Chapter 9: A Snowflake Proposal

As the vibrant colors of dawn broke through the winter sky, Rei's heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and nerves. It had been nearly a year since she and Usagi had taken their first step into this beautifully chaotic world of love together. They had shared countless memories—laughing over hot chocolate, comforting each other during tough times, and celebrating life's small victories side by side. All of it only solidified what Rei had known deep down: Usagi was the one. The winter sun cast a soft glow over the snow-covered landscape as Rei laid her plans. She wanted this day to be perfect—not just for herself but for Usagi, the girl who had brought light into her life like the sun piercing through a cloudy sky. But a flawless proposal required careful thought, and who better to enlist for help than her best friends, Minako and Ami? Rei tapped her fingers on the table in her favorite café, heart racing as she waited for them to arrive. They had agreed to meet early to brainstorm ideas to make her proposal unforgettable. A few moments later, the bell above the door jingled, and Minako burst in first, her golden hair glinting in the sunlight like a beacon. “Rei! Oh my gosh, I’m so excited to help!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm as she rushed to sit down. “Me too!” Ami followed closely behind, her face illuminated with a gentle smile. “So, tell us everything. What do you have in mind?” Rei took a deep breath, her heart racing in anticipation as she began to lay out her vision. “I was thinking… a winter picnic? Somewhere secluded, maybe near the frozen lake, when the snow is still glistening. I want it to feel magical, you know?” Minako clapped her hands together, her eyes shining. “Oh, that sounds so romantic! We could even bring fairy lights and a cozy blanket!” “Yes!” Ami nodded enthusiastically. “And what if we set up a hot cocoa station? You know Usagi loves her hot chocolate!” “Exactly! I want everything to feel cozy and intimate,” Rei smiled, feeling the warmth of her friends' support as they began brainstorming more ideas. “I want it to be a day she’ll never forget.” As they chatted and tossed around charming notions, Rei couldn’t help but envision the moment: Usagi, with her radiant smile and twinkling eyes, finally realizing what was happening when she dropped to one knee and presented the ring. Her heart swelled with emotion thinking about it. After hours of laughter, planning, and a massive list of to-dos, they settled on the final touches. The picnic would be set for the first weekend in January—the meaning behind the date wasn’t lost on them; it would mark a year since they had begun their journey. As they finished their drinks, Rei’s hand found the small velvet box nestled in her pocket—a beautiful ring she had chosen days before. “You’re all in, right? Can I count on you two to help make this happen?” “Of course!” Minako grinned brightly. “Definitely! You don’t have to do this alone,” Ami added, her voice steady and encouraging. “Thank you,” Rei whispered, her feelings of gratitude washing over her as she felt the support of her friends envelop her like a warm hug. That evening, as the snow began to fall softly outside the café’s frosted windows, Rei returned home with renewed determination. Plans laid, reconnaissance done, and now it was just a matter of counting down the days until she would express her love in the most remarkable way possible—a promise of forever sealed with a kiss.