Something You've Read Before

Chapter Nine

Tying the Knots

Looking up, side to side, on the floor, then afar, Mikan enjoyed viewing Glassroots at every angle. No wonder why she had a familiar vibe getting from the café, it was because she had been at Glassroots before. It was last year, mid-December, when she and Narumi got late from buying Christmas gifts on the bazaar a few blocks away from the café that their legs almost failed to take them home and their stomachs grumbled like a machine that needed serious oiling so they stopped by at the famous Glassroots. Mikan bit her lip, feeling slightly embarrassed by the fact that the name didn't ring a bell the moment she heard it. Maybe because that day was exhausting so her focus was intended more on the food than the actual place or it was just that she had a really bad memory.

"Wow, Ruka, your family owns this? I've been here before with my Daddy. We loved the cheesecakes and the nachos!" Mikan exclaimed, eyeing the spot wherein she and Narumi took when they first bonded here.

"Actually, this was originally owned by the Hyuugas. Natsume's father gave this café to my dad as a token of their partnership six years ago. When my sister graduated from college, my dad gave the ownership to her," replied Ruka.

Kenryuu Nogi considered Ioran Hyuuga as his own brother, more than anything else. They both grew up in two of Japan's most prestigious families, exposed with high levels of fakery and sweet talks just to get what was wanted. For them, the conversations, the shameless presentation of wealth, the unnecessary things bought just to be glamorous were all superficial, holding no true value. Ironically, even if they hated the rich, they did not want to let go of their richness. These two would laugh at themselves for being hypocrites.

Their friendship was real behind all the unreal things they grew up with. The Hyuugas considered the Nogis a partner instead of a competitor but sometimes it was inevitable. If both family companies wanted to invest on two different shopping malls, so be it. People around them made issues, saying that it was all plastic between the two. Their good relationship getting ruined by rumors and they could not just let it happen. That was when Ioran offered Glassroots, symbolizing his truthfulness to Kenryuu. It was such a lavish gift but at the same time very accepted it but only after Ioran convinced him multiple times to do so. It was a lavish gift, glittered with all the glamour and wealth they grew up with, but the difference was, it was real.

Now, that Ruka was reminded of the story of his and Natsume's fathers, he wanted to laugh on how the friendship was also passed onto them. Things like that only happened rarely and yet it happened to them. Ruka focused his attention on Mikan again and saw her quite cute of a reaction.

Mikan blinked her brown eyes repeatedly in utter surprise. "You have a sister?" she asked straight away.

Ruka nodded, flashing a smile that somehow told Mikan that it was okay to ask questions. "Yeah, she's seven years older."

"How is she like?"

That question sent Ruka into a debate of what words to use because, honestly, when it came to his sister, there were lots of words to describe her. It was hard to choose the correct terms so Mikan wouldn't think he was bragging about his sister. Ruka could call this one of the disadvantages of having a very ideal sister. Hinami Nogi was a popular name not because she was one of the Nogis but she really did stand up through her amazing performance on everything she did. Good thing that Hinami was known for her achievements and humility and not otherwise.

Nonoko then tapped Mikan's shoulders and said, "Ruka's sister is the kind of woman you would want to idolize. She's good at everything."

"More like very good," Ruka added with a shy smile.

The gleam in Mikan's eyes was three times brighter. "Is she really that great?"

Ruka closed his one eye while his mouth was open. He counted on his fingers the accomplishments of older sister Hinami. "Former Student Council president, class valedictorian, graduated Magna cum Laude at University of Tokyo, currently traveling the world to gain more partners and investors. Our father could talk two hours solely dedicated for her achievements since she was a newborn while our mother kept her grounded. We're a pretty balanced family."

Those credentials could leave anyone gaping. It was rare for achievers to continue their streak up to college but Ruka's sister did it like it's the simplest and most natural thing in the world. He would be lying if he would say that he was not jealous because he actually felt envious of the talents bestowed upon her sister. Good thing that Hinami was not such a diva about it. Their mother taught them well. When you're on top, the only way was down. That's what their mother reminded them always.

"How about being a sister?" was Mikan's quick follow-up question.

"What?" Ruka asked, slightly taken aback.

"Is she a good older sister to you?" Mikan clarified.

