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The best part of believe is the LIE.

VI. Project Mayhem

Previously...

That night, a phone ring disturbed Mikan's sleep. Irritated, she picked the receiver.

"What the hell do you want?" Mikan stoically asked.

"Hey, seems like I disturbed you in your land of dreams, did I?" A deep husky voice asked.

Realizing who the caller was awaked Mikan.

"Oh! Hyuuga? What is it?"

"Well, about the 'getting to know thing'... I've thought of a PERFECT idea for it..."

"Huh?!"

Mikan Sakura was really surprised. She managed to forget about the whole incident that morning and now she's back wondering about it. She almost dropped the receiver when she heard Natsume speak again.

"Hey, Minoko, are you still there? Don't hang up on me." Natsume asked.

"Oh, sorry. Can you repeat what you've said? I sort of did not get it." Mikan cleared her thoughts and prepared herself to listen.

"I said I know now how we can get along much better. Remember, you promised me some other time." Natsume explained.

"Yeah... right. So what is it?" Mikan was nearly in panicking stage. She's oblivious to whatever Natsume was thinking and she's not feeling good about it.

Natsume cleared his throat before answering Mikan. He had set everything for his plan and a failure is something he can't accept.

"Well, I'm planning for a little vacation. I mean, this past few days I've been really busy at work. Just yesterday, I went to the doctor because of my frequently occurring headaches and he told me that I'm totally stressed out. He then suggested a vacation. I realized he's right and also, this is a perfect time for us to get to know ea-"

"Wait.. What do you mean get to know each other? Don't tell me you want me to go with you?" Mikan, comprehending Natsume's plans, asked quizzically.

"Of course! I'm inviting you. Don't worry, this is just a friendly vacation. And besides, we'll be associated with each other because you're my brother's... girlfriend." Natsume stopped. For some odd reasons, he sort of felt awkward saying the word 'girlfriend'. He coughed a little before continuing. "Like what I've said you're my brother's girlfriend. And I don't want to have problems since I think my brother is serious about you. I hope you also consider that."

Mikan felt the mockery on Natsume's tone. "Certainly. I know that! Akira is my boyfriend and I'm not just fooling around." Mikan tried hard to sound normal and wished Natsume's riding in.

"Hey, I didn't mean anything. Sorry if that somehow offended you, but truth to be told, I don't mean anything with that statement. Anyway, back to what I'm saying, will you tag along?" Natsume asked sensing the impatience sinking into his skin. "Don't dare give me dumb excuses, Minoko. I can't take 'no' for an answer."

"Uhmm... well, as you can see, this is all too unexpected for me. I'm not really sure I can go, Hyuuga."Mikan tried hard thinking for reasons.

"Hey... this vacation is just good for three days. I'm a busy person too, you know." Natsume struggled hard to keep unruffled as he clutched harder on the receiver.

"But..."

"Don't tell me you're afraid that you can't prove me wrong.' Natsume intentionally provoked.

"Of course not!" Mikan blurted out clasping intensely on her soft pillow.

"Go with me then. It's just a simple favor and I'm sure we'll both benefit on this. I mean for our friendship, of course." Natsume assured.

Without reluctance, Mikan quickly answered, "Fine. Count me in."

"You're just too easy to whip up, Minoko..." Natsume thought. He quickly erased those thoughts as he exclaimed, "Great! Be ready by 9 am tomorrow and I'll pick you up."

Mikan's chocolate-brown eyes widened with confusion. "What?! Tomorrow?! Hey, that's unfair! I can't-"

"You've said 'yes' already, Minoko. I'm sorry, but there's no backing out." Natsume rationalized as he grinned.

Mikan was silent for a while. She tried figuring everything out and she realized she'd been stupid. Her feelings easily carried her away and now she's trapped.

With a sigh Mikan said, "Alright. I'm going."

"Okay. I have to hang up now. See you tomorrow." Natsume paused before saying, "Don't forget to bring some sexy swimsuits." Then he got off the phone chuckling relentlessly.

"WHAT THE FU--!! DAMMIT!! PERVERT!!" Mikan shrieked out hard. And then she comprehended it was of no use when she heard the beeping tone.

"Oh God! What am I going to do? How am I going to explain this especially to Hotaru? She's too smart for her own good and damn! She'll surely know what's wrong. Crap." Mikan thought as she fall back on her bed and stared blankly at the ceiling.

The next morning, Mikan woke up early. Well, actually, she wasn't able to get some sleep. Her mind was fully occupied of thoughts that were really disturbing her. And when she had a handle on it, it was already 4 in the morning. Mikan jumped to her feet and rushed in the bathroom. She knew she has a big and tiring day ahead and she has to be ready for it. She took a soothing bath. She brushed her teeth and combed her shoulder-length auburn tresses. She changed into her casual outfit, a fit plain white Chanel top and Marc Jacobs jeans. She packed her things in her Nike sports bag and then she suddenly remembered something... "Don't forget to bring some sexy swimsuits."

