Chasing You

Chapter Twenty-one

Long and Repetitive

It was quiet on the car for a while now. Nobara kept on glancing at Natsume who chose to be quiet at the issue. He saw Nobara talking to someone today, accidentally. The man she was talking to was unfamiliar and he looked dangerous. He also looked older than them, maybe two years. Natsume was curious about the man because Nobara never mentioned him but by the looks of it, he was someone significant from Nobara's past. Natsume was intrigued because when Nobara discovered that he was watching them, she looked guilty. He wondered why she was guilty. He wondered why she kept it a secret. There were so many questions to be asked.

The road was almost empty but the flickering lights illuminated the way. A long drive was not needed to get in their destination since it was just an hour away from the city. Actually, they were late and if they followed the time frame they should be on the rest house by now but due to a certain situation they were still travelling now. He received a few messages from Ruka but replied only once. That's why he hated having those phones; it was more of a distraction than help. Although, he could not wait to be there. He needed some relaxation time. There was no development on his father's dilemma and his issue with Mikan was back again. He was just staying away. Mikan would understand one day.

After paying the toll fee, Natsume started to talk. "Who is he?" he asked. He had a feeling that he should be the one starting the talk anyway.

Nobara stared at him for a few seconds, debating in her mind if now was the right time to tell him. The abruptness was comedic because she actually planned to tell him as later as possible. "He's my ex."

"What's the story?"

It was a long story but she could summarize it and Natsume would still get the meaning. This was awkward and what made it more awkward was the unaffected tone of Natsume's voice. Telling about him to Natsume was hard but she could say it. "He cheated on me. God, Natsume. I thought he was my everything. I started hating love for the longest time but everything changes when I met you and you did these little sweet things."

Natsume nodded, smirking at what she said. "That's why you never want me to let go."

"That's why I don't care if Mikan is hurting right now," Nobara said in full seriousness.

The very moment Nobara mentioned Mikan, he flinched. Natsume remembered about the Movie Night he totally forgot, their cold war, and their deteriorating friendship. He was hurting too but not the way she was. He might not be crying but he felt empty. Maybe he was not evidently miserable but he was miserable. Staying away was one of his ways for her to forget him but she just kept on coming. He was trying to teach her a lesson even though both of their happiness is at risk. It could be worth it. One day, she'll thank him. Like these roads, they may feel empty but eventually on the end, they'll see the meaning of it; their destination.

"I feel guilty every time I see her."

"What do you think is the reason?" Nobara asked teasingly.

"I want to comfort her but I know I'm not in the position to do so."

Nobara chuckled, stretching her extremities. "Love is so complicated," she wailed.

Natsume frowned at the fact. His grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Love is nothing when one is loving more. I don't think I can equal her feelings. It's too much."

Nobara rolled her eyes. "And you want to stay friends."

"But our friendship is extremely affected because she loves me too much. What if I hurt her when we're together? I'm afraid for her."

"So, you don't trust that she's strong enough?"

"I don't trust myself."

Nobara laughed at him. It was very unlady or out of her league but she could not help but laugh. It's just that she was not used to see that the all mighty Natsume Hyuuga was putting down himself. If people in school would witness this, they'll think they're just hallucinating. "Give yourself some credit, Natsume. Mikan and I are alike in one thing and that is our faith on what you are capable of."

"This is weird," he commented, referring on how they were talking like they were not supposed to be a couple.

"I know."

The atmosphere was back to before. Silence was present in the air. They were both thinking about things that were concerning their personal lives, making them so serious and focused. "Stop being the bad guy," Nobara said after a while.

"And you, the bad girl."

But they would not and that was the funny thing. Nobara was willing to be the bad girl to be with Natsume. Her selfishness led her to this so there was no point on stopping now especially that she made an agreement with him. Even though it would turn out that he only used her, she would have no regrets. They were official in name but not in feelings. Yes, she was special for Natsume but in a different way and if only Mikan had an idea about this, she would squeal to death. Nobara might be the bad girl but she was helping. She was helping him in helping Mikan. This love had become a mission of helping someone instead of just getting together. She would do anything to make him happy. Even though she was hurting also right here, right now.

