Gran?
Kinoshita Nagomi
Speaker
Oh, Kazuya. About the birthday party tomorrow...
I've been wondering if we should order sushi or pizza.
What would you like?
Here we go again. Birthday party.
Every year on June 1st, my birthday, the whole family eats together.
Happy 14th Birthday!
It's one of our iron-clad rules.
Volatile teen
Happy birthday, Kazuya!
Volatile teen
Sushi, I guess?
I knew you would say that.
Nagomi:
Same fr fr
You called me just for that?
Kazuya:
Where did you even learn that?
Oh, one more thing.
When is Chizuru-san's birthday?
I couldn't do anything for her last year since we'd only just met,
but I want to bring her legal adulthood in with a bang this year!
Oh, actually, Chizuru's birthday
passed a while ago.
I don't believe you!
Eardrum destroyed
shake shake
Why didn't you tell me?!
smack smack
Yep, saw it coming.
That's why I didn't want to mention it.
I've ignored the birthday of the Kinoshita heir's wife two years in a row!
Oh God...
Forgive me, honey!!!!
I'm a failure as a grandmother and matriarch!
This shame will haunt us for generations!
She's not my wife! Slow down, will you?
That's it. We're having a combined birthday party.
Combined? What?
Listen here, Kazuya.
Man up, talk to Chizuru-san, and bring her to our place tomorrow, no matter what!
Not happening!
I'll make sure we give her a princess's welcome.
Seriously, it ain't happening!
Kinoshita Nagomi
Nagomi Sake
LIVE Audio call ended
Gah! Kill me!
Rent-a-Girlfriend
"Kiss and Girlfriend"
There are no koi on my balcony.
Could you stop throwing fish food?
Uh, that's a snakehead pellet. It's not for koi.
I couldn't care less.
Are you free tomorrow night around five?
Is this about your grandmother?
Quick on the uptake!
It always is.
The thing is, it's my birthday tomorrow.
But when I told her yours was in April,
she insisted on throwing a combined party for both of us.
Well, I did find it strange that she didn't call me on the day.
R-Right on the money.
Sorry.
I'm going to see my grandmother in the hospital tomorrow.
Th-The hospital?
She needs me there after her tests, so we talked about it a while ago.
So five o'clock isn't happening.
Ah, okay...
I can't bother her and her grandma.
Gotcha. Sorry for asking.
I'll make up an excuse for Gran.
I wasn't done talking.
I can't do five, but I can make it there after six. Keep her occupied until then.
R-Really?
I'm not doing this for you.
I'm supposed to be your "girlfriend" until I quit this job.
Also, happy birthday.
Damn, she's cute.
Hum Hum
Quit singing on cloud nine!
I'm causing her problems again!
Ruka-chan
LIVE Audio...
Reject
Answer
Huh? Ruka-chan?
Pop
Happy birthday!
And there goes my left eardrum, too.
Huh? Kazuya-kun? You there?
Wh-What's up?
Giving you a birthday call at midnight sharp!
Just like any girlfriend would!
It's that late already?
Thanks...
I can't see you today, but I get you all to myself on Sunday, right?
June 1
R-Right.
No! No!
She sure caused a scene when I told her I couldn't see her the day of...
No! No!
My, my.
Oi, oi.
No! Birthday date!
It's great that you're so close to your family.
I don't have a problem with it as long as Chizuru-san's not gonna be there.
Huh?
Wha?
Oh, shoot!
Wait, it's not what you're thinking. My gran...
Ruka-chan
LIVE Audio call ended
I screwed up!
All | Missed calls History Ruka-chan(3) LIVE Audio Kinoshita Nagomi LIVE Audio Pizza Hot
Redialing
Does she know? Does she?!
Crap, she's not answering...
Guess I gotta make it up to her on Sunday.
All done.
Come, let's be on our way to your family home!
Wh-Why are you here, Ruka-chan?
Well, I am your girlfriend.
I decided I had to attend your family's birthday party, after all.
But we agreed to meet on Sunday.
Yes, we did.
Y-Yeah, she totally knows.
Her ribbon looks like horns...!!
Sorry I didn't tell you.
