It's honestly a surprise how I ended up here.
Ever since that day, my life's been chaos, yet I've found it to be so much fun from my bland life beforehand.
Everything that's happened, every mistake and action I've taken... I don't regret one thing.
I'm glad... everythings somehow worked out.
. . .
. .
.
O-Oh, right. I should explain, right, hehe...
Well, here's my story!
I hope you all enjoy!
- Kinoshita Kei
Rent a Girlfriend: Brothers in Chaos
My brother, Kazuya… I envy him.
In saying that, I envy the peace he has.
A few friends he can trust and chill with, time alone to do as he pleases outside his studies and living away from home; truly, a utopia that I wish I had!
Still, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. He's an adult, he has rent and bills to pay.
And starting a month ago, I too have these responsibilities.
I've finally decided on what I want to pursue- my ideal career I should say.
Working the family business isn't what I plan to be stuck in. What I'm after is a job I can enjoy and earn enough money to live comfortably.
So, I'm studying Digital Media at the same College my brother goes to! Hopefully I'll be able to make it on my own, or work under a company.
Locking the door behind me, I made my way to the stairs before stopping, looking at the door to my brothers apartment.
I wonder if he's home…
Knock knock!
. . .
. .
.
That's weird… I thought he said he'd be home. Must be getting groceries or something.
Leaving the apartment complex, I began walking towards the nearby convenience store, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow on the footpath as a cool breeze drifted by.
I'm glad the convenience store is only a five minute walk, otherwise I'd just go to a shopping complex and drag the groceries home. I usually go every fortnight or so, but buying some pre-made food and ingredients usually lasts me a couple of days…
…though they'd last longer if Kazuya would stop coming to my room and stealing my food!
Tsk! Honestly, how did he survive before? Just fast food or some crap!?
I sighed as the sliding door shut close behind me.
Now, what do I want…?
Walking around, I grabbed juice, caffeinated drinks, sandwiches, fruit and some ingredients to cook later before I made my way to the counter and paid for the items.
"Ah, there's none left."
Holding the two bags loosely by my side, I thanked the cashier and turned around, making my way towards the exit.
"Ah, you're…"
I frowned in thought as a girl looked at me, taping her chin in thought.
Snapping my fingers, I clicked my tongue as I remembered earlier in the week.
"You're my neighbour at the apartment complex," I said, nodding to myself.
"Oh, so that's where…"
Clearing her throat, she bowed her head slightly.
"My name is Chizuru Ichinose. I hope we get along."
"Kinoshita Kei," I replied, bowing slightly. "I hope we get along."
Glancing outside, I frowned at the setting sun as Chizuru looked around at the discounted meat, humming in thought before she grabbed a pack.
"I don't mean to come off as creepy, but do you want to walk home together?"
I pointed outside at the setting sun, night already creeping in as the streetlights buzzed to life.
"You're probably fine walking back from here," I continued. "And this neighbourhoods pretty safe, but I'd feel bad if I didn't at least ask."
Chizuru smiled as she waved off my concerns.
"I'll be fine, but thanks for offering," she said.
"Alright. See you around then."
Leaving the store, I waved nonchalantly as I began the walk back home, humming on the way.
Chizuru Ichinose is the name of my neighbour, huh… that means she's Kazuya's neighbour as well.
…she kinda cute, even if she's trying to hide it with big glasses and baggy clothing. But hey, that's her choice. I'm not prying into that.
I sighed, climbing the metal stairs before making my way towards my apartment, keys in my hand.
Entering, shoes slid off and door locked, I flicked the lights on and smiled.
The kitchen consisted of a half-sized fridge, a stove, one clear countertop and a microwave to the side. I had bought a coffee machine with me, and not one of those pod ones either. I actually have a coffee bean grinder and machine with a steamer as well. It's one of my prized possessions.
Setting the bags on the counter, I put all my purchases into the fridge, taking only a cola with me to my tiny living room.
Set against the wall, I had moved the TV to the left side of the room so I could create my setup.
A small white coffee table that spanned a metre long created a small desk that I had set my laptop and drawing tablet on, underneath it cables and my phone charger. Clamped onto the edge of the coffee table, I had a monitor extension arm rise above my laptop screen, providing me a second screen for use, as well as dual speakers on both sides.
Pushed against the wall, my mattress lay next to it, two pillows and bedsheets strewn about, an open art book and pens half visible underneath my pencil case.
All of this I bought with my own money. After all, after school, I decided to work a part-time job so I could relive some of the stress off of Kaa and Tou san. The family business can only go so far to support us, and Oba san is unpredictable with her health as well.
