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

[Kazuki’s POV]

I could feel people looking at me.

An image had been circulated through the classroom, and I could tell without seeing it that the picture had me and Tsumiki-san in it.

Apparently, someone from Satsuki’s group saw me with her yesterday. And she even took a picture.

I didn’t deny it when she asked me, but I didn’t confirm it either. I just remained silent.

I could feel Satsuki glancing at me too, which was a surprise. But again, I made no move to sate anyone’s curiosity and attended the lectures like normal.

Naturally, I was not spared by the only person who could do more than just look at me with a questioning gaze.

“Just when I thought I had a chance, you’re already dating someone,” Izumi said, his arms crossed.

I wryly smiled. “Oh? Are you already tired of Rio-san?”

Izumi huffed. “But seriously, dude? Who is she? I can’t see her face, but I can tell she’s a ten.”

I shrugged. “I met someone during my working days, and recently she’s been needing someone’s company, so I just went out with her.” I… didn’t tell him everything. There was no particular reason to let him know about our trial-basis relationship.

While I trust Izumi, I just want to keep things about us a little secret for now.

“Hmm? So… nothing special happening?” he asked, leaning back, his gaze filled with doubt.

I rolled my eyes and got up. “Think whatever you want. I’m just going to grab something to eat.” It was already midday, and I hadn’t eaten much for breakfast.

Izumi was about to follow me when he suddenly received a call.

I glanced at the screen and grinned. “Oh, if it isn’t your Riri-chan.”

Izumi faintly blushed before picking up the call and turning away from me.

I chuckled and made my way out of the classroom.

Somehow, the gazes I was receiving didn’t bother me at all.

Maybe it was the assurance that Tsumiki-san wasn’t in this uni, or she surely would have been bothered by the picture.

I made my way to the cafeteria, where other students were already gathered and having the best time of their day.

I went to the counter and bought a small meal before picking a table.

However, just as I sat down…

“Hey, Kazuki.”

A group of students approached me, sitting around me, and the one who called out took the seat across from me.

I knew the boy with short red hair. He was the baseball team captain and one of the highly rated men of the uni, Daisuke.

Izumi was also on that list, but now no one approached him thanks to his girlfriend.

But why had this guy approached me? Well, I already knew.

“I heard you already have a girlfriend?” he asked.

I sighed. “Why are you interested?”

Daisuke snickered. “More than half the uni knows that I’m pursuing Satsuki. So of course, knowing my biggest obstacle is already involved with someone else is reassuring.”

I rolled my eyes. “I was never an obstacle, as I told you last time. But if this helps you feel better, then sure—go ahead and try dating her.”

“What do you mean by ‘try’?” one of his lackeys muttered. “There’s no woman on this campus who wouldn’t fall for Daisuke if he tried.”

Another one added, “Daisuke’s been keeping his distance because he assumed you and Satsuki-san were dating. But now… Daisuke doesn’t need to hold back.”

I really wanted to laugh because only I knew that Daisuke had actually confessed to Satsuki twice and been rejected both times.

Looking at Daisuke’s expression, it was evident that he was embarrassed too.

But as I’d said, I had nothing to do with Satsuki anymore, so, “Well, best of luck then.” I finished eating my bun and got up.

They didn’t stop me, and I never intended to stay back and chat anyway.

The rest of the day went by in a flash.

As I’d told Izumi, this was the most crucial year for me. I needed to focus on my studies as much as I could so I could get a decent job and support my family.

Fortunately, I wasn’t approached by Satsuki, and the day ended peacefully.

Izumi had already left just after the lecturer walked out. It seemed his girlfriend was furious about something, given the urgency he showed earlier.

I packed my bag and made my way out of the class.

I had no plans for today. I texted Tsumiki-san good morning earlier, and she’d asked if I was going to uni.

After that, we didn’t chat.

I wasn’t sure if I should text her again.

Truth be told, I wanted to meet her.

Not because her parents asked me to.

Rather, because I loved her company.

She was a fun person to be around.

Thinking about her, I approached the entrance… and noticed people crowding near it, taking pictures of something.

My brows lifted as I looked across the street… and froze.