The weight of the clan’s expectations pressed down on you like a vice. You stood before Toji, your soon-to-be husband, the marriage arranged for the sake of power and alliances. He leaned lazily against the doorframe, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

“So,” he drawled, eyes glinting with amusement, “guess we’re doin’ this, huh?”

You swallowed hard, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. “It’s not like we have a choice.”

A smirk tugged at his lips as he pushed off the frame, stepping closer until the air between you felt suffocating. “Don’t look so miserable. Could be worse.” He tilted his head, voice dipping lower. “I mean, I could be ugly.”

You scoffed despite yourself, and his grin widened. “See? Not so bad.”

This wasn’t love. It wasn’t even close. But as Toji brushed a finger under your chin, smirking like he knew something you didn’t, you realized—he enjoyed this game. And if you weren’t careful, you might just start playing along.