Hey everyone! I'm all hyper and excited to post more chapters as much as I can! :D This is what I do when I'm totally free hahaha I hope I can finish this story before a new school year starts - This is all for you! Thanks you for your inspiring reviews! Love ya all :D

Disc: I don't own G.A.

Even if the mind forgets, the heart still remembers.

Mikan doing the grocery was a rare thing to see and it was all because of of her band mates were too busy rehearsing and being the one who really didn't have to practice, she was told to do the grocery alone which pissed her off greatly. It was beginning to get hot because summer was quickly approaching. Pulling out the list from her pocket as she scanned the items and sighed in surrender. Better to get it over with, she thought.

She got the fruits, the milk, eggs, and all the stuff in the list. She checked each item that she already grabbed and she headed for the last item needed. Her eye twitched as she read the last item on the list and she almost crumpled the innocent piece of paper because of embarrassment. Pads and tampons. Of course, Misaki and Leanne have to let Mikan buy these necessities.

She went to that aisle where the personal hygiene section was and she quickly threw the said stuff in the cart. She hurried to finally get out and go to the dorms and maybe sleep but of course, her day wouldn't be complete without the presence of this noted lad Natsume Hyuuga.

"Ugh, why are you here, Hyuuga?" Mikan grudgingly asked. She pushed the cart and walked past him. She tugged on her hat as Natsume followed her close behind. She was already itching to get out of there and him being around just tripled the desire to dash out of the store.

"Why is the famous Yukihara doing the groceries? Don't you have people to do that?" Natsume asked nonchalantly, picking up a box of strawberries and carrying it as he followed Mikan.

"We're just students. We do have responsibilities and we don't need those people," Mikan answered, not even looking at him. She went in line to the counter and finally turned around to see Natsume carrying the box of those fresh fruits.

"What?" he asked when he caught her staring at his strawberries.

"Would have never imagine you actually liking those kind of stuff," Mikan pointed at the fruits that he was carrying. He just rolled his eyes and stared at the other direction.

Mikan put all the items that she had in her cart, which was full by the way. The cashier was scanning all the goods as Mikan searched for her mini purse in her bag. She delved into her bag but to her dismay she couldn't find what she was looking for. She then looked up and she closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip as she remembered that she forgot to get her money and credit card.

"Shit."

Little did Mikan knew, Natsume was watching her from the corner of his eye and was having the most wonderful entertainment of his day as Mikan frantically looked for her money, losing her cool. It was a rare sight to see and Natsume was more than happy to enter a journal entry for the times he'd witnessed Mikan lost her cool. He felt bad for the girl though especially when the cashier said that the total was more than a hundred bucks.

"Here, take this," he held his credit card for the confused cashier who took it hesitantly, looking at Mikan and probably wondering if Natsume was with her. Mikan looked at Natsume in surprise.

"Uhhh.. What's up? Did you honestly eat something bad that you totally forgot that you wanna chop my head off and vice versa?" Mikan asked a little confusedly, though she was trying to remain expressionless like she just didn't see a miracle happening before her eyes.

"Well just pretend that you see a pig with four eyes and a pair of goose wings today," Natsume said, a bit sarcastically. The cashier gave him his card back and they went to pack what they bought.

"I'll pay you later when we get back to the dorms," Mikan told him. What Mikan hated was owing someone a favor and she especially didn't want to be in debt with this rival of hers.

Natsume ignored her though and asked her, "Do you have a car?" Mikan looked at him weirdly and said sarcastically, "Yeah sure like I would push this cartload full of groceries back to the dorms. No shit, of course I asked one of my seniors if I could borrow their car." Mikan rolled her eyes and Natsume just pushed her aside.

"Then... where is it?" he asked. Mikan furrowed her eyebrows in suspicion. Alright, Natsume paying her groceries was definitely something freaky but him looking for her borrowed car was creepier and just beyond her imagination.

"Are you trying to get back at me by stealing the car so I won't have a ride home?" Mikan asked wearily. Natsume just blandly replied, "I walked here. You pay me by driving me home."

Mikan just made a face mixed with confusion and annoyance but nonetheless, she pointed at the red Mustang parked at the corner of the parking lot. Natsume carried half of the stuff that she bought as she gaped in shock.

