A/N: Hellew evurwann! Your reviews are REALLY encouraging and very, very amusing. xD THEY MAKE ME WANNA UPDATEEE ALL THE TIME. So keep on reviewing, please! /heart

I am sorry for the late update. I am juggling SATs and Eid holidays (Happy Eid to my Moslem readers!) FINALLY. Here's the new chappie you've all been waiting for. But BEFORE THAT –

A big shout out to everyone who reviewed the last chapter: jAyesque (The Julie), Autumn Win-Dow (Jessica Winnar), day, xXxStrawberryAngelxXx, 96bittersweetblackcat, sapphireangel09, 24kk, Michelle Potter-Black, smalltaz, LeYmnaz, Kanayiha, Aki-Hime Kaname, xxscarlet-redfirexx & EvilAngel12!

"In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing." - Mignon McLaughlin

Day Three

Mikan

I touched my lips slowly as I collapsed on my fluffy white sheets. I lay back and closed my eyes. Everything went dark in front of me just as it had been when Tsubasa… kissed me. I kept replaying that kiss in my head over and over. It wasn't like any other kiss we had ever shared. He never had me that hooked on to him, that overwhelmed… that helpless.

I needed to re—experience this kiss. I needed to feel that maddening pleasure pulsing through me as his tongue darted in and out of my mouth. I blushed at the memory for the 100th time. Just thinking about it was making me flustered, yet there was nothing I could do to keep away the desire of wanting to feel his electrifying lips on me again.

I heard a soft knock on the door.

I sat up straight and folded my hands in my lap. "Come in."

A pair of cold amethyst eyes greeted me. I smiled brightly as Hotaru stepped in clad in a black velvet dress with see through black stockings. "Wowwwwww!" I beamed and Hotaru just scoffed lightly as she plopped down next to me.

"We have to go out for dinner at Caesar's today," she informed me casually. My eyes widened and my lips turned into an immediate frown. "Hotaruuuu~"

She gave me her no—nonsense look and stalked off to my wardrobe to pull out a sparkly purple dress. It hit me on the face and I fell back on the bed with a soft thud. "Oww Hotaru, I don't wanna go!" I whined in protest but to no avail.

"You're getting married. To my cousin. Does that mean anything to you?" Woah… that was a low blow. Emotional talk from the Ice Queen? What's next? Penguins tap dancing?

"I am just tired, you know," I snapped as I walked into the bathroom to change, still shouting through the closed door. "Hotaru we didn't get any rest after the bachelorette party!" I stomped my feet on the tiles loudly. "We had to go to that charity luncheon and then that press conference and –now"

Hotaru's cold but composed voice interrupted me smoothly, "Yes, and now after all those events we need to go to dinner. As a family," she emphasized on the last word. I opened my mouth to protest but she cut me off again, "Not that I am into that sort of thing. But Aunt Karou wants to take us out and we can't turn her down just because you're tired of your own wedding festivities," she spat bitterly.

I stepped out in the sparkly purple dress and crossed my arms across my chest. Hotaru gave me a small smirk before gesturing me to sit down in front of the huge white antique mirror in my room. She picked up a brush and brushed through my hair, undoing the knots.

"Your hair is a labyrinth. I won't be surprised to find a bull Minotaur in here."

"Hey!" I glared dangerously in the mirror and Hotaru chuckled softly. "Honestly Mikan you need a professional to tame this…" Hotaru wrinkled her nose, "hair…"

"Someone called for me?" I heard a girly, high pitched voice.

I turned my head around at the speed of light, only to see my warm, pink—haired senpai standing before me with open arms. I darted to her across the room and threw my arms around her. "Misaki—senpai!" I almost shouted and she ruffled my hair as she squeezed me in a tight embrace.

She pulled me away from her and just stood there, keeping me in place by holding down both my shoulders. She looked at my face and beamed as she announced, "What's a Mikan Sakura's wedding without a Misaki Harada, eh?"

"You mean THE Misaki Harada, right?" I elbowed her lightly and she laughed out loud as she always did. "Aaah, Hotaru—chan," she bowed in Hotaru's direction. "Hisashiburi, ne?"

Hotaru just bowed back slightly, (the slightest bow you can imagine), and said "Hai."

