Chapter 45

"About the engagement gift,"

Noah began after ordering a second cup of coffee. When we confirmed with the master, who had cleared our table, that he also sold roasted coffee beans, we decided to order some.

"Yes, we agreed that I would leave it to you, right?"

After the meeting between our families had concluded and the Einhardts were about to leave, Noah had asked me what we should do about the engagement gift. In this country, it is customary to exchange gifts when an engagement is made. I suddenly remembered that I had never discussed the engagement gift with my ex-fiancé, but I brushed it off as unimportant.

When asked what I wanted, I couldn't think of anything. When I asked Noah, he couldn't give a clear answer either. We ended up laughing at each other's indecisiveness and decided to each prepare a gift we wanted to give.

And today, I have that gift hidden in my bag.

"I thought about what I wanted to give... and prepared it."

Noah's unusually hesitant manner made me tilt my head in confusion. He covered his mouth with his hand and fell silent. I already knew that this gesture meant he was blushing.

"Here you are."

The master, with a gentle smile, placed the coffee in front of us. The coffee, which seemed to have a reddish hue due to the lighting, smelled rich.

"Here, please."

On a small plate were cookies shaped like flowers. After placing one in front of each of us, the master gave a beautiful bow.

"Congratulations on your engagement."

His words made both Noah and me gasp in surprise. Even though our faces were covered, he must have recognized Joel Einhardt or perhaps he knew my face.

"Thank you."

Despite the shock, I was touched by his thoughtfulness. I expressed my gratitude, and Noah did the same.

"I have the beans ready, so I'll give them to you when you leave."

With that, the master bowed and left. After watching him go, Noah and I couldn't help but laugh.

"It seems we were found out."

"It's not like we were trying to hide it, but how did he know? Did he recognize your face?"

"I don't think I'm that well-known."

"Maybe we met at the library?"

I couldn't deny that. Shrugging it off, I took a cookie and put it in my mouth. The crispy texture and gentle sweetness spread in my mouth. The slight scent of roses suggested that rose petals were mixed into the dough. I took another one to confirm. Yes, it was delicious.

"So, about the engagement gift. Here."

Noah seemed to have calmed down after drinking his coffee, and there was no sign of his earlier embarrassment. He took out a beautiful small box. It was about the size of my two hands, a blue box adorned with small gems like a night sky, with a gold ribbon tied around it.

"Can I open it?"

"Of course."

My heart raced as I reached for the ribbon. I easily untied it and opened the box. Inside, on a silk base, were a beautiful pair of earrings and a matching hair ornament.

The purple gemstones set in teardrop-shaped bases were a deep, rich purple, much like Noah's eyes. The gold filigree around them formed elegant curves. The hair ornament was also made of gold filigree, purple stones, and pearls. I was drawn to the way they sparkled in the light and gently touched them with my fingertips.

"They're so beautiful..."

"I'm glad you like them."

"They look just like Noah's eyes."

"Ah..."

I blurted out my thoughts, and Noah let out a groan. When I looked up, he turned his face away. Even with his thick bangs hiding his expression, I could tell he was blushing.

"Are you blushing?"

"Shut up."

"Your ears are red."

Another groan. Noah turned back to me, lifting his glasses with his long fingers. His eyes, which had darkened like evening stars, looked deeply into mine.

"Yeah... I chose them because I wanted you to wear my color."

Hearing him say it so clearly made me acutely aware of my own blushing face and ears.

"I chose something small on purpose, so you can wear it every day. I want everyone to see that you belong to me."

His voice was quiet, not loud, but it reached me directly. It made me feel as if we were the only two people in the world, a strange and comfortable sensation.

"I'm surprised by how possessive I am. Laugh if you want."

Noah laughed as he put his glasses back on and fixed his hair. I let out a small sigh.

"I don't feel like laughing."

I took a long, thin box from my bag and slid it across the table to Noah.

"Here, my engagement gift."

Noah carefully unwrapped it and opened the box with a delighted expression, which eased my tension.

Inside was a black pocket watch. I chose a gold chain, and I hoped Noah would notice that it matched my eye color. Noah opened the watch and gently traced the gears visible through the glass. His finger slid to the part that showed the phases of the moon.

"The color of your eyes."

Noah smiled, his voice soft and filled with joy.

"Did you feel the same way? That you wanted to give me something you could wear every day?"

"If you already know, why ask?"

"I want to hear it from you, Alicia."

Being asked again made me feel embarrassed, but I knew I had to say it.

"Yes. I chose it because I want you to think of me whenever you see it. I wish for that."

Noah, who was still leaning on the table, said weakly, "My fiancée is too cute, it hurts."

I couldn't say anything more, but Noah was holding the pocket watch tightly, which made me feel incredibly cherished.

Noah slowly sat up, still holding the pocket watch in one hand, and took my hand with his other hand.

"Thank you, Alicia. I'll carry it with me every day and take good care of it."

"Thank you. I'll wear mine every day too."

I turned my hand over and held his back. The warmth that spread through our intertwined fingers made me feel incredibly happy. Even in ordinary days, being with Noah made everything special.

"I love you."

His voice, lowered so only I could hear, made my chest feel tight. I nodded and managed to say, "I love you too," though my voice was strained. I was aware that my voice was tinged with love.

Noah smiled happily, and I knew this man had seen through everything. How much I loved Noah.

As if to say it was all right, the purple stones and gold chain on the table sparkled. Wearing Noah's color made my heart leap.

The gentle aroma of coffee and the slightly sweet flower cookies, and my beloved fiancé in front of me. My happiness was right here.

I will continue to post side stories irregularly.

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Thank you for reading!