Thanks for the reviews everyone!
Chapter 2:
The symbol crashed and rang throughout the empty studio. I drifted back into reality and could feel beads of sweat drip down my temple and back. I just danced to a rather intense beat and my panting only proved how arduous the song was.
I peeked at the clock and my hazel orbs widened in realization.
"Crap! I'm gonna be late for singing! Not again!"
I dashed to my duffel bag and threw my towel and water inside. Not bothering to zip it up, I bolted down the halls, apologizing to the people I plowed over.
As the bell rang, I slammed open the door to my singing class proclaiming, "I am not late!"
I was trying to grab some oxygen as all of my classmates turned to me and giggled at my disheveled appearance. Nonoko and Anna rolled their eyes while Nobara sighed and started shaking her head. Misaki just laughed and pointed at me, pointing out that I had failed - again. Sadly, being late was a habit of mine. One of my goals this year was to try to be not late. So far - I was failing.
"Take a seat Mikan," Narumi chirped cheerfully while flipping his golden locks that were curled at his shoulders.
I smiled at my - slightly gay - sensei, since we were rather close.
"Yes, Sir!" I scrambled to a seat between Nobara and Anna in the circle of chairs.
Narumi clapped and began announcing our agenda. "Today, your song is due."
Groans echoed through the room for those who had forgotten.
"As you should've remembered, I assigned for everyone to create a song. You will now sing before the whole class! There has to be a soprano and mezzo-soprano style in your song, girls. Boys, you needed to have a countertenor and a baritone to meet the requirements." The boys moaned, since most can barely even do a tenor voice. I smirked ever so slightly, 'cause I can do all tones from a soprano to a contralto.
(A/N: soprano is the highest for girls and mezzo-soprano is the common female tone for singing. Countertenor is the highest pitch for boys while baritone is the usual tone. Tenor is between the two. Contralto is the lowest girl tone.)
"It'll be okay boys!" I encouraged them.
They looked at me, surprised at my attempt to up-lift their spirits.
"It won't be the end of the world if you don't nail the countertenor. Just try your best and have fun!" They all smiled back and you could practically feel their confidence boosting.
Narumi started to bounce on the balls of his feet. "Oka~y. Who wants to start?"
No one moved a muscle.
That is, until Reo stood up.
"This is from my new album," He stated.
He walked over towards the piano and sat down. Without a sheet of music, he began to play, and you couldn't help but get lost in his silky voice.
Some Nights
By: Fun
Some nights I stay up
Cashing in my bad luck.
Some nights I call it a draw.
Some nights I wish that my lips could build a castle.
Some nights I wish they'd just fall off.
But I still wake up!
I still see your ghost!
Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for.
Oh!
What do I stand for?
What do I stand for?
Most nights,
I don't know
Anymore.
Woah (6x)
This is it boys this is war!
What are we waiting for?
Why don't we break the rules already?
I was never one to believe the hype.
Save that for the black and white
I try twice as hard and I'm half as liked,
But here they come again to jack my style.
That's alright.
I found a martyr in my bed tonight
She stops my bones from wondering just who I
Who I-Who I am,
Oh who am I?
Mmm? Mmm?
Well some nights I wish that this song would end,
Cause I could use some friends for a change.
Some nights I'm scared you'll forget me again.
Some nights I always win
I always win.
But I still wake up.
I still see your ghost
Oh Lord I'm still not sure what I stand for.
Oh!
What do I stand for?
What do I stand for?
Most nights,
I don't know,
Anymore.
Come on!
So this is it?
I sold my soul for this?
Washed my hands of doubt for this?
I missed my Mom and Dad for this?
No.
When I see stars,
When I see,
When I see stars that's all they are.
When I hear a song,
That sounds like this one,
So come on!
Oh, come one.
Oh, come on.
OH COME ON!
Well this is it guys, that is all.
Five minutes in and I'm bored right here.
Ten years of this and I'm not sure if anybody understands.
This one is not for the folks at home.
Sorry to leave Mom I had to go.
Who the hell wants to die alone,
All dried up in the desert sun.
My heart is breaking for my sister,
In the con that she calls love.
And I look into my nephew's eyes.
Man you wouldn't believe,
The most amazing things,
That can come from,
Some terrible lies!
AH!
My eyes widened as I heard Reo transition perfectly from a baritone, to a tenor, to a countertenor, and back.