"Hyuuga, I swear I'll effing give you a second major nosebleed if you do something odd," Mikan threatened him impassively though she was a bit freaked out that Natsume was being extra nice to her today.

Natsume looked at her from head to toe and she suddenly got uncomfortable and found this extremely awkward. He then said something that almost crack her demeanor. "I don't hit on girls who aren't my type... Polka."

Mikan tried to control her anger as her veins would have popped if it was possible. They went inside the car after lodging all the stuff in the trunk. Mikan was the one driving as Natsume rode shotgun. The brunette shook her head in disbelief. She couldn't believe that she was going to give a ride to the most egoistical guy on earth alive. But then again, she was thankful that Natsume saved her from shaming herself in the grocery store.

And now that she came to think of it, it was the second time that he saved her. First was that in the dance floor and now this, it was like he was the person who always popped out of nowhere whenever she needed help. Her savior...

She mentally smacked her head as to break her train of thoughts. She shouldn't be thinking about this since the guy who was sitting next to her right now was the same boy who broke her heart and made her unapproachable. No matter what happens, Natsume was the one to blame. He was no savior of hers.

"Are you just going to daydream or we're gonna go now?" Natsume asked impatiently as he leaned his arm on the window, supporting his face on his palm.

"Hn," Mikan replied. Natsume looked at her curiously. He was expecting her to give a smartass comeback but she just remained silent even during the ride which was probably the most awkwardest and suffocating car ride they'd ever been to. When they arrived, Mikan dislodged the stuff from the car as Natsume began to leisurely walked away. She rolled her eyes in exasperation, she couldn't believe that he wouldn't help her when he just did just several minutes ago.

She pushed the trunk closed and she picked up the groceries. But there were still a few plastic bags left and she was no superwoman to actually carry all of it. She then heard a crash and her head snapped towards the direction of the sound. She heard a yelp then she left all the bags on the ground as she worriedly checked who was it.

"Watch where you're going, kiddo," that familiar voice scolded the said person in front of him. Mikan was nearer the two figures now and she could see Natsume standing up as he brushed off the dirt from his pants. There was this kid who was almost as tall as Natsume and his silver hair shone as the sunlight hit the locks of his hair.

"Mister, you were the one who was not smart enough to actually dodge when you know there was someone skateboarding here," the silver haired lad retorted back like it was the most obvious thing in the world to say. Natsume looked pissed but he tried to contain his anger and just shrug. He didn't want to hurt or banter with the kid, that would have been so childish.

"Youichi?" Mikan asked. Her mouth was opening and closing like a gaping fish and Natsume was almost positive that Mikan's eyes gleamed brightly when it landed upon the young lad in front of him. He felt a twinge or something that he couldn't decipher in his chest and it took all of his effort not to get all pissed at the kid.

"NEE-CHAN!" The smartass kid suddenly changed his expression into an extremely happy one and Natsume was taken back by surprise when the kid lunged for Mikan who didn't even bother to dodge. The two hugged like there was no tomorrow and Natsume looked at the two in confusion.

"Wait... nee-chan?" Natsume's eyes widened as realization dawned to him. "They're..."

"How have you been doing, sour-patched?" Mikan grinned, messing Youichi's hair as the lad just shook it off. He pouted like a little kid but quickly composed himself as he averted his attention from his sister to Natsume who told himself not to flinch despite from Youichi's intense stare.

"I was doing okay until that mister block my way and almost scratch my skateboard," Youichi deadpanned. And to prove a point, he pointed at the longboard that he was holding. Mikan smirked and looked at Natsume, "Well that guy always gets in everybody's way."

Mikan knew that they were hitting his nerves but she couldn't care less. She turned around and talked to Youichi like Natsume wasn't even there but Mikan didn't forget to bring her one finger up to tell Natsume that she got a point again.

"Tsk."

"YOU-CHAN!" Nobara bounced up and down as she ran towards the teen. He avoided her hug and Satoshi caught her before she fell face plant on the floor.

"Don't want any hugs from your sempais, Youichi?" Satoshi asked, chuckling as he helped Nobara up. Nobara just pouted like a kid and attempted to ignore the emerald-eyed boy that became the center of attention of UH10.