Ruka was never asked of that question before so that's why even if it was an easy yes, he still struggled on the way he said it. Usually, he would get asked if Hinami was a nerd when in studying or if she was a perfectionist that pressurized herself to maintain the top spot. No one was really interested of how Hinami as a sister or a daughter or even a friend.

"She's the best," Ruka replied with a big smile.

Mikan gave a thumbs-up, indicating that she was happy to hear that answer from him. A good sibling relationship should be one of the most common things in the world but whenever Mikan would ask a classmate or a friend about their relationship with their siblings, half of them would say that they were not really close which confused her greatly.

"Gather, everyone!" Hotaru yelled from the counter, waving her hand to get their attention. "We're going to reiterate the plan. Anna, Nonoko, Nogi, and I will do all the manipulations necessary here in Glassroots. Anna, you'll get the chance to display your acting abilities later while Nonoko will relay me the signal that Yome has arrived. Nogi is in-charge of the controls. From the light, to the windows, to the doors while I would be supervising each one, making sure everybody gets their roles right. Hyuuga will go with Mikan. You two can listen from the phone call I will make when Koko arrives. This plan must be a success at the end of the day. There is no room for errors."

They all discarded after hearing the instructions.

"What?!" Mikan whined.

Hotaru turned her head to answer Mikan's complain. "Certainly, you are not going to wait alone."

Mikan crossed her arms, lips pouting in protest. "I'm fine alone. I can entertain myself."

Possible things that could happen between Natsume and her started clouding Mikan's mind. She was unsure of the future but she knew it was not going to end nicely. Hotaru had the attitude of pushing her into people she had yet to have good terms with and the only reason Mikan could think of was that Hotaru loved to see her suffer.

"Four people inside Glassroots is more than crowded besides Hyuuga refused to do anything since he did his part already," Hotaru explained.

Natsume was also not pleased with the idea also. As a matter of fact, there was a fuming irritation behind his silence, crossed arms, and laid back posture. He was yet to be comfortable around Mikan and not sure if he ever would feel safe with her presence.

"Why am I always stuck with you? If only Yuu is here."

Mikan rolled her eyes, retorted in Natsume's rude comment. "I could say the same thing to you. Where is Yuu by the way?"

"His father planned a sudden family outing for them. It's their chance to bond after what happened," Anna replied.

"Always the updated girlfriend," Hotaru commented.

Anna shrugged her shoulders. "Hmm, not really."

"Not updated or not his girlfriend?" Ruka teased.

"Both!" Anna exclaimed, feeling quite frustrated.

Yuu and Anna were two mature high schoolers who believed that mutual understanding was enough to be exclusive to each other. In simple terms, they were not official but they would not date other people. Being in a relationship, for them, was not a priority because academic achievements and obtaining an impressive school record were important than matters of the heart. Anna disliked being teased or confronted about her relationship with Yuu because it made her want to want more which would disrupt her harmony with the boy. Besides, since the death of Yuu's mother, they were not able to talk about things that they usually discussed.

"Stop denying it, Anna."

"Nonoko, stop teasing me."

"I'm going home," Natsume claimed in between. He hated being stuck with Mikan but he hated love talks more.

The group groaned in Natsume's announcement, telling him that he was a vital component of the plan. Ruka protested aggressively, his explanation was unnoticed by the loudness of other voices like Sumire who whined of Natsume's laziness and deficiency of support. Mikan was glad on the other hand, thinking that it was in her advantage if Natsume would be true to his word. The usual serene and peaceful Glassroots became a place of debate for a short while.

It was not a rare scene for them to be fighting but what Hotaru was thinking was Koko could come anytime and she could not let him witness them fighting. The plan would be over. Hotaru could not let all her time spent on this concoction go to waste.

"No one's going home!" Hotaru yelled. Seriously, this group could break he vocal cords. "We will all see this to the very end. Anyone who disobeys that rule can already start with their 100-page paperwork for the school festival next year."

Everyone was silent, knowing how dreadful it was to plan a school festival especially when the school was as demanding as Alice Academy. The silence ended only when Sumire said, "That's kinda overboard."

