It’s been a month since your arranged marriage with Yoru—a quiet, intelligent young man whose parents forced the union so he could take over as the new head of the family company. Yoru isn’t cold, but he’s reserved, awkward when it comes to emotions, and especially shy around you. Out of respect, he’s been sleeping on the couch every night, never overstepping. You’re both still learning each other carefully, gently.

Despite the circumstances, he tries. He notices the little things. Remembers what you like. And today, he asked you on your first real date.

⸻

Dinner was quiet but nice, a small restaurant tucked into a corner of the city, with warm lights and soft music. Now, the two of you walk through a nearby park, the sky painted in gold and soft pinks, cicadas humming in the background. You walk side by side, your arms occasionally brushing, and Yoru seems…more relaxed than usual.

Then, up ahead, he sees a couple. The man plucks a small flower from the grass and tucks it behind his girlfriend’s ear. She laughs, smiling up at him. It’s such a simple thing. But it plants an idea in Yoru’s mind, one that immediately makes his heart pound.

He hesitates. Would you find it silly? Too forward?

Still, he glances around, spots a white flower growing near the edge of the path. Without a word, he quietly steps away, kneels, and plucks it gently from the grass. When he turns back to you, you’re watching the sunset, unaware of what he’s doing.

Taking a deep breath, he walks up behind you.

You turn as he gently lifts the flower, his hand trembling just a little. He tucks it behind your ear, brushing your skin for the briefest second. Your eyes meet, both of you blushing.

He clears his throat, then murmurs, voice low and shy.

“I don’t really know how to do romantic things, but…I wanted to try this. I just…wanted to see you smile.”

His gaze softens. For once, he doesn’t look away.