Rent a Boyfriend
Chapter One: You Can Rent a Boyfriend?
Through the looking glass.
The idea of parallel universes is nothing new and there is a theory in quantum physics that all eventualities for all possible outcomes do exist in alternate dimensions. In Japan the idea of renting a girlfriend is known, but lesser known is that you can rent boyfriends in addition to mothers and now entire families. Across the world the idea of a lonely people finding companionship is really growing. It feeds into the loneliness of losing someone special, living far from actual families, and sadly that in this time of highly advanced technology for communication and more we feel more lonely and cut off than ever before. If nothing else perhaps this work of fiction may inspire the reader to strengthen existing relationships and grow new ones too as the love one has for someone special should only be owned and never rented.
Seated in a cozy coffee bar by the fireplace next to big bookcases full of old books on a cold autumn night a college student wearing a black-framed pair of glasses waited while reading from a book titled Essays in Love. After a few minutes he put down the book and started checking his phone for any new txt messages. Seeing there were no recent messages he looked up to see another college student wearing a blue jacket entering and give a small wave. The first student stood and bowed graciously as the other student did too.
The second student started to take off his jacket and said, "Forgive me, the bus was running late due to an accident a few blocks away."
The first student said, "You have to be very careful with time. You must be prompt. If you're late your client will be angered and you rarely get a second chance as first impressions are always the most important and to that end we'll start our first lesson now."
The student in the blue jacket said said, "Okay, what's the first-"
"Hi, I'm Kazyua and it's very nice to meet you. I look forward to joining you for a movie and later tea. I love movies, what kind are we seeing tonight?" the first student asked.
"...Oh...oh! Kazuya, I'm very pleased to meet you. Thank you for coming out...I look forward to seeing the movie later too. I love independent films," the second student said.
Smiling with a nod Kazuya motioned the student to sit down.
Kazuya looked serious and asked, "You sure you want to do this? It's not always a rewarding form of work. I'd argue it is half the time at best. While I'd love to think all we do is see young ladies who want to spend time with someone nice who happens to be a guy that's not always the case. It's great when we get to go to movies, get tea, visit a museum, see a play, and such...but sometimes it's people who need more. Sometimes, sadly, it is things we shouldn't provide and at worst things we cannot provide."
The student nodded and said, "I've given it a lot of thought and I want to, if nothing else, give it a shot. I need to do something. I can't hide in the dark and I can't always just 'listen to the music of the world' I want to help create it. I don't have enough social skills and this school is too large. There are student clubs I am getting involved in, but some are too small and may not lead to other groups of people to meet. I need to build my social skills."
Kazuya looked down and shook his head as he said,"Be warned, this isn't a dating service. If you've ever used those online sites it's all about attempting to match people by common interest. Some use choices to 'check off' interests from choices, some have places for people to write answers to questions, and others use some better judgment about not what people have in common, but by how their personalities that are compatible-some even have patented sets of questions. This is quite different, it is actually the complete inverse."
"What do you mean?" the student asked looking confused.
Kazuya looked at him straight in the eyes and said,"They are the computer. However, they're not matching profiles of people to find a match...you are the match. Whatever the person wants you provide. In an input/output world you're solely there delivering output. I know that's cold logic, but approach it in your mind a different way if it helps. The professional who taught me taught me to think of myself as chameleon who always changes colors to match a background. Another one taught me to think of myself as a Swiss Army Knife in that one has 'a tool for any need'."
The student laughed and said he liked the knife one. Kazuya handed he a sample receipt for a typical date from the Sapphire rental boyfriend service, demonstrated how the app worked, had him download it on his phone, and finally helped him set up a profile. Suddenly the Sapphire app gave a notification and Kazuya excused himself and told him to list some hobbies and interests on the back of the sample receipt.
Pondering a few moments the student noted his love of music, theater, meditation, walks in parks and along rivers, volunteering with local animal shelters, and writing.
Kazuya smiled when he saw his notification said he just got a request for a brand new date as a result of a referral from another client.
"When you do well with a client they may refer others to you so know there are additional rewards than merely a repeat-client," Kazuya said while smiling.
Signaling for some tea and light fare the two of them worked on creating the newest Sapphire's profile and upon completion he offered to pay for their food.
Kazuya thanked him and watched as he stood up and turned to leave when he said, "Personally I think you look better wearing glasses."
The student turned around and said, "Excuse me?"
"Glasses. I think you looked better when you wore them as opposed to now. I am guessing you got contact lenses since high school or laser-corrective surgery, but you used to wear glasses. I think you looked better that way and could appeal to clientele better," Kazuya said.
"I'm...I'm not sure what you're talking about. I don't wear glasses," the student said.
