Chapter Text
For a long time, Aoi thought that her preference towards girls was normal. Everyone knows girls are prettier than boys, made to call attention and be admired, just like Aoi was seemingly born to be looked at.
If Aoi wasn’t so smart, she is sure she would have never guessed she is attracted to them, after all, Akane is constantly in her orbit, the way he used to hold her hand as they ran to their next grand playground adventure making her heart work overtime, too overwhelmed by the butterflies in her stomach to process the world around them.
But that was with Akane, her childhood friend, the one she could tell was easy to love on their very first meeting: He doesn’t count. When it comes to strangers, she notices she likes looking at girls' adorable hairstyles and gentle smiles, over the boys’ displays of strength and boyish smirks.
It was a revelation that made her hands shake, feeling anxious and even more isolated from her peers than usual. She may have come up with a million scenarios where mom and Akane were disgusted by her preferences, spiraling until she got herself teary eyed, wide awake the whole night.
But as the weeks passed by and life went on, this became yet another of the many parts of herself that she doesn’t share, one she feels smug to hide in plain sight. There is a double standard between boys and girls, one she takes advantage of: She can’t call a boy pretty, that would show a level of attraction that she isn’t comfortable putting out in the open to be scrutinized, but she can shower girls with praises and not be pestered by claims of romance, only seen as ‘being nice’.
(…Not that Aoi goes around complimenting every girl she meets. Regardless of gender, Aoi doesn’t greet strangers with open arms. It takes much more than beauty to make her heart skip a beat.)
Models in magazines reminds Aoi of herself are too staged to be loved, her heart still even when she finds them objectively drop dead gourgeous. Actors are easier to get attached to: They feel deep but their characters aren’t real and therefore they can’t hurt her.
She had a few crushes in her early days, loving to watch a heroine be at peace laying in a field of flowers after a long day, or picturing her favorite princess singing to her as she brushes her purple hair, but as Aoi grew older, and her tentative friendship with Akane became an inseparable bond, Akane started to show up uninvited in her daydreams, making her mad at herself for craving to see that idiotic boy when her mind had so many more beautiful fantasies to offer, and unable to look him in the eye the next day.
(She started finding comfort in the creepy instead, fascinated by supernatural legends and horror movies.)
Her pull towards girls did not die through the years. When a classmate is particularly pretty Aoi still thinks ‘I would love to brush her hair,’ ‘she would look great with one of my hairclips’ and even ‘she look so soft and delicate, I wonder how nice it would be to hold her’ but she never allows those embarrassing curiosities to linger, burying her shame deep inside and comforting herself by how even the most popular of girls can’t make her weak in the knees. She’ll never be able to relate to the people whose heart gets stolen by a pretty face.
(It’s pitiful how much power they let complete strangers have over them.)
It takes at least one conversation for Aoi to consider herself attracted to a girl, or to break the pull their beauty gives her. It’s why ignoring everyone in her life isn’t a struggle, effortlessly able to keep her distance from strangers.
Nene is an exception. Aoi enjoys being called pretty by her adorable friend, abusing their gender stereotypes to hold hands and hook arms even when they are in public. There is a comfort only girls can bring her, a safety far softer and easier to digest than the one Akane provides, for when Nene hold her hand, Aoi feels light, needing to protect her sweet smile at all costs.
Her love for Nene had threatened to become all consuming and selfish, Nene’s excited little jumps as she rushed her way the best part of school, but every time Nene’s excitement have been linked to a hot guy, so Aoi kept herself in check, understanding Nene only wanted a friend and Aoi is not cruel enough to ask for more out of her. A good call, as she slowly realized she doesn't want Nene’s eternal love that way, always happy when nene is happy, no jealousy in her soul even if the reason for said happiness is a dumb boy, marriage only sounded apealing because it soothed her fear that she may lose one of her only friend after graduation. A friend that isn’t a neighbor. A friend that can slip away.
