Rui Knows Something’s Wrong

At school by any metric Asuka should have looked utterly bizarre. A full head shorter than he once was with all his muscle gone, a round effeminate face, and a uniform about three sizes too big. His belt was clasped to its absolute tightest and his pants were still slightly sagging. His coat was always no matter how he tried to adjust it hanging off one shoulder.

People might not notice at first glance that he was now a girl but the margin was enormous wearing his current outfit.

But for whatever reason, nobody noticed. Not his fellow students, not his teachers, no one.

Well, there was one reason.

Sonobe.

He’d hypnotized by now effectively the entire school. No one was noticing because they couldn’t. Most of the school had received very basic hypnosis, focused on Asuka. But the exception was Rui. Rui did notice.

As Asuka sat down at the desk next to hers confidently he asked how she was doing, she looked up from her notebook surprised. She looked over at Asuka and blinked. It was still him… mostly in the face at least. But the longer hair and higher voice caught Rui off guard.

“Asuka… are you feeling okay?” She asked cautiously.

“I feel great. Just had some late night practice. My parents even helped.”

“Oh… so maybe you’re just sleep deprived.”

“Mmm… maybe. I really think this training paying off though! Maybe in a few months I’ll even be taking you to the nationals. Then… will you keep your promise?”

Asuka didn’t notice how melodic and feminine that last sentence sounded coming from her mouth, but Rui did. Avoiding eye contact just a bit she answered. “If you can keep yours.”

Asuka giggled. “Of course I can. Sonobe’s practice regimen and protein supplements have made me feel a million times better than before. I know I can win this!”

“Sonobe…” Rui thought outloud. “You’re sure?”

“Positive.” Asuka said as the final bell chimed and the teacher entered class.

Rui couldn’t tell what had happened here, but she knew she was going to have to confront Sonobe about it.