Disclaimer: Cause I disclaim!

So here's the ninth installment to the 1000 yen romance series~

It's been a two weeks since I've updated? I'm not that sure. I've been busy hanging out with my friends that I haven't had the time to update this. For that I am sorry :(

So without further ado!

Please enjoy~


~1000 Yen Romance~


"Mikan, take this to table four!" Tsubasa shouted as he did the finishing touches on the drink. The said girl was just staring at him blankly. Tsubasa sighed and took the order to the designated table before going near Mikan.

Mikan was out of it since she started working. She kept on thinking about the double date they were having. She was so excited about the idea that she forgot that she didn't have something she thinks is good enough to wear.

"Mikan," Tsubasa said, putting his hand on her shoulder.

"Eep! Tsubasa-senpai!" Mikan squeaked, jumping in surprise.

"Are you okay? You've been spacing out since earlier," He asked worry evident in his voice.

"I'm fine, Tsubasa-senpai," Mikan chuckled nervously as she glanced at the clock, making Tsubasa more worried. A few more hours and my shifts almost done, I still don't know what to wear yet! Mikan thought, panicking.

"If you say so," Tsubasa sighed out. Mikan nodded vigorously.

"Hey, our shifts are almost over, do you want to have dinner with me?" Tsubasa asked, trying his hard not to stutter.

"Eh… I'm sorry Tsubasa-senpai, what did you say?" Mikan mumbled sheepishly. She didn't really hear what Tsubasa was saying.

"It's nothing," he replied, chuckling masking his disappointment.

"Andou, Yukihira, get back to work," Jinno roared.

"Yes sir!" They both shouted as they hurriedly went back to work.


Hours went by fast as they served customers and before you know it, their shift ended already.

"Finally!" Mikan shouted as soon as she got outside of their workplace. Tsubasa just chuckled at her antics. She truly is breathtakingly beautiful, Tsubasa thought as he stared at Mikan who was complaining about their boss unending demands.

Tsubasa can listen all night long with her talking so cheerfully about today. He frowned slightly remembering what that Hyuuga brat said to him. He can't back down now; he was admiring Mikan from the sidelines ever since she started working. He also knew Mikan first. He won't let someone new take Mikan away from him even if he was the Natsume Hyuuga.

With that, he mustered all of his courage to ask again his question earlier when someone called Mikan.

"Mikan-san!" They both turned to the voice and Tsubasa quirked an eye brow. Who's this? He thought as he stared at the spikey haired man who was smiling at Mikan widely.

"Koko-san!" Mikan said cheerfully. Koko-san? Mikan knows him? Tsubasa thought quietly, glaring at the guy.

"Phew, I thought I wouldn't catch up to you, your manager said you just left, but you walk really fast!" Mikan giggled. Tsubasa just watched them silently.

"Why are you looking for me, Koko-san?" Mikan inquired curiously. Surely, she didn't buy another random item right? Or was it really a spam after all?

"Hyuuga-san—"

Tsubasa's ears perked up.

"—asked me to take you to a mall for your dress since he can't do that himself because of his work and he also said you can't refuse else he'd be pestering you the whole week and that he'll pick you up at Crimson not your house since he doesn't want to tire you by going back and forth," Koko explained.

"Eh, Natsume did? And I thought you work for Imai-san?" Mikan asked.

"I work for the both of them, they are after all partners in company," Koko stated matter-of-factly. So that's why… Mikan thought.

"So are you ready now, Mikan-san? After all its a few hours before seven in the evening, that's the time that Natsume-san he would pick you up right?" Mikan nodded.

"Well, we have no time to spare! Wait for me here, I'm going to get the car," Koko muttered as he dashed his way back to his car. Natsume… Mikan thought blushing. Here she was agonizing on what to wear for their dinner but Natsume already had something prepared for her.

"Mikan…" Tsubasa called her.

"Hm?" She looked at Tsubasa, her head tilted sideways.

"Are you… are you really dating Hyuuga?" Tsubasa asked her the question that was bugging him. Mikan immediately blushed before nodding slightly. Tsubasa clenched his fists.

"He'll just… he's out of your lea—" A car's horn interrupted Tsubasa. They looked at the source and found a sleek black car in which Koko went out of.

"Let's go?" Koko asked unsurely as Mikan's face was blank.

"Tsubasa-senpai, I know what you're trying to say, but even so, I'll stay by his side," Mikan muttered calmly.

"Let's go, Koko-san," Mikan said as he grabbed Koko to the car, leaving Tsubasa who was dumbfounded.

