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        <title><![CDATA[Stories by Shan! on Medium]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Stories by Shan! on Medium]]></description>
        <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
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            <title>Stories by Shan! on Medium</title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
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        <lastBuildDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 09:21:11 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[19 Months With You.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/19-months-with-you-46af1643d885?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/46af1643d885</guid>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2025 04:41:42 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-05-20T04:41:42.211Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*rkI8gL4mYeko8U9NHOFThg.jpeg" /></figure><p>Today marks 19 beautiful months of being together, and I just want to pause and take it all in—every memory, every hug, every laugh we’ve shared. From the first moment we met back in October, to our very first date on the 20th, all the way to today… it’s been a journey I’ll never stop being grateful for.</p><p>You&#39;ve brought so much light into my life, Leon. Your presence, your patience, and the way you care for me—it’s something truly rare. You&#39;ve seen me at my best, but more importantly, you’ve stayed by my side during the moments when I felt like I wasn’t enough. And somehow, you always make me feel like I am.</p><p>You make love feel safe, exciting, and so, so real. I never imagined love could feel this gentle and strong at the same time—but with you, it does. You make me laugh, you calm my worries, you remind me who I am when I start to forget. And the best part? You love me with all your heart. I see it, I feel it, and I treasure it every single day.</p><p>Today isn’t just about counting months, it’s about celebrating how far we’ve come and looking forward to the endless adventures still ahead. You and I—there’s something incredibly special here. Something I wouldn’t trade for the world.</p><p>So here’s to us, baby. To 19 months of love, laughter, and growing together. Thank you for choosing me every day. I love you deeply, endlessly, and completely. ❤︎</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=46af1643d885" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Our Seventeenth Month.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/our-seventeenth-month-1f5d20c954aa?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:11:02 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-03-19T14:22:40.527Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*8rFge3V_u_5ofX5zjf0xmQ.jpeg" /></figure><p>Happy 17 months, my love! Every day with you is another reason to be grateful. Seventeen months ago, I never could’ve imagined just how deeply you would change my life, how much love my heart could hold for you, and how beautiful love could truly feel. And yet, here we are, and I am still falling harder for you every single day.</p><p>Being with you has been the most beautiful journey—one filled with laughter, warmth, and endless love. You are the person who makes my heart feel at home. The way you understand me, cherish me, and love me so effortlessly makes me believe in forever. Your love is my safe place, my comfort, and my greatest joy.</p><p>Through every high and every low, you have been my rock. I love the way you hold me when I need comfort, how you make me laugh when I least expect it, and how you remind me, in a million little ways, that I am deeply loved. You make even the smallest moments feel special—whether it’s just sitting next to each other in comfortable silence or sharing our dreams.</p><p>You are my love, my partner, my best friend, and the one I want to spend forever with.</p><p>Happy 17 months, my love. I love you endlessly, completely, and with all my heart.</p><p>Forever yours,<br>Your baby kecil.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=1f5d20c954aa" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[ to: Pinguri]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/to-pinguri-510b610060d9?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:48:01 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-02-05T05:48:01.679Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Happy birthday to you, my dear friend and beloved anak mmh! On your 24th birthday, I sincerely wish that all the goodness in the world finds its way to you—because you truly deserve it all. I cherish your companionship, every story we’ve shared, and every laugh we’ve had together. Your presence brings warmth, joy, and so much light. You make life feel lighter, brighter, and ten times more fun!</p><p>One thing’s for sure—I’m so happy to be your friend, to be someone you can share your stories with, no matter what. Even though we don’t talk as often as before, xixi, I still consider you a good good good friend, and that will never change!</p><p>Thank you for being born, for being you, and for making everything more beautiful. And honestly, you’re just too pretty not to admire! Mmh is SO PROUD of you, Alen! &lt; 3</p><p>I LOVE YOUUUUUUU CANTIK!!!! &gt;__&lt;</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*fye-w_oM-ZCjhPjiEKTFIQ.jpeg" /></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=510b610060d9" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[A Love Wrapped in Winter]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/a-love-wrapped-in-winter-9333efe98584?