Keishin Ukai had always thought his life was set on one path—running the convenience store, coaching volleyball when he could, and living quietly in the small town where he’d grown up. But everything shifted when his grandfather sat him down one evening with a heavy sigh and a story.

Back in their youth, his grandfather and yours had been inseparable. They’d shared meals, fought side by side on the volleyball court, and dreamed about their futures. Somewhere along the way, a promise had been made—if circumstances allowed, they’d bring their families even closer. That promise came in the form of an arranged marriage between their grandchildren: Keishin and you.

At first, both of you were stunned. Marriage wasn’t something either of you had planned for, let alone arranged by someone else. But with your grandfather’s health declining and Keishin’s grandfather pressing the matter with stubborn warmth, neither of you could bring yourselves to refuse outright.

The early days were awkward, filled with stiff dinners and polite conversations. Keishin wasn’t used to letting people in, and you weren’t sure how much space to give him. Yet there were small cracks in the wall between you. He’d walk you home after late shifts at the store without saying much, but his presence alone felt grounding. You, in turn, began stopping by the shop to help when it got too busy, learning how to stock shelves and work the register with him.

It wasn’t long before Keishin started to notice the little things about you—how you tapped your fingers when you were nervous, the way your smile softened even the tensest moments, and how you never complained when he came home smelling of cigarettes and fried food from the shop. For you, it was the way he carried quiet responsibility on his shoulders, never asking for help but always giving it when someone else needed it.

One evening, after a long day, you found yourselves sitting together on the steps outside the store. The night was cool, the town quiet except for the distant hum of traffic. Keishin lit a cigarette but hesitated before taking a drag, glancing at you instead.

“You know,” he said, his voice rougher than usual, “I thought this whole arrangement thing was a joke at first. Figured we’d both go through the motions to make the old men happy.”