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Strange Interludes
Chapter 5

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."
- Victor Hugo

…

Interlude 2: Happiness

I wanted to see you happy.
When your radiant smile lit your face,
...it blew me into an insufferable euphoria I couldn't escape.

.

.

He lingered in her mind.

Damn. After that incident in her room, Mikan couldn't seem to forget the confident face of her partner. Since it was Sunday, she remained in her room, hugging a pillow while thinking about him. Somehow his words had an unexplainable impact to her.

"I love you. It's you and not this stupid game of yours."

Someone just admitted his love to her and she didn't know what to feel or how to react. He didn't like it when she touched or kissed him, he was always stopping her, saying that he didn't like what she was doing. Unlike those other guys she met which would die just to have a piece of her. He didn't love her because of pleasure, but what else?

"Wrong. Love exists, that's why you're here, in front of me."

'Fools. Love doesn't exist. If it exists, then why do those people who were already hooked or married still looking for more? Simple. Because they want to have something new, something more pleasurable, something more exciting. That's not love at all. If it's love, then why does someone need to betray his/her lover for a hotter and beautiful/handsome one? Love didn't even exist in that. It's just pleasure and greed. It's always those two.'

"I will try, but promise me one thing, you'll stop this."

His words were repeating in her head like a broken cassette tape. It was confusing and irritating the hell out of her.

Finally, after two long years of her game, someone made the great Mikan Sakura… confused.

…

The next day… Mikan surprised her classmates again by arriving early on class. It was only 8:15 in the morning. Mikan also didn't understand herself, she didn't like to attend the class but there was some unknown force that was telling her to attend it.

'Maybe she'll annoy Jinno-sensei again.' Some in the class thought.

Mikan lazily made her way to her seat but noticed a bouquet of white roses in her desk. She narrowed her eyes and saw a card on it.

For my beautiful partner.
-Natsume.

She unconsciously smiled as she picked up the flower and smelled it.

Smells good.

Okay, she was always receiving flowers or chocolates from her fan boys which she always threw directly in the trash bin. But this one was different.

She liked it… a lot.

Her friends who noticed her smiled and giggled. They noticed a little change in her. It was only a little, but it was better than nothing. Mikan noticed them and she immediately put the flowers back on the desk and faked a cough, which made them giggle more.

She ignored them and sat on her chair. Her gaze diverted to the chair beside her and noticed that his bag was there but he was nowhere to be seen. She somehow felt worried about him. Because of this, she approached her best friend.

"Hotaru, where's my partner?" she asked, trying to be nonchalant. But she couldn't fool the great eyes of Hotaru Imai.

Hotaru smirked. "He's probably in the boy's changing room, that careless guy got tripped to save those flowers and bumped into Iinchou who was drinking coffee."

Mikan shrugged, acting like she didn't care. "Oh. Okay." She just went back to her seat and continued her favorite hobby which was to stare outside the window.

Why did he need to give me these flowers? I don't get it all.

Three minutes had passed, she felt bored without her partner beside her. She felt uneasy and wanted to see him badly, so she stood up and went out of the room. On her way on to the boys changing room, she saw someone that made her smile widely and evilly.

Jinjin.

Jinno was busy scanning his note while walking on his way to his class. Mikan sneakily walked near him and…

"BOO!" Mikan surprised Jinno which made the poor teacher yelp and throw the notebook he was reading in surprise. "Morning, Jinjin!"

"YOU!" Jinno was about to curse her when he remembered what happened last time. His face blushed and he shuddered. Mikan found his expression really funny and amusing.

"Miss me, Jinjin? You were so kind to tell my uncle what happened last time. Do you want a prize because of that?" Mikan stared at him with pleading eyes which made Jinno to step backwards, sweats were forming on his forehead. Mikan slowly walked nearer and nearer to him as he took steps backwards, until the poor teacher hit the wall.

"S-s-sakura, w-watch y-your m-manners!" Jinno stuttered. He was trapped.

Mikan stopped in front of him, pouting. "Why? Don't you want me anymore?"

Jinno gulped. He must resist this temptation in front of him. "I-I'll r-report this again to your u-uncle!"

Mikan laughed loudly. "Geez, honestly you think I'm serious? Not even a bit. Goodbye, Jinjin." Mikan teasingly said before leaving the stunned Jinno behind. He breathed heavily and wiped the sweats that formed on his forehead.

