I Really Don’t Want a Girlfriend Anymore

The next afternoon, Yuu received a message from Haruno saying she was free.

However, since she had other matters to attend to later, they couldn't go elsewhere to hang out and could only deal with Yukinon the kitten first.

Getting into the car at their usual agreed-upon spot, Haruno drove him to Aomori Animal Hospital.

The atmosphere in the car was calm, as if nothing had happened yesterday. They chatted casually about recent events—mostly Haruno talking, Yuu listening.

"Business socializing is such a hassle."

"Indeed. For guys, it's one thing, but for a beautiful woman like you, it must be a daily annoyance, right?"

"Exactly. Those stares are so creepy. Luckily, my mom's strong enough not to sell her daughter for profit."

"I see…"

Haruno suddenly said in a teasing tone: "Yuu-chan, if some big boss suddenly tried something with me and I called you for help, would you come?"

Without thinking, Yuu replied: "Of course. As your boyfriend, I'd charge in no matter what, beat him up, and save you."

"And as Tenkuji Yuu?"

"…" Yuu paused, frowning in thought for a moment before speaking slowly.

"I'd find a way to quietly save you or cause a commotion so he wouldn't have the chance to try anything."

"Hm, just as I expected." Haruno nodded lightly, her expression not revealing whether she was satisfied or not.

Yuu glanced at her, about to ask if she'd brought up the topic to hint at something.

But Haruno spoke again:

"I heard the area being developed on the outskirts has a newly built resort. Recently, they've been inviting various groups to experience a vacation there, and they're also holding a discount lottery online."

Clearly changing the subject.

Yuu looked away, following her lead: "I just found out. Why, wanna go together?"

Haruno smiled: "Sure~ If we have time, how about a two-day, one-night stay?"

"Staying overnight might be a bit much…"

"Oh? Afraid you can't resist temptation and turn wild on me? Hehe, Yuu-chan's a guy too~"

"No way, I'm afraid you'd turn wild on me."

"…"

At that moment, Haruno's smile was radiant.

Then, she suddenly slammed on the brakes, parked the car firmly by the roadside, locked the windows, and swiftly pinned Yuu to his seat. With lightning speed he couldn't block, she kissed him dominantly and fiercely.

Her movements were like venting, devoid of any gentleness.

When done, she panted slightly, staring into Yuu's eyes up close.

Her face and lips were the same fiery red, and she smiled seductively, maturely.

"Is this what you call wild?"

Her tongue flicked out, gently licking her slightly bloodied lips from the intensity.

"You… ugh."

Giving her a helpless glance, Yuu straightened his disheveled clothes and hair, wiped the blood and saliva from his lips, and let out a long sigh.

"Work stress lately, that bad?"

"Exactly~" Haruno smiled nonchalantly, started the car again, and drove down the road.

"That's why Yuu-chan, who can even tolerate me like this, would be super popular as a host in Shinjuku!"

Yuu pursed his lips, saying with a slight complaint:

"One selfish person like you is enough. I couldn't handle more."

"Oh, that's a great line! I'll allow you to kiss me gently once."

Yuu didn't bother responding, turning to gaze at the passing scenery outside the window.

The car soon stopped in the parking lot beside the animal hospital.

Before getting out, Yuu suddenly grabbed Haruno's arm and kissed her gently, using his advanced kissing skill.

Just one second, but it left Haruno stunned with wide eyes, only snapping out of it after about ten seconds.

"…Why?"

"Just keeping in mind what a boyfriend said, that's all."

Yuu opened the car door casually, his voice faintly smiling: "Being a host or whatever, forget it. Boyfriend suits me better… By the way, your kissing skills still need a lot of practice."

"Huh?"

Haruno wrinkled her nose, unconvinced, but when she got out and met his gaze, she couldn't hold back a smile:

"Not afraid I'll get spoiled?"

"Terrified. But whose fault is it that I'm a rental boyfriend?"

Yuu shrugged, leading the way into the animal hospital.

The clinic and waiting area were quiet, but the animal care and inpatient section in the back was as lively as a market.

Especially after gaining Animal Language (Advanced Level), Yuu felt like a genius fluent in eighteen languages, walking into a debate hall of an eighteen-nation conference, nearly pushed back by the wave of shouting.

"Idiot! Idiot! Stupid staff!"

"Whoever opens my cage first, I'm eating that dumb bird!"

"Stupid dog, can your teeth even chew anything?"

"The wind today is so noisy…"

"Dumb cat, stop just meowing there. I'll smack you dead with one tail! Feel my alpha dog waist!"

"Hah, lustful beast, why don't you reincarnate as a rabbit?"

"Stop fighting, go brawl in the treatment room!"

"Idiots! You're all saving your own lives! Idiots!"

"Damn it! Today, I, Teddy the dog, will flip this cage and that bird too!"

Standing at the door, Yuu clutched his ears, looking displeased.

Yesterday, he'd only felt the barking and meowing were noisy.

Now that he understood what they were saying, it was unbearable, his whole body uncomfortable. A single minute here was torture.

The parrot was a drake-voiced screamer yelling "idiot," the Teddy dog was a crude thug, the British Shorthair was a sarcastic cat, there was a pigeon fed up with life, and a peacekeeping rabbit…

Damn animal hospital, The Last Supper probably wasn't this chaotic!

"What's wrong?" Haruno walked to his side, looking at him curiously.

Yuu shook his head, lowered his hands, and took a deep breath.

"Nothing… Let's pick up Yukinon."

He'd mentally prepared himself.

If the gray tabby kitten, meant to be cared for by his sister, was a lustful cage-attacker or a sharp-tongued cynic, for the sake of household peace and his emotional stability, he'd need to communicate properly using his advanced animal language skill.

Communication techniques included but weren't limited to threats, intimidation, persuasion, deception… In short, if they could talk, treat them like humans for now to solve the issue.

"I called earlier. Yukinon's having a final checkup and might take a bit to be released."

"Then let's wait outside."

Yuu really didn't want to stay here a second longer.

If noise had a form, it'd be hell itself.

Haruno didn't understand, shrugged, and followed him to the quiet waiting area.

Soon, the vet and nurse brought a cage with the gray tabby kitten and approached them.

Haruno discussed follow-up care with them while Yuu took the cage, looking into the kitten's small eyes.

Moments later, a cheerful meow sounded:

"Human, are you my master?"