One day, my best friend suddenly turned into a sickly girl from the TS - Chapter 7: Yoru's Feelings

“…It’s 5:30, huh?”
Mumbling to himself, Yoru glanced at the clock.

If tomorrow was a day off, staying up late or even spending the night wouldn’t be an issue. The thought suddenly crossed his mind, but either way, it was time to head home.

“Let me walk you home.”

“Huh? No, that’s fine.”
“But you’re a girl now, so—”
There was no malice in his words.

It was just my need for more attention. I should have known Yoru resisted being treated as a woman today. I was about to apologize immediately, but Yoru’s reaction differed from what I expected.

“…Then, I guess I’ll take you up on that offer. It’d be troublesome if I got assaulted.”

“Oh, okay…”

While twirling her hair, Yoru said that to me.
I was relieved she didn’t seem offended. Besides, it’s unlikely there would be assaults around here, and if she can move her body as when she was a man, she could easily fend off any attackers.
“You just easily pinned me down earlier, so you should be fine, right?”
“Shut up. I just want to feel as safe as possible…”
“…Right, got it.”
I didn’t want Yoru to feel anxious. Whether it’s because she looks more fragile as a girl or for some other reason, I couldn’t tell.

We left the house together.

As it was getting dark, I understood why a girl walking alone at night could feel uneasy. Looking at Yoru, she didn’t seem worried, perhaps lost in thought; she chuckled.
“What’s up?”

“What do you mean?”
“You just laughed.”

“…Oh.”

Stopping in her tracks, Yoru said,

“…I hate being seen as a girl. But if being a girl means Yuki will be kinder to me, then maybe that’s not so bad… What am I even saying?”
Standing against the backdrop of the sunset, Yoru looked beautiful.

I couldn’t tell if her cheeks were red from embarrassment or the setting sun. But I had something to say about her words.

“If you say it like that, it sounds like I wasn’t kind before?”

“Ha ha, that’s not what I mean. Yuki’s always been the best friend.”

“…”

Stop with that beautiful smile!!

Embarrassed, I walked ahead of Yoru.

“Wait up!”
Following me, Yoru’s voice was lively, and standing next to me, she peeked at my face and laughed again.

“It’s rude to laugh at someone’s face.”

“Sorry. But it just makes me happy.”

“…It’s messing with my head.”

“Really? I’m having a great time.”

Seeing her enjoy my reaction must be fun.

As long as Yoru is having fun, I’m happy too. Just don’t make that face that made me want to die anymore.
“Hey, Yuki.”
“What?”

“You used to say it’s easier to be alone than have a girlfriend, right?”

“I did. Just the ramblings of a virgin who’s never had a girlfriend.”

I’ve never had a girlfriend, but I’ve wanted one. Yet, it might be easier to be alone.

“Why? I’m a girl now, right?”

“Yeah.”
“I enjoy being with Yuki. How do you feel about being with me now?”
“It’s fun, no different than before.”

“Right? So…”
Yoru stepped closer, looking up at me. Having become shorter as a girl, she had to look up at me. Her hair swayed, and she smiled faintly, continuing her words.
“If you ever want a girlfriend, let me know. I’ll become yours.”

“What?!”
Surprised, I raised my voice and stepped back. Seeing my reaction, Yoru laughed heartily.
“Don’t laugh!”

“Ha ha ha ha! Sorry!”

“Don’t toy with my pure heart… It got me.”

“…Really?”

“Of course! You’re Yoru, my best friend, but now you look like a beautiful girl. Anyone would be stirred a bit! Understand my complex feelings, Yoru!”
“……………”

Yoru have the talent to be a wicked woman.
“Sorry. Teasing Yuki is just so fun.”

“Damn it, it’s not fun for me…”
Laughing, Yoru patted my shoulder.

Despite everything, I safely walked Yoru home. “See you at school tomorrow,” we parted.

◇

After parting with Yuki, Yoru leaned against the door of her house, sighing.

“…Damn, my heart’s so loud.”
The girlfriend thing was partly a joke, somewhat teasing. But Yoru was honestly thrilled by Yuki’s words. She hated being seen as a woman and treated as such. Yet, she didn’t mind it from Yuki. She even felt happy, thinking Yuki was kinder because she was a girl.
“…I can’t go back to being a man. I have to live as a girl… If Yuki stays by my side…”
Imagining this, her heart pounded harder.
She pressed her hand over her chest, feeling her heartbeat.
“Yoru? What’s wrong?”

“Ah, nothing.”
“Really? You seem happy.”
Her mother noticed. Yoru realized it was because she had been with Yuki. Feeling happy after spending time with a close friend was natural, but how could she explain her racing heart?

“…Is the bath free?”
“Yes, go ahead.”

“Okay.”
Heading to the bath, Yoru sighed, looking at herself in the mirror.

“…Yuki.”
She couldn’t yet understand the meaning behind calling out her precious friend’s name, who had saved her broken heart.