It was a bit unexpected, but at Anima’s suggestion, we had decided to act like a proper couple and spend some lovey-dovey time together. I didn’t think it was something we strictly needed to agree upon, but I supposed having the right mindset was important.
Up until that moment, I had been focusing purely on giving Anima a chance to rest, but the way I acted would naturally change if I shifted my mindset toward enjoying our time together as lovers.
But putting that aside... even if we were to do "lovey-dovey things," what did that entail specifically? Our current situation—sitting on the pier at sunset and gazing out at the water—already felt like it had the perfect atmosphere. Honestly, I felt like we were already acting like a couple, but perhaps Anima had something specific in mind that she wanted to try.
"By the way, Anima, what did you have in mind specifically when you said lovey-dovey things?"
"……!"
Ah, there it was. She had the look of someone who had made a bold proposal without having a single step planned for what came next. She stared at me blankly, looking as if a "clueless" sound effect should have been playing in the background.
People often told me that my feelings were easy to read, but Anima’s expressions were just as transparent. I let out an involuntary wry smile at her adorable reaction and spoke up.
"You hadn't actually thought of anything, had you?"
"I-I am ashamed to admit... that, if you would permit me an excuse, I lack knowledge in such matters. It was not a concept that existed back when I was a Black Bear... No, I have spent several years in this form now, so this is nothing other than a lack of study on my part……"
When she put it that way, it made sense. I certainly couldn't imagine a bear going on a date, and a situation like sitting side-by-side on a pier would have been impossible for her back then.
It had only been nearly three years since she was reincarnated from a Black Bear into a beastman-type demon. Knowing Anima’s personality, if she had any free time to learn about romance, she would have used it to gain other types of practical knowledge instead.
Her case was different from Alice, Kuro, or Shiro-san. Those three already possessed vast amounts of knowledge but lacked the experience to go with it—individuals who could be called precocious girls in a sense. Anima simply had very few options that even came to her mind.
However, this meant I was the one who needed to take the lead. I didn't have particularly deep knowledge myself, and the options I could think of weren't exactly plentiful, but I was determined to do my best for my adorable lover.
"Well, how about something like this?"
"Hyah!? M-Master!?"
I started with a classic couple-like move: I reached out and pulled Anima close by the shoulder. Once she was tucked against my side, she wore an expression that was a mix of apology and joy. She seemed flustered, but she showed no sign of resistance.
In fact, she looked like she was just lost on what she was supposed to do next.
"It’s a cliché, I know, but you can just relax and lean against me, Anima."
"Y-Yes. So that is how it is done."
"Yeah. It would make me happy if you leaned on me without holding back."
"I understand. P-Pardon me."
Obeying my words with total sincerity, Anima rested her weight against me. As she leaned in, her bear ears brushed lightly against the side of my neck. They felt incredibly soft—was it the quality of the fur? Either way, the fluffiness of her ears felt wonderful against my skin, and the sensation was entirely new to me.
"How does it feel, Anima? Is the position uncomfortable?"
"Ah, no... it is warm and comfortable, and since you are so close, Master... my heart is pounding quite hard. Yet, at the same time, I feel calm. It is difficult to put into words, but... it is very pleasant."
"I’m glad to hear that."
"Um, how about you, Master? Am I a burden...?"
"Not at all. If anything, I feel the same way you do. It's a very pleasant, happy feeling."
"In that case, I am relieved."
Hearing my response, Anima broke into a joyful smile. Her ears twitched happily, making her look absolutely precious.
Watching her like that made a surge of affection well up inside me. I reached out with my free hand, cupped her cheek, and gently turned her face toward mine.
"Anima."
"Ah…… yes. Master……"
As expected, Anima picked up on my intent immediately. She turned her head toward me and closed her eyes. That gesture, as if she were ready to accept everything I had to give, was incredibly lovely. Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, I leaned in and softly, gently, pressed my lips against hers.
Serious-senpai: "Gosh, this is even sweeter than I imagined. That's the thing... unlike someone like Alice, even though Anima lacks knowledge, she acts proactively and is honest about her feelings even when she's blushing. The lovey-dovey levels are through the roof..."
Machina: "Serious-senpai, isn't your face a little... distorted?"
Serious-senpai: "Your best friend punched me, that's why!"