Self Discovery

Confused

(Author's note: Okay, so... a few things. First, some warnings. This story focuses on a trans boy who doesn't yet know he's a trans boy so there's a lot of misgendering, most of which isn't malicious. Rei's friends are completely well-intentioned, just misguided and unaware. Also, as much as I try to avoid this, especially with Yugioh, it was hard not to "Americanize" this narrative somewhat. I'm not Japanese nor do I speak any, so I don't feel that the language's pronouns or honorifics are mine to use, especially with the... mixed answers I get on what some of them mean. So places where the characters would've used these honorifics in the show are replaced by the closest English equivalents. It also just felt more natural that way, since Rei's experiences here are heavily based on my own experiences as a trans man. Also, as usual, I'm using the sub names. Here's a quick guide for people who are more used to the dub:

Blair Flannigan-Rei Saotome

Banner-Daitokuji

Crowler-Chronos

Marcel-Martin (Don't know why they even changed this one but whatever)

Jaden-Judai

Tyranno Hassleberry-Kenzan Hassleberry

(Everyone else is an OC. Also, I'll still call the red dorm "Slifer Red" since it's what I'm used to. Anyways, onto the story.)

--------Flashback--------

"I'd like to introduce you all to someone," Daitokuji, the kooky black-haired teacher with the cat, was explaining. He gestured to Rei. "Rei Saotome, who took the transfer test, will be joining Slifer Red."

In this moment, Rei was sure she'd never be more grateful that her name could be either a boy or girl's name. Without that, she wasn't sure this plan would've worked. Not that girls couldn't go to this school, but the only dorm with a girl's dorm was the highest ranked one, Obelisk Blue, which seemed unfair. Why was it that a girl could only get into this school if she was exceptional? Meanwhile, a boy could practically flunk every exam and still get into Slifer Red?

"Hooray!" A voice exploded from the crowd. Rei staggered back.

One of the Slifer Red students, a boy with spiky brown hair and huge bright brown eyes, was chanting as if summoning a demon. "Hooray! Hooray! REEEEEIII!" The boy rushed toward Rei, smiling ear to ear. Rei took a step back. "Don't sweat the bad score, buddy." The boy suddenly spoke in a welcoming almost comforting tone but it didn't calm Rei's nerves. "Let's just all have fun together."

"I think you have the wrong idea," Daitokuji cut in, sounding concerned.

The boy frowned. "I'm just trying to comfort the new guy-" He took a step closer. Rei yelped, ducking behind Daitokuji as her heart pounded in her ears. Why was this boy so... cute?

"He's... clearly taken a blow to his pride," the boy now sounded concerned.

"Mister Saotome isn't in Slifer Red because of a bad score," Daitokuji explained, "Any student who transfers mid-year is assigned to this dorm. Mister Saotome's scores should get him into Ra Yellow very soon."

A strange feeling filled Rei at being called a boy. Of course, Daitokuji was only calling her a boy because she'd lied she was a boy to get into the school but still, something about it felt... nice.

"Oh!" The brunet boy let out an embarrassed chuckle. "Well, we're still happy to have a new friend with us in Slifer Red. Right, guys?" He turned to the crowd.

Two other boys, one short with light blue hair and one tall with black hair, stood up and cheered,

"Of course!"