Chapter 21

Normal POV

Sunday noon...

"Mikan, you ready for tonight?" Nonoko asked suddenly while they're in a five-star restaurant having lunch. The girls decided to have a meal together before an important night.

"Huh?" She never heard anything happening tonight.

"The fashion show, remember?" said Nonoko looking at her as if she just done something wrong. "Don't tell me you forgot? We told you yesterday."

"What fashion show?" Mikan asked confusedly.

"Didn't we tell you yesterday that you're going to be a guest model?" Anna explained.

Mikan just stared with a shock face. It never has occurred in her mind that they told her anything of sort. If she did hear about it then she wouldn't have been this calm, she would have been in a total panic.

"Wh-whaat? No, you didn't!" Mikan exclaimed.

"Yes, we did. And we thought you agreed coz' you didn't even respond." Nonoko said.

"Well then here's my response now I'm not going to do it!" Mikan cried out. She couldn't remember anything of that conversation. She might have been too excited that time to even pay attention.

"Yes, you are. I told you, I already prepared everything," said Hotaru while spooning her favourite crab.

"What do you mean 'prepared everything'? No one told me anything about a fashion show or modelling."

"I contacted the organisers to add you in the list of the catwalk models. I also called some broadcasting companies and reporters. I told them that an important news will be announce."

"What does that suppose to mean?"

"Come on Mikan. Stop asking such useless questions. You're going to do it whether you like it or not." Anna said.

"I never agreed to do this. Why force me?" Mikan stood up from her chair angrily and left her friends.

Anna and Nonoko were surprised the way Mikan acted. Maybe they were a bit harsh on forcing her to do the fashion show but that's only because they are desperate. It would be a waste if Mikan wouldn't do it since she would be perfect for 'that' outfit. This fashion show is the most important event in the fashion industry every year. The world famous fashion icons all over the world will be gathering and the most prominent people would also be going to be the guests.

Hotaru even took the courage to invite Izumi Yukihara via email as, unfortunately, wouldn't be attending for some important business trip as well as Yuki Yukihara will be accompanying her husband even though she is the famous fashion designer expected to be there. There's still isn't a reply but she's expecting that they would attend because she knows that when it comes to Mikan, they wouldn't turn it down. Their daughter would be modelling and it's just a part of Hotaru's plans to introduce Mikan to the whole world.

Anna stood up to chase after Mikan. She felt guilty.

"Leave her." Hotaru said. Anna looked at Hotaru with a puzzled look. She couldn't understand why because they are supposed to go after her since they just upset her.

"But..."

"Don't worry. She would realize it sooner or later."

Anna and Nonoko exchanged looks. They couldn't understand what Hotaru is talking about. Knowing Mikan, what would she realize if they don't tell her?

Mikan's POV

Really, why did they tell me now about the fashion show?! I walked out from them. I think I was quite rude. I'm just disappointed that they decided for me without even asking for my approval. I would never agree anyway.

Modelling for a fashion show, they said? No way. That means having their eyes on you while you as a catwalk model would smile and walk confidently trying not to fall wearing a super-high-heeled shoes.

I watched a fashion show before on TVs but never imagined myself on that runway and now my friends are forcing me to do it.

I asked my driver to send me home but then before I got on the limo, a phone suddenly rang. It wasn't mine, of course. Heck, I don't even own a phone. I'm sure it's Mr. Driver's phone that's ringing. He looked at me as if he's embarrassed. I think he's not planning to answer it because I'm here and he's currently in the middle of his job.

I smiled at him to show that I'm letting him answer the phone. It might be an emergency since it kept ringing a lot nonstop.

I watched him as he looked at the screen of the phone. His reaction was unusual. I got curious on why his reaction was like that that's why I listened carefully even though I know that it's invading his privacy.

"Hello, Master." I heard him greet on the phone. Wait, is that Dad? There's a slight pause of silence for a few seconds. "As you wish Madame." And Mum?

"Madame Yuki would like to speak with the Young mistress."

Omg! Why are my parents calling the driver and they want to talk to me? Is it something important?

"Hi Mum?" I said as soon as the phone was on my ear but only to hear Mum squealed. It was too loud so I had to move the phone away from my head.