"Oh, Mikan, were you leaving for somewhere?" Misaki put one of her hands on her hips. "Yes, actually," Hotaru answered before I even had time to process the question. "It's a family dinner, you see," she added in her usual unfriendly tone.

I narrowed my eyes and glared at Hotaru before clasping Misaki's hand. "But you're more than welcome to join us?" I offered. Misaki beamed as she shrieked, throwing her arms around me as we jumped up and down. "That's great. Are you sure it's not a problem?"

"None at all!" I flashed her big, toothy smile. "Alright then, let me get settled in and changed?" She squeaked as she skipped out of the room, a big traveling back drooping from her shoulder.

Hotaru's voice rang clear and loud as soon as the door behind Misaki closed. "Mikan… what are you even thinking? Misaki Harada? Tsubasa's girlfriend of ten years?" She cocked an eyebrow at me.

"Hotaru," I smiled warmly as I held her pale hands in mine. She looked away quietly, clearly disappointed from my lack of hidden agendas against my groom's ex—girlfriend. "Hotaru, that was a long time ago okay?" It felt weird reassuring my best friend who always did that for me. "Besides… after the… kiss… doesn't Tsubasa kind of… own me?"

Hotaru tried not to look surprised but her amethyst orbs did flicker for about a second. Then she stared at me coldly. "Of course, the baka lost."

I pointed my finger threateningly at her. "It was a blackout okay? And I was scared!" I tried to pointlessly defend myself.

"Sure," Hotaru said sarcastically, "that's why you probably ran straight into his arms?"

"No I didn't!" I said through gritted teeth.

Hotaru gave me her trademark look of complete indifference and I shuddered under her scrutinizing gaze. "Okay, maybe I did."

"Aunt Karou is bringing a useless idiot into the Hyuuga family," she sighed exasperatedly and my eyebrow twitched. "Hotaru… you're going to die one day—and I"

Just then, the door creaked open. Tsubasa popped his head in through the opening and beamed. "Whoo, you look stunning love."

Hotaru clicked her tongue and shook her head. Tsubasa flipped his hair and with a lop—sided goofy grin on his face and shouted out, "Heeeeeey there cuz'. It's nice to see you too."

"What's with the whoo?" Hotaru snapped with marked annoyance. I chuckled lightly as Tsubasa ruffled his hair. "Err… I can't whistle so I go whoo whoo."

"Idiot," Hotaru murmured before turning back to look at me sternly. "You better be downstairs in 5 minutes with this one," she said coolly, pointing at Tsubasa.

He just shrugged as he stepped aside to open the door for her and took a bow. Hotaru rolled her eyes and he smirked. He was such a troll sometimes, I swear. His little teasing here and there was just… the thing I loved about him.

One of the many things anyway.

He smiled warmly as he wrapped me in his arms, pulling me close as he stared down into my eyes. His cologne filled the air and I breathed it in, enjoying my favorite Calvin Klein perfume on him. I nuzzled his neck, slowly putting my arms around his waist.

"Hey you…" he breathed as he kissed the side of my neck. His lips left a tingly sensation on my skin, like the rain after a long drought. I looked up at him, blushing as the situation we were in brought back the memory of last night's kiss.

"Tsubasa?" I nuzzled. "Mmmhmm, love?" He asked, attentive to every whisper as always. "I need to try one thing…" I breathed quietly as I pulled back a little to look into his deep blue eyes. He cocked an eyebrow, a sharp smirk etched in his gorgeous face. I leaned in as I stood on my toes. Tsubasa titled his head too, his bangs falling on one side – lush black hair. He closed his eyes and I admired his lashes that went for miles. A blush kept on my cheeks as I braced myself for the electric shock and I inhaled sharply, closing the little space between our lips.

It didn't happen.

My eyes flew open in surprise and I stared at Tsubasa's face. His eyes were still closed, a jawline set in marble that could make any girl squeal. His lips were tender and tingly, teasing and tantalizing, warm and welcoming.

He pressed his lips onto mine and our lips moved in perfect synchronization. I was used to his kiss. There were no nose bumps, no jerks, no pauses or unfamiliarity … but more so…

There was no electric current.

I pulled back suddenly. Tsubasa's eyes fluttered open and he looked at me seriously. "Did I do something wrong?"

