Rule Four || Dream

•10•

Neither Shizuka nor Erie could concentrate that day. It was less noticeable for Shizuka since she was just the manager. But Erie kept messing up, causing them to cut multiple times.

"What's wrong with her?" The director asked.

"She's...going through something right now," Shizuka replied.

"Well, she needs to forget about that right now. She's screwing up everything!"

Shizuka nodded, then called one of the dancers over. She asked if they could talk to Erie and tried to make her more concentrated. The teenager nodded before heading towards Erie, who had been staring at them the whole time.

It hasn't been a whole day yet, and Shizuka was already starting to lose her mind. Erie isn't flirting with her under her breath anymore. She isn't smirking at Shizuka anymore. And every time they look at each other, Shizuka could see the hurt and sadness in Erie's eyes, and feel guilty about it.

The worst part was, they both love each other. It wasn't one-sided. So both parties were hurting. Shizuka cared about Erie's future, and Erie didn't care about anything but Shizuka.

After Erie had a small talk with the dancer, they resumed filming the video. She's gotten more concentrated on her work than Shizuka. Hopefully, that'll continue for the rest of her career, especially when she passes the group on to another manager. Erie didn't know about this, but there's no doubt she'll be furious at Shizuka. If they'll even still talk.

"It's been a great day, ladies," Shizuka said after they watched the last footage they filmed. "Monday we'll start working on your first performance. Have a great weekend."

This time, the girls called their rides at the place they were at instead of going back to the building. It was less of a hassle anyways.

Shizuka was texting Ami when she felt eyes on her. She looked up and saw Erie's sad gaze on her. They locked eyes for a few moments, before the older turned away and continued texting Ami.

"Er, Nishida-san?" A manly voice came from behind her.

She turned and saw one of the camera crew behind her. She had to admit, he wasn't bad looking. But why would he want her? He probably had a question.

"Yes?"

"Um...you're very beautiful," he complimented.

Shizuka blushed. She hasn't been called beautiful by a guy in such a long time. "Thank you. You're not bad looking yourself."

He smiled. "I was wondering if maybe we could go out with all our friends. Maybe to the movies or something? Nothing too big, you know--"

"Shizuka-san!"

An angry Erie stormed up to them. Shizuka raised an eyebrow at her while the guy looked confused as well. What did Erie want?

"Yes?" Shizuka questioned.

"Can I talk to you? Alone?" Erie added.

"But I was just talking to--"

"It's important."

The guy smiled and motioned for her to go ahead. Shizuka followed Erie, who she now recognized as jealous.

"Is it him?" Erie questioned. "Is he the reason why you want to stop seeing me?"

"What? No! I never even knew him until now!"

"Then you just wanted to see other guys, huh? I wasn't good enough for you?"

"What is your problem?" Shizuka asked.

"You broke up with me for no reason whatsoever! Then you're ready to have some dumb boyfriend! Was I not enough? I bet he can't cook, or wash clothes, or clean your house like I can! But you'd rather get a guy who just works and yells at you for not being home all the time."

"I don't have time for your jealousy, Erie-san."

"Oh, now I'm just '-san' now? What happened to last night and '-chan'? Does that not exist anymore? And I am not jealous! You think you can dump me just to go out with some guy--"

"I'm not dating him," Shizuka clarified.

"I don't care! You still gave me no reason to end us."

"I was protecting you, you idiot! Somebody was on to us!"

"And you couldn't have just told me that? I would've understood and tried to not be so close to you, but no! You'd rather us just end everything! You make no sense whatsoever, Nishida Shizuka, and if I didn't love you so much, I would punch your face in. Now can you take me home?"

Shizuka nodded and they walked to the car. Erie was faster, fueled by anger. The older brunette reached the car a moment later and got in and began driving Erie home.

"Today has been awful because of you," Erie blamed.

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Let us get back together! Kiss me, and hold me, and tell me you'll never do that again!"

Shizuka shook her head. "I'm not going to do that."

"You never cared about me."

"What? I freaking love you, Erie! That's why I'm doing this!"

"No, you care about your job more than me. You wouldn't quit it over me, now would you?"

"What? No! This isn't all about you, Erie. My best friend owns the label. I'm working for her."

"Then why don't you tell her about our relationship? She may actually approve, you never know!"

Shizuka rolled her eyes and didn't even respond to what Erie said. So Erie continued talking until they pulled up at a familiar house.

"This isn't my home," Erie said.

Shizuka looked up. It was Erie's house. "Yes it is. Now get out."

"I wanted to go home with you, and cuddle under the blankets with you. And I wanted to wake up in the morning and cook with you."

Erie shook her head, trying to blink the tears away.

Shizuka was struggling as well. "Please leave," she quietly demanded.

"Just one last thing. Before we make this final."

The two looked each other in the eye. Shizuka saw how conflicted Erie was. She didn't know if she was angry, hurt, or sad, but she could definitely see the love in her eyes.

"What's that?" Shizuka asked.

"A goodbye kiss."

After the hectic day they had, it was the least Shizuka could do. The woman nodded, and they both leaned in until their lips met.

In that moment, Shizuka seriously considered taking Erie back and pretending like today never happened. Erie was softly caressing her lower back while they slowly kissed. Shizuka felt like driving back to her house like they usually do, and spend the night hugging each other.

Tears ran down their faces, making the kiss salty. But neither cared. This was the last time they would be able to kiss each other.

Shizuka was about to pull away when Erie kissed her harder. She wanted them to pass out from too much kissing. Something to remember each other by.

When they felt lightheaded, they pulled away. Shizuka watched as Erie got out the car and sadly walk in her house. Shizuka pulled away, finally having a new thought in her head.

I hate myself.