Dark Hood

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice nor its characters but the story is entirely mine.

"You know Mikan-chan Natsume?" asked Ruka.

I didn't look at them but answered silently, "You could say we met before…"

"Sorry I was so late. Anna-chan needed some help then I left my phone at her house," she laughed. Without that hood she looked… different. All that hatred from before was gone already. Now it was anxiety.

"No problem, we just arrived anyway," Ruka smiled in his gentleman way.

I nearly snorted. We've been here for around an hour. Just arrived? I don't think so. I think Ruka thought my little noise meant to introduce us. "Oh! This is Natsume Hyuuga, my best friend and Luna Koizumi, Natsume's…"

"Girlfriend," Koizumi held out her hand for Mikan to shake. "Just," she added happily.

"It's nice to meet you Koizumi-san," Mikan shook her hand and Ruka escorted her to sit next to him – opposite me.

"Want to order yet Mikan-chan?" Ruka grinned at his girlfriend in a dream-like trance.

She nodded and Koizumi signaled for Koko to come back and collect her order. I stared at her as she ordered. Was she really the one I met at the bus stop? I was so sure that she was the dull type (with that boring voice and all) but obviously she wasn't. With that cheery smile, she was definitely not boring. She was shining if you asked. The darkness of her clothes must've dampened it.

"So Hyuuga-san, what do you do?" Mikan asked after she finished her introductory conversation with Koizumi. Her hazel eyes were now facing me.

"Hn"

"Oh… Ruka, have you and Hyuuga-san been friends for long?" she asked, turning her attention back.

"Yes! Since we were little. So Koizumi, you guys just started dating?" Ruka laughed and sent me a knowing look. It seemed as though he was trying to say something like: 'Told you today would be good.'

Even though we've been friends for ages… he doesn't get it now does he - too side tracked by his girlfriend probably. So I stood up to leave. "Natsume-kun, where are you going?" asked Koizumi with her watery eyes – they always look as though she's going to cry.

"For a call," I excused myself with a lie and pretend to dial some number on the phone while getting out the shop. Once I was out, the cold air hit my face and I wished I hadn't lied to get out. But for me, pride is important. I scrolled through my contacts and finally ended up calling… No one.

I headed back into the dreadful sushi place and when they asked I just said no one answered my call. Koizumi was still gladly chatting with the mysterious girl. She couldn't possibly be the one that I saw at the bus stop. Lots of people wear black jackets with a dark hood right? There's only a one in a million chance of that girl being the one I met a little while ago. Plus, she said she was at her friend's.

"Will you excuse me? I need to go to the bathroom," Ruka tucked in his chair and strode off.

Then it was Koizumi's turn, "Oh no! It's already nine… I need to get home. It's been great getting to know you Mikan-chan. Hang on a second…" She stabbed her hand into her little handbag then pulled out a card, "Here, it has my number on it. Call me anytime."

"No problem!" Mikan grinned at her. Honestly, the smile just kept convincing me that she isn't the one I met before. "It's been wonderful knowing you too! I have to invite you out this Saturday for my usual girls' night out! Everyone will love you!"

They both turned to me. I groaned, "You can get home yourself right?" That was my way of offering.

"No, it's fine. I drove the car out so I'll need to take it back anyway. I'll see you guys next time then. Say goodbye to Ruka-san for me." She also strode away from the table. Just me and her now…

"You are a terrible boyfriend with such an understanding girlfriend," she commented (again).

I growled at her, "And what do you know about me?"

"A lot," she sipped her green tea, "And I've just spoken to your girlfriend. You honestly need to be better, Hyuuga-san. I've told you earlier today haven't i? Making everyone hate you is stupid."

"And making everyone like you is stupid as well," I hissed back. "You have no right to go saying anything about me until you know me." I finally said it. But I never imagined her to be like that which would also be the reason why the way she responded wasn't the way I expected.

"Then I better start getting to know you."

Last night's dinner was… different. Ruka said nothing about it but when he returned from the bathroom I'm sure he noticed the tension between us.

I've confirmed who she is and I'm glad that's over. But it was still unsettling. But no matter what life goes on and I have to hurry to work. My office was full with paperwork once more as I entered the miserable work place once more. No one here was exactly… vivacious either, just boring working people.

