Rent a Girlfriend: Stepping out of the Shadows part II Chapter 18, a rent-a-girlfriend/彼女, お借りします fanfic

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

Chapter 18: No more lies.

Hello, readers! It has been a while. It took so long because I had to deal with college, and this is the largest chapter to date. I will include the final scene from the most recent chapter as a reminder of what was going on. Enjoy!

Chizuru found herself trapped in a silent vigil at the train station, the passing of time marked by the constant pounding of her heart. Each passing instant weighed heavily on her, bringing a constant tide of suspense and anxiety.

Chizuru's thoughts plummeted downward with each breath, casting doubt on Kazuya's statement. Was it just a ruse to postpone their meeting, a weak excuse to avoid confronting her? The idea gnawed at her like a festering sore of disappointment and betrayal.

Chizuru's gaze roamed aimlessly through her thoughts, tracing the ebb and flow of the bustling crowd. Each passerby appeared to fade into the distance, their voices becoming a faint murmur against the backdrop of her anxiety.

And then, like a beacon shining through the veil of her confusion, a voice called her name. Chizuru turned, her eyes widening in surprise at what she saw in front of her.

Kazuya stood in the crowd of commuters, his look a strange mix of regret and confusion. Before him was a girl, who Kazuya mistook for Chizuru.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Chizuru's eyes flickered with laughter, a glimmer of light in the gloom. She could not help but grin, a wistful curl of her lips as she watched Kazuya withstand the tempest he created.

"Idiot."

Kazuya came up, attracted by the laughter, and Chizuru's eyes darted over his clothes, seeing how careless and unkempt they looked. Even though she was disappointed at first, she could not help but get fonder of him as she remembered all the other dates when he had consistently worn his signature orange t-shirt.

A silent exchange of glances occurred, the tension between them obvious despite their words remaining unsaid. Kazuya was the one to break the silence, apologizing somewhat for being late.

With a soft toss of her head, Chizuru dismissed his apology, keen to make the most of their limited time together. With a gentle smile on her face, she said, "Let's save it for later. We've already lost enough time."

Just as Kazuya was about to ask where they were going, Chizuru made a teasing gesture to stop him and put her finger to his lips. "It's a surprise," she muttered, her mischievous eyes glistening.

Excitement pulsing through her, Chizuru skilfully blindfolded Kazuya, her fingers lingering for an extra second as she revelled in the prospect of what was ahead. She took his hand in hers and steered him forward, her grip firm yet soft as she guided him onto the train.

When they took their seats, Kazuya tried to object.

"Mizuhara, we don't have to hold hands when we are sitting, I won't fall of my seat you know?" Kazuya uttered an uncomfortable chuckle.

Chizuru simply shook her head, her grip tightening ever so slightly as she met his gaze with unwavering determination.

"I'd like to. We have always done it on past dates, so it is not a huge problem, she retorted quietly.

"Oh and no more Mizuhara, call me Chizuru." Chizuru spoke in a grave manner.

Kazuya just simply nodded and there was some silence for a good minute between the two them. Both of them trying their hardest to find the right words.

Akane entered the event dressed in a lovely crimson dress that highlighted her attractiveness. Some guests began speaking to each other about who this lovely lady is.

Her gaze was instantly pulled to Kazuya's father, who greeted her warmly as she entered. She returned the gesture with a courteous grin and followed his lead, scanning the room for her allotted seat.

To her astonishment, she found herself sitting next to Mini, Kazuya's former neighbour. It had been a while since they last saw each other, and Akane greeted Mimi with a genuine smile, ready to catch up.

"Mini, is that you? It has been ages since we last met!" Akane said with a smile.

"Akane, oh my goodness, it's so good to see you! How have you been?" Mini said while smiling even brighter.

"Thank you so much, Akane! "It's been a wild ride, to say the least," Mini remarked, her eyes shining with delight. "I never imagined my small hobby would grow into something so large."

