My Good - Looking Neighbor

Ch 17: Passing a Few Steps

"Didn't you have a boyfriend?" Ask Ryuuji.

This idea was actually a bit annoying for Ryuuji. Moreover, he was already half conscious of his feelings towards Chizuru, no matter it was because of her appearance at first. Ryuuji had already set his mind and heart that he admired Chizuru, and opened up space to explore what Ryuuji was feeling again. He does not care what his feelings will be, whether it be a love between the opposite sex or a love of mortality.

And as he asks that question, Ryuuji somewhat hopes Chizuru's answer matches his expectations which means Chizuru will say no. At once Ryuuji wanted to confirm it again. Because during his meeting with Chizuru's 'boyfriend' Kinoshita Kazuya, Chizuru seemed to want to say something. But it was prevented by the 'boyfriend' because he felt Ryuuji was a dangerous person.

'Well, I just want to make sure.' Thought Ryuuji.

They both stayed in front of the mini market. But not at the door.

When Chizuru heard Ryuuji's straightforward question, Chizuru was stunned. Maybe this question is what makes Chizuru a bit scared.

"Maybe we can discuss it after we shop. Maybe in the park?" Answer Chizuru awkwardly.

Ryuuji was somewhat relieved by Chizuru's reply. But he also could not get rid of his anxiety.

"All right." Ryuuji.

They enter the mini market with distance. The awkwardness struck once again. Well, no denying. This topic concerns their previous moments of tension.

After buying some snacks, they went to the cashier. Ryuuji decided to pay for it. And as usual Chizuru refused. Butwhat? Chizuru naturally could not resist Ryuuji. Their conversation when paying in front of the cashier is quite awkward so the cashier feels awkward too.

Even as the two of them went out and walked towards the park, they were only silent with a walking distance of 1 meter. Ryuuji behind and Chizuru in front.

Once in the park, they sit in long chairs that they sit in when they first exercise together. Ryuuji waited for Chizuru to speak. The awkward atmosphere struck for 5 minutes and finally Chizuru broke the silence.

"Fyuhh, I'm sorry, Senpai." Chizuru said while bowing her head.

Ryuuji was distressed to hear this. He just kept waiting for what Chizuru said next.

"Actually, I'm not dating Kazuya." Chizuru still lowered her head while rubbing the coffee can she had in her hands.

'Done suda-eh wait?' Ryuuji's inner monologue was turbulent.

Ryuuji looked towards Chizuru with raised eyebrows.

"Eh? Not dating?" Ask Ryuuji to make sure again.

"Yes. I'm sorry for lying to you, Senpai." Chizuru also looked towards Ryuuji with a faint smile.

Ryuuji was certainly smiling inwardly. What he was worried about disappeared just like that upon hearing Chizuru's confirmation.

"so yeah. Then I guess Kinoshita yesterday said that to protect you because of her assumptions towards me?" Confirmation questions came again from Ryuuji.

Once again Chizuru was stunned freezing her reaction. Ryuuji still had a cloud of bad premonition on his head. Chizuru lowered her head again.

"That's right. But there's something else too. I'm not her boyfriend, but she's her boyfriend." Chizuru.

Ryuuji.

"You could say, fake girlfriend? Yeah, like that. There were circumstances that made us say we were lovers." Chizuru. He then drank his coffee, soaking his throat.

"You remember when I said that Kinoshita and my grandmother were being treated in the same hospital?" Chizuru asked as she looked towards Ryuuji.

"Yes, I remember." Ryuuji replied while nodding.

"Short story, Kinoshita booked a girlfriend rental service with me as her fake boyfriend. While it was still rent hours, his family called. Said that her grandmother suddenly fainted and ended up in emergency care." Chizuru stopped and drank her coffee.

"You don't want to, Kinoshita has to go to the hospital and take me too. But it turns out that after his grandmother's room arrived, his grandmother looked fine. Her grandmother was just exhausted. It was then that a complicated atmosphere happened." Chizuru.

Chizuru looked at Ryuuji and sighed.

