The Second Book

Chapter Nine

The Spring Dance

Written by: keaRy anCe

I watched everyone as they all got paranoid. Geez, just because of one dance. Everyone in-charge of the dance are on a rush. All I hear about is the Spring Dance. Girls talk about it, even boys. Some were crying because no one asked them, some were squealing since the one they prayed for asked them, some boys were still gaining their confidences to ask the girl they wanted to go to, some girls are still waiting, some are preparing already, some girls used Alices to get the partners they wanted, some boys also used Alices to make that not happen while some are sitting in comfy under the shade of the Cherry Blossom tree at the back of the school. The latter 'some' is me.

I admired the gushes of wind as it interacts with the leaves of these beautiful trees. Nice scene. Spring season is really nice. This is the season when you can see the flowers bloom at its finest, the season when Cherry Blossom trees entertain our eyes and our hearts to the highest level.

"Mikan." A cold voice said from my back.

I jumped from my seat. I quickly turned to see who was that someone who said that out of the blue. It almost gave me a heart attack! "Nobara! It's you! You scared the hell out of me!" I yelled, my hands on my chest.

She laughed. "I can't help it. You're drowned in your own thoughts. Surprising you, as I have thought, is funny." She said.

I am trying to catch my breath. It always happen when I got surprised at the highest level. "Next time, don't do that. Ever." I warned and I'm dead serious.

"Aww, you're cute." She giggled as I glared. "Fine. I won't do that again." She said, defeated. But something tells me she won't.

"So why are you here?" I asked.

"I came to give this to you." She handed me a red small box. I looked up to her. "From Ken, he said it was a gift. I'm not allowed to open or ask about it so. . . can you please open it now?" I smiled at her excitement.

I grabbed the box and examined it. "Why would Ken give me a gift? So unlike him." Honestly, I got suspicious. Who knows, there's a big possibility that it might be a bomb.

She placed her hands on my shoulders. "Maybe because he likes you." She softly said.

"That's impossible." I casually stated, making her sulk.

"Why not? He asked you to be his date." I narrowed my eyes. "I asked him. In case you're wondering how I'd known." She explained.

Typical Nobara. "He just asked me to get rid of his fan girls." I said the truth.

She seems unsatisfied with my answer. "I don't know. Ken's not that type." She insisted.

"Nobara, I don't care, okay?" I don't want to be sound rude but I can't help it. Nobara pouted at my rudeness by the way. I opened the box to see a key. I held it out and examined it more carefully. The key is beautiful. That should describe it. It looks ancient but it still is beautiful.

"A key?" I heard her asked in curiosity. "For what? It looks like it won't fit on anything that has a lock."

I nodded but continued to gaze at the gift. "Maybe he's beginning to get crazy." I said and put the key back to its box. I noticed a note but temporarily ignored it and stood up. "Aren't you busy?" I changed the subject.

Nobara shook her head. "It's lunch break, Mikan." She pointed out. We started walking. "But I still don't get why Ken gave you a gift."

"I don't know either." I answered lazily. "What time will the dance begin?"

"Seven but be there at eight. Can I volunteer?"

My eyebrows rose. "Volunteer?" What is she talking about?

She pouted. "To do your hair! Your make-up and everything! Oh please Mikan, let me do it. Please, please, please." She pleaded in sing-song tone as she clasped her hands together.

I looked at her and sighed. "You know I can't reject you, right?"

She squealed. "Oh yeah! I'll make you the most beautiful girl tonight!"

"Oh no." I groaned.


"I see you received the gift." A smiling Ken suddenly sat on the empty seat in front of me. I was admiring the key he sent me. "How do you like it?"

I put it back on the box. "Why did you get me a key? More like, why did you send me a gift?"

"It's the key to my heart."

I gawked at him, my jaw dropped. After that, I laughed. "Alright, what movie did you watch?"

"Nothing." His face was black.

I still laughed. "Ken, I don't know why you gave me something like this but thank you, I guess."

"Bring that tonight." He informed, smiling.

"If you say so." I eyed him suspiciously. "Why are you excited?"

He suddenly changed his expression. "Who said I'm excited?"

"Ahhmm, your expression?"

