Disclaimer: Characters belong to Higuchi Tachibana! (anime reboot when, ma'am)

Author's Note: I changed the summary as I think the new one fits the story much better! Enjoy~

It was the final day of The Festival. The Committee were eager to breathe a sigh of relief, but they still had one last event this evening. Final touches and some last minute preparations were being set up in the hotel's dining hall; meanwhile, the rest of the students were milling around in the lobby. Their train back to Tokyo was set on later tonight, so on their last evening in Atami, the seniors of Alice Academy had their final event together: The Farewell.

One might question, "What's with the lame-ass name?"

Another would wonder, "We technically still have a few more months before officially graduating, right?"

Many have asked the committee, and they were all answered with the same reason by Miss Vice President: Koko was in charge of this one.

Mikan, her brother and her friends were standing by the entrance of the dining hall, staring at the banner hanging above the entryway.

"Okay, so it looks a little funny," Koko admitted. "But isn't laughter a great way to start an occasion?"

Yuu sighed. "You had one job, Koko."

"It isn't that bad?" Anna attempted to commend. It was, in fact, bad. Koko wouldn't budge when asked where he ordered the banner- it was discoloured, the font choice looked like a five-year-old's scrawl and there was a spacing between 'fare' and 'well'.

"I'm the treasurer! It's my job to cut budgets!" Koko cried.

When Yuu started his lecture, the girls decided to move on. Despite the horrendous banner, the decoration within the dining hall was beautiful. Round tables filled the place, with buffet lines placed at two sides of the room. There was a huge screen at the front and they spotted Ruka connecting a projector to Hotaru's laptop.

They settled at their assigned table- it was pretty close to the front, courtesy of being close friends with the committee. Mikan looked around, wondering where Natsume would be seated.

Yes, Natsume Hyuuga. She found herself starting to accept him as a potential friend, and open for the chance to get to know him better. She had told her friends about their meeting last night, and they were all very delighted at Mikan's willingness to try.

Her phone chimed. Sumire, who was sitting beside Mikan, took a peek- it was a text from Natsume: "Behind you."

Sumire refrained from turning her head when Mikan did. Natsume was seated two tables behind them along with Mochu, Kitsuneme and several other Class A boys. Mikan sent him a little wave.

Her friends shared knowing smiles. After Mikan had barged into their hotel room in the morning and shared about her late night escapade, bets were placed that they would start dating by graduation. Of course, this was all behind Mikan's back. No tampering allowed, Anna had stated.

By 6PM, all tables were occupied by Alice students and the hall was filled with mindless chatter. Ruka stepped onto the podium and tapped the attached microphone once. "Hello, everyone! Welcome to The Farewell."

It was clear Ruka attempted to hide his cringe. Thank the gods only the tables closest to him could spot his subtle change in expression. "We spent the last three days and two nights here," he continued. "And I hope everyone had a great time." The crowd whooped and cheered. Everyone really had a splendid getaway together and the committee was glad there were no major issues except for some innocent mischief here and there. "I really don't want to do my speech on an empty stomach, so without further ado…"

The hotel workers stationed at the buffet lines proceeded to lift the domes, revealing dishes upon dishes. Many had light lunch just to save stomach space for this all-you-can-eat buffet. It was an understatement to say they were all famished. Thankfully, everyone's manners were still intact as they formed a line to the buffet.

Youichi had insisted on holding onto his own plate, so Mikan helped him scoop all the food he pointed at.

"Hey." A deep voice, which she immediately recognised as Natsume's, was heard beside them.

"Hey, Hyuuga," she greeted. Youichi smiled, showing his plate to the older boy.

"Great choice, kiddo," Natsume praised. "So, how's the food?"

"I wouldn't know, I haven't eaten them yet."

"You could always taste them first."

She laughed. "Don't you know it's rude to taste food in buffet lines?"

"I'm not good with food etiquette," he shrugged, a hint of his trademark smirk lacing his lips. "Maybe you should teach me sometime."

Mikan rolled her eyes. Natsume noted it was different from all her previous eye rolls- this one had a hint of amusement.

