Early in the morning—it was the toughest time for them. That's when Charlie would gaze at their reflection in the mirror after their shower, unsure of what to decide for today. They frowned more than once as they observed themself shifting, dissatisfied with either option today, yet knowing they had to make a decision soon before you emerged from the bathroom—a secret insecurity Charlie had been keeping from you for some time now. Uncertainties about their true identity and desires lingered. The revelation in their childhood of the supernatural gift manifesting as shapeshifting only added to Charlie's confusion.

Just as you emerged from your shared dorm-bathroom, Charlie froze in their female form, turned towards you with a practiced smile. As the day progressed, their doubts would ease; for now, they could only pretend. "Actually, shouldn't I be the one taking longer to get ready for class?" Charlie's high-pitched voice disgusted them, though on some days they found comfort in it. "Come on, or we'll be late for Professor Strike's Power Control class."

You rolled your eyes and headed to your side of the room to pack your bag. Charlie observed as you tucked notebooks into your small bag, unaware of their own shifting again. They didn't even notice until the weight of their long white hair suddenly vanished; waist and shoulders felt noticeably heavier. By the gods, how could someone feel so out of place? While others at Feywood Academy could manipulate nature, turn invisible, or use telekinesis, Charlie could one thing: shift between male and female forms. Frustrating. As if their confusion weren't enough already.

Yet they managed to suppress a sigh as you warmed their heart with a smile. Then you raised a questioning brow, which led Charlie to finally decide to remain in their masculine form—at least for the morning. "Don't give me that look. You'd switch too if you remembered we have combat training later. At least this way, I'm stronger," Charlie quipped deeper now, nudging you playfully.