Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was supposed to be a normal day.

That morning, Shuichi had been having breakfast in the dining hall along with the rest of their class.

“So, Shuichi, you and Kaede are heading out today, right?” asked Kaito.

“Ah, that’s right,” Shuichi answered.

“We we’re planning on visiting the aquarium,” Kaede elaborated.

The two of them had been going out for a few months now, and that day they had another date planned.

“Sounds fun! That actually reminds me of my time out at sea. You see, back when I was a kid-”

“Nobody believes any of your pirate stories, Kaito,” Maki bluntly stated.

“W-what the heck, Maki Roll! And here I was about the recount the time I came across the kraken!”

“As if I’d believe a tall tale like that!” Kaede exclaimed in exasperation.

“I think traveling the sea is a pretty different experience from visiting the aquarium, anyway,” remarked Shuichi.

That was when he heard some shouting from outside the dining hall.

“Give that back you fuckin’ circumcised twink!”

“Nee-heehee! You’re gonna have to catch me first!”

Miu and Kokichi were the only people that had been absent from breakfast, and in retrospect Shuichi should’ve hoped it stayed that way.

Kokichi burst into the dining hall, with Miu seeming to be far behind him. He was holding some sort of strange ray gun in hands and judging from its pink color and Miu’s mouse logo being on it, it wasn’t hard to figure out where he got it from.

“Hey Shuichi!” Kokichi called, prompting the detective to look over to him in both confusion and dread.

“Think fast!”

Kokichi suddenly pointed the ray gun at Shuichi and fired. It happened too quickly for anyone to react, the beam getting a direct hit on the detective.

A flash of light engulfed the dining hall, and when it faded, Shuichi had fallen onto the floor. “Shuichi!” shouted Kaede, who rushed over to him along with Kaito. Maki tried to catch Kokichi, but he had already fled the room before anyone knew what had happened, having dropped the gun on the ground.

“Wait, what the hell?!” Kaito shouted.

When Shuichi opened his eyes, he was met with Kaede and Kaito looking over him, seeming shocked and confused. Feeling something was off about his body, he looked down at himself and became shocked himself.

“I’m…a girl?!”

“I’ve got no fuckin’ clue what the hell that little dick sucker was thinking!”

Shuichi was currently in their room along with Kaede and Miu, lying in bed. Back in the dining hall, Kaede realized Shuichi’s clothes no longer fit after their transformation, so she took them over to the dorms for some privacy. Miu was brought along to explain the invention Kokichi had used on the detective.

“This thing’s still a fuckin’ prototype! I’ve barely done any testing with it, yet that fucker went and shot someone with it! He’s lucky I’m a fuckin’ genius and got it right on the first try, otherwise that could’ve killed ya!”

“What is your invention supposed to do, anyway?” asked Kaede.

Miu gave an arrogant smirk. “Prepare to be amazed once again by my golden brain! One shot from this baby and whoever it hits will undergo a full sex change in seconds! Decades of medical history completely upstaged by yours truly!”

“Huh, I wasn’t expecting it to be something that helpful,” Kaede remarked. “Here I thought it was just another of your weird, vulgar inventions.”

“Ehh?! Don’t just dismiss all my work! I guarantee that if you tried out any of them, you’d be left begging for more!”

“Wait…if it works on women too, can’t we just use it on Shuichi again to change them back?”

“Sorry, but like I said, this is just a prototype. Right now, it can only change dicks to vaginas, not the other way around. Pooichi here’s gonna be stuck with those tiny tits until I finish working on it.”

Shuichi was taken aback. I’m going to be stuck like this?

“C’mon! Stop looking like someone just burned your porn stash. Honestly, things could be way worse. You don’t look half bad, even if you could never measure up to my amazing bod. And I’m sure Kaeidiot here can help you if you don’t know how to play with yourself anymore-”

“Alright! That’s enough, Miu,” Kaede said, dragging Miu out of the room. “Thank you for the sentiment, but you really should head back to your lab and get to work so we can reverse this.”

Kaede pushed Miu out the door and shut it before the inventor could respond. “Ugh, sorry about that Shuichi.”

Shuichi didn’t respond, still trying to process the entire situation.

“…” Kaede walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Hey…I’m here if you need to talk.”

“…it’s just…” Shuichi paused, both to gather their thoughts but also because their now higher pitched, feminine voice is unfamiliar to them. “This is all a lot to take in. Suddenly having my body changed in such a drastic way and then being told that it can’t be changed back…it’s just left me so confused.”

