Something You've Read Before

Chapter One

Cliché or Not

"Are you deaf?"

The house in front of her served as her personal time machine. Travelling the past through memories, may it be good or bad became an everyday habit. She looked down, trying to absorb all the past events that came to her mind and eventually refrained herself from getting affected at such an early morning. She wondered when she will get used to it. She made dreams inside that house. Shaking her head, she looked up and noticed how beautiful the house looked compared to her last happy memory. A complete makeover was done but what's inside remained.

The house was white, far from its mixed bright colors before, with three feet white fences around. It looked pure near and far that anyone passing by the street would certainly take a peek. Two black cars parked at the left side glowed from the color shade of the house. The dark shade of yellow flowers emphasized the beauty of the small home. It was home as a family of four lived there happily. They were happy and she was certain of it. They portrayed the perfect family in front of society's eyes. If given the chance, she would be more than glad to meet them. It sounded so real and surreal at the same time.

She would admire the house more if she was not going to be late and if this honking car would stop.

"What?" she asked, annoyed, turning her head at the side.

Her concentration was interrupted and the rudeness of the driver of this expensive-looking car made it worse. She found it hard to see the problem when she was not interrupting anybody. A hand came out from the window with a shooing gesture. Honestly, she felt offended by the impoliteness of the driver. As a reaction, she approached the mystery driver only to hear another beep. The view of a black-haired man with red eyes and perfect facial features reached her eyes and was more disappointed because she knew the boy.

"You're in the middle of the road, stupid."

"Stupid?" she repeated, glancing at her sides with confusion and then when it hit her, she refused to believe it. "Are you referring to me?" she asked, pointing to herself.

No doubt that she was quarreling with Alice Academy's Student Council Vice President whose name slipped her mind. A tough exterior helped her look convincing that she was ready to face him in a word war or whatever type of war although her sweating palms was another topic. He was the VP for heaven's sake and he could do a lot to her than her to him. He was even his best friend! Worse, she forgot his name. Mikan Sakura doubted if she could win this argument.

He eyed him from head to toe and smirked, like he saw something funny and disappointed at the same time. "Just get out of my way," he ordered without hesitation.

"Well, you could have asked nicely."

"You're not worth it."

Mikan scoffed and started calling his names, even insulting him for being so arrogant like he owned the world just because AA students feared him because they thought he got everything. He, on the other hand, continued on insulting her with unaffected façade that made Mikan more irritated. She was overflowing with emotion while he sat idly there, successful in giving her so much stress on such an early morning. She never imagined exchanging banters with the VP of her school' student council but here she was, trying to get out of it alive.

"Why don't both of you calm down?" a voice said, aiming to neutralize the situation with his calm but boyish tone.

"No way. He's a jerk!" Mikan reacted automatically while the raven-haired guy scoffed in disbelief. Her crossed arm separated when she realized the voice's familiarity and in one second she searched for its owner. "Ruka Nogi?" she asked in a surprised tone, feeling blind and stupid as she did not notice him to be inside the car the whole time.

Her brown eyes twinkled like glitter, matching it with a huge angelic smile. She almost forgot she was in the middle of fight with the VP, the best friend of Ruka Nogi. The president of Alice Academy's Student Council was Ruka Nogi who also happened to be her ultimate crush. Even before he became president, she admired him already. Ruka Nogi was known for his blonde hair, charm that equaled a prince, kind attitude, and the perfect student image. He was good both at academics and extra-curriculars. The perfect piece of existence that landed on AA was Mikan Sakura's crush ever since she stepped AA's grounds. But back then, he was a mere student but now he was a big shot student leader.

Mikan's expression when she knew that Ruka was inside the car annoyed the crimson-eyed boy. Just like what he thought, she was like everybody else…falling for looks. "Great," he muttered with an upset sigh.

"Do I know you?" Ruka asked in a much calmer tone than Natsume's.

