Japan Sea Sunset Line

"Why don't we take a different route home?"
I suggested to her. It had been nearly a year since I started driving her from Koriyama City to Sakata City for the lessons she took with her mentor. Until now, we had always left early in the morning and taken the shortest round-trip route via the Tohoku Expressway between Sendai and Zao, returning the same day.
"I heard the view of the sea is beautiful if we go through Niigata."
"I'd be happy if we could eat something delicious."
Seeing her get into the car with a smile, I decided on the route.

We stopped in Niigata Prefecture and stepped down onto the sandy beach for a break.
The deep red sunset was shining like a diamond, dyeing everything around us, but the November wind was cold, and we naturally brushed shoulders as we walked to the water's edge.
"I'm taking you home today, but I want us to live together starting next year. Please, will you marry me?"
I took a small box containing a ring out of my coat pocket and offered it to her.
"How long do I have to wait until next year?"
"In July, on your birthday, I want to watch the sunset as a family."
"If we're a family, staying overnight sounds nice, too."

This year, 11 years later, the four of us are watching the sunset, brushing shoulders.