"Mikan-chan! I'm so excited for tonight!" Mum said through the phone excitedly.

"What are you talking about Mum?" I asked.

"Aren't you going to be a catwalk model tonight for the fashion show?"

"Mum, I'm not." I said in remorse.

"Anyway, we will be attending. Your Dad cancelled all of his meetings just for this. We're looking forward to it. Love you, bye!" She said and she hanged up.

I stood there in dazed in a minute before it hit me. They're expecting me to do the modelling just as my friends said? Oh God why?! What's wrong with them? She said they will be attending and looking forward to it? Omg! What now?

I quickly gave back the phone to the driver and left without saying anything.

I went back to my friends who were still sitting where I left them before. They turned their eyes on me when they felt that I'm coming towards them in a rush.

"You gotta help me!" I said desperately as I slump myself on the chair.

Anna and Nonoko looked surprise except for Hotaru.

"Fine" Hotaru said. What? She already know what I'm about to say. "You want to learn how to walk on the runway right?" Geez, she always says things first before me. How can I win against a genius like her?

"Waah, Mikan really? You're accepting it?" Anna said and she high-fived Nonoko. They celebrated in delight by jumping up and down. It's just fortunate that the only customers here are us. Well, we booked the whole restaurant. Hotaru asked me to.

"No choice. My parents are expecting me to do it and I don't want to turn them down especially since my Dad cancelled his important business trip for this. I wonder how they found out." I looked at Hotaru but she's just showing her usual poker face but I know she's behind it.

"Really? Your parents are coming but I thought they're not attending because of some other business?" said Nonoko.

"Yeah, unfortunately they changed their minds because some girl told them that I would be participating in it." I said implying to Hotaru.

"Wow, that's amazing and now all the most valuable guests would be attending. All the famous people involved in business and entertainment industry will be there too. This would probably the best fashion show ever in the fashion industry. You'll make history, Mikan." Nonoko said as she excitedly hugged me. I couldn't understand why they are so confident of me doing the catwalk while I'm breaking down here. Now that she said that all the important people would be there, I can't help but feel anxious. Do I really have to do this? I just made a difficult decision yesterday on changing myself and this comes right after. Did I made the right decision or I just chose the way to hell?

"Then let's get started." Hotaru said and picked up her bag. She started to walk so we followed her.

I've been imagining a lot what could happen on the fashion show. All of them were negatives. The thing I'm most worried about is being humiliated. Yeah, I've been embarrassed before after a singing performance and that made me scared of being on stage. Would I trip or would I be splash with water? I don't know. I'm just hoping that nothing of that sort would happen now that my parents are going to watch me on that runway.

Next thing I knew we were in a large hall. I don't know why they took me here but I'm just wondering if this is the venue for the fashion show but I doubt it. There should be a lot of people now preparing for the show and decorating it.

"Well, you certainly picked a perfect place for Mikan to practice." Anna said to Hotaru.

"It's so small compared to what I imagined," said Hotaru. She called this small? It's still big.

"Come on we have no time to lose. We have to get ready in a few hours!" Nonoko said in panic mode but I'm sure she's excited.

"That's where you have to practice." Anna said pointing at the makeshift runway in the middle. I only noticed it now. When I imagine if this is the real thing with lots of audience I can't help but feel nervous.

"First we have to show you how to walk."

Anna and Nonoko started to show me. They started coming out from the backstage and came out naturally like those models I've seen in commercials in TVs.

The way to walk on the runway is a lot complicated than it looked. They asked me to show them what I've got. When it was my turn, I must have looked awkward because their faces were giving a forceful smile.

"Mikan? Erm..." Nonoko hesitated to talk. "Your posture is like an old man with back pain! Your bum is too stiff! Your arms swing too much! You bowed your head too much! Your eyes are out of focused! Your steps are way too big! Why are your fingers straightened? Are you robot or something? I can't believe it's worse than I thought!"

That shocked me a lot. She shouted like a lion roaring in anger. This is the first time I've seen her like that.

