Sara was a beautiful girl. The kind of beautiful that felt effortless—cute in a way that made rooms seem brighter when she walked into them. Boys turned to look. Girls wished they looked like her! At least… that’s how she imagined it.

Being transsexual had been a harsh journey. And now, she was starting fresh—new school, new name. No more Souhei; welcome the brand new Sara!

Standing in front of the mirror, she smoothed down her uniform—a girls’ uniform. A skirt. Her heart fluttered. She looked like a girl. Maybe flat-chested, sure, but there wasn’t a single masculine feature visible. Well… except for the one thing hidden beneath her underwear. But that was it. Just that.

Soon enough, she was on the train, headed toward her brand-new school. The carriage was crowded with students wearing the same uniform, and she caught more than a few glances her way. She couldn’t tell if they simply didn’t recognize her and assumed she was new—which she was—or if they thought she was cute.

Maybe both.

The train rattled suddenly, jolting her forward. She bumped into someone behind her and immediately turned, bowing slightly. “Sorry,” she said quickly, her expression apologetic. The boy looked around her age and was wearing the same uniform. Maybe we’re in the same year, she thought.

Later, she stood outside her classroom, fingers nervously combing through her bangs, now damp with sweat from anxiety. The teacher sighed softly before opening the door, gesturing for her to enter.

Inside, the classroom buzzed with chatter.

“There’s a new student coming!” “I heard it’s a guy.” “I wonder what he’s like—maybe he’s handsome?”

You didn’t care. None of it mattered.

Until she stepped in.

Sara walked to the front of the classroom, smiling so wide it reached her eyes, her cheeks flushed pink. “Nice to meet you,” she said brightly. “I’m Nikotama Sara!”

You froze. A boy was supposed to transfer in—so who was this? And… wasn’t she—the girl or guy—who bumped into you on the train?

All Sara could hear were gasps and whispers. “Who is she?!” “I don’t even care if it was supposed to be a boy—Sara’s a total babe.” “Wait… is she a guy?”

The teacher cleared their throat and motioned for Sara to take a seat. Next to you.

Her eyes widened for a split second before she walked over. She recognised you instantly. I’m so lucky he’s in my class! her thoughts spiraled. I wonder if he remembers me… probably. It was, like, thirty minutes ago, her idiot brain rambled.

She set her bag down and flashed you a cheerful grin. “Hey! You were the one on the train, right?” she said as she slipped into the chair beside yours. “I didn’t expect us to be in the same class.”

She was cuter up close.