Another school day loomed, and Moyu Manatsu’s heart sank. She had no choice but to go.

But first, she had to deal with something else.

Yes—her period.

After living as a girl for so long, Moyu finally grasped the truth: she wasn’t a boy anymore. The idea of changing back felt like a joke. With her body fully transformed, becoming male again seemed impossible.

"Yuki…"

She called her friend’s name weakly.

*How could period cramps be this brutal? And it happens every month? This is torture!* Only now did she truly understand how tough it was to be a girl.

"Make sure you’ve got pads with you. It’ll pass soon."

Yuki handed her a cup of warm water.

"Getting your first period this late is unusual, but considering you were a boy until recently… it makes sense. Warm water helps."

As the warmth spread through her stomach, her cramps eased slightly. *Guess that old advice about Aunt Flo and hot water wasn’t wrong.*

"Mmm… thanks…"

Pale and fragile-looking, Moyu resembled a sick patient.

*Is it because it’s her first time?* Yuki murmured to herself. Normal periods hurt, but rarely left girls writhing like this. She could only assume Moyu was just extra sensitive to pain.

"What’re you muttering about?"

"Nothing. Drink this, then let’s go to school."

Knowing how brutal periods could be, Yuki offered another cup.

"Eh? I’m in so much pain—can’t I skip school today?"

The girl clearly wanted to use Aunt Flo as an excuse. *Typical.*

Yuki remembered how this troublemaker used to skip class to game at home. She’d had to drag Moyu to school by force before. No wonder Moyu still flinched around her.

"Don’t be ridiculous. School’s non-negotiable. Besides, I bought these pads on my way here—day and night ones. No excuses."

She’d rushed to buy them after Moyu’s panicked morning call. Partly out of care, partly to block any truancy attempts.

"I’m too broke to buy pads anyway. What’s it matter if you bought them?"

The girl shamelessly dodged responsibility.

"Well, that’s your own fault. Blowing your cash on game CDs? Guess you’ll be living on saltwater this week."

"…Can you lend me some money?"

Desperation made her swallow her pride. *Who’d believe I’d be too poor for pads? I’d die of shame.*

"Let’s go. I’ll take care of you."

Yuki ruffled her hair, ignoring the flustered blush spreading across Moyu’s face. Hormones and pain made her emotions spiral.

"Yuki."

"Hm? Still hurting?"

"Thank you."

Without Yuki, she’d have been lost today. This was a lifeline for a girl clueless about her own body.

"Come on."

Yuki said nothing else, just tugged a cap over Moyu’s head and led her out.

Outside, the heat pressed down. By the time they reached the train station, sweat dotted Moyu’s forehead, her mood souring.

Yuki watched her unsteady steps. *Can she even get through today?* She seemed frailer than usual—easier to tease, but harder to ignore. If anyone discovered Moyu Manatsu was a cross-dressing girl… trouble.

*Shouldn’t she update her ID soon? She’s been presenting as male for months.*

"Hey."

As the train doors closed behind them, Yuki spoke quietly. "Have you thought about telling your parents?"

She meant the obvious: Moyu’s transformation.

"If you want, I can help change your ID. I want you to live as your true self."

Accepting a new identity would be messy, but Yuki knew reversal was impossible. Among Psionics, awakenings turned men into bodybuilders, busty women flat-chested, rough guys into delicate cross-dressers. Moyu’s shift to female was almost mild—she’d been cute as a boy anyway. Just shorter, longer-haired. Same soul.

Yuki pictured her living quietly as a girl: finishing high school, serving her family legacy, marrying someday. A peaceful life.

"Thanks, but no. I’m fine like this."

Moyu shut it down flat.

"Kid, I’m serious."

Yuki’s gaze locked onto hers. Around them, commuters scrolled phones or chatted, oblivious to the tension in their corner.

"Shouldn’t you at least talk to them?"

A spark of anger flared in Moyu’s chest. *Why won’t she drop it?*

"Scared they won’t accept you?"

Yuki meant well, but Moyu’s teeth clenched. She bit her lip hard, fighting the heat rising in her throat—and her abdomen. The cramps surged back, sharper.

"Yuki… please stop."

"Why? If you explain properly, they’ll understand."

"I SAID STOP!"

The shout ripped out. Passengers turned, confused. Moyu ducked her head, cheeks burning.

"Sorry… I didn’t mean to…"

She pulled her cap low, hiding her face.

Yuki froze. This wasn’t the Moyu she knew—the lazy gamer who failed tests, dodged sports, and shrugged at everything. This girl radiated fury.

"My parents are divorced."

Moyu’s voice was barely a whisper. First time she’d shared this.

"I can’t tell them. I’m not you. Don’t ask again."

This was her limit.

Not that she didn’t want to tell them. She just couldn’t. Wouldn’t.

And what good would it do? Moyu Manatsu had stopped believing in fairy-tale fixes. Surviving today mattered most.

Yuki stayed silent. She didn’t know enough to push further. It wasn’t her place.

The rest of the ride passed in quiet. They walked to school like always. Aunt Flo’s mood swings made Moyu unpredictable.

They slipped into class just before the bell. Homework was done, so no panic there. But the cramps kept her wide awake—no napping through lectures today.

*Thirsty though…*

Moyu eyed the vending machines, torn. Class was about to start.

"Yo, Manatsu! Troubled face? Coke’s on me."

Kubo Aoji materialized, holding an ice-cold can dripping condensation.

"Oh—thanks. I’ll pay you back."

She reached for it, familiar enough not to refuse.

*Smack!*

Yuki’s hand cracked down on hers. The can vanished.

"What was that for, Class Rep?"

Kubo stared at Yuki’s stormy expression.

She glared at Moyu, the stolen Coke clutched tight.

"No icy drinks. I told you."

The deadpan Class Rep was back.

"Well…"

Moyu shrank under her gaze. The train argument already forgotten, guilt flooded in.

"You know your body’s fragile right now. No cold drinks. No staying up late."

Yuki pocketed the Coke like contraband.

"Whoa. Whipped already?"

Ignoring the idiot Kubo who was enjoying the show, Yuki pushed the still-dazed Moyu back into her seat and laid down three rules.

"Cola, ice cream, spicy sticks, instant noodles, salted fish snacks—all these junk foods are off-limits. At night, you must go to bed exactly at 10 PM, and wake up on time in the morning."

"Then what should I eat?"

"For the next few days, I'll take care of your meals. You can eat at my place."

"That won't work. I'd be like your kept woman."

"I can cook for you at your place too. Anyway, I'm getting rid of all those instant noodles and such."

Yuki was dead set on taking care of Moyu, leaving the girl speechless for a moment. Is she my mom?

Whatever. Anyway, tomorrow I'll go to another world. I'll deal with avoiding Aunt Flo then, Moyu thought to herself.