"Gaaah! That Sakura." Jinno cursed, he thought he was going to die because of her.

…

Mikan arrived at the Boys Changing room. She sneakily looked around the room, scanning if somebody else other than her partner was there. But she saw no one. She entered and locked the door. She walked inside, looking for her target... and poof! There he was, topless while rummaging his locker. Mikan stared at him with awe, her mouth formed an 'O' shape while watching him. He had a perfect muscular body that a girl, like her, would die for.

Natsume didn't noticed that Mikan was there, watching and adoring his perfect body. He kept on rummaging his locker until he found his extra polo shirt. He immediately wore it and put his tie around his neck. He also wore his black academy blazer, completing his attire. He closed his locker and focused his attention to the mirror on the locker's door. He slightly messed his hair, but he saw her reflection in the mirror, making him jump in surprise.

He faced her, shocked. "W-why are you here?" He asked. Mikan was still staring at him, her face flushed.

Upon realization that she was staring at him for a long time, she shook her head and blinked thrice.

"Oh." She breathed out and recovered from her initial shock.

"Can't I check what's happening to my partner? You're not in the classroom when I arrived." She lied. She couldn't say to him that she was worried. Hell, in her dreams. She could feel her heart thumping fast in nervousness.

"I think I've only been out of the room for 5 minutes," Natsume said knowingly and consulted his watch. He smiled, a teasing one and diverted his gaze to Mikan. "…were you worried about me?"

Mikan eyes widen. Was she that easy to read?

"Hell NO!"

"Is that so?" Natsume started. Mikan could see his face sadden a bit. "Well, let's go back to the classroom now. This is the boys changing room, meaning you are not allowed here." He added, making his way to the door. He was about to open the door when he heard her speak.

"Say, what are those flowers for?" Mikan asked, her gaze fixed on him. Natsume didn't expect her to ask about it. He thought she would throw it away, like she did to the other presents she received from others.

Natsume sighed inwardly. "Ah, just a present from me. Did you like it?"

Mikan flash a warm smile at him. She didn't want to, but she couldn't help herself. He always looked sincere when he's talking to her. "Yeah, I like it. Thanks."

"Really?" Natsume muttered with disbelief, his crimson eyes widen behind his clear eyeglasses.

With that, Mikan walked to where he was and shot him a questioning look.

"Do you think I'm a liar?" Mikan asked, faking a disappointed tone. Then she rolled her eyes. "Just open that door." She added, changing the topic.

'Maybe this will work after all.' Natsume thought. But he couldn't be sure enough.

For Mikan Sakura is an infamous player. He doesn't know what is running in her mind right now.

…

Then there they were, walking in the corridor silently, side by side. Natsume was stealing glances at her, feeling nervous. So this was what you'd feel after you confess.

Then an idea popped in his mind.

"Hey," Natsume started. "…do you want to come with me?"

"Huh? Where?"

"Cutting classes." Natsume simply replied which made Mikan to stop walking.

"You? Cutting classes? Are you joking me?" Mikan snapped, disbelief was visible on her face. It was unbelievable; a person like him, who loved studying and boring lectures, would ditch the class?

Ditch the class with her?

"No. So do you want to come with me?" He asked again, hopeful.

"I feel like I'm being a bad influence to you. But, that's a great idea. I can't stand seeing that Jinjin anymore."

…

Moments Later…

Mikan eyes widen and her jaw dropped. She diverted her eyes at Natsume who had a small smile on his face. She glared at him, a deadly one.

"We ditched class just to go here?"

"Yeah, why? Don't you like it?"

Mikan slapped her forehead in frustration.

Happy songs could be heard; children were walking with their parents while licking an ice cream. Food stands were everywhere. There was a man selling balloons. Everyone had a happy face. And… rides were everywhere. In short, they were at the entrance of an amusement park.

Mikan frowned. "What do you think? Do I look like a 5-year-old-kid?" she asked in irritated tone.

"Honestly, you do." Natsume replied teasingly. This made Mikan to scratch her nape in disappointment.

"Argh! I'll just go home!" She snapped and started to walk away.

"Sorry, did I disappoint you? This is the place me and my sister go when we both have free time. Since my parents are in other country, there are only the two of us."

