Something You've Read Before
Chapter 10
To Know You
Mikan could not believe it. One week had already passed since Koko and Sumire's dramatic turning point happened. Those two slowly repaired their relationship. Meanwhile, her life was a bit in repeat these days. School, home, school, home, and the same went on. Mikan tried to find something to do. She started an exercise routine and that was to have a one hour morning jog. It gave her enough time to maintain her skill on running and think deeply about the things and people that surrounded her. Breakfast was already prepared every time she came back from her jog. Narumi always made it sure that she ate on time. Mikan loved it when they eat together. Eating together made them talk about things that you could not think when watching television or when you during the ride in the car.
Going to school had never been this predictable and the same time, unpredictable for Mikan. It was like every day opportunities were laid out for her to be a part of new adventures and to be able to help someone whom she just knew. A peaceful Alice Academy life should be the norm but Mikan found herself engrossed in a group with hidden emotional baggage, maybe not everyone but most of them. As she watched the students passed by at her, she wondered simultaneously what could be their gloomiest secret and happiest memory. The faces she met today could be the first and last time she would see it and even though it had no major implication on her life, she still felt sad for the zero opportunity to know at least one of them.
Mikan reached the classroom five minutes before time. The scene surrounding her only registered as a blur to her mind. When she took her seat, her hands automatically found its way to her cheeks. She stared at the door where she just entered and thought at how time flew so fast. She was just jogging this morning and now her day was about to commence. The next thing she knew school year was about to end. Mikan wondered what could be the accomplishments she would achieve by the end of the year.
Yuu was busy cleaning the board when Mikan entered the classroom but he still felt her quiet presence. When he saw that Mikan did not bother to greet anyone a good morning, he instantly realized that this was one of those days when Mikan's mind was lingering far from what was really happening. Yuu disregarded his ongoing chore and approached his friend. He tapped the table twice before Mikan made eye contact.
"What's with the gloomy face, Mikan?" asked Yuu with a small smile.
Mikan sighed before answering. "I just realized that Ruka will be graduating this year."
Yuu snickered shortly upon hearing that, thinking when his friend started getting sad over things like that. He somehow got the idea that Mikan admired Ruka but maybe as the two bonded more, Mikan's feelings developed into like.
"Why does that even sadden you?"
Mikan buried her face to her desk. "I doubt if you will understand me, Yuu."
Yuu took the available seat on her left. "That's what you call a girl thing, right?" he asked, teasing.
Mikan immediately looked to Yuu with a horrified expression and when he only smiled at her, she knew she was too obvious. Mikan frowned, messing her hair but Yuu could only pinch her cheeks, a friendly gesture that was part of them for years.
"Ugh. Even you can notice it."
"Majority of the Student Council members will be graduating this year. That would be Ruka, Yura, Koko, and Sumire," Yuu explained.
"Which makes me curious as to how Hyuuga and Ruka became a tandem. They must go way back."
"It's a typical story actually. Their families are friends with each other and they went to the same school ever since. They've always been classmates, well, except this school year."
Mikan was dumbstruck. Why was she hearing this for the first time? "Wait, Natsume Hyuuga was supposed to graduate this year, too? But, he's our batch mate!" she exclaimed.
Yuu found it hard to decide if letting Mikan know that information was a good or bad thing. It's just that he thought that Mikan, being such a curious girl, would know something like that. Yuu had to make it sound like it was just a normal issue associated with the Natsume Hyuuga.
"It is actually a popular story, Mikan. You see, Natsume stopped for a year."
"What? Why am I only hearing this now? I've been in Alice Academy for more than two years already for heaven's sake!"
Yuu could see the sudden frustration in her eyes and he could only think of one reason to say for her to calm down. "For what's it worth, you were really different at our first year."
Mikan made face at the citation of what and how she was two years ago. She tried her best to forget how she acted during freshman years but Yuu just had to open about that again. Although, she was okay discussing about the Mikan two years ago, it would still be better if that Mikan would be forgotten temporarily.
