Ch. 1 - I never said I wanted to be a magical girl

Magical girls—beings that protect humanity from monsters and villains while instilling hope and dreams in those they defend.We've all encountered magical girl anime during our childhoods. Even if it wasn't our cup of tea, chances are we stumbled upon it while browsing through children's anime channels on TV.

Many girls adored magical girl anime, and I'm certain there were a few boys who indulged in them secretly, despite claiming it was too childish.

I happened to be one of those boys. Of course, unlike some who watched in secrecy, I openly embraced my hobby.

I have a fondness for magical girl manga. I mean, think about it—it's about a beautiful girl who transforms.

Transformation and beauty—two concepts that captivate men. Hence, I tended to gravitate towards any manga featuring magical girls.

But

Even if that's the case..

"I never said I wanted to be a magical girl."

As I gazed into the mirror after stepping out of the shower and toweling my hair dry, I couldn't help but scrutinize my appearance.

Blonde locks cascading down to my waist, shapely breasts accentuating my slender waist, and skin so flawless and fair—by all accounts, I'm undeniably beautiful.

The problem is that all of that is me. Haha... damn it.

It's been five years since this transformation occurred, yet every time I look at my reflection, it feels surreal. There are nights when I look at my reflection in the glass and fail to recognize myself, sending shivers down my spine.

"Sigh..."

Let me reiterate.

I like magical girls. However, that doesn't mean I ever wished to be one.

"Team leader, did something happen?" the deputy leader asked as he handed me the Americano.

"No, why?" I responded.

"You seem to be in an unusually bad mood today."

"...Is it that obvious?"

"You've been frowning and sighing heavily since you arrived at work. How can it not be obvious? Look at So-Young. Isn't she trying to run away because she doesn't know when you are going to flip out again?"

"Ugh!"

I turned my head to see So-Young flinch, her hand gripping the office door's doorknob.

"T-that's not true? I was just going to buy coffee!"

"I just bought us coffee, didn't I?"

"You got us an iced Americano, and I like it hot."

Upon hearing Lee So-Young's lame excuse, Park Oh-Jin, the deputy team leader, muttered, "What are you talking about when you only eat ice cream in the middle of winter......"

Haa. The sigh deepened.

"The reason I'm in a bad mood is just for personal reasons, so don't worry about it."

I didn't even argue with the section chief like usual. The reason for my terrible mood is because I remembered something that happened five years ago.

The day I suddenly found myself transported into one of my favorite manga. Not only was I thrust into a world where awakened individuals with superhuman powers battled rampaging monsters, but I also became a woman.

As I relived that day, I couldn't help but feel sorry for myself. What am I even doing here?

I'm so angry that I've ended up in this dreadful world, and on top of it all, my gender has changed. Honestly, I have every right to be angry, don't you think?

Of course, now that some time has passed, I don't get upset just because I remember it. It's just that I've been busy with a lot of things lately, so I've been a little sensitive.

"It has nothing to do with you guys, so you don't have to walk on eggshells around me, and it's not like I take it out on you just because I'm annoyed."

"Don't you do that?"

"You do that a lot."

Oh, right. I do.

"So what? If I don't do this, I can't relieve my stress, so what can I do?"

"......"

"......"

The team's stares at me grow even colder, but I can't help it.

This world is at fault for making me like this! Why do you have to bring someone who's perfectly fine to make them suffer?

"What's bothering you so much?"

Lee So-Young asked as she sat back down after her failed escape.

"It's something you can't understand or solve, even if I tell you. Showing irritation was my fault, so stop worrying about it."

If I told them that I was actually from another world and that I was a man, they wouldn't believe me.

I can't tell them the truth, especially not these guys. They'll just give you a pitying look and book you into a mental institution.

I know. I'm supposed to be adjusting to this world, and yet I still care about things like this.

They say it takes three years to learn how to recite the windchimes. I've been in this body for five years; I should have gotten used to it.

Hahaha, damn it.

"Then why don't you try to feel better by thinking of something positive?" Lee So-Young suggested cheerfully, sensing my remorse.

"Like what?"

"Well, it's not like there have been any incidents lately, right? So we can just slack off today and clock ou-"

"Hey you piece of s...!"

"Haa, So-Young."

I nearly swore at Lee So-Young's words, and Park Oh-Jin sighed.

"You just said something you shouldn't have."

As if on cue, the blare of sirens erupted throughout the hallway, signaling a dispatch command.

[There is currently an Awakener armed robbery at the Golden Light Bank in Dongdaemun District. Members from the Awakener Crime Division within the Association should depart immediately to...]

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"Get moving now!!!"

Rapid footsteps and shouting reverberated down the hallway, accompanied by the piercing wail of a loud siren.

When the siren goes off, you have to hurry up and get moving, no matter what you are doing. But Park Oh-Jin and I only stared at Lee So-Young with murderous intent.

Under our stare, she turned pale and shivered.

"So-Young, I've always told you."

Park Oh-Jin scowled and stomped out of the office, and as I followed him, I warned So-Young.

It's not just in regards to the Awakening Crime Unit; it's for everything.

"Don't ever say that just because there haven't been any incidents. Because that's a flag."

"Y-yes! I understand!"

"As long as you understand, damn it. Come on, let's get going. Let's go kick some muggers' asses."

But hey, I guess it worked out. I'm pissed off, and I can take it out on some muggers.

That's my job—to beat the crap out of people who are committing crimes.