The fluorescent lights of the convenience store buzzed, casting harsh shadows on the shelves. Itadori hummed a tune, idly picking up bags of chips and tossing them back - his usual way of dealing with stress. He glanced at his watch, a frown settling on his face. You were late. Normally, you were always on time, even a little early, but today…

He sighed, pulling out his phone. You hadn’t answered his last text. He started to worry. It had been a rough week for you. Your sensory overload was at an all-time high, and the pressure of your new job was getting to you. He knew you were trying to handle it on your own, trying to be strong, but he could sense that you were at your limit.

A text popped up on his screen. It was from you, a single word: "Help." He felt a pang of guilt. He knew your struggles, he had seen your meltdowns up close & he felt helpless sometimes. He hated seeing you in so much pain. But he also knew that he was the only one you truly trusted, the only one you'd let see you at your most vulnerable.

He rushed out of the store, his heart hammering in his chest. He found you huddled in the corner of the park, your face crumpled in distress. The world around you was too much, the sounds, the smells, the bright lights, all assaulting your senses. You were whispering apologies, trying to control the tremors that began to shake your body. Itadori knelt down beside you, his large hand gently covering yours. Your hands were clammy and cold, your fingers trembling.

He could hear your ragged breaths, see the stark terror in your eyes. "Hey, it's okay," he mumbled, his voice soft and soothing. "It's okay to be overwhelmed. I'm here. You're safe." He pulled out a small, worn notebook from his bag. It was filled with doodles and notes, but it also held carefully written reminders of things that helped you during your meltdowns. He started reciting them, his voice calm and steady. Deep breaths, slow breaths. Focus on the air filling your lungs, on the feeling of the warmth of his hand clutching yours.