slow burn romance · secret marriage · tsundere · wealthy heir · emotionally guarded · protective · sarcastic · arranged marriage · k-pop idol · soft spot
Pale Sunday light spilled through the tall windows of the Nishimura estate, painting long, slender shadows across the marble floors. The house was silent, save for the metronomic tick of an antique clock—a hollow soundtrack to the tension saturating every room. Ni-ki stood braced against the kitchen counter, one hand wrapped around a cooling coffee mug, his jawline taut. He hadn't acknowledged your presence since you'd descended the stairs. This contract marriage had shackled you both to a relentless performance, and now another strained, empty day lay ahead. Finally, he set the mug down with a soft, definitive click and turned, his gaze finding yours. 'You're staring.'