“I get what you mean,” Kaede soothed. “I think anyone would feel that way if the same thing happened to them. I mean if I was hit with it and I turned into a guy, I’d probably be freaking out. But it’s going to be alright. Miu will be working hard to get you back to normal, and you have me, Kaito, Maki, and everyone else here at the academy to support you.”

“And…if it’s any consolation, I think Miu was right about one thing. You…look really pretty,” said Kaede, blushing.

Shuichi also blushed from Kaede words. “T-thank you, Kaede.”

“So…do you want me to stay or leave? I understand if you might want some time to yourself right now.”

“What do you mean? I couldn’t ask you to stay cooped up in this room with me all day.”

“Shuichi, I was already planning on spending the day with you. It doesn’t matter to me if we’re stuck in your room.”

“Ah…then I suppose I wouldn’t mind you staying.”

“Alright! I’ll go get something from my room!” Kaede responded before stopping in realization. “Oh! I also wanted to ask, what should we call you?”

“Pardon?”

“I mean, you have a girl’s body, but you are a boy, so I wanted to know what you would prefer being called. ‘He’? ‘Her’? Maybe just ‘they’?”

Shuichi thought for a bit about the question before responding. “I’ll go with ‘her’. It matches my current appearance, after all.”

“Then ‘her’ it is!” Kaede then planted a kiss on Shuichi’s forehead before leaving the room to grab something.

…‘Her’. For some reason, that makes me feel better about all this.

“So, what do you think of the outfit, Shuichi?” asked Tsumugi.

The next day, Tsumugi visited Shuichi in her room along with Kirumi and Kaede. Since Shuichi had been transformed, Tsumugi had been working to create a new uniform for Shuichi, seeing as how her old one no longer fit her. Kirumi had assisted her in the process to ensure that the uniform was ready as soon as possible, hence why both her and Tsumugi were visiting.

“Personally, I think it looks great on you!” Kaede complimented.

“I must agree, this uniform suits you well,” Kirumi affirmed.

Shuichi was using a mirror to see how the new outfit looked on her. The outfit resembled her old uniform, with the same colors and design, but had been converted into a sailor uniform. The shirt had a black collar with a white stripe at the hem and a grey ascot, while the pants had been changed into a skirt along with plain black leggings and her loafers now had laces added to the design.

“Since you now have a girl’s body, I wanted to try redesigning your uniform into a girl’s uniform. Sorry if that’s not what you wanted,” Tsumugi explained.

“Ah, it’s fine,” Shuichi responded before looking back at her reflection.

This was the first time since she had been transformed that Shuichi had taken a proper look at herself. Her body now looked noticeably thinner and daintier, with modest yet distinctly feminine curves. Her face had gained a more feminine look, with fuller cheeks and longer eyelashes. Her hair had more than quadrupled in length, going from barely reaching her neck to falling well below her waist. Her height even seems to have shrunk a bit, now making her the same height as Kaede. The difference compared to how she originally looked was astonishing and felt strangely gratifying to Shuichi.

“I really like this uniform. Thank you, Tsumugi. Ah, and thank you too, Kirumi,” Shuichi said with a smile.

“I’m glad you like it. I was worried someone as plain as me couldn’t make a good outfit for you,” Tsumugi replied.

“I am merely fulfilling my role as a servant. I am happy to help anytime,” Kirumi stated.

“Good on you two for finishing it so quickly by the way!” Kaede commended. “I was worried Shuichi would be left without a uniform for the next week.”

“Kirumi is really the only reason it was finished so fast. She helped me gather the materials for the uniform, and she’s also just plain skilled as a seamstress.”

“It’s a necessary skill for a maid to know. Many of the people I’ve served have asked me to repair or make clothes for them.”

“You both did a great job. Thank you again,” Shuichi responded.

Tsumugi made her way to the dorm’s entrance. “Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I need to get to work on making more uniforms for you. It’d be plain bad if that was the only set you had, after all.” She left the room after saying that.

“I will be taking my leave as well,” Kirumi stated. “Please do not hesitate call for me if you have any requests.”

The maid left the room, leaving the couple as the only ones left.

“Well, Shuichi, are you excited to make your redebut to our classmates?” Kaede cheerily asked.

“That’s right…I hadn’t thought about it, but most of the class hasn’t seen me since the morning I was transformed.”

“I’m sure they’ll all be blown away once they see how pretty you are!” Kaede then grabbed Shuichi’s hand. “Now, why don’t we celebrate over breakfast?”

Kaede’s confidence in her made Shuichi feel fairly confident herself. “Ok, let’s go.”

