Dark Hood
Chapter 9
Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice nor its characters but the story is entirely mine.
Angrily, I flung the suitcases at the wall. I endured through the urge to punch the wall since it hurt so much.
"Natsume?" whispered a delicate voice from the other side.
Damn, she's still there. "What?" I growled.
"Did you punch the wall?"
"No."
"A-alright... Be careful then," she added then it grew silent. This was all because of her!
My betrayal towards my best friend was because she made my heart thob, my betrayal towards my girlfriend was because she caused me much more happiness and sadness than her, my everything has changed.
The phone rang and echoed loudly around the apartment. It was so loud it hurt my brain.
"Hello, Natsume Hyuuga speaking," I recited robotically. Soon, I won't be able to do this anymore.
"N-natsume-kun? I heard from Yuu... Y-you wanted to s-speak to me?" asked Koizumi, her voice shaking. Honestly, she sounded like Tobita too.
"Yes. Did you hear everything from him?"
"Partly..."
"Alright. Well..." I struggled to let the words roll off my tongue. God, I'm messed up.
"No. Don't say it... I already know what you'd say... You look at her the way I look at you... So I understand..." she mumbled quietly but I could hear the crack in her voice.
I sighed. The hard part was over. "Thanks Koizumi. Sorry for -"
"Hey! I never said anything about giving up. Mikan-chan and I are now rivals," she chuckled. "Anyway, how's that working out for you?"
"She's staying in Tokyo but now it's my turn to leave." I rubbed my temples and drop onto the couch.
"Where to?"
"They plan to open a new business in Paris and since the on in Tokyo is so successful, they plan to bring me out and replace me with Tobita - since he has the skills needed." I felt more relaxed talking to Koizumi. I didn't need to piss her off and I didn't need to try to catch her attention. It ws so easy to open more mouth and talk to her...
"And you agreed? What did you mother say?" asked Koizumi curiously.
"Oh crap! I knew I forgot something. I'll call you later Koizumi," I pulled the phone away from my ear but I heard her cry.
"Wait!"
"What?" I groaned, tried of this conversation and dreading talking to my mother about leaving the country. She'll kill me.
"If Mikan-chan and I are on equal grounds then..." she grew quieter and I couldn't hear her anymore.
"Whatever."
Then she brightened up, "Thank you! Goodbye then Natsume!" The line went dead.
Natsume? Oh boy...
"So because you were too busy chasing Mikan-chan you agreed to leaving the country?" she concluded.
I gulped. I didn't want to answer. It was so intimidating. But I had to manage out a strong answer. "Hn"
"You idiot of a son! Never let a girl get ahead of you! And I thought you were clever..." Mother's disappointed voice echoed through my head. It annoyed me.
"Hn"
"Are you sure you can't cancel it?" asked Mother.
"I'm fine! I don't want anyone's help, Mother. I left the house for a reason. I'll be leaving on Tuesday," I growled, "Goodbye." Then I cut off the phone.
Just when I thought about the bothersome day, I could get some rest however the doorbell went. I moaned again but answered, "It's open."
"Natsume, what are you doing? You have to pack up! Only two more days to go. Also, what are you going to do with your apartment?" asked Ruka, barging in.
"Nothing," I grumbled.
"Good. Because I wanted to ask... Could I borrow your apartment while I'm gone? Then I can stay beside Mikan... You'll do that for me, right?" Ruka stared at me.
My heart sped up. I had to agree? What to do...? "Ruka," I coughed loudly to clear my throat. Somehow, my voice seemed fake and loud - very loud. "About the apartment... I... I'm just planning... to..."
"Ruka?!" screamed Mikan who came running in as well. "Oh! You are here! I thought I heard you!"
"Mikan-chan! I thought you were... Nevermind. I just came around to help Natsume pack. There's just so much to do." He pointed towards all my unpacked stuff. My heart thumped again.
"Cool! I'll help pack! I still have a lot of things next door from - " Her voice intrigued me... No... Ruka's here...
"Will both of you get out?!" I screamed, bursting finally from all the emotions bubbling inside me.
"Natsume, are you alright?" Ruka asked, looking down at me.
"No..." I muttered. "I'm not! Could you both just go next door or go home? I don't care... I want to be left alone..."
Ruka seemed to get the message (who wouldn't?) and dragged Mikan outside. "Sorry to disturb you then."
The door shut and I leaned against the wall. I heard everything from there...
Mikan is Ruka's.
I hated it. Being alone here...
Not physically of course. Tons of happy people were passing by me, some talking about what to do when they arrive at their destinations, some muttering into their phones their final goodbyes, some typing rapidly on their laptops for some presentation... But I did none of the above.
