Rent a Girlfriend: Moving Onward (Short Story) Part 2
Characters:
Kazuya Kinoshita
Chizuru Mizuhara
Mami Nanami
Ruka Sarashina
Sumi Sakurasawa
Nagomi Kinoshita
Yoshiaki Kibe
Shun Kuribayashi
Sayuri Ichinose
Continuation:
Leaving Sumi and making her way back to what was soon not to be her Apartment. She thought about her problems with the Co-Producer that was harassing her. She knew it was not really about the Ring. It was the fact that the older Man was interested in her physically and her being engaged hampered his delusion that she might relent to his advances. As subtle as they were, it was clear to her about his intentions. When he first subtly asked her out, she simply told him that she had a Boyfriend and his name was Kazuya. Even though they were not really together then, she found using Kazuya helped immensely in these type of situations. She chuckled to herself. "Maybe he actually was my Boyfriend from almost from the start." She muttered chuckling again. She glanced down at the Ring on her finger. She had utterly refused when the Co-Producer ordered her to remove the Ring. "Not for anything am I taking this off." She stated firmly. It was not that she was unaccustomed from having Men ask her out. She had been hit on by Boys and Men since she was 14 and she doubted that would ever change. Even after she married Kazuya. "Oh wow. I am going to Marry Kazuya." She whispered with a huge smile. Nearing the Apartment Building, she glanced up at Kazuya's Apartment. She knew he was there and she also knew he was once more Packing. But this time so that they could move in together into the One Bedroom Downstairs Apartment. When the door opened, she saw Kazuya carrying a box out of his Apartment. She smiled and waved. He smiled back. Which made her feel a lot better.
Inside her Apartment, Chizuru sat at her table and told Kazuya about her problem. He sat there for several minutes contemplating over what she had told him and then inhaled softly. "If you have to...you can take the Ring off." He said softly and she shook her head.
"Nope. Not happening. He is only demanding I do that because he has a thing for me and thinks that if I take it off I am basically saying that I am now single again. I know how these assholes think. No. If he pushes me too hard...I will just quit."
"You can't do that! Your dream of being an Actress is way more important then..." Kazuya was about to say him or their Engagement. But Chizuru reached behind his head and gave him a light tap on the back of his head. She slightly glared at him.
"You were about to say something extremely stupid. I wouldn't advise it. Otherwise next time I may have to hit you harder. You are way more important then my dream of becoming an Actress." Chizuru against him placing her head on his left shoulder while slipping her right arm around his back, sideways hugging him. "I have an new Dream and it involves you and it is vastly more important to me then anything else." She did not have to mention the fact that as a fall back, she was halfway done to get her degree in Literature and she planned on finishing that no matter what.
"Still...I want you to not just give up being an Actress. You have worked too hard to let this Idiot stop you." Kazuya said reassuringly and Chizuru smiled. She liked this a lot. To have someone love her so much and to be there for her when she was troubled no matter what the troubles were. It was a new feeling for her and she adored it. Mainly since before all she had was her Grandmother and not really anyone else. So going to her Grandmother when she was troubled concerned her. Since most of the time her Grandmother could not really do anything to help her and it placed a great burden on her Grandmother. But with Kazuya, she could discuss her problems and he would listen. Be there for her and support her no matter what. She raised her head and kissed him on the cheek. Then smiled even wider at him.
"You are the best." Chizuru said then moved her hand up to the right side of his cheek, lightly maneuvering his head towards her. She kissed him on the lips and then snuggled more against him. Placing her head once more on his shoulder. She had found she liked this as well. Being able to snuggle with him whenever she needed to. Which was more and more often. That delighted her completely.
Confrontation at the Theatre:
Standing before one of the Understudies, Chizuru went through her Lines for the Second Act of the Play. The Understudy for the other Protagonist of the Play went through the Lines without any real enthusiasm. Mainly just reading them off in response to her lines. Others were doing the same thing all about the stage. The Director, Writers and the Head Producer were listening from the front sheets. Mostly making sure that the Lines were being read properly. An hour later, she stood with a couple of the others drinking water and taking a short break. The Co-Producer that she had the problem with had not arrived yet, so until he did then she decided to not worry about it. As she glanced about, she realized she had spoken too soon. The Older Man basically oozed into the Theater with an arrogant strut. He smirked at several of the Girls about and then noticed her. As he approached his eyes fell upon her left hand and he frowned visibly. Nearing her he gestured with his right hand at her left hand. "I thought I told you to take that...that ring off." He stated and Chizuru shook her head.
