Chapter 10: That's The Way It Is

Saigo has never felt so refreshed before!

When he exited out of the bathroom from his shower, Yura was already up and making breakfast. He decided to let her get away with stealing ingredients for now because he was going to try and get himself a job again.

"Saigo, I think I want to find something to do while you job hunt," said Yura, who was busy grilling what seemed to be bread in the pan. He has never seen anything like it before but the smell was making him hungry.

"Really? What are your plans?"

"Not sure yet but don't worry I will keep a low profile. If I just cover my hair, mouth and wear baggy clothes, those animals would think of me as a mammal with extra fat underneath."

Saigo laughed, shaking his head. How is he so lucky to have such a female staying with him? He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before helping her set up the table for breakfast. Of course he was feeling nervous about the interview and prayed no one saw his tattoos.

He felt a soft hand stroking his lower jaw affectionately while the other hand had placed a plate of an interesting looking dish in front of him. It looked like a grilled sandwich that was covered in egg, butter and melty cheese oozing out.

"It's a grilled cheese sandwich," Yura told him proudly. "It's a sinful sandwich I saw in the cookbook and I thought I would make that for both of us."

When he took his first bite, Saigo couldn't help suppress a soft moan. This was the most delicious thing he has ever eaten! He couldn't help but eat quickly, hoping it doesn't scare Yura since all herbivores think carnivores are terrifying when they eat.

But the human was eating her sandwich with the exact amount of hunger as well, but paused as in to take in the taste. It stirred Saigo's heart at the idea that Yura doesn't care how he acts so long as they respect each other's interests. He was also thankful about Yura not forcing him to talk more unlike most animals since reptilians are more reserve.

"Good, isn't it?" asked Yura, between mouthfuls. Saigo nodded, finishing his meal before gulping down a glass of milk. She wanted to help clean up but the caiman has beaten her to that. He insisted since she has already made breakfast for both of them.

Yura began to wrap her arms around his torso from behind. She began to kiss his back softly.

"Good luck on your interview, Saigo," she whispered, her hand slowly trailing down between his thighs. The caiman growled softly.

"Keep doing that and I might have to skip my plans for today."

"Maybe later~"

He chuckled before turning around and captured her mouth into a kiss. Saigo wanted that, needed that ever since the night they shared together. She bids him goodbye as he left to get himself a position she has suggested.

...

While the caiman was gone, the human was starting to get dressed.

She decided to explore the city in her baggy outfit to avoid any suspicion. Yura still could not fathom how a society with herbivores and carnivores co-existing could also be suffocating. Then again, she recalled the number of people she has been with before she escaped the undergrounds.

Those that went up surface never came back.

She left because of her curiosity and anger at the idea of being part of a community that lives in fear all the time. No matter how they got food, clothes and basic necessities, Yura still wants to explore and learn about the animals they have been hiding from.

As a child, she has been told stories on how the animals would eat humans and group them together to be killed. Ever since she's got her experience of the outside world, Yura realised that the society of carnivores and herbivores were more complicated than what the undergrounds have stated.

She was walking in her baggy clothes while her head was looking down at the street. It would be over for her if she lifted her head to make eye-contact with anyone. Plus, all of the animals have better sense of smell than her.

Yura was heading to the Black Market with a purpose: To find the shady hospital that makes drugs out of carnivore parts.

It was difficult considering there were a few curious beasts that were sniffing at her, making her sweat out of fear. As much as she wanted to avoid these animals, she pitied them due to their species and how they were treated.

No matter what, Yura has to move quickly.

Eventually, she found the hospital and was thankful that her face was covered with a face mask since she could smell something similar to a rotting corpse. Instead of flinching at the sight of various carnivore parts, Yura felt a twinge of sadness the more she gazed at them.

'Poor carnivores...Poor desperate animals,' she thought to herself, touching one of the jars that contained a bear's paw with the label that stated its purpose: Healthy digestion.

"Oh, a new customer!" a voice squeaked, almost making Yura knock the shelves out of surprise. When she couldn't find the voice around her, she looked down. It was a guinea pig in a nurse's attire.

"Ah, sorry I didn't see you down there," Yura laughed nervously, mindful of her mask not revealing too much of her face. "Are you a doctor?"

The guinea pig twitched his whiskers. "Of course! I've never seen you before but anyone is welcome to the clinic. Do you have any ailments and symptoms that I can help?"

Yura pondered for a bit. She knew she couldn't trust this rodent with those beady black eyes staring up at her. The human has to play her cards right if she wants to avoid any suspicion. Since this clinic contained carnivore parts...

"I'm looking for something to spice up my sex life," she answered bluntly, trying to prevent herself from laughing too hard at the guinea pig's expression. "It's for my...boyfriend actually!"

"Oh...O-of course we have something to help you with that! Do you want to see most of our ingredients?"

Yura was hesitant but nodded as she wants to find out if they still have Saigo's organ intact. She has seen far more disturbing things than this. It shocked yet saddened her to see carnivores resort to this for money while herbivores either become prey or prey on carnivores for their strength.

Such is the way of life for animals.

"Um, do you have something reptilian?" she asked, biting the inside of her cheeks. "Specifically crocodile or caiman?"

However, the guinea pig shook his head. "I'm sorry, Miss. We sold our last crocodilian vital organ to our previous customer who wanted a night with his wife. We can find a fresh one and we'll contact you if it's in stock."

Yura raised both hands in protest. She bowed, thanking the guinea pig politely before letting him know that she wanted to browse the shop all by herself to see what might interest her. Of course, the little rodent was squeaking something excitedly while Yura moved slowly.

'Don't worry, Saigo,' she thought to herself, touching her chest where her heart was thumping. 'I'll help you.'

With than, she quickly snatch a few jars and containers that could fit into her baggy clothes to be sold at a much higher price. Yura prayed that those beady black eyes did not catch her stealing.

It makes you wonder if there are other humans that have escaped the undergrounds just as Yura has? If so, where do you think they might be hiding or have they been caught by the carnivores?

A lot of mysteries to keep in mind! Honestly, I really find myself loving Yura and Saigo's interactions with each other!