CHAPTER ELEVEN

Confession Equals Consequences

"Wow, that's great Mikan!"

It was two days after we won the 23rd Statistics Quiz Show and now we are bombarded with different greetings coming from different students in the academy… or maybe intended only for my other teammates.

It was just now that I am greeted by Nobara after I borrowed an eraser from her and in my point of view; it looked like I sought some greetings from her. It clearly looked like she didn't want to greet me or something and only forced herself telling those words to me so that I won't feel bad. I just nodded my head and immediately turned away from her.

Crap.

I'm not an attention seeker for your information!

I don't even want any greetings from other people (except from the group minus Sumire)! I didn't know Nobara has this attitude of hers… I think I will cancel her form to enter the group once Sumire's out.

Wait.

Why am I so eager to push Sumire out?

So selfish.

Today is Friday and supposedly I am now crying my eyes out because this day is my favorite day of the week and the next day would be the day I could finally do anything once again but sadly, today is the day we are going to travel to attend the next level of the Statistics competition.

As much as I would really want to stay at home tomorrow, we were forced to review our reviewers so that we could still hold the crown as champion of the said contest. I think we're going to the central bank which was located out of town and near the capital city of our place. I could care less.

We were once again given this parent's permit for the stupid competition and that once again became my problem. The first one… well… I just let Misaki sign it forging dad's signature. He's signature is pretty easy though so there's no problem in practicing to forge it; I was even surprised when Misaki just took out her pen and signed like it was her usual signature.

Hmmm… maybe she did forged dad's signature before. I wonder what permit or anything she was given to.

So I was saying, my first permit was saved and that's thanks to Misaki but this time I think forging my parent's signature isn't too helpful considering the fact that I had packed some of my things for the 3-day competition.

Later this afternoon, we will depart the place and enter I will enter the world outside… for the first time. Well, I don't participate that much when we have any family vacations… I would rather stay at grandpa's house than to go with them.

I told them about the contest I have participated last night and told them about the forging thing (except the fact that Misaki did it) and that's where another tension has begun, they gave me their piece of their minds and I ended up being shouted as a 'problem'.

Ouch.

Yeah right. That really hurt me.

They signed it after all those dramas and didn't even congratulated me from what I have been achieved. Really.

I didn't cried last night because somehow, I was used to it or rather getting used to it. I'm sick and tired of crying over the same thing again and again; you know, because my parents are like this and that and they don't do this and that… ugh! Sucks! I'd rather reread my old books than crying over spilled milk.

Somehow inside of me, I could keep myself from falling into pieces and just telling my ownself that one day… I'll get use to everything that is happening around me.

So much for being an independent person.

I was in the cafeteria once again trying my luck to search for my best friends but luck wasn't in my side this day. Where are they anyways?

I decided to sit on a bench near the Sakura pathways. It is one of the favorite spots of our group and we usually hang out here when we were still new to school. This place is so amazing since it could keep you calm anytime.

The serenity never fails to amaze me, seriously, I really thought that this school is full of weird stuffs but this spot in here makes my belief upside down. I sighed and slumped on the bench, where are they?

"Looking for us?" a voice was heard on my back. I immediately turned around hoping that it was them and boy I was right. Koko was the one to ask me.

"Hey, where did you all go?" I asked them as they took their own seats beside me and the others just stayed standing or let themselves comfortable sitting on the pathway.

"Just somewhere." Nonoko added.

I frowned a little. "Where is somewhere?"

"Somewhere where we could do some private meeting together and sadly one of the members is going out of town." Hotaru deadpanned.

Ahh~ Hotaru's being sweet again. Speaking of Hotaru, I am kind of scared on what will she going to do with Sumire after knowing the truth and knowing her, she probably won't do anything stupid against it. She's far better than that.

But still, her word on that day always gives me goosebumps.

'Then, I'll do the necessary actions against it.'

Brrr… whatever does she mean with that?

"I'm sorry Hotaru." I smiled at her but she replied me with a nonchalant look.

"Anyways, congratulations again Mikan. We are definitely proud of you as a member of this group, bring us souvenirs okay?" Koko exclaimed. At least he is still normal up to now.

I sighed and replied a simple 'okay' to him and he started jumping up and down like a little kid. Kitsuneme, seeing what happened, joined Koko's victory. Then we just started to laugh until Mochu stopped our laughing session.