I took a few steps back and fell back on the bed in a sitting position. I put my hand on my lips, my eyes widened in horror as the realization hit me.

The person I kissed last night was not Tsubasa.

"Mikan!" His voice was panic stricken as he kneeled in front of me, holding my hands in my lap. "What's wrong?" He questioned again and I lost my voice because no words would come out.

I shook myself out of the momentary shock and smiled as I cupped his face in my hands. "Sorry Tsubasa, I was just spacing out," I lied quickly.

He didn't seem convinced but just then the door flew open.

Aoi was dressed in an elegant lemon yellow cocktail dress with pale golden accessories. Her hair was tied in a neat bun which probably took hours to make. "Ano…" she stared from Tsubasa to me and from me back to Tsubasa.

I blushed as I suddenly pushed Tsubasa back who lost his balance and landed on the floor. "Aww, Mikan!" He rubbed his head slowly. "What was that for? First you kiss me and then you—push"

I covered his mouth quickly in a failed attempt to hush him but Aoi just giggled. Tsubasa turned around and looked at her sourly. "Oi, little stuff!"

He found his way back to his feet and rose fluidly, getting me on my feet too. "Ready?" He smiled at his little sister.

She beamed as she nodded excitedly at us and we took our cue to descend down the stairs. The others were already at Caesar so we directly made our way there. I managed to put on some blush on and lip gloss in the car. I frowned as I saw my reflection in the rearview mirror. My hair looked very messy. But there was no hope for its salvation now.

I sighed.

Caesar came into view. It was a 7-star hotel for foreign dignitaries, diplomats and the extremely rich. It was a glass building with too many floors to count. The floors sparkled and I could see my reflection in them. The reception counter was sleek, made of smooth marble. I glanced around at the all too familiar place and realized that we'd all be dining on the Hyuuga floor.

We came to dine at Caesar often but it was only rare that we used the Hyuuga floor. Yes. The Hyuugas did own a whole floor at this hotel. We made our way to the 13th floor and stepped in on the glass. The floor was made of thick glass, and underneath was an aquarium of crystal clear water. Fish of every size, color & breed swam about, sending ripples through the still water.

I made my way past the grand chandeliers, exquisite paintings, and imported furniture to the Dining Hall. The glass table was set with crystal ware, napkins, and a variety of fine cutlery.

I glanced nervously as I entered and my eyes searched automatically for my best friend. Hotaru was seated with Karou-sama, deep in conversation. Tsubasa took the seat on Karou-sama's other side.

Aoi skipped over to Sumire's side. I sighed in relief. Sumire was here too, so it shouldn't be a problem that I invited Misaki. Next to Sumire was Kokoro Yome. He glanced at me and sent a quick wink in greeting. I smiled back fondly at one of my oldest friends from school.

Mr. Hyuuga was seated at the head seat and Natsume sat right next to him, but they were barely talking. As soon as my heels clicked, echoing inside the Dining Hall, Natsume was looking at me…with intrigue and amusement glistening in the red of his eyes.

I coughed and Hotaru looked up, gesturing me to join them. The dishes were set and Chef Ruka himself brought the last dish over. He quickly pecked me on the cheek and I noticed Natsume bite his lower lip. What the hell was his problem?

Ruka sat on Aoi's side taking the only not occupied space.

Which brings me to my current position: sitting next to Natsume bloody Hyuuga.

I mean… is god trolling me right now? I was trying to ignore him for his rude behavior. Mr. Know It All said I'll put him in the hospital right? Maybe he should go there to treat his big ego.

I probably sound like a seventh grader right now but I don't care.

I coughed as his stare burned me. Helloooo? Creeper stare much? "Ugh," I grunted and just shifted my attention to the cutlery.

Natsume

Way to go, mom.

I can't believe I ended up in this situation. Sitting across from my mother, the woman I was here for, and next to my beloved cheating father.

I am just glad he wasn't trying to talk to me because I didn't want to punch his face.

Cause' you know. That would be bad. This is a family dinner after all. Or not.

I tried to call Uncle Rei but he didn't answer. Maybe he's driving right now. He is probably on the way, I thought.

Just then I heard the sound of heels clicking.

