CHANGES & KISSES

Chapter 2

"I love you Mikan. I really love you…"

Everything seemed to have stopped and Mikan felt dizzy. It seemed that everything is coming down to her. Ruka-pyon liked her? Well, she liked him too. But as a friend, not a…

All she could do was stare at him. Her thoughts were in rumble, what the hell is happening? I'm just a 14 year old girl… I'm not ready for this kind of thing, right? Right? The kiss that Ruka gave her on the cheek burned, as if a fever is coming up to her.

"Ruka, I… I…" What to do? What to tell him? What should I do? Take a deep breath… Mikan opened her eyes and gave him a bright smile. "I like you Ruka. You're one of my closest friends."

Ruka bent his head trying to shield his face using his bangs, but not before Mikan saw his pained expression. He started to turn away but Mikan got hold of his sleeve.

She pulled his arm and tipped on her toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. "You'll always be a special friend to me, Ruka", she whispered, then turned around and ran back to the middle school building.

Ruka was rooted to the ground, his hand on his cheek, still unable to believe what had just happened. Mikan kissed me! Well, in the cheek maybe, but a kiss is still a kiss! A big smile came to his face. He wanted to jump with joy but he composed himself. She said she likes me too, right? That's enough for now, but at least he's assured that he has a special place in her heart. It may not be the place he actually wanted, but still it's near.

Unbeknownst to Ruka, a pair of crimson eyes had been observing them since the start. And the guy doesn't like what he's seeing.

Mikan sighed as she was walking back to the building. Her mind was still on what had transpired between her and Ruka when all of a sudden…

"Hey, little girl!"

Mikan's ears perked up as she heard that oh-so-familiar voice. She wouldn't mistake that for anything. That annoying, arrogant, know-it-all, Natsume! She turned around to face him, her face a mask of irritation "What do you want?", then she stepped back. What's wrong with Natsume? Is he mad at something? Someone? Me? Natsume's eyes seemed to be on fire. She tried to take another step back but Natsume harshly grabbed her arm.

"Stay away from Ruka, Polkadots!" His eyes burned into hers.

"W-why?" she couldn't help but stammer. With his current mood, Natsume looked so dangerous, as if he wants to kill her. He pulled her to him, his nose almost touching hers, and said in a frightening voice.

"My reasons are none of your business, idiot. But stay away from him!"

Mikan pushed him hard and stepped back away from him. "What the hell is wrong with you! Do you hate me that much so that you don't want me to be happy here? I just want to be friends with everyone! I know Ruka is your best friend, but why is it that I can't be his friend also!" Tears began to fall from her face, "I hate you Natsume, I really hate you!", then she turned around and ran.

Natsume was left staring as Mikan ran away. He clenched his fists and bent his head. "Damn that idiot!" he cursed. He looked at his clenched fist, then closed his eyes. "You misunderstood..." he whispered. Even if she befriends Ruka, he will always remain as Ruka's best friend. What he could not stand is for her to get close to any boy… even Ruka.

Well, that's it for Chapter 2. Hope you liked it… By the way, thanks to Llamas Are Sexy for the review. )