By the end of the week, the changes stopped.
I woke up the next morning, stretched, and realized I could barely reach the top shelf of my kitchen cabinets without standing on my toes.
148 centimeters. That's where it settled.
I wasn't sure how I felt about it.
My reflection was undeniably feminine now – soft cheeks, gentle curves, and a frame so petite I looked like I'd wandered out of a cosplay event. My hair had grown longer overnight, tumbling down my back in sleek, black waves.
The oversized hoodie I'd worn yesterday now felt too oversized, hanging past my hips like a dress. I yawned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and padded into the kitchen to grab some tea.
The bag from the mall still sat on the chair by the table.
I glanced at it, hesitated, then sighed.
If I was being honest with myself… I liked how I looked.
That realization felt strange. Comforting. Confusing.
I wasn't supposed to feel this way, was I?
But every time I caught my reflection – every time Sakura smiled at me like I'd become something new and wonderful – the weight I'd carried around for years felt just a little lighter.
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Here's the next chapter, blending more romantic tension, humor, and Yuki's growing sense of identity.
Chapter 10: Holding Her Hand
By the end of the week, the changes stopped.
I woke up the next morning, stretched, and realized I could barely reach the top shelf of my kitchen cabinets without standing on my toes.
148 centimeters. That's where it settled.
I wasn't sure how I felt about it.
My reflection was undeniably feminine now – soft cheeks, gentle curves, and a frame so petite I looked like I'd wandered out of a cosplay event. My hair had grown longer overnight, tumbling down my back in sleek, black waves.
The oversized hoodie I'd worn yesterday now felt too oversized, hanging past my hips like a dress. I yawned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and padded into the kitchen to grab some tea.
The bag from the mall still sat on the chair by the table.
I glanced at it, hesitated, then sighed.
If I was being honest with myself… I liked how I looked.
That realization felt strange. Comforting. Confusing.
I wasn't supposed to feel this way, was I?
But every time I caught my reflection – every time Sakura smiled at me like I'd become something new and wonderful – the weight I'd carried around for years felt just a little lighter.
Sakura showed up at noon, as she usually did, without bothering to knock.
"You really need to lock your door," she called, slipping off her shoes.
I grinned. "Why? Afraid I'll get kidnapped?"
She peeked around the corner and pointed at me. "At your size? Definitely."
I rolled my eyes but didn't argue. She wasn't wrong.
Sakura flopped onto my couch like she owned the place, tossing her bag beside her. "How's the final transformation treating you?"
I tugged at the hem of my hoodie. "I think I stopped shrinking."
Her gaze flicked over me, lingering just a little too long. "You look good."
My face warmed. "You say that every day."
"Because it's true." Sakura propped her chin on her hand, smiling lazily. "I could say you look hot if that makes you feel better."
I choked. "Don't."
She laughed, clearly enjoying how easy it was to make me flustered. "I'm just saying – it suits you."
I didn't know how to respond to that, so I busied myself pouring tea.
But as I handed her a cup, her fingers brushed against mine.
And suddenly, that teasing warmth in the room shifted.
Her gaze softened, the smile fading just a little.
"Hey," she said quietly, eyes searching mine. "You okay?"
I nodded, but my chest felt tight. "Yeah… just thinking."
Sakura sipped her tea, watching me carefully over the rim. "Thinking about what?"
I hesitated. "What if this isn't temporary?"
Her expression didn't change. "Would that be such a bad thing?"
I opened my mouth to answer – but stopped.
Because I didn't know.
It should've scared me more. But the fear wasn't as sharp as I expected.
Sakura set her cup down and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Yuki… I don't think you need to have all the answers right now."
I stared at her. "But what if I never figure it out?"
She smiled gently. "Then I'll be here. Whether you stay like this or not."
Her words settled into my chest like a warm blanket.
I wasn't sure how or when it happened, but somewhere along the way, Sakura had become my anchor.
And the realization scared me almost as much as the transformation itself.
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Later that evening, Sakura pulled me toward the campus festival.
"You promised," she said, tugging insistently at my hand.
"I don't remember agreeing to this," I muttered.
"You nodded while half-asleep on the couch last night," she grinned. "That counts."
I sighed, but I didn't let go of her hand.
The festival was already buzzing with energy. Lanterns hung from trees, stalls lined the campus walkways, and the air smelled like fried food and roasted chestnuts.
Sakura led the way, practically bouncing with excitement. "We have to try the goldfish scooping!"
"That's rigged."
"Of course it is! That's the point."
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and despite myself, I started to relax.
No one gave me a second glance.
Even though I was shorter, softer, and clearly different than I'd been at the start of the semester, people passed by like I was just another girl enjoying the festival.
And… I didn't hate it.
Sakura tugged me toward a food stall, buying two sticks of candied fruit. She handed me one, smiling. "Here. Sugar makes everything better."
I took a bite, the sweet glaze cracking under my teeth.
As we wandered through the crowd, Sakura glanced sideways at me. "You know…" she started, twirling the empty skewer between her fingers, "I meant what I said earlier."
"About what?"
She stopped walking, turning to face me fully.
"About being here. No matter what happens."
Her eyes were serious now – no teasing, no playful grin. Just sincerity.
I swallowed hard.
She took a small step closer, and I realized how close we already were.
"Yuki… if this is something you want, you don't have to face it alone."
I opened my mouth to speak, but Sakura suddenly laughed – soft and breathless.
"I mean, I did technically cause all of this," she added, scratching the back of her neck. "So I guess you could say I'm obligated."
I laughed quietly, shaking my head. "That's not why you're sticking around, though."
Her eyes met mine. "No. It's not."
The festival lights flickered around us, casting warm shadows.
And for a moment, I thought – maybe – she might kiss me.
But instead, she reached out and squeezed my hand.
"Come on," she said softly, pulling me forward. "Let's go win some goldfish."
I followed without hesitation, fingers still laced with hers.
And for the first time in weeks, I felt like I wasn't running away from myself.