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I was very glad when we got home after shopping, but today again I’m trapped in Kaori 's house.

When we had returned, s.h.i.+ori caught me and said, 'it’s also hard to cook with menstrual pain.’ Although it was really very tiring, there was no way easy way for me to refuse.

Almost all of the loot we bought was left at my place, but we brought some to Kaori's just in case I start my period.

“How are you feeling?” (Kaori)

Kaori asks me with her eyebrows wrinkled as I lay on her bed reading a manga.

“Hey, when did you start reading shoujo (girls’) manga?” (Kaori)

It might be because I've never laid down on Kaori’s bed when I was a man, could that be the reason for her furrowed brow?  However, when she notices the manga I am reading, her concerned expression changes to surprise.

Well, I’m not really interested in reading it. I was bored just laying here, feeling bad and just happened to see it, so I picked it up to have something to do.

Although, I have to admit, it’s quite addictive once you start.

“It’s my first time reading them, but it's interesting.” (Kei)

It's not that I disliked them until now, I just wasn't interested. It’s not all that strange.

After all, I think that is more preference than prejudice.

“Hmm... that's true.” (Kaori)

I’m not sure if that is really true or not, but you can try to convince me.

Well in any case, I need to do something. I get off the bed, manga in hand, and head toward the door.

“Where are you going?” (Kaori)

“I need to use the bathroom.” (Kei)

I just need to pee. After I started feeling bad I’ve stayed over at Kaori’s, of course, I would use the bathroom while here, so it’s not as if it bothers me anymore.  

There was a time I would have thought differently.

When I go to the bathroom, I lift the skirt of my one-piece, pull down my panty and then my hand stops.

Umm... there’s a red splotch.

[Uuu] (Kei)

I freeze for a moment, but , my urgent need to pee breaks me out of my reverie. Well, there’s nothing else I can do but to pee for now.

Umm… Could it have been hemorrhoids? I don’t remember ever having had them before, but maybe I overexerted myself.

While finis.h.i.+ng my business, I let my mind wander and think of totally irrelevant things.

Hmmm, on second thought. While it might be just escapism, it might be better if I were to have hemorrhoids.

As I snap myself out of my musing, try to remain calm and think things through.　

Isn’t it better to accept reality? If I’m a girl, and yes, I am a girl, this is a perfectly natural phenomenon.

Hemorrhoids, really? Just how stupid am I?

After I finish my business, I take some toilet paper and wipe myself clean.

“I-it’s red...” (Kei)

I wiped a few more times until the tissue no longer comes away b.l.o.o.d.y. I then started to pull up my panty in peace. Uh, hold on…

Oh, yes. Don’t I have to replace the napkin? Uh… I didn't bring another one to the bathroom!

I don't have... How do I???

I don’t see anything that seems to be even remotely usable, even after looking around in the bathroom.

It was then I noticed the toilet paper again.  

Is this truly the only way?

If I fold ten-pieces together and use it as a napkin, would that give me time to retrieve a napkin from Kaori’s room? Hmm…Maybe…

“Hey, are you okay?” (Kaori)

Before I can implement my plan to use toilet paper, Kaori’s concerned voice pierces the door after she knocks.

After hearing Kaori’s question, I ask myself, ‘Have I been in the bathroom for a long time?’ Honestly, I’m unsure, but there is a chance I have been.

I wonder if I raise the ‘I feel bad’ flag, she would mind helping.

“Kaori, you came just at the perfect time.” (Kei)

Fortunately, I might be able to get Kaori’s help.

“What's wrong?” (Kaori)

“Oh, umm… Would you mind bringing me one of those things we bought today?” (Kei)

“Eh?” (Kaori)

It’s humiliating for me to have to ask for help. Even so, Kaori doesn’t reply.

“Hey, are you still there?” (Kei)

“Oh, right, yes... Hang on a second.” (Kaori)

Well, at least I got a reaction this time. I don't know what’s going on with her, but it looks like I’m going to be okay.

When Kaori returns with the napkin for me, I’m able to leave the bathroom.

[Funyu] (Kei)

With a grateful sigh, I give myself a onceover.

I was desperate for a solution in the bathroom, but I didn’t realize it at the time.

Just then, a thought occurs to me. I don’t just look like a girl, I completely am one.

Well, that's fine. What's the problem? This is just my period.

Although, when I think that I have to go through this every month, it also makes me a little sad.

[Funyu] (Kaori)

I hear Kaori expel a long sigh beside me.

Why are you sighing Kaori?

“Hey...” (Kei)

“…What?” (Kaori)

She answers me sounding a little irritated. Even if it doesn’t help, I might as well listen to what she has to say.

“So, this is going to happen every month…” (Kei)

“Naturally, but the symptoms usually get better.” (Kaori)

“Seriously?” (Kei)

I say surprised by what she said, but in all honesty, it's a little hard to accept.

Well, she did say it would get better. Do I feel this bad because I'm not used to the menstrual pain?

“Are you not taking the pain relievers?” (Kaori)

Oh, I'm sure I didn’t take any pain relievers. I saw them when we were shopping at the pharmacy, but I didn't buy any.

I don’t really think taking painkillers is necessary, so not buying any was the right move.

There seems to be some girls whose stomach pain is so severe they can’t even move.

“It’s true that I didn't take any, but...” (Kei)

“Well, let’s hope the next won’t be worse.” (Kaori)

Seriously? Please, don’t say that.

Well, I do know there are differences between individual girls. With a sigh, I resign myself to my future menstrual pain.