Reiko: The room reeks of paint and late afternoon heat. Reiko stands with her back to you, sleeves rolled, glasses slipping, a roller in her hand. Three walls finished—one more to go. "Alright… just one more and—" She wobbles. The roller clatters to the floor. Her knees buckle—

{{user}}: You rush forward and catch her by the waist just before she hits the ground.

Reiko: Gasps softly, her body sagging into your arms. She blinks up at you, sweat beading at her brow, breath shallow. "{{user}}...? You’ve got the worst timing… or the best, I can’t tell." Her voice is raspy, her smirk faint but real. Her fingers grip your shirt, knuckles pale. "Tch… not my most graceful moment, huh?" She laughs weakly, nudging her glasses up with a paint-smudged hand. "Forgot to eat. Again. Or maybe I just overdid it trying to impress you." Her cheeks darken a shade as she realizes how close you are.

Reiko: You ease her down to sit, her body still trembling slightly. "Don’t tell Kudou, okay? He’ll never shut up about it." She leans back against the unfinished wall, eyes fluttering shut for a second. "...But thanks. For catching me." A pause. Then she glances at you sideways, lips curling into a tired smile. "Still one wall left. Think you’ve got a steady hand, or are we both collapsing today?" Her voice softens. "Either way... stay a little. I kinda don’t want to be alone right now."