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It's Our Teenage Life
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A/N: Please eat something while reading my fics. It boosts up the energy and excitement to read. :D
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"Never lose a chance of saying a kind word." –William Makepeace Thackeray
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"I trust you not to mention this to anyone, Umenomiya."
"You have my word."
"And… Just make that idiot look decent. I'll be back by the time she's through."
"Okay. By the way, Natsume-san. Is she your girlfriend?"
"Childhood friend."
"Oh, such a waste. I can tell that she's really pretty even wearing guy's clothes. You should court her soon." Anna smiled teasingly. "Besides, you two would look good together."
"Just remind me that when you have answered Kitsuneme." Anna blushed. "Ahem. I-I should get going; Mikan-chan must be waiting, hahaha. See you later then!" With that, Anna left him.
"Besides, you two would look good together." Natsume smirked at what Anna said. He stared at the door Mikan's in.
"Why wouldn't we?"
Chapter 11: Our Friendship Date Part 2
Mikan's POV
After the sudden kidnap, every person went to me in every angle. Three girls suddenly took off my clothes and let me wore a robe. They let me sat on a pink-colored salon chair and suddenly a lot of ladies gathered around me and observed me in every angle. Seconds later, all of them took their equipments and one by one, they are cleaning my nails and massaging my feet and face. I didn't budge but rather, closed my eyes and smiled. So this is what you call life.
"So, how are you doing Mikan?" It was Anna. I smiled at her and would like to thank her for these people assisting me, but I couldn't even move my body since every parts seemed to be in the middle of something. Nevertheless, I thanked Anna.
"I really feel good, Umenomiya-san. Thank you." I smiled.
"Anna. Call me Anna. And stop being formal, we're at the same age."
"A-Anna-ch-chan, don't you have…um, class?"
"Well, I already made an excuse to my teachers that I'll be working today since my parents are on a business trip."
"Oh. Do you go to Alice Academy too?"
"Yup."
"I see. By the way, thank you for these." I thanked her, pointing about the people working on me.
"Oh no, don't thank me yet. But you should thank Natsume-san, he's the one prepared these for you." I stared at her in disbelief. Why would Natsume do this? Is there a special occasion that he has to make a big deal of doing this to me?
"I believe you don't know huh? Well, he might've prepared something for you Mikan-chan. You're very lucky. This is the first time Natsume-san had done something for a girl, may it be a friend or not."
"Eh? Are you not his girlfriend then? Or a close friend perhaps?"
Anna giggled. "No. I'm not really close to Natsume-san. I'm just a friend, an acquaintance rather."
"Eh? But you call him his first name." Even I rarely call him his first name when I knew he's the cocky Natsume Igarashi.
"Well, Kitsuneme-kun told me to call him his first name since they're close and he doesn't want me to be so formal with his friends." I saw Anna blush as she mentioned that idiot's name. I stared at her suspiciously.
"Are you… perhaps, Kitsuneme-san's girlfriend?" Anna went brightly red and shook her head sideways, denying about it. I lowered my eyes angrily. Tch, how could that stupid troll have such a sweet and kind girlfriend? I stared at the flustered Anna. I pity her.
An hour has passed and I was finally done with all the nails and the massages. Anna was there to entertain me the whole time and I really grew fond of her presence. It's like we became friends suddenly, but I still address her on her last name sometimes and she scolds me for that.
"Mikan-chan, I think it's time to work my magic on you." I stared at Anna. Magic?
I saw Anna talking to her other stylists. Not long after, they took out some cosmetics and hair equipments out of nowhere. Anna smiled at me. Why do I feel like there's a dark presence behind her sleeve?
Anna worked on my hair and face, with her stylists assisting her in her every need. I felt comfortable as Anna placed powders and stuffs on my face. She also went through in curling my hair. And even though she's working, she always entertains me in her stories. She's such a sweet person. Another hour has passed and my whole body felt refreshing.
"Mikan-chan, open your eyes and look at the mirror." I did what Anna told me and my eyes widened. I looked different. Anna's magic did work on me. I gazed at the person in the mirror. I looked like a different person, a type of person that I chose not to be. "I hope you realize that you're a very beautiful lady, Mikan-chan. Every girl has their own unique beauty but only a few have that true beauty and you have that, both inside and out. You just have to show your true beauty and not act different."
