The Ring

The air inside the jewelry store was cool and calm, the soft chime of a bell echoing as Auau and Save stepped through the door. Save immediately felt out of place. He had never been someone who liked to shop for expensive things, especially something as permanent as a wedding ring. He barely even wanted to be here, but he knew it was inevitable.

Auau, on the other hand, walked with the confidence of someone who had done this before. He wasn't just buying a ring for himself. He was making decisions about a future that wasn't his own.

The store was elegant but understated, its glass display cases filled with rings of all shapes and sizes. It was the kind of place where everything felt out of reach, where a simple piece of jewelry could cost more than Save's monthly allowance. He couldn't imagine wearing something like that, especially not for a marriage he didn't choose.

A salesperson greeted them with a practiced smile. "Good afternoon. How can I assist you today?" she asked, clearly used to guiding couples through the process of choosing rings. Her gaze flickered between the two men, and Save couldn't help but feel like an outsider in this space.

"We're here to look at wedding rings," Auau said, his voice as calm and smooth as ever. "For both of us."

The woman nodded, smiling politely. "Of course. Follow me, please."

Save felt a strange knot tighten in his chest as they followed her to a display case filled with pairs of matching rings. Some were sleek and modern, others more traditional, but they all had one thing in common, they were beautiful and expensive.

Auau gestured toward the display. "We should look at these," he said. He picked up a simple, elegant gold band, the kind of ring that most people would consider timeless. "This one seems like a good option."

Save glanced at the ring, not really interested in it. The saleswoman had noticed the shift in atmosphere and stepped in, eager to ease the tension. "If you'd like, I can show you some other options as well. It's important to find something that feels right."

Save wasn't sure what to say. He didn't want to be here, but there was nothing he could do to stop it. The sooner they picked a ring, the sooner this would all be over, right?

Auau seemed to sense his frustration. "Let's look at something else," he said, motioning toward a different display.

As they moved to a different case, Save found his eyes drawn to one ring, a simple silver band, thin and understated. It wasn't flashy, it didn't shout for attention, and somehow, it felt more... real to him. He reached out and picked it up, turning it over in his fingers.

Auau glanced over. "That one's simple," he said. "But I think it suits you better than anything else here."

Save froze, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. He wasn't sure if Auau was being genuine, or if it was just another way to make the whole situation more bearable.

"I like it," Save said quietly, more to himself than to Auau.

Auau raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're not just picking it because it's the simplest one?"

Save shot him a look, but couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped. "No," he said, shaking his head. "I just... I think it fits."

The saleswoman noticed their exchange and smiled, clearly pleased with the direction things were going. "That's a good choice," she said, pulling out a ring sizer. "Let me get your sizes."

As the saleswoman took their measurements, Save found himself standing a little straighter, trying to push the weight of it all aside. It wasn't his fault that this marriage was happening.

After the ring fitting, Save and Auau stepped out of the jewelry store, the little velvet box now safely tucked in Save's jacket pocket. The quiet between them felt heavy, but Save couldn't bring himself to say anything more. His mind was too busy processing everything.

As they walked toward the car, the sound of their footsteps was the only thing filling the silence. Save was lost in thought when, out of nowhere, Auau broke the stillness.

"Are you ready for this?" Auau asked, his voice casually light.

Save glanced at him, surprised by the question. "I guess," he said, trying to keep his tone neutral. "But ready for what?"

Auau gave him a sideways grin, the corner of his mouth curling upward just slightly. "For a lifetime of... happiness," he said, his voice smooth, almost playful. Then he turned to Save with a teasing glint in his eye and, in one swift motion, added, "Because I'm pretty sure I'm the one who'll make you smile for the rest of your life. I mean, look at me. I'm a walking dream."

Save blinked, confused for a second, then a flicker of realization hit him. Auau had just dropped a pickup line. Right there. Of all the moments, now?

"What?" Save stared at him, unsure whether he should be impressed or completely thrown off.

Auau was still grinning, clearly enjoying the moment. "I mean, you're getting stuck with me," he continued, his tone a little more serious but still with that hint of amusement. "But, hey, I can't help being charming. You might as well get used to it."

Save felt his face flush slightly. He wasn't sure how to react. Part of him wanted to laugh at how ridiculous the situation was. The other part of him..well..

"You think you're funny, huh?" Save asked, trying to hide his own amusement. He couldn't believe Auau had just said something like that. It was the last thing he expected after all the tension and awkwardness that had followed them since the engagement.

Auau shrugged, his grin never fading. "I know I am. And trust me, you'll be laughing a lot more when we're married. I promise."

Save shook his head, a half-smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "You're really going to pull that 'charm' thing,?"

"Of course," Auau replied, completely unphased. "Who could resist it? I'm practically irresistible."

Save rolled his eyes but couldn't stop a reluctant laugh from escaping. He hated how easy it was to let Auau's charisma slip past his defenses. Despite the underlying tension and the weight of their situation, there was something oddly comforting about this moment of lightness.

As they reached the car, Auau opened the door for Save, still looking entirely too smug for Save's liking. "It's not too late, you know," Auau added, leaning against the car as Save got in. "You could still change your mind about this whole 'forced marriage' thing. I mean, you're getting a lifetime of this charm, after all."

Save couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped him. He shook his head, trying to maintain some sense of composure, but it was clear that Auau wasn't just some emotionless stranger he had to marry. He was... well, human.

"Just get in the car," Save muttered, but the smile on his face betrayed him.

Auau slid into the driver's seat, still chuckling under his breath. "Don't worry, Save. You'll get used to it. I'll be the best husband you never knew you needed. I'll try my best to make you open your heart for me"

Save leaned back in the seat, arms crossed, but couldn't help the soft sigh that escaped him.