Axzel's POV
My phone alarm went off twice, jolting me awake. I glanced at the clock. It was six in the morning, and my classes wouldn't start until eight.
I was still getting used to my new surroundings. Not wanting to be late on my first day, I quickly got out of bed and prepared myself.
As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but look at my reflection. My body was a little different from those of other boys. I had breasts, but I also had male genitalia. Yes, I was intersex. Some people used to call it being a hermaphrodite, but intersex was the more appropriate term.
It wasn't easy to accept myself, but I was trying my best to learn to love who I was. I didn't care what other people thought of me or my identity. Everyone was different and unique. That was what I believed, and it was what I constantly reminded myself.
After getting ready, I headed to the kitchen and prepared my breakfast. Once I finished eating, I locked my apartment door and headed out.
I was dressed casually in jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt. I had wrapped my chest with thick gauze and a compression bandage to keep it concealed. I didn't want anyone to notice that I had breasts.
With my bag, face mask, and cap, I stepped into the elevator.
Two women were standing in one corner. I noticed them whispering to each other. I pressed the button for the ground floor and pretended not to notice them.
The elevator doors opened, and another woman stepped inside. She glanced at me for a few seconds before looking away.
I sighed.
Was it always going to be like this in the Philippines? Would people always look at me as if I were some kind of exotic animal? It made me uncomfortable, but I knew I had to get used to it. After all, I would probably experience this every single day.
The Philippines was my mother's birthplace, and I had chosen to move here because I wanted to discover the country where she had grown up.
The elevator stopped on the first floor, and the three women stepped out. I thought I would finally be alone, but another woman suddenly entered.
She looked like a teenager. She was wearing ripped jeans and a crop top, with a bag slung over her shoulder.
She gave me a once-over, making me feel even more uncomfortable.
I quickly averted my gaze and waited for her to press the button for her floor.
A moment later, the elevator chimed. I stepped out before she did.
I made my way to my Ducati, put on my helmet, and hit the road.
Thirty minutes later, I arrived at my new school. I parked my motorcycle before approaching the security guard and gently tapping him on the shoulder.
"Good morning, Sir. May I ask where the Dean's office is?"
The guard seemed startled by my sudden appearance.
"Jusmiyo, hijo! You nearly gave me a heart attack! Good morning, too. Did you say you're looking for the Dean's office?"
I nodded and apologized for startling him.
"It's in that maroon building on the second floor," he said, pointing in its direction.
"Thank you, Sir."
After thanking him, I entered the school gates. As soon as I stepped inside, I noticed a few students staring in my direction.
I swallowed nervously as my social anxiety began to creep in. I kept my eyes fixed ahead and continued walking toward the Dean's office.
Unfortunately, I accidentally bumped into someone along the way.
Her belongings fell to the floor, and she immediately bent down to pick them up. I quickly crouched to help her. As I handed her some of the papers, our eyes met.
She shot me a cold glare.
I was about to apologize when she suddenly turned and ran away.
I watched her disappear into the crowd, utterly confused.
What's wrong with her?
I shrugged and continued toward the Dean's office.
Fortunately, the Dean was already there.
I knocked on the door three times.
"Come in."
Upon hearing the response, I opened the door and stepped inside. A middle-aged woman wearing formal attire was seated in a swivel chair. She looked up, surprise evident on her face.
"You are...?" she asked.
I cleared my throat before answering.
"Good morning, Ma'am. I'm Axzel Helius, the new transfer student."
"Oh, Mr. Helius! It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Dean Clarissa Guzman. Please, have a seat. We'll discuss our school's rules and regulations. It's a good thing you arrived early."
She gestured toward the chair, and I nodded before taking a seat.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am."
As soon as I settled down, she began explaining the school's rules and regulations. I listened attentively, making sure not to miss anything important.
"It's quite a privilege to have an exchange student from England. Anyway, here is your class schedule and the key to your locker."
She handed me my schedule along with a locker key.
Just then, she stood up and walked toward the door.
A moment later, the door opened, and a girl entered. She was wearing the school uniform, and her hair was neatly tied in a ponytail.
I glanced at her, wondering who she was.
"Mr. Helius, this is the president of our student council. Her name is Yvaine Navarretta. She will be showing you around the campus."
The Dean introduced us.
I stood up and extended my hand for a handshake.
"Hi! My name is Axzel Helius. Nice to meet you."
She accepted my hand and returned the handshake.
"You can just call me Yvi. So, shall we go?"
I nodded.
Dean Clarissa smiled at me.
"Welcome to our university, Mr. Helius."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
After thanking her, Yvi and I walked out of the office.
As Yvaine showed me around the campus, I took note of the different buildings and facilities. Quite a number of students kept staring at us, which made me feel rather uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, I paid them no attention and focused on listening to Yvaine's explanations.
After a while, she led me to my assigned classroom.
Before opening the door, she knocked three times.
A middle-aged woman soon appeared. She looked at us with a confused expression.
"Good morning, Mrs. Vargas. Sorry to interrupt your class, but I'm here to inform you about our new transfer student from England," Yvaine said, introducing me.
"Is that so? Thank you, Yvaine. I'll take it from here. Come on in, Mr...?"
"Axzel Helius, Ma'am," I answered, clearing my throat.
She clapped her hands and gestured for me to enter the classroom.
I thanked Yvaine before stepping inside.
As I walked in, I could feel everyone's eyes fixed on me. Nevertheless, I kept my composure, walked confidently toward the front, and stood beside the teacher's desk.
I straightened my clothes and briefly scanned the room.
"All right, everyone. I'd like you to meet someone. We have a new student joining us from England. Please introduce yourself," Mrs. Vargas announced.
I let out a quiet sigh before speaking.
"I'm Axzel Helius, and I'm from England."
Silence.
Nobody said a word.