Efflorescence

By Autumn Win-Dow

Chapter Twenty-Five: Curiosity Killed The Geisha

"I'm looking for a Mikan Sakura… and judging from your expression, that must be you."

Mikan stood behind the shoji screen and snuck a peek at the strange woman waiting in the room. She could not conjure any possible reasons as to why a woman – a stunning, rich one at that – would want to see her.

Maybe I knocked her over one day? Or did I accidentally take something of hers?

The brunette bit her lip anxiously as her eyes darted back to the woman.

She could not explain to herself why she felt so nervous, but there was something about her which sent chills down her spine – a strange ruthlessness which could and would only cause disaster.

Mikan suddenly massaged her temples, thinking about reasons related to her status as a geisha – however, one significant possibility entered her mind.

Did her husband ever come here?

Only one more glance at the ebony haired female was necessary to dismiss the thought as soon as it came.

Of course not, she's beautiful. No one would ever betray her.

"I know you're out there."

Flinching from the sudden statement, Mikan slid the shoji screen open with trembling fingers.

"I'm sorry, I was just about to come in." She bowed deeply, before seating herself in front of the woman, and picking up the tea pot. "Would you like jasmine-"

"I didn't come to have tea, Miss Sakura."

The woman held out a hand to shake, which Mikan – despite her nervousness – accepted cautiously.

"Hotaru Imai. Though 'Imai' is actually my maiden name."

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Imai, I am Kuri-"

"There's no point in telling me your geisha name, when I already know your real one." Hotaru interrupted, with a look of indignation.

Mikan laughed softly, and she could not help but look down. "Ah… yes. Of course. But, Miss Imai, how do you know my name?"

"Six months ago, I married."

Mikan glanced at Hotaru's left hand which, as expected, was adorned with an expensive ring. "I see. Congratulations."

"Thank you. But I'm sure that you don't need to know much about it, but rather, who I married."

The conversation was heading down a path which Mikan was starting to fear.

Her husband probably did come here.

"…You seem nervous, Miss Sakura?"

"No! I'm not nervous… I'm just curious as to how this conversation is headed."

Hotaru noticed the geisha's twitching fingers.

"There's nothing to worry about. I just wanted to talk to you about my husband… and you."

"M-Me?"

"You used to attend Kokusai Academy, did you not?"

Mikan's forced smile immediately vanished from her lips upon hearing the name. Her fists tightened, nails digging into the fabric of her kimono. Hotaru's expression was still calm and collected, in comparison to the paling of Mikan's face. After a brief silence, she finally spoke up, though with a whisper.

"How did you know?"

"My husband, of course. He's Natsume Hyuuga, the new headmaster."

At that moment, Mikan just wanted to vomit.

A/N: omg hi again.

Almost two months? Ouch. Considering that the chapters are pretty short, double ouch. Sorry I'm late (again), but I don't have excuses. :( I hope you enjoyed the chapter (though this one kinda got nowhere far). :)))

-Jess