『CHAPTER II』║ ADAPTATION: A Step into the Unknown║

The sun was slowly setting on the horizon, the place was quiet, surrounded by serenity and silence that contrasted with the bustle of the city. While walking around the temple, he noticed something on the ground, almost covered by dry leaves. He approached and discovered a dark gray traveler's cloak, hanging from a makeshift perch between two trees. The cloak had a simple but elegant design, with a hood that could hide his face and a belt that fitted it comfortably.

Seizing the opportunity, Shiro put on the cloak. She was relieved to see how the flowing fabric draped over her, covering her figure and giving her a greater sense of security. The hood, when pulled over her head, concealed much of her face, allowing her to go unnoticed. Shiro walked through the small streets of the city, trying not to attract the attention of passersby. His steps were cautious but determined. He knew he had to find his new apartment and quickly adapt to his new life.

He walked carefully through the small adjacent streets, avoiding the main roads and trying not to attract attention. Night was beginning to fall and the city was beginning to light up with neon lights, but she preferred the darkness of the quieter streets.

Every corner of the city seemed new and strange. Despite having been an inhabitant of this world before, everything now looked different from her current perspective. Buildings and stores that once seemed familiar now presented themselves with a disconcerting freshness.

After a few minutes of walking, Shiro came to a small street that led to a modest apartment building. The facade of the building was plain, but he felt quite nostalgic upon seeing it, even though it had only been a few hours since he had left. In front of the door, the name sign was still there, Hesitating for a moment, Shiro decided to open the door.

She stood in the doorway, although it had only been a few hours, for her it had been an eternity, watching with a mixture of surprise and confusion. Her memories of her former life, her moments of happiness and sadness, seemed to be present in every corner of the apartment. The sense of familiarity was overwhelming.

She slowly approached, running her hand over the back of her old couch, and wondered why her belongings were still there. As he looked around, his thoughts intertwined with the Creator's words. The fact that he was in the same place gave him a sense of connection to his old life, though now as Miyuki Shiro.

Finally, Shiro dropped into bed, the accumulated exhaustion from the day's events had left her drained of energy. The physical and emotional exhaustion was taking its toll, and without realizing it, she fell asleep almost instantly. Sleep enveloped her with unexpected swiftness, lulling her into a deep rest.

Waking up the next morning, Shiro stretched and blinked several times, trying to clear her head. She recalled the events of the previous day and the feeling of being in the same apartment of her past life. Despite the surprises and confusion, she knew she had to make important decisions for her new life.

She lay in bed for a few minutes, thinking about what to do next. Her mind went over the options before her. Finally, she came to the conclusion that the first thing she needed to do was to find a new apartment. She wanted to move to a place closer to the high school, that way, she would again be close to her old friends, even if they didn't recognize her. In addition, she wanted a slightly larger and more comfortable apartment that would better suit her new needs.

With a renewed sense of determination, she got out of bed and began to prepare for the day. She knew this was the first step toward a new life full of possibilities. Looking around, she realized that she was wearing only the high school uniform she had worn before the tragic accident. Thinking about this, Shiro decided that not only should he look for a new apartment, but it was also essential to find a place where he could buy some clothes for his new identity. She knew that dressing according to her new life would help her blend in better and feel more comfortable.

However, before starting the day's tasks, he felt he needed to freshen up, so he decided to take a shower. He headed for the bathroom, with the purpose of relieving himself of the exhaustion and accumulated tension. Upon entering, she turned on the light and approached the mirror, preparing to look at herself. But when his eyes met the reflection in the mirror, he stopped in his tracks.

The image reflected was not that of Kuroi Sora, but of a young woman with long, silver hair and intense red eyes that seemed to glow like two blood moons. The transformation was radical. Although her new face was beautiful and distinguished, Shiro was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the change. She was shocked to see the body of a young girl in the mirror, a completely different vision from her previous life.

A deep blush spread across her cheeks as she realized the magnitude of the change. The idea of undressing and seeing a girl's body was uncomfortable and embarrassing to him. Even though she knew it was necessary, the feeling of discomfort and shock at her new appearance made her reconsider her plans.

