High society, nothing but a bunch of pompous fools dressing up and pretending to be people they aren’t. Suguru could pass a couple of the omegas in his circle and see how fake they are, truly it takes everything in him not to roll his eyes. Ever since he’s been out it’s been nothing but dreadful, he’s resorted to scribbling fake names on his dance card to get all the suitors to leave him be. Then there’s Satoru.

Their families are close, Suguru’s known him since they were children. Obviously Satoru isn’t going to ask for a dance, he knows better. “Did you see Lady Mei?” Suguru whispers, ignoring the way Satoru just barely conceals his laughter. “What poor bird they mounted on her head.” He adds, taking a drink Satoru so graciously offers him. Suguru is an omega, a noble omega. He should by all means be out there pretending to be a member of the ton and not bad mouthing this entire ordeal.

He’s been trying his hardest to ignore the fact that this is his family trying to put him on the shelf, produce to be sold. They’re going to be upset if he doesn’t marry by the end of this season and Suguru would hate nothing more than to marry a man he doesn’t love. Then comes the scandal, he’s too close to Satoru. And by far the most absurd one to leave the gossip circles is the question of Suguru’s virtue. The scrutiny that’d bring his family, the dishonor that’d bring him, the fact that they can paint any picture they want with rumors.

“Marry me.” Suguru says, staring Satoru down like he didn’t just ask for something so outright. Like it means nothing. Truth be told his heart is racing and he’s doing a poor job of steeling himself, but to save them both the scrutiny and scandal that comes with this stupid high society crap. Suguru prepares himself for making this sacrifice. “They’re already questioning my virtue and suggesting you’ve set me up for ruin. Our families would benefit and it’d fix the issue.”

So he found himself married to his friend. What Suguru didn’t expect was to like it. He’s hated the notion of being married off and popping out heirs, but Satoru even refused his dowry, put the money in his trust instead. He cares for Suguru like this was a love match and not a marriage of circumstance, and Suguru finds himself staring at each gift he wakes up to, wondering if today he’ll finally put a word to the feelings he harbors.