"Why are you finding us? Do you need something?" my face instantly frowned. You are kidding me. It seems like Mochu doesn't want to see me, did Hotaru tell it to everybody and now they are blaming me because I kept that fact for so long?

I tensed a bit. "Is there something wrong?" I asked.

"No." he answered quickly. "Look, don't get the wrong idea okay? I was just asking why 'why'?" Silly him. He must've noticed the sudden change of my expression but seriously, I really thought the other way around and got the meaning of it overboard.

Not long from now, we are already going to the bus station for the travel and I guess that the time allotted for us to hang out with everyone is kind of not enough. I mean really.

Do I sound like a child now?

Because I'm whining for the separation of me and my best friends during the weekends when in fact I don't even see them during those times, I guess homesick would be my only problem.

"Oh yeah, we have something for you." Yuu said.

I was curious about the thing that they were trying to grab from Nonoko's bag. I wonder what it is. I hope not some kind of joke because if they're going to play a prank on me, I swear that I will shout my lungs out.

Hotaru grabbed my wrist and a playful glint was soon evident in her eyes. Oh dear God, please don't let them do stupid things. She raised her other hand and that's when I decided to close my eyes so that I wouldn't feel anything.

It's been several seconds since she took my arm but I still didn't dare to open my eyes.

"Open your eyes dummy." I heard Hotaru speak. I reached for my wrist because I felt something different on it. I groped and realized that it wasn't something that you can feel horrible about. I opened my eyes and laughed weakly.

"You guys… you did such trouble just for this. Is this why I didn't see you around today?" I asked while raising my hand up finding a better view of the band they gave me. It was just a simple one, a blue band adorned with different smiley symbols (smileys are one of my favorites in this world); super simple indeed but the thing that made it special is because it was from my best friends minus Sumire.

Minus Sumire.

Sumire.

Sumire?

Speaking of her, where is she?

Nevermind her for today.

"We bought it at Central Town and look!" Koko raised his hand and his wrist is also wearing the same band but on with different color. "We also have one too!"

It was childish but that's who we are… well for us, I really don't think Hotaru thinks that way. Anyways, it was fun having them around because they always make you feel calm and serene whatever you are feeling. They are more than like a family to me.

I smiled at them and muttered a 'thank you' and then we engulfed ourselves with the warm embrace of each other. They sure feel so warm.

After another batch of chit chats, we finally exchanged our farewells and we departed from school. We reached the bus station in time the bus is already warming up for deportation. Sigh. This is another thing in buses that I really don't like. The smell.

I mean seriously, the smell of it makes my gut roll into a roll until it lets out the puke. Mixture of puke and artificial fragrances were smelled by my nose and the bad thing is, my nostrils aren't able to filter the smell of those I mentioned a while ago.

I don't puke inside the buses. Never. That's embarrassing and very irritating (especially the smell) not to mention very nasty. Even though I smell the scents of the unscented, I don't puke but in return, I get myself intoxicated with a bunch of dizziness that's why I drink Bonamin. That medicine is for persons who experiences headache and dizziness strictly during travel only and it is only functional for how many hours.

Despite the fact that it is effective, I really don't think that I managed to experience the effectiveness of it. I mean seriously, I NEVER ever did experience it even though I always drink that medicine when we are in travel.

Oh well. Maybe my guts are already immune with it and my head is just pretending to be in dizzy state so that I would drink it.

Of course, no one would like to be my seatmate so Mrs. Manding just presented herself to be one. Out of pity again, I guess. But nevermind it… I could even care less even if I don't have any seatmate inside the bus.

I am at peace for the mean time because my teammates stopped kicking my seat from the back, Mrs. Manding didn't see it because she's asleep so I don't have anything left to do but to sit calmly on my chair while experiencing several pushes occasionally. Suckers.

I took my phone out and inserted my heavenly earphones on my ears. Music is my escape. Escape from everything so stressful in life especially at home. Yeah; I guess at home is the most stressful part of my life. Geez… when everybody else considers it as their most comfortable place ever, I am a goner 'coz I don't belong with them.

Ugh! Why is my fate too cruel to me!

I slumped back on my seat and decided to check my phone if ever my family bothered to get worried at me or anything. Upon looking at the screen, I immediately put it back on my bag. Typical from my family.

Of course Mikan, why would they do that when they already labeled you as a problem? I am just the one who is hurting my ownself, the one who kept on hoping and hoping but always end up weeping. Oh the irony.

