Leo/Luna

Chapter 8: Unexpected Friend

Leo did not, in fact, face Kyle at school tomorrow.

Leo lay curled up in bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the previous day played over and over in his mind, each moment sharpening the edge of his fear and embarrassment. He couldn't bring himself to leave his room. The thought of facing anyone—especially Kyle—was too overwhelming. He pulled the blanket tighter around himself, trying to block out the world and the relentless changes to his body.

His phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the silence. Leo glanced at it, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in his chest. It was a text from Kyle.

"Look outside."

Confused, Leo pushed himself up and walked cautiously to the window. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Kyle standing on the sidewalk, looking up at his house with a casual wave. Panic surged through him. How did Kyle know where he lived?

He grabbed his phone and texted back quickly: "How do you know where I live?"

A moment later, Kyle's reply came through: "My best friend lives right next door. I've seen you dozens of times. Small world, huh?"

Leo peered out again, and sure enough, there was the neighbor's house where Kyle's friend lived. He felt a mixture of relief and continued anxiety. He hadn't expected to see Kyle again so soon, especially not outside his own house.

Kyle texted again: "Come down. I've got an idea. Let's go shopping. You need some clothes that fit, right?"

Leo hesitated, but the voice in his head piped up, brimming with enthusiasm. "Yes! We need clothes that fit, makeup, and definitely a bra! I mean our chest so heavy, we need something to support it."

Leo sighed, feeling the weight of the voice's eagerness pressing against his own fears. Despite his apprehension, the idea of getting proper clothes and some semblance of normalcy appealed to him. With a resigned sigh, he texted back: "Fine. Give me a minute."

A few minutes later, Leo stepped outside, dressed in the only clothes that hide anything, though they barely fit, and even his baggy sweatshirt and jeans that did little to conceal the changes.

Kyle's face lit up with a friendly smile when he saw him.

Why is he smiling? Leo worried.

"Who cares?" replied the voice.

A few minutes later, Leo stepped outside, dressed in a baggy sweatshirt and jeans that did little to conceal his changing body. Kyle's face lit up with a friendly smile when he saw him.

"Hey," Kyle said, walking over. "Ready for a little adventure?"

Leo shrugged, still feeling nervous. "I guess. Why are you doing this?"

Kyle's smile softened. "Because you need it. And I think we both know you can't keep hiding forever. Plus, shopping's not so bad. Might even be fun."

Leo glanced at Kyle, still unsure but grateful for the support. "Okay, let's go."

They walked to Kyle's car, and as they drove to the nearest mall, Kyle kept the conversation light, cracking jokes and making casual small talk. Leo couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease, despite his lingering anxieties.

Leo felt his heart pound as they entered the bustling mall. The air was filled with the hum of conversations, the occasional burst of laughter, and the soft echoes of footsteps on polished tiles. It was overwhelming, but Kyle's presence at his side offered a strange sense of comfort. Leo tugged nervously at his sweatshirt, trying to ignore the eyes he felt on him.

Kyle led the way with an air of casual confidence, his eyes scanning the directory.

"Alright, first stop, clothing," he announced, heading toward a trendy boutique on the second floor. As they walked, Kyle kept up a steady stream of chatter, his tone light and friendly. "You know, my ex-girlfriend Maya used to drag me here all the time. I know all the best spots."