3RD PERSON POV

November 28, 2019

5:00 pm

Ocean was over at her parent's house, they had already celebrated Thanksgiving, or well, Labor Thanksgiving Day after the Black Friday show. It's celebrated it in Japan and ever since Ocean and her family moved to California, they celebrate Thanksgiving on the 23rd. She's been visiting her family ever since the 26 since she had been feeling sick and doing anything herself hurt like hell

Ocean's mom entered Ocean's old room where she had been staying in. She wore a mask to prevent her from getting sick. "Hi sweetie, I made you some ratatouille, and Ryuuichi made you this," She placed a tray with a bowl of ratatouille and a card on the bedside table. "How have you been feeling?"

Ocean thanked her mom in a weak voice. She removed the blankets off of her and sat up. "I'm doing better. But, uh, did the test results come in yet?" She asked. She picked up the card and read it. In mess writing it said, 'Get Well Soon Big Sis!' and had poorly drawn tigers and bears

"Yes, they did. And you do not have the flu, but the doctors don't know what you have. They just suggest resting and taking medicine," Ocean's mom said. She sat down on the bed next to Ocean. She brushed some of her hair from her face. "Je t'aime ma fille," She got up from the bed

"I love you too, Mom," Ocean responded. She watched her mom walk out the door. She picked up the tray from the table and started to eat the stew. After taking a few spoonfuls, her phone started to ring. She placed the tray back on the bedside table before picking up her phone and answering the call from Robert. "Hello?"

"Hey, Ocean. How are you doing?" Robert asked. He was celebrating Thanksgiving with some of his other friends soon and wanted to stop by and check in on Ocean since he knew she had been sick for a few days

Ocean let out a cough that sounded almost like it was on cue. "I'm doing better than I was a few days ago," She drank some water. "My mom made me some stew and my little brother made me a card!" She said gleefully

"That's great!" Robert said. He ran a hand through his hair. "Hey, do you mind if I come over soon? I have something to give you," He asked. He waited for her answer, hoping she would say yes

"Yeah, you can come over," Ocean told him. "Just, wear a mask when going into my room," She smiled knowing that Robert would be there soon. "What was it you wanted to give me?" She asked him. She stared at the wall

"Oh, it's a surprise. But, I know you'll like it," Robert laughed. "I'll be there soon. Love you," He made a quick kiss noise. "Can you just uh, send me the address really quick? I realized you aren't at your apartment,"

"I love you too. I'll send you the address. See you soon," Ocean made a quick kiss noise and ended the call. She texted Robert the address and went back to eating her stew, ready to know what Robert was gonna give her

TIME SKIP

5:30 pm

Robert rang the doorbell of the fancy house with one of his hands. With the other hand, he held a plate, with a bouquet of flowers stacked on top. He was a little nervous, even though he wasn't exactly dating Ocean, he was still meeting the parents of the girl he wants to date

The door opened and revealed an average height woman with long blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin, and round glasses. "You must be my daughter's friend! Come in, come in! I'm Ocean's mother" She smiled and stepped aside to let her in

"Hi, Mrs. Kaneko. My name is Robert Manion. Uh, which way is Ocean's room?" Robert introduced himself with a smile. He had an awkward smile. He didn't know what to say to her and if she already knew his name

"Oh, yes. Her room is up the stairs and the last room on the left hallway. There's a little table by the door with some masks on it, put one on before going into her room," Ocean's Mom says with a smile

Robert thanks her before going up to Ocean's room. He put on a mask and knocked on the door before entering. "Hey, Shortcake," He said, smiling behind the mask. "Well, here's your surprise," He placed the plate on her bedside table and handed her the flowers

Ocean let out a soft gasp. "You remember I love peonies. . ." She said. She lightly touched the delicate petals of the flower. She took a whiff of the sweet aroma of the bouquet. She set down the bouquet and took the plate. She took the plastic wrap off of it and it revealed a slice of coffee cake

"Jon made some last night and I helped. And I didn't burn down the building," Robert said, proud of himself. "I know you like them from that one picnic we went on," He placed a hand on hers, "I wanted to ask you something. . ."

"Alright, what is it?" Ocean smiled at the touch. Out of the five love languages, physical touch is her top one. Though she didn't want Robert to get sick, she knew he would hold her hand either way

"You know how I feel about you— And the things we've done— What does that make us?" Robert asked. He looked at Ocean with a curious, but dad expression on his face. He wanted to know if she too wanted a relationship with him

"I, I honestly don't know," Ocean sighed. "I love you, I honestly do. But we shouldn't have done those things together. I'm not ready for a relationship and I feel like I just lead you on. . ." She felt bad. Really bad

"I get it. I just wanted to know. I'm fine with being friends with benefits you know," Robert suggested. It seems like they already are friends with benefits. And he's fine with it since he still gets Ocean's affection, he's just not officially hers

"If you're really okay with that, I guess we can be that," Ocean said reluctantly. She looked up at Robert. "You should go now. You don't want to miss out on your dinner with your friends," She gave him a small smile

Robert smiled back and placed a small kiss on her forehead, with his mask still on. "I love you," He told her. He waved at her before leaving the room, not waiting for her to say 'I love you' back, knowing she already loves him

TIME SKIP

December 8, 2019

10:20 pm

The final show of Black Friday has ended and now it was the final curtain call. Everyone gathered into a line, held hands, and took their final bow. The cast held their arm out to the band and then towards the audience. They all walk backstage and Black Friday is officially over