Wasn't it supposed to be if you keep trying and trying then definitely you will proceed? Well then, why would be my fate play with me and won't let me taste the success I am longing to feel?

I sighed and let myself carried upon my weariness. I am so tired of everything. Maybe sleeping is the best solution as my temporary amnesia for a while, at least for how many hours; I am filled with liberty and peace.

I closed my eyes and slept but the dream I would like to dream turned out to be just like haunted since the dream turned out to be my conversation with Hotaru several days ago.

"Tell me what you want to hear." I asked Hotaru as she ushered me to a seat outside the classroom. After we ditched Jin jin's class, she decided that we would also ditch the next since she is super obsessed with the truth. So here I am again sitting on the bench with Hotaru standing infront of me with both of her arms folded to each other while her toy cannon hanging on her fingers.

An interrogation.

"I would like to hear everything Mikan."

I gulped at the sight and started to clear my voice. Oh dear.

"P-particular scene?" I asked her unsure.

"How many scenes are included in your secret?" she asked me nonchalantly.

I pouted. "Fine. Just don't do anything after this okay?"

"My actions would depend on your confession dummy." She shifted from one leg to another. I sure do know what is the feeling of standing for too long if you still remember the day I accidentally broke the window at our house? Yep. That's the day I stood up for how many hours while listening to my parents' sermon and Misaki's whining.

I invited her to sit down beside me but she declined.

"I'm cool."

O…kay? She's cool. She's cool? "Suit yourself."

"Start speaking already or else I'll give you something what you never wanted to receive."

I gulped. She's serious. Screw everything now.

"Sumire?"

"What else would be our topic?" she gave me a you-stupid-dummy look. I sighed and started the epic of Sumire's betrayal.

Every detail of it was said. I don't want to keep any secrets from her once again because she is after all my best best friend. I know that she would be still there for me no matter how stupid I am for a human being. She's right; I must not take the entire burden on my petite shoulders because I am not alone. She's here. They are here.

I ended my speech with a little clearing on my voice; I think I strained it for a while. I looked at her and for the first time in my life, I can clearly see her emotions.

Sadness. Betrayal. Bewilderment.

I don't know if seeing her emotions like that is a bad thing or a good thing. It sure is rare to see Hotaru in a state like that, she didn't even notice the hand I waved infront of her a while ago; and it is making me worried.

"H-hotaru?" I asked. I hope her view against Sumire didn't changed at all because if yes, then all must be ready for the breakdown of our group. The group which we all cherish the most.

"Hotaru?" I tried again. She still looked like she's in a daze; oh dear, please wake her up right here right now!

"Hotaru!" I stood up and screamed and I was taken aback when circular thing just hit me on my forehead which made me sit on the bench again with my head hanging back. It was a bullet from her toy cannon. Geez, I am not ready for that one.

"Ouch." I muttered while caressing my swollen forehead.

"I heard you once and I still heard you on the second time. No need to shout it out loud in the third time dummy." She composed herself once again and wore her stoic face.

But even if she has that expression on, I could feel her growing temper on her and that is exactly what I am avoiding from the start. Oh crap all crapped! Please don't let her erupt and do crazy things violently.

"You're scared aren't you?"

My eyes grew wide from her statement. What does she mean by that? Scared of what she might do or scared to the situation they are in? It was weird but I have seen her lips form a smile.

Does she also want Sumire out of the group?

"Hotaru… please don't do something that we would all regret later on." I begged to her. It sounded like unlike me but screw those OOCness, I just want everything to be fixed.

"And you got the nerve to say something like that to me when in fact you couldn't even make a better of yourself." She raised a brow at me and her smile slowly faded welcoming the stoic look on her once again.

At least, she is still normal after the confession. It kind of surprised me though because everytime I remember that day makes me want to cry but today, I didn't. Hotaru is definitely right.

"I told you before dummy, you can always tell me things. You don't have to carry the entire burden on your own hands; because I doubt that you could handle it."

I sweatdropped. When things get mushy she always ruins the mood with her unusual comebacks. Well, what can I say? Typical of Hotaru.

I laughed weakly at her. "Don't worry baka, I told you before right? My actions would depend on your confession."

I froze for a bit. Yeah, she did say that. I wonder what she would do now.

"Say, does your view against Sumire changed?"

