The Raven Bride
Chapter 13: Yoichi and his Proposal
Two Kings…
Two great futures…
Two fates…
One Bride…
The question is…
Who will win in the end?
"Mikan, how long are you going to keep on looking at that potted ficus? "
Suddenly, I was slapped back into reality again, with a blank expression, I turned to look at Uncle.
"Yes, Uncle? " I asked.
He sighed. "You've been staring at the potted ficus for almost half an hour without blinking Mikan, is there something bothering you? You've been walking in trance ever since the shooting came to an end last week. "
"Oh… " I said as I looked back at the ficus again. "It's nothing, I'm just tired, that's all… "
I heard him sigh again, but for some insensitive reason, I didn't care at all.
I just stayed at home for the whole week, the last week of Alice festival, and during those days, I closed, no, locked all of the windowsills in the house, and I went with Uncle everytime he has a late meeting at school or if he will go to someplace in the middle of the night (which really weirded him out ), I never refused when he asked me to go shopping with him, and I busied myself with my homework or household chores, finishing all of it and double checking them every single time, anything just to keep my mind busy and not to think of my broken relationship again.
Hotaru visited me of course (sometimes, she's with Ruka ), and asked me to come and enjoy the festival with her, but I graciously declined her offer, I don't think I have the energy to enjoy at this time.
But when it comes to Yoichi, it was a different matter…
He always visits me, usually at night (to my relief ) and kept me company and tells me lots of stories and silly jokes which made me laugh a lot, I can tell that he was trying his very best to cheer me up, and bring me back to my old self again, and for that, I am very thankful…
He was also the one who stayed with me, there are days when I was silently mourning about my stupidity and he will just sit with me, stay with me for hours, and not say a word, in short he was always there for me.
As the days passed, I realized, that his existence is more than a pleasant company, I needed him, not just for my support, but he was a part of me, like a very close extended family.
I knew I was causing him pain whenever I tell him that he's my special friend. But I think it's better than saying nothing. I knew what he wanted, I really do, but I just can't provide him that…yet. And I am never the kind of person to lie, it's either I love him or her, or I don't love him or her, simple as that. Yoichi is a special person to me, but for him to be a special lover is a level that he hasn't reached yet.
"If you've got nothing to do, why don't you do some laundry? " I heard Uncle say again as I heard the flipping of the newspaper.
"Done. " I replied absently.
"How about some baking? "
"I made dozens of chocolate banana muffins yesterday which were stocked in the pantry. "
"How about some knitting and sewing some of our clothes? "
"All done and I made you a fluffy, grey sweater for the coming winter, Uncle. "
"Watering the plants? "
"Done, and I just finished weeding the garden this morning. "
"How about some shopping? "
"We did that last Saturday. "
I heard him sigh for the third time.
"Well, is there anything that you haven't done yet? We can do those things right now. " He asked, he was really trying to take my attention from the potted ficus.
"Nope… I'm good. "
From the glass doors, I saw his head shake.
"I'll just make some tea then, do you want some? "
"Yes, thank you… "
I heard his footsteps go away as I kept on looking at the same plant as if it was the most beautiful thing in the world.
For a moment, I thought I found silence, but then, I heard footsteps coming towards me again.
"Uncle, please just leave the tea beside me? " I said without looking.
"It's me… "
I blinked a couple of times and I saw Yoichi towering over me, with his usual, baby face grin.
"Oh, hi… " I greeted in daze then went back to looking at my potted ficus again.
"Fancied yourself with some plant? " He asked as he crouched with me.
I smiled. "I think so, I just found myself entertained by looking at the ficus. "
He laughed. " So all of a sudden, you found the ficus attractive? "
"Yeah. "
He laughed harder.
"Two days from now will be the last day of Alice Festival- "
" I told you, I'm not going. " I answered in a bashful tone.
"Will you please let me finish? " He requested.
I breathed. "Fine. What is it? "
I heard him gulp, and after a few seconds, he spoke.
"Mikan, will you… will you… go out with me at the last day of Alice festival? "
My head instantly turned to face him.
He breathed deeply. "I know you don't want to go to the last day of Alice festival, but I wanted you to go, that's the time where they set out the most beautiful, the most colourful, and the brightest lanterns in Alice lake. "
"Lanterns on the lake? " I asked in surprise.
He nodded. "It's a very lovely way to end up the festival, I'm not going to force you to come if you don't want to, but I really wanted to show it to you, trust me, it's one of the loveliest scenes that you will ever see, and it's just exclusive in the academy once in a while, Etoile sama only permits it once in a blue moon because it costs a lot of time and money, but since everyone enjoyed the festival this year, she had given in to our urge to end the Alice Festival in the most exquisite ways that we know, and the Lantern festival was the one who immediately leaped through our minds. "
Colourful lanterns in the lake? And not to mention a dimly lit moonlight sky…
What a lovely ambiance…
I wanted to decline so badly, but I was curious, and deep down, I wanted to know what type of event the lantern festival has.
"Alright, what do you do in Lantern Festival? " I asked.
He smiled, and he knew that he had me now.
"Well, every student is tasked to create a special lantern… " He started as he moved his legs and sat cross legged on the floor. "Since this festival happens once in a blue moon, every student give their all in creating one, or do their best to create the most beautiful and enchanting lantern for the night, when the clock strikes 6 in the evening, then all the students will have to release their hard worked lanterns into the lake… "
"What happens after that? " I asked, I can tell that I poorly concealed the raging curiosity in my voice.