She may have put a mental block in romance, for it is hard to put her heart in the market with Akane’s ever present devotion in her life. Unlike her dad, Aoi is more than her greed: She is a hopeless romantic disguised by arrogance, and ever since Akane first waited by her gate, greeting her like it was the highlight of his day, she knew who her heart was set on.
Even after Akane started to lie to her and disappear after classes, leaving Aoi unsure if he truly loves her, her heart foolishly kept beating for him, looking at him from her bedroom window and wishing she could trust him enough to close the distance they’ve created. She had chipped away into a heartbroken idiot, the same kind she used to look down on. That was the worst period of her life, which hit rock bottom when Nene followed in Akane’s footsteps and started lying to her face and avoiding her the second classes were over, not needing to graduate to slowly slip away from her life.
(It was easy to assume back then that they got tired of her. That they finally figured out her cutesy smile is an act and choose to run away from the unlovable girl she hides underneath.)
Thankfully, those lonely days are in the past, after learning about supernaturals, realizing her friends do love her, and nearly dying a few times, Aoi felt herself grow close to Akane again, playing video games, renting movies, having sleepovers, and sometimes, when she felt bold, even holding hands. The world blurs when they are on their not-quite-dates, just like it used to when they played in the sandbox together all those years ago.
The pretty girls with their flowy hairs stopped taking so much space in her mind, which have grown busy agonizing over how to reply to Akane’s messages, or thinking about his eyes. As the warmth in her heart bloomed, she was sure she would never need to acknowledge, much less explore, her attraction towards girls again.
She was wrong.
.
It was a mundane evening, Aoi was in high spirits after a pleasant day of chatting with Nene in class and spending the evening watering the school garden.
(It used to make her depressed that Nene is too busy with Hanako and all of her supernatural adventures to still care about their boring gardening club, but she got used to it over the months, finding a sense of peace in tending to the flowers alone.)
She packed her things and waited for Akane by the gate, hoping he wasn’t stuck with work once their usual time to walk home came to pass and Akane still didn't show up.
After ten minutes of waiting, she became concerned.
(It was hard not to, now that she knows her friends are involved with such a dangerous world filled with monsters.)
“Ao-chan!”
She blinked at the nickname, not recognizing this voice. Aoi turned towards her caller, trying to come up with a polite way to say this nickname is exclusive, when she got a good look at the girl approaching her.
Aoi’s polite smile fell.
“I’m sorry for making you wait!” The girl rushed to her side, wearing the boy's uniform and Akane’s worn out vest. “There was a supernatural causing trouble.” She also has Akane’s student council armband, wrist watch, hair color and unmistakable brown and blue eyes. Her fringe styled the same way Akane had always stylized “It was more annoying than I had hoped.”
Aoi barely heard what was being said, staring at Akane: for there is no way this girl isn’t Akane, her voice may be more gentle and high pitched than she is used to, long copper hair bouncing with every long stride, but even her mannerisms scream Akane.
“Akane…Kun…?” Aoi blinked slowly as the Akane girl stoped in front of her, still trying to wrap her head around what she was seeing.
“I knew you would recognize me!” Akane lit up, and Aoi found it hard to not be affected by how cute she (he?) looked. The shape of her (his??) smile is the same lovable one she is familiar with, the way Aoi didn’t have to look all that high to see it was wild. Akane is only an inch taller than her right now, his clothes are oversized up close, the bottom of his pants rolled up, his vest as long as Aoi’s fashionably baggy shirts.
“Of course.” She smiled and clenched her fists, using a lot of effort to keep it casual.
Aoi had always prided herself for being above something as superficial as appearances, yet she couldn’t ignore the way her eyes trailed over every inch of the stunning girl in front of her, almost dazed by her warm aura. “Did… The supernatural turn you into a girl?”
“It will only last a day.” Akane reassured, long and brand new eyelashes gently casting shadow over familiar eyes. So pretty. Aoi couldn’t fight back her blush.“... I hope you don’t mind?”
“I don’t mind.” Aoi cupped her own heated cheek, her indifferent act hanging by a thread.
