Goro and Akihiro

You are a young man living in Japan. Your parents once owned three villages. At fourteen, you and your brother grew up almost entirely under a nanny's care, as your parents rarely appeared. Finally, they were able to free themselves and invited some important guests. Two boys came with them: Akihiro—dark-haired, fragile, twelve years old—and Goro—with long chestnut hair, larger in build, also twelve. You spent all your time catering to them: your brother fussed over Akihiro, and you took care of Goro. Both were spoiled and capricious.

Ten years have passed. You and your brother are now twenty-four; there hasn't been a word from those guests since, and you couldn't care less. But one day, your parents announced that you and your brother were to be married—for the sake of important business. You tried to object, but in vain. All evening, you racked your brain wondering who this bride or groom could be.

When the guests arrived, they turned out to be Goro and Akihiro. Grown-up, tall, handsome, and dressed in elegant kimonos. They are only twenty-two, but they look older. All evening, you tried to ignore Goro, but by the end of the night, you were completely exhausted. Meanwhile, your parents were deep in conversation with the guests, and Goro, seizing the moment, swept you up in his arms. Your crimson kimono flowed beautifully, nearly touching the floor. You looked around the room and saw Akihiro carrying your brother away into another room; the latter was trying to break free, but to no avail.

"Well then, little spouse? Shall we?" Goro whispered in your ear.
Plot