"We're here."

When Natsume opened the door, Mikan's voice immediately rang in his head. "That's too much water," he heard her saying as a reprimand. Natsume made his way to the kitchen where her voice seemed to be coming and he was not wrong. He saw her clad in a white long sleeve and a blue skirt. The apron covering her clothes as of the moment looked well on her and Natsume would not miss the more radiant aura she was wearing now compared to the last time she saw her.

Koko frowned, pouring out the excess water from the casserole. "Sorry, Miss Perfect."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, Madame!"

Mikan shook her head. "It's a wrong decision for you to be in charge with cooking."

"It's not like I volunteered."

"Call Anna," the brunette ordered.

Natsume smirked at Mikan's arrogance. She was talking like she was used to cooking when in fact she could not even peel a potato properly. He took one more glance at her before returning to the living room. The cabin was made of wood and was owned by Nonoko's family. He did not join in deciding where to go this Christmas Break but the location of this cabin was not so bad. The fireplace was untouched so Natsume made a mental note to do the work later. From the window, he saw Ruka and Hotaru getting the supplies they just bought. The cabin had its neighbors and judging from the lit windows and smoking chimneys, there were lots of people trying to relax also.

"Anna! Mikan is having her tantrums. Will you please help?" Natsume heard Koko whined which made him laugh internally.

"Natsume and Nobara are here so help them with their luggage."

That was Natsume's cue to reenter to the cabin. He found Nobara sitting on the couch, checking out her phone. He did not notice her when he got out. Koko greeted them with a smile and a wave, just like the child he was. Koko went to Nobara to carry her things which she insisted that he did not need to do that but in the end Koko won with his persisting power.

"Natsume! Nobara! You two are late." It was Ruka who was holding some kilos of rice. Hotaru went straight to the kitchen with bags of fruits.

"Something came up," he answered shortly.

Ruka rolled his eyes. "Yeah, like I'll buy that."

"Shut up."

Hotaru came back with empty hands. "Boys room is the first room so in case something happens, you guys will be the first victims."

Ruka shivered at her statement. Hotaru had a very weird reasoning that Ruka could never fathom. Oh well, he would not waste half of his life resolving it. "Natsume, you're late so..."

"I know and I know that this means I got the bed with the least favorable condition."

"Oh, don't complain. It's your fault."

"Whatever, Ruka."

Meanwhile, Nobara finished unpacking. She found no one at the hallway so everyone must had been busy. She checked the kitchen and saw Mikan who was very occupied by what she was doing. Nobara simply smiled and continued walking. Not a long while, she bumped into Koko.

"What's up?" she asked.

"Everyone is preparing for dinner. Anna and Mikan are in charge with the cooking. Ruka and Hotaru bought the goods earlier. Nonoko and I are in charge with the cleaning."

"I should help."

Koko blocked her way to the kitchen. "You can cook tomorrow's breakfast."

Nobara seemed to be fine with it. "Cool."

Koko was bored and left with nothing to do. He had to wait for dinner to finish so he could go and wash the dishes. He did not have any complains when the task of washing the dishes suddenly was given to him but it meant working when everyone was already having fun. Well, he was kicked out of the kitchen so he must make a comeback. When he entered the kitchen premises, everything was almost settled except for the soup that was still under the process of boiling. He could already see the amount of food he would be eating later. Anna was not a bad cook so he was almost sure that he'll enjoy dinner although there was no saying on what tension Nobara and Mikan would be bringing this time.

"Are you kidding me? Ugh, Koko. Just go."

"I want to help," he dramatically said.

"No."

Suddenly, Anna entered the kitchen with a red box. "Koko, put this on the fridge."

"Sure thing."

Anna was having the taste test when she ordered Mikan to go to the dining room already. "Go prepare the table now, Mikan." It was good news for Koko because no one would prohibit him from tasting the food before it would be serve.

"I will."

