Chapter 44: You Really Deserve to Die (Revised)

It is quite difficult to find an empty spot within a school building, but they do exist somewhere—for instance, an unused specialized classroom.

"Clatter."

As the door was pulled shut, a space suitable for a private conversation was formed.

"What's wrong?"

Having finally reached their destination, Sugawara Ryuichi glanced around the physics laboratory and took the initiative to speak.

"If I pay to rent you, will you completely follow my arrangements during the rental period?"

Although there was no one else in the special classroom, Takanashi Yuki still acted very cautiously. She looked around nervously and took a few steps closer before asking in a low whisper.

Influenced by her stealthy demeanor, Sugawara Ryuichi lowered his voice considerably as well:

"I can accept most arrangements. However, regarding physical contact, this profession only permits holding hands. Hugs depend on the mutual consent of both parties, and as for kissing or anything beyond that, it is strictly against the rules."

"Yuck, who wants to kiss you, you narcissist."

Because of his unprovoked statement, Takanashi Yuki was left speechless and embarrassed, unable to suppress a roll of her eyes.

"I'm not being narcissistic, I'm simply stating my obligations. As long as it's not an especially difficult request or intimate physical contact, I can accept it."

Sugawara Ryuichi spread his hands, refusing to accept that label.

"What I want to ask is, can you accompany me and my girlfriends to karaoke after school? You don't need to act as my boyfriend, just come along to sing."

Confirming that he would comply with her arrangements, Takanashi Yuki finally revealed what was on her mind.

This was her first time attempting to rent a boyfriend, so she wasn't very familiar with the ins and outs of the business.

As soon as these words were spoken, a window popped up in front of Sugawara Ryuichi's eyes:

[Takanashi Yuki has sent you a dating invitation. Do you accept?]

"Sure."

Although he didn't understand why she had suddenly changed her mind, Sugawara Ryuichi agreed decisively.

Only a fool would turn down a chance to make money, and besides, going on dates with girls allowed him to earn heartbeat points.

[You have accepted Takanashi Yuki's dating invitation.]

The moment his voice fell, the system prompt appeared in his field of vision.

"You don't have any prior plans for after school today, do you?"

Seeing him agree, Takanashi Yuki suddenly remembered something and couldn't help asking.

"No... May I ask why you changed your mind?"

Although he didn't know why she asked, Sugawara Ryuichi still answered while voicing his own confusion.

Given that this was his first time pitching face-to-face, he wanted to gather more experience so he could apply it when encountering suitable candidates in the future.

"It's because your minimum rental is two hours, which means at least 15,000 yen, and I didn't bring that much money with me at the time. Then I figured that if we did it this way, you'd be able to come to karaoke with me and my friends."

Speaking of her reasons, Takanashi Yuki raised her gaze to look at his handsome face and explained with a trace of guilt.

"I see."

Learning the reason, Sugawara Ryuichi nodded in sudden realization and noted it down.

On second thought, he had been too impatient back then. Because he didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable, he had chosen to back down when Takanashi Yuki didn't agree on the spot.

Looking back now, the atmosphere at the time was actually quite good; otherwise, he wouldn't have pressed the issue while the iron was hot.

"Anyway, accompany us to karaoke after school today... As for why you changed your mind, just say that my sincerity moved you."

"No problem, whatever you say goes."

"We'll be going to karaoke right after school. Since it's not a Friday or the weekend, we'll wrap up around 7 o'clock to go home for dinner. How long do you think I should rent you for?"

"Three hours, I suppose."

Considering that she was an ordinary high school student with limited financial resources, Sugawara Ryuichi didn't dare quote a higher number.

"7,500 yen per hour, so three hours would be 22,500 yen."

Receiving his reply, Takanashi Yuki reached into the pleated skirt of her student uniform, pulled out a wallet, and began rummaging through it.

"Here you go..."

Pulling out two ten-thousand-yen bills, two one-thousand-yen bills, and a five-hundred-yen coin from her wallet, Takanashi Yuki handed them to Sugawara Ryuichi with a shy flush on her face.

Although she had bought things before, this was her first time purchasing a rented boyfriend service, and it felt intensely embarrassing.

"I guarantee you'll get more than your money's worth."

Seeing her cup the rental fee in both hands and hand it over, Sugawara Ryuichi didn't hesitate to reach out and take it.

Though a man taking money from a woman always felt a bit peculiar, business was business, and he had to collect his earnings.

"Then I'll leave it in your hands. Please take care of me."

Seeing her money taken away, Takanashi Yuki felt a sharp pang of financial regret. However, when she looked up at Sugawara Ryuichi's handsome face and imagined everyone seeing him accept her invitation and accompany them to karaoke after school, she managed to push aside her reluctance and bowed.

It didn't matter; it was only for this once anyway, so she might as well spend the money.

Besides, doing this was quite necessary. On the one hand, it made up for her failed attempt to chat him up last night, which had left everyone disappointed; on the other hand, it compensated for them secretly tailing Sugawara Ryuichi.

Even if Sugawara Ryuichi had said it didn't matter and he didn't mind, his magnanimity didn't mean she could simply accept it with a clear conscience.

"Please take care of me as well."

Seeing her attitude become so formal, Sugawara Ryuichi mirrored her and bowed in return.

————

The negotiation concluded with a satisfactory outcome for both parties, and they parted ways.

He went off to have his lunch, while Takanashi Yuki returned to find her good friends.

Walking through the school building, Sugawara Ryuichi soon arrived at the first-floor shoe locker area and spotted the figure of an old friend.

"Are you still waiting for me? Aren't you going to the cafeteria to catch a glimpse of Teacher Yamabuki?"

Seeing the other person eagerly step forward, Sugawara Ryuichi was in a good mood since his pockets were newly lined with cash, and he couldn't resist teasing him.

"How could I not wait for you... What's the situation? Tell me quickly."

Shota Sato, who always loved gossiping, retorted with a scoff, but noticing Sugawara Ryuichi's cheerful disposition, his curiosity instantly flared up.

"She invited me to karaoke after school."

After a moment of thought, Sugawara Ryuichi decided not to hide it from him.

This guy was extremely well-informed. Considering that he would be leaving school with three members of the gyaru quartet after classes ended, it would definitely be seen by others, making secrecy pointless.

"Did you agree?"

"I agreed."

"Ryuichi, you bastard!"

Even though Shota Sato had guessed as much while waiting, hearing it confirmed from his own mouth still filled him with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

"Is this really enough to make me a bastard? This morning, weren't you the one asking why I rejected her, and saying what harm could there be in just going to karaoke and hanging out with them?"

Facing his intense condemnation, Sugawara Ryuichi couldn't help laughing out loud and scolded him playfully.

This guy always worried about his friend having a hard time, yet grew green with envy the moment his friend struck it rich—such a hypocrite.

"Ah! I was just running my mouth! Who would have thought that after you rejected her once, she'd come back and invite you again?"

Seeing the triumphant curl of his lips, Shota Sato felt utterly maddened.