The other night,
You wouldn't believe the dream I just had about you and me.
I called you up,
But we'd both agree.
It's for the best you didn't listen.
It's for the best we get our distance.
It's for the best you didn't listen.
It's for the best we get our distance.
Oh.
The song faded out and everyone stood there, too shocked to move. What the hell? No one - and I mean no one - knew that Reo had it in him to:
A) sing high like that and...
B) play the piano like a fucking angel.
"Holy shit," I muttered.
Reo was watching me with an expectant look. He grinned as he heard me utter my bewilderment.
"Okay!" Narumi's ecstatic voice brought everyone out of their own stupor. "Magnificent Reo! Absolutely amazing!"
Slowly, everyone reacted by clapping, whistling, and screaming compliments. Everyone, except for me.
"Who wants to go after that performance?"
The room fell silent. My classmates didn't even move.
Or so I thought.
"Great Mikan! Thanks for volunteering!"
I gave him a puzzled look. "I never volunteered."
He chuckled. "Than why are you standing ahead of all of your classmates?"
I looked around and noticed everyone had taken a step back, except for me. Now it looked as though I had stepped forward.
"Thanks guys," I said under my breathe.
My so called 'friends' gave me apologetic looks while my so called 'best friends' cheered me on.
Sighing, I walked towards the same piano Reo had just gotten up from. As we crossed paths, he whispered something into my ear that sent chills down my spine. I could practically feel his lips touching my lobe and lightly blowing. For a moment, I stopped in my tracks, frozen by fear. My eyes were trained on Reo's turned back as he confidently strolled to the group of students.
His voice rang inside of my head.
I won't give up on you. And you're right, I haven't changed, I'm the same and so are you. You'll come back to me, and history will repeat itself. But this time, you won't escaped.
Screw it, I'm gonna beat that bitch.
I ruffly opened the piano and dropped - very ungracefully - onto the bench. Screw the sheets, screw Reo, screw my frickin hell hole of a life.
Breathe Mikan, breathe.
My breath became even as I placed my fingers over the smooth, white keys. Closing my eyes, I began my intro. (A/N: I recommend to listen to this song. It's better than the lyrics make it look :)
Happy
By: Leona Lewis
Someone once told me,
That you have to choose,
What you win or lose.
You can't have everything.
Don't you take chances,
You might feel the pain,
Don't you love in vain,
Cause love won't set you free.
I could stand by the side,
And watch this life pass me by.
So unhappy,
But safe as could be.
As the song built up, I opened my lids and locked my gaze with Reo's. I sent all of my depression, hatred, anger, and betrayal towards him through the lyrics of my song.
So what if it hurts me?
So what if I break down?
So what if this world just throws me off the edge,
My feet run out of ground?
I gotta find my place,
I wanna hear my sound!
Don't care about other pain in front of me,
Cause I'm just tryin' to be,
Happy.
Yeah.
Reo seemed to want to look away. Anyone could see the guilt consuming his very being. But I wouldn't stop there, not only because it was a grade for singing, but because I wanted him to feel the hell he had put me through. I continued to allow my emotions to leak through my eyes and into his soul.
Just wanna be,
Happy,
Yeah.
Holding on tightly,
Just can't let it go.
Just tryna' play my role.
Slowly disappear,
Oh.
Well all the tears they feel like they're the same.
Just different faces,
Different names.
Get me outta here.
Well I can stand by the side,
And watch this life pass me by.
Pass me by!
So what if it hurts me?
So what if I break down?
So what if this world just throws me off the edge,
My feet run out of ground?
I gotta find my place.
I wanna hear my sound!
Don't care about other pain in front of me,
Cause I'm just tryin' to be,
Happy-y-y-y!
Everyone's eyes widened as I nailed the soprano, breaking a glass on Narumi's desk. Reo's eyes were in turmoil; a mix between astonishment and all of the feelings that I am shoving down his throat.
Oh!
Happy.
Oh.
So any turns that I can't see,
I'll count a stranger on this road,
But don't say victim.
Don't say anything.
So what if it hurts me?
So what if I break down?
So what if this world just throws me off the edge,
My feet run out of ground?
I gotta find my place.
I wanna hear my sound!
Don't care about pain in front of me,
I just wanna be,
Happy.
Oh, yeah!
Happy.
Oh, yeah!
