The café was warm and welcoming, filled with the soothing buzz of music and the comforting smells of fresh coffee and pastries. Pim had closed off a space specifically for them, allowing the four friends to rest and catch up in solitude.
Arthur relaxed back in his chair, a contented smile on his lips as he watched Pim and Mai jokingly bicker over who had the worst study habits back in university.
"I still say you were worse," Mai remarked, pointing at Pim with false sincerity. "You used to pull all-nighters and then crash in the café for an entire day."
Pim rolled her eyes. "I was running a business and studying! What was your excuse? "
Mai smirked "Artistic inspiration—sometimes it hits around 3 AM."
Nick chuckled, taking a sip of his cappuccino. "I remember those days. Arthur, remember how you used to fret over every little brushstroke? "
Arthur whimpered, covering his face with his hands. "Don't remind me. I was very dramatic."
"You still are," Pim teased, prodding him.
They all chuckled, their kinship stronger than ever. It had been years since university, yet their friendship had only increased with time.
Nick, however, wasn't just here for the nostalgia. He had something crucial on his mind.
As the night went on, he caught Mia's eye and gave her a little nod. She immediately understood—he wanted to talk.
"Hey, Mia," Nick replied, straightening up. "Can I talk to you for a sec?
Mia looked intrigued but nodded. "Sure."
Arthur, immersed in conversation with Pim about a new art display, scarcely noticed as Mia and Nick came outdoors.
Once they were alone, Nick took a deep breath, his hands somewhat sweaty.
"I need your help," he said.
Mia crossed her arms, smirking. "You're actually nervous. That's rare."
Nick gave out a breathy laugh. "Yeah, well… I want to propose to Arthur."
Mia's eyes widened. "Nick! That's wonderful! "
"I know," Nick murmured, running a hand through his hair. "I've been thinking about it for a while, and I know I want to spend my life with him. But I want it to be special."
Mia's delight was contagious. "Oh, it will be special. Do you have a plan? "
Nick nodded. "I want to do it at our family house, with both of our parents there. I think that would mean a lot to Arthur, having them witness it."
Mia's eyes softened. "That's perfect. And Pim and I will manage the planning. You don't have to worry about anything."
Nick sighed in relief. "Thank you. Seriously. I just… I want it to be right. He deserves something beautiful."
Mia smiled, placing a soothing hand on his shoulder. "He already has something beautiful—you. But don't worry, we'll make this unforgettable."
Over the next two weeks, Mia and Pim worked behind the scenes, coordinating everything.
Arthur remained blissfully clueless, believing that their next family meeting was merely a regular supper.
Meanwhile, Nick was a ball of anxiety.
"What if he says no? Nick confided in Mia one evening.
Mia snorted. "Nick, have you met Arthur? That man has loved you through everything. There's no way he'd say no."
Nick breathed, nodding "Yeah. Yeah, you're right."
But as the day of the proposal drew closer, his worries only grew.
Pim, however, had a simple solution. "You need to calm down," she whispered, thrusting a pastry into his hands. "Eat this and stop overthinking."
Nick laughed, but he appreciated the gesture.
Meanwhile, Arthur remained entirely in the dark, eagerly looking forward to the forthcoming family dinner, having no idea that it was about to become one of the most memorable nights of his life.
The family house was adorned wonderfully, thanks to Pim and Mia's painstaking preparation. Soft fairy lights filled the lawn, creating a lovely glow over the tiny meal setup.
Arthur arrived with Nick, expecting a casual supper with their parents.
Instead, he was met with a magnificent scene—candles flickering, flowers arranged elegantly, and their loved ones gathered with knowing smiles.
Arthur glanced at Nick, perplexed. "What's all this?
Nick's heart pounded. This was it.
Taking Arthur's hands, he walked him to the center of the garden.
"Arthur," Nick began, his voice firm despite the tempest of emotions within him. "I've loved you since we were teenagers. Through every high and every down, you have been my heart, my home. There was a moment I almost lost you, and I never want to feel that again."
Arthur's eyes widened, tears already forming.
Nick carefully sank to one knee, pulling out a little velvet box.
"Will you marry me?
Arthur's breath hitched. He glanced at Nick—his Nick—the man who had fought for their love, the man who had never stopped loving him, even when things were at their worst.
With tears flowing down his face, he nodded. "Yes," he muttered, then louder. "Yes!
Cheers erupted as Nick slid the ring onto Arthur's finger, standing up just in time to be swept into a long, passionate kiss.
Their parents clapped, Pim and Mia whistled, and in that moment, everything was perfect.
That night, as they lay in bed, Arthur stroked the ring on his finger, his heart brimming with love.
"You really surprised me," he mumbled, turning to face Nick.
Nick grinned, wiping a strand of hair from Arthur's cheek. "Good. I wanted it to be special."
Arthur planted a delicate kiss on Nick's lips. "It was perfect. You are perfect."
Nick pushed Arthur closer, their foreheads brushing. "So, when do we start planning the wedding?
Arthur chuckled. "First, let's just enjoy this moment. " Nick nodded, tightening his hold on Arthur. "Agreed."
And with that, they drifted off to sleep, knowing that their forever had only just begun.