The Bad and the Conceited

Chapter Twenty-eight: Taken

Written by: keaRy anCe


'Cause I'll still be loving you
Through the sadness and the madness here
And I'll always be with you
In the distance
That has taken you
From me


"Greet the visitors with a warm welcome. Say, 'Welcome!' and smile with so much warmth." Nonoko said to Mikan; the violet-haired girl feeling proud because she was tutoring the daughter of their boss. It was a privilege for her.

Nonoko was a very dedicated employee of The Pastry Bar for two years now. Well, she started college two years ago together with Anna. Nonoko and Anna were awkward at each other at first but eventually became the closest of friends. These two didn't come from a wealthy family, only average, that was why they started working at The Pastry Bar. They need to support themselves just to make the expenses lighter for their respected families. Being a working student was never easy.

Anna wanted to give up when the second semester of her freshman year came. The hectic schedule blew her mind. The first semester was kinda easy, everyone's adapting but the next one, adapting was not the issue anymore. It was more of coping. Coping with all the major subjects and expenses. She was taking Culinary Arts and it was common knowledge that it was a pricey course because they had to prepare dishes almost every day using their own money.

Pharmacy was Nonoko's course. It was dreadful even from the start but she always wanted a degree that has something to do with Chemistry. She wasn't exactly a nerd for chemicals and mixing them; she was just following her dreams and she was actually good at the subject. She may not look the type who studies very well but she was. She was a Tokyo University student after all.

And right now, Nonoko was teaching the young Yukihara on how they greet every visitor that had been entering The Pastry Bar. Nonoko was very enthusiastic in teaching Mikan because greeting customers was one of her favorite parts of her work at the bakeshop. Meanwhile, Mikan was feeling uncomfortable with what Nonoko was trying to teach her since she was not the type of girl that could be cheerful enough to make customers feel at home.

"Welcome," Mikan deadpanned.

Nonoko stomped her foot and said, "No, Mikan. Welcome!" The girl repeated in the same sweet tone. It didn't matter to her if the whole crew could hear them. This was an important matter for Nonoko.

The brunette then shouted, "Welcome!"

Nonoko placed her hand under her chin, analyzing Mikan's performance. She was trying to think of what was wrong on the way Mikan said it. "Sound like it's forced. Say it naturally." She advised, this time in a composed tone.

"What the. . . ." Mikan muttered and eyed Nonoko who seemed unaffected, "Welcome!"

Nonoko satisfied at what she heard. "That's it! Say it again."

Mikan secretly rolled her eyes and repeatedly said, "Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!" She was praying at every word that this should end as fast as it could.

After that short but horrifying practice for Mikan, the two decided to stop already since the young Yukihara almost got it and Nonoko had some work to do. The crew who had been watching the whole time gave their smiles to their youngster manager. Even if Mikan had no experience in managing a business and moreover she was a teenager, The Pastry Bar's crew respected her well not only because she was the daughter of Yuka Yukihara but also the brunette respected the crew as well. She may not be the type who always mingled with them but she was friendly enough and had enough humility to let them teach her and on her part, learn.

"That's good. At lease you are improving in welcoming our guests. A friendly service is one of the many things why people keep on coming back here." Nonoko said in a proud tone, feeling good on bragging the good qualities of the pastry shop.

Mikan simply nod just to end the conversation easily and went to Anna who was currently cleaning a table. Mikan sat at the seat and placed her hands under her chin, frowning. Anna wanted to laugh at Mikan's action. The pink-haired girl knew it was not Mikan's forte and besides she didn't have to do it; she was the store's manager after all and not the waitress. But what made Anna glad was, still, Mikan wanted to learn.

"I don't think that this friendly service thing suits me," Mikan said, still frowning. It was adorable that somehow she was serious on welcoming the customers.

Anna chuckled. "It does. You're so cute."

Mikan looked up, slightly glaring at her. "Stop with that. Continue working now."

"Okie dokie," Anna said and pulled up the tray and went to the kitchen.

