HELLO AGAIN! :)))))

FINALLY. I decided to update this story.

I forgot about this one, haha. My apologies.

I guess I got lazy or something. :)

MIKAN'S POV

I hate shopping. Especially with Mom.

Yeah, yeah. I know what you guys are thinking. It's her last day with me until who knows when. But how can you tolerate someone so…

"Mikan, this would look great on you!" My mother called out in delight. I grabbed the shirt from her, held it up in front of me, then checked the size.

A medium.

"I hate the color." I replied, as I tossed the shirt back to Mom.

"What are you talking about? This kind of pink looks great with your skin!"

"If you want it so much, buy it for yourself, Mom. I'll be over there, looking at some clothes that I can actually breathe in." I told her. She sighed.

"OK, but just don't go too far! We'll be checking out more stores in a few minutes!"

Jeez, Mom. I'm not a kid, and I won't get lost.

We were sitting at the food court. I was eating a hotdog, and she was looking through the things we bought. Then her eyebrows furrowed.

"You hardly bought anything! You just bought this book!" Mom exclaimed unhappily, as she held up my precious Mark Twain book.

"But that's what I wanted."

"Mikan, I really think you shouldn't underestimate yourself. You're a beautiful young girl… people haven't just opened their eyes yet. One day, you'll see. Things will be different."

I was silent for awhile. I realized, she was right. Maybe I should learn how to believe in myself a bit more.

"Mom, do you think we could go to a few more stores?"

My mother smiled at me. "Of course."

"How about that bookstore over there?" I said as I pointed.

A vein popped out of her head. "Mikan..."

I did a peace sign and smiled big. "Kidding."

The next thing I knew, my mom was already on her way to America, and I was back at school.

"Is it the end of the world already? Damn, I wish I had more time." Hotaru said as she saw me walk to her locker.

"I know, I know. It's unlikely for me to be wearing a dress to school, but I thought, why the heck not?" I replied.

"Hm. Anyways, I'll be moving in a little later. I expect crabs in the fridge, TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN. Got that?"

"Whatever, you can have the guest bedroom. We could paint the walls vio—" I was interrupted by a voice.

A heavenly, manly voice.

"Sakura?" Natsume called out.

I froze for a moment. Then Hotaru nudged me by the elbow.

"W-what? I mean, yeah?" I replied uneasily. He smiled at my response.

I think my cheeks are going to explode.

"Nothing, it's just that… you look great today, that's all. See you around." He waved goodbye as he walked by us. I was too much in cloud nine to wave back.

Now I think my whole body is going to explode.

"OK, then. Let's get you to the restroom before you burst." Hotaru said as she pushed me to the restroom.

Once we were inside, I could not contain myself any longer.

"HE SAID I LOOKED GREAT TODAY! NATSUME HYUUGA SAID I LOOKED GREAT TODAY! THANK YOU, MOTHER!" I shouted on the top of my lungs.

"Keep it down, somebody might here you!" Hotaru scolded, as she uncovered her ears. But I couldn't really care less.

"As long as Natsume doesn't here it, I don't care! Hotaru, you heard it! He said—" The rest of that sentence were muffled words.

"Ssh! I know that already! Get over it! Hurry, we're gonna be late for class!" Hotaru said as she rushed me out the door.

Not before taking a second look at myself. I smiled.

I did look great today.

Natsume said so.

"Look, Hotaru! Prom posters! Prom's almost here!"

"Yeah, not to mention the end of our highschool days." Hotaru added.

To tell you the truth, I'm kinda glad that highschool is going to be over soon. I could finally distance myself from all these mean people.

I believe that college students are much more civilized.

Except when they get drunk.

That's a different story.

I looked down at my shoes and frowned, because I realized something. "But I don't think I'll be going."

Hotaru cut her gaze from the poster to look at me. "Why not?"

"I mean, look at me." I say as I stretch my arms out and show her my body. "No one's going to ask me out to prom."

She examined me starting from my feet. When she finally got to my face, she gave out a sarcastic look.

"No one said you weren't pretty. Some people aren't as mean as you think. You'll be surprised to know that the people you least expect to ask you, turn out to be the ones who won't disappoint you." Then she turns to walk away.

I stare at her retreating figure. "Has someone asked her out already?" I ask myself.

My thoughts on who were rudely interrupted by the bell.

I guess I need to do some snooping around after class.

"Look, Nogi. I will tell you for the last time, I'm not going to prom." I heard Hotaru say as she walked away.

I am currently hiding at the corner, spying on Hotaru. But it's not like I meant to, I was running to her but a certain blonde-haired guy was walking towards her too.

So here I am, pretending to be a bush.

"W-why not?"

I heard Hotaru sigh. "It's none of your business."

"Is it because no one asked your friend out? And you feel sorry for her?" Nogi's question made Hotaru stop on her tracks.

I felt hurt. I think all the junior and senior girls have dates. All except me.

I peeked to see how Hotaru reacted. Her eyebrows furrowed and her fists clenched. She turned around and glared at Nogi. "Stop bothering me. I told you, I'm not going."

Then she left, without another word.

I came out of the bushes, and walked up to sulking boy standing alone on the pavement.

"Hi, Nogi." I greeted.

"Ah, Sakura. How may I help you?" He replies, smiling politely down at me. Yeah, I know. I'm small. And overweight. I get it.

I stare at the retreating figure of my best friend. Then I turn to him and say, "I don't think you should give up on her."

"Well, I do believe that she's just looking out for you. She cares for you quite a lot. I can tell." He replies.

I smile at him. He's a nice guy. "You know what? If I didn't have such a crush on your amethyst-eyed friend of yours, I'd ask you to prom. Seriously." He says as he laughs lightly. But not in a mocking way. I laughed along.

His charms are working on me. I don't know what Hotaru is failing to see in this guy. He's amazing!

"And if I didn't have a crush on your best friend, I'd accept!" I say, but then quickly cover my mouth with both hands. Nogi smiles wide.

"Oh, so I see you like Natsume, huh?" He says slyly.

My hearts starts to race, and I begin to panic. "Please don't tell, Hyuuga. Please."

He walks away slowly. His eyes teasing me.

I think I have just made the biggest mistake of my life.

(End of Chapter)

...Or the best. :))

Again, I APOLOGIZE FOR SUCH A LATE UPDATE. :)

Please, review. :))

I do feel ashamed, though. :)

But on the next chapter, I shall reveal who's going to prom with who!

PLUS, unexpected (and painful) something hits Mikan on the head, that causes her heart to be broken!

REVIEW! :))

I'm actually excited to write the next chapter. :)

I hope you guys are just as excited to read it. :)))))

Bye for now! :))