Oyasumi #17

Erika's graduating. That's right. She's graduating to become a full-time model, while I'm stuck here with all these kids. I mean, what am I going to do? I know I'm the leader of C-ute, but I need Erika beside me when I need help. Now I have to be independent. Tears spilled from my eyes like a waterfall. Why does she have to go so soon?

When she announced that she was leaving C-ute at the concert, I tried not to break down. I didn't want to disappoint the fans. This sucks, I don't want her to go! I wiped my tears, and I looked at my reflection in the mirror in the dressing room. I looked deplorable! This isn't like me at all. I quickly wiped my tears away when I heard the door make a creaking sound when it opened.

"Maimi?" A girl peeked in the room. "Yes Airi?" I forced a small smile to let her know I was alright. "How are you?" My smile faded, and a frown appeared. "How am I?" I muttered in a dark voice. "HOW AM I?" I don't know what got into me, but the moment Airi asked me that question, I erupted. "I don't know Airi! Everyone's graduating! First Megumi, then your beloved Kanna, AND NOW ERIKA! WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO C-UTE AIRI!?!" Tears were building up and pouring from my eyes. I sat back down in the chair, sobbing uncontrollably.

The look on Airi's face was shocking. Tears were forming in her eyes too, but she didn't move at all. Was it something I said? "Airi, I'm so sorry." I apologized when I realized what I just said. "No, I know what you mean Maimi," Airi's voice was fading. "I miss Kanna too, and to see Erika go like this is so soon." I froze, stunned. Silence filled the air before I spoke, "I don't know what's going to happen now Airi, I don't want anyone else to leave." Airi sat in a chair across from me, taking my hand. "I don't want Chisa, Mai, or Nakky to leave us, they are underrated though..." "Not helping Airi." I tried snatching my hand away from Airi's, but she squeezed it tightly. "They're not going to leave us Maimi, I'm sure." She smiled, letting my hand go.

I was still crying. I still couldn't believe Erika's gone, I haven't even told her the most important thing in our relationship. Sure we are friends, always helping each other out, always supporting each other, always hanging out, always celebrating each other's birthdays, but-

I love her.

It had to be so sudden. She had to leave, didn't she? "But Airi, I-" "I know you love her Erika, like how I love Kanna, you have to tell her Maimi, this is your last chance." She was right, I have to find her. I must find her, she's everything to me and I'm glad she came into my life. "Airi," My eyes darted at her, a gasp escaped from her lips. "Thank you very much." "No problem Maimi," Airi walked to the door and opened it. "Tell her, like how I told Kanna before she left." She grinned before exiting my dressing room.

I changed into my normal outfit, putting the costume up. I opened the door, and a clutter of people were in the hall, talking about random things that I didn't care about. All I wanted was Erika. I need to tell her now before anyone else talks to her. "Excuse me," I pushed past the Eggs. I spotted Chisa and Nakky talking to each other. "Hey guys, have you seen-" "Erika? She's in the dressing room." Chisa interrupted pointing to the right. I headed towards my destination, running as fast as I could.

But before I could even knock on the door, I was crying. The name "Umeda Erika" was on the door, just like any other dressing room door that has our names on it, but this hit me the hardest. She's not going to graduate until October, but I'm really upset to see her go. I hesitantly knocked on the door. "Coming." Erika sang in her sing-song voice. I'm going to miss that voice.

She opened the door, seeing my distraught face. Her expression changed as she nodded for me to come in. "Maimi, something wrong?" she asked, her eyes filled with curiousity. I was about to speak, but she put her finger over my lips. "It's about my graduation isn't it?" She didn't let me answer, not even with a nod. "Maimi, after Kanna left, and me being underrated in C-ute, I couldn't take it anymore. To be honest, I wanted to become a model. I've got the look, and you know that." She took her finger off of my lips. "You can do it on your own Maimi, trust me."

Erika was right, she's become so gorgeous. She was fit to be a model. I support her decision, I'm happy she's moving on. At least she will still be in the media, but just modeling. She was hesitant to say something, I could tell by the little gasps. I was hesitant too, gulping

"There's something I want to tell you." We said at the same time. Erika walked closer to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. "You go first..." I whispered, wanting to know if she has the same feelings for me that I have for her. No response. There was little space between us, but we were close. Very close.

Our lips collided softly. I didn't want to pull away, this was the best moment of my life. Her hold on me was pretty tight. Hot tears poured from our eyes. We knew we are going to miss each other. We pulled away, looking into each other's eyes. "I love you Erika," I finally admitted my feelings for her. "Thank you for being there for me through all these obstacles, you are the best thing that has happened in my entire life." Erika just stared at me, panting. "I love you too Maimi, please think of me when you deal with Nakky, Mai, Chisa, and Airi." I looked at my watch, and I noticed that it was almost nine o' clock.

"It's almost nine o' clock, I have to go." I whispered under my breath, heading to the door. But before I could leave, Erika's grip on my hand was tighter. "Always think of me Maimi, I will think the same when I'm modeling." I nodded enthusiastically. "I won't forget you Erika." She let go of my hand, waving goodbye. I waved back, and I closed the door.

I'll never forget you Erika, because I love you.