Because of this, I wasn't able to start College last year, but it's definitely helped me out with starting off. Kaa and Tou san still gave me some money to live off of, but I've managed to save a good amount still, so I don't work as much anymore, just one or two shifts a week so I still have a source of income.
Still, the rent is alright here, and the water-electricity bills aren't too bad either, so I'd say this is good. They even let me hang up some posters and LED lights to change the personality of my room. They're really nice here, so I'm real lucky I managed to get the last apartment.
Yawning, I rubbed my eyes and stood up, making my way to the lights and turning them off, leaving me in darkness.
Guess I'll sleep instead.
Too tired to do any work tonight.
Ding!
"Be there in a sec!"
Adjusting the dark ring on my hand, I glanced at my reflection and smiled.
Black NMD sneakers, matching jeans and plain shirt. Since it's summer I'm not wearing my usual hoodie outside, but at home? Aircon on and I'm a damn Eskimo.
Glancing at my single earring – a blacked out cross – I adjusted my watch and sighed, smiling.
"That should be fine for tonight."
Ruffling my black hair, I adjusted my glasses before opening the door.
"Took you long enough," Kazuya muttered. "Aren't you just going to work?"
I scoffed as I exited, locking my door before we made our way out.
"Appearances still matter," I said as we left the apartment complex.
"Bleh. Anyway, how's College going?"
Walking along the footpath, we turned a corner as we made our way towards the train station.
"Pretty good so far," I said. "I've made a few friends, but mostly keep to myself. How about you?"
"Me?" Kazuya hummed. "I'm doing fine."
"Lies," I deadpanned. "Last night when I went to give you some dinner, I could hear you wailing. Honestly, sounded like a banshee dying in there."
Watching Kazuya get flustered, I yawned, stretching my arms above my head.
"Let me guess; you broke up with you girlfriend you kept bragging about?"
I sighed as Kazuya deflated, his lip trembling as tears welled up in his eyes.
"You're actually pathetic, ay."
I kept walking as Kazuya sulked beside me, head down as he sniffled.
"Still, I don't know how if it's your fault or not," I said. "But stop making a mess of yourself in public. You'll get over it in time."
Patting him on the back, we reached the train station and made our way silently on board.
Sitting down, I eyed Kazuya standing up in front of me before shaking my head.
I remember him telling me about this, about how he met this girl – 'Mami chan' – and how they were dating. He was way too enthusiastic, so I believed him, and now a month later they've broken up.
I honestly don't believe it was Kazuya's fault they split. My brother… he is many things. Selfish, petty, impulsive; he constantly makes frustrating choices on a whim, but he's also surprisingly caring. He's thoughtful of others and tries his best to make do on his promises.
Rubbing my wrists, I frowned and stopped, pulling my phone out instead.
Let's see… guess I'll catch up on some manga.
"Kei…"
"Mm? What's up?"
"You've had girlfriends before, right…?"
I frowned and looked up, Kazuya's eyes downcast.
"I have."
"How long were you two together for?"
Flexing my fingers, I get a subtle crack as I sighed, recalling old memories.
"About a year for the first," I said. "What's brought this up?"
"Why did you two…"
"She cheated on me," I said firmly. "It's as simple as that. Do you have anymore redundant questions? Or are you done."
Lifting my glasses, I rubbed the bridge of my nose and sighed.
"It hurts like hell, and you don't think you'll get over it," I said. "But overtime, as days and weeks pass, you'll slowly begin to forget. Sure, you'll have the occasional thought about them, but the feelings will fade, and you'll move on."
"Only by moving on, can time help heal your wounds, Kazuya."
"[Attention. We are approaching Roppongi Station. Please prepare to disembark if needed]"
Locking my phone, I stood up as the train slowed down, grabbing onto a handle.
The doors hissing open, we walked out silently, the noise of footsteps and chatter filling my ears instantly.
"Well, I'm off. Make sure to buy some proper food for yourself this time."
"…yeah, I will."
I sighed, shaking my head as I made my way towards my workplace.
I worry for that idiot sometimes.
"Last call for shots coming up! No more after midnight!"
Rubbing my throat, I walked around the corner and grabbed a water bottle as one of my coworkers poked her head around.
"Are you alright, Kei kun?"
I nodded, giving her a thumbs up.
"I'm fine, Kiri san. Just a dry throat."
"It wouldn't go well if one of my cutest bartenders overworked himself, y'know?~"
I snorted, rubbing my throat.
"A real sweet talker you are," I said. "Shouldn't you be out there?"