"Yeah, you can say that. It's not a very wonderful year for me. So, did Hyuuga stop a year in junior high?" she asked more, hoping to extract some powerful detail from Yuu so she could know her enemy better.
Yuu lost the opportunity to answer anymore. Mikan caught Yuu's gaze fixed above her and when she realized someone must be behind her, the figure talked.
"I can see you spend your time talking about me, huh."
Mikan quickly turned around, standing up in surprise. "Hyuuga?! N-no! We aren't talking about you, you know!" she denied as an attempt to cover her interrogatory ways to find something that could be use against him. It also did not help that Sumire was with Natsume and Mikan knew very well how Sumire wanted to tease her when it came to boys.
Natsume only smirked. "The pitchy voice and stuttering tell me otherwise."
"Why are you even here in our classroom?" Mikan retorted instead, changing the subject so she could finally escape humiliation. Damn Yuu for knowing that the mere mention of Natsume could perk her interest.
"Certainly, the reason is not you," Natsume said before approaching the front with Sumire trailing behind him.
Yuu bid goodbye to Mikan to get to his proper seat. He was informed yesterday that SC officers would be coming to announce about an upcoming school event. So, he knew Natsume would come and he knew that it would be fun to see Mikan get caught looking so interested about Natsume Hyuuga. Yuu could be such a silly friend sometimes. Besides knowing that Mikan liked Ruka, Yuu also happened to be aware of the Natsume-Mikan feud and how it could lead to many different, wonderful, and unpredicted things.
The whole class was quiet as if they were so occupied staring at the two most popular and good-looking members of SC. Mikan heard the girls behind him squeaking in low tone. No doubt that Natsume was considered to be a hottie by the girls but it was such a big question why he had no girlfriend or at least someone linked romantically to him.
Must be the attitude, Mikan thought grimly.
"Good morning. I am Natsume Hyuuga, Vice President of the Student Council."
"Sumire Shouda, P.R.O of the Student Council. The Vice President and I are here to inform you about the upcoming activities for the Arts and Media Week that will be held two weeks from now. It is a well-known fact that this has been an Alice Academy tradition. It is a five-day event wherein students that possess talent and passion in doing something creative and moving may it be a drawing, a painting, a sculpture, a short film, or a short story. Mechanics and requirements for joining are posted at the bulletin board at the SC office. "
Everyone was still quiet.
Natsume eyed some familiar faces before adding his next sentences. "Everyone is encouraged to join. I think this is the best time to show what you can do. All entries will be displayed on the third day with the film showing happening on the afternoon. Voting will happen on the next day. The votes will be divided from the students' votes and the chosen faculty and staff votes. Awarding will be on the last day."
"Are there any other questions?" Sumire asked with a smile. She hoped no one would raise their hand because she knew this class and someone here was up to no good but unfortunately one with brave heart raised his. "Yes, please."
"Are officers like you allowed to join?" Hiroki Takao asked.
Sumire nodded confidently. "Yes, we have the liberty to join. But once a member from the Student Council joins, he or she will be temporarily dismissed from any SC work as it could bring out controversies like being biased or having to know an inside information like what are the judges looking for a winner."
Hiroki smiled mischievously. "I think a Student Council should not participate at all but that's still nice to hear."
"Mr. Takao," Natsume began and suddenly the tension in the room went sky high, "Why do you worry so much? Alice Academy is full of talented students not even associated to any club and yet they might kick your ass when the competition starts."
Hiroki could only glare. Somehow, he had no words to retort to Natsume. Who would even dare to talk back to Natsume who won every argument he had been involved to, well, except maybe his arguments with Mikan which only seemed to end in more arguments than clarity.
Sumire broke the gloomy atmosphere, not wanting to be reminded of that issue which happened between people she'd been friends with. "If you guys have any more questions, you can drop by the office anytime. Thank you for your time."
