Something You've Read Before
Chapter Eleven
It's Called Acting
"You know I can't live without you."
Mikan threw the line with the right amount of emotion. One could hear desperation in her pitch, also frustration and longing. It really helped a lot that she practiced with someone she was comfortable with and someone who would not criticize her for the heck of it but really for the betterment of her craft. The empty classroom also helped her to be at ease because of fewer distractions. There were instances that students crossed the hallway and would look at them briefly for their curiosity to be fed but that was not enough for Mikan's focus to waver. It was 30 minutes after five and the second day of her practice with Yuu. Everything was according to plan or at least she thought.
Memorizing her lines for the film was not as easy as she predicted it to be because of her divided attention. The busy week came when she needed to accomplish school projects and review her lessons because of everyday quizzes. Her teacher in Physics loved making their lives a living hell. Mikan did not want her academic performance to be affected because of her newfound passion and she did not want Narumi saying that she should not have joined at all in the Arts & Media Week. That would frustrate her endless.
"Exactly why I'm doing this. You are obsessed with me. This is not just love. If this is love, I would be glad about it but it just scares me. It scares me to think what you might do to yourself—" Yuu replied, managing to hide his laughter until he could not do it anymore. "Ah, Mikan, this is so cheesy."
Yuu supported Mikan's decision to be in a production team that hated the Student Council. He knew it was not about Mikan anyway and that she sincerely wanted to be a part of Ken's group because she fell in love with the story. When Mikan asked Yuu to aide her in practicing the lines with an actual person answering back, he agreed without second thoughts because he knew it would be fun. Everything was fun with Mikan especially when she was supposed to be stern and yet she could not survive a minute without cracking up. Sometimes, Yuu would just make something up just to break Mikan's focus.
Mikan rolled her eyes and slightly hit Yuu's head with the script. "I know, Yuu. But it is what makes the drama… dramatic. These are the normal things you say in movies or tv shows."
"This is so unrealistic," Yuu stated, eyeing the script with a hint of disgust. So much for being a serious partner.
The statement made Mikan contemplate but she was also quick to defend the dialogues that she must own. "Trust me, Yuu, when you have someone you care more than your own life, you really can't live without them."
Yuu only stared at her while trying to understand the statement and there he knew that Mikan had a point and was correct. He felt that once or twice or maybe every day with his family and with Anna. "You know what? Maybe you're right because I temporarily felt that way when my Mom died but I realized that she does not want me to feel that way."
"See?" Mikan said proudly. "Shall we continue?" she asked with a smile.
"Okay," Yuu agreed and opened the script once more, standing up so he could deliver his lines with enough skill. They were rallying the climax of the story and only few pages were left but still felt like a whole week of storytelling. "That's just wrong. I cannot love a person like you! Everything about this love is wrong because what you are feeling is not love. You think your life depends on me, that your whole existence is pointless without me. I don't think that way. I could perfectly live without you. I can manage without you. See my point here? You need me so much but I don't need you. I'm freeing you from the inequality."
Good thing Yuu gave it his all that Mikan was also able to let her emotions out. Yuu used gestures to stress out the important lines. He made steps, movement that made Mikan feel that this was the actual shoot of their short film. If Yuu was not such a shy person when it came to crowds, he could be a very effective actor. Mikan was ecstatic, of course. Not only did she discover one of Yuu's hidden talents, her practice sessions with him harnessed her acting capability also. The way Yuu delivered those important lines affected her that she felt like crying, already imagining that her first heartbreak could be like this. Oh, she hoped it would not be because she might lose it.
Just like that, tears fell from Mikan's eyes. Yuu was surprised of her acting prowess. He didn't know it had gotten to the point that Mikan became so serious about it. Mikan placed the script on the table, totally unattended, and wiped her tears. She clutched her uniform at the part where her heart lies and then more tears came. That moment convinced Yuu why Ken was so ardent in getting Mikan for the film. It was really because of the talent and not because Ken just wanted to get to the Student Council's nerves.
Mikan hauled a deep sigh, sobbing, and delivered her lines with trembling voice. "I'm your best friend. You promised that we will always be together. Why is it always make-believe when it comes to us? Why does it need to end this way?"
