Chapter 10 Practice Date

No one's POV

Currently, Nhazul was still looking at Ruka annoyed that she was now working the same job he was.

Nhazul: ...-_-... Why are you here...?

Ruka: I told you to be ready for a battle of endurance. Sitting around won't close the gap with Chizuru. You live in the same building. Meanwhile, your work place is Chizuru free! We can spend quality time together!

Ruka attempted to hug Nhazul, but he blocked her face with a tray.

Nhazul: ...-_-... Do you even have any intention of working...?

Ruka: Ouch! This is domestic violence! Boss, I'm being bullied! I demand you dock his pay!

Nhazul: Don't fuck with my paycheck! I have rent to pay unlike you!

(Timeskip)

It's later in the day, and currently Nhazul had just gotten home with his pizza for dinner. As he was eating, he noticed their was a note from Chizuru, asking him to meet her outside. As he walked out, he immediately saw her waiting for him.

Chizuru: Heya.

Nhazul: What is it?

Chizuru: Sorry about this.

Nhazul: I assume you need something. You're not one to leave notes.

Chizuru: I need your help with something.

Nhazul: Something like?

Chizuru: There's a girl I want you to rent.

Nhazul just looked at Chizuru with a brow raised.

Nhazul: You want me to rent someone?

Chizuru: She's a newbie who just started working as a rental girlfriend. The thing is, she's really shy. So shy that clients are complaining about her.

Nhazul: That so.

Chizuru: I figured you'd be a safe option, since I know you, and how you do things.

Nhazul: I assume you want me to pay for this.

Chizuru: No. this is for practice, so you don't have to pay for anything. Think you can do it?

Nhazul looked at Chizuru and sighed.

Nhazul: Sure, why not.

Chizuru: Good. But I'm a bit surprised.

Nhazul: And why is that?

Chizuru: I didn't think you would help out to be honest. You dislike the rental girlfriend practice as a whole. So why?

Nhazul didn't say anything, leaning on the rail.

Nhazul: Who knows.

Chizuru: Well, in anycase, I appreciate you helping out.

Nhazul: Uh huh.

Chizuru: I'll let you know the time and place. Her name is Sumi Sakurasawa. She's a college first year.

Nhazul: Right.

(Timeskip)

It's been two days, and currently Nhazul was out waiting for Sumi to arrive, after Chizuru told him where to meet her. As he was standing there, he thought to their conversation.

(Flashback)

Chizuru: Good. But I'm a bit surprised.

Nhazul: And why is that?

Chizuru: I didn't think you would help out to be honest. You dislike the rental girlfriend practice as a whole. So why?

Nhazul didn't say anything, leaning on the rail.

Nhazul: Who knows.

(Present)

Nhazul's thoughts: Why am I doing this? I would have instantly said no in the past. My animosity towards women, has it started to slowly go away..?

Nhazul then started thinking back to Chizuru and Ruka.

Nhazul's thoughts: I guess being forced to spend so much time with them has something to with it. Still...

???: Ah...!

Nhazul looked over to see a girl with red hair and eyes hiding behind a pillar.

Nhazul's thoughts: I'm going to take a wild guess and say that's her.

Suddenly, the girl Nhazul assumed was Sumi walked up to him extremely nervous.

Nhazul: I take it you're Sumi? I'm Nhazul.

Sumi: A-Ah..um... He...llo...

Nhazul's thoughts: Is she that shy?

Nhazul: Chizuru told you about me, right?

Sumi just nodded nervously, as Nhazul sighed.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... Saying she's an "introvert" doesn't even come close... She can't even speak...

Sumi: ...

Nhazul just sighed again, as he spoke up.

Nhazul: How about we get moving?

Sumi just nodded and followed Nhazul. As the two were walking, unbeknownst to Nhazul, Mami had saw the two of them.

Mami: Huh...?

With Nhazul, he had taken Sumi to cafe, to try and speak with her again.

Nhazul: So how long have you known  Chizuru?

Sumi: ...

Nhazul: I assume you girls talk?

Sumi: ...

Nhazul's thoughts: This is going to be a day... I don't even know what she sounds like.

Nhazul: Alrighty then, how about we start with something simple. Can you smile?

Sumi looked at Nhazul and started slapping her cheeks, pumping herself up.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... She has to hype herself up just to smile?

Sumi gave Nhazul a smile, that looked more like a snicker.

Nhazul: Wow. You suck at this...

Sumi just looked down embarrassed, as Nhazul sighed again.

Nhazul's thoughts: Can't talk or smile. She's not fit to be a rental in the slightest. So why?

Nhazul looked at Sumi again, seeing how tense and nervous she looked. Thinking of something, he took her to a bowling alley, surprising her.

Sumi: Bo...

Nhazul: Talking isn't going to help your nervousness. So I figured something like this would help you relax.

