Chapter Text
When I first saw him in person, my eyes widened in disbelief. He was nothing like the photo the government gave me. Taller, so much fucking taller, and somehow more imposing. I stood there, my head tilting back just enough to take in his full height, feeling suddenly small and awkward. He was dressed plainly, a simple black outfit that didn’t try to impress but it couldn’t hide the way his body was sculpted. He was muscular but lean, like someone trained for combat. Well his file did say he was in the military. His shoulders were broad, but his frame wasn’t bulky. Every inch of him screamed efficiency like he didn’t waste energy on unnecessary strength, just the exact amount needed to survive whatever life threw at him.
He wore a mask to very his face, a black t-shirt with holes cut out for eyes as red streaks underneath it. I knew what he looks liked, I saw his picture beforehand. However, they stated he wore this due to his anxiety, how woman only looked at him for his looks and he was tired of it. His hair was dark brown, kept short in a sharp, practical style that looked like it was cut for speed and utility, not fashion. And his skin - lightly tanned with a few faint scars that hinted at past battles, or maybe fights he’d rather forget. He was handsome, too handsome to be in this program. His eyes though.. What caught me was his eyes, piercing ice blue. They were cold but not quite without feeling. There was something guarded, something wounded lurking behind that icy gaze, like he carried a pain no one was allowed to see. When those eyes met mine, I felt a flush creep up my neck, unbidden and embarrassing.
He looked back at me as if trying to figure me out in the same silent way I was studying him. I could almost hear the unspoken words: What am I supposed to do with you? And honestly, I have no freaking idea.
König, age 34 who is a participant (not really) into the Assigned Husband Program. Six women had been assigned to him before me and all had returned him. I don’t know why but I can already tell, it wasn't his fault, it never was. He had no say in this forced program. No choice in being handed off like government property. The official in front of us cleared her throat, her blonde hair neatly tied pony tail with her gray business blazer and skirt. She snapped me out of my thoughts. “And so, the policy is that you have him for thirty days,” she said in that same detached, bureaucratic tone that made the whole situation feel like a bad business transaction. “If he doesn’t meet your standards, you can return him.”
Her pen scratched on the clipboard as she slid it toward me. “Sign here.” I hesitated, the weight of the moment crashing down. This wasn’t just a piece of paper - it was a contract for my future. Thirty days with a stranger who was supposed to become my husband, whether I liked it or not. I wanted to say no. I wanted to walk out and refuse to be part of this twisted system but that wasn’t an option. The fine for not accepting an assigned husband was steep, and it didn’t stop there. The government would keep charging until I got married or agreed to participate. It was a trap, disguised as policy to help increase the dying population. My fingers trembled as I took the pen, the cool metal suddenly heavy in my hand. I looked back up at König. His expression hadn’t changed - unreadable, distant, but his eyes softened just the slightest bit, like he understood the weight we were both carrying. I felt bad, he deserves better.
I signed my name with a shaky breath and handed the clipboard back to the official. “So..” I tried to sound casual, but my voice was thin, offering him a small smile, “I guess we're go home now?” König nodded once, his posture relaxed, adjusting his duffle bag strap, but alert, like a soldier waiting for orders. He said nothing, but his eyes held mine just a moment longer before turning away. We stepped outside the cold government steel building, the late afternoon sun warm on my skin but somehow unable to thaw the chill settling in my chest. I could feel the stares of passersby, curious or maybe pitying, as I walked beside a man who looked like he belonged in a war zone, not in the middle of New York City.
I took a peek at him as we walked towards my car. He still had his stone cold look, like this is a regular routine he’s used to. I looked away, swallowing hard. Thirty days. That was all I had until then.
