Something You've Read Before
Chapter Twenty two
In Slow Motion
Mikan covered her mouth when she yawned. The departure terminal was quiet and colder at three in the morning with the peak season obviously coming to an end and Mikan was having a headache because of lack of sleep. Serina was scheduled to go back to Germany that day which ended her short stay. Mikan pushed the cart filled with luggage while Serina checked herself in. Narumi did not take his eyes off on his bride to be, wanting to accompany her in each of the process but security would not let him. The next time Serina would be in Japan would be for the wedding and then Narumi's focus would shift into making his own family. There was always something about airports that made Mikan, or anyone, emotional. Even if her relationship with Serina did not improve, she still had this aching heart of seeing Serina went. Maybe when you had a constant figure waiting for you to be at home or someone who was always ready to reprimand you, you would miss them by the time they were gone.
The check-in was quick and before the immigration part, this was the only time they could interact with Serina. She exited the line with her passport and boarding pass, all her luggage checked in by the airline. Serina went straight to Narumi and held his both hands tightly, gave a sad smile that longed for more of Narumi's presence. Narumi, on the other hand, did not want to let her go but work was work and everyone had their commitments to fulfill. In less than a year, they would meet again. Narumi hugged her with gentleness and kissed her lovingly in the forehead, careful not to be emotional or else another crying fit would ensue in this place. If others went to the airport for vacation or business-related endeavors, some also were meant to give their services on a foreign country. Mikan watched her future parents engulfed in their moment which was bittersweet.
"Two weeks came by so fast." Narumi uttered the moment the hug was broken.
Serina tried her best not to cry but the tears already formed in the corner of her eyes. "There's always this want of having more time with you. It is never enough."
"I can't wait for next year," Narumi stated with a hint of enthusiasm. He then glanced at Mikan who stayed at the sidelines watching them. "Mikan, say your goodbyes."
Narumi stepped back to award them their privacy. He did not think of it as a means of forcing Mikan's relationship with Serina but if there was something they had not told each other yet, this was the best time. Serina realized that the situation was awkward when Mikan only stared at her until she faked a cough only then Mikan gave her a quick hug.
"I promise to help in organizing the wedding."
"Only do what I ask you to. I can handle all the decision-making in Germany."
Mikan only smiled at the way Serina delivered her statement. It would be surprising if she suddenly had a friendly way of speaking to Mikan. "Of course. As you wish. Goodbye, Serina."
Taking a good look at Mikan, Serina only then realized that she grew up, not just in age but also in features and mannerisms. It was a question why Serina always remembered Mikan when she was a child who always cried, who was very sensitive and unreasonable but now Mikan looked okay, more mature with her eyes indicating she knew what she would like to do, a stance exuding confidence, her choice of words were never sarcastic nor defensive. Mikan became sincere, a thinker, braver, and a bit more responsible. Narumi's reminders echoed to Serina which brought her another question, why only now?
"Take care of yourself. Who knows what Narumi will do if something happens to you?" Serina made sure that she had a firm voice when she said that to maintain their distance.
Mikan snorted. "Even I don't want a repeat of that."
Serina did not find it hard to believe her. "Very well. Goodbye."
Goodbyes were said once again until Serina disappeared in the sea of people undergoing the immigration process of the airport. Mikan walked arm to arm with Narumi, hoping it would comfort her father a little. They had done this multiple times, waiting for Serina at the airport, sending Serina to the airport, and Narumi feeling somber after but it still felt different every time. Mikan caressed Narumi's arms and smiled at him to which he smiled back, appreciating his daughter's caring concern.
They arrived at the parking lot with ease and immediately loaded car. The trip back home was slow and quiet. Both were lacking sleep and had to attend school when the sun rose, the indie song on the radio resembled a lullaby while Mikan spent her time watching the carless roads and thinking about how important today was. It was the last day of the Photography Club if things were not rearranged and if what Rui said was true, everything turned out on their favor. Mikan hoped for good to triumph over evil as it always did, as it should be. The song was finished and so did her thoughts.
"Can I tell you something, my dearest daughter?"
Mikan eyed her father. "About what?"
"I actually hoped this time you and Serina will mend whatever rift you have."
The thing was, Narumi always hoped for that to happen and every arrival of Serina, he wished for that to happen. Mikan straightened her position on the seat, hands on knees and realized that she already accepted the fact they the time was not yet right for her to make up with Serina. Sure it bothered Mikan that she stepped on someone's future and that someone blamed her for it but Mikan also knew that someone who loved her father so much was not capable of hating someone in an extreme level.
"We try to be civil, Dad. It's enough for me that we don't raise voices at each other or roll eyes behind our backs. I don't want to force Serina to like me. That is not what I want either."
Narumi wanted to laugh at how childish Mikan's examples were. "What do you want then?" he asked.
Mikan knew the answer but was silent for a while until she smiled because she found it corny and true. "I want her to make you happy. That alone is more than enough."
"I'll be happy when you two become closer," Narumi fired back.
Mikan snapped her fingers and grinned dreamily. "Maybe one day."
"She is going to be your mother someday."
Mikan narrowed her eyes. "Which she hates," she countered.
But, Narumi was also quick-witted. "Which she is yet to accept."
Mikan yawned right after laughing at her father's banters. "Alright, alright, you win. I know she's going to be a good mother and a wife to you."
Their discussion over the topic finished with Mikan's surrender and soon after, they reached the house safely. Narumi went straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and advance dinner while Mikan settled on the couch in the living room with a blanket on hand, knowing that if she slept back to her room, her chances of waking up for school was near zero. The clanking of the utensils or the sound of oil frying did not disturb Mikan as she succumbed to complete her inadequate sleep. Drinking his second cup of black coffee, Narumi arranged their food and waited for it to cool down a bit before calling Mikan for breakfast. He checked his phone and answered an important message with a serious expression then proceeded with waking Mikan up much to her annoyance. One hour of interrupted sleep definitely made anyone cranky.
Mikan lazily got up and went upstairs to take a bath with going back to sleep occupying her mind. She came back after twenty minutes, fully dressed with her backpack on her hand and took the seat on the dining table while Narumi served the food with an apron protecting his clothing. They simultaneously said their thanks and appreciation for the food before munching the stir fried vegetables, egg rolls, a bowl of rice, and miso soup. Narumi was the better cook between him and Mikan but she was not that bad. It was just that Narumi had more experience. Mikan learned about cooking when she was still in Subaru's facility. It started with simple chopping of vegetables, preparing the main ingredients until they were assigned tasks each day which included cooking. Because of that task, Mikan valued food even more and it even put her in a good mood if she ever was in a bad one.
"Mikan, don't wait for me for dinner tonight."
Mikan chewed the vegetables. "Are you going somewhere?"
"I'm meeting someone." Narumi's tone was so casual that was why Mikan had not suspected anything again but the past few days, he was always on his phone, always out to meet someone.
"Is it about the wedding again?" Mikan asked innocently.
Narumi smiled nervously and put another egg on Mikan's plate. "Sort of. You can eat out or reheat the leftovers if you want."
"I'll be fine." Mikan assured her father, wondering what mind meeting was it for him to be going home so late but decided not to ask further.
Breakfast was done with the dishes washed by Mikan. A few more minutes on her time allowance to get to school was left and when she saw Narumi came down from the stairs, all suit up, Mikan hurried to get her bag and wore her shoes at the entrance. She glanced at her watch to calm herself down that she had time remaining. That morning, Narumi did not take his car to get to school and instead walked with Mikan which was actually not unusual but the quietness in their walk was what Mikan found odd. She kept on stealing glances on Narumi in the hope to catch a hint or something different but found none. Mikan related Narumi's gloomy mood with Serina's departure instead, even her jokes did not get through to her father but Mikan shrugged it off and expected that Narumi would be back to his usual self maybe tomorrow.