Yeah, Mizuhara's coming tonight,
but that's only because my gran suddenly decided to make it a combined party.
I wasn't trying to hide it from you...
Oh, is that so?
Welp, she's pissed.
Am I gonna survive this?
Here we are.
Wow, your place is huge!
Not really. We only live on the second floor.
We've rented out the third and fourth floors.
Ah, so you turned it into an apartment building.
Yeah, though neither this nor the store make much money.
C'mon, we can't be locking arms here.
K i n o s h i t a
Chizuru, my ang— Huh? Ruka-dono?
Hello!
Talk about a false start
Chizuru said she'd drop by later. This was sudden, so she had other plans.
Oh, I see. Letting you in now.
It's too bad. But we didn't exactly give her any warning,
so I'm thankful we managed to work something out.
Yes, yes
Anyway, glad to have you, Ruka-dono.
Come on in.
Thank you for having me.
My angel Chizuru will feel more at ease with a friend around.
Wait, Kazuya. Line up your shoes.
I wanna be called "angel," too.
-dono isn't cute
Chizuru-san Kazuya, happy birthday!
Chizuru-san Love
What time did she say she'd be coming?
Around six, I think.
So much for celebrating my birthday.
And look at all that sushi!
DUN
They're not much, but please have these.
What?
For us?
It's the day your dear grandson was born.
It must be a special day for the family, too.
My! Thank you so much!
Wow, you're such a thoughtful young lady.
Who are you trying to fool?!
O-Okay, Ruka-chan, let me show you around.
You will?
Come on, Kazuya. It's not like we live in a mansion.
Don't get her hopes up.
It's fine. Get the drinks served in the meantime.
So, this is the kitchen...
We good? We're good, right?!
Wha? What do you mean, "good"?
I mean our relationship!
My family still thinks Mizuhara's my girlfriend.
You won't rat us out to Gran, will you?
You won't rat us out, right?!
Hold up! Rethink this!
You two aren't being fair!
You say your relationship's purely business,
but you were trying to spend your family birthday party with her, without telling me!
Is there something I should know?
Again, I wasn't trying to hide it!
I'm your girlfriend, aren't I?
You just can't tell your grandmother the truth about Chizuru-san 'cause she loves her.
Isn't that what you said to me?
Yeah, I sure did...
Then don't stop me from trying to redeem myself!
Whoa, keep it down!
Yeah, yeah, you're right!
Without Chizuru-san here, this is my chance.
What are you saying?
I'll make sure your grandmother loves me!
Enjoy your birthday.
Itabashi Third Hospital
I'm going to go refill the flower vase.
Are you sure you'll be okay?
I'll be fine. Don't worry about me.
6 PM Itabashi Ward, Ooyama Town Sorry! And thanks!
Oh, a necktie?
Yes. I wanted Kazuya-san to look more grown-up.
I see. Impressive, Ruka-dono.
It's both a funny and a practical gift.
Good for you, Kazuya.
Here you go, Father.
Ah, sorry about the foam.
It's fine.
Some birthday this is!
Without Mizuhara here,
m 0 0 l 130 0 l 130 250 l 0 250
Cute grand- daughter act
I'm very good at massages, you know!
Ruka-chan really is going all-out to create a favorable impression.
I'll take the drinks.
m 0 0 l 130 0 l 130 250 l 0 250
Capable daughter act
Oh, thank you.
Even in my eyes, she's playing the ideal girlfriend.
And for you, Grandmother.
Is this sake?
And she's broken the ice with them in just an hour!
Yes. It's called Junmai Daiginjo.
What's up with Mizuhara, though?
It's way past six.
Chizuru isn't here yet?
Kazuya, why don't you try calling her?
Huh? Call her?
O-Okay, I'm gonna step outside for a sec, then.
Sure, run along!
Huh?
He knows her number?
Grr...
No, there's no way he'd have a rental girlfriend's personal info.
Chizuru-san isn't here, and he can't contact her!
This really is a golden opportunity!
Please, drink up!
She's gonna win over my family in no time.
Hurry up, Mizuhara...
Ichinose Chizuru
Notifications Block Add Friend
But I can't call her without adding her as a friend.
