Reiji Takasawa sat in the back of a sleek black sedan, staring out the tinted window as Tokyo blurred past. Neon lights. Cold glass towers. People moving with purpose. All of it buzzed around him, alive and electric, and yet he felt… nothing.
At 21, Reiji had everything anyone could want—wealth, education, status. He was a Takasawa, heir to a billion-yen empire in finance and tech. His name made people bow. His intellect had won national competitions. His portfolio already had its own advisor.
And yet, all he wanted was to disappear.
"Reiji," said the voice on the other end of the call, "you ghosted the meeting again. Your father's pissed."
Reiji hung up without replying. It didn't matter. Nothing did.
His phone buzzed again—this time a message from Kaito:
> "Get out of your cave. I've got something fun. No effort required."
Reiji rolled his eyes but let the car take a detour. Kaito Yukishiro was one of the few people who didn't suffocate him. The heir to Yukishiro Holdings, Kaito was cocky, charming, the golden boy everyone loved. And unlike Reiji, he actually liked being in the spotlight.
When Reiji arrived at the rooftop lounge, Kaito was already laughing with two girls, drink in hand.
"You look like a villain in a drama," Kaito said, handing him a glass. "What's the point of being rich if you're always miserable?"
Reiji didn't answer.
Kaito pulled out his phone. "Try this instead. It's a rental girlfriend app. No strings, no drama, just company. Don't even think. Just click."
Reiji stared at the screen. It was ridiculous. But maybe that was the point. He tapped the first profile that appeared, without even reading the name.
Booking confirmed.
He didn't expect anything from it. Certainly not her.