Kanaho sat at her desk during class, her head slightly lowered, trying to focus on the teacher’s words, but her body refused to cooperate. A sharp cramp twisted through her lower abdomen, and she bit her lip to keep from wincing aloud. Normally, her periods were manageable, a dull ache easy to ignore, but today the pain was different. It was intense and persistent, making it difficult for her to concentrate as her thoughts constantly drifted back to the discomfort in her stomach.
During the Gran Eple legion meeting, Kanaho tried her best to stay focused, but even her usually calm and composed demeanor was starting to crack. She found herself zoning out, barely able to process what Akari and Kureha were discussing. Himeka’s voice sounded distant, and every now and then, Kanaho shifted uncomfortably in her seat, hoping no one would notice. She must stay focus and professional, she is the leader of Gran Eple after all. But of course, Takane noticed. She always does.
Takane’s sharp eyes were trained on Kanaho from across the table. She could tell something was off. Kanaho wasn’t her usual collected self. Her hand occasionally pressed against her lower stomach, and she looked paler than usual. Concern etched across Takane’s face.
“Kanaho,” Takane interrupted the meeting softly, “Are you alright?”
Kanaho immediately straightened up, offering a weak smile. “I’m fine, Takane-chan. Just a little tired.”
Takane wasn’t convinced. She glanced at Akari, Himeka, and Kureha, who exchanged knowing looks before nodding in silent agreement. Takane stood up, walking around the table until she was standing beside Kanaho.
“You’re not fine,” Takane said firmly but gently. “Let me take care of you.”
Kanaho, ever the responsible leader, shook her head, trying to wave her off. “No, I’m okay. We still have the meeting—”
Before Kanaho could finish her sentence, Takane bent down and swiftly scooped her up into a princess carry. Kanaho let out a small gasp, her arms instinctively wrapping around Takane’s neck for support.
“T-Takane-chan! Put me down!” Kanaho protested, her cheeks turning a shade of pink from the sudden closeness and the embarrassing situation.
Across the room, Kureha’s eyes widened at the sight, her face quickly turning red. She stumbled backward, a hand covering her nose as she fainted with a nosebleed, overwhelmed by the sheer TakaNaho interaction.
Himeka just shook her head at Kureha’s reaction, while Akari, laughing, said, “Looks like Takanyan-senpai’s got it handled~ Let's help Tokki now, Sadamori!”
“It's Himehime! And Kureha, get a hold of yourself!”
“A-ah... I can die… happily…” Kureha muttered as she fainted.
Takane ignored the commotion and carried Kanaho out of the room. As they reached their shared room, she carefully laid Kanaho down on the bed, pulling the covers up to her waist. Kanaho sighed, her body instantly relaxing against the softness of the mattress, though she still felt flustered by Takane’s actions.
“You didn’t have to carry me,” Kanaho muttered shyly, though her voice lacked any real annoyance.
“I did because you wouldn’t let me help otherwise,” Takane replied, her tone gentle but firm. “Just rest for now.”
Takane walked over to the small kitchen area and started making tea. The sound of water boiling was soothing in the background, and Kanaho found herself closing her eyes, her hand still resting on her lower stomach as another cramp rolled through her.
A few minutes later, Takane returned with a cup of warm tea and a hot pad. She placed the tea on the nightstand and carefully pressed the warm pad against Kanaho’s abdomen.
“Here,” Takane said softly, her voice full of care. “This should help with the pain.”
Kanaho blinked up at her, her heart swelling with warmth at the gesture. “Thank you, Takane-chan…”
Takane smiled and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Anything for you,” she said quietly, brushing a few strands of hair away from Kanaho’s forehead.
Kanaho took a sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through her body, soothing her from the inside out. She placed the cup back on the nightstand and let herself relax, the combination of the tea and the hot pad easing the tension in her muscles.
Takane stayed by her side, her hand resting gently on Kanaho’s, her thumb softly stroking the back of her hand. The simple touch, coupled with Takane’s presence, was more comforting than any medicine.
Kanaho looked up at Takane, her eyes softening. “You’re too good to me, you know that?”
Takane smiles, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Kanaho’s forehead. “Fufu. You deserve it, Kanaho. You deserve the best in the world.”
The cramp in Kanaho’s stomach seemed to ease, replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling that spread through her chest. With Takane by her side, everything felt a little more bearable.
“Now, rest,” Takane whispered, brushing her lips against Kanaho’s knuckles. “I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
Kanaho nodded, her eyelids growing heavy. “Okay,” she murmured, finally allowing herself to relax completely.
As Takane sat there, watching over her, Kanaho couldn’t help but think how lucky she was to have someone like Takane, someone who always knew exactly how to take care of her, even when she tried to hide her pain. Someone who has been by her side for so long, who is willing to do everything for her. That's why she always promise herself, to fight for the sake of seeing Takane smiles by her side. And surely, Takane feels the same way too. Both of their feelings are mutual. And that fact was enough to make Kanaho relax.
But just as Kanaho started to relax, another wave of cramps hit her. She winced, instinctively curling up slightly, her hand moving to press against her lower abdomen again. The hot pad was helping, but the pain still gnawed at her.
Noticing the discomfort on Kanaho’s face, Takane set her cup of tea down and moved closer to the bed. Without a word, she slipped behind Kanaho, wrapping her arms around her waist from behind. Kanaho blinked, surprised, but didn’t resist. Takane’s body pressed against her back, warm and comforting.
Takane rested her chin on Kanaho’s shoulder and whispered softly, “I got you, Kanaho. Just relax.”
Her hands slid down to Kanaho’s lower abdomen, fingers gently massaging the area where the cramps were worst. Her touch was firm yet soothing, and Kanaho felt her body instinctively lean into the contact. The tension in her muscles started to ease little by little as Takane’s hands worked in small, rhythmic circles.
“How’s this?” Takane murmured, her breath warm against Kanaho’s ear.
Kanaho let out a soft sigh, her body finally starting to give in to the comfort of Takane’s presence. “It… it helps,” she admitted quietly, her voice slightly breathless from both relief and the closeness of Takane.
Takane smiled, pressing a soft kiss to Kanaho’s neck. “Good. Just focus on me, okay? I’ll take care of you.”
Kanaho felt a flush rise to her cheeks, but this time, it wasn’t because of the pain. She leaned her head back, resting it against Takane’s shoulder, feeling the steady rise and fall of Takane’s breath behind her.
“Thank you, Takane-chan,” Kanaho whispered, her voice soft but filled with warmth.
Takane’s lips curved into a small, satisfied smile as she nuzzled into Kanaho’s hair. “Anything for you, Kanaho. Always.”