"Be sure not to sleep in class today." Narumi stacked his shoes on his locker and changed to another one. "I know it's hard to keep your eyes open but still, do your best not to miss the lesson."
Mikan pouted. She just finished putting her things on her own locker. "I'll try, Dad. See you later!"
Narumi was not satisfied with Mikan's half-hearted promise but trusted that she would somehow really try. There was something in Mikan's aura which told him she was not at her best state but if Mikan herself did not want to disclose it, Narumi refused to ask. He closed his locker and travelled the hallways, greeted by students until he reached the faculty room. With the week ending, reports needed to be accomplished again so that by Monday the principal could examine it on his desk. The energy in the faculty room was always high especially during mornings when teachers had the time to talk about their personal lives or discuss about a current event without being bounded by the rules of the academy. The women of the team talked about their children, makeup, the latest fashion trend while the men chatted about their families, cars, investments. It was the kind of morning grind seen even in other types of offices.
A chorus of greetings was met by Narumi as he made his way to his desk, remembering the census report he had to accomplish regarding the outcome of their newly launched healthy juices corner at the cafeteria as a way of gaining fund for the sick wife of their co-faculty member. The commotion around his desk was heavier than usual and only until one of his closest co-teacher greeted Narumi that he realized what happened.
"Good morning, Narumi!"
Narumi bowed slightly. "Good morning, Nodacchi -sensei."
Ruka turned his body to greet their adviser with a bow. "Good morning, Mr. Narumi."
Narumi's eyes widened a little and it stayed like that until he got to his chair. "Hello, kids. What can I do for you?" he asked enthusiastically.
The whole Student Council officers was in the faculty room and it was the reason why it was louder than usual. Even if they were still students, they were the sons and daughters of those who gave them their jobs and their complete attendance in the faculty room posted a big question of 'why' to the heads of the teachers. Normally, it would just be one or two of them who visited him in the faculty room but never the whole bunch unless he personally visited the Student Council office. Narumi refused to show his feelings of intimidation because he was still their teacher and adviser but the firm look on their faces indicated the something important happened. If they came for an advice, Narumi already had one for them in mind.
Hotaru stepped forward and gave a small smile to her uncle. "The Board retracts their prior decision on the dissolution of the Photography Club effective today."
"How did you guys do it?" Narumi asked, hoping that what he heard was right because it was the first good news of the morning.
Sumire displayed a proud expression. "Nothing is impossible when everybody cooperates. Thank you for changing our minds the other day."
If anything, they should thanked Mikan because if not for her Narumi would not interfere with the problem. "Congratulations. I am really amazed by how you work. Does this come with a shady payment or did they really realize that they're wrong?" he inquired because it all sounded too good to be true knowing the nature of The Board.
Each one of the officers exchanged looks except for Natsume who kept his nonchalant stare. Yura giggled nervously before explaining. "We talked to Luna Koizumi and Kaoru Hyuuga. At first, we thought that we cannot get the deal but eventually they realized that this is the better thing to do." The events were still fresh in Yura's mind, like she just entered an afternoon drama series with their entrance in that building and until their exit. Kaoru Hyuuga's posture, way of talking, actions, her confident eyes were unforgettable for Yura and even if none from the council said it, she was sure that they were amazed by her presence also.
Narumi tried to imagine the scenario. "I hope no is hurt in the process."
"We lose some, we gain some," Natsume commented. He did not want to reveal what he gave in for exchange of this fight.
Narumi turned his chair on Natsume's direction, placing a hand under his chin. "In that you are right, Natsume. So, does the Photography Club know already?"
"We're about to inform them after our stop here," Sumire informed.
With a smile, Narumi stood up and bowed to his students and they bowed in return. "Well, then, go and cheer them up."
Ruka took one last stop and bowed once more to their adviser, looking up he said, "Thank you, Mr. Narumi."
It was really fortunate that a group of talented, smart, and rich individuals like the Student Council also had humility and appreciation embedded in their personality. The rest of the teachers tried their best to act as if they were not listening in their conversation but Narumi knew how fast news spread in that room. He gave a mini salute to the Photography Club's adviser on the far left corner of the room and then his eyes returned to his precious council officers. This was the first time that they fought with the decision of the higher ups and if this was not a chilling moment, Narumi did not know what anymore. Anyways, Narumi was not even worried what would happen next because together, the Student Council was unbreakable. He still had time to review his report for the last time but Natsume remained in the room, his expression was the same as earlier, Narumi raised his eyebrows.
"Can I talk to you in private?"
Narumi nodded and pointed at the meeting room. He leaned on the table and waited for Natsume to utter his words but Narumi decided to ask first. "What? Is it about Mikan?"
Natsume was rendered almost speechless for a few seconds there. "How did you know?" he asked.
Shrugging his shoulders, Narumi coolly stated, "Oh, you know, fatherly instincts. I saw you walking her home. I mean, it's not every day that Natsume Hyuuga walks a girl home."
Actually, there were many things that Natsume Hyuuga never did and that included coordinating with his mother and ex to fix this issue with the Photography Club. Natsume was also not known to hide in libraries because he felt down or isolated himself from friends just to think straightly. He never expressed any interest in girls for many years because for him they were either not enough or too much. He had no text buddy or a lunch buddy or a talk buddy which belonged to the opposite sex. With all these said and done, Narumi was a hundred percent correct that Natsume never walked a girl home especially when he had a car. Natsume felt the investigative eyes of his adviser but he remained still and composed, hands on the pockets of his pants.
The plan was to apologize to Mikan but Natsume figured that apologies were not sincere until actions were made and so after painfully listening to his own father's words of wisdom and Mikan's emotional outburst replaying on his head, Natsume realized that they had a point. Saying sorry was too easy and the chance of Mikan forgiving him was high but he could not resort to that. Mikan deserved more than that.
"I just want you to know that I've said many hurtful things to her but I realized it was stupid and Mikan always knows her limits. I plan on apologizing to her but I also want to apologize to you if ever it caused you trouble."
It was Narumi's turn to be wordless. He wondered how good Mikan's relationship was with Natsume for him to apologize personally. Narumi remembered the last time Natsume asked for his help on how Mikan could lighten up to him but this time was different. Back then, Natsume asked for an apology to Mikan for things to be settled but this time Natsume apologized to him and Narumi knew that Natsume planned a separate apology to Mikan. Narumi shifted to standing up with arms crossed before walking near Natsume who just stood there with no movement. He gave him a smile and tapped his shoulders slowly as if saying that he accepted the apology and take good care of Mikan.
"I'm sure whatever happened between you two, she wants to say sorry also."
Natsume hoped that was the case. He made nodded at Narumi and exited the room. "Excuse me."
Narumi was happy for Mikan.
"With this resolution, we retract the initial decision of disbanding the Photography Club. The Student Council is and will always be for the students. We assure you that this incident has taught us one of the biggest lessons of our life and in our careers as your chosen officers. We will work harder in extracting every advantage and disadvantage of the situation before giving out our decision. Each and every club is deemed important and we all have our roles to fulfill for the betterment of this school. We apologize with deep sincerity that this situation had to arise."