Automatically, my eyes found their way to hers. Her hair fell all over the place in a mess that was excruciatingly attractive. She wore a purple, sparkly dress which made her fair skin stand out. I admired her long legs under the short, fluffy, purple… thing.

I don't like sparkles but she made it look…

Sort of cute?

I want to shoot myself for thinking that.

I saw her looking at me and I wanted to look away. But I couldn't. Her eyes always held me in place, inviting me to explore what lay within those pools of honey brown. This girl's eyes reminded me of warm things… coffee… my heater back in the US… summer.

She just stood there, examining the room. All around the seats were taken. The only other place left was the head space for Uncle Rei. I observed her from a distance, watching as she noticed the empty chair but moved on.

She took the seat next to me. My eyes didn't want to leave her face and I saw her give me a look of disgust and cough a little louder than she needed to. Clearly she was giving me the signal to stop intruding her space.

But I was just beginning to enjoy myself.

Then suddenly, the feeling of her lush lips against mine, that all too unfamiliar, exotic, mystifying feeling crashed over me.

I looked away immediately, not being able to think straight. She was wearing some sort of annoying girly perfume and I glanced quietly to see her fine collarbones.

How I wanted to nuzzle that neck.

Appetizers came in and so did Uncle Rei. I am personally glad he did. The conversation began with the usual – current affairs, politics, and philosophy. It came down to gossip and movie stars in which seaweed hair actively took a part, just by the way.

Finally it all came down to bastard boy's stupid wedding. Great.

Uncle Rei casually asked about the wedding preparations. My dad was talking to Ruka about bagels. What the fuck.

Bored, I stole a glance at the brunette who was leaning on the table, elbows propped up, face resting on her palms as she drummed her fingers against her cheek, looking around. I flinched when Andou passed her a stupid smile and she smiled back just as stupidly.

Love made me sick.

"So…" mom cleared her throat and we all looked up at her expectantly. Mom was a no-nonsense person so anything that came out of her mouth deserved our total attention.

Just when mom was about to speak, a soft knock on the door interrupted her. Our butler came in running quite out of breath, took a bow, and announced "Miss Misaki Harada—san."

I stared sharply at Andou. His skin was pale like he had seen a ghost. A smirk played around the corners of my lips and I stole a glance towards the brunette. She was smiling happily until she, along with the rest of the family, looked at Tsubasa's face.

So the groom's girlfriend of 10 years just happens to show up before the wedding and she's not going to create mischief?

I highly doubt it.

"Umm… sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Hyuuga," she blushed and bowed. Trying to score points with mom by calling her Mrs. Hyuuga? Tch tch, child.

Mother scanned her from head to toe, indifferently, clearly masking her own shock – an admirable Hyuuga trait. She coughed and gestured for the butler to add another seat to the already full table. "It's nice to see you, Tsubasa." She cooed in a voice that is typically pretty gross to me. Girls in New York used the same voice then they fawned all over me.

"Mother? You were saying?" I quickly threw myself into the battlefield to save the day. Mom looked like she was going to strangle Misaki.

"Ahem," she cleared her throat, "Hotaru just told me something very interesting," she said with a devilish grin.

I glanced at my cousin just sitting there like a queen, looking smug. Mom turned around and patted my half –brother on the shoulders, shaking him out of his reverie.

"Well done Tsubasa, you're a Hyuuga after all."

My teeth clenched as I deliberately dropped my fork on the plate. It made a loud clattering sound and mom glowered at me. Uncle Rei spoke next, "Proud of Tsubasa? I am sure he has many accomplishments," he said sarcastically, "but whatever in the world for?"

Thanks Uncle Rei.

Mom completely ignored Uncle Rei's harsh tone and smiled warmly at the bastard. I hate it when he tries to steal away my mom. "You stole a kiss from your future bride."

It all happened very fast then.

My eyes widened and I tried to mask my shock but just couldn't. Tsubasa looked confused. Mikan tensed next to me. Imai shot me a wary glance. Mother laughed lightly. The pink haired freak looked sourly at Mikan.

"As far as I know, it was a blackout so it was unfair, seeing that Mikan is scared to death when it comes to darkness," Imai defended.

I heard Mikan laugh nervously.

