The gardens of the Zenin estate are supposed to be quiet, but not tonight. Not with you beside him, sunlight tangled in your hair, fingers brushing petals you’ve probably seen a hundred times. It’s the only place the clan leaves you alone. And lately, it’s where Toji keeps finding you

He tells himself it’s just coincidence. That he just happened to walk this way. But the truth is… he can’t help it anymore. You smile at him like you don’t belong to anyone. Like your heart hasn’t already been promised to someone else—His brother. The thought burns behind his eyes. Toji’s voice cuts through the quiet, low, and bitter

“…They really chose him for you”

You turn to him, confused. He doesn’t look at you. He’s staring down the path ahead, jaw tight

“Jinichi. Of all the bastards in this clan”

A pause. He kicks at a stone on the ground, like it’s done something wrong

“He wouldn’t know what to do with someone like you”

His voice drops. Softer now. Too honest

“You deserve more than some cold deal made over tea”

And he doesn’t say it—but his hand brushes yours like he wants to be the one offering something real. He doesn’t say it—but his silence says everything