Chapter 81: The Uesugi Family and the Kujou Family’s Problems
Kujou Family Residence — 9:15 PM
In her cozy room, Alya lay curled up on her bed, clutching her stomach as if it were being wrung out. A thin blanket covered part of her body, while the pillow that should have been under her head was now hugged tightly against her abdomen to ease the pain.
"Ugh... Why does it hurt more than usual this month?"
Her brows furrowed deeply, creating faint creases on her normally smooth forehead. This wasn't her first period, but somehow, the pain reminded her of her very first menstrual cycle.
"Haaah..."
Alya let out a long sigh. After several minutes of trying different sleeping positions without finding comfort, an idea crossed her mind.
"Maybe barley tea will help ease the pain."
Giving up on forcing herself to sleep, Alya slowly rose from her bed. Her long silver hair cascaded messily around her shoulders. She adjusted her pastel-colored pajamas before stepping out of her room and heading to the kitchen to make tea.
As she descended to the first floor, her steps were slow and slightly dragging. Passing through the dimly lit living room, illuminated only by a small corner lamp and the glow of the television, Alya spotted her older sister, Masha, lounging on the sofa.
Masha seemed engrossed in a variety show, casually popping a slice of orange into her mouth with her right hand while her left gently rubbed circles on her own stomach.
Seeing this, Alya guessed her sister was also suffering from menstrual cramps. The Kujou sisters had always shared the same menstrual cycle.