(Ichinose Chizuru POV)
"CUT!"
The director's voice echoed across the set, followed by a wave of applause.
"Good job, Ichinose. That was splendid acting."
"Thank you."
These days, my life as an actress had just begun—and so far, it was going pretty well. We'd just wrapped up today's shoot. Now, sitting inside the car, I leaned back while my manager talked about tomorrow's schedule.
"Chizuru-san, I was wondering—how have you been feeling lately?"
"Uh…"
Was I that obvious?
"I-I'm fine, hehe!"
"That's a lie, isn't it? Don't be shy~ I know it's hard to keep up with such a packed schedule, so I suggest finding yourself a good boyfriend."
"Boyfriend?"
"Yeah. I have one, and it really helps me manage all the stress."
Maybe that's why it's felt so lonely lately. The guilt in my chest only grows heavier at night. I've been losing sleep over it too.
I keep wondering… Did I do the right thing by rejecting the person who helped me get to where I am now?
He was there for me when I was just a rental girlfriend. He supported me through the lowest point of my life. He helped me create my own movie so that my grandma could watch me play the lead. And when she passed away… he was the one who stood by me until I found my place in the entertainment world.
When I think about it… I feel like a heartless woman. I can't even blame him for not being around anymore—not after everything.
[Chizuru, are you up for dinner?]
Then came a message from Umi-kun.
We'd known each other since acting school. We both managed to go pro. Because of that, we'd never really lost contact.
Lately, he's been a lot more obvious with how he feels. I know he likes me.
I still wonder how Kazuya's doing—
[Sure, Umi-kun.]
[Great!]
—but life has to go on.
Maybe it's time to move on.
A few days later, I was stunned when I saw where he'd brought me.
"U-Umi-kun… Isn't this place a bit too fancy? I heard it takes months just to get a reservation."
"I know, right? But I have a friend who helped me out. Of course, it's a secret."
A friend, huh? To think he has those kinds of connections. A lot of people have invited me to places like this, but I always knew what they wanted in return.
Later that evening, he walked me back home. Funny how I still felt comfortable living here, even though I could have moved out a long time ago.
"Uh, Chizuru… this might sound a little sudden, but… how about we go out?"
I paused and looked around.
Maybe… this place is the reason I still think about Kazuya.
And maybe… maybe it's time to let go.
"Yeah, sure, Umi-kun."
"Whoa! Really?!"
"Hahaha~ You're too loud, Umi-kun."
That night, I actually managed to sleep well for once.
"Kya~ Should I go to the park today?"
When the morning come.
I wasn't going to miss a chance to stretch my muscles and burn all calories.
The air was chilly, but it was the kind of morning that felt… liberating.
Maybe I could finally escape from the nightmares that had haunted me—huh?
Who…?
That was the only thought running through my mind when I returned home—and saw him.
A tall man, jet-black hair gleaming under the sunlight, his back broad beneath his coat. I could see part of his face from the side—handsome, unfamiliar… yet strangely familiar.
A model? I'd met all kinds of people since becoming an actress, but this one—I'd never seen anyone quite like him.
And then I noticed…
Why is he holding the key to Kazuya's apartment?
As if answering my silent question, he turned his head.
"Kazuya?"
The name slipped from my lips before I could stop it.
He looked at me.
"Hm? Ah… long time no see."
"You… you're Kazuya?"
"I am. How are you, Miss Ichinose?"
Eh? Just—what's going on? This is the same guy who couldn't even look me in the eye for more than a second and used to stutter every other sentence? That Kazuya?
His voice felt distant. His expression was unreadable—neither happy nor surprised to see me. Could people really change this much? Do men even grow taller in their twenties?
He didn't even call me by my name.
"Uh… yeah, I'm fine, I guess. I was just confused—I haven't bumped into you in so long, even though you're still my neighbor. Um… how are you?"
"I'm good."
…What a reply.
Right. After everything I did, what was I expecting? A warm welcome?
"If you don't have anything to—"
"No! Uh… sorry. Ahem. Could you spare some time for me?"
He paused for a second, then said flatly, "I do. But not for long."
"That's plenty. There's not really a nice place around here, but… would you mind a family restaurant?"
"Okay."
When we arrived, we ordered something light. I couldn't help but notice people whispering around us—saying how good we looked together. Sigh… It's unfortunate. I should've at least showered after my morning jog.
Ah! That reminds me. Should I tell Kazuya about Umi-kun's confession? …No! Absolutely not! How could I bring that up to the guy who supported me for so long—only for me to reject him in the end?
But just look at him now. The way he rests his chin on his palm, lazily gazing out the window… His whole vibe, his posture, his style, even his whole personality—it's all different now. Kazuya was never unattractive, but I never thought he could look… this good.
"To think I'd run into a famous actress so soon. And you still live in that place? What kind of agency are you with?"
"Y-yeah… I just like the place. Um, by the way, are you okay with just coffee?"
"I'm fine. I wasn't planning to stay long anyway," he said, then took a sip of his coffee.
Meanwhile, why do I keep stuttering?
"R-right… So, how have you been? I was wondering why we haven't run into each other much. You must be busy."
"Yeah. Busy enough that I'm not wasting my time anymore."
Those words stung. Sharp and maybe... intentional? But the way he spoke—his tone, his careful smile—everything about him felt calculated. Like he was deliberately keeping me at a distance.
"Oh… really? By the way, I saw a moving truck nearby. Maybe there's a new neighbor?"
"That was me. I just finished moving into a new place."
"Huh? You're moving out?"
He nodded without hesitation.
"…Are you still mad?"
Kazuya gave a soft hum. "Not really. I just found a better place… and thicker walls. Anyway, come on," he gave a small smile, "we're not teenagers, are we? Whatever happened—let's leave it in the past."
Once again, there wasn't a hint of anger in his voice. Just… indifference.
But maybe… maybe I still have a chance?
"Yeah, but… Kazuya, I'm sorry, okay? I hope you're not avoiding me anymore."
At that, the corner of his lips curled up.
"But first, I was wondering—what happened between you and Umi? I mean, how was your dinner...?"
Wait—he knew about the dinner?
Now that I think about it… Umi-kun said a friend helped him get that impossible reservation. Don't tell me—Kazuya was the one who—
"Judging by your silence, I guess it went wel—"
"NO! I was—"
It took me a second to realize I'd jumped from my seat. The entire restaurant fell silent as people stared.
I sat back down quickly, cheeks flushed. Kazuya looked at me, confused.
"S-sorry for the outburst…"
Why did I do that? Why does it feel so wrong for him to know about me and Umi-kun?
"Well, I just wanted to say congratulations. I heard you two are dating now, right?"
"Uh… yes."
Kazuya chuckled lightly. "Yeah. He hasn't stopped talking about it. Anyway, look at the time—I've got to go." He stood up and slipped his coat back on. "See you around. And don't worry, this one's on me."
I watched him quietly as he stood and paid for our order. That part hadn't changed. But somehow, it felt bitter this time. He didn't treat me like he used to.
Ah… what... should I do?
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A/N: hank you for reading my story! Don't forget to leave a comment and drop some Power Stones to keep me motivated