Rent a Girlfriend Fanfic: Stepping Out of the Shadows
Chapter 13:
"Hello, Chizuru." I was wondering if you might set up a practice date with Kazuya-kun for me?"
Chizuru's brows furrowed, contemplating how to respond. She understood that Sumi had developed feelings for Kazuya, but asking him to go on a date, even a practice one, felt like a delicate matter.
After a moment of contemplation, Chizuru typed a reply to Sumi, expressing her hesitance.
"Hello, Sumi!" I cannot ask him that right now. I can't go into detail right now, but it's complicated."
"If you want, you can ask him yourself." I can give you his LINE ID."
"Oh okay. I will text him later. Thank you!"
"Good luck! "
With a sense of relief and concern intertwined, Chizuru shared Kazuya's phone number with Sumi, hoping that they could find a resolution to their feelings without causing any harm or misunderstanding. After the conversation with Sumi came to a halt, Chizuru let out a long, weary sigh.
The weight of the situation bore down on Chizuru's shoulders. She knew that she could not leave things as they were. It was essential to have a heartfelt conversation with Kazuya to address the complexities that had arisen. Picking up her phone once again, Chizuru contemplated reaching out to him.
She turned her attention back to the script of the next play, allowing herself to once again be immersed in the world of the characters she portrayed, albeit with a renewed determination to navigate her own personal journey as well.
As the sun rose on Monday morning, Kazuya prepared himself for another day of classes. When he stepped outdoors, he was met with a lovely scene. Akane waited there, smiling and waving, eager to accompany him on their way to university. Kazuya's face lit up with joy, and he returned her smile with equal delight. They set off together, their footsteps in time and their spirits soaring.
It was not long before they arrived at the college gate, and just as they were ready to enter, their paths crossed with Kuri and Kibe, Kazuya's long-time friends. Kuri's sharp eyes soon caught sight of Akane and Kazuya, piqued his interest.
"Hey, Kazuya," Kuri began with a playful grin. "Who's this cute girl?"
A brief moment of hesitation passed through Kazuya's mind. He knew his friends had noticed a change in him during the period of ghosting, but he had not shared the full story with them yet. However, with Akane by his side, he felt a newfound confidence and decided to let them in on the truth, albeit with a hint of mystery.
"She's actually a good friend I recently met," Kazuya replied, his smile widening. "Her name is Akane."
At that moment, Akane interjected playfully, adding a touch of light-heartedness to the conversation. "Oh, yes. I am Kazuya's personal trainer now," she announced with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. And before anyone could react, she effortlessly lifted Kazuya off his feet, much to the surprise of Kuri and Kibe.
Laughter erupted from the group as Akane showcased her strength, and Kazuya found himself in the air for a fleeting moment, held securely by his new friend. Kuri and Kibe's amusement grew, and they could not help but join in the mirthful atmosphere.
After a gentle descent back to solid ground, Kazuya regained his footing, his cheeks flushed from both the laughter and the unexpected display of strength.
"It is unfair man! You keep meeting those beautiful girls! Save some for the rest of us!" Kibe said half-jokingly.
"He'd still be stuck under that bar if I hadn't helped him back then." Akane remarked humorously.
With smiles lingering on their faces, Kibe and Kuri expressed their need to attend their respective classes. "Well, it's been fun, but we have to get going," Kibe said, nudging Kuri playfully. "We forgot to get some coffee."
Kuri nodded in agreement. "Catch you later, Kazuya. Take care!"
"See you guys later!"
As Kazuya and Akane walked towards the campus, Kuri and Kibe could not help but notice the change in their friend's demeanor. Kazuya appeared happier and more at ease than before. Kuri, who was aware of the rental situation involving Chizuru, could not help but suspect that there was more to Kazuya's improved state of mind than a simple breakup.
"Hmm, Kibe, have you noticed how Kazuya seems to be doing better now?" Kuri asked, his curiosity piqued.
Kibe, a skilled observer in his own right, nodded attentively. "I've noticed that as well. He's obviously happier than he was a few weeks ago, but I can't help but wonder if there's more to it than just splitting up with Chizuru."
Kuri sat with his arms crossed, immersed in concentration. "You know, I have my doubts as well." There's clearly something unusual about him."
