Rent a Girlfriend Fanfic: Stepping Out of the Shadows Part II

Chapter 2:

Dear Mizuhara,

I hope this message comes at an enjoyable time. I would want to begin by expressing that our time together was filled with both joy and confusion. I treasured every hour we spent together, and I genuinely believed that something wonderful was developing between us.

Recent events, however, have brought me to a harsh realization. I saw you with Umi, and you two appeared to be sincerely in love. I cannot deny my feelings for you, but I also cannot reject the truth in front of my eyes.

It is obvious to me now that you have discovered someone more suitable - Umi. And, as much as it pains me, I must recognize that I cannot compete with the love you have for him. I cannot handle the thought of becoming a burden or adding to your confusion and misery.

As a result, I have decided to let you free. I will inform my family that we have broken up and that you have found someone who actually makes you happy. I want you to be able to explore your emotions with Umi without interruption from me.

Please understand that this decision is not easy for me. I care for you deeply, and letting you go is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But I want what is best for you, even if it means stepping out of your life.

I will not be a bother to you anymore. I will give you the space you need to figure out your feelings and what you genuinely want.

Thank you for the wonderful memories we created together. You have taught me so much about love and life, and I will always cherish the time we spent together.

Take care of yourself, Mizuhara. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I hope you find it with Umi or whoever your heart desires.

With all my best wishes,

Kazuya

Chizuru sat on the ground, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at the message on her phone screen. She read and reread the words Kazuya had sent, feeling a mix of emotions swirl within her. "I'll inform my family that we've broken up and that you've found someone who actually makes you happy." A solitary tear fell from her eye and ran down her cheek.

The tidal wave of his choice washed over her, and she hid her face in her hands, her cries muffled by her palms. "Chizuru-san? "Are you all right?" Sumi inquired; her voice apprehensive.

Chizuru hurriedly wiped away her tears and cleared her throat, attempting to calm herself. As she gazed up at Sumi, she mustered a feeble grin. "Sumi-chan, I'm sorry. Chizuru hesitated, her voice shaking, "I... I'm fine."

Sumi's pupils constricted with distrust. She had known Chizuru long enough to see when something was not right. "Please don't lie to me, Chizuru-san." I can see you are bothered by something. "Can you explain what happened?"

Chizuru looked up, her vision obscured by tears, and handed the note to Sumi. "It comes from Kazuya... He no longer wants to see me."

As Sumi read the message, her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, my goodness, Chizuru-san, I... I can't believe this."

Chizuru sniffled and nodded, hardly audible above a whisper. "I understand, Sumi-chan. It's simply... so unexpected."

Sumi sat down next Chizuru, a loving hand on her shoulder. "Perhaps Chizuru-san has his reasons." But... have you ever discussed your relationship? "How did you feel?"

"It is complicated, and I may made some mistakes along the way." Chizuru said ashamed.

Sumi smiled sympathetically at her. "Perhaps this is a wake-up call. Maybe he's trying to get you to communicate with each other, to really open up to one other."

Chizuru's face wrinkled, a glimmer of optimism piercing her despair. "You think so?"

Sumi gave a nod. "It's understandable. When people are in a bind, they may resort to severe measures. Perhaps he wants for you to fight for what you have."

Chizuru's resolve solidified. She grabbed her phone, her fingers moving with newfound determination. "I'm going to call him and talk things out."

As Chizuru dialled Kazuya's number, her heart pounded in her chest. She held her breath as the phone rang, but her hope quickly turned to disappointment as the call went straight to voicemail. She looked at Sumi with a mixture of frustration and despair. "He blocked me..."

Sumi sighed, squeezing Chizuru's hand reassuringly. "Chizuru-san, I'm so sorry. But maybe this is a sign that you need some time apart to really figure things out."

Chizuru leaned against Sumi, her tears starting to flow again. "I just don't know what to do, Sumi-chan. I'm lost."

Sumi hugged her tightly. "You're not alone, Chizuru-san. I'll be here for you, and we'll get through this together."

