DISCLAIMER:
We
know we do not own this glorious anime – but we do own most
of
the story…
-O-
Red
Card
—Written
by: FairyPrincess0326—
"Ouch!" Natsume yelled.
"Hmp! That's what you get for doing that!" Mikan said, crossing her arms.
"Well didn't you think that was a little cruel?!" Natsume defended.
Mikan's mouth was wide open in shock. "Excuse me! Forcing me to be your girlfriend was already cruel-er than that!"
"Hn."
In her thoughts, Mikan sighed.
I still have a long way to go before I get used to this…
-O-
FOURTH
CHAPTER
Apologies
from Heaven to Hell
-O-
Both of them drove to school in silence. Mikan was staring out the window her chin resting on her palm. Right now, many things are lingering in her mind. She even thinks, she looks definitely older than before, she was always thinking about things, her problems, Hotaru, and especially the matter with Hyuuga.
She sighed lightly even she feels somewhat heavy. She was wrought-up; but more on nervous maybe. Well, who wouldn´t. She had gotten herself into a miserable state, she never thought that dealing with this young bachelor is more of a cyclone, but a hurricane! Her head twirled and twirled faster as they went nearer to hell. There were a lot of things to worry about—
The crazed fan girls ready to attack her the moment she sees her stepping out of his car.
That stupid bet.
Hotaru.
Mikan stiffened a bit. She didn't really need to remember Hotaru at all. Suddenly, everything that happened yesterday came back to her clearly. The arguments, Hotaru´s advice, and all her counterback. Awfully horrible, exactly! Mikan sighed again desperately.
At the corner of his crimson eyes, Natsume Hyuuga had watched the brunette. Sure, she might look as strong, as tough and hard as elephant tusk but she was only human—as fragile and breakable as anyone else. Natsume closed his eyes and looked away.
Is he worrying about her?
What is this? IS he losing the bet now? No way, he, infamous for being a playboy and leader of F4 will not fall in love in some geeky-looking, klutz, with immeasurable bravery girl, -wait- brave? Did he just mention brave? Natsume unintentionally shook his head sideways, this is getting unto him. He is not liking it single bit.
The enormous gates of the academy opened casually for the prince. As usual, his crowd cheered for him. Geez, nobody really needed high-pitched screaming early in the morning but you can´t do nothing, that´s normal.
Natsume opened the door of his car and stepped out; the screaming got louder, and Louder, and LOUDER.
Inside, Mikan let out another sigh—this time louder than the previous two. Frankly, she never wanted to get out again. But of course, she could always have her options. She could always run for her life and never show her face again or get out of the car and fly to the moon or—Mikan rolled her eyes on the thought—she could accept the fact that she was his girlfriend.
Lightly, the door beside her opened. Mikan felt tensed that her heartbeat aroused from itś seized the opportunity to give a loud nervous scoff, at least to ease her tension. Meanwhile, a sinister smirk was crept against the Hyuuga´s lips, it was mysterious and very amusing.
"Are you going to stay there forever?" he asked in his usual tone as her heart raced faster than before. Like seeing him for the very first time, her weakening arms slowly raised reaching for his, yet she bring them down again. She´s afraid, very much afraid.
Mikan looked at his smirking face and then looked away when Natsume stepped backwards, leaving the door wide open. Letting these gossippers peek inside, unlike Mikan they were curious, like a photojournalist, with a nose for news.
Mikan, taking a deep breath, opened the door wider and stepped out. Everyone felt silent as she exit the car; her head staring at the ground. Everything after that stopped—the screaming, her breathing and time.
Mikan tilted her head, curious to see the girls' expressions. She actually expected something more elaborated and inevitable—girls staring at her with evil eyes—but no, they weren't. Each and every one of them had their jaws locked open, wide eye following Mikan's every move.
The brunette quickly glared at the raven-haired boy beside her. She could have sworn she saw something on that godlike face—either a smirk or a grin. But Natsume's face was calm and composed. It showed no emotion at all. His lips were pursed and his eyes were showing nothing but pure dullness yet she can see, the excitement present in there. She silently gritted her teeth and thought for awhile, Is that excitement in him will lose her to the bet?