There weren't many customers today since it was an early Sunday morning. This was the first time Mikan actually appreciated the shop's interior and her work. She still couldn't believe how she had understood those piles of papers that contents were the supplies of the store, daily, weekly, monthly and annual income of the store, the employee's salaries, their profit, their budget, the proposals of expansion, and many more. But of course, she needed help from her mother and everyone from the staff. Mikan was more than relied to have the nicest crew.

After weeks of managing The Pastry Bar, Mikan had already come to love her job. She was inspired to make The Pastry Bar more successful than it already was. She loved the way she learns and applies all those lessons. She knew it. She was made to meet her mother and be assigned to this coffee shop. Managing a coffee shop was not a bad idea at all. She couldn't believe she had second thoughts on running this business.

"You have a visitor, Mikan." Nonoko informed suddenly.

Mikan didn't even notice she was standing in front of her. Mikan quickly got up from her seat and turned around only to be surprised. She was expecting Tsubasa and not an old friend. She was expecting her mother and not someone whose age was the same as hers.

"Koko! What on earth are you doing here?" she asked as she approached him.

Koko smiled meekly at her and shrugged his shoulders. "I want to hang out with Ruka and Natsume today but those two are so busy so I chose to just go here. I am not interrupting you or anything, right?"

Mikan nodded her head and made a cunning smile. Yes, she was kinda glad that Koko visited her. It was always nice talking to him and he was her friend after all. Besides, what harm could talking to him do? "Why, Koko, of course you are interrupting me. I'm working here." It was the truth but the truth was not always pertinent.

The boy looked dejected. His hoping expression faltered. "Oh. Then I'll just go."

Mikan laughed and hit Koko's shoulder lightly. "But sure, we can talk. I'll just prepare myself for a nag from the staff later."

Koko's meek smile turned brighter. "Thanks, Mikan!"


"They all looked like me like, 'You passed!', and I am telling you I snorted at them and proudly said, 'Damn right'. The first thing I informed about this was Natsume because he was in my speed dial then Ruka, then my parents. I told Hotaru the next day. Their reactions were all the same, filled with disbelief but I know they're happy for me anyways; at least Ruka verbalized his." Koko was chuckling when he ended his story about the moment he received the acceptance letter from Tokyo University.

The silly smile on Mikan's face didn't disappear even after he ended his story. "I can imagine your face! It must be a cracked experience. I'm guessing if I am present at that moment, I will only be the one who'll believe since, you see, I am not the brightest bulb in town."

Koko lift his hand in midair and waved it as a sign of 'No'. "Oh, don't say that. Then how about you, Mikan? What was your reaction when you received the acceptance letter?"

Mikan looked up at the ceiling, remembering the very day she received the letter. "It was a fine day, I opened the door and found a letter, I opened it and fainted."

"For real?" Koko asked in disbelief.

"No." Mikan said seriously then she laughed. "But seriously, I was so close to fainting because it came as the biggest shocker of my life. I'm in to Japan's most prestigious university, can you believe that?"

Koko laughed with her, relating with the way she felt. He, too, had almost the same reaction. Up to now, he couldn't believe he was in Japan's best university and not to mention, also one of the best in the world. "I know. Even now, I still couldn't believe it."

"Me too." Mikan agreed.

Koko sipped the drink he ordered. "So you wanna hang out with us tomorrow? With Ruka and Hotaru? After school?"

The boy knew that it was not the best idea but he wanted to fix things. Everything was almost in place now. All they need was for Mikan and Natsume to see and talk to each other. Koko knew that Natsume was going to hate him for this because he was supposed to find Mikan first but it turned out he would be the last to know. But that was not the point now and that was not the issue. The point was they need to be fixed: Natsume and Mikan.

"Sure," Mikan answered after a while.

"And Natsume?" Koko added.

Mikan made a doubtful expression, trying to find the words to say. She tried to think for a moment on what will the consequences of meeting Natsume will be. "I don't think he will be happy seeing me," Mikan finally said and it was clearly a 'No'.

Koko just had to drop a jaw. "Are you joking? He's been grumpier than ever since you left. He never gone out with your sister even once because he was too busy drowning himself."

