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

My hurried steps carried me toward my destination. My brows remained furrowed as my mind kept circling back to what had happened.

I really cannot understand what goes on inside her head.

At first, when I saw her acting all high and mighty and throwing insults at me, I thought she was simply shy around me. And to be honest, it even seemed a little adorable.

But there are moments when one should drop their usual act and behave like a normal person.

Yet Satsuki stayed in character and, as always, tried to play the victim.

I will not lie, it used to work on me in the past.

Whenever she stood me up or failed to keep a promise, she would come up with so many excuses that I ended up feeling guilty for ignoring her or scolding her later.

In the end, she would make me apologize, and everything would be resolved in a way that left me relieved that Satsuki had forgiven me.

I mean…is that not ridiculous?

Yes, I know, it was none other than me myself, but now that I think about it, was I not being a complete fool?

I was giving her the freedom to do whatever she wanted, and in the end, I was the one left feeling guilty. I treated her as if she could never make a mistake.

I was so desperate to keep her presence in my life that I forgot words like self respect and dignity.

I had bowed my head before her countless times just so she would not stop coming over or talking to me.

Now, I feel disgusted with myself just thinking about what I did to preserve that joke of a friendship.

Maybe it was that punch that helped me realize my mistake. Or was it something else?

Either way, I did not want to think about Satsuki anymore.

By nine forty-five, I had already reached Tsumiki-san’s home, fifteen minutes before our meeting time.

Surprisingly, I spotted Tsumiki-san waiting for me at the entrance.

I smiled when I saw her impatiently checking her watch and fidgeting with her phone.

From the way she was dressed and the fact that she arrived before the time we had agreed on, there was no doubt she was excited about the date.

As I approached her, I finally called out, “Sorry to make you wait.”

She flinched and turned toward me. “No, it’s okay. I just… wow.” She stopped mid sentence, looked at me for a few moments, and then said, “You look dashing in black.”

Her compliment caught me off guard as I glanced down at myself.

I was only wearing a plain black t-shirt and black trousers, and it felt rather casual to me. Still, hearing her sincere words left me a little flustered.

Looking back up, I replied, “That dress looks good on you. Bright colors suit you.”

She was wearing a blue shirt paired with a white skirt that reached her knees. Her long hair was braided, and she wore her usual round glasses.

If I had to use one word to describe her, it would be calm and graceful.

We stood there for a moment, a little awkward, since neither of us seemed used to being openly complimented. After a brief pause, I coughed lightly and said,

“So? Shall we go?”

She nodded and asked, “Should we take the car?”

I was not surprised that she owned a car, and using it would have been more convenient. But instead, I said, “The sun is bright and warm today. Let’s walk.”

It was October, and the temperature had begun to fall, so the sunlight felt gentle against the skin.

And since Tsumiki-san usually traveled by car, a short stroll would be a nice change for her.

She hesitated and then looked down.

I followed her gaze and, involuntarily, my eyes fell on her long legs before I scolded myself inwardly and shifted my focus to her shoes.

She was wearing heels. Goddamn, I must admit she has the most sexy pair of legs I have ever seen.

“Give me a minute. I’ll change,” she said, breaking me out of my pervy thoughts.

Curious, I asked, “Do you have flat shoes?” I had cleaned their shoe rack before, and as far as I remembered…

“No.” Her shoulders drooped slightly as she answered.

Tsumiki-san mostly attended formal events or stayed at home, which explained her lack of casual footwear.

I chuckled and said, “Then our first stop will be a shoe store. Don’t worry, it’s close, so you won’t have to walk for long.”

Tsumiki-san flinched. “We’re going to a store? Aren’t they usually packed at this time?”

I grinned at her. “No complaining today, Tsumiki-san. You’re going to places that you probably consider a nightmare.”