Mikan cursed under her breath and was ready to stomp away when a warm hand caught hers. Quickly, she turned around seeing Natsume looking at her, still wearing that emotionless mask. She was surprised by his sudden act but didn´t visible under her clueless and questioning eyes.
What the—?! What is he thinking?! Is he making my life even worse than it is now?!
Mikan opened her mouth, trying to say something when Natsume turned away from her and started walking towards the building. She swallowed hard and turn to his fangirls. They seemed to be calm as if what they witnessed is just normal. But some couldn´t just control there talkative mouths as their whisper against each other and Mikan is irritated with all of this. Whatever Natsume's devilish plan was, it worked.
"Where are you going?!" she growled in frustration catching up on Natsume before everything turns upside down, little she don´t know, it made the thing all worse. The whispers were now audible to her, and she was feeling a bit dizzy with all of these.
This time, Natsume grinned as he walked comfortably, satisfied that his scheme worked.
Mikan pulled her hand hard that it almost hurt from his tight hold. He just hold her hand the time she caught up with him, and she didn´t like that idea of his, it´s intruguing for those whores and it´s plain like that.
"You stupid, insensitive freak!" she yelled without much control. Her thin patience broke. The only patience she had.
Gasps were heard everywhere. She must've said it so loud and audible for everyone to hear. Her hands froze like ice. And once again, her world stops.
Dead. Dead, dead!
Mikan groaned, tightening her balled fists. Her sight blurred with tears that is starting to form. No. Please, tears, don't fall off yet! she pleaded, but it was no use. Her heart felt like it has gained holes now. She felt her hairs started to stand, she trembled but she remained stiff. She wanted to run but it seems her feet are glued on the ground.
Murmurs began to fill the air, until somebody break the thick silence hanging in the air. ¨How dare you say that?¨ a fan girl errupted and soon each fan girl give their side and defended their prince. Mikan stilled there not making any move. Her head is turned down and she was silently crying.
¨Enough. Sakura you better watch your words.¨ Natsume sounds threatening though he don´t intentionally mean it.
Mikan bit her lip hard and stared at him in great anger but suddenly her lips quivered into a thin line and ran in whichever direction her feet led to. Natsume looked away. He wasn't guilty, he repeated to himself. But after a while, he looked to the direction the girl ran off to with the tiniest hint of worry in his blood-red pools appeared. He thought for awhile after that.
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Making all girls fall in love with him, what crap!
Mikan punched the trunk of the tree lightly; stupidly realizing she was in the very place where she first met him. She stared at the poor tree in pure disgust while wiping the tears that fall of her face. That tree always reminded her a bunch of arrogance present on the genes of that jerk.
"So that must've been his diabolical plan all along," Mikan thought aloud. "I should've known he was up to something the moment I saw his ugly face this morning!"
Ugly, yeah right. But then she thought ugly doesn´t suit him alone. Ugly and evil. Perfect!
Mikan buried her face in her hands. This was great, now everyone hated her!
In the distance, she heard a twig break. Mikan didn't dare turn around, gritting her teeth angrily at the thought that it was Natsume.
"That wasn't a very wise thing to do," a familiar said, in a bored tone—Hotaru.
The brunette slowly turned around, waiting for her to say something like, "…and I hate you for that," or "I'm not on your side now," and then walks away. She held her breath in preparation, but nothing like that went next.
"Nothing's following after that," Hotaru said flatly, as if reading her mind.
Mikan let herself breathe upon hearing that—she was relieved, but still hesitant. "You're not mad at me?" she asked in almost a whisper.
"No," she said immediately, as if it was a reflex action. "Frustrated, yes."
Mikan said nothing after that. She had every right to be frustrated at her.
"What are you going to do now?" That was a sudden question.
"I don't know," Mikan said in a hoarse voice.
Both were silent for a while and Mikan's thoughts drifted far, far away. She could actually just skip 'till it was the end of the day and rebel; then she gets kicked out of school and would never, ever have to face Natsume again. For once, she didn't care if her father loses his job! He could just get another and when they have gained much, they could fly off to America or somewhere far, far from Natsume! Far from everyone! She smiled lightly at the thought of it.
"I don't know what you're thinking," Hotaru said, finally breaking the silence. "but I could guess it won't do you any good."
