GenderSwitchs Vol. 5 (English)

Chapter 9: Sweet celebration

February 14th, Valentine's Day. The day had arrived, and as I took a bath with Ki-chan in the morning, and as we dressed together, I couldn't help but feel nervous. Ever since I had woken up, I had an idea in my mind that had me totally restless: Giving the chocolates to Hotarou. Despite how hard I had tried the day before to prepare them and, at the same time, encourage myself about giving them to him, my hands were really shaking.

As I brushed Ki-chan's hair with a comb, my hands were still shaking slightly, while a strange expression was marked on my face.

"Mayo?" Said the white-haired girl who was sitting on a chair in front of the mirror, right in front of me.

"A-Ah, yeah?"

"Are you nervous?"

"Ah, you got me... Well, yeah, I'm quite nervous."

"Even when you were up for it last night?"

"B-But it's just that..."

As I continued to comb her soft, silky hair, I noticed that she had reached her left hand back to take mine.

"Ki-chan?"

"You'll be fine, everything will be fine."

"... Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. You have my support." She said as she lightly squeezed her hand with mine, while I blushed slightly and felt slightly calmer and relieved.

Ki-chan is definitely a great person. Even if I don't know well what she had to live through, I don't really care about that now. I love her so much as my best friend, and someone I can feel comfortable with.

Squeezing her hand in response, I leaned a little against her head with my eyes closed, and said to myself:

"It's gonna be okay. Trust yourself."

With this in mind, I smiled as I felt Ki-chan's warmth so kindly, and thought about how far I had come. I met great people, and fell in love with someone I always used to respect.

No, even now I still respect him a lot, despite doing all the things I do to get his attention, and which end up annoying him.

Ki-chan, in response to my smile, raises her other hand and pulls my cheek while flashing an awkward smile.

"Come on, Mayo, we have to finish dressing or we'll be late."

"Ah, right, sorry!"

Saying that, she lets out a tender giggle, and I finished brushing her long hair. Once I did that, she did the same with mine, and we finished taking everything we needed, breakfast included.

After leaving her house, with the chocolates already packed, we walked to school, since there was still some time left before classes started. In our way, I could notice Ki-chan's face, which seemed kinda concerned or embarassed. I assumed that she was nervous because she had to give Takahashi-kun her chocolates, though I felt like there was something else. Then, remembering our conversation from last night, I started to wonder: 

Does Ki-chan look more feminine than before? Or I'm seeing things?

I thought, and showed a little smile. I could notice the innocent gaze she had; my friend, who was walking by my side, and who once used to be a guy.

When we got to school, we went to our class, where all our friends were, including Hitsukaru-kun and Kawa-chan, who were from other classes. Though the only person missing, strangely enough, was Hotarou.

"Good morning!" Kuro-chan said as she raised her hand, and as the rest greeted us.

"Good morning, everyone."