Sumi looked at Nhazul and clinched her fists determined. As the two were walking, Nhazul could hear people talking about the two of them, thinking they were couple, making him sigh. After getting set up, Nhazul sat down, letting Sumi go first and saw her staring at a man bowling, extremely intensely.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... She's staring a hole into that man's soul...

As Sumi attempted to roll her ball, she got startled by another player,

causing her to fall, flashing her panties, but she quickly covered herself embarrassed. Sighing, Nhazul walked up to her, helping her up.

Nhazul: You alright?

Sumi just nodded, as Nhazul spoke up.

Nhazul: Is this your first time bowling?

Sumi again nodded, as Nhazul looked over and saw despite her falling, she had gotten a strike.

Nhazul: I mean it wasn't the prettiest, but it's still impressive you got a strike.

Sumi: ...

Nhazul: Is there any particular reason why you took this job? It seems strange for someone like you.

Sumi looked down and started giving Nhazul various motions, which he quickly picked up on.

Nhazul's thoughts: She hates how she can't talk, huh? So taking this job is her way of trying to fix it. To be honest, this isn't the best way of fixing that. Especially if it's this bad.

Nhazul: How about we take a break. I'll get us something to drink.

Sumi: ...

As Nhazul left Sumi to get some drinks, he looked back to see 3 guys bothering her. As he saw one attempting to look up her skirt, he walked over to them.

Nhazul: Is there something I can help you with?

The guys turned to Nhazul, as Sumi looked surprised.

Thug: What do you want, punk?

Nhazul: I want you to go fuck off, with your two butt buddies.

The the three of them looked at Nhazul annoyed, as one just punched him the face. Without warning, Nhazul retaliated, punching him back, much harder, putting him on his ass, surprising the other two, as Nhazul narrowed his eyes.

Nhazul: Scram.

The thugs looked at Nhazul nervously, as they helped their buddy up and left. After they did, Nhazul left with Sumi, as they were waiting for the elevator.

Sumi: U-Um.. Thanks...

Nhazul just chuckled.

Nhazul: Finally talking, huh? Don't worry about it.

Sumi: I'm sorry... You got hurt because of me...

Nhazul: The first thing you say is an apology? Like I said, don't worry about it. Despite this only being a rental practice, I wasn't going let them have their way with you. So don't let it get to you.

Sumi just looked at Nhazul surprised. As the elevator arrived, Nhazul went to walk in, but felt Sumi hold his hand, surprising him. He looked at her and saw her smile at him nervously, but was a genuine one. Seeing this, Nhazul couldn't help but form a small one of his own.

Nhazul's thoughts: Despite this being a practice date, it's still a genuine smile. She's a good girl.

(Timeskip)

As both Nhazul and Sumi took a break down stairs, the two got ice cream and as they were eating, Sumi nervously offered some of hers to him.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... Really? I understand she's trying, but this is a little too hard...

Nhazul then looked and saw how nervous she was.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... She's obviously pushing herself too hard... But it'll crush her confidence if I don't play along.

Nhazul sighed, taking a lick from her cone.

Nhazul: That's really good.

Sumi looked at Nhazul surprised, and smiled. As the day continued, Sumi wanted to try different things, once again pushing herself. The two of them were now roller skating, as Sumi struggled to keep standing.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... This girl is deceptively stubborn...  But she's a good girl deep down.

Suddenly, Sumi tripped and was about to fall back, but Nhazul caught her.

Nhazul: You alright?

Being so close to Nhazul, Sumi panicked while blushing, accidentally elbowing Nhazul in the face.

Nhazul: Ow...

Sumi: I-I'm sorry...!

Nhazul saw his nose was bleeding a bit.

Nhazul: No... It's fine... I'll be back, just wait for me at the tables...

As Nhazul left to go clean off his nose, he made his way back to Sumi, and his eyes widened completely shocked to see Mami sitting with her. Noticing him, Mami smiled at him.

Mami: Heya, Nhazi!

Nhazul: Mami...

Sumi looked at Nhazul surprised that he knows her, as he continued to look at her.

Nhazul: Why are you here?

Mami: I was here with a friend. I was just on my way out when I spotted you.

Nhazul: Is that so...

Mami then turned her attention to Sumi.

Mami: I go to college with Nhazi. And, uh... you?

Nhazul: She's Sumi Sakurasawa. She's-

Suddenly, Nhazul felt something grab his arm, and he looked down to see it was Sumi hugging his arm.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... Sumi, that isn't helping this situation.

Sumi then held Nhazul's hand, slamming it on the table.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... Sigh.

Mami just looked at Sumi, as her finger slightly twitched, but then smiled at her.

Mami: Sorry, Sumi, could you give us a few minutes?

Sumi looked over at Nhazul, and he looked back at her.

Nhazul: It's alright. Just give us a minute to talk.

Sumi looked down, but reluctantly did what Nhazul said, leaving the two of them. As she left, Mami was the first to speak up.

Mami: Does Chizuru know about this?

Nhazul: She does. She's a friend of hers and she asked if I could keep her company until we can meet up later.

