The Bachelor Chapter 3: Growing Up, a gakuen alice fanfic

A/N: Gakuen Alice will never belong to me.

Based on the reality show called The Bachelor

Settings: Alternate Universe

No alices/powers involved

Ages: 20+

To Everyone who reviewed the two previous chapter… Thank you!

crimsoneyes44- Thank you for everything. I'll try to remember everything you've pointed out to me.

The Bachelor

By: crazygirl18

Chapter Three:

Growing Up

Natsume

"I'm a bitch, I'm tease
I'm a goddess on my knees
When you hurt
When you suffer
I'm your angel undercover"

"Mikan… has such great taste in… romantic songs."

I grinded my teeth together and tried my best not to say something harsh to the girl who was trying her best not to do or say anything stupid in front of me. I had to remind myself constantly that this was a show handed to me personally by Hotaru Imai and if I were to do anything that would ruin her show… the mere thought was unnerving: she wouldn't hesitate to drop me off in the middle of the Sahara desert, unleash her deadly weapons, and use me as target practice.

"I've been numb
I'm revived
Can't say I'm not alive
You know I wouldn't want it any other way"

But with that simple remark from Katherine Lowe, the British one with bright wavy yellow hair and fair complexion, had just been briefing me about her family history, ex-boyfriends, money, how many houses they owned, relatives, how she fell off of her first horse, how much she adored me, and some other nonsensical crap… had just gotten herself a ticket out of the show… for deliberately lying.

"You actually think that woman who is singing on top of that stupid stage-" I asked through clenched teeth. "-has great taste in music?" That blasted woman, Mikan Sakura, was making my ears bleed to death. From the moment Mikan stepped on the stage, all she did was sing crappy songs when I clearly remember ordering her to sing light non-cheesy romantic songs… but so far, her selection wasn't even remotely close to light, romantic or non-cheesy. Thankfully, the idiot decided to take a much needed five minute break after that… horrible love song.

Katherine grabbed for her water glass and took a quick sip. I guess she knew I wasn't thrilled with the topic she suddenly chose. "I th… th… thought it would be polite to-"

"-Compliment her?" I asked grimly. "Ms. Lowe, do not over stress your precious brain into thinking what perfect words you can use to compliment Ms. Sakura. You and I both know when Ms. Sakura started singing Blood by My Chemical Romance and My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas, any romantic atmosphere or ambience you were hoping for Ms. Lowe, would have been thwarted. So complementing Ms. Sakura will be your biggest mistake."

"But… I… it's not my fault." Katherine said who was now starting to stammer. "I just thought a subject about Ms. Mikan would enable you to converse with me."

"Excuse me?" I asked, somewhat taken aback with what Katherine said. "Why in the world you think I would talk about Ms. Sakura when I'm with you?"

"I… I… I…" Katherine stammered while her cheeks were red from embarrassment.

I decided to take pity on the girl and waited patiently for another three minutes for her to regain her posture. "You were saying?"

Base on Katherine's surprised look, she must have not expected that I would ask her the same question again.

"These past few days, you know the girls and I have been trying to get your complete attention," Katherine answered after taking a few deep breaths. "But so far no one has… except for Ms. Sumire and Ms. Mikan."

"I've talked to the other girls-"

"-But not like the way you talk with Ms. Sumire, most especially with Ms. Mikan." Katherine said without being bothered that she had actually dared to interrupt me. "My reward for the challenge that the girls and I had this afternoon would be a romantic date… the food, the venue and the scenery are all picturesque. The music sucks but I can handle it," she commented with a grim smile. "But after you greeted me and gave a kiss on the cheek, I have done all the talking and only when I make a simple comment about Mikan do you start to talk!"

"I've answered every question you asked me, Katherine." I answered with dour tone.

"But you don't ask me anything!" Katherine cried out. "It takes two people to make a conversation!"

"Well, we are conversing." I said sarcastically, draining all of my red wine from my glass.

