Chapter 4:
Hey guys! I'm back… I really had a hard time thinking about this chapter…
I even asked some of my friends for help, and they were able to help me somehow.
Guys… you think I can keep up with one chapter every after one week?
coz that's what I'm doing right now… I try to update a week after my last update… pressure really so I'm not sure… I even panic sometimes… tell me if it's working, okay?
Thank you:
Ryuzaki/L/keira/46
Ikagami Saii (?)
Natsumikan101 (patmat, is it correct?)
-to my friend who owned the number used in chapter 2 (happy birthday!)
blackspica
Thank you also to all of you who read my story… especially for the reviews…
wingedneko-kio: hey pat… I removed your name…happy?
wingedneko-kio: okay… enough with those announcements… let's go on with the story…
Reviews please!!
Chapter 4: perfect?
It was just another day for our dear brunette. One and a half weeks have passed since Natsume Hyuuga moved in to the Sakura mansion. That situation was what Mikan would call "dreadful", "horrible", "terrible", "awful", and if she was in her bad moods, she'd say it's the "only thing worse than death".
Since the day Natsume entered the picture (w/c was supposed to be perfect), Mikan changed a lot… but only when it comes to her parents, being in their house and "the Hyu-uga" as Mikan called him with disgust.
The things that changed: (not really shocking…)
wakes up EARLIER… (to leave the god-forsaken house A.S.A.P. and to avoid her parents and "Hyu-uga")
never smiles when Natsume's around
eats faster (but still like a pig… that would never change…)
cold, sarcastic, arrogant, snob, and bitter to Natsume.
But when it comes to Youichi, Hotaru, Tsubasa, Misaki and her other friends, she hasn't changed at all… I tell you… not at all.
She's still clumsy, idiotic, optimistic, friendly, dumb, warm, noisy, annoying, sweet and everything else.
So now, she's already in the classroom, sleeping in her seat at the back of the room.
After a few minutes, the other students started coming and entering the room but her pals weren't there yet. (she was the first one to arrive)
Then in came Hotaru, Anna, Nonoko and their class president- Yuu. They were all puzzled to see Mikan, well… except Hotaru… (expect her to know it already… for goodness sake! She's Hotaru Imai!!)
"it's weird… Sakura-san is EARLY…" Anna said while standing by the door. Hotaru didn't mind her and just went straight to her seat.
"yeah… unusual…" Yuu commented
"you mean… VERY UNUSUAL…" Nonoko added and looked at Hotaru.
"she's avoiding her parents…" Hotaru said coldly without looking at Nonoko. She answered right away coz she knew that Nonoko would be asking a lot… so she beat her to it.
"avoiding her parents? Why?" Anna asked curiously
"long story…" Hotaru answered briefly
"it's alright to us… we'll listen…" they said
"well it's not alright to me…" she answered then she suddenly thought of something that would certainly be in favor of her.
"but maybe…" she said slowly while money signs were starting to appear in her eyes. Yuu, Anna, and Nonoko knew this wasn't a good sign, the thought of it made them step back.
"m-ma-maybe wha-a-aat?" Yuu asked while his hands were shaking due to nervousness.
"maybe I'll tell you…"Hotaru added
"if?" Nonoko asked right away, knowing that there would ALWAYS be something in exchange.
Hotaru never gives anything for free… Nonoko thought to herself.
"good question… I'll tell you IF (there goes the big "if") you give me 500 yen each…" she finished and grinned evilly
Very true… Yuu and Anna commented on what Nonoko was thinking.
Then Hotaru held out her hand and said "hand over the cash…"
"n-never m-m-ind" they said or stuttered in unison and hurriedly went back to their seats.
Then Nonoko suddenly shot up from her seat and exclaimed, "aha! Let's just ask Mikan-chan" and pointed a finger at the sleeping Mikan.
Hotaru wouldn't let this happen coz she'd be losing her profit, so she pointed her baka gun at them and threatened them by saying, "I hate losing my money… I hate it BIG TIME…"
Mikan was already awake since Yuu already woke her up ready to ask the BIG question… (Hotaru's baka gun was still aimed at them ready to shoot ANYTIME…)
"what is it Yuu-chan?" Mikan asked while rubbing her eyes.
Hotaru raised an eyebrow at Yuu, reminding him of the threat she told them earlier.
"a-a-n-nothing… it's nothing Sakura-san…" he said and walked back to his seat as silent as a mouse and as pale as a ghost.
Anna and Nonoko pouted childishly at what just happened. While Hotaru didn't stop glaring at them, making sure that they'd keep their mouth shut…
"um… guys, what's happening?" Mikan asked, knowing that she missed on something.
"none of your business, baka…" Hotaru answered and hid her baka gun.
Anna, Nonoko, and Yuu just bowed their heads.
Mikan pouted and crossed her arms on her chest.