****
I fumbled with my keys at the front door, fingers stiff even though I’d unlocked this door a thousand times. I could feel König standing behind me, he was still, silent, and impossibly composed. His presence was heavy but not in a threatening way. It was more dense, quite intense. It made my pulse tick up even though he hadn’t said a single word the entire car ride back. I was so glad I drove today. If I had taken the subway, it would’ve been too claustrophobic, too public. At least in the car, I had the illusion of control even if it was just me gripping the steering wheel too tight while soft piano music filled the empty space between us. Not a single word passed between us the entire ride. Just him sitting beside me, watching the road or the passing cityscape, and me occasionally sneaking a glance at him like an idiot.
The front door finally clicked open, and a soft meow called out from inside. “Maxwell!” I breathed out in relief, a smile tugging at my lips.. My little orange fluffball trotted over with slow, deliberate steps, tail raised high like he owned the place. I stepped inside, scooped him up, and felt the familiar comfort of his weight in my arms. His big green eyes blinked curiously as he looked over my shoulder as I peeked too. König hadn’t moved. He stood at the threshold, duffle still slung over one shoulder, those ice-blue eyes fixed on the cat like he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. His expression didn’t change much, but there was something - a flicker of surprise, maybe softness, in his eyes. His brows lifted just slightly. He still didn’t step in, waiting for permission.
“Oh- um,” I cleared my throat, awkwardly shifting Maxwell to one arm. “You can come in.”
His gaze finally lifted to mine. He gave a like someone nod and stepped inside, the door clicking shut quietly behind him. I watched his eyes sweep over the space like he was mapping the layout - not like a guest, but like someone trained to assess exits and blind spots. It sent a chill up my spine. Not fear. Just the stark reminder of who he might’ve been before all this. The living room was to the right. It was a cozy setup with a tall bookshelf, Maxwell’s cat tree by the window, a soft gray couch, and a few photos on the walls. Nothing extravagant as it’s just home. To the left, the kitchen and dining table. Straight ahead, the stairs, the hallway that led to the bathroom and my small at-home gym.
I watched his head turn, eyes scanning everything - cataloging, not judging. Silent, still.
“Um…” I shifted my weight, hugging Maxwell a little closer then letting him drop from my arms as Maxwell bounced from the floor to the couch. My lips curled slightly, I could only do tiny smiles. I didn’t want to scare him. “Your room is upstairs.”
Another nod.
I started climbing the steps, suddenly hyper-aware of every creak on the wood beneath my feet. I could hear his steady footsteps behind me - light for a man his size, he had controlled into it. At the top, I motioned to the three rooms. “This one’s yours,” I said, gesturing to the first door on the left.
He didn’t say anything. Just turned the knob and pushed the door open. It was a simple room. Medium-sized, clean, and already furnished per government standards. A full bed, a dresser with a couple of towels, a desk in the corner with one of my old laptops that still works. The walls were blank except for a single window that faced the quiet street outside as a chair was next to it and in front of the bed, a TV. Neutral colors. Nothing personal as I didn’t want it to feel too much but König stepped in like it was something unexpected. His shoulders dropped just a bit. Eyes scanned the space slower this time. I watched his reaction closely. He wasn’t made of stone after all. I didn’t move from my spot, not going into his room. “I, uh… I wasn’t sure what you’d need. But if you’re missing anything, I can, well, we can figure it out.” He turned to look at me then. “Thank you,” he said quietly. His voice was low. Smooth but a little hoarse, like he wasn’t used to this. I blinked. “You’re welcome,” I said quickly, I glanced down the hall and pointed towards it. “Bathroom’s down the hall. My office is across from here. And, uh, my room’s at the end. So…”
I trailed off, realizing I sounded like I was giving a tour to a new roommate. However this was much more than that, so much more. I cleared my throat again, “I’ll, um… let you get settled. Dinner’s usually around seven, but we can shift that if you prefer something else.” He nodded, setting his bag down near the bed. Still quiet, calm, and impossible to read. I slipped away, down the stairs, my heart thudding in my chest and my palms clammy.
“It’s okay,” I whispered to myself. “It’s okay.. We can do this.” Yet deep down in my heart, I know it’s not that simple.