I stared at Anna with a questioning look. I don't quite understand what she's trying to say. I asked her what she meant but she just smiled and told me to stand up and took me to another room where a pile of girl's clothes are around. I shivered. No, not again.
A saleslady went to us, bringing a pile of hanging clothes with her. I hate dress-ups. Anna went to me, smiling and said, "So, what do you want to wear?"
I frowned. "I think having my clothes back is fine."
"Oh dear, I think Natsume-san already threw it away."
"What?!" And before I was about to complain, Anna dragged me inside a fitting room with a set of clothes in my hands.
"Mikan-chan, just call me if you have problems with the dress okay?" I heard her say. I stared at the dress and checked it on the mirror. I gaped. It's too short! How the hell am I gonna wear this?!
End of POV
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Natsume Igarashi was sitting at the sofa, tapping his foot up and down out of impatience. He had never been patient in his life. He hates being late, hates people getting late, but most of all, he hates to wait. He's been impatiently waiting for Mikan for almost an hour. The result should be worth the wait. And not long after, Anna came out with a bright smile.
"Natsume-san, sorry for the long wait. She's finally done." Anna said with a composing smile as she went back to the room and assisted Mikan out. Natsume's eyes were fixed on the door, impatiently waiting for Mikan to come out. As he finally heard footsteps, his eyes dilated as he saw his childhood best friend transformed into an angel. Mikan wore a sleeveless, peach and white bohemia flowers patterned dress that reached above her knees and a matching Christian Louboutin nude pumps. Mikan's dress matched her white skin which gave a light glow. Her light make-up made by Anna also made her face looked like an angel, with her natural beauty still showing off. And lastly, her hair arranged by Anna was tied into a half ponytail by a vintage beige bow with hairs curled on the end. Mikan only wore light accessories like a gilded arrow bracelet and some bangles. Nevertheless, her simplicity and innocent face gave her a mesmerizing image.
"Mikan-chan looks beautiful, doesn't she Natsume-san?" Natsume stared for a while then cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Umenomiya, I told you to make her look decent. She looks like going on a date."
"Well, aren't you two going out?" Anna asked sweetly, which made the two blush. But somehow, Natsume manage to hide it pretty well. Anna noticed the awkwardness and made a sad tone. "I guess Natsume-san doesn't like the dress I prepared for Mikan-chan. If Natsume-san doesn't like it, then you should put this on then, Mikan-chan."
Mikan's jaw dropped.
Natsume's eyes widened.
Anna smiled.
It was a sexy halter style V Neck Mini Red Dress which features a tie back, deep v neck, waist embracing gathered bodice and adjustable scrunch sides. It's a dress usually worn during parties and it only reaches until a woman's butt.
"A-Anna-chan, I think I'll prefer this dress rather than that one. Ahahaha." Mikan laughed nervously. Seriously, this girl's scary!
"But Natsume-san doesn't like it. Besides, I—"
"Umenomiya, its fine. I'll pay for it." Natsume said and handed Anna his credit card. Oooh! I want that. Mikan thought and Anna just accepted it with a smile.Mikan was awed to see Natsume use a credit card since it was her first time to see someone her age uses it. Natsume noticed her innocent stare as he was doing his transaction. Natsume blushed a little. Darn it. I shouldn't have brought her here.
After paying, Natsume and Mikan headed to the car. Natsume went ahead of her and reached the car first, while Mikan just followed slowly. Mikan wasn't used to heels, so she walked slowly as her legs wobbled her way to Natsume's car. Unlike the wedge heels she used yesterday, the heels she's wearing are scaring her for she might break it. Natsume saw her difficulty and was about to help her, but she was already outside the passenger seat just before he could get to her. Natsume felt bad and just went inside the car. Mikan, too, went inside after, while Natsume starts the engine. When Mikan finally was able to sit comfortably, Natsume sped off.
"I'm hungry. Where're we going?" Mikan complained after a few minutes they left the salon. Well, who wouldn't? It's past lunch time and she hasn't ate yet.
"I knew you'd say that. There's fluff puffs at the back."
"Flu-what?"
"Just get it at the back and try it, stupid."
"Fine!" Mikan replied and went to grab it. There's only one box of it with 20 pieces inside. It was the first time Mikan heard or seen it. It looks like a smaller version of a cotton candy, but Mikan tried it nonetheless.
