/jp/ - Otaku Culture

(1/3)
As you follow Sanae up the stairs to Moriya Shrine, you have to admit that this place is growing on you. Once the initial shock of being brought to a magical pocket dimension based on feudal Japan wore off, you found yourself charmed by the idyllic atmosphere and the cute girls. Sanae, in particular, has been a great help as she's eager to meet and help another outsider. However, it did throw you off when she casually mentioned that she's the descendant of a god.

Upon reaching the shrine grounds, you notice a young girl wearing a hat with googly eyes on it. Sanae doesn't seem bothered by the sight as she calls out to her, "This was the boy I was talking about before. He's new here, so please don't... you know." Without looking up, Suwako replies, "Yeah yeah, I'll leave you alone to go and collect-" The moment Suwako looks at you, she cuts herself off. Suddenly smiling, she continues, "Oh, it's nice to meet you. Anon, was it?" All you can do is nod before Sanae hurries you off to see the rest of the shrine. Maybe it's just your imagination, but there's something off about the glint in Suwako's eyes.

A few days later, Sanae visits you with an invitation to dinner at the shrine. Apparently, you must have made a good impression on Suwako because she insisted, even though Kanako was against it. Said opposition makes you nervous as you sit down to eat, but Kanako just gives you a look of pity before avoiding eye contact with you altogether.

You don't have much time to dwell on that before your supposed benefactor greets you, "How have you been enjoying your time in Gensokyo, Anon? I know this place we find ourselves in must seem a little odd, but I think it's for the best." You can only say positive things about Gensokyo. While the Tengu have been causing a bit of trouble when Sanae isn't around, it's a minor concern compared to life in the outside world. Judging by the look on Suwako's face, she disagrees with your opinion. "Momiji giving you trouble, huh? I'll need to talk with her about the repercussions of bothering the... guest of a curse goddess."

Sanae quickly objects, "Momiji isn't like that. She probably just didn't know. There's no reason to start a feud with the Tengu over a miscommunication!" Suwako shrugs, "It's definitely a miscommunication, but it's also about setting an example. If you let things like this go unpunished, others will wonder what else you'll let slide, and soon enough, you'll be on the streets." Sanae doesn't seem to agree but doesn't push the matter further.

Turning her attention back to you, Suwako begins pouring a bowl of sake, "Enough of that. Let's not talk business when we have a guest. Now, Anon, I know you must be thirsty, so I dug up some of my best stock. Literally dug it up, that is. I have to bury the good stuff so Kanako doesn't drink it all." Kanako scowls but stays silent after glancing between you and Suwako.

You try to explain that you're not much of a drinker, but Suwako insists, "You'll like it, Anon. It's... suitable for you. Hehe, anyway, who do you think you are turning me down? I only present myself and my sake; I can do nothing else." There's a pause after Suwako's response. She seems rather pleased with herself, while Kanako awkwardly coughs at that last remark.

You try to explain yourself again, but Suwako simply stares at you blankly. After a few more moments of silence, Suwako pushes the bowl toward you with an expectant look. Hesitantly, you force down the sake, coughing at the unfamiliar taste of alcohol. Returning to her normal demeanor, Suwako chuckles at your reaction, "I guess that was a bit stronger than what you're used to. Still, good stuff, right?" You decide to bite your tongue and just nod.

After dinner, you were invited to live at the shrine. With your hands full helping Sanae, you quickly fell into a routine. Sanae is a sweet girl, and you get along very well, though she's a bit obsessed with pushing Gundam stuff on you. Kanako avoids you. While it stings a bit that one-third of the Moriya household is going out of their way to steer clear of you, at least you don't have to worry about a war goddess being aggressive towards you.

Suwako is a strange case. She's very friendly, if not a bit too friendly. She acts familiar with you even when she shouldn't. She'll try to get you involved in activities she swears you love, and if you don't show interest, she'll give you that blank look of hers. Beyond that, she's a bit touchy-feely. You guess the whole "she's actually a 5000-year-old dragon goddess" argument does apply here, but it's still a bit off-putting.