Disclaimer: I'm not claiming it…

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Summary: Natsume Hyuuga, 17 yrs. old is one the world's richest person and is heir to a world renowned business corporation. He's a genius and he's the country's hottest bachelor. You can say he already has everything, too bad he doesn't. His father, who wants to find the perfect girl for him, sponsors a beauty pageant open to all girls who are interested. What's this? Natsume is a judge and he doesn't know what his dad has in stored for him.

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Chapter 4 Meet the Judges

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"So we have a deal then?" Mikan was enjoying watching her friends loose their composure. "I'll be joining that pageant only if I get to be 'nerd girl'."

Ana and Nonoko were still choking on their drinks. Hotaru was the first to regain her calmness.

"You're in no position to impose conditions seeing as you're the one who lost." Hotaru said as she wiped tea she spilled off the table.

"Maybe you should have thought of that before you agreed to it." Mikan said still smirking.

"-cough- -cough- That's unfair Mikan you're not allowed to do that" Ana said as she patted Nonoko's back. "And we never agreed to it. We merely asked you what the condition was."

"Hmm… You're right I shouldn't go on giving conditions like that seeing as I lost fair and square. I'd do what you say without a condition." Mikan said pretending to surrender.

Hotaru, however, was not convinced. "You'd go as yourself then?"

"No." Mikan replied flatly.

Ana and Nonoko's eyebrows twitched in annoyance. "But you said you'd do as we say without any conditions. Be a sport Mikan."

Mikan just smiled at them. "I am gonna do what you told me to do."

"What are you implying Mikan?" Hotaru asked. She noticed that Mikan was up to something.

"Well…" Mikan started.

"Well…? What?" her friends were definitely getting irritated.

"Well, you told to join the pageant right?" Hotaru raised an eyebrow at her. "I am joining but I'm joining as 'nerd girl'. It's not a condition because I'm merely informing you, not asking for your permission. I think it's still fair and it's not against any rule because you're the one who failed to be specific with my punishment. You told me to join but you never said anything about how I was gonna be put through to it"

"That's not fair," Ana whined.

"It is. You just think it's not fair. I am still gonna be subjected to your choice of punishment." Mikan looked at them with a confident smirk on her face. "It's just that it won't be the way you imagined me to do it."

'What are you up to Mikan?' Hotaru looked at Mikan. She knew it would be useless to argue. After all, Mikan had a point. They were too confident in their plan that they didn't think that there would be a downside once they finally convince her to join. They had obviously underestimated her.

"You know, you could still change my punishment but it has to be unrelated to the pageant if you change it." Mikan said as she glanced at Hotaru. "Why don't you guys talk about it while I go get some food?"

Mikan stood up and left the table with a satisfied smile. She knew Hotaru was up to something, ever since the time they saw the magazine Luna was showing off. It was a good thing she thought quickly. She thought of a counter plan so her friends won't get their way. Even if they get her to join the pageant it would be futile. Mikan smiled inwardly. She just hopes her friends don't suspect her.

-

-

Ruka arrived at the food court. He was still looking for Natsume. He shifted his gaze to all the diners until he finally found what he was looking for. He approached the table only to find his best friend soaking wet.

"Natsume? What happened to you?" Ruka asked worriedly.

"Nothing" Natsume said uninterestedly. He was observing Mikan and her friends.

"What's that smell? Strawberries? I didn't know you preferred fruity scents for perfume." Ruka teased as he sat down. He also removed his 'disguise' seeing as they can't be noticed because of all the people.

Natsume shifted his attention to Ruka. "I don't. It's juice."

"What? No way? Who did that to you?" Ruka asked.

"She did." Natsume said while gazing at Mikan. She just left her table to get some food but before she could get to any stall she has to pass by Natsume's table.

"No way! There's no possible way that a girl would spill juice on you on purpose." Ruka said unbelievingly.

