Life Switch

“Really? That sounds good! I hope you get it, you deserve it!” I cheered her, like I always do. She needs it.

“Right!? I knew it! If I get that new model, I’ll bake you millions of cupcakes!” Seeing her smile over something so simple was enough to make my day; her happiness was enough to fill my heart.

I don’t need cupcakes.

I just need Ryujin.

“Ryu, so how’s work?” She started working there a year ago. That's also the time when we chose to live as a couple.

I had already proposed to her once.

She turned me down—not because she didn't love me, but because she wanted us to stand on equal ground first.

"Ask me again next year," she'd told me.

"When I can proudly say I've built something beside you."

“The work? It’s… fine. Just a little overworked these past few days.” She stretched her arms overhead, letting out a relieved sigh; her stiffness these past days says it all about how much hard work she has done.

“You should take a rest.” I pointed my fork at her; she’s making me worried.

“No, it’s fine. We are one, right? I can’t just take a rest while you do all the work.” She parried my utensil with her own.

“Ryu–”

“Babe.” She looks straight into my eyes. “I love you. Now, eat… ahhh.” She pierced a baked tomato and offered it to me. I took it in my mouth, a sign of surrender as well.

I just can’t stop her.

I had to respect her decision.

“Do you know what the date is today?” She said in the middle of our breakfast. She’s shifting glances between me and her plate.

“Wednesday.” I know what she’s trying to point out, but I would like to tease her for the whole day.

“No! I mean… the date.” She shoots a death glare at me; those eyes are not playing, just what I wanted.

“April 27,” I answered, mid-chew, as the apple pie she had made tasted so good I hummed, especially with her baked potatoes.

“Right! So, what’s special?” Her eyes beamed up in anticipation, but sorry to disappoint you, Ryu, I don’t have plans to say it right now.

“Hmm… oh right!” Acting like I remembered something, she isn’t easy to fool, so I hope this will do the trick.

“Right! What is it?” She’s trembling in excitement. I can’t wait to see her tremble in anger instead. Oh, Ryu, I love you so much.

“I have to go! I have a presentation later! I still haven’t finished it yet!” I stood up. I had to go before she trapped me in the corner and forced me to say it.

“H-huh?” She looked puzzled. It worked.

“Bye! I have to go.”

“Wait.” She stood up as well and fixed my collar; it's her habit. No matter how mad she was, she always made sure I was good.

“Thanks!” I kissed her before slipping my shoes on and hurriedly leaving our apartment. 

“O-oh, yeah, bye… come home safely!” I heard her last words before I shut the door.

I knew it very well, and I can’t wait to surprise her later.

It’s her birthday, I hope she won’t sulk the whole day. I might fold and regret it.

"I love you, Ryu."

Tonight, I'd finally give her the surprise she'd been waiting for.

The proposal she'd asked me to make one year later.

“I never thought she really thought I forgot.” I smiled ear to ear while reading the messages she left for me.

RYU ♥️

Hey, did you really forget what’s special today?

Yah! Check the calendar!

I’m busy, I’ll talk to you later.

You always do.

Fine.

I’m still mad at you 😤

I love you!

I love you too.

CHECK THE CALENDAR!

I will! 😆

😠🙂

“She even dropped calling me babe.” I just can’t help reading it all over again.

“Are the reports done?” Ken, my co-worker, tapped on my cubicle, asking for the report that I needed to submit for the day.

“Ah, yes! It’s done. I’ll submit it.” I picked up the folder resting on the top of my table. I actually did it fast; I think it has something to do with how jolly I am at the moment.

“Okay, thanks!” Ken tapped my back, his way of telling me I did a good job.

I did a good job at work, and I also did a great job teasing Ryujin. What a day to be alive!

It’s time to go back to work. I can’t wait to see her face later. I’m trembling in excitement, I can’t hide my joy. I walked together with Ken on the way to our team leader’s office.

“W-w-what’s wrong with you?” Ken stopped and looked at me confusedly.