Chapter thirteen
Chapter thirteen
Favor of the Month
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Mikan sighed for the fourth time as she looks up at the dark clouds. Rain surely is coming or a storm perhaps. It's been really hot these days though Christmas is fast approaching. And speaking of Christmas, she must start searching for the gifts for her friends.
She never forgets to give them gifts. Every year, it's been the same. Luckily, she receives several gifts from them as well. Last year, Hotaru gave her a noisy weird dog-shaped alarm clock that won't stop barking every morning to wake her up. There was a time when she wasn't able to wake up; the weird alarm clock actually bit her cute nose on purpose.
The pig-tailed girl didn't know whether to be thankful for the gifts given by her best friend or not. But the most important thing is, Hotaru bothered on giving her alarm clock.
It's five in the afternoon and her classmates have gone to their respective rooms. But here she is, still sitting on her beloved chair, doing absolutely nothing and nothing at all.
She's not sick or anything but she's not really feeling all right at all. Last night, she dreamt of her grandfather. It's not that she's still not used on seeing him but the dream made her feel down and depresses.
According to it, her grandpa has been staying inside the house for so long. He's obviously sick and there's no one there to take a good care of him. He even called her name weakly before coughing a large amount of blood. And surprisingly, as she was about to reach out for him, her grandpa quickly vanished, leaving the traced of blood on the floor.
Mikan rested her chin on her palms, her long lashes thick and wet from her dried tears. She made a promise to herself not to cry in front of others for them to start thinking that she's not a cry baby like she used to be anymore.
"What are you still doing here?"
Blinking, Mikan whirled around to see the black haired best friend of hers standing beside the class room door, wearing an emotionless expression as always.
"…"
Sighing, Hotaru started to walk towards her. "I know you're still thinking about that dream, am I right?"
Nodding ahead, the blonde girl stood up and without saying any word or so, she gave Hotaru a big hug, trying to feel anything except loneliness.
Hotaru smiled a little to herself, she knew Mikan would be like this. Every time she dreams about her grandpa, it's been always like this… but the dream she told her a while ago was really creepy.
So she understand her and let Mikan hug her for a while.
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"Do you think I should leave? I really have a bad feeling about this." Mikan muttered in a quiet voice.
Hotaru didn't answer – she just made a gesture that causes Mikan to look at her. "I think it's a bad idea."
Mikan shook her head in response, "But I told you—"
"—I know, that dream scared the hell out of you but you must take note that it was just a dream, you understand? A dream." Hotaru said in a low voice.
"And besides, are you willing to leave us all behind? after all the works and hardships you've tried to overcome?" she continued.
Mikan bowed her head in confusion. Hotaru's right. But still, what if the dream really is true? Who would be taking care of her grandpa? No one. As in, .
"I'm really worried, Hotaru."
Hotaru patted her back gently, "I know. But we're not sure. We could ask any of or teachers—Narumi-sensei…for sure he would go there and check him out."
"All right, I'll ask him tomorrow. Would you accompany me, Hotaru?" Mikan asked slowly,.
Her best friend gave her a small smile that tells everything will be all right.
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Knock…knock…
"What do you want?" a harsh voice answered from the inside. It's quite obvious that that person is a little bit mad. He's been always like this by the way, always mad and all, it's still the same. But then, this is her last resort.
Knock…knock.
The door opened, revealing an angry Natsume in his pajamas. His hair was still wet—obviously from the shower. But what surprised her was that he's topless. And only one word registered in her mind when she saw him—gorgeous.
Shaking her head, she muttered in a very teeny weenie voice "I-I'm sorry, Natsume. I was just—"
Grunt. "Why are you still in your uniform? For God's sake, polka, it's eleven pm and you're still wearing that?" he said after a moment of shock from the sudden intrusion.
Mikan ignored his last statement and gave him a puppy look, "Errr, can I ask you something?"
The Hyuuga looked at her suspiciously at first before nodding ahead, "Get in." he ordered bossily then went inside first, disappearing from her sight.
Mikan sat on his couch comfortably, like she's at home. (chuckle) He's lucky he got a warm room and obviously large room. She mentally slapped herself; she must remember not to be amazed by his room again. It's been always the same. Natsume's not a typical guy. For her, he's really a bastard when it comes into some things, yes. But then, she knows how much he cares for his friends and those who were close to him. And again, she's amazed by the cleanliness and orderliness of the room.
'Natsume never wanted his room to become untidy. Strange, isn't it? the way he acts in front of us, he doesn't seem to be that kind of person.' Ruka once told him while they were chatting inside the room.
The whole room was totally wide and clean. It's complete in here, there's a kitchen, a television, a comfort room, everything that may fine in a real house. She should have—
-thunder-
Suddenly, Natsume appeared, holding two cups of hot chocolate. He was now wearing a black robe, at last. He gave her the cup and took a sit in front of her. "Talk."
Mikan blinked twice. He might be still angry at her for making him looked like a fool…or so he says. "Natsume, are you still mad—"
"—No I'm not. What are you planning to ask?"
