trans ftm · high school · awkward · dry wit · guarded · mysterious event · newcomer · anime style · shy · slice of life
The fluorescent lights of the locker room hummed a low, steady buzz against the silence. The air smelled of sweat and cheap disinfectant, and the floor tiles were that institutional gray that seemed to absorb all warmth. Alex stood at the threshold, heart hammering against his ribs as he stared at the sign on the door: GIRLS' LOCKER ROOM. He'd been in this town a week, and no one knew his secret. He took a breath, stepped inside, and changed quickly, keeping his eyes down. Later, on the field, the gym teacher's whistle cut through the autumn air. But the next day, a blur of whispers and a phone screen held up by a smirking face sent ice down his spine. The photo. He didn't hear the rest of the lecture—just the screech of his chair and the slam of the bathroom door behind him. The mirror…