Shigure the Tormentor

She waved goodbye to the customer, treasuring the moment since it was gonna be another lifetime until she meets another one. Happiness was around only for a few seconds until Mayu slumped back into her couch, disappointed.

It's been a week since the confrontation with Hatori. His words echoed through her head.

"I'm the snow that can't be thawed."

Everything ached in Mayu's heart. He was already released from the curse; why does Hatori have to still suffer in loneliness? Perhaps there was nothing she could do. After all, they weren't even going out to begin with.

Feeling the love-sick puppy chuckle from within, she growled angrily.

'Just...SHUT UP!!'

"My, my."

Mayu wheeled around toward the front door and changed her face to absolute disgust. Despite his charming features, Shigure Sohma was a complete enigma who enjoyed seeing his ex-girlfriend squirm. The suit he wore was loaned by Hatori, no doubt.

"You seem to be doing well," he observed. "Given up on Ha'ri yet?"

She fumed before forcibly looking away. "Did you just come to torment me? Don't you ever get tired!?"

Childishly shaking his head, Shigure chuckled.

"I can't help it; you're so fun to pick on!"

Her eyes dangerously looked upon him; she's had just about enough. Mayu was like a dog on the ground being kicked over and over again.

"Geez, have a sense of humor, will ya?" Shigure scratched his head. "Everyone's gloomy today...even Ha'ri."

The scowl vanished and she listened with disbelief. Whenever Hatori is mentioned, Mayu can't help but be concerned. "Is he...okay?"

Shigure looked away, dropping his expression to an ominous tone. She hated it when her ex-boyfriend did that, because he never lies about depressing things.

"No one's talked to him for a whole week," he finally said. "Once or twice a day, Ha'ri would go into the room where he erased Kana's memories."

Clenching a fist, Mayu looked down, blaming herself for Hatori's condition. Kana didn't say anything about his visit last week, since she didn't remember it at all. But seeing her content smile after watching Kana mourn about her marriage...it was all too much for her heart.

"It's your fault, you know."

A sinister grin appeared on his face, mocking Mayu's feelings. It was bad enough that she blamed herself for everything; Shigrue didn't need to add even more weight on her shoulders.

"Anyways..." Shigure changed back into his whimsical and carefree tone. "I heard that Hatori told you about the zodiac curse. You already know that he's the 'dragon'..."

It didn't seem like Mayu was listening, but he continued on.

"Just to let you know, I was cursed by the dog!" he said pointing to himself.

The fact that he was talking pissed her off. The Sohmas have suffered all their lives, and she could do nothing to help them. Yet, the pestering ex-boyfriend put all the blame on her...Mayu was tired of it.

"If that's the case..."

Mayu shot glaring eyes at Shigure, unable to absorb anymore of his cruel words.

"Why don't you be OBEDIENT like a dog and listen to what people tell you to do!?"

Why was she screaming at him? Why was she wasting time on Shigure, of all people? Mayu's anger needed to be unleashed to hide her feelings even deeper:

The reason for her depression, the reason why Hatori hasn't said a word to anyone...was because of her. It was she who pried into his and Kana's relationship; she wanted to assist Hatori, even though he denied the offer. Mayu retreated to the back of her mind; she didn't want to hurt the ones she loved anymore. Romance didn't suit her, only improper and distant crushes.

"Why don't you just leave me ALONE!?"

Shigure watched her fall to her knees and pour out endless tears. Pity appeared on his visage, for he didn't think his words would drive Mayu this far.

'But...what's done is done.'

As Mayu continually cried at his feet, neither of them noticed the black Jaguar pulling up before the store.