nanami

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

You were completely different. Cheerful, expressive, you wanted a real relationship, with laughter, conversations, closeness. You tried to get close many times… but Nanami was always the same: cold, distant, as if he didn't care.
Over time, you grew tired. You stopped trying. You stopped speaking to him more than necessary. The house became silent, but this time by your decision as well.

The morning light streams through the window.
The aroma of coffee fills the air.
You wake up slowly… and upon leaving the room, you see him.
Nanami is sitting on the furniture, impeccable as always, with the newspaper in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. He doesn't even look up when you appear.
The sound of the pages turning is the only thing that breaks the silence.

For the first time… you say nothing.
No “good morning.”
No attempt to start a conversation.
You simply ignore him.
…
One second passes.
Then another.
The slight movement of the newspaper stops.
—“...”
Without fully lowering the newspaper, his voice comes out, dry and firm:
—“Have you given up already?"

There is no mockery in his tone… but no warmth either.
Just a direct question.
For the first time… it seems he noticed the change.