Rent a Girlfriend Fanfic: Stepping Out of the Shadows Part II
Chapter 11:
A/N:
I could not post for a while because I was busy with some exams in college. From now on I will try to post three chapters each month. This chapter is also on the longer part.
Thursday, February 28th
Mami and her family were chatting about their days while Mami picked at her meal at the dinner table. It was an ordinary evening, the air filled with the comforting smell of her mother's cooking.
He said, "Listen, Mami," with a gleam of eagerness in his eyes. "I met someone today, a young man I think you should consider dating."
Mami anticipated this would happen sooner rather than later. Her father was in the habit of acting as a matchmaker to find a suitable candidate to carry on the Nanami family's riches cycle.
"Who is it this time?" Mami sighed and thought.
Mami's chin was propped up on her hand, her curiosity piqued. "And who is this guy, Father?"
Her father leaned back in his chair; his voice tinged with excitement. "Hiroshi Tanaka is his name. He is the son of a well-known film director. His father used to be famous, but now he teaches aspiring actors how to act."
Mami put on a practiced smile and nodded politely, all the while feeling her heart sink within her chest. These dinners were nothing new for her – they had become a routine of sorts. Her family's expectations, however, made them anything but mundane.
Mami could not help but draw parallels between these 'dates' and her time with Tarou Urashima and with Kazuya. Her emotions had come to life in a way that no dinner table introduction could. She yearned for a genuine connection that went beyond her father's calculated pairings.
Mami's thoughts raced as her father continued to speak. She had had a taste of what true feelings could be like, and it had left her wanting more.
"Kazuya is the only one who can get me out of this mess." Apart from Tarou, he is the only other person I ever had feelings for. "With Tarou out of the picture, Kazuya is my only hope."
Mami played her part in the family drama, keeping her inner thoughts to herself, while secretly rebelling against the conventions that bound her.
Friday, March 1st
Mami sat across from Hiroshi, intently watching him. The date had only just begun, and she could tell he was nothing like the experienced, self-assured men she was used to. His nervousness was palpable, and she sensed that he, like her, felt the weight of their fathers' expectations.
Mami sighed quietly to herself. This was a scenario that was all too familiar. The awkward silences, the stumbling words - she felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of these scheduled meetings. But tonight, was different; Hiroshi was not like the others before him.
Mami realized as he stammered through his sentences that he was genuinely a nice person, albeit inexperienced when it came to talking to girls. She decided to make the most of the evening with a faint smile on her lips. Perhaps there was a charming side to him lurking beneath the awkward exterior.
She leaned in slightly and looked him in the eyes with a warm, understanding look. "There's no need to be nervous, Tanaka-kun. We are both in the same situation. Our fathers are attempting to act as matchmakers." Her voice was light and conspiratorial.
Hiroshi's shoulders relaxed just a fraction. He offered a timid smile, his gaze finally meeting hers more confidently. "You're right. I have never been on a date like this before. I did not even choose this place. My dad insisted."
Mami laughed. "I understand. My father is the same way. But do not let their plans derail our evening. Even though it's a little unusual, we can make the best of it."
She found herself directing the conversation and coaxing Hiroshi out of his shell. They discussed their hobbies, interests, and dreams. As the evening progressed, the awkwardness faded, replaced by genuine smiles, and shared laughter.
"Maybe I judged him too soon."
Wednesday, March 6th
Mami sat at the family dinner table, her father next to her, as they shared a meal. The mood was laid-back, and the conversation flowed easily. Mami's father had a hopeful glint in his eye, with which she was all too familiar. He needed to talk about something important.
"Mami," he said, trying to be casual. "I heard from Hiroshi's father today."
Mami raised an innocent-looking eyebrow. "Are you sure? "Did he have anything to say?"
"It appears Hiroshi really enjoyed your date," her father replied, a smile on his lips. "He thought you were a lovely young lady and wished to see you again."
Mami hid her surprise behind her composed demeanour. Her first impression of Hiroshi was one of nervousness and awkwardness, but perhaps he saw something in her that piqued his interest.
Her father's excitement was palpable. "So, Mami, what do you think?" Do you want to go out on another date with Hiroshi?"
Mami's mind raced for a moment as she considered the concept. She had not been looking forward to the first date, but something had changed during the course of the evening.
With a serene smile, she replied, "Sure, Father. I think another date would be nice. Tell Hiroshi I'd be happy to see him again."
Her father beamed with satisfaction, clearly pleased with her response. It seemed that, against all expectations, the journey into this unconventional matchmaking might be turning into an unexpected adventure.
