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Really? How is it selfish?

Because I want to see you in other outfits.

Au..? Is there something specific..? I hope my current outfit isn’t disappointing. I could have changed.

Aha... not really specific right now, but your current outfit isn't disappointing. But I think it'd be fun to see you in other things, you know?

Um…. A little bit? But not entirely? Yet, anyway… [He feels strange to answer honestly. With anyone else, he might just agree and ignore his feelings.

It’s different with Inaba.]

When I think of myself in too different of an outfit, I get scared… What if I end up in another world and someone questions it? What if they realize I’m a fake? I might lose my home…

But I’m looking forward to getting braver with you..? Everyday, I’m imagining new things for the future… So even if it’s scary, mm. I want to wear something new for you. Or… for us.

...

[ For a good lengthy moment, Inaba remains silent. She doesn't want to brush Yuuto's feelings away, so she listens. That honesty of his... it's painful to hear.

Her gaze lifts to the ceiling, trying to think of what to say next. ]

Yeah, it's terrifying. I understand that feeling too well.

[ She remembers just how terrifying things were back home. Making one misstep and having someone realize something could be hazardous. ]

But, I think in your case, you just need the confidence to tell them the truth. You aren't a fake. You may not be the 'Yumeno Yuuto' that they're looking for, expecting, or even wanting, but who gives a damn? You're just as real as anybody else; you deserve to be cared for and loved just like anybody else, and to be your own person. Not... as the 'expectations' that people want from you.

Edited 2024-06-21 11:01 (UTC)

[He listens back. Gaze turned upward towards the sun, knowing he’s seen this world’s full rotation. Knowing that things here are different.

He smiles and nods.]

Yeah… Things could change. B-But for now! I’m happy having this world be different. I’m getting a better idea of who I am and want to become. F-For example! I think… I want to try wearing the cat hoodie you mentioned!

Well, if anybody is ever mean to you in this world or any other world... let me know. I'll kick their ass for you.

[ Inaba??? ]

Well, we can buy that while we're getting swimsuits, at least.

Everyone in this world has been very nice to me, actually! I feel at home. Maybe that’s awful to say though?

[He shakes his head.]

Yes, please! But how would you match? Another animal for you?

Well... I guess, but I don't know what animal would represent me.

Maybe… a bunny? Though I suppose temperament isn’t necessarily a concern and we could both be cats. I was raised by cats, but people say I act like a dog.

[Casually mentions.]

Why a bunny?

[ Now she's mildly curious! ]

Oh, you definitely have more dog traits.

Because you don’t like to be alone, right?

[His wagging tail is definitely not at all dog-like.]

See?? I don’t completely get it. It’s not like I bark or anything?

Ah--

[...]

You don't need to bark to be similar to a dog. To me, you're... extremely loyal and are willing to help others who need it.

[While he notices that she doesn’t comment on why he compared her to a rabbit, Yuuto does not push. Instead choosing to lean into accepting her comparison.]

Y-You think so? That’s overly kind to say… I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations and be a good dog.

[…]

Wait. Uh-