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/9333efe98584</guid>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:57:21 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-12-20T00:57:21.171Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*HGq4ULCKpVPmtoN_X1n1iQ.jpeg" /><figcaption>&quot;Love warms even the coldest winters.&quot;</figcaption></figure><p>It started with something small, as it always does—a misplaced comment and a misunderstanding that spiraled into silence. Leon and I weren’t the type to argue often, but when we did, it left the room feeling colder than the winter air outside.</p><p>That morning, the room was quiet except for the occasional sigh from Leon as he paced back and forth. I sat by the window, watching frost creep along the glass, lost in my thoughts. The words from our disagreement echoed in my head, and the weight of them lingered like the chill outside.</p><p>The sunlight filtered through the curtains, but it didn’t bring much comfort. I pulled my sweater tighter around me, frustrated more at myself than at him. He stopped pacing and glanced at me, his face softening, but neither of us wanted to break the silence first.</p><p>“I hate this,” I muttered finally, my voice breaking the stillness.</p><p>He turned to me, his eyes meeting mine with a look that was both apologetic and determined. “Me too,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Let’s not waste the day like this.”</p><p>Without another word, Leon grabbed our coats, scarves, and gloves, holding mine out for me. I hesitated, but the thought of stepping outside into the crisp winter air was too tempting. Soon, we were out the door, the cold biting at our cheeks but waking something within us.</p><p>The streets were covered in a soft blanket of snow, crunching beneath our boots as we walked side by side. Holiday lights adorned the buildings, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the chill in the air. It was quiet, save for the occasional laughter of children playing in the snow and the distant hum of festive music.</p><p>Leon broke the silence first. “Let’s stop here,” he said, nodding toward a small outdoor market up ahead. Stalls lined the square, offering everything from handmade trinkets to steaming cups of hot cocoa. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon filled the air, and I could feel my mood begin to lift.</p><p>He bought two cups of cocoa, handing one to me with a small smile. “Peace offering?” he said, his dimple making an appearance.</p><p>I couldn’t help but smile back. “I guess I can accept that,” I said, taking a sip. The warmth of the cocoa seeped through the cup into my hands, spreading through me like a tiny burst of sunshine.</p><p>We wandered through the market, stopping to admire the intricate crafts and playful ornaments. A stall selling knitted scarves caught my eye, and Leon insisted on buying one for me, wrapping it gently around my neck.</p><p>As we sat down on a bench dusted with snow, the weight of the earlier argument felt like a distant memory. Leon reached for my hand, his fingers cold but steady. “I’m sorry,” he said softly, his voice carrying a sincerity that melted away the last traces of tension between us. “I don’t want to fight with you. I never do.”</p><p>I looked at him, the warmth in his eyes matching the glow of the holiday lights around us. “I’m sorry too,” I replied, leaning into him. “I hate when we’re like this. You mean too much to me.”</p><p>He smiled, his dimples deepening as he squeezed my hand. “You’re my favorite person, you know that?”</p><p>I laughed softly, resting my head on his shoulder. “You’re mine too,” I said, feeling the weight of his love wrap around me like the new scarf he had just bought.</p><p>The snow continued to fall softly, dusting our coats and the world around us, but for the first time that day, I didn’t feel cold. Leon and I sat there, watching the world move around us, content in the simple joy of being together.</p><p>That day, our fight didn’t matter. What mattered was how we always found our way back to each other, no matter how cold the season.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=9333efe98584" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Charms of Our Love]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/charms-of-our-love-fb199acde480?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:12:14 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-11-20T03:15:31.433Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote>Each charm tells a story, and together, they create the bond we call love.</blockquote><p>It was a crisp autumn afternoon, the kind that felt perfect for a cozy, sweet date. Shanine went with Leon at a quaint little café nestled by a park. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of jazz welcomed them as they settled into a corner by the window.</p><p>Leon, ever the thoughtful one, had picked this spot because he knew how much Shanine loved watching the golden leaves fall. They started with warm drinks—Shanine’s favorite green tea latte and Leon’s espresso—and shared a slice of velvety cheesecake.