(Caption) A Summer Journey in Winter

When he woke up, the first thing he noticed was the salty, damp scent of the sea breeze. A narrow gap in the curtains let sunlight spill into the camper, dazzling his eyes, while waves rhythmically washed over the distant shore. Before he could fully gather his thoughts, his sister was already sitting by the small table with an iced drink in hand, smiling as she told him that he had been complaining nonstop about the cold weather lately, so she had decided to bring him somewhere that felt like summer all year round.

She casually tossed a bundle of clothes into his arms. The fabric was soft and light in color. When he unfolded it, he realized it was a complete set of women's clothing. Leaning against the door, his sister explained matter-of-factly that if one wanted a true summer atmosphere, only something airy and flowing like a dress would do. His protests didn't last long before he was ushered into the compact but tidy bathroom.

They started with the basics. One by one, the bra, waist cincher, and underwear were handed to him, his movements clumsy and hesitant. When the waist cincher was tightened, he instinctively drew in a breath, his waist pulled into a slender line. His sister then slipped soft pads into the bra, carefully adjusting them until the curve of his chest looked natural and full. The figure in the mirror was already drifting away from the one he was used to seeing.

Then came the makeup. His hair was gathered up completely, a soft wig cap fitted snugly over his head, followed by a long wig. The wig was a light brown shade, silky under the light, with a thin streak of red woven through it. She patiently secured it in place, parted it naturally along his face, and braided the sides into loose plaits that fell over his shoulders. The ends were gently tidied, giving the style a soft, refreshing look.

As the foundation brush swept over his skin, he felt its smooth texture, evening out his slightly pale complexion into something warm and gentle. The eye makeup took the most care: a light base shadow, blue-gray blended out at the corners, lashes curled and coated until his eyes looked bright and clear. The eyeliner was subtle, tracing cleanly along the lash line. A touch of blush rested on his cheekbones, and his lips were colored a translucent pink, as if kissed by summer sunlight. Finally, his eyebrows were shaped, and his nails painted in a delicate, understated shade, leaving his fingertips neat and refined.

The dress came last. It was a sleeveless piece in pale blue and white, the fitted bodice paired with a soft white tie at the neckline, accented by slim blue ribbons. The skirt was light and airy, printed with delicate floral patterns that swayed gently as he moved. A dark ribbon belt was tied at the waist into a neat bow, perfectly emphasizing his silhouette. Accessories followed: a fine necklace resting at his collarbone, a small watch on one wrist, and a slender bracelet on the other.

When he stepped into the black high heels, the ankle straps fastening snugly, his posture straightened on its own. Looking up at the mirror, the person staring back at him was no longer "him." Under his sister's satisfied gaze, she found herself using this unfamiliar yet fitting pronoun for the first time as she took in her reflection.

His sister patted her on the shoulder and said that since they had gone this far, she should enjoy the vacation properly and give it her best—maybe she'd even end up in a passionate summer romance with a cute boy. She pushed open the camper door, and sunlight flooded in from the beach outside.

Holding onto the doorframe, she stepped down, her heels clicking crisply against the steps. In the sun, her skirt fluttered lightly in the sea breeze. She smiled at the boys who had begun to glance their way and introduced them naturally as sisters who had come here on holiday. Amid the sound of waves, laughter, and warm summer air, the journey had only just begun.