After fifteen minutes of talk filled with shady issues and concern, the two SC officers thanked the class and bid their goodbyes. They needed to continue the information drive to other sections as well. Yuu glanced at Hiroki shortly and shook his head in disappointment. He should have thought something like that would happen and reminded the class to be at their best behavior when the SC officers come. As class representative, he felt responsible when Hiroki Takao and his group brewed something again for the event.
"We handled that better than last year," Sumire stated the moment they exited the classroom and was fully sure no one could hear them.
Natsume was unimpressed though. "They'll continue to talk about this, make rumors. We just need to make sure that this won't start another dirty conflict on school politics."
"Let's discuss this on the meeting then," Sumire suggested to which Natsume nodded.
Mikan would really not ask or care if nothing like that happened. She knew that Arts & Media Week was stained by some controversy involving the winners two years ago but she was not interested at all. Not even when she became acquainted to some of the SC officers who were also involved in it. But her classmate, Hirkoki Takao, just had to make a statement so she just had to ask Yuu but after that Mikan decided to not care again.
"Would there be a problem if an SC member participates?" Mikan asked Yuu when their lunch break commenced.
"Well, there had been issues."
They traveled the hallway leading to the cafeteria. It was a good day to taste the clubhouse sandwich and carbonara of the school cafeteria, two dishes which they were very good in making with. The line was already long when the two arrived at the cafeteria but still they were determined to order the food.
"Oh. Issues concerning whom?"
"Them," Yuu answered, pointing at their friends, the SC officers, who were on their way to their bistro.
Mikan's face was blank when she muttered, "Oh, I see."
Narumi texted her daughter to pay a visit at the faculty room because some of his good students gave him mini delicious cheesecakes from their baking class. After filling her stomach at the cafeteria, Mikan ran as fast as she could to taste the cakes. Her father knew she adores sweets like they're heaven. Her lunch break was about to end when she exited the faculty room. Narumi's co-teachers didn't mind having Mikan in the faculty room as they were also close to her, a fact Mikan did not want to brag because it might just get her into trouble.
"Mikan! Mikan Sakura!"
Mikan spun around to see an unfamiliar face approaching her happily. She felt uncomfortable and afraid for unknown reasons or maybe because he was a plain stranger. He was a senior, Mikan could tell from his patch, with a smug look on his face as if they had known each other way back and seeing each other again for the first time. He was tall, almost to Ruka's height, his hair was dyed copper. Mikan knew it was not his natural hair color based on the growing black roots on his head. He was good-looking, Mikan could at least admit that to herself. As the boy closed the distance between them, her view of him changed also. Now, she felt that they had met before. Maybe when they were a child or just randomly at the school hallways or maybe in another timeline.
"Who are you?" she asked with a firm tone.
"Don't you remember me? I'm Ken Nagihiko."
"Oh, okay."
Mikan made an effort to recall if a certain Ken Nagihiko made it into her life but there was nothing.
Ken was still smiling, like he expected to get that reaction from her. "Remember the Snow White play we both participated in? You're a tiny 5th grader back then while I'm on my 6th."
Yeah, she once played a major role in school play under the title Snow White. Suddenly, she remembered the glorious feeling when she was applauded on her performance as the villain. Everyone was there. She could not possibly forget that play and that finally made her recognized Ken.
"Oh! You're the one who played the prince while I am the evil stepmother. Now, I remember! So, how are you?" she asked, her tone changed into a friendly and happy one.
Ken was glad to finally make her remember. It was not that hard. "I'm fine. Listen, I wanted to talk to you about Arts and Media Week. You do know that there are many activities involved and that includes making a short film."
Everything about that day seemed to be linked with Arts & Media Week.
"And that concerns me how?"
Ken bit his lip, scratching his cheek using his index finger. That gesture made Mikan stared at him and she really found it adorable. Ken Nagihiko was indeed a cute lad.
"I saw you have a natural talent in acting in that Snow White play so I am asking you a big favor to star on our short film."