"Sorry...Not happening. I am not taking my Engagement Ring off for anybody. Means too much to me as does the Man that gave it to me." Chizuru said and then was about to go back to where the Understudy was waiting to go over the next Act of Lines with her. The Co-Producer growled something and moved in front of her.
"I do not like being ignored Mizuhara!" The Man said sternly now glaring at her. She stopped and glared right back at him.
"I am Engaged so deal with it." Chizuru stated and went to walk around him. He stiffened slightly and attempted to grab her right forearm. "Touch me and I will have you arrested for assault." She declared, ready and willing to call the Police on him if he put one hand on her. Neither really noticed when two others approached.
"Is there something wrong?" The Director asked as he stepped closer with the Head Producer right besides him. Chizuru did not realize that her and the Co-Producer had drawn just about everyone's attention.
"Sir. On several occasions I have ordered Mizuhara to remove...her Ring and she has utterly refused to follow my orders." The Co-Producer stated, smirking coyly as he gestured down at her Left Hand. The Director looked from the Co-Producer then over at her and he then smiled.
"I do not see a problem with Mizuhara keeping her Engagement Ring on. In fact I have been wanting to offer my congratulations." The Director chuckled and looked over at the Head Producer who nodded, also smiling.
"As would I. Though I am quite curious about this young man that you are engaged to. I would personally like to meet him. It is a him...correct?" The Producer said chuckling as did the Director and then Chizuru.
"Yes and his name is Kazuya Kinoshita. If you want I could have him come by after Rehearsal?" Chizuru offered and casually looked over to see that the Co-Producer was grimacing visibly. Shaking with frustration and with a huff, he turned and almost stomped from the large Room towards the Exit.
"Please do. Okay People...there is still a good two hours left...let's use that time...now I believe we were about to Rehearse Act 4. Kyoka...Irishima...begin with your grand entrance." The Director ordered as Chizuru removed her Cellphone and sent Kazuya a text asking him to come by after his shift at the Karaoke Bar. Which as about an hour or so from now.
0000
When his Phone Chimed notifying him of an incoming Text Message, Kazuya read it and smiled. Then sent an instant Reply that he would as soon as he was done at Work. He did not mind the idea of walking home with Chizuru. In fact he would prefer to. He could not help but worry about her, even though he knew she could probably be better at defending herself then he could. She had proved that when he was on the receiving end of her displeasure. He still remembered those kicks. They hurt a lot. Putting his Cellphone away, he returned to cleaning Room Number 4 and moved to clean Room Number 2. As he came out of Room 4, he heard another Guy basically begging for Ruka to go out with him. Moving closer, Kazuya looked to see that this one was on his knees pleading with her. She smiled and shook her head, shooting the Guy down. She turned her head and rolled her eyes. Kazuya chuckled and went into Room 2 to get it ready for the next customers to use. While he was wiping down the Table, Ruka came in. She flopped down onto one of the chairs with a groan. "Jeez...every day someone asks me out. You know this would be so much easier to deal with if I had a boyfriend." She commented smiling at him with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Sorry Ruka. I am with Chizuru and you do know I am going to Marry her, right?" Kazuya said as he finished with cleaning the room.
"Yeah I know. Girl can try can't she." Ruka then giggled and Kazuya chuckled. "You know I am almost to the point of...do you think I should give Kuri another shot? He has asked me out at least three times in the last week." She asked and Kazuya shrugged. Not knowing whether he should say yes or not. True Shun Kuribayashi rather what everyone calls him Kuri. Did apologize to her and even went as far as to admit that he did act like a complete idiot when he rented her. He was trying to impress not only her but everyone else. Which only made him look like a complete egotistical idiot. Yes he did not have much experience when it came to Girls, but he was in Kazuya's opinion a descent guy when he was not acting that way.
"I do not know. It is up to you if you want to." Kazuya replied not really wanting to be the one to suggest it and then find out that Kuri once more blew it.
"Well he did not really raise my BP that much. But at least I know he has good choice in friends." Ruka said and Kazuya chuckled again.
"If nothing else, probably Chizuru and I would go with you and him. Make sure he behaves himself and not revert to his idiocy too much." Kazuya said and Ruka smiled. Then exhaled softly. She shrugged.