I just wanna be,
Oh.
I just wanna be,
Happy!
The sound of the piano drew on into the stunned silence of the room. When my fingers lifted from the final key, I broke my gaze away from Reo to see my classmates gaping at me. For some, it was the first time that they had heard me sing. But I didn't comprehend why my friends and Narumi seemed so affected by my song. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a lone tear escape from Narumi's amaranthine eyes.
I sat there for a couple of minutes, letting them gawk at me, until I couldn't take it.
"So…how was it Narumi?"
He snapped out of his daze and - in an instant - was clutching me to his chest while cooing about how great I was. "Oh Mikan! That was so touching! I felt as though I could feel all of your sorrow and pain! You're angelic voice brought tears to my eyes! How could such a cheerful beauty be so depressed on the inside?"
I'm never content Narumi, it's all a fake. Please realize this. Let me open up to you. Hold me in your arms as I sob over my lost Father and my mother who is buried in the ground. Smooth my hair and counsel me through my hard times. Just be there for me, be there when I need someone to dump all of my devastating tales upon. Be there when I need a shoulder to lean on. Be there when Reo pounces on me. Just, please, be there.
Realize that all of the Mikan that you knew, has already been packed, sealed, and shipped to Heaven.
Of course he doesn't do any of the above and I don't scream all of my thoughts to my poor, loving, gay, teacher.
No, instead I said, "Glad you liked my song Narumi!" With a fake smile sculpted onto my face.
Disappointed that Narumi was just as dense as everyone else, I trudged to my seat and let my thoughts consume me.
I always wanted for some man to hold me and reassure me of the following days. After all, that's what my M.I.A Father had always done.
When a bullet had zipped through my thigh, he had patched it up while singing his special lullaby to me.
Just close your eyes,
The sun is going down.
You'll be alright,
No one can hurt you now.
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound.
He had sung that song to me so that it was embedded into my brain. Whenever I was crying, I'd remember his counseling words:
Hush child, it'll be okay. Papa's here.
Shh, don't cry. Don't cry.
Remember, no matter what, there is always someone in this world that loves you, even if they don't know it yet.
Or he'd hum my lullaby. I still remembered when I asked how he made it up one time.
"Hey Papa?" A young brunette said.
"Yes Princess?" Dad replied, flickering his green pools my way. Mikan knew that Papa was busy with stitching her back, but she couldn't help but ask after he sang the lullaby.
"Where'd you get my song from?" The cute, bosky, little six year-old inquired.
Papa smiled and cautiously put the needle and thread down to face his bundle of joy. His ash-blond hair swayed in the wind for they were in the woods.
"Actually, Mama made it up."
The young brunette perked up at Mama's name. "Mama?! Did she finally reply to our mail?"
She was practically jumping with joy. Mama had been in a terrible accident and was sent to a hospital. She's been there for almost six months and they haven't heard from her yet. Papa won't tell her where the hospital is, but he says she's in good hands, so - being the dense, clueless, girl Mikan was - she trusted him.
His emerald eyes with brown specks seemed to turn solemn for a moment. "No, not yet Princess. But I bet she'll send word soon."
Papa's large hand ruffled her chestnut pigtails as she beamed at his reassurance.
"Anyway, one day I came home and you were crying on the couch. Mama was trying to help you, but nothing worked. Not lollipops, not stuffed animals, not TV, nothing. We didn't even know why you were crying."
His face was soft as he spoke of his dead wife. He didn't have the heart to reveal the fact to Mikan yet, so she thought Yuka was in a hospital far away.
"After trying for almost an hour, Mama sat you on her lap, and started to sing your lullaby. Almost instantly you calmed down and seemed almost mesmerized. Now, that's the only way to put you at ease."
The bubbly girl smiled. "So I still have a piece of Mama, right? When she returns, I'll give it back to her. Right Papa?"
Izumi nodded his head dolefully and finished her stitches.
He had kept the secret from me until I was seven; almost five months from that time. I had asked for details, God how I wish he never gave the information to me. I had nightmares from seeing his explanation on how my Mother died - still do.
Hotaru would come in asking what's wrong with her Baka Gun in hand and I'd say nothing. She'd give me a skeptical look and nonchalantly declare that she's sleeping in my bed. Her reasons were always 'I want to. Now shut-up,' or 'An invention went wrong in my room.'
