Chapter 36: Rings, Engines, and Secrets

The Tokyo morning buzzed with energy, but for Ren and Aoi, this Saturday felt like a pause from everything else. A rare, quiet morning in their shared apartment was interrupted only by the soft chime of Ren's phone reminding them of today's important mission.

"Ready?" Ren asked as he adjusted his hoodie.

Aoi, dressed in a pale-pink sweater and denim shorts, twirled playfully in front of the mirror. "I've been waiting for this day," she grinned. "Let's go pick out our rings!"

Ring Shopping

The jewelry store in Shibuya was nestled in a cozy street, elegant yet not flashy. The moment they stepped in, a sales assistant greeted them and guided them to a private area. Aoi's fingers intertwined with Ren's, trembling ever so slightly.

"I never imagined doing this... not this early," she whispered.

Ren nodded. "Me neither. But now it feels right."

Box after box opened, sparkling platinum, gold, and silver bands reflecting in their eyes. After nearly an hour, they settled on a pair — a sleek platinum design with a subtle intertwining wave pattern, almost like two currents meeting and flowing as one.

Aoi slipped the ring onto her finger. "It's beautiful…" Then she turned to Ren. "Now it's your turn."

He hesitated. "Let's wait to wear them properly. After the wedding." But he still took her hand and gently kissed the spot where the ring sat.

"Dummy... you're such a romantic," Aoi murmured, blushing hard.

The Car Swap

On the way back, Aoi clung to his arm, enjoying the chilly breeze and the buzz of the city. They reached the underground parking lot, and Ren clicked his M5's key fob. The sleek black sports sedan blinked as it unlocked.

Aoi looked at it, then at Ren. "Hey... can I drive it today?"

Ren raised an eyebrow. "My car?"

She gave her best puppy eyes. "Please? Just to work. You know my 7 Series needs some tweaks, and I want to feel what it's like driving your beast."

Ren sighed, handing her the key with a smirk. "Be careful. It's got a bite."

She caught the keys mid-air and gave him a quick kiss. "I'll return it in one piece, Mr. Genius."

"I'm counting on it," Ren replied with a chuckle. Then his gaze shifted to her 7 Series. "Actually, I'll take this to the garage. I've been planning some surprises for it."

"Hmm? Like what?" she asked suspiciously.

Ren shrugged. "You'll see. Think of it as a wedding present preview."

A Hidden Life

While Aoi took the M5 to her office, Ren set off in her BMW 7 Series toward the countryside. The drive was long but peaceful. Rolling hills and thick cornfields blurred past his window until he arrived at the plot — their plot.

The sound of construction echoed faintly as the workers were laying the foundation. A small temporary site office had already been set up, and the foundation outline of their future home was visible — open living space, garden, a separate workshop, and a garage big enough for more than two cars.

Ren walked over the site with the architect, going over the technical adjustments he wanted: solar panels, integrated rain collection, hybrid power for workshop tools. His dream was slowly turning real — a life away from chaos, where technology and simplicity would blend perfectly.

He leaned against the car, watching the sky turn golden.

"This is for you, Aoi... for us," he murmured.

Back in Tokyo, the roar of the BMW M5's twin-turbocharged engine echoed as Aoi pulled into the underground parking lot of her company building. The glossy black sedan glistened under the harsh fluorescent lights, turning heads even before she stepped out.

Employees on their lunch break paused mid-conversation, their eyes trailing the luxurious car as it slid gracefully into an executive parking spot.

The moment the door opened, Aoi stepped out in heels and a crisp beige trench coat layered over her sleek office outfit. Her perfectly styled hair shimmered in the light, and with the soft click of the door behind her, she tossed the keys into her handbag with casual elegance.

A cluster of her coworkers lingered nearby, whispering among themselves.

"Wait, did she just drive in an M5?"

"No way. That thing costs more than my yearly salary!"

"She always had style but... wow, that's on another level."

As she passed by, the clicking of her heels echoing, one of her juniors — a bubbly assistant named Minako — rushed over to her, eyes wide with curiosity.

"Senpai! Is that really your car?" she asked breathlessly. "That's the new BMW M5, right? You didn't just… buy that overnight, did you?"

Aoi smiled coolly, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not quite. It's on loan."

Minako blinked. "From who? A family member?"

Aoi let out a soft, amused hum. "Someone important to me."

Another employee nearby chimed in, half-joking. "You mean your mysterious fiancé, right? The one who picks you up in a luxury car every other week?"

Aoi's red lips curled into a sly smile. "Maybe," she said, offering a playful wink before walking past them, her confident stride making it clear she wasn't going to say more.

But once she was inside the elevator, away from the crowd, her smile slowly faded. She leaned back against the mirrored wall, her reflection looking just a little more tired than usual.

Her fingers gently touched the chain of her necklace — a simple silver one Ren had gifted her on their first anniversary. Her eyes softened, but so did the weight in her chest.

"Ren always tells me everything… but lately… he's been skipping details. Where he goes on weekends. What he's working on. Why his phone sometimes goes quiet for hours."

She clutched her handbag a little tighter as the elevator dinged softly and opened onto her office floor.

"I trust him… I do. But I know him better than anyone. He's hiding something. And if he's planning something big... why wouldn't he tell me?"

She walked out with her usual grace, but inside, a quiet storm had started brewing. It wasn't jealousy. It wasn't suspicion born of insecurity.

It was the tension of being in love with someone whose heart was so full of dreams — he sometimes forgot to let her in on them.

"I want to walk every path with him… even the ones he's paving alone.