Is it late? Yes. Is it really short? Yes. Is it important? Of course. It is a short cliff hanger and I am very sorry. I have been so busy and I kind of forgot about this. I will try to be better at updating. I'm not really sure when I'm going to end this. Would you guys like to see some lemons? Please let me know.

Chapter 7

Well this was awkward. And not just a little uncomfortable but full blown awkward. Hotaru bit her lip as she watched Ruka and Mikan share a dance. It was a tradition of sorts that the friends would all dance together. But Hotaru had no intention of dancing with Natsume and thankfully for her Natsume returned the feelings. So they stood there side by side watching the other two twirl around the dance floor. Mikan was smiling and giggling while Ruka gave her charming smiles. He kept steeling glances at them which made Hotaru blush for some reason. She wasn't really sure why she felt so nervous. It was a strange matter indeed and she could never really figure Ruka out. He seemed so easy to read and yet he was constantly surprising her. Then again she really didn't hate surprises. "You like him don't you?" A voice beside her ask. Hotaru turned to see Natsume watching her. His crimson eyes were full of passion not hiding his concern for his friend. Hotaru felt herself blush even more. It was very uncharacteristic but tonight her girly side seemed to be eager to come out. The part that she so often hid was bubbling just under the surface.

"Why should I tell you anything Hyuuga?" She asked trying to put her icy mask back in place. She raised an eye brow and scowled lightly. She didn't need to have a heart to heart with Natsume of all people.

"Ah so you do fancy him quite a bit." He said. Hotaru felt her cheeks burn.

"I never said that."

"You didn't have to. I can tell by the way you watch him that you like him. I used to look at Mikan the same way. I know you're the Ice Princess or whatever but you don't have to worry about Ruka hurting you. He's a good guy really and I think he would be a good match for you. It would be scary if your male match was just like you. Don't be slow like I was. I waited to tell Mikan my feelings and I almost lost her. I can see that Ruka is finally over Mikan and I think it's because he found somewhere else to put his affections. Perhaps in you. Don't take too long to find love. Happiness doesn't wait." Natsume said before he headed off to get a drink. Hotaru frowned at his words. Darn Natsume was trying to touch her heart and he was doing a very good job of it. She was actually thinking about talking to Ruka about her feelings. She looked up again when the song finished. Ruka and Mikan broke apart before walking towards her.

"Where did Natsume go?" Mikan asked.

"To get something to drink." Hotaru replied. She was taking deep breaths to hopefully get rid of her blush. It didn't seem to be working.

"Are you all right? You're kind of read." Mikan said. She placed her hand on Hotaru's forehead.

"I'm fine don't worry about it." Hotaru said with a small reassuring smile. Mikan frowned before she nodded.

"If you're sure then I'm going to find Natsume." She said before she dashed off. Hotaru couldn't help but to roll her eyes. Mikan was so easily fooled. Hotaru looked up in surprise when she felt a male hand take hold of hers. She looked up to see Ruka smiling at her.

"Would you like to dance with me?" Ruka asked giving her a smile worthy of any prince charming. Hotaru nodded not being able to speak. It was amazing how he could take her breath away so quickly. How did he affect her this way when she had never had a real crush before. It wasn't like she had been off kissing and dating boys in her life. In fact she had never been on a date before. This was the only thing even close to that. But Ruka was so sweet and he didn't think of her as some cold princess. He didn't did he? She allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor. He placed his strong hands on her waist and she placed her small hands on his shoulders. She could feel herself blush lightly as he stepped close. She knew there wasn't anything wrong with this for this was the way you were supposed to dance. But did he really have to pick a slow song? They had to stand close together where she couldn't hide her blush from him. He didn't say anything just gave her a smile. He moved with her slowly and gently across the dance floor not saying a word the whole time. She bit her lip lightly as he turned her around lightly. When she stopped she was once more dancing with her hands on his shoulders.

"Do you like me Ruka?" She asked bluntly. She was tired of this not talking. She wanted him to tell her what he was thinking. What was with him and why was he holding her so close? Surely there could be more space when they were dancing. She could feel his breath tickle her hair. He was of course taller than her and she had to lift her head to look at him.

"Of course."