Sumire's voice vibrated in the open space of the hallway. They stood in front of the Photography Club's clubroom with the Student Council officers in line on the right and the remaining members on the left. Students flocked in to hear what was the announcement about with news spreading on every division that the council overturned their previous decision. Some were neutral about it, some were glad, and some lessened their trust in the council. The reactions were expected and natural. They did not expect any less but then Ruka looked at the joyous faces of Rui and the other members of the club, he knew they made the right move. Kaname was still absent from school but Rui informed Ruka that he already delivered the news and it made Kaname happy to the core.
"Thank you for your help," Rui said, offering his hand for a handshake.
Ruka accepted the gratitude wholeheartedly. "We have many things to talk about. Let's meet at the office after classes."
The activities Hotaru enumerated in the hospital were only the beginning of their hard work but Rui could not contain his excitement. "If things go well, Kaname can attend school next week. I'm sure he'll be ecstatic about the plans you have for us."
"Let's work well together from now on," Ruka cheerfully stated.
Rui became open-minded on the suggestions of the council, trusting them back because they did what exactly they said. He made eye contact with Natsume who acknowledged him with a small nod and that indicated that things were already fine between them. In the case of the boys, solving conflicts was not really complicated. The crowd dispersed at the end of the announcement and that was the only time Rui gazed at their clubroom's door in a different light. It was indeed a new beginning. Rui felt a presence behind him and when he turned, he saw an already smiling Mikan. He tried searching for her at the crowd earlier but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Mikan! We did it!" Rui exclaimed.
"I know. It's unbelievable, like a miracle. Congratulations, Rui."
Rui muttered all his thanks with a sincere look. "Thank you, thank you for all your help."
Mikan felt shy on receiving such gratefulness. "Honestly, I don't think I did something significant."
There was a strong notion in Rui's look of contradiction. He shook his head. "You're wrong. Your support meant everything to us."
Moral support meant a lot for someone. If others felt like it was not enough, apparently, for others, it was more than what they asked for. Mikan smirked at the fact and suddenly Daichi Himura crossed her mind. His favor bore fruit and she hoped this was enough to erase his doubts on the council. "I'm sure Captain Himura will celebrate this victory with you," Mikan remarked.
"If it's Daichi, he will surely treat us to yakiniku."
Mikan's jaw dropped before laughing. "Shouldn't it be you who must treat the captain?" she joked but there was a thought running at the back of her mind.
Honestly, Yuu was starting hate cafeteria food but he could not leave Mikan to her own devices when she opted to eat here instead of the other alternatives outside the school. It seemed that her mission to avoid Natsume was still on but after this morning's events, the possibility of that changing skyrocketed to the stratosphere. Mikan focused on her food this time while it was Yuu's turn to observe her and played with his food for a while which was rude and annoying but Yuu could not help it. He always waited for the right time to ask Mikan questions and this was no different. He scratched the back of his head, shifted position a bunch of times, all showing his discomfort until Mikan noticed it, looking up to him while chewing her rice cake.
"The school atmosphere felt so much lighter but why are you so quiet, Mikan?" Yuu managed to say.
Mikan consumed the food in her mouth and took a gulp of water. "Because they changed their minds."
Yuu was lost at first on who she referred to. "Who?" he inquired.
Mikan's arms rested parallel on the table, her face in deep thought. "About the Photography Club. They actually helped them."
Yuu gave an awkward smile. "Some mighty force in the universe must have pushed them," he said that to refer to Mikan but she was oblivious about it.
The subject died in an anti-climactic way which was regretful because Yuu wanted to know more. Mikan still looked a bit down from her usual cheery self on the start of the year and if there was anything Yuu could do, he would have done it a long time ago just to return Mikan to her better state. They went back to talking about this homework in English that was given earlier in the class and made a deal to do it together. Mikan went in line again because she discovered her need for dessert while Yuu waited at their table. She was quicker this time because the line was shorter due to the time remaining for the lunch break. Behind Mikan was a jumpy Sumire Shouda following her steps without her knowledge. When Mikan took a seat, Sumire slid on the bench also which made Yuu yelped a bit.
"Hello, guys!" Sumire greeted.
Mikan already doubted her intentions and accusing said, "Don't tell me you're here to eat cafeteria food again, Sumire."
Sumire was unaffected though, wiping the imaginary sweat in her smooth forehead. "I've already eaten, thanks to Glassroots. I just want to say hi to you because you're missing in action."
"I am just distancing myself because for once, I disagreed with your decision along with the majority of the students."
Sumire only blinked, smirking at Mikan's defense. "But, that's all settled now, isn't it?"
Good thing Sumire was there. Mikan knew she could tell exactly what it took to be victorious. That was the very thing that bugged her mind when she heard the news that the Photography Club was back on track. "May I ask how and to what cost?" she demanded.
Yuu only stared at Sumire who did not answer immediately. She backed down at her seat and eyed the two before settling with the most generic answer she came up with. "Mostly team effort but Natsume did most of the work."
"You're joking," Mikan scoffed.
"No, I'm not."
Mikan refused to believe her and snapped which made Yuu surprised. "That must be a bull because Natsume is so against it."
Sumire's animated aura turned to a stern one. "Well, we can all change our minds, can't we? We asked for the club members' help because they need to prove that this second chance is something they deserve. Plans that could show they are more than a bunch of guys taking pictures are already in the works. We asked Luna to help us actually."
Yuu nodded, thinking how it all made sense now but Mikan was hard to please. "How?" Mikan asked.
"Give back the money and return their status. As simple as that."
"And?"
Sumire sighed, scolding herself for underestimating Mikan's strong gut feeling. "Do you know Kaoru Hyuuga?" Sumire asked and she did not know if it was even right to say this to Mikan.
Mikan frowned. "Unfortunately."
Continuing with her explanation, Sumire made hand gestures to prove her point. "Well, she is the major stockholder of this school. Her words are law in here, somehow. She is the head The Board, a bunch of people making delicate decisions for Alice Academy. Since she was the one who started this Luna and research debacle, we went back to her to take it all back."
Mikan knew that Kaoru Hyuuga was responsible with this. "That easy?"
Sumire scoffed. "Let's say Natsume put up a good fight. Oh, he was so motivated. I wonder why?" she teased.
Mikan had no words to retort but she noticed Sumire's knowing gaze. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
It was impossible when someone was so naïve. Sumire gave up with her plan of making Mikan realized with a groan. She huffed a deep breath before waving her hand on midair. "Nothing. Let's eat at the bistro later. See you there, Yuu with Anna hopefully?" she asked, readying to leave the table.
Yuu nodded in agreement. "We're free anyways so we'll go."
Sumire clapped her hands once, giving them a big smile. "Okay, good. See you later and be there." She said the last words like a threat to Mikan and then paraded away from the cafeteria.
Yuu stared at Mikan whose eyes glued on nothingness. "Are you having second thoughts on coming?" he asked.
Snapping from her mindless thought, Mikan answered. "I just don't know if this means he forgives me."
"You can only make sure of that once you talked to him."
Anna had a good time catching up with her friends gathered on the school parking lot. When Yuu invited her for a friendly getaway at the bistro, she no longer contained second thoughts and immediately said that she would join. The classes ended about ten minutes ago and one by one their group increased in numbers. She hugged Nonoko the moment she saw her and began talking nonstop with Sumire joining the conversation. Yuu, Koko, and Ruka formed a little circle on the side to update Yuu on the real facts of the story. Mikan waited on the bench, afraid that Natsume would come out anytime and she would never be ready for it. Hotaru joined Mikan in her little isolation with a poke on the head.
"Sumire was such a good convincer, right?" Hotaru said with a devilish smile.
Mikan snorted and realized her incompetence of seeing though Hotaru's plans for so many years. "So, you sent her."