"Sure what the hell. He is a lot better then some of those others that have been hitting on me. You set it up, but if he annoys me then that is it." Ruka stood and made her way to the door. She smiled at him and then left. Kazuya decided to tell Kuri face to face and give him a stern talking to before he actually sets up the double date. He also would have to ask Chizuru, but he was betting she would not mind. They both wanted to be at least friends with Ruka. At the end of his Shift, he made his way to the Theater. It was not that far from the Karaoke Bar. About seven or eight blocks. So by the time he arrived, the Cast was finishing their Rehearsals. Chizuru saw him and smiled sweetly at him. She then gestured for him to join her as she stepped off the Stage and stood before two much older Men. He guessed that she wanted him to meet them and he was right.
0000
When she looked towards the back of the Theater, Chizuru saw Kazuya and she could not help but smile warmly at him. Sure she just saw him six and a half hours ago. But she still missed him. Especially when she had to deal with that idiot Co-Producer. But as he joined her before the Director and Head Producer, she immediately took his hand in hers. Thought she was really tempted to do some PDA right there and not caring if everyone saw her kiss him. During the meet and greet, she could not help but beam happily. For she was happy. When it was time to leave, she walked with him towards their Apartment. Well in another two days it would be their Apartment. Both were not completely moved into the One Bedroom Apartment yet. He still had to move his Fish Tanks and some of his other possessions. While she still needed to move her favorite Chair and a good portion of her Clothes. Until everything was moved, they elected to sleep in hers or his. Depending where they were right before it was time to go to bed. Tonight it would be hers again. Mainly due to she needed to reread the Script again and finish her Homework that was due on Monday. "How about Pizza tonight?" He asked as they strolled along.
"Sounds good to me. Any chance you might want to help me tonight with my lines?" Chizuru asked back and Kazuya winced. He knew what that meant since she had asked him before to do that. He felt foolish as he read the other lines from the Script while she responded perfectly back. He did know one thing, he was not an Actor. Not like Chizuru who could make someone believe that she was whatever Character she was playing.
"I guess." Kazuya replied sheepishly and Chizuru gave his hand a tender squeeze of thanks. She wanted to be so proficient with her lines that there was no possibility that she would make a mistake. Once inside her Apartment, he called for the Pizza and while he changed out of his Work Uniform. She got them both a drink. Something soothing. It was also something her Grandmother used to give her. She had introduced it to Kazuya and he also liked it. Powdered Grape Kool Aid in a glass of milk. Handing him a glass he drank down half of it as she did the same. She then handed him the Script and they went through her lines. She would act out the lines and the scene while he stood there just reading the other parts. By the time they finished Act One, the Pizza had arrived. Unfortunately Chizuru recognized the Delivery Driver. Shoto Torshinoga. One of her past Clients that had rented her when she was a Rental Girlfriend.
"Oh...Chizuru Mizuhara. It is so nice to see you again. You know I sort of miss being able to Rent you." Shoto said as he handed Kazuya his change.
"Well I quit being a Rental...due to..." Chizuru held up her left hand showing Shoto the Engagement Ring on her finger. "This is Kazuya...my Fiancé." The one time Client subtly glared at Kazuya.
"Him? You got to be kidding me?" Shoto said in disbelief as he gestured at Kazuya. Not able to understand why someone like Chizuru would even want to be with someone like Kazuya instead of him.
"No I am not!" Chizuru growled. "Do not tip him Kazuya!" She then basically slammed the door in Shoto's face angrily. She then spun towards Kazuya. "Before you start overthinking anything. Which I now know you tend to do. You are the one I am in love with and you are the one I want to Marry." She took the Pizza over to the table and Kazuya decided not to even comment about what had happened. Knowing that Chizuru already was in a bad mood and he no way going to fan those flames. He was not that stupid.
0000
It being Saturday, the Couple decided and intended to sleep in. Chizuru had the presence of mind to make sure that she shut the blinds on the Balcony Door and Window. So that when the Sun rose it did not wake them. She also made sure that the Alarm Clock was turned off. They wanted to sleep in, but about seven AM someone rang her Doorbell. With an aggravated groan, she reached over and picked up the intercom phone. Not even bothering to actually get up off the bed with Kazuya. At that point she wished she hadn't when she discovered it was Kazuya's and her Grandmothers. The two Elder Women wanted to spend the day with them. Upon entry the two demanded Wedding Details. Wanting to know why neither Chizuru or Kazuya had decided upon a date yet.
An hour later at DENNY's, the four sat at a table and the two Grandmothers continued to pelt them with questions along with demands. Though the two Elders smiled happily. Extremely happy that their two Grandchildren were together and planning to get Married. They did want it to be done soon. In fact they both promised to fully pay for not only the Wedding. But also a nice Weeklong Honeymoon at the Spa that they all had been at before. Two hours after they finally were able to leave. Kazuya and Chizuru walked back home. Again holding hands with their fingers intertwined. "How about we go back home? Climb back into bed and take a nice nap?" Chizuru suggested as they walked along. They were not in a rush to go home since they had all day. She had finished her Homework and before the Grandmothers arrived they were planning to just relax today.
