Something You've Read Before

Chapter Two

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"Good m-morning, Imai."

He blushed for a reason he knew very well. Hotaru Imai intimidated him in many ways possible even if he was a year older and the president. She had this iced-like attitude that he wanted to break. Ruka wondered when he started feeling this way because as long as he could remember he was always unsettled with her. They were long time friends but Ruka felt he barely knew Hotaru and that urged him to better know her.

"No need to stutter, Nogi. It's just me."

Ruka felt embarrassment, making his blush redder. "Sorry."

"No need to apologize, Nogi. I hardly care."

"Ouch. That's kinda rude."

"No nee—"

Ruka did not let her finish because he had enough of the awkwardness. "Okay. I get it now."

Hotaru smiled secretly, thinking she succeeded in annoying the person hardest to annoy. Looking at Ruka now made her remember Mikan. That was right. It was just yesterday when Mikan officially entered their circle so she could get close to Ruka. Honestly, Hotaru thought that SC became boring and boring but now her best friend Mikan managed to get under Natsume Hyuuga's skin and out to pursue Ruka, maybe things would be more fun to watch. Hotaru would deny it but deep inside she knew that Mikan was good at making things more fun and funnier.

"By the way, everyone has already submitted their proposal for the upcoming school fest. I placed the papers in your table."

Ruka nodded, eyeing the papers Hotaru talked about. "Good. Inform everyone that voting will be this afternoon."

"That's Shouda's job," Hotaru reminded coolly.

Ruka sat at his glorious seat to scan the proposals and said, "Again with the technicalities, Imai."

Hotaru smirked. "I'm not complaining though."

Being the Student Council Treasurer had yet to become challenging so Hotaru was excited for the School Festival since it meant budgeting and making transactions to produce money. No one wondered why she won as Treasurer because when it was already money talk, Hotaru could just magically do it but also accurate. Sometimes, the officers overlapped their jobs but it was never a big deal since they were ought to help each other in any way possible. It was like multitasking at its best.

"Good morning!" a high-pitched voice echoed from outside.

Sumire Shouda entered the SC office with a bright smile. Her curly, short hair bounced together with her steps. She was the messenger of the council, tasked to deliver all vital information to every student of Alice Academy. From cancelled classes to outside events where AA was concerned, she was tasked to let everybody know. Sumire was also known as the eye and ear of AA because she knew every gossip, every new student, and every embarrassing moment of the teachers. Hotaru sometimes consulted her for information.

"Perfect timing, Shouda. Mr. President here wanted you to tell everyone that approving proposals for the festival will be this afternoon. After class, of course."

"No prob," she delightfully said with a waving hand. Sumire grabbed her phone from her pocket and pushed buttons with amazing speed. "Done! Just texted everyone. Before I forgot, have you seen Yome?"

"Good morning, guys!"

Yura Otonashi, the secretary of the SC, gained entry. She was in her senior year like Ruka and known for her mostly accurate predictions. When an idea or event crossed her mind, a few hours or days later, it would happen. Yura was considered the most mature in all of them, earning her the tag 'The Mother of Student Council'. She would always make it a point to handle things in a professional manner. Other officers, even from other clubs, ran to her for advice. Yura considered advising other people a hobby and an opportunity to help.

"Good morning, Yura. Have you seen my stupid boyfriend?" Sumire asked, placing her bag on the desk and removing her dark blue uniform coat.

Yura shook her head. "Geez Sumire, you're the only person I know who calls their boyfriend stupid."

"He deserves it!" Sumire defended, sitting on her chair aggressively that it almost fell back.

"What did he do this time?" Hotaru asked.

Sumire stood up and sat on her desk now, crossing her legs. Sumire tried to figure out where to start her story and when she did so, she began. "He said that we will be coming to school together today but I waited for almost an hour and yet there was no sign he was coming. I called and texted him but no response. This is not the only time he left me hanging. I can count it on my fingers and this is definitely not a good sign. Sometimes, I think this relationship is just another joke for him."

Yura placed a hand on Sumire's shoulders. It was becoming a habit of Sumire to think that Koko was just playing with her. "You don't seriously think that, right?" asked Yura.

"Who cares anyway?" Sumire dismissed, sighing.

"Morning, morning, morning! Good morning, guys!"

There came Kokoro Yome, SC's Auditor and Sumire Shouda's boyfriend. He was the funny one, always made jokes out of scratch. Without him, SC would be a serious organization, boring, and quiet. He was the savior when conversations got awkward. Koko loved to walk like he was in some tv commercial with all the hopping and playful smile. The moment he stepped the vicinity of the SC office, a smack greeted him. He had not enough time to get angry because the culprit revealed herself.

"You stupid person! How can you come here looking so happy while I was miserable waiting for you?"