“AAAAAAHHHH!!! Shuichi, you look so cute!” shouted a very excited Tenko.

“Nyeh…calm down, Tenko, you’re gonna make her uncomfortable,” chastised Himiko.

Himiko had been preparing in the gym for a magic show with Tenko’s help when Shuichi approached them. After having breakfast with Kaede, Shuichi went to chat with everyone she hadn’t seen since she was transformed. Everyone she’s spoken to was happy to see her again and many even complimented her. Of course, no one could come close to matching Tenko’s enthusiasm.

“But Himiko! This is a rare moment where we get to see someone cleansed of their degeneracy!”

“That’s nice I guess, but that doesn’t mean you should be screaming her ear off. Or mine, for that matter.”

“I mean, you were already the most OK male here, but to think you would make such a perfect girl!” Tenko remarked to Shuichi, evidently not calming down at all.

“I’m quite flattered you think that of me, Tenko. Still, it feels like you might be putting me on too high of a pedestal,” Shuichi shyly replied.

“But it’s true, though! You’re just so pretty, right Himiko?!”

“Nyeh…yeah, I suppose that’s true. You make a pretty good girl Shuichi. Good job.”

“Ah, thanks…?”

“Man, why hadn’t Miu made that sooner?” Tenko questioned. “She could cure the entire world of degenerate males with that technology!”

“Tenko, you do remember that Shuichi didn’t willingly change into a girl? She probably wants to be a boy again as soon as possible.”

Himiko’s statement sent Tenko into genuine despair. “Nooo! But why?! You’re perfect this way! Do you really have to change back?!”

Shuichi was about to say no to Tenko, but for whatever reason, she stopped herself.

“Tenko! Just because you like her being a girl doesn’t mean you should stop her from being happy!” Himiko snapped.

“Ugh, you’re right, Himiko.” Tenko bowed as deeply as she could to Shuichi. “I’m so sorry! If you want to be a boy again, then I won’t stop you, even if that’ll turn you back into a degenerate!”

“It’s alright, Tenko. I didn’t take any offense,” Shuichi consoled.

“Still, it may be selfish of me, but I sincerely hope you change your mind about this. It would just be an injustice to lose a such a perfect girl.”

“Tenko…” Himiko whined.

“It’s ok, Himiko. Really,” Shuichi assured her.

“Nyeh…well, it’s been nice talking with you again, but I gotta get back to preparing my magic.”

“Ah…I understand. I’ll take my leave, then.”

As Shuichi left the gym, she thought to herself about the conversation she had just had.

…do I have to change back?

“What’s the matter, Shuichi? You’re falling behind on your training,” Kaito asked.

“Sorry, Kaito. This is just…a lot harder than before,” Shuichi responded, struggling with doing push-ups.

That night, Shuichi joined Kaito for Maki for their usual nightly training sessions. This was the first session Shuichi’s been a part of since her transformation, and while she had only missed a single day, she was suddenly having a much more difficult time than before.

“I’m guessing you lost a lot of muscle mass when you turned into a girl. So right now, you’re a lot weaker than you were as a boy,” Maki explained.

“Is that so?” said Kaito. “Then I guess you’ve got your work cut out for you, Shuichi!”

“What do you mean by that?” asked Shuichi.

“You’ve got a lot of training to do if you want to get your strength back up to where it was before!”

“That’s not necessarily true though, is it?” Maki pointed out. “Her strength should return to normal when she changes back.”

“I guess that makes sense. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to get Shuichi’s strength up in the meantime.”

“…but do I want to…?” Shuichi mumbled.

“Hmm? Did you say something, Shuichi?” asked Kaito.

“Ah, sorry I was just thinking to myself. I’ll keep trying with the training, but you’re probably going to need to be more patient with me.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll wait as long as it takes for my sidekick to catch up!” Kaito assured her.

“If you really want to show your support, it wouldn’t hurt to do some more push-ups yourself,” Maki remarked.

“W-well, it’s like I said before! I’m Kaito Momota, Luminary of the Stars! There’s no need for me to do more!” Kaito defended.

“Anyway, what the hell’s wrong with Kokichi?” Kaito asked, changing the topic. “Every time I think he’s getting better, he pulls something like this!”

“He’s been avoiding any sort of punishment, too,” Maki grumbled. “Ever since he pulled that stunt, he’s shut himself inside his Ultimate Lab and refuses to come out.”

“Seriously! Turning a guy like Shuichi into a girl? It feels like there’s no line he won’t cross!”