"She didn't spill it on me" Natsume said, still eyeing the approaching figure. "She poured it."

-

'Great. Just great. I have to pass that guy's table again.' The smile that Mikan had was replaced with a scowl when she saw Natsume. 'Just ignore him Mikan. You can do it.'

She increased her pace as she neared his table. 'Only a few more steps and… What the?'

Mikan was almost in the clear when someone grabbed a hold of her wrist and held her back.

"Where do you think you're going little girl?" Mikan turned around only to find Natsume gazing intensely at her. She almost cringed when she saw how serious his eyes looked but decided to keep her head high.

"Duh, this is a food court so I'm probably off to eat." Mikan said as she looked at Natsume's soaked figure. She smirked, "If you want I could get you more juice, my treat."

Natsume's face remained emotionless. Ruka was just watching the two who were right in front of him. He was curious about the girl. 'This girl… I've never seen a girl who acts this way around Natsume. She's pretty cute though.' He blushed at the thought.

"What's your name?" Natsume asked.

"And why should I tell anyone as rude as you my name?" Mikan said irritably. The guy still won't let go of her wrist. If there weren't that many people, she would have unleashed different forms of self defense on him.

Natsume was getting impatient; he's not used to people not listening to him. They always look up to him and treat him with respect. People always do as he says even without him saying anything at all.

Ruka watched his best friend amusedly. Natsume never had trouble with girls before. (except escaping his fan girls, maybe) He wondered if the girl even knew who Natsume was.

"Miss, pardon me but…" Mikan directed her gaze at Ruka. She hadn't noticed him before. He looked kind enough and he seemed more polite so she listened to what he had to say. "Do you by any chance, know who we are?"

"Hmmm? I'm sorry sir but I don't think I've seen you anywhere before." Mikan said as she smiled at Ruka who, of course, blushed. "But I have met this extremely rude person sitting in front of you." Mikan glared at Natsume.

Ruka was surprised to hear that the girl has no idea on who they were.

"Natsume Hyuuga" Natsume said, still not releasing her wrist.

"Huh?" Mikan looked at him confusedly.

"That's his name miss. Now do you know who he is?" Ruka thought that maybe she just has some kind of vision impairment that's why she didn't recognize Natsume. He was so sure that Mikan would finally realize who she was arguing with.

Mikan just shook her head and shrugged. What can she do? She really doesn't know the guy, never heard of him even. She struggled to get her wrist free. Natsume amusedly watch her futile attempt to get free of his hold. He tightened his grip to annoy her more. She's definitely not leaving until she answers his question.

"What do you want from me?" She said. She was getting more irritated by the second.

"Tell me your name." Natsume said calmly.

"LISTEN HERE YOU… WHOEVER YOU ARE…" She was definitely mad. People began staring at the scene.

"I told you my name, didn't I?" Natsume told her listlessly.

"I DON'T CARE WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE, NATSUME HYUUGA BUT I-" the moment Natsume's name was mentioned; all heads were snapped to their direction. Mikan felt awkward. 'What are they staring at?'

'Uh-oh' Ruka thought as he felt the ground tremble slightly.

Natsume's eyes widened. They were definitely in trouble again. Mikan saw this and used it as an opportunity to free her wrist.

"We better leave Natsume." Ruka said as Natsume nodded. In only a few seconds, Natsume and Ruka's fan girls were already making their way toward their direction. Natsume gave a last glance at Mikan before running off with Ruka. Mikan was left there befuddled as she held her wrist. 'What was that all about?'

-

Back at Hotaru's table…

-

Hotaru, Ana and Nonoko were watching Mikan the whole time.

"Whoa, don't tell me that you actually knew that the guy with the hood was the Natsume Hyuuga?" Ana directed the question towards Hotaru who merely nodded in response.

"I knew she wouldn't be able to complete her task and she'd lose the game." Hotaru said calmly.

"Too bad our plan went down the drains. Why'd she want to join as a nerd anyway?" Ana asked no one in particular.

