Something You've Read Before

Chapter Three

Meetings

"H-hello. I'm here to, uhmm, to give you this."

Mikan stopped for a second and began to think the first time Ruka Nogi caught her attention. She remembered meeting his humble presence even though he was a successful student. Ruka aced academics and his charming attitude raised his popularity. Mikan worried a little because she knew popularity meant adversaries also but so far she had not heard news that Ruka took an interest with someone and that gave her hope. Ruka had the perfect prince charming look with his blonde hair, ever-smiling face, and soft voice. He looked impossible to anger.

On the day of Opening Ceremony was the first Mikan saw Ruka. She ran too fast that made her fall and if it was not for Ruka, she might have suffered some serious bruises especially on the face. That was the first interaction they had and from then on Mikan continued being updated about his life. He ran for Vice Presidency and then aimed for Presidency in which he both won. For her, Ruka had no negative side. In her eyes, he was perfect. Ruka was known to be approachable and accommodating and yet here she was, nervous to hell because they had another interaction.

"Oh, the letter. Thanks!" Ruka exclaimed, all smiles. He failed to pay full attention to Mikan because he was busy doing homework when she entered. Mikan stood there, seemed like waiting for something and that was when Ruka recognized the messenger. "Hey, we've met before."

"Yeah, we did!"

"You're the loud girl who quarreled with Natsume," Ruka said mindlessly.

Mikan frowned. For a second there, she thought he would remember the Opening Ceremony. "I left a not so good first impression, I supposed."

Ruka looked guilty and regretted his wrong choice of words. "No worries. I think you're a bright, interesting person."

Those words were like magic to Mikan. Ruka was full of compliments and Mikan didn't mind if he sprouted it to others like her. She waited for this moment to happen, even prepared for it and yet she felt like stuttering. Mikan needed help when it comes to boys since she never had a romantic relationship with one. Love was not her priority really but when she felt the wonders of having a crush, it was like she treated crushes, liking, and loving adventures of a lifetime.

"Really?" Mikan asked for confirmation, full with hope that Ruka might find her interesting as well. His best friend did but not in a good way.

"You are Imai's best friend, right?"

"I am. We've been best friends since elementary days. Actually, we're like sisters from different parents."

Ruka treated the statement as good news. "What's your name, by the way?"

Mikan offered her hand with the brightest smile she could make. "Mikan. Mikan Sakura."

"Nice to meet you, Mikan."

"You too, Ruka Nogi."

"Thanks for this," Ruka acknowledged, lifting the paper she delivered.

"Sure! Anytime."

"I have to go. See you around."

"Yeah, see you around."

Mikan watched him go as her cheeks got redder and redder. She could almost hear her beating heart as the crush of his life walked farther from her. She put a hand over her chest and made a fist while her knees wobbled and all of these because she talked to Ruka Nogi. This was the crush effect she read on the internet several months ago. She could not wait to tell her best friend so she made a run for it, to her best friend's classroom.

"Hotaru, we've talked!" she announced with her loud voice sending Hotaru's class, which was on break, to murmur.

Hotaru looked blank and then said, "That explains the stupid smile."

Mikan jumped in place and dragged her best friend out. "He's so kind unlike Hyuuga," she said in a lower voice, careful for not others to hear especially Natsume Hyuuga was Hotaru's classmate.

"Are comparisons really necessary?"

Mikan nodded merrily, walking in short distance back and forth. "He's too humble. He told me that I am a bright girl. Isn't that great, Hotaru? I left a good impression on him. Oh gosh."

Hotaru rolled her eyes but Mikan was unable to notice it because she was too busy being happy. "Don't overreact, Mikan. You think too hard."

"Ruka's nice and it made me happy to know he's nice."

"Fantasy isn't reality."

"I'm aware," Mikan said quickly, "And that's the point, I'm aware and ready."