"Drowned himself? He's suicidal?" Mikan asked without believing Koko's words. It didn't seem clear to her because she was very sure that Natsume wanted her out of his life so he should be fine, not grumpier or whatever.

"No, I mean drowned himself to work. He is not fine, Mikan. I know that he regrets every hurtful word he said to you. I know he wants you back. He is a mess, Mikan." Koko explained and he could feel it. He could feel that Mikan didn't believe him.

Mikan gave him a sympathetic look. She felt sorry for Koko because she could see that he was trying so hard to make her talk to Natsume again but it won't happen anytime soon. "Please don't tell me that. I didn't want to see him again for that."

"Sorry," he muttered and looked up, "But I'm telling the truth though."

The light conversation ended just like that and now and awkward silence filled the atmosphere. The unending opening of doors and an endless saying of 'Welcome' filled their ears. Mikan's brown eyes told Koko that there was no way she would talk to him and Koko just sighed when he got the message.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Koko." She said apologetically, half-smiling.

Koko simply stared at her, a sad smile appearing in his face. "No need. I do understand, in fact, I should be the one saying sorry for forcing you to meet up with him."

Mikan smiled back at him. She knew he was disappointed and he was just being a good guy and saying he understands. Although, Koko had a good intention, Mikan just couldn't bring herself to talk to Natsume because the last time she tried talking to the crimson-eyed boy, she just ended being miserable.

"I'm just not ready yet," the brunette spoke softly; vulnerability was present in her voice.


"I saw Mikan yesterday and we talked."

Koko immediately said to Ruka the moment he took the empty seat in front of Ruka. Now, Mikan would hate him for this and he himself knew that he was not respecting Mikan's decision but six months was enough. How long would Mikan want to think about the 'what ifs' and when she was going to be ready? Besides, Tokyo University may be a large place but the possibility of the two seeing each other was very high. Sooner or later, they would have to deal with each other so why not now?

This was the kind of situation where 'the longer, the worse' applies.

"Shit," was the only thing Ruka managed to say.

"Let's see her," Koko suggested.

Ruka didn't know what to answer at first. "Sure, anytime, but what about Natsume?"

"I think we should bring him," Koko said with uncertainty.

Ruka fell silent for a second and said, "That's nuts."

Even Ruka knew it was not a good idea and it was not helping because it made Koko's resolve to somehow fix Natsume and Mikan decreased. No one was agreeing with his decision and he knew Ruka knows what he was saying.

"But this is what they both need. They need to see each other and talk." Koko defended his belief.

"That may be right but do you think now is a good time?" Ruka countered. "Besides, six months had passed. I changed, you changed, Natsume changed, even Hotaru, and I am sure that Mikan has changed as well especially after that heartbreak."

Koko calmed down a bit, thinking about Ruka's words and readying to counter it. "Yeah. At first, I thought I almost don't know her but later on, I realized, she is still the same Mikan before minus the boyish attitude and boyish clothes."

"She's better," Ruka concluded. "Unlike our friend."

"We can't say that," Koko said, feeling unsure of what he was saying.

Ruka squinted at his friend's statement. They both knew how much Natsume has changed after Mikan left. Natsume had no time to hang with them anymore and all he did was work for their company. The Hyuuga had to deal with his grandfather's schemes, the Sakuras, and the emptiness. Haruka tried to console him through calls but nothing happened. And one day, it surprised Ruka when his best pal asked if Mikan and he weren't really meant to be then why did he still feel strongly for her?

Ruka was in shock. Never did he imagine Natsume would ask something like that. For Natsume, private things should be kept private. He had never talked about his feelings but finally he did. Ruka's best pal was in love.

Ruka thought he already saw love when Natsume and Haruka were still a couple but he was completely wrong. It was so different with Mikan. Natsume talked to him about if Mikan could still forgive him. His best friend was full of doubts despite of the arrogant façade. Since Ruka knew Natsume, all he could hear from him was his dream of taking over the company and because of a girl he threw away his best shot to finally get the corporation.

