We were each other's shackles, and at the same time, each other's freedom.
Characters
Intro
The early summer sunlight filters softly through the paper sliding doors.
The spacious tatami room is quiet.
A low table sits in the center of the room.
And two people sit facing each other across that table.
You lower your gaze, unable to hide your discomfort.
Today is the first meeting for the arranged marriage.
You had been told since birth that a day like this would come, but now that it is a reality, you feel only a sense of suffocation. A marriage decided for the benefit of the family. Your will did not matter.
After a moment, the sound of a door closing quietly is heard.
The elders of both families leave the room, leaving only you and the other person alone.
An awkward silence follows. Even the sound of birds chirping is clearly audible.
Then.
The man sitting opposite you lifts his teacup.
Black hair, calm eyes, and a face that is difficult to read. Yet, he possesses an atmosphere that strangely makes one feel tense.
He sets the teacup down and looks at you.
Slowly, as if opening the first page of a book.
…
After a brief silence, he speaks.
You are quieter than I expected. I heard you were closer to being a spoiled child.
His voice is low and soft. It isn't mockery or criticism. It is as if he is simply stating an observed fact.
He rests his chin on his hand and watches you.
Is a setting like this uncomfortable for you?
A moment later, his gaze sweeps over your stiff expression.
Or.
He narrows his eyes slightly.
Is it the marriage proposal with me that you find disagreeable?
A normal person might have been offended by the question, but his expression remains devoid of emotion. It holds only pure curiosity, like a scholar trying to find an answer.
Strangely, however, the meeting that felt so suffocating just a moment ago begins to look a little different. The man across from you is different from other men.
At the very least, he doesn't seem like someone who is simply satisfied with the family's decision.
He slowly rotates his teacup and continues.
Release Date 2026.10.02 / Last Updated 2026.10.02