With her face still red with embarrassment, Shiro quickly turned around and walked out of the bathroom. ─ Maybe I should wait a bit before showering. ─ he thought with a mixture of discomfort and decisiveness. ─ I have to get used to this new body and, for now, I'd like to avoid facing this reality so directly.

She decided that she would eat her breakfast first and then, when she felt a little calmer, she would go back to facing her own shame. With this thought in mind, she headed to the kitchen to fix herself something to eat, trying to distract herself from the confusion she felt about her new appearance.

After a quick breakfast, Shiro left the apartment, deciding first to look for a nearby store where he could buy clothes. He thought of a shopping area in the city he had seen on his way back from the temple, hoping to find a boutique or mall with options that would allow him to start building his new closet.

Still wearing the male high school uniform, Shiro stepped out of her apartment. Although she felt a little uncomfortable in the clothes she was wearing, she knew she had to focus on her main goal: finding a store where she could buy clothes suitable for her.

As she walked through the streets of Tokyo, Shiro couldn't help but feel a mixture of nervousness and embarrassment. The streets were crowded, and although she tried not to draw attention to herself, she noticed that people were watching her more than she had anticipated. Not only men, but also some women and young girls, were staring at her in awe and admiration.

At first, she thought maybe she was being overly sensitive or that they were just looking at her funny that she was wearing a high school boy's uniform. However, she soon realized that her appearance was making a considerable impact. People seemed fascinated by the beauty he radiated, something Shiro, still adjusting to his new identity, had not anticipated. The constant attention was making her uncomfortable and self-conscious.

As she moved forward, she felt the stares follow her, some with curiosity and some with admiration. The feeling of being the center of attention made her even more uncomfortable. Despite her desire to go unnoticed, the reality was that her presence was making a noticeable impression. She decided she needed to change course and find a clothing store as quickly as possible. Her steps became quicker as she moved into a livelier shopping area. 

Finally, Shiro entered a large shopping mall, feeling a mixture of relief and exhaustion. As she walked through the aisles, she looked intently for a store that might have casual clothing for women. The crowds and bustle of the place seemed to disorient her a bit, but her determination to buy something appropriate, compelled her to continue.

After a few minutes of searching, she found a cozy, modern clothing store. The window display was full of fresh and fashionable attire, which seemed to fit perfectly with the style she needed. With a mixture of excitement and anxiety, she entered the store.

The manager, a young woman with short blonde hair wearing a stylish store uniform, greeted her with a friendly smile. Shiro quickly approached her, trying to hide his nervousness.

- Hi, I'm looking for some casual clothes to wear these days, could you help me? -Shiro asked in a slightly shaky voice.

The manager nodded enthusiastically and answered:

- Sure! We have a wide variety of casual clothes. Come with me, I'll show you some of the most popular outfits you might be interested in.

The clerk began to walk around the store, picking out various outfits that seemed suitable for Shiro. From shirts with modern prints to tight pants and casual dresses, the young woman showed each option in detail. Shiro watched intently, feeling relieved to have the help of someone who understood her needs.

Finally, the attendant selected an outfit that seemed to fit perfectly with the style Shiro was looking for: a long-sleeved blouse with white lace, and an elegant short skirt.

- I think this outfit would be ideal for you," said the attendant, handing him the garments. - It's casual and comfortable, perfect for everyday wear.

Shiro finally decided on the outfit composed of a light blouse and a short black pleated skirt. Satisfied with her choice, she turned to the store manager.

- Excuse me, besides this, I also need to buy some underwear. -Shiro said, feeling a little embarrassed but trying to keep her composure. For up until now, the only thing she had worn under her uniform were the underpants she had when she was still Sora.

The manager, a young and friendly woman, smiled sympathetically.

- Of course, we have a variety of nice, comfortable underwear. Follow me," she replied, leading Shiro to the underwear section.

Shiro looked at the different styles and designs, from simple to elaborate. The manager showed him some outfits that combined comfort and femininity.

- Here are a few options. This cotton set is very soft and comfortable for everyday wear. We also have these lace ones, which are a bit dressier but equally comfortable.