"Why did you have to choose Mikan to sing tonight?" she said with a sigh. "Every girl here are wondering why you still keep Mikan when everyone knows you guys don't like each other. Unless you, Natsume, are in love with Mikan?"

When she asked me that last absurd question, I was happy I had finished my drink otherwise I would have choked by Katherine's direct question. Placing the glass down gently, I got the napkin and wiped my mouth. "Katherine, let me remind you why Ms. Sakura is singing tonight. She is here because of the consequence of the said game you girls played. The deal was the girl who had the lowest score would be the one providing the music for us. I did not choose Ms. Sakura to sing, in fact, I wouldn't have chosen her if I was given the choice of which girl would be singing tonight." I said coldly. "There is a reason why Ms. Sakura is here. Just like every girl I've voted out has a valid reason why I didn't give them the rose." After saying that, I got up from the chair, gave Katherine a small bow, and prepared to leave.

"You haven't answered my question, Natsume. Are you in love with her? Are you in love with Mikan?"

I turned around and looked straight into Katherine Lowe's watery eyes. "No. I am not in love with Mikan Sakura." I said callously.

"Liar."

"Believe what you want, Ms. Lowe. Thank you for the lovely dinner." I said bowing once more and quickly left her.

Indeed, Ms. Katherine Lowe had to go.

"Why in the hell did you eliminate Katherine?"

I lazily looked up from the book I was reading and innocently stared at the woman who opened the library door with so much strength, I was surprised the door didn't break. The idiot was now approaching me with a look that screamed "I'm GOING to Kill You!"

"So what?" I asked casually.

"So what?!" Mikan exploded. "The woman you eliminated was Katherine Lowe! The Katherine Lowe! She is practically r-o-y-a-l, you stupid jerk! Her whole ancestors are all Dukes, Lords and Marquis! With her inheritance alone, your future children and grandchildren wouldn't even have to worry about their freaking future! That's how rich the Lowes are!"

"Then go marry her yourself, stupid," I replied plainly.

"Why did you eliminate her?" Mikan demanded.

Base on the idiot's face and how I was answering her, I had no doubt she wanted to strangle me… badly. "Because she said you had an excellent choice of music and you know I hate liars. Now leave me alone," I ordered and reverted back my attention to the novel I was reading. Suddenly, Mikan slammed both of her hands on my desk, which made me jump slightly.

"The FREAKING reason why I am staying in this… hellish place is because of my best friend," the idiot hissed. "My disgusting job is to make sure you, Narcissus, get the right girl who could rule by your side in your Kingdom of Doom and live a jolly life. There are only 8 girls left excluding me and you just voted off the only girl I think your mother and the company you own would accept!" she said, while banging the table once again with her right hand.

Amused by the idiot's anger, I crossed my arms and gave her a mocking salute. "Believe me Sakura, you don't know how much I want you out of here. Just seeing you is a pain."

"The feeling is mutual," Mikan retorted and started to leave. "But because you have a brain the size of an atom, you just had to ruin both of our lives by picking me as a contestant! I hate you, Natsume!" She said before slamming the doors once again.

It took me five minutes to realize I was still staring at the door and was still replaying the idiot's last words before making her dramatic exit.

"I hate you, Natsume!"

No matter how much I tried to concentrate on other things, her hateful words kept on ringing in my head.

"I hate you, Natsume! I hate you, Natsume! I hate you, Natsume!"

Damn.

I didn't know why her words were affecting me this way. Mikan Sakura had no right to occupy my thoughts or the power to hurt me again.

Damn my large ego to hell for agreeing to join this stupid reality show!

Damn for even thinking I would have fun teasing the idiot!

Damn the idiot for agreeing to help her best friend!

Damn Hotaru Imai and her evilness!

Sumire

"With a little more pressure Mikan, your teeth would be as brilliant as the full moon," I told Mikan in an amused tone. "Why are you taking your frustration on your poor little gums and teeth?"

