Rent-A-Boyfriend in A Reverse World

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A few days after I confided in mom, I'm out and about on another date. Though, not really a date, but it pretty much is. Yesterday Hina had asked me out on a "friendly outing." Though the place we're going to remains a surprise. 'I would've picked a fitting outfit if I knew.' I thought, standing outside the station while dressed in what I consider a "slightly gothic look."

My outfit comprised of a black facemask, a choker, a black tank top, an open black parka jacket, a pair of jogger pants with white stripes on the side running from top to bottom, and a pair of sneakers.

'I really hope we're not going to an amusement park or something. This look would make it pretty awkward...' I thought. Looking at my phone with casual indifference. Anticipating a message from Hina.

"Hey there, cutie~ Wanna hang out with us?" A feminine voice called out. I take a glance and see a pair of women who appear to be in their late 20s or early 30s. One wearing a casual shirt and jeans while the other is wearing a short skirt for her bottom half. But what caught my eye are their piercings. The one wearing jeans has lip piercings while the other girl has ear piercings.

'Ugh. I'm getting picked up again. Why does this shit happen almost every time?' I grumbled internally. Not bothering to hide the displeasure in my gaze. 'Should I just ignore them?' I thought, considering the option.

'No... I have a better idea.'

With my free hand, I reach up and pull down my facemask. Exposing my lips. I look at the pair with a cold gaze. "Fuck off. I'm not interested. And besides, who would ever wanna go with you two? Do you think those piercings make you look cool? They don't. Instead they make you two look soooo tacky. I bet your pussies stink too. Blegh!" I say, sticking my tongue out in disgust.

Receiving the insults, the two women recoiled. Taking a step back in response. Their eyes wide with shock. "Y-You!" The lip piercing girl stuttered, trying her best to think of a comeback.

Knitting my brows more, I glare at the two. "Don't talk to me. I don't want your breath drifting in my general direction at all." I say. The two women recoiled in response again.

"This bastard..!" The skirt girl grit her teeth in frustration. Her features contorted in anger.

"Andy?" A familiar voice called out. I snap and see Hina staring from a short distance away. Wearing the same top as our first date, but instead of a skirt she's wearing a pair of jeans. 'Perfect!' I thought. Kicking off, I dash towards Hina. "Babe!" I say outloud in an overjoyed voice.

Once I got close enough, I latched on to Hina's arm. Making sure to press my body against it as much possible. "What took you so long?? I got soooo bored of waiting! Not to mention some flies started pestering me..." I say, looking up at Hina with a sulking expression.

"Eh??" Hina blurts out. A mixture of confusion and surprise on her face. Her cheeks are a bright red, likely from the lack of space between us.

"Andy, since when were you-"

"But I forgive you! Now, let's go!" I say, dragging a confused Hina away. Creating as much distance between us and the two piercing gals as possible. Eventually fleeing the scene.

.

.

"Phew! You came at the right time, Hina! If you arrived any later, I might have had to tase them." I say, relieved that the situation didn't escalate to the point I had to defend myself.

As we walk, I'm making sure to keep a wholesome distance between me and Hina. No longer clinging to her like a needy lover. After all, at this moment we are simply "friends" on an outing. Nothing more, nothing less.

"... Hey, Andy..?" Hina speaks out, glancing at me from the side. "Hm? What is it, Hina?" I tilt my head slightly to my side. My lips covered by my dark mask.

Hina's eyes searches mine, hesitant to continue. "Why aren't you..." she pauses, reconsidering her words. "Shouldn't we hold hands..? Just so we don't get separated. And, um, so other girls won't bother you since they'll think we're dating..." she reasoned. But even she herself can't believe the words that just came out of her mouth.

My eyes widen slightly at her clumsy attempt of hiding her true motive. 'Hm~ Should I follow along? Or tease her about it?' I thought. The internal debate lasting a few seconds while I stared at her outstretched hand.

I tilt my head to the other side and smile beneath the mask. The corners of my lips reaching my eyes. "No need. After all, we're just two friends out on a friendly day-trip, aren't we?" I teased, emphasizing the two words.

Hina blushed from embarrassment. Looking away, she awkwardly scratches her cheek. "Yeah... You're right..." she mutters. Disappointment evident on her face and in her voice.