"It's really impressive, Mini," Akane exclaimed, her voice full of genuine appreciation. "You must be very proud of yourself."

"I am, but I also feel tremendously lucky," Mini said, her smile expanding. "And enough about me; what about you? "What have you been doing these days?"

Akane's frown softened as she explained, "So, after everything that happened, I decided to pursue a career in counselling." I currently work as a middle school counsellor."

"That is great, Akane!" Mini exclaimed, her eyes filled with admiration. "You have always had a loving and sensitive attitude. I am convinced that you are making a huge difference in those children's lives."

With conviction in her voice, Akane continued, "I want to be the person students can turn to if they are having problems. I want to be the person I could not contact when I was bullied. "I want to be the person who can protect others."

Mini nodded in agreement, deeply touched by Akane's sincerity. "That's incredible, Akane," she said warmly. "I have no doubt that you'll make a profound impact on those kids' lives."

As their talk progressed, Akane could not shake the sense of accomplishment that swept over her. Reconnecting with Mimi and discussing her objectives gave her a renewed sense of purpose, reinforcing her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

She was unable to make the intended influence on that one unique individual, therefore she intends to have a positive and long-lasting impact on the children.

As Chizuru and Kazuya sit next to one other, an uneasy quiet hang in the air, thick with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Chizuru understands that they must face the elephant in the room, but finding the appropriate words is like crossing a minefield.

Chizuru took a deep breath, bracing herself for what she knew would be a difficult conversation. "Kazuya..."

Kazuya looked at Chizuru's direction hopefully, waiting for her to continue.

Chizuru, staring down at her hands and unwilling to meet his gaze, began, "I... I have something to tell you, about the blindfold."

Kazuya nodded, his look a mix of wonder and worry.

Chizuru swallowed uneasily before continuing, explaining, "The blindfold was not merely for the surprise. It was also for me. So, I could... speak with you without feeling condemned. So, I can be more open with you."

With understanding in his eyes, Kazuya answered, "I see..."

Chizuru paused briefly before speaking again, saying, "I'm going to say something now, Kazuya. And I just need you to listen. You do not need to answer immediately away. "Just... hear me out, okay?"

Kazuya nodded again, eagerness building in the space between them, as he waited for her to continue.

Chizuru took a long breath and gathered her thoughts before saying, "I apologize, Kazuya. For everything. I know I have made mistakes and wounded you. And I... I regret that more than anything."

Kazuya listened as Chizuru spoke, reaching out to softly grasp her palm in a silent show of encouragement.

Chizuru said, barely above a whisper, "I know we've discussed this before, but... I still feel the need to apologize again. I have been thinking a lot about the last few months, and I know now that I have not always treated you fairly. I was so intent on protecting myself that I didn't think how my actions might have impacted you."

Kazuya took in her words quietly, his expression softening with empathy.

Chizuru felt a knot grow in her throat as she battled to find the correct words, saying, "I know I can't repair what's been done. But I want to make things right. I want to do better for both of us."

Chizuru took a deep breath, bracing herself for the debate ahead. "Kazuya," she said, her voice calm but tinged with uncertainty.

Kazuya glanced at her with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. "Yes, Chizuru?"

"I need to talk to you about something else," she said, her gaze fixed on a spot in the distance as she collected her thoughts.

"What is it?" Kazuya inquired, his tone kind, encouraging her to respond.

"It's about Umi," Chizuru said, her voice lower and almost hesitant. "We've never dated. It was all just a performance for the play... and to discover some answers."

Kazuya listened carefully, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered her comments.

Chizuru sighed, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders as she finally told the truth. "I've always known that... I felt something for you," she confessed, her cheeks flushing slightly with shame. "Even though I was considered one of the most promising rental girlfriends, I had... I had next to no experience when it came to real dating."

