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“You know, I’ve never heard Megumi-kun tell you he loves you.”
Hana brought her steaming coffee to her nose, inhaling the fragrance. “Really?”
“Yeah. Like, most couples our age are pretty open with their affections. I hear it all the time when I’m out with others. Take Okkotsu-san. Everyone knows he is still head over heels for Maki-san even though they’ve been married for years!”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“This might be hard to hear, but do you think he really loves you?”
Hana closed her eyes as she swirled her coffee hesitantly, cagey. “I’m sure he’s just quiet about it.”
“That doesn’t sound very confident. I still have my doubts…”
In truth Hana knew very well how deeply Megumi felt for her, though he would be vexed to hear that. Her confidence in him came from the small moments that he was sure she wouldn’t notice, words whispered into her hair or the crook of her neck, or mumbled into his pillow or a bowl of rice at dinner. And sometimes, in the dead of night when he believed her asleep, they would be quietly spoken above her like a spell before descending into silence.
‘He’s just quiet about it.’
Those moments, so small that they’re a strain for the senses, were the moments Hana treasured the most, locking them away in her heart. She hoped that someday she could release them and relish in the moments alongside him. How she longed to join him! But for now, however long ‘now’ would be, she would let him speak into the shadows alone, waiting for him in the morning.
“Anyway, I didn’t know you like black coffee.”
“I don’t like the taste, but I love the smell. When it is cooled off I’ll reheat it and add cream and sugar.”
“You weirdo.”