Mikan blushed as she brushed away the thought from her mind. "Like bloody hell I will..." She muttered as she finished packing her things and fastened the zipper.

After packing, Mikan hurried to the kitchen and grabbed some bread and a glass of milk. She managed to get a big bite of her sandwich and drink her milk at the same time.

"Gosh! I need more energy for today..." She thought as she took her last bite.

Mikan went to the living room and got her phone. She dialed Hotaru's number and she patiently waited for an answer.

"Hotaru pick up..."

Then she heard the automated answering machine...

"I'm sorry but Hotaru can't pick the phone now. Just leave your message after the beep. Beeep..."

Mikan cleared her throat. "Uhmm... Hotaru, this Mikan. I'm sorry I can't go to work now. I got important stuff to clear up and I'll be gone for 3 days. Can you cover me up? Please? Don't worry. I know what I'm asking for is not for free and I'll surely pay you no matter how much this cost. I'll explain everything as soon as I'm back. Thanks. Love ya."

Mikan put down the receiver and made a deep sigh. "Geez... I just bought myself a big pile of shitty mess! Damn."

Mikan didn't wait that long for Natsume to arrive. He pulled in sort of earlier that the expected time. When Mikan heard the doorbell rung, she knew it was he.

Mikan opened the door and it unveiled a tall raven-haired guy with an undying smirk already plastered on his face. He's wearing a casual semi-fit black Armani top with blue-faded jeans.

"Hi..." Mikan uttered awkwardly as she tried to compose herself.

"Ready?" with the smirk still on his face, Natsume asked.

"I supposed... Wait. I take that back." Mikan just can't help it anymore.

"What? Don't tell me your planning to back out. I told-–"

Mikan cut in. " Shhh. Stop jumping into conclusions, will you? I'm not backing out, Hyuuga. I just want you to..." Mikan sucked in air deeply before continuing. "I want you to stop smirking."

Natsume looked at Mikan quizzically.

"What?"

"I mean... just lessen your smirking habit, okay? It just... It just freaked me out. And I sort of hate it. So will you?" Mikan irritated asked.

Natsume couldn't help it as he let out a chuckle. "Alright. In one condition."

"What?! Is this really a big deal? I mean, what's with the condition?"

"Then I'll keep smirking." Natsume warned as another smirk started to form on his face.

"Geez. What a tough cookie!" Mikan thought as she finally gave up.

"Fine. What's the condition?"

"Call me Natsume."

"Huh?"

"Call me Natsume and I'll stop smirking."

"That's all?" Mikan asked.

"Why? You want something else?" Natsume teased.

"No! It's just... never mind. Alright. Deal. I'll be calling you Natsume then. Would that be ok, Natsume?" Mikan said with firmness in the latter part.

Natsume smiled briefly, careful not to further smirk. "Alright, Minoko, let's go." Natsume replied sounding like Mikan. "We've consumed so much time blabbering on this stupid matter. Get your bag now and I'll be waiting in my car."

Mikan went inside her house and got her bag and everything she needed. She locked her house and walked to Natsume's two-door black sports car. She sat ineptly beside Natsume. She marveled in its own unique She looked ahead avoiding Natsume's gaze.

Natsume dashed his car. After 15 minutes they stop in a commercial building. Mikan recognized it as one of the Hyuuga's properties.

"Here we are..." Natsume finally said as he faced Mikan.

"Huh? But this is... why are we here?" Mikan asked with full bewilderment. She gazed at the building.

Natsume rolled his eyes. "Stop asking and just follow, alright?"

Mikan trailed behind Natsume as he got out of the car and walked inside the humungous building. Mikan watched closely as Natsume gave the key of his car to a man in black suit. The man bowed his head and walked out. Natsume gestured Mikan to follow him. Trailing Natsume, she found herself inside an elevator going up. In Mikan's calculation, the building is comprised of 70 floors. After a few seconds they arrived the rooftop.

As they come out of the elevator, Mikan widened her eyes. Before her very chocolate-brown eyes, is a black helicopter waiting for them.

"What is this?" Mikan asked, staring intently at the chopper as her curiosity goes even wilder.

"What it's like? A train?" Natsume joshed out.

Mikan's head snapped in Natsume's direction. She shot him a scorning glare before answering, "Like duh?! Of course I know it's a helicopter. But why is it here?"

"I don't know. Maybe somebody forgot it here." Natsume stopped and faced Mikan. He watched her fuming with irritation. "Of course, we are riding it."

"What?! No way!" Mikan shrieked, striding backwards. She suddenly stopped when she felt two strong hands clutching her shoulder.

"Don't tell me you're afraid, Minoko. Are you?" Natsume whispered in her ears.

Mikan gulped and shuddered as Natsume's breath prickled her ears. "O-o-of course not! I'm not scared. It's just that I haven't tried riding a helicopter." She yelped as she faced him. She regretted it as she realized that the space between them is unlikely close. She tried looking away but she couldn't. It's as if his gaze totally mesmerizes her.