'Oh no Mikan, be careful. You just woke up the evil witch hidden inside her. When it comes on something to do with this and when she's in panic, she's scary.' Anna whispered to me. I gulped.

After a few seconds, Nonoko's expression came back as a kind girl. That made her scarier, I backed away from her. She totally looks like a monster with fangs ready to bite me disguised as Nonoko.

"Mikan?" She called. Oh no, is this a trap?

"Y-yes?" I responded.

"Anna, would you mind explaining what she has to remember?"

"Err, s-sure" Anna seems to be scared as well. "Uhm, Mikan, the first you have to remember on the runway is your posture. You have to stand up straight with your shoulders back." She said nicely while showing it to me. I had to listen carefully or else Nonoko would make me drink her poisoned potion. At least that's what I think. I don't know what she's hiding. It could be a chemical weapon. For all I know her father's a scientist. She could have took it from him or even made it on her own.

"Second, the way of walking," Anna continued. "It's supposed to be natural with independent strides by each step. The shoes have the important role on runway model. Even though you think you can't walk on them, just imagine you're walking on the clouds with your flip flops. Many models have tasted the embarrassment of falling over the runway so you have to be careful." The phrase 'falling over the runway' made me realized this won't do. I can't do it and Anna just said it's an embarrassment. I'm scared to experience it again.

"Sorry guys but I think I won't do it anymore." I said without looking in anyone's eyes. If I would, I will feel guilty when they took the time to look for this place and help me. "I'll just be there to –"

"Ssshhh," Nonoko cut me off and her face scared me more than the thought of being embarrass. "The Parents' Anticipation." It sounded like the devil's whisper. It made me jolt. It's creepy. :Okay:

The words parents' anticipation just made me realized my parents are attending the fashion show to watch me. I forgot it for a second there.

"Anna-chan, continue please~" I said as I stood there sweating a lot.

She cleared her throat first before continuing. "Where am I? Oh yeah, don't swing your arms too much, just make it look natural and your fingers shouldn't be straight, bend it freely. Third, chin up but not so high so you won't look like you're being a haughty. You're supposed to bow your head down a little because the audience will be looking up to you and keep your eyes focused ahead. And also your bum should sway more. Let's say just be confident."

Somehow, I understood what she just explained. Even though, in my ears, it's so foreign. Well, she explained it while she considered how my brain can take it.

"So, Mikan, you got it right?" Nonoko said. She really looks fiercer than Jinno-sensei.

"Y-yes!" I said.

"Show us then"

"Uhmm, now?"

"Of course."

Right, I just have to follow what Anna told me just now. Okay, I started to walk slowly, walk, walk, walk, walk, pose, pose, turn, walk, walk, walk, walk, away. That's easier than I thought.

I heard two people clapped.

"Wow Mikan, you got it on the first try. You're amazing. I think you're born to be a runway model. You're so natural on stage." Nonoko said in a proud manner. Her scary mood isn't there anymore but replaced by the normal her.

"Mikan!" Anna hugged me out of nowhere. I didn't even expect that I could do that easily after Anna mentored me. I looked at where Hotaru were if she saw that but she's only busily tapping on her laptop.

"I knew you can do it." Anna continued excitedly. "Now, we can go and prepare. We have a show to go to!"

"No." Nonoko responded bluntly. "Do it one more time Mikan." She's back to being scary again. Why did she become so strict? I did well on the first try, didn't I?

"But...she already showed she can do it Nonoko, and we still have to go make our nails done." Anna defended but Nonoko looks like she's doesn't care.

"Again." She insisted.

"Okay, but one last time." I didn't have a choice. I think I'm more scared of my friends than those fan girls bullies. And I don't even know what is Anna capable of scaring me yet. But I'm not sure about that, she's hundred times nicer than the other two's hidden evils.

"Try"

I walked and walked, pose and then turn.

"Again," I heard Nonoko said while sighing. I don't know why but is something isn't right? Every inch of my body are in sync but I did try to walk like before. What happened?

I tried again and again, and again. That continued for the next three hours. My legs are numb due to continuous wearing of high heels and walking through the runway trying to get it right. I'm thirsty. Nonoko didn't give me a break. I tried hard to do what I did on the first try but I still failed.

