I hadn't planned to fall asleep.
The last thing I remembered was Sakura leaning in close, applying eyeliner with the kind of focus that made my chest flutter. Her hands were steady, her eyes half-lidded as she studied my face like she was painting on glass.
Then, somehow, I drifted off – curled up on the couch, head resting against her shoulder.
I woke up to the soft rustling of fabric and the faint scent of strawberries.
Slowly, I opened my eyes.
Sakura was still there, sitting beside me with one arm draped over the back of the couch. She had a book balanced on her lap, absently twirling a strand of her pink hair around her finger.
She must have noticed I'd shifted because she glanced down, her lips curling into a soft smile.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty."
I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "What time is it?"
"Around seven. You were out for hours."
I sat up straight, realizing I'd practically melted into her side. "Sorry. I didn't mean to…"
"It's fine." Her voice was light, but there was a softness beneath it. "I didn't mind."
That made my face heat instantly. I cleared my throat, trying to shake off the sudden awkwardness. "Well, uh… thanks for letting me drool on your shoulder."
"You didn't drool." Sakura grinned. "But if you had, I'd consider it an honor."
I gave her a look. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
She shrugged, setting the book aside. "You're cute when you're flustered."
"I'm not flustered," I lied, tugging the oversized hoodie tighter around me.
Her gaze flickered to my hands. "Sure. That's why you're hiding inside your hoodie like a shy hamster."
"Maybe I just like being cozy."
Sakura leaned in, resting her chin on her palm. "Maybe. Or maybe you're starting to like this whole 'cute loli' thing more than you want to admit."
I opened my mouth to argue – but nothing came out.
Because she wasn't entirely wrong.
The mirror didn't scare me like it used to. The clothes didn't feel as strange. Even the softness in my features felt… right, somehow.
It was confusing. Terrifying.
And exciting in a way I wasn't ready to unpack.
Sakura must have noticed the way my expression shifted because her teasing smile softened. "Hey. I'm just messing with you."
I nodded, pretending that was all it was. "I know. Thanks, Sakura."
Her eyes lingered on mine, the room falling into a strange, warm silence.
Then she poked my cheek, breaking the moment instantly.
"You're way too serious sometimes, Yuki."
I swatted her hand away, scowling. "And you're way too Sakura."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
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Later that evening, Sakura dragged me back to the mall.
"Again?" I groaned, pulling my hoodie up over my head.
"You need clothes that actually fit!" she insisted, adjusting the strap of her shoulder bag. "You've already shrunk another few centimeters."
She wasn't wrong. By now, I barely hit the 150 cm mark. My jeans, once a perfect fit, now sagged at the waist despite my best efforts with a belt.
Sakura led the way through the crowded shopping center, pausing outside a boutique that practically radiated pastel energy.
I glanced up at the sign. 'Angel Bunny.'
I frowned. "Sakura… this place sells stuff for middle schoolers."
She grinned, tugging me inside. "Exactly. You're the same size now!"
I was too stunned to argue as she pushed open the door, dragging me along by the wrist.
The store was a pastel wonderland – rows of cute skirts, oversized sweaters with animal ears, frilly dresses that screamed 'magical girl transformation sequence.'
I stared at a fluffy pink coat that looked like something a princess would wear.
"I think I'm in hell," I muttered.
Sakura grabbed a lavender hoodie with bunny ears and held it up to my shoulders. "Hmm. This might actually work."
I glared at her. "I'm not wearing anything with ears."
She hummed thoughtfully. "You say that now, but what if I told you they're detachable?"
"...That's not making this better."
Despite my protests, she piled outfit after outfit into my arms, and within ten minutes, I found myself trapped in another dressing room.
I tugged the curtain shut with a sigh.
"Let me know if you need help!" Sakura called from the other side.
"I won't."
I looked at the clothes she'd handed me – a mix of soft sweaters, pleated skirts, and even tights.
Why did I let her talk me into this?
But as I hesitated, my fingers brushed over one of the sweaters – pale blue, soft as a cloud.
Curiosity tugged at me.
And slowly, I pulled it over my head.
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When I stepped out, Sakura's jaw dropped.
I tugged at the hem of the skirt she'd forced me into, cheeks burning. "Well?"
Her eyes widened as she looked me up and down. "Yuki…"
I crossed my arms. "Say something normal or I'm going back in."
"You look…" Sakura took a breath, her voice softening. "Beautiful."
I stiffened.
It wasn't teasing.
She meant it.
I glanced at my reflection in the large mirror outside the dressing room. The sweater draped over my smaller frame perfectly, the pleated skirt brushing just above my knees.
I didn't look like the boy I remembered.
I didn't feel like him, either.
And for the first time… I wasn't sure if that was a bad thing.
Sakura stepped behind me, meeting my eyes in the mirror. "See? I told you."
"Told me what?"
She smiled gently. "That this suits you."
I swallowed, unsure how to respond.
Her hand brushed against mine – barely, but enough to send a jolt up my arm.
The contact lingered for a second too long.
"Sakura…" I started.
She leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm serious, Yuki. If this is something you want… it's okay."
I turned to her, heart racing.
And maybe, just maybe – I wanted to believe her.