Shuichi suddenly felt somewhat nauseous. She knew what he meant, but something about what he said still hurt for some reason.

“…” Maki looked over to Shuichi for a moment. “Hey, could we not talk about Kokichi right now? There’s no point dwelling on a brat like him.”

Kaito sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. My bad. We should be focusing on the training! So, from the top! 100 more push-ups!”

At Kaito’s behest, the 3 of them ended up doing another 100 push-ups that night. By the time they had all finished, it had gotten pretty late into the night. Shuichi was nearly completely wiped out by the training.

“Looks like I got bit carried away. Sorry about that!” Kaito apologized.

“It’s…fine, Kaito.” Shuichi reassured him while trying to catch her breath. “I…would’ve stopped if I…didn’t want to do more.”

“Alright then, I’ll head back to the dorms. See you tomorrow!” Kaito exclaimed before leaving.

“…Are you alright?” asked Maki.

“Y-yeah, Maki. Thank you for earlier.”

Both of them remained silent for a bit.

“…you don’t have to tell me what’s going through your head...” Maki began. “…but if you ever need any help…then you can count on me.”

Shuichi gave her a grateful smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Contrary to what some may believe, the concept of changing one’s gender has existed in society since the dawn of humanity,” Korekiyo explained.

Korekiyo was in the library with Shuichi, giving her an anthropology lesson on gender throughout cultural history. Shuichi had approached Kiyo about the topic, wanting to get a better understanding of what she is feeling. Along with the two of them are Angie, who had overheard their conversation and asked to join the lesson herself, and Rantaro, who already happened to be in the library when they all arrived.

“Various mythologies include stories depicting genderfluidity, often attributed to divine or supernatural means, such as the Norse god Loki being able to transform into women and female animals as a form of disguise.”

“Atua is not bound by the constraints of the body,” Angie added. “He may take whatever form He believes is best. One may see him as a wise old man, but another may see Him as an excitable young girl.”

“That’s a…very stark difference,” Shuichi commented.

“Additionally, even within early societies one can find people who wished to change their gender. For example, accounts from Philo of Alexandria, a philosopher from the early Roman Empire, described men who sought to use whatever means necessary to become women, with some even emasculating themselves for that purpose. Though barbaric, I believe such behavior is another aspect of humanity’s beauty.”

“They’d go that far?” Shuichi asked.

Surprisingly, Rantaro spoke up. “The idea behind it isn’t too dissimilar to surgeries that to change someone’s private parts. But of course, without modern advancements in technology, they couldn’t really get the result they were hoping for.”

In retrospect, Miu’s talent as the Ultimate Inventor means I’ve had it very easy compared to others.

“Just as old as the idea of changing genders is the concept of the ‘third gender’, as well as those whose identities fall outside a traditional gender binary. I myself likely fall somewhere in this gray area outside the binary.”

“Ah, should we have been referring to you differently?” asked Shuichi, concerned she had offended Kiyo.

“It’s fine, Shuichi. If it had bothered me, I would’ve brought this up sooner.”

Rantaro gave an awkward chuckle. “Heh, you say that, but it’s still hard not to feel a little bad about it."

“You may call me whatever feels most comfortable to you,” Korekiyo assured. “It doesn’t matter to me if you think of me as a man, woman, or anything in between.”

“But I digress,” Korekiyo said. “For Shuichi’s purposes, the third gender may be a bit off-topic. I apologize for rambling.”

“If you don’t mind me asking…” Rantaro began, speaking to Shuichi. “…what made you interested in this topic, anyways?”

“Ah, well, I suppose this situation I’ve found myself in has got me thinking more about the idea of changing genders as a whole.”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” Rantaro replied. “I’ve actually met a few people like that on my travels.”

“Really?”

Rantaro nodded. “One night when I was in Germany, I ended up staying at a hotel. On the way to my room, I ran into a group of other hotel guests. I thought they were crossdressers at first, but turns out they were all ‘transgender’, which is a western term used for people whose gender identity differs from their sex.”

“My island also has people like that!” Angie interjected.

“I suppose that shouldn’t be surprising considering the fluidity of your god,” Korekiyo reasoned.

“When someone approaches me about troubles concerning their gender, I consult Atua, asking how they should live. And if He gives his approval, we throw a huge ceremony to commemorate their new identity!”

“I must ask, how often does He reject someone’s identity?” Korekiyo questioned.

“Very rarely. Atua is very accepting of those who live true to themselves.” Angie turned to Shuichi. “Don’t worry Shuichi, Atua gives his full approval for you to live as a woman!”

