One day, my best friend suddenly turned into a sickly girl from the TS - Chapter 4: A clear difference between men and women

During the morning assembly, the teacher formally announced Yoru’s situation. With the groundwork I had laid earlier and Kanase’s efforts among the girls, Yoru’s change was largely accepted. The boys had me and our friends, and the girls, thanks to Kanase taking the lead, were welcoming Yoru.

And now, Yoru was surrounded by girls.

She was popular even as a boy, so seeing her encircled by girls was nothing new. This seemed unchanged even after her transformation, as the girls were more than welcoming, happy to have a new friend.

“Damn, she used to be a handsome guy… can’t say that anymore, huh?”

Shindo said with a wry smile.

Indeed, now that she was a girl, those comments weren’t appropriate anymore. It wasn’t meant to be offensive, just friendly banter among us… but it did feel a bit sad.

“But it’s good. Yoru’s been accepted smoothly.”

“Yeah, for sure!”

That was truly a relief.

We watched over Yoru as we chatted amongst ourselves, and then Murakami, who looked a bit like a playboy, commented.

“Still… she’s really pretty.”

“You’re right.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Shindo and Tanaka nodded at Murakami’s words.

“Her hair’s so silky, her features are stunning, and she’s even got a better figure than Kanase… she’s going to be popular.”

“…Maybe.”

I nodded in agreement.

No matter what happens now, Yoru can’t return to being a boy. If she decides to engage in romance, her partners will be male. While she still retains a male mindset to some extent, it seems likely she’ll face many challenges… Well, there are ways to live without romance.

“I wonder if she’s going to hang out with the girls from now on.”

“It can’t be helped. We’re… men, after all.”

…That’s right, we’re already of a different gender.

The difference became apparent in the school setting.

“Wait, Asahina-kun! You can’t change here, right?”

“Ah, right…”

Before the physical education class, while the boys changed in the classroom, the girls had to go to an empty classroom. Yoru, forgetting this, started to undress right there until Kanase, noticing first, quickly led her away.

Separated by gender for PE, Yoru looked lonely surrounded by girls, glancing at us.

“It hurts to see her look at us like that.”

“It can’t be helped, though.”

“Hey, the teacher’s calling. Let’s go.”

“Right…”

Tanaka tapped my shoulder, and I turned away from Yoru’s sad gaze.

During lunch break, Yoru approached us with her lunchbox.

“Where are you going?”

“Eh? To Yuki and the guys.”

“You’re a girl now. Come eat with us.”

“Uh…”

Her words, though well-intentioned, suggested she’d be more comfortable among other girls. However, Yoru hesitated momentarily before agreeing.

“Okay… got it.”

Seeing Yoru reluctantly agree made me want to act.

“Hey Yoru! Hurry up, let’s eat!!”

Our friends and I had already laid out our lunches and were just waiting for Yoru.

“Come on, hurry up!”

“Let’s eat!”

The guys joined in my call.

Kanase, seeing this, nodded and spoke loud enough for the other girls to hear.

“Sure, Asahina-kun has become a girl, but that doesn’t mean she needs to change everything about herself. Let her do what she wants, that’s best.”

“…Hmm.”

Kanase’s words seemed to convince the other girl to relent.

Yoru breathed a sigh of relief and approached us with a smile. As usual, she sat next to me, our usual arrangement at lunch.

“Thank you, everyone.”

Yoru expressed her gratitude as she sat down. I smiled, and so did the others, although Murakami turned a bit red.

“You really have become cute, haven’t you?”

“Shut up.”

Yoru playfully responded to Murakami’s comment.

We chatted and relaxed after eating, as usual. After the others went to the restroom, Yoru stayed beside me.

“I’m really glad you’re here, Yuki.”

“What’s up all of a sudden?”

“Because you raised your voice earlier, I can be here… thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. You should appreciate me more!”

It was a playful exchange, not meant to be arrogant.

“I know, I really do.”

Yoru reached out and held my hand, bringing it to her chest.

“Yuki, you helped me, you helped me recover. I don’t know what would’ve happened to me without you. I’m so happy to be by your side.”

“…Yeah.”

Her cheeks flushed with a smile, and I found myself captivated.

“I answered shyly and looked away, causing Yoru to smirk.”

“Are you blushing, Yuki?”

“…Hmph.”

Yes, I was embarrassed, but what of it?

Yoru laughed softly, her joy genuine and her smile free of worry.

“Hey, hey, don’t be shy!”

“Stop clinging to me!!”

I thought to myself, maybe a bit of teasing was in order for Yoru, who was getting a bit too carried away.