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After going through the rather favorable agreement that even mama approved of, Hinano1 took me to her favorite hotpot restaurant.
'Now that I think about it.. isn't Hinano similar to that Twitter poster from the other day?'
The movies and now hotpot. It'd be a wild coincidence if they aren't the same person.
'It should still be saved somewhere..' though it's a breach of my own rule of not using my phone during meal time, this is important to make this rental date even better for Hinano, my first client.
After a few taps, I found the rant post that started it all.
'@takamine20493... She really used her last name as her username.. Anyways, this has to be Hinano. The order is flipped, but we watched a movie then now she took me to a hotpot restaurant.'
And after reading her reply to my comment, I know what I must do next.
"Okay, the hotpot is boiling now. We can finally eat! Itadakimasu~!" Hinano announced with a bright, joyous smile.
'... Pretty..' I thought to myself after staring for a second longer than I should.
"Itadakimasu." I thanked before reaching for my pair of chopsticks.
"Hm~ Hmm~" Hinano hummed while dipping a thin slice of meat into the boiling hotpot, swishing it around to cook it.
"You really love hotpot, huh?" I couldn't help but smile watching her move her chopsticks with such joy.
"Mhm!" She's practically beaming.
Following her lead, I also dipped a slice of meat into the boiling liquid. Swishing it around to cook it.
Hinano took out her cooked meat and ate it. "Ah~ um! Yummy!"
'Yosh.. this should be cooked enough.' I then took out my slice of meat from the boiling hotpot, but instead of heading towards my lips, I moved them towards Hinano's
"Hinano, aah~" I held the meat with my chopsticks while my free hand is placed below to catch the dripping liquid.
"!! A-Adam!?" Hinano grew wide eyed once she realized my intention.
With rosy cheeks, she parted her lips like a little chick. "A-Ah! um!" Though embarrassed by my gesture, she still took her time and savored the meat.
"Is it good?" my tone almost teasing.
Hinano responded with a weak nod. "Mhm.." she replied, awkwardly chewing still.
"So, how was it? Was it how you imagined it to be?" I asked while taking another slice of meat and cooking it. This time for myself.
"Huh? What do you..." her face displaying confusion in my words.
"Your rant post the other day. I saw it." I replied without turning back, my attention on the chopsticks.
I raise the meat and check if its cooked. It has turned from a pinkish color to a pale-ish brown. "Uhm~ Yeah. That is tasty~" I savored the hot, wet, and flavorful slice of meat.
Contrary to my relaxed air, Hinano's jaw tensed. "Did you.. know from the start?" she asked. Her eyes looked... afraid. Scared that this was all just a game, an act. Even though I'm just a rental boyfriend. That this will end before dawn.
I finally turn to look at Hinano. "Nope." I replied casually, looking straight into Hinano's eyes. Hoping to show my honesty.
"Just earlier. I recalled your post after you took me here. The order is flipped, but we watched a movie of your choice and now we're eating at your favorite hotpot place. And your username being your last name? The final nail in the coffin." I explained. My tone relaxed, not teasing nor playful.
"....." Hinano simply stared at me. Her own expression vulnerable as she scanned mine for any lie, any hint to fuel her worry.
I turned back to the hotpot and grabbed a piece of broccoli with my chopsticks and submerged it in the broth.
"And your post... it's what inspired me to become a rental boyfriend, Hinano." I then brought the soupy broccoli to her lips.
For a second, Hinano hesitated before taking the offered vegetable. The warm broth seemingly loosened the caution in her gaze.
"I became a rental boyfriend so I can make women happy. To fulfill their dream of romance, even if it's just one date." I explained, my tone neutral. More serious.
Hinano's eyes narrowed. "But why..? Because you pity us? To feel superior?" her voice lightly cracked, tone almost angry.
I took in her words and the sight of her expression. Different from the shy, easily flustered, and fun girl from before. The Hinano now is the woman she always was.
"No... It's because I saw a 'What if' version of myself." I answered truthfully. My chest feeling heavier than I thought.
"What..?" her expression confused. Struggling to comprehend what I mean.