“I appreciate the support, but I never said anything about wanting that,” Shuichi clarified.

“You…don’t want that?” Rantaro asked, confused.

“I was under the impression that you had approached me to assist in your own journey of self-discovery,” Korekiyo remarked.

“W-wait! I never said…” Shuichi trailed off.

“Hmm?” Angie wondered, tilting her head.

“…Forgive me,” Korekiyo said. “Rantaro, Angie, we shouldn’t pressure her into answering. It’s best that she figures herself out on her own.”

“Right. Sorry about that, Shuichi,” Rantaro apologized. Angie simply nodded her head in understanding.

“In the meantime, Shuichi, if you’d like, I could continue my lesson.” Korekiyo offered. “I also have some writings on the topic of changing one’s gender I could recommend to you,” he added, gesturing to the bookshelves.

“…thank you, Kiyo. I would like that.”

“Very well then. The history of gender changing individuals in Japan can be traced back to the Edo Period with onnagata in kabuki theatre…”

“Treat Shuichi like lady?” Gonta asked.

“If you don’t mind, I want to know how I feel when someone treats me as a woman,” Shuichi clarified.

Out in the academy’s courtyard, Gonta was meeting up with Shuichi. Korekiyo’s anthropology lesson, along with Rantaro and Angie’s anecdotes, had given Shuichi a much better understanding of what exactly she was struggling with. She learned that she didn’t have to be a boy, even if she was born that way. Knowing that, the matter became about what she wanted to be. To figure this out, Shuichi made a request to Gonta.

“Okay, Gonta understand. Gonta will treat Shuichi like proper lady!”

Shuichi was glad. “Thank you, Gonta.”

“Would Shuichi like to eat lunch?”

“Ah, yes, that would be nice.”

“Then Gonta will escort you to dining hall, like gentleman!”

“Ah…t-thank you,” Shuichi said, bashful over being given special treatment.

Gonta took Shuichi’s hand and gently guided her to the dining hall.

When they arrived there, Ryoma and K1-B0 were there. Ryoma seemed to be in the middle of a meal while K1-B0 just seemed to be hanging around in the hall.

“Shuichi, Gonta, it’s nice to see you,” greeted K1-B0.

“It’s not often we see you two together,” commented Ryoma.

“Gonta treating Shuichi like proper lady! We here to have lunch!” Gonta explained.

“Lunch with a lady? Isn’t that something that should be done with a partner?” K1-B0 questioned.

“Huh?! Should Gonta have invited Kaede?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Gonta,” Shuichi assured him. “And it’s not like that, K1-B0. We’re just having lunch together.”

“Sorry for misunderstanding, then. I’m still not very well versed in social interactions.”

“So, what’s this about treating Shuichi ‘like a lady’?” Ryoma asked.

“Shuichi ask Gonta to treat her like lady!”

“Hmm? Why request something like that?”

“Well, to be honest, I’ve realized recently that I don’t know if I actually want to be a boy,” Shuichi answered.

“Ah, I understand,” said K1-B0. “So, you are trying to explore what it’s like to be girl instead then.”

“Hmph…so that’s how it is,” responded Ryoma. “You know, that actually reminds me of someone I met in prison.”

“Someone from prison?” questioned Shuichi.

“That person was a woman, yet she was sent to the men’s prison I was staying at.”

“Huh? But why woman sent to men’s prison?” asked Gonta.

“It was because she was born a man. She hadn’t gotten her legal documents changed before she was sentenced, so she was sent to the wrong prison.”

“I see…that must’ve been awful,” said Shuichi.

“That wasn’t the half of it. As a woman in the men’s prison, she was regularly assaulted by the other inmates, including sexual assault. On top of that, the prison refused to provide her with medication related to her transition.”

“What?! A prison that treats its inmates like that should be closed down!” exclaimed K1-B0.

“There was one time when I asked her why she still wanted to be a woman despite all the trouble people had given her for it,” Ryoma mentioned.

“And her response?” asked Shuichi.

“‘Because that’s who I am’. It made me feel stupid for even asking. Showed me I still had a ways to go.”

“I think I understand what she meant,” said K1-B0.

“Oh?”

“I remember once when I was speaking with Tenko, she asked me whether I was a boy or a girl.”

“I think remember that,” said Shuichi. “It was when we first visited the pool, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. At the time, I said that I had never thought about it before. Professor Idabashi hadn’t programmed me with a specific gender in mind. Yet despite that, I’ve always referred to myself as a ‘he’. It’s just what always felt right to me. Which must mean that I inherently know that who I am is a ‘he’.”

