"Ling, Honey…" Four Eyes' voice cracked slightly despite the smile. "Will you marry me?"
The room went still.
Even the giggling twins, Kim Kim and Chin Chin, paused mid-twirl. Lily clasped both hands over her mouth; Ren had frozen mid-whisper; Pharsa looked like her breath had caught just beneath her ribs.
Ling Li didn't speak right away.
She just stared down at her groom.
Not cold, not uncertain — but mesmerized, as if his voice had cut through every defense she had ever constructed.
There was astonishment in her eyes — rare and wild, like she was watching a star fall just for her.
Seconds passed.
Each one echoed like a gong in Four Eyes' skull.
Thirty seconds.
The longest of his life.
Then, finally, Ling Li nodded, eyes still holding his.
"Yes, I will marry you." She said, teary-eyed.
Four Eyes didn't waste a heartbeat.