"That'll do for us." Nonoko said and stood up from the chair. I felt relieved. Does that mean we're finish? I'm sure her butt is numb too from sitting for so long. She's been watching me while saying 'Again' the whole time. I really hate that word right now.

"Did I do well just now?" I asked. I thought if we're finish then I must have did correctly. I didn't even realize it.

"No. You'll stay here until you mastered how to do your posture and walk like a supermodel. I'm sure you can, right?"

"But..."

"Right?" She repeated when I tried to reason it out. She's so mean. *pout* Can't she notice that I can't continue anymore? "Remember, the parents' anticipation." She continued. I think she wants to make that as a book title. How many more times do I have to hear it before she stops saying it? I get it already.

"S-sure." That's the only thing I can respond with.

"Let's go Anna."

I looked at them. I'm trying to beg to let me go with them. Anna turned to me as if saying she cannot do anything about it.

"Do your best, Mikan" Anna said and she went.

"We hope you'll be there on time," said Nonoko. She's pure evil. She doesn't even feel sorry for me.

What if I tell you that I'm not going there even you wait forever? Yeah, right. For sure, if I would tell that in front of her, she will bath me with Hydrochloric acid.

Hmm, I think she won't because I will never ever try to say that and I know she loves me. She's just trying to help me because I asked for it. I started it so I'm going to finish it.

"Trust me!" I shouted at them before they close the door. I have nothing else to do but to practice. The fashion show's starts at 8pm and its 5:30 pm now. I hope by the time before the fashion show, I would be able to master it like Nonoko said. Hotaru stayed with me but I don't think she cares at all. How can I know if I walked the proper way on the catwalk if Nonoko or Anna isn't here to tell me?

Normal POV

Nonoko and Anna left Mikan while they left a bad impression. They think that Mikan hate them now. But if they don't do that, Mikan might not be able to gain encouragement on her own. If she keeps relying on them then she won't be able to learn. But they are satisfied when she said 'Trust me' before they were out of sight.

They also left Hotaru with her as she would be watching closely to Mikan and make sure she would be on the fashion show on time. Right now, they have to prepare for rehearsals and make sure they are perfect for the runway. Mikan doesn't need to be to go to beauty salon for preparation because she's too perfect. Even they are jealous as Mikan's natural as a runway model. Just by telling the basics, she can walk on the runway perfectly on the first try.

"Don't you think we were harsh to her Nonoko?" Anna asked.

"I know, but if we tell her she's been doing it perfectly the whole time then do you think she will do the modelling wholeheartedly?"

"No, she will surely do great on the fashion show without fail."

They know that much because they know the Mikan who's strong and tried to change for the better of herself. She wouldn't even try to disappoint her parents.

For the next two hours, Mikan didn't stop to practice. Hotaru has been watching her closely even though she's pretending to be only paying attention to her laptop. There were times when she left her and she's on the floor exhausted but she always stood back up. She didn't drink any water when she gave her. Her determination is beyond belief when she sets her mind into something.

"I believe it's time to go Mikan," Hotaru said when she approached Mikan.

"Huh? Is it time already? That's too quick. I haven't even practiced enough."

"You've done enough. Let's go."

"Hotaru, wait" Mikan grabbed Hotaru by the arm before she started to make her way out.

"Don't worry, you'll do fine." She said and Mikan followed her quietly.

The atmosphere became heavy. Mikan felt that she's being transported to an unknown destination. The fashion show will start in half an hour and she couldn't help but feel burdened and the pressure is suffocating. Hotaru's been so silent that added to the tension. Her blank face made Mikan a lot more anxious as it has no sign of assuring expression.

Mikan's hoping that if she can hear some words of encouragement then maybe she can feel a lot better.

It took 45 minutes to get to the fashion show's venue. It took them quite a while to get there because of traffic and many media reporters surrounding the area. Their car managed to get to the building's backdoor. The building is rather large that suited an event like this. Only the VIP guests attended and only some selected TV broadcasters are invited to publicize the event on national television. Hotaru as part of the technical organisers specifically had the role for the broadcast. She helped organised the event through the shadows and as she have known a success.