Hotaru had no choice but to let Sumire handle the task of asking Mikan's presence in tonight's mini celebration. "I figured out that if it would be me, unless I blackmail you, you will never come and you're not a child anymore that needs to be blackmailed all the time."
"You know me so well but I'm afraid I can't still read your moves," Mikan said with a restrained smile.
Hotaru was proud on how the way she managed things. "Are you walking you way there?"
The bistro was near the academy so there was no hurry. "Yes," Mikan replied.
The others started loading the car much which Mikan understood but when Hotaru said, "We'll go there by car."
Mikan could not believe that her best friend was leaving her to be Ruka's shotgun ride. "Then, who am I supposed to be with?" she wailed, asking Hotaru to accompany her.
Hotaru gave a sneer and her eyes looked past Mikan. "I know someone," she stated and entered the car.
Mikan was horrified because she knew exactly the someone Hotaru insinuated to. She suddenly felt someone behind her, the footsteps and the fragrance of the person gave it away. All too easy and Mikan closed her eyes out of edginess. Her heartbeat quickened that Mikan was sure it was not already normal. She had no courage to turn around and face him but she could not hide forever especially if that person you were hiding from was only three steps away from you. Mikan stomped her foot because her best friend was so sly it already felt punishable by law. The person stepped closer and Mikan's wobbling legs also made an advancement with a silly idea in mind to run away but that would lead her to more misery. After Mikan's mind was already made up, she turned around slowly with uncertainty painted on her face. When she confirmed it was no other than Natsume, her breathing stopped and her heart beat raised to a different rhythm.
Natsume looked exhausted and at the same time cool in Mikan's eyes, the way he stood there was enough to make the girls squeal or maybe it was her feelings clouding her judgment. "Hey, polka." He said with his usual manly and stern voice.
Mikan found it hard to meet his eyes. She gulped at his presence, managing to say, "Natsu–" but was not able to finish it.
"Long time no see," Natsume expressed with a grin. He stepped closer until nothing separated them. He rested his head on her shoulders, his arms met behind her back. "Can I hug you for a little while?" he asked but already did the action with eyes closed.
Natsume's ragged breathing stabled upon resting on her shoulders, his height towered and the weight of his body shifted on her but Mikan liked the position they were in. He held her tightly but with care and when he moved his head, that was when Mikan felt the intimacy of the contact. She raised a hand to the back of his head and caressed his hair in the lightest way possible while the other arm supported his body. "Are you alright?" Mikan asked but she knew an okay Natsume would never act this way.
Mikan felt him move as if shaking his head. Natsume's intertwined arms broke with one arm searching for Mikan's hand that was in his head and held it instead. It was not good to compare but Mikan could not help but see the differences and commonality of this hug from the one they shared in Shirahama. This one had much more meaning, a sign of longing, a sign of regret, that he liked to express that he missed her presence that he never cared if they were in a public place or if their friends saw them from afar. Natsume finally faced Mikan who had a red face, probably from the heat or from the verge of tearing up, he was not sure but he hated seeing her like that.
"Not until you forgive me," Natsume said.
Mikan stared at him, enough to process on her thoughts what he just said. It appeared to be that she was not the only one bothered by their fight. "Actually, I'm the one who is thinking that."
"I'm sorry. I don't mean anything of it. Well, except maybe, that you think you can help everyone."
Mikan took a step back, putting the strands of her hair on the back of her ear. She was glad that Natsume remained honest to what he liked and disliked. "I also don't mean a thing I said. I just said those words to hurt you. I know you don't really care about money, the status, or the power. You are also correct when you said that I am not Student Council so I should know my limits."
"You are just taking a side, I understand it now. I am actually amazed that you don't care about friendship when it comes to picking who's right or wrong."
Mikan smiled shyly then held both of Natsume's hands. "Let's not do this again. Let's not fight like this."
He drew an imaginary circle on her forehead and pinched her nose. "Noted, polka."
They sat on the bench while staring at the sunset, not bothered by the time they spent there. Mikan tapped her fingers on her knees, looking from left to right. If there was a moment she had been waiting for, this was probably it. Natsume sat with his legs crossed, an arm supporting his face who only stared at her. The gaze was too long in Mikan's timeline that it had put her in an awkward disposition. She held his wrist and shook his body with it but his eyes were still on hers. God, Natsume made her feel so conscious of her appearance even if she knew nothing was wrong with it.
"I was so bothered by it. I really cannot stand it when someone I care about is angry with me," Mikan said, trying to dispel his look.
Natsume nodded. "I guess this means we can have lunch together again?" he asked as if he needed permission but nothing stopped him anyway.
Mikan chuckled and looked forward to that. "Definitely." Her heart filled with happiness instantly and the hug from earlier felt magical on her limbs and torso.
Her laughter died down when Natsume stood up and said, "Those scheming friends of ours are waiting for us at the bistro. We should probably go."
Realization hit Mikan with all the words of her friends about liking Natsume. Her friends knew, they knew because they noticed it and when they asked her, she did not deny it. Yuu asked and she admitted it but she wondered if Natsume noticed or even had the slightest hint. There was already this thin line of breaking the friendship once it was out in the open and Mikan feared losing the good relationship she had with him but if his actions were so sweet and he looked so affected, there was no way the feeling was one-sided. If ever he still had feelings for Luna and planned getting back to her, at least she could say her piece. If he rejected her, she would quickly suggest to forget about it because she cared about the friendship more. Mikan watched his back while gaining the bravery enough for her to stop from walking.
She ran after him and halted him from going further because the hold she had on his arm was snug enough. Natsume was caught by surprised with the action and tried to turn his body around to see a blushing Mikan, the sweat visible on the corners of her face, her lips trembled but it still looked soft and pink. Mikan looked scared but also looked different in a way, as if desire fired up her body. She never knew when it started and she never expected it but she came to like Natsume. If Mikan traced back in history, she went farther from the time she and Natsume had a talk about Koko and could not still be sure if it was then. Mikan was sure of one thing.
"You make my heart flutter, Natsume."
Natsume heard it clearly but it sounded surreal that he had to ask again. "Come again, polka?"
Mikan released her grip and stood with fists closed, one placed on his thumping chest. She finally said it but too bad her intentions were not made clear with that one sentence and had to elaborate it. "You make me blush. You make me happy. You make smile. You make me feel like I can overcome anything. You believe in me. You make me feel excited about school because I know if there's one place that I could definitely see you, it would be here. You make me cry. You make me question my motives, my personality. You're so brutally honest. You have many questions but always waiting for me to answer them at the time I feel I am ready. You care about me. Do you understand? Have you ever felt that? You make my heart flutter, Natsume."
It was hard to count how many times this discussion came up with his conversations with Ruka. In Natsume's understanding, Mikan liked her. He knew what he felt for her but he never considered or thought if she felt the same because their friendship was in such a good state that it was already enough. Initially, there was fear that if he pursued this, it would end up like his relationship with Luna but there was no way that he would let that happen on the second time. Whatever happened to guarding his feelings? Natsume threw that away when he realized that he saw Mikan in a different perspective. Her words just now opened his eyes that she must be hiding this all along because of what he said at Shirahama. Natsume saw in Mikan's eyes that she was willing to take the risk. Mikan slapped herself as if to congratulate herself from confessing while Natsume had no answer yet.
Sometimes, this was good about fights. It made the person more honest and open after. Natsume blushed at her sweet words, realizing his effect on her was more than what he could handle and wondered if she realized her control on him. He faked a cough to buy time and was about to say something when someone tapped him on the shoulder.
