CHAPTER 8: LEAVE ME ALONE


I'm crazy.

Why did I send him e-mail and messages – which he never returned – again? Why do I even bother asking for a sign that he's alive when I know that he probably is? Moreover, why do I still care?

Now, where'd my immunity shield go?

It's been five days since the semester started. At first, I was really optimistic. I went to class enthusiastically, talked casually with my friends. To be simple, I just didn't give any attention to him. However, as the days – more like two days – passed by, I began to care… again. And, I really hate myself for it.

Yesterday, Hotaru, finally realizing that I'm not acting normally, hacked – like it's the easiest thing – my e-mail account and successfully accessed my mails, which were deleted beforehand, to Natsume. Then, you know what happened.

She went silent the whole morning class. When lunch time came, she bit back with her incongruous remark. She completely drove our group into a fit of shock. Nothing big though. She just called me a plausible hypocrite.

Not that I've heard of it. I had to check my dictionary after that just to find out that my best friend called me a credible fake or something – at least that's what it said in the thesaurus. Even Luna Koizumi guffawed when she heard of it (she was one of the occupants of the next table to ours, so yeah). She also said something like 'Imai, you've just realized it now? Shame. And, I thought you were a genius.'

But, you know Hotaru, she basically gave Koizumi one of her most lethal glares and the bitch cursed a few words, scuttled to her feet and went out of the cafeteria in a matter of seconds – followed by her minions. If there's something Koizumi's scared of other than a bad hair day, it's Hotaru. I'm surprised that she even had the guts to talk to Hotaru like that.

You might be wondering where the hell I am as of the moment. Well, I'm in detention – with Jinno staring at me like a chunk of meat about to be grilled. It's the second time this week and I believe that Jinno is starting to attack me with big failure marks in all of my seat works. He's devouring every little bit hope of making my mother proud. What's more surprising is that I'm the only one experiencing this torture.

"Miss Sakura, next time you forget the 9th rule –"

"What was the 9th rule again? Was it to call you Jin-Jin at all times?" I asked, keeping me out of my trance.

His eyes sparked with anger. He flinched and his lip twitched slightly. "Miss Sakura, are you trying to challenge my patience?"

As if you have one, you sadistic, neurotic teacher, I thought.

"No, Jinno-sensei," I replied. "I remember your 9th comma – I mean, rule. It's not to call you Jin-Jin and address your name formally by adding sensei." Hidden scowl.

He raised his brow and studied me. "Very well. I'll dismiss you, Sakura but" – he turned around and picked up a chalk – "you have to write down all of my rules in this big blackboard until there's no more space to write in it." He gave me an evil smile as he offered the chalk.

"Funny… Wait." I choked out the words. "Are you serious?"

"I am afraid that I am. Not bigger than three inches per letter," he replied.

I wanted to scowl but that would worsen things. I grabbed the chalk from his hand and examined my big canvas where I'll be writing Jinno's ten evil commandments. The chalk I was holding seemed to be small to fill in this enormous piece of board.

I started to write. I intended the screeching sounds the chalk made whenever it came in contact with the blackboard. I hope that will bug the cells out of him.

But, he didn't look like he cared.

He just read his book which was entitled 'Universe for the Geniuses'. I got to say – he's messed up. He isn't even a genius – I strongly believe. For god's sake. I wonder if Hotaru would call him a hypocrite as well.

Half an hour has passed and the board was only one-fourth filled. My hands were starting to ache badly and I'm having these double visions. I think I might pass out anytime. I hope this ghastly teacher will cut me some slack. Besides, there's only about a small piece of chalk left.

And then, I had this crazy idea.

I threw the dusty little piece of stick and went over to Jinno. He was muttering stuff like Polaris and some other alien terms. I cleared my throat to get his attention. He looked up and gave me an irate grimace.

"Jinno-sensei, I hate to be dismissed… but there's no more chalk." Yeah, I'm out of here.

His expression calmed and he pointed somewhere at the back of the room. "Ah. Is that all? There's some stock over there. You might want to check them out. They've been lonely for years."

Thinking he was just joking, I looked with a smug face, and what I saw horrified me. There, on top of the cabinets, lay hundreds of chalk boxes – waiting for someone to notice them.