"She's been really fond of dressing up us 'nerd girl' ever since we transferred." Nonoko said.

"You can't blame her. If 'that' happened to me, I'd probably do worse." Ana said sadly, as she looked at Mikan who was buying some food. She remembered an incident that happened in their former school. "That's probably the same reason why she wants to join as 'nerd girl'"

Hotaru shook her head. "'That' maybe the reason why she goes to school dressing as a nerd but it's definitely not the reason she's joining the pageant in the same way."

"What do you mean Hotaru?" Nonoko asked.

'She's trying to outwit us.' Hotaru finally realized what Mikan was trying to do.

"Think about it. If she enters the pageant as 'nerd girl' chances of her passing the elimination are minimal." Hotaru stated.

"I get it," Ana said as she hit her palm with one of her fist.

"Even if she joins, she'll just get eliminated." Realization dawned on the three girls.

"It's as simple as this: if she joins as 'nerd girl' it would be as good as not joining at all which she would prefer." Hotaru concluded.

"What do we do now Hotaru?" Ana waited anxiously for Hotaru's reply.

Hotaru was deep in thought. All she needed was for Mikan to pass the elimination phase. She had to think of a way to get her through even if she were to join with her disguise. This turned out to be a battle of wits between the two friends.

-

Mikan made her way back to their table with a tray of food on hand.

"So have you guys decided on a new punishment?"

"Nope. You're joining that pageant." Hotaru said.

"Fine. But I'm still joining as 'nerd girl'." Mikan said as she pouted.

"Do as you wish." Hotaru said.

Mikan looked at her best friend and smiled. 'So you found out huh. Sorry Hotaru but there's no way I'm joining that pageant.'

Hotaru looked back. 'You'll be joining whether you like it or not. I know what you're planning Mikan. I won't let you be eliminated'

"Fine, but if I get eliminated, promise not to make anymore silly plans behind my back." Mikan said as she sat down.

"Ok but if you don't get eliminated; you'll have to go on with the pageant. You don't have to remove your disguise because I know you wouldn't. I want you to be yourself though." Hotaru said.

"Huh? I don't get it Hotaru. How can Mikan be herself with her disguise on?" Ana asked confusedly.

"I think what Hotaru meant was for Mikan not to change her personality. Like for example, answering the questions honestly and doing her best at the talent portion and stuff like that." Nonoko explained.

"Fine" Mikan answered. 'I'm sure I won't make it pass the elimination anyway'

They ate their lunch in silence. They decided to call it a day for now. The results of the preliminary selection of contestants would be out by next week. If Mikan gets selected, she'll have to meet the judges.

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-

"Ruka, I'm going home now." Natsume said while panting.

"Ok Natsume." Ruka said.

They were finally able to get rid of their horrid fan girls. Ruka and Natsume bid farewell to each other and parted ways. Ruka made his way towards the stall where the application forms for the pageant were being submitted.

"Mr. Hyuuga you're still here?" Ruka entered the said stall.

"Oh Ruka, I was waiting for you. Where's Natsume?" Mr. Hyuuga asked.

"He went home already. What were you waiting for me for?"

"I'm going to introduce the judges to you. We've set a pretty high standard to make the selection easier." Mr. Hyuuga said as he directed Ruka towards a door.

"What's this room?" Ruka wondered.

"This is where the initial selection of candidates will take place. The other judges are already inside." Mr. Hyuuga said as they entered. Inside, four people were already waiting for them. The room was huge. It was like a conference hall used for holding meetings. It had a large table stacked with piles of papers. There were twenty chairs around the table but most of them contained more paper.

"What's with all those papers?" Ruka asked.

"Those were the forms that were submitted for this area. The other forms will be delivered soon so you guys better get started." Mr. Hyuuga said to the judges. "By the way, Ruka I want you to meet the other judges. You may already now some of them because they all work for our company."