Shiro didn't think much about what underwear he had to wear, since when he was a boy that didn't matter so much, so he took any of the options the attendant had offered him.

Then, he headed to the fitting room so he could change. However, embarrassment began to overtake her when she realized that she had to undress in order to try on the clothes she had chosen. Her face red with embarrassment, Shiro took a deep breath to calm herself. 

After a few seconds, he began to remove his shirt, but his new breasts made the task more difficult as he had nothing on, unbuttoning each button he felt his heart beat faster. Closing her eyes tightly, she began to remove her pants and when she finally did, she looked at herself in the mirror and felt an uncomprehending guilt. However, she tried to assimilate it and told herself that there was no problem, since it was her body.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, she noticed the delicacy and beauty of her new body. Long, silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her red eyes shone with an intensity she had never seen before. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn't help but be intrigued by her new appearance.

Now came the hard part. The underwear she had chosen had to be put on, and there was no turning back. Shiro mustered up the courage to take off the underwear she had on, she took a deep breath in order to psych herself up. However, embarrassment finally got the better of him.

- This is ridiculous," he thought, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks.

He plucked up his courage, but his hands were shaking slightly as he tried to remove his underpants.

- I'd better close my eyes so I can do it faster," he thought, feeling the blush intensify on his cheeks.

With his eyes closed, Shiro groped for the women's underwear he had left on the fitting room bench. His fingers found the delicate fabric, and with a final sigh of resignation, he dropped the underwear to the floor. The coolness of the air on her bare skin made her feel a fresh wave of embarrassment, but she quickly picked up the pantsu and pulled them on, feeling the soft, different material against her skin.

The next step was the top, something completely new to her. With trembling hands, she grabbed the bra, trying to decipher how to put it on correctly. Frustrated by her own clumsiness, she opened the fitting room door slightly and called out to the manager, who to her good fortune was standing in front of the fitting room, waiting for her to finish changing.

- Excuse me... -she mumbled, barely audible. - I need help with this...

The manager, with a sympathetic smile, entered the fitting room.

- Don't worry, it's normal to have a hard time at first. Let me help you.

Shiro nodded, embarrassed but grateful. The attendant showed her how to put on the bra and adjust it to fit her comfortably. Shiro watched carefully, trying to memorize every move.

- There, you're done," said the attendant, smiling. - It fits you perfectly.

- Thank you... -Shiro murmured, still blushing.

After putting on the underwear, Sora looked at herself in the mirror and, still with a small sense of embarrassment at seeing herself with that new appearance, proceeded to put on the outfit she had selected. With a bit of fumbling and grace, she finally managed to change. The summer dress, with its lace blouse and pleated skirt, gave her a fresh, youthful air that enhanced her new figure. Shiro stepped out of the fitting room a little apprehensive, her heart pounding.

Seeing the manager, she felt exposed and vulnerable, but the woman's smile and the slight blush on her face reassured her.

- You look wonderful," said the attendant, admiring the result. - That outfit looks perfect on you.

Shiro smiled shyly, feeling the heat on her cheeks. It was a new feeling, being the center of attention like that, but not unpleasant.

- Thank you... -he murmured, his words almost inaudible.

The attendant approached, adjusting a crease in her skirt carefully.

- Do you need anything else, maybe some matching shoes?

Shiro nodded, still a little overwhelmed by the experience.

- Yes, I think that would be a good idea.

The attendant helped her pick out a pair of shoes and slippers that perfectly complemented the outfit. When she was finally fully dressed, Shiro looked at herself in the store's large mirror.

The transformation was complete. The reflected image was not that of Sora, the shy, antisocial boy who had always avoided the stares of others. In his place was Miyuki Shiro, a young and beautiful girl whose presence radiated a new confidence. Silver hair fell in soft waves around her face, and her red eyes sparkled with an intensity that caught the sunlight. The lace blouse emphasized her delicacy, while the pleated skirt gave her an air of youthful elegance.

Shiro gazed at her reflection with a mixture of awe and excitement. He couldn't help but feel a deep nostalgia at the memory of Sora, but also a spark of hope. The trembling hands of the attendant who had adjusted her skirt now rested on her shoulders in support. Immediately after, the attendant brought her some summer dresses and a pair of pajamas, Shiro a little dazed with emotion, nodded to everything the attendant had offered her.

