He never thought this would be him. Never thought he could question himself. Never thought he might question if he wanted to be a girl. What was he supposed to do about it?

That was the main question Futaba had, and the one he couldn't answer no matter how hard he tried. Did he tell anyone? If so, who did he tell? Could he trust they would support him?

What about school? This was an all-girls school. Would they kick him out? Or would they force him to pretend to be a girl still?

What about... his girlfriend. Right. That was another issue to consider too. What if she broke up with him because he wasn't a girl? It would hurt a lot.

He was scared to find the answers to any of the questions. There was so much unknown.

But, he had to. He didn't want to hide this. He wanted to be able to be himself. But, he was scared. Where did he even start?

"Futaba-han~ Come on, you promised we were going to get ice cream today."

Futaba snapped out of his daze to find Kaoruko was right in his face. He took a moment to recollect himself. He didn't want anyone to catch on. He had to remain calm and act as he always had. That could be hard, though.

"Sorry, I was spacing out. Let's go."

Kaoruko pouted at him, "You don't space out often."

"Yeah. Just something on my mind." Futaba shrugged and hoped they could leave the conversation at that.

Kaoruko instead eyed him up, "You don't seem like yourself. Is everything okay?"

It was rare to see Kaoruko acting concerned the way she was. That made Futaba feel bad and also even more worried. Was his crisis that noticeable? Or maybe it was not that deep. Ever since they had started dating, she did seem a bit more openly caring.

"I... I'd rather discuss it in private." Futaba mumbled, "So, tonight I'll tell you. I need time to think what I want to say."

"Okay. Then come on. I want ice cream."

Futaba cracked a smile, "Race you there?"

"You're on."

He had almost forgotten about that promise, until he was getting settled into bed. Kaoruko came into the room and seated herself beside him, catching him off guard for a moment.

"Ready to talk?" Kaoruko looked him over with a hint of concern again.

Futaba took a deep breath, "I guess..."

"So, what's bothering you?"

"I... I guess I'm having an identity crisis..." Futaba mumbled, "I don't feel like a girl. It feels wrong when people call me that."

"Hmm..." Kaoruko seemed to be thinking about something, "So, what do you feel like?"

"I feel more connected to being a guy, I guess. I'm still struggling to comprehend it..."

"You're trans then?"

"Trans? I..." Futaba's eyes widened as the realization dawned on him, "Fuck. I am trans then..."

"There's nothing wrong with that, Futaba-han." Kaoruko stated, "Though, I do wonder how that will work in school now."

"I'm scared to tell them."

"Hmmpf. You have me. I'll protect you." Kaoruko huffed, seeming offended.

"But what can you do if they choose to kick me out?"

Kaoruko thought about it, "Then I'll leave with you. We'll stay together."

"But... this is your dream... you shouldn't give it up for me."

Kaoruko let out another huff and pinched Futaba's cheek, "As if that's more important than you. Who do you take me for?"

"Ow!" Futaba whined as he swatted at her hand, "Okay, okay, I get it. Let up."

Kaoruko released his cheek, "Good."

Futabab cracked a small smile, "Though... I'm thankful to have you as my friend... and my girlfriend."

Kaoruko didn't know how to respond to that. Under normal circumstances, she would give a bit of a snarky response, but Futaba was being very genuine and honest. What did she say?

"I couldn't imagine life without you by my side." Kaoruko finally decided on, "We're in this together, you hear me?"

"Yep. Um... then could I ask you to maybe gage how the others feel about... this? Before I come out to them?"

"Sure. Though, if they're being assholes, I may assault them. Fair warning." Kaoruko stated.

Futaba laughed, "Just as I'd expect from you."

"Is there anything else?"

"Nope. That's all. It feels good to have gotten that off my chest."

"Goodnight, Futaba-han." Kaoruko moved to stand up, but a hand grabbed her arm.

"Could you... stay?"

Kaoruko looked at Futaba. He was looking down at the bed.

"One night."

"Really?" Futaba looked at her in surprise. He hadn't expected her to actually agree to it.

"I think you deserve it. Today must've been stressful." Kaoruko huffed, "Don't think this'll be common. You're going to have to make this up to me in the future too."

Futaba smiled as Kaoruko climbed under the covers with him, "I'll make sure to remember that."

"Goodnight."

"Night, Kaoruko."

Despite them dating and all, sharing a bed was not common in their relationship. At least, not yet. But it was nice.

Futaba had moved closer to Kaoruko. She responded by lifting up her arm. Futaba stared at her for a moment, before taking up the offer and pressing up against her. Kaoruko wrapped her arm around him

"I love you..." Futaba whispered.

He felt Kaoruko kiss him on the head, "Love you too."

"So... you aren't going to break up with me, right?"

Kaoruko huffed and flicked his head, "Who do you take me for, Futaba-han? Like I'd be that low."

Futaba winced at the flick, "Sorry."

"Hmmpf. Maybe I need to show you."

Futaba didn't know what that meant, "Now?"

"No. A girl needs her beauty sleep. Tomorrow."

Futaba chuckled, "Okay. Goodnight, Kaoruko."

"Goodnight."

They both finally settled down. Futaba felt relieved. Everything had gone well so far. He felt a bit more confident now. And with Kaoruko by his side, he wasn't alone. He was really glad.