Mikan enthusiastically prepared the enough number of utensils they would be using. The long table was just right for them. She was actually enjoying the kitchen work so even for a short period of time, she forgot the anxieties this trip was giving her beforehand. Now, she knew one way of managing stress and that was to cook. Mikan was in the middle of preparing the second dining set when she noticed a presence from the entrance door. She looked up to see Natsume. Initially, she did not know what to feel but treating him like a disease would not help her.

"Do you want to help?"

Natsume started making his way towards her. "A chocolate for your bad mood?" he asked as he showed her a bar of chocolate.

She could just say no or hit him in the head using that bar of chocolate but she could not do that because she was tempted to have it. She grabbed it quickly earning a smirk from Natsume. She did not have the time to hide her embarrassment when she talked. "Thanks. But I'm actually in a good mood."

"What puts you in a good mood?"

Mikan figured out that Natsume was not here to help her but to interrogate her. "If you think I'll answer your name then you are a hundred percent wrong, best friend."

"I'm sorry, Mikan."

"Don't be. I perfectly deserve this. I'm too much, aren't I?"

Natsume could not speak at her statement. When Mikan was announcing these small realizations about herself, he could not help but feel proud of her. It was hardest to admit to yourself but she could do it. If only she could also have that attitude towards this love for him then everything will be settled. He was about to say something since they were alone in this room, there's a lesser chance that someone would hear him and besides he doubted if Mikan would give him the chance again.

"Look at this lovely cake," Anna announced, suddenly entering the dining area and cutting Mikan and Natsume's conversation.

"I didn't know Hotaru and Ruka bought a cake," Mikan said.

"Because it's from Nobara," Natsume answered.

"Oh, let's put it here."

Just when their conversation was getting interesting, someone had to cut it. Sure the dining room was not the perfect place to make up and Natsume was not even sure if Mikan would accept his apology but he could try to prevent any complication. Time never really liked them. Natsume felt that opportunity gone wasted and now he had to wait until the night is over just to say a few words to her. Patience was not really in his vocabulary but he would be patient for the sake of their friendship. Sacrifices were essential once in a while.

"Are we eating already?" Koko asked, entering the room and already taking a seat.

Mikan hit him lightly on the head, saying, "In a few minutes, yes."

"Here's the food!" Nonoko announced in excitement. She entered the room with Ruka and Nobara who were holding the plates with the dishes carefully.

Hotaru arrived at the dining hall a few minutes after they had set everything. Dining with friends had become so natural on all of them because of the frequency of the act. Even to Nobara who recently joined them didn't feel so awkward anymore. Just like that, they consider Nobara as a friend. It was not forced but just happened. Eating with friends was like eating with the family although it was less formal and more fun. Their closeness was in a different level now and they all thought that nothing could break them.

"We should go hiking tomorrow," Ruka suggested.

Mikan looked up with a big smile on her face. Adventure was an interesting subject for her. All those death-defying sports and moves. Well, hiking was not much dangerous but it could be thrilling. "I'd like that," she said.

"And a barbeque party," Koko added.

Mikan raised an eyebrow. "A barbeque party? Isn't that supposed to be for summer?"

Koko smiled nervously, thinking that Mikan saw him again. "It can be whenever," he reasoned out with a sheepish smile.

"Can someone please pass the rice?" Nobara asked.

"Here," Mikan said, handing over the large plate.

"Thanks."

The decency put them all into silence. Mikan was not rude, glaring, proud, and bitchy. The two acted like they respect each other which was weird because of what happened a few days ago when they almost snapped at each other. Seeing them getting along just fine was a good sign that letting Nobara join this trip was not so bad after all. Mikan could be good to her. Although, you cannot call passing the rice a heavy nice thing to do but it was still a progress. If it were last week, Mikan could have shoved it into Nobara's face.

When dinner ended, the persons assigned to the aftercare did their task diligently. After cleaning up, they decided to crowd on the veranda. They were feeling energetic and sleep was not around the corner so talking might do the trick. No one minded the cold temperature. The fact that they were free now, away from the city, and having fun made them feel the holiday spirit even more. Ruka and Koko were playing the guitar they brought. The gang was singing-along, out of tune most of the times but it brought out good laughs. This bonding belonged to their greatest memories this Christmas and it would all be in their minds for quite some time.