"Flirt somewhere else. Line's moving." Hotaru loomed behind them, arms crossed with her trademark frown on her face.

"Oh! Uh- so sorry!" Mikan blushed. She blindly gave Youichi five pieces of chicken wings instead of just two before moving along. The little boy grinned. "I uh- have a nice dinner, Hyuuga!"

"Did something happen, Mikan? You're all red!" Nonoko asked when Mikan and Youichi returned to their table.

Mikan shook her head, immediately changing the topic to avoid any further interrogation. She'd seen enough of her friends' teasing smiles after she filled in about last night's little getaway. There was no way Mikan would willingly add more fuel for them.

Soon, the hall was filled with the buzzing of voices overlapping and boisterous laughters. The atmosphere in the dining hall felt pleasantly calm despite the noise. Everyone was clearly enjoying each other's companies, some had even moved from their assigned tables to chat with other people. Once their plates cleared, Ruka stepped onto the podium again- this time for his actual speech. Everyone clapped their hands, showing support to the president.

Ruka nervously smiled before clearing his throat. "Thank you, everyone. As you all know, it took us months to plan this getaway. But the committee worked really hard and everyone's cooperation made everything so much easier for us. So, really, thank you."

The crowd applauded. The Festival had gone quite smoothly, and they were appreciative of the committee for allowing freedom to spend their time however they wish instead of setting strict itineraries.

"To be honest, I had no idea what to say. I ended up asking my dad for some pointers and you know how dads are- he made some jokes before going on a long-winded story of his own high school days," he chuckled. "He said he didn't have this chance- the chance to spend one last time together with the people he grew up with. And he wished someone told him things that would've made his next chapter in life easier- or even a little assuring."

Ruka looked to the crowd- his batchmates, his friends. The nervousness in him had crept away, and now he looked so much more relaxed. Everyone smiled back at him.

"It won't be easy, that's what my dad said. It'll be really hard, and some days it would be so hard that we might even consider quitting. It's life. But what makes the difference is the thought that we have each other. We'll be far away, yeah, but knowing my friends are out there, experiencing their own adventure and that they're all a call away- it doesn't seem so lonely. The idea of us separating, it's heartbreaking for me. God, I grew up with you guys- Koko was crying for two weeks when we got into elementary-"

"Dude!"

"-and Sumire was the one to console him. When Mochu fell down in PE and scraped his knee, Nonoko patched him up right then and there. In middle school, Yuu spent evenings after evenings on study sessions for us, which honestly was just him teaching us the materials all over again. Natsume jumped from the second floor for a dare and man, I could go on and on."

The crowd laughed and some even started to sniffle. A few were whispering, reminiscing old and recent times. They were all happy memories, but with inevitable separation looming, it now had a hint of melancholy. Ruka let them settle before continuing.

"You guys matter to me. So much. And I want everyone here to know that I'll be here for you. We'll be there for each other. And that's what my dad wished someone told him. That he mattered- and that despite all hardships and distance, his friends were with him no matter what. So here's to Alice Academy, here's to us!"

Everyone raised their glass and cheered. Hotaru tapped a play button on her phone, and the projector lit up, showing the start of a slideshow. Mikan remembered Hotaru had sent a text blast of a Google Drive link to share photos, both old and recent ones.

A song started playing, followed by pictures of their elementary school days. The crowd laughed seeing their pre-puberty days. The pictures continued to their time in middle school, and some started to groan upon the reminder of their pre-teen days. Anna even hid her face whenever her younger self appeared on screen. Then high school came, where most pictures were taken after class and finally, the slide showed pictures of everyone's activities throughout the Festival.

A picture of Sumire and Koko arguing at the funfair was displayed, Sumire's face was contorted and there was spittle flying from her mouth.

"I'm gonna kill Imai," Sumire gritted.

Another picture replaced it, it was their group on amusement rides. Mikan stared at a series of them- in all the pictures of her, there was always Natsume nearby. She really didn't want to turn right now, feeling she had been stealing glances enough.

"Mikan," Anna called. "Natsume's keeps looking at you. I think he's trying to catch your attention."