</p><p>As they sipped their drinks, they exchanged stories, laughter filling the space between them. Leon couldn’t help but admire Shanine as she spoke, her eyes lighting up with every word. Midway through their conversation, he reached across the table, gently tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “You’re amazing,” he said quietly, his dimpled smile deepening.</p><p>Shanine’s eyes sparkled as she leaned in slightly, her lips curving into a playful smile. “Careful, hubby, you’re going to make me blush.”</p><p>Leon smirked, his voice low but teasing. “That’s the plan, sayang.”</p><p>She let out a soft laugh, tilting her head. “You’re just lucky you’re cute.”</p><p>He chuckled, brushing his thumb lightly against her cheek. “And you’re lucky I’m completely obsessed with you.”</p><p>After their café visit, they strolled hand in hand through the park. The world felt like theirs as they walked beneath a canopy of golden and crimson leaves. They paused at a quiet bench, watching the sun dip lower in the sky, painting everything in hues of pink and orange. As the last light faded, the sun finally set, leaving a soft glow on the horizon.</p><p>Leon reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, elegantly wrapped box. “I got you something,” he said, handing it to her.</p><p>Shanine raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s this?” she asked, carefully unwrapping the gift.</p><p>Inside was a delicate bracelet, adorned with tiny charms that reflected moments from their time together—a tiny dandelion, a heart-shaped lock, and a miniature sun. Shanine’s breath caught, her fingers gently tracing the charms. “Leon,” she whispered, her voice soft with emotion. “It’s beautiful.”</p><p>He took the bracelet and gently fastened it on her wrist. “The dandelion’s for all the wishes we’ll make together, the lock’s for the love that keeps us strong, and the sun… well, that’s because you’re my sunshine.”</p><p>Shanine smiled, her eyes glistening. “You’re too good to me. Thank you!”</p><p>Leon leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “That’s because you deserve it all, baby kecil.”</p><p>As the evening breeze grew cooler, they decided to end the date with dinner at a cozy bistro nearby. Over a candlelit meal, they shared dreams, hopes, and silly jokes, savoring every bite and every moment.</p><p>The night air was cool as they stepped out, but neither of them minded. Walking under a canopy of stars, Leon gently pulled Shanine closer. “You know,” he said softly, “you make every moment feel special.”</p><p>Shanine looked up at him, her heart full. “And you,” she replied, “make every day feel like the best one yet.”</p><p>They lingered for a while longer, savoring the peacefulness of the night, before heading home with hearts swell and memories to cherish.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/940/1*DT0DsitfXgsP8NgS1yAccA.jpeg" /></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=fb199acde480" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[I can’t stop thinking about you.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/i-cant-stop-thinking-about-you-2c24375bbda7?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:58:10 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-07-17T09:59:58.673Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote>I can’t stop thinking about you.</blockquote><p>I can’t stop thinking about your smile, those sweet dimples across your cheeks, the way your eyes light up when you’re happy—I can’t get them out of my mind. Your heart is so big, and your love for me is so genuine. For the first time, I truly feel the depth of someone’s love, and I am incredibly grateful that it’s yours, L.</p><p>Even when things aren’t easy for us, I find myself thinking about you during every high and low. I remember your smile, especially during those times it was missing. Do you ever think about me when we’re apart? Do you ever feel the same longing to hug me and never let go when a storm comes to us? Because I do.</p><p>I’m so proud to be yours, and to know that you are mine. You are so precious to me. I never knew love could be this amazing until you came into my life. Being your love is the greatest gift I’ve ever received. Hold me, kiss me, run your fingers through my hair, kiss my forehead and tell me that I’m beautiful. It’s so easy to fall deeper in love with you every day, and you make it impossible for me to stop thinking about you, and us.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/735/1*i7he_REklI0UmLek1obdTA.jpeg" /><figcaption>I&#39;d die for his smile.</figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=2c24375bbda7" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Every Summertime.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/every-summertime-e1c315e4aaf0?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/e1c315e4aaf0</guid>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jun 2024 01:24:42 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-06-20T01:24:42.451Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You were like a wave that reached into my heart, embraced it, and shielded it. I don’t know how far it reached, but I can feel the splash of your care. Like the wave and the beach sand, we imprinted our love on each other’s hearts, and just like every summertime, I fell in love you again and again, more and more, deeper and deeper.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=e1c315e4aaf0" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Our one fine day. ]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/our-one-fine-day-c8c05f4f1489?