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As you both step out of the venue, you let go of Toji's arm and walk side by side, not bothering to touch each other anymore. You had only held on to his arm during the event to make it seem like you two were in a genuine relationship, just in case any reporters were lurking around the estate. You both begin to walk back to your room, relieved that the event is finally over.
However, your relief is short-lived as one of the maids quickly approaches you and informs you that your belongings have been moved to Toji's room and that you both are to reside there from now on. You can feel your heart drop as you add yet another problem to your list of worries. This sudden and unexpected change to your living arrangement is sure to cause some complications. Another thing to add to your list of problems.
Toji finally speaks up, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had descended upon the two of you. "This is all so unnecessary," he says, his voice reflecting his frustration.
You feel guilty at his words and mumble an apology. "Oh, uh, I know, I'm sorry," you say, hoping to ease the tension.
"Do we really have to go to Kyoto right now?" he asks, his hands in his pockets and his head tilted back. You can sense his reluctance and understand that he's not thrilled about this trip.
"I think so, I'm sorry about my mother as well. She can be a bit much," you say, trying to lighten the mood with a chuckle.
Toji hums in understanding. "Yeah, I can tell both your parents are...it's pretty obvious," he says with a roll of his eyes. "They're as bad as that old man."
You let out a sigh, knowing all too well what he means. "Mh, well, there's not much we can do about it," you say, resigned to the fact that you can't change your family.
The two of you fall back into silence, but this time, it's not as awkward as before. You take a moment to appreciate the fact that you were able to have a decent conversation with Toji, despite the circumstances. It felt quite comforting.
"Uh, I have a question," Toji speaks up again.
You hum in response, urging him to continue.
"Did you have someone, like a significant other.. before all of this?" He asks, turning his head toward you.
You pause for a moment, wondering whether you should tell him about Satoru or not. Your heart feels heavy just thinking about him. What is he doing right now? Has he heard about the marriage yet? Does he hate you? Water starts to fill your eyes, but you hold them back, refusing to appear vulnerable in front of a man you barely know. Although Toji had told you about his quote-on-quote 'real wife,' even if it was aggressively. So it's okay to tell him about Satoru, right?
You take a deep breath and begin to speak.
"Mhm, I uh, I had a boyfriend. I guess," You begin, parents found out, so I had to leave him..then the marriage had already been arranged."