There was an eerie silence enveloping them. Their eyes never leaving each other's gazes.

"Why can't I look away? Crap. What the hell am I gonna do? Will he do it again? Will he kiss me again? Oh no!" Mikan thought.

Mikan's daydreaming was suddenly interrupted when Natsume hold her shoulder again and forced her to face the way to the helicopter.

"I don't care if you haven't tried riding a helicopter. That's what we'll be using and that's final. Alright?" Natsume commanded.

Mikan lowered her head due to embarrassment as she let Natsume pushed her to the helicopter. "Fine. I forgot. Whatever you want you absolutely gets." Mikan answered mordantly. "What the hell did I just think of? Why did i just think he'd kiss me? Of course, he wouldn't do that. Damn."

"Good you know. Just hop on and sit there." Natsume said as he helped her up the chopper. "And before I could forget, don't try sneaking or jumping out. I haven't heard anyone surviving that act without a parachute. Have you?"

Mikan rolled her eyes and grunted in annoyance. "Yeah right." Mikan said folding her arms on her chest.

Natsume smirked as the thought of the maddened Minoko crossed his mind. He then went to the driver's seat and started operating it.

Natsume sighed. "It's been a while since I was able to drive this."

"What do you mean 'it's been a while'? Don't tell me you don't know how to drive this." Mikan asked as she pointed another glare to Natsume.

"Just shut up." Natsume fixedly said as he started handling the wheel.

"AHHHHHH!!" Mikan shrieked out as soon as she felt they were above the ground.

"I SAID SHUT THE HELL UP!!" Natsume, irritated by Mikan's screaming, ordered fiercely. The helicopter swiftly went up. It started shaking violently to different directions and made Mikan closed her eyes and screeched louder. Due to great panic, Mikan suddenly hulled Natsume's right arm and clung onto it.

"YOU MORON! YOU FREAKIN' DRAG ME IN THIS STUPID HELICOPTER RIDE TELLING ME THERE'S NOTHING TO WORRY AND HERE WE ARE IN DEEP SHIT! CRIST NATSUME! I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIE! AHHHHH!" Mikan continuously screamed clutching harder to Natsume's arm.

"QUIT SCREAMING YOU BANSHEE! YOU'RE HURTING MY EARS!" Natsume commanded.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING BAN--AHHHHH!!" Mikan squealed even more.

After a few seconds they finally went stable and unwavering in the air. Realizing they're fine, Mikan soon stopped screaming and opened her eyes.

"See? Who's gonna die now, huh?" Natsume asked raising his right eyebrow.

"Tsk... shut up." Mikan annoyingly replied as she looked out the window.

Mikan's eyes narrowed as she marveled at the scenic beauty before her very eyes outside the window. "Woooow!! This is so beautiful! I never thought those huge building would look like ants..." Mikan said as she chuckled a bit.

"Duh?! We're on a helicopter, remember?" Natsume scoffed.

Ignoring what Natsume had said, Mikan relentlessly marveled her view.

Natsume can't believe what he's witnessing. He never thought Minoko would act like a child for just scenery outside the helicopter. "What's with this woman? Why is she so amazed with just a view from here? I always thought she's a sophisticated and urbane woman, calloused already with so many experiences she had. Why is she so different now? Could Akira be right? Am I really wrong?" Natsume asked himself. "Crap. No way! She's nothing but a lower-class whore trying to snare my brother with her lies." Natsume suddenly scolded himself. Because of irritation, he viciously landed the helicopter making Mikan surprised and crying out.

"Shut up! Don't you know how sensitive my ears are? You just made them bleed!" Natsume yelled.

"It's you're fault, you dim-wit." Mikan said as she jumped off the helicopter.

Mikan's eyes widened even larger as she saw the alluring beach. It is covered with golden-white sand, which glistens as the sun's rays strike on it. The water was an amazing picture too. Its color is deep blue with some green area. The air is clean and fresh and the sound of waves hitting and at the same time collapsing on the shore is a melody for the ears.

"This is what you called paradise..." Mikan uttered to herself.

Alright. I lied. I'm sorry. Don't kill me please. I really thought because it's summer in here and classes are out I can finally do what I want. I guess, I am wrong. It was hard for me to face the computer and type this story. I've been attacked by my own laziness and lethargy. You know, it's difficult to fight against those stupid obstacles and it's really killing me. I'm really sorry. Anyway, here's the next chapter. I'm not sure if this satisfies your taste but the next one will absolutely will. Well... that's for me. Anyway, I'm hoping to be able to upload it on or before my birthday that is on the 13th of April. Hahaha... It's sort of a reminder for you, guys. I'll be turning 15 and yahoo! I'm getting older) Is that something to be happy about? Anyway, just tell me how do you find this chapter. Did you like it? Did it suck? Just drop some review and I can accept that as your birthday gift. Ja!

Lots of love,
frenchcookies13