"Oh. Am I interrupting something?" Luna greeted with a wave and a smile.
Mikan felt dismayed on her presence because Luna was not supposed to be there in the middle of a very important dialogue. There was this desperation of shooing Luna away that ignited in Mikan's core because if Luna stayed longer and said manipulative words again, then the moment was lost. There was no way Mikan would not be hearing Natsume's answer because if he did not then that meant one thing. That he did not feel the same.
"Luna, what are you doing here?" Mikan spat.
Luna displayed a friendly smile but her eyes told otherwise. "I hope Natsume can fulfill that promised talk today."
"You agreed to talk to her?" Mikan questioned Natsume who only glowered at Luna.
Luna answered the question for him with a nod and in a mocking tone, she said, "In exchange for what I did for the Photography Club. Hasn't he told you yet?"
Natsume only growled, not reacting to her words because they were true but it was delivered with such deception. He wished he could take the moment back earlier but Mikan did not look the same way as before and instead looked annoyed, angry, rejected. Mikan glared at him, maybe because she felt betrayed.
"No, but I figured out that it was not that easy to achieve," Mikan mumbled. She bit her lip and decided to end her own suffering. Natsume did not protest so far so it meant that this was really a deal, that he also wanted this. Mikan wanted to cry because she refused to be rejected this way. She wanted for Natsume to at least say it properly but he only stood there and it was so painful to look at. "Well, I can leave you two so you could talk," were Mikan's final words before walking away.
Natsume planned to stop Mikan but Luna held his arm which he shrugged off quickly. "Not here, Luna. Not today."
Luna blocked his way. "Tomorrow sounds good? After class? Please say yes already."
Her eyes communicated despair and since it was a deal, Natsume wanted to finish it sooner than later. "Fine," he said then followed Mikan's path.
Mikan was not entirely sure what events led her to this. Yesterday, she bravely confessed her feelings for Natsume to which he did not answer or lost the opportunity of answering because out of the blue, Luna appeared in thin air, much to her annoyance and pissed her entire evening off. She ran her way to the bistro to gain some insights from her friends but they were too busy celebrating and did not find it in her heart to destroy the festive mood so she stayed quiet all evening, talking only when asked to and soaked in her milkshake. Natsume told Ruka who told Koko who undeniably told Sumire that he already decided to talk to Luna which did not astonish anyone, instead trusted Natsume's will but of course, no one could take away their worries unless they witnessed it themselves.
Natsume reserved a table on a famous, five-star restaurant which was located on an open space surrounded by many other restaurants and food parks. It was the exclusivity that Natsume was after and also to avoid prying eyes plus he liked the food there. He arrived ten minutes earlier and shortly after that, Luna came in a yellow dress, a small bag, and a shades which she placed on the table later. When Natsume went to bed last night, all he thought about was to finish this phase of his life because nothing could be done when you had pending things to do and that was the bright side of this setting, that it was finally ending. The darker side of the meeting was Mikan's perception and how terrible she felt from yesterday's admission. Natsume wanted to smack himself on how lousy he handled that situation but it would come out insincere if he said it after Luna gatecrashed the scene. Mikan would never believed on whatever he said but then again, that was only an assumption.
Luna ordered the food for the both of them with a gracious smile. She was determined to acquire that promised talk with Natsume today so she planned to ask him yesterday but he was busy since morning, nowhere to be found during lunch break, and only when classes ended that she saw him but apparently, he was with Mikan. They looked cozy from afar, sitting on the bench within close proximity and when they started walking, Mikan said something to him which Luna did not hear but figured out was important. Luna interrupted them in the middle of the conversation which made Mikan send glares to her but the opportunity was there, no way Luna let it passed. The time and location were instructed by Natsume and she practiced many times before on how she would explain but that seemed useless now because her nervousness seeped in. Luna saw Natsume already waiting on their reserved table as if in deep thought. She greeted him, took a seat, and initially proposed a small talk but that went down to drain so she ordered the food to recover.
When Natsume gave away the location of the said talk, Ruka secretly messaged Sumire and allowed her to take responsibility of passing the information. They went to the restaurant an our earlier to witness the whole thing, coming one by one to avoid commotion but they already got the attention of the waiters and other customers because the place was not usually where a group of friends dined. Hotaru chose the most discreet table when she knew what table Natsume reserved for him and Luna and with a few bucks, they nagged the one behind the plants and diagonal with Natsume's, just perfect to spy on them. This move was initiated by Sumire who would not stop nagging about it until everyone agreed. It was crossing boundaries but there was no way the would let Natsume went with this alone.
"With how large our group is, it is not impossible for him not to notice us," Anna remarked.
Yuu scanned the crowd, suggesting a way to somehow lessen the noise they were making, "We can split."
Sumire protested in a whim, her tone went high which caused others to shushed her. "If we split up, we cannot discuss simultaneously what they are talking about."
"I guess you're right," Yuu said in defeat.
Ruka checked the menu, undecided if he would choose the salad or the chicken. "Everyone is here worried for Natsume even though he's a grownup and probably planned every word he will tell to Luna."
"We're here in case someone like Kaoru Hyuuga interferes," Sumire proudly said.
Koko looked weirdly at Sumire. "She's her mother," he retorted.
Sumire raised an eyebrow, annoyed at the fact that Koko had a soft side for his Aunt Kaoru. "Yeah. So what?" she fought back.
Koko maintained his incredulous expression and emphasized his point. "So, she would not hurt his own son."
Sumire only shook her head, refusing to extend their debate. She then turned her attention to the ever quiet Mikan. "Why the long face, Mikan? You still have not made up with him?"
"No, no, we already made up."
Mikan's unhappy mood told Sumire the opposite. Crossing her arms, Sumire opted for an interrogation."Really? Because yesterday at the bistro you were sitting far away from him."
Mikan rolled her eyes upon remembering the setup at yesterday's celebration. She expected their relationship would return back to the way it was before but she blew it right off the bat. Mikan frowned because she was blaming herself for screwing this and she also felt animosity towards Luna who seemed to be laughing at her back now. Mikan glanced at Sumire who showed sincere concern. Sumire was the more active personality teasing her to Natsume and Mikan appreciated the girl support she kept receiving from Sumire. Their relationship improved that Mikan likened it to her friendship with Yuu wherein she could tell her heart's desire and that he would tell honestly his thoughts, no holds barred.
"You're right. I like him. I told him that I like him and now I'm hiding to see him talk to Luna."
Sumire wanted to say that 'I told you so!' line for Mikan but the current situation was not appropriate but she was glad that she was right and she was happier that Mikan finally made a move. "It was actually part of the deal," Sumire tried to clarify.
Mikan did not buy the reason. "He didn't answer me."
"Maybe he was just surprised."
"I think so. Because he never saw this coming. He said it himself that he would never like a friend again. Why am I so stupid? Why did I confess?" Mikan looked like she was about to cry, gripping her hair and looked longingly at Natsume. "I want him to know that I want our friendship back," Mikan added.
Sumire blindly searched for Hotaru's arm, tapping it to get her attention. Mikan's status now was worrisome for Sumire. "Mikan, calm down. Ah, Hotaru? A little help here."
Hotaru wondered what were Sumire and Mikan talked about with their low voices until Sumire asked for her help because Mikan was already tearing up, hyperventilating even, and attention was the last thing they wanted. Hotaru switched seats with Sumire and snapped Mikan's gaze to her. "Calm your stupid wits, Mikan. Hyuuga talking to Koizumi doesn't conclude that he still has feelings for her."
"Yeah, tell her, Hotaru. Make her realize!" Sumire's bout of support.