"You're an idiot," Tsubasa muttered to himself.


Koko didn't know what to do with the awkward silence they were in to. Since they entered the car, Mikan-san wasn't talking. Seeing that she was frowning at the window, he can tell she was very annoyed with whatever that Tsubasa guy said to her.

After knowing her loud side, Koko wouldn't trade it for the silent and annoyed her. He liked her cheerfulness and enthusiasm so seeing her like this was new and weird to him. Koko clicked the inside of his cheek.

"Ano, Mikan-san, what's wrong?" He asked breaking off the heavy atmosphere. He wasn't a fan of awkward silences. Mikan looked at him before sighing heavily.

"Tsubasa-senpai just said something that ticked me off, even though I know it was true," Mikan stated, whispering the last part.

"What did he say?" Koko inquired curious, to what made the cheerful brunette annoyed like that. Mikan sighed deeply.

"He said that Natsume was out of my league, which was true… but I didn't think he would rub it in like that," Mikan mumbled sadly. I see, so that's how it is, Koko thought as he put the pieces together. Tough luck for that Tsubasa guy, when Natsume-san wants something he means business.

Koko was wracking his brain for something that would cheer the brunette but unfortunately nothing was coming up. He sighed deeply, he really didn't want this awkward silence to go on forever so when he heard Mikan's phone rang he was eternally grateful.


Omoi wa afureru bakari de

Todokeru no wa muzukashikute

Gomakashite atsume

"Hello?" Mikan answered, not bothering to check who the caller was.

"Mikan," A deep husky voice answered.

"Natsume?"

"Is something wrong? You sound troubled, is Koko giving you a hard time?"

"Eh? No no, he's being nice," Mikan giggled a bit, her mood getting better for just a bit.

"Good, so what's wrong?" Natsume whispered.

"I just had a tiring day at work," Mikan half-lied. She really was tired, but that wasn't the main reason she was like that.

"Is that so…"

"Yup," Mikan replied, trying to be cheerfully. She heard Natsume sigh at the other end.

"I miss you, if I wasn't really busy, I'd be the one with you now, not that Koko crunch," Natsume muttered. Mikan blushed at his words.

"Koko-san's not a cereal box," Mikan giggled. Koko curiously glanced at her, hearing his name. Natsume chuckled for a bit. Mikan let out a small smile, feeling butterflies in her stomach.

"Don't you miss me?" Natsume whispered making Mikan's blush deepened.

"I… I… do," Mikan breathed out.

"Natsume! The client's here!"

"Was that Ruka-san?"

"Yeah, I… I need to go, I'll see you later," Natsume muttered gloomily.

"Don't be sad, we'll see each other later right?" Mikan replied.

"… Alright, I'll try," Natsume sighed heavily.

"Take care, Natsume"

"You too, I can't wait to see you" Mikan felt her heart swell. Natsume was really a sweet guy.

"Me too," Mikan whispered softly.

"I— Natsume! Come on!"

"Natsume, work is important, go, I don't want you to miss work, remember?" Mikan reminded, smiling slightly.

"Alright, I'll see you later," He sighed before hanging up.


Putting his phone back in his pocket, he sighed again. He called Mikan on an act of impulse, mostly because he misses her and wanting at least to hear her angelic voice, but when she answered she sounded annoyed or irritated. Was she angry at him? No, she said she missed him too. He'll ask her later on about it. He groaned.

He almost said I love you to Mikan, but then Ruka had to shout. Frankly speaking, a part of him wanted him to say it, another doesn't. Why? It's because he wasn't sure Mikan liked him the way he likes her.

What if he wasn't interrupted by Ruka and said it then and there? Would Mikan reply with the same words? Would she shun him? If Mikan did shun him, it would break him. Mikan was the first girl who ever made him feel this way. For sure, he'll be having a hard time moving on if ever that happens.

He ruffled his hair, as if he'd let that happen. He'll do anything in his power to make Mikan fall for him. To not make it one-sided as possible but if there comes a time that Mikan calls it off, he'll let her go. If that what makes her happy, he'll do it even if it breaks him since it was Mikan who called it off. He just hopes it wouldn't happen.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, and went to the meeting room; he wished time moved faster, since all he wanted to do right now was to spend time with Mikan.


Koko glanced at Mikan again; she was now looking at the scenery with a smile on her face. After the phone call with his boss, Mikan seemed to regain her cheerfulness. This is it, Koko thought as he smiled widely. Now's the chance to ask some questions!

"Ano, Mikan-san?" He called out.

"What is it, Koko-san?" Mikan inquired tilting her head slightly.