Mikan shook her head but the creepy smile was intact. "No, but you will be." That sounded stalkerish and downright wrong, making her cupped her mouth with both hands and prayed she did not just say that.

"Excuse me but this is not the time for your delusions," he threw in, sounding ruder than ever and hoped it will reach Mikan's understanding that he was not fond of her.

"You…you…you!" Mikan buckled because she could not utter a name. Stupid name! she angrily thought.

The boy noticed her lack of knowledge about his identifier. Nothing could change his mind about the stupidity of the girl who insulted her directly. She had the nerve to approach and yell at him when she did not know his name. He remembered that he needed to do lots of more important things that to deal with this girl's crush. He glanced at her with a smirk to show his disgust. Boy, she was not worth it.

"You better know who you are fighting with, stupid girl. May I remind you that it starts with knowing your enemy's name? It's Natsume Hyuuga, by the way."

In a blink of an eye, the car drove away. She inhaled its polluted smoke but could not care less because she just talked to Ruka Nogi. Mikan never knew it was possible to have a conversation with him but it just happened. She called it destiny. The feeling like they were meant to be engulfed her and made her think of futuristic and fairy-tale like thoughts between her and Ruka.

"I got to talk to Ruka Nogi! Yes!" Jumping and waving her hands into the air were not appropriate reaction in terms of the place but Mikan could not care less. She was hopping like a child on her way to school and chanted, "Best. Day. Ever!"

She let out a sigh. She walked on the opposite direction where she was supposed to be just to ignore Mikan. There were so many impossibilities in the world that Hotaru Imai conquered and one of those was being friends with a loud-mouthed, cheery girl like Mikan Sakura. She always hated noise and Mikan was the literal noise. Guess there was really nothing impossible in this world. Hotaru could remember clearly how at young age she became close to her and when their friendship lengthened, she discovered how annoying Mikan could be but that did not change her mind on being friends. In the most unexplainable way, they just clicked.

"Hotaru, I swear, you have to let me in."

She could tell Mikan was serious with the hand gestures and stomping feet. Hotaru took time to halt at her pace and asked, "What is your reason again?"

Mikan blinked her eyes repeatedly. "To get close to Ruka," she answered, smiling.

Hotaru sighed again and this time, deeper. She acknowledged the fact that Mikan rarely asked for favors but whenever she does, it was always out of this world. She resented the idea that Mikan would take the high school path of clichéness in getting a boyfriend.

"Exactly why I don't want you involved," Hotaru firmly stated. As of now, nothing could change her mind but she was lightly worried on how good Mikan was in the convincing part.

"But it's the easiest way to get him notice me." Again with the feet stomping and hand gestures.

"Mikan, joining a committee, being an active student and whatever involves it requires commitment. You can't just join because of your silly crush and then neglect your duties. It doesn't work that way and it will never work that way."

The brunette nodded in every word Hotaru said. With her head slightly down, she took time to think of the commitment Hotaru was trying to emphasize and she just decided that she will do it. "Trust me. I am very serious in joining. Besides, I'm good at commitments!"

It failed to make Hotaru feel better but it would be unfair if she would not let Mikan join a club. She may be the best friend but she would not dare to interfere in Mikan's way of living life.

"It's a silly crush, Mikan. You don't know him."

Constant reminders were what Mikan needed. Hotaru did not know what made her to agree to this. Ruka Nogi would always be in a different category of discussion for her. Although they had no obvious good relationship, it was still unlikely of her to feel this way.

"That's why I'm here. Come on, Hotaru. I want this."

It took her a while before saying, "Fine."

Hotaru turned around to get to her real destination. Mikan displayed a confused expression for a moment because they were suddenly turning back. They entered the Student Council's office where Hotaru grabbed a piece of paper and a pen. The office was a room, smaller than a regular classroom but contained lots of stuff especially paper works. There were boxes still closed maybe because the new council was just reinventing the office since the school year just started. Mikan's head turned around to examine the office more. The room needed a little painting and she just hoped they had a budget for that.