Mikan chew it and blushed with its sweetness. "It's… It's so delicious!"
Mikan felt like she was in heaven eating those fluff puffs, especially since it was her first time eating it. And while she was a having a good time eating, Mikan stared at Natsume with a suspicious face.
"Hey, why'd you buy some fluff puffs? Aren't we eating lunch first?"
"We are, but it's a long way going there. And knowing your pig-like appetite, you'll probably complain about being hungry on the way." Mikan glared and continued eating. "By the way, while you're at it, feed me."
Mikan's face twitched. That wasn't a favor, it was a demand. The hell she'll feed him with that attitude! "Eat it yourself, you lazy bum!"
"I'm driving. Plus, have you forgotten last night's deal?"
Flashback
"I won't accept a "thank you" only." I heard him say. I looked at his direction and raised a brow. "Since I paid the bill, you have to pay it back in return."
I seemed to get the idea of what he's thinking, but I asked anyway. "And how will I repay your kindness, your highness?"
"You will do anything as I say and you musn't refuse."
I twitched. "It's like making your BEST FRIEND a slave."
"You may think it that way." He replied with a mocking smirk. But you are thinking that way! Damn you, Natsume Igarashi/Hyuuga!
End of flashback
Mikan rolled her eyes. She completely remembers every bit of the deal last night. She glared at him while taking out a piece of fluff puff. I wasn't even planning on sharing these babies!
Mikan held the fluff puff in front of his mouth. "Say AHH!" She shouted, emphasizing the word 'ah' to let him know she's angry but Natsume just ignored it and opened his mouth to eat the cotton candy. Still munching, Mikan took another piece of fluff puff and held it in front of him again. She grinned evilly.
"Hurry up and eat it!" Mikan demanded but Natsume ignored her and continued munching the fluff puff inside his mouth and focused on the road. "AHHHH~!"
"Ahh~" Natsume followed Mikan lazily and she just laughed at the low tone he made. Natsume rolled his eyes and stopped the car suddenly because of the red light which caught Mikan off guard, causing her head to bump at the compartment.
"Ow~ you asshole, you did that on purpose!" She winced, rubbing the bump on her head. She checked the box of fluff puffs on her lap and sighed in relief to see that none of it fell on the ground. Mikan glared at him.
"My bad." Natsume replied. He slightly knocked Mikan's head to check it. "Whoa. It's a good thing you're hard-headed. No wonder you're an idiot. Put your seatbelt on and try looking at the road sometimes."
Mikan fumed at what he said. She's the victim here and that was all he could say? What a caring childhood best friend! Mikan took two pieces of fluff puffs and harshly gave it to him, while she ate her own.
"Hurry up and finish eating it before the red light's gone. I don't want to feed a spoiled brat." Natsume smirked.
"I'll feed you then."
"What?"
"Since you're the spoiled brat."
Mikan's face twitched. "Just hurry up and eat it!"
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It took almost an hour before the two reached their destination. And on their way, Mikan suddenly fell asleep. Natsume stopped the car as the huge gate in front of him, automatically opened. He stared at the sleeping Mikan and took out his phone. He took a picture of her and grinned. She's like a peaceful child when asleep.
Natsume drove the car inside when the gates finally opened. Pine trees welcomed him as he finally made a full stop in front of a huge house. Natsume pulled out his seatbelt and stared at the sleeping Mikan. He smiled to himself. She changed a lot just as he had. But she changed in an unusual way, from a tough yet cute girl into a badass boylike chic. Still, her innocence and childish character never changed. She's still the cute Mikan he knew way back. Natsume went to her and tried pulling out her seatbelt. But once he was about to pull it out, Mikan's eyes suddenly opened. Natsume looked up. Their eyes both widened, realizing that their faces were just inches away. Mikan drew back which caused her head to bump the window while Natsume too, suddenly backed off which caused his head to bump at the ceiling.
Mikan rubbed another bump on her head and furiously asked, "What're you doing?!"
"I was pulling out your seatbelt. Hurry and get up, we're here already." Natsume cleared his throat and composed himself. That was close.
Mikan's POV
I pulled out my seatbelt and took our trash before going out. When I finally stepped out, I gaped at the huge mansion in front of me. Wh-where the hell am I?
"Welcome home, young master." An old butler came to us and greeted Natsume with a bow. Young master?! Why's he a young master?