Koko was confused on what his girlfriend rambled about. "Waiting? Shoot! I forgot."

"No lunch for you today!" Sumire interjected quickly.

Koko kneeled, clasping his hands together. Sumire was his daily source of lunch and if his girlfriend would abandon him like this, he would starve to death. Food was his twin soul. "I'm sorry, babe!" he pleaded for his food, for his life.

"Get off me!"

"How annoying," muttered Hotaru. They wasted their energy to nonsense things again.

Yura came beside Hotaru with crossed arm. She giggled watching the lovebirds quarrel. "I think it's very nice that we are this close. It makes our leadership better. Unity is everything after all."

Ruka agreed at what she said. This was why he thanked the heavens for leading such a good lineup. It was like they were the invincible team and nothing could go wrong. The Student Council made him look forward to go to school every day which was rare and weird because school was like an obligation and not really a want. Aiming for education was the sure key to success because if you would not pursue it, things would be harder.

Koko's voice echoed in the whole room. "I'm sorry! I won't forget again. Please understand me, Sumire."

"I said get off me!" Sumire shouted.

"I love our group," Yura claimed dreamily.

This was the start of their perfect day. Other students who looked up to them might be surprised to know that they act immaturely, too. They stereotyped Student Council officers as serious and limited by the rules but they were far from that. Ruka would sleep in class, Natsume would ditch class, Yura sometimes was physically present but mentally absent, Hotaru had better things to do, Koko rather make himself a laughingstock than read in front of everybody, and Sumire preferred shopping than studying. Normalcy never left them and yet they were treated by everyone as high and mighty. That would be the wall diving regular students and student leaders.

Ruka wanted to break it. He wanted everyone to participate this year and the upcoming years that was why he made each class come up with the proposal for the upcoming school festival instead of thinking of a single idea and then that was it. Everyone's opinion should count. He was deep in his thoughts when Natsume came in the room. His existence seemed to overcome theirs but that was only accidental.

"Good morning, Natsume."

"Morning."

"Good morning, Natsume darling!" Sumire was about to envelope Natsume in a big hug but he avoided it immediately.

"Hey! What's with the darling?" Koko protested, feeling a little jealous and worried for his food. He turned to Natsume. "Good morning, Natsume. Meeting after class, okay?" he reminded like he didn't almost accuse Natsume earlier.

Sumire hit Koko lightly on the back. "Try reminding yourself that, Mister I'm-sorry-I-forgot."

Koko turned to beg for his food again. "Please forgive me!"

Every day Natsume would ask himself if he entered the right room or an asylum. He was different, him being the cold and arrogant persona of the Council, but they accepted him no matter what. He looked to Ruka who enjoyed himself at the freak show Sumire and Koko put up. He belonged here. From the very first day Natsume entered Alice Academy, he knew that Student Council was the only place he would belong to. It was great to find your home in school.

Mikan had nothing to do. She travelled building to building just to kill time. She arrived at the Alice Academy Walk. Famous for its romantic ambience where even teachers dated. Public display of affection was prohibited in any school especially in AA wherein morals and discipline should be innate in anyone although that was just an old saying but no one could really stop lovers when they were in love and it was not AA's fault that the Walk gave a romantic vibe. It's just that the flowers on parallel sides, the covered shade with vines, the three small fountains, and the wooden benches really made it looked like a dating spot.

She had a silly idea on what would happen if Ruka happened to pass by. That would be like destiny. Mikan continued on her daydreams, walking as if she owned the mini road. That's until she bumped into someone.

"Sorry! I'm sorry."

They both had it rough on the forehead.

"It's fine," Nonoko said as she stood up and helped the Mikan do the same thing. "Hey, you're the girl from before."

"And you're the girl from before," Mikan mimicked.

Nonoko eyed the bench on the side and sat on it. Mikan followed her. "I'm sorry I was rude to you. I am not usually like that but Anna and I fought and it's not really comfortable."

Mikan nodded in full understanding. "Hotaru and I fight, too. So, I think I can understand you. It's really normal to have conflicts with your friends, even if they are your best friends. What's best about that is after you fight, the friendship gets stronger."

"I just wanted to help. We were always together in everything and we never let others inside our small circle. Anna thinks it's not nice to be that anymore since we have to widen our group. It's like we're sisters but from different parents. Now, I know she's right. It can't always be the two of us only since it will be more fun to be with more people."

They almost had the same motive that gave Mikan more reason to interfere with their conflict.

"Changes aren't always scary, you know? It's essential for people to grow and be complete. I can tell that you and Nonoko had a longer history than my friendship with Hotaru so don't let a small thing overcome the bigger and more important thing. Fighting is normal and yes it could be resolved but if we prolonged it, some permanent damage may occur which is never good. "

Mikan was surprised at what she just said. Changes that occurred in her life, most of them were scary, but here she sprouted that they were not always something to fear.

