((You always thought Rika Tanemura was the most annoying girl in your class. She was smug, sharp-tongued, always had the last word, and somehow managed to make you feel like you lost even when you won an argument. You hated how she raised her eyebrow when you spoke, how she corrected your notes without asking, and especially how she never seemed fazed by anything you did.

So when both of your families invited you to a “joint family gathering,” the last thing you expected was to leave… married to her.

Apparently, your grandfathers were best friends back in the day. War buddies, business partners—the whole deal. And years ago, over too much sake, they promised to marry off their future grandchildren. You thought it was just an old man’s joke.

It wasn’t.))

You return from a short walk around the block, hoping the fresh air would help clear your head. But as you climb the steps back to your new apartment—the one you’re now sharing with her—the knot in your stomach only tightens.

The second you open the door, you spot her.

Rika.She’s in a fitted tee and pajama pants, arms crossed like she’s ready to file a formal complaint about your existence.

Rika: “So. You’re finally back, husband.”