Mikan stole glances at Natsume Hyuuga. She watched him intently as he stared at the non-busy road before them. Natsume looked comfortable sitting and waiting at a vandalized and dirty bench 10 meters away from Glassroots. Koko was expected to pass by on that area in case he would perform escape via running. Natsume's hands were inside on the pocket of his jacket, making Mikan think if it was cold or Natsume just wanted to wear thick clothes. As the minutes passed, Mikan was no longer stealing glances and instead started staring at him.

She was not admiring his good looks, she was thinking about an entirely different thing. Mikan was thinking that Natsume was nothing but a good friend. He showed it to her numerous times, first with Yuu, then his concern for Sumire, and next was his effort for Koko. Maybe Natsume Hyuuga could be her friend. Mikan surprised herself with that thought. She pinched her cheeks gently just to bring sanity back to her body and soul. But seriously, she thought it would be fun to be friends with Natsume because he was a true person.

"How long have you been friends with Koko?" Mikan voiced out her thoughts, curious if Natsume would at least open up to her and answer such a simple question.

Natsume smirked, eyes wandered from left to right. "Are you trying to start a conversation?" he replied.

Yes, Mikan wanted to reply. But that would not add positivity on Natsume's image of her. "To get rid of boredom, of course! I don't want to wait here with you and waste time just looking at the road."

"And you say that you're fine being alone," Natsume retorted.

Mikan felt defeated. She did not know that Natsume paid attention to sentences she stated almost an hour ago. "Well, now that you're here it is a bit different, isn't it?" she remarked.

She waited for a while and finally frowned when Natsume did not speak again.

"It's alright if you don't want to talk. I can do the talking. I have lots of stories to tell, mind you. The waiting time we have now is hardly enough for all the things that happened to me when I was 10 years old."

"Who would want to know about your stupid adventures?" Natsume asked with his husky voice.

Mikan giggled. "Your choice of words is funny. Who says adventures these days?"

"Who meddles with other people's problems these days?"

Mikan paused from replying. Clearly, Natsume showed her that he they were not on the level wherein they could tell each other a joke or talk about personal things. Mikan could feel the strong resistance and she was stuck on whether she would let the wall stand or she would break it and get Natsume's trust. She did not know why but she felt sad on the possibility that he would never see her as a friend.

"We are all meddling. That's what real friends do. Real friends don't just give an advice, they act. To hell with advices that the person already knows, what the person needs is a companion."

Natsume's eyes finally met hers. "It doesn't mean that you're not real friends when you just gave advices. Not all people know what to do so advices are good. Good enough, actually."

"And yet you hate me greatly for being not there for Yuu," Mikan snapped.

The sharpness on her brown eyes made Natsume realize that Mikan cared for his opinion. He was the first to break the eye contact and refocused on the road. He did not expect to hear that from Mikan whose personality reflected carelessness and false positivity.

"I don't hate you. I thought I did, but I don't," Natsume quickly replied, then regretted the moment it slipped on his mouth.

Mikan softened upon hearing that. It was like her insides melted while her physical body refused to move. It was the first progress of her complicated relationship with Natsume. She realized that Natsume was starting to have a different perception about her because they had their own moments. She knew that her heart leaped when Natsume dropped the words. It was also the first time Natsume acknowledged her.

"Are you serious?" Mikan asked in disbelief.

"Hating you means giving my attention and you don't deserve my attention," Natsume reasoned out.

"Ouch. That's really hurtful!" Mikan belted with a short chuckle. "But, you are a real friend to Koko. I know because you went beyond the giving-of-advice stage and even you can't deny that."

"Koko and I can relate with something, I guess."

"On what exactly? Now, you made me curious."

Natsume looked at her, feeling a bit comfortable facing Ruka's admirer. "It's something that you can't relate with."

Mikan smiled at him. "I think you and Koko represent different personalities. Him being the funny one and you with your poker face but you can actually relate with his issue, knows where he is coming from. We act like we can't stand each other but I get to tell you things that I never told anyone before and you apologized to me like I'm someone you also cared for."

"Don't even start there. You're misinterpreting everything."

Mikan frowned. "Do I?"

Nodding, Natsume agreed. "No doubt. I still get irritated by your presence and you don't deserve Ruka."

"I guess I am wrong then. I hope to change your mind one day, though."

