Chapter 55: Shopkeeper Nee-san

I quietly stand outside a random konbini, a 7-Eleven if I want to be specific.

Watching as countless stranger pass by me. Each with their own unique lives. Their own family, hobbies, and struggles.

I look up.

The sky is a clear blue. Little to none clouds covering it, at least for today.

In contrast, my own mind is clouded with uncertainty.

'This might be my last day as a rental boyfriend...'

I've been thinking about it for the past few days.

Debating if I should completely quit being a rental boyfriend.

'I'll even delete my account on Dreamers to cement that decision if I go for it.'

If I had started for something simple like money or a partner, then the obvious answer would be yes. 

But I became a rental boyfriend so I can give unfortunate girls a romantic memory.

'One I didn't have in my past life. Regretting it as my own heart failed me.'

And though I've been agonizing it for quite some time, I've yet to console in anyone about it yet.

'If I ask for help for everything I can't solve immediately, then it could become a habit.'

As for why I'm out today, it's none other than for a rental date.

'Maybe this will help me decide.'

With that thought, I chose a lady who didn't seem suspicious and accepted her rental request.

Her name is Sakura Kobayashi. She's 29 years old, 174cm (5'7), and a business owner.

'She really doesn't look like the type to own a business, though.'

From the photo on her profile, she has black bob hair, black eyes, a scar on her left cheek, and muscles that remind me of an action star. Wearing a pair of shades, a dark gray tank top, and a pair of camo pants.

'And I can't help but get this feeling of deja vu when I think of her. Like I've met her before, but I can't remember where...'

Immersing in my own thoughts, the outside world gradually became quiet.

And what snapped me out of it was a deep, confident voice.

"Yo."

My eyes fly wide open and I turn to my left where the voice came from.

What I see is a woman slightly taller than me. 

Black bob hair and eyes.

Wearing a cactus green jacket with a fur neckline over a black shirt that clings to her chest and abs.

Below she's wearing a pair of jeans and leather boots.

"So you go by Adam, huh?"

Her lips playing into a smirk.

Staring at her face, it finally clicked.

"Shopkeeper nee-san..?"

"How have you been, boy? I hope you're making good use of the self-defense gear you bought from me. Though, it'd be better if you didn't have to."

It seems my client for the day is the shopkeeper whom I bought my alarms and stun guns from.¹she appears in the better half of chapter 7

.

.

"Reservation confirmed. We hope you have a wonderful time."  The staff member said after returning the ID of Shopkeep- or Sakura rather. 

'Her name constantly reminds me Sakura Haruno from Naruto and Kobayashi from Dragon Maid...'

After meeting outside 7-Eleven earlier, Sakura took my hand and led me to this place called "Meguro Shooting."

An establishment where customers can reserve private rooms to shoot clay discs in a simulation using something like a prop shotgun that looks and weighs like the real thing.

'Though since it doesn't actually shoot anything, it's pretty much a glorified mouse.'

Entering our room, Sakura closed the door and proceeded to take off her jacket.

Exposing her muscular arms that look like they can snap me in two.

"Yosh."

Throwing her jacket to a nearby couch, she walked on over to a monitor attached to the wall.

Tapping on it, the projection on the other side of the room changed. From a urban golf-life terrain to a flat desert with rocky mountains in the back.

While she tweaked the settings, my gaze wandered the room. 

Before landing on a wall decorated with hanging shotguns and rifles.

'I know they're not real, but damn they look so much like actual firearms.'

Approaching the wall of guns, I reach out with both hands and take the one that looks like the classic Remington.

"So this is what holding a shotgun is like."

The comment naturally flows out as I run my hands over each part.

'Even though I'm not a gun autist, I still find guns to be really fucking cool.'

Just like every guy in my old world, I imagined unrealistic scenarios that will never happen. Like taking the gun of a hostage taker and shooting them to save my school. Stuff like that.

"Seems like I made a good choice bringing you here."

Sakura called out behind me.

I turn to face her, Remington still in hand.

"Hahah... Sorry if I'm acting a bit girlish right now."

