CHAPTER 34: MARRY ME, BEFORE THE WORLD ENDS,

Scene: Mountain Sunrise – After That Hot Night

Mek stood outside the safehouse, wrapped in a thick sweater Pete gave him. The morning sun spilled over the mountains like melted gold. Mist swirled gently. Birds sang softly.

Pete came up behind him, holding two mugs of coffee.

> "Thought you'd be gone by now," he said, handing Mek a cup.

Mek didn't turn. "Thought you wouldn't let me go."

Pete chuckled, sipping his. "I'm not. I just stopped using ropes."

Pause.

> "Now I use love. Much more dangerous."

Mek glanced at him finally. That scar under Pete's eye looked softer in the light. His gaze, though—still pure fire.

> "Why me?" Mek asked. "You could have anyone. Someone easier. Safer."

Pete put down his mug.

Took out a small black box.

Dropped to one knee in the cold grass.

Mek's heart stopped.

Pete looked up, eyes bloodshot but full of fire and devotion.

> "Because when I touch you—my soul stops screaming."

> "When you left—I didn't breathe. The world turned grey. I smiled for the cameras, killed with precision, ruled like a king… but inside, I was dead."

He opened the box.

Inside was a ring—not flashy. Not expensive-looking. But carved by hand. Worn silver. One scratch across it. Perfect in its imperfection.

> "This ring belonged to my grandfather. He gave it to the woman who made him leave the mafia."

Pete swallowed hard.

> "I'll give it to you. Not to trap you… but to remind you that you freed me. From everything I was before you."

> "Marry me, Mek. Even if the world ends tomorrow. Even if my father destroys us. Even if no one accepts it."

> "Just you and me. Against the damn universe."

Mek stood frozen.

Tears welled up. His lips trembled. He wanted to run. He wanted to scream.

But instead… he sank to his knees. Right in front of Pete.

He placed his forehead to Pete's.

And whispered,

> "You're still a dumb, dramatic bastard."

Pete laughed, eyes wet now too. "Is that a yes?"

Mek nodded, kissing him softly.

> "That's a hell yes."

---

Scene: Later That Night – Safehouse Bedroom

Wrapped in each other's arms, bare chests touching, the ring now on Mek's finger catching the candlelight…

Pete whispered,

> "Let the world try. Let them bring storms. I'll still choose you. Every damn time."

Mek leaned in, voice soft:

> "You're the only person who ever made me feel chosen… not just tolerated."