Mami looked at Nhazul and smiled.

Mami: Oh, that's what's going on. I thought you found another girlfriend. Girls were always jealous when we were going out.

Nhazul: ...

Mami then stood up, facing away from Nhazul, getting ready leave. Nhazul just looked at Mami, his mind thinking back to everything.

(Flashback)

Mami: Oh, I just found her incredibly pretty. But if you go any further with Nhazul, you should have a heads up.

Nhazul: Huh?

Mami: Once he's bored with you, he'll up and leave you without saying a word. He did it to me, so I'm just giving you a warning in advance.

Everyone just looked at Mani shocked, as she continued to casually talk about Nhazul.

Mami: I was so surprised and upset, not a call, text or anything, he just up and ghosted me after he graduated from high school. I guess I served my purpose once he graduated. I guess he wanted a more attractive girl.

(Flashback)

Boy: Hey... Are you sure we should be doing this? Don't you have a boyfriend?

Girlfriend: Oh, I'm done with him. I was only using him to buy me whatever I wanted. I couldn't care less about him.

(Present)

Nhazul: Why did you do it...? Why did you cheat on me...?

When Mami heard Nhazul say that, she stood there for a moment.

Mami: ...

Nhazul: Was it something that I did...?

She just stood there, not saying anything before speaking up.

Mami: Well, I should go... I'm keeping my friend waiting...

Mami then proceeded to walk away, leaving Nhazul, as he just looked down and sighed. After meeting back up with Sumi, he walked her to the train station, after their practice date was over.

Sumi: Thank... you...

Nhazul: Don't mention it. I think you should take it nice and slow, honestly.

Sumi: Huh?

Nhazul: I know you don't talk much, but it's obvious how hard you were trying to make it a fun date, despite your short comings. I respect that. So keep at it. You'll break out of your shell if you keep trying.

Sumi looked at Nhazul surprised, as he started walking away.

Nhazul: Be careful getting home.

Sumi: Nhazul!

Nhazul: Hmm?

Nhazul looked back to see Sumi smiling and waving him off.

Sumi: See you!

Sumi, now blushing bowed to Nhazul and quickly went to the station. As she did, Nhazul had a small smile, walking away.

(Timeskip)

After Nhazul returned home, he saw he had another note from Chizuru, telling him to meet her outside.

Nhazul: ...-_-... What is this, middle school? Why can't you just knock on my door like a normal person?

Chizuru: Sumi called me a little while ago. She was over the moon. Thanks.

Nhazul: All I did was go on a date with her.

Chizuru: ...

Nhazul: What's with the sudden quietness?

Chizuru: Well...

Nhazul: Well?

Chizuru: How would you feel if I quit being a rental girlfriend?

Nhazul: Quitting?

Chizuru: Remember that directer Umi was talking to? I landed a role on his play. It's pretty famous and my agency says it'll lead ti more role's down the line if I deliver.

Nhazul: That so, huh?

Chizuru: I've been at it, for a year already. And if I can make enough money as an actress, I can devote all my time to it. So I figured it's about time to move on.

Nhazul: Hmmm.

Chizuru: What do you think?

Nhazul: Why are you asking me?

Chizuru just rolled her eyes.

Chizuru: Well, we are helping each other out. So I felt I should talk to you about it.

Nhazul: Well, at the end of the day, regardless of what I say, it's your decision. When it comes to your career as an actress, it's up to you to make the final decision.

Chizuru just looked down.

Chizuru: So you think I should quit?

Nhazul: If it's to help towards your dream, then I say yes. But like I said, it's up to you. You have the final say so.

Chizuru: I see... Can I ask you one more thing?

Nhazul: What?

Chizuru went to say something, but ultimately didn't.

Chizuru: Never mind... I have to get up early, I have a date booked.

Nhazul: Right. Have fun with that.

As Nhazul went back inside, Chizuru stood there, blushing a bit.

Chizuru's thoughts: I know it was supposed to end eventually, but I've gotten a bit used to it.. Would you miss our time together...?

Elsewhere, back at her house, Mami was in her room, hugging her pillow in deep thought.

Mami: ...

(Flashback)

Nhazul: Why did you do it...? Why did you cheat on me...?

(Present)

Mami: ...

Mami began to think back to a particular memory, of an argument with her dad, with the two yelling at one another, ending in her being slapped. The memory, made her clinch her pillow tightly, before she began to think of Nhazul again, and remembering Sumi, which now annoyed her.

Mami's thoughts: Who was she really...? There's no way she was just a friend of hers. And Nhazul isn't one to... To cheat... So who was she...?!

Mami pulled out her phone, looking up Sumi on the internet and she was surprised to see her profile on the Rent a Girlfriend app.

Mami: What...?

As Mami scrolled down, she saw the top ranked girlfriend, and her eyes widened completely and utterly shocked. But soon the shock turned to anger and annoyance.

Mami: Huh...?