Natsume sat under the pale Sakura tree that was now in bloom, reading his manga as usual. Just then an auburn haired girl ran past him crying. He glanced up and just sat there. Is Polkadots still upset that Imai is gone? He sighed and put his manga next to him and stood up and began walking in the direction Mikan ran off to. When he caught up to her, he grabbed her wrist, he was sure she would've started running off again otherwise.
"Oi, Polkadots, tell me why you crying."He looked into her eyes with a look that said he wasn't leaving until he got an answer- or as Mikan liked the say- the only facial expression he ever wore.
"E? N-Natsume?" Mikan replied in astonishment as tears rolled down her cheek.
"Don't act so shocked. I told you before that I like hearing someone's problems every once in a while, Didn't I?'
"My grandpa . . . H-he. . ." Mikan whispered softly trying to hold back all her tears but she wasn't strong enough-tears began to roll down her cheek and she lost her balance. Luckily Natsume was still holding her wrist and caught her. Mikan,
"What happened to him?" Natsume demanded, looking away coolly so no one-especially Mikan- would see how worried he really was. "D-d. . . "Mikan stuttered.
"Dead?"Natsume question, Mikan nodded, more tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Do you really think he'd want to see you crying like this? After all, he and Hotoru always told you to keep on smiling. Right? Not only would you be upsetting him, but Hotoru as well." Natsume. Mikan wiped away her tears "T-thanks Netsuke," Mikan said smiling through her tears, "I guess it's just really hard for me, since Hotoru would usually know what to say to cheer me up and all, but I guess. . . "Her voice trailed off, thinking of how to exactly repay Natsume, "I guess I don't always need to count on Hotoru to cheer me up."Natsume's face turned a light shade of pink; he turned his head to avoid eye contact. "Whatever. Whenever Imai comes back she can deal with your problems so I don't have to be annoyed." Mikan smiled, her tears down dry, but it was still obvious she was crying. "You know, I always hate how bittersweet you are, but, I guess I can't think of you any other way." Mikan said before walking off. Natsume looked off and watched Mikan walk off. How can she always smile even at this time, I cheer her up and insult her and she just compliments me. I swear something's wrong with her.