The practice ended there. Mikan closed the script, placing it inside her bag with much care. She completely wiped her tears and applied powder to somehow hide her red nose and puffy eyes. While doing those, Yuu just watched him in awe. He could not say anything about how that dramatic scene turned out. It was just so natural. Mikan acted like she really experienced the same thing. It was easy for her to cry, to smile, to act angry, shy. A real actress, truly. But then again, was she good with those because she was a natural or was it because of other reasons? Like it was easy for Mikan to cry because she had things that made her cry every single time. Yuu had an idea, of sorts, but chose not to further the topic.
"I think your team is aiming for a story that almost anyone could relate," was Yuu's side comment.
Mikan was finished applying powder when she answered, "The story is cliché but the narration is awesome. I also love their family conflicts. You will get this feeling like 'Oh! That happens in our home' or something like that."
Dark skies settled in. It was past six in the evening. The school was almost empty but the roads were not. The time when car lights lit up the city also meant that another day passed. Yuu locked the doors, checking twice if it was secured. Mikan made fun of him for being such a perfectionist and neat freak but defended himself quickly, saying that it would be the end of his class representative career if he left the doors open. A bit exaggerated explanation but it was not far from the truth.
"Your filming begins tomorrow. Yura and Natsume are assigned to watch over your group. "
Mikan frowned at the thought. She knew that the Student Council meant it to be that way. Yura being one of thepair was understandable because it was the perfect opportunity to show that there was no issue to begin with but Natsume being included in the pair only meant word war or ego competition.
"Let's just hope that filming won't be delayed. Hiro told me that editing is the hardest part and it really takes days so the sooner we finish shooting, the better," Mikan hoped but she did not expect that it would come true.
"Aren't you even worried on the tension between the Student Council and your group?" Yuu finally asked.
"Honestly, I am. Natsume can be so mean and nasty sometimes and I noticed that he is not fond of Ken. Whatever happened between Yura and Ken, I think it's up to them whether they would talk about it or not."
When they reached the ground floor, fine drops of rain started to fall. Yuu readied his umbrella and so was Mikan. This was the explanation why it was unusually hot all day. On the morning weather news, it was stated that thunderstorms could develop in the coming ten hours, only Yuu did not know it would clash on the time they decided to go home.
"You don't want to be biased," Yuu chirped, adjusting on Mikan's slow pace of walking.
Mikan nodded as she placed her backpack on the front and took out a piece of paper from one of its pockets. "Correct. Right now, Ken's group has shown nothing but kindness to me. Even if they are using me, let them be because I want to do this. I really, really want to do this story."
"Why?"
Yuu really wanted to know Mikan's main reason.
Mikan refrained from walking, briefly looked at the outside. She found lightning beautiful but thunder a scary sound. As for the rain, Mikan had only one sentiment for it. "Because my character has a complete family," she explained with her quiet voice.
Yuu shifted gazes from Mikan to the raining phenomenon outside. Suddenly, the conversation turned serious. He knew why but he disliked abrupt serious conversations. "And I thought it was because of Akihiro Mori," he joked.
Mikan giggled and pinched Yuu's nose. "Ha. Ha. Yuu."
"Polka."
The nickname halted Mikan's action for a second before she turned around and placed her hands on her waist. Yuu would never forget that interaction. It was the first time he heard Natsume say something like that and Mikan looked absolutely fine with it. Yuu did not know the history behind the nickname but he was sure it started Mikan and Natsume's friendship.
The brunette ran to Natsume's side and asked with her sickening pitched voice, "Natsume! How may I help thee?"
Natsume groaned at her. That tone of hers was classical music to his ears and he hated classical music. "I told you to send me a copy of your filming schedule," he bellowed gruffly.
Mikan took a step back, hand on her mouth. She blinked repetitively which made Natsume grimace. "Oh! I'm sorry I totally forgot about it. I was busy memorizing my lines with Yuu here."
There were many things in the world that irked Natsume and one those were excuses. He hated it because it justified that a person was not responsible to complete his task after all. And Mikan knew that he was that type of person and yet she purposely did it. She really was getting into him. Yuu watched them, entertained by their earthly actions and reactions.
"Whatever. I need it now."
Mikan rolled her eyes. "Fine. Here."
That explained the paper Mikan pulled out from her bag earlier. She already planned to give it to Natsume at this time.
"Finally. Next time, be more assertive than this," Natsume warned, poking her in the forehead. "Bye, Yuu."
"Goodbye!" Yuu replied.
"That guy is so hotheaded," Mikan mumbled, still tending to the spot where Natsume just poked her.
"Natsume? Polka? When did you guys become so close?" Youu could not help but ask.
