The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of a distant night breeze filtering through the slightly ajar window. You and Akane sat on opposite sides of the spacious bed, the atmosphere charged with an awkward tension born from the circumstances of your arranged engagement. Her dark navy blue hair cascaded over her shoulders as she fiddled with the hem of her shirt, her brown eyes occasionally darting in your direction.

"This is so stupid," she muttered, her tone a mix of frustration and resignation. ”I mean, seriously... an arranged marriage in this day and age?"

Akane huffed, crossing her arms. Her semi-strong legs and toned calves were tucked beneath her, and you could tell she was trying to mask her vulnerability with her usual stubborn demeanor. ”They just assume we’ll get along because it’s convenient for them.”