Ryunosuke returned to the hallway, heading back to Grandma Sayuri's ward.
Seeing Ryunosuke and Chizuru walking in together, Grandma Sayuri reached out and took both of their hands, pressing their palms together until they were firmly interlaced.
It was as if she were formally entrusting her granddaughter's future to Ryunosuke—a final act to ensure she could depart for the afterlife with a light heart and a peaceful mind.
Chizuru did not pull away, nor did she protest. In her grandmother's final hours, she viewed this deception as a small mercy, a way to bring comfort to the woman who had raised her. Seeing her resolve, Ryunosuke decided to follow her lead.
"Don't worry, Grandma Sayuri. I will look after Chizuru for the rest of my life."
Chizuru's head snapped toward him, her eyes wide with disbelief. (We aren't even officially dating! Is it really okay to lie to my grandmother like this?)
Ryunosuke's gaze met hers, silently signaling: (Comfort her first. We'll figure out the rest later.)
Chizuru lowered her head, remaining silent.
Grandma Sayuri held their hands as if she never wanted to let go, looking at Ryunosuke with the pride one would have for a grandson-in-law. She truly had no regrets left. Her greatest wish had been for her granddaughter to find a partner, someone to be her pillar of support, and seeing them like this was enough. She could sense the boy's good character; she could die in peace.
Sayuri knew her own body all too well. Rather than becoming a burden to Chizuru, she preferred to simply slip away. Such is the way of the elderly; when they can no longer walk or serve as a protective umbrella for their children, their only thought is to leave quietly without causing trouble for anyone.
Tears streamed down Chizuru's face. She felt utterly lost, knowing the only family she had left would soon be gone. She felt like a ship adrift at sea.
Ryunosuke took the opportunity to squeeze her hand, signaling that he would find a solution. Chizuru, however, didn't take him seriously, assuming he was merely offering empty comfort to soothe her grief. She forced a fragile smile and whispered:
"It's okay. As for goodbyes... I've been used to them since Grandpa passed."
Ryunosuke gently stroked the top of her head. "That sort of thing... is something you should never have to get used to."
The two left the hospital hand-in-hand. Since they had to maintain the charade of being a couple for the grandmother, they allowed their fingers to stay entwined. Ryunosuke seized the moment to ask:
"What if we actually started dating for real?"
Chizuru immediately withdrew her hand and gave a small, polite bow of rejection. "I'm sorry! I might... like you a little, but we aren't a good match."
In her mind, the weight of her grandmother's medical bills was a mountain she had to climb; she didn't want to drag Ryunosuke into her struggle, let alone become a burden to him. She felt she owed him too much already, and dating someone with her baggage seemed like a recipe for disaster.
Chizuru was the type to shoulder the world alone—a traditional trait often seen in those with old-school values, far removed from the more carefree youth of today.
Ryunosuke watched her in silence. He knew she was putting up a front, but he chose to intervene in her life by force anyway. Who told him to set his heart on this girl? Since he had, he would help her to the bitter end.
"Do you have a dream?" Ryunosuke asked.
Chizuru was caught off guard. Instinctively, the words "I want to be an actress" almost escaped her lips, but she swallowed them back. That "foolish" dream had withered since her grandfather's death. Yet, she hadn't truly given up; one of the reasons she worked as a rental girlfriend was to hone her acting craft.
Seeing her remain silent, Ryunosuke threatened to go back and ask her grandmother directly. Panicking, Chizuru grabbed his arm. "I'll tell you! I'll tell you, so don't go asking Grandma!"
With his plan successful, Ryunosuke asked again, "So, what is it? I can help you make it happen."
Chizuru's face flushed slightly. "You have a big mouth, talking about making dreams come true." Despite her words, a spark of joy flickered in her heart. Finally, she admitted, "My dream is to be an actress. My work as a rental girlfriend... it's actually my way of practicing."
Ryunosuke rubbed his chin, a strategy already forming. "Wait for me for two days. I have something to take care of."
"Huh? Where are you going?" Chizuru asked.
Ryunosuke tapped her forehead with two fingers—a warm, protective gesture reminiscent of Itachi to Sasuke. "Just wait until I get back. I won't be long."
Chizuru stood frozen in place, not even noticing as Ryunosuke disappeared into the distance.
Once out of sight, Ryunosuke pulled out his phone. "Hello, Chisato? I need your help..." Before leaving, he had managed to get Nishikigi Chisato's number. With her friendly nature, she was never one to turn down a friend.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
Meanwhile, in an apartment elsewhere.
Hoshino Ai was performing a cheerful dance for her two children. Hoshino Ruby and Hoshino Aqua clapped in perfect sync for their mother. Both were reincarnated souls, still possessing the memories of their past lives.
Aqua had once been a doctor whose favorite idol was Ai. He had fantasized about being reborn as her child, and miraculously, it had come true. Ruby had been a fourteen-year-old patient who dreamed of being an idol and idolized Ai above all else. Somehow, they had both achieved their dreams in the most unique way possible.
Exhausted from the dancing, Ai scooped up her two babies and showered them with kisses. These moments were her greatest happiness. Though she had encountered a deadbeat, irresponsible man, these children provided the warmth of a family she had always craved. She had to work herself to the bone for their future.
For Ai, hugging her children was the only true sincerity in her life. Even if she only slept four hours a night due to work, she was willing to do anything to ensure they lived a comfortable life.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Ai set the children on the sofa and hurried to open the door. Ruby looked sleepy, rubbing her eyes. As the older brother, Aqua guided his sister toward the bedroom to sleep.
Ai cracked the door open slightly and poked her small head out. "Hi hi hi! Who's looking for me?"
Standing before her was a figure carrying a bouquet of flowers. However, the person's appearance was incredibly suspicious—covered entirely in black clothing, a mask, sunglasses, and a hat.
Instinctively, Ai tried to shut the door, but the stranger shoved his way inside. Panicked, the young mother grabbed Aqua and tried to run toward the bedroom.
Upon seeing the child, the stranger suddenly erupted into a hysterical scream!
"Hoshino Ai!!! How could you do this to me?! I was your fan!!! You've lied to me, you even have children! This is unforgivable!!!"
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