These were the guys that fought over him because of the funeral issues months ago, right? They disliked each other and they had incompatible personalities. Mikan had her own opinion while Natsume had his own also. With Mikan's friendliness, sure it was bound that she would get Natsume's approval someday but calling her with a nickname? Poking her forehead? Yuu was overjoyed. No doubt, he was about to enjoy more his high school life because of these new developments.
Mikan shooed Yuu's attempt of tease. "Oh, please, Yuu. Do me a favor. Don't put colors on a black and white sketch."
Yuu smiled widely, shaking his head. "I know Natsume really well and I know he does not give pet names."
"It's an insult, not a pet name."
"He's fond of you," Yuu concluded with a brilliant grin.
Mikan blushed upon hearing that. She swiftly avoided Yuu's investigative eyes. "No, he isn't."
"And they say you like Ruka."
"I like Ruka!" Mikan yelled then hurriedly covered her mouth and checked her surroundings to confirm if somebody else heard her. She hit the already laughing Yuu on the shoulders and when it was not enough to make him stop, Mikan hit him more. "What the hell is your problem? Why did you make me say that? If somebody hears, it will be the end of my plan."
"You don't need to hide that obvious fact. Hey, I'm your friend."
"I'm not comfortable talking about it with a boy," Mikan admitted.
Yuu shrugged his shoulders and then thought of something to bargain of. "If you want, I will talk to you about Anna."
Mikan pouted and scornfully looked at her friend. "That's not the same. You and Anna are exclusive and as for me, Ruka doesn't even know."
"How could he know when you spend more time with Natsume than him?"
Those words were like bomb to Mikan. It rang repeatedly in her head. It stabbed her heart multiple times. She did not even notice what others noticed. She imagined herself swallowed by a hole because of embarrassment and naivety. She wanted to take back what just happened between her and Natsume but the thing was nothing happened but Yuu detected a discrepancy. She was so caught up getting Natsume's approval that she forgot her real plan and that was to pursue Ruka. Her love life was compromised before it even started.
"Waah? Really? How could that happen?" Mikan asked, still in state of disbelief and guilt. Guilty because what Yuu observed was true.
"Based on what I see," Yuu casually replied.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Mikan quaked as if it was Yuu's responsibility to let her know.
"I'm kinda glad to see you're trying new things, Mikan. Maybe I was just really glad that you and Natsume are moving you relationship to the next level," Yuu teased.
"Whoa! Hold that thought. There is no relationship to move in a higher level in the first place. I just want us to be decent with each other and yeah maybe even become friends someday," Mikan explained in a silvery tone. Yuu just gave her a simple nod and smile. Mikan smiled at the reaction she received and then realized the importance of Yuu's study. "Thanks. But, still you should have told me! Ruka might think I am really aiming for Natsume. Oh my God. Why did you even have to say that? It's shaking my mind! I can't think straight. How do I troubleshoot this wrong notion?"
"You can start by getting out of the zone?" Yuu suggested.
Mikan had no idea what he was talking about. "You mean the friend zone?" she asked.
Yuu opened his umbrella. The thunderstorm was losing momentum. It would be not so hard to walk now. Mikan waited for his answer and he gave it just before they started to travel their way home. "No, the External Affairs member zone."
Ruka and the things related to him ran on her mind for two days already. Mikan tried to think of ways to follow Yuu's advice. Her Physics homework could wait but she really had to deal with her feelings. Her conversation with Yuu indirectly told her that she had gotten nowhere with Ruka so far. Maybe it came to this not because she was busy with things related to Natsume but because of her teacher in Physics and his plan to bury their class in Physics Purgatory. Mikan bit her lip, she made excuses again and people that passed by looked weirdly at her. But, who wouldn't?
She sat on the sidewalk across her favorite house. She decided to practice her lines there. The thing was, she was always there on her free time. Yuu had to run errands, leaving her with no partner to play lines with so she went to see her favorite place. Narumi would know where she was even without informing him so it was alright for her to stay. All was left for her to memorize were the last three pages of the script. Her attention wavered and she started noticing the people passing by and the looks they gave her. To her surprise, the one source of her frustration appeared out of nowhere.
"R-ruka."
"Did I surprise you?" Ruka asked, wearing his genuine smile.
Mikan stood up, her legs weak from the long hours of sitting. "Yes. I mean no! No, I mean yes."
