Dark Hood
Chapter 13
Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Ailce nor its characters but this story is entirely mine.
Drowning myself with some harsh beer, I barely heard anything that Mikan and Ruka were laughing so gleefully about. Why are they so... This is so stupid! Why would I be jealous? I'm not. I'm just... drunk. That's all. And it's good to be drunk. My unconscious mind can be at liberty to think and I can do reckless things... The best time to tell Ruka.
"... So can we go to the Louvre tomorrow Ruka? Please?" she begged, "I really want to see that exhibition they have at the moment."
"Sure. But I'll have to talk to Natsume first. We might want to continue our conversation so I can't promise you tomorrow." Mikan frowed at Ruka's answer. "But we'll definitely go."
"Yay! But I've gotta go. Jii-chan phoned up a while ago," Mikan picked up her fancy handbag - I'm pretty sure it's quite expensive so Ruka probably bought it for her. "Bye. I'll see you guys later." She gave a quick wave along with a flashy smile and headed out. Will such a defenceless beaut - unique girl, get attacked on the streets of Paris?
A beast inside me clawed at my chest, convincing me to ditch Ruka just to escort her. But I could always do that another time - No! I didn't mean it! "Oi, Ruka. Let's talk."
"Oh yeah... so... Go first," Ruka fiddled with his drink and made sure he wasn't looking me in the eye.
"You know, it's not good news right?" I questioned to confirm what he was getting into. This will ruin everything. Man, I sound so much like a girl. "Are you prepared?" He nodded silently and waited for me to continue. I just bit my lip down so a little blood leaked out. It reassured me this wasn't a dream: I was going to tell Ruka. "I... You know... Before..." I stammered and thought clearly about out to lay it out, "Alright, let me just be forward."
Ruka raised a brow at me in confusion, "Good. Just go for it Natsume, I'm not going to be too irritated. Plus you know I'll never stay mad at you."
"Ruka... I like Mikan." The words slurred out and I was worried he didn't understand for Ruka froze. His face was like a blank slate - unreadable. "Oi Ruka, did you hear me?"
"I heard you." His lips just moved and his voice was nonchalant. Maybe he got it from me...
"So..." I urged him, hoping he'd at least show some emotion. What did he think about it? It was definitely going to be a negative response...
"Why didn't you just tell me before? I got super freaked out when Yuu told me you left because of Mikan-chan and even before... You did my head in, Natsume," he smiled bitterly. "Since when...?"
"I don't know. But by that time... I already knew that it was inevitable," I sighed uncontrolably. What should I expect?
He mumbled something under his breath and for once I didn't want to know what it was. Ruka turned to me and punched me straight on the cheek. Had he gone to the gym for ages? I'd forgotten how strong he was. "I deserved that."
"You sure do," he grinned. "Sorry Natsume, I didn't realize it. But... I've grown to love Mikan-chan."
"And what about Imai?" I added without a single thought. I knew I'd regret saying it but Ruka gave a straight answer. It made me wonder how long he had taken to make that decision: Imai or Mikan?
"What about her?"
"You like her."
"So? You liked Koizumi."
I stared at my best friend. Was a few days all that was needed to not know someone anymore? He'd changed. "Whatever. It doesn't matter. I won't do anything about it if that's what you want."
"No," he replied, certain of his decision. "I want you to confess to Mikan-chan."
"W-what?" I stumbled with my words. Is he stupid? Why would you let someone confess to your girlfriend? I certainly wouldn't - well, Koizumi... it's a different story.
"I want to hear it from Mikan-chan," Ruka blushed faintly. He'd really grown attached to this girl... What do I do?
Reluctant, I voiced out my thoughts again, "Why would you let me confess?"
"Well, if Mikan-chan like me she'll reject you instantly," he explained with his face straight then it cracked into a sparkling grin, "On the other hand, you'd have a chance. Let's have a fair game."
I scoffed, "Fair enough."
And how was I supposed to confess? Ruka had made it so simple for me and yet the troubling thing just started.
He'd even given me the advantage. He told me to take Mikan to the Louvre instead and also given me tips. Apparently, she's been waiting for this for a while and Ruka had planned out everything as well.
"Marvellous," I scorned the ticket in my hand, wanting to rip it up. My best friend had set me up with his own girlfriend. What a selfless guy...
"Natsume!" a familiar voice shouted, echoing it around the area. I flicked my head around to see Mikan skipping her way over to me. She was still so... I don't have a word to describe her...
"Oi, why is your hair in pigtails?"
"And I'm not allowed?" she raised an amused brow, "It's a museum not some... mad party that Koko threw. Oh! Speaking of him, he misses you."
"Hn"
Probably because he can't tease me.
We entered silently into the bustling museum, rapid french was flowing in the air. That's when Mikan tugged my sleeve and whispered, "I don't know any friench."
Damn it...
Somehow - I still don't know how - we managed to enter with no knowledge of their language. "Natsume! Look at this!" she gasped, pointing at some piece of statue that was missing its arms. Lots of tourist have crowded around it already, flashing their cameras to blind our eyes. I thought it was museum policy: No flash photography.