"If you want my help, if you want me to truly help you, I want you to be honest with me. I feel there is a lot more to you than you're letting on, a lot more which could benefit you in more than one way."
"I'm...I'm not exactly sure what you're talking-"
"I wasn't sure it was you until I saw you up close, but I felt I recognized you when came inside. I saw you play in Towa Hall a few time. I know I got my love of classical music from hearing you. My parents love classical music it and took me to see you when you played in your prime. Your talent is really quite impressive and I actually know as I've been to quite a few concerts of other musicians. I even saw you get back on stage playing the piano with a violinist accompaniment...I'm so very sorry. She was an amazing musician and I am sure her memory lives on in you and part of me wonders if you're trying to reawaken a part of yourself you may have lost when you lost her."
Kazuya paused and watched the young man come back and sit at the table looking down at the empty tea cup before signaling for a fresh cup.
"...You see a lot. I am glad to hear my music reached you as it is the greatest joy to know your craft means more than merely hearing it on stage."
"So here you are now ready to meet a wide variety of people, ready to strike out all again with a renewed sense of adventure, but what brought you here tonight? I want to help you as I see this kind of thing often. Sometimes people wishing to transition is due to the loss of someone special, other times a major change in their lives like being far away from family for the first time, and more. So tell me: I know where you were, I know where you are now, but what happened in between? There is part of the story missing and I can help you get more in touch with who truly are and it can lead to the very best of profiles. Appeal to your true self, play that part. Basically it is time to 'write what you know'."
"It's a long story."
Kazuya took off his glasses, placed them on the book, and said with a soft smile, "I'd love to hear it."
Earlier the same evening two college coeds did their laundry in the dormitory laundry room as they studied for one of their classes. Suddenly the buzzer went off on one of the dryers and they took a break as they started to unload the freshly dried clothing.
"I'm sorry about what happened. Did he say why?" the first coed asked.
"No, he just said he'd met another. He didn't say much more than that. It's ironic: He wasn't cruel or spiteful, he was just open about it, but it hurt like hell. I was in tears all last night," the second girl said.
"I bet he said he wanted to be 'friends' right?" the first coed asked.
"Yeah, he did. How did you know?" the second coed asked.
"It's becoming more and more common. We used to be the only ones who did it, but now they do too. I guess it is because he's from your circle of friends. It's too bad: they say some of the best relationships start out as friends, but breaking up can risk destroying the friendship too...maybe there is something I could offer you: I've been using it a little trying to get more comfortable around guys…I've been 'dating' a little bit lately," the first coed said while smiling.
"Sumi Sakurasawa! You've been dating?! Why didn't you tell me?! I want details! Who is he? Or is it 'Who are they?'" the first coed asked with a huge smile on her face.
"Calm down Chizuru. They're not really potential boyfriends, they're 'rental boyfriends'," Sumi said with a smile turning red.
"...'Rental boyfriends'? I know there are rental girlfriends to be sure, but I thought rental boyfriends were rare or surely weren't mainstream...especially for someone like you," Chizuru said dumbfounded.
"Hey, I want to have a boyfriend too you know. I want someone special, but I'm far too shy to really talk to anyone and while many surely find it cute...not enough want to date a shy girl with little to say. I guess it goes to the idea that you can be shy as a child, as an adolescent, and even in high school-but you've got to outgrow it to a point. I may never completely outgrow shyness...but I have to at least show that I am fighting to do so...and renting a guy knowing he will be kind & engaging helps. I know it is helping me, I am talking more to them. There are so many kinds of 'boyfriends'...you can even have one randomly matched with you if you can't think of any parameters," Sumi said while smiling
"...'Parameters'? 'Randomly assigned'? How long have been doing this?" Chizuru asked a little shocked.
Sumi laughed and said not too long, but said she quickly learned just by wondering around the site. With just a little shyness Sumi showed her the Sapphire app on her phone and showed her some of the guys. Sumi demonstrated how various portions worked and smiled.
"Download it! Download it...hold on...I'm sending you an invite. Register and using my referral invite you'll get 25% off your first rental...and I get a free 'date' when you purchase your second 'date'," Sumi said while smiling just a little wickedly.
Chizuru was a little taken aback as she accepted the invite and asked while smiling, "Why are you so happy?"
Sumi laughed and said, "There is a 'boyfriend' on here I want to go on a 'date' with...he's really cute. He's a little out of my price range, the higher the rating the higher they can cost. The app sets rates depending on ratings and they can even alter their own rates a little too. However, with a free date I want to meet him."
