Daichi POV

Finally, the day I had been eagerly anticipating arrived. For the past few days, no, weeks even, I had been harboring deep anxiety and a nagging sense that, despite all the meticulous planning gone into today, things might veer off course and turn into a disaster at some point.

Yet, as fate would have it, nothing unexpected occurred thus far. We eventually found ourselves at the Meguro Riverbank—a breathtaking canvas where twilight skies met countless stars, with each a glimmering stitch against the velvet expanse. My eyes took in the sakura trees, aligned in perfect formation, presiding over the tranquil river flowing to the sid. The weight of nervous anticipation mixed with a rare surge of excitement, created a flux of emotions within me. But most importantly, I was astounded by the dream-like scene that far exceeded my expectations. Sparkling lanterns had been decorated along the bank, and of course, being Tokyo, the place was crammed with throngs of people. I was quite surprised at my self, considering I usually struggled with crippling social anxieity. 

But for the first time in my life, I truly felt...happy.

Hand in hand, we strolled along the river bank, the crisp night air prompting us to wrap our coats tighter around ourselves tonight. The pretext of a romantic walk along the Meguro River had convinced Mya to join me, offering the perfect backdrop to share our dreams for the future. My dark plaid coat, a mosaic of warm hues, contrasted with her beige oversized coat—a popular preference of clothes for her that embraced her small and perfect stature. Amidst my internal musings, I felt her delicate hand gently squeezing mine.

Turning my gaze toward her, I found myself captivated by those perfectly-shaped dark eyes of hers, radiating a tenderness that never failed to ignite my heart. Her face, smooth as a porcelain vase, lit up with a beautiful smile, and I could feel my heart melting at the sight of her cherry lips, shaped like a cupid's bow.

"Daichi, what are you thinking about?" she playfully inquired from me. 

Caught in my flustered disposition, my initial response stumbled out in a string of inaudible sounds and embarrassing high-pitched words.

"Er... erm-n-no-no-nothing... ahem," I muttered, loosening my collar for a breath of air.

'Damn it Daichi! Get a hold of yourself.'

"Pfft! Hahaha, Daichi, why are you so silly," Mya chuckled, covering her mouth with her little hand as she nestled closer into my chest.

The sweet scent of her shampoo filled my nostrils, and my cheeks warmed dutifully. I could've sworn I heard my heartbeat quicken, feeling her body securely pressed against my own. I was really trying to appear a bit more composed these days, especially in front of her, so I shifted my focus to the dazzling Sakura petals falling gracefully around us. There was an inexplicable allure to these petals that had fascinated me since childhood. I had chosen this spot for the memories, the ambiance, and the time of day—all contributing to the perfect setting for our budding romance. Cheesy? perhaps, but this place was undeniably meaningful to both me and Mya.

It marked exactly 5 years since I first saw her along this same riverbank, she was surrounded by a group of her friends, I was alone of course as always, but the moment our eyes met. Something changed, time stopped, I was assured of it. And ever since that day...I could never stop thinking about her.

With Mya's hand securely in mine, we wandered through down what felt like a narrow road, sharing laughter and reminiscing about the early stages of our friendship, to our right-hand side were various vendors selling foods and all manner of things. Behind of them were tall rising buildings clothed in darkness. She often recalled our school days, when I used the excuse of needing her reading notes to strike up a conversation. Unbeknownst to her, I pre-read the courses before our lessons, rendering the notes unnecessary for me in the first place. But in those days, grappling with my mental health struggles, coupled with my social anxiety, meaningful conversations were scarce and often awkward for someone like me. Mya was the only person outside of my strange bubble who looked at me, she looked and saw me and it delighted her what she saw. Since then, our friendship has only grown.

Years later, here we were, creating beautiful memories in this enchanting place. Like the sakura petals gracefully falling around us, life had proven to be unpredictable and surprising. The Meguro Riverbank had become the stage for our unique journey, a canvas where delicacy and unpredictability converged into a symphony of shared laughter and blossoming love. 