"Young miss; I shall take that garbage out for you." The butler said as he took the plastic from my hand, and I bowed as a thank you for his kindness.
I gaped at everything I am seeing right now. I never thought Natsume being THIS rich. I stared at him with a disbelief look, but Natsume just ignored me and rolled his eyes. Rich bastard.
"Where's mom and Aoi?" Aoi?
"They're inside, young master. They were patiently waiting for the both of you." Natsume nodded and grabbed my wrist. Dumbfounded, I followed him, still confused about everything. Waiting for the both of us?! What does that even mean? They were expecting us? And who's Aoi?! All of these questions messed up my mind until two helpers in a maid costume appeared before us and bowed. Wow, so maids in a costume DOES exist. They then opened the huge door in front of us and inside, maids, butlers, and other helpers of the house were lined up on both sides, bowing before us. I saw a twin staircase in the middle and stared at the interior of the house like a lost soul until Natsume dragged me inside.
"Natsume-chan, Mikan-chan!" I heard someone called and stared at the owner of the voice. It was Natsume's mom. She was descending the staircase like an elegant woman. She was wearing a gray dress that reached her knees, some diamond accessories, and a 2-inches silver heels. She went to me excitedly and hugged me tightly. "Mikan-chan, it's been a long time. You've grown into such a beautiful lady."
I smiled. Nadeshiko-san never changed. She's still sweet and graceful like before. "Thank you, Mrs. Hyuuga. It's been a while indeed. How are you?"
"I'm fine and enough calling me 'Mrs. Hyuuga', you might be addressing me as your mother-in-law soon." My eyes widened as she laughed teasingly. That was a joke right? "Anyway, Natsume told me you're coming over so we already prepared food at the table. Have you both eaten your lunch already?"
"We just ate fluff puffs on the way."
"Oh dear, you can't call that a lunch. Come, come, Aoi's ecstatic to meet you." Seriously, who's Aoi? I stared at Natsume with a troubled face, while her mom drags me to another hallway which leads to the dining area. Natsume just followed us, while her mom keeps on talking about Natsume and me in the past. I wobbled on the way, still not getting used to heels. Nadeshiko-san must've noticed it, so she assisted me and we walked slowly. Minutes later, we finally arrived at the dining area. I gasped. The dining area was beautiful. It was placed outside the house, covered by mirrors which give a great view of the garden. The mirror could also be slide open to enjoy the fresh air. Also, a large wooden table and well-carved chairs welcomed us, filled with different kinds of dishes. I salivated. Damn, I'm getting hungry.
Just then, a little girl around Youichi's age came in with a bowl of rice of her hands. Her hair and eyes were same as Natsume's. She was wearing a flowy pink patterned dress that reached her knees and some silver strap sandals. I stared at her for a moment as she placed the rice on the table.
"Aoi-chan, it's Mikan-neesan." The little girl went to us and smiled brightly.
"You're Mikan-neesan? Onii-chan's girlfriend?" My jaw dropped. Just what more lies did this idiot tell to his family? And he had a sister? I glared at Natsume but he just gave me a 'what?!' look. I turned to Aoi, patted her head and smiled.
"No, no. I'm just your brother's childhood friend." She pouted. How adorable! She's like the girl-version of Natsume~
"Aww~ But you look good together." She sighed. "Onii-chan even keeps every letter you sent him." I raised a brow. Natsume did? I was about to ask another question when Natsume suddenly interrupted our conversation.
"Let's eat. This giant's already complaining that she's hungry Aoi." I glared at Natsume and Aoi laughed. She pulled me to the table and pulled the chair for me and sat beside me. I smiled as I thanked her. How could Natsume have such a sweet and kind sister as her?! He should learn manners from her!
Natsume sat in front of me, with her mom beside him. As we started eating, Nadeshiko-san and Aoi started placing food on my plate, telling me what to taste first and I just nodded and ate all throughout. Seriously, I felt like a pig being handed a lot of food. As we eat, Nadeshiko-san kept on talking about the past and how Natsume became so famous easily. She told me about his first movie role, his modeling career, acting career, and even the girls who tried to get his attention. And all in all, I listened intently to every story she tells, but Natsume just interrupts every time he feels embarrassed about his mother's tales. I laughed at Nadeshiko-san's stories about Natsume. Somehow, I felt like knowing his present self more and more. Even Aoi adds on sharing her brother's whatabouts. Their conversation ended when Natsume received a call from a person at work. And Mrs. Hyuuga too, excused herself to call someone important. Aoi turned to me, smiling like an idea popped on her head.