Honestly, I was glad that Hotaru was always there for me when I needed her. What I didn't understand was why she never questioned me about my night-terrors, my spacing-out moments, or how sometimes I'd randomly break down sobbing. That's kind of something that everyone would ask if known!
But each time, she'd either act as though nothing happened, or just keep an eye on me. I wanted to confide in her so badly, but for some reason, I didn't. Maybe because I didn't want her to pity me, but I knew that she would never.
I've tried to confess to her. But each time, I'd hear my Father's voice.
"Let's keep this our little secret, okay Princess?"
"Okay!"
If only she interrogated me, then I would never hesitate to spill the beans.
I sighed as my mind went to war against itself.
RING! RING! RING!
I jumped from my seat and screamed when the bell signaling the end of school scared the living crap out of me.
"Fucking bell." I continued to curse the bell under my breath until I remembered that I was going to meet the band today.
I squealed then dashed out of the classroom, leaving my four best friends in my dust.
I flung the door open and scowered the school grounds for Tsubasa's tall frame. He was no where-
A hand clamped over my mouth and pulled me behind the building. I tried to struggle against my attacker by using some techniques I had learned over the years. I pulled my head forward and slammed it back into my kidnappers head. Then, I turned to deliver a kick to the jerk's face when his voice stopped me.
"Ow! What the hell Mikan?"
My leg was outstretched, inches away from Tsubasa's nose.
"Tsubasa?" He was my kidnapper? "Why the hell did you try to kidnap me?"
I saw his nose gushing blood and immediately felt bad for:
A) Assuming he had turned on me and...
B) Head-butting him.
"Oh my God! I am so sorry!" I pulled out a towel from my bag and gingerly pressed it to his nose.
I continued to apologize while he kept on saying it was nothing. After the blood stopped, we started towards his motorcycle which was parked behind the building.
His nose looked pretty bad; black and blue and swelling by the minute.
"I truly am sorry Tsubasa, you just scared the shit out of me."
He chuckled and waved me off as though it were nothing. I felt as though he was embarrassed that a girl got the best of him.
"By the way, why were you dragging me back here? And why is your bike parked back here?"
He nervously chuckled while scratching the back of his head. "Well…you see….I didn't want anyone to see me, that's why I parked my bike behind your school; it's also partially why I grabbed you. I couldn't get your attention so I had to take you. I knew you'd scream if I touched you so I covered your mouth."
Seemed plausible enough.
Then, an evil grin spreaded across his face. "Plus I wanted to make you pee your pants." He erupted into laughter while I blushed in embarrassment. "You should'a seen your face! It was hysterical!"
I stuck out my bottom lip in a cute pout. "Mou, Tsubasa!"
We arrived at his bike. I waited for him to control his laughter before taking a helmet and sitting on the back. He sat in front of me and I wrapped my arms around his waist.
"Hey, I'm off limits." His voice was serious as he put his hands up in surrender.
I snorted. "You wish."
Again, he chuckled. I rolled my eyes at his goofy side, but secretly smiled - a small, but genuine smile.
"Just drive. And please don't kill me."
Tsubasa revved his engine and drove off into the rode, popping a wheelie. I shrieked and clutched to him closer, feeling as though I was about to fall off. Even though the engine was obnoxiously loud, I could still hear him laugh at my shock.
Our surroundings whizzed by in a blur since he was surpassing the speed limit by dozens. My stomach seemed to have been lost somewhere back at the school and considering the way no thoughts except 'jump off this damned machine' ran through my head, I'd conclude my brain is right beside my other organ.
We continued on the road until Tsubasa turned left onto a long private road. The navy-haired teen continued in a slow manner, maneuvering the twisting corners. For some reason, I noticed every detail about the paved pathway. Like how the oaks and pines were perfectly trimmed and how bushes of beautiful and kaleidoscopic flowers sprouted along the edge of the drive. This place was most definitely well-maintained.
After a minute, the tree-lined path widened to reveal a huge, white cement mansion. There was a fountain smack in the middle of the cobblestone drive with more stunning flowers gluing themselves against the stone.
Tsubasa parked his bike before the grand stair case that led to two double doors that were probably five times bigger than me. Shrubs and small trees lined the front of the mansion, which made it look more elegant. The 'palace' had ten windows on each side and seemed to have five floors. Flanking the right of the castle was an elaborate garden that seemed heavenly; while on the left was what seemed to be a garage. I counted ten doors for cars.
