Why I Became a Girl

Chapter 5 - New Routines

It wasn't the high school life I expected, but I gradually settled into it over the next week.

A girl approached me in the bathroom between classes. She had a mix of embarrassment and desperation in her eyes. "Um, Takamiya, do you have any, um..."

"I got you," I replied, taking two tampons from my bag and handing them over.

"Ah, thank you! You're a life saver!"

Since I didn't plan to use them, Amana suggested I keep some in my bag in case other girls needed them. I hoped to never be on the other side of that interaction.

When I thought about how I could casually talk with girls inside the girls' bathroom without feeling out of place, I wondered if I'd lost something or gained something.

At lunch, I asked, "Hey, Rin. What sort of exercise routine do you do?"

"Twenty push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, once in the morning and again in the evening before showering," he answered. "During breaks when there's no gym class I'll try to do thirty minutes of cardio a couple times a week, too."

I nodded along. "Since you prepared this body so well, I'll try to maintain it."

"That's a good sign."

I tilted my head. "How so?"

"You're caring about what happens to your body, so you're starting to view it as your own."

I opened my mouth to respond, but couldn't really deny it.

Natsue laughed smugly. "Fufu. You'll be assimilated into womanhood in no time. Try masturbating yet?"

"I have not," I replied flatly.

"But, last time you said it was because it didn't feel like your body..."

"It still doesn't. And that's not my only reason."

Amana took my hand and examined my nails. "Wanna get a manipedi with me tomorrow?"

"Pfft." Natsue covered her mouth to stifle her laugh.

I gave her a strange look, not quite understanding, then replied to Amana while shaking my head, "Tomorrow I'm meeting with the other swapping victims."

"Oooh! That sounds fun!" Amana beamed. "Then, I'll give you a crash course in makeup tonight! You've gotta look your best."

"Mm..." I pursed my lips slightly. "Yeah. Since the old Kiyumi will be there, I don't want to seem like I'm neglecting this body."

Amana brought a hand to her chin and stared at my face like an artist appraising a blank canvas. I gulped.

"She should have the normal stuff, right?" Amana asked, glancing at Rin.

"Yeah."

I did? I didn't know that.

After school, Amana came over to my room and began digging around, collecting various bottles and items. She placed a mirror on the desk and made me sit down, then tied up my hair to get it out of my face.

"Have you been using these?" Amana asked, holding up three bottles.

"I don't even know what they're for," I replied honestly.

"They're for keeping your face pretty! This one is a cleanser, this is toner, and this is a moisturizer."

"Those names don't help me."

"The cleanser is basically a soap for your face. Toner undoes the damage that the cleanser does. Then, moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated. You should use them every day, and before putting on your makeup."