Pictures of past members of the Student Council were displayed on the corner and Mikan noticed that they were all smiling. Having such a big responsibility of serving the students did not stop them from having a good time. Alice Academy's Student Council members had good track records, serving in the most prominent companies in Japan and abroad. They were known to excel and to lead. Student Council was their most basic but challenging enough experience when it comes to multitasking that was why many AA student achievers wanted a spot on the council.

"So, what committee?"

Hotaru's question interrupted her observation.

The big question arrived and so was her answer. "External affairs! Also, I want to join in the Sports Club this year just to enhance the little talent I have."

"Mikan, you're not doing this because of…"

She shook her head. "Definitely not."

"Okay. Just so you know, Natsume Hyuuga is the assigned head for External Affairs."

Miakn rolled her eyes automatically. "Oh, shoot me."

"Right. I remember you had a little fight with him this morning."

"How come you always know what's happening? You're creepy."

Hotaru smirked. "It would be creepier if I don't know a thing," she said, leaving the piece of paper in the table and exiting the room.

Mikan followed her diligently. "You've got a point there."

They entered to a nearby room that was more decent than the SC office. Two girls were inside that Mikan already suspected she would be working with in the future. Mikan watched them with a smile but inside she was studying them. She had a weird hobby of telling what a person was like the first time they would meet. It was like she was a first impression enthusiast. The two looked jolly like her but something was wrong. They looked like arguing before they abruptly entered. Mikan was about to raise the issue to Hotaru but she already given her the look that prying would not do good.

"Meet Anna Umenomiya and Nonoko Ogasawara. Once Hyuuga approved your application, you'll be with them."

"Gotta go," the violet-haired girl, Nonoko, bid as she grabbed her bag. Anyone could tell that tension was in the air.

"Hi! What's your name?" Anna asked, trying to look fine but it was evident she was not.

Mikan extended her hand to shake hands. "I'm Mikan Sakura."

"Anna Umenomiya. I'm looking forward to working with you in the future." Anna seemed to mind that Mikan was looking at the door where Nonoko just exited. "Don't mind her, Mikan. We just had a little understanding."

"Is she your sister or something?" Mikan asked, pointing at the door.

Anna's lips formed a thin line making her cheeks puff. "Best friend."

"Oh! That's great. What were you fighting about? No, don't tell me that. Sorry for prying."

Like Anna and Nonoko, Mikan had bad days with Hotaru and telling it to people would be the last thing she'd like to do that was why she regretted it when she asked what happened. It was not her business and she just met Anna and did not even made eye contact with Nonoko, but she wanted to take the initiative to put them in good terms again. She was weird like that.

"It's okay. Here's the application form, fill it up, and have it signed by Vice President Hyuuga."

Just the mere mention of Natsume's name made her shiver in annoyance.

"Thanks," Mikan said with a smile but inside she was dreading the moment of associating again with Natsume.

Good thing that passing the application form was not her top priority that was why she postponed the activity until her classes ended. Another good thing was her last subject got cancelled because the teacher was absent. The earlier she passed the application, the sooner she would get the dreading feeling out of her chest. She was not scared of Natsume but she knew getting into an argument with him was not the most comfortable feeling in the world. Suddenly, it did not make sense to her why she was expecting that an argument would always arise when she was talking to him when they barely interact.

Thinking of Natsume Hyuuga was also not her top priority but thinking about Ruka Nogi was. She made a step today in order to know him and if he could just notice her immediately then the romantic flowers would bloom early. It was such a wonderful thought. Imagine if they would become a couple, like a fairytale.

"What are you smiling, Mikan?" a gentle voice asked that came behind her.

Mikan realized she daydreamed at a very public place. She snapped out of it and stood up.

"Hey there, Yuu! How was your day?"

