"Teacher NM, check my artwork, please!" Yvette's eager voice chimed, breaking through the gentle hum of the classroom as she bounded toward me. Her small hands trembled slightly as she held up her painting, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and hope.

I smiled as I took it from her, careful not to smudge the still-drying paint. It was a tulip—simple, yet there was a raw earnestness in its strokes, the kind only a child could imbue into art.

"This is beautiful, Yvette," I said warmly, crouching down so I could look her in the eyes. "You'll be a great artist someday. I can already see your bright future."

Her cheeks flushed pink at the praise, and she let out a giggle as I gently pinched her cheek. "Really, Teacher?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as though the confirmation would make it real.

"Really," I affirmed with a nod, handing back her painting. "Keep practicing, okay?"

"I will, Teacher NM!" she beamed before skipping back to her desk, her enthusiasm contagious.

I glanced around the classroom, taking in the chatter and laughter of the other students as they finished cleaning up their workstations. "Okay, kids! That's all for today," I called out, clapping my hands to get their attention. "See you tomorrow!"

A collective chorus of "Bye, Teacher NM!" filled the air as they scrambled for the door, their faces lighting up as they spotted their parents waiting for them. It was a sweet sight, one that warmed my heart every time I saw it.

The room quieted as the last student left, and I turned my attention to tidying up, arranging brushes and paints back into their proper places. The peaceful silence of the empty classroom was a stark but welcome contrast to the earlier buzz.

Just as I zipped my bag, a soft knock sounded at the door.

"Come in!" I called, glancing over my shoulder. My face lit up the moment I saw him. Fuse stood in the doorway, his tall frame leaning casually against the frame. In his hand, he held a bouquet of flowers, their vibrant colors as cheerful as his warm smile.

"Hi," he greeted, his voice soft yet deep, and filled with affection.

"Hi," I replied, my own smile growing as he stepped inside. Without hesitation, he crossed the room to me, wrapping one arm around my waist as he leaned in for a kiss.

"I missed you," he murmured, his voice low against my lips, sending a shiver down my spine.

I couldn't help but laugh softly, pulling back just enough to look at him. "We just saw each other yesterday," I teased.

"That was yesterday," he said, feigning a pout. "It feels like an eternity."

"You're ridiculous," I said, rolling my eyes, but the laughter in my voice betrayed me.

"And you love me for it," he shot back, his grin widening as he placed the bouquet in my hand.

"I do," I admitted, looping my arms around his neck. "I really do."

***

The warmth of the sun had begun to fade, casting the garden in hues of amber and gold. As we walked up the cobblestone path toward Tata Lino's mansion, the soft rustling of leaves and the faint chirping of birds greeted us. The familiar scent of damp soil and blooming flowers wrapped around me like a comforting embrace.

There he was—Tata Lino, hunched over in his wide-brimmed straw hat, tending to his beloved roses. His hands, worn but steady, carefully guided the watering can, ensuring not a single bloom was neglected. Even with age catching up to him, his passion for the garden never wavered.

"Tata Lino!" I called out, my voice filled with affection as I quickened my pace to reach him.

His face lit up at the sound of my voice, and he straightened slowly, setting the watering can aside. "Oh, NM. You're here!" he exclaimed, his voice hearty despite the visible frailty in his frame.

I wrapped my arms around him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "How are you feeling today, Tata? Have you eaten?"

"I'm fine. Just feeling older," he answered with a hearty laugh, patting my arm. "I was just about to ask you the same thing. Have you eaten yet?"

"Not yet," I admitted, my tone playful. "But we're going out for dinner. Would you like to join us?"

He waved a dismissive hand, though his smile remained warm. "You're always so sweet, NM. But you two should enjoy yourselves. This old man will manage just fine here."

Fuse approached us, his steps deliberate as he carried the bouquet he had brought earlier. "Good evening, Tata Lino," he greeted respectfully.

Tata Lino chuckled. "Good evening, Fuse. Still sticking by NM's side, I see."

Fuse grinned. "Always, Tata. Someone has to make sure she stays out of trouble."

I shot Fuse a mock glare. "Oh, please. I should be the one saying that about you!"

"Now, now," Tata Lino interjected, his laughter softening the teasing exchange. "You two are quite the pair. By the way, NM, did you bring anything interesting today?"

"Oh!" I reached into my bag, pulling out the stack of paintings from my art class. "These are the kids' works from today. I thought you'd like to see them."

He took the paintings carefully, flipping through them with an appreciative hum. "You've taught them well, NM. These children have talent."

I smiled, watching as his eyes lingered on each painting. "It's because I had a great mentor," I said, leaning into him.

"Flatterer," he teased, but the pride in his expression was unmistakable.

***

The restaurant Fuse had chosen for our anniversary dinner was exquisite, nestled atop a hill overlooking the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of twinkling lights below, and the elegant interior, with its crystal chandeliers and soft candlelight, made the evening feel magical.

Fuse pulled out my chair for me, a small but thoughtful gesture that still made my heart flutter. "Thank you," I murmured as I settled in.

"You deserve to be treated like royalty tonight," he said, his voice low but firm.

The waiter appeared promptly, presenting a bottle of wine with a flourish. Fuse nodded his approval, and soon, two glasses of deep red wine were poured, the aroma rich and inviting.

As the waiter left, I found myself watching Fuse as he swirled his wine. The soft lighting accentuated the strong lines of his face, and I couldn't help but marvel at how far we'd come.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" he asked, his lips quirking into a smile as he set his glass down.

"Because," I said, resting my chin on my hand, "I'm just so happy to be here with you."

He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against mine. "Happy 6th Anniversary," he said, his voice filled with warmth.

"Happy Anniversary," I replied, clinking my glass gently against his.

The night unfolded beautifully. Each course was a masterpiece, from the buttery scallops to the tender lamb that melted in our mouths. Fuse's laughter filled the spaces between bites, his anecdotes bringing a lightness to the evening.

But as we moved to dessert, the atmosphere shifted. A pair of musicians approached our table, a violinist and a cellist. The first notes of a romantic melody filled the air, their harmony tugging at my heartstrings.

I narrowed my eyes at Fuse. "What are you up to?" I asked, my tone teasing but curious.

He shrugged, though the mischievous glint in his eye betrayed him.

Then, to my utter shock, he rose from his seat and knelt down in front of me. Time seemed to freeze as he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.

"Will you marry me?" he asked, his voice steady yet brimming with emotion. His eyes searched mine, filled with love, hope, and a hint of nervousness.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at him, my heart swelling with so much love I thought it might burst. "Yes, Fuse," I whispered, my voice shaking as I leaned forward to pull him into a tight hug. "I'll marry you."

The room erupted in applause, the sound of clinking glasses and cheering blending with the musicians' swelling melody.

He slipped the ring onto my finger, and I pulled him into a hug, holding onto him tightly. For years, I had resisted him, clung to a love that no longer had a place in my life. But Fuse never gave up on me, never stopped loving me.

And in the end, I realized that my heart had always belonged to him. He was my first love, the one who never let me go, and now, he would be my forever.

Back in his seat, he reached for my hand, his thumb brushing over the ring. "I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world," he said softly, his voice steady with conviction.

"You already do," I replied, my tears giving way to a radiant smile.

That night, with the city lights sparkling below and Fuse's unwavering love surrounding me, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. Our journey hadn't been easy, but it had led us to this perfect moment—a moment I would cherish forever.