Mikan remained on the kitchen to prepare the cake that was not eaten earlier. She stared at the dessert suspiciously, even smelling it. She had a feeling that Natsume should not be eating this cake but of course she wouldn't say something like that because it will just make her the bad guy and the person who was overreacting. Mikan was avoiding drama to live up with her promise to Natsume and also for everything to go smoothly as possible. She was slicing the cake and put it on the tray where the plates were already in place.

Nobara entered the room casually, surprised to see that Mikan was eyeing the cake she brought. Best friends really knew best. Mikan did not notice her presence at first until she helped her in putting the utensils on the tray. "The chocolate is for you. I knew it."

Mikan glanced at her side. "Is there a problem?"

"Oh nothing," Nobara said innocently.

"Okay."

Nobara did not let Mikan go that easily. She was curious as to what changed Mikan's behavior towards her and if the brunette was just putting a show. "Why are you acting civil today?"

Mikan pulled up the tray, making sure her two arms were strong enough to lift it until she gets out. "Am I not allowed to?"

"Of course you are."

"I'll try to accept you and you'll be fine to me as long as you don't hurt him. Physically and emotionally."

"You shouldn't worry. He'll be fine. I'm more than sure."

Mikan shrugged. "Great then."

She hurriedly left the kitchen, rolled her eyes when she got past Nobara. It would look like she was being fake but that kind of attitude really annoyed her. Mikan never liked it when someone was questioning her motives. Here she was, trying to be real, but apparently not everyone could appreciate it.

"Let's eat the dessert now!" Nonoko exclaimed, serving each one a plate.

"This is yummy," Koko commented quickly.

Nobara offered Natsume a slice. "Here you go."

"Do you like baking, Nobara?" Anna asked. She had a feeling that the cake was personally made because of the color that did not complement the flavor.

"Yes, but my Mom has a greater love for it. Baking is basically her passion."

"So, is she a pastry chef or something?" Nonoko asked.

Nobara shook her head, smiling at the memory on how her mother used to tell her that she should have been a pastry chef instead of doing office work. Her mother was complaining for years, unhappy on her career but when she did baking as a pastime, she slowly recovered. "She wanted to be but fate did not let her so instead she just made it a hobby. That's why she always reminded me of making my passion my career."

"I think we all have that wrong decision in life that we cannot change but we can do something about it," Ruka said, eyeing his friends. His personal opinion made them silent so he gave them a smile. "That's why we should do the right thing always."

Hotaru smirked at him. "Too deep, Nogi."

"Right," Ruka acknowledged, rolling his eyes to the thought that Hotaru was mocking him.

"I'm going to take some water," Natsume announced, standing up abruptly and went inside.

Mikan eyed him with concern, thinking that something was wrong. She had two reasons in mind: one, was that Ruka got him on the do-not-make-wrong-decisions comment; second, he was not really feeling well. But he was fine earlier, even teasing her and bribing her with that chocolate bar. She was worried but Nobara has the primary right to take action now. Mikan wished she was just overreacting.

Koko jumped on the free seat beside Mikan with an enthusiastic attitude. "This is a great pastry, right Mikan?" Koko was very childish to have that reaction for sweets but that part of him was adorable and Mikan was entertained to witness it.

"Agreed. I wonder what flavor is this."

"You don't know? It's cheesecake. Although the color is not common for a cheesecake, you would have mistaken it for a blueberry cake."

Mikan was alarmed the moment the fact registered in her mind. She ran straightly inside, searching for Natsume who was not in the kitchen. She checked the boy's room and there she found him. Natsume was sitting at the corner of his bed, trying to calm down himself. He was displaying signs of his allergy again. Mikan had always feared his allergic reaction making it hard for him to breath and giving him rashes all over the body. She checked his pulse rate and it was higher than normal. Mikan panicked. The others barged in the room with Hotaru calling for help.

"Do you have your medication with you?" Mikan asked.

Natsume took a few more deep breaths before answering. "Didn't know this would happen," he said, coughing out of breath.

