As I sat there bathing side-by-side with Anima, part of me still wondered how exactly it had come to this. More importantly, though, I needed to do something about Anima herself—she was currently teetering on the edge of a total meltdown.
There was just one problem. Anima had asked me what to do next, but I didn't exactly have a manual for mixed bathing. This wasn't a public hot spring, so we couldn't just admire the scenery, and drinking alcohol felt a bit out of place here. We could wash each other's backs, but that felt like I’d just be digging my own grave. In the end, did we have any choice other than just soaking here and making small talk?
"...Um, Anima? You don't need to overthink it. It’s fine if we just relax and chat about whatever comes to mind."
"I-I see..."
"Yeah."
"Yes..."
The silence stretched between us. It was that awkward pattern where we were both so conscious of the need to speak that the words simply vanished. Anima was a total novice at this, so as someone with—dare I say—a bit more experience, I felt like I should be the one to take the lead. Although, calling myself "experienced in mixed bathing" felt like a weird way to phrase it, even to myself.
"...Hey, Anima. Thanks for today. I really had a great time fishing because of everything you taught me."
"N-No! If I was able to be of any use to you, Master, there could be no greater happiness!"
"Well, we didn't actually catch anything edible, though."
"Statistically speaking, it was quite a feat, but it’s certainly frustrating when a 'rare result' isn't actually the 'best result.'"
Talking to her seemed to be working. The tension that had been gripping her was slowly beginning to fade. Anima was a sensible girl; as long as she stayed calm, everything would be fine. At the very least, I didn't have to worry about her spiraling into a panic anymore.
"We still caught plenty of fish, and the meal was delicious because of you," I added. "For our first date since becoming lovers, I'd say it was a huge success."
"Yes!"
Anima broke into a radiant smile. Since she wasn't wearing her usual hat, I could see her bear ears twitching with joy. It was incredibly cute. Watching them, a question I’d been curious about for a while finally slipped out.
"By the way, Anima... you’re a former Black Bear, right? Is the only physical trait you kept the ears?"
"Eh? Oh, no. There are others. They're usually hidden by my clothes, but..."
"...Eh? Wait!?"
In response to my idle curiosity, Anima suddenly stood up in the tub and turned her back to me. Then, she lifted the towel covering her rear. Wait, what?!
"I still have a tail, as you can see."
The "round tail" that had been tucked under the towel was visible enough, but the real issue was the logistics of the situation. I was sitting down, soaking in the water. Anima had stood up so I could get a better look. This meant that the tail wasn't the only thing in my line of sight. Her backside—flushed pink from the heat, yet strikingly pale and firm—was right in front of my face.
"A-Anima?!"
"It doesn't usually get in the way, so I keep it tucked inside my trousers, but..."
"That’s not it! Put the towel down! Get back in the water, now!"
"Huh? Oh, yes! At once!"
It seemed she had done it completely without thinking. She had just wanted to answer my question as clearly as possible and hadn't grasped the implications of her stance. She quickly followed my frantic instructions and sank back into the water, but the damage was done. I was far from calm. The surprise attack had burned that image into my retinas. I didn't think I’d be able to look her in the eye for quite some time.
"...Master?"
"No, it’s nothing. Look, my question was poorly timed, but please don't do things like that so casually. It’s bad for my heart."
"Things like that? I only wanted to... for Master... for Master... Mas—!?"
"Anima?!"
The realization of what she’d just done finally caught up to her. Her face turned a shade of crimson so vivid it was impossible to miss. Her eyes darted wildly; she was clearly in the throes of a total mental breakdown.
"Wha—! I-I-I am so sorry! I-I-I didn't mean to show you such a m-m-miserable sight!"
"Anima, stay calm! Just take a deep breath..."
"B-B-But! I-I am prepared to offer this body to you at any time, Master! And as lovers, eventually we might do things like that anyway, or perhaps, possibly, maybe...!"
"Seriously, calm down! I can't even tell what you're saying anymore!"
Her face was so red it was actually getting alarming. Her eyes were spinning in her head, and her speech had devolved into a garbled mess. Even if I couldn't understand her words, her sheer level of panic was crystal clear.
"I-I mean—hrk."
"Anima?!"
Her confusion finally hit its breaking point. All the strength drained from her limbs, and she slid beneath the surface of the water. I scrambled to pull her back up and ended up carrying her surprisingly light body out of the bath.
Really, what is it with me? I must be cursed when it comes to bathrooms.
Anima is the type who becomes embarrassed only after realizing what she’s actually done.
Serious-senpai: "...Mm."
???: "Oh? You’re awake, Senpai?"
Serious-senpai: "...Is the Anima arc over yet?"
???: "No, the Anima arc isn't finished yet."
Serious-senpai: "...Then I'm going back to sleep. Wait, who are you?"
Machina: "..."
???: "Oh, she’s a friend of mine. She’s acting as your proxy while you sleep."
Serious-senpai: "I see. Then I can relax... Wake me up when the Anima arc is over."
???: "Sure thing. Leave it to me."
Serious-senpai: "Goodnight... zzz..."