Mikan did not see that coming. Weren't they supposed to get real student actors who had impressive resume in the acting department? That one play could not define her as an actress and she had to star in a short film that the whole school would see and with prominent people as judges. Ken must be insane.
"What? Is that for real? Are you for real?" Mikan asked again and again, afraid that he was just joking.
"Yes. Isn't that exciting? We came second last year so we are aiming for first this year."
Mikan started feeling frustrated. It was like suddenly a big responsibility was shoved onto her shoulder. Bad thing was she had no confidence to face the camera. "But I haven't been in a play or anything that involves acting since that play. I don't think I can be good."
"Oh, trust me you will. I am the director so you will be in good hands. The story is made by Aika Mikoto and Yui Satoru, as you know they are talented writers who won various story-making competitions in and out of school."
The pressure was higher when she heard that. She loved their works and they were even famous outside school. "Yeah, their names ring a bell. Hearing more well-known people is involved in this project makes me more intimidated."
"Your classmate Hiroki will be our videographer," Ken added casually.
"This all so sudden," Mikan mumbled as if she was trying to catch her breath. "I played a villain in that play, not even the protagonist and now you want me to be the lead. That was once. I haven't acted for years. In fact, that was the first and last time I did something like that. Are you really, really, really for real?"
Ken noticed the discomfort on Mikan's expression. He had mentioned all the good points of their project and still Mikan had nowhere near deciding. While others would be very willing to be part of their elite team, Mikan was the opposite and Ken actually not anticipated it. If only during the low-profile audition they held brought out fruitful results but sadly it did not. The auditionees were indeed good at acting but they delivered no freshness, the students who auditioned were the same faces seen on every Arts & Media Week. Ken's team wanted someone new, someone average but had the potential to be more.
Ken patted her on the shoulder, an attempt to at least calm her down and slow her breathing. "Why don't you read the script first and tell us what you think? Here is a copy. I am giving you a deadline. I should hear from you tomorrow because as you can see we are on a tight schedule. Please say yes. Please say you'll think about it. If ever you say yes, you will be with Aki."
Her eyes widened. Another addition to well-known people she had to deal with if ever she agreed."Aki? As in Akihiro Mori?"
"The one and only," Ken said proudly.
Mikan smiled widely. "Okay, I'll think about it."
Ken knew it. Just the mention of Aki's name could make anyone agree. "Good. See you tomorrow."
They waved their goodbyes and Mikan ran to her classroom to attend the last three remaining periods for that afternoon. She could not wait to read a masterpiece by the Makoto-Satoru tandem. Then she thought, why did her life suddenly turn to be this way? She was again involved in an important project. Mikan was proud of herself somehow because she managed to get away with boredom again. She had something to pay attention with again, well, besides her dream of being liked by Ruka.
Mikan quickly found a spot on Alice Academy's open reading area, clutching the script as if it was a national treasure. It was still early to go home and if Narumi would ask her why she came home late, at least she had a valid reason and there was even physical proof. There were only a number of students who occupied the reading area so Mikan was free to choose where to sit. She then slowly opened the book-bounded script and immediately fell in love with the title 'Chasing You'. She related with it instantly.
She knew that scripts hardly had descriptions but she enjoyed every dialog thrown. Mikan started imagining herself portraying the lead character. She imagined every beautiful thing in the story happening to her and she could not wait to actually be in it. The story slowly bought her.
"What is it that you're reading that you have that smug look on your face?" Hotaru asked. She was suddenly sitting in front of Mikan who screamed when their eyes met.
"A creation of Mikoto-Satoru," Mikan answered when she recovered and noticed that Natsume was at the side, hand s on his pockets. Sumire was also present and just took the seat beside her.
"No way! Why do you have this?" Sumire asked and tried to reach for the script but Mikan dodged her hand with speed.
"Ken approached me this morning, asking me if I would be so kind to take the lead part for their short film," Mikan said, already conceited that she was asked to be part of the film.
