Rent a Girlfriend Fanfic: Stepping Out of the Shadows

Chapter 4:

But after a few more seconds of watching them, her jealousy turned to panic. What if they noticed her standing there, staring at them? She could not stand the idea of being discovered spying on them. Her heart was racing as she hurriedly returned to her apartment.

As she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it and took a deep breath. She knew she had to get a hold of herself. She could not let her emotions get the best of her. After all, she was just a rental girlfriend, nothing more. She could not expect Kazuya to only have eyes for her.

"Who is that girl?!" Chizuru wondered.

"I have never seen her before. Has she only recently moved here?"

"I don't know anything about her. How did they even meet?"

"Is this even the first time they have met? Do they have any history?"

"Perhaps she's already Kazuya's girlfriend."

"I suppose it's understandable that he'd start hanging out with other girls after what I did to him." I just didn't think it would be someone I hadn't met yet."

"I hate to admit it, but she is absolutely stunning, possibly even more beautiful than I am."

"I need to get some answers; not knowing anything about her is driving me insane."

Chizuru's stomach rumbled loudly, reminding her that she had not eaten for a while. She stood up and walked to her kitchen, but soon enough she realised that she only had ramen at home. She did not want to go outside and risk running into Kazuya with that girl.

She sighed and leaned against the counter. This was ridiculous. She could not keep hiding in her apartment just because she was avoiding Kazuya. She needed to face him eventually.

But just the thought of seeing him again, especially after seeing him with another girl, made her stomach churn. She could not deal with the awkwardness right now.

She paced back and forth in her kitchen, trying to produce a solution. Maybe she could order food delivery and avoid going outside altogether? But then she remembered that she had already spent too much money on food delivery this month.

She groaned in frustration, wishing she could just make this problem disappear. But she knew that was not possible. She needed to confront her feelings and face Kazuya.

"I guess I'll just eat plain ramen again."


Kazuya walked home from the gym with Enomoto Akane, his new workout friend. Kazuya could not stop himself from complimenting Akane's physique and skills.

"Wow, Akane, you were really killing it back then," Kazuya commented, admiring her toned arms and thighs. "You must be putting in a lot of effort."

Akane grinned, a little self-conscious. " Thank you, Kazuya. "I've been trying to push myself more recently."

"Well, it's definitely paying off," Kazuya smiled. "You are a true inspiration."

Akane laughed. "Oh, please stop. I've still got a long way to go."

"I'm really feeling the burn after that last set of squats," Kazuya said, rubbing his sore legs.

"I know, right? But it is worth it in the end," Akane replied, smiling.

"How long have you been working out?" he inquired.

"I've been working out for about four years," Akane responded.

Kazuya was amazed and inquired about some pointers for newcomers like himself. "Do you have any fitness advice for someone who is just getting started?"

Akane nodded and began to share some advice. "Sure, the first thing you should do is make sure to warm up properly before starting any exercises, which can include light cardio or some dynamic stretching. It's also important to start with exercises that focus on building strength and stability in your core and other major muscle groups."

Kazuya listened intently and sought information about nutrition. "How about diet?" Is there anything I should change about what I eat?"

Akane beamed and continued to advise him. "Absolutely. Proper nutrition is critical to reaching your fitness objectives. Consume lots of lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. "Avoid processed foods and sugary beverages as much as possible."

Akane was completing her tips when she had an idea. "But Kazuya-kun, do you know what? When it comes to exercise, you do not really need any advice. I'm always available to accompany you and teach you the ropes."

The thought lit up Kazuya's visage. "Really? That would be incredible, Akane-san. Thank you incredibly much!"

"No worries, Kazuya-kun. "I'd be delighted to assist you," Akane said with a grin. "Just let me know when you're available to begin, and we'll work out a schedule that works for both of us."

"I had a great time working out with you," Kazuya said. "Can I get your LINE number?"

Akane smiled. "Of course," she said. "Let me give you, my number." She took out her phone and typed in her contact information, then handed it over to Kazuya.

"Thanks," Kazuya said as he saved her contact details. "I'll definitely reach out to you soon."

Akane nodded. "I'm looking forward to it," she said.

Kazuya and Akane stood in front of Kazuya's apartment building, talking and laughing as they said their goodbyes.

"It was a pleasure meeting you," Kazuya said, smiling at Akane.

"Likewise," Akane responded, returning the smile. "I'm hoping we can work out again soon."

"Yeah, definitely," Kazuya said. "Enjoy the rest of your day!"

"You too," Akane said as she strode away, waving.

Kazuya turned towards his apartment building, but something odd caught his eye out of the corner of his eye. Chizuru's door, which was normally shut, was abruptly closing quickly.