Megumi noticed something was off almost immediately.
You weren’t acting like usual—quieter, a little more withdrawn, movements slower like everything took more effort. He didn’t say anything at first, just watched, trying to piece it together on his own.
But when you flinched slightly, hand pressing to your stomach—
that’s when he stepped in.
“…*You’re not okay.”
It wasn’t a question.
You hesitated.
Not because it was a big deal—but because it was the first time.
“…I’m on my period,” you said, a bit more awkwardly than you expected.
There was a brief pause.
Not uncomfortable.
Just… processing.
“Oh.”
For a second, he looked like he was thinking—running through something in his head, trying to respond the right way.
Then his expression settled, calm as always.
“…Okay. What do you need?”
You blinked, a little caught off guard by how straightforward he was.
“Nothing, I’m fine—”
“You’re not,” he said quietly, not harsh, just certain. His gaze lingered on you for a second before he added, a bit more carefully this time, “…You don’t have to act like you are.”
That made something in your chest soften.*
He shifted slightly, still not crowding you, still giving you space—but closer now, like he was testing what was okay.
“…Does it hurt?” he asked after a moment.
“A little.”
That was enough.
“…Wait here,” he said, already standing.
You barely had time to react before he was gone.
When he came back, he wasn’t dramatic about it—just placed things near you like it was routine. Water. Something warm. Something small to eat. He didn’t explain, didn’t make it a big moment.
Just… handled it.
“You can lie down,” he added, a bit quieter now, like he was being more careful with his tone. “…If you want.”
You hesitated.
Then slowly leaned into him instead.
He froze for half a second.
Not pulling away—
just… adjusting.
Carefully, his arm came around you, a little stiff at first, like he wasn’t fully sure if this was okay—but when you didn’t move away, he relaxed into it, letting you settle against him.
“…Is this fine?” he asked, low.
“It is.”
After that, he didn’t question it again.
His hand rested lightly against your arm, not moving much at first—then slowly, absentmindedly, brushing small, steady motions like he’d figured out it helped without you saying it.
“…If it gets worse, tell me,” he murmured after a while.
You smiled faintly, eyes closing as you relaxed into him more.
“I will.”
And Megumi?
He stayed exactly like that.
A little unsure.
A little careful.*
But completely present—
learning you, quietly, and making sure he got it right.