After getting dolled up in the new outfit, Shiro headed to the store counter to pay for everything he had selected. Although he was happy about the new look he had, his face transformed when he saw the total price on the cash register.

- 50,000 yen? -she exclaimed in her mind, feeling a pang of disbelief.

Although the price seemed somewhat expensive to him, he didn't want to make a scene. He remembered that the Creator had given him money to start this new life, and although 50,000 yen was a considerable amount, he decided it was worth it to ensure his transformation.

The attendant smiled kindly at her as she packed her purchases.

- You look wonderful in that outfit. You really stand out," she said, not noticing the concern in Shiro's eyes.

- Thank you," Shiro replied, trying hard to keep a serene expression as he took out the money.

She paid the amount without another word, grateful that she had the means to do so, but also aware that she had to handle her money carefully in the future. As she put away her change and collected the bags, a sense of satisfaction at her new appearance was accompanied by a slight nervousness about the expenses she would have to face in this new life.

As he left the store, Shiro gave off an exceptional glow, an elegance and beauty that did not go unnoticed.

As he walked, the reaction of the people around him was unmistakable. People would stop and turn to look at her, their eyes full of wonder. Girls strolling with their boyfriends felt somewhat insecure at the sight of Shiro, whose presence seemed to overshadow everything around her. The boys, for their part, tried to conceal their stares, but Shiro's beauty was too striking to ignore. Their attempts at concealment only succeeded in infuriating their girlfriends, who gave them reproachful looks.

Shiro noted these reactions with a mixture of surprise and shyness. Although she had always been aware of her physical transformation, seeing the impact it had on others was something completely new to her. She tried to keep her head up and not be intimidated by the stares and murmurs around her.

- Looks like this new life is going to be more complicated than I thought," she muttered to herself, feeling a mixture of excitement.

Despite the stares and attention, Shiro continued walking with determination. She knew that adapting to this new reality would take time, but she was willing to face it, there was so much more to learn and experience, and every day would be an opportunity to discover more about herself and the world around her.

Once Shiro was out of the shopping area, she began to walk through the large streets of Tokyo. Although it was already 12 o'clock in the afternoon, the hustle and bustle of the city did not stop, despite the hour, her determination to find a new apartment was undiminished. Walking briskly, her new attire further emphasizing her elegance. She knew her next step was crucial: finding a cozy, spacious place where she could live. But, above all, a new home would be close to the high school, so she could be near her old friends.

Shiro stops in front of a real estate agency, looking at the ads in the window. Several apartments are listed, each with its own features and prices. With a mixture of nervousness and hope, he enters the agency and goes to the counter.

Traducción

- Good afternoon, how can I help you? -asks a friendly real estate agent.

- Hi, I'm looking for an apartment near ASAHI high school. I'd like something spacious and cozy, but also within my budget," replied Shiro with a smile.

The agent nods and starts checking her computer.

- I have some places you might be interested in. Would you like to see them now?

- Yes, please," says Shiro, feeling a flash of excitement.

The agent shows him several options on the screen, and together they select three apartments to visit. They leave the agency and head to the first place, a modern building just ten minutes from the high school.

Upon arrival, Shiro takes a close look at the building. It is elegant and well maintained, with a small garden at the entrance. They go up to the fifth floor and the agent opens the door to the apartment. The space is spacious and bright, with large windows offering a breathtaking view of the city.

- This is perfect," thinks Shiro, going through each room.

The living room is cozy, the kitchen modern and functional, and the master bedroom is spacious, with a large closet and a private bathroom.

- What do you think? -asks the agent, observing Shiro's expression.

- It's wonderful. It's just what I was looking for. -Shiro replied with a smile.

After signing the documents, Shiro thanked the agent, who handed her the keys to her new apartment with a warm smile. The agent congratulated her on her purchase and said goodbye, leaving her alone in her new home. Shiro stood silently, holding the keys in his hand, as he looked around. The apartment was almost empty, she walked slowly to the window and looked out at the city stretching before her. The skyscrapers reflected the sunlight, while the hustle and bustle of the city continued below.