Mikan gave me an adverse look before continuing her adventure to attaining sparkling clean teeth. "Go away, Sumire."

When we got to the official bachelor house, Mikan and I decided to share rooms. We both didn't want to be partnered with a roommate who did nothing but worship Natsume. I did admit I was a fanatic over Natsume Hyuuga back in junior high but when I came to terms Natsume only liked Mikan, my worshiping days over him died. It was quite amusing that the women which Mikan and I were surrounded with, adored Natsume as if he was some god. In here, the girls were completely blind to all the faults and cold demeanor he possessed. One wrong word about him, the girls were ready to attack and defend his honor… which is precisely why the few remaining girls wanted Mikan to leave.

Ignoring her plea, I leaned back on the side of our bathroom door. "Mikan, ever since you came back from god knows where, dark clouds have been trailing you. To say the least, it's quite frightening."

"I'm just so annoyed with that stupid jerk!" Mikan announced after finally putting her tooth brush down. "Katherine Lowe was the perfect choice!"

I followed Mikan to her bed and sat opposite of her. "Is this really the reason why you're upset?" I drawled.

"Yes!" Mikan exclaimed loudly. "The jerk just threw away the best cake!"

"Maybe he found something he didn't like about her."

"Like what?"

"I don't know," I said truthfully, shrugging. "But all the girls he sent away so far were the right choices."

"I agree with the others, but Katherine didn't have BO, yellow teeth, sweaty hands, an IQ below 50 or-" Mikan stopped talking because our bedroom door suddenly burst opened and two giggling girls came inside.

"Hi Mikan and Sumire!" Sunako greeted in a jolly voice. She was the famous swimsuit model that guys dreamed to date. Standing 5'7 tall, she had green wavy hair that spanned her back, as well as mesmerizing green eyes, capturing every man's heart. According to a men's survey, it was impossible not to fall in love with Sunako Lee…

Bullshit!

"Do you mind if we can stay in your room for awhile?" Tomoe asked, giggling. Tomoe was the daughter of one of the famous painter here in Japan. Her father began to gain recognition 5 years ago after he had painted Tomoe like an angelic angel. With black straight hair, a creamy complexion and one dimple on the side of her left cheek, Tomoe Utada features was the perfect model in the eyes of every painter. "Our roommates are planning something for Natsume tomorrow which they don't want us to know."

But, even if they were the most beautiful women on earth, they had one flaw in common. Sunako and Tomoe were both dense people.

I was about to say no because one idiot friend was enough: two more idiots were just too much for me to handle. Unfortunately, Mikan beat me to the punch.

"Of course Tomoe and Sunako, you can stay in our room for awhile," Mikan said, smiling.

"So what were you guys talking about before we came in?" Tomoe asked.

"Nothing much, just reflecting on today's elimination," I answered curtly.

"Did you see the look of hurt in Katherine's face? I guess she didn't think she would be eliminated," Sunako said as she sat down beside me while Tomoe sat next to Mikan. "I have to admit, I was surprised that he kept flirty Audrey instead of Katherine."

"But at least one of our tough competitors is out of the game," Tomoe grinned. She then turned to Mikan and grabbed both of her hands. "Ms. Mikan, have you ever been in love before?"

"Huh?" Mikan said with a nervous laugh while trying to take Tomoe's hands off her. "Why do you ask?"

"It's just that most of the girls are wondering… if you've ever fallen in love," Tomoe said with a mischievous smile. "Because by the way you treat our Natsume… we thought… you might be…"

"…Be?"

"Lesbian."

Awkward silence engulfed the room.

I wasn't sure if Mikan's blank look at Tomoe was a good sign but I was aware Tomoe had no clue whatsoever that Mikan was about to explode. I began to make a mental countdown in my mind. Five, four, three, two...

"WHAT!" Mikan shrieked after standing up. "WHO THE HELL GAVE YOU THAT IDEA?"