"After all the lanterns are released, we will wait for half an hour, just to let the lanterns scatter themselves on the lake, after that, we will go boating or canoeing on the lake, looking at the lanterns that glow in the night. "
"That sounds…so…romantic… " I uttered in amazement.
His smile widened. "For girls, it is, but for me, I just like to look at the colourful lanterns, they look so lovely floating on the lake… "
"I know what you mean… " I agreed as I sighed dreamily. Even if I can't see it, I can imagine what it will look like right now.
"There are also fireworks that will be unleashed in the sky as well. So it should be a joyous event. "
"Oh, my God, that's so terrific! " I said and clapped.
"Yes, and did you know that there is a prize for the person who made the most beautiful lantern? "
"And what is that? "
"Hmm... if you won, then you can engrave a personal message in the fireworks, which will be visible in the sky of course, and everyone, including the person you wanted to know the message will see it written in the dark sky… "
"Oh Yoichi, that would be fantastic!"
"I know… "
"I wish I can make a beautiful lantern… " I said and pouted. "But I'm not that artistic, aside from drawing a gingerbread man and woman, I have nothing more to offer. "
"It doesn't matter though, everyone's lantern is special, no matter how they look like, as long as you worked hard for it, then it should be fine. "
"You think so? "
He nodded.
I smiled as I stared at his emerald eyes. His eyes are the most beautiful of all of his features, I don't think anyone will have the same eyes as him.
"So will you go with me? " He asked as he stood up and reached an arm towards me.
Smiling, I took his hand in mine and stood up.
"You've got yourself a deal, Mr. Persuasive. " I snickered.
He grinned back. "Always a pleasure to persuade a client like you. "
"Oh, freakin' Kami sama! "
I lowered my eyelids as I felt the eyes of the students welcome us with blatant stares.
I couldn't blame them, Yoichi picked me up this morning in our house (Which caused my Uncle's brows to raise ) and he insisted that we held hands when we were at school (to teach Hyuuga a lesson, he said ) although I appeared to be delighted by the idea, the main part as to why I agreed to go with him is to be able to avoid Natsume, I don't think I have the backbone to face him right now, if I see him all by myself, I'll probably dash towards the nearest exit so I can get away from him as far as possible.
So being with Yoichi will make me feel safer, at least, especially since he is willing to support me in any way that he can.
"Did Yukihara chose Yoichi sama over Hyuuga sama? " I heard some of them whisper which caused a shiver to my spine.
"Are they dating each other right now? " I heard some of the girls to my left murmur to each other.
"I told you she will chose Yoichi sama, now give me my 10,000 yen! " Some of them joked with each other.
"As we thought, seeing as they were always with each other. " Some of the male students said out loud which made me blush.
"Will you keep your mouths shut? " Yoichi snapped as he held my hand tighter. He was obviously annoyed with the gossiping students.
"Is she your girlfriend already? " One of the male students asked boldly which made me bite my lip.
I saw Yoichi's eyebrows furrowed, for seconds, my heart hammered against my chest, I was afraid of his reply, will he tell them that I'm his girlfriend or what?
With shaking lips, I stared desperately at him.
He held my hand tighter and he spoke.
"Stop asking those kinds of questions, you're making her nervous… " He simply replied, thankfully, he tried to be diplomatic about our status together as close friends, though I can feel a hard, frozen edge underneath his voice. I think the students felt it too, seeing as they kept their mouth shut.
It was peaceful for a couple of seconds when another voice rang in the hall.
"Her? So that means she's not your girlfriend and she's still available, am I right, Hijiiri? " A sarcastic voice remarked.
I shivered as I heard that manly voice, the voice that I've been dreading all day.
The crowd seemed to part as they heard the footsteps of the famous Crimson clan King.
Hyuuga Natsume stepped at the centre of the crowd, beside him is Shouda Sumire and a strawberry blonde girl that I've never seen before.
I bit my lip again as I planted my eyes on the floor.
"What do you want, Hyuuga? " Yoichi growled.
"Just greeting you, is that bad? " I heard Hyuuga mocked.
"Well, thank you for the greeting, but my girlfriend and I will be late for class if we don't keep going, so would you mind getting your bastard ass out of the way ? "
The students around us gasped.
I felt my knees start to shake, feeling guilty at what Yoichi said, I am not his girlfriend, yet I found myself agreeing to his lie.
This is bad. Very, very bad. But I don't think I have the heart to correct it.
At least, not right now.
"Girlfriend? Really? How come a little crow told me that she didn't gave you any answer yet? "
"Well, that crow needs his senses to be checked, afterall, she wouldn't go with me if she didn't have any feelings for me, would it? "
Even without looking, I felt the air started to become hot.
"Or maybe she's just feeling sorry for you, that's why she was going with you, afterall, you look like a pathetic drone, begging for affection and attention in front of many people, Hijiri… "
And the wind started to feel chilly in return.
"Well, at least I'm not some kind of a bastard who is so insensitive and loves to play with the feelings of others. "
The air became even hotter than usual, it became more humid that I heard some students wiggling their notes to fan themselves.
Not wanting to cause anymore ruckus, I bravely raised my head and pulled Yoichi's arm.
"Let's go, we might be late for class. " I urged, focusing all my attention on Yoichi's face.
He stopped his fighting stance and glared at Hyuuga.
"You're right, we should go. " He said as he took my waist and we both walked out of the hall.
I bit my lip as we walked past Hyuuga and his harem, even with my back turned to him, I can feel his heated gaze on us.
I sighed inwardly. I shouldn't feel any regret or remorse because I don't belong to him anymore.
So I should leave him alone.
But…
For some reason, my heart gave a loud, painful cry.