Shrugging Mizuhara decided to check out the profile and saw the photo of a guy wearing a black turtleneck sweater and glasses and started to read from his profile aloud:
"Cool and cultured, you'll want to make him smile. A first-year college student, Kazuya-kun is one of our most sought after boyfriends who is sure to make you feel like a queen. Though he typically wears a refined look and enjoys art museums, concerts, and such he is also a fun 'older brother's friend' and can play 'Ultimate Frisbee', grab a burger and ice cream, or sing at a kayoke bar. You'll feel great with this suave and endearing boyfriend at your side."
Chizuru looked at her incredulously and said, "Really? You believe that? Any of that?"
"I believe it for the purpose of a 'date', besides I am going in there knowing it is merely a rental. It's almost like playing in a fantasy. For that night, or day, I am that guy's girlfriend. It makes me kind of 'glitter' on the inside. I imagine it is like dating the pretty girl in school when you're average at best. Last week I had a movie 'date' with a boyfriend named Ashai who's a senior at small private school. We watched a 3-D movie, laughed, shared popcorn, and had tea later with shortbread cookies at a cafe across the street. Every single woman in the theater and cafe looked at me and wondered how 'the shy girl in class' was somehow dating the school's 'dreamboat.' At the end of the night he walked me back to the subway and he did something special along the way," Sumi said smiling.
"What did he do?" Chizuru asked with genuine and excited curiosity.
"Rent him and find out," Sumi said with smiling and blushing.
Chizuru shook her head and created and profile reading Mizuhara22 as deciding to use her surname made a booking with this 'Kazuya' profile and put in the notes they were going to a Mori art museum in Tokyo on Saturday afternoon.
Waiting outside the front door of the museum by the spider sculpture Mizuhara checked her phone and stood as she checked her phone for any messages. Dressed in a grey skirt, blue turtleneck, and black-leather jacket, with her hair tightly braided on both sides. Waiting anxiously she took off her black glasses and quickly cleaned them a little. At exactly the arranged time a set of footsteps was heard and she turned around.
"Mizuhara I presume?" Kazuya said with a smile.
Mizuhara felt herself freeze for a moment. She couldn't remember her last date beyond her ex and felt suddenly like a deer in the headlights as this new guy, a well-dressed guy, stood before her. She looked at Kazuya wearing what looked like the same black turtleneck shirt from the profile photo, glasses, and a rusty-red colored jacket. Feeling a little nervous Mizuhara gripped the bottom of her jacket a little and nodded.
"Your beauty exceeds what I imagined. I'm Kazuya and I am honored to meet you," Kazuya said as he bowed.
Glancing at his tightly combed hair and warm eyes Mizuhara smiled and couldn't help blushing a little as she held one of her braids and said, "T-Thank you. Thank you."
Pulling out an envelope with the logo of the Mori art museum Kazuya handed it to Mizuhara. Inside were tickets to the museum and the receipt for the date along with a note to put her money in there and pass it back to him. Mizuhara looked both ways feeling a tad scared and embarrassed, put her money for the date in the envelope and took out the tickets and put her receipt away before handing the envelope with the money back to Kazuya.
Kazuya smiled broadly and said,"I love your your turtleneck. Is blue your favorite color? I bet it is as it matches your butterfly hairclip."
Mizuhara nodded and Kazuya motioned her towards the front door and held it open for her as she blushed once again not sure any guy had ever done that for her.
After stopping at the coat check the two of them began viewing paintings of all kinds. Room after room they went as Kazuya gave insightful comments and asked Mizuhara's opinions. Although she didn't know what to say at first she found her "boyfriend" very calm and friendly, smiling at her opinions and if she didn't know what to say he'd either smile back or just give additional thoughts on a piece they saw earlier.
In the middle of the hall of paintings there were some romantic ones and Kazuya gently took her hand. Mizuhara nearly jumped out of her skin and looked over to Kazuya unsure what to say when she saw him look her straight in her eyes softly.
Smiling warmly he said, "They're lovely aren't they?"
"Y-yes they are. They move me," Mizuhara said a little flustered.
"They move me too," Kazuya said as he smiled and felt Mizuhara's heart beating quickly.
Kazuya smiled to himself knowing she was excited, but Mizuhara wished to keep holding hands as she, without even fully realizing it, opened her hand to interlace her fingers. As they started to move to the next room Kazuya started to let go a little and smiled to himself as he felt Mizuhara tightening her grip just a a little and he returned to his previous level. Kazuya felt her heartbeat start to slow a little after she held his hand tighter.
They toured the rest of the paintings & exhibits before stopping for some tea and a slice of marble cake in the commissary. Approaching the table Kazuya quickly got in front of her to pull out her chair. Mizuhara blushed unable to speak. Kazuya suggested ginseng tea saying it was his favorite. After finishing they walked together to get their coats and Kazuya held her jacket to help her back into it and once again held the door for her as they exited. Mizuhara reached for her purse to pay for her coat and food when Kazuya smiled and said there was no need.
