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“That’s a wrap for tonight’s show everyone! Thank you all for coming, let's see each other again soon!” Yae said as she bid her farewells. You could hear through the crowd’s screams and chants that they didn’t want the show to end just yet.
“Hmm, well I already performed all the tracks in the setlist… I suppose I could entertain a few questions. Is that alright with you guys?” Yae asked. The audience approved and immediately people had their hands raised.
Twenty minutes had passed, those twenty minutes turned into an hour, an hour turned into two— Yae noticed her energy was draining more and more and she was beginning to lose her voice. “It’s getting late everyone, I’ll only entertain one more question…”
“Is it true that you cut ties with your family?” one of the people from the crowd asked. This left a shaken expression on Yae’s face for a brief moment.
“How did they find out? Where did they hear it from?” She thought to herself. Being the professional she was, the woman swiftly put a smile back on her face, you’d have to use a microscope to notice that anything changed.
“Well, I’ve been incredibly busy with all these shows and interviews, I haven’t been able to spend time with my family as often recently… But to answer your question, I certainly did not cut ties with them. In fact, we’re still very much in contact. I hope I answered your question well.” This was a lie. But Yae’s fans didn’t need to know the truth, that type of information is to be kept sealed.
It took quite a while, but the show had eventually ended, and her people finally exited the venue. Backstage, Yae’s bodyguard— Raiden Ei, approached Yae immediately. “You’re late again .” Ei mentioned. “Hehe, sorry sorry… I couldn’t help it.” The pink-haired woman apologized. “You can’t keep doing this Yae, it’s already past midnight, not to mention you look exhausted and you have to get up early for tomorrow’s interview.” Ei scolded. “I know, I know, this will be the last time alright?” Yae assured her.
“Besides, how many times do I have to tell you to call me by my first name? We’ve been working together for over a year now, there’s no need to be so formal with me you know…” said Yae. “It’s because I work for you, I have to remain professional.” Ei replied. This left a disappointed expression on Yae’s face. “Let’s get you home, you must be tired.”
In the span of a few seconds, strong arms sweep Yae’s feet off the ground— Ei appears to be carrying Yae in bridal style now. Along with Yae’s face practically nuzzled into Ei’s shoulder. “You really don’t have to.” Yae protested. “Nonsense, you’ll need your remaining energy for tomorrow. Now, rest.” Ei responded. “Mhmm… Okay..” Yae mumbled.
The ride home only took a good fifteen minutes. Ei proceeded to carry an unconscious Yae to her bedroom and gently placed her on the queen-sized bed. Ei then tucked Yae under the cotton blanket to make sure her client felt comfortable.
Ei turned away, about to leave the room when she unexpectedly felt a soft hand tug on her wrist. “Ei… are you still there?” Yae asked, with her vision still blurry from just waking from her slumber. “Ah… It appears I’ve woken you, I apologize. I was just about to leave.” Ei said. “No no, stay with me… please” Yae pleaded. “Alright.” she agreed.
Yae moved aside to make space for Ei to join in. The two were facing each other, maintaining eye-contact. This isn’t the first time they’ve shared a bed, as a matter of fact, it’s happened multiple times the pair eventually got used to sleeping next to each other.
As Yae’s popularity proceeded to increase, paparazzi began to uninvitingly enter Yae’s house and take photos without Yae realizing. She’d find out through whatever social media platform she had open on her phone. This definitely spooked her, and ever since she’s been even more cautious, at the same time frightened. The idol grew to struggle with insomnia, she couldn’t sleep well unless Ei was by her side to assure her safety.
So the occasional moments in which they shared a bed gradually became more constant. From every month to every week, from every week to every single day. Yae was too stubborn to admit it, but she would probably have dealt several sleepless nights if it weren’t for Ei.
“Hey… Ei?” Yae was first to break the silence between them. “What is it?” she responded. “Thank you.” She didn’t elaborate. “Mmm…” Ei hummed. She then moved closer, with Yae’s face buried in Ei’s chest and Ei’s hand caressing the girl’s soft pink hair. Minutes passed, and both women were fast asleep.
Perhaps the relationship between these two would be considered “unique” to others. Were they friends? Co-workers? Or maybe even… lovers? Neither of them ever perceived their connection as romantic. To Ei, Yae was her client, and it was her duty to keep her safe no matter what. Ei was more akin to logical approaches, she had no interest in romance and friendships whatsoever— at least that’s what she says.
To Yae, Ei was her friend, even though Yae was her boss, she always saw Ei as an equal, which doesn’t happen very often to people who work for her. In reality, Yae tends to be demanding towards her workers, many would consider her intimidating.
Ei was always different from the moment they met, it was clear that Miko favoured the purple-haired woman. Just like Ei, Miko didn’t have friends, you could never really tell if someone genuinely wanted to befriend you when you’re living in fame.
That’s why Ei was different, she had no interest in Miko’s popularity, and even though she didn’t express much emotions, she was loyal and kind. Though Ei is too dense to realize that, Miko could see through Ei’s tough exterior. Miko was too focused on her career to ever think about being in a relationship, though unlike Ei, she was more open to the subject. It didn’t matter though— whatever type of relationship they had, what was important is that they had each other, and that was already enough for the both of them, there’s no reason to overcomplicate things— at least not in the moment.