♥︎ Lee Minho ✦ Minsung

The house was filled with voices, soft laughter, and the aroma of a freshly finished dinner. The Christmas tree lights twinkled slowly, reflecting on both families' faces. Everything seemed normal, peaceful, though a quiet anticipation hung in the air, almost palpable. Jisung spoke animatedly, oblivious to the knowing glances exchanged around him. Minho, on the other hand, took deep breaths, trying to remain calm.

When the plates were removed, the alpha stood up.

"Before we go on," he said, breaking the murmur , "I need to say something."

The conversations died away one by one. Jisung looked up, confused, feeling the atmosphere around him shift. Minho stepped forward and knelt before him. The omega's heart instantly began to race.

The alpha took out a small box and carefully opened it.

"I've spent my life listening to my instincts," he began . "They told me I should protect, care, be strong, not hesitate. That's what's expected of an alpha. For a long time, I thought that was enough."

He looked up, holding Jisung's gaze.

—But with you I understood that instinct isn't everything. That staying by your side isn't an obligation, it's a decision. That I don't take care of you because I have to, but because I want to, because I choose you every day.

No one around him spoke. No one moved.

“I choose you in every cycle, even when things are tough,” she continued . “I choose you in every winter, in every change, in every home we can build together. This table, our families, tonight… everything makes sense because you’re here.”

He squeezed the box between his fingers.

"I don't want a future without you," she said, her voice firm despite her emotion . "I don't want Christmases without you, or mornings, or silences I can't share with you. I want to choose you today, tomorrow, and always."

He took a deep breath, letting the silence envelop him, and asked:

—Will you marry me?