A reason that even I could never comprehend why.
"So you and Yoichi, huh? " Hotaru asked flatly as we walked towards the cafeteria to get some snacks.
"He just said that to save me. " I whispered back as we stood on the counter and I choose a random sandwich.
"I thought you don't like ham and onion sandwich? " She mused, changing the topic instantly.
"I just wanted to try something different. " I replied and looked the cashier. "Can I have a cranberry juice to go with it? Oh, and the carbonara too with the same juice, please. "
"You're not going out for lunch later? " She asked as she took out her purse.
I nodded. "It's better if I avoid him, I don't want to cause any ruckus around, you know what those two are capable of. "
"Well, I'm going with Ruka, for lunch, so if my guess is right, maybe your boyfriend will stay with you in the classroom. " Hotaru guessed, but I can sense a hint of teasing in her voice. "Why don't you give it a chance? "
I blushed from embarrassment. "I would, if there's no damage that has been done to me, but the problem is, there was a damage that has been done. "
She halfsmiled. "If ever there aren't any damages, will you give him a chance? "
I breathed deeply.
"To be honest… " I trailed as I paid for my order. "I don't really know the answer for that. "
"For your assignment, I want you to write a 500 word essay about what you read in Jane Eyre. I also want you to include a 200 word reaction paper to go along with it. " Mr. Narumi said as he took his books in his arms and stood up. "Class dismissed. " He said as he walked out of the classroom.
"Are you sure you'll be fine with yourself? You can always join Ruka and me for lunch. " Hotaru offered.
I shook my head, not wanting to be the third wheel and not wanting to disturb any of their romantic affairs with each other. "I'll be fine. " I said and forced a smile. "Have fun with Nogi san. "
She gave one look at me before taking her bag and gracefully walked out of the room.
Breathing deeply, I took out my now cold, carbonara and my cranberry juice. Hotaru is right, this aren't the foods that I usually order, usually, I have the egg sandwich, or the chicken sandwich, and then a bottle of orange juice. And for lunch, any meat will do as long as it goes well with Gomoku rice and a box of howalons for dessert. I would never order pasta for lunch, well, maybe for dinner, but never for lunch.
I bent my head, this is not me, this is not my usual self.
Clenching my fists, I slammed them both on my table, I should never be like this, I can't allow one single raven creature to destroy my life, I'm usually fine after a few weeks, after my break ups, so I should move on just the same.
Yet…
At the back of my mind, I knew that I was lying to myself.
And I really really hated to face that fact...
"I'm glad you finished and perfected my math exam today, Yukihara. " Jinno sensei said as he showed me my test.
I just stared blankly at it. "I studied most of the time. "
"Good, keep it up. " He simply replied before he looked at Hotaru. "The same goes for you, Imai, have a good day. " He said as he stood up and went out of the room.
"Seems like we will be able to enjoy the last day of Alice Festival. " Hotaru said as she stood up. "Ruka vowed to make me a beautiful lantern tomorrow night. "
"It seems like he never stops courting you. " I noted.
She halfmsiled. "What do you expect? He's in love with me. "
I'm so envious of you, Hotaru…for having a boyfriend like Ruka Nogi who is heaven sent once in a blue moon.
"And you are to him. "
She shrugged, but I can see that she's blushing a bit.
"Are you coming home with me or are you coming with – "
"Hi, Mikan! "
We both stopped talking when we saw Yoichi approaching us.
"How's your festival lecture doing? " He asked as he took my books from my arms.
"It's fine. " I replied as I stared at him.
"It's a bit unfair though, special students like you starting classes a week earlier than regular students, it really sucks. "
I grinned. "Well, we can't do anything about it, can we? "
"Excuse me, I need to go. " Hotaru said and I blushed. I almost forgot that she was there.
"Uh, Hotaru, you can come with us if – "
"No need, Ruka is already taking me home. " She replied as she pointed at the door, and sure enough, her blonde Prince charming is there, grinning from ear to ear as he looked between Yoichi and me.
"Have a nice afternoon, Mikan, Hijiri. " Hotaru said as she turned her back on us.
"Bye guys! " Ruka waved as he attended to Hotaru, taking her books and her bag with him as they both walked out of the classroom.
"I hope they didn't pester you that much this day. " I started as we both walked towards the parking lot.
He grunted. "Well, about that, this day really sucked for me as well. Most of my comrades and classmates barricaded me like termites the whole day and asked me millions of questions about us. Don't ask how the hell I managed to escape from them, believe me, it's not easy. I even wanted to wring Tsubasa and Nobara's necks because they kept pestering me as well. "
I laughed, then went serious again and stared at him. " I hope you didn't tell them more than what you said before, Yoichi. "
He met my gaze. "Don't I have a chance? " He asked.
I bent my head, concealing my eyes with my bangs.
"I'm sorry… " I apologized as I slumped on the ground. "I've been very unfair to you, you've been doing this all for me, and yet… I… I… " And I broke down into tears.
I felt him crouch across me and enveloped me in his arms.
"Shh…it's okay, Mikan… " He soothed as he caressed my hair. "I understand, it's difficult to move on, and I can wait, trust me, I will. "
I looked at his eyes and caressed his face with my palms.
"But what if I can't move on? What if I can't return your love? What will happen then? What? " I admitted.
He took my right hand and kissed it, keeping his stare at my eyes.
"You can move on Mikan, I'll help you forget him, I'll help you in any way I can. "
"Why are you doing this? You hardly know me. "
He lowered his eyelids. " If I can't help you as a lover, then at least let me help you as a friend, Mikan. " He replied, ignoring my question.
