Er….yes. It's been a while. It's REALLY been a while….Umm… BLAME IT ON THE NEW KOREAN DRAMAS! Actually no. Blame it on High School Orientations ….ehe…hehe
Okay.
I'm sorry…I know I haven't been updating. But there's the next chapter! It's going to be long! Because it's the final chapter!
Natsume's POV
Naturally, hell broke lose. On one side was Ruka busy contacting Alice hospital and the other was Hotaru rounding on Seji and taking him to god-knows-where. I don't know where the other three ran off to, probably somewhere where they'll never show their face again. To deal more pot? I think so.
Within a couple of minutes, the ambulance and it's ever so loud sirens arrived. A phew paramedics got off and examined Mikan. They reported to me that her pulse was low and condition very unstable.
"Are you a friend of the patient?"
I turned around to see a very small framed girl in a tucked in black shirt with her black pants and boots. Her blonde hair tucked into her black hat. What's with black these days?
"Yes I am."
"I'd like you to sign this to legally prove that you are her guardian here, and I have a few questions."
I took the pen and roughly signed my initials to the 'x' she has marked. The blonde girl continued.
"How old is she?"
"16."
"Birthday?"
"January 1st."
"Has she suffered from any trauma before resulting loss of a great amount of blood?"
I hesitated, more like drew in a sharp breathe as I painfully replayed the previous memories of that stage.
"Yes."
"Where was the wound?"
"Sliced open wrist."
I saw that girl pause for a while on her clipboard, and shortly continue writing. We stood there for what seemed like eternity as I watched the other doctors or whatever attach the oxygen mask onto Mikan. Why does she look like she just shrunk 3 times her size? It's like the slightest wind can break her in two…
Ah, shit. I messed up again didn't I?
"Mr. Hyuuga?"
I returned my gaze to my interviewer.
"What?"
"She'll need to be admitted into our separate branch…for intensive care."
The hell that broke loose seems to have been frozen over in that instance. I cleared my throat, which has gone dry.
"I'm sorry? Begging for your pardon?"
The girl sighed.
"I'm sorry. She'll need to be sent off to our separate branch in Hokkaido. We are just merely a small hospital. We lack the equipment she needs. It seems like the strike to her head is quite strong, and some of her blood has gotten into the brain. If Miss Sakura isn't treated promptly, memory lost or sight lost will just be the beginning."
Her voice was short and clipped. But it sounded so far away yet so loud.
"How long will it take to see her again?"
This time Hotaru finished my question for me. I haven't realized that I momentarily lost my ability to speak.
"We can not confirm that. The Hokkaido hospital will contact you on the date of her release. We shall get going. Sorry for taking your time."
That was it. They were gone before any more questions were asked. But who give if the doctor people left? You see, the thing is…
They took Mikan with them.
When will I see her again?
Will I ever see her again?
I don't know. No one knows….
7 years later
"Mr. Hyuuga. Here are the documents you have requested."
I quickly sat up in my leather chair as I focused on the neat piles of paper placed in front of me.
"Ah. Thank you Mitsuki-san. You are dismissed. What time is it now?"
"It's 6:02 pm, sir…would you perhaps…want to go out for dinner…with me?"
I looked up at my secretary. She wasn't butt ugly. Medium height, black straight hair falling down well past her shoulders, a pair of dark blue eyes and a toned figure. But she just wasn't the one I'm looking fore. I'm looking for…
"Sir?"
I realized that I haven't said anything since she's asked the question. I cleared my throat awkwardly.
"Ah…um. Thanks for the offer, but I'd like to take a look at these documents. You go ahead."
A look of disappointment crossed her features but Mitsuki said no more.
"Yes sir." She bowed and walked out of the big office and gently shut the oak wood doors behind her.
Staring at the door, I let out a big sigh. It's been 7 years since she has been gone. Where is she? Hokkaido? What is she doing? Is she well?
I miss her.
I flipped through a few pages of the new documents, boring as always. Standing up and stretching, I looked out my large windows at Tokyo's night view. Turning to one of the mahogany bookshelves, I took out a textbook. It was our favorite class together. Math. Well, yeah we didn't like what was TAUGHT in Math, but it was always fun poking fun of the Math teacher…I flipped to that very page. Familiar with how much I should flip, I opened the book to a picture.
I stared at it and smiled to myself.
Ever heard people say how smiles that are true and happy are very contagious?
Her smile IS very contagious.
"Still looking at that? God you are so caught-on to the past man!"
I quickly snapped shut the book and turned on my heels. Koko entered first followed by the rest of our friends. Yeah it's been 7 years, but this guy hasn't changed. AT ALL.
Ruka looks a lot more mature. He of course, was the heir to the company his mother had in France, so he only comes back to Japan on holidays. He's gotten a lot more taller, and I used to call him shrimp. The rabbit he had died of course, but he still has a rabbit brooch pined to the collar of his shirt. Geez. Animal lovers are crazy.