Hotaru rolled her eyes again and decided to divert the topic. "How was the preparation for the festival?" she asked in her slow, cold voice.

School Festival will happen in two weeks. It was as excited as it sounded. School Fests in Alice Academy were always highly anticipated packed with VIPs and marvelous presentations. As a result, people in Tokyo and even in other prefectures purposely go to AA just to attend the event. It was a whole week celebration giving the students a short break from books and lectures. This was also a week for bonding, decision-making, and flaunting of hidden skills. Artistic talents, out of the blue, came out at a week like this.

"Going great. As usual, Yuu is amazing at his job."

Hotaru slowly nodded, her eyes narrowed. "That's surprising considering how his Mom is doing."

Mikan's expression turned grim. That statement did not sit well on her.

"How is his Mom doing? What do you mean, Hotaru?" she asked, worried.

"Right. You don't know."

"What is it that I don't know?" Mikan asked in a panicking tone.

Hotaru sighed and looked the other way. "Better ask him."

"Yuu! Yuu!" Mikan shouted, sending the whole working class in slight worry. "Yuu! We need to talk."

Yuu stood up already but their classmates still wondered what was about to happen. The moment the news arrived that their proposal got approved, everyone was divided into teams for the work to be done faster but it did not affect their unity as a class. Everyone had a common goal and that was for the School Festival to be more successful than ever. Students felt more involvement this year because the SC asked their opinion all the way, like they were a panel to be pleased. They felt good because at least their voices were heard.

Mikan dragged Yuu on the corner to at least hide their conversation from prying eyes and ears. Yes, their class was a big group of open people but the chat they were about to have was personal. Yuu clearly saw agitation on Mikan's face that somehow gave him an idea what their topic would be. She must be furious at him for not telling the moment he received the news. He made her think that he was fine and nothing else was going on. He hid the situation even after promising that they would tell each other when something came up.

"Why didn't you tell me? Why the heck you didn't tell me?" Mikan furiously asked with a face expressing her utter annoyance at Yuu.

Yuu looked around to check if someone else heard it. "I'm sorry, Mikan. I just don't want you to worry."

"Are you stupid? You're my friend. I have every right to be worried!" Mikan yelled, making the class look at them and drawing curiosity what they were talking about. The brunette noticed the attention so she lowered her voice when she asked, "How long?"

Yuu gulped at the question. He hated answering it because it represented a deadline that will never be likeable for anyone. The deadline scared him and every time he thought of it, he was ready to burst into tears.

"A month, a few weeks, a few days. I don't know, Mikan. As much as possible, we don't think about it."

Mikan nodded, connecting the dots and leaning on the wall. "That's why you wanted to do good in exams."

"I want to make her proud no matter how limited the days are," Yuu emotionally stated as if he struggled saying the last words.

"I want to visit her," Mikan declared.

Mikan and his mom had a connection similar to those mother and daughter relationships. It actually did not surprise Yuu much because Mikan was the kind of person easy to be with and whom you can really trust. But Yuu also knew that Mikan was not good in dealing with very sad emotions and he did not want to inflict past memories to her.

"We can do that after the school festival. Let's have fun for now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. The class is depending on me." Yuu studied his classmates who seemed to be having fun and feeling no pressure at all. He was the backbone of the class and he could not afford to break now. "Let's go back?"

"Okay."

When they turned around to get back to work, squeals erupted in the classroom. Mikan saw girls giggling and suddenly bouncing from their seats. She could not come up with a reason why they reacted like they saw a popular celebrity until Yuu walked past her and talked to a very familiar person that made her eyes narrow and lips formed in a thin line. Mikan felt her cheeks puffed and suddenly the talk she had with Yuu disappeared from her mind. Mikan swore that Natsume glanced unhappily at her for a second before ignoring her completely, not that she wanted his attention.

"Hey, Natsume."

"You're friends with him?" Mikan asked in disbelief, her voice almost squeaked.

"Yeah. Why?"

