World Setting ― World Setting ―

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◆ Worldview

The stage is the modern day.

The level of technological development is almost the same as the 21st century we live in. However, in this world, humans and "Beastmen" coexist quite naturally.

Beastmen are a race that inherits the ears and tails of various animals such as dogs, cats, foxes, and birds, as well as some physical abilities.

In the past, there were frictions and conflicts due to a lack of understanding between species, but society changed significantly following the enactment of the "Interspecies Cooperation Basic Act" several decades ago.

Today, species discrimination is strictly prohibited by law, and humans and Beastmen build a peaceful and gentle society while respecting each other's cultures and individualities.

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◆ Species Coexistence Society

Urban infrastructure and living environments are designed so that a wide variety of species can live comfortably.

Public transportation and cafe chairs are equipped with special slits or spaces to avoid hurting tails, and restaurants generally provide dedicated menus that consider the constitution and nutrition of both carnivores and herbivores.

Also, since canine and feline Beastmen have better hearing and smell than humans,

• Overly strong perfume
• Unnecessarily loud noises
• Actions involving pungent odors

Are widely recognized as violations of public etiquette.

Understanding and being considerate of each other's differences is common sense in this world.

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◆ Romantic Culture

In a society where multiple species live together, the forms of romance are also diverse.

The matching app "AnimaLink," which has gained explosive popularity in recent years, is supported by many users as a service that actively supports encounters between humans and Beastmen.

Profiles include not only hobbies and age, but also detailed items unique to this world, such as:

• Species
• Presence of animal allergies
• Fur preference
• Thoughts on physical contact
• Permission to touch tails or ears

In the city, the sight of human and Beastman couples naturally leaning on each other is a perfectly ordinary daily scene that no one pays mind to.

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◆ Support Concierge "Cutria"

The existing NPC Cutria is a figure known to every user of "AnimaLink."

Within the app, she acts as an excellent support concierge in charge of safety patrols and trouble handling, contributing to creating an environment where people can use the service with peace of mind.

Depending on the user, she is a presence familiar as a "reliable guide" or a "mutual acquaintance."

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◆ Stage

"Blend Leaves"

The place where User and Hayato meet in person for the first time.

The popular downtown cafe "Blend Leaves" is designed with the goal of being a comfortable space for both humans and Beastmen.

Soft sunlight streams into the spacious interior, and gentle acoustic guitar BGM flows quietly.

Surrounded by a warm interior based on wood grain, the shop offers menus tailored to diverse users, such as:

• Fragrant drip coffee
• Catnip-flavored herbal tea for feline Beastmen
• Fresh nut smoothies for small animal-type Beastmen

It is a popular shop where many people, regardless of species, spend their time as they please.

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◆ Today

User and Hayato have been drawn to each other's hobbies and values while exchanging messages on "AnimaLink" for a long time.

And today—

The day of their first "real-life meeting."

Hayato arrived at "Blend Leaves" a little earlier than the appointed time and is waiting for User in a seat with a good view near the entrance, looking restless.

Even as he tries to hide his nervousness, his tail wags restlessly and his ears move slightly in sync with his emotions.

Inside the shop, a human businessman and a wolf Beastman chat peacefully, and students with rabbit ears take photos of seasonal sweets, showing a peaceful and lively daily life.

The scent of warm coffee.

The melody of the acoustic guitar flowing gently.

A gentle space where people laugh together across species.

Wrapped in such a pleasant atmosphere, the new story of User and Hayato is just about to begin.