"Um… Hyuuga-san…" It was Yuu Tobita – manager. He was trustworthy, quiet but I know he's hardworking.

"Yeah, what is it?" I mumbled as I scanned through the many pieces of paper once more.

"Um… Koizumi-san has requested to see you."

"Just tell her I'm busy and just leave me a message," I answered without thinking. I signed the paperwork and gave it to Tobita, "Send this too."

"Erm… There's still more Hyuuga-san."

"What?" This time I turned my eyes up at the (almost) shivering person. He really does need to grow confidence – once of the reason I gave his the position of president.

He gulped and with a clearer voice, spoke, "There's a woman interviewing for the position of secretary, sir." Then his voice grew weak once more, "I… think she's very suitable for it… and she's passed the other interviews too…"

I sighed. More work… Once I checked that my never-ending actually had an empty space, I asked Tobita to call her and inform her the interview time. He nodded, took the papers and headed off again. It's good to see workers improve but truthfully, I hope the decision of giving him the position of manager was correct…

"Why of all people –" I cut myself off before I would swear. It was her once more, in her damp black jacket – the clouds have not lifted at all – and dark hood.

"Oh, Hyuuga-san. So you're the boss… Everyone seems to keep muttering things about you," she smiled brightly as she removed the heavy coat.

"Sit," I demanded. I threw my legs onto my desk, completely clear of paperwork, and then started the interview. "Alright, name."

"Mikan Sakura, I'm twenty-th-"

"I only asked for a name," I glared at the girl who was still smiling. It somehow reminded me of the waiter from last night. "Age?"

"Like I was saying before, I'm twenty-three."

"Hn. School?"

"I was at Tokyo University then tried to get a PhD which wasn't successful becau-"

I raised my eyebrow, "Did I ask for any more information?"

I could tell she was angry because she answered quite fiercely, "No sir. I'm sorry."

"Good. You didn't write down an address," I noted. "You must have some form of address to work here."

"I do. But I was unsure before," her tone was calm again but her eyes had some murderous aura.

I smirked, "Then please say where."

"You know what?! If you hate me that much then you don't have to accept me. I'll quit myself! This is so unreasonable that you're my boss. Not that you will be because I quit!" she finally burst.

"I never said we wouldn't accept you."

"Huh?" Her face gave a funny look. Her mouth slightly open, one eyebrow cocked up and eyes slightly small. "D-did y-you j-just…?"

"Tobita! I've got the new secretary. Get her trained up please," I called into the phone.

There was a little murmur for an answer but he showed up in no time and took the shocked girl away. Was it really that stunning that I accepted her? It'd be stupid not to. Her resume was near perfect – not as good as mine would be though.

In less than a weeks' time, she was ready. She dressed formally, spoke in the perfect mannerly – that Tobita must've taught her – and had everything ready. She categorized everything, scheduled everything but one thing I wanted her to do, she never managed…

"Oi, get me a coffee," I ordered as she walked past my desk to get a document.

Her face twitched – which I quite enjoyed since it was amusing – and she told me bluntly, "You had one two minutes ago… sir."

"That was a store bought one. I only drink fresh ones. Brew me one instantly and call Ruka to cancel the 'thing'. He'll understand what it is. Also, I need you to arrange a date."

"Brew? Sir, you know I can't make coffee the way –"

"Are you not doing what I'm asking you to do?" I hissed at her. She turned herself around and stomped out my office muttering rude words. That's mostly how the day passes but she always comes back like…

"Here's your stupid coffee," she slammed the coffee cup onto my desk – nearly spilling it.

"I could get you fired for that," I warned her for the millionth time. It was fun being able to tease someone.

"I know… sir. I came back to ask about the date you want me to arrange. Who is it for?" She swung a notepad out of nowhere along with a pen I think she hid in her pocket.

I stared at the coffee and glowered at her, "Koizumi."

She was about to head out but I added, "I don't want black coffee."

"Natsume Hyuuga you go make some yourself then!" she screamed as she jammed the door shut. Yep, now that's normal.

End of Chapter 2