Thursday, March 7th
As Mami and Hiroshi arrived at the elegant restaurant, they both looked radiant. The evening started with fine dining, and they indulged in conversation that, while pleasant, failed to truly captivate Mami. Hiroshi was more comfortable, but her heart was not entirely in it. Mami was caught up in an internal conflict, unsure of what she truly desired.
Over their gourmet meal, Hiroshi enthusiastically delved into a topic that seemed to ignite a spark within him. "Mami-san," he began, "have you ever played 'Honkai Star Rail'? It's this incredible new game that I've been hooked on lately."
"I have seen some clips from it, but I never played it." Mami stated.
"Oh okay, you really need to try it!" Hiroshi stated passionately.
Mami politely nodded. After an extended period of unsuccessfully setting up dates, she finally felt something small. But she wanted to pick someone on her own, without the influence of her father. Kazuya is the person she chose on her own, but even she realizes she does not stand a chance.
Hiroshi wanted to show her where his father worked after dinner. Her thoughts were diverted by a chance encounter she had had on the way to acting lessons.
"What is she doing here?"
She could not stop thinking about Chizuru Mizuhara, the woman she had seen leaving the building they were about to enter.
Mami tried to calm down as they got closer to the building. "Tell me more about these acting lessons," she asked, a worried tone in her voice. She could not help but wonder if Chizuru's presence was just a coincidence or if it meant something more.
Under normal circumstances, two dates would have sufficed to determine whether Mami wanted to continue dating someone. But this time was different. Curiosity and a sense of intrigue had taken hold, urging her to continue her investigation into the acting lessons and Chizuru's role in them.
Thursday, March 14th
She had not contacted Hiroshi in a week, which had made him nervous and restless. The son of the film director had begun to suspect something was wrong, and it was weighing heavily on his mind.
Meanwhile, Mami's phone rang, and it was Hiroshi's father on the other end of the line. He questioned her sudden silence and why she was not responding to his son's messages.
Mami paused, her father's voice in her ear. She was aware that her actions were not entirely honest, but she felt obligated to help Hiroshi's father.
The film director begged her, saying he had not seen his son so happy in a long time, and that Mami was doing wonders for Hiroshi's well-being. He asked if she could keep going for a little while longer.
Mami took a breather and considered the situation. Then, as if struck by inspiration, she said, "I might have a solution." Her father waited for her proposal with bated breath.
Friday, March 30th
Mami's room was a sanctuary of stillness, bathed in the soft, muted glow of her bedside lamp. She lay upon her bed, her thoughts a tempestuous whirlwind, the room itself seemingly reflecting the turbulent storm within her.
The rhythmic tick-tock of the wall clock seemed louder tonight, a constant reminder of the passing time and her growing anxiety. A heavy quilt lay bunched up at the foot of her bed, as if discarded in her restlessness. Shadows played on the walls, dancing in response to the dim light, mirroring her inner turmoil.
Mami could not get rid of the nagging feeling in her stomach. Her thoughts returned to Hiroshi. It was not fair to him that he had become entangled in her father's intricate schemes. Her brow wrinkled as she considered the unjust treatment he was presently receiving.
"I don't want him to get hurt. He doesn't deserve it." Mami thought.
Mami's thoughts did not end there. She was also befuddled by her own misgivings. Hiroshi was a genuine nice and cool guy, but the fact that her father had selected him made her doubt their connection. The notion of a relationship handpicked by her father was suffocating, almost like being confined in a golden cage.
Her dread was evident, and each passing second seemed to last an eternity. Her emotions were confused and conflicting as she struggled with herself. Her room, which was typically a haven for her, was stifling tonight, closing in on her.
Yet, amidst the chaos of her thoughts, one thing became resolutely clear. She had to make a choice, no matter how difficult. Her heart pointed her in a certain direction, a path that meant facing the consequences of her actions, both for herself and for others.
"I know Kazuya has his own problems with Chizuru. Hopefully, I can break them apart for good. If I can do that, things will change." Mami pondered.
Mami took a deep breath, determination crystallizing within her. No matter the challenges ahead, she had made her decision. She was going to fight for Kazuya, no matter how arduous the journey might be.
"I'm sorry Hiroshi. I am sorry we had to meet this way. Maybe we could be together in another universe, but not in this one, not in this fashion."
Friday, April 26th
The sun set low on the horizon, spreading lengthy shadows over the peaceful park. A cool breeze rustled the leaves on the trees, and there was a palpable sense of disquiet in the air. Mami sat nervously rubbing her fingers against her leg on a dilapidated bench. In reaction to her anxiety, the once brilliant blooms in the neighbouring flowerbeds began to fade.
