I Ended Up Cross-Dressing, My Secret Relationship with a Handsome Guy (BL) - Chapter 9

“Yukiho, you’re really weak to pressure, huh?”

“This was practically a trick this time too!”

“I told you we should go to the summer festival. Knowing you, I figured you’d at least check the date in advance.”

“I have zero interest in events like these.”

“Well, that lack of interest is exactly why you got tricked. You’re so easy.”

“Hey! Did you just admit to tricking me while calling me easy?!”

“Well, it’s the truth. Also, are you sure you should be shouting like that?”

“You little—!”

The sound of wooden geta clacking against the pavement, my steps smaller than usual. The fabric of my yukata should be breathable enough, but the relentless summer humidity makes it unbearable.

The surroundings are dim, bathed in the soft orange glow of streetlights. The crowd around us moves in sync, their footsteps blending into the lively festival atmosphere.

Yes, tonight is the summer festival.

“I should’ve known something was off. I should have realized the moment you brought out the contacts and the wig.”

“Call it a wig, not a ‘hairpiece.’ ‘Hairpiece’ sounds so unflattering.”

“It’s the same thing! And this thing is ridiculously hot.”

My hair is longer than most guys, but today’s hairstyle is undeniably feminine. When I glance down at my chest, I see soft curls framing my face—long, wavy locks gathered into a half-up style, with a bun at the back secured by a delicate hair ornament that matches my yukata.

A light blue yukata with a deep purple obi, a small drawstring pouch, and white-and-blue geta complete the look.

This entire ensemble is Kiryu’s masterpiece.

Until recently, his styling skills were more suited for making people look like clowns, but somehow, he’s gotten scarily good. He even did my makeup.

“It’s fun getting better at things I enjoy,” he had said, brushing off my skepticism.

Seriously, where is he even headed with this hobby?

“Yep, you look perfect. Though, I think a slightly longer eyeliner would’ve suited you better—Yukiho, you’re really beautiful.”

“Shut up. Don’t touch me.”

I lightly swatted away Kiryu’s hand as he reached to brush my cheek.

We were on our way to the festival venue.

This particular summer festival was held at a shrine not far from Kiryu’s house. It was a small event, but one the locals looked forward to every year. At 8 PM, the fireworks would start—one of the festival’s biggest highlights.

I couldn’t believe I was heading to such a familiar event while crossdressing.

When I first saw myself in the mirror after Kiryu finished his work, I almost didn’t recognize my own reflection.

“It’s dark, so no one will notice. Besides, no matter what happens, I’ll protect you. So let’s go together.”

That final push from Kiryu convinced me. Or maybe I’d just given up and let him do as he pleased.

“Have you ever been to a summer festival before, Yukiho?”

“I did when I was a kid. But only until around third or fourth grade. Haven’t been since.”

“Why not?”

“Do I look like someone who enjoys events like this?”

“Nope, not at all.”

The crowd was full of families, groups of friends, and couples.

Most people were heading toward the shrine, though some were already making their way back, having spent the day enjoying the festival. The stalls had been set up since early in the afternoon, and now, the mixed sounds of festival music and lively chatter filled the air with nostalgic energy.

“Weren’t you invited to the festival by someone else, Kiryu?”

“Yeah, a few people asked.”

“You’re definitely going to get approached tonight too.”

“Probably.”

We walked close enough for our shoulders to touch—it felt more natural that way.

“But the person I want to go with is you, Yukiho.”

“…You’re such a weirdo.”

Kiryu doesn’t need makeup or fancy clothes to stand out.

He’s like a giant neon sign—tall, striking, effortlessly eye-catching. Even though we’re the same age, he exudes this mature aura that makes him seem older.

When I glanced up at him, he must have noticed my gaze, because he turned to meet my eyes. The soft orange glow of the festival lights reflected in his irises, making them shine beautifully.

“Yukiho, let’s get festival masks.”

“Huh?”

“Come on, yukata and a festival mask? It’s a classic look.”

Before I realized it, his warm hand had wrapped around mine.

Kiryu veered slightly off course, leading me toward a mask stall at the front of the vendor row. The sudden brightness from the stall’s bare lightbulb made me squint.

“Welcome! You two on a date?” the vendor, a burly man, grinned.

“Yep. Yukiho, pick one.”

“W-wait, what?!”

No matter how much I knew my makeup and wig changed my appearance, standing in a well-lit stall like this was nerve-wracking. I instinctively tried to hide behind Kiryu, but the vendor just laughed heartily.

Kiryu, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying himself way too much. He pointed at an obviously girly, pink, sparkly anime character mask.

“Let’s go with this one.”

“Absolutely not.”

“How about this?”

“A fox mask? That’s way too edgy—definitely no.”

“So picky. Okay, then this one.”

The mask he finally picked was a simple white cat design. The most subtle choice available.

Since I had no reason to refuse, I reluctantly nodded.

Kiryu let go of my hand to pay, then led me toward a quieter space between two stalls.

With careful hands, he placed the mask over my head.

“Cute.”

He smiled like a kid who had just found a hidden treasure.

“…You’re such an idiot.”

My heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst.

Bl00d rushed to my face, and in desperation, I used the mask to hide it.

“Hey, why are you covering your face?”

“Shut up. Stop looking at me!”

Damn it.

Because of Kiryu, I can’t tell what “normal” is anymore.

“You won’t be able to see like that.”

Kiryu took my hand again.

One hand still pressed against my face, I peeked through a small gap in the mask. The world beyond blurred into dazzling festival lights.

His warmth seeped through my skin—soft and unbearably hot.

The fact that he was holding my hand completely unraveled me.

“What do you want to eat? You like sweet things, so how about shaved ice? Strawberry?”

He knew my tastes without asking.

“…I’ll get melon today.”

“Then I’ll get strawberry. But you have to give me a bite of your melon later.”

He knew I was being difficult on purpose, yet he indulged me anyway.

Damn it.

No matter how much I hate these unexpected moments, there’s a part of me that’s hopelessly happy.

But of course, reality never lets moments like these last for long.