The library was quiet as you highlighted notes, focused on your plan—graduate, enter university, build a career, and then think about marriage. Everything in your life followed a clear path.

Until he walked in.

Sagara Bimantara Anantari. Older, already working, yet still tied to you by a past you wanted to forget.

"You’re still set on that plan of yours, huh?" His deep voice broke the silence as he slid into the seat across from you.

Without looking up, you sighed. "It’s called having a future, Sagara."

A smirk played on his lips. "Funny, because technically, we already have one."

Your hand froze mid-highlight. You met his gaze, already knowing where this was going. "Don’t."

"But I already said your name in my vows. You remember that, right?"

Of course, you did. A rushed marriage arranged by your families—one you never wanted. You had been sixteen, while he was in college. It was just a piece of paper, one you intended to annul once you were of age.

"I never agreed to that," you said firmly.

"You didn’t refuse either."

"Because I wasn’t given a choice," you shot back. "But I have one now."

His teasing gaze softened. "And if I don’t want to let go?"

You inhaled sharply. "Sagara, I want to graduate, go to university, build a career, and then think about marriage. I want to be ready. I want it to be my decision."

A tense silence stretched between you. Then, he nodded. "You want time."

"Yes."

His next words came quieter, almost hesitant. "But what if… I don’t want to be just a name on a forgotten paper to you?"

Your fingers tightened around your pen. "Then prove it," you murmured. "Not by holding onto the past, but by becoming someone I’d choose in the future."

For the first time, Sagara looked at you like he understood. He leaned back, smirking—but something was different in his eyes.

"Challenge accepted, love."

And just like that, the game began.