Chapter 24 Neighboring Interference

No one's POV

As Nhazul walks Chizuru to the door, she opens the door to leave, but she and Nhazul are surprised to see Ruka standing outside, who looked at them just as shocked.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... Oh you have got to be kidding me...

Chizuru: R-Ruka...?

Without warning, Ruka would look over to Nhazul, clinging to him with an annoyed look on her face.

Ruka: Explain yourselves! When did you two get together?!

Nhazul: It isn't like that.

Ruka: But you just exited the apartment together! How can you not say you're not together?!

Nhazul: Why are you even here this late? It's almost 11:00.

Ruka: I came to return the manga I borrowed!

Hearing this, Nhazul looked at Ruka with a surprised look.

Nhazul: Manga? I didn't know you were... Wait a minute, you took my manga?!

Ruka: That's besides the point!

Nhazul: No it isn't!

Chizuru: Wait, Ruka, listen to me...

Ruka would shift her attention to Chizuru, her annoyance growing more.

Ruka: You be quiet, Chizuru. I thought your grandma's situation must've gotten you down! That's why I suggested a truce! So what the hell are you playing at here, you perfectly fine, horny thot!

Chizuru: Wha?!

Ruka: You're a rental girlfriend employed by an agency! Engaging with customers in private is prohibited, much less getting into a relationship! Look at you, stealing my boyfriend. Some "professional" you are!

Chizuru: Look, I can explain.

Ruka: Give it a rest!

Ruka said, now beginning to tear up, becoming fed up.

Ruka: I've had it up to here! How can you possibly-

Nhazul: Ruka.

Ruka would look over at Nhazul, seeing he had a calm and serious expression.

Nhazul: Can you just be quiet for a second and we'll explain everything to you.

Nhazul said, as he glanced towards Chizuru, who simply nodded. As the three would enter Nhazul's apartment to talk, Mini, who was going home, ended up accidentally hearing everything and learned that Chizuru is a rental girlfriend.

Mini: Rental Girlfriend...? Messy drama alert...!

Elsewhere inside with Nhazul and Chizuru, the two would explain to Ruka that they are working on a movie for the Film Festival and for her grandmother. As they need to save money, they can't go out and talk in a restaurant and talking on the balcony disturbs the neighbors, so they had to meet in the apartment.

As Ruka would look Nhazul's laptop, seeing all the information for the crowdfunding page, before looking at the Omelet Rice, pouting.

Ruka: And the Omelet Rice?

Nhazul: It was just something she offered to make cause I hadn't eaten yet.

Chizuru: Nhazul has been doing a lot of the heavy lifting and looked pretty worn out. I'd feel bad if he ended up malnourished or something. But yeah, that was probably out of line. I won't do it again, I promise.

As Ruka would look at Nhazul, he would simply sigh.

Nhazul: Look, I'm sorry for not saying anything. I didn't want to stress you out anymore. Originally I wasn't going to bother entering, but after hearing about her grandmother's condition, this seemed like the best option.

As Ruka would continue to look at Nhazul, she would look down back at the laptop.

Ruka: I understand...

Chizuru: Thank you.

As Nhazul would look at Ruka, he'd sigh, but have a small smile.

Nhazul's thoughts: She's definitely a good girl... Still.

Ruka: I'll help out with the movie too.

Chizuru: Huh?!

Nhazul: Yep, saw that coming a mile away.

Chizuru: Wha... R-Ruka...?

Ruka: I still have my doubts about your relationship. You did meet up in here tonight and all. Making a movie for her grandmother. I understand that. It shows how kind you are, Nhazul, and I'm not gonna stop you there. However, I won't be able to stomach it if you two continue to have alone time.

Hearing this, Nhazul would simply close his eyes and speak up.

Nhazul: I see. But I want you to know this. This isn't going to be all fun and games, so I want to make sure you understand that. If you plan on just getting in the way, then it's not going to work, regardless of how you feel about it.

Hearing this, Ruka would simply nod.

Ruka: Of course. I have no intention of ruining this movie in anyway.

Nhazul: Right. As long as that's clear, you're more then welcome to help.

Chizuru: Then it's decided. Let's try to avoid anymore disagreements.

Ruka: There's one more thing I'd like to confirm...

Nhazul: And that is?

Chizuru: Sure, get it out the way while we're here.

Ruka would then look at Nhazul.

Ruka: In that case... Between Chizuru's Omelet Rice and my Curry...Which did you like better?

Hearing this, Nhazul would look at Ruka annoyed, as Chizuru looked surprised.

Chizuru's thoughts: Curry?

Nhazul: ...-_-... Is this really the time for this?

Ruka: I can't stop thinking about it! Be honest with me!

As Nhazul just sighed, he feel the stares of both Ruka and Chizuru, waiting for an answer. However he would simply answer honestly.