'Sorry, Hina~ I can't just give myself up that easily, you know? At least, not until you're honest with yourself and with me.' I thought. Deciding to keep a wholesome distance between us until Hina chooses to come clean and lay her feelings bare.

"By the way, where are we going?" I ask, curious on where she's taking me. I've noticed that the density of buildings around us had grown lesser as time went on.

"Oh, there's a gorgeous view I want to show you." she answers with a smile on her face like she's glad I asked. "We just need to take a hiking trail for about 20 minutes." she adds.

I stare at Hina for a couple breaths then blink. "You're... taking me, a boy, on a surprise hiking trip into the woods, away from civilization?" I ask, emphasizing my words. Hoping that she understands what I'm getting at.

Hina stops and thinks for a bit. I can see the gears turning in that head of hers. Eventually the realization dawns on her as her eyes blow wide open. "!! I didn't- No, wait- If you don't like it, then we can go somewhere else!" she says, frantically waving her hands in front of her chest in panic.

'Dummy...' I chuckle internally. "I don't mind. But next time, you really should stop and think where you plan to take someone before deciding on it. Especially if it's a guy." I say. Remembering our first date where she took me to a borderline-pornographic movie. 'Hina really is a weird one. Not that it's a bad thing...'

As the two walk, Hina repeatedly glances at Andy from the corner of her eye. Careful not to let him notice. 'It's only because I know you'll agree that I choose this...'

.

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After a long, exhausting hike that felt like it stretched for far longer than 20 minutes, we finally arrived at the top.

Fortunately, both of us have enough stamina remaining to keep standing. 'I'm so glad I've been exercising since coming to this world...' I thought. Along the way, I took off my facemask after it got soaked in my own sweat.

After taking a minute to catch our breaths, Hina took my hand and began leading me to the "gorgeous spot" she claimed. 'Hmph... I'll let this happen. Just this once...' I thought, looking at our joined digits. Something a pair of friends shouldn't be doing.

Without uttering a complaint, I allow myself to be led. And after several steps, there it was.

"In... credible..." I manage to say. My eyes wide open as I take in the sight before me. Stretching far and wide is Tokyo City and all its splendor. Further back, one could spot Mt. Fuji. It's white-tipped peak piercing the sky.

"Was it worth the hike?" Hina asks beside me. Her hand still holding mine. "... Fine. I guess it was worth it..." I conceded. Allowing her this victory.

"Yes!" Hina cheered to herself, fist pumping with her free hand.

'Dummy ♥' I thought with a small smile on my face. Watching Hina let her goofy self out.

For a while, we simply took in the view. Every now and then, Hina gently squeezed my hand like we were lovers. Even though we're currently supposed to be friends. 'She really can't keep her hands to herself... But since it's Hina, I'll let it be...'

Then, Hina turned to face me. She reaches with her free hand, and takes my other hand. Bringing my palms together, she wraps her hands firmly around mine. "Andy..." she starts, her eyes staring into mine with a determination I've never seen on her before.

'Would this be late? Or too soon?' I thought, waiting for her next words to come out. With the assumption that Hina is about to ask me out.

Hina took a deep breath, then opened her mouth. "I know we didn't start in a conventional way. With you being a rental boyfriend and all. But meeting you made me realize how lacking I am as a woman. So since then, I've strived to become better. I started cycling to work instead of working from home, and I even started going to the gym when I can."

Hina pauses. She takes another breath, then exhaled. "What I want to say is... Andy, will you go-"

Tap

""Huh?""

TapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTap

Suddenly, it started pouring down out of nowhere. Rain drenching us both in a matter of seconds.

"Let's take cover over there!" I point to an abandoned bus stop. Hina takes my hand and we rush towards it. Taking shelter under the sturdy roof.

'Ugh. What horrible timing...' I complained in my head. Upset that the sudden downpour had interrupted Hina before she could confess.

'Is this the universe telling us we're not to be or something?' I thought, entertaining the ridiculous notion.

Meanwhile, standing beside me, Hina clenched her fists. Her gaze firm, determined.

'I'll confess to Andy today even if it's last thing I do..!!'

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