Walking together Kazuya gently let his hand bump a little and took Mizuhara's hand a second time and interlaced his fingers as they walked across the grounds over to some vendor carts.
The vendor of a flower cart smiled and nodded to Kazuya giving an almost invisible eye roll and said, "A rose for the lady? Perhaps an iris?"
"An iris, please," Kazuya said.
Kazuya paid the vendor, took the iris, and handed it to Mizuhara causing her to blush with a smile and genuine shock.
"An iris as blue as your butterfly and as beautiful as you," Kazuya said bowing almost like a musketeer or butler kind of saying "At your service."
"...Th...thank you. Thank you so much!" Mizuhara said almost in tears.
Kazuya turned felt his phone vibrating giving him a warning time was almost up.
Watching as Mizuhara closed her eyes and inhaled the fresh flower with a smile Kazuya shook his head a little unbeknownst to her and smiled at her.
Mizuhara looked up and thanked Kazuya a second time as he bowed and said, "It was a pleasure to enjoy time with you today. I hope to see you again in the future."
With a warm smile Kazuya nodded to Mizuhara and turned to leave heading to a pool of taxis giving a small wave.
The flower vendor shook his head a little with a half-smile thinking Kazuya was skilled at his craft to a fault.
Arriving back at her apartment Mizuhara was all smiles. She couldn't imagine the good feelings she'd have today. She felt she'd made a connection with someone smart, someone nice, and this man had showed what had to be something unique in buying a flower for her. Surely that's not something a rental does. All Mizuhara she could think about was giving Kazuya a hug for being such a sweet guy earlier. Unable to really stop smiling to called Sumi to tell her about her date and gush over her "boyfriend." Back in her apartment Sumi rolled her eyes wondering whether or not to warn Mizuhara reminding her that her boyfriend was a rental, but figured that would be insulting and could damper her good mood.
Going through her cupboard Mizuhara looked at her teas looking for ginseng. She thought she had seen some in a variety pack and was happy to find it. Seeping a nice hot cup she sat down at her table to leave a review for Kazuya. She started to fill out the form checking the boxes for being friendly, on time, and more when she noticed reviews from other clients:
"Another lovely time with him at a museum this time we went to the Mori art museum and when done he bought me an iris by the vendor carts. He always makes me feel like a princess when he bows to me at the end. You just wanna hug him he's the cutest." -diamondgirl94
"He bought you an iris? He bought me a white rose outside the concert hall. He's the cutest when he laughs. Believe it or not he really likes immature movies, 'guy movies', but go to one with him...when he laughs you can't help to also laugh." -ladyinred57
"He got me a sunflower. He must have seen my small earrings, he's an observant gentleman. He held the door, pulled out my chair, and even told me in the sunlight my hair is prettier than the flower. You want to latch onto him and just take him home!"-goldylocks95
"You guys are all getting 'normal things'...he cooked dinner for me on the grill at the new restaurant by 'The W.' He cuts up slices of meat like a surgeon and can cook! Go there if you want to see something more than a flower. He pours tea with his eyes closed with flare...that was something unique to see." -flame54
Mizuhara was beside herself and figured these must just be people from recent reviews and maybe he was changing techniques. She kept herself grounded in thinking the word "technique" over and over before viewing the next few pages of reviews around Christmas. What she saw shocked her: review after review mentioning getting gifts from everything from hair accessories to gift certificates for a visit to the zoo. She saw reviews saying clients were still enjoying scented candles, incense sticks, new cell phone cases, chocolates from the USA, and one especially caught her eye:
"He is so many things to so many people, but for me he is just someone who listens and is kind. Being shy it is nice to hear someone talk to me. He is quite engaging and knows how to make one feel comfortable. He makes me feel special and though he buys flowers, candy, candles, and other 'girly things' for all of you he did something unique for me: He got me root beer. We went to A&W for burgers and fries & I love onion rings so we shared some too, and he just saw me enjoying the root beer and asked if I prefer soda to tea. I said I did… and at Christmas he got me a variety pack of several bottles from around the world and even got me a little keychain of a root beer mug. It is the cutest & I use it everyday." -Futaba2016
Mizuhara was angry at herself for being sucked in and even more angry for not heeding Sumi's warning. How could she be so stupid?
In the text box for a review she wrote a nasty review stating, "Didn't know his artwork other than to say 'they move me too'...He could have at least known one painting by artist, he knew we were going there. His 'gentlemanly' behavior is so regimented you can predict it. I feel like I ordered a burger from "The W" with just extra cheese for his cheesiness. He may have been on time, but he was on time for something which is as memorable as a class-trip." -paintingfan2022
Mizuhara had a scowl on her face as she clicked giving a one-star rating out of five and decided to turn in for the night.
