The Top Idol Next Door Can't Help But Crave My Guilty Pleasure Meals-Chapter 2Volume .3 - Ugh...

ROUND 2 – “Ugh…” 3

“Oh? You two are early.”

When I looked up, there was Emoto-san, wearing a narrow-brimmed straw hat.

Dressed in a sleeveless summer knit, a long skirt, and a large tote bag, she exuded an elegant aura.

Her loose side-tail of black hair made her look like a young lady incognito at a tourist spot.

I had almost forgotten since she looked like a suspect dressed all in black when we first met, but like Yuzuki, she was also an active idol—a fact that now hit me anew.

“Fufu, it’s been a while since I’ve been out with Yuzuki. I’ve been really looking forward to today.”

Hugging Yuzuki with no hesitation, Emoto-san had an innocent smile like that of a child.

“…Well, then.”

As Emoto-san’s gaze shifted towards me, the friendly atmosphere instantly dissipated.

“Mamori-san, I allowed you to come this time because you insisted, but today’s purpose is to relieve Yuzuki’s stress. Please, do not get in Yuzuki’s way, okay?”

I managed to suppress the frown forming between my brows and put on a forced smile.

“Thank you for having me today. Please leave Yuzuki’s care to me, and feel free to enjoy the zoo on your own, Emoto-san.”

Fighting over her, Emoto-san and I exchanged glares that sparked in the air.

“C-come on! It’s almost opening time! Let’s go, both of you!”

Sensing the tension, Yuzuki led the way with a strained voice.

We reluctantly put our differences aside for the moment and followed Yuzuki to the entrance.

Dark auras emanating from Emoto-san and me clashed above our heads.

☆ ☆ ☆

“So Cuteee~~”

Inside the enclosure, a group of penguins waddled on the rocky terrain.

Yuzuki clung to the fence like a little child, her eyes sparkling as she was completely captivated by the black and white penguins.

I seem to remember her saying she wasn’t particularly interested in penguins after eating Homemade Jiro, but now faced with the real thing, she seemed utterly charmed by them.

It had been a while since I’d seen penguins too, so their cuteness also drew me in.

Some were preening, others napping by the water’s edge. Each was living freely, a stark contrast to the modern city dwellers caught up in school and work.

Yuzuki followed each movement of the penguins and lit up at every little thing——Just watching her made me feel warm inside.

It had been a long time since I’d visited the zoo, but I was genuinely enjoying myself.

The other visitors were also captivated by the animals, so it seemed unlikely that Yuzuki or Emoto-san would be recognized.

“I’ve never been to a zoo in Tokyo before, but there are so many different animals. It’s amazing!”

“Didn’t you go on a school trip in junior high school?”

“I’ve been prioritizing work since moving to Tokyo, and I didn’t really participate in school events. I heard the school trip was to Kyoto. Sometimes I wish I could relax at a ryokan while sipping hot tea or something,,.”

While following the swimming penguins with her gaze, Yuzuki’s eyes held a touch of melancholy.

Though she had no regrets about the path she chose, she seemed to harbor a longing for a normal school life.

“Penguins always seem so free, don’t they? I bet they don’t have any worries.”

“That’s not necessarily true.”

Emoto-san, who had been listening to our conversation, chimed in.

“These Humboldt penguins are actually classified as a vulnerable species worldwide. The decline in fish prey is one of the causes, and while penguins are often thought to lead carefree lives, they have their fair share of natural enemies, like seagulls and seals. Just like the entertainment industry, they’re also struggling to survive.”

“I guess the world isn’t so sweet after all.”

In Yuzuki’s eyes, there was a newfound respect for the penguins.

“Emoto-san, you seem to know a lot. Do you like animals?”

“Oh, yes. As Yuzuki’s ‘older sister,’ it’s only natural that I know that much!”

It seemed best not to mention the fact that she was occasionally checking the notes written on the inside of her hand.

To think she’d gone to such lengths to prepare meticulously just to entertain Yuzuki… She’s quite something.

Yuzuki moved to the next area and was now completely engrossed in watching a hippo munching on its food.

“It’s somehow mesmerizing to watch someone eating that you just can’t stop staring…”

Coming from you? Well, I can understand that.

Surely, there must be some kind of ‘nutrient’ that can only be absorbed by watching others eat.

“That hippo over there is red. Is it a rare species?”

At the mention of a red hippo, Emoto-san reacted instantly.

Like a student who finds the exact questions from their study guide on the test, her face lit up with a smile.

“That’s actually their sweat!”

“Sweat? Their sweat is red?”

“Originally, it’s a colorless mucus that turns red after being secreted. Hippos don’t have body hair, so it also serves to protect their skin.”

“Wow~”

I wonder if she had gathered trivia about all the animals in the park.

Although the invitation was only made last night, maybe she have been preparing for this long before that.

“Is there any other animal trivia you’d like to ask about? I can answer anything!”

The source of this c𝓸ntent is freewebnøvel.coɱ.

Now clearly excited, Emoto-san leaned in to ask.

“Well, how about that crane over there…”

Her eyes sparkled even brighter. It seemed she was well-prepared for this too.

“That’s a Red-crowned crane. Out of the seven crane species observable in Japan, only the Red-crowned crane breeds domestically. They can be seen all year round in the wetlands of eastern Hokkaido!”

“Is that so?”

Seemingly slightly overwhelmed, Yuzuki’s cheeks twitched slightly as Emoto-san enthusiastically explained.