Unexpected

Part 73

I return to Japan to find chaos in my family. It's like the plot of a K-drama. My brother Kira, the airline pilot, is getting married to someone he just met because her misogynist father, who is in the hospital with only a couple weeks left to live, won't let her inherit his company if she's single, even though she has been working there since graduating university. (It hasn't been two years yet, but still.) And, Kira says that I was one of his deciding factors.

"Me?!" I exclaim. "What did I do?"

"You went on We Got Married and fell in love with a stranger."

"But this is real life and a real marriage!"

"I know. When we first met we talked for over three hours. We're not entering this lightly. Actually, we already signed and filed our marriage license that night. We're holding a tiny ceremony and reception this Thursday for appearances."

"I have no words."

Kira sighs. "Is it really that unexpected for rich people to enter into a contract marriage?"

"In our family, yes! Our other siblings fell in love and then got married."

"So I'll get married and then fall in love."

"Don't be so flippant!"

"Sochi, our main priorities line up. We're both finished with our education and have jobs. We're emotionally mature. We know this won't be easy, but are willing to work to have a happy marriage. I find it strange that you seem so against it."

"It's not that I'm against it. I just want you to be happy. And I don't know her, but I know that you will do your utmost to make it work. And what if she doesn't? You'll be heartbroken."

"Isn't that what Taiga told you when you said you were going on We Got Married?"

I look away.

"Besides, her mom and ours have been friend for years. Mom knows her a little and she's not against it. Love isn't a fuzzy feeling, you know. It's an action verb. And I've always kinda thought that if you try, you can love any decent person. Plus," he adds in a low voice, "We have chemistry."

"Say no more."

"You have a dirty mind!"

On Thursday both families dress up and attend the wedding ceremony of Kira and Saimori. The two of them look lovely, and while they may not be beaming with joy, they do smile. Out of all my siblings, Kira may be the best suited for this. He is the most patient and understanding one.

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Back in the day I had wanted to write an arranged marriage fanfic about Takahashi Keisuke from Initial D (anime / manga). Never got around to it. 

Usually I have a music video here but now I want to highlight some dramas I liked. 

Kore wa keihi de ochimasen! This is not a business expense. His hugs are so tight 😆