"I believe Aya chan can handle herself~"
Right…
My boss, Toshi Kirin, is a devilish young woman. Average height, curvy, sky-blue eyes and blonde hair, every guy that has seen her basically falls in love.
When I sat down for my interview here, we had a casual conversation in which she hired me right then and there. I was confused as hell, especially when I asked the reason and she said: 'Cos your cute!'
"Well, I'll head back out," I said.
"Don't push yourself too hard!"
Walking back around front, I smiled as people milled forwards, waiting for service.
"Kino kun! Two Jaeger Bombs!"
"Coming right up!"
Grabbing a red bull and jagermeifer, I quickly poured the drinks and slid them across the bar to Aya.
"Thanks!"
"Hey man, you free?"
Facing the man, I grinned and leaned forwards, cocking my eyebrow.
"Whatcha chasing, pussy?~"
"Watch it bitch, I can handle my liquor."
"Oh really?" I said sweetly. "Remember last week at all? When you tried to man up in front of that girl, and then your girlfriend caught you?"
Shoji grumbled as he slapped a note on the bar bench.
"Two shots of fireball whiskey. I ain't no bitch when it comes to drinking."
Grabbing the bottle, I placed two shot glasses in front of Shoji and poured his drinks, the intoxicating spirit filling the glass to the brim.
"You know the rules, but I'll let it slide here," I said. "Shot them, Shoji. Else I'll hit up the boys and let them know what you did tonight."
"You're a real scum bag, ya hear?!"
I laughed as I shooed him away.
"Have fun, man. And get home safe!"
"What are you? My mother?!"
I chuckled as Shoji wandered off before facing the next customer in line.
"Cann I gets an Asahii?"
Japans top beer, one bottle coming up!
"This is your last drink from here until you sober up, sis," I said, setting it on the table. "You and Shoji get home safe, okay Kira san?"
"Haaii~"
Next!
"Fire and ice times two."
Fireball and Alize. Not a bad combo.
"Gotcha. Enjoy."
Next!
"CC and Dry."
"I gotcha man."
A classic drink. Can't go wrong with this.
Setting down his drink, I smiled as he walked away before sighing, exhausted.
I suck at conversation making with new people or ransoms, so I'm glad we've got regulars that swing by every week. Shoji and Kira, those two always brighten my day up, and they've even integrated me into their friend group. They're good people, so I don't mind giving them a few drinks every now and then.
"Man, that was a lot tonight! How'd you guys go?"
"Excuse me~"
Another one, huh?
"Can I gets a… a shots of vodkaa~…. …zzZzZzz…."
I sighed as she fell asleep leaning against the bar, glancing at my boss as I made my way around.
"Kei kun, could you help her up?" Kiri said. "I'll go call a taxi. Aya chan, will you be fine on your own?"
"I should be fine, Kiri san."
Poking the sleeping drunk in the arm, her eyes fluttered open as she smiled sleepily at me, a fang sticking out.
"What's your name?" I asked, helping her to her feet.
"Baaah~ You so cuuttee!"
I sighed internally as she wrapped her arm around my neck, my hand on her waist as support as we walked towards the exit.
"We're getting you a taxi so you can get home," I said gently, nodding at the security guard on the way out. "Can you remember your address?"
"Itsss uhh… itz the apartmwent compwex!"
Great, that's a real help.
Looking up at the night sky, I felt her shiver and lean into me as a cold breeze whipped past, sending goosebumps up my spine.
"Istz cowld…"
"I don't have a jumper on me, so bare with me."
Waiting in silence, I felt my face burn slightly as the girl held onto my arm, clinging for warmth as she struggled to stay awake.
"Hey."
I nudged the girl as she moaned, eyes fluttering open as she focused on me.
"Do you live nearby?" I asked. "I need to know so we can get you home safely."
"Shibuyaa~"
Shibuyaa? So she lives in the same suburb as me, eh?
"An exact address at all?"
"Iszz… uhmm- apartment complex! I isz staying at Shibuyaa Student Complexx!"
…for real? The same place I'm at?
Ugh…
"Kei kun! Are you good out there?"
Looking over at Kirin, I gestured for her to come over, trying to ignore the girl basically hugging me at this point.
"What's wrong?"
"She lives in the same apartment complex as me," I frowned. "And the condition she's in… she won't even make it past the taxi."
"Ohh? Are you suggesting something, Kei kun? Such a naughty boy you are~"
I growled as Kirin nudged me in the ribs as she smiled.
"Well, I trust you," she said. "Go home for the night and get some rest. We'll be fine."
"Are you sure?"
Kirin winked at me as she ran back inside, blowing a kiss before disappearing.
