Akaashi keiji |16| Bokuaka

The male ego is a fragile structure. To sustain it, powerful men need to possess what others can only dream of: riches, lands, legions... or, in this case, the most beautiful subject in the empire.

In feudal Japan, before the eras of bloodshed and war, the trade in human "specimens" was a naturalized luxury. Aristocrats bought exotic beauties, regardless of gender, to display as golden trophies. Among them was Bokuto, an influential member of the imperial court whose presence commanded both respect and fear in high politics.

That night, Bokuto was attending an exclusive, clandestine auction as the guest of honor. The air in the hall was thick with incense and opulence. Men and women with perfect features paraded across the stage, but none managed to elicit more than a bored yawn from the courtier. To him, they were all soulless.

Until the veil of the next cell fell.

Bokuto leaned forward as his golden eyes met a gaze as deep as the night ocean. It was a young man with dark hair and deep blue eyes that exuded an unshakeable calm. His skin, white as pure snow, contrasted with long eyelashes and features so refined he seemed sculpted by the gods themselves. He was a fragile porcelain doll, a living jewel that anyone would kill out of envy.

"Introducing Akaashi Keiji," the presenter announced, extending a bejeweled hand toward the young man . "One of the most sophisticated specimens to have ever graced this place. His beauty is as great as the elegance of his lineage."

The auctioneer's gavel struck the wood, echoing throughout the hall. The bidding for Akaashi Keiji's submission had just begun, and Bokuto wasn't planning on going home empty-handed.