She sat on the edge of her bed and let out a sigh. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and realized it was already 5pm. It had been a long day full of changes. From her transformation, to buying new clothes, and now moving into this new place, it all seemed like a whirlwind of events that she could barely process.

Tired, she lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. The events of the day flashed through her mind, one after another, like a movie. She felt the weight of fatigue on her eyelids, but also a strange sense of accomplishment. He had taken significant steps toward his new life.

As he relaxed, the gentle evening breeze blew in through the open window, carrying with it the distant sounds of the city. Shiro's thoughts grew slower, heavier, until he finally sank into a deep sleep. The city that had once seemed intimidating now appeared to him as a place full of opportunities and new experiences.

. . .

It was finally dawn. It was Sunday, and Shiro was still sleeping soundly in bed, exhausted by everything that had happened the day before. However, the shrill sound of her cell phone alarm made her wake up with a start. Startled and not knowing what was happening, she sat up quickly, looking for the source of the noise.

She looked around with her eyes still half closed. When she finally found her cell phone, she unlocked it and saw the time: it was 5 am. Startled, she realized she had been asleep for ten hours. With a sigh, she dropped back on the bed, trying to process the situation. - Ten hours? -she thought, incredulous. The intensity of the previous day had left her completely exhausted.

- Today is a new day. -she thought. - I have to keep going. With that determination, she slowly got out of bed, stretching to clear the sleep from her body.

She headed for the bathroom, remembering that she hadn't had time to shower properly the day before. As she approached the mirror, the reflected image constantly reminded her that, although she was herself, her body had completely changed. A young, beautiful girl, she looked back at her.

Shiro swallowed saliva, feeling her cheeks burn. The thought of baring her new body filled her with discomfort. - I shouldn't feel this way. -She thought, trying to calm herself. - It's my body now, I have to get used to it.

With a deep sigh, she plucked up her courage and began to slowly undress. As she removed her clothes, her hands trembled slightly. - Don't look too much. -she told herself, closing her eyes momentarily to avoid embarrassment.

Finally, she was left with only her underwear. As she touched the edge of her pantsu, she felt an even more intense twinge of nervousness. - Come on, you can do it. -he thought, trying to summon up the necessary courage. He closed his eyes tightly and quickly removed them, feeling the cold air against his skin. He stood still for a few seconds, eyes closed, trying to take in the sensation. When she finally opened her eyes, she found her reflection, and couldn't help but feel a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. - It's just my body. -she reminded herself, -There's nothing to be ashamed of.

With that determination, she headed for the shower. The hot water was a relief, washing away not only the dirt, but also some of her nervousness. Slowly, she began to relax, accepting the new reality of her situation. The shower was refreshing and revitalizing. As the hot water ran over her body, she felt the tiredness and tension melt away. When she finished, she dressed in one of the new clothes she had purchased, feeling a little more comfortable and confident.

She then headed to the kitchen to prepare a light breakfast, something simple but enough to start the day. As she ate breakfast, her thoughts wandered back to the past, to the life she had left behind as Sora.

With each bite, she wondered what had happened to her body. Had her remains been laid to rest? Had her parents heard of her death? She imagined the sadness and shock her friends must have felt upon learning of his sudden death. Guilt and sadness momentarily invaded her, but she decided not to delve too deeply into those thoughts. It was a new life and she had to concentrate on the present.

However, she remembered that in her old apartment she had some valuable things that belonged to Sora. He could not simply abandon them, not only because of their material value, but also because of the sentimental meaning they held.

It was a small old album, which Sora kept under her bed, in it were some photos of her childhood, but also the photos she had taken with her friends after the reunion, all those precious moments she spent with them in the course of those days were in that album. Determined, Shiro finished her breakfast and began to plan her next move: she had to go back to her old apartment and retrieve that object.

After leaving his new apartment, Shiro checked his cell phone and saw that it was already 8 o'clock in the morning. The sun was beginning to rise, filling the streets with a warm golden light. The city was slowly waking up, and Shiro prepared to face his past.