"Sounds good to me." Kazuya replied with a smile, liking that idea. He had not slept much the night before and he knew Chizuru had not either. After they ate Pizza, they sat up for several hours watching a Movie. Then there was of course what came after the Movie when they went to bed. Where they did not actually go to sleep right away. In fact they did not doze off until late in the night. So they went home and both laid down to take a well deserved nap.
The Double Date: Precautions
With an Electric Remote Controlled Dog Zapping Collar around his Right Bicep. Shun Kuribayashi, suddenly felt the painful sting from Kazuya keeping him from saying or doing something once more stupid. Chizuru had come up with the idea, so that he would not blow possibly his last chance with Ruka Sarashina. This time he had almost slipped and was about to say something he believed would show how Manly he was. But as he started to talk about something idiotic and before he could mention more then a couple of words. He spasmed as he felt the painful zap from the Collar surge through him. Cutting off completely with a yelp. Ruka looked at him oddly and then simply shrugged. Then sipped her tea once more. They had started the Double Date at the Tea Cafe and from there they were going to a nearby PUTT PUTT Golf Course. He leaned closer to Kazuya. "Hey that thing hurt." He whispered rubbing his right bicep. Kazuya smiled.
"Kept you from saying or doing something stupid, didn't it." Kazuya whispered back. "Feel lucky...Chizuru wants me to increase the voltage to maximum." He added and Kuri winched. With that part of the Date over, they made their way to play PUTT PUTT. Where Kuri ended up being zapped twice more. By the end of the date he winced every time he spoke or did anything, The only saving grace was that Ruka had no idea why he kept yelping painfully at certain times. But after she agreed to go out with him again. He was actually thankful for what he had to endure. Believing it was worth being zapped. As Ruka train pulled away. "Next time we won't be there because if I go out...I only want to go out with Chizuru and not spend the whole time making sure you behave yourself. So you might want to try not to be a complete asshole. Think before you do or say anything stupid." Kazuya advised.
"Hmmphf! You make it sound like every time I open my mouth that I will say something stupid." Kuri countered and Chizuru shook her head.
"From what I could tell tonight. Yes you do. So I have to agree with Kazuya. I do not want to spend the entire time making sure you do not blow any chances with Ruka." Chizuru gave Kazuya a gentle tug. "Come on Kazuya...lets see if we can salvage tonight and do something that is just the two of us." She said as she lightly tugged Kazuya along leaving Kuri alone. As he watched them leave he removed the Collar from his Bicep and stuffed it into his pocket, feeling a twinge of jealousy. He did want it to work out with Ruka, so he would take Kazuya and Chizuru's advice and try to think before he talked or did anything. A block away, Chizuru really had no idea where they were going. So she just headed for home. Their home for now. She suddenly remembered one of the subjects that his Grandmother broached upon their visit the other day. That after they Married and then graduated from College, they needed to consider either buying or renting a house. Not that they could afford one. They definitely could not afford what her Grandmother broached. That they start having babies as soon as possible.
At home, they both sat down and she leaned back against Kazuya. He slipped his arms around her and Chizuru smiled contently. Even though they had only been officially together for almost three weeks. She felt like they had been together for a lot longer then that. They both had become accustomed to the other being there for them. Sure she had dated a lot of other Boys when she was a Rental. But none of them were actually there for her. Not like a real Boyfriend that was now her Fiancé. She looked slightly back at him. "I love you Kazuya." She said softly and then kissed him.
"I love you too Chizuru." Kazuya said back and she snuggled more against him.
"So should we discuss what our Grandmothers want? Pick a date." Chizuru asked, Kazuya exhaled and nodded.
"Sure. Why not." Kazuya reached for his Cellphone and pulled up the Calendar APP. After ten minutes, she took his Phone from him and placed it onto the table.
"Maybe we should just elope." Chizuru suggested with a chuckle and he chuckled back.
"I do not care. As long as I get to marry you." Kazuya said and she smiled.
"Works for me. But still we can't can we. Our Grandmothers would be homicidal if we eloped. Oh well. It was just a thought." Chizuru leaned back slightly, turning her head and kissed him again. This time she lightly pushed him back onto the floor, with her on top of him. Within seconds, clothes were being systematically removed.
The End or the Beginning.