Immediately people began to talk amongst themselves, they congratulated each other and discussed the sad feeling they had about the show coming to an end. A few tears were shed, similar to the beginning of the show. At their group huddle, some people couldn't contain their tears

Nick called everyone to the stage after the audience left. He huddled everyone together and said his thanks for letting him be their director. He asked anyone whoever didn't speak before the show to give their thoughts

Ocean stepped forward. "I want to thank everyone for being so supportive and basically this whole show for bringing me closer to amazing people. Never in a million years did I think I would be in a show with people I admire so much. I'm sad that this show is over, but I will never forget the memories I've made along the way. And I am so sorry that was cheesy as fuck,"

The others clapped and after a few other people finished saying their speech, everyone helped take the stage props down. They packed things up and threw some trash away. After everything was put away, everyone said their last goodbye and parted ways

Ocean checked her phone and stopped walking. She looked at her notifications and saw a reminder that she had a car trip tomorrow. Tomorrow she was going to Las Vegas to celebrate the bachelorette party of her childhood friend. Ocean let out an audible sigh since she didn't want to leave

Robert, who was walking Ocean to his car to give her a ride home, noticed Ocean's concerned face. He stopped too and asked "Hey, Shortcake. What's up?" He put his hand on her shoulder, "You look upset," He said, concern lacing his voice

"Oh. I just don't want to leave for Vegas tomorrow," Ocean told him. She gave him a weak smile. "Let's go and maybe if you aren't too tired, you can come into my apartment and approve of my outfits,"

"I'll go, just let me drop off Nick and Jon first. Then we can go to your place," Robert put his hand on his head and smiled. "Come on, Jon said he's tired," He held her hand and led her to the car. He got into the driver's seat

Ocean got into the back seat and put on her earbuds. She sat back in her seat and began to listen to the peaceful music of the violin and piano covers of Studio Ghibli songs. She looked out the window and gazed at the bright lights of the city

TIME SKIP

11:00 pm

"Okay, okay. Wait put here and I'll put on some outfits. And then you can rate them," Ocean sat Robert down on the couch before rushing into her room and putting on the first outfit. It was her outfit to end off the 2nd night

Robert watched her as she walked out of her room. His mouth hung open when he saw her. "Wow. . ." Was all he could mutter. "You are so beautiful," He covered his mouth and smiled. He approached her and admired her up close

"Thank you!" Ocean smiled. She did a little twirl to show off the outfit in its entirety. "And look, I have heels, so I am no long Shortcake!" She tried to pose to show off the heels. She took a misstep and started to fall towards Robert

Robert caught Ocean with a laugh. "You are always gonna be Shortcake to me. No matter how high heel you wear," He booped her nose and kiss her forehead. "Okay, show me your next outfit," He helped her back onto her feet

Ocean nodded and kissed his cheek. She walked back into her room and changed into her next outfit that was for the bachelorette celebration before the fancy dinner and club partying at night

And then her outfit for the 1st full day

And finally the outfit for her last full day (Just with a gray short-sleeved button-up instead)

Every single time Ocean came out with an outfit Robert would tear up a little. He thought she was so beautiful and seeing her made him so happy. "I love you so much. . ." He told her after she showed him her last outfit. "I wanna stay, but you have a trip tomorrow and I wanna see you off,"

"Let me change clothes first. I have something to give you," Ocean said. She went back into her room and changed into sweatpants and one of Robert's unused hoodies. She walked out once changed and went into her kitchen. She opened her fridge and took out a bouquet of flowers. She handed them to Robert, "Here! As congratulations for tonight. Also as a little payback for those flowers you gave me," 

Robert took them and smiled. "You're too adorable," He placed a sweet kiss on her lips. "I love you," He whispered against her lips. He was about to go in for another one but Ocean placed her finger on his lips

"Save that for when I leave for Las Vegas," Ocean let out a soft laugh. "Do you want me to walk you out?" She asked him while she played with her fingers. She felt heart speed up a little bit from just being close to Robert

"No, I'm fine. I'll see you tomorrow," Robert set down the flowers and pulled Ocean in for a big hug. "How am I supposed to go 5 days without you!" He pouts. He pulled from the hug and cupped her cheeks

"You're gonna make it, promise," Ocean reassured him. "I will text you every day and I'm gonna bring one of your hoodies so it's like I'll bring you with me! What, do you want something from me?" She asked

Robert shyly nodded. He knew he could make it through 5 days without Ocean, but that doesn't mean he won't miss her like hell. He just wanted something that will remind him of her, something small that he could keep on him or come back to every day

Ocean thought for a bit. "I got it!" She went back into her room and came out with one of her stuffed animals. It was a chubby penguin plush made of a soft material. She held it out towards Robert. "Here!" She smiled

Robert took it and smiled. "Thank you. I can't wait to post it on my story and confuse everyone," He let out a short laugh. "I should go now. . ." He let out a sad sigh. "What time are you leaving tomorrow?"

"It's a five-hour drive and I gotta get there by nine, so I guess I'm leaving at around 3, just in case traffic gets bad," Ocean told Robert. "I wish I could hang out with you before I go, but I still got some things to do," She kissed his cheek. "Go get some sleep," She told him

Robert gathered his things and walked to the door. He stole one last kiss before saying, "Good night!" He walked outside and to his car. He lightly touched his lips with his index and middle finger. "I love her way too much. . ."