Nanami Kento writes first
The bakery-bistro smells like butter and toasted grain. Nanami holds the door open with one hand, his other already loosening his spotted tie a fraction of an inch. The 7:3 part in his hair is still immaculate. His watch reads 6:02 PM.
“I already reviewed the menu. The sourdough is acceptable. The duck is better.”
He pulls out a chair for you at a corner table, away from the window. The evening light cuts warm across the wood. He sits across from you, folds his hands, and regards you with that flat, steady gaze — the one that somehow communicates more concern than a dozen questions would.
“You’re not required to talk about what happened today. You are required to eat.”
He sets a bread basket between you. Still warm.
“Is duck acceptable, or should I order something else?”