One cat leads to another

7 years later

It was a beautiful night of August, and I was waiting for my girlfriend, Yuki, to finish work at the animal shelter. The air was warm, and the night appeared calm. I took in small breaths of the fresh air, feeling a flood of relief wash over me. I became both nervous and excited when I started thinking about my plans for tonight. I check my phone for any new messages from Yuki. While I look at the time, I realized that I have been waiting for quite a while.

As I stared at the large letters in front of me that spelled Tiny Paws & Friendly Claws, memories from my adolescence began to flood my mind. I was once a nervous teenager standing in the same spot back then, trying to conquer my fear of cats and impress my crush, Yuki. We spent many summers after that volunteering at the animal shelter together. I was drawn to the idea of curing and caring for animals, and I took any opportunity I could to learn more about animal healthcare. As I got older, I realized that becoming a veterinarian was my true calling.

I was eager to become the best veterinarian I could be and make a difference in the lives of animals. So I applied to a university in Japan and worked hard to get into the veterinary medical program. While I knew I'd have to work hard to become a veterinarian, that didn't stop me. I'm still determined to make his dream a reality, no matter how difficult it may turn out to be.

Yuki helped me a lot over these years, and I did the same for her in return, especially when Satoru left the shelter in her care two years ago, She's been a busy bee ever since and I am extremely proud of her. My thoughts were interrupted as Yuki came through the front door. She appeared exhausted, yet she had a big smile on her face. I approached her and hugged her tightly then I gave her a quick kiss.

"Hey! How was your day?" I asked, still hugging her.

"Busy as usual. Sorry for being so late, but I had a lot of documents to take care of. I still don't know how Satoru was able to handle all of this and make it look so effortlessly" she rubbed her temples.

"I can only imagine! But you should have called me, I could have helped you." I said.

"Yeah, I know but you're always visiting me and you wait for me to finish work every night. I don't want to take advantage of your kindness even more." she let out a sigh.

"Don't be like that! I'm your boyfriend! You're supposed to ask me for favors!" I laughed. "And you know I can't let you walk by yourself at night. It's dangerous" I said looking around.

"You're such a worrywart! I can handle going home by myself!" Yuki boasted, flexing her minuscule biceps.

"Look at you! So brave, so courageous! Do you remember how you were a few years ago? Teenage Yuki was so shy and delicate, and now you're telling me she's this dangerous, scary boss of Tiny Paws & Friendly Claws? I don't buy it." I chuckled, and she punched me lightly on the arm before giggling.

"Feeling nostalgic tonight?" she asked with a playful tone.

"Yes, and I have my own reasons to feel like this" I said and she looked at me confused.

"What's on your mind?" Yuki asked.

"Come on, let's make a detour and go visit the park" I suggested, changing the subject.

The sky was clear, and the stars looked radiant in the darkness. A gentle breeze blew, making the trees and bushes rustle. We sat on a bench, Yuki was leaning her head on my shoulder as the both of us were staring up at the mesmerizing starry sky. The shimmering lights were lovely and soothing to look at. I closed my eyes for a bit, savoring the moment and Yuki's company.

Yuki seemed to be enjoying the romantic and peaceful atmosphere too as she began telling me more about her day and about a wonderful adoption that occurred at the shelter. Someone came in and requested for the shelter's oldest cat. They wanted to get a pet for their grandmother, who is 90 years old. She had lately lost her cat and was unhappy when she received a plush cat that did not purr. So they wanted to surprise her with a real cat this time around. It was a touching story that reminded me of my own cat plushie, which was a gift from Rika and Hikaru.

"Do you think we'll live long enough to reach that age?" Yuki asked while looking at the stars.

It was now the perfect time to put my secret plan into action. While we were sitting on the bench, I untied one of my shoelaces. Then I got down on one knee and pretended to tie them. I took advantage of the situation and I pulled out a small red velvet box hidden in my pocket while Yuki was not looking. I opened it and turned to face her. When she made eye contact with me and realized what I was up to, she froze.

"Yuki, we've been together for seven wonderful years. You've been by my side through thick and thin, and I can't picture myself ever wanting to be with anyone else. You are my first and only true love. We spent seven years together, sharing love, laughter, and dreams. They say cats have nine lives, but I only have one. And I want to spend my only life with you, forever. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?" I said standing on one knee. 

At that moment, Yuki's eyes were welling up with tears. She looked at me, then at the small velvet box, and then back at me. A smile spread across her face as she nodded. Yuki threw her arms around me and said:

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Of course I will marry you! I love you so much, Akio!” I felt my heart beating faster as I slipped the ring onto Yuki's finger. The gold cats-eye moonstone ring bounded by small diamond chips was sparkling in the moonlight. Our eyes locked in a promise of a lifetime of love as we exchanged a passionate kiss. We hugged each other tightly, feeling our hearts beat in sync. I looked up at the stars, and thanked them for being our witnesses and for bringing us together

"Wait until Rika and Hikaru find out," I whispered as I kissed Yuki's temple.

"We should tell them right now; what time it is in the US? Yuki laughed.

"I don't know, but even if they're sleeping, I'm sure they won't mind us bothering them with this big news!" I couldn't stop giggling.

"Can't wait to see them! I know they're both busy there as Rika is a design student and Hikaru is a writer now. But I miss them!" Yuki pouted.

"Yes, I miss them too! And I don't think you know this but Rika even offered to design your wedding dress back when we were in high-school" I chuckled.

"REALLY? HOW?" Yuki was taken aback by what she heard.

"Well Rika knew I had a crush on you and she would often tease me a lot and encouraged me to confess" I answered, averting my gaze.

"That's so cute! I wonder if her offer still stands." Yuki contemplated.

"Ask her!" I look at Yuki and smile. She nodded and began searching for Rika's contact on her phone.

"Can't wait to get home and tell Bowtie the good news also!" Yuki giggled.

"Yes, please tell Bowtie that her adoptive parents are finally getting married!" I said and gave Yuki a kiss.