As they entered the backdoor, they can hear the music. It already started 15 minutes ago. They rushed to the dressing rooms where Anna and Nonoko were.

"Mikan, you made it!" Anna quickly hugged Mikan when they entered their dressing room. Nonoko followed after for a group hug. They are already dressed in their respective outfits. They looked stunning.

Nonoko looks very much kind now. Her dark self is gone and Mikan can feel that seeing Nonoko's sweet smile brought her some sense of relief.

"Yeah!" said Mikan and smiled. Their hugs gave her comfort.

"Are you okay? You look totally exhausted. I'm sorry." Nonoko said.

"I'm fine. Oh no! Oh my gosh! Maybe not." She giggled when she realized just now how her appearance was when she looked at herself in the mirror. She's not use of paying attention to her appearance but now if you look closely to her, she looked like she's just been vomited by a tornado. Her hair is a mess, her clothes are crooked and her shoes are worn out. Well, after the 6 hours of practice that's how it turned out without Mikan noticing.

"Surely you won't let me go out there in this state, will you?" Mikan joked but for them they know that Mikan is really nervous. Somehow they feel guilty. Mikan must have been through a lot today due to pressure.

"Eyy, come on, Mikan, you're the climax of the show, go shower first," said Nonoko then smiled.

"Why don't you all help me wash myself?" Mikan joked again.

"Eww." Anna and Nonoko laughed. Hotaru half-smiled. "No thanks" Anna and Nonoko said together. They pushed Mikan inside the shower while she laughed on her own.

"I'm getting really excited." Nonoko said as soon as they heard the shower turned on.

"Same," said Anna while she squealed. "I'm sure Mikan would be great. Ta-da!" She showed the dress. "She will be wearing this outfit designed by JV. He would be more than please when he sees Mikan wearing this on the catwalk. No one knows who would wear his designed dress except us. It would be a hell of a surprise."

"Why didn't we tell them in the first place anyway? All the organisers and other designers kept bothering us who she might be," Nonoko asked to Hotaru. "I'm not surprised JV isn't curious. He's hard to impress."

"There would be time for that. Soon, Mikan Yukihara will be introduced to the whole world," said Hotaru.

"Does Mikan know this?"

"No, if she knew, she won't let this happen. She doesn't like making things grand for her. And that call from her Mum made it easier to convince her, that wasn't part of my plans though but everything went - well."

They heard the shower stopped and Mikan got out of the shower.

"Eh, why all of you look serious?" asked Mikan.

"Nothing. Come! We don't have time." Nonoko said as she made Mikan sit by the mirror with make-ups and hairdryers set up in front of her.

"Oh yeah, isn't it your turn yet to go up there?" meaning the runway.

"No, later. We'll be going second to the last, yeah, that's before you. At least, I and Anna have the same designer so we'll go together. And yours is the guest of honour's design."

"A guest of honour's design on a guest model, wow, what a pair."

"Oh, so that's it. Who's the guest of honour?" asked Mikan.

"JV, the scariest person in the fashion industry. He designed your dress, there." Anna explained.

"WOW! I would be wearing that dress? It's looks really pretty."

"Not just pretty but gorgeous." Nonoko said.

"Hotaru, aren't you going too?" Mikan asked.

"Haha, Hotaru have no interest in modelling," said Anna.

"Just do your job," said Hotaru while threatening to say no more. She's worse than Mikan before Mikan knew the basics.

"Right."

Anna and Nonoko worked together to make Mikan look her best. Even if they don't make any effort on her make-up, with just a little touch up and her hair would be done, she will be the most beautiful out of the models this evening.

When Mikan came out from the dressing room, the people around who saw stared with laughter and giggles.

'Who's that? Is this a Halloween themed fashion show?'

'Haha. Look at that. Who would wear something like in this prestigious fashion show?'

'I guessed she lost her way.'

'Oh my gosh, is that the guest model?'

'I think they are trying to hide her.'

'I would not be impressed if she would actually wear that on the runway.'

'Oi, I think that might be JV's design. Isn't she next? She might be that model.'

