SMNTCERR, Special Chapter 9: Propose 5.0 #4. 

Sangwoo skipped to the next page. Then, the life plan he had previously laid out appeared in the form of a table. Sangwoo explained in detail how he originally planned to live and presented how the life plan changed after meeting Jaeyoung. He pleaded for approval from the other party. This is not a report, but a proposal, because from now on, he will have to draw the future of two individuals, not just the future of one person.

Sangwoo passionately explained how he planned to marry Jaeyoung at what age, why he wanted to be with the other party for the rest of his life, how he would overcome the flaws of the social structure, and discussed the season and location of the wedding as well as the number of guests attending the event. He tried his best to speak without confusing Jaeyoung and to fully accept the truth.

One listener sat in a pose of self-satisfaction for a while, then laughed, and then took photos or videos. Fortunately, it seemed that the explanation was going well until Chapter 3. And the protagonist still didn’t have any questions and just sat listening.

Then, without any delay, the presentation moved on to Chapter 4, which was the step to captivate the other party by showing what Sangwoo could do for Jaeyoung and how useful he could be. As he pressed the laser pointer, small words appeared crowded on the screen, listing the awards he had received.

“Don’t skip it. Come and read a little.”

Jaeyoung put on his glasses and changed his sitting position by leaning forward. Then he asked numerous detailed questions, such as how many students in the school adhere to the principles of the award for a righteous life, what topics the scientific research awards have been received for, whether he had missed the academic excellence award before participating in the mathematics competition with advanced study in advance, and if the math Olympiad is similar to the IQ test. What kind of gun is used for target shooting in the test? Is there any secret to receiving the special military class award? Sangwoo answered all the questions until he felt they had no substance and moved on to the next page.

[<Certification of Competence 

Programming – applications on PC/web/mobile, “Java, Python, C, C++, 

C#, etc.” 

Computer repair/assembly. 

Mental calculations, memory recalling. 

Game – Can play all types of games. 

Korean language – Can check, correct, and proofread letters. 

English language – TOEIC score of 990, can write essays and have general conversations. 

Chinese language – 6 credits, can have general conversations. 

Driving – General driver’s license, Type 1. 

Self-defense – Taekwondo, black belt, level 4. 

Sports – Football, basketball, ping pong, badminton, shooting, bowling, “basic” pool, “basic” skateboarding, “basic” snowboarding, “basic”. 

Swimming – Freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke. 

Basic first aid – CPR training. 

Cleaning – School’s annual cleanliness award in second grade. 

A Quick cooking learner “must have cooking instructions”. 

After reading in detail, Jaeyoung asked one question.

 

 

Why is there no sex?”

“…”

That is a valid point. Sangwoo walked to the notebook, thinking that this should be included in the “sports” section, or should it be typed separately at the end. Jaeyoung paused for a moment, seeming satisfied.

“This is the last slide of Chapter 4. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“Is this really the end? Don’t you see anything more important, like travel plans? Vacation plans? Hobbies?”

Sangwoo couldn’t defeat Jaeyoung’s impatience, so he added another slide.

He typed the headline, “Done.” Jaeyoung then said as if he was waiting for it. “We must go on vacation together for at least twenty days a year.” Sangwoo’s hand was busy typing according to the words spoken.

“Go watch a movie together at least once a week, go see a performance at least once a month, go on a trip together at least once a season, go skiing together at least twice a year.”

Sangwoo typed a reply without much thought, as all of these were already things they were doing currently and he didn’t see it as a request that was too much.

“Activities we’ll do together next year, type them. Skydiving [1], trying challenging poses in yoga Kamasutra, ‘the problem.’ Also, a couple tattoos.”

“Cupping?”

“Why do that expression? Don’t you want to do it?”

“…I’ll do it.”

Just getting married to the other person, drawing a little picture on the skin, it wasn’t a big deal. Sangwoo moved his fingers calmly. 

