NATSUME NULLIFIED

CHAPTER 7: Almost Made Her Happy

It was a beautiful Sunday morning; but this was utterly wasted on Ruka who was lamenting how little he was of value to Hotaru.

"Loose change!" He said indignantly, "She uses me for loose change."

I stifled a laugh at the thought. Hotaru's latest acquisition of Ruka's photos had earned her enough to buy ice cream cones at Central Town for her and the other girls. What hurt Ruka's pride was that we all knew that Hotaru already made her first million when we were fourteen with Invention no. 6750, a machine that turns garbage into reusable fuel. It was a huge armadillo that conducts biomass conversion. That invention earned enough to fund her next five hundred projects and the income she got from Ruka's pictures was meager in comparison.

"It could be worse."

"Really? How?"

I paused then finally said, "Just be glad she's your prom date." My best friend bristled. We were walking around in Central Town and now we joined the rest of the gang in front of the ice cream kiosk in time to hear the end of Mikan's rant.

"The prom is only a few days away and I'm still dateless!" She bemoaned to her friends, "To top it off, I've been called in for an inquisition by the faculty. And I haven't even picked up my dress from the seamstress. With the way things are going for me, it probably won't fit right. But so what? Nobody's going to be around to care!"

My thoughts drifted to the swatches sitting on my desk back in my room. Ever since the drinking episode, Ruka and the others haven't tried anything new to get me to ask Mikan. I wasn't sure if they were running out of ideas or if they were just biding their time. Anyway, the break from their scheming gave me time to think about Mikan and this prom. If I were completely honest with myself, I don't see her going there either with anyone but me. But did that actually mean that I was now considering asking her?

I saw the girls exchange a glance. Then Anna ventured to say, "Actually Mikan, we overhead a couple of girls talking. It seems there is someone who wants to take you to the prom." I turned to them sharply before narrowing my eyes at Ruka in question.

"Who?" Ruka asked in my behalf.

"We don't know," Nonoko admitted then she glanced at me, "All we know is that he wants to ask Mikan only he's afraid of… well, you."

I frowned, "Why would he be afraid of me?"

"Oh gee, I don't know Natsume," Koko began, "Maybe it's because of what happened to Tetsuya, Kintaro and the others."

"Why?" Mikan asked sharply, "What does Natsume have to do with them?"

I sucked in my breath then glared at Koko, mentally wishing him bodily harm. As if he could read my mind, and I know he can, he shrank back. Lucky for him, Yuu piped up, "It's just rumors Mikan because Natsume and Ruka were hanging around when they got hurt. It doesn't mean anything."

"Oh," she said then instantly brightened, "So Nonoko, what else do you know about this guy?"

Sumire replied, "He's tall and smart. And I hear he's just waiting for the right moment, which must be soon since the prom is so near."

"I hope you're right," Mikan said, suddenly forgetting how mournful she was moments ago, "It would be so great if someone finally asks me. Hey, maybe it'll happen today!"

By the time they stopped talking about Mikan's mysterious admirer, I was irrationally angry. There wasn't anything I could do about it though because I had no idea who I was up against. Ruka and the others were looking at me and I didn't appreciate the commiserating glances they sent my way. As we walked I trailed a little behind the group, brooding over this development that was beyond my control. I hate not being in control.

Yuu fell into step next to me, "Hey Natsume."

"What?"

"You heard Mikan say that she got called in by the faculty, right?" He began and I nodded, "Well, it's actually because she's asking if they could increase the budget allotted for the prom."

"They'd never do that."

"I know, but see, she won't accept any more sponsors from Hotaru since she already brought in the last two," Yuu went on, "So I told her I'd help find other donors."

"How much?" I asked at once and Yuu named a figure. We stopped walking outside the café the others had entered. Before joining them, I whipped out my checkbook and wrote out an Alice Academy bank draft from my personal account then handed it to Yuu. His eyes widened.

"This is more than they need," He murmured, "Way more than they need."

"Your band sucks. Change it."