His fiancé, Hotaru Imai, or her best friend…changed too. Not her clipped and mean attitude of course and her stoic expression. Just her appeareance. Her short raven hair grew to her shoulders, and the make up she uses gave her a more womanly and mature feel. The ring hanging on her neck sparkled, just like her eyes, when Ruka causally swung an arm around her shoulders.
"Hey Ruka, don't do that in front of Natsume! Man! Look at him. He was grinnin' like a fool lookin at that picture!"
I grunted and put the book carefully back onto the shelf.
Everyone giggled.
"Natsume, let's go out to dinner. Common, it'll be good to relax once in a while. Look at all those documents on your desk. Not even I have that much stuff to do."
Ruka stepped forward and pulled me out the door. Everyone else followed suit. He continued to speak.
"Anna and Nonoko opened a new restaurant just 20 minutes away from here. It's really delicious. We'll take you to there."
I nodded as I loosened my tie. We got to the parking lot and into our cars. Koko hitched a ride with Ruka and Hotaru, and I sat down in my red Ferrari. Carefully following the black Audi R8 in front of me which belonged to my best friend, my mind was still caught on her. Whenever business gets out of hand and busy, she just randomly pops into mind. I can't help it. It's like my mind controls that part.
The restaurant wasn't spectacularly large. As I got out, the November air cut past our cheeks like icicles. I tightened my jacket around me as we all hurried into the restaurant.
"Reservations?"
A short freckly girl looked at us, astonished for a second. Well who wouldn't be astonished? We literally looked like some young kids who just raided every designer store.
Hotaru smiled her "professional-but-not-so-friendly-smile", "Yes. Table 1127 please. Under the name of Nogi."
The girl grabbed 5 menus and led us to the table. Wait. 5 menus? There's only 4 people! Oh well, probably either Anna or Nonoko is joining. Or one of Ruka's annoying French speaking clients. Ugh. Those people and their "BONJOUR!"s…
As we took off our jackets and handed them to the servant, we took a look at the menu. It was totally in the style of those two crazy twins. Not really twins. But close. The menu was homey, casual yet with a touch of elegance and class. I wasn't feeling extremely hungry for some reason, so I decided to go for a martini and some French toast. Yes, I don't like French people. But their food is good. So don't hate.
Ruka asked for salmon, Hotaru asked for a salad with some weird named thing that I have no idea what it's called. Probably French. Koko asked for a coke and lasagna.
"Your orders will roughly take about 25-30 minutes! Sorry for the wait."
The girl took our menus and hurried away into the kitchen.
Taking a sip of his lemon-water, Ruka asked me.
"So. What cake do you want? It's November 27th!"
What? It is? It's my birthday! I forgot my own birthday! Well hell Natsume. You can handle the business of 30 branches but you can't handle the date of your own birthday.
"You didn't realize man? 1127, Hotaru booked this table especially for you! She unleased her scary purple eye glare at the customer service people too!"
I could feel the table jump as Hotaru kicked Koko under the table and returned a cold smile to me. How the hell can Ruka fall in love with someone like this?
"Oh. Ah. Thanks guys! I'll just take whatever's good." I replied absent-mindedly. Great I'm turning 23 now. How old is she? Oh yeah, still 22 for another 3 months…I noticed the menu that is still sitting on the table and couldn't resist the curiosity to ask.
"What's with the extra menu?"
Koko shrugged, "Oh that clumsy girl probably just made a mistake." My guess was right, it's probably a mistake. It's not like someone will be joining us anymore.
"Excuse me. I'm just going to the bathroom."
Ruka stood up and left as Hotaru shifted so her fiancé and get past.
Ruka's POV
He's so clueless. Natsume has absolutely no idea what's coming. I can't believe that he hasn't seen through this. He actually believed Koko's blunt lie that the 5th menu was a "mistake"
As I planned, I turned toward the men's washroom and stopped midway. A shadow leaned against the door with her arms crossed.
"Geez it took you long enough! I was waiting for nearly an hour and a half! Nonoko's cookies are already gone…"
I chuckled. She hasn't changed in one bit. I motioned for her to lean in, and as she did so, I quickly mentioned the big plan for her to remember.
Normal POV
Ruka returned from the bathroom shortly after. Taking another sip of his lemon water, he directed his gaze to the silent Natsume.
"Hey Natsume, go take a look at the bathroom! They've got TVs on the mirrors, it's pretty crazy. Oh yeah. The toilets are weird too."
I watched as he gave me a weird look but didn't show any signs of moving. Then, Hotaru chimed in.
"Uh…please tell me that you are not going to eat WITHOUT washing your hands? I will not have someone like that eating at the table I reserved."
Natsume gave Hotaru a WTF look and with a grunt, got up and headed to the bathroom. The whole table watched until his back was out of sight, and then buzzed with excitement. Turning her head, Hotaru beckoned for a figure standing behind the fake cherry tree to come join them…
Natsume's POV
God dammit. That Imai is so damn picky! I washed my hands! I REALLY DID! With hand sanitizer! It kills 99.9% of bacteria! Can the random pink handsoap do that? I DON'T THINK SO! Jeez. Well now I won't have this stupid purple eyed hygienic freak dealing with me.
