Rent a Girlfriend Fanfic: Stepping Out of the Shadows Part II
Chapter 12:
Umi laughed. "Not exactly, but I admire the discipline and skill required." I was wondering if you wanted to meet for coffee or something after your training. I'd like to learn more about your kickboxing journey."
Akane wiped her brow with a towel, her gaze fixed on her training. She looked at Umi and shook her head. "Thanks, but I'm not interested."
Umi's perplexity was evident. He blinked a few times, surprised by the strange reaction. "Are you not interested? This is a first. "I mean, why not?"
Akane's voice was firm as she continued her workout, her hands swinging precisely. "Just not in the mood for it today."
Umi's eyes furrowed as his first confusion changed to frustration. He took a step closer to Akane, challenging her. "How about we settle it in a spar if you're not interested?" We will go on a date if I win. I'll leave you alone if you win."
Akane paused her training, her gaze fixed on Umi's, and she smiled slightly. "You really want to do this, Umi-kun?"
Umi's eyes flashed with resolve as he nodded firmly. "Absolutely."
Akane accepted the challenge, her expression steadfast. She was aware of the stakes: a date was riding on the outcome of this impromptu battle. The gym, which is normally used for concentrated training, has now become the setting for a different kind of battle.
As they circled each other, the tension in the air palpable, Umi's frustration fuelled his movements. He lunged forward with determination, seeking to prove a point. Akane, her eyes sharp and focused, countered with precision and speed. The sound of their movements echoed in the empty gym, creating a dynamic rhythm that mirrored the intensity of the situation.
Within the span of mere seconds, Akane demonstrated her prowess. She swiftly outmanoeuvred Umi, leaving him in a state of defeat. The spar, it seemed, was decided in record time – a mere ten seconds.
While Umi was dealing with the reality of his loss, Akane's thoughts were elsewhere. As the adrenaline of victory wore off, her thoughts shifted to a more immediate matter: her strategy for winning over Kazuya.
She reflected on how she had been too passive, waiting for a sign or a time that would never arrive. The desire to take control of the situation grabbed her. Her present focus was the impending event, a commitment that demanded her full attention and effort. But, beyond that, a choice had formed in her mind.
"I need to show him how much he means to me if I want to win him over." I can't just sit here and hope he makes a move." Akane pondered.
"I still need to tell him about the tournament, but after the tournament I will give it my all."
The realization that time was slipping away fuelled her determination. With each kick and punch in the gym, she steeled herself for the battles both inside and outside the ring. The gym, a witness to her victories and struggles, held the promise of a future where she would fight not only for championships but also for matters of the heart.
Saturday, May 4th
The rental office's interior gleamed in the sterile lighting, rows of sleek desks and computer screens, each representing a connection between the ideal illusion and the reality of the clients. The hum of the office machinery formed an incongruous backdrop to the complex emotions swirling inside Chizuru.
She had made a decision that was anything but easy, choosing to reject the alluring offer for a major role in an upcoming series. It was a role that could have propelled her career to new heights, yet she had chosen instead to prioritize her relationship with Kazuya.
Chizuru had arrived at the rental office's counter to cease her employment as a rental girlfriend. Her quivering palm held the carefully drafted resignation form, her thumb tapping the edge of the desk as she struggled with the weight of her decision.
It had not been an easy few days. She noticed her concentration slipping as she continued with her rental commitments. Guilt gnawed at her conscience, a continual reminder of her behaviour against both her clients and Kazuya. She could not avoid the feeling that her deception had hurt the good-hearted man who had once trusted in her masquerade.
Each rental date, once routine, now bore the heavy burden of missing someone. Chizuru longed to hear Kazuya's voice again, to sit down with him and explain everything. Her heart ached with the memory of their moments together, of the genuine connection they had shared.
As she stood there, resignation paper in hand, Chizuru could not help but wonder if she was making the right choice. It was a choice between pursuing her acting dreams and rekindling what was, to her, an irreplaceable connection. She took a deep breath, fully aware that her decision to resign might not be the end of her turmoil, but a new chapter in the complex story of her relationship with Kazuya.
"I need to do this, if I still want to have a chance. I need to make this sacrifice."
