Kabashima-san returned to her household chores, so I decided to relax in my room. I lay down on the bed and opened Love Link on my smartphone.
"Hello. What are you up to today?"
A message from Zahara-san had come in about an hour ago. I might have made her a bit impatient.
"Hello. I don't have any specific plans, so I'm just lazing around. What about you, Zahara-san?"
I hurriedly replied to the message. Since the messages weren't being marked as read for a while, she probably didn't have time to fiddle with her phone. I decided to play my usual puzzle game.
Around noon, a message arrived.
"I was working. I apologize for not replying promptly."
"If you're working, then there's no help for it. Thank you for your hard work. What kind of work do you do, Zahara-san?"
"Thank you. I work at JIRAC, promoting interaction between different races in Japan. I handle procedures and education to help diverse races live comfortably here."
Wow, she was a staff member at JIRAC (Japan Interracial Relations Advancement Center).
"Ah, you're from JIRAC. I looked into it recently because I wanted to talk to individuals from different races."
"Wow! Thank you. It makes me really happy that you want to talk to individuals from different races. Human men who interact with different races are quite rare, so Yuma-san, you're a very kind person."
Even until recently, I was one of those people. It seems that human men tend to avoid different races. Well, that's true even for women in general…
"I don't think I'm particularly kind. It's just that I don't feel uncomfortable around women… And I'd like to get to know Zahara-san better too."
I accidentally dropped my fork on the table with a clang. It happened while I was exchanging messages with Yuma-san while having lunch.
"Hm? What's wrong, Elran-san?"
"Oh, I'm fine! I'm sorry."
The fork that had fallen onto the table slipped to the floor. I quickly picked up my smartphone, then the fork, and almost fled to the utility room.
"Huh… Yuma-san."
I was surprised by the shocking message from Yuma-san.
"I want to get to know Zahara-san better."
I reread the message several times, and the wording didn't change. There was no mistaking it.
"Oh no… What should I do?"
I forgot to wash the fork and just stared at my smartphone screen, trying to figure out what kind of message I should send next.
"I also want to get to know you better… If you're okay with it, how about we go out for a meal sometime?"
A message arrived from Zahara-san after some time had passed. The content of the message seemed positive. I needed to respond immediately.
"Of course, I'd love to! However, where do you live, Zahara-san?"
"Oops! I live in Chiba City in Chiba Prefecture."
Chiba City, huh? That's about a 30-minute drive. We were connected through Love Link, so it shouldn't be too far away. Actually, it's closer than I thought.
"I'm in Sodegaura. Let's go out for a meal!"
"…!!"
I excitedly hopped around, savoring my happiness. I was in a bathroom stall, though…
"I'm in! Let's do it! I'm so happy! What would you like to eat? Fish? Meat? Is there anything you dislike or can't eat?"
I'm thrilled! I can't believe I'll be able to meet Yuma-san so soon…
In an instant, my blood ran cold. I reread the message I had sent… Was it too eager? Yuma-san might be put off by it. My high spirits plummeted all at once.
Lunch break was ending soon, so I returned to my desk, feeling down. Oh, I left my lunchbox behind…
Sigh… Yuma-san probably got turned off. No reply yet.
Lunchtime was over, and afternoon work began. Sigh… I just want to go home. That's what I thought as I typed away at my keyboard.
Ding!
My phone rang. At this time, it's probably just another spam email, right? That's what I thought, but when I glanced at my phone…
"Huh!?"
I inadvertently let out a loud voice, surprising my coworker at the neighboring desk, Suzumoto-san. "It's alright, I'm sorry," I apologized and headed back to the restroom.
"How about here? They say the meat is delicious! It's a bit far from Zahara-san's place since it's Sodegaura."
I was so happy that tears welled up. The heart that had sunk into self-disgust had now flipped, and my heart raced uncontrollably.
Taking three deep breaths, I typed my reply.
"That sounds great! I really want to go! When is Yuma-san available?"
Applying the lesson from earlier, I read my message multiple times before tapping the send button.
A reply came quickly.
"I'm free anytime, so I'll work around Zahara-san's schedule! It's good if it's on a day off. Let's meet in the early afternoon, chat leisurely, and then go for a meal."
I'm too happy. I'm so delighted that I might lose my composure. My face broke into a grin on its own. The next day off… it's the day after tomorrow, isn't it? I might need to leave early tomorrow to prepare.