Ruka snickered at Mikan's nervous response. "You are really funny," he chimed.
"Is that a good thing?" Mikan asked and then regretted the moment it came out from her mouth. It sounded like she vied for his approval.
"It is," Ruka assured then asked, "Why are you practicing here?"
Mikan pointed at the answer. "I like that house."
Ruka studied the house Mikan pointed, found nothing really special about it. The residence's white paint looked like it was applied years ago because of the black smudges on the corners but white fences showered with green leaves made it look like a mini forest than an actual home. Flowers all over the place but nothing specifically mesmerizing. It was a simple home that nature lovers would take a peek at in an instant. "You go here often because you like that house?" he asked in skepticism.
Mikan was rather intrigued. "How do you know that I go here often?"
Ruka scratched the back of his head. "I think this is where we all first met. It's so funny that you and Natsume managed to fight the first time you met. "
"Oh, I remember. Gosh, that was embarrassing." Actually, Mikan did not want to talk about it. "Is this your way home?" she asked instead.
"Yeah, it is."
Ruka's answers were short as if he was not used in leading a conversation. Mikan was being conscious herself, thinking of what to say next and if her questions wouldn't bore Ruka or reflect badly on her. After Yuu's statements the other day, Ruka was on her mind nonstop and the fact that the boy stood inches away from her made her feel like destiny played on her. It was like Mikan's mind attracted Ruka's presence to be here so she could straighten things out. A chance to send him the message.
"Do you always walk when you go home? I mean, don't you have that fancy car which you drive around the city?" Mikan inquired.
"Actually, I do have one. But, I decided not to use it today because I visited a film location and the best way to go there is to commute."
What were the chances that Ruka would be walking home instead of going by car and they would meet at a historic location for the two of them? Mikan felt blessed and cursed at the same time. Several times they met in unexpected circumstances and the most memorable one for her was at the library when Ruka purposely wanted to talk to her. Nothing romantic about it but Mikan found it sweet because Ruka did it for a friend.
Ruka was lovelier in Mikan's eyes when he was out doing his responsibilities. Mikan had no idea if Ruka ever complained or sometimes wished that another member of the Student Council went beyond of their scopes to help him. The perfection he oozed made him a too-good-to-be-true guy. Mikan was well-aware that she only knew Ruka's positive traits and hardly made effort to open her eyes to his flaws. It kinda scared her because she might want to change him. To narrow the chances of her changing someone, she chose him. She chose someone who was perfect in his eyes. Someone who could understand her and the baggage she kept with her.
"You're so simple sometimes," Mikan dreamily jibed.
Ruka easily dismissed the praise she gave. "What's with the house? I don't mean to brag but it's average for my taste and it shares the same look with the other houses here."
Outer form did not give the house justice. Ruka was correct though. The house was similar to the other houses on the neighborhood but exterior design was not Mikan's reason for liking the address to begin with.
"I just like it," Mikan whispered, her brown orbs directed at Ruka.
Talkative when she wanted it but secretive when she needed to. Ruka wondered about her personality since she invited her to dance. She was close to the rest of the SC members even to Natsume whom she did not get along well at the beginning. And again he was the one she invited to dance. Ruka assumed things but did not want to admit it to himself. It was hard to tell. Mikan was friendly with everyone making it easy for her to talk about anything and yet she stuttered every time he would greet her. The way Mikan acted with him was similar to the way he acted with Hotaru Imai.
"You're not gonna ever tell me, are you?" Ruka asked quietly.
Mikan clutched the script tightly to her chest. She wondered if he was still referring to the house. Facing the direction towards her home, Mikan was ready to leave. "I'm happy we get to see each other here. The conversations we had were always about school. It's nice we talked about something different," she stated.
Ruka gulped before finally asking, "What made you join External Affairs, Mikan?"
Mikan smiled slightly, turned around, and answered the question with a bigger smile. "Because I want to know this certain person."
The response somehow sent blushes to Ruka. He looked down, bangs hiding his face, and tried his best to feel his feet and hands. "You have odd reasons. Are you telling the truth?" he asked in a shy tone.
Mikan nodded. "Yes, I am."
Ruka looked up, his cheeks remained flushed. He could not look straight in her eyes though. "Then, you are awfully honest."
"Being honest is not awful," Mikan retorted. Ruka's sudden discomfort paved her mind.
"I know," Ruka replied with eyes finally directed at her.