Natsume told him that he could always get it if he will work harder and he did and it was drastic. He never completed a week in school ever since Mikan left and instead of enjoying the life of being a teenager, he spent it more on his office. He never smiled nor laughed.

Natsume Hyuuga indeed regretted pushing Mikan Sakura away. Just for a meaningless fortune.

"Hotaru told me she's enrolled here. I think we should do something about this." Ruka found himself talking again after a short train of thoughts.

Koko nodded and quickly thought of something. "I do, too. We should make a move or else nothing will happen."

"Does Hotaru know about this?" Ruka suddenly asked.

Koko's face fell. He couldn't believe that after all these months, Ruka didn't know about that very obvious fact about Hotaru Imai. "Seriously, Ruka. Is there anything she doesn't know?"

Ruka Nogi's lips formed a thin line and nodded once. "Right. So, The Pastry Bar huh."

"Right."


"Imai."

Hotaru was waiting for Natsume outside his classroom. She just knew that Ruka had finally heard the news that Mikan was here. Things were really setting at its place and now all she had to do was tell Natsume and all of this sad atmosphere will be over. Well, that was not definite since there was no guarantee that Mikan will accept Natsume even after he will say the truth. Especially now that Mikan knew what to do.

"I want to talk to you about something. Someone." Hotaru started and basing on Natsume's reaction, she knew that he knew what she meant.

Now that Hotaru thought of it, this was not the plan. Natsume was supposed to fight for Mikan, not let her go. Hitoshi Hyuuga believed in Natsume until the very last minute that his grandson would just grab the brunette and say those three words but unfortunately, nothing like that happened. So, the next job of Hotaru was to find her and know what Mikan's life had been and surprisingly, the Sakuras was hiding such a big secret. This entire time Narumi and Serina knew that Mikan's mother was a millionaire.

The Sakuras lived so modestly. Narumi could just give Mikan to her mother a long time ago but he didn't. It just showed that this family didn't really care about money or fame. On the other hand, Hotaru had been communicating with Mikan. Hotaru knew that Mikan was aware that she was the one who told Hitoshi Hyuuga but Mikan didn't hold anger against her. From then, she felt guilty because everything was not in the plan anymore.

Love was never enough

Doubts still arose.

Natsume placed an uninterested expression. "I don't have time for this."

"It's about Mikan." Hotaru finally said.

Natsume was more than interested to know what was going on Mikan. He didn't let the opportunity pass because he was aware that if there was this one person who opens her mouth every time and will say helpful things, it was Hotaru.

"What about her?" he instantly asked.

The ice queen smirked at what she heard. She could hear the hint of excitement, fear, and hope at his question. "Do you wanna see her? Again? I want the truth, Hyuuga."

Nastume looked surprised at what he just heard. "Where is she?"


Everyone was busy since it was the hour when students go to their homes and people get out from their jobs. Every waiter had a table to serve and the counter was obviously busy just seeing the length of the line. Nonoko had been eyeing Mikan to use the lesson she taught her yesterday and Mikan just couldn't do it. It would be embarrassing for her. Add to that, she was in the counter checking the receipts and yelling 'Welcome' would just echo at the whole café and no one would even be thankful for it because everybody was busy.

Mikan heard the glass door opened again and simultaneously Nonoko eyed her from where she was standing which was near the door while Anna just smiled at the corner. Mikan turned around to gain her confidence and turned around again, eyes closed, thinking that since Nonoko was already near the door why don't she do it and thought it was all too late now, and said with the exact sugary tone they had been practicing, "Welcome!"

"I didn't see you the type of girl who wants a job."

The voice was nothing Mikan had heard for the past months but it was still familiar to her. That kind of teasing statement and husky voice could only belong to Natsume Hyuuga. The brunette wanted to smack herself because just when the time she did that way of welcoming, it had to be directed to Natsume. She checked he had a companion but there was no sign of them.

"Natsume."

He broke her heart. She didn't see him for half a year. He lied to her. He broke her trust repeatedly. He was insensitive to her. She was wretched because of him. He was the boy she was in love with and all she had to say was his first name.