Sumire turned around, unabashed. "Oh yeah, he definitely is."

Mikan resisted the urge to pinch Sumire, but she herself couldn't help but peek over her shoulder. Their eyes met immediately. Natsume looked satisfied to finally catch her attention- he pointed to his phone.

"Ooh, what did he text you?" Nonoko asked.

Mikan sent a half-hearted glare towards her friends as she dug her phone from her pocket. A notification banner wrote: "Meet me at the beach."

They still had a few hours left before they had to leave for the train. Mikan nodded to Natsume before saying, "Yo-chan, you up for one last time at the beach?"

It was a little later than they had promised- Mikan had a hard time making sure her friends didn't follow her. Youichi took off his shoes and socks before running along the waves.

"Not too far, Yo-chan," she called over the wind. The sun had set, the only lights available were coming from the streets and nearby lamp posts. She spotted a silhouette that was distinctly Natsume not too far away.

"It's cold, isn't it?" she said as a greeting.

Natsume turned and sent her a small smile. He looked, dare she say, nervous? "Yeah."

"So, what's up, Hyuuga? Are you here to pull a prank on me or something?"

"No," he chuckled. "I'm ready to ask my final question."

"Oh!" Truth be told, Mikan had momentarily forgotten about the game.

If she's still not convinced at the end of the game, then I'll do whatever she tells me to. By the end of this game, she gets to decide whether Natsume continues to be a constant presence in her life or not. She had accepted at first because she was so sure she'd wanted him to leave her alone. But after yesterday… her decision didn't seem so definite now. "So, what is it?"

Natsume was looking at Youichi, who was crouching near the waves. The rising sea water reached just by his toes before receding again. "I had fun with you last night," he said.

Mikan followed his gaze. "I'm pretty sure that's not a question."

"I saw this documentary: The Spirit of Mottainai. Mottainai means expressing regret over something that's wrongfully discarded."

"I know?" She had no idea where he was going with this. He was rubbing the back of his neck and had an expression as if he was steeling himself. His demeanor made her nervous too.

"I realized then, The Festival was a chance. My chance. And it would be damn wasteful if I didn't put it into good use." He glanced at her. "Before this, you wouldn't even spare me a look that wasn't at least a glare-" Mikan laughed softly at this, "-but yesterday, things changed between us, Polka. It wasn't wasted."

She nodded. She was so adamant of ignoring him without actually getting to know him. Natsume was sweet and nice when he wanted to be. She genuinely had a good time with him after accepting his intention of wanting to be friends. And he did apologise last night. She now found herself interested to get to know him better.

The breeze was getting colder. Mikan wondered why she didn't mind it so much with Natsume by her side. They gazed at the sea, the waves as if shining every time it caressed the shore. Meanwhile, Youichi was staring at a small crab that was digging into the sand to hide itself.

Natsume deeply inhaled the smell of saltwater, as if it offered him courage. This is it. "Will you go out with me?"

Mikan stilled. Natsume was still looking at the sea. Did he really say that or was she just imagining it? "Wh- what?"

"Go out with me," he repeated.

"You mean...like as friends?"

He hummed. "I guess we can go out as friends first if you want."

She was glad it was dark- she couldn't seem to fight her reddening cheeks. Suddenly, the air was so so warm. "Friends first? Then what comes after?"

Finally, he turned to look at her. He had thought the sea was beautiful, but this view...it was so much more. "I'll tell you if you go out with me."

She laughed. She didn't say anything for a while, opting to stare at the sea and sneak glances at the crimson-eyed boy beside her. Who knew it would end up like this? From immediate dislike to a budding friendship and maybe soon (Natsume hopes), something much more.

Feeling she had teased him enough with her silence, she said, "Okay. Yeah, that'd be nice."

He smiled then, eyes shining brighter than the distant lights. He nodded and let out a deep breath, as if relieved of something. After a while, they slowly started their way back to the hotel, Youichi reluctantly leaving the crab as he held onto Mikan's hand.

"Are you boyfriend and girlfriend now?" he innocently asked.

