Life In The Spotlight

Chapter 20 (Past)

Shu didn't feel right. He felt like a part of him had been switched off. He felt no motivation to even get out of bed. 

Finally, Sora had had enough. "Get up, sleepyhead!" she said as she threw the covers off the bed.

"What's the point?" asked Shu. He looked half-dead from lack of sleep and time spent outside. 

"Come on, what happened to you? You used to be so productive and active. I had to deal with an irritated Seina who complained that you don't spend time with her."

"I'm sorry, but I don't feel up to any dates at the moment," said Shu.

Just then, a very furious Seina stormed into the room. "Why are you being so lazy? Don't you love me anymore?"

Shu sat up. "I love you, but I just don't feel like..."

"Then get out of bed and come with me. We're supposed to be going on our date soon."

Sora sighed. "Seina, Shu just needs time to..."

"Alright, I will come," said Shu. "Just let me get changed."

For some reason, Shu found himself not looking forward to the date with Seina. It was like all the passion in the relationship had disappeared. He started texting Valt.

Me: Valt, please help me. 

BFF: What's wrong?

Me: I think I am depressed.

BFF: Depressed? Do you want me to come over?

Me: Not now. I have a date with Seina.

BFF: You don't seem excited.

Me: I'm not. We will talk tomorrow.

BFF: Okay. Take care.

Me: I will.

Shu was late for his date, which was a first for him. Seina was waiting at the restaurant, clearly impatient. She glared at her boyfriend as he sat down. "You're late."

"I'm sorry," said Shu. "I was..."

"I don't want to hear any excuses," snapped Seina. "I thought you were dedicated to me. Guess that I was wrong."

"Seina, what are you talking about? I'm only twelve, remember?"

"You don't make an effort to compliment me. You barely talk to me. You don't even ask about my day."

"I'm sorry, okay? I just don't feel like talking at the moment. I'm depressed."

"Then get yourself undepressed right now!" snapped Seina.

Shu gasped. "What... did... you... say?"

He stood up and ran out of the restaurant without waiting for an answer. For the first time, he questioned whether Seina truly loved him. She had been the only one who didn't wish him a happy birthday on his twelfth birthday. Even Rose had sent him a present by mail despite not being able to see him. 

Suddenly, it clicked. He missed Rose. No longer caring if Seina got mad or not, Shu ran all the way to Rose's house.

Rose was surprised to see him. "Shu? What's wrong?"

"Rose, I wanted to see you again," said Shu. "I missed you so much."

"I... I missed you too, but what about Seina? Wouldn't she get mad if she sees that you have seen me?"

"I don't care," said Shu. "Rose, I couldn't stand not being friends with you and..."

"Why are you talking to her?"

Shu and Rose froze when they saw Seina storming up to them. 

"How... how did you find me?" stammered Shu.

"I had been following you ever since you left the restaurant," said Seina. "Do you really think you can run away from me?"

"Seina, I'm sorry, but I had to see Rose. She's my friend."

SLAP!

Rose gasped as she watched Seina slap Shu, which caused him to burst into tears. He kept apologizing, but it was clear that he was breaking mentally.

"Shu, are you okay?" asked Rose. She tried to take his hand, but he pulled away. 

"Don't touch me!" yelled Shu before he ran away.

Rose looked at Seina. "How could you do this to your boyfriend?"

"What I do to him is my business," said Seina. 

"Don't you love him?" asked Rose. "It seems hard to believe when you... you..."

"I what?" asked Seina.

"When you abuse him!" yelled Rose. "He loves you so much, and you repay his love by shaming and hitting him. If you truly loved him, you wouldn't be so cruel to him. Don't you know how hurt you make him feel?"

"What do you know about love?" asked Seina with a sneer. "You're just a silly kid. And why would you care about how he feels?" She walked away without waiting for an answer.

Rose looked down. "Because I love him," she whispered.