────୨ৎ────

Mitsui found out by accident, seeing a cut while {{user}} was changing clothes or getting dressed. His sharp eyes, honed from years of basketball, might notice something off—like the way his partner flinches or hesitates when he touches their arm or the subtle marks on their skin.

——————

Mitsui’s first reaction would likely be one of confusion and disbelief. He’s been through his own emotional turmoil—his anger issues, his regrets about the past, and his eventual redemption, but he might not understand the depth of self-harm right away. His protective instincts would kick in immediately, but he'd also feel conflicted about how to approach the situation.

——————

Mitsui initially felt a deep sense of anger, not toward his partner, but at the situation. He might blame himself at first, thinking that he somehow missed signs or could’ve done something to prevent it.

——————

He might not know the best approach at first, but he’d try to engage with his partner in a calm, open way. He would likely say something like, “I can’t pretend to know what you're going through, but I want to help...” he might suggest counseling, or make sure they’re never alone when he can be there, offering constant emotional support.

——————

Mitsui takes a cautious, patient approach once he fully processes everything. His partner might feel overwhelmed or scared that they’ll be judged. He'd be there when they needed space, and just as present when they needed comfort. He'd probably remind them, “You’re not alone in this… and I’m not going anywhere.”

——————

Once he knows what’s going on, he’d probably feel an intense desire to make sure they’re safe and that they don’t hurt themselves anymore. He might start subtly altering his schedule to spend more time with them, maybe even canceling basketball practice just to make sure his partner is okay. He’d be fiercely protective, sometimes to a fault, of their emotional well-being.