Disclaimer: Another fan's fiction, that's all... I just own the story and nothing else... Reviews both positive and negative are welcome. (Sorry if I wrote names wrong. I don't know many.)

In this story, Natsume and Hotaru are not cold. Natsume just is wary of people who are close just for their gain. And Mikan and Hotaru are fans of Natsume and Ruka. As usual, both pair up in end, but how, well read on...

...

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaa, Hyyuga san, Nogi san hi there"

"Welcome back. I missed you on the Sunday."

"I have a big crush on you... please try me out."

... And so on. This was usual for Natsume and Ruka. Both were the heart throbs of many. They both were dead rich, handsome, cool, smart, well behaved, top students and lived together; all who see them would like to spend time with them. So today, many girls brave enough were cooing them, while those not so brave were just looking at them with stars in their eyes. The two guys were best friends and always stuck together. They daily walked to the class with a small smile on their faces which never reached their eyes, meaning it was always fake. Soon their true friends came and shooed the girls away. Natsume and Ruka sighed and sat with them. Their friends were Koko, Yuu, and Kitsuneme. These 5 were best dudes. Yuu was already paired up with Nonoko, Koko with Sumire, while Kitsuneme with Anna. The rest were still being hunted after.

And yes, Mikan and Hotaru were also in that group of girls not so brave to flirt, but looking at them from side. Both of them lived together like sisters in a small rented house near the Alice academy where they studied. Their parents had died in a plane crash together 2 years ago. Both were best friends since childhood and thus lived together. Mikan used to work in a cafe as the waitress and Hotaru used to work as the assistant of a scientist, helping him in writing records and notes. They used to live happily and support themselves like this, till they graduate and get a job. This was their final year.

Natsume and Ruka, on the other hand, also lived together in a big mansion. Their parents were also best buddies and had close-hand businesses working together. So they built their mansion like this. The kids liked each other too and thus became good friends.

So enough history. Back to today...

Mikan- "Hotaru, me being with Hyyuga san and you with Nogi san would be a dream come true. Ahh but they never notice us. I think I should shout with other girls too. Maybe then they will notice us."

Hotaru- "You are telling like others who shout do get noticed. No they don't. Everyone has crushes silly, but don't dream about it becoming true. We are many lines behind them."

Mikan- "Ya right you are. I know we cannot impress them even if they notice us .Sigh. But I will not stop wishing. At least let me do that till I get a new crush, which I don't think will happen."

Hotaru- "You wish... I won't waste my time wishing. I like Nogi, but I am not going to follow him like a fan."

Just then bell rang. The classes started, droned on, and then ended. Mikan, though wanting to stay behind and have a small chat with Natsume, hurried off with Hotaru. She had to work. The cafe was owned by Tsubasa, who had opened up a chain of cafes and restaurants, of all sizes to feed all categories of pays. He was also Mikan's favourite senpai, which led Mikan having this job. She went in, changed into her uniform, and started her servings.

Just then Ruka entered the restaurant alone. Mikan saw him and felt very excited. She came to his table, "Good evening Nogi san, What can I get you?"

Ruka looked at her, "How do you know my name?"

Mikan smiled, "Well I am studying in the same class as you are and am best friend of the girl who has a crush on you. Even if not, who will not know you? You are very famous. So your order sir?"

Ruka- "Best friend huh, what's her name? And what is your name?"

Mikan hesitated, "Sorry sir, but it is not my right to tell you. My name is Mikan. Please tell me your order."

Ruka- "I am waiting for my company's client. So come back when he is here. For now, just bring me a cup of coffee."

Mikan wrote it down and went to get it. She gave it to him and left. She was very happy to the imagine Hotaru's expression when she would tell her what happened. The cafe was a decent one and only she was an academy student here today. So no one bothered him with flirts, but all looked at him with admiration. Soon his client arrived. He was none other than Hotaru's boss, with Hotaru behind him. Mikan was surprised to see that. She felt double happy as she came to them. She and Hotaru nodded to each other once with a smile. She asked again, "Sir, would you like to order anything now?"

Ruka ordered him things which Mikan served. She bowed and left. The meeting went on and Hotaru was all the time taking notes and giving suggestions. After an hour both got up and shook hands.

Ruka- "Then we will be happy to have you as this project incharge."

That boss nodded and smiled, "The pleasure is all mine. Please arrange these items in 3 days, then we can start our experimenting. My studies say that it will be a success. My assistant will guide you through the material list."

As soon as he said this, Hotaru's eyes lightened up. Spending 3 says with her crush was too big gift. She smiled and said to her boss, "Sir, are you sure you won't need me these days."

"No, this is an important project, and I trust you to get the job done. I will manage with others till then." And he left with Ruka. As soon as he left, Mikan jumped towards her.

"Tell me tell me, what is the big thing here."

"My boss is taking up a project with Nogi industries, and has ordered me to look after getting the right requirements for 3 days with... Nogi san."

Mikan jumped in joy, "3 days with your crush, wow, a part of my dream coming true. Hurray."

And then she stopped jumping, because Ruka was just beside the door and has heard everything. She shook his head and came near them.

Ruka- "So is this your best friend?"

Mikan lowered her head embarrassed, "Yes, but before you make up any conclusions, she is not like others. She won't bother your work. Hope you finish the project Nogi-san. All the best. I will leave now."

Ruka nodded and looked at Hotaru. Hotaru got a hint of what they were talking before, but did not press the issue. She looked at him admired, and decided that she will help him to her best. Ther chatted for a while and then left.