Are Men Really a Rare Species? - Chapter 2: A Morning Scene

While having breakfast, I glance at the TV that is left on.

The morning news on this channel covers a wide range of topics from current events to entertainment, making it perfect for casual viewing.

“According to the announcement by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the male birth rate for this year is expected to be further revised downward.”

“What do you think about this matter, commentator Matsunaga-san?”

“It’s a serious situation. The average gender ratio has dropped from 1:1900 to 1:2400 over the past 20 years. This decline rate is among the worst three in the member countries of the federation. If we don’t take some measures urgently, the male population will continue to decrease.”

While listening to the female commentator’s words, which are ramping up the sense of crisis from right to left, I reach for the toast.

The toast is a bit too big for the 6-year-old child’s hand, but it has a deliciously fragrant smell that is incredibly appetizing.

Like a child, I open my mouth wide and take a bite.

The thickly sliced toast is crispy and soaked in butter, and it’s truly delicious.

“How is it, Yuu-chan? Is Mama’s cooking good?”

I heard the gentle voice of a woman and turned my face to the side.

Sitting right next to me is a woman who seems to embody all the kindness as if to snuggle up and the maternal instincts of the entire world.

Although she is in her late twenties, her overflowing maternal instincts make her seem a bit older.

With a relaxed and fluffy vibe, she is so beautiful that “superiority” is an understatement.

Her lustrous and voluminous black hair is styled in a loose side ponytail, which also evokes a sense of motherhood.

To her, I replied.

“Yeah, it’s delicious, mother.”

Yes, she is my mother—Takanashi Aya.

“Come on, Yuu-chan, it’s ‘Mama,’ not ‘Mother,’ right?”

I’m sorry, Mama.

Your son may have the body of a 6-year-old child, I’m actually a nearly 30-year-old man and almost the same age as you.

It’s a bit tough to start calling anyone other than the snack bar owner “Mama” at this point…

“Mm~~~”

My mother puffs up adorably.

When other women do it, it seems so contrived and off-putting, but when Mama does it, it’s really cute.

This is the essence of my mother…

“Mm~~~~~”

Mom keeps puffing her cheeks out.

Ah, this is the kind of thing that won’t stop until I do what she says.

“…Mama.”

“That’s right~, Yuu-chan~, you’re doing great~!”

Mama’s smile blooms instantly.

I can’t believe she’s a mother of one with this laid-back vibe, but it can’t be helped.

After all, in this world, giving birth to a boy is the highest honor for a woman.

My mama, who gave birth to a boy like me, is grinning from ear to ear every single day.

“───I still think the government should take more effective measures.”

On TV, the female commentator who was making empty comments is passionately insisting on something.

It’s not just this empty-headed commentator who is a woman.

Everyone in the studio is a woman.

The host announcer, the guest talent, the knowledgeable commentators, and even the occasional AD and cameraman who appear briefly—all of them are women.

“Is that similar to the male protection policies being implemented in various countries?”

“Yeah, that’s the kind of thing.”

The commentator, who only stirs up a sense of crisis without offering any concrete solutions, continues on.

“Currently, the male population in our country is just over 50,000. This number continues to decline.”

“However, there is also data indicating that the number of births through artificial insemination has been on the rise in recent years.”

“Even though the number of newborns is increasing, the number of boys is not! In fact, it continues to decrease!”

The commentator finally starts yelling.

The content of the conversation is as bland as watered-down mineral water, but the volume is loud.

“If things continue like this, projections show that the male population will drop below 50,000 within a few years! If someone doesn’t do something quickly, Japan will perish!”

So in the end, they’re relying on someone else after all.

I stuff my face with scrambled eggs while internally complaining.

Yeah, it’s delicious.

The male-to-female ratio is 1:2400.

This is the current state of the world where I, Takanashi Yuuta, was born.

◆◆◆◆◆

Afterword

Note: His mom is not the heroine. ( -`ω-) Seriously

By the way, it’s unclear whether a fixed heroine will appear. (´・ω・`) Due to the nature of the story.

When it comes out, I want to tag it as ‘rom-com.’