“Asuka get up, you're going to be late to school,” my mom said knocking on my door. 

     Groggily I swung my legs out and sat on the edge of my bed stretching with a big yawn. I felt like I had barely gotten any sleep. For some reason my body felt off, in a way I wasn't really able to describe. I stood up and swayed slightly as a wave of dizziness washed over me. I must have still been half asleep because it felt like I was shorter. I started to make my way to my door when i caught a glimpse of my mirror

     A girl was staring back at me. Her pajamas hung loosely from her frame. I stood still knowing what I was seeing but refusing to believe. I lifted my arm up to my face, the girl mirroring me. Unable to contain it any longer I let out a girlish scream.  

     “Why am I a girl?”  

     My bedroom door flew open as my mother, Emiko, rushed in, “What's wrong?” she asked in a tone of panic. “Who are you?” 

     Without thinking I rushed to my mother clinging to her as tears flowed unrestricted down my face. “M-m-m mom I turned into a girl...” 

     I felt her gentle hand rub the top of my head soothingly as she said. “You got smaller.”

     It was such an absurd reaction that I couldn't help but burst into laughter. “I turned into a girl and that’s what you say?” 

     “Let me see,” she said in a calm tone as she examined me, “you really have become a girl.” 

     “Mom, what am I going to do?” I asked, my quivering voice unusually soft.   

     “A very pretty girl."

     My face went warm as she made me blush.  "Mom this is important, what's gonna happen to me?”

     “I don’t know, I’ll take you to the hospital after I drop off Hinata. Find something to wear and I'll rush back.”  

     My younger brother stood behind us in the door to the hall. He looked confused as he asked. “Who’s that pretty onee-chan?” 

     “That’s your onii-chan,” mom replied.

     “But Onii-chan’s not a girl!!.” This statement stung for some reason.

     “Come Hinata let your onii-chan ready. It's time for you to go to daycare.” 

     He pointed at me and said, “But, she’s not Onii-chan.”

 

***** 

 

     “We have confirmed that your son is now physically female. The results of the ultrasound have shown he has a fully formed vagina, and uterus. He seems to have lost roughly twenty centimeters of height making him a little under average for a girl his age. His hormone levels are in line with what we would expect of a prepubescent girl. We’ve sent a DNA sample for genetic analysis, we will inform you once we receive the results,” she said, writing something down on her clipboard.  

     I could feel mom looking at me, but I just stared at the gown the hospital made me wear. She asked the doctor, “Do you know why this happened to him? Is there anything you can do?”

     “This is entirely outside the realm of scientific knowledge. And definitely outside of the expertise of this hospital. Thus far I’ve kept my notes vague, but word may still get out. You’re protected by doctor client privilege so your names wont come out. However, I would like permission to share your case with researchers at the university.”

     “I’ll think about that. I don’t want my… daughter to be turned into some kind of lab rat.”

     “Understandable,” the doctor said, “for the time being I would recommend that you prepare him for life as a girl, in the event this is irreversible. On that note I would like to share your son's case files, with all personal details redacted of course. It may help us find a way to reverse this.” 

     “Okay, that's fine. I just don't want him to be harassed or worse.”

     The doctor excused herself and left the room. Mom helped me out of the bed and handed me a bag saying, “Hopefully the doctors can figure out what happened to you.”

     “Hopefully,” I said, opening the bag. Inside was my elementary school uniform, “I didn’t know you still had this.”

     “I found it in a bag in the hall closet, with the boxes,” she said looking away. “Do you need help?” 

     “No, I can do it on my own.”

     “We’re going to have to get you some new clothes.”  

     “Why can't I just wear what I have.” 

     “You have a girl's body now, your old clothes are designed for boys. Plus you’re smaller now so they’re going to be too big.” 

     I'm still a boy on the inside... I put on the boxers my mom bought for me. The tight fabric dug into my crotch, causung a weird tingling feeling. I should take them off… I thought. I felt uncomfortable as they made me aware I had girl parts now. No I shouldn't go without underwear, with a sigh I pulled on my shorts. I lifted the shirt over my head, it was a little tight but it fit.  

     The doctor returned a short time later with my discharge papers, as well as prescriptions for medicine. Mom thanked the doctor as we both left the room. We walked to the train station and boarded a train heading away from our house. 

     “Where are we going mom?”  