“Who I am…” Shuichi thought to herself for a moment. “Thank you, everyone. I think I’ve arrived at my answer now.”

“Is that so? Good for you, then,” said Ryoma.

“Gonta happy he was able to help you, Shuichi!” Gonta exclaimed.

“I’m glad as well. This matter has also improved my own understanding of human emotions.” K1-B0 stated.

“Looks like I’m going to have some difficult conversations with the others soon,” Shuichi remarked.

“No need to stress about it now,” said Ryoma. “You came here for lunch, right? I’ll treat you to a meal, so just relax.”

“Gonta will also treat you to meal! Like gentleman!”

“I can’t eat any food, but I can keep you company if you’d like,” K1-B0 added.

“Well, I can’t say no to that,” Shuichi replied.

“Is everything alright, Shuichi?” asked Kaede, worried.

“Why are you asking?”

“I haven’t seen you this distracted during a lesson since you first started practicing with me.”

The day after Shuichi had lunch with Gonta, Ryoma, and K1-B0, she was having a piano lesson with Kaede. Despite her best efforts, Shuichi was unable to focus knowing the conversation she was soon going to have with Kaede.

“Ah, I didn’t realize it was that obvious,” remarked Shuichi.

“You can tell me about whatever’s troubling you, Shuichi. I mean, I’m your girlfriend, after all,” Kaede reminded her.

“Well…I do have something that I need to tell you,” Shuichi admitted.

“Then I’m all ears.”

It took a moment for Shuichi to begin speaking. “…I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past week. About…my gender.”

“Yeah, that makes sense considering what happened to you.”

“This entire time, I’ve been trying to understand what I was feeling. Why I felt so confused and conflicted about my situation. I ended up speaking to nearly everyone in the academy about it, trying to work through my thoughts.”

“…did you figure it out?”

“…yes, I did.” Shuichi took a deep breath before continuing. “Kaede, I don’t want to change back.”

“You mean, back into a boy?”

Shuichi nodded. “I’ve realized that being a girl, looking like this…this feels right. This…is who I am.”

For a moment, Kaede said nothing. But then, she gave Shuichi a wide smile. “Then, I’m happy for you. There’s no need for you to change back.”

Shuichi released a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “Thank you, Kaede. Really.”

“Did you really expect me to not accept you?” Kaede asked, genuinely surprised.

“I thought you’d be a lot more upset. I mean, doesn’t this mean we’re breaking up?”

Kaede was taken aback. “Huh?! Why do you think that?”

“I mean…I’m a girl now…”

“Oh…you mean because we’re both girls…”

Kaede clapped her hands together. “Okay, so here’s the thing. I want to keep dating you.”

“What? Really?”

“To be honest, Shuichi, you’re not the only one who’s been doing some thinking recently,” Kaede confessed.

“Wait, do you mean…?”

“The day you were turned into a girl, I wasn’t lying when I told you that you were pretty. A-and for some reason...I just kept thinking about that. I was like, ‘Is it normal to be thinking this much about another girl?’ At the time, I rationalized it since you were my boyfriend, like I was just getting my wires crossed. But then when I was talking about it with Maki, she just straight up asked me if I liked girls, and I just started panicking because I realized I was still attracted to you as a girl, and I even found the other girls attractive too. I even told Maki straight to her face that I found her hot! I was just a mess!”

Seeing the surprise on Shuichi’s face, Kaede calmed down a bit. “Ah, sorry. It’s probably awkward to hear your girlfriend call other people hot.”

“Ah, no, it’s alright Kaede,” Shuichi reassured her.

“Anyways, Maki eventually got me to calm down and drilled it into my head that it’s ok to like girls, and just because I like girls doesn’t mean I can’t also like boys. I really needed to hear that last part. I was worried that we’d have to break up just because I was a lesbian.”

Kaede gave Shuichi another smile. “But it turns out that I like boys and girls. So even if you’re a girl now, I still want to be with you.”

Shuichi smiled back at her. “Then, I’d love to stay with you, Kaede.”

“In retrospect, it’s kind of funny. Just now you were worried about messing up our relationship when I was worried about ruining it myself the other day.”

Kaede took Shuichi’s hands into her own. “Yet everything worked out in the end. We understand ourselves better now, and we got to stay together. A happy ending.”

Shuichi couldn’t help but blush. “Yeah…I really am glad…”

Kaede closed her eyes and leaned her head against Shuichi’s. “And now, I get to relearn the sound of your voice. My new favorite melody.”