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/c8c05f4f1489</guid>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2024 03:30:15 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-05-12T03:30:15.491Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*pATjy1xqcTnjEy8bjOSOSA.jpeg" /><figcaption>🌿🍃</figcaption></figure><p>The weekend has arrived, and we’ve finally set aside some time for ourselves as a couple, we really needed a break after work and everything. Leon came up with the idea last night that we would go on a date on Sunday, which is today, to visit our favorite café, bookstore, and the nearby art museum. Luckily, the weather is beautiful, with the sun shining brightly this morning!</p><p>I’m so excited, of course! It’s been a while since our last date, so we headed straight to the bookstore and café. Leon ordered our favorite drinks, matcha lattes, also a mille crepes for himself and a strawberry cheesecake for me. How sweet. Oh, and you can borrow a book to read here, so we spent a lot of time at our table reading together, with one earphone each, listening to our playlist. I leaned on his shoulder, not wanting him to go anywhere.</p><p>After our glasses were empty and our desserts completely gone, we walked hand in hand to our next destination! Along the way, we saw greenery illuminated by the sunshine, cherry blossoms falling, and I took some pictures. I wanted to capture even the smallest moments to remember. I think I smiled a lot today because of him. I grabbed his arm, eager to walk to the art museum.</p><p>The place wasn&#39;t too crowded, and we both love art. In the museum, sometimes we looked at the art separately, but I whispered for him to come near me. He put his arm around my shoulder, making me feel safe. I kissed him on the cheek suddenly, and I could see his ears turning red. He looked so cute.</p><p>We’ve been enjoying our quality time today. I took his hand to go here and there, but he didn’t complain at all. Finally, we went back home, and as a surprise, he stopped at the flower shop and bought me a bouquet of pretty flowers. He said, &quot;Thank you for today, baby. I love you so much.&quot; as he caressed my hair and kissed my forehead. Now it’s my turn to blush at his romantic gesture.</p><p>— May 2024.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=c8c05f4f1489" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Be free, Shanine.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/be-free-shanine-084e99b129f5?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/084e99b129f5</guid>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:25:14 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-04-24T08:26:09.139Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/735/1*20dkMg8-M8ztxd8tVvQtvA.jpeg" /></figure><p>To: myself</p><p>From: myself</p><p>Hi, the old me, the one who always tried her hardest in anything to follow her dreams to become a pediatrician? I’m sorry that it didn’t came true. Do you remember when you cried yourself to sleep in your room? Because I do. The world seemed so cruel at that time, right? You couldn’t feel anything except going through your daily routine with black clouds in your mind. But I know you’re the strongest girl I’ve ever known, and you will find another way. I’m very proud of you! Now look at yourself! Being the better version of yourself. You’re the happiest woman, surrounded by everyone who loves you, and with a man who always supports you. It’s okay to not follow your certain wishlist, you can always go around and explore the world in your own way! You can always be yourself and not care what other people say. Be free just like the sunshine that always tries to sneak through the trees, be free just like the rain pouring down the field, be free like the air that sways your long hair. Please, be free, Shanine.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=084e99b129f5" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Perfect Morning.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@sweetest/perfect-morning-0368cfa4d8ba?source=rss-405919907223------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/0368cfa4d8ba</guid>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shan!]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2024 23:57:48 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-03-07T23:57:48.256Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1004/1*MTeGJkWIH6o_lwa8A7gpgg.jpeg" /></figure><p>“Good morning, hubby!” I greeted him with a soft kiss on his cheek, knowing he had breakfast ready for us. His smile widened as he returned a kiss to my forehead before resuming his cooking. I wrapped my arms around his waist, drawing myself closer to him. He chuckled, teasingly warning, “Babe, don’t tempt me to kiss you again!”</p><p>I grinned, kissing his cheek again and again until he laughed while making pancakes. “Stop it, baby.” he said, looking at me a bit seriously, but I just kept teasing him. Eventually, he lifted me onto the kitchen counter, placing his hands beside my thighs, and softly biting my lips. “Be a good girl for me, or you won’t get any breakfast.” he warned.</p><p>I looked into his eyes, a bit shocked by his bite, but finding unexpected courage, I pulled his shirt, drawing him closer to me. The rest of our morning unfolded in perfection.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=0368cfa4d8ba" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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