Mikan crossed her arms and muttered in her breath, "How weird."

"Why don't you just go back in sewing?" Natsume snarled, obviously hating her presence already. Mikan shot one last glare before pacing out.

The interaction made Yuu smile. It was the first time he got to see them quarrel in action and he could not wait to watch them bicker. He was not having bad intentions at all but it was nice to see someone getting face to face with Natsume's wrath. Of all people, Yuu could not believe it was Mikan.

"What brings you here, Natsume?"

All eyes on them as Natsume's existence stayed in the room. The girls saw him a prized possession, like a huge tasty cake and everyone wanted a bite. He was tall perfectly matched with the fine body. His soft, black hair emphasized his good looking features and no one would dare to say he had imperfections. Mikan rolled her eyes because her classmates were yet to stop ogling Natsume that made her curious and study him too. Yes, he had the appeal, the face, the brains, the money, and the status. Thinking about that, Mikan felt inferior to him. He had everything while she was struggling to get anything.

"Ruka wants us for dinner. You know, the usual."

"I'll be there," he answered quickly.

Mikan knew about this meeting with Yuu's other friends but she never asked who they were. She was never interested but now she regretted not asking. She could have asked Yuu about Natsume Hyuuga's embarrassing flaws and use it against him. Blackmailing was new to her and she was willing to perform one to shut Natsume up.

"Yuuuuu!" a voice, getting loud by the second, sent the class in squeals again.

Yuu fondly smiled at the owner of the voice. No doubt it was him. "So loud, Koko."

"I've missed you, Yuu!" Koko announced, spreading his arms to envelope Yuu in a hug he ignored.

"Don't make fun of my name," Yuu scolded with a frown, looking like a child.

Koko smiled away the reminder and shook Yuu by the shoulder to show his excitement for tonight's mini event. "I'm not sorry though! Are you coming later? Hotaru, Anna, Nonoko, Ruka and Sumire will be there."

"It's like we're having a reunion," replied Yuu in enthusiasm. It had been a while since they have become complete.

"We should have some fun before a stressful week," Natsume reminded.

Yuu agreed. Preparing for the festival was not just all about the store they would build but the totality of it. The SC laid all the plans, filling five days of the week. The highlights were the formal program for Alice Academy's alumni and bosses, one-day Sports Fest, blood-letting, the play prepared by freshmen and sophomores, the stores that will open on the third day, and the fireworks display on the last day. Faculty members were tasked to prepare a dance number as a return entertainment to the students. It would be a stressful week indeed so a suggestion from Sumire was to relax before hell week comes for them to work better.

Somebody called Mikan for help since she was free at the moment. When she finished, Yuu waved at her and that was not a good idea for Mikan.

"I told Natsume that I'm going," Yuu began and it confused Mikan what he was talking about, "You want to come, Mikan? It's sort of a tradition for us to get together."

"No! I mean, no."

Uneasiness crept inside Mikan. She could not believe Yuu invited her to an exclusive mini party with his own circle of friends. She felt crossing the line if she would go that was why she immediately turned down the offer. It did not even matter if Hotaru, her best friend in the entire galaxy, would be there. She could be very prying sometimes but entering such an elite and unfamiliar circle was never her attitude.

"Everyone will be there. It will be fun."

"I don't think it's a good idea though," Mikan insisted, stealing a glance at Natsume to see his reaction. For sure, he would not approve. He was included to the reasons why she refused to go.

Yuu was equally stubborn. "Come on Mikan. You need to meet them."

"Are you Mikan Sakura?" Koko asked. His face changed into an expression of interest and gladness. He heard Mikan's name before and actually got anxious because he did not know her but now they met. Glad because he found a potential friend.

"Yes."

"Hotaru's best friend. Finally we meet. I'm Kokoro Yome."

"Nice to meet you," Mikan smiled back at him and turned to Yuu. "We're out of paper. I'll just go and find some."