"I rather not allow you get your bacteria on me," the lad said blandly. He turned around to face his sister who was amused at them that she was grinning from ear to ear.

"What are you doing here anyway?" She asked, cocking one elegant eyebrow to her sibling.

Youichi shrugged and answered, "I heard that the baka flew off."

Everyone was silent and Youichi wasn't bothered at that. They knew who he was talking about and Mikan just averted her eyes from Youichi to the windows where she could see the vast field in the courtyard. She knew that Youichi cared about her and Ralph since he was one of the people who knew her well. He also approved of her relationship with Ralph. And their temporary break up must have alarmed him and that was why he was here.

"He's coming back." Those were the words that Mikan uttered but the uncertainty in her voice was detected by his brother who lowered his head and was motionless for a minute. The atmosphere changed completely then Youichi finally looked up and looked Mikan eye to eye.

"Of course, that idiot is coming back. He knows that you will run into trouble again and we can't have you wailing like a siren again," Youichi said almost obnoxiously but with pride.. But they knew how he respected Ralph and how even though he hated to admit it, he also cared for the guy especially with his family situation right now.

"C'mon, Ralph might be having a hard time now but you know that guy, he never really gives up. Gambatte for him!" Nobara cheered on. They smiled and they all thought of the same thing. They all trust Ralph that he wouldn't make them cry by coming back to them... by coming back to Mikan's arms.

"Where should we go? Mmmm?" Leanne asked.

"Swimming."

Natsume being irritated could only mean that Mikan Yukihara did something to him again. What happened? Well if it wasn't for the fact that he forgot to get the box of strawberries that he bought, he wouldn't be so ticked off right now. He had been craving for those fruits because they just ran out, not like he would admit that to anyone. Strawberries had been his favorite since he used to eat them with his sister, Aoi.

He clicked his tongue in annoyance and finally got up from the grass. School had been so boring and he couldn't do something fun when Mikan wasn't around. It was amusing having a banter, fights, and dance showdown with her. Even if it was supposed to be negative, this fight with her was actually the only thing that was keeping him alive from boredom. He kicked off the dirt from his shoe and headed towards the Royal Star dormitory, hoping that he would get back his strawberries from that short-tempered brunette.

But when he got there, he immediately started to doubt himself that he would be able to get in because guards were around the front gates. Well, what would you expect from the famous band UH10 anyways. They must be taking pre-cautions for the herd of fans who had been crazy about them. He decided to just go to the boys' dormitory and maybe just go buy another box of strawberry tomorrow. He was already strolling away when he heard laughter and giggling. He then spotted the UH10 and he noticed that the silver-haired lad this morning was also with them.

"You almost drowned me!" Youichi yelled out to Tsubasa who had him head-locked. Youichi was struggling to get out as he scrunched up his nose and was trying to push Tsubasa away as everyone just laughed at them.

"Yo! Don't kill my brother!" Mikan snickered as she slapped Tsubasa's arm not-too-gently.

"How'd you grow so tall, huh chibi? I remember you being only a little squirt before when we went to Hawaii," Tsubasa said, reminiscing those good memories when they were still the DarkFallenAngels and that was also the time when he finally got to talk to Misaki.

"You just shrunk, baldy!" the lad countered back.

"Ohh, you shut up, punk!" Tsubasa grinned as he pulled Youichi's cheeks and the poor kid was yelping in both pain and embarrassment.

"I'm the only one who can do that!" Nobara tried to get Youichi away from Tsubasa as Misaki also joined in until all of them were involved in the commotion and Youichi was sweating bullets, trying to figure out a way out of this humiliating scene. He glared at his sister when he found her laughing, almost rolling on the ground.

Not far away from them, Natsume was almost in trance as he focused on Mikan. This was probably the first time he'd seen her genuinely happy and laughing since tears were almost coming out of those hazel whirl of pools of hers. He suddenly thought, what would it be like if he didn't hurt her before? Would she be like this all the time and not trying to put up walls around her? Natsume shook his head slightly to get off the thoughts from his head and he was downcast as he walked to the opposite direction of the group. He had already forgotten on why did he even go there in the first place.

Unbeknownst to them, Youichi was silently watching Natsume as his friends fought over him. He noted how that guy that he bumped into this morning was gazing at her sister like he was lost to her or something. It was that look that he'd seen before in Ralph's eyes. It was that look that you couldn't call pity. But that look you give to someone that's precious to you but there was also a mix of confusion there.