The following morning Mizuhara hurried towards class after getting dropped off by the bus. Eagerly waiting outside a lecture hall she sat down a bench to check a notification on her phone when she saw a student wearing a faded blue jeans jacket, a pair of rose-colored glasses, shaggy hair, and a blue beret looking like John Lennon's walk over to her.
Looking a little scared Mizuhara looked up at this student who was clearly angry and said, "Uhhh...hello?"
"Just what the hell is wrong with you anyway? I did everything you wanted," the student said as he took out a bottle of water from his backpack and took a drink.
"W-who are you? What's going on?" Mizuhara said confused.
"Oh...that's right," the student said as he shook his head.
The student turned around, took off his glasses, removed his beret as he poured a little water onto his head, quickly combed it, took off his jacket, and turned around as pulled out a pair of black-framed glasses and with a semi-frustrated look put them on.
Mizuhara was shocked,"It's you! You're...you were my..."
Kazuya had a deadpan look and said,"Your date. Yes, I was your date...I was your 'boyfriend' for the afternoon at the museum. I happened to have had a great time, I really did, but that person isn't real. He is one of my 'characters.' Meanwhile you give me one star...didn't I do everything you wanted?! Why did you give me one star?! That review is going to stay on the first page of my reviews until I go out on ten more dates! It dropped my average too. Nothing better than getting all fives and suddenly see a 'one-star' rating at the top. It can quickly make a boyfriend lose a lot of credibility...speaking of which you clicked all the agreements. You should know! You acknowledged you understood!"
"Known what?" Mizuhara said in a mixture of a shocked and resentful way.
"He was not real. It says so right here in article one of The Sapphire Dating Agreement. And I quote 'I understand the talent ("boyfriend") I am seeing is merely a character, the work of an independent contractor and in no way an honest relationship. I further understand that there is no romantic overtones or desire for such behavior.' In article two it further lays out what I am tasked with in the description and how to speak to your 'boyfriend' should you feel your date is not being conducted in accordance to your request. After that there are disclaimers as to how I act, what you wish, and more. This isn't a software agreement which is basically understandings of intellectual property and disclaimers of your computer failing. This is something you should have read...you claimed to have done so by clicking it. Anyway...you wrecked my rating and for what reason? Honestly why? What did I do wrong? I have the distinct feeling you're taking out some anger on me and this isn't personal. I can't have you answer as a client is entitled to their privacy and while I am not your 'boyfriend' right now I would love to know, but I have a strict set of rules I must follow. The only reason I am talking to you right now is because I am not on the clock," Kazuya said with a somewhat annoyed look.
"Whatever, I have classes to attend to and I am sorry you little 'list of lies' reviews aren't getting all fives," Mizuhara said as she stormed off.
Kazuya shook his head knowing what would likely occur having seen this before and was angry he'd let his emotions get the better of him.
The following Sunday morning Kazuya sat in his apartment eating breakfast when the Sapphire app went off with a notification for a booking. Kazuya smiled when he saw it was a short-notice offer which carries a bonus for accepting. Without giving it a second thought he accepted it and saw the notes said the client also wanted to go to the Mori art museum in the afternoon. Kazua took pause for a moment, but saw the profile of the client was one he'd never seen. The notes said to meet by the spider statue outside.
Standing outside the museum in a grey turtleneck Kazuya looked around for his date for the afternoon. No one walking around matched the description and he pulled out his phone to send a notification to his client he was there and waiting. The app showed the message was read and he shook his head. Waiting five more minutes he looked around again for anyone coming towards him, but saw nothing. Shaking his head he started to walk towards benches of the museum.
"You're supposed to wait ten minutes for clients aren't you?" a voice asked from behind him.
Kazuya jumped and turned around to see a woman with her hair down and wearing dark sunglasses.
Looking closely at the woman before him he said,"Who—who are...oh it's 'you'...what do you want? You here to poke fun at me? 'Hate on me'? If you'll excuse me my date is late and should be here any minute. Have you seen a woman wearing a blue jacket with..."
The woman pulled at her jacket with a sly smile and said, "a pattern of sugar cookies on the back?"
Kazuya angrily checked the notes under the description of his client,"You made an entirely new account huh? Seriously are you here just to hate on me? I haven't accepted your money yet. I can cancel the date and walk away...you get this little trolling free."
"Oh come on...surely everyone deserves a second chance. Don't they?" Mizuhara said.
Kazuya shook his head, but nodded. Giving himself moment he turned into his character for refined outings and with a smile looked at her.
"Mizuhara I presume?" Kazuya said with a bow.
Mizuhara smiled and nodded.