He looked like I hit a nerve. "Don't get too full of yourself." He excused. He stayed silent for a moment; uneasiness was evident on his expression before he talked. "I look forward on seeing you tonight. I'm curious if there's going to be a progress on your face when some paint was applied."

I automatically glared at him. "Are you insinuating that I'm ugly?"

"Well, are you beautiful?" He insulted more.

I was furious. I'm angry. Damn him. He should go to hell. "Now we're talking! For your information Mister, people who are looking at the appearance are low class and ignorant. They don't deserve respect, in fact, they don't deserve any."

"Woah, calm down." He placed his hands on my shoulders and forced me to sit. "No, you are not ugly." I smiled in victory. "But I didn't say you are beautiful either." That does it. I clenched my fist, trying to activate my defense mechanism.

But it seems like I can't. "What!" I slammed the table, hard, making the students looked at us but I glared at them and victoriously shooed them away. "Stop talking to me."

"You're so funny." He chuckled.

"This isn't funny." I gritted my teeth. "I am so offended."

He stared at me, his face became serious. "Can I say you something?"

I rolled my arms and looked away. "No."

"I guess I'll just ask it when your mood lightened up. Maybe tonight?" What is it that he wanted to say so badly?

I stared back at him and smiled. "Pray for it." Then I made my dramatic exit.


Okay, tonight I'll meet this couple, I'm Ken's partner, my first dance ever, my first time to attend a social gathering, my first time to be dress beautifully, my first time to-okay stop, I'm sounding like I haven't had a social life before. I sound like a nun.

I readied my dress. It's a black strapless dress with gold polka dots on its full skirt, golden lines on the top, a gold cloth on the bodice and it looks elegant. The first time I saw this dress I didn't have second thoughts about it. Nobara thinks also that the dress would suit my personality. My quiet personality. Am I even quiet? Pfft. Truthfully, Nobara and I have the same color of dresses: Black with a touch of gold. We're like sisters.

I gazed at the mirror, probing my reflection. I've been feeling uneasy since I woke up this morning. I paid my attention back to the dress again. I wonder how I will look in this. Maybe attending this Spring Dance is not so bad after all. I saw the box and remembered that Ken left a note on it. I got the note and read it.

I know you'll just read the note later. Again, don't forget to bring it, Nullification Girl. After tonight you can keep it. It's yours. If you're asking why I am giving a gift to you, I'll just answer it later.

He really is crazy.

Boys, tsk.

I checked the time. It's already 3:58 and Nobara will come at four. I sat comfortably at my bed when-

"Mikan!" She busted into my door. Oh my god. I almost had a heart attack for the second time today. Her hair has curlers on it. She also brought her dress, shoes and accessories already because we had an agreement that she'll dress here in my room.

"Seriously Nobara, stop doing that."

"I know, I know." She acted hurt. "So I wanted to explain my plan for your hair. Since curls are so beautiful, I decided I'll do that to you."

"I don't care what you do. Let's just get this over and done with." I lazily replied.

"Okay!" She chirped. No matter how rude I am to her, she just answers back with extra cheerfulness on it.

I didn't know that Nobara is an expert on this. There are still so many things that I need to know about her. So she did my hair. She has given me expert advices on how to maintain my beauty. Ugh, as if I have beauty. Now, I don't wanna talk about it. My self esteem might decrease and I really don't want that now.

She told me some stories about Spring Dances. Like how students would always look forward on it because it's the second of the two dances held in the academy. The first is when there's an Alice Festival. Spring Dance gives the students opportunity to dress as grand as they could because in the Last Dance everyone has the same dresses and suit.

"Nobara, who's your date?" I asked between her blabbing.

"Huh? Me?"

I rolled my eyes. "Is there anyone else in this room?"

"Actually, none. Because I'll be very busy." She said like it was the most normal thing on Earth.

"I'm sure you won't be that busy. Come on, tell me. I'm sure somebody has asked you."

She blushed. "The president of the Dance Committee asked me. But I turned him down."

"What's the reason?"

"Nothing in particular. Maybe because I don't want to. . .yet."

"Have fun tonight, Nobara. When someone decent enough asked you a dance, accept it especially if it is this president. I don't see the reason why you don't want to but this is your dance. You put your time, effort and heart into this. Enjoy. This will only happen once in a year. Break out into your shell and have fun. But hey, don't go overboard."