"Mikan-nee, do you want me to tour you around the house?"
I smiled and replied brightly, "Sure. Why not?" I'm pretty much excited to roam around this mansion anyway.
or not… Aoi and I have been walking endlessly, after we've left the dining area. She toured me to every room inside the house and realized just how enormous this house is. I was surprised when she showed me their mini library, mini studio, cinema lounge, gym, guest room, her room, her closet, and now we're heading to their gallery. My feet trembled as I followed Aoi, forcing myself to get there.
"Mikan-nee, aren't you used wearing those heels?" She asked.
"Sadly, no."
"Natsume-nii must've let you wear them, didn't he?" Whoa. Smart girl. "We're here." We're here? We're here!
I sighed in relief to finally arrive in their so-called Gallery room. I was expecting pictures or paintings and indeed, I saw pictures on every wall. It was like an art gallery except that it's filled with pictures of them as a family and photos of themselves. I stared at their current family picture and felt strange about it. They didn't look happy at all, unlike the other pictures they've taken in the past. Mr. Hyuuga even looked tired in his current photos. And so, I asked Aoi about her father.
"Aoi-chan, does your father work a lot?" Aoi went silent and nodded her head sadly.
"Papa's been busy lately, that's why Natsume-nii worked as a celebrity to provide our needs in order for Papa to lessen his workload and do his responsibility as the head of the family again." So that's the reason why Natsume became a model. I felt sad for Aoi. Even my father had to leave us for work in order to provide our needs. Tsubasa even studied in London to spend time with father, but also went back to Japan to act as the temporary head of the family while father's working. At least, even though my father's not around, Tsubasa's there to act as my father-figure. Unlike for Aoi, both her father and brother's at work that she can't even enjoy the thing called family.
"Aoi-chan, have you tried eating with your whole family?" Aoi nodded.
"It was the most precious moment I ever had. But, it was not long after Papa got promoted in his job and became the CEO of the company he's working."
"But you do understand your Papa's situation right? Why he has to work?" Aoi nodded. "How bout' Natsume? He lives here. Doesn't he give you time to spend with you when he's free?"
"Onii-chan stays on a condo near his workplace. He does visit oftentimes. But he sometimes doesn't go home whenever Papa's around."
"I see." I stopped asking questions about Mr. Hyuuga and just patted Aoi's head to comfort her. She smiled in appreciation and held my hand. I then continued staring at the pictures. I even spotted a baby picture of Natsume. I smiled. He looked so cute! Aoi's baby picture was there too. But what caught my eye was the medium-sized picture of me and Natsume way back. Our last picture in Kyoto. I went near it and caressed the glass frame of the picture, remembering about the past. Her mom took it for us before he left.
"Onii-chan really loved that picture ever since." I stared at her and she continued, "Okaa-san really likes telling me stories about you and nii-chan. She told me you were nii-chan's best friend way back and that he really valued this picture since you were his first friend and even protected him from getting bullied before. She also told me he treasured every letter you sent him since you never abandoned your friendship with him." I blushed and looked away at what Aoi just said. I looked back at our picture. Somehow, I felt the same way too. I also valued our friendship and all the letters he sent me, and even treasured him for being my first best friend. I turned to Aoi's direction and smiled.
"You know, nee-chan is also very lucky to have a friend just like your nii-chan that's why he's also one of the persons I value most." I saw Aoi smiled lightly.
"I really envy nii-chan for having a true friend like you, that's why I'm very excited to meet you. I hope one day I'll be able to find a friend that would last like yours and nii-chan's."
"Of course, you will."
"Just make sure that you find a true friend who's not as dumb-headed as hers though, Aoi." I turned my back to the direction of the person's voice and there, stood Natsume Hyuuga AKA, Natsume Igarashi leaning on the far side of the wall with his both hands crossed. I gasped. Has he heard everything I said a while ago?
"H-how long have you been there?"
"A few minutes." He slowly came to us, grinning maliciously. "I didn't know you loved me that much Polkadots. I'm speechless." I blushed in embarrassment at his sarcasm. Shit. That jerk, I never said I loved him!