"Mikan, chill out," I said, pushing Mikan back to the bed and sat next to her. I looked at Tomoe who was sitting in my place with Sunako. I winked at Tomoe, telling her not to worry as I patted Mikan's back trying to calm her down. "Tomoe was just asking. Besides, there's nothing wrong being a lesbian."

"I know that! I have nothing against them… But if my mom is watching this show, I'm dead." Mikan explained while shaking my shoulders. "My mom's ultimate wish is for me to give her grandchildren as soon as possible. Her heart will be shattered if she learned her only child is a lesbian!"

I smacked Mikan's hand away so she would stop shaking me to death. "Don't worry; I believe your mom knows you're straight and there is such a thing as adoption."

"You know, I have this feeling you guys seem to know each other for a long time," Sunako noted with hint of curiosity in her tone after Mikan quieted down.

"Yeah," Tomoe said, nodding her head in agreement. "Even though you previously told us you first met at the beginning of the show, you guys seem to know each other pretty well."

I guess they weren't that dense after all.

On our first night as roommates, Mikan asked me if it was alright if I could say nothing about her studying at the Alice Academy or that we were classmates back in elementary and high school. Mikan didn't want the other girls to know she knew Natsume personally.

"Nah." Mikan and I said together.

"I guess being roommates made you guys closer." Sunako said, not realizing she gave us a perfect excuse.

"You're right." Mikan said.

"Absolutely!" I concurred.

"But Mikan, have you fallen in love?" Tomoe asked again. "Even just once?"

"Yeah Mikan, you're the only one who hasn't talked about your previous boyfriend."

"Not true! Sumire hasn't shared anything yet!"

"Hey, don't switch the subject, Mikan! They're talking about your love life, not mine."

"If I'm going to say anything about my love life, you have to say something about yours, Sumire!"

My heart began to pound. From day one, Mikan was very curious why Koko and I broke up. Mikan had tried everything to find out the reason but just like the others who were trying to find out why I called it quits with the famous tennis star, I told her I didn't want to talk about it. It was too personal.

But… I also had a job to do.

"What do you want to know?" I asked quietly, directing the question at Mikan only. Mikan had no idea this conversation was very important to me and if I had to talk about Koko to get information, then so be it, because if I didn't… I'd be in deep trouble. "But you have to promise me that you'll tell us who the first guy you fell in love was." I said, challenging Mikan.

"Fine." Mikan said with reluctance. "Why did you and Kokoroyomi break up?"

The two girls shot a surprised look at Mikan because only very, very, very close friends of the famous tennis star call him Kokoroyomi… but of course Mikan didn't know that.

"Koko didn't want to get married. I thought it was alright with me but in the end… like every girl out there, I wanted to experience getting married in a church," I said with a sad smile.

"Sumire… I'm sor-"

I raised my hand to stop Mikan from finishing off her sentence. "-Don't you dare apologize!" I quickly said. "Now you know the reason and so does half of Japan, can we go to the most intriguing love story? It's your time to confess Mikan."

Mikan rolled her eyes at me.

"Oh come on, Mikan. Tell us." Tomoe pleaded.

"Yeah Mikan, please!"

"Fine!" Mikan said raising both of her hands in defeat. "I'm just going to say this once and if I hear anyone of you guys blab it out, I'll choke you to death."

Tomoe and Sunako snapped their heads at me, to see if Mikan was just joking.

"Don't listen to that crazy woman." I said, chuckling. "So what's the dude's name?"

Mikan rolled her eyes at me. "I don't want to mention the… guy's name because his ego might explode if he knew I was talking about him on national television." Sunako and Tomoe just laughed, silently agreeing while I gave Mikan a gentle smile probing her to continue. We all found a comfortable spot and waited for Mikan to continue. "Let's just call him… Mr. Jerk." Mikan said with a smirk. "The first time I met Mr. Jerk was way back in elementary-"

"How cute! Childhood love!"