Touched, I embraced him.
"Thank you… " I uttered gratefully. "Thank you very much… Yoichi. "
He hugged me in return as a response.
"Mikan, are you sure you wanted to come with me tonight? " Uncle asked as he fixed his briefcase.
I nodded. "Yes, Uncle. "
He then went towards me and cupped my cheek.
"Mikan, is something scaring you? Is someone after you? " He asked worriedly. "I can call the police and they can conduct an investigation – "
I shook my head. "No…" I said. "It's just that…I'm not really used to being alone in the house. "
"Oh, Mikan, honey, you know that I will be home as soon as I can. " He said as he kissed my forehead. "But seriously, I'm very worried, you've been acting like a paranoid dove these days, you looked as if you've trying to run away from something. "
I flinched internally at his statement.
"Anyway, there's a couch in my office, you can stay there while we're having a meeting. " He offered.
I smiled. "Thanks Uncle, and thanks for bearing with me. "
"No problem, Mikan, no problem at all. "
I clutched my bathrobe tighter as I felt the strong gust of wind blowing through my body.
I looked at the glass windows in Uncle's office. I'm not afraid now but since he was just next door, I can easily scramble towards the door if ever he appeared in front of me.
If I can run away.
I sighed as I sat on the fluffy couch and turned to my side.
After a few minutes, I felt my eyelids dropping.
As I was about to take a nap, I fiery aura started to bolt my senses awake.
In fear, I quickly turned to my side, only to see the curtain stayed still and the glass doors still closed.
Wanting to make sure, I quickly rummaged Uncle's drawers and looked for a padlock, luckily, I found one and went towards the glass doors, locking it on its hinges and checking it and making sure it's secure.
"Do you really hate me that much? "
I shivered as I heard a masculine voice in my head.
Snapping back into reality, I looked around, and to my relief, I saw no one behind me.
But when I turned my head back to the glass windows, I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.
Standing outside the glass doors is my ex… Vermillion aka Natsume Hyuuga.
He was in his human hybrid form, and suddenly, his head morphed.
I thought he was going to transform into a giant bird and that he will break the glass doors and take me, but then, I saw a dark red haze surround his head for a few seconds, and to my surprise, and relief, he morphed his raven head into his own human head and face. The face of Natsume Hyuuga.
He kneeled down and stared at me with his crimson eyes.
I almost felt sorry at the way they stared at me. His eyes looked lonely, devastated, as if he had lost something precious.
"Do you really hate me that much? " He asked again, his voice loud enough for me to hear on the inside.
I crawled towards the glass doors, near enough to let him hear me, but far enough that I still have a chance to scramble away.
"I'm the one who should be asking the same question. " I asked aloud as I stared at him. "I couldn't blame you though, Shouda san…she's beautiful…and seemed to house a lot of determination in her and is independent. Most of the men loved those qualities in a woman, so why should I get angry? " I said as I smiled sadly at him. "If you realized that, why didn't you just… break up with me? I'm just wondering why couldn't you be a little honest with me, that's all I'm asking… Hyuuga… "
He narrowed his eyes at the mention of his family name. He was obviously insulted at the way I called him, but I don't care. He wasn't close to me anymore.
"Natsume. " He corrected and he met my gaze. "Or Vermillion, that's what you used to call me. "
"Well, technically. It was before, not now, now, it's different. "
"And what is different? " He asked as he raised his voice. "About the fact that you think I betrayed you? That I lied to you? "
"It's not think, Hyuuga, it really happened and I saw it with my own eyes…"
"You don't know anything, Mikan. " He said, cutting me off.
"And what should I know? " I replied, glaring at him with my own eyes. "About the fact that you saw me as your target and that I found out that you're just playing with my feelings? That I am just one of your toys? That I should just be an accepting and kind girlfriend? That I should just turn a blind eye into that scenario and then forget that it never happened in the first place and then what? We will live happily ever after? Is that it what you're trying to say? Sorry to tell you, Hyuuga, but I'm not that desperate when it comes to love, I know how to love, I want and need to be loved, but if I'm going to live a in a world with fake happiness, then I'd rather stay single forever, and let myself be surrounded my dogs or cats, at least they will be able to provide a better company than you."
He raised his fists in the window. "I told you, I'm not playing with your feelings! How many times should I have to tell you that? I love you, isn't that enough for you to believe me? "
"The way you dealt with Shouda makes me question your honesty. "
"Look Mikan, it was only one time. I have to do that for your sake, not for my own personal needs. "
"You can say your lies to the air. " I dismissed as I gazed at his crimson eyes. "I'm tired Hyuuga, I'm tired of arguing, I'm tired of running away and escaping from you, and I'm tired of loving you and hearing your excuses. You've done enough damage to me, and I don't think I can handle another one if you do this to me again. I've been with this scenario over and over again and I'm getting tired of everything, just please, leave me alone and give me my life back. I just want a new start here, that's all I'm asking. "
"I can't do that… " He said as he gave me a desperate look. "I know I've been a bad person, but that was before I met you, I love you, please believe that, Mikan. Don't leave me. "
I almost ran towards him, but then my brain reminded me of the consequences if I gave him another chance, as I told him before, what if he do the same thing again? Will I be the same stupid idiot who will forgive him over and over again if he makes a mistake?
"I'm sorry… " I said as I stood up. "I don't think I can give you that chance anymore – "
BAM!
Startled, I quickly snapped my head towards him, and I found him banging at the glass doors.
I glared at him. "If you break this door – "
"I'll do anything to knock some sense on you! " He screamed back as he continued to bang the door.