The urge to cup Akane’s round face grew stronger than ever, joined by an unfamiliar desire to tuck her (his) fringe behind his (her) ear and let Akane know how beautiful she looks.
‘Is Akane, you can’t call him beautiful. That’s weird.’ her cowardly heart screamed.
‘Is a girl, calling her beautiful is normal.’ her mind argued, wanting to make her smile.
Aoi can barely handle staring at Akane in the eye on a normal day, his gaze kind to her regardless of how deep his eyebags gets, and now Aoi's knees feel twice as weak: Akane’s eyes are bigger, his round face more feminine, utterly adorable.
Her face must betray her conflicting emotions, for Akane gave her a worried look “Are you sure, Ao-chan?” Akane is gentle, she is used to it, but now his gaze feels softer, the higher pitch of his voice putting her at ease and making her heart beat faster simultaneously.
“I am! <3” She squeaked, trying not to think about how soft Akane’s lips look.
The urge to hold her hand and dress Akane up was too strong. Positively overwhelming.
She held on tighter to her school bag, trying to stay level headed.
Akane is still a boy on the inside, he wouldn’t like dresses and girly stuff. Mentally referring to him as ‘her’ is already disrespectful. She doesn’t know how Akane feels about this, she- he could be uncomfortable as it is.
Oh no.
Her giggly mood disappeared, not wanting to make him uncomfortable.
“How are you feeling?” Aoi dropped her smile. “Does having a girl's body make you uncomfortable?”
“I’m okay.” Akane reassured, his lovely smile more enticing in rosy lips “It’s still strange but not bad. I can ignore this.” He gestured to his chest, which made Aoi look down, able to imagine soft curves beneath his baggy clothes- Only to quickly look back at his face, embarrassed for going there. Stupid Akane, he shouldn’t be so careless! “If I don’t think about it, but the hair gets in the way..” Akane tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, his long nails so shiny… “It’s too warm on my back.”
Aoi’s eyes sparkled, seeing a golden opportunity “I can tie your hair for you, if you don’t mind?”
Akane blinked, thinking about it for a moment and breaking into a wide smile “Good idea, Ao-chan!”
Aoi felt warmth when he gave a little jump, only to be hit by a wave of protectiveness when he adjusted his oversized pants, one of his pant leg unfolding from all his moving around. Did he plan to walk around the city like this?
He is hopeless, Aoi needs to look after him.
“You need to change first, Akane-chan.” Aoi ordered, “A cute girl can't walk around with falling pants.”
Akane blushed, body growing tense. That's... quite a strong reaction. Akane isn’t the kind of person to be embarrassed by what he wears… Was the honorifics going too far?
Aoi lost her stern glare, feeling a hint of anxiety “Do you not like being called Akane-chan?”
“No, no, I don’t mind!” Akane reassured, a bit flustered still “I just, hum…” His eyes darted down almost bashfully (further highlighting his long eyelashes aaaaaah get a grip Aoi!!), voice gaining a giggly edge to it "You think I'm cute?”
A part of Aoi rolled her eyes, that’s so Akane, she doesn’t know why she got worried “Of course~” Aoi's eyes gained a mischievous spark as she leaned closer “The cutest girl in school~”
Akane blushed harder, taking a moment to recover and mimic her smirk, leaning closer to tuck Aoi’s fringe behind her ear, his long nails brushing against her head. Aoi froze, nearly missing what Akane said “That’s impossible with you here, Ao-chan.”
Aoi blushed, Akane’s beautiful eyes sucking her in. His messy hair painfully charming.
Akane tilted her head, her own cheeks gaining a small blush as she admired Aoi-
(His! He tilted his head. Oh dear, this will be hard.)
“L-lets get you new clothes,” Aoi rushed back to school with an iron grip on her bag straps, praying that her blush didn’t reach the tip of her ears. “I have a spare uniform.”
Aoi got even more flustered at the idea of sharing her uniform with Akane, but forced those feelings away. She needs to make sure her friend is safe above it all, and Akane can't walk around with oversized clothes!