I apologized with an awkward smile, hoping she won't dislike me for not being manly by this world's standard.

"Nah."

Sakura waves me off.

"I'm just glad you're enjoying yourself. I wasn't sure about taking a man to a place like this, but judging by the smile on your face just now, it was a needless concern."

She spares a glance at the shotgun in my hands and gives an approving nod.

"So you're going for the classic Remington 870, huh? Good choice."

At her words, I look down at glorified mouse in my hands.

"So it's full name is the Remington 870, huh? I thought it was just Remington."

"Nah. Remington is the brand."  she says, approaching the wall of guns.

She reached out with both hands, and casually took two pump-action shotguns. One in each hand.

"Wait. You're not gonna dual wield, are you?"

At my question, Sakura turned to me with that trademark smirk of hers.

"It's a simulation, boy. Plus there's no recoil. Gotta get my money's worth of fun."

In the next moment, Sakura proceeded to do a stunt I've only seen in action movies.

She quite literally double-pumped; pumping both shotguns at once.

'What a fucking badass.'

That was the only comment I can think of.

What else could I call that?

What she just did is the epitome of badassery.

The only thing better than that is if she used real shotguns. Though that'd probably be way too dangerous.

After showing off, she moved to the marked spot in the room aimed with a shotgun in each hand.

"Pull!"

At her call, a clay disc shot out from the left side of the the projected screen.

And in one smooth motion, Sakura aimed with the left shotgun and pulled the trigger.

The virtual disc exploded into a cloud of brown dust.

"Pull pull!"

Instead of just one clay disc, two shot out. One from each side.

Sakura aimed with both guns and pulled the triggers.

In an instant both discs exploded into a cloud of dust.

I hurriedly hugged the shotgun in my arms and clapped my hands together.

Though she didn't turn around, I saw the right corner of her lips rise. Enjoying the applause I gave.

After a couple more rounds, Sakura propped both guns on her shoulders and turned around. 

"Your turn, boy."  she says, walking over to me like the champion she is.

I unconsciously swallowed my spit.

After such a display, I'd be lucky not to embarrass myself.

Holding my singular shotgun with both hands, I move to stand on the marked spot.

Taking a deep breath, I got into a shooting stance.

Or at least, the best imitation I can do of one.

Left hand gripping the pump, and a finger on the trigger.

"Pull!"

At my call, a virtual disc shot out from the right side.

I moved the gun to track it.

Then shot.

[Miss]

"Fuck."

I pulled the trigger again.

[Miss]

At this point the disc is already so far I can barely see it.

Yet I gave it another try.

[Miss]

And missed again.

I lowered my gun and looked at it like the problem lies with it and not me.

Having watched all of that from behind, Sakura shakes her head.

She tossed the two guns onto the couch and approached from behind.

"Your form is too stiff."

Sakura comments.

Her arms reach out from behind me. Solid hands firmly gripping both of mine.

"Fueh?"

Without meaning to, a silly noise escaped me.

"Tighten your grip, and loosen your shoulders. Make your body flexible, but your hands firm."  she said, her voice close to my ear.

'Gosh her calloused hands are just as hard as I remember.'

I can feel my heartbeat pick up.

But that's it.

'I can't. I am NOT falling for Sakura just because she's kinda strong and slightly muscular!'

"Are you listening?"

"Huh? Uh, oh, yes!"

"... Track the target with your eyes, then follow it with your gun. And remember."

A perfect shot is better than several failures.

"Got it."

With that final piece of advice, Sakura pulled away.

She didn't say anything else, likely as a courtesy so I can concentrate better.

"Huu...."

I slowly close eyes as I take a deep breath.

"!"

My eyes fly open.

"Pull!"

At my call, a disc flew out from the left side.

I tracked it with my eyes, then followed it with my gun, just as Sakura instructed.

Then when both aligned, I pulled the trigger.

In that very second the disc exploded into a cloud of dust.

"! I hit it!"

My lips curl into an ecstatic smile.

It was just one target, but I still feel proud of myself.