Again. How. Does. Ruka. Like. Such. A. BOSSYVULGARANNOYINGSMARTASS. WOMAN?
I threw the hand towels into the trash and made my way back to the table. As I sat down I took a bit gulp of my ice water, chewing an ice cube in the process. Looking up, I decided on what smartass comment I was going to make about me washing my hands and what Imai could do about that now.
Then, I noticed something.
It was a girl.
Well to be exact. A girl whose hair was tucked into her hat and her face was hidden by the rim. She was wearing a white dress with lace details on the boat neck collar. A few pieces of her hair fell down through the cap, but I couldn't see the color clearly.
Who is she?
"Ru…"
Ruka's laughter cut me off as he turned from me and started a chat with Hotaru. Sighing in frustration, I turned to Koko who sat next to me.
"Kok…"
"HAHA MAN! THAT SUCKS! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU LOST 200 BUCKS TO A CHICK! AND SHE WAS DAMN HOT TOO!"
Uh….OKAY. I will stop on that one.
So there I was facing a table of idiots and one mystery person whom I have probably NEVER met in my life. She isn't talking either. Just grinning, well smiling, at Ruka and Hotaru.
I looked to my left. There was the HAHAHAHAHA, SHE'S GOT A FINE PIECE OF ASS YO!
I look ahead. There was the "Our renovations should be done soon!" "Oh yeah! We can really enjoy ourselves than" and then there was the wink WINK face…yeah not going to say anything to there too.
But it was annoying.
IT'S MY GOD DAMN BIRTHDAY that I forgot about BUT THEY SHOULD BE GIVING ME MORE ATTENTION RIGHT? And yes! Business haven't been going great and I still have those damn documents to take care of!
That's it. I couldn't take it anymore.
I slammed my fist onto the table and drew in a deep breath.
"WILL YOU GUYS CUT THE CRAP?"
Okay. Maybe that was a bit of an overreaction since it was probably very loud, and now the whole restaurant is damn quiet. Great. Just damn great. But the frustration was still bubbling out of me.
"Koko! If you are going to talk about some hot blonde chick, go do it outside of my earshot? I don't care if her ass is big or whatever! And Ruka! Go get a room if you guys what to "ENJOY YOURSELVES" more! I don't want to here dirty talking okay? I seriously don't! I'm so fucking pissed off right now that I don't even know what the hell I'm doing!"
"Is this what missing me so much does to you?"
A sweet, wind and chime like voice came from the figure sitting beside Ruka. I looked over at her and saw her hand move up to the rim of her hat.
"Who the hell are you?"
I didn't mean it to sound that mean. But yeah I was annoyed. When the Natsume Hyuuga gets pissed, it's not pretty! Just saying!
"Really? After 7 years. That's all you are going to say? Damn. I'm so hurt."
The hat came off.
Gentle waves of auburn hair fell loose from the cap and cascaded down her back and shoulders. Her head was still lowered. But I felt something tug in my heart, and I instantly knew where this was going. As she slowly lifted her eyes, the big brown orbs peered up through her long black lashes. Finally, I was greeted by the sweet, bright and contagious smile I knew and know so well.
I didn't realize it. But my jaw was almost hitting the table.
The smile on her face turned almost smug.
"Mi…Mi…Mi…"
I couldn't get the words out of my mouth.
The figure laughed.
"Happy Birthday Natsume."
I cleared my throat and rubbed my eyes. In that moment, all I could see was the girl who sat next to Ruka.
"Mi…Mi…Mikan."
I meant for my voice to sound stronger but it came out in a broken whisper. We both got up from our seats and walked to the side of the table. I couldn't believe my eyes. The same Mikan I knew 7 years ago, that was taken to the Hokkaido intensive care unit because of saving my life, is standing right here in front of me.
"Long time no see!"
I didn't say anything else. I pulled her into my arms and breathed in the familiar soft floral scent. The frame of her body awakened the memories in me and I realized for how long I have wished to hold her like this.
"You came back!"
I felt her giggle as she snuggled into my hug.
"Yeah, I did. I missed you."
I almost cried.
But I didn't.
I'm the Natsume Hyuuga who never cries!
Okay screw that. My eyes are watery.
"It's our birthday gift to you Natsume. Appreciate it."
Imai stood up with a smile.
Ruka followed suit.
"May you two walk into your happily ever after."
Mikan just looked at me and smiled. And from that moment, I knew. I'm never letting her go ever again.
OOOMG THIS IS A LONG CHAPTER! I'm sorry to make it so long! But I decided that I should just make this into one because I don't want it to drag out for too long!
I hope you guys enjoyed this story! Your comments and suggestions has helped me so much! In the future, I hope you guys will continue to guide me through my stories and help me improve! Thanks for reading again!
Behind-Those-Crimson-Eyes.