Oh how I hate Jinno.


I was walking back to my dorm room when I decided to take a little detour. I turned left, right, left, another left and then right. Yeah, you get the idea. When I arrived in the school's garden, it was deserted – the way I have always liked it.

I sat down the small patch of grass and gazed at the sky. The sun was almost down in the horizon. It was spectacular. There were different assortments of colors – orange, red, yellow, purple, pink, black, and dark – spread across the skies. I have always loved how everything in nature seems to be like an impossible phenomenon.

"What are you doing here?"

I bolted right up as I was startled by the sudden voice behind me. After that, I had the idea of running away. If this was a teacher, then I would be in for an immense mayhem. Why? It's about an hour past curfew time, and the rules clearly stated that anyone who does not follow this would get a month of community service. I do not like that. Who does?

In the count of three, I'm out of here.

One.

Two.

Thre –

"Mikan? Is that you there?"

Now that I've heard this stranger's voice again, he sounds familiar. Suddenly, a hand reached for my shoulders and the force had me turning around to face him.

Guess who?

It was none other than Tsubasa. He flashed me a cheeky yet friendly smile and told me that if he was a teacher I would be sent straight to the office for community service. Yes, I glowered at him. I knew that. He did not need to further elaborate.

"What about you? You're here as well. That makes two violators," I snapped at him.

"I'm not like you. I'm here for patrol duty," he said as he patted my head which messed my hair in the process. I tried to fix my hair while I shot him an irritated face. "Gee. I wonder how you brainwashed Narumi-sensei for him to let you be the official patrol guard."

I plopped down the grass once more as Tsubasa followed my example. He had that proud glint in his eyes. Sometimes, he's so egotistical and I just cannot help questioning it. I mean, he's not that intelligent and – well – his looks are a little bit above normal. His self-esteem doesn't make sense to me at all. While I kept my own negative thoughts to myself, he answered, "I don't know. An A+ in his subject. I guess?"

I froze. He got an A+? Him – Tsubasa Andou. Am I hallucinating or what? I don't even get a B through all three years in high school. And, he got an A+. I scrutinized him – his appearance, and all. Subsequently, I concluded that he was joking. Right? There's no way he'd get that kind of grade.

"Ha-ha. Tsubasa, I'm not buying that."

"Don't you believe me? I'm telling the truth."

A rash twinge of guilt hit me. What would I say? I doubted him once. And, it wasn't really much of a good thing. "Heck yeah… but not this time. You're obviously lying," I shot back.

"Fine then."

There was an uncomfortable peace around us and, for the nth time, I felt anxious. Yes, I believe I have become paranoid with silence since the first day of this semester. Or, maybe, it was after Natsume ignored me. I don't really know but one thing is for sure – I need to talk now even if what I'm going to say is way off the line.

"Tsubasa, I've heard something about a dare you guys had before. Can you tell me?" I asked and glanced at him in the process. He was not smiling – yes, I figured that he did not want to talk about it that much. It seems like it's not much of a fun experience.

"Well, I'm not expecting for an–"

"It's something about girls. And, well, I really do not like to tell it to you," he said hesitantly. "The dare was simple actually but because of that, Natsume punched me. I shall not explain details. However, it's got nothing to do with – uh – him being cold towards you."

I have to admit that I was surprised. I did not expect him to give me such an honest reply. Yes, I thought he was going to deny his participation in the dare. But why did Natsume punch him? He's not that violent of a person. Speaking of dares, I know we have this sort of dare – or bet. I have to keep my mouth shut about it. So, I planned to go back to my dorm room before anyone sees us and suspects some budding romance between the two of us. That would be so wrong.

"Hey, you only have three more weeks left before we get to decide who wins and who loses," Tsubasa said as he flashed me a grin. He seemed to recover that easily from such an awkward topic.

I snorted and told him, "Oh. I'll win. Definitely. See you when I see you!"

"Got the memo, Mikan. I'll see to it that you lose though," he shouted back before I entered the hallway, trying my best not to be caught by a real patrol guard.


"So, you're saying that Mikan sent the devil some twenty e-mails this week?" Sumire said, keeping her eyes trained on me. She's been doing that for the last twenty-five minutes since I arrived.