"How about the day after tomorrow? Is that too rushed?"
"The day after tomorrow, huh. That's fine, I'm looking forward to it!"
Gosh! I'm so happy! I need to immediately go back to my desk and inform my boss about leaving early tomorrow. Hurriedly returning to my desk, I opened up my schedule management screen.
"Elran-san, did something good happen? You're grinning like crazy."
As soon as I returned, Suzumoto-san called out to me. I was desperately trying to restore my composure at the restroom sink, but I guess it didn't work…
"No, just a bit… yes…"
After that, I was surrounded by members of the same team, bombarded with questions, and I got so distracted that I even got scolded by my boss. Work became an afterthought.
"Kabashima-san, is it alright if I go out the day after tomorrow?"
"Yes, of course. Where are you going?"
"Just on a little date. I'll have dinner out, so don't worry about me being alone… sorry for making you feel lonely."
For a moment, I saw a very lonely expression on Kabashima-san's face. I hugged her and gently patted her head.
"Mmm… I understand. This area has excellent security, so there shouldn't be any problems. But I'll offer to pick you up, just to be safe."
"Yeah, got it. But I'll use a taxi or something on the way back, so you can relax, Kabashima-san."
Alright, the preparations to go out are ready. Today and tomorrow, I'll cuddle with Kabashima-san as much as possible. Thinking that, I lightly kissed Kabashima-san while holding her.
In the blink of an eye, the day to meet Yuma-san arrived. Encouraged by my colleagues, I was all set. I drove my beloved car to Sodegaura.
"Sigh… I'm nervous…"
I'm 115 years old, you know. I've been on dates with men a few times. So it should be fine. No, I stopped thinking as memories of being harshly rejected started to resurface.
"Is this the place?"
Lost in my thoughts, I arrived at the meeting place in no time. The meeting point was a seaside park. I parked the car and double-checked the message that was sent to me before I left.
"I'm sitting on a bench near the parking lot. I look like this."
A selfie of Yuma-san was attached, and he looked so wonderful that I got lost in it. As a result, I left a bit later than planned.
Now, stepping out of the car and looking around, I saw someone on the bench stand up and wave towards me. I hurriedly walked towards them.
"Zahara-san! Nice to meet you. I'm Kito Yuma."
"Ah, Yuma-san. Nice to meet you too. I'm Zahara Na Elran. I'm honored to meet you."
Yuma-san was even more charming than he looked in photos. Handsome, refreshing, and his smile was very attractive.
"Kabashima-san, thank you. I'll contact you later. Have a safe trip home."
Yuma-san turned back and smiled at a woman behind him. What kind of relationship do they have? They seem to get along quite well…
"Yes. Please take care, Yuma-sama."
She gave me a slight bow, so I hurriedly lowered my head too. She walked away briskly, got into her car, and drove off.
"She's Kabashima, a servant who serves me."
Yuma-san told me before I could even ask. A servant, huh? This is the first time I've seen a man so friendly with a servant. To be honest, I'm quite surprised.
As I watched Kabashima-san's car drive away, my hand was taken.
"Now, Zahara-san. Let's go!"
Yuma-san is holding my hand. His small and cute hand is gripping mine tightly.
"Yes… Y-Yes!"
Being led by Yuma-san, I start walking into the park. I'm confident it's going to be a fun day.
Taking Zahara-san's hand, we walk around the park. I immediately recognized that she's wearing her favorite red dress. She's also wearing cute sneakers, so walking shouldn't be an issue.
"First, let's take a little stroll. Zahara-san, do you have weekdays off?"
"Y-Yes. I have Wednesdays and weekends off."
"I see. Is JIRAC busy?"
As we walk slowly, we engage in light conversation. I try to initiate questions, drawing out discussions from Zahara-san and creating a relaxed atmosphere.
We walk through the natural surroundings and arrive at an open area. In front of us lies a large flower field.
"Oh, Zahara-san, look, apparently the flowers here are amazing."
"Wow! They're so beautiful! Poppies, and over there are columbines. Amazing, even roses are blooming so beautifully. There's such a vast flower field here."
She really does love flowers. Seeing her eyes sparkle with joy makes me happy too. There's a bench nearby, so we decide to sit.
"Phew, the weather is so nice."
"Yeah, truly. The weather is just right, and it feels great."
