A Man Who Lost Confidence, to a Gentle Chastity-Reversed World - Chapter 53: A Sweet, Leisurely Zoo Date

Chapter 53: A Sweet, Leisurely Zoo Date

“Sato-kun… do you like animals?”

Yamamoto-san asks as we walk past the entrance gate.

It might be a standard or casual question, but as usual, I struggle to find a good answer. I should probably say something positive like “I love animals,” but that feels gross coming from me.

Still, it’s not the time to be self-deprecating. Honestly, I don’t dislike animals, but I can’t picture myself playing with them. It’s a feeling I’ve had since childhood.

I’ve been to zoos alone, but I never imagined myself doting on a pet.

As I overthink, I notice Yamamoto-san’s anxious expression, waiting for my reply. My bad habit of taking too long with everyday conversation rears its head.

In the end, I decide to be honest without hiding my thoughts.

“…Yeah, I don’t think about owning a dog or cat, but… I like looking at different animals at the zoo…”

Her face lights up brightly.

“Same! I like observing animals we don’t see every day or interacting with small ones, but… actually keeping one makes me hesitate… Plus, I’m scared of dogs…”

She laughs, probably recalling when she clung to me, scared of a dog. The memory of her touch creeps in too.

She stops, looking at me hesitantly before speaking.

“…So, um, if it’s okay with you… I’d like to take our time looking at the animals today… You might want to end this date with me quickly, but… if you don’t mind…”

Her self-deprecating words prompt me to interrupt. It’s selfish, but I can’t stand seeing someone more charming than me belittle themselves.

“N-No, I want this date with you to last forever… I’m fine spending the whole day slowly… we’re lovers, after all.”

My voice cracks with nerves at the end, but I get my point across. I don’t want my lover to feel inferior. She’s far more amazing than me.

“…! S-Sato-kun… t-thanks…” she says, blushing, and starts walking slowly. She murmurs something else, but it’s too quiet to hear.

We stroll through each area leisurely, watching penguins swim gracefully, searching for birds perched high up, enjoying each spot thoroughly.

When a lion suddenly moves, Yamamoto-san yelps, “Hya!” then blushes, saying, “Ah! T-That’s embarrassing…” Her reaction makes my heart race.

She’s so cute, I keep thinking. Her shy smile beside me—I realize I love it so much.

Even now, as she gazes curiously at a leisurely seal, she doesn’t let go of my hand. I might be spending more time watching her profile than the animals.

If she notices, she might get mad that I’m not focusing on the animals. She’s kind, but I shouldn’t take advantage of that. It’s wrong to be distracted when she wants to enjoy this together.

I shift my gaze to the enclosure. The seal stares back, as if observing us.

Yamamoto-san walks quietly, glancing at me, but looks away when I try to meet her eyes. This goes on for a while.

It’s not uncomfortable, though. We don’t talk much, but I feel in sync with her. She doesn’t push me, preferring a calm pace. Asagi-san’s bright and kind, but their vibes differ.

It might not be the best metaphor, but if Asagi-san’s a sun lighting me up, Yamamoto-san’s a moon comforting my darkness. That’s how I’ve started to see it.

That’s why I love them both. I know I don’t deserve to say that, but time with them is precious. They’re my lovers, despite someone like me.

“Um… there’s a petting area over there… wanna go together?” she suggests, pointing at a sign.

I refocus on our date, and we head slowly to the area with rabbits and other animals.

“They’re coming over… gotta get the food ready…” Yamamoto-san says, crouching to feed the rabbits with the food we bought. Watching them munch, she murmurs, “So cute…” doting on them.

I hold some feed too. I’ve never done this and feel nervous, but I should try.

Hesitantly, I extend my hand, and the rabbits eat. Though a bit scared, I find them cute and smile slightly.

I feel a gaze. Noticing Yamamoto-san staring, I look at her, wondering if I did something wrong. She looks startled, then averts her eyes.

“S-Sorry… I got caught up watching… I mean! You looked like you were having fun, so I was happy…”

Blushing, she says this, and I can only manage, “T-Thanks…” I’m relieved she didn’t find my smile creepy, but I can’t respond well.

“…Oh, it’s about time for lunch!” she says hurriedly, standing.

I nod, “Y-Yeah,” and stand too.

We head to the restroom first, and as a guy, I finish faster, waiting for her. It gives me a moment to think.

The calm time is fun, but I don’t know if she’s enjoying it. What’s she thinking in the stall?

Why am I imagining her in there? Thinking about how girls pee, about her naughty side?