…that woman… whatever, I guess I'll take an early night of sleep.
"…zzZzZzzZzzzZzz…"
Are you fuck- …goddamnit….
. . .
. .
.
"Oi, taxi's here," I said softly.
"…but warmy…"
I smiled at the taxi driver as we slowly made our way over, eventually settling into the back.
"Shibuya Student Complex please."
As the taxi moved, I frowned as the girl leaned against me again, drooling slightly in her sleep.
I still don't know her name, and here she is, using me as a goddamn dakimura. At least she's pretty cute, otherwise this situation would be a bit more uncomfortable.
"Zzz."
Well, guess I'll pass the time reading then.
Knock Knock Knock!
…who the fuck.. that isn't my alarm….
Knock Knock Knock!
Fukin… give me a sec, would ya…?
Glasses, where's glasses… ah, there they are….
. . .
. .
.
…hello..?
"Oh, good morning! Good morning! Are you the one who took me home last night? I really appreciate that. Arigato gozaimasu!"
Wait, wait, hol' up for a sec.
Rubbing my eyes, I blinked as my tired mind finally kicked into gear.
Short, long black hair, red eyes and a fang sticking out as well as a pretty good figure…
"Oh, your that chick that used me as a dakimura last night."
She tilted her head curiously.
"I did?"
"Huh? How the hell do you remember I took you home last night, but not anything before that?"
Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I sighed, undoing the chain on my door as I stepped back
"There's no point talking about this outside," I said. "Come in and I'll make some coffee."
"Alrighty then! Excuse me!"
Watching her breeze in humming a tune, I sighed again, closing my door.
"As long as you don't touch my stuff, there shouldn't be a problem," I said. "Do you have a preference for coffee?"
"I'll take a mocha please!"
"Alright then… and please put something else on, that sweaters not doing much for you."
"Ah, it's fine, it's fine~ I know you're not a sleezy guy~"
…seriously, that sweaters hanging off a shoulder and you're wearing short shorts. I barely know you and you're this comfortable around me?
Grabbing the coffee handle, the beans finished grinding as I compressed them before I placed it into the machine. Hitting a large shot, I poured milk into my steaming jug and began heating it, creating some foam before glancing behind me.
"Oi, I said don't touch my stuff."
Seriously, she's browsing the web on my laptop after I said not to, and she's on my bed like it's her own. She's seriously a different breed.
Pouring the milk into the cup, I began making her mocha as I set my drink to the side.
"Ehh? You make manga? That's so cool!"
This chick…!
Sitting at the end of my table, I set our drinks on my end and raised a brow.
"No way in hell you're drinking next to my setup," I said. "Scoot over would ya?"
Watching her move over, I sighed, tilting my glasses as she picked up her coffee.
"So, let's start off with introductions," I said. "Kinoshita Kei, bartender at the Zodiac nightclub, and the victim to drunk girl last night."
"Aww, don't be like that~ I'm sure you enjoyed a sleeping beauty on your arm!"
Raising a peace sign, she winked, poking her tongue out as she struck a strange pose.
"Yaemori Mini! Thank you very much for your assistance last night!"
…right….
"Well, now that you're here, pay up."
"Eh?"
"Taxis aren't cheap ya know," I said, resting my head against my hand. "And I had to leave work early, so I wont get as much pay for that shift."
Sipping my coffee, I grinned devilishly.
"What? You thought I was just going to let that slide?" I snorted. "Hell naw. I've got rent to pay too!"
"Ehh? Then how about this!"
I leaned back as Yaemori moved forwards, sticking her face in front of mine.
"You can join me in one of my livestreams!" She chirped. "I'm sure I could get some high ratings and more donations with a bishounen like you!"
"E-Excuse me?"
"It'll be epic!"
Standing up with clenched fists and sparkling eyes, I coughed, fighting the blush on my face as I drank my coffee.
"We could totally do you up as Kaneki kun! And I could be Touka chan!"
Setting my cup down, I sighed as she sat back down, lost in her thoughts.
"And how would this benefit me exactly?"
Yaemori grinned smugly as I frowned.
"Internet fame! Internet friends! Socialising with people from across the world as they compliment how cute you are! Isn't that just the best!?"
…I'd like to keep to myself, but to get my manga out there…. …hmm, this could work in my favour surprisingly.
"I have but one condition."
Raising a finger, I cleared my throat quietly.
"I'll watch your first livestream, and partake in the second," I said. "First to see how it functions, and the second to promote my manga for when it releases. This way you repay me for last night and I get some publicity."
"Yes sir! Straight away sir!"