He thinned his lips and looked at her sister who was now karate chopping Tsubasa. Yes, she looked okay. But he knew better than everyone else that somewhere inside her, she was crying because the guy that she loved wasn't here beside her when she was carefree enough not to block anyone from her thoughts.

That raven-haired guy... Just what is he to Mikan? Youichi thought as he was drowned by the loudness of his company.

The next morning was a typical school day and everyone was hurrying to get to their classes. Mikan got her stuff out as she ignored all the stares that she was getting and all the stalkers that was probably trying to get a picture of her. It was the everyday routine anyway and Mikan wondered just when were they going to stop being damn creepers and finally see her as an ordinary highschooler here for the time being.

"Yo Mikan!" Craig called out. He dashed to her side and gave her a long hug before leaning on the lockers. He fanned himself in futility as Mikan spun the combinations for her locker.

"What's up?" Mikan asked, showing a little smile.

"It's hot, that's what's up," Craig answered as he looked at Mikan like she just grew two additional eyes on her forehead. "How come you're not even sweating! And where's Leanne and everyone?"

Mikan chuckled and playfully knocked his head. "I admit I dance a lot but it doesn't mean that I sweat easily like you guys. And they're in the classroom already. I'm just getting my textbook."

Craig straightened himself and he grinned at her. "Okay! I'll see you later!"

Mikan waved at him and she finally opened her locker. She twitched at the sight that greeted her. There was a post-it note and she peeled it off and read it.

Bring my strawberries in the cafeteria later.

-N.H.

Of course she knew who was it from but seriously, him being one of the people to greet her with something in the morning was just too much. It was bad enough that they always do something that would anger each other.

She crumpled the piece of paper and got her textbook out. The bell rang and she knew that she was already late for her first period class but she couldn't care less. The teachers didn't really care because they were too scared of them. She didn't even know why should they be scared. Maybe being known as the Icy Angel got them to think that she would be atrocious and incorrigible. Well... maybe she was a bit like that.

She entered the class as the teacher halted to whatever he was saying and she just looked at him. She then calmly walked to her seat like everyone just didn't avert their attention from the lesson to Mikan.

"Just continue," she muttered to the teacher who nervously walked in front of the classroom and resumed his teaching.

Nobara smiled at her as she sat next to her. Mikan returned it half-heartedly since she was busy looking for that certain crimson-eyed lad who just ruined her day. How dare he order her around like that! Mikan caught him glancing at her and she narrowed her eyes on him. Why should she get his fruits for him, huh? It was not like she owe him or something since it was already paid.

He mouthed one word to her. "Ichigo." It means strawberry in Japanese and Mikan just shook her head and looked at the whiteboard in front.

"Where is it?" Natsume demanded. Mikan was staring to him blankly as she bit her apple. She swallowed as Natsume waited impatiently, tapping his foot on the ground.

"I ate all of it," Mikan sardonically said. There was no hint if she was just humoring him or something but Natsume's eyes darkened and everyone was expecting another fight.

"You..." Natsume started. Ruka was nervously pulling him back, hoping that whatever they were fighting about would just end because they were going to cause a ruckus here again and he didn't want that to happen or to get involved.

"Eh? What did you do, Mikan?" Nobara asked suspiciously. Mikan turned to look at her and she composedly replied, "I ate his strawberries 'cause I thought they were mine."

Something rung at the back of Nobara and Tsubasa's minds as they remembered how Mikan greedily consumed those fresh, red fruits last night. She wouldn't even give some to her own brother who ate all of her chocolates in return. Having those two eat all the food again was just really tiring.

"Ohh! I remember you having a fight over it with Youichi!" Leanne chimed in as Nobara and Tsubasa twitched. They knew that Natsume was all pissed again.

"They were not yours," Natsume stated like it was the most conspicuous thing that he'd ever said. Mikan just shrugged and smirked. "So what? You can just buy another one you know."

Something cracked and they knew that Natsume was about to snap. To get angry over a box of strawberries was not what they were expecting. Tsubasa watched in amusement like a cat just found its prey cornered, without any escape.