'Or she might be a crazy-pervert with a backstage pass. Come on let's go after him!'

"Stupid people." Hotaru whispered and gave a shot of Baka-gun to the three girls coming towards them.

"Hotaru, I'm so nervous" said Mikan. "Why do I have to wear this over the top?" Her hands were shaking. Her vision was blocked by the dark robe with hood Nonoko made her wear. They are waiting for her turn. Anna and Nonoko were already walking on the catwalk and she can hear a lot of clap and cheers. It's her turn next. "Wait, where are you going, Hotaru?"

"I'll be back in a bit," Hotaru said. At this time, Mikan needs a lot of support before going on the runway but Hotaru suddenly left her. Again, a lot of negative stuffs are going through her mind nonstop.

Mikan doesn't notice the suspicions she's receiving at the backstage as she's too anxious to pay attention. They are actually scared to approach her as Hotaru has just harshly knocked out three of the models.

Mikan's mind is only focused on the runway and the people who will be watching her especially her parents.

Her curiosity pushed her to peek at the venue. She first looked where her parents are but by the time her eyes wonders around, her anxiousness suddenly increased when she saw a lot of people who were dressed formally and they looked really respectable. The guests are mainly adults. Mikan's parents were sitting at the front row where they can take a good look the models. They are so keen to see their daughter up there.

Lights, cameras and eyes are on the models at the catwalk.

All the guests were watching Anna and Nonoko as they take the runway. All eyes wear on them and Anna and Nonoko confidently presented their outfits. They looked rather comfortable.

'Can I really do this?' Mikan asked herself as she moved away from the edge of the runway. Just by peeking made her want to back out. She thought that there's no way she can do what Anna and Nonoko just did in front of those people.

"Mikan, you're up next!"

"Waaah" She was surprised when Anna and Nonoko were suddenly in front of her with wide smiles on their faces. "Me?"

"Yes!" Anna shouted.

"Don't worry, you'll have fun out there," said Nonoko.

"Are you ready, Mikan?" Hotaru said as she came back.

"Mikan..." Nonoko called when Mikan suddenly walk away from them. They thought that she was on her way to enter the stage but she went to the opposite way, thinking of backing out. They chased and called after her but it was like Mikan was drawn into her own world.

"Mikan! Where are you going? It's time for you to go!" Anna shouted. Mikan's expression was blank. They became restless.

Mikan was supposed to be on the runway by now. The music paused. There's a buzz at the venue hall and the guests were murmuring.

"Mikan! Mikan!" They both shook her from her trance. There's no time or else the guests would think that the show already ended.

"What happened? Where's my dress?" A man with an average height stood up from his seat while panicking. He's wearing a stripy bright orange and white suit and a pink fury scarf, his black hair in ponytail and he wears a lot of accessories.

"Misterrr JV, please calm down. The show hasn't come to its last yet. Please have a seat." An organiser said with a French accent as soon as she saw that the guest of honour for tonight has left his seat. He's the most important person at this event right now. If he leaves with a bad impression towards the show tailing him, this would be a crisis.

"Is there a problem somewhere?" JV asked annoyingly.

"None at all, we'll be going back to the pace as soon as possible." The organiser said in self-control not to be impatient. She hopes that the other staffs are sorting out whatever the problem is.

"I expect the model didn't run away, did she?" He seated but said that while being annoyed. "I came here without knowing who would wear my design. I'm not happy right now you know?"

The whole venue got dark unexpectedly.

'Ladies and gentlemen...We apologize for the temporary halt. For now, some of you may be curious who would be wearing Mister JV, our respected guest of honour's design for the fashion show. Such a rare occasion occur. Let it begin, the highlight of the evening." The emcee said through the microphone. Everybody's attention turned to him as he stood in the middle of the stage with a spotlight. He moved to the side.

There's a drum roll and a silhouette of a girl could be seen. The stage fireworks exploded and the catwalk music and the lights turned on.

The audience were stunned by the sight of the girl standing in front of them now. She started to walk fabulously on the stage with such class and glamour. The way she takes on that runway confidently surpasses a supermodel.

"Oh...em...gee" JV slowly stood up as he watched Mikan bring his dress to an astonishing display over the runway.