    “To go clothes shopping, remember?”

     “We’re going today?”

     “It's better today. It’ll be easier to go now.” As we rode mom lifted me into her lap, hugging me tight. She whispered in my ear, “I still love you Asuka. Whether you are a boy or girl, I'm your mother and I'll always be on your side.” She started rocking me, humming gently as she felt my tears fall on her arms. She continued to whisper comforting words to me. After a few minutes I was able to recover.

     “Mom, do I have to go back to school?” 

     “Worried about how people will react?” 

     I looked down at the ground and nodded. People already made fun of me for looking girly. What will they do now that I turned into one.  

     “If you want you can stay home tomorrow, but I imagine your friends are getting worried. I’ve already told the school about your hospitalization, and gotten your new uniform.”

     I only have one friend. I thought as I said, "New uniform?” 

     “The note the doctor gave me explained your gender change and the school insisted that you wear the girl’s uniform.” 

     I put my hands on my face and groaned. I don’t want to go back to school. I lamented.

 

***** 

 

     The cashier called our order, mom went to get it while I waited. She returned a few seconds later and set the tray down. I grabbed my burger and unwrapped it. Mom unwrapped her chicken sandwich and we shared the fries and soda.

     “Mom, do I really have to wear girl clothes?”

     “Girl clothes will fit you the best right now, but if you aren't comfortable we can get you something more gender neutral.” 

     “I’d rather wear boy clothes. I'm not a girl.”

     “Do you want people to look at you funny?”

     “No…” I said in defeat as i continued to eat. Why am I full already? I had barely eaten half of my burger.

     “Full?” mom asked, to which I nodded. “Ready to go then?” 

     “Yea.”

     She picked up the tray and I followed her, she dumped it in the trash as we left the food court. As we made our way to the stores I felt people looking at me. I grabbed my moms arm and pressed myself close to her trying to hide from their sight. 

     “Cute,” my mom said looking down at me, which caused me to blush.

     “I'm not…”

     “You are very cute actually. This place looks good,” mom said, pointing to a clothing store. I kept my eyes on the floor as she led me inside. I didn't want to see people's stares. “You’ve gotten so much smaller I don’t know what size you are.”

     A sales associate came over and asked, “Hello, is there anything I can help you with today?”

     “Hi, I’m here with my daughter, we need some clothes for her but I don't know her sizes.” 

     “I’d be happy to help, do you happen to know what you’re looking for today?”

     “We were just browsing right now.”

      The clerk picked a few different shorts and shirts. “I believe these should fit her just right.”

      “Also,” mom said in a quiet tone, “she's going to need underwear as well.”

     “I understand,” she replied in the same tone. She led us to the changing rooms mom passing me the clothes she picked. I took them into the changing rooms as she opened the curtain for me.

     I heard mom say from outside. “Thank you for your help.” 

     I reluctantly began to undress, folding and putting my uniform on the bench. With a sigh I turned to face the mirror with my eyes. I had tried to avoid this as long as possible. I looked at myself, I was standing there in oversize boxers. I had my arms crossed over my chest. But even then I couldn't help but notice how soft and curvy I had become. I’m cute… I thought before I looked away embarrassingly. My body’s completely different…

     “You’ve got a very beautiful daughter if you don't mind me saying,” I heard the clerk say.

      Am I really? I wondered to myself. A strange sense of happiness welled up inside me before I tamped it down.

     “Shes my pride and joy. Asuka do you need mommies help?”

     “No mom, it's okay.” I don't want to wear these. I thought as I examined the panties. Reluctantly I slipped them on. They were snug but surprisingly comfortable. I reached down and felt them, it's so… flat. The realization finally set in. I sat on the bench and my phone fell to the floor with a thud.

     “Are you okay in there?” mom asked, pressing her face to the curtain.  

     “Don’t come in!!!” I replied in a flustered tone. “It's just my phone, I dropped it.” 

     “Well hurry up, you're making the nice lady wait.”

     “Sorry mom.” I grabbed the clothes the clerk picked out for me. A pair of baby blue shorts and a yellow shirt embroidered with lilies. After dressing I opened the curtain. 

     “You look absolutely beautiful,” mom said, my cheeks grew warm as I blushed. “Now we just need to get you a few more things and we’ll be set.”

     “That outfit does look good on your daughter,” the clerk said. “I have a few recommendations,” she added, grabbing a few more things. 