Prohibitions! Besides holding hands to greet, no physical contact with others besides the one you love. Holding hands to greet is only allowed in public places. Cannot be used for intimate displays of affection.”

“Does this apply to you as well?”

“Of course.”

At first, Sangwoo didn’t touch anyone’s body except for Jaeyoung’s body. This, and therefore, was a very significant limitation for him. When he finished typing, Jaeyoung hugged him without saying anything else.

‘Finally, this time has come.’ 

Sangwoo took a deep breath and opened the last slide, which only had a drawing of a heart on a pink background, no other text, waiting for a moment, a pop song with the meaning of a marriage proposal played softly. Sangwoo turned back to the candlelight heart-shaped pendant and looked at Jaeyoung.

“Jang Jaeyoung.”

When he said it calmly, the other party loosened his arms around his chest and straightened up slightly. Sangwoo swallowed a big lump in his throat. Then, with a wide open mouth, he spoke the words he had practiced many times with strength.

“I love you enough to give up even the intention to procreate, which is a genetic imperative.”

“Wait a minute.”

Jaeyoung opened the camera and turned to Sangwoo.

“Say what you said earlier again.”

“It’s already passed.”

“….”

“Six years from now. I want to marry you and be together for the rest of our lives. I will make you happy like this forever. I promise.”

Sangwoo spoke confidently, knowing well how to make Jaeyoung smile.

If you like this proposal, wear the ring as a symbol of acceptance.”

Jaeyoung already had the ring on, but Sangwoo still didn’t seem to notice. He has done everything he could. The final decision is now up to the other party.

Sangwoo closed his eyes tightly.

“I accept the proposal.”

The answer came out in less than a second. When he raised his eyes, he saw that Jaeyoung was smiling and putting down his phone before feeling pleased. 

Sangwoo felt relieved. 

“Why is it that easy?”

“Then should I reject it?”

“That wouldn’t be an ideal choice, but such a big decision in life needs careful consideration.”

“Then what do you suggest? What if you die if I reject you?”

Jaeyoung chuckled softly and spread his arms out. At that moment, he had no other choice. Except to walk in and give the other party a hug.

As he moved closer, Jaeyoung hugged Sangwoo tightly, almost breaking him at the waist.

“I asked if the person who loves fun but not attached like you. So, does that mean you go against your heart and don’t answer?”

Sangwoo softly asked Jaeyoung, loosening his grip and tilting his head to look at the other side.

“The question I have heard five times is difficult to answer.”

“But before this, you never answered properly.”

“I always answer sincerely.”

Jaeyoung pulled Sangwoo’s waist, making him sit on his lap. Sangwoo felt the touch of the necklace on his throat, reflecting on the answers he had received from Jaeyoung.

“When you first said it, I asked, ‘What…?’”

Just hug. Don’t say anything. When you sob, it’s cute, can I see it again?”

That night, they made love to each other excessively, causing Sangwoo to miss school the next day, while Jaeyoung claimed to not be feeling well and took a monthly leave.

“The second time.”

“You said it was okay a hundred times. But I think it was an exaggerated expression, so I thought you were joking.”

“The third time.”

“If you were a master key, I would let you have complete control.”

“…I was drunk that day.”

“Yes, and how can I believe the words of someone whose body and mind are weak?”

“As for the fourth time…”

“Whisper ‘I love you.’”

Sangwoo pulled Jaeyoung’s cheek with a serious face, that’s right, the issue that the other party never sincerely responded to the marriage proposal was clearly a real matter at that moment. However, Jaeyoung’s face remained unchanged.

“I understand. Is it enough now? Call me ‘darling’ as a reminder of a successful marriage proposal.”

“…No thank you. We are not married yet.”

“Now it’s no different from a husband, the ring is worn.”

The other party hugged Sangwoo’s waist with one arm and extended his left hand to look at the ring. Then his gaze turned to Sangwoo’s left hand.

“Where is your ring?”

“I will not wear the ring for a while.”