Mikan looked at her best friend with a questionable expression. Can Hotaru read minds now? What the---
Hotaru sighed. "I'm saying don't turn your back and keep fighting."
It took moments before Mikan could absorb that, but she did. "I guess you're right. I pulled myself into this mess."
"Stupid mouth," she muttered to herself.
At that, Hotaru turned around dusting her skirt.
"Where are you going?" Mikan asked innocently.
Hotaru rolled her eyes. "To class."
Mikan nodded and followed her to the building. When they got there, their teacher was already explaining something about their assignment last night. Mikan tiptoed to her seat, while Hotaru stayed calm.
"Sakura! Imai!" the teacher said, obviously noticing Mikan's actions.
Everyone turned to them, but mostly Mikan. The girls were shooting painful glares at her and she could feel that the wholes were coming back.
"Principal's office after class," he said flatly, then turning back to what the class were doing before they arrived.
Mikan still felt sad—and angry—but at least someone was partially at her side.
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Mikan shivered before opening the cafeteria door, Hotaru is trailing after her. Noticing this, she rolled her eyes and opened the door instead. Inside, everyone stopped what they were doing at the sight of Mikan. Obviously, things didn't evaporate as fast as she wished they would. Mikan walked in an awkward way, avoiding the stares. She wasn't sure if Hotaru still walked silently behind her, but for a moment, she didn't care. She didn't want to pull Hotaru in this kind of mess.
After buying her lunch, she scanned the place, looking for a free seat. Of course, everyone made it look that everything was occupied; this was a school for the rich, for god's sake! Everyone was spoiled and were used to having things their own way.
Suddenly, someone stood up from some distance. She was glaring at Mikan. She would've been pretty, if it wasn't for her expression.
She walked in a cat-like figure, her legs crossed in every step and her long, curly gold hair swayed naturally on her back. She stopped in front of Mikan, her critical eyes examining her.
"You're not very pretty," she said, her emerald-green eyes looking at her more. "In fact, you're not pretty at all."
Mikan snorted. "Thanks for the insult."
The blond girl smiled sourly. "You're welcome."
Then two stared at each other for a while, when the girl spoke again. "That wasn't very nice of you a while ago."
Mikan just rolled her eyes and started to turn away when a strong force pulled her back, causing her lunch to spill.
"Look," the girl said, her expression filled with fury. "I don't know what the heck Natsume saw in you, but I'm not buying it, you beast!"
Before she knew it, the girl was already pulling her hair hard and Mikan was screaming in pain.
"Shizuka!" a low, but loud voice called angrily.
Shizuka stopped and slowly let go of Mikan as if she intenionally wanting Natsume to see her torturing her so-called beast that actually humiliated him this morning. She bit her upper lip seductively acting like she never done anything. She stared at Natsume gleefully but diverted her gaze to the standing Sakura scornfully for stared back at her in disgust,
Natsume quickly approached Mikan. He don´t know why, but he felt he is obliged to do. He is her boyfriend anyway.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly as Shizuka gasped as well as the others.
¨I can´t believe, you prefer that kind of girl better than me. She´s a beast, Natsume-kun¨ Shizuka purred, her newly manicured nails were traveling down his shoulder.
Natsume shrugged her off, ¨You look more of a beast.¨
Shizuka was taken aback and glared at him, ¨Don´t humiliate me here. We will talk later.¨ and with that she snatch her bag on her previous chair and walked through the door; a loud bang was heard after she left.
Natsume glared at everyone, as they gulped and resume in their business. He told his peers to reserve them seats as he turn to Mikan, ¨Are you okay?¨
Mikan didn't look at him and this somehow caused him pain. One of her ribbons was laid on the floor and the other was about to drop off. Her brown hair covered her face as she looked away and that didn't pretty much help in seeing her expression.
Natsume looked at Mikan again, his eyebrows creased together. "Are you okay?" he asked again in a softer tone.
Mikan, still, didn't answer.
Natsume took her wrist and pulled her away. Mikan couldn't care less what he'd done and she let herself follow freely in his direction.
Once they were far enough from the cafeteria, he let go of the brunette and eyed her again.
"Hey…"
Mikan sniffed. She was crying—figures.