"Pay me back half of the total of your groceries then," Natsume ordered. Mikan glared at him. She didn't want everyone to know what random act of kindness that Natsume just showed yesterday. And for her to be the one who received that kindness (if you could call it that in this situation at hand) well that was really a shameful thing for her. She just want to wring this guy's neck in front of her.

"Fine. Come to the dorm later," Mikan snapped. Natsume put his arms behind his neck as he gave Mikan a long, hard stare. Everyone was clearly confused as to what they were talking about. Tsubasa really thought that Natsume was just angry because of the strawberries, but what groceries was he talking about?

"Speaking of not being grateful shit," he muttered. And then again, it all came to that day when he saved her from the dance contest.

Youichi was skateboarding with his peers when he noticed his sister coming towards his way. She was carrying a tray of foods and he smiled in delight. Of course, her sister would take care of him even if he didn't really ask for. He stopped and lifted his long board and carried it as he jogged towards a bench. Mikan handed him the tray and they both started to eat in content. They talked about the most random stuff and about how their parents were doing since Mikan haven't been visiting for a while now.

"They're asking when are you coming home since summer vacation is going to start," Youichi said.

"Oh yeah? Well we still have tours but that doesn't mean I can't take a break ya know," Mikan replied smugly. Youichi then remembered something and he looked at his sister.

"Hey, who's that guy I bumped into?"

Mikan stopped chewing and blinked. "Eh? Why are you asking?"

"I'm just curious. I'm just checking if you're cheating on the baka," he bluntly said but Mikan knew that he was only joking.

She laughed at him and slapped his head playfully. "That's Natsume Hyuuga and you're saying the impossible!" Youichi looked at her seriously that her laughter ceased. She asked, "What?"

"Well.. what is he to you?" he asked. Mikan stopped and looked at the puffy clouds in the blue sky. She looked serene but what she began telling him disturbed her to no end. "He's my rival and we're not going to end this little battle until I win. I'll make him lose and make him pay for what he did."

Youichi stared at her in the eye. Hard emerald eyes met determined hazel ones. "What did he do?"

Mikan inhaled and exhaled as she swung her legs back and forth. She smiled sadly and the look on her eyes seemed to be somewhere else where Youichi couldn't find it. It was as if she was transported back to a time where painful memories haunted her.

"It seemed silly but the reason why I became a cold-hearted girl was all because of him. 3 years ago, that contented nerdy Mikan Sakura was changed into that famous Mikan Yukihara you're seeing now. He made me fall for him... all because he wanted to win a bet. He thought it was all cool but then... his past made him like that. Should I blame him? Yes, because he chose to be an asshole to every girl. That was his fault; his past was just partly responsible for his mistakes. Everyone betrayed me. Hotaru and the others knew what he was doing yet they didn't tell me. They made me aloof and all alone, trying to put up walls around me so no friends would backstab me and no guy would break my heart."

Youichi's eyes moistened. If there was one person he cared about the most, it would be her sister. She became his inspiration to do things. She'd been so strong, determined, and persistent that made him look up to her. In terms of experience, Youichi was inferior to her and he wanted to protect her.

"Why did you just tell me this?" Youichi asked, head was lowered.

Mikan smiled and messed up his hair. "C'mon it was all in the past. Though it's always a constant reminder of my mistakes, I still remember that I have to be me."

There was a silent and Mikan felt bad for not telling Youichi sooner. He had been worried about her since the day she came to America. The new her might have scared him and she wondered how her parents thought of her now.

Youichi spoke and she was all ears now. "Do you want to beat him?"

Mikan was startled at his question. She didn't expect him to ask her something like that. "Eh?"

The lad in front of her was speaking to her like he understood the situation completely. It was like Youichi was more mature than her and now she was the child who was listening to her superior. But what Youichi said shocked her and it made everything sharpened and quietly that Mikan could probably hear a pin dropping on the ground.

"Break his heart. Make him taste his own medicine."

OHHHHHHHHHHH! Youichi is backkk and everything's being set! :O What are they going to plan now? Mikan is probably shocked by her brother's suggestion! Ahhh where is Ralph now? ! Stay tune for the upcoming chapters! Guys I need followers to have my mission accomplished in twitter! Follow me on Twitter - ChibiJoyChi

-CrimsonHazelEyes