"Tamao-senpai is always so nice."

"She's such a good help."

"I really look up to her."

For the longest time, Tamao had ignored those comments. They didn't matter to her. But, that changed when the comments were actually made at her and not behind her back.

When she met Rui, a lot of things changed. She started having doubts. Rui shouldn't look up to her when she didn't know anything. It made her feel dirty. Like she was deceiving the girl.

Would Rui see her the same way if she found out she wasn't cis. Tamao had never had that issue before. So what if people looked up to her? That was inevitable with her goals.

But, having Rui tell her about how much she looked up to her and admired her was different. It was to her face. And, Rui stayed by her side. Tried to grow with her.

Tamao felt awful for not telling her sooner. She really didn't know why. Why did it matter if Rui knew? It shouldn't change anything. She wasn't deceiving her. So why did it feel that way?

"Tamao-senpai? You seem lost in thought?"

Rui had found her again. She seemed concerned by Tamao's behavior as of recent.

"Rui, tell me honestly, what do you think of someone who is trans trying to be an actor?"

"Huh? Well... I'd think they're really brave. I can't imagine how much hate they would get for it. I can't imagine being able to handle it." Rui replied, eyeing her in confusion.

Tamao took a deep breath, "What if I was that way? Would you see me any differently?"

"No! Tamao-senpai is still my idol no matter what!" Rui was quick to say that, and then paused slightly, "Does that mean you..."

"Yeah..." Tamao let out a dry laugh, "I wasn't always a girl."

"I admire you for being able to keep going. I can't begin to think how much you've been through trying to reach this place already." Rui said.

Tamao burst into tears. Rui let out a startled cry and hugged her tightly.

"T-Tamao-senpai?!"

"I thought you'd hate me..."

Rui frowned and held her closer, "I could never do that to you."

"Thank you, Rui-chan..."

They stayed that way for a while. Rui wasn't going to let go until Tamao was ready.

"Have you um... told anyone else?" Rui nervously asked.

Tamao shook her head, "No. You're the first one I've told."

"Do you plan to?"

"They deserve to know."

"I'll help you tell them." Rui offered.

Tamao looked up at her and smiled, "Thank you, Rui-chan, but this is something I have to do alone."

"Okay..." Rui wasn't happy with that. She wanted to help Tamao as much as she could.

"It's almost time for practice, isn't it? Shall we head there?"

"Sure." Rui nodded.

They started making their way to the room. It was a silent walk for a while. Neither knew what to say.

"When do you plan to tell them?" Rui questioned.

Tamao shrugged, "I don't know yet."

"I'll be here to help if you do need me."

"I know. I'm glad to have you here with me, Rui-chan."