Jaeyoung looked dissatisfied and examined Sangwoo’s face before taking off the gold ring from his finger and handing it over.

 

 

“We’re a couple, isn’t that right? This is for good luck. And give it back tomorrow.”

“What is this?”

“No matter the design, I still don’t like it… It’s not a childhood ring [2] or anything…”

Sangwoo was greatly shocked. No matter how confused he was, they should have boundaries. He had accepted the proposal, and now he was backing out because of the ring?

Sangwoo didn’t wear the ring. He just thought that instead of buying it and not wearing it, it was better not to buy it at all. It made more sense. Sangwoo felt disappointed in Jaeyoung for letting himself go and leaning against the sofa to look at his phone too much, so he got up from the other side.

“Where are you going?”

Jaeyoung restrained him from sitting again immediately, while he opened his mouth to argue with the other party. Jaeyoung then handed Sangwoo a mobile phone with a website displaying pictures of white diamond rings. Sangwoo looked at Jaeyoung’s face and alternated with the communication device without understanding the situation. When Jaeyoung pressed to change tabs with a calm face, another ring design appeared.

“Lately, I’ve been looking at couple-rings. Both are beautiful, so I can’t decide. Why don’t you take a look and see which one is better?”

“Huh? Uh….”

Sangwoo felt as if he was being attacked. He carefully examined the screen, and both rings in the picture were made of white gold. The first design had several small diamonds embedded in it, and the second design had a twisted pattern. Sangwoo’s gaze found the price in a small information window below the picture.

“A ring for only ten thousand won? Must be plated then.”

If he wants to get a cheap ring, what will he make all the events with the highest quality for? Sangwoo knows well that the ring is not just for beauty, but a symbol of unchanging love. Therefore, he wants to say no, but he realizes that Jaeyoung likes it, so it’s hard to refuse. Sangwoo wants to listen to everything that the person he loves wants, he thinks for a while before speaking out.

“Anyway, it’s an engagement ring. I think it’s too expensive.”

“This is in dollars.”

“… This is a very meaningless expenditure.”

“How much did you pay for this joke? Ah, I see the engagement is a joke.”

Sangwoo can’t say anything. Although it may be more expensive than regular engagement rings in the market, Jaeyoung still insisted that he has to choose one. So Sangwoo loses his confidence. If he offers another option unnecessarily and the other party doesn’t like it, he might say that he doesn’t want to get engaged anymore because his liking has changed. Sangwoo points to the first ring, unable to help.

“This one looks good.”

“Okay, then let’s book it? Next week, we can go try it on at the store.”  “… Yes.”

“Which size do you think you should wear?”

Jaeyoung tried comparing Sangwoo’s hand with his own hand and then decided on the same size before quickly and smoothly booking the ring. The other party smiled with satisfaction and firmly held Sangwoo’s hand.

“You have to wear the ring everywhere you go, otherwise I won’t get married.”

“Please, I can’t wear those kinds of rings on.”

“No, if someone comes to flirt with you while you are walking on the street, going to work, or buying hamburgers, they have to see the ring, and you can try saying this, ‘I have a boyfriend already.’”

Jaeyoung ordered him to say, “I am in a relationship, I am not single, I have a boyfriend,” in that order. He practiced these sentences so often that he had to say them immediately while studying English.

“I’m engaged.”

“I am enga-jed.”

“My love is waiting at home.”

No. ‘My boyfriend will be angry. I will get married soon.’, ‘Breaking up with me will be safer. My love is very hot-tempered.’, ‘Besides, my love is more handsome than you.’ After saying these sentences in English, Jaeyoung smiled and said,

“Passed.”

Sangwoo took a soft breath as if escaping the danger. Jaeyoung looked happy, using both hands to hold Sangwoo’s cheeks and kissed the sides of his lips, chin, forehead, bridge of the nose, eyelids, cheeks, and others. The corners of his mouth only lifted, refusing to go down.

“Hyung.”

“Hmm.”