"They can afford both bands with this money," Yuu said in awe as he pocketed the check, "Thanks a lot Natsume. How did you become so rich?"

"It's not like I have much to spend on," I shrugged. It was true. With an allowance of 300 rabbits since I was eight, plus the bonuses I got when I almost died on missions, I managed to save quite a huge amount. We started to enter the café when I suddenly remembered, "Hey Yuu."

"Yeah?"

"Don't tell Mikan."

He smiled, "I knew you'd say that."

Later that day, we were still strolling Central Town. The girls separated from us an hour ago and since none of us wanted to be subjected to any shopping, that arrangement suited us fine. However, Mochu had to play the part of a good boyfriend and thus had to tag along to carry their bags. He was sulking when they led him away and we watched with a mixture of sympathy and amusement.

We stopped at a pet shop since Ruka felt that he had to cheer up all the caged animals whenever we came around. I watched his regular routine with a bored expression. He was in the process of captivating an iguana when I noticed a couple of girls across the street eyeing us— or specifically, eyeing me, even through the shop window. They weren't the only ones looking. In the pet shop there was another group ogling me. Now, I was used to that, having grown up with the attention. But there was something almost chilling with the way they were staring.

"Ruka, hurry up," I said curtly, turning away from the mystifying gazes.

Ruka straightened, abruptly halting from boosting the morale of a caged python, "What's up?"

"We're being watched."

"We're always being watched."

"By girls."

"We're always being watched by girls," he said, untroubled.

"Yeah but they never looked like they were up to something," I muttered. I stole another glance behind me. The whispers were beginning. "Come on, let's go."

"All right, let me just do the Welsh corgi and then we'll leave," he said turning to the adorable puppy near the back room. I rolled my eyes but watched anyway as the little dog brightened as though Ruka brought the sunshine with him.

We left the pet shop and met up with Koko and Yuu who were waiting for us outside. When we were near enough Koko said, "Hey Natsume, do you realize that every girl here is checking you out?"

"You noticed it too?"

"No, I hear them," He said gesturing to his ears with glee, "It's pretty funny. Some of their thoughts are quite inappropriate."

I glowered, "What's going on?"

Before he could reply, a girl we didn't know broke away from her friends and walked up to us with a determined stride. As she drew near, Koko's brows drew together, "Brace yourself."

"For what?"

"Hello Natsume," the girl greeted with a sugary smile. I nodded to her, feeling cautious. She took a deep breath, "The prom's coming up."

"Yeah, so?"

"Well, I was just wondering if you'd go with me. You know, be my date."

I stared at her, suddenly the situation becoming crystal clear. All these girls were probably looking for a date and with the prom so near, there were only a few boys left who haven't asked anyone. They were considering asking me, seeing as it is common knowledge that I'm not tied yet. I thought about it for a moment, thinking of the best way to turn her down. I've long outgrown being rude just to get out of these circumstances. Mikan used to chastise me heavily for being cruel to be kind.

I opened my mouth to decline but she spoke first, "I just thought that since Mikan is already going with someone else—"

"What?" I hissed, my expression momentarily darkening. Behind me, I felt Yuu and the others stand in attention at this bit of news.

The girl quailed when she saw the awful look that became me, "Since Mikan is going with someone else I just thought maybe you'd go with me instead."

"Who is Mikan going with?"

"I don't know," she paled, realizing that I was displeased, "I just heard from Ran who heard it from Haruko who was informed by Akira that Mikan already has a prom date."

I didn't even know those people she just mentioned. I felt myself grow angry and when it became tangible my friends started backing away at the heat I was suddenly giving off. The girl in front of me was fidgeting now. I was infuriated. When in the space of an hour could Mikan possibly manage to land a prom date in the middle of Central Town?

"Well I can't go with you," I bit out.

"Oh, okay," the girl said hastily, "That's quite all right." She turned on her heel and I belatedly realized how mortified she must feel. I caught her wrist and a flush stole up her cheeks.

"What's your name?"

