This is so wholesome. I relate a lot to Mei since she reminds me of when I was first accepting that I'm trans and feeling comfortable being out about it. I also didn't expect this much development so quickly, though it isn't a bad thing.
@pink_rabbit Watashi can be both gender neutral or feminine depending on context. Usually it's considered feminine outside of formal contexts, like business meetings or speeches, or from foreign learners of Japanese, where it is more gender neutral. But in casual conversation it's considered generally feminine.
Wait wait, is Suzu the same Suzu from author's previous work? His boyfriend is Haruto? So in a sense this is some sort of sequel to Kimi Dake no Ponytail
It's a "dignified" way of referring to oneself - for example priests and high ranking monks also can use it. Byproduct of disgusting sexist patriarchy that used to put women on a pedestal and in general imagined them to be more "refined" and "better" than men. Or maybe of just complementary qualities, who knows, but that also implies something.
@Hollow7F I was mainly talking about Mei, but I guess it applies to the nb character as well all the same. I just find solace in seeing characters being accepted for being trans, 'cause it sure as hell ain't happening to me irl ahaha