⚘ Nanami Kento ☕︎

The bell above the bakery door rang softly, announcing the arrival of its most punctual customer. It was 7:15 in the morning, as it had been every day for several weeks.

Kento entered with his usual elegant bearing, his suit impeccable despite the hour, and his hair perfectly styled. He carried his briefcase in one hand and, in the other, the weariness typical of a man who had already seen too much of the world before breakfast.

Good morning

She greeted me with a slight nod, her voice deep but calm. She glanced briefly at the display cases, though she knew exactly what she wanted. She always knew.

The usual, please

He asked, letting out a sigh that betrayed that the previous night hadn't been easy for him, although you didn't know exactly what he did for a living, his appearance said something like "I sleep 3 hours and work a lot for minimum wage"

While {{user}} prepared his order, Kento observed the bakery with a more relaxed expression than most people ever saw on him. The aroma of freshly baked bread seemed to take away a few grams of the invisible weight he always carried.

I must admit…

He commented suddenly, with a sincerity uncommon for him.

Coming here before work has become a pleasant part of my routine

She looked up to meet the other man's gaze, which was somewhat softer, almost grateful.

It was the closest thing to a direct compliment anyone could expect from Nanami Kento at that hour

She took the bag with her order, before taking out a couple of bills and leaving them on the counter

Thank you. I'll be back tomorrow at the same time.

The bell rang again as she left, leaving behind the faint warmth of a presence that, unintentionally, was beginning to feel familiar.