“Okay.” Akane said calmly, and she could tell just from his tone that he was pleased with himself. Idiot.
After Aoi made sure there was no one inside the girl’s bathroom, she dragged Akane inside (She had her reservations at first, but she is not letting Akane change in the boys bathroom like this! Absolutely not!! It's dangerous!!).
Akane protested, but Aoi wasn’t going to budge, facing his wide eyes with a determined glare.
Akane eventually caved in, disgusted with himself “...I feel like honorable No.7”
“You’re a girl now.” She said mostly to see his reaction. Akane sighed, no arguments or denials to be seen. “And no one lingers here near 17:00 ” Aoi reassures with some amusement, giving her childhood friend the female uniform. “See if it fits.”
The stall door locked and Aoi waited. Ignoring the sound of fabric moving on the other side of the stall because she is a lady thank you very much.
Wait.
Aoi’s eyes abruptly widened, realizing Akane was changing in a girl’s body-
There was a click, and Aoi jumped, relieved by how comically fast he had changed.
Akane guarded his oversized boy’s uniform in his school bag as he walked out of the stall. The borrowed dress was slightly shorter on her than on Aoi, but it still fit her well: the big bow swayed on her curvy body, puffy sleeves adding charm to it. Aoi's mind went blank, for Akane had looked cute with oversized clothes but he was beautiful in a dress, maintaining his brash and confident walk despite how delicate this body looks, the clash of cutesy clothes with his usual frown is very charming.
“Look in the mirror.” Aoi covered her giggly feelings behind a sweet smile.
Akane did as told and got closer to the mirror.
Akane blinked at herself, tilting his head “..Hum.” Akane did a dramatic spin, which made her uniform bow fly and her skirt lightly flutter, just enough to reveal his now baggy P.E shorts underneath “Not bad.” He lost his frown. “Your uniform is comfy.”
The judgement in his eyes as he carefully toyed with the edge of the chest bow was adorable. Aoi was happy to observe him, letting him get used to the dress before having some fun. “Let’s do your hair now.” Aoi chirped, “Would you mind if I add ribbons?”
Akane's eyes slightly widened when she invaded his personal space, their faces much closer now that he wasn’t as tall. “Hum.” He coughed, cheeks a little red “O-of course. I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt.”
“Yay <3” She held both of Akane’s hands, feeling mischievous at the way his blush spread and growing a bit flustered herself at the feeling of their connected hands. There are tiny scratches replacing where Aoi had memorized Akane’s calluses, but his palm is much smaller now, undeniably feminine. It made the usual way Akane gently held her hand feel alien.
She likes the new softness to his hold, truly she does, but a part of her misses the weight of his big hands, the familiarity of his calluses, all of which she had been by his side when he gained it.
She focused on those pretty copper eyes instead of the confusing feeling of holding brand new hands.
Hehe~ She rarely sees Akane this flustered. She wants to make Akane blush more. Sweet revenge for all the times he made her feel like a lovesick idiot~
“I’ll go get my brush!” Aoi whistled a cheerful tune, her smile wide and her eyes closed.
“Okay.” Akane smiled with her, studying her expression for a moment before making a disgusted face again “Let’s just… get out of the girl’s bathroom first.”
Aoi giggled, squeezing his soft hand and heading outside.
The few boys still roaming the school stared at Aoi, as always, but her mood only dropped to hell at the realization some were staring at Akane.
Now, Aoi always knew Akane was attractive enough to call attention, she sees the way some girls look at him, and becoming a girl only made her friend more adorable, but watching the annoying boys that try to flirt with her have the audacity to look at Akane turned her vision red. Protectiveness burned inside her, mixing with a familiar sense of possessiveness.
Akane is hers. No stupid boy shall approach her friend. Not on her watch.
“A-Ao-chan?” Akane stuttered when she hooked their arms together, pressing Akane to her side and keeping a close eye on anyone who dared to look their way.