Mikan stopped on her tracks and looked back at him. Somehow, she understood what he felt. Her parents were also in other country and she was left with his brother. But they never went to this kind of place. Never. Not even when she was still a kid. She didn't know what was so good being inside an amusement park.

"So, you have a sister?"

"Yeah, she's only ten. She really loves being here."

Mikan sighed. "Nevermind." She walked back where he was. "So what are we going to do here?"

…

More moments later…

"Are you okay?" Natsume asked to Mikan who was currently gripping his arms tightly like it was the only thing that was keeping her alive. She could still feel how fast her heart was pounding, her legs shaking, and her eyes still wide open in fear.

"I hate you."

Natsume sweat dropped. Who would think that this seventeen-year-old-girl would be so afraid after riding a roller coaster? His ears almost bled because of her screams while they were in the ride. Now, he could feel that in a matter of time, his arm would be detached from his body.

"Isn't it fun to ride a roller coaster? Me and my sister always ride that when we're here." Natsume chuckled

"ITS. NOT. FUNNY." Mikan pointed out. She tightened the grip on his arms, afraid that she would collapse when she let it go. Natsume was in pain, but he was resisting it. It was his fault anyway for dragging her in this place.

"Sorry, okay? Let sit in a bench for the moment." Natsume replied and pointed a bench nearby. Mikan nodded and they sat there.

Finally, Natsume could feel that the blood in his arm began to circulate again as Mikan released his arms.

"You want something to drink?"

"Water, please. Damn, my head is still spinning. Thank you for giving me headaches, partner." Mikan sarcastically replied while rolling her eyes.

Natsume released a short laugh. "You're so cute." He said before leaving her, dumbfounded.

"Eh?"

Minutes later, Natsume returned with two bottles of water in his left hand and a square box in the right hand. He gave a bottle and the box to Mikan.

Mikan eyed the box. "What's this?"

"That's a soft candy. My sister loves that so much so I think that you'll love that, too."

"Oh sure." Mikan opened the box and picked a piece of this white soft candy and stuffed it inside her mouth.

"Mmm. It's delicious." She commented while letting the soft candy melt inside her mouth. "You want some?" She offered.

Natsume shook his head. "No. I don't like sweets."

Mikan watched him drink his water. She never got tired of looking at him. His gentle face that always looked at her with that small, rare smile that gave warmth to her heart, this man who declared that he loves her. The truth was, she enjoyed being with him. Okay, maybe she hated the roller coaster part, but she enjoyed hugging his strong arms, feeling safe and secured.

But still one question lingered in her mind. Why did he love her? There was nothing lovable about her.

Natsume noticed her staring at him again. He arched his brow and waved his hand in front of her.

"Do you still want to try other rides?" Natsume asked, breaking her thoughts.

"Oh. Sure." She unconsciously answered.

And she never regretted it.

…

It was fun. It was already afternoon; she didn't even notice how fast the time passed by. Now, Mikan knew why people liked the amusement park. It was not because of the rides, the foods or wonderful scenery inside it.

It was because you have someone to share the fun with.

They already exited the amusement park, feeling exhausted and tired. They saw a nearby café and decided to rest there.

"Did you have fun?"

"Yeah, except that damn roller coaster."

Natsume chuckled. "I had fun too. Thank you."

'No. I should be the one to thank you.' Mikan thought but she couldn't say it out loud.

"I want to you show something, will you come with me again?" Natsume suddenly asked, as he noticed her staring at him again. She had been staring at him a lot this day. Well, it made him confused but didn't bother to ask why.

Mikan snapped back to reality. "And where now?"

"Somewhere." Natsume stood up and offered his hand to her. Mikan smiled and accepted it and Natsume gently dragged her out of the café.

…

"The hell?" Mikan cursed. Her knees were feeling weak and all she wanted was to take a rest. She glared at this man who was still holding her hand while leading the way for her.

Now what? Okay, after Natsume dragged her out of the café, they went in a nearby park and climbed this 100-level staircase.

Seriously, did this guy love to get tired?

"Are you okay?" Natsume asked and stopped on climbing the stairs.

"Argh! Will you stop asking when you know that I'm not? !" Mikan screeched in annoyance. She broke his grip and shot him a long, suffering glare.

"We're almost there." Natsume assured and offered his hands again to her.

Mikan pulled her hair in annoyance. "I think you've said that a million times. What's with these stairs anyway?" She asked and stomped her feet childishly on the poor stair.