Holy shit these people were rich.
"You get over it."
I turned to see Tsubasa smiling kindly down on me.
He chuckled when he saw my dazed look and ruffled my hair. "Come on kiddo!"
I scrambled after him up the granite stairs and stopped again in front of the doors. Shit, they were five times bigger than me. The oak doors slowly swung open to reveal twenty maids - ten on each side of the hallway - and an old butler.
"Welcome back Sir." The old butler bowed deeply and the maids followed suit while chorusing a "Yes, welcome."
Before I could even blink, all of the maids rushed towards us. I would have flipped out, but when I was about to open my mouth in protest, they were all already gone.
"What the…?" After a couple of seconds, I realized that they took my bag, coat, and shoes. Tsubasa also appeared to be rid of his outdoor gear.
He was cracking up at how confused I was on the entire ordeal.
"Your face Mikan! First you were like 'Holy shit this place is amazing!' Then the maids stormed you and you were like 'Wait! What the hell?' You're priceless Mikan, priceless."
I crossed my arms over my chest and huffed, "Well excuse me for not being used to practically being raped when I enter a home."
He laughed some more before leading me down towards the doors in between two stair cases lining the side of the room. On either side of the doors were side tables with a vase of daisies springing from their spouts.
"Hugo," Tsubasa summoned.
The old butler scurried to Tsubasa. "Yes, Master?"
"Where are the others?" Tsubasa opened the doors to bring forth another hallway, but this time there were rooms that it opened up to. On the left is what appeared to be a formal living room with its ornate, white furniture and glossy coffee table centered in the middle. There was also a fireplace and a window that show the fountain from the front.
"They are in the Young Master's room, awaiting your arrival, Sir."
Tsubasa nodded and said a word of thanks to the poor man. I followed him down the hallway and saw that on the right was an office with a bare desk and a lap top resting dormant on top of it. There was also a red, leather swivel chair parked by the desk and another window showing a similar view as the formal living room.
Both of these rooms seemed too formal and rarely used. I briefly wondered why?
"This is the guest floor so that's why everything's so formal." Tsubasa explained, as if reading my mind.
I nodded in understanding as we proceeded to a four-way intersection.
Tsubasa pointed leisurely to the path straight ahead of us. "That's the bedroom hall," He turned his finger to the left. "That's the 'fun hall'. You know: game room, movie theater, pool, basketball courts, etc. etc."
I peeked down the hall to try to see something but all the wonders were locked behind doors.
My disappointment must have been evident because Tsubasa chuckled and threw his arm over my shoulder, steering me to the right hallway. "Don't worry, Natsume's floor is ten times better than all the crap on this floor."
At the end of the hallway, I could see an elevator. That's right, there was an elevator.
"This hall has the kitchen," I looked to my right and sure enough, there was a kitchen with shiny, new appliances and pots and pans hanging above the center counter. This was a chef's heaven.
"And the dinning room." I peered to my left and saw a long, glossed table with eight chairs on either side and one at each end of the rectangle. Hanging above was a gigantic chandelier, most likely made of real diamonds.
Before I could gawk at how shiny and perfect everything was, Tsubasa shoved me into the elevator and pressed the button with a number '5' on it. The button light up and we started to rise.
The elevator was made of glass so you could see the amazing garden that I saw from the front. I was damn right when I said it looked like heaven. Every flower and tree was in perfect place. There wasn't even a leaf out-of-place. Also, there was a brick path that glided through the garden, which was probably the size of my apartment.
"Damn…"
Tsubasa laughed again.
I sent him a death glare which only made him laugh harder.
"SHUT UP! I am not used to this and your ruining my moments!"
There were tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Sorry," He panted between gasps. "It's just…too funny!"
I crossed my arms again and turned away from him, upset that he thought my childish behavior is funny.
"Now, now, Mikan. Don't be like that." I peeked at him to see that he had finally stopped laughing.
Hating the slight look of worry on his face, I giggled and threw my arms around his neck in a half-hug. "Don't worry! I'm not mad, I was just disappointed that you laughed at my childish behavior."
I pulled back and saw him about to apologize - again - probably.
"But I realized that I don't care what others think."
He shut his mouth and cocked his head a little with a small smile on his lips.