"If.. I wasn't born a man.. if I was born a woman. One that wasn't lucky enough to find love.. Forced to be alone even if I didn't want to... but then if I was given a chance. A chance to realize my fantasies of love, even if it's just for one day, I would take it. And I would treasure the memory for life. I want to give that wonderful memory to lonely women.bThat's my reason for becoming a rental boyfriend."
'Like how I still remember the small, casual compliments I received back then. How the next door auntie called me handsome, or the times when classmates praised me for losing weight even when I didn't notice it myself. Those minor things kept me through dark times...'
For several breaths, Hinano didn't say a word, and neither did I.
Until...
*trickle*
"Eh?" something wet slid down my cheek.
I blink.
My eyes felt moist.
It was a tear. Without realizing it, I started to cry.
"Adam?!" Hinano frantically reached for her handkerchief.
She then began wiping the tears escaping my eyes. Her touch gentle, caring.
"No..!" the tears kept coming out despite by my best interests.
I panicked. I know how this looks. A man using his tears to bring out sympathy. To sway the heart of the woman before him. To control her.
"No.. now you'll think I'm using my tears to trick you. You'll think I'm a manipulator! You'll-"
"Shh~ I don't, Adam. I believe you." Hinano's expression looked.. mature. Her tone firm. For once, she acted her age, older than me.
The fabric in her hand was soft, comforting. After wiping the last tear, she pulled back her hand. "... Thank you.. Hinano.."
We resumed eating after that. The hot meal helped ease the air between us.
.
.
Later, after eating.
We exited the hotpot restaurant and just walked together. Letting our feet take us wherever they please.
I held Hinano's hand and I could tell she was reluctant. Not uncomfortable, just unsure if we should be connected like this.
For a while, we merely exchanged glances. Waiting for the other to start a conversation.
Until finally, Hinano stopped and turned to me fully.
"My dream is over. Thank you, Adam... for letting me be with you today. And for choosing me to be your first client. You're more than I could have ever hoped for. I'll... treasure this day forever." her grip on mine loosened, signaling the end. Yet, I can tell she doesn't want this to end just yet.
'This isn't right. I don't want it to end like this!'
I grabbed Hinano's wrist before she could leave. "Eh? Adam?" she turned back to me. Her eyes a mix of surprise and... hope.
'You don't want it to end like this either.'
"Then... since your plan is over.." I turn heel and begin leading Hinano by the hand.
"Adam??"
"Accompany me in buying clothes, kay?" I looked back and smiled cheekily.
Her eyes widen in surprise. "Eh?! But I only paid for 5 hours of your time!" she reasoned, yet her feet kept moving after me.
"Consider this a first client bonus!" I yelled back with a smile.
Partly not wanting to end our time together like that, I decided to take Hinano along to help me pick out new clothes.
I led her to the nearby apparel store, and as soon as we entered, we saw rows of racks of women's clothing.
'Are they targeting the female consumer base more than the fewer men? This might be bad for me...' I worry that I'll struggle finding quality outfits.
Shortly after, I could hear the sound of heels approaching. I turn and see a woman in her early 20s, judging by her outfit, she probably works here.
"Good afternoon, sir, are you here to pick out articles for your..." her eyes trail off to Hinano and a subtle smirk formed on her lips for a second before returning to a business smile.
'She's looking down on Hinano, isn't she?'
I pull Hinano closer and cling to her arm.
"Girlfriend. She's my girlfriend." I declared.
And the moment I said 'girlfriend' the saleslady's eyes widened. Surprise colored her face.
"I-I see.. then, sir, are you here to buy clothes for your..." she glanced at Hinano once more. Envy in her eyes.
"... girlfriend.." the word echoed like a curse.
I couldn't resist grinning at the sight. Not only was she being unprofessional, but how dare she look down on Hinano?
"Nope. She's here to help me pick out new outfits. Ones my girlfriend likes." I then turn to Hinano who's visibly flustered.
"Isn't that right, Hina~?" my tone half-playful, half-flirty.
"Y-Yeah! That's right!" she stammered.
