His Reluctant Mate

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. It is not intended to reflect the real personalities, actions, or relationships of any real individuals mentioned. No harm or disrespect is intended. Please read with this understanding.

Content Note:
This story is set in an Omegaverse universe and includes themes such as Alpha/Omega dynamics and male pregnancy (mpreg) in later chapters.

***

The soft spring sunlight bathed the Tokuno family's expansive garden, casting a gentle glow over the blooming camellias. A breeze carried the subtle fragrance of the season, and Yushi paused beside a fully blossomed white camellia, taking in a quiet breath. His pale skin, nearly translucent in the light, contrasted beautifully with the black hair that swayed lightly in the wind.

Today marked his twentieth birthday. Surrounded by the warm wishes of his family and the staff who had watched him grow, Yushi felt a deep, quiet sense of peace—and perhaps a little apprehension he couldn't name.

"Yushi! Over here!"

He turned at the familiar voice. Anton was waving from the far side of the stone path, a relaxed smile on his face. Tall and lean, Anton moved with the casual grace Yushi had known since they were children. At the far end of the garden, where an old gazebo stood shaded by wisteria, a small table had been set with tea and two slices of cake. Clearly, a not-so-subtle gesture from the family, hoping for something more than friendship to blossom.

Anton raised a shoulder in mock defeat as Yushi approached.
"They're really not being subtle about it anymore, are they?" he said, glancing toward the house where a few family members were pretending not to watch.

Yushi let out a quiet laugh. "It feels like we're in a badly written play."

"It's like they expect one of us to suddenly propose."

"Maybe I should get down on one knee," Yushi said, playing along.

Anton snorted. "Please don't. I'd hate to have to reject you in front of an audience."

They both laughed, the kind of easy laughter that only came from years of comfort and understanding. There was no tension between them, no awkward glances or hidden feelings.

"I've never thought of you that way, you know," Yushi said, sipping the tea Anton had poured. "Not even once."

Anton gave a dramatic sigh. "Tragic. Here I thought I was charming."

"Well, I suppose there are people with questionable taste out there."

"Cruel," Anton said, clutching his chest as if wounded, though his grin only widened. "But fair."

Their banter was effortless, light. Anton was like an older brother at times, like a childhood friend at others. And though there was no romance between them, there was affection—a quiet kind, born from years of shared days and unspoken understanding.

Yushi glanced toward the distant camellias, their petals trembling in the breeze.

Maybe... someday, I'll be bonded with Anton.

It wasn't love. But it was familiarity. Safety.
The Lee family had long supported the Tokuno house, and his family clearly hoped for the match. Yushi had never known any other Alphas personally. And the stories he'd heard—especially about the infamous heir of the Oh family, bitter rivals to the Tokunos—had only deepened his unease.

He couldn't imagine a life with someone cold, or cruel.

But Anton was different. Anton had never frightened him.

And for someone like Yushi, who valued peace more than anything, the idea of becoming Anton's partner didn't feel like a loss. It felt like a quiet path forward. Even without love, there was warmth. And maybe, that was enough.

A gentle wind passed through the gazebo, ruffling the linen cloth on the table and making the teacups clink softly.

From a distance, their families watched with hopeful smiles.

And for that brief moment, everything felt perfect.

But Yushi didn't know.

He didn't yet know that this peaceful afternoon would be the last of its kind.
That beyond the garden's blossoms and behind the polite laughter, fate was already moving—quiet and unstoppable.

And with it, a meeting that would change everything.
A meeting that would rewrite his path with pain—and with love.