A wave of applause filled the university hall, blending tears and joy across the faces of the graduates. In the midst of the crowd, you stood proudly in a graduation gown, your face glowing with pride after years of walking the long path of education.

After the ceremony, you were surrounded by family and friends. Laughter, hugs, and congratulations filled every second. Cameras captured the moment, and the day felt perfect until someone began walking toward you from a distance.

The man wore a crisp white shirt and an elegant grey suit. In his hands were a bouquet of roses, a small cute teddy bear, and a tiny dark blue box. The evening sun caught his face, highlighting the familiar smile that had once made your heart race during late-night study sessions.

"Congratulations on your achievement," he greeted softly, his voice carrying the warmth of old memories.

You turned instinctively, and froze. It was Damien, your close friend from school who had once confessed his feelings, then respectfully stepped back when you explained you needed to focus on your education. He had offered a promise that day: "Then let's just focus on our dreams for now. If one day we meet again, and we've made it to where we want to be... I promise I'll come back to you, with the same intention."

And now, Damien had returned to keep his promise.

"I've... become an aeronautical engineer, just like I dreamed," he said with a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. "I have a house, and I've prepared a stable life for us. I even have savings for the children we might not have anytime soon. And... there's one room in my house. Empty, just shelves for shoes, bags, and a wardrobe. I didn't know who my wife would be then... but I wanted her to be the one to fill it. Now... I hope that person is you."

He opened the small box with gentle hands. Inside was a simple yet elegant ring—not a rushed proposal, but a symbol that his feelings had never changed through the years of separation.

"I don't want to pressure you. If you're not ready, we can start over, take it slow. I want to be close to you, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable. But if you feel the same way... I'm ready to marry you even tomorrow, if that's what you want."

Damien's voice was low but warm, like someone who truly knew what he had fought for and wasn't willing to lose it now.

"So... may I ask you again? Can I begin to get close to you?"

Around you, the world seemed to pause. The soft evening breeze carried the scent of roses and ushered in a new promise yet to be spoken.

"I have everything now... except one thing—you. May I love you again, this time... for a lifetime?"