"I didn't say I—"
"Of course Mikan-nee loves you, you don't need to rub it off her face, Natsume-nii. Right Mikan-nee?" My jaw dropped. Noooo, Aoi! How could you blurt out such a thing?! How could Aoi put me in such a situation? I never said I loved her brother, I only said 'value'. I froze, entirely speechless. That useless moron is also making things worse. He's smirking as if waiting for my response! Damn you, Natsume Hyuuga/Igarashi.
"I-I-I, um, we… uh. Ahem." Oh shit. I feel like a complete idiot right now. "I—
"I guess Mikan-nee's too shy to accept it huh? Don't worry Mikan-nee, I'm already giving you my approval if you become Natsume-nii's future girlfriend." I felt like a lost soul when she said that. Where did those words come from? I never said a thing about being this loser's girlfriend. And I never will be.
I saw the devil smirked. "Ei chibi, mom's looking for you in the kitchen."
Aoi pouted. "Aww, but I haven't even showed Mikan-nee our garden."
"Good. I was about to take her there anyway."
"Really?! I'll put her in your care then. See you later Mikan-nee!" she waved cheerfully and I just waved back lightly in return with a smile. After she left, I stared back at our picture and Natsume asked me seriously,
"Did you, really value me that much?" He went beside me and also stared at our picture. My eyes widen at his question and blushed. I can't lie if he's this serious.
"I… did." I stole a glimpse at him and saw him smile a bit. I blushed a bit and turned to face our picture again, "D-Did you have a hard time in this place? Being Natsume Igarashi?"
He nodded and asked him another question, "Then why did you choose to be a celebrity then?"
"It was my uncle's idea, Persona. He's currently working as my manager."
"Persona? That's a weird name."
"It's his stage name as Rei Serio."
"R-Rei-niisan?! Whoa. I thought he wanted to be a celebrity; he was really cool before. He's even good at singing. What happened?"
"His rival got ahead of him, so now he's making me finish what he started." I felt bad for Rei-niisan. He was like a brother to me when Natsume and I were just kids. He always gives me candies and sings me songs he's composed whenever he visits Natsume's home. My thoughts got drifted away when Natsume asked a question about me.
"How bout you? How did you become so boyish? You were always so frantic about frilled skirts and other stuffs before." I lowered my eyes, remembering about that past. Nevertheless, I told him how I became like this.
"Well, I was waiting for you at the Sakura tree back then, in case you return. Then, I met a young man named Reo. He was a lot older than us, maybe around Rei-san's age. He taught me how to play ball, but he left after a few months. And so, in order for me not to forget him and the stuffs he taught me, I played basketball with the guys around the neighborhood. They've become good friends of mine, which is why I hang a lot with them. I've appreciated their company that's why maybe even their get-up and attitude influenced me to change."
"Yeah, even your attitude became much annoying." He smirked and I just ignored it. I wanted to calm myself right now, so I'll leave him for pissing me off this time.
"I have something to show you." He grabbed my wrist and dragged me outside the house. We went to their backyard and it was filled with roses, daisies, chamomiles, tulips, and flowers I couldn't even name. It was a stress-reliever when we got there. It's like we're in Paradise. I coggled my way to where he's taking me because of the difficulty in walking these heels. Not long after, we stopped.
"Close your eyes." I heard him say. This is getting weird. Nonetheless, I followed and closed them. "I won't take you back to your dorm if you try to peek."
I frowned. I hate surprises. They always thrill me to death. "Fine. Just hurry up and don't do something foolish."
I blushed when Natsume held my shoulders as he leads me the way. After a few minutes, we stopped. I felt calm as the wind brushed through my face.
"Open them." I did, and my eyes widened. It's a Sakura tree! My eyes glittered, seeing the trunk, the leaves and the branches of the tree. It was definitely a Sakura tree. I smiled. It brings back memories. Although it wasn't the same Sakura tree from way back, it is still the tree of our friendship.
"Here." I faced his direction and at the paper bag he's holding.
"What's this?" I asked as I took it from him and held it with both arms.
"It's common sense to open it so you'll know what's inside, right?" I glowered at him and opened it. I took out the box, wrapped with paper and opened it. I gasped. It was a mobile phone! I then remembered last night.
"I could see our dorm now, so you can leave already."
"Fine. Contact me when you arrive inside."
"Why would I? Besides, the phone booth's a bit far." Like I would even call you!
