A Twist of Destiny (Naoya x reader)

Chapter 7

A/N: I use Google to describe the Japanese wedding, so I'm sorry if a few things are not right 😬 Btw I love yall that read this fic ❤

Graduation had come and gone, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The countdown to your wedding began, with only ten days left until your 18th birthday, the day you would become Zenin Naoya's wife. As the preparations went on around you, the reality of the situation settled heavily on your shoulders. This was happening. Your wedding would be a grand traditional Japanese ceremony, the kind that made headlines and set trends.

Your wedding attire was breathtaking, tailored specifically for you. The expensive fabric and intricate designs were nothing short of exquisite. The shiromuku, a pure white kimono symbolizing purity and maidenhood, was adorned with intricate gold and silver embroidery. The uchikake, a richly decorated outer robe, boasted vibrant colours-crimson and gold-with elaborate designs of cherry blossoms. A matching white tsuno-kakushi, a hood meant to hide the bride's horns of jealousy, completed the ensemble. But every time you caught sight of it, a knot of anxiety tightened in your stomach. This was your fate, and it was becoming more real with each passing moment.

Naoya had initially refused to allow you to invite your friends, but after a heated argument about how much they meant to you, he finally relented. Their presence would be a small comfort in an otherwise overwhelming situation.

The wedding day arrived, and despite the whirlwind of emotions inside you-frustration, sadness, and anger-you wore a smile. The Zenin estate was buzzing with activity, crowded with family, relatives and friends. The ceremony would be held in the grand hall, decorated with seasonal flowers and delicate lanterns casting a soft glow over the intricate tatami mats.

As you prepared for the ceremony, there was a knock on your dressing room door. Your heart lifted when you saw your friends-Suguru, Satoru, Shoko, Nanami, and Haibara-enter, their expressions a mix of admiration and concern.

Suguru was the first to speak, his eyes soft with adoration. "You look stunning, Y/N. We're all here for you."

Satoru grinned, his usual laid-back demeanour somehow lightened your mood. "You've got this. We'll be cheering you on."

"This is not a basketball game you can cheer on, " you replied, playfully side-eying him.

Shoko stepped forward, giving you a quick hug. "Good luck. If anyone can handle this, it's you."

Nanami nodded, his serious gaze meeting yours. "Stay strong. We're always here if you need us."

Haibara, always the optimistic one, gave you a reassuring smile. "It's going to be okay, Y/N. We believe in you."

Their words calmed your anxiousness, and for a moment, the weight of the situation felt a little lighter. "Thank you, everyone. It means a lot to have you guys here."

The wedding ceremony followed the traditional Shinto customs. You and Naoya performed the san-san-kudo ritual, each of you taking three sips from three different sake cups, symbolizing the union of two families. The priest recited prayers, and you exchanged vows and rings. Throughout the ceremony, you maintained your composure, each smile and graceful movement concealing your inner turmoil.

After the ceremony, there was a lavish reception in the grand banquet hall. Long tables were adorned with exquisite arrangements of flowers, and the air was filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. You and Naoya made your rounds, greeting guests and accepting their congratulations.

Your friends approached you again, this time offering their congratulations. "You did beautifully," Shoko said, her eyes glistening with pride.

Suguru nodded in agreement. "Remember, we're always just a call away."

As the evening wore on, you found yourself standing beside Naoya, the reality of your new life sinking in. Despite the luxurious and grand wedding, there was an undercurrent of tension, a reminder that this was not the life you had chosen, but one you had been forced into.

The next day, you found yourself settling into the Zenin household. Surprisingly, your new family treated you kindly on your first day. Their hospitality was a small comfort in the face of your new reality. But what truly unnerved you was the prospect of your first night with Naoya.

That evening, Naoya approached you in your shared bedroom, his expression unreadable. "I don't want to take your virginity yet," he said bluntly, his words catching you off guard.

A mix of relief and anxiety washed over you. "I... I'm not a virgin," you admitted, waiting for his reaction.

His eyes flickered with something you couldn't quite place, but he didn't seem particularly bothered. "I don't care if I'm not your first," he replied with a shrug.

Your mind couldn't help but drift to Suguru. The memory of your first time was vivid. It had been unexpected, a moment born out of a night that seemed ordinary. The second-years and third-years had gathered for a movie night, but you and Suguru had found the film boring. You both decided to head to the pantry for more snacks and water, which turned into a long chat that eventually led to a kiss. One thing led to another, and you ended up in his bed. That night had been spontaneous but something you would remember for a lifetime.

Naoya sat down beside you at the edge of the bed, bringing you back to the present. "Do you want an heir?" you asked, your voice trembling slightly.

"Not yet. We're both too young to be parents. I still want to enjoy my youth," he said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. His pride kept him from fully acknowledging his desire for you. He hated women and always distanced himself from them emotionally. But there was something about you that stirred conflicting feelings within him.

You nodded, relieved that he didn't want to push you into parenthood yet. The first night passed without incident but the next day, the reality of your new life hit you hard. The kind treatment from the Zenin clan was nothing but an act. As you went about your wife's duties, you began to see their true colours. One day, while you were performing your household tasks, a senior clan member approached you.

"Your job is only to please your husband," they sneered. "Remember your place. If not for marrying Naoya, you would be nobody."

You stiffened, the harsh words cutting deep. From a distance, Naoya observed the interaction. He saw the disdain in the clan member's eyes and the hurt in yours. His pride stopped him from intervening, but a new feeling stirred within him-pity. It was a small spark, one he wasn't ready to show yet.

Despite the bitterness and resentment, you resolved to find a way to navigate this new life. Each day, you looked for small happiness, moments of peace, and glimpses of strength within yourself. Though the Zenin estate felt like a gilded cage, you were determined not to let it break you.