Mikan was inconsolable, though. Her emotions got the better her and reminisced once again yesterday's events. "He only stared at me," she huffed.
"And then?" Hotaru asked.
Mikan hated the memory and why it needed to happen. "And then Luna entered the scene."
Sumire winced at the detail, imagining the scenario in her head. "Oh, bummer."
Hotaru signaled Sumire to stop commenting for a while because it was not helping the situation. "Mikan, you don't seriously think that Hyuuga has that shallow feelings for you? Wait for his answer. At least give him that. You taught me that."
The words of wisdom given by Hotaru calmed Mikan a little bit. She understood what Hotaru tried to say, standing up and excused herself. Mikan needed a breath of fresh air and an open space was a big help. No one dared to ask why she wanted to stay outside for a while because almost everyone in the table knew that something was going on between Natsume and Mikan. Still, Hotaru followed her friend out of concern and there were things Hotaru wanted to say that could be heard by Mikan's ears only.
"How much is the food here?" Koko asked innocently as he scanned the menu while the waiter had a pen and paper, waiting for their orders. Koko almost fell from his seat, with eyes as big as a coin, he exclaimed. "Shoots! It's expensive. Who's even gonna pay for this?" Sumire only hit him in the stomach.
Natsume smirked upon hearing loud voices on the other side of the restaurant, not doubting that his friends followed him all the way there. He watched Luna eat her meal in peace, looking very conscious on the way she sat, chew, and drank her wine. Meanwhile, fullness reached Natsume only after a few bites and settled for his glass of red wine for the rest of the lunch. He concocted this in his mind many times before when he used to pine for Luna, when he was so into her and now that it was here, it was definitely not the same, far from what he imagined. He looked at the time, wanting to hurry up a little bit because after this conclusion, he planned on going to Mikan's house.
"An hour."
"What?" Luna asked in between drinks.
Natsume laid down his fork and looked at her without speaking at first. "An hour for you to say your piece," he said after.
"I guess that's the best I can get from you."
"Spare me the bullshit and the lies."
Luna hated the rude attitude but this is the best Natsume could offer her also. She placed her plate on the side despite not finishing it, relaxed on her chair with no plans of holding back. She hoped Natsume would stay until the end, that alone was enough. "Where to start? Maybe with an apology. I am so sorry, Natsume. You probably lost track on how many times I've wronged you and how many times you forgave me without uttering an apology. I always thought you'd forgive me no matter what I do but I think it's different when you get your heart broken. It was so unfair for you. We're so young and immature back then. I should not have done that."
Natsume accepted her apology like he gave the simplest thing in the world. "I was not asking you to be there for me all the time. I asked you to be there for me as a friend."
It was too late when Luna realized that. Her fear overcame her and she did not want to change the way she saw Natsume. "Which I failed in miserably. Every time I think of that, I wonder what made me scared? Was it because you changed? Was it because I am not ready for those kind of family problems? Maybe my feelings for you were not that deep. I always think of that as a reason."
Going to those trials for child support and custody, being a hot topic of the high society, losing Ruka and Luna were all problems Natsume had to face alone. He was confused what went wrong along the way and who was at fault or was there a need to blame someone. It was perplexing at such a young age and it also looked meaningless compared to the problems of the world but for Natsume, those were enough to change him. Luna failed to say the right words that time because she sided with Kaoru while Natsume showed favor of his father. She could not talk to him without him being remorseful or looking fragile which made Luna doubt herself if she could be an appropriate support system for Natsume. It felt like he expected more from what she could give but hearing Natsume now, it turned out that was not the case.
Natsume snickered in disdain. "Looking at it now, I figured out it was not that important, Luna."
Luna felt offended, immediately saying, "It is for me."
Natsume could only shrug his shoulders and sipped his delicious wine. "Suit yourself."
"Because that made me realized that my feelings are real. I still like you, Natsume. I want to get back to you and if you don't know by now, I have your mother's support. She wants our companies to merge so you are destined to me one way or another."
He gave her the coldest of glares. It angered Natsume that his mother was continuing with the ridiculous tradition of the Hyuugas even though times had changed. The gist of the plan finally came out directly from Luna's mouth and it was the most irritating thing he heard all day. This was why Ioran divorced Kaoru, because she meddled with their personal lives. She did it with Aoi and there was no way she was doing it to him also. Natsume challenged Luna's intelligence with a contemptuous stare, his eyes spiteful and every word he said was with a menacing tone. "You two can conspire as long as you want but I'll never follow. I will never be a pawn."
"We can try to bring back the past. I'm still me. You can get to know me again and see from that," Luna explained out of anguish.
Natsume scoffed. "And waste my time because all along I knew already that I don't like you? No way."
"Don't reject the idea before even trying."
"I don't care about Kaoru's plans. I have decided a long time ago that I will do what I want to do and not because a bunch of stupid idiots told me to do this and that."
Enough of what others thought or commanded you to do, Natsume gotten sick of it a long time ago and he was not the type to yield without a fight. He must be the most hardheaded Hyuuga family member and with every reason they threw, he had a comeback. Natsume refused to listen to older people controlling his life especially his mother. They never chose what was better for him but, without a hint of shame, chose what would benefit their empire. Now they had Luna as a wager, thinking his heart would melt and agreed to her. Their time as friends was already gone, even their time as lovers went to the dust.
"Why are you so against this? Is it because of Mikan Sakura?" Luna inquired in a high tone.
That statement alarmed Natsume. Not only his friends noticed but also Luna who was only with them for a short time. Maybe he was easy to read or expressed his affection too much. No, if there would be anyone who could know his action towards a girl he liked, it would definitely be Luna. "Why? What if this is about her? What will you do?" he asked.
Luna grunted because he did not even bother to deny it. "Kaoru will never accept her."
"I'll protect her."
The disbelief splattered all over Luna's face, feeling extreme jealousy over Mikan, and started enumerating what Mikan had that she did not in her head. "You're making a very wrong decision. Even if you get together with her, Kaoru will just break you up and it will be me who you'll eventually end up with!"
Kaoru indeed had that power. She could acquire a company in an hour, buy the lot filled with residents in a week to make it the next high rise building, threaten a small company that was supposed to compete with them. If resources were on the talks, Kaoru had lots of it. Name it and she had the connections. But, Natsume was not scared. He was more scared of losing Mikan. Would the girl be really lucky? That was the question which lingered his mind after his talk with Ruka and that still was an unanswered one. Kaoru could make Mikan suffer, take away his father's job, bring out the past that she badly wanted to escape from and still Natsume wanted to be with her. Not just as friends. The confession yesterday made him understood that he also did not want to settle for friendship forever.
"Are you done?" Natsume asked, standing up from his chair. The talk was already done.
"You can protect Sakura more if you would just listen," Luna spat.
"You're the one who should listen to me," Natsume answered back. "I don't have any feelings remaining for you. We can be civil but we can never go back to what we were before."
"I'm just asking you to try."
Natsume smiled sadly, remembering those bitter memories again. "Maybe you're three years too late, Luna. Have a good day."
"Oh, he's walking away!" Anna announced to the group.
No one enjoyed their expensive meal because they were too busy watching Luna and Natsume talking with intensity. Some of their sentences reached their table but mostly they interpreted from their actions. Ruka watched intently in silence, trusting that Natsume would not budge, that he remained firm and choose the better person. Judging from Mikan's action earlier, she was affected by today's events and to think they already settled their fight yesterday was just an assumption. Ruka was observant enough to notice his friends acted weird yesterday.
