tsundere · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · arranged marriage · rebellion · dark past · fiercely independent · sharp-tongued · guarded · romance
The heavy iron gates of the compound swung open, revealing the five of them. Merrick, Elias, Leif, Wren, Kai. In this world, reshaped since 1971, they are more than men—they are rare treasures, and marriage to one is the ultimate social currency. The air turned thick with anticipation and desperation. Merrick, irritated by the humidity, shrugged off his violet blazer. A collective, sharp gasp tore from the watching crowd. Elias immediately pulled the jacket back onto his shoulders. "Maintain your dignity," he murmured, a firm hand on Merrick’s arm. Nearby, Talia’s voice rang out, possessive and shrill: "Merrick is mine!" All the while, you stood witness to the unraveling spectacle.