"I love childhood love!"

"Can we just listen to the story without interruption?" I told Sunako and Tomoe.

"Like I was saying," Mikan continued. "Mr. Jerk was my classmate since elementary all the way to high school. There was never a day that passed where we would not fight. Mr. Jerk was the most arrogant, selfish, annoying, pig-headed, perverted, and egotistical man I ever met in my whole life! He thought the world revolved around him. He walked around the school as if he owned it! The whole student body was either scared or amazed by the stupid jerk! Even the teachers didn't dare to mess with him! He always got top grades on every test when he only came to class whenever he wanted while me-" Mikan pointed to herself. "-who studied almost every night and went to sleep very late always got average scores! It was so unfair!"

I was about to tell Mikan that her voice was beginning to get louder and louder but then her face suddenly changed.

"But even if he was the most arrogant, selfish, annoying, pig-headed, perverted, and egotistical man who claimed the world revolved around him," Mikan said somberly, "Mr. Jerk never failed to make me smile. He knew what to do to cheer me up. He protected me when people tried to take advantage of me. He would get into fights if someone else called me vulgar names. He patiently helped me to understand those math quizzes and would always called me on my cell phone to make sure I was studying for the exams and not falling asleep. It wasn't hard to fall in love with Mr. Jerk. The only thing what I couldn't understand was… how can you hate someone so much, but still love them?" Mikan asked, with a small sad laugh. "I thought everything was alright between us. After my first kiss with Mr. Jerk in sophomore year, I thought we were a couple. Even though we didn't tell each other the three letter words… I thought of him as my first boyfriend."

"But Mikan," Tomoe said, hesitating a little. "Was there anyone who tried to court you?"

"There was," I said laughing, remembering the boys who tried to court Mikan but had no chance because of Natsume secret interference.

"How did you know?" Sunako asked.

Oops. I glanced at Mikan who had an amused look on her face. "Just a guess," I said, laughing. "Continue with your story, Mikan."

Mikan just shook her head at me. "In our fourth year, he promised he'd study at the same university I'd be going to. Everything was going smoothly between Mr. Jerk and me. We continued to act like we usually did, which is why only our close friends knew about my real status with Mr. Jerk… and then graduation day came. After the graduation ceremony, he asked me if I could meet up with him around 8pm at the usual park we went to."

Flashback

Friday, 9:48pm

Mikan's POV

"I'll be studying at the Harvard University."

The smile that I had held for the whole day dropped. I immediately stopped swinging. "What are you talking about?" I asked, playfully hitting him on the shoulder. "No, you're not. You said that you'd follow me to any school to make sure you'd be the only annoying creature in my life."

"Well, I decided to change my mind, idiot," he answered and began to leave.

"Wait!" I shouted, getting off the swing. "What's wrong? You're acting like a real jerk right now!"

"Well, wasn't I a jerk in your eyes since elementary?" He retorted. He didn't turn around to face me, but he still stopped.

"I don't understand…" My eyes began to water. "I studied… I got the scholarship… I did what I had to do to get into that University and now you're…"

"You're such an idiot," he said huffing. "Like I said before, I'm surprised idiots like you got into the university, but I'm still studying at Harvard. Don't worry idiot, isn't your best friend studying with yo-"

"-She isn't." I told him quietly. For some reason this made him look at me.

"What?" He asked, confused. "When did she tell you?"

"She told me three days ago… I was sad at first but I didn't stop her because I knew… you'd be with me. But I guess jerks like you never change nor know how to keep a promise," I forced out.

His face suddenly became hard and began to walk away from me. "Whatever idiot, you're old enough to be alone."

"What if I tell you not to leave me?" I didn't shout it out, but I guess he heard me because he stood still. "Stay…"

"Who are you to ask me that question, idiot?" he asked, facing me and looking straight into my eyes: "You're not even my girlfriend."