She paused to gather her thoughts before continuing. "I didn't know what it was like to be in love, to truly care for someone," she admitted, her voice full of vulnerability. "So, I went along with the fake dating to see if I could feel the same way for someone else as I do for you. I wanted to know if my feelings for you were genuine, or if they were simply because I had no one else.

As she spoke, she could feel the weight of her words hang in the air between them, revealing the truth to Kazuya.

"And what did you find out?" Kazuya asked softly, his eyes searching hers for answers.

Chizuru met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. "I... I realized that I could not harbour the same feelings for Umi as I do for you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Chizuru hesitated, her thoughts racing as she attempted to put her emotions into words. "Kazuya," she said, her voice gentle yet determined. "I... I still can't say for certain what these feelings are."

Kazuya glanced at her, his eyes soft and sympathetic. "That's okay, Chizuru," he reassured. "Take your time."

Chizuru nodded, thankful for his patience. "It's just... I have never experienced anything like this before," she explained, her words tinged with trepidation. "I don't have enough experience to tell you exactly how I feel. But I know one thing.

Kazuya waited silently, giving her enough space to continue.

"I know I would have liked you even if I wasn't alone," Chizuru admitted, blushing. "I've always felt drawn to you, in a way that I can't quite explain."

Kazuya reached out and softly touched her hand, his touch soothing and reassuring.

Chizuru took a deep breath and gathered her confidence to discuss something even more personal. "And then there's my parents," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "My father... he abandoned my mother and me when I was just a baby."

Kazuya listened silently; his expression full of empathy.

"I... I do not want the kind of relationship my parents had," Chizuru continued, her voice filled with determination. "I want something real, something lasting. Like my grandparents, who were always together until death separated them."

She paused, feeling a lump form in her throat as she spoke about her deepest desires. "I know it's a lot to ask for," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I only want to be with someone if I can see a future with them. I do not want short-term dating, Kazuya. I want something... more."

Akane sat next to Mini, engaged in polite conversation as they caught up on their everyday lives. The ambiance was comfortable, with a buzz of conversation and the odd clink of glasses.

Their chat was abruptly cut off as Grandma Nagomi stood up. Akane looked up, drawn to the elderly woman at the front of the room.

Grandma Nagomi's voice filled the air, her words full of warmth and gratitude. She thanked everyone for coming out to celebrate her loving grandson, Kazuya, and Chizuru Ichinose's wedding day.

As the wedding ceremony started, Akane's thoughts turned to Kazuya. Memories of their previous interactions flooded her head, eliciting a range of feelings from her.

She and Kazuya had a tight friendship in the past, but those memories seemed distant now. Since Kazuya picked Chizuru, their friendship has become more distant and superficial.

Akane could not stop thinking about the times she and Kazuya would spend together, laughing and joking without a care in the world. However, their interactions were now confined to sporadic gym workouts and quick meals.

With a heavy heart, Akane realized that their relationship had dwindled to nothing more than gym friends. Despite her initial hopes of maintaining their friendship, the reality was far from what she had envisioned.

Each time she saw Kazuya with Chizuru, it served as a painful reminder of what they used to have. And though she tried to suppress her feelings, the ache in her heart remained, a constant reminder of the bond that had slowly faded away.

As the wedding ceremony unfurled before her, Akane could not shake the bitterness that had seeped into her heart. Each moment seemed to be a bitter reminder of the love she would never have, a love that belonged to someone else.

The air was filled with expectation when Kazuya finally appeared. Dressed in a nice suit, he projected confidence and grace, capturing the attention of everyone there. Akane could not help but feel a twinge of adoration for his appearance, even though her heart was filled with longing.

As Kazuya passed past her and Mini, he gave a modest smile to acknowledge their existence in that momentary moment. It was a powerful gesture, a silent acknowledgment of their significance in his life. Despite the beauty of the occasion, Akane could not escape the hard reality that stared her in the face.

