Chapter 57

(Third pov)

"Do you want to go out somewhere to eat, or are you fine with my cooking?" Chizuru asked, a little flustered.

"Your cooking is fine," Masamune replied.

"O-okay... then let's buy something first since I don't have anything in my fridge."

Masamune just nodded and followed her to a nearby store. It only took them five minutes to get to the grocery store.

"I don't remember the last time I went shopping," Masamune said, pushing a trolley as Chizuru walked in front, looking around. When she heard him, she chuckled.

"Really? Oh, you're busy. So, when was the last time you went shopping?" Chizuru asked as she picked up a potato, wondering if he'd be fine with curry.

"A few hours ago, when I was running late. Wait, why are you giggling like that?"

Masamune thought she'd be in a sour mood after what happened earlier, like when they were in the taxi.

"I just thought it was a little funny. What? Oh..." Chizuru narrowed her eyes slightly. "I'm not a kid, alright? Yes, it was horrible, but I can handle it."

Masamune paused. "So, you're not mad at me?"

Chizuru opened her mouth, speechless. "Why would I hate you? Of course not."

"Okay."

Chizuru sighed. "I'm not trying to meddle, but you said you were late because you were shopping? What did you buy?"

Chizuru couldn't tell, but she wondered if he had just gone somewhere with someone and bought something for that person. Maybe a girlfriend?

"A bank," Masamune replied curtly.

"Uh..." Chizuru looked bewildered. "You mean a bank? The whole bank?"

Masamune nodded, scratching his cheek. "Yeah... you know what, I'll cook something as an apology. How about that?"

"N-no, you're my guest. Besides, I bet you can't even handle a knife, can you?"

Masamune smirked. "Trust me, you'll get addicted."

Chizuru's smile twitched. "Oh, so you think you're better than me? Alright, fine, I'll let you cook."

She was curious too. Chizuru often visited his house because she was his coach and manager, so she always ate there. His mom's cooking was as good as what you'd find at a fancy restaurant.

Besides, it's Masamune. He's always so full of himself, thinking he's great. If it's not good, she'll tease him about it.

"Are you okay with pasta?"

She nodded. "I'm fine. But if you fail, I'll make curry."

Once they finished shopping, they headed back to her apartment.

Chizuru walked up the stairs as Masamune followed her. However, deep down, Chizuru felt really nervous, unlike before.

'Why am I doing this?'

It wasn't the first time he'd been here, and she never saw him as a potential romantic interest because of how young he was. But now, things felt more complicated.

Nevertheless, she opened the door to her apartment.

"Come in," she said, and Masamune chuckled as he entered.

She closed the door, and then it hit her.

"Hey, this might be sudden, but I'm going to resign from the job."

Masamune froze and turned back, his face filled with confusion. "Huh? What the hell?"

Chizuru just smiled back at him. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it since I heard what Nanami said. You know, it's not good for someone like me to be around you."

Masamune gently placed the plastic bags on the floor and walked closer to her. "You said you were fine with it, so you weren't?"

Chizuru shook her head. "That's not what I meant. Look..." She sighed and looked him in the eyes. "Nanami was right. I used to be a rental girlfriend, and if I stay around you, I might tarnish your dignity and reputation—"

Masamune placed his hand on her shoulder, looking at her calmly. "I assure you, that won't happen. Besides, I never judged you for it. Like I told you before, I'm proud of your effort. You knew the world doesn't care about circumstances, but you adapted and chose the right path. And now, you're reaping the rewards by meeting me."

He paused as Chizuru looked away.

"What do you mean?"

"You want to become an actress, right? Then I'm your stepping stone."

"I get what you mean, Masamune. But using connections to get a big role isn't my style. In fact, I hate it. I'd rather miss out on a role because of my lack of skill than rely on that trick."

Chizuru gritted her teeth. The competition was harsh. It was difficult for her to break into the industry. Since she started learning how to act, she had only managed to get roles in theater companies.

"Look, do you think I got my role purely because of skill?" Masamune's question made her pause.

"Chizuru, it's hard to admit, but connections aren't all bad. I can find you a job with the influence I have—let me finish. Actually, we need an actress for some advertising for our cruise ship. How about it? You can take it if you want."

"But I can't just accept it so easily, can I? I mean, there are better people, like Arima Kana or that famous Shiranui Frill. I'm just a nobody."

