Chapter 1800: Rest for the Hard Worker ⑨
It was a bit unexpected, but as it was Anima who suggested it, it was settled that we would be flirting around today as lovers. No, I don’t think that’s something that should be decided like that, but what the heart feels is important.
In fact, until a few minutes ago, I was prioritizing rewarding Anima for her hard work, and my behavior would probably be different if I thought of doing that while enjoying our time together as lovers.
But well, that aside…… By doing something lover-like, what exactly does she want to do? The current situation for us can be described as sitting together on the jetty, gazing at the evening sea. Mood-wise, it could be considered very good. I actually feel like we’re doing something lover-like, but there might be something Anima wants to do as well.
[……By the way, Anima, what lover-like thing do you want to do?]
[………………]
Ahh, by the look on her face, she just suggested that, but she actually has no plans in mind. She looked at me so dumbfoundedly, as if she was suddenly hit with a topic she couldn’t grasp.
I’m often told that I wear my heart on my sleeve, but it’s easy to see the changes in Anima’s expression as well.
Seeing such a cute expression on her face, I couldn’t help chuckling.
[……You haven’t really thought of anything?]
[E- Embarrassing it may be…… Umm, if you would allow me to provide my excuse, I lack knowledge in that area, and it wasn’t something that ever crossed my mind back when I was a Black Bear…… No, I’ve been in this form for several years now, so I suppose it’s nothing more than my own lack of study in that subject…….]
Now that she mentioned it, I can see what she meant…… It certainly is hard to imagine bears going on dates, and at the very least, a situation where we’d sit side by side on a jetty like this would also be highly unlikely.
It’s only been almost 3 years since she was reborn from a Black Bear into a Beastkin Demon, and with Anima’s character, if she’s got the time to learn about love-related knowledge, she would instead use that time to learn other knowledge.
Unlike Alice, Kuro and Shiro-san, who already have a vast amount of knowledge and just lack romantic experiences, they who could be considered as young women who have a lot of superficial knowledge about those kinds of stuff, she probably just doesn’t have any options coming to her mind.
However, this would be that huh…… The pattern where I’m the one leading the date. It’s just, I’m not that knowledgeable either, so there aren’t many options that come to mind…… Well, for the time being, this is for my lovely girlfriend, so I’ll do my best.
[Then, how about something like this?]
[Hyaaahh!? M- Master!?]
Deciding to do the first lover-like thing that came to my mind, I decided to pull Anima closer by putting my arm around her shoulders. Embraced by me, the expression on Anima’s face seemed like a mixture of apology and joy, and though she looked slightly flustered, she didn’t show any resistance at all.
Or rather, it feels more like the only thought in her mind was “What should we do after this?”.
[This is just a staple, but Anima could just relax your body and lean on me.]
[Y- Yes. So it’s something like that huh.]
[Unnn. I would be happy if you leaned on me without reservation.]
[I understand. I- If you’ll excuse me.]
Anima obediently follows my words and leans her body against mine. With her leaning against me, Anima’s bear ears are faintly brushing against my neck…… It feels very soft, and the hair…… fur? Anyhow, the fur on her bear ears is nice and fluffy, and touching it feels kinda refreshing.
[How does it feel, Anima? Does being in this position feel awkward?]
[Ah, no…… It’s warm and comfortable, and being this close to Master…… gets my heart racing, and yet it also feels calming…… It’s hard to describe…… but umm, it feels comfortable.]
[I’m glad to hear that.]
[Umm, what about you, Master? Am I not being a burden……]
[It’s alright. Rather, being like this with Anima makes me feel comfortable and happy.]
[I’m glad to hear that.]
Upon hearing my words, Anima happily smiled. Her ears were twitching with joy, making her look incredibly adorable.
Watching Anima act like that, love surged from within me, as I gently placed my free hand on Anima’s cheek, turning her face towards mine.
[……Anima.]
[Ahh…… Yes. Master……]
As expected, Anima quickly sensed what I wanted, as she turned her face towards me and closed her eyes. With her adorable gesture, as if she would accept my everything, bathed in the light of the setting sun, I moved closer, gently pressing my lips against hers.
Serious-senpai : [Hyiihhh, this is kinda sweeter than I imagined. It’s that, you know…… Unlike Alice and the others, Anima just lacks knowledge and is actually proactive, and even when she’s shy, she openly expresses her emotions, making the affectionate moments more intense……]
Makina : [Serious-senpai, why does your face look kinda squashed?]
Serious-senpai : [Your best friend freaking beat me up……]