"If you keep on doing that… " I threatened. "I'm going to call the Principals here, they're just next door. "
"Yeah, and get suspended for all I care! " He snapped as he banged the glass doors again. "I'm tired too, Mikan, I'm tired of pretending that you're not hurting me by being with Hijiri, and tell you what, I'll do anything to take you away from him by any means that I can think of! "
I stepped back as I saw cracks forming on the glass, I felt myself chickening out as I saw his determination, quickly, I stepped back and ran towards the door, opened it and ran for my life.
"What happened? " Uncle asked in alarm when he heard my footsteps.
"I… I… " I couldn't speak, I was afraid, who knows what Hyuuga will do the next time he caught me alone?
Uncle breathed and looked at his fellow Principals who were eyeing us.
"I apologize for the intrusion. " He said and bowed. "Would you mind taking care of my niece while I check the other room? "
But then, I saw Shiki san stood up.
"Let me look, Principal Yukihara. " He said in a calm tone, and before Uncle can say anything, he was walking to the other side of the room.
"Do you want some tea, Mikan san? " I heard Hii sama ask. "I'm sorry if we're unable to respond to you, both these rooms are sound proof, we usually don't want to be disturbed during our meetings. "
"I'm sorry. " I apologized.
Hii sama smiled. "It's okay, please seat down, you looked like you ran a mile. "
I sat and took the teacup that Hii sama gave me. After a few minutes, Shiki san came back.
"It's okay now, we just have to call Shirou to fix the broken glass. "
"I'm sorr- "
But Shiki san raised his hand and looked at me.
"It's not your fault, Yukihara san, so don't worry. " He responded and looked at us. "Maybe we should end our briefing here, besides, I still have a lot of papers to sign. "
I sighed. Great way to disturb the Principal's meetings, Mikan.
"I'm sorry. " I apologized again to uncle.
"And I told you, don't worry about it. " Uncle replied.
"But I… I disturbed your meeting – "
"Mikan, if you don't stop that right now, I'm going to ground you. " Uncle threatened.
I shut my mouth, but still, I feel guilty of disturbing them.
Right now, I really need someone to confide in, someone that can understand my dilemma.
As much as Hotaru is my friend, there are some things that I can't talk to her about.
I stared at my phone, and my eyes widened at the realization.
Maybe… she can help me.
That day, I decided to get myself excused, I reasoned to Uncle and to my teachers that I need some time alone to think, and they all agreed, maybe they were really convinced about how paranoid I look these past few days.
I took my phone and dialed a number, hopefully, she was still here in Japan.
To my delight, she answered.
"Nadeshiko speaking. "
"Hello, Nadeshiko, it's me, Mikan. "
I heard a gasp on the other line.
"Oh my God, Mikan, I haven't spoken to in ages! How are you? How's Utashinai? "
I ignored her question. "Hey, Nadehsiko, are you, by any chance, busy? "
"Well, I am, because I'm preparing my luggage, I'm going overseas in a month, you know. "
"Oh. " I said, feeling dejected.
"But I can spare some time for my Mikan. " She said which really surprised me and made me happy.
"Okay, I will meet you there at three in the afternoon. " I said.
"Fine, how about in our favourite coffee shop? " She proposed.
"Alright then. "
It took me six hours to reach Tokyo, when I reached the place, it was 2:30 pm.
Thirty minutes to go…
I decided to take my time while walking around the city. Tokyo is very different from Utashinai, in Tokyo, everything is congested, and everywhere you look, it's all buildings and colorful curio shops, I started to feel uncomfortable all of a sudden, mainly because I got used to Utashinai's green environment and uncongested atmosphere.
When I reached the shop, the owner smiled and gave me a hug.
"Mikan chan! Welcome back! " She greeted as she ushered me to a seat. "Still the same order? Chocolate dream cake and orange tea? " She asked.
I smiled. "Yes, please. "
"Just wait here, oh, by the way, Nadeshiko called me as well, and I heard about your school, it's unfortunate, Pink Rose High had produced lots of brilliant females in the society. "
"I know. "
"Well, I better go, I'm just happy that one of my regulars came by and visited me. " She said happily before entering in her kitchen.
I sat, and after a few minutes, I saw Nadeshiko's green head pop in the doorway.
When she spotted me, she smiled and sat across me.
"Woah, you look like – "
"I look pathetic. " I finished.
She raised her eyebrow. "Well, yeah, but I can tell that you looked a bit mature now, Mikan. "
"I do? "
"Well, it's just that you looked like you've experienced a lot after four months. " She said and cupped her face. "Unlike many people, I know you like the back of my hand. So how's it going? "
"Well… "
"I know it's not fine, you will not call Mommy Nadeshiko if everything is alright. "
I laughed. "Still as motherly as ever? "
"Of course, I'm taking care of you from the very start, Mikan. Or did you forget that? "
I laughed again. Nadeshiko really is something, she can blow your worries away in one swift motion.
She was about to talk when our order came in. The owner smiled and left us afterwards.
"So, what is it that you want to talk about? " She asked as she sipped her green tea.
I lowered my eyelids and told her about my experiences in Utashinai, how I became a magnet of trouble and how I met Yoichi and Hyuuga, about my confusion and my heartbreak, but I omitted the supernatural matters, I don't think she will believe me anyway.
Nadeshiko just listened, and after I finished, she closed her eyes, and leaned on the couch.
"That is rather painful, girl. " She said and opened her eyes. "I don't mean to insult you, but I think you have a bad luck charm surrounding you everytime you fell in love. "
"That's what I thought. "
She then straightened out and looked at me.
