Rule Four || Dream

⏮Red String: 6⏮

{Shizuka}

I know you want her back...

You love her...

He looks exactly like Erie...

Ami's words echoed in my head as I sat on my bed, waiting for Hiroshi to finish his shower. Yes, I kind of see the similarity between them, but that can't possibly mean I'm not over her. She's caused me so much trouble. I can't date her again. I just can't.

I ran my hand through my hair. I hate Erie so much. She keeps popping up in my head now. Her beautiful smile, her bright blue eyes, the way she looks at me, with so much love...only to be replaced with her looking at me with hurt-filled eyes. And knowing I'm the one hurting her makes me want to punch my own face in.

"You don't deserve this," I whispered to myself. She doesn't. But due to my insecurities, she's suffering my wrath.

"Shizuka..."

I turned around to see Hiroshi drying his hair off, dressed in his pajamas. Earlier, I had asked him to sleep with me to get rid of the nightmares. Even though it hasn't worked before, maybe since I can now see Erie in him, it might work. Might.

A small smile crossed my face as I stood to fully face him. "Are you ready for bed, Hiroshi-chan?" I asked.

"I'm not really sleepy, to tell you the truth. But, if you're sleepy, then I'll be with you."

Isn't he just the sweetest guy? I'm glad I've met him.

We both slid under the covers, and I laid my head on the pillow. Due to my lack of sleep, I quickly went to sleep.

"Erie-chan, no!"

Erie stood at the edge of a super steep cliff, looking down. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stood there, stuck. I want to save her, but I know if I get any closer to her, she'll jump off.

"You don't love me anymore..."

"That's not true! Please..."

She looked back at me, and I could see the exhaustion on her face. I was the one that caused it. I made her exhausted. And I put her on the edge of the cliff.

 "Erie-chan...don't..."

"I'm sorry, Shi-chan."

And she jumped off the cliff, with me screaming after her...

"Shizuka! Shizuka! Wake up!"

My eyes opened, and I was back in my bedroom, beside Hiroshi. the nightmare was short, but it still affected me. Erie killing herself was too much for me. I guess Hiroshi can't prevent them.

"Are you okay?" He asked, looking concerned.

"I c-can't sleep anymore. I just can't."

"Nonsense. You need sleep to be healthy, Shizuka."

I shook my head. There had to be someway to keep my mind off of Erie. There just has to be. Hiroshi cannot allow me to go to sleep tonight.

What would Erie and I do to keep me from going to sleep? A thought entered my mind, and I blushed.

"What's wrong? Is it hot in here?" Hiroshi asked.

I shook my head. "It's not that. I'm just thinking."

Thinking about things I'm not supposed to think about. What else can we do? Play a game? I'd get bored after two rounds. Watch a movie? A perfect way to fall asleep. Drink lots of coffee? I don't want to end up in the hospital due to overdosing on caffeine.