Kneeling there amidst the candlelight, Li Chen anxiously awaited Zhang Mei's response as seconds crawled by agonizingly. Why her hesitation? Did she not reciprocate his ardent feelings after all? His pulse roared in his ears.
Unable to bear the silence any longer, he stammered "N-no matter your decision, nothing needs change between us. I understand if you don't share my sentiment. We can go back to simply being friends..."
He summoned his courage to meet her stunned eyes. "Know I will accept your choice gracefully, though my longing will remain. I just needed you to know the depth of affection you've unknowingly inspired..."
Trailing off hoarsely, Li Chen waited in breathless suspense mingled with escalating despair. Her continued wordlessness seemed answer enough - he had gambled their precious bond and lost everything. Yet he had promised acceptance even if it meant enduring a bittersweet ache every time their paths crossed going forward...
