Chapter 22 Fishda

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​"Daniel never noticed his companion," Lea continued, unfazed. "A beautiful fish we'll name Lea. She was smart and kind. Even though she understood the reality of the situation, she spent those weeks playing and exploring. She witnessed the water disappearing too, but she chose to enjoy every moment while there was still water to swim in—while Daniel was busy being a stressed-out mess in the corner."

​"Wow. Even in your own stories, you make yourself the hero," I whispered.

​She mentioned that the 'Lea' fish lived because the water never actually ran out; the crack didn't reach the bottom of the tank. But because Daniel refused to think positively or listen to anyone else, he ignored the perspective of his companion. In the end, his pride—his belief that he already knew everything—was his downfall.

​"You know, that fish's situation is different from mine. I know what I'm doing, and I know what's best for me," I said defensively.

​Lea let out a long sigh and looked at me like a teacher lecturing a student. "Daniel, a person is headed for disaster the moment they stop listening to anyone but themselves. Just like that fish. You can't keep acting like a teenager who thinks he has all the answers just so you can get your way."

​She looked me dead in the eye. She wasn't joking anymore. And if I was being honest with myself... she had a point.

I had convinced myself she was just lecturing me not to humiliate me. She wanted me to see that my outlook on life was flawed. But as a man, it was a hard pill to swallow—especially coming from a woman  years younger than me. My pride stung at the thought of agreeing with her.

​"Whatever... I didn't even want this date. This whole arrangement is just a headache," I muttered stubbornly.

​"We aren't doing this just for our current whims," she added softly. "We're doing this so we can keep enjoying our hobbies in the future without any regrets."

​I went silent. I had to admit, even if she annoyed me, no other woman would probably ever be interested in marrying me. That was a grim prospect for my future. I wanted to snap back with a witty insult to protect my ego, but everything she said rang true.

​I am proud. I have my own views and I've never been one to change for anyone. Listen to others? This is my life. No one has the right to tell me how to live it. That was my mantra. As an Otaku, all I wanted was to live my way—watching anime, reading manga, and playing games without someone like her bothering me.

​But deep down, I knew I didn't want to grow old alone. I knew I would regret not taking action now.

​I looked at Lea as she smiled at me. I wondered if it really was "shameful" for a man to follow a woman's lead. My own decisions had led me to a pretty miserable spot so far. Maybe, just maybe, things would change if I let someone else guide me for once.

​"Okay, Miss Smarty-Fish-in-the-Aquarium... what do you want to do now?" I asked, my voice much calmer.

​She beamed at me, suggesting we continue our date in a way we both enjoyed—somewhere we could finally get comfortable with one another.

​"I know you're inexperienced, so I'm not expecting anything grand," Lea teased. "But let's at least make it a fun date."

​"Tsk. Did you really have to mention the 'inexperienced' part?"

​I stood up and stretched. Looking at her, I realized that despite our age gap, she was much more mature than me. No, it wasn't just maturity—it was perspective. She knew how to balance being an Otaku with the demands of reality.

​"Fine. Let's date and have fun, just like you want," I said with a smirk.

​Based on all the anime I've watched, dates usually involve walking in the park, a movie, dinner, and... well, ending the night at a hotel. That's how I always pictured a date with my waifu, Rem. But that only happens in my dreams.

​Suddenly, Lea leaned in and whispered in my ear with a sultry, teasing voice.

​"Daniel... do you want to skip the plan and just go to the hotel first?"

​I nearly tripped over my own feet, my face turning pale. I started stammering, completely caught off guard that she would actually say something like that.

​"W-w-what? H-h-hotel?!"

​She burst into laughter at my reaction, mocking me for immediately thinking of something "inappropriate."

​"Your face is priceless, Daniel! But no, that's not happening. I need to graduate college first," she joked. "Besides, if you're ready to face my dad's rifle, then sure, let's go. But it wouldn't be good for me if you died early; it's hard to find a replacement for you on such short notice."

​"Tsk. You talk like I'm some object you can just swap out," I grumbled.

​She began packing her things scattered on the table, reminding me that we didn't need to force a "perfect" date like the couples around us.

​"Let's just call this an Otaku Date," she said with a grin. "So, how do two Otakus have fun?"

​I paused, thinking it over. She was right. It felt more like hanging out with a friend—and in truth, that's what we were. Lea was fun to be around because she was so full of life when talking about anime. I realized I didn't have to try so hard.

​Sure, I hated her fujoshi side—the way she'd squeal over her "Boys' Love" stories made my skin crawl—but that was just part of who she was. In this setup, I didn't need to be the "Best Boyfriend." I just needed to be her Anime Buddy.

​Like the fish in the story, I didn't need to spend my life worrying about the future and missing the joy of the present. Was spending my life with her a "bad" thing? I used to think so. But for her, it was an opportunity to be happy. Would my life as an Otaku be better with her in it? I didn't know yet. But...

​I had to try and see the positive side, just like she did. And it started today.

​"Alright, fine. I'll show you how an Otaku goes on a date," I said with forced bravado, acting like I had all the experience in the world.

​But as I was striking my "cool" pose, Lea just walked off, leaving me standing there.

​"Stop acting tough and let's go, Fishy," she called out.

​She didn't even pick up her bags, leaving her stack of BL manga for me to carry.

​"What do you mean, 'Fishy'?! Hey! Wait! Why are you leaving these here?"

​She turned back and flashed a bright smile, shouting for everyone to hear: "Honey, hurry up or we'll be late!"

​The people around us started staring, clearly thinking we were a couple. I couldn't exactly complain about carrying my "girlfriend's" bags now.

​"Tsk. She brings all this stuff and makes me carry it? This shorty played me," I whispered to the wind. "She's really taking advantage of this setup."

​I sighed, picked up her things, and followed her to our next destination. Our date was officially underway.