As we strolled along the riverbank, the night was alive with a bustling crowd. Observing other couples, I sense a contagious joy in the air. Maybe I'm not the only one with a proposal plan I thought and suddenly, a wave of anxiety creeps in because of that.

'Am I truly ready for this? Public performances aren't my forte, but I've dedicated time and money to improving myself. Therapy, online classes...I...I can't let it all be for nothing. Yes...Tonight, I am ready to overcome my fears. We can do this Daichi...we...we can do it.'

After a few deep breaths, I managed to somewhat calm myself down and our leisurely walk continued along the flowing river and between the multitude of bodies. Mya points out dazzling fireflies and shooting stars across the air. Her keen eyes capture details I've overlooked. It's not my fault, I usually do notice those things, but I can't pull my gaze away from her side profile, not for a single moment it seems. I was enchanted by her beauty more than ever, and the prospect of spending my life with someone so perfect only filled me with something I've never felt before.

As we approach the spot I've chosen for my declaration, my knees turn to jelly and my legs wobbled a little. My palms were sweating more and suddenly my throat starts to itch. Mya notices my peculiar behavior but seems to have something on her mind also. 

"Daichi, do you...do  think we'll be together forever?" she asks. 

My brow lifts, and I stammer almost defiantly, "O-of course. We'll be together until the end," reinforcing my words with a gentle squeeze of her hand. She brightens up, cheeks turning rosy, as a shy smile graces her lips.

In her usual cute manner she bounces her head. 

"En!" 

We reach the tree where I plan to propose, and my heart pounds. Mya pauses by the tree, her gaze filled with magic. She looks genuinely happy and stunning. Whilst she admires the moonlight in the twilight night above, I sense the perfect moment. So I reach into my pocket, feeling the coarse suede box beneath my fingertips. My heart skips a beat, but I exhale, slowly pulling it out.

"D-daichi," I hear Mya say.

Focused on not comically spilling the ring, I'm oblivious to her words.

*Exhale* It's time.'

I hold the box tightly, slowly raising my head, shivering but finally feeling content.

"M-mya... I've been thinking," I say, but a strange sight interrupts me.

A troubled expression forms across Mya's face, not her usual expression. I'm alarmed by it so I call her name again,

"M-mya are you alright?'

But she remains silent. Following her gaze, I see the starry night skies, yet now, it's not just stars and the pale moon above.

Three violet balls of light hover in the distance, streaking across the night air.

'A shooting star?' I wonder.

One drops away aggressively. "Th-that light is heading straight for us!" I panic. Mya's hand stiffens, her concerned eyes fixed on me. And commotion suddenly blooms all around us.

"Hey, look! What's that?"

"Uh? W-wait, it's... it's coming... r-run!"

"Shit! Run, everyone, run!"

Both Mya and I heed the warnings, gathering ourselves to flee from the descending light. I fear we might not be quick enough judging by its speed. I harden my resolve and tightly cradle her small hand within my own.

And so, we run—run as if our lives depend on it.

The few people who noticed the falling light have already started running back along the riverbank. Those who were less attentive soon saw the commotion and the object of our desperate escape fast approaching. Since there's such a bustling crowd, we're forced to barge our way past the stunned fellows, until they too caught the gist of things and started to flee. I hear the screams of people, and the anguish in throats as bodies our tramples and nudged aside. Just like our initial response, I see bewilderment creasing on their faces. Seconds later, they too start to run.

Now, I can hear a sizzling whirring noise from above. 'What kind of star is that?' I ask myself in panic

"D-daichi, w-we won't make it," Mya breathes out. I grit my teeth with determination. There's no way I'm going to let her be in harm's way. Our feet move quickly, but the fallen light descends even quicker. I feel a chilling sensation crawling up my spine, and without a second thought, I hurl myself to the ground, bringing Mya crashing down beneath me. As I attempt to shield her.

*Whoooooooosh.*