The day of the wedding arrived beneath a sky too bright for the lies it would hold.
The Kusanagi estate was transformed into a dream white silk banners flowing in the wind, paper lanterns swaying softly over the garden path, and the faint scent of lilies drifting from the hall. Every petal, every note of the music, screamed perfection.
And perfection was exactly what Ren Takeda and Airi Kusanagi had promised to perform.
Airi stood before the mirror in her grandmother's silk kimono, the gold cranes shimmering with every breath she took. Her mother fussed behind her, straightening folds that didn't need straightening. "Remember, Airi," she whispered, "today isn't just about you. It's about legacy."
Airi smiled the kind of smile she'd practiced since childhood. "Of course, Mother. I won't disappoint."
Inside, her stomach twisted like a knot.
Across the mansion, Ren adjusted his black ceremonial haori, the crest of the Takeda family embroidered proudly on the chest. His father clapped a hand on his shoulder, smiling wide. "You look like a true man today, Ren. Make us proud."
For once, Ren didn't argue.
He only nodded andunexpectedly smiled.
It startled his father so much he paused mid-sentence. "Well," he laughed, "perhaps marriage suits you already!"
Ren's smile didn't reach his eyes. But it was convincing enough to make even his mother sigh in relief.
When the ceremony began, the world seemed to hold its breath. Guests lined the aisles, cameras flashed, and the gentle hum of strings filled the hall. Airi walked in slow, graceful steps, her gaze fixed on Ren waiting at the altar.
He looked… different. His usual sharp glare was gone, replaced by warmth an almost radiant charm.
The room murmured in surprise.
When she reached him, he bowed his head slightly. "You look stunning, Airi."
Her eyes widened for a second that wasn't in the script.
Still, she smiled back, perfect as ever. "You too, Ren."
The priest began the vows. They repeated each line smoothly, their voices calm, steady, almost melodic. And when it was time to exchange rings, Ren's hand was steady no trace of reluctance.
He even laughed softly when she struggled to slide the band onto his finger. The crowd laughed with him. His father beamed. Her mother dabbed tears from her eyes.
It was flawless.
Almost too flawless.
During the reception, Ren kept the performance alive smiling, laughing, even teasing Airi like a newlywed husband should. He offered her a drink, whispered little jokes, and touched her hand just enough for the photographers to capture the illusion of affection.
Airi, trained in poise and composure, matched his rhythm effortlessly. Together, they were dazzling.
Their families glowed with pride. "Look at them," Mrs. Takeda said, eyes sparkling. "They're perfect together."
No one noticed the exhaustion hidden behind Airi's eyes.
No one saw the calculation behind Ren's smile.
When they finally escaped the crowd and stepped onto the balcony again the same balcony where they'd made their secret pact Airi turned to him, voice low.
"You're quite the actor today," she said.
Ren leaned on the railing, watching the paper lanterns floating over the pond. "I learned from the best," he replied. "You set the standard, after all."
Airi exhaled softly. "You almost fooled me too."
He chuckled. "Almost?"
She looked at him really looked and for the first time, she saw something behind the arrogance. Not joy, not kindness… but a kind of quiet rebellion.
He wasn't smiling because he wanted to.
He was smiling because it bothered everyone who thought they knew him.
And somehow, that made her heart ache.
"Ren," she said quietly, "if you keep smiling like that, they might start believing it's real."
Ren's smirk softened. "Maybe that's the point."
The night settled over them gentle, deceptive, and full of unspoken words.
The perfect couple stood side by side, glowing under the lights.
Everyone watching saw love.
But only they knew the truth that the game had just begun, and neither was planning to lose.