I shouldn’t be thinking this now. I know, but I’m getting excited. I’m just a pervert, anxious about it.

“S-Sato-kun? Sorry for making you wait…” her voice snaps me back.

Maybe she called me a few times. While I was lost in gross fantasies, she’s apologizing, unaware. I stammer, “I-It’s fine,” covering up, but I’m a sleaze. I resolve to focus on her.

We sit on a large bench in the plaza, perfect for three, ideal for spreading out lunch.

At school, Yukari-san makes my lunch, but today, Yamamoto-san made one for me too.

I’ve shared her food at lunch before, but a girl making an entire lunch just for me is a first. I’m thrilled—never thought this would happen in my life.

“…It might be plain, but… I hope you eat it,” she says, looking away, handing me a two-tier bento.

Opening it, I see colorful side dishes in the top tier and small onigiri in the bottom. It’s clearly made with care, and I’m moved.

“…It looks amazing,” I murmur.

She looks relieved. I pick up a glossy teriyaki chicken piece and eat.

“It’s… really delicious… so good.”

I can only repeat myself, no food critic, but I want to convey my feelings.

“Good… I tasted it, but I was worried…” she says, pulling out another bento.

I assume it’s hers, but it’s tiny—just some rice and two pieces of karaage, too sparse.

Concerned, I ask, “Um, Yamamoto-san… is that enough for you…?”

Girls might eat less, but this seems extreme. I worry I was tactless, but she answers, looking down.

“…I’m already fat, so… I ate a lot while taste-testing this morning, so I thought I should watch it…”

Her slightly sad tone makes me hesitate. I don’t think she’s fat at all. I speak my mind.

“…I don’t think you’re fat, Yamamoto-san. My opinion might not matter, but… I don’t want you to worry too much…”

Girls probably have standards guys don’t get, but I don’t want her to hold back.

“It might be weird to say, but… I think you’re great as you are.”

I don’t know if it makes her happy, but as her lover, I can’t deny her current self. I want her to know that.

She widens her eyes, then says, “…Sorry,” before meeting my gaze.

“…I’ve said before, I want to be slimmer. You saying you… like my body makes me happy, but… I can’t help worrying when I look in the mirror.”

I stop myself from saying I’m the same. I’m starting to understand that body image issues differ for men and women in this world.

“But… if you say that again, I’ll believe you. That I don’t need to lose weight… though I’ll try not to gain too much…”

I make a final push to her hesitant words.

“…I hope you’ll believe me. I don’t want you to hold back too much.”

Smiling awkwardly, I affirm her as best I can. It’s partly selfish, wanting her to trust me, but mostly, I want to ease her anxiety.

She tears up slightly, thanking me.

“…I’m so lucky… Thanks for caring. But I only brought this much today…”

As she reaches for her small bento, I stop her. I’m not sure it’s a good idea, but I’ll apologize if it upsets her.

“Y-Yamamoto-san, why don’t we share this bento? I-It’d be more fun to eat together!”

I’m probably saying something weird in my panic. But she looks surprised and says, “…Is that okay?” I close the gap between us slightly.

“I just think… delicious things are better shared…”

Worried she’ll be put off, I’m relieved when she slowly reaches for my bento. We take turns picking from it, sharing one meal.

“…I really love you…”

Her quiet murmur reaches my ears, startling me. My heart races as we continue eating both bentos together.

“Thanks, Yamamoto-san… for making this bento. It was really delicious.”

“N-No big deal… I’m just happy you thought of me…”

Even after finishing, we sit on the bench, talking. She’s grateful, but I’m the one who got a bento made for me, leaning on her kindness.

“…Yamamoto-san, you don’t need to worry about money or anything. If you have complaints, just tell me.”

“No way! I have no complaints about you… I’m the one wondering if I’m bothering you by being here, or if I’m not doing enough…”

Her humility leads to a heart-shaking proposal.

“So… if there’s anything you want me to do, tell me anytime… I’d be sad if it’s breaking up, though…”

I’d never say that, but her tempting offer throws me off.

I shouldn’t think of naughty things in broad daylight, but my mind drifts there. Shaking it off, I search for a lover-appropriate request.

One thing comes to mind—something I’ve envied in couples. I decide to propose it.

It shouldn’t be lewd, I tell myself, and speak.

“Um… I’d like… a lap pillow…”

Resting my head on a girl’s thighs—a romantic act I’ve longed for. Taking advantage of her offer, I shamelessly ask.