Kazuya shifted uncomfortably on the couch, his fingers idly tracing patterns on his jeans as he waited for Akane to return.

"Okay, relax Akane, just ask him."

Akane emerged from another room, her presence as captivating as ever. In her hands, she carried a neatly folded futon, and a welcoming smile graced her lips. "Here, Kazuya-kun. You can use this futon for the night. It's a spare one that my little sister uses when she stays over."

Kazuya nodded and was about to head to another room to set up the futon when Akane gently placed a hand on his arm. "Actually, Kazuya-kun, I was thinking we could sleep in the same room. It is cozier that way, don't you think?"

His cheeks flushed slightly as he glanced at her in surprise. "Oh, uh, if you're okay with that..."

Akane's smile deepened, and she gestured towards a space near the couch. "I think it's cozier this way. We can each have our own space but still be close enough to talk. What do you say?"

Kazuya paused before offering a tiny smile. "Yeah, that sounds... nice."

Kazuya could not help but feel embarrassed and intrigued as they set up their futons side by side.

Kazuya-kun," Akane said, breaking his thoughts and attracting his attention to her. "What does the future hold for you and Chizuru-san?"

Kazuya turned to face her, his face a mixture of contemplation and confusion. "To be honest, Akane-san, I'd like to let her free. I would like to cut our contact short and move on. "I'd like to inform my family of our 'breakup.'"

Akane's gaze was steady, and there was a depth to her eyes that he had not noticed before. "And you believe that's the best thing to do?"

Kazuya nodded, his voice firm. "Yeah, I think it's time. We have been caught in this mess for too long. It's for the best."

As he absorbed her words, Kazuya's mind raced. Akane's voice became more fun before he could react. "By the way, Kazuya-kun, have you thought about how you'll avoid Chizuru-san if you're living next to her?"

His eyes widened as he realized what was going on. "Oh, no, I completely forgot about that!"

As he examined her question, Kazuya's forehead wrinkled. He had not even begun to confront that fact. "Avoiding her... right," he murmured, his voice trembling.

Akane's stare was penetrating, her gaze fixed on him. "It might be more difficult than you think."

In annoyance, Kazuya sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. "I know, but I just... I can't bear the thought of hearing her voice or seeing her with Umi-kun in that apartment."

Akane's expression softened, a hint of understanding in her eyes. "So, you're thinking of moving away?"

Kazuya nodded, his gaze drifting to the floor. "Yeah, I think I need to. I do not know where to go, though. My old room is taken by a transfer student, and I'm not sure if I can impose on my friends."

Akane's eyes twinkled with malice. "How about Ruka?" "You two appeared to be close."

Kazuya shook his head and pressed his lips together. "I appreciate the suggestion, but that's not an option."

He saw a shift in Akane's mood as the words left his mouth. Her eyes twinkled with jealousy, and her lips twisted into a mischievous smile. "But what about Sumi?" "How about Mami?"

Kazuya's cheeks flushed as she realized the gravity of her remarks. "No, no, they're not like that. They're actually just friends."

Akane's fun grin changed to something more serious, and she met his gaze squarely. "I have an idea, Kazuya-kun." You are welcome to stay here for the time being."

Kazuya's eyes widened, shock flashing across his features. "Wait a minute, what? "Are you sure?"

Akane nodded, her voice steady. "You are welcome to remain here. Isn't that a solution?"

Kazuya opened his lips to object, but Akane's stare silenced him. Her offer, while unexpected, appeared genuine. He examined the idea, his hesitation clashing with the sense of urgency he was experiencing. "I... I am not sure. It is only..."

Akane drew in closer, her soothing voice comforting. "You need a place to stay, Kazuya-kun, and I have an extra room." We can talk about this tomorrow. For the time being, let us just concentrate on the present."

Kazuya's resistance began to waver, his thoughts spinning within him like a hurricane. "I'm guessing we'll be... roommates?"

Akane's lips twitched with a naughty grin. "Seems that way, doesn't it?"

"Now it is my turn, bitch."