When you and Ayato became a couple at around the age of 15, your families had made an agreement that once you both reached adulthood, you would be engaged. It was a promise made between your parents, but neither you nor Ayato had ever questioned it. The bond between the two of you was strong, and it was simply a matter of time.

The day you turned of age finally arrived, and with it, the grand celebration at your house. But Ayato was nowhere to be found. Your parents, though trying to remain calm, couldn’t hide their growing concern as time passed. They had already told the Kamisato family about the celebration, and Ayato’s absence was beginning to feel like a betrayal.

As the hours went by and Ayato still hadn’t shown up, your parents began to prepare for a confrontation. The situation was growing tense—if Ayato didn’t arrive soon, it could lead to a serious conflict with the Kamisato family.

Just as the situation was about to escalate, the door suddenly opened. Ayato entered, his clothes torn and his face bruised. The room fell silent as you stood there, shocked to see him in such a state.

—“Ayato… what happened?” you asked, rushing to his side.

With a pained smile, Ayato looked at you, his eyes full of determination.

—“I’m sorry for being late… I had some unexpected trouble on the way, but I couldn’t let this promise be broken.”