The sun set in the background, casting a pale yellow glow over Mikan's hair. At the back of the classroom sat Natsume, his amber eyes focused on his manga. They were the only ones left in class. The rest had gone on a field trip and Mikan was too tired to follow due to a late night sewing. Natsume had not shown interest in going on the field trip.

Natsume, Ruka, Yuu and Hotaru stood in front of Mikan, smiling at her. Amazing, she wondered. Since when did Natsume smile anyway? It was her birthday and she was happy all her friends came.

"Happy Birthday to you, Mikan" they sang in unison. Mikan beamed and found herself hugging Hotaru for once.

Hotaru's arms were warm, warm, very warm…

Mikan felt herself leaning on something and realized that it was Natsume. She jumped away from him in surprise her brown eyes filled with confusion. A blush crept up her cheeks as she realized how close she had been to him. He stared back at her, his eyes amber pools of darkness. He noticed her blush.

So that was a dream after all. She realized that she had almost fallen off her desk and it was Natsume who had saved her. Mikan was surprised.

"Tch, little girl you should watch where you move."

Mikan opened her mouth to say something but realized it would be pointless.

She smiled a cute smile at Natsume. "Arigatou, Natsume. Thanks for saving me!"

Natsume remained cool, his eyes hardly betraying any emotion. He turned around and walked to the back again.

Mikan was too excited about her upcoming birthday that she had spent days sewing a dress for the special occasion. But it had turned out badly. But being Mikan, she continued sewing in hope that she will have a nice dress to wear.

"Natsume, why don't you come for my birthday celebration? It's gonna be in Central Town and Ruka, Hotaru and Yuu will be coming."

"We'll see." Came the answer.

Mikan turned away, and left the classroom, in search of Hotaru.

Despite being a fire alice, Natsume had been very cold, very cold to everyone. Except Ruka who had been by his side till now. They were the best of friends since childhood and Ruka was probably the only one who understood Natsume's feelings.

But ever since a brown-haired girl who had a nullifying alice stepped into the Alice Academy, things had changed. In more ways than one. Ruka and Natsume both knew they were competing for her attention, but neither would sacrifice their friendship for that. They constantly pushed Mikan to each other, leaving her confused.

And now, it was her birthday.

Author's Note: This isn't a oneshot so keep checking for updates :D And do review, much appreciated. Comments, suggestions and criticism welcome.