Rule Four || Dream

⏮Red String: 5⏮

{Erie}

Next thing I knew, I woke up in an all white room to a beeping noise. My eyelids were heavy, so it was difficult to open them. But I did. And that was all I could do.

Sunshine streamed through the curtains, and I saw my costume from last night hanging up in the door in front of me. It was a frilly maid outfit that wasn't heavy at all when I wore it last night.

A yawned escaped my mouth, and I struggled to get up. My limbs were so weak, I could barely move them. What even happened last night? How did I end up at the hospital? My mouth felt so dry, and my stomach felt empty.

"Erie..."

I turned my head to see the one and only Nishida Shizuka sitting beside my bed. Why was she here? I thought she hated me. But she looked at me worriedly, with her red, swollen eyes.

"Um..." Was all I could say. I felt as if I swallowed a desert.

Shizuka held up a bottle of water and a box of what looked like lunch, as if she read my mind. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe you didn't eat anything all day. How many times have I told you that eating and drinking enough water was healthy? Now, you're in a hospital, putting a bad reputation on us. You're so lucky I'm a caring manager."

Once again, Shizuka scolded me. Yet, it wasn't the typical scold I've been getting lately. She actually sounded concerned for my health. Concerned for me.

What shocked me more was that she began feeding and watering me, willingly. The way she looked at me showed that she cared about me. Maybe...maybe she really does still love me.

"You should have eaten with your cousin and I," Shizuka shook her head.

That's the reason I wouldn't eat. Because I didn't want to be around the both of them. I didn't tell Shizuka this, because I didn't want her to be mad at me anymore than she was.

"Did you cook this?" I asked after I swallowed a bite of food.

Shizuka chuckled, something I haven't heard in a while. "You know I'm not a big cooker, Erie."

Hearing my name leave her lips made me smile a bit. I wanted to showcase a huge, goofy grin, but I contained myself.

"Oh, right. But you can learn."

She shook her head. "I'm too old for new tricks."

"No, you're not," I whispered, looking into her green eyes.

She looked back into mine for a few seconds. I wanted to kiss her so badly. I wanted her to kiss me so badly. To feel like everything was okay.

Unfortunately, she pulled away and took a few steps back. She closed the empty container and turned around to put it away. I knew before she turned around that she wasn't smiling anymore. 

"I expect you to take better care of yourself," she said in an authoritative tone.

"Well, what happened to me?"

"You fainted, of course. One more accident like this, and I may have Ami-san suspend you until  you get your health back on track."

"Yes, ma'am," I nodded.

Shizuka left, leaving me to sigh. Yurino ran into the room, and pulled me into a hug. 

"Erie-chan! I was so worried about you! I'm so glad you're okay!" Yurino said, pulling back to look at me.

I smiled at her as I sat up.

"There is something going on with Shizuka-san," Yurino continued, quieter. "When you fainted, she was the first one to run on stage. She wouldn't leave your side for anything."