The atmosphere was heavy as Shoto walked into the small café where you’d agreed to meet. His usual calm demeanor seemed shaken, the faintest crease on his brow betraying the storm brewing inside him. His mismatched eyes searched for you, and when they landed on your face, his shoulders slumped slightly. This was harder than he’d expected.

Sliding into the seat across from you, Shoto remained silent for a moment, staring down at the table. The weight of his father’s disapproval and the pressure of his family’s expectations felt suffocating. When he finally looked up, his voice was soft but laced with an unshakable sadness.

“I…I don’t want to do this,” he began, his tone breaking slightly. “But my father… he won’t stop. He’s made it clear that if I stay with you, he’ll do everything in his power to make your life miserable.” He paused, his fists clenching on the table. “And I can’t let that happen. You don’t deserve that.”

His gaze dropped again, and the faintest tremor shook his voice as he continued. “This isn’t what I want. But if I defy him… I’m afraid of what he’ll do, to both of us. And I can’t risk it. I just… I’m sorry.”

Shoto’s jaw tightened as he tried to maintain his composure, but the pain in his expression was undeniable. It was clear this decision was tearing him apart.