Once upon a semester, in the land of Sacramento State, there were two students who were in the same Japanese upper division class. One day, the girl lost her eraser and needed to erase a mistake on her homework before turning it in. She went around to the other classmates to see if anyone had one to spare for the duration of the class that day. With no luck, she couldn't find an eraser, until she saw two friends who had just came in and were settling in the class. She went up to the two classmates to ask if either one of them had an eraser that she could borrow. The guy looked at the girl and said, "Sorry, but I don't make mistakes". The girl looked so embarassed but thanked them anyway. Then, she walked away thinking, "I don't ever want to be friends with him". To be continued...

After that day, Kris and Vicky were assigned together for a group assignment. Vicky realized that Kris wasn't a bad person, he just has very sarcastic humor. They became friends with each other. They made more friends along the way with some students in their class and with other students in Japan Club. Time flew as the semester ended. During summer break, they had hang outs with friends until the week before school began. Vicky had learned that she was being transitioned as Vice President of Japan Club to President due to unforseen circumstances. Vicky went in an all-panic mode as she wasn't sure what the future would entail for the club with no other officers besides just the President and the Treasurer. Vicky eventually calmed down and started to contact some friends to help fill some other positions of the club. Reaching out to Kris to be the Vice President, he was unsure because of all his other extracurricular activities. Vicky assured that he wouldn't have much work to do compared to the other officers and for him to take over if she was not able to make it. After thinking it through, he agreed to take the position. Vicky contacted some of friends to finalize their position within the club. They agreed to assist her in welcoming the Japanese exchange students. As the school year went on, all of them became really close. Having many successful club meetings, events, and hosting the annual Japan Day Festival. The end of the Spring semester 2019 came around when Kris and some of their friends were graduating from Sacramento State, and their friends from Japan were heading back home, leaving Vicky and their other friends behind. Vicky, very saddened by the thought of this, still knew that these friends will be her friends for a lifetime! She still anticipated for the next chapter in their lives and was looking forward to making new friends while remaining in contact with her friends. To be continued...

In the year 2020, when the pandemic hit the globe, Kris had decided to go back home to remote work, not knowing how long the pandemic would last, but would be able to spend time with family. Vicky and Kris were talking and hanging out more virtually. One day, Kris asked Vicky if he could meet her parent before asking her out officially. Kris wanted to ask her parents for permission to start talking/dating and getting to know each other as more than friends. As they started to date, he had to return back to Southern California for work. They enjoyed being in a relationship together, even though there were times when it was hard for them being in a long distance relationship for 2 and a half years. As things got better with the pandemic, Vicky was able to get a job at UCI and moved to Southern California to be closer to her sister and boyfriend. To be continued...

As Vicky and Kris were approaching their 4th year of dating, Vicky and Kris had returned to Sacramento to perform at Japan Day, April 2024. On the way back, Vicky realized that she forgot her promise ring (which she never forgets). On April 20, 2024, Kris took Vicky to where they had their very first date at Scott's Seafood Restaurant by the river for dinner. They had a nice meal, and were having a great time just talking, reminiscing, and talking about the future. As they finishing up dinner, Vicky asked Kris if they were going to go anywhere else after dinner or head home to rest before their performance the next day. Kris told Vicky that they were not going to go anywhere after dinner. As they were heading home, Kris purposely missed the exit leaving Vicky confused, but she didn't think much of it. He said that he has somewhere to take her. He continues to tell Vicky that they have been so busy and stressed lately, that he decided to take her stargazing, which they did when they got stressed. They went to the nature reserve to this hidden gazebo that she has been looking for, for years before she moved but could never find. He was setting up the phone camera and mentioned how they never have new photos for them to post and would be a good opportunity since their anniversary was coming up. While she was waiting for him to finish setting up, she was in awe of how peaceful it was, hearing the animals and seeing how bright the stars were shining and was appreciating God's creation. As he finished setting up, he walked over and took her hands, smiled and then got on one knee. He said, "Like the stars we are under, as bright as the stars shine, you have brightened my life. Will you continue to shine in my life and marry me?" And of course, she said yes! To be continued...

Then, on December 21st, 2024, the couple had their engagement tea ceremony with family and friends who traveled near and far to celebrate the couple. Kris and Vicky continues to enjoy their engagement life, growing together spiritually with their walk with God. Though planning a wedding can be stressful, they could not be any more excited to have their dream wedding, surrounded by their loved ones. Kris and Vicky can not wait to celebrate their special day with you all on September 6th, 2025! The End! (Or is it?)

[Stay tuned for the next chapter to be filled in post wedding celebration!]

[Stay tuned for the next chapter in the future!]