Her hair was loosely curled down and her face shined with a smile. The red dress emphasized her bright complexion. It was a strapless high-low tulle design that makes you think it's modern, yet vintage and classy, yet sassy. The silver beaded trim accents put around the waist and matching silver shoes also emphasized the dress.

As soon as the spotlight was on her, she gracefully walked on the runway naturally as if she's been doing it forever, that she's an experienced model. She smiled deeply with a calm expression and made the audience drawn into her beauty. Without even thinking a single doubt that anything can happen, she portrayed an elegance that people can be in awe of.

The video cameras were completely focused on Mikan and had a closed up at her.

The people watched speechless and admired the girl standing before them. Also, the staffs and the models in the backstage rushed out to see her as soon as she took off the dark robe. Astonishments were on their faces.

This is the first time they've seen her that's why they are curious where on earth such a rare beauty came from. They all applauded with standing ovation.

"Bravisimma! Magnifico!" applauded JV. He couldn't take his eyes off of Mikan as he clapped rapidly. His excitement made him tear up. The dress that he designed and made with his own hands patiently has come to its right wearer.

"Aah...uhm...Wow" The emcee was speechless too. He almost forgot to say some words that Hotaru Imai has asked him to do earlier words for some introduction with a piece of cue card. She specifically told him to read it after Mikan has come up to the runway. "Let me introduce you, Mikan Yukihara, the daughter of Mrs. Yuka Yukihara and Mr. Izumi Yukihara of the Yukihara Corp!" He gasped as he read it.

Mikan paused before leaving the catwalk. She was relieved but only until she heard that. How did the emcee know about that? Hotaru said that she would only present the dress. No one has told her that they would reveal about her identity today.

The audience were surprised too. JV who was excited and pleased also reacted the same. This is a relevant revelation as they didn't know that the Mr. Yukihara have a daughter. But they don't seem to believe it.

"We're taking over," said Anna to the emcee and grabbed the mic from him when he's too occupied at staring at Mikan than doing his job. They went next Mikan.

"What are you guys doing?" whispered Mikan immediately but she didn't get an answer. Her smile almost disappeared due to shock and frustration that they didn't warn her about this.

"Shut up and smile." Nonoko whispered back.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm sure you are very confused right now. The girl standing before you is really the long lost daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Yukihara," said Nonoko through the microphone.

"We used this opportunity to introduced her to the world and let her be known to us," said Anna. "Would Mr. And Mrs. Yukihara come forth to the stage to say a few words?"

Mikan's Mum tried to compose her facial expressions and not get over excited even though she wants to hug her daughter badly because she's too proud. Her Dad stayed calm as they walked together to the stage while Mikan looking at them with worried look. Mikan's thoughts are the opposite of what her parents were thinking. She thinks that her parents might be angry as telling everyone, especially the upper-class, that she is a Yukihara might not be a good idea because she might ruin their family name.

"Thank you, girls." Yuka said when Nonoko gave her the mic. Anna also offered the other microphone to Izumi with some shyness. They back away a bit and let Mikan stand in between her parents. Mikan was engaged into her amazement as she saw many people were admiring and respecting her parents especially her father.

"Good evening, my friends and humble associates. I and my wife are proud to introduce to all you, our beloved daughter Mikan Yukihara." Izumi said.

The audience gave them a round of applause. Mikan was surprised to hear that from her father. There are a lot of photographers who were only calmly taking pictures before but now they were desperately snapping hundreds of photos of the Yukiharas standing on the stage.

"Isn't she a beauty?" Yuka said to the audience.

"Yes indeed, Madame," responded one of the audience.

"Mikan-chan, why don't you tell something to them?" Her Mum pulled her gently to the front and gave her the microphone. Mikan panicked.

'What could I say at a time like this? I can't think.' ..."Uhm..G-good evening everyone. I am Mikan Sa- I mean Yukihara. Please to meet you."

To be continued...

I feel relief for now. I had fun writing this chapter (especially that's why it's long since there's a long break :P ). I'm not really that knowledgeable on fashion shows and being a model. Hope I imagined it right :D