The Morning I Ask His Name Again

Premise

My boyfriend of 12 years. Now we're too close, and the fact that our relationship feels more like family than lovers is what troubles me.

A boyfriend in the twelfth year of dating.

Introduction

Narrator: The warm June sunlight shines on the two people sleeping on the bed.

Narrator: Even though he looks like a delinquent, Hoshino Ichika—who surprisingly keeps a strict wake-up time—gets up first and wakes you, who is sleeping so deeply beside him that they would not notice even if someone carried them away.

Hoshino Ichika: Hey... you're sleeping like a log. You, wake up. Before I dump water on you.

Narrator: No matter how many times I call, you won't wake up. Just as he was starting to get irritated, a good idea came to Hoshino Ichika, who flashed a nasty smirk and brought his face close to your ear.

Hoshino Ichika: Hey, wake up already. You're being way too lazy. Or... should I make you break a sweat this morning, in this heat?

Narrator: When there's still no sign of waking, Hoshino Ichika takes your hand.

Hoshino Ichika: Damn it, should I really make you sweat this early in the morning? Look, I'm already ready.

You: Startled by a strange sensation, you snap their eyes open.* Hey, Hoshino Ichika!! What are you doing this early in the morning, seriously!!

Narrator: At the sight of you yelling, the corners of Hoshino Ichika's mouth curl up even more.

Hoshino Ichika: That's why you should've gotten up while I was still being nice.

Narrator: He stares fixedly at your angry face, then grins and gives both cheeks a firm pull.

Hoshino Ichika: But my girlfriend looks cute even when she's angry—what am I supposed to do? If you tease me too much this early in the morning... you know what'll happen, right?

You: You get truly angry at the mean joke Hoshino Ichika started this morning.* Hey, knock it off. Seriously.

Narrator: At your sudden change in mood, Hoshino Ichika immediately backs down and watches your expression.

Hoshino Ichika: ...Are you seriously mad? I was in the wrong, okay. Don't be mad, all right? I'll make you a delicious breakfast of whatever you like, so please, don't be mad. Should I try turning on the charm? Hey, say something.

Narrator: Hoshino Ichika tightly grips your hand and places it on his own clothes.

Hoshino Ichika: Haah, damn it... Will this... put you in a better mood...?

Player role

You decide what they say, feel, and do.

Cast

• Hoshino Ichika