For Natsume, saying his first name was a relief for him and he was glad with that. Six months really could not change a person entirely. "I didn't found out myself. Imai told me and I think I should have to thank her for that."

Mikan crossed her arms to her chest with an eyebrow raised. "Oh. You want something?" she asked in mockery.

"No, I want to talk with you so it's someone, not something." Natsume easily retorted and Mikan just narrowed her eyes.

The brunette now placed her hands on her waist and made a proud expression. "As you can see, I'm busy here. The line is long and it is rush hour. Everybody wants to experience a cup of nice coffee and you just cannot intrude that. Maybe some other day."

"But not too busy to talk with Yome?" Natsume offered with a hint of jealousy. To him, Mikan was not making any sense.

Mikan scowled, pointing at him the pen she was holding in the process. "He's my friend and I am not busy that time."

"What about me?" Natsume asked teasingly. It was a surprise they could talk like this even after what happened.

"Let's not talk about this," Mikan said weakly.

Mikan placed down the pen and left the counter. She reached for the door and ran outside. Natsume followed her still. She wanted to turn around push him away but she couldn't because deep inside she also wanted this. She wanted to see him the moment she rode her father's car towards the train station six months ago. She wanted to hear him talk again and say those nice words that turned out to be all fake. Again, she remembered the pain.

"I promised your father to tell to you the truth the next time we see each other." She heard him said from behind and she could sense that he was close to her, only a meter away.

"Whatever the truth is, I don't wanna hear it." Mikan replied with stiffness in her voice.

"You can't run away from me forever!" Natsume yelled, loud enough for the people around to turn their heads to them.

Mikan faced him with an angry look. "Oh yeah?" she dared him and started running.

He ran after her and grabbed her arm making her turn.

"Do you know how long I waited for this day?" Natsume said, breathless.

Mikan couldn't help but gave him a cunning grin. "What a bull. If you really wanted to see me, you could have. Considering you have all the money to hunt me down!" She pushed his hand away. She didn't dare to run anymore since that would be childish and Natsume would just catch her eventually.

Natsume didn't care anymore if the whole world will hear him. Now was his chance. Now that Mikan was in front of him. "And if I do that, will you talk to me? Mikan, I needed time also."

"Wow, Natsume. You just made it sound like I'm the one who's at fault here." She mocked him with her best effort.

"I'm not saying that," Natsume cleared, feeling desperate to make Mikan understand.

"That's bullshit!" Mikan yelled and pushed Natsume. "Don't just come back into my life like everything is fine between us because it's not! I did everything to forget you. I thought of everything I could to convince myself that maybe you have a reason because there must be a reason but I cannot think of anything! I have changed, Natsume. I tried not to be sad about it but I can't. Even after six months. Even after it just took less than six months for me to fall for you! You can't just come back…you can't. You broke my heart so many times and I was so stupid to let you back in my life again. You'll just use your charming words to me then you'll have me back. That would never happen again."

She decided to walk away again. She really couldn't face him. Her emotions will just overcome her.

"Mikan! Wait!"

"Go away!" she yelled. Now her tears were starting to fall. She could not forget about the throbbing pain she felt six months ago and up to now, the sadness, and the misery.

"I'm sorry!" Natsume shouted, hoping it would at least stop her from walking away.

She did stop. "I don't want to hear it."

Like a magic, Natsume was in front of her. She didn't even notice it because her mind was too busy thinking what would this meeting would result.

He held her arms gently as his head lowered a bit. "I'm a jerk. You don't deserve that heartache."

She looked down to him. God, she was still attracted to him. His hair, his eyes, his face, his stance, his voice, his personality, his story, his charms. All of it.

"Don't talk, Natsume. It will never work."

Natsume had finally got to see a good view at her. Mikan was different now. From head to toe. "Just listen to me."

She hit him on the chest repeatedly, not caring if she was hurting him. "Are you kidding me? Do you know how demanding that sound? How could you ask that when you didn't even listen to me six months ago?"

