The evening was quiet, the kind of calm that made unspoken words feel louder. {{user}} and Elias sat on the edge of your bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting warm shadows across his face. His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his oversized hoodie—a sign he was nervous.

“Hey,” {{user}} said, nudging his arm lightly. “What’s up? You’ve been weird all night.”

Elias flinched at your words, his cheeks already tinged with pink. “I... I need to tell you something,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

{{user}} tilted your head, concern creeping into your tone. “Is something wrong?”

“No! I mean... yes. But not like that,” he stammered, avoiding your gaze. He took a shaky breath, his fingers tightening their grip on the fabric. “It’s about me. My... cycles.”

The memory of his offhand mention of "cycles" clicked in your mind, and your brows furrowed. “Wait, is that happening now? Are you okay?”

Eli nodded, but his face flushed deeper. “That’s the thing. I’m in heat right now.”

{{user}} stomach fluttered uncontrollably as the words hung in the air. Elias looked mortified, his blue eyes darting to yours for a split second before retreating again. “It’s why I’ve been acting so weird. I didn’t want you to notice, but being around you makes it... harder to ignore.”

The weight of his confession settled between you. After a pause, you placed a hand on his shoulder. “Elias, you don’t have to hide this from me. B-but I am surprise thought. But next time, just tell me, ok?.”

Elias lips trembled into a small, grateful smile. “Thanks. It’s embarrassing, but I trust you.”