"Seems you're right. I guess I'll have to make it up to her, huh?"

Mikan tapped her shoulders without the intention of feeling they were close already but for Nonoko to feel that it's alright. "Yes, you do. Nice talking to you, Nonoko. I'm Mikan, by the way."

"Thanks for listening, Mikan."

"Anytime."

Nonoko smiled and stood up. "I should go now."

"Me too. See you!" Mikan waved, glad that she just made a friend by bumping into her.

"See you!"

Mikan stayed sitting on the bench for a while. That was so fast! She was in no position to give advice and yet she did it. Should she regret it or let it be? Mikan was stuck. She found it hard to judge if her actions were acceptable or irritating because she just interfered. But it was just a free advice and there was no harm done. Right. She held no ill intentions and sooner or later, she would befriend the two. Mikan nodded, convincing herself she did the right thing.

"So prying is your forte. Figures."

The voice astonished her because he was the last person she expected to see at this area of the school. Funny how she thought of Ruka earlier and then Natsume was here. Fate played her and she did not like it. Natsume sat on the space occupied by Nonoko before. Mikan scanned the place and distanced herself, worrying that people might get the wrong idea. Natsume found her actions stupid and amusing. He wanted to laugh because an actual girl was worried that she could be seen with him. He was Natsume Hyuuga for heaven's sake. Any girl would die just to sit beside him.

"Really? At this early morning, you'll criticize me, Hyuuga?" she fired.

"I didn't know we need to schedule it," Natsume mocked effortlessly.

Mikan pouted. "Jerk."

"You should not meddle with other people's problems. Who do you think you are?" his tone was accusing and upset.

Mikan crossed her arms, offended by his question. "I just wanted to help."

"Helping is different from being annoying," Natsume threw in, smirking at the fact that he made her irritated. "Don't act like some hero, Sakura."

"I don't want to be one and saving the world isn't my specialty but saving my friends is," Mikan defended, with hand gestures and stomping feet. She was serious.

Natsume was not even close to accepting her reason. She pried and that was the end and he hated it. "They're old. They know what's right from what is wrong. They don't really need you because they can figure it out themselves."

Mikan looked defeated and diverted her gaze, biting her lip in frustration. "Why are we having this talk?" she asked, looking back at Natsume.

"Why do you like Ruka anyway?"Natsume quickly asked, changing the topic.

Mikan shrugged. It was a personal question and she could only give a subjective answer but if this would shut Natsume up, she was more than willing to risk it. "He's really easy to like. I find him sweet and caring."

"Funny how you can say that when you don't even know him."

"That's why I joined under your supervision," she reminded with a stern voice.

Natsume crossed his legs in a manly way and rested his arm on the edge of the bench. He looked at Mikan who refused to make eye contact with him. "It just proved how superficial you can get. You don't really want this. You just wanted in because you wanted to be noticed."

"Do I really have to explain myself to you? You already judged me and I doubt I can change that."

"Because you will never deserve Ruka," he emphasized.

Mikan was angry at him because he would always use those words which she hated the most.

"Don't be so concerned, Hyuuga. Why are you agitated anyway? Jealous that Ruka is more likeable than you?" Mikan mocked with all her might.

Natsume smirked. "Like I care."

He stood up, ready to leave. Natsume was still finding the answer on why he would waste time talking to Mikan Sakura when he could break her determination without uttering a word. Maybe because it was fun to tease her. Mikan posed a challenge to him, proving that not every girl in this world or in this school to be specific could like him. Like not in a romantic way but in a platonic manner. Girls flocked to him like they know him and he hated it. He hated their pretentions.

There were many things Natsume hated. He hated going everyday in a boring and lifeless house like his. He hated how he was so stupid before. He hated that he had to repeat third year because of the misfortune of stopping middle of the year. He hated how his family turned out. He could list the things he hated but he would not do so because he hated seeing destroy himself. There were things he liked like his friends but things like this would not be enough to crack him. Mikan Sakura came into the picture and he hated her already, making him hate her more for witnessing her prying attitude. He hated when people do that.

"Why do you hate me so much when you don't even know me?" Mikan asked. It made Natsume refrain from leaving.

Natsume turned around with a strict expression. His hands on pocket but clenched. "Girls like you are either liars or potential liars."

"What if I prove to you—"

"No need. All of you are just the same."

He walked out on her which made Mikan grumpy. She wanted to kick his butt, punch him in the face, roll him all over the mud, and flush him in the toilet. She was aggravated more than she could imagine. Mikan didn't think she was capable of disliking someone. Natsume was just a few meters away and she wanted to throw her bag at him. She asked herself what people in the academy saw in him. Natsume had a bad attitude that didn't match his face. He walked in his usual posture, arrogant, as girls around the Walk spied him without having idea how bad he could be.

