Chapter 6: Prison of Life

Yura was a bit hesitant when Saigo insisted on staying with him.

Because it has been two years since she ran away from home to become a homeless human in a world full of animals. Humans do exist but they were left in the undergrounds where no beasts has ever gone before.

It was the best decision she has made despite not having a proper roof over her head or three meals a day.

She doesn't want the caiman to follow her to the factory but he insisted since other carnivores might be suspicious of a baggy-clothed figure carrying things that are bigger than her. They might hunt her as if she were a herbivore. The both of them decided to wait until nightfall where they weren't many animals around the factory.

"I'm sorry I am dragging you into this," she whispered, crawling under a hole of the wired fence to get to the factory. It was the shortest way but where they are at the most risk.

"Nah, I wanted to do this," said Saigo, assuring her with a pat on her shoulder. "Come on, let's get your stuff before anyone catches us."

It wasn't really that much since it was just another pair of clothes, four books and a raggedy blanket. Yura felt a searing pain in her stomach. She prayed that it was just a hunger pang instead of a stomach ache.

She couldn't help but read the letters on his body now that she has a closer look at them: Eye-strength, Increase Muscle, Indigestion Prevention.

Then again, she has seen some animals having strange images or words as tattoos.

"Do you think anyone caught my scent?" she asked, afraid of the eerily quiet atmosphere. Her eyesights weren't that sharp compared to his. Saigo shook his head, just enough to assure her. Yura held his hand as they both rushed inside to the apartment, darting inside the elevator.

"God, that was close!" Yura breathed in a hushed tone before giggling. "Though it felt like we're both in a cop drama."

"We're about to be in a cop drama if they catch us."

"Yeah," Yura smiled, looking up at him. "Thanks for helping me get my stuff. I'm just wondering though.."

The elevator 'dinged' to signal that they are on their designated floor before stepping out. Saigo gazed down at her. "Yes?"

"Is there a reason why you want to help me? There has to be a catch in this."

The caiman said nothing as he unlocked the door to his home. Yura was waiting for an answer but Saigo himself was unsure. He has heard of carnivore-herbivore relationship but a human was out of the question!

However, he noticed that Yura has always looked so distant look on her face.

"I...I wanted to help you because you helped me," he spoke softly, as Yura placed her stuff on the floor. Yura tilted her head in confusion, her hair was strewn through her beanie cap.

"Help you? How?"

Saigo sat on one of the dinning chair, gesturing her to sit opposite. Yura was hesitant but sat down opposite the caiman to understand. Saigo closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them again.

"You gave me the reason to enjoy life a little more," he explained. "Sure, this whole place is a shithole and I don't have a proper job unlike selling my own body like a prostitute but I began to understand things in...

He was silent and the atmosphere was quiet except for the creaking ceiling fan and his scaly tail dragging the floor from how he shifted his position.

"In?" she encouraged, her voice in an inaudible volume.

"In a way that's not like what I was taught all these years," Saigo finished his sentence. "When I didn't do so well in life, I became desperate, hungry for the money to keep this place afloat and my stomach filled with something. Everything has always been a clockwork routine for me. I didn't care about what happens to me so long as I survive as I always have."

"And you're still here," Yura pointed out, letting a single digit of her finger rest on top of his. He slowly engulfed her tiny hand into his. Yura could feel it shaking, either from the cold or something she shouldn't have said.

"So...thank you, Yura. For at least talking to me despite our first encounter."

Yura had a small smile, struggling to hold back her tears. She always know that she looks ugly when she cries and sometimes, crying makes her feel weak. In this world where carnivores prey on herbivores and herbivores fearing carnivores, Yura vowed to no express as much of negative emotions and to only look out for herself.

"You're welcome," she gulped down the uncomfortable lump in her throat. She decided to change the subject to prevent any tears from showing. "So, I'm going to sleep on your sofa. Is that okay with you?"

"Um, wouldn't you want the bed?" he suggested, gesturing to his single bedroom. "I don't mind sleeping on the sofa. I bet you haven't felt a bed in years."

But Yura shook her head. "It's okay. I can sleep on the sofa. But can I use your bathroom to change if it's okay?"

"Of course! Please, take your time!"

...

Saigo decided to set up her sleeping area at his sofa. He placed two cushions, her old blanket and placed the four books on his old coffee table. The books were the two recipe books that were stolen, a worn out notebook he assumed acted as a journal and a novel called Remains of the Day.

Now Saigo wasn't much of a reader but the title got him interested to read if he is free. Right now, he is planning his list to search for work tomorrow. If he is lucky, maybe he and Yura can go shopping for some new clothes.

He heard a soft hum inside his bathroom. Saigo bet Yura felt good after a warm shower. He never realised how lucky he was to have basic necessities when there are others who don't have the luxury or even experiencing something as simple as a shower.

Saigo smiled. He was a bit relief to know that Yura will be staying with him. He liked her and would love to spend some time with her. He decided to switch on the television to watch a movie, waiting for her to finish so that he could use the bathroom.

He thought about how much he has wasted his life away and hasn't contribute anything to this society. Saigo didn't want to remind himself that he has to search for a job soon instead of resorting to selling more parts from his body at the quack house.

In this life he has inflicted upon himself, he hoped he could make things right by helping her.

In return, he hoped that one day they could both escape this prison of life that was formed around them.

Not exactly a spicy scene yet but don't worry. Both of them are struggling and I think in a way, most people in Beastars are caged or prison in their own way whether it is work, social status and species.