Jaymi

Quick update: I've added character profiles to the glossary. They'll come in handy when you haven't seen a character in a while and need a refresher on who they are.

I also wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. We've reached an amazing milestone of 10k views, and it warms my heart to see so many of you enjoying the story. Thanks for liking my story!

I was jolted awake by a peculiar pain in my stomach in the middle of the night. It was an uncomfortable, persistent nagging that refused to let go. My energy was drained, and I was drenched in sweat, even though the room was cool and dark.

Groggily, I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the weariness that had enveloped me. It was as if I had been weighed down by a heavy burden overnight, and breaking free from its grasp was a struggle.

But there was more to it. An odd sensitivity emanated from my chest, like a tiny spark of confusion in my mind. My hand instinctively moved to my chest, and my fingertips grazed my nipples, leading to a sharp pain which caused me to wince.

My heart raced, a number of unfamiliar sensations coursing through me. I was utterly baffled by what my body was going through.

Summoning what felt like every ounce of strength, I forced myself to crawl out of my futon. Each motion was sluggish, as if I was moving through thick snow. I couldn't ignore the persistent discomfort in my stomach any longer—I needed to reach the bathroom, and I needed to get there fast.

Unsteadily, I made my way to the bathroom, my body moving as if it had a mind of its own. My hand fumbled with the doorknob, and as the bathroom door swung open, harsh, artificial light greeted my bleary eyes. It felt starkly out of place against the peaceful darkness of my room.

I carefully lowered my panties—the white ones with the pink ribbon that Miho got me. As I revealed what lay beneath, my gaze fell upon the white fabric, which, amidst its innocent design, was marred by a vivid red stain. I had never seen anything like it before, and my mind struggled to process the sight. Panic surged within me as I stared at this unexpected and unsettling discovery.

My bewildering experience continued to unfold like a strange dream. The unsettling discomfort in my stomach refused to relent, intensifying with each passing moment. It was as if an invisible force were dragging me into a waking nightmare.

"Wh-wh-wh… What’s going on!?" I yelled out of confusion and frustration, the words trembling on my lips. My body felt increasingly alien, and fear crept through my mind, leaving me in a bewildered state of disarray. It was as if my world had been turned upside down in an instant, and I was left grappling with an unsettling new reality.

As I grappled with the inexplicable changes, fear's icy grip tightened around my heart. I felt like I was standing at the edge of an abyss. My world felt like it had turned upside down in an instant.

Before I could spiral further into confusion and fear, the door to the bathroom burst open, and Miho came rushing in with a look of concern etched on her face. She quickly assessed the situation, seeing my bewildered state.

"Kaede-chan, what's wrong?" Miho asked urgently.

It was a lifeline in my disarray, and I clung to it as I tried to make sense of the inexplicable changes happening within me.

My voice trembled as I tried to explain, "M-M-M-Miho, there's blood... in my panties, what’s going on!?. Something's happening to me."

Miho knelt beside me, her expression softening as she realized what was going on. She put a reassuring hand on my shoulder and said, "Don’t worry, Kaede-chan. Calm down. What you’re experiencing is completely normal for girls."

"What do you mean?" I inquired, my voice shaky with confusion.

"It seems like you're experiencing your first period," Miho explained.

Realization washed over me, a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Oh, it's... my period? I didn't even consider that."

That makes sense, but I can even get my period? I guess I really am a girl now, hmm… However, I won’t give up on you, my dear testosterone!

"Alright, let's get you changed and back to bed," Miho suggested gently. "I'll check up on you in a little while, okay?"

I nodded, overwhelmed by gratitude for her presence and understanding. With Miho's assistance, I changed into fresh, comfortable pajamas, and she carefully tucked me back into my futon.

As she prepared to leave, Miho gave me a reassuring smile. "Rest well, Kaede-chan. You'll feel better after some sleep. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything, okay?"

I mustered a small smile in return, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. "Thanks, Miho.”

I lay there for a while, lost in contemplation over the unexpected turn of events in my life. While the discomfort in my stomach had somewhat subsided, a lingering unease continued to linger in my thoughts.

Just as I began to drift back into sleep, the door to my room silently creaked open once more, and Miho entered with a heated pillow in hand.

Miho approached my futon and gently placed the heated pillow beside me. "I thought this might help you feel more comfortable, Kaede-chan," she said with a warm smile.

I couldn't help but smile back, touched by her thoughtfulness. "Thank you. You're always looking out for me."

Miho gently brushed a strand of hair away from my forehead and spoke softly, "That's what family is all about, Kaede-chan. We're here to care for and support one another."

As she wrapped me in a soothing embrace, a hint of sadness flickered in Miho's eyes.

"You must miss having your mom or dad here to take care of you, don't you?"

My gaze dropped, and I hesitated before answering.

Has Miho been thinking about this for the entire month that I’ve been here now?

"I don't have a mom. She died when I was a kid. And my dad... well, he never really cared about me,” I eventually answered.

Miho tightened her embrace. "I'm sorry to hear that..." she said, her cheeks a soft red. "But I'm here for you now, and I care about you deeply. In just a month's time, you've given me so much love and happiness. I'm grateful for you, and I'm happy to be your big sister."

Although Miho remained unaware of my true identity, and at times, I grappled with the oddity of regarding her as my older sister when we were the same age, her words resonated deeply within me. As it was the first time someone had ever told me they cared about me.

My eyes welled up with tears, and I found solace in burying my face in Miho's shoulder. "Thank you, Miho," I whispered. "I'm genuinely really happy that I’m here with you."

Miho, who was also teary-eyed, gave me a tender kiss on the forehead. "Rest well, Kaede-chan. You'll start feeling better soon."

Her words eased my initial unease as she tucked me into my futon, ensuring I was snug and warm. After she left the room, a newfound sense of security and warmth enveloped me.

As I closed my eyes, a smile crept across my lips, despite the lingering discomfort. Life had presented its share of challenges, but I couldn't help but feel profoundly fortunate to have Miho as my sister, protector, and an unwavering source of love and support.

“Being a girl really is harder than it seems, huh,” I whispered under my breath, before falling asleep.