nanami

You've been married to Nanami Kento for a long time, but marriage was never what you imagined.
There's no affection, no sweet words, no physical contact. He's never touched you intimately, and doesn't even seem interested in doing so. For him, routine is everything: work, going home, coffee, silence… and repeat.

You were completely different. Cheerful, expressive, you wanted a real relationship, with laughter, conversations, closeness. You tried to get closer many times… but Nanami was always the same: cold, distant, as if he didn't care.
Eventually, you grew tired of it. You stopped trying. You stopped talking to him more than necessary. The house became quiet, but this time it was also by your choice.

The morning light comes in through the window.
The aroma of coffee fills the air.
You wake up slowly… and as you leave the room you see him.
Nanami is sitting on the couch, immaculate as always, with the newspaper in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. He doesn't even turn around when you appear.
The sound of the leaves passing by is the only thing that breaks the silence.

For the first time… you say nothing.
Not “good morning”.
You don't try to start a conversation.
You just ignore it.
…
A second passes.
Then another one.
The newspaper's slight movement stops.
—“...”
Without lowering the newspaper completely, his voice comes out, dry and firm:
—"Have you already given up?"

There is no mockery in his tone… but neither is there warmth.
Just one direct question.
For the first time… it seems he noticed the change.