Behind me, Sakura clapped her hands together.

"Good hit. You managed to use everything I just taught. Be proud of yourself, boy."

Sakura said with a smile on her face.

I put the gun down, and run to her.

Wrapping my arms around her for a hug.

"Thank you! Thank you!"

I say with an ecstatic smile.

'Whoa. It feels like I'm hugging a tree.'

Sakura stiffened from the sudden display of affection.

For a couple seconds she froze in place, unsure what to do.

"..... Yeah. You're welcome...."

For a moment, she hesitated to return the hug, but soon reciprocated the embrace.

.

.

After having a blast at the shooting simulator, went to a nearby batting cage.

To which we were (sorta) kicked out from after Sakura hit a ball so hard it dented the steel frame holding the net.

'She really lives up to her name with that gorilla-like strength of hers.'

Right now we're taking a scenic walk at a park after having a hearty bowl of ramen for lunch.

'There's not much time left until the end of our date, so I guess she wants to spend the rest this way.'

"... Boy."

Sakura spoke up, stopping in her tracks.

I stop as well, and turn to face her.

"Yes, Saku- ra..?"

I trailed off. Because her current expression is different from her usual confident self.

Instead of a smirk, her lips hang down. Hesitation evident in her eyes.

".... Let me ask you something."

Sakura took two steps, stopping until she's right in front of me. Tilting her head slightly down to face me.

"You... You aren't the least bit afraid of me, are you?"

"..... Huh?"

"Just, be honest with me. Am I scary?"

I blink once, twice.

"... No. I'm not afraid of you."

"And why would I be? You've only been a cool, fun person for as long as I've known of you."

I raise my hand, and awkwardly scratch my cheek.

"Which isn't long, but still."

"... Heh..."

A small laugh escapes her. Her expression returning to the one I'm familiar with.

"What a shame..."

She reaches up, caressing the hair on my side before stopping at my cheek.

"I would have asked you out if my thing down there still worked."

"Huh? What do you... mean?"

At my question, Sakura's expression dropped again.

Her lips slowly part, like she's forcing them open.

"I... can't have kids, Adam."

"!?!"

At her confession, my eyes blow wide open.

"How- Oop!"

I frantically cover my mouth.

My curiosity took control before my decency could filter it.

'I shouldn't ask. It's an extremely sensitive subject no matter what world we're in.'

Contrary to my expectations, Sakura simply smiled.

"It's okay. I've already accepted it."

She gestures to a nearby bench.

"It's a bit of a long story, so let's sit on that bench over there."

I nod once, accepting her suggestion.

Following Sakura, I sat down after her.

While I sat there with tensed nerves, Sakura was slouching. One arm on the backrest, and her legs crossed. Her jeans clinging to her muscular thighs.

"I used to serve in the military."  she starts.

I turn my head and listen intently as she tells her story.

"I wasn't high ranked or anything. Just something like a foot soldier you see everywhere."

"Life in the military wasn't bad. Better than a desk job, at least."  she said with a small smile on her face.

"One day my company was sent on a support mission beyond international waters. Providing aid to a conflict-affected area."

In that moment, her expression dropped.

"Then while on duty, I was abducted by armed militia."

"!? Why would they..."

"They wanted the locations and routes of our supply vehicles."

"! Did you give it to them?"

"No."

Sakura instantly replied.

"I couldn't even if I wanted to."

I tilt my head slightly, not understanding what she means.

"Haa...."

She lets out a deep sigh.

"We didn't speak a common language."

"Their English was abysmal. And their accent made it that much worse."

Her hand tightened into a fist. Veins bulging out.

"And their patience was in the same league."

"Their interrogation quickly devolved to torture."

Her fist tightened even further, nails digging into her palms.

"Those bitches weren't human. They were animals."

"Since they weren't getting what they wanted, their methods only escalated. Until finally-"

"They shoved a hot iron inside me."

The moment I heard that, my jaw dropped. Eyes wide, pupils trembling.

"How..."

My hands tightened into fists.

"How could they do such a thing...!?"