Crazy how they both knew that they were not on good terms because of Ruka and yet Ruka had no idea that he was the reason. Ruka was such in a bliss, Natsume thought. First, Ruka did not know that Mikan liked him. Second, Ruka did not know that Natsume was very much against with Mikan. Third, what Ruka knew was that Natsume and Mikan were beginning to be friends when in fact it had nothing to do with that.

"You will fail."

"Oh, you say it like it's the absolute truth!" Mikan exclaimed.

"It is," Natsume stated seriously. "I doubt girls who can't even figure out a mundane portrait is worth my time."

Ah, the portrait she had yet to understand. Mikan spent an hour just staring at that frame last night, doubts on her ability to understand abstract and illusions arose. Days passed since Natsume delivered it to their house and she would never admit but she felt a little ashamed for not solving it at the nearest time.

"What if I solved it tonight?" Mikan asked candidly.

"I doubt it."

Mikan's spirit got energized and made a challenge. "You'll see! I can do it. I swear. I will learn its meaning and you'll eat your words."

"When do words become edible in the first place?" Natsume sarcastically replied.

"Whatever. Are you accepting my challenge? If you won't, then it only shows that you know I can do it."

"Don't play with me."

Mikan glared at him. "It's just a yes or no, Hyuuga."

Natsume wanted to avoid stupid games for a little while now but he always found himself involved in one. "Fine," he responded.

"I'll let you know once I uncovered it. So, I need to get your number so I can send you a text."

"Is this your sleazy way of getting my number and establishing a contact to me?" Natsume teased.

Mikan snorted upon hearing that. "Of course not. That would be the first and last time I'll be sending you a text."

"Keep your word," Natsume demanded as he got his phone out.

Mikan nodded with a firm expression. "I do keep my word very seriously," she said.

After that episode, they went to listening on the phone the confrontation that happened between Sumire and Koko. From the words dropped, it seemed like Alice Academy's power couple won't be called like that again. Natsume and Mikan shared a look, worry obvious on their faces. What happened at Glassroots was definitely not good and the support plan should commence. Hotaru called them that Koko already exited the café. Mikan had a quick response on going after Koko. Natsume called after her, telling her she was stupid to act on impulse.

They were wrong on their assumption that Koko would pass by on their area. Fortunately, Mikan saw Koko's running figure on the opposite direction. Good thing Mikan had a talent in running or else she would lose Koko, worse she would lose the opportunity of doing her part. She volunteered to be the neutralizer of the situation and even if words were her only weapon, she utilized it greatly.

"Koko! Wait! Stop running."

Koko heard her even glancing quickly at his back to see a speeding Mikan to which he responded with a quicker pace. He had enough of the drama back at Glassroots. He could not handle the drama Mikan would induce to him. He just broke up with his longtime girlfriend for heaven's sake.

"I know what you're gonna do, Mikan. I don't want a pep talk right now."

"But, you're missing the point!"

Koko refused to listen to her, still running. "I'm not missing anything."

"Stop running," Mikan pleaded, already catching her breath.

"I need to get away from here," Koko replied in anger.

Mikan was tired with the sudden exert of energy. She went on a faster pace to overtake Koko and collided her body with him, making him stumble on the ground, butt first. "Koko, seriously, stop running!" she yelled, already irritated at what happened.

"Ouch! Why did you do that?" Koko shouted.

"Because you won't stop from running!" Mikan fumed.

Koko easily stood up, not caring anymore if he was fighting with another girl. "Why wouldn't I? All of you are ganging up on me."

Mikan repeatedly stomped her feet, frustrated that things almost went out of hand. "No, silly! I mean running in general."

"What?" Koko asked, not getting what Mikan was trying to say.

Mikan performed three cycles of deep breathing to relax herself before trying to change Koko's mindset. As for Koko, he just watched her with an incredulous expression on his face. He had not seen Mikan lost all composure on a situation that did not concern her greatly, to be honest.

"Let me guess. After this, you will go home and then a month will pass and still you won't say a thing to your parents."

Koko finally snapped, standing up out of aggravation. "What do you know on what I'm feeling? It's easy for you guys to tell me what to do because you're not the one who is gonna do it. You're not the one who faced rejection. You don't know what I'm feeling. Every one of you is just wasting my time. You can't even help me. I bet you can't even face my parents!"