I had everything prepared. The apartment - after a long night - I decided to let Ruka watch over it while I leave. He's my best friend. I couldn't say no after everything he had done for me. I've decided this friendship can't be destroyed by a girl. Mother had reminded me.
Tobita told me he wouldn't move a thing in my office. He said it would be reserved for when I come back. He's pretty naive... but a great friend - even the perfect employee. However, it is prety stupid. He's going to replace me but he won't even use the office. I had argued but he was determined - showing the skills needed to take my place.
The company provided me a first-class ticket and I couldn't wait for the stupid 13 hour flight. And not to mention the fact I hardly know any french. I'm Japanese, for goodness sake!
"Flight 201 to Paris, final call," the speakers told me.
What was I doing anyway?
I was sitting in the waiting area with a bored, empty looking expression on my face while my flight was on final call. Sighing (and realizing I was being completely stupid), I got up and headed to my gate with the ticket and my passport dangling. Hopefully, someone will steal it from me.
No one could stop me though.
Not even if she suddenly appeared out of nowhere like usual.
Without control of my head, I looked behind me, hoping to see a brunette running down the airport calling my name. But that wasn't possible. Of all the times I wanted to see her, this might be the most desperate.
How come she appears when I don't expect it and when I want to see her, she's never there?
Oh yeah... This is reality. I was blinded by the fact that fate finally set up a trap on me after causing me so much misery the past years...
"Please switch off all mobile phones and buckle your seatbelts as shown..." the instructions from the video was uttering dreadful. The girl was trying to flirt with me as well. God, it's going to be a painful air flight.
My eyes landed on the people outside who had finished loading luggage onto the airplane. Hang on, I know that dirty blond... Koko! My crimson eyes focused on him.
His lips were moving but he was too far away for me to make out what he was trying to indicate. However he pointed back to the airport. I scanned the entire building which took a while - and the pressure was shocking due to the roaring of the live engines, finally, I found it.
She was there.
At the gate where I departed, she was standing, waving. Her miniature figure was disappearing and beside her, I made out Ruka's vague figure, waving as well. Both of them were trying to mouth something. But the plane began to turn.
I cried out to the flirtatious girl, "Oi! Can I get off?"
"Sir, I'm afraid you'll have to remain seated. The plane is about to fly any second," she grew serious.
"I have to get off! This is an emergency!"
"I'm sorry sir. You'll have to wait until we're up. We can't possibly stop the plane during take-off."
I glared at her, "What if someone was dying?"
"Sir, I'm sure we can do something about that after we're up on air. Please have an enjoyable flight!" Then she stomped off, annoyed by my reckless request.
I clenched my fist, hurting the wounds on my knuckles. Either way, the plane levitated up to the air and I bit the sides of my mouth to stop from screaming out some insult.
Do something about someone dying down below while we're up in the air?! God, I need to report her. What were the two of them mouthing to me?
My brain made me think logically:
Option One - I must've forgotten something and they wanted to give it to before I left.
Option Two - They want to announce something that concerns me.
Option Three - The company cancelled my stay.
Or possibly, just maybe, a one-in-a-million chance, the unthinkable.
Mikan might have come for me. They might want me to stay. But I know once I get to Paris, I have to block out all these feelings, so I let myself escape to these dreams. When I get to Paris, I'll refresh myself. I'll forget my feelings about Mikan and let Ruka have her.
He loves her. Who am I to do anything about it?
Around two hours has passed, I don't know the time exactly since I've only been daydreaming.
Someone wandered into the first class. My head was down so when she stopped beside me, I lifted it and saw a face I didn't expect.
"Natsume..."
End of Chapter 9
Believe it or not, I think this is one of my favorite chapters... ever. And I love this cliffhanger. I'm sure you intelligent reviewers have worked out who it is but meh! I'll keep it. Thanks so much for the support guys! This month, I got loads of followers, reviewers, favorites... Thanks you!
adrienna22 - THANK YOU! I never expect anyone to quote that bit. I was on the edge of my seat when I read your review. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
AnimeMango - Aw~ You must be my first fan then! I hope you do get an account. Anyone would agree Fanfiction is great! (It's actually Blooms...) Thank you so MUCH!
gabsterela - that will remain a mystery... for now... What did you think she said though? I'm interested...
ToriChuck - Yeah... Exams are full of stress... Still recovering... Thanks for your review! (and understanding!)
nix - Haha! I was laughing when I read your review! I just never realized there are many Ruka x Hotaru fans. Do you think they should be together? I might just pair Ruka with Koizumi... Haha...
You guys make me smile! :) All of you who are reading this right now is making me happy! I hope I'm doing the same for you!