"Your beauty exceeds what I imagined. I'm Kazuya and I am honored to meet you," Kazuya said as he bowed.
Smiling Mizuhara slowly pulled out her purse and asked if he had tickets and Kazuya said he did and handed her an envelope from the ticket desk. Mizuhara put her money inside and watched with eyes like a hawk, ready to pounce on him if his behavior seemed disingenuous or mocking.
Gesturing her to follow him Kazuya led Mizuhara into the museum, checked their coats, and started walking with him through room after room. Kazuya identified several paintings, noting the artists, and spoke of their significance. Mizuhara was impressed on the outside, smiled, and commented happily while on the inside quite angry. She watched him go through the date with precision and wasn't sure his performance was so good because he was trying harder or trolling her and the truth was she felt they were one in the same.
Entering a room of the Romantic Era artwork Kazuya once again took Mizuhara's hand and smiled at her saying the artwork was lovely. Mizuhara yanked her hand away and said not to touch her. Kazuya quickly apologized and proceeded with her through more of the museum, but didn't flinch. Throughout the rest of the exhibits he showed off his knowledge, was courteous to other people around him, and made a donation as they were leaving the final room. Entering the commissary Mizuhara couldn't stand it any longer and sneered at him and Kazuya stopped in the center of the area and asked if something was wrong.
"What do you get out of it? Seriously. What do you get out of it and don't say it is just for money," Mizuhara asked.
"I'm not sure what you mean," Kazuya answered.
"Don't pull that act on me! I find it insulting. You're like the same movie seen a week apart...except this time I know all the scenes which are terrible and know they're coming! What do you get out of it?! What?!" Mizuhara fumed red in the face.
People started to look at this "couple" seemingly having a strange argument. Kazuya smiled and nodded to everyone and apologized.
Before Kazuya could say anything else Mizuhara started at him again saying, "What is this? A huge joke? Seriously am I a-"
Kazuya gave her a strong look and grabbed Mizuhara's arm so fast it made her stop dead in her tracks. With an equally angry look he yanked her outside the commissary and in the courtyard by the spider sculpture and on the far side told her that her behavior was unacceptable for the museum.
"Listen and listen closely: You can be as angry as you want at me, but those museum goers are entitled to a nice experience and I won't have you expressing 'opinions of my date with you' inside. Now then...do you have something to say?" Kazuya asked with anger.
Mizuhara fumed and realized anything she wanted to say she couldn't form in words. Kazuya looked both ways and brought her to the benches at the far end and invited her to sit down before offering a fresh bottle of water he took out of his backpack from the museum's commissary.
With a lot of scorn and yet an attitude clearly calming she accepted the water and thanked him. Kazuya nodded and asked what was wrong as she opened the bottle and took a drink.
Mizuhara put the water down and suddenly looked angry saying, "It's just...it's just that while I am sure 'this can be anything you want it to be'-as it states in Article 3-I am just incredibly angry and want to lash out. I find your behavior reprehensible and enrages me how you can look someone in the eye and still do this without blinking! Some would say that is the mark of someone who is clearly insane and has delusions-"
Suddenly Mizuhara's phone rang and she pulled it out to take the call. Shocked and quite worried she listened to the phone call and quickly said she had to go.
"What's wrong?" Kazuya asked with genuine concern.
"That was the hospital. My...my grandmother slipped and hurt herself in the kitchen and had to call an ambulance. I'm leaving," Mizuhara said.
"Wait...you still have time left. I need to refund you for the unused time," Kazuya said.
"I don't care about the money! I have to get to the hospital!" Mizuhara said angrily.
Kazuya looked at her with determination and said,"Then I'm coming with you, I'm your 'boyfriend' after all. Besides...going to the hospital can be a stressful thing. Let me accompany you. Trust me, you'll feel better."
"Seriously?!" Mizua said incredulously as she feverishly looked in her purse for cash before realizing she gave it all to Kazuya earlier.
Kazuya looked towards the pool of taxis and asked,"Do you have money for a taxi? None of those taxis accept credit or debit cards. I know that for a fact. There is an ATM on the third flood in the gift shop, but your grandmother just was brought to the hospital by ambulance. Time is of the essence. Come on."
Mizuhara looked both ways and nodded thanking him under her breath.
Arriving at the hospital Mizuhara suddenly felt scared having never been called to a hospital due to an injury to a close friend or family member. Mizuhara suddenly started to feel a little faint in the hallway while Kazuya walked beside her. With a lot of courage and concern she took Kazuya's hand unsure if he'd yank it away when he smiled back at her with a small nod and saying it was okay.
Upon entering the hospital and checking with reception the receptionist had a nurse take them to a room and knocked gently.