So, this was how it felt to have a boy best friend. You took pictures together, enjoyed the same food while fighting, tutored each other on subjects you were weak at. Not to mention the many movie nights you've shared, the expected unexpected surprise birthday parties, the heartbreak, the ups and downs you experienced side by side. Mikan had a rather interesting day, portraying various emotions. One second she was happy then the next thing she knew she had to sympathize and cry. The food they ate made her cry of happiness, of course. Romantic moments were filmed in sequence and she could not help but blush at the fact that she shared earphones with a guy. A thing she had not done before.
Some of the firsts were experienced in an alternate universe. That truth was cruel and kind. Mikan went on a road trip with people she just knew for an hour. They talked about things she was not part of. She only listened, careful not spoil their recitation of memory lane. They asked her, too, if she experienced similar things and she could only nod and shake her head. Mikan was in a new group once again. This was not new to her. The Student Council made her feel the same and it was the same for everything for anybody who ventured into new beginnings.
Akihiro Mori looked deeply at her with an expression of thankfulness and sorrow. He caressed her cheeks and hugged her. The next move was patting her in the head. He did it well and Mikan was almost carried away. She looked at him with tearful eyes. She was sad. Akihiro Mori just ran away from home because his father cut all connection to their family and he just fought with her sister who barely visited home. Nothing went right. Then, Mikan was there ready as ever to lift his spirits no matter how many times he broke her heart.
Later on, Akihiro faced more serious obstacles that words could not fix anymore. He was caught up between what's beneficial for him and beneficial for Mikan. It was hard to hide feelings and that explained the invite to dance with her in the balcony while sweet music played from his phone. Mikan sought help from other friends, other guys but she could not completely escape because he ran for her every single time. Hugging her equaled apologies. He hoped it was enough to dry the tears. He hated he was the reason for it.
"And cut!" Ken yelled, clapping his way to the two. He gave Akihiro and Mikan the thumbs up. After only ten takes, they got it. "Great job, guys. Now, doing the same scene eigh different times isn't so bad, right? Break for 30 minutes and then we film again."
Mikan breathed in the air, exhaustion filled her system. Ken waved at her from the back of the Akhiro's car. It was parked at the corner of the grassy ground of Shinuina River. The placed served as the film's location where the two main characters love to vent their feelings. Aika Makoto arranged the food for their break while Yui Satoru distributed the drinks. The food fueled Mikan's decreased energy. She made a quick run for it, consuming the drink first just to moisten her dry mouth. No amount of make-up could hide her pale lips anymore, only food could.
"Who prepared the food?" Mikan asked.
Yui raised a hand as she swallowed her yakiniku. "I did," she answered.
"Wow. You're great in writing and in cooking. What can you not do?"
Yui laughed and frowned. "I suck at Math, apparently."
They were humans after all, Mikan could relate immensely to Yui on the Math part. Mikan took a seat on the ground with so much food on her plate. Doubt no more, she was starving and wanted a beak since two hours ago. Ken was such a freak director who had expectations that only a professional actor with fifteen years of experience could give. Mikan wanted to throw the script at him sometimes but that would be the end of the world for her. Hiroki, despite being her classmate, was mostly quiet and focused on his camera. Aika Makoto and Yui Satoru changed lines every time, making Mikan think that memorizing the script was near useless. As for Akihiro, he was great and it put a great deal of pressure on her, too. Mikan knew she had to keep up with these guys.
"Here, have some." That was Aika Makoto serving Akihiro Mori a rice cake.
"Thanks," Akihiro mumbled and took a bite.
Mikan looked at them in disgust. She did not see that coming. Her jaw almost dropped at the scene before her. It almost rivaled those sickeningly, mushy scenes at television. She decided to refocus on the food rather than the slight jealousy that fired inside her.
"You're so sweet that the ants might crawl anytime," Yui commented and took the seat next to Mikan, "Aika convinced Aki to participate in this film because they like each other," she whispered.
"So not! Aki has the talent," Aika defended rapidly.
"If that's the case, don't you want to be his lead actress?" Yui teased and looked at Mikan, encouraging her to join with her tease fest.
Akihiro placed his arm around Aika's shoulders and with a proud grin, he said, "This girl loves being behind the scenes more than anyone."
"So, creative talent pulled your closer and became a production team?" Mikan asked.
Yui eyed the team before nodding. "You could say that."
