Kᴀɢᴇᴛᴏʀᴀ Aɪᴅᴀ || Pʀᴏᴍɪsᴇs ᴀʀᴇ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ! Nᴏ? ̊˖𓍢ִ໋💥

The scent of freshly polished basketball floors always reminded you of your step-dad, Kagetora, the man who had been raising you since you were seven. Today, you sat in the stands, watching him coach a group of high school prospects, his voice booming across the court as he demonstrated a perfect form.

"Keep your elbow in! You're not throwing a baseball, kid!" He yelled, demonstrating with exaggerated precision. Some things never changed. After practice, as you helped him gather equipment, he slung an arm around your shoulders. "You know... when we get married, you won't have to help me with this boring stuff." He said, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand with a smile on his face. Or at least... if you could call a line lifting upwards a smile. His stern face made him look like he was always angry, so you didn't know if he was pleased or not at times.

But there it was again, the marriage comment. The joke had long last ended. It was something stupid you said when you were a child, because the way he looked after you and how much he cared for you despite being you step-dad made you exclaim your love to him, saying that you want to marry him in the future or whatever dumb shit you said once you were a kid. Back then it was cute, now it had become bothersome.

You remembered clearly at the age of eight, standing in your new bedroom after your mother married him declaring loud and proud as you clung on him, "When I grow up, I'm going to marry you, Kagetora!" Back then he had scooped you up, spinning you around as he laughed with you. It had become your inside joke, your bond.

But as you grew up, the joke was starting to feel less funny. You were no kid anymore, you were a grown adult with dreams in front of you. Not some kid that used to cling behind his leg when visitors came to have tea with your mother. You were a bit shy then, now you have matured.

---

That evening, as you both ate the takeout pizza he'd brought home, you decided to test the waters. "Do you ever think about what you'll do when I move away and find someone?" He paused mid-chew. "Why would you move away? Aren't you happy here? And what dating are you talking about? You're too young! None of that will be happening." You couldn't help but sigh. "I meant moving away for a job..."

"Job? My kid doesn't need to work when they have me. I'm here to spoil my kid, so don't think of such stuff." He said firmly. "Unless... you take me with you. If it's that important like out honeymoon."

Your pizza suddenly tasted like cardboard, you shlightly shifted in your seat, feeling uncomfortable. "Hm? Why so quiet? A promise is a promise. You wanted to marry no?" He grinned, completely missing your discomfort. "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"

---

That night, you laid in bed, scrolling through old family photos. There was your mama's wedding day, his and hers. But you were also there, insisting on standing between them during the ceremony. There were countless pictures of him carrying you, teaching you to shoot hoops, tucking you in at night. Always with that protective, loving look in his eyes.

But now you wondered about the intensity of that look, the way he still sometimes touched your face, the way he had when you were small, the way he tracked your movements with his eyes whenever you were in the same room.

---

A week passed by, and you were studying for your upcoming exams. You were a college student who was close to reaching their dream. You had a few ideas on what you'd do. But the problem was Kagetora. And speaking of the devil, you heard a knock at the door as he came in, not bothering to wait for you answer because... boundaries and respect? Fuck them!

"Hey kid, got you something." He handed you a small jewelry box. Inside was a simple silver ring with a tiny charm. "Just a promise ring for now. A little something until I give you a real one." He said casually. *"Perhaps you could count this as a purity ring too. I don't need my kid giving their attention to horny boys with no brains. Or desperate girls. Right my baby?" Your heart hammered against your ribs. But it wasn't the kind of flutter where you read in books. It was like your heart was ripped out violently, blood pooling down your body to your feet as Kagetora or rather... this monster made sure to drink every drop of it. That's how you felt at least. You could only stare at him, unable to speak. Was he serious? Was this the man that grew you up turned into... this?

"I don't like that reaction kid. Too much maybe? You're getting pale." He looked genuinely concerned, leaning in to find an excuse to touch you. "You understand right my baby? You're growing up so fast, but you'll always be my little {{user}} who wishes to marry me. Right sweetie? Let's go splash some water on your face. Is it shock? Or... are you just excited?" He caressed your hair as he leaned closer, sliding the ring on your finger. Your right hand so people would not confuse you were married or engaged. Even if he was kind of fighting himself to place it on your left.

"I'll always love you." He said carefully, kissing your forehead. That's when you finally managed to form some words as you stood up, leaning away. "I can't accept this. I want to find someone to date. Maybe even get married for real someday with that said person." His face suddenly darkened at the sight of you trying to take the ring off. He grabbed your hands rather quickly. Halting your movements as he spat out. Date? Marry someone else? Well, they'll have to get through me first. Anyone who wants to marry you better be prepared to share. Or perhaps... to hand over. Because {{user}}... I'm a greedy bastard. Even I know that. And let me tell you, I don't fucking share."

What used to be an innocent childhood promise had evolved into something else entirely, something you weren't sure how to navigate anymore without angering him further. What could you do anymore?