It was obvious to Natsume that they had enough paper and that Mikan just made an excuse. He separated with his friends promising that they would meet at the old place before seven. On his way to get the things he left on the SC office, he saw Mikan sitting beside the vending machine. He paused from walking. The empty halls did not bother him because everyone was inside their respective classrooms putting their proposals to life. Natsume confused himself from judging Mikan as a very cliché person into thinking she was an intriguing being.

"I thought you're out to get paper."

It was said to tease her. She looked thinking deeply before he interrupted her peace.

"You," Mikan greeted, looking up to him. At first, she thought he followed her but then the SC office was just a few rooms away making her theory wrong. Her face showed astonishment even if.

"What's with the face?" Natsume asked that made Mikan conscious and sat beside her.

Mikan distanced herself from him. She had no plans on getting close to Natsume Hyuuga in the literal way. "Why are you talking to me?" she asked, knocking on her knees.

"The stunt you pulled in our house. Remember that?"

"Don't mind it. I don't take things seriously."

Natsume chuckled lowly. "I know. But I do. Kaoru threw a fit at me like she's my stupid therapist. So why don't you come tonight?"

"For the obvious reason that I don't belong to your group," Mikan explained, rolling her eyes. She could not believe Natsume did not see that one.

"You're friends with Anna, Nonoko, Yuu, and Imai."

"I don't want to impose," Mikan further explained with the look of annoyance.

She tried her best refusing the offer but suddenly Natsume himself came to her and asked her to go. Mikan had a feeling he was just being decent to embarrass herself in front of Alice Academy leaders. Natsume must have planned this to avenge her from the fit his own mother threw. Not like it was her fault, she did not wish to be there and she would never wish to annoy someone on purpose. Kaoru Hyuuga was just a mature woman with immature problems or attitude problems were really hereditary.

"What happened?"

Mikan stared at him. By the tone of his voice, he seemed worried for her which was entirely impossible. The sky was getting dark that made the hallways looked emptier. The strongest light source was the vending machine beside them and the proof that they were not the remaining persons on school was the noise coming out from the rooms before them.

"Nothing," Mikan answered after a long silence. "Why would you think something happened?" she continued out of the desire to seek answers.

"You are missing an opportunity to impress Ruka. Definitely, something happened."

"You talk like you know me."

"That's because you're pretty transparent. You are the kind of girl who feels so happy that she wants everybody to be happy."

"I feel happy?" Mikan giggled and pointed at herself.

Natsume paid attention to her by his red eyes. "Don't you?" he inquired as if it was a stupid thing to ask.

The question played on Mikan's mind in repeat. She never thought that the subject of happiness will be one of their topics. In fact, this was a rather personal conversation that she could not believe she was having with a jerk like him. Whenever she was with him, spontaneity happened. She knew the time was not enough to generalize but the frequency of it convinced her. Mikan disliked predictable happenings especially in movies. If it would be cliché, then it should be something not seen before. Natsume was her dose of surprises and she could not tell if that was a good or a bad thing.

"Hearing you say that makes me think you want to be happy in the same way you thought I feel it."

Natsume sensed sadness in her tone that he had no idea where it came from. Her quiet voice, almost unheard, felt familiar to him. She managed to make him feel confused every time they talked.

"No."

Mikan knew he was just denying it.

"You know Hyuuga, life is cruel most of the times. Every day we face nonstop problems for the promise that we can learn something from it. It's tiring to survive the experience, good and bad. But won't you agree that life, even if it sucks, is beautiful in every way?"

Natsume was friends with Yuu also so the knowledge about his real situation was not a secret to him. That situation was what Mikan referred in her earlier sentence. Even if she won't directly say it, Natsume was sure she was talking about that.

"You can't help everyone."

"I know that but that doesn't mean I won't try."

"So why don't you try coming tonight?" he suddenly asked, standing up.

