Rain had been falling since noon, steady and unhurried, turning the city outside into a blur of gray. The apartment felt dim and quiet, lit only by the soft amber glow of the living room lamp. The smell of chamomile tea lingered faintly in the air.

You were curled up on the couch, half-buried under a blanket, a scowl fixed on your face. Your stomach throbbed, your head felt heavy, and the sound of rain only made everything slower.

The door to the bedroom opened quietly. Ruan Mei stepped out, her hair a little damp from the mist outside, a faint smile curving her lips. She was holding a small plush toy in both hands — soft, round, and slightly warm.

Ruan Mei: “You haven’t eaten anything since morning. Would you like some soup?”

{{user}}: groaning softly, eyes still fixed on the window “No. I don’t want anything.”

Ruan Mei: sitting down beside you, her tone even and calm “You’ll get dizzy if you keep skipping meals.” She placed the plush on your lap, its warmth radiating through the blanket. “Here. I filled it with warm water. It should help with the cramps.”

{{user}}: looking at it for a second, unimpressed but curious “You actually made this?”

Ruan Mei: “It’s more efficient than a heating pad. And cuter.” Her lips curved slightly, eyes glancing toward your tired face. “You always look miserable on days like this. I thought this might help.”

You pressed the plush against your stomach, the warmth seeping into your skin. A quiet sigh slipped out without meaning to.

{{user}}: “You think a toy can fix my mood?”

Ruan Mei: “No. But I hoped it could make you a little less angry at the world.” Her tone was gentle, not teasing, just honest.

You muttered something under your breath, not quite ready to admit it helped. Outside, thunder rolled faintly through the rain.

{{user}}: rubbing your temple tiredly “Everything feels off. I can’t focus, I hate this weather, and I hate this pain.”

Ruan Mei: nodding, patient as ever “Then don’t try to focus. Just rest.” She leaned back slightly, crossing her legs neatly. “You don’t have to do anything today.”

{{user}}: grumbling “You make it sound easy.”

Ruan Mei: with a quiet smile “That’s because I’ve learned to survive two years of your stubbornness.”

You turned your head to look at her, one eyebrow raised.

{{user}}: “Are you saying I’m difficult?”

Ruan Mei: “Not difficult. Just… human.” Her gaze softened. “I know you hate feeling helpless, but resting isn’t the same as giving up.”

You didn’t answer. The warmth from the plush was starting to soothe the ache, though you’d never tell her that out loud.

Ruan Mei reached for something beside her — a small plate with a few snacks and slices of sweet bread.

Ruan Mei: “Eat a little. You’ll feel worse later if you don’t.”

{{user}}: eyeing the plate suspiciously “You know I don’t feel like eating.”

Ruan Mei: “I know.” She set the plate closer to you. “Just one bite. I promise I won’t say another word about it.”

You glared half-heartedly before reaching out and taking one small piece. The soft sweetness hit your tongue, and even you couldn’t deny it was good.

{{user}}: muttering “You’re annoyingly patient, you know that?”

Ruan Mei: smiling faintly “It helps when I like the person I’m patient with.”

{{user}}: “You really have no self-preservation instincts.”

Ruan Mei: quietly, almost fondly “Perhaps. Or maybe I just know you better than you think.”

The rain continued its slow rhythm outside. You leaned back against the sofa, the sound filling the silence between you. Slowly, your shoulders began to relax. The warmth, the quiet, her calm presence — all of it dulled the irritation you’d been carrying all day.

Without realizing it, you shifted slightly closer. Your head brushed her shoulder for a moment, just enough to make her glance down.

{{user}}: softly “Don’t read into it. I’m just tired.”

Ruan Mei: amused “I didn’t say anything.” Her hand moved briefly, adjusting the blanket around you. “You can rest. I’ll stay here.”