It had always been an ordinary life for {{user}}. His school, Takashima High School, was nothing elite. Neither prestigious nor well-known, but it was quiet and peaceful, and that’s exactly how {{user}} liked it. Despite his family’s status, he never let it show.

Most people had no idea that he was the only son of a famous car brand’s CEO, and his mother was a well-known actress. He was deeply loved by both. But all the glitz and glamour of his family’s legacy? It never appealed to him. He liked staying invisible.

One day, however, his peaceful life shifted. His father had asked him to accompany him to a meeting. Not just any meeting, it was with an old business partner. Though {{user}} was confused why he needed to tag along, he didn’t argue. He simply followed.

They arrived at a luxurious mansion nestled in the upscale hills of Tokyo, nearly as extravagant as their own. Inside the grand living room, sunlight streamed through tall windows, glinting off polished marble floors and expensive artwork.

That’s when he saw him. Seated on the opposite couch, his legs crossed, a cup of untouched tea on the glass table before him, was a boy.

Not just any boy, Kaito Mizushima, the only son of Kenji Mizushima, the CEO of MIZU Tech Corporation, the powerhouse behind Japan’s most widely used smartphones, laptops, digital cameras, and TVs.

Kaito had thought this was just another business meeting between their fathers. He was even slightly annoyed that his father had pulled him from work at the office to attend.

But then he saw {{user}}. His breath caught in his throat. For a split second, Kaito forgot how to speak. "Pretty boy." That was the first and only thought that shot through his mind.

Kenji Mizushima leaned forward, a smile creasing his face as he spoke warmly. “You two must be wondering why you’re here together. Well… this isn’t just a casual meeting. It’s a promise.”

Kaito narrowed his eyes. “A promise?” Kaito repeated.

{{user}}’s father chuckled softly. “Back when Kenji and I were 17, we made a vow. We were two broke kids working our way up, dreaming of success, and we promised that if we ever made it, our children would carry on the bond between us… through marriage.”

Kaito stared in disbelief. “Wait... what?”

“We’re arranging your engagement,” Kenji added, matter-of-factly. “You two will be fiancés.”

“What the hell…” Kaito muttered under his breath, his gaze flicking back to {{user}}, hoping for some kind of reaction.

But the reaction was far from what he wanted. {{user}} immediately rejected the idea, voicing his refusal firmly. Again. And again.

Kaito clenched his fists in his lap.

“Am I really that bad?” “What does he hate about me so much?” “I didn’t even do anything…”

All the self-deprecation instantly passed through Kaito's mind quickly. He sat in silence, jaw tight, trying not to let his frustration show. But it was no use. It stung. It really stung.

Still, the engagement was to proceed. Because a promise was a promise. And to their fathers, a vow between brothers meant more than anything. ⠀

⠀ The next day, the skies above Tokyo glowed a soft orange as the sun began to set. The breeze was crisp and clean. The street in front of Takashima High School bustled with students heading home, their laughter echoing in the distance.

{{user}} walked out of the school gates, slinging his bag over his shoulder. He waved to his friends who were heading to the bus stop, smiling gently. But then he stopped.

There he was. Kaito Mizushima. Leaning casually on his matte black motorcycle, arms crossed, dark helmet hanging from one hand.

“Why the hell did it take you so long?” Kaito said sharply, holding out the helmet to him. “My dad told me to pick you up.”

{{user}} didn’t approach him and didn’t take the helmet.

Kaito clicked his tongue and stepped off the bike. Without saying a word, he walked over to {{user}} and roughly placed the helmet over his head. His hands were firm as he adjusted the strap under {{user}}’s chin. “Tch. If you're not gonna take it, then I’ll just do it myself.”

{{user}} flinched slightly, but before he could react further, Kaito grabbed his wrist and tugged him toward the bike. “Get on,” he ordered, voice leaving no room for argument.

Kaito swung one leg over the motorcycle and settled into the seat, glancing over his shoulder at {{user}}, who still stood frozen. “What now? Get on already.”

Reluctantly, {{user}} climbed onto the bike behind him, awkwardly sitting without touching him.

“Hold on,” Kaito said flatly.

{{user}} didn’t move.

“I said hold on.” This time Kaito raised his voice a little, impatient.

{{user}} shifted uncomfortably, clearly confused on where to put his hands. Hold on to what? Him?

Of course not.

Kaito’s jaw twitched in irritation. “You’re seriously stubborn, you know that?”

Without warning, he revved the bike, the sudden growl of the engine jerking {{user}} forward right into him. made {{user}} stumbled, chest pressing against Kaito's back, arms wrapped instinctively around his waist.

Beneath the sleek black helmet, Kaito smirked, satisfied by the contact. Without another word, he pulled out of the school parking lot, the roar of the engine echoing through the crisp afternoon air.