"Why are you being decent?"

Natsume thought for a while to get the answer then smirked before answering, "Because Yuu invited you and I feel responsible for your rejection."

The decorations for their shop was still far from finished but Yuu called it a night after five because normal classes were still in and home works doubled this week to comply for next week's event. Mikan and the others walked in AA's parking lot with her on the back. Yuu happily chatted with his friends and she could not help feel left out. Natsume and Koko were new people for her. The friendliness she had should help but knowing she already in bad terms with Natsume, this could go well or not.

Yuu observed the quiet Mikan that he decided to approach her.

"You're coming. That's great."

"I hope I won't be a bother."

"For sure not."

"Are we riding a car?" Mikan asked, halting on her pace. Yuu nodded at her then everyone made their way inside. It was nerve-wracking enough that she had to gatecrash a semi-party but now she would ride an actual moving vehicle that no one should notice she hated cars or else they'll ask unnecessary questions.

"Please drive carefully," she reminded the moment she sat on the back.

"It's a 10-minute drive. What could happen?" Natsume arrogantly retorted. He remembered Mikan refusing his offer to drive her home and now she acted so scared as if the car would eat her.

"Anything can happen. Just drive carefully."

Koko waved a hand in midair, dismissing Mikan's fear. He was in the passenger seat, getting comfortable in his position. "Don't worry, Mikan. Natsume may be a bastard but he's a great driver."

"You wanna die tonight, Yome?" Natsume hissed with such venom.

"I take it back. Please spare my life!"

On that short drive, Mikan discovered a lot. Like Koko talked a lot, more than she could ever do. She learned that Sumire Shouda was his girlfriend, he was excited for the School Fest, and that he was scolded for sleeping in class today. Natsume made a few side comments but was quiet most of the time. Yuu and Koko bonded like those of brothers in which their closeness was obvious Mikan was happy for her friend.

"Here we are," Koko declared.

"Nice place," Mikan commented.

She had seen this bistro before. Their specialties on green board were displayed on both sides of the glass door. Its design was influenced by the Western similar to movies Mikan saw. She was excited to taste the food especially now hunger attacked her and a cup of coffee and a few pastries could definitely help. The place looked lavish, the type where only rich people could enter despite of it being a bistro.

"Natsume's family owns it," Koko shared, opening the door for Mikan.

Natsume hit Koko on the head and entered ahead. "Stop spurting stupid details, Yome."

"But it's true!" Koko wailed then turned to Mikan, "Natsume doesn't like it when their wealth becomes a topic."

"Why so?"

Koko shrugged. "Basically because he hates it."

"Oh yeah?"

"Hey guys! Oh, we have an extra."

Mikan knew that was Sumire Shouda looking not so happy to see her. She wore the serious, bitchy look while her curls bounced as she walked towards her. The yellow light highlighted her pale face that could be categorized as pretty. Sumire was popular long before she entered school politics. That popularity served as her major advantage over competitors, winning her the position. Most of the officers in SC were popular before they won the position and they had good track records. Two days before the election, debates were meant to happen between the candidates and everyone included in the winners did well on that challenge.

Not only students knew candidates from their skills, also their plans and how they answer questions. That was made possible through the online newspaper of Alice Academy wherein they posted interviews they had of the candidates answering the same questions. Through this, students could be aware of their ability in speaking which was very important for a student leader.

"Mikan-chan!" Anna came into the scene.

"Sorry to come here without prior notice or any warning," Mikan apologetically said.

Nonoko frowned at the statement. "Stop talking like you're some storm. It's nice to have you here."

"Thanks," Mikan sincerely mumbled before taking a wider view at the place. "So what do you guys do here?"

Anna answered the question. "Eat. Talk. The boys play billiards while us girls gossip."

"Hotaru gossips?" Mikan asked in full disbelief.

"Sumire usually does the talking," Nonoko supplied.

