Tokyo, 11:17 PM.The rain sounded like static on the window — a soft, ceaseless murmur that matched the white noise in Yuuki's head. His curry had gone cold. He hadn't noticed.
"Minami-senpai has read your message."No reply.
He stared at the glowing screen like it owed him answers. She used to respond within seconds. She used to smile at him like he was worth something.
Now?He was just a message she left on read.
With a sigh, Yuuki tossed his phone on the floor and flopped onto his futon. His room smelled like instant noodles and disappointment. He wanted to scream. Cry. Call her.Instead, he opened Instagram.
That's when he saw it.
💗 New Ad: Need a girlfriend to talk to? To study with? To forget someone? Try "IRL Waifu" today. First session FREE.
Yuuki blinked. Clicked. Scrolled.The profiles looked too good to be true.Models. Cosplayers. Normal-looking girls too. All tagged "available" for rental.
"...what the hell."
Maybe it was the loneliness.Maybe it was the fact he hadn't felt wanted in months.Maybe it was the stupid first session free.
He didn't think. He just tapped "Book Now."The girl's name was Arisa.
Next Day – 5:02 PM, Café Velour
Yuuki sat in the corner of the café, fidgeting with the straw in his drink.He'd worn his best hoodie — which wasn't saying much — and even tried cologne. His legs bounced under the table. His mind raced.
What if she doesn't come? What if she sees me and leaves? What if I—
"Yuuki-kun?"
He looked up.
And there she was.
Arisa Kurozawa.Shoulder-length black hair. Piercing violet eyes.A soft smile painted on lips that looked like they knew all your secrets before you spoke. She wasn't just beautiful — she was terrifying.
"Y-you're Arisa?"
She slid into the seat across from him. "That's what it says on the app, right? First time renting?"
He nodded.
"Don't worry," she said, leaning in just a little. Her scent was faintly vanilla. "Everyone starts somewhere."
Yuuki's heart slammed against his ribs.
"This is a safe space, Yuuki-kun," she whispered."You can tell me everything you're too scared to tell the real thing."