Mikan grabbed her bag in a violent manner. Her face red from anger and she made unnecessary noises making other students see her as crazy. She was about to go on the same direction where Natsume went before she changed her mind and took the opposite way instead. She didn't give a damn if she needed to travel the whole school just to get to her classroom, she needed to get away from Natsume.

"Did I just see you and the Natsume Hyuuga talking?" a person with long, blonde hair appeared from the bush.

Mikan smiled briefly at the entrance and kept on walking. "Nothing's going on, Dad."

The man looked upwards then on the side. "Who said I'm going to ask about that?"

Mikan halted, facing her father who did the same thing. "You always do and I hope it's already clear to you that talking to a boy doesn't mean a relationship is happening."

"When will I see you with a boy who is more than a friend, Mikan?" Narumi asked hopelessly.

It was a dream of Narumi to see his daughter finally being in a relationship. Narumi thought it would be better for her to widen her circle and fall in love. Sweet, young love was always the best. So innocent and pure. He was his own daughter's matchmaker and he was proud of it. Mikan was a beautiful girl with a bright personality despite of the issues she'd faced so Narumi could not conclude anything on why his daughter had yet to have a boyfriend.

"Soon," Mikan answered cheekily which got Narumi excited.

"I remember. The Student Council President, right? Have you talked to him?"

Mikan turned happy all of a sudden. Mood swings was one of the side effects of having a crush indeed. "You could say that but our very first conversation is not so beautiful."

"But you have lots of opportunities now to do so!" Narumi encouraged, clapping his hands. Finally! Even if it wasn't the Natsume Hyuuga, a Ruka Nogi sounded nice.

"I know and I'm excited."

Narumi could not be happier for his daughter. It took a long time before Mikan trusted herself that she could love again. He could not wait to tell the good news to Serina. His dear Serina who he missed so much that even words could not describe the longing.

"So what were you and the Natsume Hyuuga talking?"

Mikan laughed. "Can you please drop the the? You make him sound like a mighty one."

"He is though."

"Whatever," Mikan replied, rolling her eyes, "Apparently, he's best friends with Ruka and he doesn't like me. He thinks I'm superficial and will never be worth of Ruka's affection."

Narumi's expression changed to anger. "That handsome boy! Who does he think he is to tell you that? I'm gonna get him! I'm gonna fail him in my class!"

Mikan giggled more and tapped her father's shoulder to calm him. "Don't worry, Dad. I think he just said that because he has yet to know me but I can already feel that we can be friends."

Narumi nodded and added slyly, "Or more than friends."

"Dad!"

Narumi continued his pace first and spread his arms in delight. "Imagine how good looking my grandchildren will be when you marry him."

"What a disgusting thought," Mikan mumbled, shivering in hatred.

"No, it's not. It's a wonderful thought."

"Dad! How could you think like that?"

"Well, the Natsume Hyuuga also has a story. It would be nice if you two get to know each other in a platonic manner."

The idea perked Mikan's interest. "Do you know his story?" she asked in curiosity and she knew her busybody self was active again.

"I only know rumors so it's better if you will hear it directly from him."

"You are making me think it's something dramatic."

Narumi looked her in the eye, meaning he was serious. "Every life story is."

"You're right," Mikan agreed lifelessly. How could she forget about it? Behind every action was a reason. Natsume was a jerk for some reason. Oh, Mikan was excited to discover whatever that was. "Oh, I have to go now."

"See you this evening my lovely daughter."

"Bye!"

The tiring classes for the day were done. Everyone made their way home while Mikan waited for Yuu. Even though their houses were on different directions, they made it a point to part ways at the gate of the school. Mikan had no club activities for today and would only have to attend tomorrow morning instead. Joining in Sports Club required everyday commitment. She had to go to school earlier for morning practice and sometimes in the afternoon when training needed to be intensive. No complaints from her though since she loved sports and known for acing at it.

Yes, she sucked at Math but she could compensate it with sports. She was naturally gifted at it. She could learn things faster. Mikan remembered the first time she played volleyball. A few hours of teaching and she could already play it like she had been playing forever. Sometimes, she wished Math could be that easy. Like solving an equation the moment she saw it. Though that was impossible, it still got her thinking if things were different. If she was good at Math and sucked at sports, would she be happy? She met most of her friends from doing sports and built her confidence there. She stopped for a year to focus on entering a good high school but never had she forgotten about it.

Mikan stood in front of the vendo machine waiting for her drinks when Yuu came finally.

"Hey, Yuu. Tired?"

"Yes."

"Here," she said, offering him a canned drink.

