Unexpected

Chapter 1

Sunlight streamed through the expansive windows of the bedroom, casting a warm glow over the room. Sky stretched, a yawn escaping his lips as he blinked awake, ready to face the day with a grin that only seemed to grow as he remembered his first morning as a married man. Today was his chance to start showing Nani that he was more than just a forced choice. He wasn’t going to be just any husband; he was going to be a good husband.

Sky slipped out of bed quietly, his feet padding across the thick carpet toward the adjoining bathroom. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing Nani still lying in bed, his back to Sky, breathing even. Sky let himself admire the sleek lines of Nani’s shoulders, his dark hair tousled against the pillow, his face turned away in what looked like peaceful sleep.

He felt a rush of affection and something else he didn’t quite have a name for – a warmth that made him want to pull Nani close, even though he knew that wasn’t an option. Not yet, anyway. But maybe someday.

After a quick shower, Sky made his way to the kitchen, humming as he cooked. He moved around easily, his optimism filling the space as he made breakfast: omelets, toast, fresh fruit, and Nani’s favorite tea, which he’d spent hours researching the night before.

“Morning!” Sky called, balancing the tray as he entered the bedroom, his smile wide as he set the breakfast on the bedside table. “I thought I’d bring breakfast to you. New husband perks, right?”

Nani blinked awake, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the tray. For a moment, something softened in his gaze, but it was gone as quickly as it had come. He sat up, leaning against the headboard with a sigh.

“What is this?” Nani asked, a note of irritation in his voice as he glanced at the tray.

“Breakfast!” Sky said cheerfully, sliding the tray closer to him. “I made everything myself. I thought, you know, we could start the day together. I even made your tea, the way you like it – two teaspoons of sugar, a dash of milk.”

Nani looked at the tea, then at Sky, and scoffed. “Did you think I’d just melt at the sight of food?”

Sky’s smile faltered, just slightly, before he shrugged, brushing off Nani’s cold tone. “Not exactly, but I thought it might help make things… easier between us. I know this isn’t what you wanted, but maybe we could try to make the best of it?”

Nani picked up his teacup, taking a sip, not acknowledging Sky’s words. He set it down with a sigh. “I don’t need you to play the doting husband, Sky. I’m fine.”

Sky’s heart sank, but he kept his expression bright. “Hey, I’m just trying to make things better, that’s all. But I get it – you need space. I’ll be patient, Nani.”

“Good,” Nani replied, his tone curt as he pushed the tray aside, barely touching the food. “And if you really want to help, stop trying so hard. This isn’t a fairytale.”

Sky felt a pang at the sharpness of Nani’s words but forced a laugh. “Well, I’m a fan of happy endings, even if they don’t start as fairytales. You’ll see. We’ll make this work.”

Nani shot him a look that made it clear he wasn’t convinced. He got out of bed, brushing past Sky without another word, heading to the bathroom to shower. Sky stood alone in the room, his smile fading as the door clicked shut behind Nani.

---

Later that morning, Sky tried again. They were sitting in the spacious dining room, their plates untouched as Sky tried to make conversation, determined not to let the cold atmosphere affect him.

“So, what do you usually do on weekends?” Sky asked brightly, leaning forward. “I mean, we could do something you like. Maybe go out, catch a movie?”

Nani didn’t look up from his plate. “Why would I want to do anything with you?” he muttered, his voice laced with irritation.

Sky’s shoulders dropped slightly, but he kept his tone light. “Well, we’re married now. Might as well get to know each other, right?”

Nani’s gaze flicked up, sharp and unyielding. “Let’s be clear, Sky. Just because we’re married doesn’t mean I’m interested in bonding over date nights or whatever romantic ideas you have. This is temporary.”

Sky’s brow furrowed in confusion, his eyes searching Nani’s face for any sign of warmth, anything that hinted at the person beneath the walls. “Temporary? What do you mean by that?”

Nani tensed, realizing he’d said too much. His expression hardened. “I mean, don’t get too comfortable. This marriage doesn’t change the fact that we’re strangers.”

Sky chuckled, masking the hurt that Nani’s words stirred. “Well, strangers or not, I’m still going to try. You might not believe it, but I actually care about this – about you.”

Nani clenched his jaw, looking away. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to keep his cool. “If you’re so set on trying, fine. But don’t expect me to play along. I don’t need someone pretending to be the perfect husband when we both know this is just a game to you.”

Sky’s face softened, his voice gentle. “It’s not a game, Nani. I know this isn’t ideal, but I’m hoping we can be more than just two people forced together. Give it a chance – give me a chance.”

Nani’s gaze turned icy, his voice low. “Don’t waste your time, Sky. Whatever fantasy you have about this… it’s not going to happen. So stop trying to turn this into something it’ll never be.”

He pushed his chair back, standing abruptly, and left the room without looking back. Sky watched him go, a weight settling over him as he took a deep breath, trying to keep his spirits high.

---

The day passed in quiet tension, Sky’s attempts to connect met with Nani’s consistent indifference. By evening, Sky found himself back in their shared bedroom, alone once again.

As he lay down, his mind replayed the day’s interactions, each one chipping away at his hope but never quite extinguishing it. He knew it wouldn’t be easy – Nani was guarded, distant, and resistant to his every effort. But Sky was determined. He’d come into this marriage willing to try, and he wasn’t about to give up after just one day.

A faint smile touched his lips as he whispered to the empty room, “I don’t know what you’ve been through, Nani, but I promise… someday, you’ll see that I’m here for you.”

On the other side of the apartment, Nani sat alone, staring out the window, his mind drifting to Dew. His heart ached at the thought of the man he’d left behind, the one he’d planned a future with. He clenched his fists, a whisper of guilt slipping in – a guilt he buried as he reminded himself of his plan. He would get through this year, and then he’d be free.

But even as he tried to convince himself, Nani couldn’t ignore the nagging thought that Sky’s kindness might be the one thing he wasn’t prepared for.