Momoi Tomoki is a gloomy but hardworking teenage boy. When anyone sees him in his school uniform, they won't find a single fault with him. He's the perfect first year male student of B High. The customers he serves with a graceful smile without a complaint, have none to give. He's actually quite popular and easy to talk to. At home, he does the chores he's asked to do and seems like a son any mother would be proud of.

But that's not the truth. In reality, he's anxious, always trying to hide his true self. He knows he can't let anyone see who he truly is. He'd be a son, brother, student, friend and neighbour to be ashamed of.

Why? Because he's not like a boy should be. He likes pastels, his favourite animals are cute bunnies and fluffy doggies, his favourite TV shows are about magical girls, and his room is decorated as if he was a girl and not a boy.

In fact, he's not a boy! And that's the problem.

Tomoki is nonbinary, and he hates himself for it. He just wants to fit in and be like everybody else. Just how far does he need to go to be normal? When will the malicious words stop?

Or... is there a way for him to not suppress his true self?

Beyond the Horizon

Akira paused when opening the door to the café. “What happened here?” 


Tomo and Ken gave her and Kobayashi a slight bow and smiled their best service smiles in tandem. “Honoured guests.” 


Tomo chuckled and continued. “If you would, please put your coats and jackets over there.” 


Ken motioned toward the side as Tomo spoke, then turned to the rest. “And if you don’t mind, would you take off your shoes to avoid dirtying the floor?” 


Akira relayed the message to the group behind her while Tomo and Ken moved away from the entrance to give them more space. 


Akira had sent them a text when they had left the train station, so Tomo and Ken had known when the others would return waiting for them. 


While everyone was either taking off their shoes or putting away their outerwear, Ken suddenly wrapped his arm around Tomo’s waist. Startled as he got pulled closer he let out a sound, making everyone turn to them. 


Episode 29