"You know what I'll do? I'll get a piece of paper, write down all the qualities I love about a guy, then throw it in the fire and go with my heart. "
I looked at her.
"Go with your heart, it might be a foolish thing to do, usually, you should use your brain when it comes to finding the right Prince charming, but hey, if you're not happy with the one your brain chose, why would you allow yourself to suffer? If you ask me, better suffer with the one you love than live in fake happiness with the one you don't love. "
I bent my head. "But I don't know who to choose – "
She raised my chin up and smiled.
"In time, you will know, right now, I suggest you let yourself be single for a bit, let time reveal its nature, give your heart a rest and let it meditate, and afterwards, you will see, who is really the one for you. "
I widened my eyes.
"I'm sure your heart will give you the answer, you will know it, Mikan, and when it comes, don't ever let go of that feeling. "
"You… you really think so? "
She embraced me. "I believe you deserve to be happy Mikan, I'm sure God does too, you can ask him you know, even if you're not a Christian, I know that he will give you clues as well, just give it some time. "
I smiled as I embraced her. "Thank you… you really cleared up my mind. " I said as tears started to fill through my eyes.
She released me and smiled. "So any other questions that only Mommy Nadeshiko can answer? "
"Yeah, how many plates of dessert can we finish in an hour? "
Both of us laughed out loud afterwards.
Nadeshiko really does know how to give me solutions.
"Hey, why don't you become a psychologist? "
"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Mikan. "
And we laughed again.
Suddenly, we heard gasps coming out from the door, and both of us looked up and we felt our mouths flung open.
At the door stood a foreign beauty, she had the height of a supermodel, her shiny, black hair were designed in a curled, v- cut, making it smooth and glossy, her skin, creamy white, and she's got a body to kill.
But her eyes are the most beautiful, it was the color of rose gold, dazzling and hypnotizing.
She was wearing a bit of a provocative dress though, it was a very fitted dress that reached until her knees, it was backless and it's neckline plunged on her waist, it didn't make her look like a whore, in fact, it made her curves stand out.
She was a pure incarnation of a rare, exotic, beauty.
The owner greeted her and she smiled.
"One glass of red rose tea please. " She said in soft, velvety voice as she glided smoothly towards the seat next to us.
When she was settled, her lovely eyes looked into mine, and a mischievous smile curled unto her lips.
I shuddered, I don't need any magician to know who it was. That superior aura, that mischievous smile and that voluptuous figure…
There's no doubt it, it was Etoile sama.
She closed her eyes and halfsmiled, as if she read my thought. She then put darted her eyes to the window and waited for her order.
"Hey, do you know the supermodel sitting next to us?" Nadeshiko asked, intrigued. "Man, I wish I had a body like that, big boobs, small waist, and curvy hips. A perfect hourglass figure, and she's got super flawless skin – "
"She's the School Council President at Alice Academy in Utashinai. " I said, cutting her off.
"Really? What would a beauty like her doing in that place? No offense, but with her appearance, she can make a hell of a lot of money if she lives in the city, with that killer body and beautiful features, she can nail all the modeling agencies here in Tokyo. "
"I don't know. And I don't know why she's following me. "
Nadeshiko waived her hands. "Oh, pish posh, Mikan, you're thinking too much, maybe she was been scouted by some of the modeling agencies roaming in Utashinai and asked her to come for an appointment, just look at the old coots giving her their business cards. "
I followed her stare and sure enough, there were lots of middle aged men who are in their business attires crowding her and giving her their business cards, but she ignored them all, instead, she just sat quietly and drank her tea in a calm manner.
I sighed, maybe I was really being paranoid, it's a good thing Nadeshiko is here to clear my mind.
After that, we went to our favourite places, and at 7 in the evening, Nadeshiko walked me towards the station.
"Are you sure you'll be fine? " She asked in a concerned manner.
I smiled as reassuringly as possible. "Of course. "
"You can stay at my place, then you can just go tomorrow – "
I smiled at her. "I would love to, but I have to go, don't worry, Uncle will pick me up. "
She halfmsiled and gave me a tight hug.
"Just give me a call when you need some advice, wether it's a long distance call or something, just do it, and I'll be in touch with you. " She said as she gave me a piece of paper with her number scribbled on it. "It's my aunt's home phone number in Toronto, and I will live with her, don't worry, I'll write you letters and stuff as much as I can. "
I returned her hug and cried.
"I will really miss you, Nadeshiko... "
"Me too, idiot… so take care and learn to go with your heart, okay? "
I released her and gave her my best grin.
"I will, thank you, Nadeshiko. "
After Nadeshiko left, I sat on the bench and waited for the train.
"At this rate, you're going to arrive at Utashinai at dawn. "
I widened my eyes and saw a pair of black high heeled pumps and a provocative dress emerging from the shadows.
As the image became clearer, I saw the silky, black hair that bobbed out from the walls, and sure enough, it was Etoile sama.
"Are you stalking me? " I interrogated.
She shrugged and leaned on the wall, but never denied my question.
"Why? " I asked again.
She halfsmiled. "Why? I'm worried about a certain classmate of mine who just ran towards the city, I'm afraid that you might ran away from the academy and never come back. "
"I was about to do that. "
She smirked and walked towards me, I shuddered as I felt her cold hand touch my cheek.
"But the thing is, you can't go back here … because you don't belong here anymore… "
I stood up and stepped back away immediately.