With a heavy sigh, Akane realized she could not keep dwelling on the past. Despite the anguish and longing that tugged at her heartstrings, she realized that life went on, with or without her. And as Kazuya went forward into his future, Akane realized she had to do the same, no matter how painful it would be.

Chizuru's heart raced as she waited for Kazuya to respond, her words lingering in the air between them. Minutes passed in silence, with each second feeling like an eternity as Chizuru held her breath, waiting for Kazuya's response.

After a brief break, Chizuru took a deep breath to prepare for the next phase of their chat. "There's something else I wanted to ask you," she said, her voice firm despite the butterflies in her gut.

Kazuya nodded, encouraging Chizuru to continue. With a calm breath, she asked the question that had been on her mind. "Why were you late?" she asked.

Kazuya's expression softened as he met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of sincerity and remorse. "I'm sorry, Chizuru," he began, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I completely forgot about our date. Akane got hurt yesterday, and I stayed with her at the hospital all night, waiting for her to wake up."

Chizuru could only listen as Kazuya told her more about what had transpired the day before. Chizuru began to feel awful about being upset that Kazuya was late now that she knew why.

Chizuru's heart clenched at the mention of Akane's injury, her concern for her friend mingling with understanding for Kazuya's situation. "I see," she replied, her tone gentle as she processed his explanation.

"I'm really sorry," Kazuya continued, his voice tinged with regret. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting."

Chizuru offered him a reassuring smile, her earlier frustration melting away. "It's okay, Kazuya," she said softly. "I understand. I'm just glad Akane is okay."

"Yeah, she woke up just before I got your message," he confirmed.

A sense of relief flooded through Chizuru at the news, her worry for Akane easing slightly. "I'm so relieved to hear that," she admitted, her voice filled with gratitude.

Returning her gaze to Kazuya, Chizuru could not help but feel a sense of shame. "Are you sure it's okay for you to be here?" she questioned; her voice filled with concern. "I mean, with everything that happened..."

Kazuya gave her a reassuring grin, warm and sincere. "Yeah, Akane insisted that I come," he explained, his voice slightly amused. "She didn't want me to miss our date."

Chizuru blinked in astonishment at Akane's insistence, a little smile forming on the edges of her lips. "Really?" she said, her voice full of doubt.

Kazuya nodded, his smile widening at Chizuru's reaction. "Yeah, I was surprised too," he admitted, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "But she insisted, so here I am."

Following their chat regarding Akane, Kazuya attempted to find any hints about their date.

Chizuru watched Kazuya's attempts to extract indications about their impending date with a mix of laughter and affection. His curiosity was palpable, as seen by the way he asked questions and attempted to interpret her answers despite being blinded. However, she remained firm in her resolution not to provide any facts, relishing the prospect of their surprise evening together.

As Kazuya yawned, Chizuru could not help but feel sympathy for him. It was evident he had not gotten much sleep the night before, most likely because he was worried about Akane. "You must be exhausted," she said quietly, her voice full of compassion.

Kazuya managed a slight nod, his eyelids drooping from tiredness. "Yeah, a little," he said, a tired smile tugging on his lips.

Chizuru immediately offered him a soothing gesture. "Here, you can lean on my shoulder if you want," she said gently, touching the area next to her.

Kazuya hesitated for a time before happily accepting her offer and putting his head against her shoulder, sighing with relief. The warmth of her presence and the softness of her shoulder gave him a sense of security he had not realized he required.

As Kazuya drifted off into a peaceful slumber, Chizuru could not help but smile, feeling a surge of affection for the sleeping figure beside her. She leaned her head against his, allowing herself to savour the quiet moment of closeness between them before their date began.

As Chizuru went forward in her stunning wedding gown, Akane was stunned by her beauty. Despite her own confusing emotions, she could not deny that Chizuru looked lovely. The pure white dress emphasized Chizuru's grace, and Akane was briefly fascinated by her bright presence.