"That I am," were Sumire's direct words to her and offered her hand, "Hi, I'm Sumire Shouda."

"Hello!" Mikan exclaimed, accepting her hand.

Sumire crossed her arm, studying the brunette's features. Her expression seemed to be disappointed and more unexplainable things. "You're cheerful. You are not beautiful but you have a nice smile."

"Just take that as a compliment," Nonoko whispered.

Frank people. Mikan had met many of them and even befriended one which was Hotaru. People tend to run in circles whenever they were about to says something bad just to lessen the guilt. That had been the trend which put being straightforward in the same category as rudeness. The truth hurt because it was not always pleasant but it was the truth no matter what, must be heard.

"Oh, okay." Mikan almost stuttered. "Thanks!" she added but Sumire already left.

Mikan took the seat beside Hotaru. There was a long table in the middle of bistro obviously made for large groups and now they occupied it. The place was closed for privacy and from what Mikan heard Natsume always made it a point that they enjoyed the place with only them. The news made her stare at Natsume, imagining why he hated his family's wealth when he utilized it in a spoiled brat way.

"Sorry I'm late!"

Koko approached the newcomer and teased, "Try to be punctual, Mr. President."

Hotaru nudged her best friend on the side because she seemed to be staring too much. Mikan snapped from her close observation, aware of the fact that the one of the reasons she came was here. Ruka was approached by almost everyone, teasing him for being so late, that made Mikan feel that Ruka was loved by everyone. It boosted her theory of him being such a Prince Charming. When he entered the place, the enjoyable atmosphere increased.

"Sorry. Although talking with the principal is long, dreadful, boring, and quiet I have to do it," he said with an apologetic smile that made Mikan blush then took the seat beside Natsume, "Hey, Mikan."

"Hi again, Ruka."

"It's surprising to see you here."

Mikan smiled wider. "I'm surprised too."

"Enjoy."

"I will!"

Natsume almost scoffed at the scene he witnessed. It irritated him to see Mikan blushing over his best friend like that, similar to those love struck fools. He was watching her the whole night, noting her every expression and movements. So far, she was successful being the bubbly and friendly newcomer in the group. He had no regrets inviting her because this was one way of knowing her real intentions. Her silly crush with Ruka caused him to be keen with her actions. If Mikan was just acting and if his judgment was right, he could inflict pain on her.

He watched her disappear from the group after talking with Hotaru and other girls. Natsume could tell Mikan was struggling to befriend Sumire but it was fun to watch them interact similar to his relationship with her. She isolated herself on the corner, dim enough to be ignored. The boys started having fun with their traditional billiards while the girls sat in front of drink and talked about random things courtesy of Sumire. Natsume followed his target on the corner and currently not interested in winning the billiard game like he always did.

"What do you want?" Mikan spat. She was not in the mood for teasing and insulting.

"Can't I sit here?"

"Of course you can since you own the place," she replied mockingly.

Natsume hated the sentence, making him grumpier. "I don't. My father does."

"Speaking of your father, I haven't seen him in your house. What does he do?" Mikan inquired quickly.

Natsume smirked at her, leaning closer to her that made her backed up. "Why do you care? Aiming for my wealth now?"

"No. And I am offended but I know you won't say sorry so I'll do myself a favor and get out of here."

She was too quick that he almost failed to see her went to the girls. She kissed their cheeks and waved at the boys. Natsume made no decision to stop her even after insulting her intentions.

"I'm going. I didn't tell Dad I'll be late so he must be worried."

"Wait, are you just going to walk?" Ruka asked with worry in his eyes.

"Yes."

"Don't you want to ride the bus or Natsume can take you home?"

Mikan smiled at him. "No, please. I feel safer walking."

"I don't find the logic there," Koko interjected.

"Bye. I had a great time."

"Come when this happens again," Ruka bid before she finally reached the door.

"Sure," Mikan smiled in return, appreciating Ruka's good deed. He really was a good person.