Nhazul: They both were very good, but if I could pick only one, I'd go with your curry.

Upon hearing this, Ruka would genuinely tear up, hugging Nhazul tightly, making him blush slightly.

Ruka: I'm so glad...

Chizuru: ...

Afterwards, since they had resolved the problem, Chizuru decides to leave, while Ruka wishes to stay a bit longer.

Ruka: Now, let's talk about the Manga I borrowed!

Nhazul: ...-_-... You mean stole...

As Nhazul and Ruka would bicker,

Chizuru would lean on the door, thinking back to hearing Nhazul picking Ruka's Curry, a pout forming on her face before walking back to her apartment.

Chizuru: Man... I have to wash my pan...

(Timeskip)

It's now the next day and meets up with Teppei Shimizu, a music producer from Campfire to pitch his project for the Crowdfunding. Later in the day after the meeting, he see Chizuru on her way back from visiting her grandmother

and tells her that Teppei Shimizu approved their project. Chizuru takes it calmly and tells him that Sayuri also approved it and they can write what they want for her. Before going into her apartment, Chizuru tells Nhazul that he is a nice guy, confusing him.

Nhazul's thoughts: Alright then...?

The next day, after publishing the project, Nhazul checks the project and sees that there are 33 backers and have gathered already 120,000 yen.

Nhazul's thoughts: 33 in one night? Not bad.

While getting ready for class, he would run into Chizuru.

Chizuru: Morning.

Nhazul: Morning. But I got some good news.

Chizuru: Huh?

Nhazul would pull out his phone and slow Chizuru the Crowdfunding page.

Nhazul: We got 120k in a single night. And still going up.

Seeing this, Chizuru would look at it surprised.

Chizuru: R-Really?

Nhazul: Yeah. Seems like people showed up in droves as soon as we went up got 10k. If we can keep this pace, we'll have-

Suddenly, the two hear some noise from Mini's apartment and they decide to calm down a bit.

Chizuru: Ahem. Anyway, we can't be too optimistic. You still need to have your script revised, right?

Nhazul: Yeah. I was thinking of asking someone from the film club I'm in.

Chizuru: I'll help out anyway I can, so let me know.

Nhazul: Right.

(Timeskip)

After his classes, Nhazul meets with Ruka and tells her the news and that they need the script revised to fit a shorter run time.

Ruka: Shorter run time?

Nhazul: Yeah. The way the script is now, it'll take longer to film and produce something for over 2 hours. The film festival is in 2 months, so a shorter run time will be beneficial.

Ruka: I can link you to a webnovel site I visit a lot. Maybe you can find someone there you can hire.

Nhazul: Thanks.

Nhazul's thoughts: She ultimately agreed to making this movie with Chizuru. It's easy to forget how mature she can be despite how she acts at times.

Nhazul: Sorry about the movie. I'm grateful for the help.

Ruka: Well, as your girlfriend, I'm not a fan. But I don't want to be the type of girlfriend who is constantly going against your wishes. And I understand the situation with Chizuru and her grandmother. And most of all, Nhazul...

Nhazul: Hmm?

Ruka: I just love your kind and selfless heart. Even if you didn't show it, you're always putting others ahead of yourself.

Ruka would look at Nhazul with a purely genuine smile of happiness and joy on her face.

Ruka: Just thinking I'm the girlfriend of someone like that, makes my heart start racing.

Nhazul: ...

(Timeskip)

Later during the night, Nhazul checks the webnovel site. He finds a lot of great editors and writers, having a hard time finding one. Deciding to take a break, decides to go get something to eat . However as he passes by Mini's apartment, she pulls him in. As Mini ended up on him.

Nhazul: The hell are you doing?!

Mini: I... I can't take it anymore...

Nhazul: Take what?!

Suddenly, Mini stops him and apologizes, coming to her senses.

Mini: Sorry! I should've made myself clear! I let my emotions get the better of me! It's a bad habit!

Nhazul: Yeah, a habit that can end very bad for you if you do it the wrong guy...!

Mini: People often tell me I'm too easy, but see you that way. Not one bit.

Nhazul: ...-_-... Uh huh...

Mini: I've been thinking about some stuff, and when I heard you leave your apartment, I dragged you in on impulse.

Nhazul: Thinking? About what?

Mini then shows him a video of last night and Ruka revealing that Chizuru is a rental girlfriend, causing his eye to slightly twitch.

Nhazul's thoughts: Oh, for fuck sakes...!!!!

Mini: What a surprise. I'd heard of rental girlfriends before, but I didn't expect my next-next door neighbor to be one. With such a hottie next door, I can see why your girlfriend is worried.

Nhazul: Delete it.

Mini: Ah, no can do. I already uploaded it to the cloud. But I'm curious to know the full situation though. Seems really interesting.