Then Kaito came in the room and went directly to his seat which was beside Mikan. The moment he got in the girls started drooling and their bitchiest classmate ever, Luna Koizumi started flirting. (Kaito was really annoyed, but since he's a nice guy he wasn't showing how annoyed he was)
Then he saw Mikan pouting and asked, "what's the matter, Mikan-chan?"
Luna got pissed because Kaito gives a damn care about Mikan… well… I say… the whole male population of alice academy cares for her…
"oh… ohayo Kaito-kun!!" Mikan greeted cheerfully
"you alright?" he asked again
"of course… I'm fine…" she answered and smiled. Kaito smiled back and took his seat.
"so Kaito-kun… I heard you're from America…" Luna interrupted and sat in between Mikan and Kaito.
"um… yeah…" Kaito answered, while Luna was busy pushing Mikan to the edge of the seat.
Now, could anyone please tell me she's not intentionally pushing me… Mikan thought ad stiffened her body to avoid being moved. Kaito noticed this but ignored it.
"so… is America really nice?" Luna asked again.
"uh… yeah… it's okay…" Kaito answered. He's obviously bored but Luna didn't notice it since she's busy trying to be on Kaito's good side.
Then all of a sudden, Mikan's pen which was on the desk, fell on Kaito's foot.
Kaito gladly picked it up and handed it to Mikan.
"Mikan-chan, you dropped your pen…" he said
"Oh… thank you Kaito-kun…" she said and got the pen from him.
(Luna was still in between them and she was furious coz Kaito talked to Mikan.)
"so Mikan-chan… would you walk with me around the campus later?" Kaito asked with hopeful eyes.
"sure… no problem…" Mikan answered
Then Luna butted in coz she definitely wouldn't want Kaito to be with any girl other than her, "I'd gladly walk you around…"
"but I already asked Mikan-chan" Kaito answered plainly.
Then Luna pushed Mikan off the edge. When Kaito saw that Mikan was about to fall, his reflexes made him hug Mikan then exchange positions with her so he would be the one to hit the ground and not her.
After the fall, all the students looked at their AWKWARD position on the floor while Hotaru just kept on taking pictures.
The teacher was already in the room but wasn't able to greet the students because of the scene that greeted him—Mikan was on top of Kaito and he was still hugging her. (chancing… hehe…)
Luna's big mouth fell open while her eyes were as big as a plate.
Kaito immediately asked Mikan, "you okay, Mikan" with concern in his voice.
"yeah… how 'bout you?" she asked back.
"I'm fine" he answered
Then they noticed that all eyes were on them.
"what're ya' lookin' at?" they both asked
(they were still in the same position… comfy, huh?)
Then Hotaru showed them a picture of their current state and they both blushed.
(she uses Polaroid camera now… for faster income…)
Then Luna suddenly cried (due to witness of too much PDA… but if she was Mikan, I doubt she'd complain…), "are you just gonna stay there or what?!"
Because of Luna's sudden outburst, they both got back to their senses and sat up straight. (they still didn't notice the teacher… he was just standing there waiting for the event to be over…)
Kaito glared at Luna when he remembered what she did earlier.
What's with this girl?! He thought angrily since Mikan got hurt… almost…
What Kaito didn't notice was that Mikan was also glaring at Luna… no one dared to move even a bit coz Mikan looked like she's gonna explode any minute…
Narumi thought that it was all over so he decided to greet everyone good morning. "good--" he was cut off when Mikan suddenly yelled…
"what the hell is your problem bitch?! I already have a lot of problems and I don't need another one from you!! so if you want a piece of me, just say it and I'd gladly beat the life outta you!! get that!?" and positioned herself in a fighting stance.
Everyone was shocked and it also made Hotaru stop taking pictures.
She's unbelievably scary at times… they all thought.
Then Mikan realized what she just did and looked at everyone. When her gaze turned to Luna, she noticed that Luna was wet.
"oh… so you're sweating already… scared?" she mocked
"it's your saliva, baka…" Luna and Hotaru said at the same time.
"oh… sorry…" Mikan said
"ugh!!" Luna cried while wiping her face with her hanky and went back to her seat.
"okay guys… you may go back to your seats now…" Narumi interrupted.
Everyone looked at him with a how-did-you-get-here look.
"ohayo Narumi-sensei!!" Mikan greeted, breaking the silence…
Okay… she's back to normal… Narumi thought coz he was also shocked when Mikan suddenly cried for bloody murder.
"ohayo Mikan… now all of you settle down and let's start our lesson for today…"
A lot of complains were heard from the students, before they finally settled down.
Mikan was already seated and was looking out of the window, while Kaito was taking down notes.
He noticed that Mikan was looking outside and wasn't listening (as usual) "Mikan?" he called
"huh?" Mikan answered and faced Kaito.
"is everything alright?"
"yes… I'm just bored…" she answered.
"I'm bored too…" he said and went back to taking down notes.
After a while, the bell rang and everyone rejoiced.
At last… the students thought.
Mikan got her stuff and waited for Kaito. When Kaito finished fixing his things, he asked Mikan, "so where do you want to go?"
"you decide…" Mikan answered
"okay… let's go to your favorite place…" Kaito said.