"Come in! Come in...I shouldn't even be here. It was just a slip and fall...I didn't break anything," Mizuhara's grandmother said.
Letting go of Kazuya's hand Mizuhara ran to her grandmother and hugged her saying she was so relieved she was okay. Kazuya stood at door not entering watching everything.
"What happened?!" Mizuhara asked.
"Oh it's nothing. The flood was a little slippery from a few blueberries I didn't realized I had dropped," Mizuhara's grandmother said.
Mizuhara released a deep breath and said, "I'll make sure to clean it up as soon as I get back to the-
Suddenly Mizuhara's grandmother noticed Kazuya looking on as he gave a friendly smile and small nod.
"Chizuru! Who is this gentleman at the door? Did he come with you? Come in! Stop waiting at the door, please come in!" Mizuhara's grandmother said.
Chizuru looked worried and said,"Ummm...grandma that's-"
Giving Mizuhara a quick smile he bowed and said, "Greetings, thank you for inviting me in here. We came as soon as-
"I am Ichinose Sayuri, but please...please...call me Sayuri," Grandmother Inchinose said with a smile.
"Grandma?!" Mizuhara said.
"Oh hush darling. A gentleman such as he should be granted privilege to call me by that name. He came here with you to make sure you were okay. I can see it in his eyes. He's not a hospital administrator...he is someone who cares for you. Is he your boyfriend?" Grandmother Ichinose asked excitedly.
Chizuru froze and looked scared and started to say something when at that moment a second knock on the door was heard and Kazuya's jaw dropped as he saw a gray-haired woman. The gray-haired woman entering the room's jaw dropped too.
"Grandma what are you doing here?! Kazuya asked in shock.
Mizuhara suddenly shot him a glance no one saw.
"I should ask you the same question. Why are you here seeing my friend? Who is this young lady?" Kazuya's grandmother asked.
"She's your friend?" Kazuya asked.
"I just said she was. Do you need to have your ears checked dear boy? We're in a hospital after all," Kazuya's grandmother said as she laughed.
Kazuya rolled his eyes and made kind of an exasperated growl under his breath.
Mizuhara looked on a little concerned seeing Kazuya seemingly being spoken down to right in front of grandmother and her.
"Oh don't worry Chizuru, that's just the way she is...she's joking. So you're Kazuya! I have heard a lot about you. Your grandmother speaks highly of you. It is nice to finally meet you. I have only seen photos of you when you were a lot younger. Your grandmother and I have been good friends for years," Grandmother Ichinose said.
"Yes, we have known each other for many years, but Kazuya what are you doing here?" Kazuya's Grandmother asked.
"Oh it's wonderful! He's dating Chizuru! He's her new boyfriend! They came together. He's so nice and proper! He waited at the door before coming in, he was waiting for my permission. He's such a good boy," Grandmother Ichinose said.
"A good boy? What has he done?" asked a woman as she entered the room followed by a man.
"Your children came to visit me too Nagomi? How wonderful! Thank you," Grandmother Ichinose said.
The woman looked at Chizuru and said, "Greetings! We're Kazuya's parents. How did Kazuya come to be here? Do you know each other? You must know him otherwise he'd not here. How do you know him?" Kazuya's mother asked feeling she knew the answer already.
Chizuru froze, looked scared, and looked a Kazuya like a deer in the headlights.
"Oh it's wonderful! She's dating your son. She's his girlfriend isn't that right Chizuru? Grandmother Ichinose said with big eager eyes looking at Chizuru and saw her face was red.
Kazuya looked at Mizuhara with gentle eyes when she panicked and nodded.
"Kazuya has a girlfriend? He didn't tell us." Kazuya's father said.
"Of course he does! Chizuru's very shy...look at her...her face is red. Kazuya is quite a gentleman I have seen. Surely he wishes to keep things private. Isn't that right Kazuya?" Grandmother Ichinose said.
All eyes were on Kazuya when he noticed Chizuru looking quite scared when he simply smiled and said, "Chizuru is a very special lady and we've only been dating a short while, but I am honored to be known as her 'boyfriend'."
Chizuru felt herself calm and then embarrassed as her grandmother said, "Kazuya...she is so shy and never seems to date. I was worried she'd never have a boyfriend, I am so happy you're together. How did you meet her?"
"Grandma! You're embarrassing me and putting him on the spot. Don't do that! Please!" Chizuru said exasperated.
"Grandmother Ichin-Sayuri...I will gladly tell you of us later, but your health and well-being are what we should focus on at this time," Kazuya said with a bow.
Grandmother Ichinose said he was precious and seeing Chizuru looking flush told Kazuya to take her outside and calm her down. Kazuya motioned to Mizuhara and the two left the room.
