Rent a Girlfriend Fanfic: Stepping Out of the Shadows Part II
Chapter 7:
Chizuru waited uncomfortably in front of Kazuya's parents' house, her heart racing. The weight of her intentions nearly overwhelmed her as she clasped the little box containing a ring in her palm. She realized she had to do it for both her own and Kazuya's sake.
Grandma Nagomi's eyes widened in surprise as she opened the door. "Chizuru? "What has brought you here, dear?"
Chizuru took a long breath to centre herself. "I came to talk to Kazuya's family," she explained, her voice firm.
The members of the family gathered in the living room, staring at Chizuru with interest and anxiety. She felt she had to explain herself, to clear up the misunderstandings that had severed her and Kazuya's relationship.
"I know there's been some confusion lately," Chizuru continued, her gaze concentrated on Kazuya's family. I have never dated another person. Kazuya had the wrong impression."
Chizuru began detailing about the fake dating, the play and what Kazuya felt to be true.
Kazuya's family listened attentively, their expressions softening as they started to understand her perspective.
"Look I understand that you would rather believe your son than me but believe me this is the truth. Chizuru Mizuhara, the rental girlfriend, is not standing in front of you, but Chizuru Ichinose, Kazuya's neighbour and dear friend."
Chizuru's eyes glistened with sincerity. "I didn't intend for any of this mess to happen. I've hurt him, and I want to make things right."
"What happened?" Grandmother Nagomi stated.
"During our vacation... the kiss. It was a lie. I only did it to save face, but it was a terrible mistake, and I'm truly sorry."
As the family pondered her words, the room fell silent.
"But why would you do something like that?" According to Kazuya's mother.
"I was scared and confused about my own feelings. I thought it was the right thing to do at the time. I just wanted to protect him." Chizuru said while lowering her head.
"After the vacation, I ghosted Kazuya for three months, not knowing how to face him, when I don't know what I feel for him. It was not fair nor right to him. Please do not be upset with him. Be angry at me."
She returned the ring, a symbol of their bond, to Kazuya's family, her eyes downcast.
"Chizuru-chan, young love may be messy. We appreciate your candour." While sighing loudly, Kazuya's father said.
"And we recognize that people make mistakes. What important is how we learn from them," grandma Nagomi added, smiling.
"I've come here for advice. I'd like to reconnect with Kazuya, but I'm not sure where to begin." Chizuru stated quietly.
"You're a part of our lives as well, Chizuru. We are concerned about your well-being as well." According to Kazuya's mother.
"Of course, we would help you, you are family too, you know?" grandma Nagomi stated.
As the evening progressed, the family told Chizuru anecdotes about Kazuya's past, demeanor, and peculiarities, providing crucial insight into how to approach him.
"I appreciate you listening to me and being so understanding. I'll do all in my power to set things right." With a wide smile, Chizuru said.
"Just be patient and genuine, dear. True feelings always find their way back." Kazuya's father said.
Chizuru had left the home after some hugs and was standing on the street.
"Just give me another chance. This time will be different, I promise."
Mami's room was a sanctuary of solitude and late-night solitude. Soft lamplight bathed her workspace, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. Her laptop sat on a cluttered desk, adorned with a cascade of documents, notes, and an empty coffee cup that bore the testimony of many sleepless nights.
Her eyes, marked by dark bags, betrayed the exhaustion she felt deep within her bones. The weight of countless hours spent working, strategizing, and pushing forward had left its mark on her face. Her once-vibrant spirit now seemed to flicker, as if it were a candle burning at both ends.
Despite her exhaustion, her eyes gleamed with resolve. Her fingers danced with trained precision over the keyboard, pecking away at a project that had dominated her life. Her mind was a flurry of ideas and calculations, a hurricane of ambition and unwavering pursuit.
She mumbled to herself, a tiny smile on her lips, the words both a promise and a source of motivation. "Soon we will finally be together.."
Her gaze stayed riveted on the laptop screen, a portal to a world she had long imagined. She was a warrior in the decisive battle in the stillness of her room, pushing forward with unyielding will, propelled by a purpose that refused to be extinguished.
She reached for her phone with a determined breath. Her fingers paused for a while as she considered the decision she was about to make. She took a big breath and phoned the number, then waited.
[Sleepily] said the voice on the phone. "Hello?" said the person with a tired voice on the phone.
"I apologize for calling so late. This is Mami."
"Mami-chan? "Is everything okay?"
"I... I need a favour." Mami said softly.
Sunday, April 21th.
The softly lit bar was a haven from the outside world, where Kazuya, Kuri, and Kibe had sought consolation on an emotional night. The quiet murmur of talks and the clinking of glasses set the tone for their meeting.
Kazuya had told his friends the heart-breaking news of his recent breakup a couple of hours ago and they invited him to this bar. As they nestled into their corner booth, the air was thick with sympathy, the soft glow of neon signs casting subtle colours on their faces.
Kuri, ever the optimist, raised his glass to the sky. "To new beginnings, my man!" he said, his attempt to encourage Kazuya audible in his voice.
Kibe added his voice to Kuri's sentiment. "You're free now, buddy." "The entire world is your oyster!" His enthusiasm, while sincere, seemed forced.
Kazuya raised his glass with hesitation, the clinking sound a hollow echo of his own anguish. They drank their drinks, but Kazuya's chest tightness continued.
The night went on, and Kuri and Kibe, determined to cheer up their comrade, decided to take a risk. They leaned against the bar, charm on high, and attempted to engage some of the patrons, particularly the women.
Their early confidence, however, swiftly faded as rejection after rejection came their way. Laughter from their would-be friends resonated in the distance, friendly but distant. It was clear that the ladies were not interested tonight.
Kazuya smirked as he observed his friends' attempts. He did not dislike their gesture; he just could not generate the energy to participate in the pursuit of romantic interests. His mind was stuck in the present, his heart still aching from the past events.
Just when it seemed like the night would offer no solace, a new presence entered the scene. A young woman, her demeanour gentle and unassuming, approached their table. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air during their awkward flirtations.
She smiled at Kazuya, and her eyes held a warmth that instantly put him at ease. "Mind if I join you?" she asked, the words delivered in a soft, inviting tone.