She looked at me still one of her brows up. "Of course dummy. What do you expect me to feel? Feel pleased to her for betraying us. If that is, then you're dead wrong because there is no way I would forgive her."

She has this authority on her voice and I could feel the anger she was trying to let out on every bit of word she said. This is definitely going to be complicated.

"What are you supposed to do then?"

I know that the words I let out came out shaking but facing an angry Hotaru makes you feel crapped. And I am most crapped if she would let out odd emotions out of her all of a sudden.

"Then, I'll do the necessary actions against it."

And with that she left. I sat there dumbfounded. Whatever does she mean about that? I sighed a very long one and thought for her words for a while, why am I protecting that stupid girl when in fact she's the one who is creating trouble?

And I have a hunch that her actions might be something despicable to see.

The journey outside town was longer than I expected. I opened my eyes and sat comfortably on my chair still listening with the music offered by my phone. I bothered myself to look at my screen once again hoping that this time, they would hassle theirselves in giving me a message.

I am kind of glad though that my screen wasn't empty just like before.

8 text messages received.

Oh my glob! I'm kind of excited now because I am kind of intrigued about who are the persons who messaged me. Let's see. I began opening the first message:

Wish you luck!

Don't forget our souvenirs!

-Koko

Oh…kay? What a way to greet me then demand something after it. I opened the second one:

Bring the bacon Mikan! Goodnyt! =)

-Kits

They must've agreed to send me text messages each. Really? I continued opening the messages left and occasionally left out a sigh, weak laugh, giggle and different expressions out of it. Those messages are from Mochu, Nonoko and Anna. The sixth one was from Hotaru and I am kind of nervous on what she messaged me; maybe it is about the conversation we did several days ago or some kind of advice or anything. Argh! I just hope that it isn't something harmful to me:

Can you buy me watermelons there?

I heard that their stocks of watermelons are fresh so be sure to get me one.

-Hotaru

I was kind of dismayed about the message she sent me but then later on I suppressed a giggle. She is seriously unpredictable. Sigh that was totally her. Watermelons she asked? I… don't think I could get her that. Maybe I'll just stop by to the market after we arrive back on Sunday afternoon.

Sumire didn't give me any message. Oh well, I won't sulk for that thing.

I scrolled down the rest of my inbox and there was two unknown numbers registered. Hmmm, I wonder who they are.

I opened the first one:

Good luck with the contest sis!

Hope you would bring home the crown!

Lovelots,

Misaki

P.S. I got your number ever since but I am kind of lazy to text you any messages. No point anyway because I am going to see you back at home. I hope you didn't mind though. ;D

I giggled at her message. Oh right, I am kind of glad because me and Misaki is kind of getting along very well since my 'breakdown'. Somehow, she could keep myself up and makes me have hopes that the rest of the family is like that. I just hope that it's true though.

Wait. So if Misaki is the other unknown number, then who is the other one? Maybe Sumire changed her number or maybe it was Nobara or maybe it is Tono… no he wouldn't do that. Probably it was Sumire after all. I opened the message and read the contents:

I have given you peace for how many days because I am, after all, a considerate person. I hope the break I gave to you is long enough already because next week would be your doomsday. I'll also take my reward for paying for your fare Polka.

I hope you know me by now.

I was stunned by the message. Heck. That stupid Hyuuga ruining my serenity. Ugh! I slumped back to my seat and returned my phone on my bag.

Guess I'll take my break worth it then before my nightmare begins. Sigh. I think I'll just get ready for the contest rather than worrying myself from that bastard.

Tomorrow will be a looong day.

Wait.

Where did he get my phone number?

To be continued…

Author's Note: Aaaahhh! Tomorrow is officially the start of classes and I am all 'NO WAY!'. I won't be able to update fast (as if I'm so fast in updating, pfft.) and projects plus assignments plus torture in class would be a burden even more! Hmmm, maybe you could share some experiences during first time in college to me; I mean I am still in fourth year high school but I wanted to be ready for my future. It may sound like a spoiler but seriously, I would probably be dead if I am inside a university (because I can't live without anyone I know) so I'm kind of asking you if maybe you could share some thoughts and experiences to me during those days of yours. Pretty please (bats lashes) ;)

Mystique0831: haha, I am still a fourth year high school student and I will surely hope that I wouldn't be too much obsessed with writing this fic so that I could also focus on my studies. Hehe, good luck to you! And could you tell me too about your first experience in college, yeah? Thanks!

Anyways.

Review?