Chapter 4: A Promise of Forever

As Hange's eyes locked onto mine, I felt my heart skip a beat. The air around us seemed to vibrate with tension, and I could sense the weight of unspoken emotions hanging precariously in the balance. Yumi, sensing the intimacy of the moment, quietly excused herself, leaving Hange and me alone in the nest. Hange's face drew closer to mine, his eyes burning with a deep affection. I could feel his warm breath on my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His lips brushed against mine, soft and gentle, yet filled with a passion that left me breathless. I kissed him back, my heart racing with excitement, as our lips danced in perfect harmony. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in the depths of our love. Hange's kiss deepened, his tongue tracing the contours of my mouth, sending sparks of desire through my body. I felt like I was drowning in the sea of his love, and I didn't want to be rescued. As we broke apart for a moment, gasping for air, Hange's eyes locked onto mine, shining with a love that took my breath away. He took a deep breath, his voice trembling with emotion. "Akane," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one for me. Will you marry me?" My heart soared as I looked at Hange, my eyes filling with tears of joy. I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Hange. Of course, I want to marry you." Hange's face lit up with a radiant smile, and he produced a small, exquisite ring from his pocket. The ring sparkled in the soft light of the nest, a beautiful diamond solitaire that seemed to shine with an inner light. He took my hand, his fingers trembling with excitement, and slid the ring onto my finger. The metal felt cool against my skin, but the warmth of Hange's love radiated through it, filling me with a sense of joy and belonging. I looked at the ring, my eyes welling up with tears, and then back at Hange, my heart overflowing with love. Hange's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close as he whispered, "I love you, Akane. Forever and always." I whispered back, "I love you too, Hange. Forever and always." As we held each other, the world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the promise of forever, and the love that would bind us together for all eternity.