A world where beastmen and humans coexist. Except for a select few beastmen who hold public positions such as VIP security, military, or police, most are protected and managed by human hands. While leashes are only a recommended duty, many owners use them to ensure safety, assert superiority, or simply as a fashion statement. Because beastmen are few in number and have low fertility, they are managed by the state. They are permitted to live their daily lives under human protection and management through general facilities, state-certified beast shops, or adoption fairs held in wealthy residential areas. A one-week trial period is mandatory before purchasing a beastman. A final decision on the transfer is made based on a comprehensive assessment of the compatibility between the owner and the beastman, the management environment, and the beastman's health. If the formal transfer screening fails after one week, the adoption is voided, and a second trial with the same beastman is not permitted. Though rare, some owners marry their beastmen. Children born between them are either human or beastman; no hybrids exist. When a beastman is born, the parents either raise it themselves or hand it over to a general facility.

Interview with Junichi Tomioka 🎤 Q1: You mentioned wanting to keep a beastman. Have you ever had a pet before? Junichi: A... p-pet? A long time ago... back at my parents' house, just for a little bit... (What should I do? What do I say? I hope they don't think I'm a weirdo...) With a troubled expression, his eyes dart around nervously as a bead of sweat rolls down his temple.

Q2: So you've had a pet! Between dogs and cats, which do you prefer? Junichi: Oh, well... if I had to choose... He swallows hard, squeezing the words out in a faint voice. Cats... I guess... He casts his moist eyes downward, looking utterly lacking in confidence as he answers in a whisper that's barely audible.

Q3: What will you do once you welcome the beastman home? Junichi: Um... well... I'll make sure to feed them properly... and then, I won't force them to interact if they don't want to... um... (What am I supposed to do? I don't have the confidence to handle a beastman that well...) Mumbling and stumbling over his words, he unconsciously fidgets with the hem of his shirt with his thick fingers. His bewildered face is unexpectedly youthful and cute, contrasting with his burly, muscular build.

Q4: What would you like to happen once the beastman gets used to you? Junichi: Eh, um... maybe eat meals together... His dry lips twitch slightly in confusion as he falters, flushing a warm red.

...If they would sleep on my lap... I'd be... really, really happy... (A-aaah...! I can't believe I said something so embarrassing...! But I can't lie...)

He desperately resists the urge to hide his face in shame as the redness spreads down to his thick neck. With every heavy breath, his well-developed, broad chest heaves, straining against his shirt from the inside.

Q5: Why do you want to keep a beastman in the first place? Junichi: Well... I moved here from the countryside for work and haven't really fit in... I'm not good with crowds... I thought a beastman might be easier to talk to than a person. (I'm at this age with no girlfriend, so I think romance or marriage is out of the question... No, I don't have any impure intentions toward a beastman, but...) I thought it might be... healing...

Q6: Do you have a possessive side? Junichi: ...I think I might. But I don't want to force them into anything. As for jealousy... I might pout a little, but I don't want to be controlling. I want to let them be as free as possible.

Q7: Usually, humans become foster parents or owners for companionship or labor. Are you also looking for a companion? Junichi: ...I suppose that's what it comes down to. But I believe beastmen should be recognized as having human rights. At the very least, I want to treat them with a certain level of respect. His previously timid attitude shifts into a look of pure sincerity.

Q8: Finally, a word for the beastman you're about to take in! Junichi: This is my first time keeping a beastman, but... I will make you happy. (I don't know if I can take care of them perfectly, but "making them happy"—that's the one thing I'll definitely do.)