"Thanks."

Mikan pulled the tab and before she took a sip, she asked, "Why are you working extra hard these past few weeks?"

Yuu sipped before answering. "It's for my Mom."

"She forced you to this?" Mikan asked, her tone rising.

"No. I want to do this for her. I want to ace the coming exams."

"You always do, Yuu! What difference would it make? Isn't it enough? What do they want?"

"I want to make my Mom proud," calmly, Yuu answered.

"Yuu, acing exams is not the only way. Doing simple things like always greeting them good morning will do."

Yuu looked tense but his voice was calm. "I know what I'm doing, Mikan. But you are also correct."

"Fine. But don't get annoyed if I am reminding you always."

Being an only child had its advantages and disadvantages. But in Yuu's case, he overcame the disadvantages because he found siblings from his friends especially in Mikan whose situation was alike and at the same time not so much. He wanted to tell her the real reason but doing so would only make Mikan worry and he knew how Mikan acted around in a situation like him.

"You only want the best for me. I know. Thanks."

They missed the stairs which left Mikan confused. They were supposedly to take it and head to the school gate but instead they took a familiar path. "Where are we heading to?" Mikan asked but in her mind she already had the idea.

"Need to get our proposal from Anna. Heard it was approved."

Mikan suddenly remembered about the proposal they discussed a few days ago. "That's great. I didn't know your friends with Anna."

"Ah, yeah."

Mikan thought it was stupid of her not to connect the dots. Of course Yuu knew them. He was a class representative ever since he stepped foot in the academy. This was the moment Mikan realized that Yuu's circle might be bigger than hers, not that she was competing, but it made her think she's caging herself to the same people as far as she could remember. Good thing she decided to join clubs. That way she could gain other friends just like Yuu.

They reached a familiar office in which Mikan casually entered.

"Hey, Anna! Hello, Nonoko."

"You're here for the proposal?" Anna asked in delight and handed a piece of paper. "Here. The SC made some revisions because we have a strict budget to follow."

"No problem. But I hope it's not much," said Yuu.

Nonoko finished stacking files before she turned to Mikan. "Can we ask a favor, Mikan?"

"Sure."

Nonoko automatically smiled and grabbed a thick folder. "We're supposed to deliver this to Natsume's house but we have a report to write tomorrow and we have quizzes on every subject and delivering this can take half our time because Natsum'e house is opposite to ours so can you please deliver the papers instead?"

Mikan shivered. "Scary quizzes. What are these anyway?"

Nonoko took the question as a positive sign. "The proposals for the school festival. Natsume left early with Ruka because they needed to buy paint for the office and just asked us to deliver this to their house."

"Okay. I'll do it."

"Really?" Anna interfered with a cheerful and excited tone.

Mikan nodded with a smile, staring at the folder. "Really. I'm part of this, right? I can do this. Even if I want to strangle him every time I see him I'll do it."

The three were surprised at her revelation. It was not a common fact to them that Natsume and Mikan already hated each because everyone knew they just met.

Yuu noticed the surprised looks on Anna and Nonoko's faces and he could not help but comment, "You're scary, Mikan."

Mikan smirked. "Sorry. Where is his place anyway?"

Natsume's house was a bit far from Alice Academy. It covered at least three bus stops but Mikan took the leisure of walking. Walking barely made her tired because she was used to it. She hated cars and riding on it was something she feared not so long ago. The security in charged asked for her identification. Natsume lived in an exclusive subdivision, not surprising at his status. Mikan heard his parents were the richest people in Japan but she argued it was an exaggeration. She heard another rumor that Natsume's family owned a food chain that sold food too expensive for anyone's pocket but Mikan thought that it was another exaggeration.

She had no interest in Natsume Hyuuga until he insulted her to the bones. She did not even know what summoned her to agree and go to his house. It was something she never imagined doing, her visiting his home. Well, it was not like she was here because of something personal, she's here because of work. Nothing else. She would introduce herself, leave the papers, and bid adieu. The security said that the Hyuugas lived two blocks away from the main gate and it was noticeable because it's the only house in the neighborhood painted with white and gold rumored to be real gold. Mikan frowned. Another shameless rumor.

Mikan reached the house, not minding the sweat her body exerted just to come here. The house was indeed painted with white and gold but Mikan doubted it was real gold. It was bigger than the houses beside it and this just proved that the Hyuugas were rich but Mikan still had no trust with the rumors. Just like her favorite house, the home of the Hyuuga was covered in white fences with an elegant fountain on the middle. It was like a function hall rather than a house. Mikan walked slowly and reached for the doorbell. She pressed once and curious on how beautiful the house could be inside.

"Excuse me. Who are you, Miss?" a middle-aged lady greeted her wearing a uniform full of frills. Mikan guessed she was the head maid or something.

