The First Kiss

From the perspective of Elise, who was once Eric

"So, you were Eric, not Elise."

"Yes, that's right..."

"And you haven't been able to tell Akira that you're really a man. I see."

I had completely shared my troubles with Ms. Ryoko.

I thought she would be angry, but surprisingly, she was calm.

"So, what do you want to do?"

She asked me this question.

"Do you want to live as a woman? Do you want to be Akira's partner?"

"That is... admittedly..."

I covered my mouth with my hand and nodded slightly.

"Then what you need is courage."

"Courage..."

I mulled over the word.

"What were the three qualities needed by a magician in the world you came from? I think it was written in Akira's diary."

"Ancient languages, music, courage."

"Right? If one of the three pillars is broken, no matter how exceptional your singing ability, you're still only half a magician, aren't you?"

"Ms. Ryoko..."

"Well, it's your life with Akira. Try your best. I'm rooting for you. Oh, and that Eric, the Elise that took over your body, you need to discuss things with her too. Even if it's hard to talk, reporting is important."

I felt like the fog in my mind had cleared.

It seemed like I could see what I needed to do.

And as time passed, it was time to return to the world I originally came from.

"Elise, take lots of souvenirs to Akira."

"Haha, you don’t have to give me so much."

She loaded me up with music players, CDs, an alto saxophone, and other music-related items.

"I'm sending these to the other world, hoping for the best."

"He may be a fool, but he's a treasure to us. Please take care of him."

"Yes, Ms. Ryoko!"

A portal opened, and my body was sucked in.

When I awoke, I was near the boys' dormitory at Miravenia Academy.

It seemed I had returned to the world I came from.

Familiar, beloved faces walked within the limit of my sight.

"Akira!"

I dropped my luggage and hugged him.

"Elise, what's with all this luggage? It's all stuff from your family home in Kofu!"

"I'm back! I have so much to tell you, and before that..."

I closed my eyes and stood on my tiptoes in front of Akira.

"Akira... I want a welcome-back kiss."

After a brief silence, which felt too abrupt to be reciprocated, a moist sensation landed on my lips.

The soft touch of a tongue entered my mouth.

I felt so happy I could melt.

"Elise. What kind of face is that?"

I wondered what kind of expression I was making.

How did I appear in Akira's eyes?

Someday I might return to being a man.

Until then, just a little longer, let me be your Anima.