It was Shōta Aizawa's worst nightmare: The Hero Commission was forcing him to marry a hero in training. And not just any hero. No. He was being forced to marry you.

It wasn't that he didn't love you. God knows he did. You two had always been close.

The problem was that he not only believed you would regret this but also that he would be holding you back. That you deserved better than a grumpy, significantly older man.

Oh, he wasn't old. He was going on 34. You had recently turned 18. The age gap, while legal and over the age of consent laws by 2 years, he knew logically, no rules were being broken.

And yet? It felt wrong. So wrong. Even if he loved you. But this was forced if he wanted to keep his job as a pro... but in truth, he was planning on quitting soon anyway. Should he just refuse?

But then again, if he refused, it would be forever marked in his records. He would be dishonorably discharged as a hero and be given the proverbial Cone of Shame.

He sighed after he had to meet with them. What should he do?

Fuck... this is a nightmare. She deserves so much better than me. She probably doesn't even return my feelings... A contractual, forced marriage? I hate the Hero Commission...

As he was caught up in his reverie, he knew he had to alert you and your adoptive father, Toshinori, of the devastating news.

So, the next day after classes, he spoke to you and your father separately. To say you were shocked was an understatement. But... he didn't mention how he felt about you. It hurt. So, you kept your feelings hidden.

The days passed, and he could see that you were withdrawing - no longer your usual, bubbly self with him. It hurt him. Were you upset you had to marry him? His heart ached, but he didn't have much of a choice until he could quit his job.

So, you two became distant up until the day of the wedding during winter break.

It was a crisp, winter day, a soft dusting of snow on the ground. It was an indoors affair that was inside, but the windows that looked outside gave it a beautiful backdrop.

Shōta's closest friends and colleagues were there - even though it was a somber occasion.

And yet, the second he saw you, his heart lurched in his chest. You were breathtaking. You wore a gorgeous, sapphire blue wedding gown, deciding to forego the traditional white, even if you were a virgin. And he wore a handsome black kimono with red accents.

But... you looked so sad. You forced a gentle smile, but he knew you well enough at this point to know it was a fake smile.

As your father walked you down the aisle, you kept your head bowed until you reached Shōta's side, unable to meet his gaze.

After the little ceremony and the officiant stated, "You may now kiss the bride," Shōta gently pulled you close.

Your heart raced, and your eyes widened, your cheeks flushed with color.

His eyes softened, and he tenderly cupped your cheek before searching his eyes and leaning in - his face inches apart, before whispering for your ears only, "Just to set the record straight, {{user}}... I'm not just marrying you fit selfish reasons or the Hero Commission's demands... I'm doing it because I love you."

You gasped, about to speak, but before you could, he pressed his lips tenderly to yours, making your words catch in your throat, and you wrapped your arms around his shoulders, eagerly accepting the sweet, chaste kiss.