-Back to 11 February 2025-
I opened my eyes to the faint light filtering through a small window. My entire body felt cold and stiff, like I'd been lying in ice. The first thought that crossed my mind was strangely detached: So, I'm not dead after all.
I slowly sat up, my joints protesting with every move. My mind swirled in confusion as I looked around the small, humble room. Before I could make sense of where I was, a soft, aged voice startled me.
"Oh, you're awake already?"
I turned to see an old woman standing in the doorway, her wrinkled face lit up with relief.
"I found you collapsed in front of my house," she explained, her voice warm and gentle. "You looked so pale; I thought you were dead. Fortunately, you weren't!" She chuckled lightly, clearly pleased with herself.
"Thank you," I managed to say, my voice sounding hoarse. My mind raced with questions. Where was I? Why was I here? And then, the old woman's next words hit me like a slap.
"You're welcome, miss. You should get going now; the storm has passed, and I'm sure your family is worried about you."
Miss?
My heart skipped a beat. My voice… it sounded strange, softer. Higher-pitched. Panic began to creep in.
"Uh, excuse me," I stammered, my words tumbling out in a rush. "Do you have a mirror?"
The old woman tilted her head but nodded. "Of course, dear. It's in the bathroom, down the hall."
I bolted to the bathroom, my pulse pounding in my ears. The moment I caught my reflection, I froze.
Staring back at me was a face that wasn't mine—or rather, it wasn't the face I'd had before. My features were softer, my jawline more delicate. My hair was longer, my body… My hands trembled as I reached up, feeling the unfamiliar curves of my face. Then, I glanced down.
"No, no, no…" I muttered, shaking my head.
My chest, now undeniably feminine, rose and fell with my frantic breaths. My hips… my stomach… and then I confirmed the worst. I didn't have… those parts anymore.
I slapped my face, hard, hoping this was some bizarre dream. But the sting confirmed it wasn't.
"This… This can't be real," I whispered. A sudden, bitter thought crossed my mind: Is this some kind of divine punishment? Did God curse me for hurting Keiko?
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to leave the bathroom. The old woman looked at me curiously, but I forced a polite smile and thanked her again before heading out.
As I wandered the streets, my mind was a whirlwind of confusion and dread. My feet carried me unconsciously to a familiar place: my apartment. I stared at the building from across the street, unable to bring myself to step inside.
I can't go back. Keiko and Rin… they wouldn't believe me. No one would. How could they?
I sighed, glancing at my reflection in a nearby window. This was my reality now. Maybe, just maybe, this was an opportunity—a chance to start over. To fix the mess I'd made of my life.
But first, I needed somewhere to stay.
As I turned to leave, a familiar voice called out to me.
"Excuse me, miss? Are you okay? Do you need something?"
I froze. It was Keiko. She didn't recognize me, of course. She stood in the doorway, looking cautious but polite.
"Ah, no," I stammered. "Sorry, I was just… lost in thought."
Keiko studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, but… do you need anything with my family? You were standing here for a while."
Her question caught me off guard, and I quickly shook my head. "No, no. Sorry for blocking the way."
Keiko smiled faintly, brushing past me. Her scent, her presence—it all hit me like a wave of nostalgia. Without thinking, I blurted out, "Are you just coming home from work?"
Keiko turned, her brow furrowing slightly. "Yes… why?"
"Oh, no reason. Just… take care of yourself," I said awkwardly.
Keiko's eyes lingered on me for a moment before she nodded and went inside. As the door closed behind her, I let out a heavy sigh. That could've gone worse.
I needed help. Someone who wouldn't judge, someone who might take me in, no questions asked. Only one name came to mind: Junpei.
Junpei had been my best friend since high school. Even when I tried to cut him off during my worst days, he stayed in touch, checking on me now and then. I knew he lived alone and would probably be willing to help.
Dialing his number, I braced myself for the awkward conversation.
"Hello?" Junpei's voice sounded confused.
"It's… me," I said hesitantly.
"Uh, sorry, you've got the wrong number—"
"Wait! It's Ryusei!" I blurted out.
There was a long pause. "What kind of prank is this? Ryusei doesn't sound like—"
"It's not a prank! Just… let me explain in person. Please."
Junpei hesitated before sighing. "Fine. Come over. But if this is a joke, I swear…"
---
When I arrived at his apartment, Junpei opened the door, his eyes widening in shock as he took in my appearance.
"Wha—" he started, but words failed him.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," I muttered, stepping inside.
Junpei paced around me, rubbing his temples. "Okay, what the hell is going on? Who are you? And don't say Ryusei, because—"
"It's me, Junpei," I interrupted. "I don't know how, but… this is what I look like now."
Junpei stared at me, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Finally, he burst into laughter.
"This is insane! Did you get plastic surgery or something?" he joked, though his eyes were still wide with disbelief.
"Junpei, I'm serious!" I snapped, my voice cracking. "I woke up like this. I don't know why or how."
Junpei's laughter faded, replaced by a mix of concern and curiosity. "Okay… If this isn't a prank, then… what the hell happened to you?"
I sighed, recounting everything that had happened since I woke up at the old woman's house. By the time I finished, Junpei was sitting on the couch, his head in his hands. Somehow I know what was gonna happen next.
Junpei paced around his small apartment, scratching his head as if trying to dig through his brain for answers. I sat awkwardly on his worn-out couch, feeling like I was on trial. He kept glancing at me, narrowing his eyes like he was trying to match my current face with the one he knew.
"Alright," he said, stopping abruptly and pointing a finger at me. "If you're really Ryusei, then you'll have no problem answering this."
I sighed. "Here we go…"