Mikan bravely face the moonlight in their small but spacious enough living room. The tv was on low volume andwas left ignored as Mikan was more interested in the shining light than on the late night show. She played with the remote, circling it with her hand. She almost did not notice her father coming from his room, wearing his favorite baby pink robe. Narumi grabbed an apple from the bowl placed on the table, took a bite then jumped onto the couch where Mikan rested.

Her dad acting like a child was Mikan's favorite trait of him but she also liked when he was serious and fatherly. He looked tenderly at her, knowing that his dearest daughter had something in her mind again.

"Dad, do you know about Yuu's mother?" she finally asked.

"Yes, Mikan. Are you upset about it?"

"It's sad," she admitted, resting her forehead on the edge of the couch. "To see someone dying," she finished.

"This world is full of lies and truth, my daughter. We can only be sure of two things namely we live and when we do, we die. Yuu's mother has to leave us early but it doesn't mean life is cruel. She imparted us great doings like her always being there for you whenever I'm unable to. She's a good person, Mikan. Miracles always happen. I should stop talking about her like we're so sure she will leave us soon."

"I remember the jam she gave me on my birthday three years ago."

"It was delicious," Narumi reminisced, "And this is coming from a person who doesn't like jam very much."

Mikan nodded, looking dreamy and sleepy. "She's a good cook and that's why I idolize her so much."

"Planning to cook for someone?"

Ruka entered her mind but she shook the idea off and played with her answer. "Of course, I'll cook for you and Mom first."

Narumi succeeded in noticing the blush on Mikan's face. His daughter was growing up and he did not think he was ready for the changes yet. Still, he was happy Mikan found an inspiration that was making her happy. At first, Narumi thought she was not serious because of the sudden announcement that she had a boy in mind to pursue but now he could tell how serious she was. Narumi diverted the topic on a serious note.

"Mikan, this is hard for Yuu also so try you best to support him without making him feel you are there to sympathize. He needs an actual friend and not only a friend in words."

"You can count on me," she proudly declared, placing firmly a fist on her chest.

"I know," Narumi acknowledge, patting her in the head. "So what happened today? You're later than usual."

Mikan shifted position, the thin blanket she brought loosened on her lower body. "Well, the preparations for the festival has started and I'm excited to see out efforts all combined up. We bought all the fabrics we will need today although the actual sewing starts tomorrow. I've been assigned on the decorations committee so showing off my creativity is right on time," Narumi laughed at this while Mikan continued, "By the way Dad, I made new friends today."

"Really? Who?" he asked in sincere excitement.

"The Student Council officers!" she started in a cheery voice then it lied low, "I wouldn't quickly conclude that we are friends but we are at least acquainted and that is a very good start. Yuu invited me to their girls and boys night sort of."

"The Natsume Hyuuga was there?"

Mikan's eyes narrowed, knowing where the conversation will lead again. "Their family actually owns the nice place we went to and it was closed just for his friends! Seriously, their wealth is something I could not have an idea with. But that doesn't stopped him from being such a jerk tonight by insinuating I'm a gold digger. "

"What the! I'm gonna fail him in class!"

"Relax, Dad. He did not do any damage. I'm still fine."

Narumi lifted his pointing finger, waving it in midair and leaned closer to Mikan as if he was about to say something important and private. Like a warning. "Don't believe everything he says but believe me when I say you two look good together," he said in a low voice.

MIkan backed out, hitting the pillows on her lap. "Dad! I'm presenting him to you in a very bad image yet you still tease him to me."

Narumi laughed, enjoying the thought. "Ruka is fine but attitude wise, you are better off with the best friend."

"Never gonna happen, Dad."

Mikan was more than sure of it but the knowing look her father gave her showed his disagreement.

"And this is the moment I say that anything is possible, Mikan. Anything."

End of Chapter

Guys, where do you think the story is going? I want to read them from you. : )