They're hitting it off.
Call her!
Add Friend
Call her!
Game over.
Adding her as a friend is too much for me.
Sorry, she didn't answer.
Guess she's busy.
Oh... I'm worried about her.
Check!
...is what it feels like.
I'll try again later.
I just hope she's all right.
You know, I had no idea
Ruka-dono was such a nice, cheerful, and responsible young lady!
I feel at home next to you, too.
My rook's in danger!
She's entering the endgame!!
You kind of have the same scent as my grandma in Hokkaido.
Oh, the countryside?
My parents and I would go visit once a year.
I loved my grandma and all the different scents of Hokkaido...
But she died the year before last, so I don't think I'll be going back.
Ruka-dono...
Ruka-san...
I have no idea if it's true or not!
But either way, it's working!
Ah. That must've been so hard.
You're always welcome here, okay?
Think of me as your Tokyo grandma and rely on me.
What if you were to become my real grandma?
All right, time out!
Ow!
Kazuya!
Friend or not, you can't cover a young lady's mouth!
It's beyond rude!
When did you sink so low?
S-Sorry, but...
It's not like that...!!
Ruka-dono, you were saying?
Shit, I can't stop her!
Who is it? This is not the time!
received a message from Ichinose Chi is suspicious, please report
Today
Ichinose Chizuru
You there?
Please believe me. I'm telling the truth.
The one who loves Kazuya-kun more than anyone else...
Add Friend
is... is m...
Oh, hello? Yeah, it's me.
I'll put her on.
G-Gran.
Itabashi Third Hospital
Hello, Grandmother?
I'm sorry for keeping you waiting.
It's Chizuru.
Rent-a-Girlfriend
Birthday party time!!
Mizuhara Chizuru.
You see, my grandma is a little under the weather.
Um, can you hear me?
Oh, forgive me.
Your voice is just so lovely, I was lost in it.
Is she your long-lost granddaughter?
Her stare stings!
She's wondering why I have her contact.
Chizuru-san Kazuya, happy birthday!
Chizuru-san Love
Is Sayutaso all right?
Y-Yes. She isn't in any danger or anything.
It's fine, really. I totally understand.
We can always celebrate your birthday another time.
Sayutaso comes first.
Here, Kazuya. Pass.
It's like she just got out of the bath.
Why does she look so content?!
Gonna step outside for a bit.
Sure. Tell my angel I said bye.
The absolute best timing possible!
Ichinose Chizuru
I never expected to get a call from her.
The call's still going!!
Hello, Mizuhara? Yeah, I'm outside now.
You were a big help.
I see.
Her voice is so cute...
A-Are you sure you should've called me from your phone?
Listen, don't get the wrong idea.
Everyone in that group has added each other.
And I couldn't not call
If we were the only ones who didn't, we'd stick out like a sore thumb.
Oh...
Y-Yeah.
How are you dealing?
Well, Ruka-chan's here.
Huh? Ruka-chan? That's bad news!
Yeah, kinda.
So I wish you'd come save the day...
I'm sorry. My grandma isn't doing too great.
And I want to be there for her.
Okay, you don't have to come.
I'll manage somehow.
Huh? Are you sure you'll be okay?
Yeah. Gran seems content just hearing your voice.
Really? But...
Yes, really! Don't bother showing up!
Go ahead and enjoy your private time!
Wha?!
Don't just grab my phone!
Also, you're a rental girlfriend!
What are you thinking, exchanging contact info with another girl's boyfriend?!
Anyway, his family loves me now, so you're not needed anymore!
Shut up, Ruka-chan!
I'm gonna make Kazuya-kun mine for real tonight!
Kinoshita Kazuya
LIVE Audio call ended
C-Come on...
That didn't sound "okay" at all!
gloom
There's no guarantee she won't blab about the rental girlfriend thing.
Hey, Grandma?
I'm actually supposed to visit Kazuya-san's family home tonight.
They're throwing a birthday party for me, too.
So... uh...
Why didn't you say so sooner?
You shouldn't be here!
It'd be terribly rude if you didn't attend that party!
