Once again, that... Man calls me over for a "date". The marriage call off had failed and with nothing to do he had decided to try another shot. For an odd reason however he called me over to the aquarium.
I thought he would try to copy his handbook all over again, that creeping freak.
"Greetings, Minamoto-san. How are you doing today?"
"... Being honest, poorly."
"... I understand. I doubt that our time together will improve your mood in any way: but allow me to try. This is Sakishiyama Sea Garden - a large Aquarium Park in our town. I'll be your tour guide for today."
"..."
"Everything is reserved and I would adivce to turn off your phone for more authentic experience."
Well, it's not like I can... Talk to *him*, so I turn off my phone like that man said. We enter the building where a lone receptionist greets us. The man nods and we enter a dark area.
He's surprisingly very knowledgeable about all sorts of fish, what habitat they reside in and what they feed upon and how some specimen are invasive species in some areas that need constant culling to combat their rapid reproduction rate. When explaining all of that to me, I see a rare spark in his eyes and vitality in his voice.
Eventually we reach the biggest exhibit. That's when I have the courage to ask one thing.
"Why there are no other people? This is a public park, right?"
"... I've made a special reservation so that no one could bother us. Not a single soul."
"What? To win my heart?"
"... Maybe partially. I'm not sure on that regard.
I just don't like humans, Minamoto-san, like I said. Hate them actually."
"Why?"
"... Do you know why in aquariums there's a rule of no flash photography?"
"Not really...?"
"That's because this is not their natural habitat. Deep in the sea, light rarely comes through. It gets... Lost. So what we have here, is the brightness level they're more accustomed to, while also keeping things visible both for us and them. However if you flash, the quick and large surge of light suddenly assaults their eyes, making them panic and confused. How would YOU react if someone suddenly singed your eyeballs?"
"..."
"... I know I'm not the one to talk, given my actions have only allowed them to perpetuate this vicious cycle once more - but being honest with you, I am not fond of how they keep the animals here. Everything is so small, and cramped. Even this large tank is only a fraction of space they have in the wild. And they're forced to suffer with 'inmates' too, all for the amusement of us.
Do not get me wrong, seeing live specimen is a truly unique experience that cannot be recreated; and it's not like it's the fault of people below, they're here to make even the most miserable experience slightly better... But I still wish we could learn about the beauty of life around us in a way that doesn't intrude on their freedom."
"...
... Why are you telling me all this."
"... I suppose I needed to let out my pure anger towards humanity somehow, the anger I've kept inside for so many years. Ignorance and progress of the humanity is what had destroyed and ruined lives of our lesser brothers. And how can we look them in the eye, knowing how much suffering we've incurred."
...
~
"Tch. Hate those pamphlets."
"Why's that Denji??? Isn't preserving nature is good and all?"
"If it's so good, why the HELL do they spend more energy blaming us instead of, I don't know, get off of their day asses and do something?!
As if we had any control on who are we gonna be born as. Did they think I want to be a miserable human?
I'm human, they're human, we're all human. So I don't want to see those hypocrites anymore. As if they had forgotten their primal roots."
~
"Well, we're animals too, right? The difference is that we have far greater tools and possibilities. Just as we contributed in extinction of many, nowadays we're also contribute into preservation of those who were reaching a foregone conclusion.
We have... Greater control. And isn't that an animal instinct. To thrive?
Besides, with how you described invasive species... I doubt sulking about our destruction will do much. It's not like any of those animals feel any pity about destroying the environment at all."
"... I suppose you're right. We do possess something that other animals are yet to achieve."
"I've learned that from Denji—!... Rou..."
It's better not to embarrass myself in front of that dweeb.
".........
Ahem, still. To speak so freely of freedom.
And yet bound by what is expected of us, without any regard of our feelings..."
"Regardless of feelings? Didn't you, you know, try to replace my former boyfriend? I'm sure you disregarded my feelings with a full swing."
"... I suppose. I've thought if I've won your heart, it would've been easier for both of us - but I suppose your heart is stalwart in its obsession with that... Man."
"Do you... Love me?"
"... No. I don't know. If I hated you, I would've regarded you with even greater contempt than you do me - in fact I was preparing myself for it... But to explain, I suppose you have this sort of draw, the one that attracts even the most unlikely people.
And seeing you smile... I suppose it was a spur of moment. If I had known I would never see it again, I would've gave up.
Either way, I would be unhappy because you're unhappy. And I won't force that happiness, I've already had my fair share of forced smiles that hide my pain. I want to be honest for once."
"..."
"If only I could let go off of you, I would - even if you fall towards a man I find despicable.
But alas."