Akane looked around the room and spotted tears welling up in the eyes of some of Kazuya's family members. Their emotions were palpable, capturing the delight and poignancy of the situation. Despite the tears, Akane could not help but notice the lack of Chizuru's own family members. It was a striking reminder of Chizuru's loneliness as she walked down the aisle alone.

Akane could not help but smile as she noticed Kazuya's companions' tear-streaked cheeks. One friend, with a balding head and a few tufts of hair on the side, stood out from the rest. His feelings were genuine and unfiltered, demonstrating the strength of his friendship with Kazuya. Beside him, another acquaintance, whose front teeth protruded slightly, cried openly like a rabbit. Despite their tears, their expressions revealed an undeniable stab of envy, a quiet acknowledgement of Kazuya's satisfaction and their own desire for similar fulfilment.

For Akane, the scene was bittersweet. While she could not deny the joy radiating from Kazuya and Chizuru, she could not help but feel a pang of sorrow for the solitude Chizuru endured and a hint of jealousy at the unbridled happiness shared by Kazuya and his friends. It was a moment filled with conflicting emotions, a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and companionship.

"Is this really what I want? Am I okay with this outcome?"

As the wedding ceremony unfolded in front of her, Akane was caught up in a maelstrom of contradictory feelings. The air was thick with expectation, and each moment held its own weight of significance. Despite the reverent silence of the arena, Akane's mind was filled by a raging tempest of doubt and need.

The gravity of the situation became more apparent with each passing moment, leading Akane to reconsider her route. Is this what she really wants? The question reverberated endlessly in her head, throwing a pall over the festive atmosphere of the occasion.

As Chizuru and Kazuya exchanged vows, Akane could not help but feel a longing tug on her heartstrings. The words uttered between the two were sincere, each promising a testament to their profound bond. Despite the sweet protestations of love, a sense of unease began to claw at Akane's spirit.

As the ceremony approached its key point, the opportunity to protest to the union, Akane experienced a seismic shift within herself. It was as if a dam had broken, letting off a torrent of raw emotion that threatened to devour her.

In that fleeting moment, amidst the hushed anticipation of the gathered guests, Akane's inner turmoil reached its zenith. She was torn between duty and desire, between the expectations placed upon her and the yearning of her heart.

With each passing second, the weight of her longing grew heavier, until it became an undeniable truth pulsating within her.

"No, I do not want this life; I do not want it to end like this! I want to be the person standing next to Kazuya!"

In that moment of profound clarity, Akane embraced her desire, casting aside the shackles of obligation in favour of her own happiness. She wanted him—all of him—and she was determined to seize her chance at love, no matter the cost.

"I OBJECT!" Akane screamed with all her lungs.

As Akane's consciousness returned to reality, she gradually awoke from the intense dream that had encompassed her mind. Blinking away the remains of sleep, she studied her surroundings with blurry eyes, slowly piecing together the parts of her shattered mind.

The hospital's sterile, antiseptic aroma saturated the air, combining with the gentle hum of medical equipment that filled the room. Tubes and wires snaked across her torso, connecting her to the sterile confines of the hospital bed.

As her gaze fell on the stark white walls and muted tones of the space, she felt disoriented. For a little moment, the border between dream and reality blurred, leaving her feeling uneasy.

With a steadying breath, Akane tried to throw off the residual threads of her dream and ground herself in the present now. She flexed her fingers, feeling the chilly contact of the blankets beneath her, a tactile reminder of her physical presence.

Despite her efforts to anchor herself in reality, the echoes of her dream persisted in the back of her mind, making her question the nature of her desires and the depths of her yearning.

In the quiet stillness of the hospital room, Akane found herself grappling with a tumultuous mix of emotions—longing, uncertainty, and a gnawing sense of craving that refused to be ignored.

As she lay there, bathed in the pale glow of the morning light filtering through the curtains, Akane could not help but wonder what her dream had revealed about her deepest desires and the path that lay ahead.