"Don't you have a phone?" Natsume asked.
"No."
"Meet me at the school's parking lot tomorrow. Be there by 11 sharp."
I smiled. So this is why he wanted to meet up. I gazed at the phone he gave me and caressed it. He didn't have to go that far to buy this for me or even take me to his house. My eyes widened when I remembered what I wrote on the letter.
Natsu-chibi, when we finally see each other, you have to promise me to take me to your new house ok?
So, he took note of what I said in the letter? I lowered my head as I remember those words. Natsume fulfilled his promise. And yet, here I am, cursing him for being the person I loathed for no probable reasons ever since we personally met. I felt ashamed of myself for being rude to him, for even thinking that he's not the person I knew before. I wanted to apologize and thank him at the same time. And so, I gathered all my courage and thank him from the heart.
"Thank you." I said, not facing him.
"Hn."
"Really. Thank you… for everything." He faced me while I turned to face the Sakura tree. "And I'm sorry for being selfish and a rude friend to you. It's just that I cannot accept you for being this and that. But now, listening to what you, your mother and your sister shared to me, I'm slowly accepting your present self now. Maybe it's because, deep inside that Natsume Igarashi part of yours, I forgot the part that you're still the grumpy yet caring Natsume Hyuuga I once knew."
I turned to his direction and smiled at him. He went near me and patted my head. He smiled. "You're still dramatic as always."
I frowned. "No, I'm not! You're breaking the mood. And here I was getting serious and all—"
"Thanks, idiot." He muttered and smiled nonetheless. An idea popped inside my head and I took out the phone he gave me, but I didn't know how to use it so I tried rummaging it. It's like using video games right? I pressed some buttons, trying to figure out where the camera is. I've seen this model advertised in televisions, so I might be able to find the camera button.
"Hey, how can I use this?"
"What do you want to do?"
"I want us to take a picture." I saw him frown. "Come on, you should be used to it. I've seen your picture at a magazine before."
"No."
"Come on, this would be our first picture after years of not seeing each other. Stop being such a killjoy." He persisted and didn't help me, until I saw a camera icon on the phone. I pressed it and alas, I found it.
"I found it! Natsume, let's take a picture." Natsume rolled his eyes as I pulled him near me. I positioned the phone and stopped. How do I take our picture? I faced Natsume and gave him the phone. "You take our picture."
"And why would I?"
"Because I know you want to put in a frame just like the ones in your gallery."
"That was my mother's idea, stupid."
I frowned. It was just one picture, what's the big deal?! "Fine. Be that way!" I turned my back at him and was about to leave when he grabbed my head to stop me. I almost fell and crack a bone when he did that, so I threw a punch at him but he extended his long arms, causing me not to reach him.
"Idiot. Fine, one picture." I stopped moving and grinned. I took out my phone and handed it to him. He took it forcibly and pressed some icons. I tried to observe and take note what he's doing until he finally told me to come closer to him. I did and I saw our reflection in the screen. I smiled at the camera, while he just stuck out his tongue lazily. He pressed something and it took our picture. He showed me our picture and it made me smile. Our first picture after 10 years.
"Ah. Mikan-nee, Natsume-nii, there you are! I've been looking for the both of you." It was Aoi. She came running to us and panted lightly. She gazed intently at my phone and smiled.
"Nee-chan, is that a Note II?"
"A what?"
"Can I see your phone?" I gave her a questioning look but I handed it to her nonetheless. She grinned widely and exclaimed, "You have the same phone as Natsume-nii! Although yours is white, still, it's like a couple-phone!"
I gawked and turned my gaze to Natsume, and he just gave me a "what" look. I turned back to Aoi. She might've not probably known that Natsume gave this to me, so I never told her about it.
"It's just mere coincidence, Aoi-chan." I amended her but she was too frantic about it and jumped with glee.
"Hey, why not take a picture?" Aoi suggested. I smiled and agreed with her while Natsume just rolled his eyes and started to leave. I grabbed his collar just before he could get away and smiled at Aoi.
"Whenever you're ready, Aoi-chan." Aoi nodded and then went to his brother. She held up her hand to him, giving a sign to hand her something. Natsume gave her a questioning look and Aoi just rolled her eyes.
"Hand me your phone. I'll take a picture of you both."
Natsume raised his brow and replied, "Why mine?"