"Oh, Koko, I know exactly what you need," Mikan proudly said. "And it's a good punch!" she declared at performed the act.

Koko groaned when he felt the impact on his cheek. He knew that Mikan gave all her strength on that one punch because it hurt like hell. She definitely did not punch like a girl. He went back to the ground, wincing in pain and hating Mikan.

"What the hell! Are you crazy? Why did you punch me?"

Mikan smirked. "To make you feel what it's like to feel pain when you least expect it."

Koko opened his mouth to reply but no words came out. He just stuttered vowels but no comprehensible words. He felt that he did not deserve to be seen as the one with fault when he was the one who had problems. His friends could not understand that this was his way of solving the issue and avoiding more sad scenes.

"Does your Daddy love you?" Mikan asked, her arms crossed, figure towering over the handicapped Koko.

Koko found the question childish but still answered, "I think so."

"What about your Mommy?"

Koko was annoyed at Mikan's childish terms and way of asking the question. He was no longer in elementary. "What is this even about? Of course, they love me."

Mikan knocked his head two times as if telling him 'See? See!' "Koko, they love you. They will listen to you. Make them listen to you. No matter how many times they reject the idea if you becoming someone they did not plan, still engrave it to their minds. Why am I pushing you to do so? Because look at you, you're destroying yourself. We would all be fine if you aren't, but you are pushing people away, people you care about."

"It's not a funny feeling, may I remind you, to be told what to do."

Koko wore a worn out expression and chose to sit comfortably on the empty sidewalk. He flexed his knees and buried his had out of frustration. Everybody thought that he did nothing about his problem when in fact he fought for it many years ago. Mikan kneeled to level herself with Koko.

"I agree. When they say we need to study so we can have a better future, sometimes it's meaningful and sometimes it's tiring. Why can't I throw my garbage anywhere? It's because the world has rules. Back in the days, women can't even vote but they fought for that right. Society tells us that it's cool to listen to this music, to watch this movie, to catch this tv show. Parents tell us what they want us to do and what they don't want us to do. Friendship has rules and so does a romantic relationship. Now, can you please describe me your parents, Koko?"

Koko lifted his head, stains of tears evident on his face. "Well, uhmm, my Dad, he is a car manufacturer. He's busy with work, very strict with time, contracts, and when he gets stressed at work, he would invite me for fishing. He likes to watch cartoons when he has the time. He once told me that enjoyed his high school life that he almost spent every day thinking about it after their graduation."

"And your Mom?" was Mikan's follow-up.

"She is very meticulous that it annoys me. She talks to me in an authoritative tone but he calls me 'dear'. She likes books, art books, interior design books. Because of her work, she always travels. When we're all at home, she makes it a point to cook for us. She could be childish, getting angry at a simple mistake. She hates it when I shout at the house while getting pumped with my videogame. Mom is very prim and proper."

Mikan sat on the side walk, getting into a relaxed position also. "See? You know them very well so now what you need to figure is how you will talk to them that can make them realize."

"They already realized it, they just don't want to do something about it," Koko insisted.

"This time it will be different."

"How can you be so sure? It's not you who will feel miserable after," Koko scoffed, a little mad at Mikan's overconfidence.

Mikan hit him in the head once again. "How can you also be so sure that you will feel miserable after? What if you will succeed this time? You have plenty of time ahead of you. If you are already consumed by their hardheadedness, then what more damage could they do? Besides, they are your parents, Koko."

"Why do I feel like you're convincing me?"

"Talk to Sumire again," Mikan commanded with a gentle smile.

"You can't tell me what to do. No one can make me do something anymore."

Mikan stood up and shrugged her shoulders. "Sumire…she is a great girl. She speaks her mind and everyone think she's hard to be with because of her popularity and status but she's the same. If Sumire was the one who told you all the things you told her today, what would you feel? Please answer the question."

"I'll be confused and think that maybe there's hope."

"See? You know it. Assure her. Don't tell her things that you don't really feel."

"What do you know about what I really feel? I just told her I don't have the same feelings as before."

Mikan laughed at the most ridiculous lie she heard. "Really? You don't love her anymore?" she asked in a challenging tone.