"You are so stupid, do you know that?" Mikan lectured with her weak voice. "Just lay your back on the headboard. It'll be easier to breathe in that position. We have no inhalers here but you can blow in this bag."

"Don't panic. I have this allergy for life. I know what to do. You know what to do. Seriously, we've handled this without any complication."

"Don't tell me that," Mikan insisted, arguing with him again, "The last time you had that stupid allergic reaction, you ended up in the hospital so don't tell me that."

"The doctor's here!" Koko yelled from the door.

Ruka welcomed the doctor. "It's a good thing someone could come at this hour."

Mikan exited the room when the help came. It really was a good thing that the doctor reached the cabin quicker than she thought or else Natsume would have to endure longer. No wonder she was feeling uncomfortable about that cake. This was all Nobara's fault. It was unbelievable that she would go this far just to see Natsume having an allergic reaction. Mikan never felt angrier towards a person. She was hating Nobara so much now than before for her intention of jeopardizing Natsume's life. That little allergic reaction could cost him his life. Nobara did not know that. All she knew was to find a way to feed her curiosity.

The brunette noticed that everyone was there except for Nobara so when she saw the girl walking back and forth on the veranda, Mikan did not hesitate to confront her. As a friend, Mikan was willing to be involved in a catfight. She had never been into an actual fight with a girl before but there was always a first time for everything.

"You bitch! Look what you've done. You know very well that Natsume is allergic to cheese and yet you served a cheesecake? You need to have a brain check."

Her voice was too loud, enough for others to be attracted to it. Mikan was ready to make a physical attack to Nobara when Ruka stopped her. "Calm down, Mikan."

"No! This has gone way too far."

"You are overreacting," Nobara remarked.

"I am not! You planned this."

"So what if I wanted to see the allergic reaction?"

Mikan could have laughed at her reason but she was so angry right now that hurting Nobara was something she would not mind. "You stupid girl."

"It's not like he'll die!"

Mikan found a way to be freed from Ruka's hold and grabbed Nobara's hair. "Idiot!" she yelled.

"Mikan!" Natsume yelled, just in time for everything. He did not say anything after that but the look he was giving Mikan could explain it all.

"Do you see now? Why I hate her so much? She is nothing but trouble. She is irrational. I knew she was vile and I never trusted her once. Even though everyone seemed to fell from her charms, I'm sure I did not. She almost killed you, Natsume." It was hard to explain your feelings especially when the people concerned could not understand you. Everyone was there with no response. Nobara looked hurt with her hair being messy and her eyes crying. It looked like they did not agree with Mikan so she had nothing in mind but to smile at them like she was encouraging them to agree with her but the odd expressions continued. "Don't look at me like that," she said and after a few moments she walked out.

"You have to fix this," Ruka whispered to Natsume.

"I will."

Hotaru followed Mikan outside, ready to give Mikan some piece of her mind. What Mikan Sakura just displayed was very embarrassing and unjust. The situation could be handled in a smoother way but Mikan just had to unleash her hidden grief to Nobara, making a scene, and saying inappropriate words.

"What was that, Mikan Sakura?"

"I'm just telling the truth!"

"You were out of line. Since when did you become like that? You think Ibaragi is vile? Can you even hear yourself?"

Mikan crossed her arms. "Well, she is."

"She's not!" Hotaru yelled in her face, "And if you can't still accept the fact that Hyuuga chose Ibaragi then suffer all by yourself! I'm so sick of you not helping yourself. You refuse to say anything and yet you act like this. You are so damn childish, Mikan."

"Why am I being blamed here? Did I put that food into Natsume's mouth?"

"No but bad things are coming out from your mouth," Hotaru defended, "You cannot judge a person. Ever."

"I have my basis."

"Your irrational basis. You are blinded by your obsession with Hyuuga. You hurt, you cry, he'll come, he'll comfort you, and then everything is alright. That's your stupid process! It's repetitive. You are the one always hurting because you put yourself into that situation. Hyuuga never asked for you to love him and he always had discouraged you so that you won't be hurt. But you just won't listen. You always don't listen, Mikan."

