The morning breeze carried the scent of pine and dew as the students packed up for their last day of the trip. Laughter echoed across the resort grounds — everyone was in high spirits after the long hike and the lakeside fun.
Aria woke up feeling a bit tired, her stomach heavy and uneasy. She brushed it off, thinking it was just exhaustion from all the walking. She freshened up quickly and joined Ethan and Mia at breakfast.
"You look pale," Ethan said, concern lacing his voice as soon as he saw her. "Didn't sleep well?"
Aria shook her head. "Just tired. I'm fine, really."
Ethan frowned slightly but didn't push her. "Okay, but don't push yourself too hard today. We still have a long bus ride back."
Aria nodded, smiling weakly. They finished breakfast and helped pack the last of the luggage onto the school bus. The morning sun was warm but not harsh — perfect for a short walk before departure. Some students gathered to take last-minute pictures by the garden, and Aria joined them, laughing lightly.
But suddenly, her laughter faded. She felt a strange wetness, and her stomach cramped sharply. Her heart sank. She froze in place for a second, her mind racing. No… not now.
Aria quickly stepped aside, clutching her bag to her back. She looked down subtly — there was a faint red stain on her light skirt. Panic surged through her chest.
She turned around nervously, her eyes scanning for Ethan. He was standing a few meters away, talking to one of their classmates. She hesitated for a moment — embarrassed, unsure of what to do — but then took a deep breath and walked toward him.
"Ethan," she whispered urgently when she reached him, tugging at his sleeve.
He turned instantly, noticing her pale face and uneasy expression. "Hey, what happened? Are you okay?"
Aria looked around to make sure no one else was close by, her voice trembling. "I… um… I think… my period just started. I—I stained my skirt a little."
Ethan blinked, surprised at first, but his expression softened almost immediately. "Okay, don't worry. Stay here."
Before she could say anything, he took off his jacket — a long-sleeved navy one — and wrapped it gently around her waist, tying it securely to cover the stain. "There. No one will notice now," he said softly, giving her a reassuring smile.
Aria's cheeks flushed pink. "Ethan, you didn't have to—"
"Shh," he interrupted, smiling gently. "It's fine. It's normal. Happens to everyone."
His calmness made her heart swell with a strange warmth. She'd expected awkwardness or teasing — but instead, Ethan was steady, thoughtful, and protective.
"Wait here," he said. "I'll be right back."
Aria nodded weakly, watching him jog toward a small convenience shop near the resort gates. She stood there quietly, pretending to scroll on her phone while hoping no one noticed anything.
A few minutes later, Ethan returned, a small paper bag in his hand. He walked straight to her and handed it over casually, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "I got what you need. Go use the restroom near the lobby — I'll wait outside."
Aria stared at the bag, realizing what was inside — sanitary napkins, the exact kind she usually used. Her heart fluttered. "You… you actually bought these?" she asked, half-embarrassed, half-in awe.
He grinned lightly. "Yeah. The shopkeeper looked a bit confused, but I told him it's an emergency. It's just a normal thing, Aria. You don't have to feel weird."
She couldn't help but laugh softly, covering her face with her hands. "You're unbelievable."
"I get that a lot," he teased gently. "Now go. I'll make sure no one goes near the restroom."
Aria smiled gratefully and hurried off. When she came back a few minutes later, she looked more relaxed. Her color had returned a little, though she still looked tired.
Ethan noticed and immediately offered her his water bottle. "Drink some. You're probably dehydrated."
She took it with a small smile. "You know… you didn't have to go through all that trouble for me."
He tilted his head, his eyes soft. "And let you deal with that alone? Not happening."
Aria looked away, feeling tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "Thank you, Ethan," she murmured.
He shrugged playfully. "You'd do the same for me… well, not exactly the same, but you know what I mean."
She laughed — a genuine, sweet sound — and for the first time that morning, the tension faded.
The rest of the group started gathering near the bus. Ethan walked beside Aria, making sure she didn't have to carry anything heavy. When they boarded, he made her take the window seat so she could rest.
"Just sleep a little," he said softly. "I'll wake you when we reach the city."
Aria nodded, resting her head on his shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world. The hum of the bus and the rhythm of the road lulled her into a half-sleep.
Ethan glanced down at her, brushing a stray hair away from her face. She looked peaceful now — no trace of the earlier panic. His chest ached with affection.
He thought back to the moment she had come to him, nervous and embarrassed, trusting him completely. He realized something deeper that day — love wasn't just about butterflies and stolen kisses. It was also about moments like this — being there when the other person needed you most.
When the bus stopped for a lunch break, Ethan gently woke her up. "Hey, sleepyhead. Feeling better?"
Aria stretched and nodded slowly. "A little. My cramps are worse, though."
"Then you're not walking anywhere," he said firmly. "I'll get lunch for you."
Before she could protest, he was already gone. Ten minutes later, he returned with a plate of rice and soup, setting it carefully in front of her.
"Eat this. It'll help," he said, sitting beside her.
Aria stared at him, touched beyond words. "You're seriously making it hard for me not to fall for you more," she murmured under her breath, not realizing she'd said it aloud.
Ethan froze for a moment, then smiled — a quiet, genuine smile. "Good," he said softly. "Because I'm not planning on letting you fall out of it either."
Aria looked at him, her cheeks warm. For a moment, neither spoke. The world around them blurred into background noise — the laughter of classmates, the calls of birds, the wind rustling through trees.
In that simple moment — a shirt tied around her waist, a paper bag tucked away discreetly, and his hand resting protectively beside hers — Aria realized just how lucky she was.
And Ethan, watching her finish her lunch, thought the same.