"Yes, I believe that she's gone loco," Nobara replied and took a sip from her lychee smoothie.

"Are you calling me crazy?" I asked in disbelief, certainly offended.

"Well, does loco mean anything else in your Spanish dictionary?" Sumire retorted in her ruthless expression.

I rolled my eyes intentionally. "Oh. I don't know… 'cause I don't freaking speak Spanish."

Saturday was supposed to be a fun time in Central Town with all of my friends. Not a talk about the hypocrite scandal. But – tough luck – here we are, waiting for Nonoko and Anna, exchanging little sarcastic remarks with each other.

A soft slam resounded. Hotaru flickered her attention to them, silencing the aggressive pair, whilst ignoring me in the process. She was about to take a bite out of her sandwich, leaving me to wonder why she suddenly eats chicken meat when she's completely allergic to them. Have she forgotten about it? Or is she doing this on purpose?

"Hotaru, you're allergic to chicken. Drop that," I instructed her.

She shot a cold look towards me. "But I'm more allergic to hypocrites."

That made a part of my heart twinge. No doubt – Hotaru hates me more than ever. And I hate myself for letting this happen. "I am not a hypocrite."

"You wrote the one you call bastard letters of concern, Mikan. You're deceiving us… especially your own self."

A pang of truth.

"Funny." I stifled a laugh, remembering an incident. "Last time you used the word deceiving was when you told me about some two people's hearts and how time will unravel what is hidden."

"Maybe, I was" – she paused hesitantly – "…wrong in telling you that. It's no use with your lack of logic. Besides, you're changing the topic here, Mikan," she replied bitterly, though she sounded like she's evading the topic I set. What did she mean by that riddle before anyways?

I caught a glance of Nobara and Sumire. They look like they're going to keep quiet until we finished this awkward conversation that seem to be revolving into a big fight.

I bit my lip, thinking of the right words to say but I could only come up with thoughts that would really make things worse. "Hotaru, you were the one who hacked into my e-mail, shouldn't I get some apology?" I asked, completely unaware why I had said that. Shit.

"Now, I'm the one who should apologize. Great," she replied as she pushed away her plate, and picked up her laptop. Her gaze fell on me. "Maybe, I need time away from you for awhile. It seems like I will turn crazy, thinking of how you would inflict permanent damage in your life. Come talk to me when you're rationally stable."

She flashed me a bitter expression. And I was – damn right – offended. I was angry, and it's because I heard something I don't like from others.

Too hurt and prideful, I let her stand up and walk away. I let my one and only best friend walk away. Thinking about it, I knew a simple apology like last time won't do. I had to be rationally stable before I could. Who knows what kind that means for her?

I watched her walk away, disappearing in the throng of students. For a few seconds, I could spot her violet hair in the distance. But, soon enough, it was completely gone, leaving me to stare at a bunch of hormonal teenagers having loads of fun.

And everything was silent after that. Sumire and Nobara avoided talking about what had just happened. On the other hand, I indulged in drinking my orange juice and eating little bits of my own sandwich as I processed what had gone wrong in the situation earlier.

Then, it hit me. I was the one who's wrong. She was only worried – like always – about me. How could I turn down a friend's advice like that? I felt like the whole wide world was against me. Everything I do was off the beam – just plain wrong.

"Hey, guys! Let's have some fun today!" Nonoko cheered, snapping me out of my trance.

Surprised, I jerked my head up, and almost knocked down my smoothie. Nonoko had worn her favorite outfit – her cerulean, cashmere sweater that reached up to her hips, plain white leggings and her most-loved leather boots that her mom gave for her previous birthday. I felt sorry for her. She must have anticipated this day as much as I have.

Anna, who glanced up from her book, followed behind her. Upon seeing our wretched looks, she closed the book she was reading, and raised a brow. "Where's Hotaru? And what's wrong with your faces? You guys look like you've seen ghosts," she stated, examining each of us.

"Eh? Is she running late?" Nonoko questioned, looking around.

Nobody said a thing about the fight. I feel so stupid now. Letting my guard down, a tear trickled down my cheek and, without much waiting, I broke into a soft cry.