Mikan scratched the back of her head, pretending not to be annoyed by Natsume for always interrupting her speech. "Natsume, I'll be straight to the point now."
Nod. "Aa. Go on."
"Well…"
Frown. "Well what?"
Mikan clasped her hands together. Smiled nervously and suddenly found the ceiling interesting. "I will tell it directly, Natsume."
Ten veins popped into Natsume's head at the same time. This girl's really make him crazy at all times.
"Ugh…Don't be surprise, all right?" The girl continued.
Another vein.
"Are you ready?"
And another.
"I warned you, okay?"
And ANOTHER.
"Natsume here it is."
"…"
"Ugh…"
His ears twitched in annoyance. There would be no point of this conversation anymore. If he'd tolerate her, nothing's gonna happen. He opened his mouth to say something mean but Mikan beat him into it.
"I want you to help me escape."
"…" Stare…
Stared back…
Just stare!!
The blonde girl sighed. "You know what Natsume? You're annoying me now. Really. You should be aware of other people's feelings."
Natsume frowned again. Look who's talking! She should be saying that to herself…and not to him! Oh well, this is Mikan Sakura after all. He's kinda used to it, whether he admit it or not.
"You're demented."
Mikan looked at him with pleading eyes, "You see…"
The Hyuuga scowled, "Is this about the dream you had last night?"
Surprised, Mikan looked at him in a weird way, "How did you know about the dream I had last night?"
-thunder-
Trying not to appear like panicking, Natsume tried to think for an excuse…fast. He will never let her know that he's been listening for her conversation with Imai this morning. Well, it's unintentionally. Mikan's voice was loud and audible for him to hear so really… it's unintentional and nothing else. Yes, that's right.
When she entered the classroom, he knew there was something wrong in her. She didn't greet anyone a good morning like she used to do everyday. She just entered, walked like a robot or mannequin, sat on her chair and looked at the board.
"I had this feeling. Don't tell me I'm right?" Natsume wanted to punch his cheeks for saying lame reasons. He knew she won't buy it so he better think of another excuse because if she would—
"Is that so? Whoa, you're pretty good at guessing, Natsume."
Natsume sweat dropped at this. It's not a surprise anyway. It's better this way though.
"What makes you think that I'm willing to help you?" He asked boldly. Helping her sure is troublesome. There's seventy percent that they'll be caught and the punishment might be severe. But at the back of his head, there's still thirty percent that they'll succeed.
Mikan bowed her head, disappointed. She should have expected that this would be the turn out of her plan. "H-hai. If you don't want to help me then it's fine. I knew you would reject me anyway. I'm sorry for the disturbance."
Natsume scowled at this. What could he do whenever she's like this? There's also a time when she lost her wallet and they were at the Central Town. She was about to cry, saying that she won't be able to buy fluff puff. And since they were together as a partner, he bought it for her. Simple as that.
"I've seen this before." Natsume sighed, looking at the teary-eyed partner of his.
"I'm not gonna force you." Mikan sniffed, showing him that she was about to leave. But he made no single move.
"…"
"Natsume I'm leaving. I'm sorry." She urged.
"…"
-thunder-
"I'm gonna stand up and head towards your door, walk through the dark hallway, lonely and depressed. Enter my room without making any sound at all, change my clothes slowly and won't be able to sleep at all. Thinking that life sure is unfair and that Kami-sama has turned His back to me, don't you think I'm pitiful?"
"…"
"Stop staring at me like I'm a crazy fool!" Mikan ordered, she's now really depressed and there's nothing can make her happy right now.
"But you are." Natsume smirked. "Stop being a melodramatic, it doesn't suit you and besides…" his smirk widened, "you don't have any potential to be an actress."
Mikan glared at him and was about to punch him in the face when he spoke.
"Fine. I'll help you."
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"And so what will we do if we got caught?"
Natsume glared at Mikan. "It's 12 am, polka. Don't you feel sleepy at all?" She should be feeling blessed by now. He decided to help her because he wants to do something…interesting.
Mikan yawned after hearing his question. "I'm not sleepy at all! Remember—"
She immediately stopped by her mid-sentence when the lights turned off. Aargh, she forgot there's a typhoon! And that Narumi-sensei told them that in case there'll be a typhoon tonight, we should be ready for the brown out.
"Brown out!"
"Geez, thanks for pointing out the obvious." Natsume stated sarcastically. He took out his flashlight placed under the table. "And will you please stop talking? You'll wake up the whole studentry."
"But it's dark! Can I, can I stay beside you?" she asked quietly. She had never forgotten the even of the Alice Festival wherein she and Natsume got locked up inside the Haunted House. She's frightened and frightened and frightened. And since that incident, she never tried to go to the Haunted House whenever it's the Alice Festival.
No response. But she heard a 'click' sound before seeing the light coming from the flashlight held by Natsume. "There's no need. You should get back to your room now. It's late. I'll let you borrow this for now."
Mikan didn't know if she should be happy or not. "Ugh, thank you, Natsume."
"Aa."