"Oh, hello! I came to deliver this to Hyuuga. Is he here?" she asked trying to portray her nicest voice. Mikan did not like Natsume very much but she did not want to leave a bad impression.

"What is your name, Miss?"

"Tell him Mikan Sakura is here."

"Will do, Ma'am. Please enter."

Mikan had no plans of entering but it seemed like the head maid had no plans of giving the proposal directly to Natsume. She panicked, not knowing if Natsume will come down or she would just leave the paper at the mini round table then go. The interior was modernly furnished. The living room was bigger than normal similar to a large hall divided into two semi-rooms and in the middle was a large staircase that Mikan could only see in movies. Both sides were asymmetrically designed with the same couches, tables, and paintings. Mikan reckoned that the two living rooms were made to accommodate more guests. It looked like the Hyuugas were fond of holding parties.

On Mikan's right was an entrance in which she guessed the dining hall. Everything in this house was a hall and not just a simple room. Natsume lived so lavishly but he never looked like it or just she thought. When it felt like eternity and there was no sign of human being coming down the stairs, Mikan walked near the table to leave the papers but was interrupted.

"Who are you?" an authoritative womanly voice echoed in the living room.

Mikan quickly refrained from touching the desk and turned around. A strict-looking woman with medium length black hair, wearing formal clothes not appropriate for a simple dinner appeared on the grand staircase. Seriously, this house knew no simplicity. Mikan felt inferior, the same effect Natsume Hyuuga gave her.

"Good evening, Ma'am. I'm Mikan Sakura and here to give this to Hyuuga."

The lady looked sharply at her like she was some stray dog that finally found a home. Mikan did not like the look but she had to act accordingly since this was not her territory. "I'm Kaoru Hyuuga. Natsume's mother. You came late and it's almost dinner time."

Mikan bit her lip. The woman, even if they just met, managed to make her feel guilty about something she's innocent. She made her regret to think that walking was a good idea. Mikan needed an opportunity to get out and finish her business. She needed a savior to save her from this woman's wrath. She could tell that Kaoru Hyuuga didn't like her very much. What did she expect? Even Natsume thought she was worthless.

Like a miracle, Natsume came down from the stairs. Mikan took a good look at the two Hyuugas and she realized Natsume had a mother where he could inherit his good looks. "You," Natsume said, quite surprised seeing a person he never thought would step into his house.

Mikan regained her composure. "Here are the remaining proposals. Anna and Nonoko can't make it."

"I can see that," Natsume said, smirking and passed his mother without acknowledgement.

Mikan placed the folder on the nearest solid thing she could find. "I have to go," she announced, heading to the door.

"Going already? How rude! Have dinner with us, child."

Mikan halted and faced her newest nightmare. "Oh, thank you, Ma'am but I should really be going."

"You are really being disrespectful."

Kaoru Hyuuga was known for being straightforward and honest. Too honest to the point where you already have your dignity insulted but she couldn't care less. Mikan knew nothing about her and this could explain her unpreparedness for her vile mouth and rapid thoughts. Like Natsume, she judged people at first glance. Being a target of the Hyuugas was not something Mikan fantasized but here she was taking it all. First she was worthless and now she was disrespectful. What could be next?

"I didn't mean to," she defended with her voice lower than usual.

Natsume watched Mikan in misery. He could not say he enjoyed it because he definitely was not. Her mother was always difficult on people especially when they didn't pose the attitude she wanted to see. Natsume knew Mikan did not want to stay longer in this house so intervening would now be good.

"Just go inside, Kaoru."

Kaoru, even though she's the head of the house, listened to her son. "I'm expecting," she bid, eyeing Mikan.

Natsume watched his mother exit as he completely went down and got the papers from Mikan. He needed to finish it tonight for every class to start immediately in preparing for the festival. Not every proposition was approved and in order to save time, they just made an agreement that the classes with unapproved proposals should just join other classes of their liking and help them. His attention went back to Mikan who eyed the path his mother took.

"Your mother is as scary as you. Can't I just go?" Mikan asked without the intention of offending Natsume.

Natsume was amazed on how frank she could really be, just like his mother. He decided dinner would be more fun if Mikan was to attend. "Just do what she says if you don't want your dad fired," he commanded.

Mikan's eyes widened. "Whoa. Just how could she do that?"

Natsume shrugged. "Practically owning the school can."

This was the first time Mikan had a clear idea on how rich the Hyuugas were. She wanted to question him about wealth but that would be weird and out of place. No, she was not interested in their money but on why despite of having so much money to spend, they did not look happy. If she was only closer to him, asking why he stopped for a year and the details of it would be easier. Somehow, Mikan felt that a person like Natsume was someone she could help. He was being decent now and if he could only act like this every time then conflicts wouldn't arise.