'Heheh...Hi! I'm Hina! Oh, my nickname? It was given to me by my boyfie! Fueheheheh~!' she began having an imaginary episode while her face formed a goofy smile without her noticing.
'There she goes again.' I smiled fondly while I gazed at Hinano's unbecoming look. Or should I call her Hina from now on?
Interrupting the moment, I suddenly hear a grinding, gritty sound. I turn back to the saleslady and see her grinding her teeth under her smile.
"Um... are you okay..?" I asked instinctively. Off-put by the sight.
"I. Am. Fine. Dear. Customer." she forced the words through her teeth. Like a rusty gear, she turned sidewards with stiff movements.
"Shall I take you two to the men's clothing aisle?" the saleslady finally opened her mouth and spoke normally. Or at least tried to.
"Uh.. yes please..?"
And without a doubt, this is the worst hospitality experience I've ever had so far.
Thankfully she didn't stay when I thanked her and told her to leave us be.
"Hm... which do I try on first..?" I gazed at the wide variety of men's apparel before me. From formal wear to home wear.
"Gueheheh..." out of nowhere, a strange noise came from beside me. I turn to Hina and see her practically drooling with a wide, perverted smile.
'What would look best on my boyfie? A suit? Classic, but golden. Men in suits are always hot. But I want something more casual.. Oh! Oh! The boyfriend sweater! Yeah, yeah! Comfy sweater, pajamas, and fluffy slippers. Sitting on my couch with a mug in his hands, blowing on the hot liquid- GAH! The fantasy boyfriend scene I never knew I wanted!' Hina fantasized, lost in her imaginary world.
"Um.. Hina..?"
'A-And if it's a hot summer day.. He could wear just a white tank top and shorts while sucking on a popsicle with the fan blowing on his sweaty body! Ack! But which tank top size would be better? A small, tight one that clings just enough to his chest? Or the slightly big tank top that flaps from the fan's air and occasionally flashes his bare skin underneath!? Gahhhh! I can't choose!!'
"Or maybe a naked apron while I cook you breakfast?" I whispered into her ear.
"Yeah- Ahh!" Hina finally broke out of her trance. Stumbling a step back from feeling my warm breath on her ear.
"Finally awake? Pray tell what you were imagining, hm?" I teased. An all-knowing smile on my face whilst I tucked my hands behind me.
"N-N-NOTHING!!" she yelled. Frantically waving her hands in front of her like she's innocent.
'Probably something perverted.. Heh..' a smug smile tugs my lips as I imagined what Hina was concocting in her pervy little head.
"So, which outfit should I try on first? Better yet, which outfit would make a lady like yourself happy? I'm down to try anything and I'll let you judge." I offered with a coy smile.
'Not that I won't do it, I absolutely will. I just hope she won't ask me to try on anything too daring. I'll smack the back of her head if she does.'
"Um- since it's getting cold, how about a coat to keep you warm?" Hina nervously reached for a nearby light brown coat with a length that will reach slightly past my ankles.
'Hm.. is she trying cover up her dirty mind or does she really mean it?' I pondered for a moment before taking the coat from Hina.
"I'll need something under too.. Hmm.. Ah, this will do nicely." I said while taking a white turtleneck from a nearby rack.
"Alright. I'll go change." I announced before heading to the changing room a few meters away.
However, I stop right before the changing room door and turn my head back to Hina.
And with a cheeky smile I say, "Why don't you set your camera up? We can do a little fashion shoot. Just for the two of us."
"A-A fashion shoot... just for us..." Hina stood there with her mouth agape.
"Pfft! Alright I'll change for real now. If you don't want to take pictures, then that's fine with me." I said before stepping into the changing room and closing the door.
".... Doesn't this sound like 'My Dress-Up Darling'...?" Hina muttered to herself.
"... I get the appeal now.." afterwards, Hina propped her camera on its stand and prepared for the personal photo shoot.
Though, she did get security called on her for setting up a camera whilst in the men's clothing section, but fortunately I stepped out in time and explained the situation before she got dragged off.
After that, I tried on various outfits and Hina way too eagerly took multiple shots of them while grinning like the adorable dummy she is.
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