She stood up and took it from Natsume then headed towards the door. "I s-should be g-going by now. H-have a goodnight s-sleep." She cursed herself from stammering. How many times should she remind herself not to be afraid by the dark anymore?? She's teenager for Pete's sake! And not an elementary student anymore.
Natsume rolled his eyes upward. Letting her in a while ago was a big mistake. Grrr… he doesn't have any choice. "Whatever, polka. You can sleep here tonight."
Mikan's eyes grew larger in happiness. "Really???? Are you sure?"
His ears twitched in annoyance. "Don't make me change my mind. Close the door."
"Hai!"
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-Natsume's room-
Mikan was sure that Natsume will let her sleep on his bed. She entered his room first since he told her he'll fix something first and was now comfortably resting. The air was cold and only the two white candles were their source of light. This is the first time for her to be sleeping on a king-sized bed like this. And of course she would—
"Out of the bed, polka."
"N-Naniiiii???!!" Mikan freaked out. She was really sure a while ago that he'll let her sleep here!
"Don't make me repeat myself. You heard me." Natsume smirked. He's now sitting in front of her with his bath robe on, enjoying the view.
"You! You un-gentleman bastard!"
Natsume's smirk grew wider, "Remember, .." he said, emphasizing the word 'my'.
"Grrr… no way! Even though this is YOUR bed, you should be gentlemen and sleep on your couch!"
"You wish."
"Yeah right. Get off of the bed or else…"
The Hyuuga frowned. "Or else what?"
It was Mikan's turn to smirk. God must really love her from the start. "Or else I'll wake up everyone by screaming."
Natsume gave her a death glare before climbing off the bed and headed towards his couch. Today's not his day.
Seeing this, Mikan can't help but feel guilty. It's his room and he's trying to be kind by letting her sleep in here, and now this?
"Natsume??" she called out.
"…"
"Hey, Natsume."
Grunt. "What now?"
"I-I'm sorry. Come over here now." Mikan said in slowly, trying to be sound convincing. She would really love to sleep here but the case was different. Only if this is her own room.
She could hear Natsume smirking (if that's possible) before saying; "Are you sure?"
"Hai."
Natsume stood up and went over her side. "That's a very nice of you…" he sounded sarcastic but she ignored it. "I think so. I'll sleep on the couch."
But the next thing she knew was that she's being pinned against the bed by Natsume. "Stop with the pinning!"
But Natsume ignored her statement. She could see how he grinned darkly at her and swore that he's thinking of something capital B-A-D.
"W-What are you doing??!"
"There's only you and me in this room do you know that??" he asked in a very unlikely tone of the Natsume she knew.
"And so what?" she cursed her luck.
But Natsume continued, "I won't tell anyone. You don't have to worry, you know. Some people told me some time that a person like me sometimes will become an animal."
Mikan panicked by this. She became aware on how close their bodies and faces were. "No way, no way. What are you talking about? You're not Natsume! You're possessed! Someone help me! Natsume's possessed!"
Natsume controlled himself not to laugh hard by this. Playing with her is much fun than staring off to space. "I promise. Kiss me and I'll do the rest."
"Waaah…you possessed animal!" On top of it all, the voice at the back of her bed was making it harder for her to deal with the situation. The little voice inside her head kept on telling her to just get the hell on with it and jump at Natsume like a wild cute tiger and kiss the living daylight out of him. Awhooo…
"Don't panic yet. We're not yet starting." Natsume said in a very low voice.
Mikan got really scared by this and when Mikan Sakura is scared, she says things she wished she hadn't said and never knew if it's true or something.
Like:
"I said no way! Even though I like you…but we're too fast. We should go through a good relationship—" she stopped, eyes wide. Where the hell that statement came from?
Natsume's reaction was priceless. After hearing that, he quickly steadied him self and got off her. "What did you say?"
Mikan was still shocked and took her some moments before answering. "Ugh…that's nothing! Yawn. We should get some sleep Natsume. Goodnight." But as she was about to get off, Natsume took her wrist and prevent her from leaving.
"Just sleep here. The bed is big anyway. Just enjoy yourself 'coz this'll be your first and last, understood? " he extinguished the candles and prepared to sleep.
Mikan pouted. "OK!"
After two minutes…
Poke… "Natsume…"
"Mmm…"
Poke. "Natsume…"
Natsume sighed in irritation as he opened his eyes. "What do you want?"
Mikan gulped. "The…lights…"
"What about them?"
"I can't sleep without any light, Natsume."
Feeling no strength to argue, Natsume lit one candle and looked at Mikan, "Happy now?"
Due to her happiness, Mikan suddenly gave Natsume a peck on his cheeks before turning her back to him and sleep and leaves Natsume puzzled.
You're so weird.
But he decided not think about it for now since he's too sleepy. He closed his eyes and tried to remember the feeling of having someone sleeping beside him…and well, not just someone.
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a/n: tadaaah! I am back people! I am so sorry for not updating. I am really, really busy. Senior year sure is difficult. BTW, Hapee Halloween...peaceout!!
Leaving a review would really make me happy. Ja ne!