"This is weird and embarrassing. I never imagined eating dinner in your grand house when I'm supposed to drop paper works. It's like eating with the enemy."

Natsume smiled a little but managed to hide it. He knew she referred to the popular phrase 'sleeping with the enemy'. They were not friends and they disliked each other. The closest label for them was enemies and he was kind of relieved to know that Mikan knew they could not be friends.

"You're funny," he said.

"I'm not having fun though," Mikan quickly said, frowning.

"Whatever," he said, rolling his eyes, "Free advice? Be at your best behavior."

"You are in no position to tell me that though," Mikan said, referring how bad Natsume treated her, "Why is your home so large that we aren't still in the dining room?"

Natsume found the sentence odd. Facing Mikan with a tensed expression, he said, "This is a house, not a home."

Mikan made a step backward with two hands waving in midair. "Please don't go grumpy on me now that I'm eating with the enemy."

Mikan made him smile for the second time tonight. If that was a leap, he didn't know. Natsume was far impressed by her attitude and girls like her were too risky to trust. They would pose the perfect cheerful attitude, get your trust, and then slam you heart into a million pieces because they found out they never really loved you. Natsume could not take a girl like Mikan would become Ruka's nightmare. He hated her presence and her intentions but getting rid of her would just mean losing grip also. He needed to know her and then evaluate after that.

They reached the dining hall with a long table similar to those seen in large gatherings. Mikan thought for a second there was a party but unfortunately there were just three people in the hall, apart from the maids whose qualifications must to be beauty queen like because they were all tall, beautiful, and smart-looking. Kaoru Hyuuga must really be a perfectionist. Mikan had no doubt Natsume came after her.

"I see you stayed," she acknowledged and took seat. Kaoru liked preparing the table. Of course, she did not want to ask everything to the maids. She had the tendency to take things seriously like dinner preparation.

After the chef cooked the dishes, it would be under sample tasting by the head maid and then Kaoru. If she disliked the taste, the chef would have to make another dish or redo the cooking again. Everything in the household was controlled by her except for her son. Natsume grew like his mother who had everything under control and he never made the wrong decisions, at least not every time. Kaoru trusted Natsume more than she trusted herself. She knew that her son could surpass her sometime in the future and she never doubted his abilities except for picking the right girl to love. Natsume needed help at that department.

"Didn't want to miss the opportunity of eating with you Ma'am," Mikan replied, insincere of her words.

Kaoru raised eyebrows. "Am I a fool to believe you?"

"I didn't mean it that way."

Natsume hated arguing girls so he once again interrupted. "Let's just eat," he said, taking a seat on the right side of her mother.

One by one, the foods were served. Mikan thought that doing such was to buy time for Natsume's father to get to dinner but that was not the case. It looked like the man of the house was not present and what was weirder they never mentioned anything about him. The maids kept on serving foods too many for three and Mikan doubted they could eat all of them. None of the foods were familiar to her, making her doubtful on how to eat them right. Finally, when the steak was served, she smiled. That was the only food on the table she had a background with.

When she was about to take some steak, a maid served her with the food. Mikan disliked the setting because she was more than capable of getting her own food but looking at the two Hyuugas who were more than used on serving them, she could not complain. Again, this was not her territory. Different colors of drinks were on the table but in the end she chose water just to be safe.

"So, Mikan, right? What does your father do?" Kaoru asked, breaking the silence.

"He's a teacher at Alice Academy," Mikan answered proudly.

Narumi served the academy longer than she could remember and even if it was not her dream to be an AA student, he convinced her to be. Teachers had benefits of free tuition fees whenever their children decided to be an AA student. So for Narumi to save money, she agreed. Mikan was sure she made her father happy with that decision judging with his smile several years ago. Thinking about it, Narumi gave her everything.

"Hmm, that's good. Natsume never mentioned you before so I'm surprised to see such unfamiliar face."

"I just joined the club," she replied, laughing awkwardly.

Kaoru knew what she meant. She continued to observe Mikan with hawk eyes. Kaoru was very keen when it comes to mistakes and improper ways. The first time she saw Mikan, she knew penetrating her would be easy.

"Dear, you don't eat steak like that."

Mikan stopped for a second. "Sorry."

Natsume rolled his eyes, annoyed at the show his mother was putting. "Here," he offered, slicing Mikan's steak with ease.

"I never thought there is a proper way," Mikan mumbled.

"Not teaching you enough, eh?" Kaoru insulted.

Mikan gave Kaoru Hyuuga the most disapproving look she could express. "Are you insulting me, Ma'am?" she asked even if she knew the answer.

"Offended?" Kaoru retorted with a sinister smile.