"I screwed up!"


"Mikan-chan, are you sure? They told me to see to it you go back to your room safely. I mean, they'll have me for dinner if anything happens to you. Even Hotaru. Her anger right now towards you will not suffice. She will drown me to death in a pool of sharks! I don't even –"

"Nonoko, I'm not drunk. I just cried a little," I said, stating the obvious.

I had explained to them – while crying – what happened as Sumire and Nobara filled in on the details I missed. Anna simply shook her head in disbelief, and told me that I need to do what is right. What was the right thing, by the way? Of course, Sumire and Nobara told her that I do nothing right. On the other hand, Nonoko went like 'It's not her fault. Hotaru's hot-headed right now because of Yuu, and Mikan just happened to be so concerned of Hyuuga-san.' Then, Sumire – my ever-so-angelic friend – told her that Natsume wasn't worthy of any respect, so she instructed her to call him bastard instead.

Should I explain more?

Yes, they got into a verbal fight but no harm done. In the end, Anna went ahead to talk with Hotaru. Sumire and Nobara walked away with frying Natsume for lunch in mind. And Nonoko was left with the heavy duty of escorting the grievous me back to the dorms.

"But, Mikan-chan, what if you –"

"Nonoko, I'm going to be alright," I told her, putting both my hands on her shoulders as I made eye contact with her. "There's no danger here anyways. Don't you need to go to the bookstore? I heard that the books you ordered finally arrived."

"Uhm. Yeah." She looked hesitant. "Stay out of trouble, okay? Don't even try committing suicide." Her eyes bore into mine, and I gave out a laugh and squeezed her shoulders before letting go. I'm crazy, alright. However, the suicide thought never has crossed my mind. At least, I'm not that mad.

"Go. Before I even consider it," I replied, jokingly.

She smiled, getting the humor I placed. After that, she said a quick goodbye and dashed out of the hallway. Nonoko surely is one imaginative teen. A pool of sharks? Committing suicide? Are these the things she read in one of those romance novels she reads?

I strolled along the hallway, observing the walls and floors. During school days, these were combusting with students who were either feeling ecstatic or just bored; but, right now, it was empty. I could hear the wind slowly drifting towards the open cracks of the windows. This was perfect, a perfect time to think.

Rationally stable – that's what I'm aiming for right now. And, by that, it must mean I need to forget about Natsume entirely. Now, that's the hard part. How could I? Perhaps to have me like another person more than I like him will. Yes, I think that's the answer. Maybe, the dare I had with Tsubasa would do me good after all. I have to win – no matter what.

Seeing Hotaru get disappointed like that made me repentant. Yeah, I suck. I don't even know why I am acting like this. Natsume is just one of the boys I was destined to fall in love with. There are still others out there – I hope.

"Mikan-chan?"

In front of me, a stunning strawberry blonde was smiling. "Misaki? Didn't you go out to Central Town?" I asked. I was sure that she was in Central Town with Tsubasa and their other classmates. I saw them when I went there.

"I got bored, and ditched them. They're not going to have me watch that petrifying, massacre movie," she said as she flashed me a curious look. "Aren't you supposed to be having fun with Imai and the other girls?"

I shrugged, forcing a smile. "Well, we got tired and decided to call it a day."

I saw a doubtful expression cross her face for a split second, certainly not buying my explanation. But she just nodded understandingly and offered me to hang out in her room. In relief that I have someone to talk to that is not cynical about my hypocrite scandal, I agreed without much thought.

We reached her room in less than fifteen minutes. She sat down on her bed and reached for he IPod dock's power button. Music blasted through the speakers and filled the room with loud rock songs in no time. Honestly, it was not my kind of music but it will do. I scanned her room and found lots of posters plastered on the walls. Most of them looked like bands. Her room had cherry-colored walls, and a glass desk – with a desktop, scattered books and CDs – was situated in one of the corners of the room. It was actually the first time I went here, after all the times I turned down her offer due to club meetings and such.

"So, I heard about the scandal yesterday in the cafeteria. Hotaru really loves catastrophic words," she remarked, breaking the silence.

I wanted to scowl but I kept my smile on. "I was surprised actually. I'm now an affirmed hypocrite."