"Miyuki."

"I'm sorry, Miyuki," I managed to say, "I'm sure there's someone else who'd love to go with you. Though thanks for asking."

Her blush deepened, "It's okay."

"He breaks their hearts but keeps them completely infatuated," Koko laughed when Miyuki left us. "That was a kind thing you just did."

"Shut up," I muttered, not in the mood for his remarks. I had a minute to calm myself, decided against it, then started off.

"Where are you going?" Ruka called after me in surprise.

"To find the girls."

"Hey Natsume!"

I wheeled around at the sound of a familiar voice and my gaze fell upon Youichi Hijiri, my young ward. Outside the original Class B, he was the only one I'd consider a close friend. He was in the Elementary Division now and grudgingly, I have to admit, I saw part of myself in him.

"Youichi," I returned his greeting and not one to deviate from my goal, I asked, "Have you seen Mikan?"

He looked at me suspiciously, "Yeah, I passed her on the hill with a couple of your classmates."

"Terrific," I said dryly and headed for the direction he pointed. As I expected, Youichi followed close behind.

"So how are you Natsume?" He asked conversationally, "What's been going on? Anything new?"

And as was my habit, I answered all his questions, "I'm fine. Prom's coming up. Not really."

We reached the hill and I caught sight of the girls plus Mochu huddled underneath a cypress tree. I needed to get her off alone. I grabbed Youichi by the arm and hissed, "Youichi, I want you to scare away all the people with Mikan right now. Make it a low-level demon."

"Why would you want to do that?"

"I need to talk to Mikan."

Usually, Youichi was very obliging but this time he looked perplexed, "What's wrong with just asking them?" And before I could protest, he marched over to the group and exchanged a few words with them. That little traitor, I seethed, itching to wring his neck when he came back. I never got the chance though, because when he returned he did have Mikan by his side.

"Hi Natsume," she said cheerfully, "Youichi said you wanted to talk to me?"

"This was easier," Youichi declared.

I turned to Mikan, "I just wanted—" Abruptly, I halted then glanced down at Youichi who was standing between us, looking up expectantly at what I was going to say next. "Do you mind?"

"Oh, right," he said, "I'll leave you guys alone."

I waited for him to get far before turning to Mikan. Suddenly feeling weary, since I'd pretty much circled the town in search of her, I gestured to a bench, "Let's sit down."

"What's wrong? You look upset."

"I'm not upset," I retorted, "So what did you do today?"

"Shopped!" She answered with a smile, "Want to see what I got Koko for his birthday?"

"His birthday isn't for another month."

"Well, his gift is available now," she replied breezily, "You boys, you just don't get it."

I waved a hand dismissing the matter then wondered how I was going to ask about her mystery date. I leaned forward, resting my arms on my knees, careful not to look at her, "Did you run into anyone interesting?"

"Yes!" She said at once and I steeled myself, "We saw Mr. Bear shopping at the grocery store so naturally we didn't step inside."

"Anyone human?"

She paused, "Oh, lots. There was Mr. Narumi and Mr. Jinno… and did you know Tsubasa was back in campus? He said he was just visiting. We're meeting up later."

Though that last bit of news slightly annoyed me, that wasn't what I wanted to discuss right now. We were getting nowhere. I racked my head for a way to steer the conversation on track, "Who does Yuu have right now?"

She looked puzzled, "You wanted to talk to me about that?"

"Just answer the question," I said curtly, "Who is Yuu with right now?"

"No one," she paused, "Though he is going with Nonoko to the prom. He asked her three weeks ago. What does that have to do with anything?" I didn't answer so she went on to inform me, "And Koko is going with Anna. He asked her this morning. Didn't they tell you?"

Apparently nobody tells me anything anymore. I sighed, "It never came up."

"What's going on Natsume?"

I straightened, still not looking at her, "Has anyone asked you yet?" Next to me, I felt her start at my question. It took her a while to answer and I waited impatiently.

"No. Why do you ask?"