"Stop whining, Chizuru. Whether you take it or not, that's your decision. If you're insecure about your skills, I don't care."

"I trust myself, Masamune! I believe I'll succeed through my own efforts. I just hate it. I hate using the same shortcuts others do. I always end up like this because of how the industry works."

"Do you think I don't know that? Look, I see you as competent as any professional."

Chizuru paused. "Stop lying."

"I'm not. Besides, we need someone with a pretty face like yours. Don't misunderstand—this isn't because we're family now. I'm offering you the job because I see your potential and I'm investing in it. It's purely business."

Chizuru paused, unsure of what to say.

"It's your choice. If you want to give it a shot, then do it. Go back to being a rental girlfriend if you want. I don't care. It's your life, Chizuru. As for me, I see an opportunity. I see potential in you, so I'm taking a gamble."

Chizuru clenched her skirt. "Really?"

"Yeah. Stop overthinking and just take it. Stand proud, Chizuru. You've worked hard, and this is the result."

She blushed, her eyes welling up with tears as she silently cried. When Masamune hugged her, she hugged him back tightly. It had been so hard. She had worked so hard, and it was frustrating. She had often thought about giving up and doing something else, but she was glad someone recognized her efforts.

"Thank you, Masamune."

"Don't thank me yet. I'm still paying you."

Her crying turned into laughter. "You insensitive brat. Well, you're the boss."

She released the hug, blushing again as she realized she had acted on a whim. She looked up at his face, and they stared at each other in silence. The atmosphere was tense. Masamune sighed inwardly and made the first move.

He gently cupped her cheeks. When Chizuru closed her eyes, he knew he had her consent and pulled her closer. They kissed once, then again, slowly deepening the kiss.

Masamune trusted his instincts and carried her into the apartment, placing her gently on the bed.

Chizuru blushed and looked away shyly. "Go easy on me, okay?"

Masamune chuckled. "Okay."

"Don't underestimate me, brat. Now c-come here," Chizuru stuttered.

---

(Kazuya's commentary)

Ahn! Ahhh! Ahhn! Hah!

The sound coming from behind this wall. The wall that separates me and Mizuhara. I don't remember exactly when I came back; I guess it's been about two hours since I returned from izakaya after having a drink.

I just got dumped by Mami-chan again. She openly discarded me after finding someone who suited her tastes better. I was really mad at her, especially because she told everyone she was a rental girlfriend. But her cousin stood up for her. That bastard who took everything around me.

Though, If I were in his position, I don't think I'd have the courage. I should be angry, but why am I getting turned on by Mizuhara's soft moan?

"Tch!"

I came, jerking off like an idiot. How pathetic. I hate myself right now.

(Commentary ended.)

---

It's been three hours since they finished.

Masamune looked over at Chizuru, sleeping soundly beneath the white blanket. He could see her bare, slender neck down to her back. He smirked a little. As he chopped garlic in Chizuru's kitchen, he glanced at the floating screen in front of him.

[Name: Ichinose Chizuru]

[Age: 19]

[Rating: A]

[Likability: 86%]

[Current Status: Sleepy.]

[Spoiler: Rent-a-girlfriend S1, S2, & S3.]

[Unused x1 SR Package: [Acting] Ryan Gosling]

Long story short, he had managed to get her back as his girlfriend. Although, he wasn't entirely sure if Chizuru was just overwhelmed by pleasure or fully aware of what she had agreed to. Still, her likability had returned.

"That means I can use this for the next filming," he muttered.

With her likability at 86%, he could extract the gacha that many. Smiling, he dismissed the floating screen and returned to cooking. After toasting the garlic in a good amount of olive oil, he added chili flakes for a bit of spice. Once it was ready, he tossed in the pasta and added some pasta water. Finally, he sprinkled chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon before plating the dish.

"Mmm..." Chizuru groggily opened her eyes, drawn by the delicious smell. As she sat up in bed, she saw Masamune place two plates on the small table.

"What happened?" she asked.

"You passed out. Anyway, I just made aglio e olio. Come sit here."

Chizuru looked at the food; it looked really delicious. Then she glanced down at herself and blushed hard— "Don't look!", yup, she was naked. But Masamune silently wondered, what was the point of that when he had already seen, everything?

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