wooyoung let San lead him up the stairs until they reached the last step, and Wooyoung’s eyes almost immediately widened in shock.
As expected, the view beyond the railing on his left was completely dark, but this wasn’t the important part.
All Wooyoung could focus on now were the many red petals on the ground at his feet, the spotlights illuminating the trees on his right, and the four musicians standing there. Through his swirling thoughts, Wooyoung recognized two violins, a viola, and a cello.
For an instant, he could only stare, speechless, until San detached himself from him, took a step back, bowed, and held out his hand as an offering.
“May I have this dance ?”
As if on cue, the musicians started playing.
The first few notes echoed through the night, took over Wooyoung’s chest and made it burst with a multitude of emotions. That was all it took for Wooyoung’s resolve to crack, and he broke down in tears.
This was their song, the one San had used to confess, the one Wooyoung could listen to for hours with a smile on his face, reminiscing about the night that had changed both their lives for the better.
Wooyoung placed his hand on top of San’s and let himself be guided toward the middle of the place, trying to stop himself from sobbing. San made him turn around, pressing his chest against Wooyoung’s back and wrapping his arms around him.
Just like that night.
They swayed from one foot to another, slowly. San didn’t sing this time, but he didn’t need to – Wooyoung already knew all there was to say.
Unable to hold back his tears, he closed his eyes and let himself be led, choosing to stop trying and simply enjoy this moment. San’s body against his, the cold air brushing their faces, their fingers interlaced on his stomach, the fire burning in his chest and the love bursting in his heart.
And that song that meant so much.
When it reached the moment Wooyoung had turned around in San’s arms during their dance two years ago, Wooyoung did it again. Except this time, when he came face to face with San, he felt no fear, no hesitation. This time, San smiled at him, and Wooyoung smiled back.
He cupped San’s cheek and rubbed their noses together.
“Can I kiss you ?” he murmured, and before he could even move, San’s lips were already on his.
Tears were still rolling down Wooyoung’s face but now he was smiling. Kissing San just made everything better. Everything brighter, prettier, easier. It made him feel like he was on top of the world, like nothing could ever touch again, nothing would ever hurt as much as it had in the past again. Like everything would be okay.
When the song came to an end, so did their kiss. San was the one cupping Wooyoung’s face this time, wiping his tears with his thumbs. Wooyoung looked at him with a smile.
“I love you,” he said, voice slightly hoarser than he would have hoped, but San didn’t seem to care.
He leaned down to kiss his nose. “I love you too.”
He stared at Wooyoung for a moment, with that odd look again, that nervous expression. He closed his eyes for an instant and took a deep breath, as if to ground himself. His eyes were full of hope when he looked at Wooyoung again.
“Turn around ?”
It was a weird request and seeing how San had just reacted, Wooyoung wanted nothing more than cup his face and ask if he was okay, make sure everything was fine… but something in those hopeful eyes told him to listen and he turned, pushing his worries aside just for a moment.
He felt San’s hand on his lower back, gently prodding him to move forward. It left when Wooyoung reached the railing. He blinked once, twice, wondering what could San ever want to show him when everything was so dark, but he didn’t have to ponder for long.
The entire park suddenly lit up and right next to him, on both sides, several towers of sparkles burst consecutively, breaking the silence and bathing the place with a sudden warmth. For the umpteenth time tonight, Wooyoung was left speechless, his heart beating so fast against his ribcage he would fear for his life if his thoughts weren't overtaken by everything happening around him.
It looked light an ocean of light spreading under his feet.
Fairy lights decorated all the trees of the park while spotlights illuminated the paths. Wooyoung could see the bandstand they had left earlier, the flowers around its roof. He could even distinguish the pretty fountains Yeosang loved so much in the distance, and the skating rink further on his left.
Overwhelmed, Wooyoung turned around, ready to jump into San’s arms and attack him with kisses.
His hands flew to his lips and his heart climbed to his throat as soon as he saw it.
“Wooyoungie, my love.”
His boyfriend. The love his life. His Sannie.
Down on one knee.
A tear fell on Wooyoung’s finger as he kept his hands on his face, unable to move. Everything became blurry but San, so beautiful in front of him, a velvet box in his hands. Their eyes met and San smiled, keeping Wooyoung from crumbling.
“Angel,” he continued and Wooyoung could hear the way his voice wobbled. "It’s been two years since I got the chance to be called yours, eighteen since I got to see your smile for the first time. Fifteen, perhaps more, since I realized you're the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.” He took a deep breath and Wooyoung held his own.
San opened the box.
Inside was a ring – a thin gold band with a purple gemstone in the middle, decorated with five small diamonds on each side.
Wooyoung stared at it with wide eyes.
“Angel,” San called again, bringing Wooyoung’s attention back to him. He smiled again, wet and hopeful eyes meeting Wooyoung’s wide ones. “Would you marry me ?”
Four words. A simple question. A sentence Wooyoung had imagined coming out of San's mouth for years, on his saddest nights, when he would allow himself to dream for an instant. He had been so sure yet so scared they would be told to someone else one day. So hesitant to even allow himself to hope because he knew, there was just no chance for him.
But here he was tonight, bathing in the golden light of a park illuminated just for him, standing in front of the man he loved, who loved him back, a ring waiting for him in the middle.
Wooyoung nodded so fervently it hurt.
With a smile so bright it could compete against all the lights of the park, San stood up and Wooyoung didn’t waste a second to jump into his arms. San made them swirl and they both giggled, until he set Wooyoung down and moved away, just enough to meet his eyes. San’s were misty too.
“You didn’t give me a proper answer,” he teased.
Wooyoung softly hit his shoulder. “Of course I’ll marry you, silly ! I’ve been waiting for that day for years.”
San hummed, kissing Wooyoung’s forehead. “Give me your hand then.”
Wooyoung almost hit San in the face with how fast he brought his hand between them. San chuckled as he gently held it, took the ring out of the box and slid it down Wooyoung’s finger.
Wooyoung’s heart fluttered when San kissed it.
Just as San straightened, something else fell on the gemstone, hiding its brilliance for a second, covering the purple with white, before it started melting…
A snowflake.
Another fell on his hand, and another on San’s. One on his nose. One on his forehead.
“The first snow…” San whispered, his pretty eyes twinkling as he looked up.
Wooyoung felt like crying again.
After all those surprises and gifts San had made for him, all those efforts, all those fears… It might not come from Wooyoung directly, but Wooyoung was so glad. Because this was what San deserved. Happiness. Nature thanking him for his kindness.
With teary eyes and a soft smile on his lips, Wooyoung wrapped his arms around San’s waist and looked up, watching the snow fall from the sky, slowly covering the top of San's head with its pretty white. San took Wooyoung’s hands to slide them into his pockets with his, Wooyoung’s fingers brushing the ring’s box there. He smiled as San looked down to meet his eyes again.
“I love you,” Wooyoung murmured. “My fiancé.”
San’s already wide smile brightened and Wooyoung swore he could see stars shining in his eyes.
They rubbed their noses together, chuckling for a moment.
“I love you too,” San whispered back. “And I’ll always do.”
His pretty smile disappeared between Wooyoung’s lips when he brought him into a kiss. Their first one of many to come, as fiancés.