"All that matters is that I have a good time and enjoy what I do." I forced yet another giggle and the doors opened. "Come on! I wanna meet your band!"
Grabbing his hand, I sprinted down the darker hallway. Instead of bash walls, these walls were a light red with black carpet. The windows illuminated the area to make it less creepy.
This time, instead of all the doors being closed, most were open. As we sprinted by, I saw glimpses of what was inside: trash on the floor, black leather couches facing flat screen TV's, and arcade games.
As we ran down the hall, I saw that this time there wasn't an intersection, but a door that was indented into the wall in the middle of the long hallway. I thought the hall was shaped like an 'L' seeing that it turned at the other end.
Tsubasa opened the double doors in the middle of the hall and marched in like he owned the place. I skipped behind him while laughing at his cocky air.
Suddenly, a pillow was thrown at Tsubasa's head. He stopped - mid-march - and fell to the ground.
"You're already annoying me." Came a deep, male voice. He seemed bored and irate. "First your late, then you come in like it's okay. Tch."
I helped Tsubasa stand and tried to defend my senior by saying, "It was my fault so don't blame him. I came out late from school."
Tsubasa smiled at me and shook his head a little. I was holding his arm, trying to help support his weight.
As I was about to face the culprit, a familiar voice rang into my ears. "It's okay, Natsume just has a short temper."
This one was soft and seemed to carry. I turned to the source to discover a familiar tall, muscular boy wearing a light blue button down shirt with the first two buttons unbuttoned and brown khakis. The blonde was staring at me with his big baby blue eyes.
"Ruka?" I squeaked.
He also seemed shocked to see me here. I ran to him and engulfed him in my arms.
"Ruka! Oh it's been so long!" I pouted out my lips while pulling back to see his charming pearly whites.
He chuckled, "I missed you too Mikan."
I jumped up and down while clapping. "You'll never guess what has happened to me while you were M.I.A! I got into DAFE! You know, the one I was always ranting about? And Hotaru finally let me move into her apartment with her - of course with a ton of rules but still. Then I met these four gorgeous, caring, and just all around amazing girls that became my best friends-!"
He interrupted me. "What about Hotaru?"
I giggled a little. "She's me best of all best friend - duh!"
He laughed and ran his hand through his shaggy mane. I didn't even realize that we had sat down in two bean bags, both being red.
"Anyways, then I made friends with all the people at school! Can you believe it? They said that I was really pretty and kind and energetic and that they needed that in their lives."
"Omg no way!"
Another male with shaggy brown hair jumped up and down in front of us while clapping. Gay much? He had caramel colored eyes and a huge grin spread across his face. His clothing was more like Tsubasa's with a band logo sprawled on his green T and black, baggy pants with a spiked belt running through their loops.
The stranger continued to speak. "That is - like - so amazing!"
I gave him a curious look, and concluded that he was mocking me.
I shot up out of my bean bag and walked up to him, grabbing his hands in mine and jumping up and down with him. "I know right!"
We both giggled with such falseness that it almost sounded sappy and planned. I stopped jumping and tightened my grip on his hands. He stopped as well, surprised by my sudden change of mood.
I yanked him towards me and sneered slightly in his face. "Don't jeer at me, it's not nice." My voice was full of innocence, but I could tell he got the memo.
The brunette nodded. My hands released his and I smiled brightly towards him. "Great! My names Mikan Yukihara Sakura and I would love to be friends."
His smile returned and he shook my hand. "Kokoro Yome - Koko for short - and I would love to be your friend."
"Yay!" I turned to Ruka - who was smiling - and pointed to Koko. "Look Ruka-pyon! I made a new friend already!"
He chuckled along with Koko and Tsubasa.
"Ruka-pyon?" I turned to see a younger boy with silver hair and turquoise eyes. He was wearing black skinny jeans and a black hoodie that dipped to probably his belly button. Underneath his hoodie was a shirt that matched his eyes. I noticed that he also had a silver earring stud on his left ear that was linked with a chain to another stud at the top of his ear.
"You're face looks shittier than normal, Tsubasa," I heard him continue on a side note.
"So pretty," I unconsciously said.
I walked over to the boy that was probably a senior in high school and leaned closer to inspect his eyes. They seemed somehow familiar.
"Get away from me, Hag." The younger boy pushed me away from him, but I just stepped back a bit.