"I hope he takes it well. "I don't want to hurt him."
Hiroshi approached Mami with a bright smile on his face. His demeanour was hopeful, as he thought this was just another great date. However, the instant he saw Mami's expression, he knew something was wrong. His brilliant eyes grew dull, and the bounce in his step faded.
"Hey, Mami-san," he said, attempting to be as cheerful as before. "You wanted to see me?"
Mami nodded quietly, her gaze fixated on a place in the distant. The anxiety grew when she indicated for him to take a seat beside her.
Hiroshi shifted, discomfort creeping into his posture. "Is everything alright? You seem... off."
Mami's voice was gentle but weighed down with regret as she spoke. "I wanted to talk to you, Hiroshi-kun. I think we need to put an end to this."
A shadow of disappointment clouded Hiroshi's features. He had grown fond of Mami over the course of their meetings, and the prospect of ending it weighed heavily on him.
"Why?" he said, his voice shaking slightly. "Have I done something wrong?"
Mami sighed, delicately tracing an invisible pattern on her skirt with her fingers. "You've done nothing wrong, Hiroshi-kun. It is only that... I don't want to continue the arrangement that our fathers devised."
Hiroshi's face clouded, and he looked at her with a mixed expression of regret and realization. "So, all along, this was just a playdate?" "Did you ever like me?"
Mami looked him in the eyes with empathy. "Hiroshi-kun, you're a beautiful person. However, the circumstances surrounding our meeting were less than ideal. I need to be completely honest with you."
He blinked, his eyes wide with confusion. "Honest about what?"
Mami took a deep breath. "I love someone else. I have had feelings for this person long before I met you. I'm truly sorry, Hiroshi-kun."
The revelation landed with heavy gravity, leaving Hiroshi stunned. He stammered, "How long have you felt this way? Why didn't you tell me before?"
Mami's voice was tinged with sadness. "I wanted to end this earlier, but I made a deal with your father to continue it."
Hiroshi's forehead wrinkled, his emotions a tidal wave. "What makes our fathers do this?" Why do they want us to be together if it is obviously not working?"
Mami could not help but look away, her gaze drawn to a despondent bird perched on a neighbouring branch. "My father is searching for someone who can ensure the Nanami family's power and possibly elevate it even further."
Hiroshi's lips tightened with frustration; his disappointment evident. "And you? Why didn't you say something earlier?"
Mami offered a shaky smile. "I didn't want to hurt you. You deserve better than this situation, Hiroshi-kun. You are truly an amazing person. Maybe in a different set of events, things could have been different."
Hiroshi's eyes welled up with tears, and he lashed out, his words brimming with rage. "Don't feel sorry for me. I don't need your sympathy."
Hiroshi stormed out from the seat, leaving Mami sitting there, her heart heavy with regret and grief.
Saturday, April 27th
"And I want you to be the businessman, to be my man." Mami stated.
"What... what do you mean?" While shocked, Kazuya said.
"I'd like you to be my business partner. I would like to build an empire with you." Mami spoke softly.
"Kazuya," she softly said, "I want you to be that businessman. You and I could open a shop together, and I know you would be a huge success with your kindness, determination, and everything you have done for your friends, especially Chizuru-san. You made a movie from scratch from her. I do not know any other person who could do that. You are incredible, Kazuya, and..." she paused for a moment, her voice trembling, "I love you."
" And I'm not sure my father will be convinced if I present you, but I'll do everything I can to ensure we can be together." Whether with or without my family."
Kazuya's eyes widened in surprise. The weight of her confession hung heavily between them. "Mami-san, I... I don't know what to say."
Mami looked at him with hopeful, glistening eyes. "Kazuya, please. I want to be with you. You are my whole world."
The café seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of his response. Kazuya's shoulders dropped after a stressful time, and he looked down at the table.
"I appreciate your feelings, Mami," he said softly, "but I'm not sure about my own feelings right now." And I do not want to you to be a rebound. I apologize."
Mami's smile faded, and tears welled up in her eyes. "I understand, Kazuya."
"I know we didn't spend much time together, but you are truly a wonderful person. I am sure you find someone who can make you happy. I'm just not the right person for you." Kazuya said softly.
Mami became even more depressed after hearing Kazuya's comments, which reminded her of Hiroshi.
"Yeah I hope so too." Mami said this while crying. "One day I will find that person."
Kazuya hugged Mami and then left her at the table, her heart bleeding with unspoken emotions. She could not help but feel the weight of an unrequited love that might never find its place as tears silently slid down her cheeks.
For the people who asked for the link from the author fanfiction, you can find everyhting on his reddit page: user/arjunanubose/