"Let's not talk about that," she said. I felt relief washing over me but that was gone completely when she told me the next thing I was desperate for. "I know you wanted to ask about the dare with the gang."

I was completely shocked. I almost broke the figurine I was examining. "How did you –"

"I heard from Tsubasa. He doesn't like talking about it that much and I – hoping to annoy the hairs out of him – talk about it at all times." She shifted in her position. "He suddenly slipped and told me that you were asking about it." Her eyes landed on me and a probing look appeared on her face.

"Well, I did ask once." Yesterday.

"Ohh. We got a lot to talk."

She asked me to sit down on one of the couches, and offered me gummy worms. After that, she took her place on her bed and lowered the music. "Here it goes. Ready?" She took a deep breath, and I nodded.

"That dare was a dare I wasn't even allowed to witness. I just sneaked in because they kicked me out. And, no one does that to me. Curiosity overpowered, and I was shocked. They had not-too-strong alcoholic drinks on the table," – she wrinkled her nose and made a disgusted face – "and Tsubasa already have had two bottles. Only Natsume did not have any. It was actually part of the dare. The one who gets to have a dare drinks a shot. Are you taking this lightly?" She asked, seeing my gaping mouth.

"Uh. Yeah, I mean. They're in school grounds, right? How could they not be caught?" I asked.

She puffed her hair out of her face. "Well, Koko's father is the owner of this school, right? Benefits." she snorted, clearly not liking the idea of that.

I actually felt relieved that Natsume wasn't the only one who drank. "Then? What happened?"

"They talked about girls. I learned that Koko likes your friend with the green perm –"

"He likes Sumire?" I shouted in shock. "Since when? Why didn't I kn –"

Misaki ran over to where I was seated and cupped her hand over my mouth and hissed. "Sshh. Don't shout. This is classified Gakuen Alice elite gang information that I'm sharing." She looked around frantic that someone might have heard. But we were the only two people in the room, and, maybe, in this building.

"Ohhkayss. I geefftt ifft, Mmissafkki," I said, trying hard to project my pronunciation with her hand over my mouth. She removed it and smiled in apology.

"Sorry about the hand. I got carried away." She sat beside me and crossed her legs.

"Continuing. Ruka's a bit distracted of Imai-san because of the blackmailing thing – don't ask me I don't even know what he's implying – while Mochu thinks Anna's fascinating." She paused and an amused grin surfaced. "Don't you think they're all interested in your clique?"

"Yeah, it must be a coincidence," I replied although I felt strangely that it was fishy. "How about Tsubasa and Natsume?" Was I stupid?

A spark died down in Misaki's eyes. The amused expression turned into an infuriated glare. "I didn't hear. Kitsuneme – Koko's older brother? Know him? – dragged me out the room and scolded me about eavesdropping. Then, I heard shouting and loud thuds. When we went back in, the room was a mess. Alcohol spilled everywhere, the sofa was toppled over and Natsume was holding Tsubasa by the collar with his right hand raised, ready to punch him."

I kept quiet. I couldn't digest what she was saying. Natsume punching Tsubasa? It was unusual. He never had shown violent tendencies. Maybe, Hotaru was right. "You really di-didn't know what they fought about?" I asked, trying not to stammer for words.

She shook her head and replied, "They wouldn't tell me. All I know was that Tsubasa was drunk but Natsume wasn't."


I could barely process all the things Misaki told me. When I went back to my room, I practically went into a daze for a couple of minutes. I now understand Tsubasa's reason for only explaining it in one sentence. Their group was going to be in big trouble if the incident was known to public. The student council might even raise a rally, and shun the administration which composed mostly of Koko's relatives.

I could imagine the headlines as 'GAKUEN ALICE, NOT AT ALL PRESTIGIOUS'. Surely, there would be a decline in status and number of students. I mean, alcohol is strictly prohibited in campuses, and any student who violates it would receive extreme punishment.

I heaved a sigh, and opened my computer. I signed into my mail, despondent in having any new messages. To my astonishment, there was one new mail. My heart started to accelerate. I clicked it, and it was from Natsume. Numerous questions popped into my head. I opened it, and what I read sent me into a brain freeze – more like emotional freeze.