     I really do look cute. I thought, looking at myself in the mirror. Pulling out my phone I snapped a picture of myself, blushing when I realized what I did. I smacked my cheeks before grabbing my old clothes and walking to my mom's side. Soon leaving the store with bags full of new girly clothes. The clerk waved us goodbye.

     “Now we have just one more stop.” 

     “Where's that mom?” 

     “You need some new shoes. Those don’t fit and are too boyish.”  

     Mom led the way to the shoe store and after a bit of searching we found a pair that I liked. I put them on and carried the old shoes in the box.  

     “Time for us to go home sweetie, unless there was something else you needed?” I shook her head and took out my phone, staring at it with a frown. “Something wrong dear?” 

     “Kaito sent me a text, he’s asking why I haven't been to school. What should I tell him?” 

     “Just tell him you’re sick, it's basically true,” she replied. We boarded the train when it arrived. I sat and typed out a reply. The sun was beginning to set, casting its golden rays across the city. I watched the city pass by outside the window. Occasionally due to the fading light the girl I had become was reflected back at me in them. 

     “Mom,” I began tentatively.   

     “Yes dear?” She asked, looking at her phone. 

     “I’m happy we got to spend the day together,” I said looking down at my lap fiddling with my fingers. I just wish it wasn’t as a girl... I looked up at mom and gave her a reluctant smile.

     “Really? I'm glad,” she replied, ruffling my hair. “I’ve always wanted to take my daughter shopping.” That statement excited me a little, and confused me.

 

***** 

 

     I tapped my phone, turning off the alarm. Groggily getting up and going to the bathroom to brush my teeth. The door banged open and Hinata came in, he pulled out the step stool and stood next to me brushing his. 

      “Morning Onee-chan.”  

     “Morning,” I said, putting my toothbrush away. Leaving him in the bathroom, I went to the kitchen and sat down at the table with a yawn. “Morning mom.” 

     “Asuka dear, you have to brush your hair now,” she set my breakfast down and went for a brush. I heard her say something to Hinata as she returned with one in hand and began to run it through my hair. “Your teachers have apparently been informed already.”  

     As she brushed my hair it gave me a familiar and nostalgic feeling. Mom finished brushing about the same time I finished my food. 

     “I’m going to get ready now,” I stood and put my dish in the sink. Heading to my room I grabbed the uniform my mom had set out for me. Blushing slightly I held it up to myself and faced the mirror. I guess I'm wearing a skirt… the thought gave me a fluttering feeling in my stomach. I'm gonna be late if I don't leave. I reprimanded myself. With a sigh I changed out of my pajamas and into the uniform. It was so fluttery and offered no protection. As I dressed my phone buzzed in my bag, probably Kaito telling me he’s here. I closed my door and put on my shoes. “I’m off! See you later.”  

     “Be safe, see you later,” mom said as I walked out the door. 

     “Bye mom, bye Hinata be a good boy for mom.” 

     “I will Onee-chan,” he said with a smile.

     Kaito was waiting for me as expected. He was looking at his phone but turned once he heard the door close.   

     “Hey Asuka, I was worried about you. Are you feelin...?” he said trailing off

     “Good morning. Let’s go to school," I said, keeping my eyes on the ground, I could feel him staring at me. I started to walk, but he didn’t follow. “Are we going?” I turned to look at him, my face slightly pink as I blushed.

      “Sorry... Is that really you Asuka...?” he asked  

     “Yea, it’s .... it’s me,” I said as the air between us turned awkward. “How are you?” I wanted to break this silence and couldn't think of anything else to say. 

     “What happened to you?” he asked, not hearing me. 

     “I became a girl.” 

     “I see....” he trailed off, he kept having to fix his gaze which was magnetized towards me. 

     “We should get to school, we don't want to be late.” 

     I started to walk again, we were definitely going to be late at this rate. After a moment he began to follow, his expression dumbstruck as he looked at me. I could feel his eyes scanning my body still as he seemed to be struggling with his words. I held my bag in front of myself, I wished he would look anywhere else. Eventually he realized he was staring and looked away awkwardly, only to repeat himself.

     “So...” we began at the same time.  

     “You first,” he said. 

      With a blush I said,  “Please don’t stare, I may be a girl on the outside, but I'm still me.” 