Koko was dumbfounded. Anyone who could see him now would label him as a lunatic teenager for running, crying, being punched, and answering questions like he was on a counseling session. He almost forgot that his other friends probably witnessed the episode with Mikan. He was so determined earlier to end things because he would rather not face the problem and just avoid it even if it cost him his precious relationship with Sumire. He made her cry. He never wanted her to cry because of him but he just did that. Koko groaned and kicked his foot.

"The day just started, Koko. Seize it."

"What teenager talks like that?" Koko asked, his face looked like he was about to cry.

"Do not think of us as humans who only care about posting a selfie and getting through the day. We are species of deep thoughts and unguarded soul."

Koko looked disgusted. "You're weird."

Mikan laughed so hard. "No, I just read that somewhere. I only said it to see your reaction."

With that, Koko stood up and ran as fast as he could. Again.

Ruka double checked Glassroot's entrance and exits, a hundred percent sure that the establishment was locked. No evidence of joy plastered on their faces. The plan was unsuccessful and Sumire was heartbroken. No one was talking or even dared to divulge the situation. Anna was the one responsible of helping Sumire to at least walk. Nonoko helped Ruka with closing the shop. Hotaru was disappointed at the failed plan but she knew that Mikan worked her wonders already when she saw the look Natsume gave her and seconds later was an exhausted but still running Koko.

"I see Yome already cracked his skull. He's running towards here, looking like a genuine doofus."

"Sumire!" Koko yelled.

Sumire broke free from Anna and ran towards the love of her life. "Koko!" she shouted back.

"He's really crazy. Breaking Sumire's heart like that and then coming back here. Does he intend to inflict more pain?" Nonoko said, earning nods from Ruka and Anna.

"What is it, Koko?" asked Sumire, hoping to hear something good.

"Wait for me."

"I'm not even moving," Sumire breathlessly said.

Koko let out a laugh. She really knew the cause of his laughter. "No, I really mean wait for me. Wait for me 'till I get better. For myself, for my family, and for you. Until I really know what I want, wait for me then. I promise I won't be taking long."

"Okay, Koko. I'll wait for you."

Koko hugged her tightly. "I know you don't deserve to wait but I just have to make things right and then we will be better than before."

Sumire tightened the hug, never wanted to let go. "It's okay. I know you. I know why you are doing this."

"Thank you, Sumire."

For now, things between Sumire and Koko looked good. The gang was happy that their plan succeeded after all even if the result was not what expected. Just like Yuu and Anna, the power couple learned to mature in a span of day. Waiting was not a bad thing especially if the end result would bring you to a level higher. Being tagged as a power couple did not necessarily mean that they had the most ideal relationship that could stand any test life would give them. Sometimes, a simply misunderstanding could break them. Sumire and Koko did not want to be the example of a perfect relationship, what they wanted was to experience what a relationship should be.

It was not about how frequent you shower each other with gifts or call each other endearing names. Not even about the number of times you were together, enjoying a movie or trying out a new restaurant. Everything would still fall on that one basic thing which was to let love take you and not the other way around. There would come a time that you would question if your feelings were as strong when the relationship just began and that would be a good opportunity to know yourself and your better half.

Mikan felt hand on her shoulder and heard a voice that said, "Mikan, good job."

Feeling giddy and excited, Mikan took a good look at Ruka's hand before leaving her shoulder.

"Thanks, Ruka. But it was easy talking with Koko. What he needed was just a little push. I should go now."

"I was just about to offer you a ride."

Mikan wanted to roll on the ground, jump up to the sky, and stay in cloud nine. Ruka Nogi was thinking of sending her home personally. Another achievement, indeed. Mikan gave Natsume a momentary look, her victorious smile attached to mock the boy. Natsume only raised his eyebrows, not feeling amused of how the situation went. When Mikan was about to take Ruka's offer, she remembered something and, sadly, she needed to reject it.

"Maybe next time, Ruka. I don't like cars much."

Ruka was confused but let it go."If you say so. It's just that I'm worried that you would go home alone and we should celebrate this."

Mikan bid her goodbyes and started her pace. Her house was not that far and the sun was just setting so it was pretty early. Before finally separating from the group, Mikan made an observation. She could see that Sumire and Koko was still talking at the stairs of Glassroots' entrance. Ruka, being the gentleman he was, decided to take Anna, Nonoko, and Hotaru. Natsume was not at the scene but Mikan knew he was fine, he always was.