What are you doing, leaving Kazuya-kun all by himself?!
Wow, so much energy!
B-But, Grandma, you...
I'm fine! I just recovered!
Talk about a silver bullet...
Anyway, I can come back anytime. Call me if you need me.
Get going already!
If you don't make it in time, I'll come back to haunt you!
Sheesh, Grandma.
Hearing the name "Kazuya-san" was enough to lift her spirits.
But...
Why did I talk to her about it?
He even told me I didn't have to go.
You're the one I want!
It's gotta be you!
I must be stupid, too.
To this address, please. Also, I'm in a little bit of a hurry.
Want some beer, Kazuya?
S-Sure.
So I press this "Add Friend" button?
That's right.
And then scan my QR code on your phone.
They're exchanging LIVE addresses...
Like this?
Things have taken a very bad turn.
Grandmother, about what I was saying earlier...
Th-There it is!
Oh?
Sorry I'm late.
Mizuhara?
Chizuru, my angel!
A Septuagenarian's
Happy Birthday Dive
Wha...
Is Sayuri-san okay?
When I told her about the party, she practically chased me out.
That's my Sayutaso.
In that case, happy birthday!
You're just as beautiful aged twenty!
A sight for sore eyes!
Sorry.
That's my girl! You're so cute!
And thanks.
Heya, Ruka-chan.
Pat Pat
Sorry I'm late.
N-No biggie!
Like, you didn't even have to come.
Man, why'd Chizuru-san show up?
Does she like Kazuya-kun after all?
I told her not to bother, and still...
But I've built up a cache, a rapport with the family in the time so far.
Not even Chizuru-san can erase it all!
Over here, Chizuru-san.
You're the guest of honor.
Oh, before I take a seat...
May I pay my respects at the family altar?
Wha...
That thought didn't even cross my mind!
What the heck? The family altar?
O-Of course. Please go say hi to my husband.
I didn't even think of it.
This way! It's over here!
Are girlfriends supposed to pay their respects?
Wow, such a pretty altar.
You can tell?
Aren't you glad to see her, honey? She's Kazuya's girlfriend.
Mother...
I'm happy for you, Mom.
She's turning things around!
All my efforts will be reduced to nothing!
I was scared out of my wits back then.
Maybe you should get your act together, then.
This sake is really easy to drink.
Wow, you have good taste, Chizuru-san.
Oh, Chizuru-san, where do you live?
E-Er... Sakuradai...
Oho? You two live in the same neighborhood?
Have you considered living together, then?
Wha? L-L-Living together?!
I think you've had enough to drink, Gran!
Huh? She's gone?
I'm glad Ruka-chan didn't hear that!
I'd die if I lived together with Mizuhara...
It's my fault, really.
If I'm too close to Kazuya-san, I lean on him too much.
And these days, women have to be independent, too.
What a model answer.
Hear that, Kazuya?
It's you! You've got to get it together!
I need to use the restroom.
Mizuhara's shining so bright, it's making my darkness stand out.
All this fantasy crap about living together, getting married...
She's a rental girlfriend, damn it!
Gotta hand it to Mizuhara, though.
Everything she's doing is professional to the extreme.
She's got Gran back to normal, too.
And she seemed like a ticking time bomb,
but Ruka-chan's calmed down ever since Mizuhara got here.
Tears of relief
Oh, that's where you went.
Similar situation here.
S-Sorry, I need to go.
Oh, the tie?
Thanks...
A pendulum clock? Such an antique piece. I love it.
I bought it with my husband back when we opened the store.
Wow... It's such a pretty sound.
Mwahaha. She who dares wins, Chizuru-san.
Huh?
The sudden appearance of a new challenger caught me off-guard,
but I'll win the Kazuya-kun Sweepstakes Kinoshita Family Reversi Tournament!
Were you all playing Reversi before I came?
Wow, look at you playing dumb.
Is this another one of your schemes to make a comeback?
Uh, what is Ruka-chan even talking about?
B-Beats me.
Anyway, next time on Rent-a-Girlfriend:
"Ring and...
...Girlfriend."
"Ring and Girlfriend"
The victor's ring will be mine!