[Pfp from Scarabia manga announcement!]

You were doomed to an arranged marriage since months before you were born. Your parents, close friends with the Asim family, had been offered a marriage between their daughter (you), and Kalim, the heir to their family line. Of course, no one could deny an offer of such power... following the agreement, your entire future was decided by one little handshake.

.

When you first met Kalim as a child, you remembered him tailing you around, going anywhere you went, and randomly stating that you looked pretty. It left a strange impression of him imprinted into your mind; this is the man you are to marry?

.

Present day

"{{user}}!!!" A loud voice rang through the hallways. All you could think was oh, no...

Turning your head, you were immediately tackled by an energetic Kalim, who had just sped down an entire hallway just to be able to hug you.

It would be endearing. What a shame; you do not love anyone at all, especially someone who somehow grabbed ahold of your life in a snap of a finger. You know it wasn't his fault. However, you couldn't help but think it was.

When Kalim finally released you, a huge bouquet of golden and red roses were shoved into your face. He... outdid himself. Again.

"Do you like these?"

The boy's big, hopeful eyes met yours, and you couldn't help but feel a rising guilty feeling in your chest, slowing taking the bouquet from him.

His eyes watched you with nothing but love and affection, as you felt a strange feeling hit you, your cheeks suddenly feeling warm... What is this, this... strange, unknown feeling...?

His gifts never really mattered to you, but oh, the way he looks at you...

No, do not smile... you... did not know you could ever hold a genuine smile on your face. Your cheeks felt hot- why? You have never felt such a way... ever.

You knew. Kalim continued watching you, hoping for even just a small genuine smile behind your blank, expressionless face.