She flashed me a sincere smile. "Thanks Mikan. Oh, and I will."

"No sweat."


We were finally done. Nobara was on a curly messy hair style. While me, well, Nobara makes my hair wavy and tied almost half.

When she's done in putting her shoes on, she approached me. "Wow Mikan. You look gorgeous. Black and gold fits you perfectly."

"I do?" I asked. "You look wonderful too Nobara." True, her dress fits her in a very stunning way. "Let's have fun tonight." I smiled.

"Yeah, let's." We got our purses.

Heels aren't my kind of thing. But surprisingly, I'm comfortable wearing it. We exited my room to see Ken waiting. He's on his tux. He's cleaner to look at though his hair is still messy and his tux is, oh my, it looks handsome on it.

"Hi Ken." Nobara greeted. Awkward.

"Hey, nice." He praised and looked at me. I rolled my eyed. "Nicer." He smiled. "Good job, Nobara."

"Thanks. Well, I guess I'll see you later. A temporary bye to you two."

"Bye." I said.

When Nobara was out of sight, Ken offered his hand like a gentleman and I took it, hesitantly. Because he isn't a gentleman, that's why.

"Didn't know some paint can improve your face." He talked.

"My face? My god, you are so arrogant." I hissed. "You know what? Tonight you look like a dog?"

He scowled. "A dog? Excuse me?"

"Yes, a dog. A yapping, irritating, dog. How I wish I could push you into the mud right now." I am controlling my anger. All I can do now is offend him as bad as I can.

"You won't do that, honey." He teased.

I glared with all my might. "Don't honey me, dog."

"Great. Calling me dog as an endearment. Aren't you sweet?"

"It's an insult." I frowned.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

People looked at us when we arrived at the hall which is designed grandly. I can see them whispering, I can see them glaring, I can feel that they are talking. My blood is boiling. The last thing I wanted to be in right now is gossip. I'm so stupid; I should have seen this coming.

"I can sense hundreds of glares pointing at me." I whispered at him.

He gazed at the entire room. "As if they can hurt you."

"That's not the point, you idiot."

"Just ignore them." He said. Obviously, he doesn't want to talk about it.

"What else. I couldn't use my Alice, right?"

"And cause a ruckus? I think not."

"I agree."

"Hey, wanna dance?" He offered and I just simply can't answer back. "Why? That's the point of all of these, right? Don't tell me you are going to reject your partner."

"Why not?"

He led me to the dance floor. The light is dim and the only thing visible to me is Ken. A sweet song played. He put his hand on my waist as I put mine to his shoulders. I can't feel nothing. My body stiffened at his hold. Who can blame me? He is so close.

"You look stiff."

"No, I don't." I lied.

"Liar." He can always see through me.

"You're so close." I stated. His face is so close to mine.

He smiled and leaned a little closer. "I like it closer."

"I love it farther."

He looked at me as if I am the most important person in his life. His eyes; it was so beautiful. "I'm stubborn. I won't do as you love."

"If you get closer, I don't know if I can think anymore." Did I just say that?

"I like the sound of that." He grinned mischievously.

"It's definitely what you are thinking, Pervert."

"Oh? Very well then, please enlighten me."

"I've been thinking of smacking you. Right in the face. You wanna know why? Because you've been a jerk to me since lunch break."

"You're such a drama queen."

"You're such a jerk." I retorted in a dangerous tone. "At least be honest with me."

He grabbed my hand and kissed it. "You are beautiful. Not just tonight but since the first time I saw you. You're a problematic, love-sick teenager. You dislike me. You're quiet when around people but when you are with Nobara or me, you're loud. You have this powerful Alice but you don't go bashing about it. You are not just like the others, Mikan. You're a challenge."

"Why are you saying all of that?" He didn't answer. "Ken?"

He grinned and opened his mouth. "That's because I li-"

The music suddenly stopped and all the lights went on. I saw Serina-sensei on the stage, holding a microphone. Her dress was also dazzling. Mind you, faculty members must wear formal attires.