Tears escaped her eyes. Earlier, she was trying to save them but in the end it turned out to be the opposite. Her friends were not with her now and they all turned against her. Mikan thought that with what Nobara did, the girl would get some punishment for it but instead she was the one receiving the lecture now. Right now, Mikan did not know if she was right or wrong. She had a point and she was sure of that but why was the reaction she got different from what she expected? Was it because she was not being genuine all this while?

"I tried," Mikan whispered with a trembling voice.

"Try harder. If you'll continue to act like this, I will never be surprised if Hyuuga will ignore you one day." Mikan cried even more after hearing that from Hotaru herself. People around her were always leaving and that was why she did things to make them stay but it gave the opposite effect. Mikan felt a hand on her shoulder although she was numb by the words Hotaru said. "But, just so you know, don't make this about Hyuuga again. Think about yourself, Mikan."

Mikan came back inside after an hour of good cry. She checked if Natsume was still awake only to find him sleeping soundly which she was thankful of. The door on their room opened with Anna and Nonoko carrying some pillows. Mikan already had a guess what was happening but she liked to hear from them.

"Anna, Nonoko. Where are you going?" she asked with a smile.

The two girls exchanged guilty looks while Mikan was anxiously waiting for an answer. "We thought that it's best that you and Nobara will sleep in separate rooms," Anna replied.

Nonoko stared at Mikan carefully and added, "Since Nobara has no companion, we'll join her."

"But I'll have no one…"

"Hotaru will be there," Anna interrupted.

Mikan sighed and whispered, "I doubt it."

"Have a good night, Mikan."

A good night was impossible to have now especially that they were treating her like a plague. Mikan sat on the corner of her bed, feeling how alone she was again. The more she tried to make people stay, the more they went away. She hugged herself, trying to feel the warmth that was not there. Her friends had always left her because they were just fine without her. They never needed her like she needed them. Nobara was the one at fault here but she was the one suffering from it. Mikan hated herself for always crying because of other people. At first it was only Natsume and now even her friends. Something must have been really wrong with her. Mikan looked up, realizing what she had been thinking, she slapped herself repeatedly. It was very wrong to think of her friends this way.

She should just accept it. In that way, everything would be fine. She was the loser and she had to accept it. No, she did not have considered this as a game in the first place. So, Natsume did not love her and her friends thought she was wrong. Humility must be present in this kind of situation. Mikan would think this through. Although, she still thought that she had a point. Tomorrow things will have an answer and she just wished it would be in everyone's favor.

"Good morning!" Nobara greeted at the first person who entered the dining room.

Koko was still yawning when he asked "You prepared breakfast?"

"What? You assigned me this task last night."

"I almost forgot," he claimed, taking a seat.

"I don't blame you. So many things happened last night."

Mikan timidly exited her room to approach Hotaru who was just in the hallway. "Good morning, Hotaru. Where did you sleep last night?"

"You don't wanna know."

They were hurting her but she could try. She could act normally. "Good morning, Ruka!"

"You're still up with the scheduled hiking this morning?"

"Oh, yes. I have my camera with me, you know. So might as well use it."

"Great," Ruka exclaimed, "Where are you going, Mikan?"

"I just need to make a call."

Everyone but Mikan was present on the dining table but no one said a word about it except for Koko. "Where's Mikan? Isn't she hungry after all the drama last night?" he asked.

Ruka faked a cough. "She said she has to make a call. Didn't know though what's taking her so long."

"She'll be here so let's eat," Hotaru said.

Mikan never came for breakfast but she was present at the scheduled activity for today. They were all wearing the proper attire for hiking and the orientation was already done. Not only the seven of them were going to hike today, there were also lots of tourists. Being outgoing on this kind of weather was challenging and fun so it was no surprise that many people would like this kind of activity. Skiing would also be fun so Mikan made a promise to herself to try it when she has time.

Ruka was the organizer of the activity so he made one last warning for everyone. "Safety is always the first priority. Our goal is not that high and the snow is not too thick so making it up to the top shouldn't be so hard. Let's enjoy this, guys."

