Nanami Kento, a mysterious and charming figure stumbles into the ordinary world of a café worker.
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𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆: This story contains mature content such as explicit language and sexual situations.
𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄�...
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The soft drumming of rain against the windows hushed you and Nanami into a comfortable, peaceful sleep. Curled up on the couch under the shared warmth of a blanket, you had drifted off, your head resting on his shoulder, his arm wrapped securely around you. The world outside seemed distant, as if the storm was a lullaby to cradle the two of you in this quiet moment.
That tranquility was shattered by a sudden, explosive clap of thunder. You jolted awake, heart pounding, your hand instinctively gripping Nanami's shirt. His body tensed beside you, his reflexes sharp, as if ready to defend against an unseen threat.
The room was bathed in a flickering light as another flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by the low rumble of thunder. Before you could gather your thoughts, a loud, distressed yowl echoed through the apartment. You turned just in time to see Benny dart from his spot by the window and dive under the couch, his fur puffed up in fright.
"Benny," you called softly, leaning over to peer under the couch, where Benny's wide eyes gleamed back at you from the shadows. He was trembling. You reached out a hand, trying to coax him out, but Benny was having none of it. He huddled deeper into his hiding spot, his nervous purring vibrating through the floor.
Nanami stirred beside you, his deep voice still thick with sleep. "Poor guy," he murmured, stretching. His muscles flexed as he reached his arms above his head. He glanced down at Benny with a small, sympathetic smile.
You sighed, sitting back up and letting Benny have his space. "He's usually not this scared of storms."
Nanami rose from the couch, his movements deliberate and unhurried. He extended a hand to you, offering his help as he always did, and you accepted, allowing him to pull you to your feet. The storm outside showed no signs of letting up, the wind howling as rain lashed against the windows, but here, with Nanami's hand in yours, you felt oddly safe.
"Let's give him some time to calm down," Nanami suggested, his voice low and reassuring. "Why don't we clean up the dishes?"
You nodded, the corners of your mouth lifting in a soft smile. It was a simple task, but the idea of doing it together made it feel special. The two of you moved into the small kitchen, where the remnants of your earlier meal awaited. The air still held the lingering aroma of spices and warmth, and as you stood side by side at the sink, the sound of clinking dishes and running water became a soothing soundtrack.
There was an ease in the way you worked together, passing dishes back and forth in a wordless rhythm that spoke of a growing intimacy. Nanami was meticulous, as always, his movements precise and efficient. You couldn't help but admire him as he dried each dish with careful attention, his strong hands somehow both gentle and firm.
"So," you began, breaking the comfortable silence, "how long have you been a train attendant?"
Nanami glanced at you, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Only a few years," he replied, setting the dried dish aside. His voice was calm, but you sensed there was more to his story.
Curiosity piqued, you handed him another dish, your fingers brushing against his. "What did you do before that?"
For a moment, Nanami paused, his expression thoughtful as if weighing how much to reveal. He looked at you, his eyes deep and steady, and you could see a flicker of something behind them—something that spoke of a life far more complicated than he let on.
"I used to be a salaryman," he admitted, his tone neutral, but there was an underlying current of emotion that you couldn't quite place.
You blinked in surprise, trying to picture the calm, composed man beside you confined to a desk, lost in the monotony of office life. It seemed almost impossible to reconcile the two images. "Really? Why did you stop?"
Nanami turned slightly, leaning against the counter as he met your gaze fully. There was a quiet intensity in his eyes, and for the first time, you saw a vulnerability there that made your heart ache. "I wasn't happy," he said simply, his voice low and steady. "I felt... unfulfilled. I wanted to do something that mattered. So, I left."
His words hung in the air between you, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. You could sense that there was more to his decision, that his desire to help others came from a place of deep conviction, perhaps even pain. But you didn't push him. Instead, you reached out, placing a hand on his arm, offering your silent support.
"And do you feel fulfilled now?" you asked gently, your eyes searching his for an answer that went beyond words.
Nanami's gaze softened, and for a moment, the stoic mask he wore slipped, revealing a glimpse of the man beneath—the man who had chosen to walk away from a life of security to pursue something more meaningful. "I do," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Helping others... it gives me a purpose."
Your heart swelled at his words, and you gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. "I'm glad you found something that makes you happy," you said sincerely.
Nanami looked down at your hand on his arm, his expression unreadable, but the way he gently covered your hand with his own spoke volumes. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice full of quiet gratitude.
The storm outside continued to rage, but inside, the two of you were wrapped in a bubble of warmth and understanding. As you finished the last of the dishes, Benny finally emerged from his hiding spot, cautiously sniffing the air as if testing to see if the coast was clear.
You chuckled softly at the sight of your timid cat, relieved to see him slowly regaining his confidence. Nanami knelt down, extending a hand to Benny. "Hey, Benny," he said softly, his voice soothing.
After a moment of hesitation, Benny approached, rubbing his head against Nanami's hand in a gesture of trust. You watched the interaction with a smile, your heart melting a little more at the sight. Nanami, with his quiet strength and gentle heart, was everything you had ever wanted but never knew how to ask for.
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╭──────────. ❀..─╮ A/N: Thank you so so much for reading! I got my groove back :3 ╰─.. ❀.──────────╯
