Nathan had always wanted to share more of his past with Leia, especially the time he spent in university. Although they were already married, he knew how much Leia regretted not being able to attend the same university as him. So, he decided to make up for it in his own way.
One weekend, Nathan surprised Leia with a trip.
"Where are we going?" Leia asked curiously as she buckled her seatbelt.
Nathan simply smiled, his fingers drumming lightly on the steering wheel. "You'll see."
After a short drive, Leia's eyes widened as she recognized the towering buildings and sprawling campus before her. "Nathan… is this your university?"
Nathan nodded, watching her reaction closely. "I figured since you didn't get to experience this part of my life with me, I'd take you on a little tour. Let you see the places that meant something to me back then."
Leia felt a warmth spread through her chest. It was such a simple gesture, but it meant the world to her.
Nathan parked the car and took her hand, leading her toward the entrance. The campus was lively, filled with students chatting, walking to their lectures, and enjoying their weekend. Leia looked around, taking in the atmosphere.
"It feels… surreal," she admitted. "I always wondered what it would have been like to be here."
Nathan squeezed her hand gently. "Well, today, you get to experience it."
Their first stop was the university café, the place Nathan used to spend countless hours studying.
"I used to sit here and drink coffee while cramming for exams," he told her as they took a seat near the window. "I'd be here until midnight sometimes."
Leia giggled. "You? Cramming? That doesn't sound like the top student of our class."
Nathan smirked. "Even geniuses need caffeine."
Leia playfully rolled her eyes before taking a sip of her own coffee. "I would have loved to be here with you… keeping you company while you studied."
Nathan studied her expression, sensing the bittersweet note in her voice. He reached over and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "That's why I brought you here. So we can experience it together now."
After finishing their drinks, Nathan took Leia to his old lecture hall. It was empty, but the large rows of seats and the massive whiteboard at the front brought back countless memories for him.
"Sit here," Nathan instructed, pointing to one of the seats near the front. Leia complied, watching as he walked up to the podium.
"I had a professor who always stood right here," Nathan said, clearing his throat dramatically. "And he'd say—'Mr. Gu, since you're already answering questions before I even ask them, would you like to teach the class?'"
Leia laughed. "You were that student?"
Nathan shrugged, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Maybe."
Leia glanced around the room, imagining what it would have been like if she had been a student here, sitting in class and stealing glances at Nathan from across the lecture hall.
"This is where you spent four years," she murmured. "I wish I had been here too."
Nathan walked over and leaned down, resting his forehead lightly against hers. "I do too," he admitted softly. "But maybe things turned out exactly how they were supposed to."
Leia smiled, nodding. "Maybe."
After touring the campus, Nathan led Leia to the university garden, a quiet, picturesque place where he used to sit and think whenever he needed a break. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the trees and flowers.
Leia sighed happily. "This place is beautiful."
Nathan pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Leia, there's one more thing I want to do today."
She looked up at him, curious. "What is it?"
Nathan took a deep breath, then gently reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
Leia's breath hitched.
"Leia, I know we're already married, but I never got to properly ask you." He got down on one knee, his gaze never leaving hers. "I loved you back in high school, I admired you from afar in university, and now, I get to love you up close every single day. But I still want to do this right."
Leia's eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Nathan opened the box, revealing a stunning wedding ring, carefully chosen to reflect Leia's personality—elegant, simple, and timeless.
"Leia," he continued, his voice deep and filled with emotion. "Will you marry me? Again?"
Leia laughed, though tears rolled down her cheeks. "Nathan, you're so ridiculous. We're already married."
Nathan smirked. "I know. But I still want to hear you say yes."
Leia didn't hesitate. She threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Yes, Nathan. A thousand times yes."
Nathan slipped the ring onto her finger before capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss. Around them, the golden light of the setting sun bathed them in warmth, as if the universe itself was blessing their love.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Leia whispered against his lips, "I may not have gone to university with you, but I'm here with you now. And that's all that matters."
Nathan smiled. "It's more than enough."
And with that, they walked hand in hand, leaving behind the echoes of what could have been, and stepping into a future they were building together.