"Sakura," a voice behind Mikan said.

Mikan's lips made an automatic smile but removed the grin when she turned around to face him. "Do you still need anything?" she asked, happy that Natsume at least called half of her name.

"Figure out the frame by Monday. I'm giving you that much time considering your IQ."

"Oh, I'm so touched by your concern, Hyuuga. Not!" Mikan barked and finally vanished from the scene.

Natsume was curious on why she did not even stay when she was one of the reasons why Koko had a sudden change of mind. Was the praise she got from Ruka enough for her? Why would the girl who seemed to be outgoing and careless would be the first one who would go home? Natsume knew that a celebration for the achievement of the plan was already brewing. After she had done her part, she would leave. Why? Natsume wanted to know why, badly.

"You two are getting close," Ruka commented with a knowing smile.

Natsume only rolled his eyes, kinda upset that what Ruka said was indeed the truth. "You're just hallucinating, Ruka."

"Ugh! I hate this! I hate this! I hate this!"

Mikan exploded in her room. Her books on the floor, bed sheets in turmoil, pillows on the table, and a classical music with blasted volume on the background. She focused, she made research, she read books, she scratched her head, she made sure her stomach was full for her brain to have enough glucose but still nothing. She could not figure it out. She was on a desert filled with monsters of stupidity.

Narumi rapidly made his way to Mikan's room. He almost jumped from his seat when he heard Mikan yelling and shouting and screaming the same thing over and over again. He could not fully enjoy the rerun of the first season of The Flash.

"Mikan, what's happening with you? Are you alright?"

Mikan puffed a sigh and frowned at her father. "Dad. Yeah, I'm alright just infuriated."

"With what?" Narumi asked and sat beside his daughter.

"This!" Mikan pointed violently at the frame.

"Oh, Natsume's gift."

Mikan threw a pillow at the frame. "Listen, Dad, this is not a gift. This is his way to insult me."

"Oh, dear, no. I think it's the complete opposite."

Mikan's jaw dropped. "Why? Do you know what this means?"

"The first time I saw it," Narumi replied with a big grin.

"Dad!"

"No, you have to figure it out yourself."

"Is this so important?" Mikan groaned. "All I see in this dark blue felt paper are tiny dots that look like stars."

"Exactly," Narumi replied.

"Huh?"

"Have a good night, Mikan. Oh, I'm so gonna love it when you and Natsume hit it off."

"Yuck," Mikan mumbled. "Goodnight, Dad."

She was back to analyzing the mysterious picture. She already decided that if she would not figure it out by tonight, she would just throw it away to the nearest dumpster or burn it at the nearest park for a show then take a picture of it and send it to Natsume.

"It has to mean something. Yeah, this looks like stars and what do stars form?" Mikan thought hard and when she got it, she yelped in extreme happiness. "Constellations!" she repeatedly chanted.

Mikan made a few steps back and as she distanced herself from the frame, she was already seeing a word. Then it was two words. Why words and not figures? Mikan smiled and laughed so hard that night. She then quickly grabbed her phone and texted a contact under the name of High and Mighty.

I got it, Mr. Mighty Hyuuga. Hehe.

Only a few seconds passed when the reply came.

Any help or aide from others will nullify your claim.

Mikan was very proud of herself and quickly typed her response.

But I did solve it by myself! It's a constellation of a word. And the word is "Sorry". Aww, that was so sweet even for a jerk like you who treats me like dirt.

What happened to "That would be the first and last text" that you'll send me?

Mikan felt humiliation and hatred on Natsume Hyuuga. He was never easy to talk with.

But you're the one who replied.

It took a few minutes before she received a reply. Seemed like Natsume had a hard time thinking of what to reply on her text.

No one told you to send a message back.

"So difficult!" Mikan exclaimed, could not hide the big smile Natsume caused her. She then made herself comfortable in her messy bed.

Finally, one problem of her life was solved.

End of Chapter

Natsume and Mikan's relationship is starting to build up. Yippee!

I am so busy with my career that I lost motivation to write but here is the chapter after three months. Thank you for reading.