"What do you mean by that? " I protested. "I've been living in Tokyo in all of my sixteen years! You can't just say things out of the blue! I belong here! I've been here most of the time – "
"Time doesn't matter when you're talking about emotional connections… "
I stared at her.
She pinned me with a probing look. "You went to Utashinai, implanted yourself to the hearts of the ravens, and then deciding to run away? Even if you claim that it's just a short time, you've established the connection already, and otherworldly connections are closer to impossibility to break, simply put, you are attached to us, already, and that there is no way that you can release yourself away from our clutches. "
"No… you're lying… " I replied as I felt my voice shake.
She smiled cynically. "Am I? I can tell you right now, Mikan, you became part of our world, and you belong in there now, you may not notice anything, but unconsciously you know, that this part of the world is not suited for you anymore. "
I glared at her defiantly. "I can go back here and meet my friends, whenever, and wherever I wanted – "
"Of course you can, but no matter how you ran away, you will end up back in Utashinai, I can guarantee you that. "
"Are you threatening me? "
She closed her eyes and sat cross legged on the bench. "Interpret it whatever you wish, I'm just stating the fact, that you became a part of the fate circle, my dear, you made the decision to come and enter our world, nobody forced you, you entered on your own, and now that you did, there is no way that you can turn your back on us right now. " She said in finality as she stood up again.
She walked through the wall, and then she started to wave her hand in round motions, and after a few minutes, a black hole emerged, it was the size of the bottom of a glass at first, but it rapidly spread around, growing bigger and revealed different swirls of lovely colours of purple, pink, red, silver, and lime green.
"Wanna join me instead of waiting for that stupid train to arrive? " She offered. "These aurora trails are so convenient than waiting for that express train. "
I looked at her stubbornly.
She smirked. "I know you know who I am, you saw me giving life to Hobo and Tenshi during the first day of the play, didn't you? "
I blinked at her. "How did you - "
She rolled her eyes and quickly pulled my hand.
"Come on, I'm not going to rape you, so shut up and let's go. " She demanded.
"W-wait! "
But before I could talk, I was immediately sucked in to that aurora trail.
"So, what are you anyway? " I asked as we walked towards the aurora pathway. The inside is the same as what I saw earlier, but it kinda feels awkward to walk in a black trail.
She ignored me and continued to walk, but I didn't give up on interrogating her.
"Are you a witch? Or a wizard, or a – "
"Maybe, I was called as such, usually, they know me as a sorceress, or a warlock, but… I don't think any name would suffice my status. "
"Why is that? "
She grinned. "You will know in a matter of time. "
"But – "
"I think that's your house. " She said as she pointed the end of a tunnel.
True enough, at the end of the aurora trail is the image of my house.
"Just go straight ahead and you'll reach your residence, as for me, I'm going to the left, which will lead me to my house. " She said and before I can respond, she left me all alone.
I breathed. She didn't even allow me to thank her. But in anyway, at least, one mystery is clear.
Smiling at my discoveries, I happily trudged my way out of the tunnel.
It was the night of Alice festival, I breathed deeply as I looked in the mirror and put my jeweled hairband atop my head.
I looked in the mirror and smiled. When I went to the city and met Nadeshiko, she forced me to go shopping with her. And then we saw these beautiful clothes. She picked up a knee length orange dress for me, the dress was off shoulder, but had sleeves that reached up until my elbow, with a stylish brown belt as an accessory. She forced me to try it on, together with the low heeled peach strappy pumps. I looked good in it, and she bought it for me, she told me that it will be her parting gift to me since she will never be able to give me gifts or call me because she will be busy in Toronto.
I went down and met Uncle. He smiled when he saw me.
"You look beautiful. " He said and hugged me. "I'm glad you're back to your old self. "
"Nadeshiko chose this dress for me. " I replied.
He grinned. "Now, shall we go to the Alice festival? "
I nodded and we both went out of the door.
"Oh, wow… " I uttered in amazement as I saw the colourful lanterns that were scattered on the lake.
It was seven in the evening when we came, and by the time that we did, the lanterns are already around the water. Giving a lovely, colourful glow. It was exquisite.
"So…beautiful… " I added as I looked around.
"If you made your own lantern, you could've participated in the show. " Uncle said as he followed the direction of my eyes. "This is an expensive project, but I'm glad we did it. "
"I agree… "
I was about to look around more when uncle tapped my shoulder.
"Yes, Unc – " I stopped when I followed his eyes.
I stopped when I saw Yoichi standing in front of us, he was wearing an aquamarine coloured polo and dark grey jeans and brown sneakers.
And he looked incredibly handsome.
"May I borrow your niece for the night, Principal Yukihara? " He asked courteously.
Uncle stared at me and I smiled.
"I want her to be at home at 10:30. " He reminded to Yoichi.
He smiled. "Of course. "
Uncle nodded and walked away from us.
Immediately, he took my hand and kissed it.
"You look beautiful. " He praised.
"You too, you look handsome. "
He smiled. "How about we go kayaking? We should go before we ran out of boats. "
"Okay… " I halfsmiled.
He grasped my hand and we ran towards the booth.
I saw Tsubasa and Nobara grinning from ear to ear as they saw us.
"We reserved a canoe for the academy's newest lovebirds. " Tsubasa grinned.
"Shut the fuck up, Tsubasa. Don't you dare destroy my night with your teasing again. " Yoichi growled.
Tsubasa gave a pout. "Yeesh! How come you're so cold tonight, man, it's your first date and you're giving some glacial aura. I'm jealous of you guys, you know, I wish I could go kayaking with someone I love – "
Yoichi cut him off with a glare. And Tsubasa looked the other way, while Nobara lowered her eyelids.
