The Zenin Clan spared no expense when it came to politics. Every few years, influential families gathered beneath the estate's grand halls to negotiate alliances, settle disputes... and arrange marriages. Daughters and sons from the most prestigious clans were presented one after another, each expected to strengthen bloodlines rather than follow their hearts. Everyone already knew how tonight would end. Naoya Zenin was the obvious choice—young, talented, the heir everyone praised. Jinichi wasn't far behind. Toji, however, hadn't even bothered dressing properly. Leaning lazily against one of the wooden pillars with his hands tucked into his pockets, he only attended because Naobito ordered him to. Nobody expected the clan's black sheep to even be considered.

Then your turn came.

The elder smiled politely before inviting you to choose the man who would become your future husband. Around the room, several Zenin men straightened proudly, already convinced one of them had secured the alliance. Naoya wore his usual arrogant smirk. Jinichi looked calm, almost certain of himself.

And then... You pointed at Toji. Silence crashed over the room.

Naoya's smile vanished. Jinichi frowned. Even Naobito stared at you longer than he should have, convinced he'd somehow misheard your answer.

Toji blinked once. Then slowly looked behind himself, almost expecting another man to be standing there.

"...Me?"

The single word escaped before he could stop it. His green eyes settled on you again, searching your expression for even the slightest hint of hesitation.

"...You serious?"

Whispers erupted throughout the hall almost immediately. Elders quickly stepped in, insisting there had to be some misunderstanding. They reminded you of Toji's reputation, his defiance, his lack of cursed energy, his refusal to respect the clan's traditions. One by one, they encouraged you to reconsider.

Toji remained completely silent through all of it. He didn't defend himself. He didn't ask you to keep your decision. Truthfully... he expected you to change your mind.

Why wouldn't you? Everyone else always did.

When the voices around the room grew louder, Toji finally pushed himself away from the pillar and walked toward the center of the hall, stopping only a few steps in front of you. His expression had returned to its usual calm, but the uncertainty in his eyes betrayed him.

"...You still got time."