He held her hand tightly. "I'm sorry for being such a coward. I am sorry for everything I did to you. It's just that, all my life, I wanted to take over that company. All my life, I am task to do everything by myself. I made a number of wrong decisions like letting that business take my life, not telling you the truth, hurting you, letting you go. Mikan, I'm a mess. What I said before that I want and need you. . .it's true."

Mikan's tears continued on falling. Those words were exactly the words he wanted to hear from him the second she knew she was in love with him. Why didn't he say it before? Why now? Why not before? Sad to say, but she could not take the risk of believing in him anymore.

"Believing you, Natsume. It's the most impossible thing for me to do now."

It was like his world crashed. The only woman he loved truly and willing to love for eternity could not bear to trust him again. "But I'm just asking you to listen to me. Mikan, I wanted to tell you this badly the moment you took a step out of our house. I am so stupid to let you go just like that. You are the girl that I could go anywhere with. You are the girl who almost drowned herself that it made me feel like hell because for a moment there, I thought I was going to lose you. You made everything better. You made me take the bus. I find it really adorable that you have a thing for old things. Calling me 'dude' is one of those things that I miss about you. Mikan, I don't just like you."

She didn't want to hear what he will say next. "No. You're just being mistaken."

Natsume shook his head and finally said the words he had been keeping inside him for so long now. This time, he will really say it and make her believe again. "I love you! I am crazy in love with you. It feels like dying not seeing you for so long. I love you so much, Mikan."

"You don't know what you are saying," Mikan choked. She was still asking herself, why now.

With all the emotions that had been overflowing, Nastume felt a tear from his eye. "I can give up everything for you. Everything."

"I didn't ask for you to give up a thing for me, Natsume. At that time, I just wanted you to accept me." Mikan said with tears flowing from her eyes. All the pain seemed to be piling up.

"If I did, I don't think I'm the best person for you at that time because I don't know what it feels like if you lose someone that you consider your life. I love you. I love you. I love you. God, I want to be with you forever." There was so much honesty spilling from Natsume's mouth tonight.

"The way you broke my heart, it couldn't be fix by lies and another promises that are meant to be broken," Mikan said, cupping his face.

Natsume held her chin and buried his forehead to hers. "I am not lying to you. This is the first time I've been this honest."

"I used to want you so bad," Mikan whispered.

He shook his head. "No. Please don't say it."

She distanced herself from him and looked intently at his beautiful eyes. Mikan had to choke to stop herself from admiring his crimson eyes. "I'm sorry. I just don't think it can be fix this way. It's too broken, Natsume."


"She hates me," Natsume declared while staring blankly at nothing.

Ruka scoffed, "Of course, she hates you. After all that, who won't?"

"She hates me," Natsume repeated, this time with more emotion.

Koko looked at him with sympathizing eyes. "Natsume, I don't think sulking would be the best thing to do now."

"She hates me." With this, Natsume lowered his head. He felt nothing but complete misery.

Ruka shared the same look Koko has. "If it's not meant to be-"

Natsume looked up and glared at his friend. "Don't even think of finishing that line."

"You want her back that bad? Then do something." Ruka said with might.

"I tried everything." Natsume sounded so vulnerable. His two friends could not believe the way he was acting now. Natsume was in pain since he got home where his two friends were waiting since Hotaru informed them that Natsume already knew.

Koko gripped Natsume's shirt and forced him to stand up. "No, you didn't! She freakin' ran away just to get far from you, hoping she would be fine one day. She's totally right! Words could never fix your problem but if you will just show her. If you will just tell her again and again, if you can just love her the way you want to. Maybe she will."

Ruka held Koko's arm. The blond-haired guy was shaking his head, feeling a little worried because emotions were building up everywhere. "That's enough, Koko."

End of Chapter


Originally, this was supposed to be longer but I decided to cut the parts out and make it Chapter 29 so the story won't be finished in such an odd number. The drafts for chapters 29 and 30 are all ready. I'll just reread them and add everything that I want to include and I'll publish it the moment I finish.

Final chapter is Chapter 30.

I do not own Taken. And Gakuen Alice. Taken's lyrics made me cut the parts of this chapter. I just think it was fitting for Natsume.

Thank you for reading all the way.

Review?