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This light novel is inspired by the beautiful landscapes and cultures of Bolivia and South Korea. However, the characters, events, and situations portrayed are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is purely coincidental. This content does not intend to represent or reflect the historical, social, or cultural reality of either country. The author disclaims any legal liability arising from the interpretation of these elements.
Chapter 58 – Crossing the Threshold of Change.
58.1 A Ring and a Warning.
Night had already fallen over the hotel.
The faint lights reflected on the wide windows of the private cabins.
Everything was silent, save for the distant murmur of the palm trees swaying in the wind.
Ryu had just arrived at his cabin when he received the message.
< "Come to the cabin.
Your father and I want to talk to you.
Mom.">
It was not common.
It wasn't a scolding, nor an order.
But it didn't sound like a light chat either.
Ryu took a deep breath, his mind calm, though a slight weight settled in his chest.
He knew this conversation would mark a before and after.
***
He entered the cabin where his parents were staying.
The atmosphere was warm, welcoming.
His father was seated beside a low wooden table, pouring tea.
His mother stood by the window, her arms crossed.
For an instant, he noticed the slight tremor in his mother's hand as she crossed her arms,
a detail that only someone truly attentive would have perceived.
"Sit down."
She said in a serene tone.
He obeyed. Neither of them was smiling, but their gazes were deep, loaded with unspoken words.
The silence between them was heavy, like a calm before the storm.
Mr. Kang gave a slight inclination of his head, a silent gesture that spoke of the weight of family honor and responsibility.
He poured the last of the tea and placed a small, dark velvet box in front of Ryu.
"This is yours."
He said.
Ryu received the box with both hands.
He slightly bowed his head as a sign of respect towards his parents,
aware that he was not just receiving a piece of jewelry, but something he had to honor with actions and not just words.
His father cleared his throat and continued in a serious tone.
"This is yours.
This ring will remind you of the commitment and the obligations it entails."
Ryu carefully opened the box; the ring was sober, elegant.
A small white diamond flanked by two very light amethysts.
Just as he had requested.
His fingers brushed the surface of the ring.
It was not just jewelry, it was the invisible weight of a conscious decision.
His father added.
"We brought it to you because we know you have made a decision."
He did not reply.
He just held the ring between his fingers, as if that small weight contained a new future.
"Your mother wants to tell you something."
Mr. Kang added.
She walked slowly until she sat in front of him.
"Zayra is… different. She has courage, and her gesture tonight did not go unnoticed.
Her father is a direct man, I respect that."
She gave a small smile, something rare for her.
She continued, more serious.
"But, son, there is something you must understand well…
You come from different places."
Ryu briefly lowered his gaze; he didn't need to be reminded.
He had known that distance since the very first day.
His eyes closed briefly.
He was aware of the abyss that existed, but also of the bridge that he himself was building.
But what his mother called a difference, he saw as balance.
For the first time, something outside his world made him feel whole.
They come from different worlds.
But in his mind, a world without her no longer existed.
He lifted his gaze, looked at his mother, and with a determination she had never seen in him before, he replied.
"I know."
He allowed a small, firm sparkle to pierce his usually serene gaze.
His mother's gaze briefly rested on him, then dropped to the teacup, gripping the edge lightly with her fingernails,
as if measuring the depth of what she was about to say.
"You don't know yet.
Words do not always cross the same bridge.
Silence can be a wall, or a refuge."
She said with the calm that only experience provides.
"Not everything you say will be understood as you plan it. And not everything she does will mean what you think.
Son, be firm, but listen with humility; only then, with respect and patience, will you build your path."
His father nodded and added.
"It's not about molding her to your way.
A relationship is not about changing the other person, but learning to coexist with who they are."
Ryu clenched the ring in his fingers.
A moment of doubt crossed his mind, but his pulse remained steady.
It was more than a symbol; it was his commitment to a sincere future.
He cleared his throat and added.
"Do you want me to think about it more?"
"It's not a question of doubt, son.
If you've decided, walk firmly and without looking back."
His mother said with a firm, almost maternal voice.
There was a silence.
After a few seconds, Mr. Kang stood up, took his cup, and looked at his son.
"Family is the pillar that supports everything; your commitment is with us too.
We gave you the ring, Ryu. What you do with it is up to you."
And without another word, they both retired to their room.
Ryu remained alone, sitting, with the ring in the palm of his hand.
He looked at it for a moment.
He sighed silently, the solitude of the room amplifying the magnitude of the decision he had made.
And for the first time in a long time, he understood that not only did he love her…
He was also choosing to be part of her story.
58.2 A Date Planned with the Heart.
Ryu walked slowly through the garden, his gaze lowered, lost in thought.
In his mind, he reviewed every moment with Zayra, every difference, every smile that disarmed his certainties.
He remembered everything that Zayra and he had experienced since he first saw her, from the airport to the mine.
A slight smile appeared on his lips.
It wasn't just any smile; it was the silent acceptance of someone who had found his balance.
"Yes, I want to marry her.
There is no doubt."
***
Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
Camila:
< "Can you come to the garden for a moment?
Zayra is training, she won't see you. It's important.">
Ryu looked up and saw Camila waiting beneath the shade of a nearby tree.
As he approached, she gave him a quiet smile, although her eyes reflected a mix of nerves and responsibility.
"Hello Camila… What happened?"
Ryu asked, trying to sound calm, but feeling a slight knot in his stomach.
Camila looked him squarely in the eye and said.
"I have everything ready for the proposal; it will be under the Toborochi tree.
It is a very special place for Zayra, where she feels at peace and connected to her roots."
She looked at him with some concern and curious if he had changed his mind.
She sighed and asked him,
"Ryu, are you sure you want it to be tomorrow?"
Ryu nodded, gently biting his lower lip, holding back the emotion.
Her eyes filled with emotion; for her,
seeing her sister married to someone she loves filled her with excitement,
especially being able to be part of planning such an important event.
She looked at Ryu with great enthusiasm.
He, for his part, could not help but feel a shiver at such transparency.
Camila inhaled deeply and finally said.
"Okay then, I will have everything ready for tomorrow… I just need one favor."
She looked at him seriously and added.
"You have to keep her busy all day.
We will prepare everything here: decoration, music, details..."
***
He frowned slightly, then relaxed his expression.
"Where should I take her?"
She put her hand to her forehead, analyzing the perfect place, and finally said.
"Take her to Ives Iguazú Park in La Guardia, her favorite place, full of nature and peace.
Then, to the Ateneo del Campo, a café with local art where she can relax."
Camila looked down for an instant, then smiled and added.
"Today, you are going to be the one who thinks about the details."
Ryu put his hand to the back of his neck and let out a soft smile.
For a brief second, his usual rigidity gave way to contained emotion.
"I will do my best."
He looked toward the gym, where Zayra was training, unaware of what was being prepared.
"Thank you, Ryu,"
Camila said, lightly touching his arm.
"Tomorrow will be a special day that is the start of a new chapter in both your lives."
He nodded silently, unaware that this calm breeze would be the prelude to a day that would change everything.