Rent a Girlfriend Fanfic: Stepping Out of the Shadows
Chapter 20:
"So, why did you ask me to help you with your shopping?" Mami inquired, obviously interested.
"You're never afraid to speak your mind, and that's exactly what I need right now to find good gifts for both Akane-san and Chizuru-san." With a tiny smile, Kazuya said.
Mami blushed at the compliment, her heart fluttering slightly. "Oh, Kazu-kun, you're so sweet. It is my pleasure to help you. But what kind of gifts were you planning to give them?"
Kazuya shook his head, seeming embarrassed. "To be honest, I'm not very good at this." My last gift to Chizuru-san was a box of pickled plums. It felt so generic."
Mami could not stop laughing, finding Kazuya's situation humorous. "Really, a box of pickled plums? You need all the help you can get."
"Yeah, I know," Kazuya admitted with a chuckle. That's why I thought you could have some suggestions."
Mami gave a thoughtful nod. "You're correct. Chizuru-san is consistently devoted to her acting career. She will be fatigued from her performances. What about a spa voucher? She can unwind and relax after her game."
Kazuya's eyes glowed with excitement. "What a brilliant idea!" I'm sure she'd appreciate it."
Mami and Kazuya continued their journey through the mall, and Mami was still unsure what to get for Akane. "So, tell me more about Akane-san," she said to Kazuya. What are her hobbies and interests? I want to select a gift that is absolutely appropriate for her."
"Well, Akane is quite the interesting individual," Kazuya replied after a brief pause. She enjoys working out and takes diligent care of herself. She enjoys yoga, meditation, and kickboxing for self-defence."
Mami nodded, taken aback by the description. "She appears to value both physical and mental well-being." What about her character? "How would you characterize her?"
"Akane is mysterious and enigmatic," Kazuya reflected on his contacts with her. She mostly keeps to herself, yet she has a tremendous desire to serve people and make a positive difference in the world. She is a thoughtful thinker who frequently contemplates the meaning of life and the cosmos."
Mami listened intently, gathering as much information as she could to locate an appropriate present. "She appears to be philosophical and caring." What about her history? Is there anything noteworthy in her life that has shaped who she is?"
"Yes, in the past, Akane struggled with being overweight, and sadly, she faced bullying and harassment from her classmates," Kazuya added. This motivated her to change her lifestyle by exercising and eating well. She is now very interested in fitness and self-defence, and she wants to prevent her younger sister from going through what she did."
Mami's eyes widened with compassion. "She's been through a lot and emerged stronger." I respect her resolve to protect her sister. It had to have influenced her career objectives."
"Certainly," agreed Kazuya. Akane is focused on finishing her studies and intends to work in social work or counselling. She wishes to help people in overcoming adversity and finding significance in their life."
Mami smiled, impressed by Akane's tenacity and commitment to her goals. "She appears to be a wonderful person with a lot of depth." Based on your information, I believe a customized refillable water bottle would be a lovely gift for her. It corresponds to her enthusiasm for fitness and self-care, and she can use it during her exercises and martial arts training."
Kazuya's eyes glowed with excitement. "Yeah I like that idea!" "I think she'll appreciate it."
Kazuya and Mami went shopping with their gift ideas in hand, looking for the right gifts for Chizuru and Akane. They had a good time together and laughing.
As Mami and Kazuya sat in the cosy booth of the burger joint, they could not help but feel relieved after successfully finding the perfect gifts for Akane and Chizuru. The aroma of sizzling burgers filled the air as they indulged in their favourite comfort food.
"So, how do you think the gifts will turn out?" Mami asked, taking a bite of her burger.
Kazuya smiled, feeling grateful for Mami's help. "Thanks to you, I'm pretty confident that Akane-san and Chizuru-san will love their gifts. You have a knack for understanding people."
Mami blushed, a warm sense of success coursing through her veins. "Oh, Kazu-kun, stop. I am just delighted I could help. We form a good team, you know."
They both laughed, their friendship becoming stronger with each passing second. As they talked, their topic shifted from gifts to their daily lives, as they shared stories and experiences. Mami discussed her college classes and charity work, while Kazuya talked about his time with Akane in greater detail.
A familiar sight drew their attention while they were enjoying each other's company. They were surprised to see Chizuru and Umi walking hand in hand, clearly absorbed in a vibrant conversation.
Mami and Kazuya exchanged astonished looks. "Wait, aren't they...?" Mami paused, her thoughts whirling with options.
"Chizuru..."
"Do you happen to know who that is?" Mami inquired, her gaze fixed on Chizuru.
Kazuya did not respond since he was at a loss for words because of what he had witnessed.
"Kazu-kun?"
"Does he know him?"
As they watched Chizuru and the mystery guy walk away, Kazuya finally regained his composure and explained, "Wait, I know who he is now. His name is Umi, and he is an actor friend of Chizuru's. They've known each other for a while."
Mami's eyes widened with intrigue. "Oh, so they're just friends then?"
"Well, I'm not entirely sure," Kazuya replied after a brief pause. Chizuru-san never mentions Umi-kun, so I'm not sure how close they are, but they're holding hands."
Mami's mind began to race with ideas. "Do you think they might be dating?"
"I honestly have no idea," Kazuya said, shaking his head. "Chizuru-san keeps her personal life private. And Umi-kun is unaware of the rental dating, therefore I doubt they would be on a rental date."
Mami nodded, realizing how complicated the situation was. "You're correct. That seems unlikely."
Kazuya and Mami began to piece together the hints they had noticed earlier after a few seconds of silence. Chizuru and Umi's relaxed body language, the way they held hands, everything seemed to speak to a deeper bond.
Kazuya finally spoke up, his voice tinged with surprise, "I think they might be dating for real."
Chizuru and Umi strolled through the crowded mall. After an exhausting day of rehearsals for their performance, they decided to spend some time together. Umi insisted on spending more time with them to develop their chemistry.
They noticed that many people were staring at them as they passed. Chizuru and Umi were both unquestionably attractive, and it was not lost on anyone. A bold female approached Umi and inquired, "Are you two dating?"
Umi looked at Chizuru, a little smile on his lips, and replied, "Yes, we are."
The girl's face sank, but she continued walking away, leaving Chizuru and Umi to resume their trek. Others who had been observing from a distance decided to give them some room as news spread that they were a couple. The crowd soon dispersed, leaving them to enjoy their time together.
As they walked, Umi could not help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. He liked the idea of being seen as Chizuru's boyfriend, but he wanted something more meaningful than just a 'date'. He wanted a real relationship with her.
With his heart pounding, Umi gathered the courage to reach for Chizuru's hand. However, she gently declined the gesture, surprising him.
"Chizuru-san, is something wrong?" Umi asked, worried that he had misread the situation.
Chizuru looked at him with a mix of emotions in her eyes. "You didn't do anything wrong! It's that I don't feel comfortable yet."
Umi smiled reassuringly. "That's okay, Chizuru-san. I understand. We can take things at your pace."
Umi kept the conversation light and delightful as they continued to walk and converse. He wanted Chizuru to be at ease and comfortable with him. Chizuru decided to hold hands with him after some more chatting and gentle persuading.
Umi felt a warmth flow through her heart as their fingers clasped. It was a tiny gesture, but it meant a lot to him. He hoped that this was the beginning of something more, a deeper bond between them.
"I hope that after the play it won't just be pretend."