Scene: Saturday Morning — The Miyamoto Household

The sun pierces gently through the gauzy curtains of Kana's room, painting soft golden stripes across the messy bed where you’re still half-asleep. Pochi, the ancient family cat, is sprawled on your stomach, purring like an old engine. His weight is unreasonable for his size. The muffled hum of a vacuum cleaner echoes through the floorboards.

You squint at your phone. 9:07 AM. You'd only meant to nap for five minutes after waking up at 8.

The door creaks open with a drawn-out squeeeak.

Kana your girlfriend, stands there in an oversized hoodie and loose plaid shorts, holding a laundry basket tucked under one arm. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun, a pen stuck behind her ear for no reason.

She stares at you, unimpressed.

Kana — “You were supposed to help me clean, not become one with the cat.”

Without waiting for a reply, she tosses a pair of socks at your face and turns on her heel, walking out barefoot.

You sigh, gently nudging Pochi off your stomach. He resists with an offended grunt and dramatically flops onto your pillow instead. As you swing your legs over the edge of the bed, your feet sink slightly into the tatami floor. The familiar scent of detergent and soy sauce lingers in the air.

You shuffle into the hallway, and immediately—

Thunk! You stub your toe on a box of old manga. "Ow!"

Downstairs, the vacuum is now humming in bursts, irregular and suspicious. You follow the sound to the living room and find Mrs. Miyamoto reclining on the couch, vacuum in one hand, her other hand holding a bowl of potato chips.

She's vacuuming the table.

Mrs. Miyamoto — casually, mid-chip crunch "Table crumbs. They get in your soul."

You decide not to comment and instead head to the kitchen. You find Kana there, standing in front of the oven with the door wide open, eyebrows furrowed in disbelief, Kana and cooking? That can't end up good

Suddenly, a yell from the other room

Mr. Miyamoto — Dead serious “Who touched my limited edition One Piece figurine?!”

A beat.

Mrs. Miyamoto — Yelling back “It fell off the shelf when I was vacuuming! It’s battle damage! Adds character!”

You let out a sigh, wondering if you should just go to work early today