“It's too crowded here~” She smiled sweetly at Akane’s bewildered face, picking up her pace and dragging the flustered girl with her “Let’s go somewhere nicer Akane-chan <3”
.
They sat on a bench near the gardening tool shed. Aoi started humming again, her good mood too strong to be contained as she brushed Akane’s long hair.
(She wonders if Akane’s short hair is as silky as it feels now.
She had thought about running her fingers through his autumn hair before. Fighting temptations to tuck his fringe behind his ear when he got too close, for that would be too intimate, more of an excuse to touch him and massage his scalp than anything. She can’t do that!)
Aoi hummed to herself with a little smile, pushing all that aside to focus on the perfectly casual act of untangling a fellow girl’s hair, taking advantage of this one-in-a-lifetime oportunity to scratch his head. Akane made a happy sound, relaxing under her.
Staying here until the sun went down would be paradise, but there was only so much brushing and rebrushing she could do before Aoi got embarrassed by her own self indulgence, so she eventually put her brush down to ask “What hairstyle do you want Akane-chan?”
Akane brushed the tip of her smooth fringe, a bit shy “I want whatever you want Ao-chan.”
Aoi pouted but her eyes were sparkling, inwardly giggly for this once-in-a-lifetime excuse to make Akane cute. Akane’s hair was too short to mimic her hair loops, but she could give her two little hair buns “A surprise then! Stay still.”
Akane relaxed as she brushed his head again, a happy aura surrounding him.
.
Akane smiled gently at the mirror, blushing as those delicate hands touched the two hair buns and the yellow ribbons tied to them “It looks great, thank you Ao-chan.”
Aoi smiled sweetly, blushing when those beautiful eyes focused on her, somehow growing even softer, practically melting with affection.
“I didn’t expect you to like it so much,” Aoi admitted, holding Akane's hands again to calm herself. It just feels nice, to hold a girl's hand.
“I like seeing you happy.” Akane admitted, catching her attention “You’re so comfortable with me now.” Akane gave her a teasing look, seeing right through her “You really like girls.”
Aoi’s heart stopped, feeling like a criminal under that knowing look.
“Of course <3” Aoi played dumb “They’re cute.”
Akane’s smile dimmed, becoming pensive “Am I only pretty as a girl?”
“Of course not!” Aoi reassured to not make that adorable face sad. Akane chuckled and Aoi froze, blushing at the indirect admission that she finds him pretty. “...Hum, i-is...” How does she dig herself out of this one??
Akane chuckled, with his usual 'you're so cute' look. “Then we should do this more!”
The permission made her face get even hotter “...Is not the same with a boy.”
He is an idiot.
Akane looked down at his dainty hands with a pensive look, finally understanding. “Okay.”
Aoi blinked “Okay?”
“I’ll be your girl friend.” Akane decided, a familiar determination in his eyes.
“Girl friend…?” Aoi asked, feeling embarrassed for already occasionally treating him as a girl “Akane-kun!”
“For today.” He seemed proud of this idea.
“Are you sure? Wouldn’t that make you uncomfortable?”
“If it makes you happy I couldn’t be happier myself!” Akane reassured, raising her fists.
“Humm” Aoi stared at the bows on Akane's hair buns, already indulging herself as it is. And Akane-chan is so unbelievably cute. “So I can do anything?”
Akane nodded, shameless as always. He really haven't changed...
“There are many things only girls can do,” Aoi's eyes crinkled with mischief, her smile turning into a smirk “Want to try some?”
Akane smile dimmed a little at her mood switch, but her friend has always been brave and confident to the point of recklessness, so Aoi wasn't surprised when she smirked back “Sure! What do you want to do Ao-chan?”
A weight in her heart was lifted, “Glad you asked!” Aoi got a little more shy, hooking their arms “We'll go shopping~"
"Shopping?" Akane was caught off guard.
She winked.
Akane gulped, but there was a blush on her cheeks. Cute.
Aoi softened "Tell me if you don’t like something okay, Akane-chan?”
Akane nodded, leaning on her “Okay, Ao-chan.”