My heart went numb. I had to take three long deep breaths to steady myself and to force the tears that threatened to fall to stay put.

"Or did you think you were, idiot?" he asked, mocking. "You did."

Clutching both of my fist tightly, I took one more deep breath and prayed to the gods that I would have enough strength to leave the jerk in one piece, because my mind was already coming up with 50 situations of how to murder the jerk! "I'm such an idiot." I said, trying to smile brightly. "You're right; it was selfish of me to ask you if you could stay when I was under the delusion that I was your girlfriend. I was overly presumptuous to think we were in love. I'm sorry." I bowed to him and left as fast as I could.

End of Flashback

"I thought the happiness I was feeling that specific day would never end," I said half-smiling. "But he robbed it away from me. I came back to my house and told myself I wasn't going to cry a river over a jerk like him. I never told my parents or my best friend what happened that night. I didn't want to bother them about my problem."

"Aw, you went to college hear broken, didn't you Mikan?' Sunako said with misty tears in her eyes. "Did your best friend ever find out about what the jerk did to you?"

"Yes, my heart wasn't intact," I confessed, hugging one of my small pillows, "which is why I was a mess in my first semester at college. I did stupid things, made stupid decisions, and said stupid statements back then. I would have actually lost my scholarship if it wasn't for my best friend and her grand awakening slap."

Sunako and Tomoe gave Sumire a weird look when she suddenly chuckled.

"Sorry." Sumire said.

"So what happened after your best friend came?" Tomoe asked.

"Well, after telling me that I was an idiot for making a stupid man like Mr. Jerk ruin my life, she decided to transfer schools and study with me. My best friend became a great help and all the other jerks who were bothering me never attempted to talk to me again. I was jerk-free for almost four years." I said, smiling. "Gradually, my heart began to heal. When I began dating again, I didn't feel awkward with the men my best friend approved of or felt any pain when someone would mention Mr. Jerk… but then I met Mr. Jerk again."

"What?" Tomoe and Sunako exclaimed together.

"You saw Nats- I mean Mr. Jerk?" Sumire said, surprised. "The nerve of that stupid jerk!"

"Yup, I saw him at the old coffee shop where we used to hang out."

"And what did you do?" Sumire asked.

"After he said hi, I poured coffee over his shirt." I said laughing with the girls. "It's quite funny when I recall it."

"So what happened next?"

My laughter died down and I sighed. "No matter how much I despised Mr. Jerk, I wasn't going to run away from him. Every 4pm, I would always see him at the café and he would always approach my table even though I told him to stay away from me. I found out he was here in Japan for only two months. It was harmless at the beginning, because we acted as if we were just two high school friends. I didn't tell my best friend because I knew she'd kill Mr. Jerk for hurting me and then strangle me for entertain the man who hurt me. I should have listened to her," I said, sighing again. "One morning, I found myself falling for him all over again. This time, I told him I couldn't see him anymore because I didn't want to go through the same pain again caused by the same man."

Flashback

One Tuesday Evening, at the old park

"Stay… with… me… Mikan."

I was about to leave him when he grabbed my right hand and held it tightly. I tried to pull it away because every second I stayed with him, I could feel the wall I put around my heart chipping away. I had to be strong. "Don't say something like that jerk, you were never good at jokes," I pretended to laugh.

"I love you."

I stopped struggling at once. The three words I longed to hear from him… he finally said it. "I don't think you know what that words mean," I said slowly. My voice was starting to crack. "Don't say things when you don't know their significan-" I wasn't able to continue because he hugged me tightly from behind. I stood there, immobile; I was afraid it was all a dream.

"I thought I could forget you… I thought you were nothing to me… but I was wrong."

This had to be a dream. He couldn't be saying all these things in one night… in one goddamn night! "Don't do this to me," I whispered. "You broke my heart once and it took me almost forever to get over you."

"Don't leave me… I need you."