Sensing the tense atmosphere. I coughed.
"Can we get a canoe now? " I asked. Like Yoichi, I don't want my night to be destroyed as well.
"Oh, of course!" Tsubasa said cheekily, the tense atmosphere surrounding him earlier was gone in an instant. He jumped close to the port and untied the string of one of the sturdy canoes floating in the lake.
Yoichi jumped, and I quickly followed as I ran towards the small stairs down the port.
When I reached the edge of the platform, Yoichi held out his hand and I took it, gently, he helped me to sit in the canoe.
He then took off the rope and gave it to Tsubasa, and Tsubasa in return kick the wooden vessel gently.
"Normally, I should only let you ride for 2 hours. " He said and grinned. "But since you're the latest Alice Academy Lovebirds, I can cut you some slack and give you extensions. "
"Thank you Tsubasa. " I said smiling.
He waved back happily as I felt our canoe drifting away from him. "Enjoy! " He shouted.
Yoichi paddled and I let my eyes feast on the colourful lanterns that were floating in the lake. It was so beautiful. Colours of red, orange, yellow, blue, green, purple and soft brown were giving splendid touches to the lake. Like small, colourful stars painted in a dark sky. It was simple yet exquisite. The weather was cold early in the morning, as a result, foggy air traveled everywhere, but the vestiges of it remained in the air tonight, making the air look like a milky way galaxy. I looked around and I saw students, actually, most of them couples, who are spending a quiet, lovely time looking at the enchanting environment, some of them dipping their hands on the water, and some of smiling knowingly to each other. The atmosphere really is serene and romantic, I wish this time could last forever.
I stared back at my companion and for a brief moment, I saw Hyuuga's appearance. Him, wearing a black polo and black jeans and sneakers while paddling the canoe and giving me a small smile...
I shook my head, why did I just think that?
"Are you alright? " Yoichi asked.
"Oh! No, I'm okay! Really! " I said as I waved my hands in front of my chest. "I'm just… I'm just… entranced by the lake, that's all. "
He chuckled and leaned closer to me. "Everybody does… " He whispered as he neared his face to mine which caused me to blush.
"May I? " He asked as I felt his minty breath touch my cheek.
I know what he's asking, and I'm asking myself to, if I would allow him.
For some reason, I slowly closed my eyes as I saw his lips started to descend on mine.
It should be alright, isn't it? I'm not attached to anyone anymore –
I stopped thinking as I felt his cool lips touch mine. And I felt a wave crash through my whole being. Like a sea tide suddenly trampled on me and I can't move.
I was about to raise my hands to get him closer to me, to feel if his kiss has the same passion as Vermillion.
But he let go of me all of a sudden, and then he rummaged his pocket, took out a blue, velvety box, and to my surprise, he kneeled down and opened the box.
I blinked a lot of times and stared at him.
"I know I'm rushing too much, Mikan, but I wanted you to have this. " He said as I looked at the huge, antique, aquamarine sapphire ring that is placed securely on the box, with tiny white pearls surrounding the jewel and placed exquisitely on the gold frame of the ring.
"So, will you be my fiancé? " He asked. And for the first time since I came here, his voice was laced with nervousness.
"But Yoichi – "
"Please give me a chance, Mikan, and I will make you the happiest woman alive… " He vowed.
For some reason, I stared at his face and then to the ring that he presented.
When I looked up, I saw that his eyes glowed and then my mind went blank in an instant, and I found my arm reaching towards the ring.
I watched as my hand reached towards the hypnotic sapphire.
5 centimetres…
I looked down, bedazzled by the jewel in front of me.
3 centimetres…
I felt myself gulp, almost there.
1 centimetre…
GURGLE! GURGLE! GURGLE! GURGLE!
That seemed to snap me out of my daze and I felt Yoichi suddenly grabbing my shoulders protectively, he then hooked his other arm under my knees and jumped up away from the canoe.
"Yoichi, what's the – " I cut myself off when I saw that the lake started to boil vigorously. Like a lava that is preparing to unleash it's hell around the people that surrounds it.
All the other canoes started to paddle as fast as they could towards the port. The lake continued to boil as me and Yoichi watched it while we were both suspended in the air.
When there are no canoes on sight, the part of the lake where our wooden boat reside started to gurgle furiously, and in a snap, a bright, red laser beam shot up in the sky, causing the canoe to shatter into shards of wood in the air.
The beam stopped in front of us, and I widened my eyes.
Inside the comma shaped red laser beam is Vermillion, his head the same as that of an exotic raven, and his glossy, black wings stretched to the sides, furious and menacing.
He then pointed his index finger, or clawed finger towards Yoichi.
"You… " He snarled as he glared furiously at him, his large eyes burning in anger.
"Yoichi Hijiri… "
I shuddered as I heard his voice.
"I demand that you give back my bride right now! "
Please review!
Thank you all for your patience in waiting for my story!
I thank you all for your support. I don't think I could thank you enough for your patience to wait for my story.
I apologize for the very long delay. So many sad things happened in my life these past few months, I BROKE the bones on my hands because of an accident, as a result, I suffered different series of depression, loss and realization that I couldn't cope with them all. My hands are one of my treasures, and it's hard to return to my passion when I couldn't even move my fingers and had to stay in rehab for a while.
I'm not asking for your sympathy, I'm asking for your understanding, I know how much you loved this story, and I do too, very much, but there are things that I cannot control and things that I cannot avoid or handle much more disclose.
I will try my best to update at least every month. I know you don't deserve to wait, but I'll try my best.
Thank you very much for your consideration.