Ruka looked at the four people in front of him. Of course he knows all of them. Almost all of them work for the company.

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Judge 1

The first was a man in his mid-20's. He had blond hair and purple eyes. He is one of the executive directors of the Hyuuga Corporation. He insisted himself that he wants to be a judge. He knows the hidden reason behind the pageant and he thinks he has an idea on what Natsume would like in a girl. Mr. Hyuuga didn't think that it would be such a bad idea since he was always his uhm... er... most fashionable executive.

Judge 2

The second one was a man who seems to be in his early 30's. He has a strict and professional look which is probably why he is one of the corporation's top administrators. He is so serious in his work that Mr. Hyuuga thought it would be best for him to have some time for relaxation. He really has no eye for beauty but there's more to beauty than appearances. Mr. Hyuuga believes that having him as a judge would ensure that the winner was not only beautiful, but also smart and civilized. This judge seems to be fond of frogs as he always wears a frog pin.

Judge 3

The third and final judge is a mysterious looking young man clad in an all black outfit. He is Mr. Hyuuga's most loyal adviser. Natsume has an utter dislike for this person. He is sometimes Natsume's personal tutor. He teaches him variedly from business techniques to simple academics. He is to ensure that the next heir of the company won't be a disappointment, according to him. Mr. Hyuuga thinks that it would be great to have him as a judge seeing as he knows a lot about Natsume.

Judge 4/ temporary judge only/ Main host of the Pageant

A young man with russet hair and purple eyes, he is a famous singer and has a lot of experience with these types of events. He is the main host for the pageant but will also help in reviewing the application forms.

(Can you guess who these people are?)

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"You guys better get started before the forms from the other regions arrive." Mr. Hyuuga said as he left the five.

"Yes sir" They all said.

The five judges took their seats and began reading the piles of paper on the table. They were pretty much used to those sorts off things since their jobs involve a lot of paper (From paper work to signing autographs). Each of them had a trashcan beside their seats. They didn't need to review the forms thoroughly. They automatically selected the best in terms of the following: academics, extracurricular activities, talents, organizations joined, contributions to society, hobbies and interests, conduct, and so on. The judges had a long week a head of them. Out of hundreds of thousands of forms they were only to leave a few hundreds. They would then meet those left and finally select twenty contestants.

-

Judges P.O.V.

-

"Hmm… A lot of girls which ones to pick." Judge1 said.

"A lot of these girls are cheerleaders aren't they?" Judge4 noticed.

"Uhm… Hey you haven't selected any of the forms yet. How come? Don't tell me none of them pasts your standards?" Judge1 said to judge3.

Judge3 merely shrugged his shoulders.

Ruka walked over to the other judges. He saw that they weren't having trouble selecting at all. They would just scan the forms and it would end up either in the trashcan or back at the table. If one judge dislikes the form it is automatically thrown away but if it is accepted it still needs to be reviewed by the other judges.

"So far we've reviewed over a thousand forms." Ruka said.

"How many have we accepted then?" Judge1 anxiously asked.

"One" Judge2 replied flatly.

"Luna Koizumi has won more than one prestigious pageant. It says here at she is also the most popular student in her school. Averagely intelligent and extremely talented." Judge4 read one of the forms aloud. "Is she qualified?"

"I guess there are no objections then." Judge2 said as he took the paper and placed it in the pile (if there was one) were the accepted forms were placed.

"Here's a good one. This should pass all of the criteria." Judge1 said happily. "Mikan Sakura, top student of her former and current school. Voted most popular in her previous school, she also received the titles sunniest smile, queen of the dance, best in…" He continued. "She's also a black belt at numerous types of self defense. Her certificates are authentic so I guess we don't have to double check."

All the judges were satisfied with Mikan's record. They can't wait to meet her and the other girls who will be lucky enough (at this rate if there will be any more) to pass the first elimination. Next week their interview would be held. It will definitely be interesting…

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