I sighed as she sat down, grinning and humming to herself like she just received an amazing present.
"So?" I asked. "When are we gonna do it?"
"Hmm… how about right now?"
"W-What?!"
Turning to face my door, I raised my hand in greetings.
"Oh, hello Kazuya," I said blankly. "When'd you get there?"
"T-T-That's not important!" He snapped. "What do you mean, how about right now?!"
I snapped my fingers.
"Oh, that?"
Shaking my head, I gestured to Yaemori who grinned and waved enthusiastically.
"I'm gonna go do that with her. Mind leaving so I can lock up?"
"K-Kei!"
I sighed, waving my hand lazily into his direction as I closed my eyes.
"This isn't what you think it is," I yawned. "Why you in my apartment anyway?"
"O-Oh, right! Do you mind if we talk in private…?"
Hm… he seems kinda serious about this… this is rare.
"Yaemori san, do you mind…?"
"Hai hai! I've overstayed my welcome anyway!"
Watching the door close, I sighed and leaned backwards as Kazuya sat nearby.
"So, what did you need to talk about?"
"I've…"
His hands are clenched, and his eyes shut tight… what's wrong, brother?
"I've fucked up!"
Woah! Don't slam your head into my table dipshit! That's expensive!
Prying his head up, I growled at the small indent before pushing him away.
"Well ya just fucked up then too!" I snapped. "Tell me what you did before I hit ya harder!"
"I rented a girlfriend and now Grandma thinks we're dating!"
You… fucking… what-
"I need your help!"
This fuckwit-!
"Like hell you're getting it!"
Rubbing my knuckles, I sighed and fixed my crooked glasses, ignoring Kazuya moaning in pain.
"There better be a good explanation for this," I muttered, standing up.
Grabbing out an ice-pack, I tossed it at Kazuya, hitting him in the back before falling onto my mattress with a grunt.
"Explain from the start."
"After Mai chan broke up with me, I found this website called 'Rent a GF'…"
"…and that's how we ended up like this."
Fuckkk me…
Rubbing my eyes, I sighed as I stared at my ceiling.
"Gotta make things difficult, don't ya?"
Sitting up, I groaned, rubbing the back of my neck as Kazuya looked down at his hands.
"Well, this 'Mizuhara Chizuru', have you encountered her out of these 'dates'?"
"W-Well…"
Are you..?!
"Come with me right now!"
Grabbing Kazuya from the shirt, I dragged him towards my door as I growled.
Fucking idiot.
Thud Thud Thud!
This is her apartment, right?
Knock Knock!
"…who is it?"
"Ichinose san, it's Kinoshita Kei."
As the door creaked open, I watched Ichinose peek through the crack in her door, frowning.
"Oh? Kinoshita san and…"
Her face twisted in surprise and disgust as I sighed.
"Ichinose san…"
Bowing deeply, I forced Kazuya to bow as well, gripping his head tight.
"I'm very sorry for the mess my brother has created. If there's anything I can do to help out with fixing this up, please let me know."
"Y-You told him?!"
"H-He would've figured it out eventually!"
"Anyway…"
Pushing Kazuya aside, I sighed and rubbed the bridge of my nose.
"Ichinose san, if there's anything, please let me know. I know how uselessly pathetic he can be."
"Oi! That hurts, y'know!"
"Then do something about it!"
. . .
. .
.
Haah, that was a bit too harsh, wasn't it…?
"Kazuya…"
SLAM!
Fucks sake…
"Are you two...?"
I waved off her concern as I leaned against the railing.
"He'll get over it eventually," I sighed. "Sorry for disturbing you so early in the day, Ichinose san."
"N-No, it's alright!"
"Well, I think I'll go for a walk. Seeya."
Seriously, I didn't think I'd lash out like that at him… I'll have to apologise later on….
"Gotcha!~"
What the?!
Thud
"Bwaaaaa~"
AN: So, I've started a new story. Something completely different to what I normally write.
What's that? Finish the stories I already have?
Naaaaahh~
Apart from my inability to write now, I thought I'd branch out and just start writing stories for a bit of everything.
S o , don't expect this story to update on a regular basis, or for it to even be finished. I hate to say it, but I can't make the promise for this, but I'll try my best!
[P S ] : THIS PART IS IMPORTANT SO LISTEN UP OKAY! - - - - - - This story introduces a girl from the manga early on. So, I'd recommend reading the manga (it's still updating btw, you can read on Mangakakalot) or just search up the character Yaemori Mini so you know what she looks like :)
Thanks for reading, this is the only beginning!
- Striderm8