To: Mikan Sakura (miiberry yahoo . com)

From: Natsume Hyuuga (crimsonabyss yahoo . com)

Subject: Re: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?

Message:

Stop sending me e-mails. Leave me alone.

Unbelievable. I felt like I was hit by a large hammer. For all of my long e-mails, he sends me this crappy one-liner. My heart had felt emptier than before. It's like there's this new space for other people to fit in. Thanks for that wonderful taste of reality. Really. He helped me. Before it was broken, now it's completely sealed shut.

I am so forgetting about him.

He's a bastard who will rot in hell.

I closed my computer and ran to my bed, stuffing my face into a pillow. Before I even knew it, tears began to roll down my face, feeling the anger slowly subsiding. It hurts so much. He could have said it in a nice way. I mean, how could he? I was only concerned. What's so wrong about that? After all the times we've been through, it ends with this one e-mail. It's not even a phone conversation. Insensitive bastard.

Leave me alone? Was that even the right thing to say to someone who cares about you? Fine. If that's what he wants, then it's what he gets.

No more anxiety. No more doubts. No more Natsume Hyuuga.

To Mikan Sakura, he's declared as dead.


Light hit my eyelids, and I fluttered them open. I focused my eyes towards the windows which were startlingly being held by someone. My eyesight re-adjusted, and my blurry vision turned back to normal. Hotaru stood by the curtain, staring at me. Trying to forget what happened yesterday at Central Town, I flashed a goofy smile which she lovingly returned with an impassive look. How lovely.

"Idiot, are you somewhat alive?" She deadpanned although her question was really of alarm.

I went out of bed, walked towards the rack and clutched my towel in a firm grip. "Yes, I am. Why are here? Am I rationally stable to you right now?" I told her, walking towards the bathroom. It's funny how she comes running in here after we had fought yesterday. I believe she just cares too much of me for her own good. I can't blame her though. We grew up like we're twins. I would do the same if she became like me.

"Forget about that. I saw the… mail," she said as cautious as she could. Ohhh. That explains it.

"Oh. That." I suppressed a giggle without turning around. "Could you believe it? Leave me alone? Seriously, who would not be offended?" I ranted, trying to add humor but to no avail.

There was a short silence before she spoke. "You cried."

"Oh. Of course, I did." I stopped the tears threatening to escape. "But I'm okay now. At least, he formally drew the line. I was so waiting for it to become official," I snapped bitterly.

Soft steps hit the floorboard. Subsequently, Hotaru stood beside me, scrutinizing me with utmost apprehension though it's not observed in her expression. "Yes, I know," she whispered.

"We're now officially not-in-good-terms basis," I stated, choking the words out. Hurriedly, I twisted the knob and went inside the bathroom, locking the door. I rested my weight on the sink, and looked at my face. My eyes had dark circles under and I looked so pale. I cried myself to sleep again. I don't want this turning into a repetitive habit.

"Hotaru! I'll be at class. I promise. Don't worry," I shouted, remembering she was standing outside the door. A few moments later, I heard the echo of the door shutting close. I felt thankful that Hotaru's not mad at me anymore. His e-mail had arrived in the right point in time. Seriously, what a best friend saver.


As I walked down to class, I spotted a familiar blonde who had a pallid bunny in his hand. He waved at me, and I smiled back. After some hi's and hello's exchanges, we walked together to class. Of course, I tried to be jolly and all – but a half-way cheerful tone was all I could manage.

"Tell your friend that he's heaven sent. I would never bother him again," I abruptly said while we were talking about how appalling Narumi-sensei dresses.

Ruka's forehead creased and, finally realizing who that friend was, raised a confused look. "Natsume talked to you?" He asked with a surprised expression.

"Not exactly. He e-mailed me. Fancy technology, huh?" I tried to joke but the bitterness in my tone was evident; I had no way around it. "He told me to leave him alone. He could've just said it before."

"He told you that?" He questioned once more, befuddled.

We were almost to the classroom. Students were bustling in every corner, taking their time as they went to their own classes. I saw Nobara and Nonoko standing by their classrooms, talking with some others I only knew by face. They shot me a worried glance which I sort of ignored. Hotaru must have texted the entire clique. Typical.

