[@The Muse] [@Viciousmarrow] [@Rekaigan]

Shizuka was a bit flustered when Maribelle assumed they were dating, but calmed when Alban denied it; after all, they'd only known each other for a few weeks.  He was just a customer she had who took her to a fancy dinner and they've been in contact since.  Thinking back on it, it was a rather unusual circumstance, but they were just friends.  But then, Shizuka saw a hatred in Maribelle's eyes, the same hatred she had seen in Alban's only moments before.  Maribelle suddenly dragged Alban over to the bar, leaving Shizuka in confusion.  Afraid that they would get into some sort of drunken trouble, Shizuka turns to Kazuma and bows apologetically, [color=a187be]"P-please excuse me,"[/color] she says before taking off after Alban and Maribelle.

Shizuka wanted to advise Alban that he should cut back on the alcohol consumption but it was already too late. By the time Shizuka catches up to the pair, they're already wrapped around each other and completely inebriated. Shizuka stops dead in her tracks for a few moments as a hollow sensation slowly grows in her chest.  Shizuka begins to rationalize in her mind, [color=a187be][i]"Of course, she's Lucille's music teacher so they've known each other longer.  And we're just friends, he invited me here as a courtesy. I-it's good that he's seeing people, it means he's getting over Lucille's mother leaving him. This is good for him, zi should be glad he's in a relationship, and I should support him all the way."[/i][/color]  She sees the two completely enamored with each other walk towards the DJ and request a music change.  [color=a187be][i]"Still, he seems quite drunk, but he was my ride here.  I at least have the responsibility to make sure he doesn't do anything dangerous like drive intoxicated.  I-I should...stick around and...wait for him..."[/i][/color]  Shizuka thought to herself.  A pair of dancers suddenly bumped into her, pulling her out of her thoughts.  She realized that she had frozen in a very awkward and in-the-way spot.  Bowing to the dancers who had already moved along, Shizuka quickly made her way back to the table where Kazuma sat, bowing to him again, [color=a187be]"S-sorry for leaving like that."[/color]

Shizuka sat down and, with slightly trembling hands, pried open the mouth-guard of her helmet.  She reached for some of the food that she had gotten and took a bite.  It was surprisingly tasteless.