Almost at once, I felt the knot in my stomach loosen and I breathe easy again. I was misinformed. Those were just rumors spread by people who didn't know any better. Of course, nobody asked her. Nobody would… dare.

"Natsume?"

"I was just wondering," I replied, relaxed now. "You've been obsessing about it for weeks." I slid a glance at her and saw the disenchanted look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"You are an idiot," she muttered. Mikan linked her hands together and set them tightly on her lap. Carefully she voiced, "Must be nice, not having to worry about stuff like this."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, for starters, you're not even going to the prom," she said stiffly. Now, she seemed upset over something.

"Who says I'm not?"

"You did."

"What if I've changed my mind?"

She looked at me so hopefully, I wondered, "You're going to my prom?"

"I might."

"What changed your mind?"

I looked at her for a heartbeat or two before my gaze slipped away, "I don't know. Everyone else is going."

"Are you thinking of taking anyone?"

"I might."

There was silence between us after that. I remember Yuu telling us that timing made a difference; and that the right moment could just take you by surprise. I didn't have to be an honor student to know that this was the right time to ask her even though I didn't come looking for her to do that. In fact, the only reason we were here in the first place was because I had thought someone had gotten to her already. Was I really going to wait around for that to happen? I should just ask her and be done with it. After all, even Ruka and the others seem to have finally given up on me.

I turned to Mikan but my mouth suddenly felt dry; and for the first time in my life, I was cold. Nervous cold. Uneasy cold. Speak up! Just ask her you fool. It's just nine words, 'Mikan, would you go to the prom with me?' But the silence stretched.

Then Mikan took the situation out of my hands.

"Natsume," she began timidly, "If the girl you ask says no, and nobody asks me, do you want to go to the prom together?"

All the cold I had been feeling rushed up to my head and my mind went momentarily blank. I could scarcely believe it. Mikan Sakura just asked you to the prom! My mind roared. I didn't know if I should feel lucky because she had or deflated because I hadn't. Then the inner voice nagged at me. I ought to come clean. I should tell her she had been on my mind all along. I was going to ask her. I should ask her. That would please her. A smirk flashed on my face—

"Of course, I wouldn't ask you if there was an alternative," Mikan suddenly went on, "I mean I know you weren't looking forward to the prom. But now that you're saying you are going, I guess we can be each other's last resort. Seeing as I might end up with absolutely no one, I suppose it would be okay to go with you."

And for the second time, my mind was wiped clean. Her words stung, more than I could have anticipated. Alternative? Last resort? Oh yeah Natsume, having you is better than having no one... My mind reeled. How could she say that? She asked Ruka to the prom, but I was her last resort? She had pegged those idiots in intensive care as prospects, while I was her last option? She was looking forward to going with a complete stranger and if he doesn't fall through then she'll go with me?

"So, how about it do you want to go together?"

"Hell no!" I snapped, shooting to my feet, in hurt pride. My voice grew resentful, "Why would I want to go with you?"

Her mouth dropped at my tone, "It was just an idea. I only thought—"

"What makes you think she would say no?" I continued unkindly, "And even if she did, why would I want to be your last resort when I could probably go with someone else?"

Mikan blinked, surprised by my sudden flare of temper, "Why are you so mad? You could just say no."

"Then no," I said bitterly, "There's no way I'd go with you. You've been so desperate to land a date you'd probably go with just anyone."

Mikan stared at me in short-lived shock then she shot to her feet, "It was just a thought, there's no reason for you to go off like that. If you don't want to be my date, that's just fine!"

"Good," I shot back, "You can just keep on waiting for those other prospects you have or that stupid mystery date of yours. But if I were you, I wouldn't hold my breath."

Mikan's hand formed into a fist. She was trembling now, "Natsume, you're such a jerk!" And just when I thought she would hit me, she did something much more damning to my conscience. She turned and ran but not quick enough for me to miss the tears forming at the corner of her eyes.

I stood there for a moment, frozen in place as guilt and remorse swept through me. Then much too late, I raced after her. By the time I reached the corner she had gone around, Mikan had vanished into the crowd.

