"I'm supposed to marry a stranger named Akaashi Keiji?"
Amidst the chaos of [Y/n]'s daily struggles, her parents harbor a secret plan-one that could change the course of her life forever. As she grapples with the challenges of everyday existence, [Y...
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Content Advisory: This chapter contains references to depression, eating disorders, and more.
Y/n's gaze settled on the ceiling, her eyes dull and vacant. Insomnia had become a constant companion, a stealthy shadow that followed her through the endless nights and exhausting days. She lay in the dimly lit room, the heavy curtains blocking out any hint of sunlight. The room mirrored her inner turmoil—a labyrinth of disarray and despair. Her once-treasured possessions, gifts from her parents, now felt like meaningless emblems of their indifference.
The confines of her room, once a sanctuary, now felt like a prison. Every inch of her room whispered tales of unfulfilled dreams and a desperate yearning for parental affection that no amount of material wealth could ever replace. The constant academic pressure and the relentless pursuit of perfection had eroded her spirit, leaving behind a hollow shell.
Her parents, owners of a successful business empire, had little time for emotional connections. They had showered her with gifts, thinking it would suffice. A new luxurious bag for a high test score, a diamond necklace for another academic achievement—but never the words she longed to hear, "We are proud of you," or "We love you." Their approval was as cold as the jewels they gifted.
Now, as an adult, the shadows of her past loomed large, casting a pall of gloom over her present. "All my hard work seems meaningless now," she had quietly stated one day, her voice devoid of any feeling. From that point on, she retreated from the world around her, neglecting her health, her studies, and her social ties. She stopped consuming regular meals, seldom left her room, and eluded any form of social interaction. The sun, once a beacon of warmth and radiance, now felt like a distant dream as she shut herself away from its comforting embrace.
Tonight was no different. She lay there, listening to the distant murmurs of the household. Her parents had forced her to go out earlier that day, but she had refused, locking herself in her room. Now, hunger gnawed at her, urging her to venture downstairs for food.
As she crept down the grand staircase, she overheard her parents talking in the living room. Her mother's voice, usually so composed, was trembling with emotion.
"I don't know what to do with her anymore," her mother sobbed. "We only wanted the best for her, but look at her now. She's a shadow of herself."
Her father's voice was uncharacteristically soft, "We've made mistakes. We thought we were giving her everything she needed, but we missed the most important thing—our love and attention."
As she listened to her mother's tears and her father's remorse, [Y/n] felt a pang within her. It pained her to see them this way, but a part of her was too wounded to react. She retreated to her room, their words reverberating in her thoughts.
As the first light of morning crept in, [Y/n] made up her mind. Without having slept, she stealthily left the mansion, her footsteps leaving almost no mark on the dewy grass. Knowing the maids would soon begin their chores, and the household would awaken, she knew she needed to get away, even if only for a brief reprieve.
The park presented a tranquil haven, a respite from the stifling atmosphere of the mansion. [Y/n] settled on a bench, her gaze fixed at a distant point, her shoulders burdened with the weight of insomnia and emotional drain. The stillness was intermittently broken by the occasional birdcall and the soft sighing of leaves stirred by the breeze.
She had almost forgotten the sensation of being outdoors, of filling her lungs with fresh air, and immersing herself in nature. The world seemed distant, a hazy vision just out of her reach. Shutting her eyes, she attempted to cling to the ephemeral peace.
"Good morning," a calm voice broke through her reverie.
As [Y/n] opened her eyes, she spotted a man standing several feet away. His jet-black hair was ruffled, accentuating his attractive features, while his eyes, with their slender pupils and defined brows, possessed a captivating depth.
Occasionally, they seemed to carry a green hue, but they gleamed in a striking blue. His glasses lent an air of intellect to his demeanor as he stood erect, towering at around 6'4", emanating a serene and composed presence.
"Would you mind if I took a seat here?" he asked courteously, gesturing towards the vacant spot on the bench beside her.
[Y/n] paused briefly before offering a slight shake of her head. "Not at all."
As they sat there, an awkward silence settled between them. Keiji sipped his coffee, seemingly lost in his thoughts, while [Y/n] couldn't help but feel she had come across as cold and unfriendly.
After a moment, Keiji broke the silence. "Do you come to this park often?" he asked, trying to ease the tension.
[Y/n] shook her head. "Not really, I don't go out much," she admitted quietly. "What about you?" she asked, trying to shift the focus away from herself.
Keiji smiled faintly. "I come here when things are bothering me. The atmosphere of the park gives me comfort," he explained.
Feeling a pang of guilt for her earlier demeanor, [Y/n] decided to probe further. "What's been bothering you?" she asked, perhaps too directly.
Keiji chuckled softly, finding her curiosity endearing. "Just work stuff, you know," he replied vaguely.
Realizing she might have overstepped, [Y/n] quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, that was probably too prying," she said, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"It's okay," Keiji reassured her with a gentle laugh. He then shared that he worked as an editor for a shōnen manga magazine.
[Y/n]'s eyes widened in amazement. "Really? That's so cool!" she exclaimed, suddenly feeling more at ease.
Keiji began to excitedly discuss some of her favorite shōnen mangas, but soon caught himself rambling. He stopped abruptly, blushing slightly. "Sorry, I tend to get carried away," he apologized.
[Y/n] waved off his apology, finding his enthusiasm infectious. "No, no, I love hearing about it," she assured him.
As the conversation continued, [Y/n] checked the time and realized it was already half past nine. She quickly excused herself, feeling a bit flustered. Keiji chuckled at her antics, patting her head affectionately. "It's alright, take care on your way home," he said warmly as she left, feeling a newfound fondness for the awkward but endearing encounter in the park.
Author's Note: To all my readers who are currently experiencing or have experienced similar struggles. Though we may be strangers, please know that I am proud of you. Remember, it's okay to open up; your voice deserves to be heard, your feelings are valid, and you are not alone in this battle. There will always be someone, even if it's just one person, who understands you. Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a higher power, there will always be someone who understands and cares for you.
