Coiny woke up to the kind of pain that felt like a dull, persistent ache spreading through his lower abdomen, settling into his hips and back. He groaned, shifting slightly under the covers, the reality of the day hitting him like a brick. Shit. Not today. He had plans—big plans—and this wasn’t part of them. He rolled onto his side, curling into himself, trying to will the discomfort away. It didn’t work.
He forced himself out of bed, wincing as he stood. His reflection in the mirror stared back at him, tired and annoyed. His caramel skin looked paler than usual, his brown eyes clouded with frustration. He ran a hand through his curly brown hair, the golden streaks catching the morning light. At least I look like a guy today, he thought bitterly, even if his body felt like it was betraying him.
He pulled on his binder and winced. His binder felt tighter than usual, constricting his chest in a way that made it hard to breathe. Great. Stellar start to the day.
Coiny grabbed his phone and shot a quick text to Pin.
🥞: “Morning. Still on for later?” He didn’t wait for a response, throwing on a loose hoodie and jeans. He avoided looking at the calendar on his wall, the one that marked the days he dreaded most. Just keep it together.
The school day was a blur. Coiny moved through the halls on autopilot, his usual confidence replaced by a quiet, simmering irritation. He snapped at Leafy when she tried to hand him a flyer for some school event, barking, “Not now, Leafy!” before storming off. She blinked, hurt flashing across her round, flushed face, but Coiny didn’t have the energy to care.
By the time he got to Pin’s house after school, he was barely holding it together. His cramps had worsened, a sharp, stabbing pain that made him want to curl up into a ball and never move again. Pin answered the door with her usual air of confidence, her fiery red hair pulled into a loose ponytail. Her brown eyes narrowed as she took in his hunched posture and pale face. “Y'look like hell,” she said bluntly, her voice carrying her distinct, clipped accent. Coiny muttered something incoherent, brushing past her and sinking onto the couch. Pin followed, hands on her hips, studying him with a scrutinizing gaze. “Alright, what’s going on?”
Coiny shook his head, avoiding her eyes. “Nothing. Just a bad day.”
Pin raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. She sat down next to him, her curvy frame pressing lightly against his side. “Y’know, I can tell when you’re lying’.” Her tone was softer now, less accusatory. Coiny hesitated, the words caught in his throat. He didn’t want to admit it, didn’t want to acknowledge the weakness he felt.
Before he could respond, another cramp hit him, sharper than before. He clenched his teeth, a low groan escaping despite his best efforts. Pin’s expression shifted immediately, understanding dawning in her eyes. “Oh.” She stood up quickly, disappearing into the kitchen. Coiny heard the sound of cabinets opening and closing, followed by the hum of the microwave. She returned a moment later with a heating pad and a glass of water. “Here. Take these,” she said, handing him two painkillers. “And don’t even think ‘bout telling me you’re fine.”
Coiny stared at her, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude swelling in his chest. “Pin, I—“
She cut him off with a wave of her hand. “Save it. You think you’re the only one who’s dealt with this? Trust me, I get it.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, but there was a gentleness there that made Coiny’s chest ache in a different way. He took the pills and pressed the heating pad against his stomach, the warmth offering a small but much-needed relief.
The sound of the front door opening interrupted the moment. Leafy and Firey walked in, their laughter filling the space as they bickered over something trivial. Leafy’s bright green hair bounced as she turned to face Coiny, her round face lighting up with a smile. “Hey, Coiny! How’s it—“ She stopped mid-sentence, her expression shifting to concern as she took in his appearance. “Oh no, what’s wrong?”
Firey flopped down onto the armchair, his wavy orange hair falling into his eyes as he smirked. “Looks like someone’s having a bad day. Need a hug, Coiny?” He waggled his eyebrows, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
Coiny rolled his eyes, but before he could retort, Pin interjected. “He’s got cramps. Leave him be.” Her tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. Firey blinked, his smirk faltering slightly. “Oh.” He glanced at Coiny, his usual bravado replaced by something softer. “Uh… sorry, man.”
Leafy sat down on the floor in front of Coiny, her green overalls bunching up around her knees. “Do you need anything? I can make tea, or—“ She paused, her hands fluttering nervously. “I mean, I know it doesn’t help much, but… I’m here. We all are.” Her voice was earnest, her large brown eyes filled with genuine concern.
Coiny felt a lump form in his throat. He wasn’t used to this—this level of care, this vulnerability. He glanced at Pin, who was watching him with a steady, knowing gaze. “Thanks,” he managed to say, his voice rough. “I… I appreciate it.”
Pin reached over, placing a hand on his arm. “Y’don’t have t’pretend with us, y’know. We’re here for you. No matter what.” Her words were quiet but firm, carrying a weight that made Coiny’s chest tighten even more.
“Yeah,” Firey chimed in, his usual smirk replaced by a rare sincerity. “You’re not alone, dude.”
Leafy nodded vigorously, her green hair bouncing. “Exactly! We’re a team, remember? Teamwork makes the dream work!”
Coiny couldn’t help it—he laughed, the sound surprising even himself. “God, Leafy, that’s such a stupid saying.”
She pouted, her full cheeks puffing out. “It’s not stupid! It’s motivational!”
The room filled with laughter, the tension easing just slightly. Coiny leaned back against the couch, the heating pad still pressed to his stomach. For the first time that day, he felt like he could breathe. Maybe it’s okay to not be okay, he thought, glancing at the three people who had somehow become his anchor. Maybe, just for today, I don’t have to pretend.
Pin’s hand was still on his arm, her touch warm and steady. Leafy was rambling about something, her voice a comforting background noise. Firey was leaning forward, his orange hair catching the light as he grinned at something Leafy said. This is what it’s like to be seen, Coiny realized, the thought settling deep in his chest. This is what it’s like to be loved.
He closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the moment. The pain was still there, a dull ache that wouldn’t go away, but it felt… manageable now. Like maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to face it alone.
Pin’s voice broke through his thoughts, soft but firm. “Y’know, it’s okay t’let us take care of you sometimes.”
Coiny opened his eyes, meeting her gaze. There was no judgment there, only understanding. He nodded, the words sticking in his throat. I’m trying, he wanted to say, but all he could manage was a quiet, “Yeah.”
Pin squeezed his arm, a small smile playing on her lips. “Good.”