In Every Memory

Heeseung had always been a fighter. Even with the uncertainty of his diagnosis hanging over him, he still wore a mask of calm composure, hiding the storm of emotions within. It was a constant battle he fought alone in his mind, but Jake had seen through it all. The way Heeseung’s shoulders slumped just a little more every day, the way his eyes would linger on the little things, as if he were already saying goodbye in his heart.

Jake could feel it—the fear Heeseung tried to hide. Heeseung was scared. But Jake, despite his own struggles, had come to a realization. He didn’t know how much time they had left, but he knew one thing for certain: Heeseung was the person he wanted to be with for as long as they could have together.

Jake had been holding onto the ring for weeks now, his hand nervously clutching the small velvet box in his pocket. The weight of it was heavy with meaning, and tonight, he was going to ask Heeseung to be his forever. A promise, even if it couldn’t erase the fear. A promise to face whatever came their way together.

---

The evening had been peaceful. Just the two of them, sitting side by side on the couch, quietly watching TV. Heeseung had grown quiet, a faraway look in his eyes. Jake could tell something was off, but he didn’t want to push too hard.

"Hey," Jake said softly, his voice just above a whisper.

Heeseung glanced over at him, eyes weary but warm. "Yeah?"

Jake’s heart clenched at the vulnerability in Heeseung’s expression. He smiled faintly. "I need to tell you something."

Heeseung raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Jake shifted so he was facing Heeseung, taking his hand in his. Heeseung blinked, surprised at the sudden shift in Jake’s demeanor.

"You know how much I love you, right?" Jake began, his voice steady but soft. Heeseung nodded, his gaze never leaving Jake’s. "I want to be with you, no matter what happens, for as long as I can. I want to promise you something. A lifetime, Heeseung."

Heeseung’s heart began to race, uncertainty flickering across his face. "Jake, what—"

Before Heeseung could say anything more, Jake reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet box, opening it to reveal the simple yet elegant engagement ring.

Heeseung froze. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the ring, then back at Jake, his eyes wide with confusion and awe. Jake smiled at him softly, his eyes tender and full of emotion.

"Heeseung, will you marry me?" Jake asked, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it echoed in Heeseung’s heart like a loud declaration. "Will you be mine, through everything, for however long we have? Will you promise to be with me, even when the future feels uncertain?"

Heeseung’s mind raced, the world feeling like it had stopped. He was overwhelmed—so many emotions crashing over him all at once. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he quickly blinked them away, trying to hide the vulnerability he couldn’t suppress.

"I—I’m scared," Heeseung admitted, his voice trembling. "What if I’m not enough? What if I can’t—"

Jake squeezed his hand, cutting off Heeseung’s worries with a gentle but firm grip. "You’re more than enough. You always have been, Heeseung. You don’t have to be perfect. I’m here for all of you—the good and the bad, the strong and the weak. I’ll be right here. Always."

A soft tear escaped from Heeseung’s eye, and he looked away, feeling embarrassed by the flood of emotions. Jake’s words were the anchor he needed, the steady force he never realized he had been yearning for.

"Please," Jake whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "Say yes. I want you to be my forever."

Heeseung’s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the ring. A future with Jake. It was the only future he could imagine. He took a deep breath, his hand trembling slightly, and nodded. "Yes," he whispered. "Yes, Jake."

Jake’s face lit up with relief and joy. He reached out and carefully slid the engagement ring onto Heeseung’s finger, the simple band now a symbol of their shared promise. Jake pulled him into a tender kiss, their lips meeting in a quiet, loving exchange.

As they pulled away, Jake rested his forehead against Heeseung’s. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you for being mine."

Heeseung smiled through his tears, a mix of emotions swirling within him. "No, Jake... thank you for never giving up on me."

---

Later that evening, as the two of them sat together on the couch, their fingers intertwined, a knock on the door interrupted the quiet intimacy. Heeseung wiped his eyes, still feeling the weight of the proposal and the emotions running through him.

Jake stood up, the smile on his face never leaving. "I’ll get it," he said, though he was already sure who it was.

When he opened the door, there stood Sunghoon, Jay, Sunoo, and Jungwon, all grinning from ear to ear.

"Heeseung!" Sunghoon exclaimed. "We knew you’d say yes! Congratulations, bro!"

Jay wrapped Heeseung in a tight hug. "Welcome to the family," he said warmly, his voice slightly choked. Heeseung couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the weight of the day lift just a little.

Sunoo and Jungwon stood behind, both beaming with joy. "We’re so happy for you two!" Sunoo said, and Jungwon nodded in agreement, giving Heeseung a brotherly pat on the back.

The group settled around the living room, teasing Heeseung and Jake, but the love and support in the room were palpable. Heeseung felt a deep sense of belonging—surrounded by his friends, his brothers, and now Jake, who had given him the world in a single promise.

---

As the night came to a close, Heeseung lay in bed, his head resting on Jake’s chest. He felt the steady beat of Jake’s heart against him and smiled softly.

"Jake," Heeseung murmured, still processing the day’s events. "I’m scared. But with you... I think I can do this. I think I can face whatever comes."

Jake kissed the top of Heeseung’s head, holding him close. "We’ll face it together, Heeseung. Always."