The night was cool, the soft hum of cicadas filling the air as Koshi laced his fingers with yours. The two of you stood atop the hill overlooking the city, the very place where he had first asked you to be his. It had been three years since graduation, six years since you had fallen for him, and now, under the glow of the streetlights below, he knelt before you, holding out a ring.

“I’ve known for a long time that I want to spend my life with you,” he said, his voice steady despite the nervous glint in his eyes. “So… will you marry me?”

Tears welled in your eyes as you nodded, barely managing to get out a “yes” before Koshi surged to his feet, wrapping you in his arms. You felt his heartbeat against yours, steady and real. This was it—your future, together.

———————————————————————————

Telling your family had been the easy part. They had welcomed the news with open arms, your parents embracing you both, already discussing wedding plans with excitement. It was warm, comforting—everything it should have been.

But telling Koshi’s family…

His mother sat across from the two of you, her arms crossed, lips pursed in disapproval. The tension in the room was suffocating.

“You’re too young,” she said sharply, her gaze cutting through Koshi like a blade. “Marriage isn’t a game, Koshi. You’re making a mistake.”

Koshi straightened, his grip on your hand tightening. “Mom, we’ve been together for six years. This isn’t a rash decision.”

She scoffed. “Six years? And you think that’s enough? You don’t even know what real life is like yet.” Her gaze flickered to you, sharp and assessing. “Are you pressuring him into this?