Making a decision with Sarah's help

Parting ways with Dahlia and Laura, I went to the campus' front gates. I was early, as Sarah hadn't arrived yet, so I waited for her, trying not to look at any more students to prevent my jealousy from resurfacing.

From behind me, I felt a finger poke my back. "Why are you looking so gloomy?"

When I turned around, I faced Sarah, giggling at me. She was wearing a cute floral blouse, jeans, and blue heels, giving her a classy yet youthful look.

"Oh, no... no reason." I awkwardly replied before pulling her closer for a kiss.

Our lips touched and our tongues exchanged saliva for a hot minute as our hands caressed each other's back. Ah, I loved her so much...

When we separated, we both smiled happily. "That's better~" Sarah grinned. "A coworked told me about a nice Japanese restaurant that opened recently, wanna try it out?" She then asked, holding my arm and leaning against me.

I chuckled. "Sure, let's go."

With her snuggled close to me, we walked to the restaurant, only a few minutes away. Thankfully, it wasn't too crowded yet, so we were able to find a table further in the back, where we'd be able to chat more freely.

"Their ramen is apparently delicious." Sarah said while reading the menu.

"I'll order some, then."

After doing just that, Sarah spoke first. "So, what's going on, Ed?"

I took a deep breath. "You see, last evening, I... kept wondering what to do from now on... I don't know if it's worth trying to fight these new desires and retain some semblance of normal for longer, or if I should simply accept it, quit my job, and just... live as a skinwalker."

"What would you prefer doing?" She asked, observing me.

Closing my eyes and sighing, I decided to be truthful. "The latter... I realised how... hollow my current life has been. Don't get me wrong, I've loved the first time we dated too, but ever since I was kicked out, I've been... surviving, mostly. Not living. I've never felt more alive than these last few days I spent as Katherine and you, and even if part of it is due to my new nature, it was... nice. And I've... I've been craving for more... Being myself, it... makes me uncomfortable, now..."

Sarah stared at her glass of water. "I can't imagine what you're going through, but if it's something you want, I think it might be better to accept it?"

"Dahlia said the same thing earlier. She told me that nothing good would come from resisting my desires. But would you be truly fine with this? With me... not being me anymore?"

"I would miss your handsome face and hot body, I won't lie~" Sarah said with a teasing giggle. "But your chiseled physique is not the reason I fell in love with you. No matter what you may look like, you'll still be you."

"Really?" I asked, blushing at her declaration.

Sarah leaned closer and planted her lips against mine before giving me a loving smile. "I love you for your personality, not for your appearance. So yes." She then laughed more quietly. "It's a perk of being pan, I suppose."

I scratched my head, smiling back at her awkwardly. "I guess it is. Although, the main issue left is Claire. On her own, it'd be hard for her to afford the rent."

"We could always help her find a cheaper place, all for herself."

"True. It's something I'll have to discuss with her."

The server arrived with our food, and I caught him eyeing Sarah, even if he tried to be subtle. I clenched my fists slightly, glaring at him as he left, something Sarah noticed.

She giggled. "Are you jealous? I don't remember you feeling this way yesterday at the cafe when you were the one being oggled at while in my skin."

"I-I..."

"Relax, Ed. I love you, and I won't leave you." Sarah said softly, holding my hand. "You're a lot more emotional than before, you know?"

"I know... I think it's part of the curse too. I have a harder time controlling my emotions."

Sarah laughed. "Sounds like what we're going through every month." She then stopped, as if she realised something. A second later, she leaned closer, whispering. "Think you can have those if you wear a female skin?"

Her question took me aback. "I... I'm not sure? Maybe?"

"Oh, it'd be fun to see you experience that~"

My blush deepened. "Considering what I've heard about it from Claire and you, I don't think so..."

She let out a cute giggle. "If there's one thing from my womanhood I'd trade in a heartbeat, it's that. Anyway, do you intend to quit tonight?" She then asked.

"I'll tell my boss about my intentions, but I don't want to be a burden to him, so I'll keep working for now, until he can find a replacement."

"Alright. And do you have an idea on what to do next? Who you'd like to be?"

I shook my head and my blush returned as I spoke in a low, shameful tone. "Not really, just that I'd... prefer to be a woman again..."

Sarah smiled. "I see. We can think about it together next weekend, if you'd like." Her teasing grin then returned. "Maybe you could even wear me again?"

"Wear you again?"

She chuckled awkwardly. "Well, I did really enjoy the time you were me, I have to admit. Being one with you like that... I wouldn't mind experiencing it again."

"Really?" I asked, surprised.

"Really~ Is it that surprising that I want my loving boyfriend inside me~?" She grinned flirtatiously.

I hid my face with my hand as I became red as a tomato. And horny again, too... The prospect of being Sarah again was igniting my lust. I was already really looking forward to it.

"You became a lot easier to tease as well since your change, hmm?" Sarah commented, laughing.

"I guess so..." I replied. "Thank you for accepting me despite how crazy it is."

She approached me and kissed me again. "You're welcome~"

After that, we got to eat the indeed delicious ramen together while she spoke about her next classes. I loved being with Sarah, her presence made me feel... safe and relaxed, even in these insane circumstances. I felt like I was the luckiest guy on Earth for having such a wonderful girlfriend.

I escorted her back to her office, crossing paths with Katherine on the way. I glanced at her, recalling my time as her fondly despite how short it was.

"Missing her already?" Sarah giggled.

I shook my head. "N-no, it's just... It was fun while it lasted. Anyway, I'll let you focus on your work for now."

She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me closer, giving me another loving kiss. "Take care, Ed~"

"You too, Sarah."

We then parted ways, with me returning to my flat for the time being. I took a short rest and then went to the bar. There, I told my boss about my intentions to quit at the end of the week. He was saddened, but accepted it, wishing me luck.

While he went to his office and started to search for a replacement, I tended the bar as usual, working even more diligently than usual as it would be my last week here. Like most Mondays, it was a fairly quiet night. No troublemakers, no drunks, nothing special apart from a few cute women showing up throughout the night.

I returned home, where Claire was yet again already asleep. Without making too much noise, I changed and got to bed as well.

I couldn't sleep immediately, though, my mind kept working in overdrive now that I finally made my decision to leave my current life behind. What kind of life would I try? In my head flashed visions of Seo-Yun, of Laura, and of numerous other women I observed while on the campus or at the bar. A small part of me wanted to try them all, to embrace my new nature to the fullest and indulge in these desires consuming me...

I slapped my face with both hands, trying to stop these intruding thoughts. I accepted what I was, but I couldn't let myself be controlled by my skinwalker side.

I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep, with a lot of difficulty.