The three SC officers exchanged looks. Mikan got no reply from them, not even a congratulations or something along with the lines that 'I am jealous of you' or 'You are so lucky'. She at least expected that to come from Sumire.
Sumire stood up. "Looks like Nagihiko is on the move, Natsume."
"Wait. What's that supposed to mean? Should I be worried? You know Ken Nagihiko?" Mikan asked, a bit worried from that statement alone. The magic of the story slowly faded away and transformed into worry.
"Did he tell you the reason why he chose you?" Hotaru asked.
Mikan was not so sure of the reason anymore. Hotaru's tone made her doubt herself. "He said that I have acting abilities based on that play we'd been several years ago."
"If he says so," Hotaru said, shrugging her shoulders. "So, will you be joining them? I mean we have lots of activities for the Arts and Media Week."
Mikan totally forgot about that. She was part of the committee that Natsume handled. Of course, she had many tasks for that event and yet it did not even cross her mind, even earlier. She was totally out of it. But, if she would join, she would be dismissed from helping to avoid issues.
"I can see that this Nagihiko has no eye for talent," Natsume commented, snatching the script away from the dazed Mikan.
"What did you just say, Hyuuga?" Mikan asked and was alarmed to see that Natsume was already holding the precious script.
Natsume scanned the pages quickly. "Who knew a constipated look can be called natural acting?" he mocked and continued eyeing the story.
"How did you even know about that? Wait, you eavesdropped!" Mikan accused because those were Ken's exact words earlier. No wonder Mikan thought it was something she heard before.
"Of course not," Natsume denied, no emotions attached, and dropped the script on the table.
"He told me that earlier. There's no way you would just say that out of the blue. Don't tell me that Ken Nagihiko is on your list."
Natsume was not amused. "What list?"
Mikan made a stern look. "The list of 'People I Hate and Will Hate for the Rest of My Life'."
That earned no reaction from Natsume but Sumire said, "Okay, that's funny."
"That's childish," Natsume finally said.
"You're childish," Mikan retorted with a glare.
"You're both childish," Hotaru interrupted.
Mikan stood up and grabbed her things in hurry. "You know what? I'm gonna leave and be somewhere quiet so I can continue reading this wonderful story. You can all go now to your meeting. Goodbye."
They did not stop her and Mikan did not want to be stopped by them either. She really was sincere about finishing the story. She knew quiet places near the school's entrance so she went for the parking lot which would be almost empty by this hour. She kept on reading as she walked, not wanting to waste any time so she could finally make a decision.
"Do you think we should tell her?" Sumire asked as she watched Mikan's retreating figure.
Hotaru was quick to answer. "No. Because I know she will say yes to that project just to help Yura."
Sumire nodded but did not fully agree. "You have a point. But I think she will be saying yes no matter what."
Natsume placed sudden interest on that statement.
"Why?" Hotaru asked.
Sumire smiled and glance at Natsume whose eyes were glued on Mikan's path. "Because what girl would pass the opportunity to be with Akihiro Mori?"
They were complete and they were on time. The meeting for the Arts & Media Week began. Displayed on their visual presentation were the agendas for the said meeting. Ruka was seated at the middle front and the rest was arranged by their positions. At Ruka's right was bulk of papers that he looked happy for. He had been receiving news and rumors since the event was announced courtesy of Sumire and other club presidents that he wished to discussed in the ongoing meeting.
"First day of registration and we already have this many," Koko commented.
"The Arts and Media Week is probably one of the most controversial events of our school, with that students became more aware and interested. It does not actually surprise me to have this number of participants," Ruka stated.
Hotaru changed the slide of the presentation. "Two years ago, we had a problem concerning A&M Week involving sophomore students. This year they are at it again. Last year during the film showing, they put in a different material from what they submitted to us and it greatly affected the image of the Student Council."
"I can talk to them," Yura announced.
Hotaru shook her head. "Yura, I think this is not about your issue with them anymore. They just like to spite us."