Just like the friendships formed in clubs, Mikan thought automatically. All of a sudden, the Sports Club crossed her mind and how she neglected it for weeks. President Himura must be angry at her for not being a serious member. She offered herself to too much extra-curricular activities than originally planned and now she struggled how to manage her time dealing with those. She just hoped that President Himura would not skin her alive on Monday.
"How was the Student Council these days, Mikan?" Ken asked out of the blue.
"Oh, they're great and that's kinda expected," Mikan proudly answered.
"How's Yura?" was Ken's quick follow-up.
Connecting the dots got a lot easier now. Mikan wanted to answer in all honesty but then she wanted the new visitors to answer it for themselves. "Why don't ask her yourself? Look, she's coming here," Mikan stated.
This was actually Ken's anticipated moment. He waited all day for them to come and the moment did not disappoint. The Student Council did not think this through, sending someone their group hated and another someone their group had history with. He placed his unfinished food at the car and greeted Natsume and Yura with open arms. Natsume was in his usual mood, emotionless and as for Yura, it was visible that she was uncomfortable.
"Good afternoon, Yura and Hyuuga. We've been waiting for you."
Everybody else from the team stopped from eating and paid their attention to the Student Council members. Mikan caught Natsume's gaze and nonverbally warned him to take it easy. He just rolled his eyes as a sign that he refused to listen.
"We want to know the latest," Natsume said in a commanding tone.
Ken was more than glad to relay the information. "We're on scene eleven already. Cooperation and professionalism make our work faster," he spoke in his gravelly voice.
"What's the next scene?" Yura asked, gaining her composure.
Yui eyed the main characters then replied, "It is where Mikan and Aki's characters make progress."
Natsume eyed Mikan to explain what Yui just said but Mikan only shrugged. She did not feel it was right to talk for the production team. She had been silent since they came and she kept it that way. Getting in between of two evils was not a fantastic feeling but this was her decision and it was only right to give her best until the very end.
"What kind of progress?" Yura asked after a shallow sigh.
"Like what usual couples do," Ken responded. Aika hit him slightly on the head, a way of scorning him for being around the bush.
"Is it so hard for you to answer directly, Nagihiko?" Natsume groveled.
Ken was unaffected though. In fact, he enjoyed that he got into Natsume's nerves again. "Oh, I'm sorry. It is just that it's better to watch than narrate it."
Natsume was done with the childish banters. It was time to interview the crew to fill his report. He went to Ken last to simply save himself from his raging temper at the simple occurrence of seeing him. Akihiro Mori was first. This guy was in his list, too. Natsume had every intention of asking Mikan but he wanted it in a different time and place where she could voice out her opinion without anyone holding her back.
Yura met Yui and Aika on their first year of junior high school. They clicked immediately because they were such girly girls who were smarter than the boys they had crushes with. Ken came into the picture with his good buddy Akihiro who happened to be acquainted with Hiroki also. They shared good times and even though they shared the same likes and dislikes, contrasting opinions arose and then relationships happened. Things were supposed to be shallow but it was too late when it affected them gravely then projected. Years passed and most stayed while the other one found a new flock to join. It was bound to happen anyway but still it was hard to accept it.
"By the way, I didn't get to ask, how are you?" Yui asked as she stood beside Yura.
Yura smiled at the cliché question. "I'm doing great, as you can see."
Yui hated to admit it but Yura told the truth. She watched her former friend in the hallways of Alice Academy or when Yura needed to talk on the stage during an assembly or a classroom tour. The girl who once wanted to work behind already belonged to the frontlines. Yura was no longer the timid, go with flow girl. Her new circle of friends changed her.
"Even after two years, Ken does so many things for you."
"No one told him to and as if I want this," Yura scoffed.
Yui smiled bitterly. "Calm down. You were friends once. No need to growl on me."
"That's what I don't like about you, Yui. You mock everything," Yura replied calmly.
"Do I, now?" Yui asked in a challenging manner.
If Ken waited for them to come, little did they know that Yura also waited for this moment. To confront them somehow and discover their plans. She knew they were up to something.
"Gosh, why can't you guys just move on? Why do you have to drag other people in our problem?" Yura asked, her tone rose.
Yui thought that Yura was a bit disenchanted, insulting her craft like that. Her former friend thought so lowly now of the things they once found happiness with. "Are you referring to Mikan? Oh, don't even go there. We chose Mikan because Ken highly recommends her."
"Do you think I'll actually believe that?" Yura retorted.