Kuri's mind raced as they continued going, trying to piece together the puzzle. He could not deny that Kazuya had discovered fresh joy in the presence of Akane. It was as if she had thrown some sunshine into his existence. Kuri wondered if Kazuya's improved mood was related to his blossoming friendship with Akane.
"Hey, Kibe," Kuri responded, softly dropping his voice. "I can't help but wonder if Akane has anything to do with Kazuya's new demeanor." I mean, this is the first time we've seen her, and they appear to be close."
Kibe furrowed his brow as he considered Kuri's comments. "You could be onto something, Kuri." Kazuya and Akane-sans friendship appears to be flourishing, and she clearly brings out the best in him. Perhaps she is helping him in healing from more than simply a breakup."
Kuri nodded, his suspicions rising. "Exactly. We know Kazuya does not discuss many of his romantic escapades, but he appears more open and at comfortable with Akane. There's clearly more to this narrative, and it has something to do with Chizuru."
"I don't think this will be the only time we see her." Kibe exclaimed, laughing.
"Yeah, I agree." Kuri said.
Chizuru found herself sitting on a bench with her friends, Kawanaka Yuki and Youko Shinpo, absorbed in a conversation. They talked about a variety of topics while laughing and catching up on each other's lives. Chizuru could not help but see a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye amid the nice chat.
Her heart skipped a beat when she cast a glimpse in that direction. It was Kazuya, this time on campus, talking animatedly with Akane.
"Why are they always together?"
"Chizuru, what's going on?" Kawanaka inquired; her voice concerned. "Why are you staring at him?" Oh, it is Kinoshita-kun!"
Chizuru, caught off guard, hurriedly averted her gaze, attempting to compose herself. "Oh, it's nothing," she said, her tone seeking to conceal her discomfort. "I was just lost in thought."
Youko, ever astute, was unconvinced by Chizuru's statement. "All right, Chizuru. We have known each other for far too long to believe it. We noticed you staring at Kazuya, and it appears that something is worrying you. Is there something going on between you two?"
Chizuru paused, her thoughts rushing to produce an adequate response. "I... I do not know," she finally said, her voice soft and vulnerable. "We haven't spoken in a while, so I'm not sure about his current situation."
Kawanaka and Youko exchanged worried looks as they realized there were more to the story than Chizuru was willing to divulge.
"We understand, Chizuru," Kawanaka said gently, placing a comforting hand on her friend's. "If there's anything you want to talk about, we're here for you."
Chizuru offered a small smile of gratitude, appreciating her friends' support. "Thank you, both of you. Right now, I am just trying to focus on other things. Let's enjoy our time together."
Though her words were filled with determination, Chizuru could not shake off the unease that lingered within her. The sight of Kazuya with Akane had stirred up emotions she had tried to bury, leaving her questioning the nature of their relationship.
Chizuru prepared for her evening acting lessons as the sun began to set, creating a warm golden glow over the city. She had always treasured these occasions because they allowed her to immerse herself in the world of the performing arts and briefly escape the weight of her personal troubles.
Chizuru's gaze was pulled to a notice board displaying information about the next play as soon as he entered the theatre. It was a romantic comedy in which the two main characters eventually became a couple. The debut date was set for April 10th, which also happened to be Chizuru's birthday. The importance of the date struck her with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
Chizuru felt a surge of optimism as she understood that this play had the potential to advance her career. Getting the lead female role would not only allow her to show off her skills, but it would also boost her chances of being spotted by industry pros.
Chizuru's determination shone brightly as the casting process began. She has rehearsed her lines, poured her heart and her into each scene, and had a compelling presence on stage. She wished for the chance to play the primary female character and convey the emotions and intricacies of a passionate affair.
"Chizuru-san, it would be amazing if we both got cast as the leads," Umi said, a twinkle of excitement in his eyes. "Our chemistry would be undeniable, and we could create something truly special on stage."
A smile played on Chizuru's lips as she responded, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "You're right, Umi. If we both land the lead roles, we could bring the characters to life in a way that captivates the audience. Let's give it our all and hope for the best."
n a quiet and cozy corner of her room, Sumi sat diligently at her desk, her laptop open in front of her. Her delicate fingers danced across the keyboard with purpose, typing away as her face bore a look of determination. The soft glow of the screen illuminated her features, accentuating her focused expression.