"Yes? Why?" I answered, coming out of my thoughts.

"He wouldn't. I know he wouldn't. Why?" Ruka shooked his head, not believing what was happening.

"Why would'nt he? He obviously detests me."

"Mikan, I told you before he had his reasons. They're not the absurd reasons everybody's thinking about. I promised him that I won't tell you. He doesn't want you to know but he –"

"Heads up, Ruka!"

Before he could finish what he was saying, Koko and Tsubasa strangled him and knocked him down the floor. He tried to break free, wrestling them. Without Tsubasa and Koko noticing, Usagi, Ruka's rabbit, escaped and scurried down the hall. Tsubasa and Koko exchanged laughs and kept on saying that they captured the great Ruka Nogi. Typical behavior.

Ruka, with an infuriated look, pushed them away. "Ugh! Look! Usagi-chan got away!" His eyes turned dark which I have never seen before. Tsubasa's and Koko's laughter died down.

"Sorry about that, Ruka. Seriously, we'll find it," Koko replied nervously, scratching the nape of his neck.

"You better find it," Ruka said in a tone only Hotaru could set. The kind of voice that gives you the creeps and all. Oh how they fit each other.

I glanced at both the troublemakers. They stood stiffly and looked scared out of their wits. I wanted to laugh. For the first time, it dawned on me how they felt so carefree – like how I was before. I missed it – honestly.

"Mikan, do not mind what I have said," he told me – normal voice back.

"Oh I do not mind at all." Even though it certainly arouses curiosity, I do not mind.

He turned around and a dark shadow fell on his charming looks. "You, two idiots, find Usagi-chan or suffer the consequences."

"Ye-Yes, Ru-Ruka!" Both of them replied, scared.

Ruka trudged along the hallway, out of his way to find his beloved bunny. I figured that he won't come to class at all.

"I hate it when Ruka gets angry," Koko murmured after the blonde disappeared around a corner. I saw sweat drip down his forehead. Man, he must be really terrified.

Tsubasa, finally recovering from the experience, spoke, "I know. He captures Imai-san's aura perfectly when he does." Tsubasa? Scared? He was scared of Ruka and Hotaru?

I tried to contain my laugh but I just couldn't help it. In no time, I broke into fits of laughter and had the two of them suddenly notice me. "Shouldn't you two be off finding Ruka's bunny? Because I know that last part about suffering consequences is more horrible," I stated, eyeing them with a gleeful glint.

"Uhh. I have to cut class?" Tsubasa flashed me a sly grin. "Koko, take care of it for me, huh? We wouldn't want to suffer that, right?" He asked – more like commanded.

I gave him a fake scowl. Koko just nodded in agreement and rushed off towards the administration's office, leaving me with Tsubasa who was totally loving the thought of cutting class legally.

"I thought Ruka was hitting on someone else rather than – uhh – someone," Tsubasa said, almost slipping an important subject.

"You're crazy. I'm going to class now. See you when I see you," I told him, walking towards the direction of my classroom.

What a start of the day, huh? I haven't felt so light since that incident. I feel like a free bird. Not that the whole avoiding thing chained me to my roots. I must have just thought of it like that. Natsume was a big part of my life. Yeah, was.

But then again, Ruka left me hanging there. To finally know his reasons was one of my important item in my to-know list.

However, with the message last night, should I even care?


Hi guys! Thanks for waiting! I had less reviewers for the previous chapter.

But, oh well, no harm done. I hope you like this! I made it longer. Sorry if this is the soonest I could post it.

I'm planning to post a one-shot as well. Please do anticipate it!

Review! :) Yes! Please!

I accept criticism and suggestions. I'm still learning. :)

pwenie: I hope this is soon. Thanks for the review!

anim3gurl: Awww. Thanks for the cyber cookie! Wow. I'm a wonderful writer? Awww. I'm so flattered! Thanks so much!

Kylee-Cat: I certainly did! And none of the puzzle is yet solved! :))) I'm so bad. But, yeah, I think some of it will be revealed in the next chapter. :)

2 MAY 2011

12:44 PM

(: nineprincess :)