Swiftly pulling Kazuya to the wall Mizuhara asked, "What are you doing?!"
"What are you doing? You nodded saying I was your boyfriend. That's my grandmother and parents in there and they don't know of my profession and I want to keep it that way," Kazuya said looking serious.
"Your 'profession'? Is that what you're calling it?" Mizuhara said looking angry.
"Hey, you want to go back inside and tell them you panicked and said I was your boyfriend since you were scared? I can stand by you on that and I'll just say I am a classmate, a study-partner, or a friend of a friend. I will say I was just being supportive in a time of need...which I was...and we can go our separate ways. Your time expires in just over minute. After that I won't be your 'boyfriend' anyway," Kazuya said with honest eyes showing no sarcasm or scorn.
Mizuhara was beside herself and said, "I don't know if you're professional or a complete jerk. I seem to have been feeling that all day come to think of it."
Kazuya felt his phone vibrate and said with a bow, "It was a pleasure to enjoy time with you today. I hope to see you again in the future."
Giving a small nod Kazuya turned and walk down the hallway.
Mizuhara ran after him and got in front of him while panicked and said, "Wait! What am I supposed to tell them?! They're waiting for me...no they're waiting for us!"
Kazuya turned and said calmly, "You can tell them whatever you want. It doesn't matter to me. However, I would simply tell them the truth: That I suddenly received a call from a friend who's girlfriend just left him and really needs someone to be supportive right now. Oh I almost forgot...here is your receipt. Please do not rent me again. I don't wish any further contact as I have violated quite a few rules of the company and also my own. Don't worry about the taxi fare, that's on me. It's the least I can do."
Mizuhara calmed a little as she took the receipt and while still angry said, "Your 'professional side' is really terrible...but at least the 'unprofessional' side of you isn't a complete jerk."
Kazuya rolled his eyes and left the hospital sending a text message to his father stating a friend was in urgent need of emotional support.
In the evening Kazuya came out of the shower and brewed a cup of tea and sat down to look over notes for classes in the morning for when a notification from Sapphire came in noting "One of your clients closed down their account and requested their review(s) be removed." Kazuya shook his head with a small smile as he saw the review he received from Mizuhara for the previous week was gone. Once again all his reviews were rated five stars.
A second notification came through a moment later indicating a new review was left. Kazuya smiled when he read the review which stated: "A true gentleman who showed courtesy, knowledge, and a lot of heart. A rare guy to be sure."
Kazuya was about to turn in when he heard a commotion from one floor beneath his and set out downstairs to see what was going on.
A locksmith held his tools and shrugged and said,"I am really quite sorry miss. At this hour the cost is 40,800 yen ($300 USD)."
A coed said frantically, "I don't have that kind of money. Please! I had a hard day. It's cold out here! My grandmother was in the hospital all afternoon and is still there, my head wasn't in the right place. I came home, left to get food, and realized I locked my purse and phone inside. I've been attempting to reach friends all night before I contacted you."
The locksmith shook his head slowly,"I am sorry miss. The best I could do is give you a discount if you pay in cash. Calls at this hour are expensive. Do you want to call your family? You can use my phone."
Walking up to the door he saw the woman locked out of her apartment was Mizuhara still wearing the same outfit and shook his head seeing she was on the verge of tears.
Kazuya walked out of the dark and asked, "Hey, why didn't you call me? I'd have helped."
The locksmith looked up and said, "Who are you? Do you know him miss?"
Mizuhara had a look of shock and then smiled as she said, "Yes, yes I do. This is my-"
"I'm her 'ticket to get inside' from a cold night," Kazuya said as he reached into his wallet to pull out enough money to cover the service and a gratuity.
The locksmith nodded and set out to his work as Mizuhara pulled Kazuya down the around the corner out of earshot and asked, "W-What's going on? What are you doing here?"
"First off: You're welcome," Kazuya said giving her a look of amusement.
"You're all set! I'm leaving my card. Come by my shop and bring your key and I'll make you a free copy. Give me a call if you get locked out again. Have a great night," the locksmith said a few doors own.
"S-sorry. Thank you. You have no idea how thankful I am, but seriously what are you doing here?" Mizuhara asked feeling relieved and happy her door was unlocked.
Kazuya scratched the back of his head and looked away and said, "Well I actually-"
"Are you here for a 'late night date' with someone?" Mizuhara asked feeling it was funny.
"Actually...actually my apartment is one flight above you," Kazuya said.
Looking at him incredulously Mizuhara said,"Come on. Really? Well I suppose it's true...otherwise you'd be late for your date. I can't pay you back for this right now, I don't have that kind of money. I...I don't suppose you want to come in for tea. After all...it is cold out here and you're not out seeing any clients. It's...it's 'the least I can do'."