I am a world-class idiot.

I trudged up to the dorm house feeling miserable. I knew exactly where Mikan was right now. She'd be in the dining hall with everybody else, eating a warm dinner, surrounded by friends. I should go and join them especially since I had grown steadily hungry as day gave way to night. Yet, I didn't go up because I thought Mikan at least deserved to have a peaceful dinner. I didn't want to subject her to seeing me, the person she had every right to loathe right now.

What the hell was wrong with me? Why would I go off like that? She was right. If what she said displeased me so much, I should have just said no. I shouldn't have mocked her the way I did. From her point of view, my attack was unprovoked. There was no explaining why I did it. All I know now is that I was sorry and that I had to make this right again. I just wasn't sure what to do.

"I want a word with you."

I turned around, recognizing the voice I disliked at once, "Now?"

"What better time could there be?" Tsubasa Andou returned as he walked up to me, "You look like you're hiding out from people anyway."

"I'm not hiding."

"Yeah, you're just skipping supper," He said dryly. He came closer and I stared back unflinching. Judging from the way he strode forward, he had been waiting for me to come back.

The last time we saw each other was during his graduation from the Academy. We didn't talk that day. I stood in a distance watching the ceremony and he caught my gaze from across the sea of faces. He gave me a significant nod; a silent truce, I thought after everything that happened the past years. We weren't really friends. For all the time I knew him, we've always spoken with a touch of mutual dislike. Apparently, that hasn't changed.

"Must be hard to face Mikan after the things you said."

I frowned, "How do you know about that?"

"How do I know?" He looked scornful, "You sent her to me in tears. By the time we met up she was hysterical. It took Misaki all she could do to calm her down."

"What do you want?"

Andou heaved a weary breath. He tucked his hands in his pockets, imitating my stance. Then his gaze flickered to the long shadow behind me cast by the lamp post. He smirked, "I know you're way past the age when I can trick you by using your shadow—"

"I was never at an age when you can trick me by using my shadow."

"Arrogant as always," He grunted, "You're never going to take advice from me, but I think you should go to her and apologize, even if she's not expecting you to."

"She's not?"

"No she's not," he said, "I don't know what made you say those things to her. I believe that you do care about her, that's why I've been trying to figure out how you could hurt her like that."

"What do you care?"

"Mikan's like a sister to me so I care a great deal," Andou shot back. "When little punks like you trample on her feelings, I think I have the right break some bones."

"Is that what you're here for?" I asked, thoroughly annoyed now. If he wanted to fight, I wasn't going to back down. In fact, hearing him say all those things on Mikan's behalf just fired me up even more.

"No, you warfreak," he answered, "I came here to tell you to fix this. You're a jackass, but you're not stupid. You're not made of stone either. The next time I see Mikan, she'd better greet me with a smile on her face, or else I am going to break some bones."

I stared at him. I suppose outside our gang, Mikan's closest friends would come from the Special Ability class. I did not appreciate being put in my place by someone I hated so much, but he was right. He was entitled to being protective of Mikan.

"There you are."

We both turned. Coming up behind Andou was Misaki Harada, his long-time girlfriend. She reached us then focused an angry gaze at me, "You." I raised my head a little, bracing myself for another scathing remark and was not disappointed. "She's way too good for you."

"At least we agree on something," I grumbled, looking away.

She seemed startled by that then continued, "You know going to the prom with her wasn't such a big deal but you even managed to screw that up. And why she even wanted to go with you, I will never understand."

I glanced back at her, "Yeah, as her last resort."

Andou and Harada exchanged a look then to my disbelief, they laughed. "We're done here," Andou said, "You're not a kid anymore, Hyuuga. It's time to grow up. Restoring hurt pride by hurting other people is immature."

With that, both of them turned their backs on me and left. I glared after them feeling like they knew something I didn't. But no matter how many times I thought it over, I just couldn't figure it out. What made them laugh?