“Hyung, you seem glad you are getting married suddenly.”

“Suddenly?”

“Yes, as a surprise.”

“You asked me to get married every day until you could sing it and did something to surprise me.”

“Even so, hurry up and tell me that today is the happiest day of your life.”

I don’t know when it turned out this way. Sangwoo was sitting on Jaeyoung’s lap, but realized after a while that his head was touching the sofa in a lying position. Jaeyoung used his other hand to stroke Sangwoo’s cheek slowly, the face turned away from the light, drawing a smile like a painting.

Sangwoo regretted not having a camera in the room.

“I am so happy that I’m scared, and it’s been like this every day, not just today, but ever since I met you.”

Hearing that, Sangwoo laughed out loud. He almost didn’t drink at all, but he seemed a little tipsy. This vague feeling was different from usual, clearly different. Sangwoo placed his hand on top of Jaeyoung’s hand and said.

“I want to give you a movie-like day as a gift. It may be chaotic in the process, but the happy ending is not bad, right?”

Jaeyoung smirked and wrapped his arm around Sangwoo’s shoulder, while his other arm slid between his legs and thighs. Then, Sangwoo’s body was lifted up so high that he almost cried out. After the hug, Sangwoo was lifted and rotated once before jaeyoung used his foot to kick the door and jump onto the bed, causing Sangwoo perspective to change quickly.

As soon as that happened, Jaeyoung placed Sangwoo on the bed as if tossing him, then climbed on top of him, pressing his wrists with a scary look as if he would tear off his clothes and bring his face closer. After that, he exposed his lips and slowly blinked his eyes as if to ask when he had been in this state.

“…”

But Sangwoo’s eyelashes flickered and he adjusted to the unexpected actions of his lover. At that moment, Jaeyoung’s hand that was holding both wrists slid up gently, and his serious face was neither comedy nor action.  Sangwoo could feel his racing heart and gradually closed his eyes.

Jaeyoung’s lips gradually pressed down like a slow motion, and after swallowing Sangwoo’s lips, he used his tongue gently. Yes, it was an unquestionable romantic moment, even without candles, LEDs, or flower bouquets. Sangwoo thought he had conquered dating through theories in books and movies for the past sixteen months, but it seems like the journey in learning is still long.

The deeper the kiss, the more the thoughts slipped away and the feelings flowed. The feeling of accomplishment, the joyful feeling of overflowing love, and the desire to tie this man to his body for the rest of his life.

“So, now it feels like a movie, right?”

Jaeyoung slowly pulled away his lips and raised an eyebrow. Sangwoo thought that was a funny question.

“In movies, I have never seen a man like you.”

“Where did you learn to speak like that? Are you planning to court someone with that flowery language?”

Jaeyoung placed his hand on the side and smirked. Sangwoo burst into laughter and involuntarily twisted his body.

“Aha, don’t do that!”

If you listened closely, that voice was no longer Jang Jaeyoung’s voice. The other side teased even harder, causing Sangwoo to dodge and start fighting back against Jaeyoung, laughing until tears flowed. In this fight, no matter what, Sangwoo was at a disadvantage because Jaeyoung didn’t feel ticklish at all, whether it was on the side, armpits, or neck.

“I can’t endure any longer.”

In the meantime, the other party suddenly spoke up, the nonchalant tone making Sangwoo even more tense, the bed that used to shake violently now quieted down. Jaeyoung took a breath and continued.

“After proposing and it’s successful, something has to follow to celebrate, you know if you watch movies.”

Jaeyoung’s weight disappeared, and the lights went out. Then the parental guidance of the movie changed from PG-13 to NSFW, this time Sangwoo was very confident.

________________________________________.

[1]       SkyDiving, “Skydiving.” is an extreme sports activity that involves jumping out of a flying plane in order to freefall for as long as possible.

[2]       Childhood ring. In this case, 돌반지, “Talbanji.” is a ring that Korean parents often give to their children on their first birthday.

 

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