     “You’re right, I'm sorry,” he said, smiling and rubbing the back of his head. “So, you really became a girl then?” 

     “Yea.” 

      “How?” 

     “I wish I knew.” 

     “Do you have a...” he began looking down at her skirt. 

     “You can't ask a girl that!” I squealed timidly pressing my hands against the hem of my skirt. Wait, I'm not a girl… Kaito looked away in embarrassment. After that exchange we continued walking in silence.

     Everyone is staring.... And it's only going to get worse. I lamented ten minutes later when we arrived at the school gates. I quickly went to my shoe cubby and changed them. Kaito walked with me to our class, as more people looked. I tried to make myself look as small as possible and went to my desk. Some other students were looking at me questioningly, but before anyone could speak the teacher walked in.

     “Ok, everyone please take your seats. Ms. Takahashi please come here,” he said, gesturing to me to come over. “Everyone, this is Asuka Takahashi. Inexplicably she has been transformed into a girl. I ask that you treat her kindly. You may return to your desk.” 

     After being dismissed I returned to my desk blushing slightly. Did they have to tell everyone? People were staring at me. The teacher called roll then instructed the class to open our textbooks. It’s only natural I was gone for nearly a week and came back looking like a girl. I’m sure they are all going to be curious. I felt myself start to tear up again. I covered my face with my hands to hide my tears. It seems like I have gotten really emotional lately.  

     “Why me?” I whispered my tears continued to flow. The bell rang signaling break, everyone came to my desk and started bombarding me with questions. 

     “Are you really a girl?” 

     “Why’d you turn into a girl?” 

     “She always kind of looked girly.” 

     “I never thought she was a boy.” 

     “Were you really a girl the whole time?”

     “Give him...her.... Asuka some room,” Kaito said as he pushed some of the students back. 

     “Can we see that you’re really a girl?” said one of the boys impishly. Some of the girls flashed him a look making him flinch. 

     My stomach dropped as I clenched the hem of my skirt. My body went cold as a chill ran through my spine. A cold sweat broke out on my forehead.

      “Why are boys so perverted?” one of the girls said to another.  

       “Everyone please give her some space,” a girl several seats away stood and walked over. She gently nudged people back and gave me a hug. “You poor girl. My name is Takada Yuna. But you can call me Yuna. If you ever need help you can ask me. You must be so confused.” 

     I hugged her back, I could feel the warmth and color return to my face as she gently caressed me. The other students returned to their seats. Yuna continued to hug me till I was able to stop trembling. 

     “Thank you,” I said, wiping my eyes.  

 

***** 

 

     When the bell rang for lunch the class got up and dispersed. Yuna came over and sat down with Kaito and I. Opening my bag I retrieved my bento. Yuna had already opened hers. I unwrapped mine and took off the lid, blushing slightly as I saw the inside.  “Mom made it cute.” 

     “That's sweet.” Yuna said 

     “Yea, my mom is excited. I could tell she really wanted to do more girly stuff with me. But she is trying not to make me uncomfortable.” 

     “How do you feel? About being a girl I mean.” 

     “I don’t really know. I've been a boy my whole life. I don't know what it means to be a girl.”   

     “Well, being a girl, I can help you discover your interests. I’m sorry if this comes off rude, but you didn’t look happy. You always have this dark look in your eyes.” 

     “A dark look?” 

     “Yea like you aren't seeing people around you. You never know, maybe turning into a girl is just what you needed,” Yuna said with a smile which seemed to light up the room. 

     “Thank you. I hope we can be good friends.”  

     “Me too. So tell me, have you gone out as a girl yet?”  

     “Mom took me shopping after I got out of the hospital. I had to get new clothes.” 

     “That doesn't count. You should come hang out later.”  

     "Sorry, I have to help my mom with something.” 

      “Oh okay, later then. Can I get your contact info please?” she smiled cheerfully, I tapped my phone to hers.

      “Hey I don’t wanna rush you girls, but lunch is nearly over,” Kaito interrupted. 

     Asuka resumed eating while Yuna talked about stuff of little consequence.  

     “Is there an Asuka Takahashi here?” asked a boy as he walked into the room. I looked over and raised my hand. “Ms. Nomura wants to talk to you in the faculty room.” Grabbing my bag, I followed him to the faculty room.