Extending my hand, I greeted him, "Mikan Yukihara Sakura. What's your name?"
He eyed me for a while, but I kept my smile bright and my hand extended.
Finally, he turned his head away from my gaze and crossed his arms, refusing my hand. "Youichi Hijiri, 18 years old." I let my hand fall to my side as I stared at the boy.
I remembered him now. Youichi - or You - Hijiri.
"Sister-"
The young brunette chuckled. "I told you a thousand times You, I am not your sister."
He folded his arms across his chest and pouted out his bottom lip slightly. "Well you practically raised me; caring for my wounds and comforting me from her harsh words. Whether you like it or not, you are my sister, and I love you as if we were kin."
After a while, the fourteen year old's lips thinned into a small, angelic smile. She sighed in defeat, and crouched down to his level while placing a hand on his head. "I guess you're right, You."
His smile grew 50 watts brighter and made the teens heart swell in happiness.
"But you may only call me that when we are alone or before people that do not know of our position. Got it?"
His turquoise eyes danced with gray specks of joy as he eagerly noded his head. "Okay!"
I released my tense shoulders and smiled down at my 'brother'. His eyes remained annoyed, so I assumed that he did not recognize me yet. I'll let him figure it out on his own, see how long it takes.
"Oi," I turned to the source of the husky voice.
The boy had a mass of raven, shaggy hair that fell into his eyes, which were mesmerizing, crimson pools. They seemed to pierce my soul and scower through all of my memories. He was most definitely hot, and it showed even more so in his tight red tank top and baggy black pants. Behind him was a leather jacket and I wanted to roll my eyes at how cliché he was. Seriously? Leather jacket and bad ass look?
I'll admit it worked for him since if he was a more loving and caring type - like Ruka - then he would have every girl who laid her eyes on him jumping in front of a train to catch his attention.
Somehow - with his eyes cold and distant - it made me more wary of him; and I'm sure that was his goal. But I wasn't just wary because of his eyes. At a young age, I had to learned how to judge people - for my safety and for my parents stress level to drop by a millimeter. But for some reason, when our eyes locked, I couldn't read anything about him. All of his vibes spilt danger, but I knew that was just a cover. It was as though he tried so hard to be cold and uncaring, that his demeanor had morphed itself into the said traits. But deep - deep - inside, he had a spark of his old self trying to survive.
I decided than and there that I was going to salvage his personality before it was smothered like a fire.
His voice brought me back to the present.
"You're annoying me more than he is." The male was pointing towards my senior - who looked confused, as if he didn't know why he was being pointed at.
Ugh, this was gonna be harder than I originally thought.
I cocked my head to the right, puzzled by his behavior. "Why? What did I do?"
His eyes narrowed and he got up from the black, leather couch he was positioned on. My new 'project' stalked towards me, only stopping when our bodies were practically touching.
"Do I have to have a reason?" His voice was seductive, and it somehow made me think of Reo.
My breathing had changed to erratic gasps. It was the only sound audible in the now silent room. I tried - unsuccessfully - to calm myself down. Every limb of mine was shaking as flashbacks popped into my head.
Mikan, if you just cooperated, I wouldn't have to reprimand you. Although, I do love to think of punishments for you. It's always a surprise with you. And you know how I love surprises.
Go away. Get out of my head! LEAVE ME ALONE!
I squeezed my eyes shut tightly trying to make the images go away. They quickly dispersed and I re-opened my eyes to find the crimson-eyed boy further away and eyeing me strangely.
My hearing returned after a couple of minutes. "-alright? What the hell is happening? Mikan?"
It was Ruka.
Tsubasa was standing beside me, looking slightly worried. Koko was behind him giving Tsubasa a confused expression while Ruka had his hands clamped on my shoulders with concern plastered onto his features. You was still seated on the couch, not noticing my tiny episode like Koko..
I took another calming breath before beaming at Ruka. "I'm just peachy!" He opened his mouth to protest.
Before he could, I turned to the man who had brought forth the images.
"What's you're name?"
His eyes changed back to their steely appearance and he began to glare at me yet again.
Thinking he hadn't heard me, I repeated my words slower. "I said 'What is your name'."
This apparently pissed him off. He started towards me with a deadly aura radiating from his core.
"I'm not fucking retarded you dumb-ass."
Luckily for me, Tsubasa adjourned his path.