"What do you think of Natsume-san?" He casually asked, looking straight in the road.

"Eh… wha-what do you mean?" Mikan stuttered, her face reddening at the mere mention of Natsume. Koko grinned.

"Do you like him?" Koko bluntly asked. Mikan's eyes widened.

"Koko-san!" Confirmed, Koko thought as he looked at Mikan who was now as red as a tomato.

"Do you?" Koko pushed, as he parked the car skillfully. Nodding her head slightly, Mikan looked away embarrassed. Koko's grin got wider.

"I'm sure my boss feels the same, it's the first time he's ever done something like this for a girl," Koko smiled teasingly at her as he turned the engine off. Mikan's heart raced. Is it true? She thought as she went out of the car.

"Well, we've arrived at Crimson, let's get going," Koko cheerfully said as he led the way with Mikan following closely.


"Welcome to— Eh? Mikan-chan!" Misaki gasp in surprise.

"It's me again, Misaki-san," Mikan replied sheepishly.

"What brings you here? With Koko nonetheless," Misaki said, raising a brow at Koko. Mikan was about to explain when Koko beat her to it.

"Well, Natsume-san asked me to bring her to you; they have a dinner date later on, along with Hotaru-san and Ruka-san," Koko explained, smiling. Mikan tried to hide her blush at the word date, but failed miserably.

"Really?" She turned to Mikan.

Mikan nodded, smiling bashfully at her.

"Aww, you're so cute, Mikan-chan! I'll make sure Hyuuga won't take his eyes off of you when I'm done," Misaki winked at her. Mikan's face heated.

"Misaki-san, do-don't joke like that," Mikan stuttered.

"Misaki-senpai, Natsume-san said she needs to be ready by seven, so…"

"Say no more, Koko Crunch"

"Please refrain from using that," Koko said as he shook his head.

"She'll be ready in no time," Misaki said as she looked at Mikan, eyes sparkling. Mikan's eyes widened.

"Misaki-san?" She asked nervously. Misaki just smiled at her evilly and dragged her.

"Well, time for me to take my leave, Natsume-san would be the one who'll get you later, bye Mikan-san!"

"Wa-wait, Koko-san, don't leave me!" She managed to shout as she was being dragged by Misaki.


Natsume was on his way to Crimson. Heck, as soon as the meeting ended, he left his company. Ruka can only shook his head at his antics. He couldn't help it, he really wanted to see the brunette. Throughout the meeting, he tried to listen attentively but he was distracted. His thoughts were filled with Mikan. He ruffled his hair in frustration, since when did he become this love struck?

Despite of that, he can't help but feel happy. Meeting Mikan was one of the best things that happened in his boring life. He can't wait to introduce her to his family. His parents wouldn't mind if she didn't come from a high end family anyways. Even though they were never around Natsume's life that much, they weren't controlling except for the fact they meddle on his love life.

Well, it wasn't really their fault since Natsume didn't show interest in women before Mikan came along. He chuckled, his family would be so surprised, especially his mom and Aoi since they were really the ones bugging him to get a girlfriend. His dad was just well, constantly reminding him to get a girl.

It was a good thing too; he hasn't been home for months because of their company. Natsume's family was living on the countryside since they have entrusted the company to him. Although, occasionally they do go to Tokyo just to check his wellbeing since he rarely goes home because of his schedule.

Aoi unlike his parents visits him occasionally since she was living in a boarding school that was located a few hours from his office. Whenever Aoi has free time, she goes directly to his office and bothers him. Of course, he wasn't really annoyed, in fact it made him happy, but he'd rather be a lion's dinner than admit out loud.

He smiled to himself; finally, he thought as he turned the engine off and immediately entered the building.


"Good evening, Hyuuga-sama!" Employees greeted him in disbelief as he stride his way to Harada's store. It was a surprise for them that their boss was here. Usually, he just goes here for inspection and it's announced so they can prepare for it. Is he having a surprise inspection today? They all shuddered; they wouldn't want to get fired now.

"Well, well aren't you early Hyuuga, it's only quarter to seven and yet you are here," Misaki greeted amusingly, as soon as he entered her store.

"Harada-senpai," Natsume greeted nonchalantly, eyes frantically searching for the familiar brunette hair. Misaki chuckled slightly at him.

"Mikan-chan's almost done, I didn't expect you to arrive earlier than seven so…," Misaki said sheepishly.

