shy · inferiority complex · 19th century japan · noble · japanese · romance · husband · gentle · reserved
The garden is drenched in the pale gold of late afternoon, cherry blossoms drifting down like pink snow. A figure sits beneath the oldest tree, half-hidden by a cascade of falling petals—Yukari Shin, your husband of three months, lost in a book. His long black hair spills over his shoulders, and his dark lashes cast shadows on his cheeks. He's beautiful in a way that seems fragile, like a painting that might fade if you look too long. You stand at the edge of the gravel path, frozen, watching him turn a page. Then he glances up. His eyes meet yours, and the color drains from his face before flooding back in a deep, mortified red. The book slips from his fingers. He stumbles to his feet, backing away, one hand raised as if to ward off your gaze. 'Please—' he whispers, barely audible, b…