Yuu shrugged, looking exhausted while holding books that Mikan recognized were not included in their subjects. "Busy. I had to refresh my memory with our past lessons." That explained the unfamiliar books.

"Must be hard."

Yuu shook his head and with a calm expression he said, "It won't be if you like what you're doing."

"So, do you like what you're doing?" Mikan asked in curiosity.

Tobita Yuu was the class representative of 3-B, her section. He was known to be the smartest and most responsible kid in class. In Mikan's opinion, Yuu was also one of the kindest because accepting a representative's job required patience and understanding. Yuu was a shy boy but the charm was there. He may look weak but the class never failed to listen to him as he was always backed up with a rational statement. Lately, Yuu was burdened with more work because of his preparations for life after high school. Mikan noticed his tired eyes on the past few weeks and as a friend, it worried her.

"You could say that because I complain less compared to others," he answered, scratching his head and taking a seat on the floor. Mikan sat beside him, thinking that Yuu needed someone on this short break.

They became friends since entering high school and the kind of friendship they had was closed to a sibling relationship. Yuu knew Mikan and Mikan knew Yuu. She knew how high demanding Yuu's parents could be when it comes to his studies. He was enclosed with that expectation, always aiming for the highest andhardly having some fun. Mikan hoped he was having fun reading those books and solving equations all the time. When he was not studying, he was out doing his representative duties. He was socially deprived in every way you think of it.

"You're a good son, Yuu. Most of us complain whatever our parents want for us but you are certainly not most people."

"Don't make it sound like it's a good thing," Yuu dismissed, chuckling a bit.

"Well, doesn't it?"

The hallway was abnormally quiet and so was the afternoon. The weather was fair enough to rest under the shade of trees. She wanted to suggest it to Yuu but she knew he would refuse.

"Where are you heading, by the way?"

Mikan pointed north. "To the school's biggest jerk."

"Huh?"

"Natsume Hyuuga," she mumbled.

Yuu frowned. "It's not nice to call people names, you know."

Mikan nodded in agreement because she experienced being teased by names too. "Yes. But he called me stupid so this is my way to get under his skin. He may be Ruka's best friend, which is surprising due to his attitude, but I will not tolerate that kind of behavior ever."

"Well, you two are kinda opposites."

"Doesn't give him a valid reason to insult me in an early morning," Mikan lectured, even lifted her pointing finger.

"Good luck to him though. I heard he's a perfectionist and values his work very much."

"Oh, he should be."

It would be very disappointing if Natsume would not take his position seriously. Mikan stood up as she grabbed her bag. She was about to go when she remembered she had something to say. Placing an unsure expression at first, Mikan still continued.

"And, Yuu?"

"Yes?" he asked, standing up in the process.

"Have fun even just a little. I promise you that it won't affect your academic performance."

Yuu was speechless for a moment when someone took time to give him an advice that did not include words like 'study harder' and 'you can do better than that'. This was why he liked to have friends so much because not only they could help you around but they also give you happiness even if it was purely platonic.

"Thank you, Mikan."

Mikan forgot about the dread she was feeling earlier and instead it was replaced by a happy feeling when Yuu thanked her. She did not mind getting face to face with Natsume because making a person sign your paper should not be scary. Mikan travelled with ease and confidence that everything would go smoothly. When she reached the SC office, the door was open. She took a peek and could only see Natsume who was typing in his computer. Mikan knocked and entered even without the acknowledgement. A flashback of the early morning incident came to her.

Natsume was not someone Mikan knew well and she had no plans of getting close to him but she already had the feeling that Natsume would not let her to get close to Ruka, not on the way she wanted. Before it was too late, Mikan would try to reconcile to him. She did not want to make enemies right now and that would not be healthy because she never had enemies before. Maybe she was too loud this morning that annoyed him. Being discrete would not hurt so she might well do it.

"It's you," were his first words.

