Before today, Minamoto Senya had gone over everything in her mind countless times.
How could she test the waters with Chiya while keeping herself as safe as possible? She needed a way to satisfy her own curiosity without letting any unexpected developments ruin the current state of their relationship.
She thought for a long while—and eventually, she came up with a method that was reasonable and aboveboard.
The answer had been within her all along, in the dreams and desires she had always pursued.
Why had it taken her so long to realize this? She was truly slow sometimes.
She should have acted on this a long time ago.
But fortunately… it wasn't too late.
"A… rented boyfriend?"
Even though he was on guard, Chiya couldn't help repeating the phrase in surprise.
"Mm," Minamoto Senya nodded obediently.
From this moment on, she reminded herself that every smile, every frown, every gesture had to be carefully calculated. Absolutely natural, yet subtle enough to hide her true intentions.
"A rented boyfriend is exactly what it sounds like," she explained, holding up one finger on each hand as if giving a mini-lecture. "You're basically 'hiring out' someone to act as a boyfriend for a set period, under agreed conditions. Of course, it's entirely legal—no crossing boundaries. The 'boyfriend' part is just for appearances."
"Uh, wait a second…" Chiya raised his hand instinctively, still resting his palm against Senya's thigh.
The warmth and softness were… tantalizing, but simply resting there, unable to do more, was torture.
It was like having a perfectly plated gourmet dish in front of you, but not being allowed to eat it.
Better to just move the hand away and sever that tantalizing temptation entirely.
"…I get the concept of a rented boyfriend, it's just… why bring it up now?"
"No special reason," Senya said casually. "It's actually a fairly common scenario. You write novels too, right? So you must've encountered it before."
"I… have, I guess…"
"Exactly. For writers, it's a common technique called research."
"…!"
Hearing that, Chiya immediately understood.
A little surprising—but perfectly acceptable.
Senya faced Chiya, expression unchanged, continuing seriously:
"When writing, we often hit a block. The story can't progress because we lack knowledge or experience.
"Sitting at the desk and forcing ourselves to think rarely yields anything useful. If we try to push through the block with a foggy mind, the words that come out will likely be subpar, and readers won't accept them. To solve this, targeted research can be incredibly effective."
Chiya nodded slightly, like an actor playing the straight man in a comedic setup, recognizing the unfolding situation. Senya, convinced her plan was flawless so far, felt a small thrill at his understanding.
"So that means… you're stuck on your writing right now, and it's really bothering you."
"Yes, exactly."
"But what does that have to do with a rented boyfriend?"
Chiya's experience in everyday life allowed him to read the situation and guide the conversation naturally, keeping it in line with Senya's apparent intentions.
Senya, absorbed in her plan, reminded herself to restrain her emotions. The crucial moment was coming—she couldn't let Chiya sense any hidden motive, or all her careful setup would be wasted.
She sighed, putting on a look of genuine concern, as if truly troubled:
"My current novel, Love Metronome, is at the mid-point of its plot."
Chiya nodded in agreement.
"Yes, it's obvious. In the latest volume, the development of the male and female leads' relationship is becoming clear. The previous haze is gone, and the upcoming school festival arc will deepen their bond, laying the groundwork for their future relationship."
"Yes, exactly!"
Senya felt a surge of excitement.
Despite Chiya being busy lately, he had read the latest volume carefully, analyzing and predicting the story's progression.
This meant… he genuinely cared about her novel.
And if he cared about her work, that implied he cared about her—perhaps more than she had realized.
Regardless, she needed to continue with her explanation.
"Just as you said, Chiya, the story is approaching a critical point. The next volume is going to feature the first major climax. My readers are buzzing, eagerly awaiting the leads' development.
"I've already outlined the later plot, but for some reason, I can't write. I sit at my computer, hands on the keyboard, but not a single word comes. I've tried multiple times—this block is worse than ever.
"I think it's because I lack the imagination to place myself in the scene I need to write. I worry I won't do justice to the story or disappoint my readers, but mostly… I just can't fully imagine it."
"Imagination meaning…"
"Simply put, I can't immerse myself in the story I'm trying to create."