Honestly, her plump thighs are erotic, even through her dress. I’m just shelving my tendency to think everything’s naughty.

“Eh… you mean lying down? That feels like something I’d ask for… is it okay?” she asks, looking up.

“Y-Yeah… if you don’t mind, I’d like that…” I reply nervously, feeling I’m exploiting her kindness, drowning in desire.

Blushing deeply, she says, “O-Okay…” and clears her thighs. I nervously lie on the bench, resting my head on her lap.

The moment I settle, I feel her elastic thighs through the dress. It’s calming yet exhilarating, a moment only lovers share, lifting my heart.

With my head on her left thigh, my gaze faces the plaza. I don’t have the courage to look toward her body, but the reality of touching her feels vivid.

“Auu… Sato-kun, are you okay? It doesn’t hurt?”

I answer her question honestly.

“…It’s fine, really… soft…”

I realize it might be a creepy comment, but her murmur, “…T-Thanks… I’m so happy…” reassures me she’s not offended.

“Um… can I touch you a little…?”

I reflexively reply, “Ah, yeah, it’s okay.”

Her soft fingers start stroking my head.

Sometimes brushing my ears along with my hair, I might’ve shivered. Still, she only gently strokes my head.

“…Sorry, Sato-kun… I’m the one enjoying this…”

Her slightly apologetic tone makes me uneasy. I can’t see her face in this position.

I shift to lie on my back to see her expression. But my view is blocked by a huge pair of hills.

Even through her dress, her massive breasts stand out. Looking up, I can’t help but see their shape clearly, right in front of my face.

Staying like this, I might get weird ideas. I know, but I can’t tear my eyes away. They look soft even through the fabric—I’m thinking such things when she speaks.

“Sato-kun… are you looking at my breasts again…?”

She easily reads my gaze, but her half-visible face looks happy.

“…You really like me, huh… It’s too public now, but… I’d be happy if you touched them later…”

Her words excite me. Holding back my stirring cock, I continue our trivial but precious conversation.

We keep enjoying the zoo, watching animals, seeing a sea lion show, spending time leisurely. Holding hands the whole time, I get used to her grip. But when she squeezes tighter, my heart still jumps.

We finish touring all areas by 3 p.m. Despite taking our time, it’s early, probably because we woke up early.

“Thanks, Sato-kun… for going through it slowly. It wasn’t boring, was it…?”

“…No, it was fun… I’m the one who wants to say thanks…”

As we talk, we leave the zoo and walk to the station. Our pace feels faster than when we arrived. For me, it’s probably because I’m anticipating what comes next.

When we planned the date, she hinted at naughty things. That, plus her breast comment, fuels my expectations.

I can’t resist my lust. I worry she’d be disappointed if she knew how much I think about naughty things, even during this daytime date.

At the station platform, she speaks.

“Um… if it’s okay, would you come to my house after this…?”

I nod slowly, calming my heart. Is she feeling the same? Or does she just want to spend time together?

Blushing deeper, she avoids my gaze on the train. I can’t read her intent as we head to our station.

We walk through the residential area with little conversation, both tense.

I think I should say something and search for a topic.

“By the way, is your mom home today…?”

It’s not the best question, but she answers.

“…Yeah, she’s home… She said she wants to talk to you.”

It’s the same pattern as with Asagi-san. Her mom’s laid-back and friends with my mom, so it might be straightforward.

Still, two major events in a short span strain my fragile mentality. I worry about being interrogated.

“Sorry for not mentioning… You can go home if you don’t want to…”

She says that, but like with Asagi-san, I shouldn’t run. Dating a girl might mean facing this event in any world.

Resolving myself but still scared, I arrive at Yamamoto-san’s house. We head to the living room, where her mom sips tea at the table.

“Oh, welcome back, Maki-chan… And Shun-kun, I’ve been wanting to meet you,” she says slowly.

Wearing just a T-shirt, her bra is visible through it. It’s hard on the eyes, and I shouldn’t stare.

“Y-Yes… um… I’m Sato Shun…”

Forgetting she knows me, I introduce myself, clearly nervous. She laughs softly, “Fufu.”

“…Thanks for being polite. I’m Maki’s mom, Mai Yamamoto… Call me Mai to avoid confusion, okay?”

Yamamoto-san murmurs, “Mom, come on…” seeming to want to say more, but Mai ignores it, gesturing us to sit across from her.

“I don’t want to interrupt your time together… I’ll keep this short, okay?”

Smiling, Mai’s slightly brown, long hair sways as her appraising gaze straightens my spine.