Natsume looked up to her and gone was the annoyance in his expression. He was smirking instead. It was like he expected for the brunette's arrival and seeing her amused him in a not so good way. Mikan was the type of person Natsume could easily judge and dislike. He hated loud people, people who only did something to be noticed, people that had no depth, people like her. He did not need to hang out with her just to describe the personality she had. For him, Mikan was very transparent.

"My name is Mikan Sakura and here is my application form."

Natsume examined the paper and eyed her. "What makes you think I'll sign it?" he asked, sounding superior and determined.

"Joining committees has no restriction as far as I know," Mikan retorted intelligently with the intent of matching his cold but authoritative tone.

There was no one else in the room but Mikan felt enclosed in a single space. She could not move at her place where the sunset rays directly hit her. She was staring at him without feeling embarrassed. Staring gave her the opportunity to examine his physical features. Natsume Hyuuga was one of the smartest kids in AA and certainly the best looking guy in school. Mikan remembered how no one wanted to compete with him in vice presidency because no matter who was the competition, his victory was guaranteed. Originally, he was meant to run for presidency but gave the position to Ruka instead because he was already in his senior year while Natsume stopped for a year and now a junior.

Natsume deserved the position more than anyone else. He deserved any position in the Student Council more than anyone else, really. He was tactful and straightforward in dealing with school issues. He was serious about his job. He was too serious that Mikan thought he was out of reach. Mikan felt no interest in him until this morning. She was now determined to know what he was hiding and what's gotten into him to have such attitude. Even though this was just a part of her interest to Ruka, she made up her mind already that she will know Natsume Hyuuga. He might not sign her application now but that did not mean she would stop pursuing him. Mikan shook her head because pursuing was a wrong word, more like she would not stop annoying him just to get her damn paper signed.

"Here."

What happened? She was almost sure a few seconds ago that Natsume would be a jerk and make her go home with an unsigned application form. But here he was, offering her a membership under his supervision. Mikan thought that he must be naturally kind but chose to hide it in his cold personality but then there was also a reason of professionalism.

"You signed it," she mumbled loud enough for him to hear. Mikan did not even notice she said something.

"Obviously. I don't let my personal affairs meddle with my work."

Mikan scowled. "How noble," she let out sarcastically.

Natsume gave her an amused smiled. He could not believe she was trying to match his close-to-stone attitude reserved for people like her. "Yeah. Unlike you."

"Unlike me? Excuse me?"

Mikan sounded offended because they barely knew each other and Natsume was already proud of his false judgment about her. She did not know where it came from, where he based his judgments, and she did not care anymore because it was almost next to impossible to change. First impressions had the tendency to last forever and Natsume was a stubborn fool who refused to acknowledge he was being unfair.

"You will never be good enough for Ruka," he added with a spat.

A familiar feeling engulfed her when he said those words. Her hair hid his face like it helped her hide from Natsume's eyes but it was just in his mind. She was still standing there and found it hard to say something until she heard a sound coming from Natsume's change of position in his mighty seat.

"I didn't know I have to impress you," she said with gritted teeth.

"Even if you try, you won't ever impress me."

Mikan looked up and this time fully recovered from being temporary paralyzed. "Sounds like a challenge, jerk."

"You up for it, stupid girl?" he challenged with a mocking voice and confident tone.

She only wanted Ruka Nogi to notice her but she was deprived of the information that it also meant making the best friend notice her and see her as a pest. Mikan gulped, ready to say the magic words but she imagined what this challenge would be in the future. Having a crush on Ruka Nogi was an adventure becoming unexpectedly complicated. She was part of something in AA now and had all the opportunities to mingle with people. Natsume scared her before a little but not anymore. Like they say, the most convenient way to get a person was to be liked by the people he trusts. Although, Mikan was sure Natsume was the kind of person hard to convince, she was still willing to do it.

"Oh, I am."

End of Chapter

See why this is something you've read before? But despite of the clichéness, I can promise you that there is more than this story that meets the eye.

What can you say? I'll be more than happy to read from you. : )