Rent a Girlfriend Fanfic: Stepping Out of the Shadows

Chapter 11:

With a mixture of curiosity and slight apprehension, he answered the call.

"Hello, Mami-san." "How are you?" Kazuya greeted her, his voice a little tired.

"Hello, Kazu-kun." "I just wanted to make sure your room was clean like I asked," Mami said, her tone slightly distant.

Kazuya activated his camera and showed her the now-clean room.

"Yeah, it's all clean and tidy. I made sure to do it properly. But why didn't you come like you told me you would?"

On the other end, there was a brief pause, and Kazuya detected a tinge of reluctance in Mami's response. "Something happened, Kazu-kun. I got caught up in some urgent matters, and I am now really busy. I barely had a few minutes to call and check in on you."

"Ah, I see. "Good luck with your troubles." Kazuya stated.

"I appreciate it. "Good luck with getting over Chizuru-san." Mami stated this.

"By the way, I'll make a point of checking in on you more frequently from now on." I want to make certain that you are taking care of yourself." Mami added.

"Sure," Kazuya replied.

Kazuya sat up taller as Mami said goodbye and hung up the phone, reflecting on what had happened at work only moments before.

He ran into Ruka again there and they had an interesting talk.


Kazuya stepped into a vibrant karaoke bar, the sound of music and laughter filling the air. Amongst the lively crowd, he spotted Ruka, her exuberance evident as she greeted him with a bright smile.

"Kazuya! Look at you!" Ruka exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise. She immediately noticed the absence of his once prominent beard. In her mind, the sudden change signaled a shift in his priorities, a sign that he was finally trying to take care of himself, and it could only mean one thing – he was moving on from Chizuru.

"Why did you shave off your beard?" Ruka inquired, her voice full of interest.

Kazuya simply shrugged, a carefree smile on his face. "It just felt like it was time," he said, his tone ambiguous.

Ruka had a sneaking suspicion there was more to the story, and her curiosity got the best of her. She persisted, her questioning centered on Chizuru, the girl who had won the heart of the boy Ruka adores.

"But what about Chizuru?" Ruka pressed, her eyes searching Kazuya's for answers. "Have you two been talking? Have you seen each other?"

Kazuya's responses were imprecise, with no specifics. "Yeah, we've talked," he said, allowing opportunity for interpretation in his remarks.

Ruka's mind raced, her emotions taking control. She was frustrated and resentful because she thought Kazuya's newfound appearance was a direct result of reconnecting with Chizuru.

"You're talking to her again, aren't you?" Ruka's voice was tinged with bitterness. "That's the only reason you've changed your appearance. It is all thanks to her!"

"Yeah, but by chance." I just happened to run into her. Before bumping into her, I shaved my beard already." Kazuya stated.

"If you want to see it from her point of view. You should contact her to seek some answers." Kazuya stated solemnly.

A sense of finality crept over them as the words left Kazuya's lips. The debate came to a halt, leaving Ruka with a decision to make. She had to decide whether she wanted to seek clarity from Chizuru or continue to guess about the dynamics between Kazuya and the girl who held his heart.

After their shift has ended, Ruka and Kazuya were walking side by side, the city lights throwing a soft glow over their path. It was a brief moment of friendship in the midst of the crowded streets.

Ruka broke the hush with her determined voice. "I've made up my mind, Kazuya. I am going to speak with Chizuru myself. I need to find the information I'm looking for."

Kazuya looked at her, his countenance a mix of surprise and anxiety. "Are you certain, Ruka?" It might not be simple. Chizuru can be quite protective."

Ruka nodded firmly. "I know it's not going to be easy, but I have to do it for myself." I require closure. "I need to know where I am and what my next step should be."

Ruka paused at a fork in the road, turning to face Kazuya. As she spoke, her voice softened and her words became more vulnerable. "And Kazuya, what I said earlier was true. I am available whenever you are. We can go on a date if you are okay with it. Just let me know when you're available."

Kazuya looked her in the eyes, appreciation and hesitation merging. "I appreciate your understanding and support, Ruka." Let us take it one step at a time, shall we? We'll figure it all out together."

Ruka and Kazuya said their goodbyes and parted ways, leaving those words hanging in the air. Kazuya walked approached his flat, his mind racing with a mix of excitement and dread.


"I really hope she gets some answers for herself."

"Ruka-chan is a beautiful girl, but I'm not interested in her." I hope she finds someone who loves her as much as she loved me."


March 9, Saturday 2019.

Kazuya found himself in the gym, his face etched with determination. Nerves tingled through his body as he neared the pull-up bar. Akane stood nearby, her words full of motivation.

"Kazuya, come on! You have got this!" Akane yelled, her words ringing through the air. "Give it all you've got!"

Kazuya took a deep breath and grasped the bar, his muscles straining as he tried his first pull-up. The intensity of the occasion was met with Akane's unwavering encouragement. Despite his best attempts, Kazuya was unable to finish a full set, only completing one pull-up.

"Excellent work, Kazuya!" You accomplished it!" Akane exclaimed, her voice filled with real joy. "I knew you could do it!"

They kept working out together, sweat flowing from their brows but spirits soaring. As they pushed one other to new heights, laughter and lighthearted banter filled the air. It was their second time working out together, and the camaraderie they enjoyed enhanced the experience.

Kazuya could not help but feel a sense of success after finishing each workout and rep. Akane's constant support and contagious energy had elevated his spirits, propelling him to previously unimaginable heights.

We observe Kazuya and Akane walking together on the busy streets, the echoes of their workout still echoing through their bodies. Kazuya summoned the confidence to thank you, his voice filled with sincerity.

"You know, Akane, I'm really thankful for all the help you've given me," Kazuya said solemnly, his gaze meeting hers. "You've motivated and encouraged me to improve."

Akane's face lit up with a bright smile as she softly shook her head. "Oh, no worries, Kazuya. I am delighted to help. We all need a little help now and then."

Kazuya's expression turned thoughtful. He wanted to do something in return, a gesture of appreciation, but before he could voice his intentions, his stomach rumbled loudly, breaking the seriousness of the moment. They burst into laughter, their shared amusement filling the air.

Chuckling, Akane turned to Kazuya. "Seems like your stomach has other plans, huh?"


A/N:

I will be busy in the coming 2 weeks, so the next chapter will be probably released around the end of May.