"Hn"

"Still hating on humans, I see," Misaki muttered, shaking her head slightly. Natsume just shrugged his shoulders and took a seat on the couch. Misaki sighed and excused herself. He didn't mean to be rude. He just didn't know what to say, he wasn't a fan of conversation after all. Even though they knew each other since high school days, Natsume never really interacted with them, aside from Ruka.

Natsume sighed as he started reading manga on his phone. He was on a good chapter when he heard Misaki call Mikan. Turning his head slightly, his eyes widened. There she was walking ever so shyly towards him. His mouth went slightly ajar, but he immediately recovered and stood up.

Did I ever mention that red really, really suits her? Natsume thought as she stared at Mikan. She was wearing a slim crimson dress. The way the fabric hugged her body— curves perfectly, her legs look longer or was it just because of the dress?

"So Natsume, how did I do? Mikan-chan absolutely looks—"

"Beautiful…" Natsume breathed out as she stared at Mikan openly, making Mikan blush. Misaki look smugly at Natsume. He didn't even care what Misaki says, his attention was focused solely on Mikan.

"Natsume," Mikan greeted him, smiling bashfully.

"Let's go?" Natsume asked Mikan as he offered his hand. Mikan only nodded as she took his hand. Natsume smirked at her and looked at Misaki.

"Harada-senpai, thank you for doing such a great job, I'll send the payment later on," Natsume grinned catching Misaki off-guard, blushing slightly at the sight. Since when did the Natsume Hyuuga openly show his emotions like that? Misaki thought as she watched the two leave.


They were inside Natsume's car, on the way to Efflorescence since it was almost eight in the evening. They were having a nice chat when Natsume remembered something.

"Mikan, earlier when I called you, why did you sound sad? Annoyed even," Natsume asked her. Mikan's smiling face was immediately replaced by a sad one. Natsume became worried.

"Tsubasa-senpai said some things," Mikan started. Tsubasa-senpai? Oh the bartender, Natsume thought.

"Things?"

"He said that, you're out of my league," Mikan whispered softly. Natsume had to strain his ears just so he could understand what Mikan said. That guy's meddlesome, Natsume thought annoyed.

"He doesn't have the right to say that," Natsume calmly said.

"I can't help but feel sometimes that he's right," Mikan blurted out.

"Mikan, I don't care what others say, all that matters is you're with me," Natsume seriously said. Mikan felt tears in her eyes.

"Don't cry, I hate seeing you crying remember?" Mikan nodded as she immediately rubbed her eyes. Mikan felt the car stopped.

"We're here, and just a minute to spare," Natsume said as he glanced at his watch. Natsume turned off the engine and went out of the car. Being the gentleman he was, he opened Mikan's door side.

"Thank you," Mikan replied as soon as she got out of the vehicle. Natsume grabbed her hand and kissed it gently.

"Mikan, just forget about what he said, if you think I'm out of your league, well I don't think I deserve you either," Natsume whispered gently. Mikan blushed deeply, her heart racing as she listened to him. Mikan nodded as she gave him a tearful smile. Natsume chuckled as he kissed her eyes.

"No crying remember? Now let's go before Imai blows the building up because we're late by a minute," Natsume playfully said as he led her inside the building.


Author's Note:

Hello there! raku-chama here~

Well, a friend I haven't seen for a long time asked to hang out with me so I've been hanging out with her. Making me unable to update 1000 yen romance that fast, also, I've been typing out chapters for Eternity too that sometimes I mixed some ideas, and I get wth, this is wrong and start over that part again.

But anyways, at least I finally had the time to update again yey me!

Here's a preview of the next chapter! :D

"Natsume! What took you so long you even left work earlier?" Ruka greeted them as soon as they got inside the building.

"I thought eight was the call time"

"It is and you're late by a minute, Hyuuga, I'm disappointed," Hotaru mumbled.

"Hello to you too, Imai," Natsume greeted nonchalantly.

"Now now guys, calm down, Mikan-san you look gorgeous!"

"Thank you, Ruka-san," Mikan gratefully smiled at him.

For those who commented that they can't wait for the next chapter, the wait is finally over!

YellowOrangeRed – Hahaha, I'm glad you found Natsume's reaction that funny! J

Ayame-hime 11d7 – Thanks!

Stringz - Thank you for saying that my story is cool! J I really appreciate it!

Crazy Shortie – Yes, it really sucked badly. I didn't know what to do! No internet connection and exams are not the perfect combination, but it did help while reviewing. XD

Chikuura – That's a secret! :D ;)

To my readers out there,

Leave a review, comment or whatever? :D
Thanks for reading!

Ja! See you next chapter! :D

-Raku-chama-