"You'll find out later, just 30 steps away."

"Now I regret coming with you!" Mikan cursed and started to climb the stairs by herself.

Natsume sighed in disappointment. He just wanted to be with her this day. When he thought everything was fine, there she was.

Women and their non-stop complaints.

He consulted his watch and it said 5:30 pm, he set aside his disappointment and exhaled.

Almost time.

He followed her and soon caught up with her. Her face was still annoyed and irritated.

When they reached the top of the stairs, Mikan faced him with a glare.

"Now, what are we going to do here?"

Natsume flashed a satisfied smile. "This is my favorite place."

"So?"

"I want to share it with you."

"And?"

Natsume didn't answer instead he dragged her to the nearby bench. They sat and Mikan started to complain again.

"What was that f – !"

She wasn't able to finish what she was about to say when she saw Natsume, looking peacefully at the sky, the reddish orange rays of light illuminated in his pair of eyeglasses. She diverted her gaze to where he was looking at.

She took all her complaints back.

The sunset was turning the sky a bright yellow to a vibrant orange. Mikan watched the scene with awe and a smile formed in her face. Never in her life had she seen a beautiful sunset like this. The pink and orange colors slowly blending together. The purple smudging into the blue sky. The clouds rapidly disappearing. Carefully, she rested her head to his broad shoulder, feeling tired but happy at the same time.

"It's breathtaking." Each word that fell from her lips expressed how captivated she was by the artistic show of colors in the sky.

Natsume smiled at her comment. It was, along with having such a beautiful girl leaning against him, watching this wonderful sunset, was the most perfect way to end a day he could imagine.

"Yeah, I thought you'd like it." His voice was smooth and calm, causing her to give a slight shudder.

Mikan wondered how could someone like him be with her side now. She was here, with the most perfect guy she had ever met. It was surreal.

She took off her gaze to the magnificent sight to glance at the boy beside her. So gentle, yet so strong.

Never in her life had she felt contented like now. This day, her heart was dancing with happiness. It was so real and true.

"I don't like it." She started and paused. "I love it." Mikan corrected. She returned her gaze back to the sunset, watching how the colors changed as the sun slowly setting. Natsume looked at this girl who was leaning on his shoulder.

It was like a wish come true for him. He was with her, in a perfect place like this.

"So... you know how to love now?" Natsume teased and chuckled.

Mikan shook her head. "Only the sunset because it's wonderful." She moved her head away from his shoulder and narrowed her eyes on him. "Why? Is this your definition of love?"

Natsume also shook his head and glanced at this curious girl. "Answer me first, did you have fun today? Be honest."

Mikan rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in her chest.

"Fine, I had fun." Mikan answered truthfully with a smile. "Honestly, I never felt this happy before. I discovered many things today. You know a lot of things. Especially this place." She added and saw Natsume smirking at her. "Hmp. Don't be flattered." She snapped.

"You can have fun without playing around others like you usually do. There are many wonderful things out there. You just need to look around you."

Mikan stared at him, pleased. "You really care for me that much, huh?"

"Yes."

Mikan sighed. "I really wonder why."

"I just do."

I really wonder why this guy loves me. I mean, I just don't understand how a person so nice like him could love a spmeone like me. I've been toying many guys' feelings and he knew it, but still, he…treats me in a very special way. He didn't even take advantage of me. Or become disgusted at me. I don't get it at all. Is this what love all about?

Mikan sighed, she was really confused now. "So is this your definition of happiness?"

"No. This is my definition of life." Natsume corrected.

Mikan frowned, not understanding him. "What?"

"Happiness is only temporary. It is only part of life. You don't know if you'll still be happy when tomorrow comes."

Natsume thought she'd start complaining that she didn't understand him.

But she didn't.

Mikan watched the sky as the darkness slowly took over. She didn't care what will happen tomorrow. For this day, she was very happy. She rested her head in his shoulder again with a contented smile on her face. She didn't know why, but she wanted to be with him more.

Happiness is different from pleasure. It has something to do with struggling, enduring, and accomplishing.

"Thank you for today. You made me really happy."

Natsume smiled too and rested his head to hers. He was glad that he was able to make her happy. This was what he always wanted. For this girl, was the one he loved the most. He didn't care if she was playing with his feeling right now or not. He was always believed that there was still hope.

Happiness…

This feeling… it's new and overwhelming.