The day I moved on from my crush — who worked as a rental girlfriend — I ended up with a yandere

After lunch, Tsumiki-san insisted on walking me to the gate.

During lunch, it was mostly Sumire-san speaking—asking me about my plans and talking as much as she could to Tsumiki-san.

Surely, she was still worried that once I left, Tsumiki-san might lock herself in her room.

Regardless, I can’t stay here forever, so nearly at five on the clock, I told them that Mom was waiting for me back home and that I needed to leave.

Both Tomoya-san and Sumire-san seemed disappointed and slightly anxious for obvious reasons.

And that’s why I didn’t reject Tsumiki-san’s offer to send me off.

“It’s cold… are you sure you want to walk me to the gate?” I asked as she stepped out of the house.

It was October, and after the monsoon, the temperature had started to fall—especially after sunset.

She crossed her arms and shrugged. “A little cold might help my skin realize it’s not always warm and comfortable.”

I wryly smiled… was it an introvert’s joke?

“I sense judgment.” She narrowed her eyes at me… uuh~ quite perceptive.

With a chuckle, I said, “You should come outside more often. There are so many fun things we can do.”

She hummed. “Well, you know I don’t enjoy those things which more than half the population considers fun.”

I smiled at her. “There are still things which you would surely enjoy.”

She glanced at me, her warm brown eyes turning round as she asked, “Like what?”

I thought for a moment before the faces of the two elders waiting inside suddenly flashed before my eyes.

Suddenly, I had an idea.

I stopped in front of her, making her stop too, before I suggested, “How about we go out tomorrow and check it out? I’m sure you would love it.”

She paused for a few moments before shyly smiling and saying, “Could have been a little more direct, but this works too… okay, I’ll come.”

I didn’t understand what she meant, but her agreement made me smile broadly.

This way, she wouldn’t think of returning to that darkness once again. I won’t let her.

I took a step back and told her, “Then, it’s fixed. We’re going out tomorrow.”

“It’s a promise,” she said as she looked up with a bright smile and waved at me.

Looking at that smile… I didn’t feel like moving my gaze away, so I continued to walk backward, my hand lazily waving at her.

Her smile… it was infectious and soothing.

I don’t remember when the last time was that someone showed such happiness at the thought of spending time with me.

Somehow, without intending to, I found myself comparing her with Satsuki, and it pained me.

DHAK

“Guh!” I suddenly hit the corner of the pavement and fell on my butt—and naturally, Tsumiki-san saw it.

I so wanna die right now…

….

As I returned to my house, having experienced one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, I found Mom standing near the entrance.

“Mom?” I asked, my brows raised.

She instantly turned and said, “Ah, there you are. Sa-chan just left.”

My brows furrowed. “Satsuki came here?” I asked.

She nodded. “Yes. She said you aren’t picking up her calls—and, Kazuki, did you lie to me about Izumi? He hasn’t returned yet, has he?”

I clenched my fist… so she somehow found out and even told my mother, huh?

I calmed myself down and entered the house with my mother.

As I changed my shoes, I told her, “Yeah, Mom… I lied. There’s a friend of mine who isn’t going through a good phase, so I decided to go over and talk to her for a bit.”

“Why lie to me, though? I never stopped you from meeting any of your friends,” she asked with her arms crossed.

Right… she has always been a free-minded person. She only got strict when I didn’t take care of my health.

I lowered my head. “I’m sorry, Mom… I shouldn’t have lied to you.”

She sighed after a brief pause and bonked my head before saying, “Come and help me in the kitchen.”

I grinned, first went to wash my hands, and then joined her in the kitchen.

She was, presumably, preparing chicken salad and some pasta… I don’t know why, but we were having something unusual today.

Regardless, I helped her chop the lettuce, cabbage, and other vegetables while she stirred the stock.

As she moved the ladle, she asked, “What’s with Sa-chan? She appeared quite emotional today… why are you ignoring her?”

I paused—just for an unnoticeable moment—before saying, “Forget about her.”

Mom turned to look at me, her hand on her waist, as she asked, “Since when did you start avoiding talking about Sa-chan?”

I didn’t turn to look at her and responded calmly, “Just from today.”

She hummed, clearly concerned now. That’s why I told her,

“Mom… Satsuki isn’t exactly like how you see her. I’m not angry—just letting you know that she has insulted me on multiple occasions and has ignored me for others.”

I didn’t want to speak too much, but it was important for her to know that the sweet and innocent Satsuki she knows isn’t actually like that.

Mom remained still for a few moments before sighing and saying, “Well, I won’t force you to make a decision regarding her, but if you need to talk to someone, we live in the same house.”

I smiled… that’s my Mom. Never too prying, but always there as support.

I leaned against her and said, “I know.”

—

A/N:- Thanks for reading.