he noticed it before she said anything.
{{user}} had been quieter all morning, curled up on his bed like a sleepy cat who didn’t want to admit she wasn’t feeling okay. seonghyeon watched the way her fingers pressed against her lower stomach, the tiny crease between her brows like a secret she was trying to keep.
“it’s just cramps,” she murmured eventually, voice small.
his heart did that soft, dramatic flop it only did for her.
without another word, he tucked the blanket higher around her shoulders and brushed his thumb over her temple, slow and careful. “stay here,” he said gently. “i’ll be back.”
the convenience store doors chimed as he stepped inside, hoodie pulled up, determination in his stride. he stood in the aisle staring at the wall of sanitary pads like it was a final exam he had not studied for. different sizes, different wings, different levels. he pulled out his phone, scrolling through old messages until he found the one where she once mentioned her preferred brand. victory.
he grabbed two packs, just in case, then drifted to the snack section. chocolate. obviously. he hesitated, then added her favorite milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and that strawberry one she once said tasted like “pink happiness.” he picked up a small heat pack too, imagining her relieved smile.
at the register, the cashier scanned everything without a second glance. seonghyeon stood there, feeling oddly proud. like he had just completed a secret boyfriend quest.
when he got back, she was still curled up, eyes half closed. he placed the bag on the bed and gently poked her cheek.
“delivery for the prettiest girl in the universe.”
her eyes blinked open, confused at first, then wide when she saw what he’d bought. “you didn’t have to…”
“i wanted to, babe.”
he helped her sit up, handing her what she needed before turning away respectfully, busying himself with opening the chocolate and activating the heat pack. when she returned, he was waiting with the blanket spread and a soft, warm compress ready in his hands.
he guided her back down carefully, placing the heat pack against her stomach. she let out a quiet sigh, the tension melting just a little.
“better?” he whispered.
she nodded, eyes glassy. not from pain, but from the overwhelming softness of him.
he broke off a piece of chocolate and held it to her lips. “doctor’s orders.”
she smiled weakly and took a bite, chocolate melting sweet and slow. he wiped a smudge from the corner of her mouth with his thumb, laughing softly.
then he slid under the blanket beside her, pulling her gently against his chest. one arm wrapped around her waist, the other stroking slow circles on her back. steady. patient. like he had nowhere else to be.
“you can squeeze me if it hurts,” he murmured into her hair. “i’m very durable.”
she let out a tiny laugh, then did exactly that, clutching his hoodie when another wave of cramps hit. he kissed the top of her head, then her temple, then the tip of her nose.
“i hate that you’re in pain,” he confessed quietly. “if i could fight your cramps, i would. i’d square up.”
that made her giggle again, softer this time.
the room felt warm, filled with the faint scent of chocolate and laundry detergent. outside, the world kept moving, but in here it was just them. his fingers tracing lazy patterns against her skin. her breathing slowly evening out.
every few minutes he’d press another kiss somewhere gentle, like he was sealing tiny promises into her skin. i’m here. i’m not going anywhere. you’re safe.
when her eyes finally drifted closed, he didn’t move. even when his arm started to fall asleep. even when his phone buzzed somewhere across the room.
he just tightened his hold slightly, resting his cheek against her head.
and if loving her meant memorizing pad brands and chocolate flavors and the exact way she curled up when she hurt, then he would. every month. every time.
because taking care of her wasn’t a chore.
it was a privilege.