The tears I tried to suppress were growing to be unbearable. I flung myself in his arms and began to cry: "I hate you! I hate you!" I said, hitting him on the chest. "It was so easy for you to walk away from me but why is it that I can't resist you, you stupid jerk."

End of Flashback

"You guys got back together again?" Sunako asked, sniffing.

I looked at Sumire and saw that she was quickly wiping her eyes. "Yes," I said gently. "For one week, I felt how it was to be the official girlfriend of Mr. Jerk. When it was time for Mr. Jerk to return, he convinced me to come with him. "

"But if you guys got together, what made you guys break up?" Tomoe asked.

"He-" I was interrupted by a worried red-haired woman.

"Sunako, Tomoe! Quick! Your roommates told me to tell you guys to return to your rooms now!" Haruka said, waving to them to follow her. "I forgot that we're not allowed to be outside of our rooms past one in the morning."

Haruka was one of those girls I felt slightly comfortable with. Her father was a wealthy real-estate proprietor, who was famous here and abroad. But unlike the other girls, she wasn't a devout worshiper of the jerk. However, she still was fanatic whenever Natsume would either hold her hand or make eye contact with her. But despite being a fanatic, she was one of the brightest girls here. Everyone adored Haruka and her intelligence.

"Wait, Mikan hasn't finished her story yet."

"It's the best part, Haruka!"

"Well," Harka said, crossing her arms. "It's up to you but if you get caught, you guys get disqualified immediately." At once, the two girls left our room. Haruka smiled at me and bowed before closing the door.

I chuckled and looked at Sumire. I was about to say something to Sumire but she looked liked if she was going to murder the door. "Sumire, are you alrig-"

"I WAS THIS CLOSE!!!"

Okay, Sumire officially scares me. I haven't seen that scary face since we were back in first year high school. "What wrong, Sumire?"

Sumire turned her scary face towards me. "I'm guessing you're not going to continue your tragic love story."

"How did you ever guess?" I replied; my voice dripped with sarcasm and I prepared to go to sleep. "I'll probably tell you some other time."

"What happened to you guys, Mikan?"

I got up from my bed and turned off all the light. The only light on was the lampshade beside my bed. After saying a few prayers, I saw Sumire still waiting for my answer. "Good night, Sumire." I said softly and turned off the lamp.

While waiting for sleep engulf me, I remembered what Sumire said about Koko.

"Koko didn't want to get married. I thought it was alright with me but in the end… like every girl out there, I wanted to experience getting married in a church."

Stupid Koko! Didn't he know Sumire loved him? Stupid men when it comes to love and commitment!

"Mikan… can't you tell me?"

"We both decided to grow up," I answered softly.

Hotaru

"We both decided to grow up."

"That's it?"

"Yes and she didn't say anything else."

"I see. It's okay. Just call me immediately if you find out anything else."

"Hotaru… do you think Mikan will get mad at us if she finds out-"

"-She won't! Just make sure you don't tell anyone, alright?" I said, turning off the phone and began to rub my temple. In an hour, I would be having a one on one interview with Times Tokyo about the reality show I was producing. The Bachelor was now the most watched show every Saturday and Sunday: even if it was on the late time slot, the T.V ratings were sky high. It seemed as if the whole country was watching the show. It wasn't only successful here in Japan, but internationally too. Many cable subscribers have subscribing to I Channel. Currently, it was also the most talked about and searched show on the Internet and elsewhere. Fan bases were quite huge and some bets were emerging on who'd be the lucky girl. Many wondered which girl would Natsume Hyuuga marry and what was the real score between him and Mikan Sakura.

"Ms. Imai, I'm sorry to disturb you but Mr. Yome Kokoro has been very ardent in seeing you."

It was my secretary and she knew that she was only to buzz me when it was really important. "Tell him I'll see him tomorrow-"

"HOTARU IMAI! YOU BETTER GIVE ME PERMISSION TO ENTER YOUR GODDAMN ROOM!"