"No," Natsume answered. He leaned down, cupping a hand to Youichi's ear. "Not yet." Of course, this was all theatrical as Mikan could clearly hear him. She rolled her eyes while Youichi beamed in return.

"So, where do we start, Hyuuga?" she asked.

"How about with calling me by my first name?"

"Only if you use mine."

He smirked. "Not a chance, Polka."

THE KNIGHT & THE FAIR MAIDEN: IT'S OFFICIAL! OR IS IT?

The seniors of Alice Academy may have left school grounds for a quick getaway- but the Alice Quarter is right on their tails for hot tea! It's official folks - Natsume Hyuuga, our dashing knight had finally made his move during The Festival! And looks like our fair maiden, Mikan Sakura had accepted! Our trusty source even have proof:

It was a picture of Natsume and Mikan at the beach, right before they had to leave Atami. Mikan noted they were standing really close- it certainly didn't feel that way on that day. Youichi's silhouette was spotted right behind her, he was crouching- probably when he was looking at the crabs.

It wasn't easy for the maiden, she was cursed throughout her magical getaway - forced to take her little brother with her. Despite her many challenges, their love persevered, and spent every waking time together. Now that they've returned, it seems their love truly has bloomed!

This time it's a collage. There were multiple pictures- Natsume and Mikan in her class, in the library, at the cafeteria. Some of it were truly just the two of them, while others were badly cropped photos of them with their other friends. But one thing was certainly telling, Natsume was by Mikan's side in every picture. Although it was unsettling to know someone was still taking pictures of them, Mikan couldn't help but smile a little. They looked pretty good in most of the pictures.

Our team tried to interview the celebrated couple, but neither of them were eager to share. What's with the secrecy, you two? It's obvious! The Alice Quarter is determined to get to the bottom of this; so stay tuned, folks!

"What's with this fairy tale bullshit?" Natsume snorted, leaning back on his chair.

It's been two months since the Festival, Mikan thought the school newspaper had given up on them after their uncharacteristic silence, but it seems they were merely gathering information. Though as usual, they had blown it way out of proportion.

Did the two of them spend a lot of time together after the Festival? Yes. So, were they dating now? No. Were they something now? Well…

They had gone out together the weekend after The Festival, and had a really good time. Mikan brazenly asked for another one. Natsume, of course, had agreed. The cycle repeated to the point that spending time was now a given for them, usually right after school. But with exams and graduation coming, they spent most of their time cramming homework and study sheets.

They were now at the school library in their usual spot: it was by the Geology section where no one ever goes, so they deemed it safe to have at least some sort of privacy from any prying eyes and sneaky cameras. They sat next to each other with textbooks and papers scattered on the table.

Mikan rested her forehead on her Calculus homework. "Ugh, I'm so going to get it at dinner later," she groaned. "Probably getting grounded too."

He chuckled. "Looks like the Gods have a favourite and it's clearly not you."

"You know you're doomed too when my dad sees this, right?"

Natsume straightened his spine. "The middle school division is far, right?"

Mikan laughed. Sure, they weren't dating (yet). But the time they spent together had made her see Natsume so drastically different from their first encounter, and now she was feeling something. She wouldn't admit what it was yet, though her friends were adamant in pointing it out. But for now, just getting to know each other for who they really are, having quality time before graduation - it was enough for her. As Natsume smiled back, Mikan knew he felt the same way.

While she had been stubborn at first, she was unbelievably glad she gave him a chance. And it was all it took to change her mind and feelings for him.

A/N: There you have it, folks! This story, it was never about them falling in love, its much too short for that. I really wanted to write about wronged first impressions, second chances and how silly you get just to make your crush notice you (or at least how silly it was for me!). I paced it accordingly for Mikan to be open for giving Natsume a chance, as chapter title!

Also, thank you so much for the kind reviews! I'm really happy a lot of you patiently waited for my updates and I hope I don't disappoint anyone! The story isn't completed yet though, I'm very excited to write the epilogue now so hopefully see you soon! Meanwhile, drop me a review? hehe ;)