CHANGES & KISSES

Chapter 4

It was a new morning but Mikan was dizzy due to lack of sleep. Who wouldn't be disturbed with the latest event that was happening to her? Two guys just kissed her. One kissed her to declare his love for her, while the other one kissed her to mock her. But why does she keep on thinking about the latter guy?

Mikan opened the door of the classroom and made her usual morning greeting, however with less enthusiasm.

"Ohayo."

Some of her classmates didn't really mind. But for those who knew her well, it was really unusual.

"Mikan, are you okay?", Ruka asked. Obviously, he had noticed her gloomy disposition. Was it because of what happened yesterday? He suddenly felt guilty.

"Don't worry Ruka. It's just that I'm not feeling well today.", Mikan answered trying to placate him. Her eyes moved a little and it was caught by a pair of crimson eyes.

Mikan felt her cheeks burning as her eyes met Natsume's, then she quickly turned away to hide her blush. The scene yesterday kept playing on her mind.

Why? Why do I keep on recalling that kiss! Why am I bothered about it? There's nothing special about it! It was gross!

Oh yeah? You think so? her subconscious mind asked.

I'm sure of it! She stubbornly said to herself.

"Mikan…"

"Oh…hi Ruka."

Mikan felt uncomfortable. After Ruka confessed his feelings to her, she doesn't really know how to interact with him.

"I know it's quite awkward after what happened.", Ruka said. "But I'm not forcing you to give me your answer right away. Just give it some thought. And… I don't want to ruin our friendship because of my confession.", he said sadly.

"Ruka…"

Yes, awkward as it may seem, it should not hinder their friendship.

"It's okay, Ruka. I understand. Just give me some time, okay?", Mikan smiled at him.

"Arigatou! Ah… eh…Mikan… I heard you're going to Central Town this afternoon… Ahmm… can I go with you?", Ruka nervously asked while fidgeting his fingers.

"Eh?"

"No, no! It's not like we're going on a date or something…"

"Sure, Ruka-kun. It's a good thing I have someone to accompany me. Hotaru is way too busy. Just wait for me at the bus stop at around 4pm, okay?" Then, Mikan turned to leave. "Bye Ruka!"

Yes! Ruka would have jumped with glee if no was around. But he was so happy that Mikan gave him a chance to be with her. It's not a date, you idiot., he reminded himself.

"So you have a date with Polkadots, eh?"

Ruka turned as he heard Natsume's voice. "Stop calling her that. Anyway, it's not exactly a date. I'm just going to accompany her on her shopping. It's okay with you, right? I mean, I'm not going to be with you this afternoon.", Ruka replied.

"Yeah, sure. Do whatever you want.", Natsume said. No, it's not alright! Damn, his mind screamed.

"You really love Fluff Puffs, don't you Mikan?"

Mikan nodded, her mouth still full of her favorite candy. "Oishiii!", she said happily. Fluff Puffs never fail to cheer her up whenever she's a little down. "Oh, let's go there, Ruka.", she pointed to a store then grabbed Ruka's hand and dragged him to the store's window display.

"Ruka, look at that bracelet! It's so cute!"

"Yeah, pretty nice. How much does it cost?"

"3,000 rabbits? Too expensive for me.", Mikan said dejectedly.

"Maybe we can find something from the other stores.", Ruka said still holding her hand. Mikan nodded, and they left for thenext store.

A little behind them…

Not exactly a date, eh? It's more like a date to me., Natsume thought angrily. If it had been another guy, he would have caused him bodily harm. But Ruka is his bestfriend. He couldn't possibly hurt him, even if he drop dead with jealousy.

Depressed, he turned back to leave when something caught his attention. The gold and silver charm bracelet displayed in the window was really pretty. Among its charms were two hearts in the center with a ruby stone encrusted in the middle of each heart.

Natsume walked inside the store, then he left afterwards with the bracelet safely tucked inside his pocket.

Wheee! Finished Chapter 4! Now, I have to think how I'm going to work this story out…:-) I have to bring Natsume and Mikan no matter what! Loved those two:-)

Thanks to Nikkiru for the review! Though I don't think I'm going to add another guy here. I might ran out of ideas... hehehe. I'll stick to RxMxN triangle. But thanks for the suggestion. :-)