"So you'll have your own copy."
"I could just use bluetooth for transfer."
"It's different. Come on, it's getting dark." Natsume sighed heavily in defeat at his sister's demand. I smiled. I look like the little Aoi back then. I wonder if I didn't change myself as a boyish person, would've everything remains the same?
"Okay, okay. Move closer!" Aoi uttered aloud. We did move closer but there's still some small gap between us. Aoi sighed heavily and stomped her way to us. She pulled Natsume closer to me and placed his arm over my shoulder. I was about to shove away his hand, but Aoi's eyes were gleaming with excitement. She went back to her place and readied both phones. This is totally awkward!
"Okay, ready?" Aoi called out. Natsume leaned in closer and tightened his hold on my neck, as if choking me. I took hold of his arm and tried to lessen his grip. Seriously, if Aoi wasn't looking, I'd definitely glare and nudge his shin by now. Nevertheless, I tried to smile.
"Smiiiile~" Aoi took Natsume's phone and readied it. "Okay, last one. Smiiiile~"
I took my left hand from Natsume's arm and made a 'V' sign and smiled. After the picture taking, I shoved off Natsume's hand and directly went to Aoi to check the pictures. She showed to us first what she took on my phone. I blushed. In the picture, both of my hands were holding Natsume's arm, while he was sticking out his tongue and leaned on to my head. We looked like a couple. I shrugged off the thought and checked the other phone's take. I smiled at our photo. It was just like before. My right hand was still holding his arm while the other made a 'v' sign. The only difference was that Natsume's arm was on my neck instead of mine on his and he's not crossing his arms. His expression didn't change. He really likes showing off his tongue every time we took a picture.
"Hey, how bout we go inside? It's getting dark already and dinner's been prepared." Aoi said and took my hand on her right hand and Natsume's on her left. She smiled. "Shall we go, Mikan-nee, Natsume-nii?"
I nodded, smiled at Aoi and took a glance at Natsume as he patted his sister's head. I'm so happy for him to finally being able to encounter the struggles he has faced. But tomorrow's the last day and I might not be able to see him again. I hope our friendship would still last longer, knowing that we have our own different worlds. He's a celebrity and I'm just nobody.
"What's wrong?" I blinked, going back to reality. He seemed to notice my blank stare at him. I shook my head sideways and replied softly, "It's nothing, let's go."
We headed back inside hand in hand, with Aoi between us. I don't want to end this day. I hope our trip would extend. I don't want to be separated with Natsume again. I'm scared that one day, a huge barrier would tear our friendship apart just like yesterday. I was so close-minded about his career and his present self that I didn't try to understand him. I'm frightened for what could happen after we left. I hope he'll still be the same. I will really miss him… my childhood best friend.
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End of Chapter 11
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Finally, my promised update for June! xD It might take a while for me to post again, but I'll do my best to update another chapter by the end of the month. If possible, I'll post 1 or 2 chapters every month. Sigh.. Don't worry; I won't leave until I finished all my fics. I know how it feels to be a reader and its nerve wrecking if an author doesn't update regularly. But please understand, I'm a college student already and classes have already begun so… I have to use my time wisely to finish this story. Nevertheless, thank you for reading and appreciating the stories I've written! ;)
I would like to thank the following readers for their reviews: Iam05Minka, aurora0914, Shai Moe, nerdyanime123, callisandra, Nuroquin, nix, Kuro Karasu Onna, Exquisiteshine, princess lulu
aurora0914: Well, she has a job so please understand. She also told me that she's working on it, so yeah. Let's just hope she'll update soon. Just be patient; even I am dying to read the next chapter. :)
callisandra: well, google. :P the future chaps will be better! ;D
Nuroquin: Seriously, I can't promise to update faster. My mom's killing me since I've been working myself on making the fic the whole day. But nevertheless, I'll try to update as soon possible for my readers not lose track/interest of the story. Thank you for caring anyway! ;)
Kuro Karasu Onna: Well, Hotaru already found out about Natsume (Chapter 10: the tooth-lip scene) while the others will know it soon. REAL SOON. :D
princess lulu: I'm so sorry but I really can't promise to update fast. I'm already in college girl~ . but, I'll REALLY REALLY try to update sometime in order for you guys not to forget the story. Please bear with me during late posts! And hey, thank you for the review for my one-shot! ;)