Laughing, Yui asked, "Why are you so angry?"
"If you two will fight, I have no choice but to report this," Natsume threatened.
The girls were unaware that everybody could hear them. Natsume was in a fouler mood after witnessing that and worse Yura was the first who had lost it. He started the day already feeling tired because of this unnecessary assignment. Visiting the participants was never done before because the need for it was low but since Ken's crew pulled something last year, it came to this.
Yui eyed the visitors and bowed her head. "Excuse me," she said.
Natsume gave Yura a stern look, waiting for her excuse.
"I'm sorry I tend to lose my control when it comes to them," Yura explained.
"I think you should go home already. I will stay here."
"You don't need to stay. They will not do anything with us here. Ken waited for us so he knew we would be coming even if this was a random inspection," Yura continuously spoke until her eyes caught Mikan who was in her blocking already. Yura paused, giggled, and looked at Natsume. "Ah, I get it."
"Get what?" Natsume asked, checking his phone for the time.
Yura wanted to laugh at Natsume's effort to hide it. "Why you want to stay."
"It's our task," Natsume snarled.
"Don't worry. I don't trust them with Mikan also."
Natsume shook his head, expression returned to impassive. "Definitely not the reason. I will stay for preventive measures, got that Otonashi?"
"Whatever you say," Yura said before bidding goodbye to the set.
Trust issue was the basis why Natsume wanted to stay. He needed more details to finish the report also. The filming temporarily put on a break to blend in the light they would use. The sun had set and low quality videos were their problem. Natsume continued his observation until Mikan approached him. The brunette let out a deep sigh. He did not know what transpired Mikan to think they were close enough for them to do this but he could kill time also. Just watching them made him already bored.
"You look like hell."
Mikan buried her face to her flexed knees. "We've been here since five in the morning to film the sunrise. The sun has already set and we're still here. I lack sleep and rest. Ken is getting irritated because I can't look at Akihiro Mori with enough love and compassion."
"Regretting your decision already?" Natsume inquired.
"No. That does not even cross my mind. Once I get my sleep, I'll be fine."
"If you say so."
Mikan raised her head and took her time to assemble the words in her head. "Something happened the other day," she began.
Natsume was unfazed. When did she ever open up to him? The set up felt weird to him. "I don't think I care," he remarked.
The reaction was expected and Mikan could only beam. Natsume was never out of his character. She wanted to divulge more, if only Ken had not called for her. Maybe it was for the better but still she wanted Natsume to know first. She felt that sharing her progress with him proved that she was winning whatever they were fighting with each other.
"Mikan, can I borrow you for a second?" Ken butted in then went to Hiroki and discussed another major change that had to be done.
"Excuse me. Duty calls," Mikan bid, her steps leading her to the blocking but changed her mind at the last minute and ran back to Natsume to whisper, "Ruka knows."
Natsume was not given enough time to react.
"We will push the kissing scene," Ken announced.
"What?" Mikan asked in astonishment. That scene was deleted by Aika and Yui just yesterday.
Mikan expected the crew to react negatively but they only gave their nods. That did not sit well on Mikan's part. No way she would be succumbing to Ken's every command. She remembered the relief she felt when the writers agreed to take out the scene because it was too much for students like them. Even if it was pivotal because it made everything else more romantic, kissing Akihiro Mori never belonged to her fantasies. Mikan looked at the sky. In the script, they kissed at dusk. The sky concurred to what the scene needed.
"What? It will shake Alice Academy. I want us to cross boundaries," Ken explained.
"But Aika," Mikan tried to explain.
Aika was quick to dismiss Mikan's worry though. "Oh, don't even mind me. Work is work and if we get the student votes through this then the better," she said.
"But this is just a high school film."
Ken looked at his star with slanted eyes, kinda upset hearing that from her. "This is not just a high school film, Mikan. If you haven't noticed, we take this very seriously," he sneered.
Good thing that he stressed that out early on Mikan. He was somber when he said that they treated the film preciously. He wanted more dedication for Mikan especially that she fell short on the looking like some love freak part. More emotions needed to be squeezed from Mikan. Add to that, Natsume's presence pushed Ken to film the kissing scene because it would be more fun if he watched. It was just kissing. Ken was sure Natsume Hyuuga wouldn't mind. Then if Natsume disapproved, Ken would just accuse him of being biased. Easy peasy.