"Students of the academy, good evening. I hope each and one of you are enjoying this year's Spring Dance. As we all know, months ago, Alice Academy's most favorite couple left the school for security reasons, together with their friend. Now, after waiting for them for months. I know his fan girls will love this." Serina-sensei smiled. I kept rolling my eyes through the whole introduction because who cares? Meanwhile, Ken is scowling all the way. "Let's welcome back, they've been out for months, Sumire Shouda and Natsume Hyuuga." She finally said in a very happy tone but was not definitely music to my ears.

Oh my god. I stiffened. My eyes were blurry. Flashbacks started, memories were refreshed and I could not believe what I just heard. It's ironic, isn't it? He's also a student in this academy. The academy I thought which would make me forgot about everything. Everything shattered. Just like that.

"Mikan?" I heard Ken called.

"Ken." I choked out. "It's him."

He cannot understand what I'm saying at first but soon realized it. "Who?"

"The boy." He is making this more difficult for me.

"Hyuuga?"

I nodded weakly. He couldn't believe what I was saying. "He's the same bastard I've been talking about."

"Oh my god." I absentmindedly placed my hands on my mouth for all these disbelieving happenings tonight. I can hear the crowd cheering as they saw Sumire Shouda in a beautiful dress and Natsume Hyuuga in his perfectly fitting tux. Once again, I saw his disheveled raven hair, his dazzling crimson eyes, his face, him. Oh no.

"What are you looking at Natsume?" Sumire asked.

"Mikan."

"What?"

"She's here."

"Mikan! That's ridiculous. She couldn't be-"

"Then why is she here?"

"She's following you."

"Don't be the ridiculous one."

I can perfectly hear them talk due to one of the Alices I stole. "Ken, they're coming. What should I do? What should I do? What must I do?" I asked, panicking.

He calmed me by placing his hands on my face. "Anything but run." His words soothed me.

"Mikan." Natsume called. I can see people looking at us.

I heard his voice again. After so many months, after I buried all the memories of him. I turned around; my confidence is at its peak. "Fancy meeting you here, Hyuuga." I tried my best to smile and I succeeded. My god, he is so handsome.

Sumire is not happy and I can tell it by her expression. "Mikan Sakura. What the hell are you doing here?" She asked acidly. I don't know if she's an idiot or what but everyone in this academy has Alices so obviously she should know the answer to that question.

I rolled my eyes. "Obviously, I'm an Alice."' I proudly said. I can see that people are gossiping about us. Chatters filled the room. So much drama. Astoundingly, Ken is not talking. He must be watching me defend myself like he always wanted me to do.

"No you're not." Sumire fought back. No doubts, she is an idiot. "You're Natsume's obsess fan girl. No more, no less."

"Really? For your information, she's dead. A long time ago. You know what, you should have attended her funeral." I retorted back. "Now, if you please excuse us." I turned around and dragged Ken with me.

"I'm great, am I?" I said to him while running.

We stopped running the moment we got outside, far from those people.

"Hyuuga is the boy you've been crying for?" Ken asked, unpleased.

I panted. "Are you really going to shove it on my face?"

"Do you still love him?" What the hell? All of a sudden.

"Why are you asking me that?"

He knew I was playing with him. Well, he's at fault. Suddenly asking personal questions like that. "Just answer it. Dammit!"

"What's going on with you?" I didn't wait for his answer and instead answered his question. "I don't know, Ken. It's not easy to let it all go. I know you're concerned but I'm mature enough to handle him. I'm not the same as before."

"This is shit." He hissed,

"Why are you so angry?"

"I don't know!" He yelled. "Maybe because of all people it's Hyuuga. Of all people it's you."

"Me?" I have a hint. Another, oh no."What is it that you wanna say in the middle of the dance?"

He looked at me, helpless. He looks so weary and angry. "Mikan, I like you." He said with all honesty. He grabbed me by the arm and pulled me into a hug.

Why is this happening to me?

All I know is I am catching my breath.

End of Chapter


gracellen-Sorry to say but I have no picture of Ken. But if I found one, I'll gladly give you the link.

Natsume and Mikan meet again! How's that?

Ken confessed. How's that?

Errors? I'll get back to that.

Review?

The links for Mikan and Nobara's dresses are in my profile. Please do check it.

Please say something about these dresses. It will determine if my taste is bad or good. Thanks.