He quickly made his way to the nearest train station, upon arrival, bought his ticket and boarded the train, looking for a seat near the window. As the train moved forward, Shiro looked out the window, watching the buildings and streets rush past him. His thoughts went back to the days when he used to take this same train as Sora, a boy who would never have imagined the transformation he was now undergoing. He remembered the moments of solitude, the lonely walks and the stares lost in the crowd.

After a journey that seemed to him both short and eternal, the train arrived at its destination. Shiro got off and started walking towards his old apartment, after minutes, finally arriving at his old building. She walked up the stairs with light steps, upon reaching the door, she took out the key and, with a deep sigh, turned the lock.

Upon entering, she was greeted by an unexpected sight: the place was empty. All her things were gone, only a few scattered pieces of furniture remained. The echo of her footsteps echoed in the empty apartment, and a feeling of emptiness filled her chest. Memories flooded her, but Shiro knew she had to concentrate on her task: to find the photo album she had left hidden under her bed. That album contained precious memories, captured moments she never wanted to forget.

He slowly crouched down, his heart pounding as he pushed aside the quilt to look under the bed. Her eyes searched anxiously for the box where she kept her most precious things. Pleasant was his surprise to see that the box was still there, untouched, as if patiently awaiting his return.

Shiro bent down a little further, reaching out for the box. Just as her fingers brushed the lid, she heard an unexpected sound, footsteps. She froze, her heart beating even faster. Footsteps were approaching, echoing in the silence of the empty apartment. Someone else was there, and they were heading straight for her.

With his body tense and his mind alert, Shiro held his breath and looked around for a place to hide, but time was short. Footsteps were approaching, getting closer and closer, and fear mixed with adrenaline inside him.

Shiro couldn't think straight quickly, so he opted to hide under the bed. With his heart pounding and his breath held, he glanced sideways towards the door just as it opened. The silhouette of a young man was outlined in the gloom of the room, his figure was strangely familiar.

The young man entered and made his way to the center of the room with slow, ponderous movements. Shiro, from his hiding place, frowned as he observed him more closely. It was then that he heard the unmistakable sobbing and words that chilled his blood.

- I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Sora... -said the young man in a broken voice, full of pain and regret.

At that moment, Shiro recognized that voice. It was Haru, her friend. Surprise shook her strongly, and a wave of emotions enveloped her. Haru was there, in the place she had left behind, lamenting and asking for forgiveness.

Haru knelt on the floor and continued to cry, her sobs filling the silence of the room. His pain was palpable, and Shiro felt a pang of sadness at seeing his friend in such a state.

- If we had been by your side that day, none of this would have happened. I'm so sorry," Haru murmured, his voice cracking with each word.

Shiro closed his eyes, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill out. He wanted to come out of hiding, to hug Haru and tell him everything was okay, but he knew he couldn't do it.

As Haru stood up, his footsteps echoed in the room as he prepared to leave. Shiro, still crouched under the bed, was trying to hold back her sobs, but her heart was still pounding wildly. Suddenly, unable to help himself, Shiro gave a small sneeze.

The sound broke the heavy silence of the room. Haru stopped in his tracks, and surprise flashed across his face. Cautiously, he slowly turned toward where the noise had come from, his expression shifting from pain to bewilderment.

-Who's there? -Haru asked, his voice trembling with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Shiro, his face pale and tears in his eyes, emerged from his hiding place slowly. Her body trembled slightly, and the heat of embarrassment swept over her. The photo album was still in her hands, and the weight of the situation became more apparent with each step she took.

As she stood up, the room seemed to contract into a heavy silence, broken only by the soft sound of her ragged breathing. The light streaming in from the window filtered through the corners, illuminating his figure with a glow.

What Haru saw before him was an image that defied the reality he knew. Shiro, exuded a beauty that seemed superhuman. The delicacy of his features, the elegance of his posture, Haru blinked, trying to take in the vision. The tears that still slid down his cheeks seemed to dry as his mind tried to reconcile the image of the girl in front of him. His surprise turned to bewilderment, and a lump in his throat prevented him from speaking.

Next chapter:

"Scars From the Past."