Senya explained further:
"All along, I've written by placing myself in my characters' shoes—thinking about how I would react to the situations they face, the people they meet, the emotions they feel."
"I see… kind of like method acting in theater."
Method acting: living the character's life, merging yourself with the role. A practical acting technique famously used by Marlon Brando, making his characters truly come alive.
"Yes, similar," Senya said. "I've tried this while writing, and it worked before. But now, at this crucial story point… I just can't do it."
Chiya frowned thoughtfully, then said with concern:
"Maybe you're forcing yourself too much? Too much pressure can really stifle creativity."
"No, it's not that. Previously, when my novel almost got canceled, the stress was much worse. I was restless, sleepless, even pulling all-nighters—but I could still write, albeit slowly. This time, I can't move at all."
"I see…"
Chiya gently patted her arm.
"…Sorry, I don't know much about writing school romance, so I can't give concrete advice. But if there's anything I can do, just let me know."
Senya felt both relieved and reassured.
"I knew you'd say that. Actually, I think I've found the cause—and a solution. I wanted to hear your thoughts."
Finally, she was approaching the main point.
"Go on."
"My main problem is lack of experience. To solve it, I need to actually experience it. First-hand. That should help me break through the block."
"Experience? You mean…"
"Yes, the central theme of Love Metronome—the innocent, awkward, first love between a boy and a girl."
"Wait a second!" Chiya pressed a hand to his forehead, thinking, then brightened. "So that's why you mentioned a rented boyfriend…"
"Mm. I saw the term online, learned it existed, and thought… maybe if I order a rented boyfriend, I can personally experience daily couple life. That might solve my problem. What do you think?"
Of course, this wasn't true. Senya would never do such a thing—not with Chiya, whom she liked, and not with anyone else.
She only said it to gauge his reaction.
And Chiya's reaction? Better than she could have hoped.
"No way!"
Chiya stood, his tone resolute.
Senya froze, then quickly lowered her head, unable to help it. His response made her heart soar.
Hold it… hold it together!
"Even if it's for research, this is too risky. The idea is fine, but the method is extreme."
Chiya's expression was serious. Even though he suspected her true thoughts, imagining the scenario made him instinctively protective.
"You have no idea who you'd get, or their intentions. Society's unpredictable, and you're a delicate girl. There are much safer ways. For example…"
Thump, thump, thump.
Her heartbeat accelerated violently.
Chiya crouched slightly in front of her, shy yet earnest.
"…You could just rely on someone you trust. No risk, fully cooperative."
He didn't specify who—but she knew exactly.
Ah…
Her eyes glistened, her black-clad legs pressed tightly together.
Her mind trembled, her body responding instinctively.
This is what I wanted to hear!
But she couldn't show too much excitement. She had to remain composed, considerate.
Only one step away…
"Chiya… I'm so happy you said that. But you've already done so much for me…"
"Then helping one more time is no big deal."
"I don't even know how to properly thank you."
"Our friendship's long-term. You can think about it later, no rush."
"But…"
"Did you forget what I just said? I want to help because I want to, not to burden you."
"Chiya…"
"Senya, let me help. If it bothers you, I can charge by the hour."
Chiya joked lightly.
Senya finally let go of her insistence.
No more hesitation. Better to stop worrying and act.
She gazed at Chiya, her expression softening.
Grateful, relieved, thrilled… emotions naturally flowed.
Senya's acting skills were remarkable, but Chiya was even sharper.
Still, her objective was achieved.
She leaned forward, wrapping her hands around Chiya's neck, pressing close. Slowly, she buried her face near his neck, inhaling subtly, making the most of the moment.
Just like that other loser she despised, she soaked in his natural scent—faint, refreshing, almost like green tea. She couldn't get enough, wanted it forever.
Though her expression showed a hint of daze, her voice was gentle:
"Thank you… really, thank you Chiya… I'm so glad I met you…"
"Don't say things like that."
"I know… because we're friends."
"Exactly."
With her soft warmth in his arms, Chiya couldn't help but compare her to Saeko.
Because she didn't exercise much, Senya was softer, more pliant than Saeko.
She truly embodied the saying: women are like water.
"Sis said… dinner's ready…"
Rokka barged in, stopping dead at the sight of them together, words failing her.