Here is the fourth chapter…..
Disclaimer: Gakuen Alice Characters does not belong to me!
Time seems to be passes by very fast at the stay at Ruka's house, as one week has passed since then.
"Finally, one more week and I'll be able to see you, jii-chan. I can't wait for the day to come. I also can't wait to introduce Ruka-pyon and Natsume to you. You will sure like them, especially Natsume, jii-chan." Mikan smiled as she talked to herself under the Sakura tree.
But, she didn't realize that there is someone sitting on the tree, looking at her. Natsume has been looking at her when he senses her presence under the Sakura tree. He heard her talking about her feelings and how much she misses her jii-san. Slowly, he is also been affected by her smile without he himself knowing.
'I do hope that she keep her smile, no matter of what.' Natsume thought silently.
The two of them is enjoying the quiet scenery around them and it is very peaceful. However, both did not realize that Hotaru and Ruka are looking at both of them from far. Ruka turn a bit surprise when he saw Natsume looking at Mikan with a smile.
"I never know that Natsume will show such soft expression to anyone else except for mi and You-chan. It seems that he do care about Mikan, except that he don't know about it." Ruka said. "I even noticed that he has been looking at Mikan secretly when no one seems to be looking at him." He then continued, looking a bit happy but sounded a bit sad.
It seems that Ruka has somehow develops a liking for Mikan ever since she tricked him to save them in the Northern Forest. Hotaru quickly noticed the sad tone in his voice and then looked at him before looking back at the couple at the Sakura tree.
"Love cannot be forced." She then said sourly. "Even if you really love someone, you will want them to be happy with the one she/he really likes." She then continued.
She also likes Mikan ever since she moved into the village. She had always been chasing the boys who wanted to play with Mikan, or want to woo her, making sure they don't get near her. But it seems that one of them has already caught Mikan's sight without her knowing. It was someone she least expected to be, but she reluctantly agree that he is a worthy opponent.
Upon hearing Hotaru's word, Ruka turn and looked at her with astonish. He did not expect such things to be said by Hotaru. It was then he realized that Hotaru's character is a bit like Natsume, and flashed his smile to her.
"I didn't realize that you will say something like that, Imai." Ruka said with a smile.
Hotaru was stunned for a moment by his smile, then returned him her rare smile that only Mikan has saw before.
Time seems to have stopped at that moment for the 2 couples as they were deep in their own thoughts about each other. It was only when the grandfather clock chime then did Hotaru and Ruka looked away in a jump.
"I… I think we should go find Natsume and Sakura, and ask them whether they want to go for a stroll." Ruka started.
Hotaru nodded and they walk towards the Natsume and Mikan.
"Sakura, you want to join us for a walk?" Ruka asked.
Mikan nodded, "Hai! And Ruka-pyon, call mi Mikan will do." She replied.
Ruka hesitate for a while, then nodded and then asked Natsume whether he is joining them or not. That was when Mikan realized that Natsume is sitting on the tree branch. The 4 of them stroll down the garden.
"Ne, Hotaru-chan, which flower do you like best?" Mikan asked her.
"Camellia." She replied.
"I prefer Roses." Mikan then said. "They really looked very beautiful and pretty." She then explained.
"Guess so…. You have been looking at the roses ever since we entered the garden the other day." Hotaru said, giving a smile and Mikan smile back to her.
'So… you like roses huh. I wondered what's so nice about it.' Natsume mentally noted and ague about Mikan's liking for flower.
As for Ruka, he also noted silently which flower Hotaru like without him himself knowing. As they continue their walk, they consistently exchange conversations with each others. If any of the people from the gakuen saw this sight, their jaws will dropped as the 3 most non-social able people is now talking a lot. However, if there is anyone around, they also won't notice it as they enjoyed the time talking.
After dinner, Ruka show Hotaru to some other place, leaving Mikan alone as Natsume has wondered off again. Mikan then leisurely walk towards the Sakura tree to think about some things and met Natsume there.
"So, that's where you have been to, Natsume." Mikan said as she sat down beside him.
"What are you doing here?" Natsume asked her.
"Nani? I'm here to do some thinking… I don't know since when, whenever I have trouble or have to do some thinking, I will go to a Sakura tree and sit there. Sometime, I can sit there for a whole day without eating or drinking. I think the Sakura tree somehow soothing my emotions." Mikan explained.
This is the 1st time she told someone about this. Not only her jii-chan, but also Hotaru does not know about this secret.
"What about you, Natsume?" she then asked.
Natsume looked at her, "Sakura tree also give me a soothing feeling. That's why I like to come here." He said, without tearing his eyes from Mikan.
Mikan did not realize it at 1st until she feels him staring at her. She then looked at him with question mark. Natsume said nothing but to untie her hair and let it down. Mikan is taken aback by his action and she doesn't dare to move. Natsume then comb her hair with his hand.
"You look much nicer and prettier when you put your hair down, Mikan." Natsume then said and Mikan blushed at those words.