One day, my best friend suddenly turned into a sickly girl from the TS - Chapter 8: The Complex Inner Feelings

Several days have passed since the TS disease transformed Yoru into a woman.

During this time, with the help of Yuki and his friends, there hasn’t been much change in Yoru’s daily life as a woman. However, differences between spending time as a man and as a woman arise naturally. Despite that, Yuki and his friends’ presence has significantly supported Yoru.

Yuki’s presence is especially crucial for Yoru.

Their already close relationship makes them understand each other well. Yuki’s way of being, which doesn’t distinguish between male and female, genuinely protects Yoru’s heart.

“…Yuki, where did you go?”

This scene unfolds at a certain school.

Yuki went to the restroom during lunch break and has yet to return. Impatient, Yoru sets out to find him. Walking alone around the school as a girl for the first time draws attention.

“Annoying… Well, I get it.”

Even some seniors, known for being popular with girls, gave Yoru curious looks. Yoru’s exceptional looks as a girl are inherited from his already impressive appearance as a boy. While searching for Yuki, Yoru finally spots him in the corner of his vision.

“Yuu…?”

About to call out, Yoru quickly realizes that Yuki is talking to a junior, Chisato Komori. Yoru’s mood takes a sudden downturn. The reason is clear.

“…Ignoring me to talk to a junior.”

Yoru have no intention of barging in out of anger. However, it’s undeniable that it bothers him. Even being looked at by Yuki while talking to a girl makes Yoru’s skin crawl. The recent troubles that started with the realization of being a girl in the bathroom that day have intensified.

“Asahina-kun?”

“K-Kanze…”

Kanze Anmi, the class’s beauty, stares at Yoru wide-eyed. Yoru is surprised by Anmi’s sudden appearance but is more concerned about what Yuki and Chisato are discussing. Anmi, seemingly interested in Yuki talking to a girl, laughs mischievously and pushes Yoru forward.

“Hey!”

“Relax, just go with it.”

Although pushed, Yoru can’t refuse as he is curious. By moving closer to where Yuki and Chisato are talking, their voices become clear.

“Why is Uozumi-senpai by Asahina-senpai’s side?”

“Me? What do you mean?”

Seemingly interested in Yuki talking to a girl, Anmi also shows curiosity. Anmi’s playful laughter, like a naughty child, and her pushing Yoru’s back go unnoticed by Yuki and Chisato.

“O-Oi!”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.”

Pushed but still curious, Yoru couldn’t refuse. As they move closer, the voices of the two become clear.

“Why is Uozumi-senpai by Asahina-senpai’s side?”

“About Yoru? What do you mean?”

Without realizing it, Yoru’s heart throbs intensely.

Chisato answers Yuki’s question, unaware of Yoru and Anmi’s presence.

“Well… Asahina-senpai has become famous even among us. Despite turning into a woman, the sight of spending time with male friends unchanged seems to… look like she’s keeping men company.”

“Hmm? It looks like that, but it’s Yoru, so…”

… Furthermore, Yoru’s mood drops.

So, people around see Yoru taking advantage of being a woman, making male friends serve her. It’s a perception, especially in other grades where interactions with Yoru are less frequent.

“Can’t change it right away, can you?”

“No need to change it… I guess.”

“…That’s true.”

Even if Yoru doesn’t forget his male self, no matter what happens, he doesn’t want to lose the connection with his friends, especially with Yuki. However, the surroundings still perceive Yoru as a woman, and it’s a clear story.

“…Hey, Kanze.”

“What?”

“Is it a bother for me to be with Yuki and the others…?”

“…That’s not the case.”

Say it clearly if it’s not, Yoru mutters in his mind. Yuki, talking to Chisato, might also think it’s a bother. Thinking that way, Yoru was about to be immersed in anxiety. However, Yuki’s words, which instantly dispelled Yoru’s fear, were crucial.

“I don’t plan to distance myself from Yoru because of others. The one most worried is him, and I want to be by his side because I’m worried about him. Also, we made a promise, you know? To always be by his side.”

“…Huh?”

Yes, Yuki made a promise.

Regardless of being a man or a woman, Yuki promised to be by Yoru’s side forever. Those words shape Yoru’s current state, and they are words that protect Yoru’s heart.

“…Senpai is kind, huh?”

“Not kind. I do it because I want to. I want to be by Yoru’s side, so I do. It’s as simple as that.”

Yoru felt his cheeks warm at the words expressing the desire to be by his side. Anmi, observing from the side, seems to be moved by Yuki’s determination and has not noticed Yoru’s condition.

“Hehe, what a… friendship!”

“Well, he’s my precious best friend. I’ve been with Yoru since middle school, so we’ve built a bond over a long period.”

“Wow!”

Although invisible from Yoru’s position, Yuki must be making a triumphant face.

“…That’s right. There’s an unbreakable bond between me and Yuki.”

Yoru muttered quietly.

It seems foolish to worry even a little about Yuki’s consideration of him. Yuki has been thinking about Yoru all along. That fact brings more joy to Yoru than anything, and he realizes that the long-standing connection is absolute.

“Uozumi-kun is such a good person.”

“Of course. I don’t know anyone better than him.”

“…?”

Though it should be heartwarming words, Kanze feels a sense of discomfort.

Yuki’s gaze, directed at Yoru, is what a woman looks at her crush with; it clearly carries special feelings. However, even Kanze, bothered by the fact that Yoru was a man before, filters it out and dismisses that thought.

“…I wonder.”

Thinking that, Kanze shakes her head to dispel that idea.

“…Yuki… Haha♪”

The gaze Yoru directs at Yuki, staring at him with the eyes of a woman looking at her beloved, goes unnoticed by Yuki himself and Kanze, who is standing next to him.