"Are you still angry at me?" Mikan asked, keeping up with Natsume's pace.

"Did you regret what you've done?"

Mikan smiled, shaking her head. "I don't think there's something wrong with it."

"If nothing is wrong then why does everyone thinks so?" Natsume spat angrily and walked in advance.

That did not go well. Mikan did not know what to feel anymore. She was disheartened by their cold behavior towards her and this trip was a trip to celebrate her birthday. They did not even consider her point or her side as Natsume's best friend. Her friends acted like they were tired of her.

"Hi, Mikan."

Mikan was touched by Koko's attempt to talk to her. She almost forgot that she still had Koko and his promise to always be there. "Why are you talking to me? Don't you know I'm a plague?"

"Well, you did go passed the limit."

If Koko was giving her another chapter of lecture, she better not hear it. She did not have to feel more terrible now. "I want to think, Koko. You go ahead."

Koko did not obliged to her though. He still walked with her. "Are you okay? You haven't had breakfast, have you?"

"Little lightheaded but I'll be fine," Mikan said but when she noticed that Koko was still her, she glared at him and said, "I said don't talk to me."

"You must be feeling sad."

"What if I am?"

"They are just trying to teach you a lesson."

"Well, they are bad at it. They are only causing me heartache."

"Your perspective's gonna change when you finally learn your lesson."

Mikan frowned. "Don't talk as if you are not the same with them."

"It's just all messy now but everything's gonna be fine. Mikan, I know both sides are being hardheaded right now so if that is the case, if you cannot live without them, why don't you just apologize? You will do it sooner or later so why not be the first one to take action? You're not gonna lose something but if your pride can't handle it, well, that's a different story."

Mikan stopped at walking and stared at the road ahead of them. "Why it is always the one who has to apologize is me?" she asked in a whisper, "Can't I be right for once in my life?"

"Both are wrong, Mikan. Apologizing has more benefits than you think. Think about it."

Every time Natsume sees Koko talking to Mikan, he could not help but feel being replaced. Which was stupid because Mikan would never ever replace him for anyone. Seeing her with those sad smiles and talking her heart out to Koko, he could not help but wished that this thing did not involve him. Consoling Mikan would be easier if he was not involved at all. The journey to the top could be finish anytime now and yet Natsume never saw one of his friends completely enjoying, even Ruka looked depress.

"I never knew Mikan could do that," he heard Nobara said.

"That's what happens when you suppress your anger."

Nobara nodded with head down. "By the way, I'm sorry for what I did."

"Don't do that again," he said in a low, serious voice.

"You're scary."

"Trust me. I am."

"You should control her, Natsume. Who knows what she can do?"

Natsume was certainly not happy to hear that. "She's not an animal," he said with a glare.

Nobara regretted what came out on her mouth. "I didn't say that. But, she's scary and becomes a war freak when you are the topic. Jealousy is a mortal sin and it has put many lives into danger."

"She has always been sensitive about my allergy," Natsume defended.

"She's violent. Before she gets severe, prevent it from happening."

No matter how much Natsume wanted to deny that, he could not. No matter how much he wanted to disagree with Nobara's point, he could not. Almost everything that they were saying about Mikan was true and he was a witness of it.

"If I'll do that, you must do me a favor."

"Anything."

Good. This could be a good start. One can make a wrong decision but that did not mean one cannot do something about it. This was the cue and the start of everything. There were more to come. There could be many events that he will celebrate without Mikan but this was necessary. Even though there was no guarantee that he could live up with it but for the sake of Mikan.

"Break up with me."

End of Chapter

If time permits, I might update this story until Chapter 24. Wish me good luck on updating. Usually, when I type a chapter I put the title last unlike now when I already have the chapter titles until 24. It's a rainy night while I was typing this down so I'm kind of hyper and I received mixed reviews from last chapter with many of them got tired of this story and completely gave up. I'll finish CY no matter what and I'm thankful for any reviews that I receive. If not for positive reviews, I will not find the urge to continue. If not for negative reviews, I will not find the urge to be better.

Have a good day!