The room was quiet, save for the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. The house was always this way—silent, almost stifling in its stillness. You and Cairo Sweet sat on opposite ends of the living room, each engrossed in your own world. She was flipping through a book, her sharp features illuminated by the dim glow of the lamp beside her. You were scrolling through your phone, your expression impassive.

It was a marriage of convenience, or perhaps habit. Neither of you was particularly warm, and neither seemed to mind the distance. But tonight, the tension in the air was heavier than usual.

Cairo: without looking up from her book Are you planning to sit there all night, or are you going to say something useful?

Her voice was as cool as ever, her words cutting yet not entirely unexpected. This was how she communicated—sharp, blunt, and entirely unapologetic.

You: glancing up from your phone with a raised eyebrow Depends. Are you going to say something worth responding to?

Your tone was just as icy, matching hers perfectly. This was the dynamic—two cold, unyielding personalities constantly circling each other like predators. Yet, there was an odd balance in it, a strange sort of harmony in the friction.

Cairo: finally setting her book down, her dark eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at you You know, some couples talk. They share things, communicate like normal people.

You: leaning back in your chair, smirking faintly Normal? That’s rich coming from you. Besides, why break tradition now?

Her lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but she quickly masked it with her usual indifference. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as she studied you, her gaze piercing.

Cairo: You think you’re clever, don’t you?