"We can screen their entries first. It is a requirement. We should approve of their script first before they get the budget," Koko reminded.
"They are recruiting Mikan to be one of their leads," Sumire finally said.
Ruka closed his eyes for a while before saying, "Then they are really spiting us."
Sumire went onto explaining. "Natsume and I thought it would be better if Mikan would know nothing about this. I mean, she is not involved in the first place. We cannot influence her decision because she might regret it if she really wants to do the film."
"What do you think, Hotaru?" Koko asked.
"Mikan will do it."
Sumire nodded and said, "Yeah, we think so, too."
"I agree that we should not get her involved. Mikan might have the hero complex again," Yura added.
Everyone waited for what Ruka would say next. He looked to be deep in thought, calculating the probabilities of the events in his mind. That was why he said beforehand that SC officers were not encouraged to join but he did not guess that they would eye for Mikan instead. No, Ruka wanted to believe the passion of Nagihiko's team, that they really recruited Mikan because she had the talent and not just to insult the Student Council.
"When the issue arises, that's the only time we will deal with it. We still don't know if Nagihiko's group will cause harm or not. Let's just say that for now they are not doing anything that can ruin the event but we will still watch over them. In fact, we should monitor everyone's creation process so that nothing out of our knowledge will happen. "
Koko agreed fully. "Copy, Pres."
Ruka signaled Hotaru to change the slides again. "We decided to leave the genre for the short story contest to be general as to not limit the participants to write about family only, friendship only, or about love only. I think we have a positive response because in our list, ten students already registered. That's double of participants we had last year and it's only the first day."
"But the teachers are kinda against with us not having a theme. They think it will confuse the students more," Yura said with worry.
"Why don't we have freedom as a theme? I mean, that's acceptable, right?" Koko suggested.
"Great thinking, Koko," Ruka complimented and wrote it to his memo. "It's a bit late but we can still post that. Does everyone agree?"
Everyone nodded at the plan and then the meeting progressed on the reward. Hotaru showed the slide that contained the list of sponsors they successfully scouted for A&M Week. It was actually not a problem for Hotaru to gather all these sponsors, their actually concern should be on their satisfaction so they would be willing to sponsor any event Alice Academy would be doing in the future.
"We should update the sponsors on the progress of A&M. I still think it would be better to not just have monetary reward but also something they can use or remember," Hotaru said.
"How about a trip?" Natsume recommended.
"Budget is not a problem. We can list all our suggestions and have the headmaster approve it," Hotaru added.
Ruka checked all their meeting points and said, "I think we covered all the meeting points and agenda. Does anyone want to add something?"
"Nothing here," Koko said.
"None," Yura added.
Ruka nodded and eyed everyone, hoping to have more fruitful meetings in the future with this great team. "Okay, meeting adjourned."
Good thing that the meeting went smoothly and it ended earlier than the usual. Ruka said that he would stay for a while to sign some papers after Hotaru announced that she would be the one closing the office because she had to prepare the budget list that will be distributed to the headmaster, faculty, and sponsors, Koko, Yura, and Sumire went home together already, and Natsume was only on his way to his car.
Natsume easily found his car on the parking lot because there were only at least ten of them inside the vicinity. While he was walking, he heard a sniff and he knew it was just nearby. He tried to trace where the sniffing came and the sound brought him to the same spot wherein Yuu and Mikan had the conversation and it did not astonish him to see that Mikan was the crying girl.
"Are you crying?" Natsume asked with his gruff voice.
Mikan looked up, her face stained with tears, her nose was red and were her eyes. It was dark but the streetlight illuminated her face enough. "Can't you see?" Mikan sobbed.
Natsume rolled his eyes. He did not sit well with crying girls or comforting anyone. "Why the hell are you crying?"
"Because this is such a good story! It makes my heart wrench," Mikan explained in between sobs.
"You must be shitting me."
Mikan ignored his rude comment and went on to her blabbering. "I think if I would let this opportunity pass, I would regret this forever. An elite team inviting me to play this very intriguing character. Imagine the privilege."
