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Kinked Tails

Hello, friends! Recently, a new Hanako-kun Café was announced. Specifically, a kitty-themed one. More specifically, a bakeneko ryokan--a Ghost Cat Hot Spring Inn!!

Now, the story behind it is quite cute...

By investigating the newspapers on this mini shikishi board, we discover that this ryokan is hidden deep in the mountains, and two people have gone missing there.

--And apparently, the hot springs turn people into cats?!

Now, immediately, this is called into question. None of these people are full cats, and Tsukasa is putting a cat ear headband on in the left corner. Are these people actually cats/cat people, or is Tsukasa just a faker?!

Well, either way, everyone is very adorable! Especially Tsukasa here--do you see that kinked tail!? It just makes you want to take pity on him and give him scraps of food!

And if you happen to see this cute kitty... you're in luck! Did you know? A cat with a kinked tail is said to bring good fortune to whoever catches sight of it. Pretty cool, huh? That's supposing it isn't a cosplay of course.

Our good boy Hanako doesn't have a kinked tail, though. But he has something even sillier: a split tail!

The split tail is the mark of the nekomata, a cat yokai. These spirits have two tails, and are said to be born from cats that live long lives. They also live in mountains, and shapeshift into humans... hmmm...

Funnily enough, it is said that only cats with long, unkinked tails will become nekomata--which is actually very bad! Nekomata are very naughty and evil: just like someone else I could name!!!

So this is also why kinked tail cats are beloved and seen as good luck--there's no chance of them growing another tail and turning into a nekomata! Phew!!!

...of course, we still don't know how legit Tsukasa's tail is. What if he's a naughty, shape-shifting nekomata who's trying to deceive us with his fake lucky tail!? Oh noooo!

Still, it's fun to imagine the implications behind him being a true good luck charm... is him bringing good fortune a reference to how he grants wishes? Specifically, Amane's wish to live a long life--fulfilled as him now living the long life of a nekomata!? Hmm...!

If there's one thing to appreciate about AidaIro AUs, it's the attention to detail that goes into them. This isn't just a kitty cat hot springs... it's a kitty cat hot springs with THOUGHT put into it.

Anyway, thanks for reading! /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\ にゃ～

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