But my eyes were fixed on Andou. He looked out-of-character because he was frowning. I haven't seen Andou for years but I know he doesn't frown. That goofball can't ever wipe that stupid smile from his idiotic face. EVER.

"It was a great kiss, wasn't it, Mikan?" He asked sourly.

Mom pinched his cheek and he was caught off guard. "Don't say things to embarrass my future daughter-in-law. Understood?"

He nodded as she kissed his forehead and rest of dinner was quiet.

After dinner we split into separate cars and drove off. After lounging about in the hall for a bit we were all told to retire to our rooms. Tomorrow was going to be our dress fittings and mom wanted us to be up like roosters at 7am.

I walked to the study and pulled out a novel from a shelf. Maybe a little reading would get this… stuff off my head. I stopped behind the gigantic bookshelf, flipping through pages when the study door clicked open.

I stood frozen on the spot, quiet as night. I saw Imai rush in, hauling Mikan with her, before she shut the door tightly.

"What the hell, Mikan?" I heard her growl.

Angry Imai? That can't ever be good.

Mikan shook her head. "I am sorry. I didn't lie to you, I promise," she pleaded. I even allowed myself to feel sorry for the brunette for about 5 seconds, exposed to Imai's unflinching fury.

"Mikan… did you see the look on Tsubasa's face?"

I saw her look away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. There were fine lines on her forehead. Then she turned to Imai suddenly, taking her hands in hers, "Do you think Tsubasa still has feelings for her?"

Hotaru looked stern and cold. Even to me. Which is an achievement. Really.

"Glad you're opening your eyes about Misaki. But that's beside the point. Who did you kiss? It was clearly not Tsubasa. Did you see his face?" She placed emphasis where it was needed to make her point.

I saw the brunette shiver.

She threw her hands exasperatedly in the air. "I don't know, okay Hotaru? I don't know anything. But I do know I kissed someone… and he wasn't Tsubasa."

Imai walked near the shelves and I had to hold my breath. She collapsed on a mini bright red sofa and sighed. "Why do you get yourself in these situations?" She spat at Mikan but she crossed her arms across her chest in retaliation.

"You!" She pointed at Hotaru. "I was the one kissed by a random guy who was… who was…" she hesitated before adding what brought a smirk to my face, "a really good kisser. Okay? You think I am not freaked out?"

There was a hard knock on the study's door and Imai sat up from her slouched position, suddenly alarmed. "Who's there?" Mikan croaked.

"It's me."

The Prince Charming makes an appearance.

He closed the door firmly behind him, before stepping in and holding Mikan against his chest. I felt something touch my skin and hissed when Hotaru's arm brushed against mine. "Sssh, you moron," Hotaru whispered as she hid next to me behind the shelf. "Just what the hell are YOU hiding in here for?" She spat but we both turned in Andou's direction Mikan started sobbing.

"I wanted to tell you sooner…" she began, sobbing uncontrollably. "That… IDIOT!" Hotaru hissed. She looked like she was going to shoot Mikan any moment. She stepped out and waved both her hands madly at Mikan, in an attempt to get her to shut up, I suppose.

It wouldn't sound so good if my bastard brother learned that Mikan was making out with a good kisser last night.

Mikan's eyes caught Hotaru's frantic, sign- pleading and she looked back at her, confused. Then she coughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Tsubasa… I shouldn't have lied about kissing someone, but I just… I wanted you to… own me." She blushed.

Nice one.

Andou chuckled, the goofy grin returning to his face where it belonged, as he held her in his arms. "Oi… I can't own you. You're not a possession Mikan, and I am sorry if this archaic Hyuuga tradition made you feel that in the slightest.

"Ungrateful fucking – bast" Just then Imai stepped on my toes, looking at me like a mad woman, and gesturing me to shut up.

I obliged.

"I want you to want me," he said desperately as he pecked her cheek. "And I want to want you. I know it doesn't make any sense…" his voice trailed off. Yeah, no shit Sherlock, "But you're my equal. My partner in crime for life. And I love you."

And they ended up making out in front of us.

"Gross," Imai and I said in unison.

Tomorrow's going to be one hell of a day.

A/N: It's horrible, isn't it? Siigh. I just have a horrible fever and writer's block so forgive me for a bad, derpy update : OTL I promise I'll do better on the next chapter. For now… review, PLEASE? :