When Natsume was sure that Mikan was fine, he already decided to leave her with her girly crying. "Whatever," he said, kinda regretting why he even stopped to check out on her.
Mikan wiped her tears using her pink, polka-dotted hanky and placed the script on her backpack. "I know you, guys. I knew something happened before and you are all not doing a good job hiding that. Still, I don't know exactly what it is but eventually I might find it out. I just want to clear something. I will join them because this is such a good story."
"And you can't miss that opportunity to meddle with other's problem again."
"Whatever that is, I don't think it can affect my decision of joining them. This script is a masterpiece. And I don't want to meddle. "
"I could care any less of your decision. Actually, it's not even you who we are worried about," Natsume explained, wanting to see her reaction from that.
Mikan nodded like nothing happened. "Good then," she said and began her pace.
"You will not interfere with them," Natsume ordered.
"I don't even plan to," Mikan cleared and walked again only to be stopped by an insight. She turned around to see Natsume looking at her. "You saw me crying," she spoke.
Natsume raised an eyebrow. "And so?"
Mikan only smiled and waved her hand as if saying to dismiss what she just said. "I'm just glad you didn't make fun of me. Goodbye, Natsume."
"What… did you call me?" he asked even though the sudden mention of his name from her very mouth made him feel different, in a way that he could not explain. Or maybe he was just not used with Mikan acting as if they were actual friends. Did she think they could be since the Sorry gift?
"Your first name. Should I not?" Mikan inquired, worried because it might disgruntle Natsume again.
Natsume did not reply anymore, afraid of what he might say. Afraid he would say that he didn't mind and he was actually fine with it. He turned his back and waved shortly, refusing to face her. "Goodbye, Polka Dots."
"Polka dots?" Mikan asked to herself and then she remembered the hanky she used earlier. She only laughed at Natsume's shyness, knowing that Natsume was a great kid but really not that good with words.
Morning came and the deadline was near. Holding the script, Mikan heavily searched for Ken, excited to tell him the good news. Last night, Mikan also asked for her father's advice and Narumi had nothing but good words and promises of support. She went to the senior's building but did not find Ken, she then went to the park, the reading area, and the library. Mikan regretted not asking for his contact number. When she grew tired, she decided to head back to her classroom and luckily Ken was there. It appeared he looked for her, too. Mikan called his name once and then Ken turned around.
"Hey, Ken. I'm in."
Ken was ecstatic. "Really? No turning back?" he asked.
"Nope."
"Great! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" he said enthusiastically and hugged MIkan tightly. However, Mikan found the gesture awkward but she was too kind and understanding to push Ken.
"Did you know that public display of affection is greatly prohibited in this school?" Natsume's commanding voice echoed on Mikan and Ken.
"Natsume! Ruka!" Mikan felt like a criminal caught in the act, causing her to push Ken so they would disconnect. It was bad enough for Natsume to see them hugging and it could only get worse with Ruka witnessing it also. "Oh, you guys are mistaken. Ken was just saying thank you."
"Explaining yourself will only tell us that you are guilty. Do you want a notice of discipline, Polka Dots?" Natsume wanted to shock her for taunting purposes.
"I swear this was just out of the blue," Mikan explained.
Ruka only smiled at her but it was obvious he did not even acknowledged Ken's presence. "It's okay, Mikan. Don't worry about it."
"But, Ruka, really this is nothing. Ruka!" she tried explaining as they retreated. Mikan almost tore the script she held so lovingly and carefully a day ago. "I really hate you, Natsume Hyuuga."
"You really seem close to them especially to Hyuuga," Ken remarked.
Mikan was not happy to hear that. "Believe me, we're not even close."
End of Chapter
Thank you for your reviews from last chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading this too.
Shout out to someone who is so kind and creative and willing to make a book cover for this story. Please express your willingness to create something for Something You've Read Before. Thank you in advance. : )