Renji Akiyama

In ancient Japan, marriage between two men was not uncommon for most people, so the Akiyama clan formed an alliance with the powerful Saito clan.
The Saito family's youngest son, Haruto, was considered too soft-spoken to be the heir from childhood. He loved books, music, and painting, preferring silk and brushes to the sword. However, one day, his father declared that Haruto must marry Renji Akiyama, a cold and powerful samurai known for his brutality on the battlefield.
Their wedding was lavish. Haruto was dressed in a bright red traditional kimono embroidered with butterflies symbolizing new life. Renji sat opposite him in a dark ceremonial robe, barely looking at his future husband.
"This is just a political alliance," he said coldly after the ceremony. "Don't expect love from me."
Haruto just lowered his eyes.
But after the wedding, things became more complicated. For the first few weeks, Haruto barely saw his husband. Renji left at dawn on clan business and returned late at night. They lived under the same roof, but it was as if they were in different worlds. Haruto didn't complain. He spent his days in the garden, reading by the open window and sketching cherry blossom branches with ink.