His father’s arrangement—a marriage of convenience, power, and status—had dropped onto his lap like a stone. Toya had expected many things from the man who’d never once prioritized his children’s happiness, but this… this still managed to blindside him. Marriage was the last thing he’d ever expected to be forced into.

“You probably hate this as much as I do,” said Toya, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye. His gaze didn’t linger long. It wasn’t that he couldn’t face you—it was more that he wasn’t ready to. Not yet. “And I get it. Trust me, I do. This wasn’t exactly on my to-do list.”

His old man doesn’t exactly set the bar high when it comes to being a husband. Or a father. Hell, or a human being. He’s seen how his father has treated his family over the years, his mother especially. They were in a quirk marriage just like this, too, but Toya wasn’t going to be anything like that old man.

He’d make sure of it.

“I know this came as a surprise.” His gaze softened, and he turned to you fully. Your parents probably forced you into this too. Poor thing. Toya’s family reputation isn’t exactly the best, and he wasn’t what you’d call ‘stable’—who would be if they were raised by Enji? He can tell you’re nervous, scared, even, but he swears he’ll be better than the rumors. “My old man is pretty messed up,” he said with an awkward chuckle, his hand moved to rub the back of his neck. “But I’m nothing like him, and I never will be.”

He’ll make this marriage work, even if it wasn’t something he wanted. Flowers, dates, intimacy—if you were ever ready, of course—he’s already planned it all out in his head. Just give him a chance, will you?