Yuu tried to sneak a peek but Natsume was already out of sight. "Are they done talking already? Well, that was fast."
Sumire grabbed Koko's arm, ready to exit the restaurant and follow Natsume's whereabouts. The first thing that came to her mind was the parking lot. "On your feet, Koko."
"Wait– the bill!" Koko screeched.
"Just let them handle it," Sumire advised, already dragging her boyfriend but stopped even before making it near the entrance.
Natsume blocked their way, arms crossed, chin up, grinning at the scene before him. He noticed them the moment they stepped on the restaurant, trying to hide their faces as if it helped them in their cover. Natsume was still deciding if he should thank them for the support or scold them for being so nosy. Whatever he chose of the two, Ruka already displayed a guilty look to which Natsume narrowed his eyes, saying that his theories were correct regarding Luna's return.
"You guys look stupid hiding in those plants," Natsume remarked.
Koko went back to his seat, sulking. "Oopss. What gave us away?" he asked innocently with a panicky giggle.
Natsume was not amused. "How about shutting your mouths for a couple of minutes?"
Yura was snappy in explaining their purpose for spying. "We're just feeling guilty that you had to do this in exchange for her cooperation with the Photography Club."
Natsume dismissed their guilt by saying, "It was bound to happen anyways."
"I hope that's the end of it," Ruka said seriously.
No immediate reply was given which Ruka already expected with Natsume confirming his thoughts. "I doubt it," Natsume mumbled, his eyes scanned the crowd as if he expected someone to be there but she was apparently not in the vicinity. He was sure though that it was her who came with Hotaru.
Koko appeared in Natsume field of vision wearing his wide, goofy smile. "Looking for something? Or maybe someone?"
Natsume pushed Koko's face away, answering, "No." But he was just lying to himself.
In the end, Natsume settled all the bill that Koko kept on whining about and exited the place while onlookers followed them because it was rare for a big group to visit the popular restaurant since it was flocked by couples or business partners. Something about the wind changed, a shift into the temperature gradually happened. Autumn was around the corner and soon the vibrant leaves and colors of the plants and trees would turn into red. It might already be autumn on the other side of the country. Ruka kept on contacting Hotaru the moment they fled the restaurant. Not coming back with Mikan after all that put Ruka in an apprehensive state. It was unlike Hotaru to miss out food.
Peeking from left to right then to his phone, Ruka tried his best not miss a single a direction and asked others if Hotaru said anything about not coming back but no one received a message. A search party was about to be inaugurated but then Hotaru appeared running with tensed emotion. She leaned on Ruka after the sprint and searched for Yuu. That was the first time Ruka saw Hotaru in an unnerve state. Her unruffled exterior gone with whatever happened. It was also noticeable that Mikan was not by Hotaru's side. Being gone for almost an hour, lots of things happened but what exactly was it played on Ruka's mind.
"Yuu! Have you seen, Mikan?"
Yuu shook his head, approaching Hotaru and likened her worry. "What? She's with you, right?"
Hotaru did not waste a second scanning the place and contacting Mikan's phone. "I thought she passed by here again," she answered, seemingly distracted.
"You mean she ran away?" Yura asked. Seeing Hotaru worrying about Mikan made her worry also.
"No, she chased someone."
"What do you mean? Where is she?" Yuu asked, demanding an answer from Hotaru.
"She followed Uncle Izumi."
With the mention of the name, Yuu's face convoluted in shock and anxiousness. Izumi Sakura in Tokyo. Something absolutely happened. It was unheard of for Izumi to travel all the way from Akita for nothing. The first thing that entered Yuu's mind was if he came for Mikan but if it was good news, Mikan already announced it to them. If Mikan chased him, then she was taken by surprise also. Hotaru kept on calling Mikan but she was not answering, aggravated by the ignored calls, Hotaru stomped her foot. She knew Mikan changed a lot but that was not yet tested in front of Izumi.
"Who's that? A relative?" Ruka asked, curious why both Hotaru and Yuu displayed mortified faces when the name was mentioned..
When Hotaru did not speak a word, Natsume used his most threatening voice to extract the answer. "Answer the question, Imai."
Hotaru only challenged Natsume's glare with her own not until Yuu answered with his head down low, "He's Mikan's father."
Mikan thought it was just her imagination when she saw a familiar car parked in front of this modest ramen house a few yards away from the expensive restaurant Natsume reserved for his meetup with Luna but upon careful observation, it really was Narumi's car, the paint, model, the plate number all matched. She was about to enter the place when two gentlemen opened the door and revealed two very familiar men. Mikan had to blink and slapped her face multiple times to rule out illusions but it was really him in front of her. Years passed since the last time Mikan properly saw him. He looked rugged with a thick stubble and hair that needed a barber's touch to return to its neat state. His clothes were all in dark color, baggy for his lean figure, wearing dirty sneakers but when Mikan stared at his orbs and found that they had the same color, she confirmed that no amount of hair was capable of hiding her father's features.
The more confusing part which made Mikan felt betrayed a little was Narumi' presence and it looked like they planned to meet considering how far the place was from home. Narumi undoubtedly felt astonishment when he saw Mikan looking flustered and numb at the same time. A little white lie caused this situation and eventually a misinterpretation. Izumi threw a glare at Narumi, his eyes questioning his motives and why was Mikan, of all people, was there which Narumi answered by shaking his head, no words muttered. Mikan stepped nearer to Izumi with opened arms as if wanting to hug her biological father but stopped midway because the harsh features and menacing aura Izumi vibrated scared her wits.
"D-daddy, what are you doing here?" Mikan's voice trembled, desperate for answers.
"What are you doing here?" Izumi spat, distancing himself from her then glanced at Narumi who supported Mikan's body, "Narumi, what is she doing here?"
"Mikan, why are you here?" Narumi asked, his tone varied widely from Izumi's dangerous one.
"Did something happen?" Mikan wailed.
When Narumi was about to open his mouth, Izumi signaled him to stop, saying, "Narumi, don't you dare."
Mikan started tearing up with Izumi's resistance, different theories ran in her head on why he was in Tokyo all of a sudden which he never did before. "Please, please, please tell me why are you here."
"Did you tell her that we're meeting here?" Izumi fired at Narumi.
"No, I did not."
Still, Mikan insisted on inquiring the purpose od Izumi's visit. She wiped her tears, clutching on her chest as she tried to talk to him. "Why are you here in Tokyo? Where's Youichi? Is he with you?" Mikan continued her tirade of questions, crying over the fact that her questions kept on being ignored by Izumi. Mikan attempted to at least touched her own father but he was quick on his feet.
"You don't have to know anything about Youichi."
"Please don't be like this. Did something happen? I will do anything to help. Let me, please!"
Izumi gripped Mikan's arm hard, giving her a deathly glare with his heart feeling nothing but anger towards the girl. "The only terrible thing that happened to my life is you."
"Izumi! Stop it!" Narumi broke Izumi's hold and dragged Mikan to the car. "Mikan, let's go."
Mikan blanked out for a while until she felt Narumi taking her away, she yelled and resisted "No! I have to talk to him. I many things to ask him," Mikan stubbornly struggled."Daddy, talk to me please! Please!"