"Woah there." He put his hands on the raven-haired boys chest to stop him. "This is our new lead dance, so you cannot injure her Natsume."
I stuck my tongue out at him. "Yeah, you can't injure me Natsume."
The boy - who was supposedly Natsume - growled. But eventually he smirked and backed away a little. "Fine."
I smiled in victory.
"But," My grin dropped from my face and I looked at him, awaiting his revenge. "You're gonna have to show us a dance. If all of us don't like it, then you're out."
Great! I can so do this! My fist shot through the air and I let out a 'woop' before running to the stereo and clicking play. An up-beat, hip-hop song started to echo throughout the mini-house. I turned and walked into the center of the little area they had created for me to dance. There were three couches lining my 'floor' and on each sat a member of the band.
As I lost myself in my world, I sent Natsume a smirk with a wink attached to the side. I'll prove to you, you'll see.
Finally, my vision was blocked out completely and standing before me were five buff men, cornering me into a dead-end. They were all smirking while scanning my body like hungry wolves. Two out of the five lunged for me, attempting to pin me down. But I was more nimble and agile than they were, so I escaped their grasp by doing a duck and roll.
A hand spun me around and the mans other tried to grasp my shoulder. I leaned back and did a back-walkover, kicking him in the process. The gang threw punch and kick after punch and kick. I glided around them, never hitting them, but avoiding their attacks. The morons always ended up hitting their buddy when I dodged and soon, there was only one man left standing.
He sprinted at me and brought his arm up to sock me in the stomach. I ran at him and at the last-minute, slid between his spread out legs on my knees. I would've made it out, if the man hadn't grabbed my loose curls. He flipped me so that I was on my stomach and sat on top of me. In response, I brought my butt up and bucked him off of me. His muscular figure landed before me and I smiled in victory, dusting off my shoulders.
I was shocked when a pair of strong arms slithered their way around my waist. I inhaled the scent of the forest and slightly leaned into the hard but comforting chest. The man spun me around to face him, and I was surprised to see Natsume.
His face was stoic and he was still wearing the same outfit as before, so I knew that he was actually dancing with me in the 'real world'.
We jumped and danced around the dead-end, moving in sync to the beat with practically the same moves but with our own style added in.
As the song ended - the bass strumming one last chord - I found myself wrapped in Natsume's arms, breathing heavily with strands of my auburn hair falling in my eyes. We were staring deeply within one another's eyes while panting, both of us covered with a shine of sweat.
I smirked and pushed him away. "So?"
Ruka, Koko, and Tsubasa stood up and clapped with Tsubasa declaring how he 'told you so'. Youichi stayed seated, but his eyes showed confusion and approval. I thought I saw a shine of love as well but it disappeared before it could be confirmed.
"Everyone votes yes!" Ruka cheered as he ran at me for a hug.
"I never said anything."
We turned to Natsume and Ruka narrowed his eyes. "Are you going to let your opinionated self ruin this bands up-coming single? Without her, we can't make the music video Natsume, so no matter what, she's in."
Natsume glared at Ruka with his arms crossed for a while.
Finally I sighed and made my way towards the door. "It's fine guys. So what? He doesn't want me or the music video."
My senior along with Koko and Ruka looked like they were about to object, but oddly enough, Natsume beat them to it.
"Baka, I never said my vote." His voice was one of defeat, and I knew that I was in.
"Oh?" I skipped to Natsume and flashed him my goofiest smile. "So what's your vote then Natsume?"
His fists clenched and I saw his jaw tighten slightly. So much for salvaging his personality. All I could do was piss him off.
"You can dance in our video-" I cheered and hit him lightly on the shoulder in an elated manner.
"Oh thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou-!"
His seductive tone whispered in my ear as his arms brought me closer to him. My heart fluttered into my throat and my stomach dropped to my feet. Every word that I had planned on uttering was logged in my throat, clogging my air way, making me incapable of breathing. My clammy hands fell to my sides and I watched as the crimson-eyed boy walked cooly out of his room.
His word echoed in my head, 'Polka'.
Before the door closed, I let out a blood chilling screech along with a, "NATSUME, YOU PERVERT!"
I cannot believe he peaked at my underwear pattern!
Ruka chuckled while rubbing the back of his neck. "Anyway, Mikan...Welcome to our band: Raven5S."
Thanks sooooo much for reading!