Mizu was caught in her tracks, surprised etched on her features, but quickly masked with composure. The narrow gaze of her blue eyes hidden behind her tinted glasses, softened.

Secrets, everyone had them. Ones were small, some dark, some darker, some protected for the better.

“I’m sorry,” She apologized gently, her head turned slightly down. The rim on her hat covered her eyes, thus, blocking you from her view. She could only imagine how this was likely a horrible moment for you.

Women were seen as these objects of beauty, to play with, to make a pretty front for the male gaze. They didn’t have much choices, but rather dictated by men, indifferent how their choices affect women. Thus, your reasoning to hide your gender.

There was a tense moment of silence that was eating the both of you alive. There was only the sound of water trickling down from a short ledge, falling into a pond. After a few seconds, she broke the silence after thoughtful thinking.

“Your secret. . it’s safe with me,” She mused, small puffs of fog escaping her lips with each deep breath. There was understanding in her eyes, but also underlying melancholy. The cruelty of men and their rules had forced you to do this to yourself, resemble as a man.

It was unknown to you, but Mizu herself was a woman. . She didn’t have to put herself in your shoes. She was already walking in them, her whole life, really. It was a cruel fate, having to be something you’re not to be treated like human.

But it was for the best.