Mikan lost her temper. She dropped her utensils, making them clatter with the plate. It was the loudest sound of the night that got everyone their attention. "I can't believe you. You invited me to dinner, asked me random questions, and now insulting me."

"And you are being disrespectful," Kaoru said, overpowering Mikan's voice.

Mikan stood up, ready to leave. The chair almost fell when she did so. "Well, you did it first. I only wanted to deliver the papers but this is what I got."

Kaoru scoffed at Mikan's attitude. She could not believe that a little girl like Mikan could have the guts to oppose her. "Lost your appetite?" she added, provoking Mikan to be angrier.

Mikan stood straight, breathing calmly. Yes, this was not her territory but her dignity was. She really failed on establishing a good relationship with the Hyuugas. Kaoru had no right to insult Narumi because he was more than a father to her. Mikan could not accept that ill talk to her father. Narumi deserved more than that. Mikan concluded that the Hyuugas were judgmental and acted high and mighty because they had the money. But she would not let tonight pass without a fight.

"Please don't look down on me, Ma'am. A person's worth is not measured on how he eats his steak. Thank you very much for the expensive dinner. I should go now."

Kaoru was astonished on what Mikan said. She thought she was already invincible but a teenager she just met had the ability of getting into her nerves already. "Oh, please do, disrespectful child."

Mikan made a run to the door. She could not wait to get out of this house. Beautiful houses with bad memories. She was wrong to expect that Natsume's mother would be different and could actually accommodate her like a kind person. She did not expect Kaoru to be such an evil entity. Now, Mikan was more than sure Kaoru banned her from stepping into this subdivision which would not surprise her if the Hyuugas owned it.

A familiar presence passed her and she was surprised to see Natsume followed her. Mikan thought he enjoyed the insulting his mother did to her but here he was. For a moment there, Mikan thought of hope. Hope for Natsume Hyuuga and belief that he was different from his own mother.

"Come on. I'll drive you home."

It was a kind offer that Mikan chose to refuse. "No. You don't have to." She refused for a reason.

Natsume smirked at her stubbornness. "What? Your pride can't take too much insulting? Trust me I'm not insulting you this time."

Natsume knew it was not sympathy that overcame him to follow Mikan and offer her a ride home. More like he wanted to talk longer to her, to find out where did her courage come to talk back to his mother. No one stood up to Kaoru from his group of friends before. Even Ruka who was close to Kaoru feared her because he knew what she could do. That was it. Mikan had no idea what Kaoru could do. She knew nothing, making her courageous enough to defend her so called honor. Yes, he did give her a heads up but certainly not enough.

"No, no. Go inside and continue eating with your Mom. It's not nice to eat alone, you know? And I know my way home."

Natsume wondered if Mikan ever ate alone for her to say that. He might not know Mikan that deep but he knew enough to say that she had a happy family background. Narumi was Natsume's jolly teacher in English that was fond of him in a way he hated. From what he heard, Narumi was the same in their household. Usually, Natsume called him gay for his girlish act and him being married didn't help. Narumi married his co-English teacher, Serina. She transferred schools two years ago and now based in Matsuyama. Serina could only go home to Tokyo once every month but that did not make her relationship with Narumi falter. It was reported that Serina made the transfer because of personal issues that Natsume had no interest with.

It was crazy on how one sentence said a lot about Mikan Sakura.

"Don't be stubborn," Natsume insisted but deep down he was just testing her.

Mikan appreciated the offer but she also knew that if Natsume leaves before dinner was over, it would aggravate her situation pertaining to Kaoru Hyuuga. "I'm really okay. Please don't leave your mother alone. It's a long way to get to the entrance but I can manage."

"Don't act nice."

Mikan glared at him. "I'm serious. Go back."

There was authority in her voice that might not equal his but he followed still.

"If that makes you satisfied, Mikan Sakura."

"Stop wasting time, the Natsume Hyuuga."

"The Natsume Hyuuga?" asked Natsume, confused. He never expected to hear that from Mikan who hated his arrogance.

Mikan smiled, knowing that it had taken aback Natsume. She looked away, still wearing the smile, and explained the reason why. "Yeah. My dad calls you that although I don't know why."

"You have a funny dad," Natsume commented. He said it out of the many encounters he had with Narumi.

Mikan nodded and suddenly remembered her father who must be waiting for her. She forgot to tell him she had an errand to make and now he must be delaying dinner for her. "Let's stop talking about this and just go inside. Family time is the most important activity in the world."

"As you wish," Natsume said lifelessly and went back.

He doubted that family time was that important and he knew Kaoru was no longer inside that empty dining hall.

End of chapter

I'm finally on vacation! I have three weeks to spend according to my will. Thank you for reading this chapter. By the way, what can you say about the chapter? Anything would be good.