[Flashback]
The soft ray of the sunset shone on Fil's face. She had this blissful smile, sitting on a small towel by the shore, and the salt breeze blowing past the little strands of hair that had gone astray from her bun.
"So, pretty," she whispered, eyes softening at the horizon. "We should do this more often."
Beside her was a man, casting her a soft smile upon seeing the relaxed look on her face. His smile was charming and anyone could tell he was genuinely pleased to make her happy.
"We should," he replied, smacking his lips as he set his attention on the horizon. "Look. The sun still looks full because it reflects on the water."
"Mhm."
"Wow… I've seen this multiple times, but it's mesmerizing."
"Mhm."
The man, Vincent, Fil's boyfriend, turned his head to her. "Why do you keep humming?"
"Hm?" Her brows rose a little as she reluctantly looked back at him. "What are you saying?"
"Do you like the sunset that much?" he teased. "I think you just reluctantly looked away from it."
"Hehe." Fil just chuckled, trying to catch the last glimpse of the sunset before it would disappear. "It's just… just relaxing. My grandpa used to tell me it's almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream. I'm just reminded of it and somehow, I finally understood the real meaning of those words."
Her expression softened, embracing her knees, eyes still on the horizon. "Thanks for taking me out."
"You thank me, but you're not even looking in my direction." Vincent frowned. "What should I do now? It's not even my surprise, and yet, I feel like whatever I would do now will not impress you anymore."
"What are you talking —" Fil halted as soon as she turned her head back to him, only to see a small box stretched to her. Deep lines appeared between her brows as she caught the ring sparkling under the last rays of orange.
"Vin…" she trailed off, speechless, lifting her eyes to him.
Vincent slid his eyes to the corner, massaging his neck as if he suddenly felt nervous. His cheek blushed a little, clearing his throat, trying to remember the speech he prepared for her.
"Fil, I know it's still too early for this, but… ahem!" he took a deep breath and mustered his courage to face her. "But I like you. No, I love you very much! And I know we're still young, but I'm certain you're the girl I want to spend my entire youth and lifetime with!"
A thin layer of tears coated Fil's eyes and before she knew it, a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Fil?" Vincent panicked a little. "Why — why are you crying —"
Vincent couldn't finish his sentence as Fil suddenly leaped to him, hugging him tightly. He froze for a second, glancing at her, and then smiled subtly.
"I thought you didn't like me proposing, considering we still hadn't graduated," he said, planting his hand on her back. "But I guess it's worth the risk. I was really scared you'd get angry, and tell me I'm being impulsive again."
He patted her back, resting the side of his head against hers. "I love you, Fil."
"I love you too, Vin," she whispered back, clasping his back, unable to stop her tears. "I want to scold you, but I'll let it pass."
"Haha."
The two of them embraced each other until Fil released him. As she drew her head back, she gazed down at the ring.
"Let me put this on," he said, clumsily picking out the ring and then reaching for her hand. Before putting it on, he drew a deep breath and looked her in the eye. "Filomena, I know we're still young and I don't have enough money yet to give you the greatest wedding you deserve. But I promise you one thing. I'll work hard. Once I graduate, I'll work myself like a dog and earn my parent's trust to lead our company."
His mouth stretched until his teeth were on full display. "Once I have saved enough money, I'll give you the wedding you deserve. Not just that, but a good life, so you don't have to worry about anything else. I'll take care of you and be the man your grandpa will approve of."
"This ring and the sunset are my witnesses," he added joyfully. "That I, Vincent Lance Hale, will take care of you not just now, but forever."
Looking at that charming and genuine wide smile softened Fil's heart. There was no trace of deception or malice in him. This was one of his charms; kind, genuine, and loving.
"Mhm," she hummed, watching him put the ring around her finger. "Let's do that," she whispered, meeting his eyes once more. "Let's be together… forever."
"Of course." Vincent held her hand, smiling at her affectionately. His eyes intuitively fell on her lips, following his heart's desire, he leaned his face forward.
Fil held her breath as she watched his face move closer. She guessed what would happen next, so she shut her eyes. But much to her surprise, his lips only landed on her forehead. She slowly opened her eyes, only to see his teasing smile.
"You," he said and pouted. "Did you think I'd kiss you on the lips?"
"Huh?"
"I want to, but didn't you say you want me to wait until after marriage?" he sighed, holding her hand close to his cheek. "So, until then, I will not do anything to you, even if I want to. That will also make me want to work hard because once you're my wife, I won't have to hold back anymore."
There was a sense of embarrassment Fil felt at almost forgetting her promise. But at the same time, she was grateful that Vincent was willing to uphold it. The two of them smiled at each other, their hearts full and hopeful about the future they looked forward to.
Neither of them could've ever fathomed that what the future holds was far different from what they had imagined.
*****
[PRESENT TIME]
Fil slowly opened her eyes, only to see the familiar ceiling over her. Her brows creased, holding her head to soothe her throbbing head. But just as she did, she withdrew her hand away to look at the ring around her ring finger.
"I should've scolded him back then," she whispered as tears suddenly pooled in the corner of her eyes. "We're too young and naive to make and believe such promises."