Speaking of which, I take out my smartphone.
"Since we have the opportunity, shall we talk about that game we mentioned?"
I launch the puzzle game I've been playing for years. I made a promise to give her tips on getting a high score.
"Oh, you remembered."
Zahara-san approached me with a slightly surprised expression. Although we're on the bench, I noticed there was a bit of space between us. Using the game as an excuse, I move closer, sitting right beside her.
"Here, watch."
I demonstrate techniques I've been using for years. The score quickly surpasses 30,000 points, reaching near my personal best.
"Wow! That's incredible. How are you doing that?"
"When these pieces align like this, you get a score boost. So by clearing the board with this pattern…"
Both of us lean in, focusing on the small smartphone screen, engrossed in the game. As expected, our proximity has brought us shoulder to shoulder.
"Could I give it a try too?"
Zahara-san took out her smartphone from her bag. Comparing it to mine, hers is much bigger, and the screen is very easy to read.
"Um, so like this, and creating this shape. Is it something like this?"
"Yes, yes, if you do this, then…"
Peering into Zahara-san's smartphone, I occasionally guide her through the game by making gestures. I wonder if she's aware that our shoulders are already touching.
"I did it! It's amazing! I scored over 30,000 points!"
After a few tries, she seems to have gotten the hang of it, and she quickly surpasses the target of 30,000 points. Truly, she must be quite clever.
"Congratulations! You did it!"
I raise both hands in the air, and Zahara-san also touches my hands with hers. It feels like we've grown closer in terms of intimacy.
Being immersed in the game, I got a bit thirsty. I suggest getting drinks and we head to the square where the food trucks are located. We're naturally holding hands while walking. Zahara-san's large hand holds onto mine like it's enveloping it.
Zahara-san is said to be 200 centimeters tall, but I think she might even be taller. And she has an astonishingly good figure. Her chest is impressively prominent, yet her waist is slim. Her silky emerald hair seems to glisten and sparkle in the sunlight. Her tanned skin and the red dress go remarkably well together, giving off both a cute and alluring vibe.
"Oh, there's a food truck. Quite a crowd for a weekday. I think I'll have lemonade. What about you, Zahara-san?"
"I'll have lemonade too. Sorry. Two lemonades, please."
Zahara-san orders lemonades from the somewhat bored-looking vendor. She also hands over the money.
"Here you go. Enjoying a date, huh?"
As the vendor hands the lemonade to Zahara-san, he wears a mischievous smile.
"S-So, a-a date…"
Zahara-san looks a bit flustered, glancing at me now and then. I simply smile in response.
We sit on a nearby bench and enjoy the lemonade. It's refreshingly cold, with a distinct lemony tartness that's not overly sour, and a hint of honey fragrance. It's quite a high-quality drink.
"Mmm, delicious."
It slipped out of my mouth unintentionally.
"It's really tasty. I'm a bit surprised."
We both laugh and quickly finish the lemonade. With fewer people around on a weekday, the park feels comfortable with a gentle breeze blowing through.
"It's a fun date."
Zahara-san looks puzzled for a moment, then her expression transforms into a beaming smile.
"Yes… It's really fun!"
Later, Zahara-san hesitates a bit, then her face becomes serious.
"Yuma-san, aren't you afraid of me?"
"Afraid? Why would I be?"
"I mean, I'm an orc, right? I have a big body… Every guy I've met before got scared when they saw me…"
I understand. Before my values changed, I definitely wouldn't have approached her.
"From my perspective, Zahara-san is just a very beautiful and charming lady. You're really attractive and adorable."
As I answer, I hold Zahara-san's hand, which is beside me on the bench.
"Yuma-san, you're an unusual person…"
Zahara-san murmurs in a slightly tearful voice.
We remained silent, still holding hands on the bench. Being able to sit in silence with someone without feeling uncomfortable means that you're truly compatible. In that sense, I could say that the compatibility assessment by Love Link's AI is quite accurate.
"Zahara-san, would you like to go for a drive? I'd like to experience riding in your car."
"Yes… Let's go!"
Authors note:
[Behind the Scenes]
Yuma's conversational skills and his skill in romantic maneuvering are influenced by his experiences in the installed dream world (refer to Episode 1).
In that dream world, Yuma used various dating apps to engage with different women and engage in numerous intimate encounters.