Erase

Act 39: The Plans

THURSDAY

After the mass shooting in the stadium almost two weeks ago, Shino felt massive guilt over witnessing the deaths of many concertgoers at the hands of Ryuto and Fuuka, and proceeded to stay at Mayuka's house for days, not talking to everyone except her friend Mayuka, effectively regressing to her behavior from months ago.

Mayuka, feeling nothing but pity for her girlfriend, so she tried to help her recover from her returning depression, to no avail. Eventually, the winter season had arrived, but Shino still opted to stay at Mayuka's house instead of enjoying the outside world.

However, as Thursday arrives, Mayuka decided to give her a little surprise to lift up her mood and hopefully make her better.

-Mayuka's Bedroom 6:10 PM-

After a hectic Thursday school day, Mayuka returns back home. The first thing she did was check on Shino, who stayed at home playing with her phone.

"I'm home!" Said Mayuka.

"Oh, hey Mayu. How's school?" Shino replied.

Mayuka takes a long sigh.

"Pretty hectic day. We have to catch up with our studies and shit..." Said Mayuka. "If only you were there to help me out..."

Shino stayed silent, not uttering a single reply.

"Yeah... just as I thought." Said Mayuka. "Come on, Shino. Not this again..."

"But, what if another participant attacks me from the blindside again?" Shino replied. "I'm not safe outside, Mayu. I should just stay home..."

"But... what about your studies? And your friends?" Said Mayuka. "It's winter season now and you still keep yourself shut from the rest..."

"Maybe we just need some bonding time..." Mayuka continued.

It was then that Mayuka had an idea. Her face starts to brighten with glee.

"I got it!" Said Mayuka.

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Shino replied.

"Let's spend the upcoming weekend together! Just the two of us!" Said Mayuka. "We'll go shopping! Playing around! All girl stuff!"

"That should make you feel a bit better... right?" Mayuka continued.

"I... don't know, Mayu..." Shino replied.

"Come on, Shino. It's been almost two weeks since you last went out." Said Mayuka. "You don't have to lock yourself out like this."

"But..." Shino replied.

Suddenly, Shino was cut off mid-sentence when Mayuka suddenly walks up to her and proceeds to give her a warm, loving hug to calm her down.

"Don'r worry... it'll be okay, Shino..." Whispered Mayuka. "As long as I'm right by your side..."

"M-Mayu..." Shino replied.

Mayuka then lets go of the hug and proceeds to ask Shino.

"So, feeling better now?" Said Mayuka.

"A little..." Shino replied.

Mayuka was so overjoyed that she proceeds to hug Shino once again out of sheer happiness.

"I knew you would!" Said Mayuka, full of glee. "Ahaha! Ahahahaha!"

Hearing Mayuka's genuine, happy laughter was more than enough to make Shino happy herself. Forming on Shino's face is a very adorable smile, a very rare occurrence for Shino.