Sakura turned to me, and her expression was of a woman who had been through hell.

"Because they didn't see me as a person. Only a source to extract information from."

She looks up, staring at the sky now painted amber as the sun sets in the distance.

Her features contorted.

"I was only there to help..."  she mutters. Sorrow and anger in her voice

"I thought I was doing good for the world, only for it to treat me like dirt."

In that moment, I wondered what I should do.

What's the correct response after hearing someone get inhumanely tortured and losing their reproductive function?

I don't know.

So I'll just, do what I believe is right.

I loosen my fists.

Reaching out, I place a hand on her shoulder.

Sakura turns her head to look at me.

"I'm... sorry to hear that happened to you. And-"

I bow my head.

"Thank you for your service."

Though it isn't much, I believe this is the best I can do right now. 

"......"

Sakura didn't respond, and neither did I lift my head.

A lengthy silence stretched between us, yet I still held my position.

Then

I felt her callused hand stroking my head.

"Thanks."  Sakura says, her voice brighter than before.

"Outside of my family, you're the only person I've told this to."

"Huh?"

I raise my head, and look at her.

"Why me? We're not far from being strangers to each other."

To that, Sakura simply shrugged her shoulders.

"I just felt like it."  she says, lips curling into a smile.

"After spending time with you, I felt that I can tell you my secret."

My hands curl into fists.

"I'm... not-"

Before I could finish, Sakura reached out and roughly ruffled my hair.

"H-Hey!"

I pull away, and shield my hair from her.

"?"

I tilt my head in confusion.

Sakura's expression had returned to what it was before; confident and playful.

Her lips once again curled into a smirk.

"Thanks for going out with me today, Andy."  she says, her voice tender.

"You're welcome- Wait. You knew my name this whole time??"

"Heh. I never forget a pretty boy's name once I've heard it."

"Then why did you keep calling boy??"

To that, Sakura simply shrugged. Both hands raised.

"No reason."

💢

"Why you..!"

I curl my hands into fists and lightly jab at Sakura's shoulder.

"Hey- That tickles!"

"Punishment!"

"Hihi- Stop- Ahahahah!"

.

.

"You really didn't have to escort me to the station, Kobayashi-san."  I say, standing amidst the busy train station. Around us, people are shuffling in and out of the station.

"Aww, you aren't gonna call me Sakura anymore? That's a shame."

"If you're disappointed, then rent me out again. Not that I'd accept since I operate on a one-date-per-client basis."  I say with a cheeky smile on my face.

Sakura waves me off.

"It's fine. I don't need another rental date anyways."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?"

At my question, her features softened.

"You're my first and my last rental boyfriend. When I get home, I'm deleting the app."

"I, I see. Well if that's what you want, then so be it."

For a moment, neither of us said anything.

Thinking there was nothing else to be said, I turned to leave.

"Goodbye-"

"Thanks, Andy."

Sakura spoke up before I could leave.

"Thanks to you, I've decided to give love another shot. Maybe there's a guy out there who'll take a defective woman like me."

"You're not defective, Sakura."  I say immediately after.

"You're cool, funny, and a blast to be around. You're built like an action star, and you're an absolute badass!"  

"Keep talking and I'll really ask you out."

"Oop-"

My hands fly up and cover my mouth.

"Heh. Get home safe, Andy."

After saying that, Sakura turned around and began walking away.

"You get home safe too, Sakura!"  I say outloud, waving goodbye even though she can't see it.

Sakura raises her right hand, and waves back without turning around.

"....." 

After watching her shrinking back for a couple breaths, I turned around and headed for the gates.

While waiting for the train to arrive, a single thought fills my head.

'I want to continue being a rental boyfriend.'

Meeting Sakura today, it really hit me why I'm doing this in the first place.

'If mom, Hina, and Karina are okay with it, then I'd like to keep going until I'm engaged.'

In that instance, a loud horn could be heard in the distance. Alongside a voice from the surrounding speakers announcing that the train is arriving.

'I want to continue giving fond memories to women like Sakura.'

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