Nhazul: It's none of your business.

Mini: Oh, man, it be a real shame if this video got out.

Nhazul: ...-_-...

With no other option, Nhazul would proceed to tell Mini the whole story, however afterwards, she would just look at him excitedly.

Mini: A year? This has been going on for a whole year?

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... What's with that sparkle in her eyes...?

Mini: Whoa! You must really love that rental girlfriend!

Nhazul: Huh...? Love?

Mini: What do you mean, "huh"?! The money you spend is your love! Don't be insecure! Hold your head up with pride!

Nhazul: What are you talking about?

Mini: You've must've spent a whole lot! What a true hero! Nothing's sadder then not getting any ROI...

Nhazul: This isn't an investment...

Mini: You have that cute younger girlfriend, but your iron will remains unmoved. Oh, the feels! The MC of a harem rom coms are self inserts for all mankind!

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... Why do I feel like I'm being called out...?

Mini: Ah, I can't believe someone's actually living such a fun life IRL.

Nhazul: Are you even listening?

Mini: I respect your will to whale all the way for your fave! I keep second guessing myself every time I roll. "Am I sure about this?" "What am I getting from spending this 10k?"

Nhazul: ...-_-.... Don't compare me to a freaking Gatcha Whale, thank you...

Mini: But now I'm ashamed of myself! We're allowed to live our lives for the sake of the things we love! Please let me call you "Master"!

Nhazul: ...-_-... Huh...?

Mini: It's not about logic! My soul's crying out that you are!

Nhazul: Why are you trying to get me to be your "Master" when you're trying to blackmail me.

Mini: Blackmail? Oh, I never planned on actually uploading it. I just wanted to get the dets.

Hearing this, Nhazul just looked at her irritated.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... I feel my hate for women returning...

Mini: Also, this is for self defense.

Nhazul: Self defense?

Mini: Getting things on video will come in handy if I ever get dragged into some mess. I saw it on WeTube.

Nhazul's thoughts: She took a video just for that...?

Mini: I'm not the Devil, y'know. I was just randomly shooting a video on my way home.

Mini then lets Nhazul into her room, which is full of stuffed animals and clothes.

She reveals that she is a cosplayer and streamer, going by the name "Cornetmaru".

Nhazul's thoughts: She's a streamer? Guess that explains the randomly shooting videos... Either way, this girl is a true Zoomer...

Mini: Anyway, you're inspiring, Master. A romance beginning with a rental relationship? It's like a movie or anime! "Their love was just a facade at first... But as the time went on, they could no longer live without each other!"

Nhazul's thoughts: This girl...

Mini: So, what's Chizuru like?

Nhazul would begrudgingly tell Mini and afterwards, she looked at him teary eyed.

Mini: Chizuru's more then I could imagine... She's an angel! It's all your fault, but she's so tolerant, she takes it in stride! Talk about a bruh moment!

Nhazul: Uh huh...

Mini: I hope things work out for you two! If you don't pull an SSR after whaling so much, there's no hope for this world!

Nhazul: ...-_-... Stop comparing this to Gatcha... Besides, there's nothing I'm hoping for in return. She doesn't feel that way about me.

Hearing this, Mini just looked at Nhazul confused.

Mini: Huh? What are you saying? Chizuru is obviously in love with you, Master.

Hearing this, Nhazul looked at Mini with a brow raised.

Nhazul: Huh? Like hell she does.

Mini: Are you being serious right now? She's been with you for a whole year! Even though you're such a jerk!

Nhazul: Excuse you...?

Mini: She's hanging out with you despite all the risks. No way she doesn't have some feelings for you.

Hearing this, Nhazul would begin to contemplate if that would even be possible, before shaking the thought of his head.

Nhazul: Doubt it. Not her of all people.

Mini: Ah... Well... Sounds like the kinda thing someone with virgin mentality would think.

Nhazul would just look at Mini annoyed.

Nhazul: ...-_-... First of all, I'm not a virgin. Second of all, what does that have to do with anything?

Mini: I bet she's lying in her bed right now, going, "Why can't I be honest with him? I hate myself," or something!

Nhazul: Doubt.

Mini would soon just sigh.

Mini: You're hopeless, Master. Anyway, your love deserves to be rewarded. I, Yaemori, will support you all the way! Let's make sure you two go out, okay, Master?

Nhazul: ...-_-... I said there's no love...

After finally leaving Mini's apartment, Nhazul heads back, but still can't believe what Mini said, looking at Chizuru's apartment door.

Nhazul: ...

Nhazul's thoughts: There's no way...

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Chizuru is at her balcony, drinking tea and listening to music. She checks Nhazul's balcony, but as he isn't there, so she decides to stay for one more drink.

Chizuru: ...