Valentine's Surprise
Sitting on one of the many wooden benches in Sakura Park, Honey tittered with excitement as she retrieved a bag of candy hearts from her purse. Exchanging and reading them aloud with Tadashi was a Valentine's Day tradition since they began dating almost five years ago. By others' standards, it was maybe a little immature for people their age, but it was silly and fun, and a highlight of the holiday for the two. They took turns on who would buy them, and since it was Honey this time around, she had the honor of kicking it off. She tore the seal and plucked the top sweet from the pile. It was lavender with hot pink writing.
"'Be mine,'" she said. "Well, that's easy."
Tadashi chuckled and took it from her. He popped it in his mouth. "Done. My turn."
She held the open bag out and watched him pull out a light blue one with green words. "'U R Cute.' Wow." He stared at the candy as if it were the most impressive thing he'd ever seen. "These hearts are scarily accurate."
Honey smiled and gave him a playful nudge. She then turned the bag around and selected a white heart with a purple message. "'Let's hug.' I like this one." She snuggled closer to him as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace, plus a kiss to her cheek.
They continued going back and forth for the next ten minutes, reacting and giggling to the adorable, albeit, cheesy expressions of affection stamped into the candies. The unfortunate moment arrived at last, however, when the plastic bag was drained of its contents. Honey turned it over and shook it with an exaggerated pout, hoping some would magically appear.
"Don't be sad, my love," Tadashi said, using his thumb to invert the downward curve of her mouth. "I come bearing gifts."
Reaching into his satchel, Tadashi unveiled his own package of candy hearts.
Honey gasped. "You got some, too?"
"I know we usually switch off, but I saw these and just had to get them."
He opened the bag and placed a yellow heart in her hand. Her eyes lit up. "'Honey bun.' That's so cute. I can't believe you found this."
"I have another." Tadashi handed her a bright red one with gold lettering.
"'Marry me.'" She laughed, and felt a warmth tinge her cheeks.
"And this one," he said, adding a second to her palm. "...And last one." A third. Her smile faded at the corners just the slightest bit as confusion set in. They were all the same; triplet red hearts with identical messages. Marry me.
"Tadashi, wha-" she looked up. His amber eyes held the answer, flooded with nothing but the purest form of adoration.
He got to his feet, and with a gentle pull, helped her up so she was standing before him.
Time slowed down. Tadashi knelt to the ground on one knee and produced a hinged velvet box from his pocket. He popped the top back, revealing the most beautiful diamond ring nestled inside. It sparkled in the sunlight and reflected tiny prisms on the grass.
A hand flew to her mouth.
"Honey... I love you more than I could ever say. You took my breath away from the moment we met. You're beautiful and generous and loving, and the most amazing woman I have ever known. We've been through so much together, and I know that I wouldn't have made it through without you by my side. I can't imagine my life without you, nor do I ever want to. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
She nodded, a small sob slipping through her fingers. "Yes. Yes."
Tadashi took her trembling hand and slid the ring onto her finger. A perfect fit.
Around them, onlookers cheered and applauded for the happy couple and the surprise proposal they had just witnessed.
He stood and cupped her face in his hands. "You just made me the happiest man on Earth."
"There's one more heart," she whispered.
"What's it say?"
She held it up so he could see. Dusty pink with two simple words.
Kiss me.