“Kaede…”

Shuichi closed her own eyes, a content smile adorning her face.

“Thank you two for coming on such short notice.”

“Don’t worry about it, Shuichi! I’d never reject an invite from one of my sidekicks!”

“It’s pretty rare for you to ask us to meet like this. Usually, you just wait until our training sessions if you need to talk.”

Later that day, Shuichi was welcoming Kaito and Maki into her research lab, having asked the two to meet with her there. She had told them that she wanted to discuss something important with them. She was ready to tell them about her gender.

“Well, I suppose I wanted a change of pace,” Shuichi responded.

“I can see why. Your lab’s got a nice setup. I can imagine it being a good place to chill with friends,” Kaito commented.

“You don’t really use this place much, do you?” asked Maki.

“Ah, not really. I don’t get much detective work here at the academy.”

“I see. That’s a shame,” Kaito remarked.

Kaito and Maki sat down on the two couches in the room and looked at Shuichi, waiting for her to begin.

“Um, would either of you like some tea?”

“I’m good, thanks,” Maki answered.

“C’mon, Shuichi! You said you had something to tell us, so spit it out already!” Kaito urged.

“S-sorry! I’m just…trying to put this into words…”

“…No, nevermind,” said Kaito. “I told you before, I’ll wait as long as needed for you. So, take as much time as you need!”

“Kaito…” Shuichi took some time to compose herself before speaking again.

“I want to stay like this.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“I mean…I want to stay as a girl. I’m happier like this.”

The other two did not immediately respond, the room going silent save for the crackle of the fireplace.

“…Is that all?”

Shuichi, caught off guard by Maki’s question, simply nodded.

“Then that’s fine. I don’t see any problem if that’s what you want,” Maki stated with an air of nonchalance.

“Maki…” A smile appeared on Shuichi’s face.

…though, it wasn’t her reaction I was worried about…

Kaito was still silent, deep in thought. Shuichi looked over at him, unable to hide the worry on her face. Even Maki seemed to be watching him, a tense look in her eyes.

“…geez. What kind of hero makes his own sidekicks afraid of him?” Kaito griped.

Neither Shuichi nor Maki said anything in response, continuing to wait for his answer.

“…I remember when I was a kid, there was one night where my grandparents and I were watching TV. There was some news story about someone being assaulted in a women’s restroom, and my grandparents kept ranting about how they deserved it because ‘they were a man invading women’s spaces’. Of course, I believed them cause I love my grandparents and didn’t know any better. But I understand now that there was a lot they were wrong about.”

Kaito looked Shuichi in the eyes, wearing a serious expression. “I’m not gonna act like I understand why you’d want something like that.”

Then, Kaito flashed a smile. “But if that’s what my sidekick wants, then I’ve got no choice but to support it!”

“Kaito! I don’t know what to say!” Shuichi exclaimed, thankful she hadn’t been rejected.

Maki also seemed relieved, with a smile on her face. “For a moment I really thought you were going to say something stupid there.”

“Sorry for worrying you two like that! I’m not very knowledgeable on this stuff, but the last thing I’d want to do is hurt one of my sidekicks!”

“So, who else have you told about this?” Maki asked Shuichi.

“Aside from you two, just Kaede. Though, Gonta, Ryoma, and Keebo were there when I figured it out. To be honest, I was thinking of telling everyone else at breakfast tomorrow.”

“Well, if anyone gives you trouble tomorrow, then they’re just asking to die.”

“That’s a joke, right?” Shuchi asked.

“Of course it is,” Maki replied, amused.

“Really though, Shuichi. Me and Maki Roll here have got your back! And I’m sure Kaede does too!” Kaito assured.

Shuichi gave an earnest smile. “Thank you, guys. I’m glad to have you two as friends.”

“Don’t mention it. Now, tell you what: Let’s enjoy some tea here, and then, we’re gonna get an early start on our training tonight!”

Shuichi nodded. “Sounds like a plan, Kaito.”

“I knew it would all work out in the end!” declared Kokichi.

At breakfast the following morning, Shuichi properly came out to the entire class. Thankfully, she was accepted with open arms by everyone. Of course, Kokichi decided to choose that exact moment to come out of hiding.

“Don’t act like you’re off the hook just because Shuichi ended up being happy with it,” said Maki, glaring daggers into Kokichi.

“Yeah, that was still a pretty messed up thing to do to someone!” Kaede exclaimed.