     “Thank you.” Ms. Nomura said, dismissing the boy. She turned to me and asked. “Do you have a swimsuit?”  

     “My mom bought me one the other day.” 

     “Okay, you can change in the nurse's office then.” 

     “Thank you, Ms. Nomura.” 

     “Asuka!” called Yuna hurrying down the hallway. “Did you get in trouble?”. 

     “No, she just wanted to tell me something.” 

     “Are you going to PE now?”  

     “Yea, I'm just going to the nurse's office to change.” 

     “You'll be late then, let's go,” she said. She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the girls locker room.

     “I can't change here.” 

     “Why not?” 

     “It's the girls locker room.” 

     “Huh? But you're a girl,” she said with a smile before leading me inside. A couple girls turned to look at us. Yuna led me to a corner of the  room talking while we walked. My heart pounded nervously in my ears as I tried to avoid notice. “Are you ok?” she said, grabbing my shoulder. 

     “Huh? I'm sorry I didn’t hear.” 

     “I said there's an empty locker here you can use.” 

     “Okay.” I nervously opened the locker. I felt stressed with so many girls changing. Nervous and afraid… I put my bag in the locker and retrieved my swimsuit. I felt really uncomfortable, not so much about being around changing girls. But being seen by them. I prepared to take off my shirt as my heart continued to pound in my head. Yuna was keeping an eye on me apparently because she put her hand on my shoulder.

    “It's ok Asuka. You don't need to be nervous.”

     “I shouldn’t be in here…”

     “You are a girl. It would be weird if you changed somewhere else. And you don't want any of the boys seeing you do you?”

     “No I don't want that…” I don't want anything to do with boys. Ever again… I suppressed a shiver. Removing my shirt I folded it and put it in the locker.

     “Asuka!?” Yuna exclaimed in a hushed tone. “Why aren’t you wearing a bra?”

     I jumped at her words and blushed slightly. “Only girls wear bras…”

     She sighed and shook her head. “Asuka. You’re a girl, you need to wear a bra. What happens if your shirt gets wet? Then the boys would see your nipples.”

     Her words caused me to pause in fear. “Ok, I'm sorry. I will wear one tomorrow.”

     “That's good.”

     With Yuna’s help I changed into my swimsuit. She showed me the proper way to change into it. Leaving my skirt on as I pulled the suit up to cover myself before I took the skirt off. After changing, Yuna and I went out to the pool and sat with the rest of the girls. 

     “Ugh look at all the boys, they just keep looking over here.”  

     I felt uncomfortable, many of the boys' stares were directed at me. Please let this end... 

 

***** 

 

     “I’m back, hi mom hi Hinata,” I said, closing the door behind me.

     “Hi Onee-chan,” he said from the couch.

     “Welcome home sweetie. How was your first day?” mom asked as I walked into the living room.

     “It was...” I paused to think. “Complicated. People were staring and talking about me. PE was the worst, the boys wouldn’t stop staring. We had swim class today. I was so embarrassed, the swimsuit clung weirdly to me. But I made a friend.” 

     “Is that so?”

     “Yeah, her name is Yuna Takada. We talked a lot, and she helped me.” 

     “What did you two girls talk about?” She asked me excitedly. 

     I'm not a girl... “Mostly about me turning into a girl. She asked me how I feel about it.”

     “Well, how do you feel?”

     “I don’t really know…” I paused for a moment. “We also traded contact info. Oh and she asked if I wanted to go shopping, but I told her no.”

     “You really should consider being more open,” She remarked, giving me a hug. “You may end up having fun.”

     “I'll think about it,” I said. “I’m going to do some homework before dinner.”

     I turned on my bedroom light. My room, it never really felt like mine, probably because my dad was the one who picked out everything. I looked around the room, there were posters on the wall from shows and anime I've never heard of. I set down my bag and pulled out my homework. What do I really want? 

     This room was a reminder that my dad wanted me to be a boy. The bookshelf was filled with shonen manga, most of them unopened. They never really interested me. I sighed and started working on my homework. My phone buzzed in my bag. I smiled and replied to Yuna’s message. Chatting with her as I worked on my homework. I finished it just before mom called me for dinner.

     After dinner I returned to my room and played on my computer a bit before bed, occasionally messaging Yuna. Before I knew it night fell and I got ready for bed. Lying down I continued to text her falling asleep mid conversation.