"I…" Natsume started. He didn't really know how to make out the words. "I'm sorry."
This time, Mikan looked at him, her eyes confused. "Sorry?" she almost vomited the words out. "How can you be sorry?!"
Natsume flinched. This never was part of his plan.
"Look, I am doing this for my family! So I want to let you know…" she trailed off. "I'm winning the bet, I'm never falling in love with you!"
Mikan quickly wiped her tears away and stuck her tongue out at him.
At that, she turned around, composing every part of her. Crying? No, she was not going to cry! Not for this guy, not for anyone!
Somehow, this quotation might best fit her situation now. 'It was heaven right smack in the middle of hell.'
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When the F4 enter the club they were checking out, Natsume squinted sideways, seeing a portion where he loves to sit in and relax. He smirk at the thought of being drunk once again. In the club, were people dancing under that disco light, couples´ making out, men drinking beers, and sexy girls; The best place, thought Yuu.
You could never thought, this genius-looking boy would hang around such places, but yeah, he is doing it right now. Yuu glance at Natsume, is he out of mind?
¨Over there.¨ Ruka pointed to four vacant seats just reserved for them. Another night, another meeting.
As they seated, Koko turned to the waiter and asked for beers. He turned to Natsume,"How many cases?¨
¨One." was his terse reply startling the other three, cause usually Natsume will always answer four or five but---
¨Sure?¨ Koko asked again in disbelief.
¨Are you questioning me?¨ he glared menacingly as Koko nodded nervously turning back to the waiter, ¨Give us one.¨
¨Immediately, sir.¨ and the waiter walked away.
- -
¨What are we supposed to do here?¨ Natsume asked in a bored tone, having another gulp of his beer. Ruka look at him with a questioning look. Koko, stared at him in disbelief, and Yuu, surveyed him from head to toe.
¨What?¨ his brows met noticing the odd behavior of the three.
¨Do you have a fever?¨ Koko said worriedly.
¨Are you out of mind?¨ questioned Yuu.
¨It´s not typhical for you, Natsume. You were always the one dragging us here, and we can´t believe what we totally see, right now¨ added Ruka.
¨Oh! Was all he could say. He thought for awhile. Mikan appeared from nowhere, and her words linger his mind like a knife. I won´t lose the bet.
"I won´t lose the bet either¨ he thought and sighed.
¨Oh, I have news for you..¨ Koko blurted breaking the silence in them. ¨I just reserved us all tickets for our newly opened beach resort in Okinawa, I just thought this is fun since vacation is nearing.¨
¨That´s boring in Okinawa, Koko. I´ve been there for almost a hundred times.¨ Yuu objected.
¨If you don´t want. That will be fine. But I just want to reassure you that all of your expenses are free, by the way, you can brought girls too but only one for each of us. They are also free in everything.¨ Koko winked.
Natsume stilled and thought deeply. He wanted to apologize to Mikan, he don´t usually do it or let´s say he never apologizes to anybody. But he thought he touch her pride. And it was never, really a part of his plan.
¨Sure, Koko. I´ll be there. I guess I´m free at summer vacation.¨Ruka smiled as Yuu stared at Ruka in astonishment. Ruka had been to Okinawa ten more times than he went there, and he thought Ruka was doing this not to dissapoint Koko.
¨I´m in.¨ A muffled voice said behind them. It was Natsume yawning at their sight.
¨I guess..I have to be there too..¨ Yuu sighed in defeat.
¨Okay. Get ready guys, We´re about to travel in Okinawa again. We´ll be there after the last day of classes for summer vacation!¨ Koko cheered.
The other three nodded in return.
Natsume on the other hand, thought something great again. He will make sure, that the apologize thing will surely hit Mikan a big mark. He smirk in a sinister way.
Mikan will pay for making him worry...
-end of chapter-
So there, we have finished the chapter for all of you. We made it longer and a bit playful so we hope you will appreciate it. You can actually bombard us with your blames and all because of the long update but we all know, we are both busy. Our great apology, Faye-chan and Cessie-chan are very sorry for the long wait. We are excited to hear your comments about the chapter.
So there you go, and happy reading!
- FairyPrincess0326 ( The realistic duo)