Her cries were distracting and Narumi felt an immense sense of pity to Mikan. Her reaction was not better than the last time, it only proved that she had not moved on from that accident, from the abandonment, and the lifetime of guilt it brought. Narumi refrained himself from crying, angry to himself for doing nothing and lying to Mikan even. She must felt betrayed and lied to. Mikan buried her head to her bent knees, her sobs made it hard to breathe. Seeing Izumi triggered her past memories and how it presently still affected her. Narumi gripped on the steering wheel tight to project his anguish. That was one of the longest drive he had to get to home. Izumi had no better reaction. He was still remorseful, filled with vengeance, and practiced blaming others. The way Mikan tried hard to talk to him, asking for his status all reflected that he still longed for Izumi's presence. Not that Narumi wanted to replaced him but he realized that until Izumi settled this with Mikan, the ghosts of their past would keep on haunting them.
Narumi tested the waters but well-aware that whatever he said, it would not be enough to comfort Mikan. Her sobs lightened down, the interval lengthened and maybe an hour of crying was really exhausting although Narumi could tell that it was not only because of that.
"Don't mind his words." Easy to say but impossible to achieve.
"Nine years, Dad, and it still hurts like hell."
"Why are you there? I thought you're out to meet you friends?" Narumi asked.
Mikan winced at the mention of her friends. They must be worried because she went without even telling Hotaru. She promised Hotaru to be back half an hour just to give herself time to think about Natsume but she never came back. "I was just walking to clear my mind," Mikan narrated, "Tell me why he is here and tell me why you kept it."
"It was not my intention. Izumi came to Tokyo last week. He was trying out to borrow some money from me or from the banks here."
"What happened to him?"
"He opened a business in central Akita and it failed. I guess that was just the end result because he tried saving the pottery business the family has for generations. He thought that an extra income was always helpful. Now, he's bankrupt," Narumi took a pause and a deep breath, "He's planning on selling the house as a collateral and start somewhere new."
"Did he say where?"
Narumi looked apologetic for failing to extract that information. "He kept that part."
"Dad, no. We have to know, I have to know where they are planning to go. I haven't talked to Youichi yet."
"I am trying to convince him to change his mind," Narumi stated.
With a determined look, Mikan decided. "I need to go to Akita."
Narumi rejected the idea in an instant, argued that it was not the best thing to do. "Mikan, no, this is not good for you."
Mikan did not listen to him nor she cares how much it would affect her to go back emotionally. "But, I would not get any sleep! I need to talk to him personally. I need him to see me as his daughter again. Dad, don't stop me. Please let me go."
"Calm down, Mikan."
Her tears started forming again, knowing that if she lose the chance, she already lost it forever. There were many things that she wanted to tell Izumi, things that might somehow improve their relationship. "Please, Dad or else I will find a way to go without your permission."
Narumi surrendered his plea the moment he saw the fire in Mikan's eyes and how strong was her personality. He needed to contact Subaru as soon as possible so he could guide Mikan upon reaching Akita. "You know I cannot say no to you but you have to have someone," Narumi said with gritted teeth.
Mikan understood the worry of her father. "I can ask Hotaru or Yuu."
"I'm sorry I cannot go with you. The school needs me on the weekend and there is a wedding supplier that I have to meet also."
This situation arose in such wrong timing. Narumi could not stay calm until he saw Mikan was fine going through all of this. Hotaru and Yuu were dependable friends and always been there since the accident so it might not be the worst of ideas. If Mikan was able to ride a bus to Shirahama despite her fear of cars, then she could do this also. Narumi chose to trust his daughter who stopped crying just now, carefully wiping the tears on her face, taking deep breaths but once in a while Mikan stayed quiet, staring at nothingness.
"I understand. I am fine being with my friends. Besides, Subaru will be there."
Narumi hugged Mikan in the most fatherly way possible with the hopes of easing her sadness. "I'll arrange everything that you'll need."
Hotaru only eased up when Mikan called her. She kept on repeating the pace of walking back and forth waiting for Mikan's confirmation of safety. The only ones left were Yuu, Hotaru, Ruka, and Natsume since everyone else was commanded by Hotaru to go home as if asking a favor. Yuu promised to explain Anna the whole ordeal when the time was right while Ruka stayed just to ease Hotaru's mind, holding her hand when she started overthinking. Actually, Ruka was curious to the core but if Mikan stirred up Hotaru like this then it must be about something personal, fragile, a truth they could not reveal just to anyone. It was always known that the relationship of Yuu, Mikan, and Hotaru went wayback their Alice Academy years so they knew each other well more than anyone, proving that they shared a special connection. Yuu and Hotaru knew exactly what was worrisome of Mikan's actions but they never straightly told it to anyone nor revealing who was this Izumi introduced as Mikan's father.
Natsume seemed uncomfortable also, anticipating Hotaru's words the moment Mikan called her. His mind felt like blowing from the intense worry he felt and if others had questions, he had more and he could not wait to discover it all but the respect he had for Mikan outweighed all that desire. If Mikan came with them in the restaurant, Natsume almost refrained from the thought because that only added to their misunderstanding since yesterday. They just made up and now it was all ruined. It was immature to blame himself, he needed to ask for an apology matched with actions. He could not live a day knowing Mikan suffered somewhere.
"Okay, I understand. We will come with you," Hotaru said out loud, eyeing Natsume, "Four a.m. train tomorrow. I'll do the booking. Take care of yourself. Don't do anything stupid, promise me."
Then, the call ended.
"What did she say?" Yuu asked.
Hotaru sighed and grimly announced, "She's going to Akita."
"Her father is there, right?" Natsume interrupted.
"You know about Izumi?" Hotaru asked, quite taken aback.
Natsume only connected the dots but had no concrete idea or confirmation if he was correct. "No, but she mentioned Akita once and she told me her father is there."
Hotaru and Yuu exchanged looks and only when Yuu nodded did Hotaru return her attention to Natsume. "Hyuuga, this is something very personal to Mikan."
"I know," Natsume admitted. Since the day he questioned Mikan about it, he knew it was a delicate topic.
"Do not get ahead of her. Just let her tell you when she's ready." It came as a warning, a strong reminder for Natsume to know his place.
"Is this some kind of a secret?" Ruka asked.
Yuu's lips thinned, remembering the first time he discovered about the whole story. "Actually, no. It's just that it's not a happy story."
Natsume understood that and it reflected with Mikan's way of deflecting every chance of narrating the story. He understood Mikan's position. He also did not want to tell people that his parents got divorced, that his relationship with Ruka soured because of a girl, that he was upset with Aoi's indecisiveness despite being older. Natsume noted each one of Mikan's sad smile when she wanted to go to Shirahama but feared she could not live through the ride, when they passed by to this bungalow house on the way to Mikan's home, when she was helping another friend solve a conflict.
"Does that have something to do with the accident that made her scared of riding cars?" Natsume asked.
Hotaru ignored the question and made a proposition instead. "Join her tomorrow."
"What?"
"This is your chance to answer her confession. She thinks you rejected her."
"Why are you so in to this, Imai?"
Hotaru rolled her eyes, irritated that Natsume knew how to exactly extract those things he wanted to hear. "Because, doofus, as much as I hate to admit it, you make her smile and you make her strong," Hotaru emphasized with her usual cold voice and then looked inquisitively at Natsume, "Is that enough to swell your pride, Hyuuga?"
Natsume hid his face, blushing with Hotaru's stated observation. "Shut up," he drawled.
End of Chapter
For the record, Serina's story with Mikan has yet to end. She will make a comeback, maybe an emotional one. For all the patience you bestowed this story, thank you! I wish I can reply to your lengthy and very detailed reviews, which I really love, but most of them are guest reviews so I just make an author's note after the chapter, like this one, to acknowledge you if you don't mind. I also would like to announce that updates might take longer than usual because I have to sit for an exam in late August. Hopefully, I could give time writing the next one while studying for that exam. Please wish me well! Anyways, excited for the next one? Because I am! : )
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