"Hn"
"It's Venus de Milo, according to the headset," she explained, listening intently to her headset she got from the info booth. Honestly, I couldn't be bothered.
"Hn"
But my interest took over so I went over to look at the plat on the other side. There was English and French. This place is definitely against Japanese. With my knowledge of English, I managed to figure out that it was found in rubble and blah-blah it might not even be Venus as some say. Goddess of Love? Well, if you really are, then help me.
"Natsume, come on!" Mikan had already reached far into the hall, almost fading away with the crowd. I hurried over and caught up. "You're so slow," she giggled.
It made my heart pound against my chest but I just retorted, "You're the one eager to get out."
"I'm not! I just don't admire Greek or Roman statues as much. I mean Venus de Milo might not even be what it is, they just think it is because of the apple she holds in her hand. Anyway, let's hurry over to the Mona Lisa! I hear people crowd over there pretty quickly."
But people are always one step ahead, the place had been mobbed ages ago. They were all restless, trying to get to the famous painting.
"It's wonderful, Natsume! Just look at all that detail!" she exclaimed excitedly, wanting to get a picture as well. The masses of people were shoving and pushing, making it a difficult task to even snap a picture and leave - exactly what they wanted to do.
"Let's go," I groaned, bored to bits by the unknown paintings and the one painting that everyone had paid to see in addition the crowd only made me angrier. If it wasn't for her...
"Not until I get a picture!" she grunted, cramming her way into the mob. Desperate to leave, I snatched her camera away from her and she scowled, "Hey!"
Either way, I nudged my way into the crowd, glaring at anyone who dare to disturb me and quickly got a shot of the painting. But even in the few seconds I gazed at the painting, I recognized how much effort it must've been - plus the bulletproof glass that protected showed how much it stood above others.
"Natsume?! Natsume?! Where are - ? Oh! Natsume!" she dashed over and hugged me. "Thank goodness, I thought I'd lost you to the crowd."
I felt the heat rising to my face an just naturally passed her the camera. She frowned but once she had scrolled through the pictures, she almost pounced onto me. "Oh my god! This is almost professional photography, Natsume! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"Hn"
"You know what, let me treat you to dinner tonight! You don't have plans with Ruka do you?" she inquired, tucking her camera back into its case.
I shrugged, unsure if it was safe to ask her out for dinner.
"Or with Koizumi? I heard she came along as well. Is she doing well? Where is she?" she questioned. "Did you meet my cousin? She says you'll be joining her side of the company."
"... We split." I choked them out, already wishing I didn't let them out.
"Oh... I'm so sorry. Luna-chan never mentioned it. Is she... back in Tokyo?"
"Probably."
"G-good..." she was voiceless for a while and then she sighed, "Sorry. I shouldn't have asked. You liked Luna-chan very much and she loved you."
The rage burning inside couldn't let any positive feelings remain inside. It tore at me and I turned away to avoid hurting her. Didn't she know? Didn't she understand how much I regretted Koizumi?
"I'm leaving."
"Wha- ? Wait for me Natsume!" she dashed after me but all I concentrated on was clenching my fist. "I'll... I'll meet you at the Notre Dame tomorrow! You have to be there - 7am sharp!"
I'd just blown my chance. My confession, my advantage... straight out the window. Ruka should probably just take the girl and go. I'd ruined it.
And the way I'd celebrate is to go back to the office and start my work. I don't need that damn week anymore. I'll just be a damn workaholic. What's the point? I came to Paris to avoid all this stress and I ended up bashing into it.
Aggravated, I used my keys to enter my new office. It was neat and simple but the desk was hidden underneath the stacks of paperwork and the rustling suggested that someone was already working on it all even though the office had 'Natsume Hyuuga' written on it.
I slammed my hand onto the desk and snarled, "Who are you and why are you in my office?"
"Ah!" she screeched in bewilderment before she flew backwards onto the floor.
End of Chapter 13
Oh~ Who is that? I'm starting to love this mystery myself... but:
adrienna - Thank you so much for your review! I was glad it was long, I enjoy reading much more now I know the hard times you go through while writing... Though you feel so much accomplishment! My exams were... okay... And I'm definitely changing the title now that you bring it up. And damn! Your prediction was right! Can you guess who it is this time?
AnimeMango - Thank you! Please do have a go at guessing this time!
ToriChuck - I understand completely! But thanks for taking all that time to review! I'd never do it... Oh well! I guess that's why i write!
ninastylee - Yay! My improved summary brought some new reader/reviewer! Thank you so much! Thank you for favoriting it - and to all the others too, I'd never forget you guys! - and does everyone board the Ruka x Hotaru ship? Hm... I'll think about it. And the reason I put Luna in was because I wanted her to break Mikan and Natsume's relationship - that's obviously not the case now... I might still do it though...
Thanks to all you guys! And because of the review mentioned above I will change the title! Suggestions would be appreciated whether it's through PM or review! Thanks for sticking with me until here!