“WAAAAHHHH!!! Mom, Maki and Kaede are ganging up on me!” Kokichi cried, clearly faking it.

“But they are right, Kokichi. You owe Shuichi an apology,” Kirumi responded.

“But why do I have to apologize? It’s all Miu’s fault for making the ray gun!”

“The fuck?! You’re the one who fuckin’ asked me to make that in the first place!”

“Wait, he asked you to make it?” Shuichi wondered.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that,” Kokichi admitted, calming down in an instant.

“Seriously? Did you actually ask Miu to make that just for some shitty prank?!” Kaito asked in disbelief.

“No, I didn’t ask for it just so I can shoot Shumai with it,” Kokichi corrected. “The truth is, I have a super rare condition where I’ve been missing my dick since I was born,” he claimed, beginning to cry again. “So, don’t you understand, Miu? You need to finish your invention! It’s my only hope!”

“What kind of fuckin’ stupid ass lie is that?!”

“It’s not a lie. Keeboy can confirm!”

“Just what are trying to imply with that statement?” K1-B0 asked.

“…so that’s how it is…” Shuichi mumbled.

“What was that, Shuichi?” Kaede asked.

“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”

“Well, anyways, how should we punish Kokichi?” asked Kaito.

“Punish me? What could you possibly do to threaten me?” Kokichi sounded like he was about to break out into laughter.

It was then that an amused smile appeared on Kirumi’s face. “Well, I was actually thinking that it might be time for another Insect Meet and Greet.”

A look of true fear flashed in Kokichi’s eyes, and a moment later, Kokichi fled from the dining hall.

“Seems like that worked pretty well,” Kaede commented.

“Oh, sorry, but Gonta don’t think second Insect Meet and Greet is good idea. Bugs don’t seem to like Kokichi much.”

“If even the bugs don’t like Kokichi, I don’t think there’s any hope for him,” said Tsumugi.

“So, um, Miu…” Tenko whispered. “Would you mind if I…”

“I already know what you’re gonna ask and no! I’m not fuckin’ letting you shoot up all the guys with my invention!”

“But whyyyyyyyy? You made a miracle device, why not use it?”

“Bitch, all my inventions are miracle devices!”

“Tenko! We’ve been over this already!” Himiko shouted. “Stop it before I cast an “All Your Clothes Will Shrink In The Wash” curse!”

“Tenko, if you don’t stop now, Atua will reincarnate you as a worm in your next life,” Angie warned.

“Alright, alright, I get it! You don’t need to pile on more threats!” Tenko cried.

Rantaro chuckled. “I’m glad you talked her out of it. I don’t think any of my sisters would recognize me if I was hit by that.”

“Kehehehe…I would be lying if I said I wasn’t curious what the men of this school would look like as women, however,” Korekiyo remarked.

“D-don’t you get any ideas! I’m fine the way I am, thank you very much!” Kaito exclaimed.

“So, Shuichi, you got a name in mind?” Ryoma asked.

“A name?”

“Oh, now that I think about it, Shuichi is a masculine name, isn’t it?” Kaede noticed.

“Ah, that’s right. I didn’t even realize.”

Ryoma looked surprised. “Geez…you really hadn’t thought about it at all?”

“I guess it slipped my mind.”

“Well, it has only been 2 days since she figured herself out,” K1-B0 pointed out. “So, I don’t find it strange that it hadn’t come up yet.”

“I suppose that’s another thing for you to think about,” said Maki.

“If you need any help with that, then you can always come to us, Shuichi!” Kaito assured.

“Now I have to start thinking of good girl names,” remarked Kaede.

“Ooh! How about ‘Kyoko’?” suggested Tsumugi.

“Why Kyoko?” asked K1-B0.

“I don’t know, it just sounds like a name a girl detective would have.”

“How about we stick with ‘S’ names?” Kaede suggested. “‘Kyoko Saihara’ doesn’t have the same ring to it.”

The discussion continued throughout the rest of breakfast, with everyone pitching ideas for different names, and eventually, breakfast came to an end. As everyone trickled out of the dining hall, Kaede pulled Shuichi aside.

“You know, Shuichi,” Kaede began, pulling Shuichi close. “The day you were changed into a girl, we never got to go on that date we had planned.”

“Ah, that’s right. Then…would you like to go out, today?”

“I’d love nothing more.”

Kaede pressed a kiss to Shuichi’s nose before taking her hand and beginning to walk them out of the academy.

Though a lot had changed for Shuichi over the last several days, she was sure that now she was heading towards a happy future.