"But…"
"Another excuse? Don't tell me you haven't kissed anyone before?" Ken mocked. He thought he finally discovered why.
"What kind of question is that?" Mikan asked, offended.
Ken signaled the others to leave them for a while. "Just admit it," he continued.
"That's not even the issue," Mikan cleared.
Ken brushed his hair using his fingers to show his small discontent at Mikan's refusal. He actually thought at first that Mikan would agree because she adored the story or so she claimed. Mikan had a lot to learn especially when to say no or yes. Re-adding the kissing scene was not for the sake of getting into someone's temper but really to beautify the film. Ken felt that the chemistry should well up on the last minutes of the movie so the audience would believe that Mikan and Akihiro really loved each other even after the credits faded.
"What is the issue then? We'll do something about it."
"Can't we just fake it?" Mikan asked nicely, using her sweet voice to convince Ken.
Ken stared at the ground for a moment, thinking of the best way to push this through. Then he got his idea and lessened the distance between him and Mikan. "Alright, you asked for it. We will practice."
"What?" Mikan asked worriedly.
Ken was confident on the other hand. "Consider this a quick workshop," he chimed.
"You're nuts," Mikan spat.
Mikan did not want trouble but Ken asked for it. His demands finally got through her and she could no longer tolerate his attitude. To think he was endearing when he approached her. But to be fair, Ken was also different when they were not on set. Mikan could say that he was just a strict prick when it came to work and a decent guy on matters outside film making. Mikan hated those shocker attitudes because of the difficulty to adjust. She could also blame this treatment with Ken's issue with the Student Council. The situation called her more to intervene but her promise with the Student Council was a flame burning inside her head.
"Excuse me? It's just a kiss, a professional one may I add. It is for the sake of the film and not for some fantasy."
Mikan laughed nervously and tried to find an excuse. "I know but you know, I'm a bit conservative," she stammered.
Ken's eyebrows twitched, looking intently at Mikan. He evaluated the situation again and concluded that Mikan was such a fairytale believer. "Let me guess. You are reserving it for the person you like."
Mikan snapped her fingers and took steps back. "That's right, I am."
Ken heaved a deep sigh. "Mikan, you're an actor. Your ideals can come in later. I really think this would benefit all of us."
"We can make it look romantic without actually doing it," Mikan suggested.
Ken could snap any moment but laid his frustrations by clenching his fist. "For goodness' sake Mikan, the characters just made up and they are pretending for a day that they are a real couple. If you have that limited time, of course you would want to go all the way. I thought you are the character."
"I am!"
"Then do what the director tells you to do."
Mikan frowned, hoping to get out of the situation without burning bridges. "But, I can't do that."
"What's with the face? You want to back out? Just because you refused to kissed Aki?"
Ken blasted her with questions, his tone rose earning the attention of the crew. He did not care though because he tried inculcating something important to Mikan who had fun rejecting him. Ken did not think that he asked for too much because what he wanted was only a peck and that would happen for less than three seconds only shot seven different times because of the required angles. Too much negativity visited them on that shooting day.
"I never mentioned anything about backing out. Stop putting words to my mouth."
"Then, just do it!" Ken yelled.
Mikan was shocked but after Natsume pinned her to the wall and started mouthing things at her, this would not scare her. Taking things calmly was the more rational and effective way to deal with this. They followed Ken's every wishes because he knew better but Mikan also had values to preserve. Kissing Akihiro Mori would indeed make the film believable and something to be squealed at but that would be her first kiss and she wanted her first kiss to be real.
"Can't you even consider my side here? I mean, don't I have the right to say 'no'?" Mikan insisted.
Ken was left with no choice. Using only one hand, he held Mikan's arms. His other hand went to the back of her head. Mikan resisted, knowing what he planned to do. It was not harassment, it was called teaching a lesson in Ken's perspective. Out of respect, Ken was not really going to kiss her but only placed his face near her, he was gonna show how it felt but that was not the message he alluded to. Ken wanted to show Mikan an excerpt of his acting and made her understand that they all made sacrifices. First kiss was so overrated to begin with.
"Is there a problem here?"
It was Natsume fueling the fire even more.
End of Chapter
Hope you enjoyed this one. If you already noticed, yeah, it is one of the reasons why the title is Something you've Read Before. As I write this A/N, I found out that I have not replied back to some PMs sent to me. My deepest apologies and thank you for sharing me your thoughts about the stories I made, the music that made you think of the stories I made. Really, it is touching.