Can't We Skip Dating?

When Utaha gave that expressive look of confusion, what she meant wasn't that she had a problem—it was that Akira had a problem.

But Akira didn't think there was anything wrong with him. In fact, he was still holding out his hand, asking for money.

Honestly, if you could rent a room in a house like this for just 500 yen a night, posting an ad would fill it with tenants in less than a day—even if the room was completely empty.

And as for that 2000-yen "feline psychological healing service fee," considering the comfort she'd felt tonight, and the potential promise of sleeping with cats… Utaha thought it was well worth the price.

But that wasn't the point! This wasn't about whether it was expensive or worth it!

"Akira-san, if I remember correctly, you were the one who invited me here tonight, and also the one who invited me to stay the night, wasn't it?" 

Utaha asked, her hands growing more skillful as she continued stroking the cat, voicing her mild doubt.

Akira wagged his finger and replied in an overly serious tone, 

"No, that was just me promoting the healing services of my home when I saw you were feeling down. In other words, a sales pitch. 

And now that the customer has tried and is satisfied, of course we move to paid services."

"So next, are you going to recommend I become a member too?"

"Of course! First-time membership starts at a 10,000 yen recharge. 

All purchases afterward are 50% off. And since you'd be our very first VIP member, you'll also receive a mysterious little gift handcrafted by yours truly. How about it?"

To be honest, she was a little tempted.

Not because of the usual female attraction to discounts, nor the so-called mysterious gift.

Rather, if she signed up for this "membership," she wouldn't have to be tangled up in etiquette, obligations, or relationships. She could justifiably come and "consume services."

But first, she needed to confirm that Akira wasn't just joking—he was genuinely insane.

Utaha fished around and handed over 2500 yen. "I didn't bring that much cash today. Let's talk about the membership next time."

Akira took the money naturally and stuffed it into his pocket. 

"Thank you for your patronage. The room on the right upstairs is yours. Oh, and if you really do get a membership next time, this visit can be counted toward your points."

With a very bewildered look, Utaha watched as Akira unplugged the living room water dispenser and carried it upstairs.

...

Staying over wasn't a problem. 

As a long-time honors student and someone who had already built a praiseworthy career at a young age, Utaha's parents gave her a lot of freedom. 

Plus, due to work, she often traveled with her editor, Miss Machida, and frequently stayed out overnight.

But even after finishing her shower and lounging on the balcony in the "shirt robe" Akira had provided—stroking the cat for a good long while—she still couldn't figure out what was going on in Akira's head.

She was in the secondary bedroom, which had only the bare essentials: a wardrobe, desk and chair, and bed. 

The only appliance was a desk lamp—and the water dispenser Akira had brought up. 

The room felt just like a hotel suite. A freshly opened one at that, with no signs of wear and tear, spotless and neat.

Quiet nights always made one introspective. 

Though the black cat purring on her lap gave her some solace, the moment she thought back to what happened earlier tonight, a wave of pain spread through her chest—and the darkness she'd buried deep inside her heart began to rise again.

Tonight's disappointment wasn't actually that significant. 

After all, she had mentally prepared for failure from the very beginning. Even if she'd been rejected in a humiliating way, she could have accepted it.

What truly hurt was Tomoya's emotional outburst—and his final decision.

If Megumi hadn't broken the tension by smashing the books and shifting the mood, if she hadn't stepped in for her like that… then even someone like Utaha—who had become so used to hiding her emotions—might have broken down on the spot.

But was that really a concern?

Maybe it truly was heartfelt care—he didn't want to see her spiral after a moment of defeat. But even so, what were the consequences of that "concern"?

She'd have to put down her pen, give up the stories in her heart, relinquish her identity as a light novelist, and abandon her promising future—just to return to a mundane life. 

Or worse, if her parents found out, she'd be reprimanded and seen differently forever. The gossip might even reach school and destroy her whole life.

So was that really a concern—or…

Utaha shut her eyes tightly, hugging her head in anguish, trying to stop her thoughts from spiraling deeper into darkness. 

She didn't want to destroy the beautiful image she had of Tomoya in her heart.

But even so, she couldn't help but wonder—compared to such "concern," wasn't a fair transaction the better option?

"Meow~"

That soft, seemingly concerned purr pulled Utaha back from her spiral. She opened her eyes and realized her vision was blurry—only then noticing she'd been crying again.

She wiped away her tears. When she opened her eyes again, she met a pair of clear, round, adorably vacant eyes.

"Meow~"

The corners of her mouth couldn't help but lift into a small curve. Though the smile was bitter, it was still a smile.

"Ha… Thanks, Kuro."

The word "cat sniffing" popped into her mind, and she buried her face into the cat's fluffy fur, inhaling deeply.

The soft fur pressed perfectly against her face, caressing every nerve ending with its ideal level of fluffiness. 

Even the slightest friction brought immense comfort. The air she breathed in had no strange odors—instead, it was faintly sweet, carrying the warm scent unique to cats.

Only then did she truly understand why so many people loved sniffing cats. And once again, she felt that the money spent tonight had been well worth it.

Then suddenly, she realized something.

She had gained a peaceful resting place from Akira. 

In turn, he had received money. Because of that, she could stay here, stroke cats, and relax without any sense of emotional debt—without feeling conflicted because of kindness received.

Like if Akira and Tomoya clashed again.

Even if she was grateful to Akira in her heart, that gratitude couldn't compare to the immense support and encouragement she'd received from Tomoya when she was just starting out. 

Their long-standing bond, and her feelings for him, weighed far more.

So even if Tomoya was in the wrong, she'd still stand by him—just like she had back at the café.

But if her relationship with Akira remained purely transactional, then when she did side with Tomoya, she wouldn't have to bear as much guilt. Things would be easier.

Realizing this, Utaha found herself developing a liking for the word "transaction."

It sounded cold and impersonal, but when you got what you wanted in return, you were able to protect everything that should remain untouched—like dignity and pride. 

It gave you the strength to stand tall on your own terms, to say what you wanted to say, and do what you wanted to do.

Unlike now—living so humiliatingly, she was starting to lose sight of herself.

She gazed at the night sky, her wine-red eyes shimmering faintly, as if she had made some decisions.

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