"Kutebak, her grandmother asked who Kinoshita was carrying. Then Kinoshita replied that you were her boyfriend. And you're just following the forced scenario of feeling bad in front of grandma and her family." Ryuuji sighed and leaned back.

"You're right, Senpai." Chizuru.

Ryuuji could feel that was quite troublesome.

"Then, you should clarify your relationship before things get worse. Moreover, your grandmother is in the same hospital. Leaving aside whether they were friends or not, sooner or later this news will be known to your grandmother. Does your grandmother know that you work as a hired girlfriend?" Ryuuji.

After a moment of silence listening to Ryuuji's advice and questions, Chizuru seemed to realize something. Chizuru smiled wryly.

"No. It looks like it's gonna be a hassle." Complain Chizuru while holding her forehead.

"Maybe honest is a good choice right now?" Said Ryuuji who was opening the lid of his coffee can.

"Hmmm, or maybe cover up a lie with a lie?" Chizuru looked at Ryuuji.

"Like?" Ryuuji asked and then he drank his coffee.

Chizuru thought for a moment. He then looked at Ryuuji a few times.

"W-You so.p-my fake girlfriend maybe?" Chizuru said this with flushed cheeks.

Ryuuji's coffee fell and he almost choked upon hearing Chizuru's suggestion. He coughed hard.

"S-Senpai!!!" Chizuru reflexively stood up quickly, drew closer to Ryuuji and held his shoulder.

Ryuuji raised his hand a sign that he was okay. Chizuru breathed a sigh of relief and returned to her seat.

"I'm sorry, Senpai!" Chizuru.

'I really didn't think it would come like a bomb!' Thought Ryuuji.

"Ahems. But isn't that the same as you being Kinoshita's fake boyfriend?" Ask Ryuuji.

"yes too. But there's a slight difference, Senpai." Answer Chizuru.

"And what is it?" Ryuuji asked back.

"Me and Kinoshita are the result of a compelling scenario. But we discussed it first. But still, after I thought this wasn't a good idea." Chizuru.

That's not a good idea. But that doesn't mean Ryuuji isn't happy with Chizuru's idea. He feels pleasure and victory when Chizuru reveals the idea of a fake girlfriend. Come on, who doesn't like it when the girl you love gives you a chance to be her fake boyfriend?

Not blinded by the fun, Ryuuji also thinks that Chizuru's idea is not a good one. Chizuru will be full of cracks. More lies is not a good thing. Being honest is the best way to go with a variety of reasons why Chizuru chose a job as a hired boyfriend.

"Yes, that's not a good idea. Maybe it's better to be honest because you don't know what your grandmother thinks about this job. At least if your grandmother finally knew of your fake relationship with Kinoshita, she still had the idea that it was your job. And if your grandmother doesn't accept it, maybe you can include a compelling reason to persuade her." Ryuuji.

As Chizuru expected, Ryuuji agreed. Chizuru nodded towards Ryuuji's suggestion.

"Yes, I do have some good reasons for that." Answer Chizuru.

Ryuuji just smiled in response to Chizuru. He drank his coffee again and relaxed his body.

"You're going to the hospital together? I plan to see my grandfather tomorrow. I want to introduce you as my close friend." Ryuuji.

Wouldn't the situation be like Kazuya and Chizuru? Of course it's different. Once again Chizuru and Ryuuji were still discussing about this. And after all, Ryuuji always introduced his close friend to his grandfather. However, Chizuru has not known Ryuuji for long. Yes it does not matter because they are close friends who can be said to be in frequency. Also, don't forget that they coexist.

"Can. I also want to introduce you as my friend to my grandmother, Senpai. Maybe you could join me when I talk about my work to my grandmother?" Advice Chizuru.

Ryuuji's impromptu plan to get closer to Chizuru is arguably successful. Maybe even go through a few steps. Ryuuji does not expect for Chizuru to introduce him to her grandmother and invites her to join a 'private' chat between families.

Previously indeed, Ryuuji had thought of volunteering to accompany Chizuru while chatting with her grandmother. But Ryuuji held him back because it was personal. He was just an outsider who happened to be close to his grandson for a few weeks.

"If it doesn't matter, I don't mind." Ryuuji replied with a gentle smile.