Chizuru stood at the small office's door, her heart thumping in her chest. She had come to hand in her resignation, a huge choice that wanted to close a chapter in her life.
The office was simple and ordinary, a place she had visited frequently as a rental girlfriend. The walls were lined with filing cabinets, while the office manager sat behind a mahogany desk.
As Chizuru approached, the manager, an exquisite woman who had once been a rental girlfriend herself, stared over her reading spectacles. Her eyes were sharp, and she possessed the wisdom of someone who has witnessed their fair share of complicated situations and emotional entanglements.
Chizuru approached the manager's desk with resolve and trepidation. She could not deny it was a big move, and she clasped the neatly folded resignation form in her palm.
Chizuru gave over the document with a courteous but distant grin. The manager snatched it and started reading. Chizuru carefully studied the manager's expression as moments passed in quiet.
The manager raised her head, her eyes wide with interest. "Chizuru-chan, may I ask the reason for your resignation?" she said.
Chizuru had anticipated this question. She took a deep breath and replied, "I want to explore a possible relationship, but I can't do that with this job."
The manager's eyes started shining. "I understand. who is the lucky one?"
Chizuru nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. " His name is Kazuya, but it is complicated," she admitted, "He is someone I care deeply for, and I want to pursue a real relationship."
"But are you really going to let me go that easily?" Chizuru asked.
"Well obviously you are one of our top rentals, but when things like love will be a part of your live. You need to go for it, before you regret it." The manager said this while showing her ring.
"The reason I stopped as a rental was also because of love."
"How did you meet him?" Chizuru inquired.
"Of course, on a rental date." I realized he was different right away, and after a few dates, we became an official couple, and we've been married for about 4 years."
"I understand that having feelings for a client may seem strange, but sometimes you just have to break the rules and go for it. I am assuming the lucky guy also rented you?" The manager inquired.
"He did," Chizuru replied gently.
"Just leave these papers here. I will handle everything else. Just make sure you get your man," the manager said.
"Yeah thank you!" Chizuru said while bowing.
The city hummed along at its normal pace, the background noise of traffic and distant conversations providing a vivid soundtrack for Chizuru's thoughts. Her steps were deliberate, each one echoing a heartfelt determination. She pulled out her phone as she pushed through the crowd, the screen throwing a lovely glow on her face.
Chizuru's inner thoughts mingled with relief and anticipation as he dialled Sumi's phone. "Hello, Sumi. This is Chizuru." Can we meet soon? I have something important to tell you," she said into the phone, her words carrying the weight of a key moment.
Chizuru stowed her phone away after the conversation, her gaze elevating just in time to catch sight of Kazuya and Ruka up ahead. A flutter of surprise touched her, followed by a calm resolution. Today seemed to be a day full of surprises.
"Kazuya"
Chizuru approached them with a calm tone. "Hey, Kazuya-kun, Ruka-san," she said with a warm grin, hoping to hide the slight anxiety in her voice.
Kazuya's face remained grim. Ruka, on the other hand, smiled cheerfully, completely unconscious of the difficulties that lingered.
Chizuru faced Kazuya, her eyes shining with genuine emotion. "I miss you, Kazuya-kun," she confessed, her words bearing weight beyond the customary welcome. "I think we need to talk, properly, about everything."
Kazuya, ever pragmatic, got right to the point. "Do you have an answer now?" he asked, his gaze fixed.
Chizuru made a shaky motion with her head. "I'm afraid I can't say I love you. But I would want to give it a shot, Kazuya-kun. "I want to give us a genuine chance," she admitted, her honesty obvious.
Kazuya reacted with measured hesitation, negotiating the complexities of his own emotions. "I'm not sure about the dating part right now," he admits.
"We can go on a date with no pressure. We've been on numerous dates." Chizuru remarked this while anxiously trying to produce a solution.
"One final date okay?" Kazuya stated.
"One final date." Chizuru stated quietly.
"That should be fine." Kazuya said.
Chizuru's eyes saw a glimpse of optimism. "I'd love that," she said, her heart leaping at the possibility of a fresh start.
"I'll text you later with the details. Sorry for interrupting your chat. Can I ask what you were doing?" Chizuru inquired.
"We just had an important talk about our situation." Ruka remarked, smiling.