I had a feeling that if it wasn't for the intercom, I would have spit all over my face. "Please send the barbaric man to my office Mrs. Masomoto. He might kill us with his mighty He-Man tennis club if we don't let him in." I said dryly. Within a mere second, the door opened. "Don't you even dare think of slamming my precious door Kokoro, if you do, I won't hesitate in billing you." I told him, watching like a hawk as he swiftly approached my desk. "What do you want?"

"Why is she still there?"

"Who?"

"You know who!"

"If I knew who were talking about I wouldn't be asking you stupid fool."

"Yes you would," Koko retorted back. "Now, why is she still there?!"

I leaned back to my chair and looked at Koko icily. "If you don't tell me who were talking about Koko, I'll personally hand you over to our security and forever ban you from this building," I warned him in a low tone. "I do not like to waste my time. Now, who are we talking about?"

"Sumire," Koko answered through clenched teeth.

"Oh her," I said innocently. "What about her?"

Koko bit his left thumb, a habit of his when his frustrated. "There are only few more girls left, why is Sumire still inside the house?" He asked, sitting down on the chair.

"How should I know," I said, shrugging. "I'm not the bachelor, Natsume is."

"Well… if Natsume was the one really picking which girl is to leave, Sumire should have been gone by now."

"And what made you come with that stupid conclusion?"

"Because A. I've been friends with Natsume and B. It's Natsume Hyuuga," he stressed out. "Natsume doesn't like Sumire."

"That was high school, Koko." I said, rolling my eyes at him. "Besides, what's it to you if she's still inside the house, you guys broke up, remember? Sumire is technically not your girlfriend anymore."

"But Sumire told me the show is rig-"

"Shut it Koko!" I snapped. "I allowed Sumire to tell you the truth about the show but if you ever mention it out loud, I will have to secretly kill you."

"Why couldn't you just go and ask them?" Koko grumbled, "I bet Ruka and Mikan wouldn't hesitate to tell you."

"I do not know why I am surrounded by idiotic people." I said, sighing. "Do you think I would waste my time, money, and energy if I could have just asked them? Of course I've asked Mikan! The idiot won't talk no matter what threats or bribes I give her, she isn't confessing."

"And Ruka?"

"He won't even tell Ruka." I replied, waving my hand absent-mindedly. "Natsume and Mikan must have taken a vow of thou shall not speak."

"So what's the next step, oh great one?" Koko asked sarcastically.

"Since Natsume is acting and being a jerk as I expected he'd be, I've decided to send in my first minion."

"Who?"

"Well," I said, picking up one of the surveys regarding the show my people did for almost a week. I had asked them to conduct a survey on what they audience think and wish to find out about the show. "85% of the T.V audience wants to see if Natsume has a jealous side."

"Oh that would be easy. Just pay someone to act like he likes Mikan."

"Stupid, it can't just be any ordinary person," I told Koko. "It has to be someone special that will make him activate his jealousy."

'And how are you going to do tha-" Koko stopped talking, when he saw me evilly smiling. "Wait… you're not… Hotaru!"

"Yes… I am."

"No you can't! He'll kill you once he gets out. Don't you remember what Natsume did to him after he saw him kissing Mikan back in high school?!"

I gave an evil chuckle and ignored Koko. "Perhaps with his visit, the audience will get their question answered."

Natsume Hyuuga, let's really see how "dead" your feelings are for Mikan.

To Be Continued

AN:

Finally! I've update! Yippe! The only problem is… I don't know when I'll be able to update again. When you start working, you'll understand. Hahaha.

I would also like to answer the question I've been getting nowadays if this story will be my last… Yup, it will be. I was planning S.I.F.Y to be the last one and forget about this… but due to certain death threats… I've decided to continue. lol.

Even though it might take me another month to update, I can assure you it will be a long chapter.

Thank you for reading this chapter and hoping you'll leave me a review.

-Krissy