"my favorite place?" she asked shyly
"uh-huh…" Kaito answered.
"but it's kinda private…" she said
"can't I see it?" Kaito asked getting a bit depressed
"no…" she said. Kaito's face dropped… Mikan noticed his disappointment so she quickly added, "but… since you're a friend of mine… I'll let you see it…"
Kaito's face lit up and a huge smile was plastered on his face.
"okay… let's go…" he said and led the way.
But he soon stopped walking…"um… Mikan… where is your favorite place anyway? Hehe… might as well… lead the way…" he said and scratched his head.
"thought so… c'mon!!" she said and grabbed his arm.
"Mikan –pant- wait up –pant- can we –pant- slow down…" he said in between pants.
"oh… okay…"
While they were walking, Mikan kept on talking, talking and TALKING. After sometime, Kaito's hand started to make it's way to rest on Mikan's shoulder… (sorry don't know the right term… in Filipino: akbay…) just when he was about to reach the goal, someone slapped his hand away.
"hands off, my nee-chan!" a voice said
Kaito and Mikan looked at the owner of the voice and they saw a grey-haired guy who was glaring at Kaito.
"Youichi… what is it?" Mikan asked
"who's THAT, nee-chan?" he asked… he used "that" instead of "he" as if Kaito was an object and not human.
"do you want Youichi to beat him up for you?" he added
"no… Youichi… he's Kaito… Kaito Hikari…" she informed
"and who is he?" the kid asked again
"I told you he is--" Youichi cut her off by adding, "in your life, I mean…"
"oh… he's my partner…" she answered.
"Kaito… this is Youichi… my little brother…" she said while patting Youichi's shoulder.
"oh… nice to meet you…" Kaito said and offered his hand. (handshake)
But Youichi didn't take his hand. Instead, he held Mikan's hand and asked while glaring at Kaito, "you courting my nee-chan… Hikari?"
"Youichi! Don't be rude, you shouldn't call him Hikari… and he's not--" Her speech was of no use anyway… coz Youichi wasn't listening… he was waiting for an answer from Kaito. Then Mikan's honorable speech was cut off due to the arrival of the awaited answer.
"yes… I am courting her…" he answered bravely and held Mikan's hand.
"you're what?!" Mikan asked in a not so pleasant manner.
"don't act deaf, nee-chan… he said, he's courting you…" Youichi answered for Kaito.
"so you think you have the guts?" he asked turning to Kaito
"I do…" he answered.
"think so?" he asked again
"I know so…" Kaito answered without second thoughts.
"oh really?" Youichi kept on asking
"yeah!!" he answered and held Mikan's hand even more.
"well, I don't think so…" then Youichi snatched Mikan's hand from Kaito's grasp and pulled her closer to him.
"hey… don't take her away…" Kaito said and pulled Mikan to his side.
This went on for a few more minutes… they were pulling Mikan back and forth… until…
"hey! I'm so not like a ball!" she told them and got her arms away from the two. Then she walked away from them.
"Mikan! Wait up…" Kaito yelled and ran towards her. While Youichi just went to her without a word.
Mikan kept on ignoring them…
"Mikan, c'mon…" Kaito pleaded while catching up to her
Youichi couldn't take it anymore so he just hugged Mikan and whispered "so-rry"
Mikan couldn't resist and faced them.
"okay… but in one condition…"
"ANYTHING…" the two said
"kiss and make up…" she said
"okay…" they said and launched towards her and tried to kiss her. (on the cheeks… don't be so malicious.. okay?)
"what the hell are you doing?" she asked them.
"you said kiss and make up, ne?" Kaito said while Youichi just looked at her with a puzzled face.
"I didn't mean with me… I meant the two of you…" she explained
"no way..." Kaito answered and looked away.
"nuh-uh…" Youichi said and shook his head.
"fine… then neither will I forgive the two of you…" she said and turned her back to them.
"okay, okay… we'll do it…" Kaito stated.
"WE?" Youichi said. Kaito looked at him with a do-what-I-say look.
Youichi looked back with a make-me look on his face.
"Youichi…please…" Mikan said
"fine… but he'll do it first…" he said
"Mikan… do I have to?" Kaito asked.
"c'mon Kaito…. "
"okay… I'm sorry…" he said…
"your turn, Youichi.."
"he didn't mean it.." Youichi whined
"I did!" Kaito blurted out
"now… would you quit it!" Mikan cried
Then they both fell silent, "Youichi, do it…" Mikan ordered
"I am so-r-ry!" he spitted out
"good… now shake hands…" she ordered
She sure is demanding… Youichi thought
I've got to get ready for more of this kind if she's gonna be my bride… Kaito thought
He sure was in cloud nine when he thought about Mikan being his bride.
"you gonna do it or what?!" she threatened
"we're doing it… see…" Youichi said
The moment their hands touched, they felt like they wanted to puke.
Youichi was gripping Kaito's hand really hard… Kaito was already screaming in his head due to so much pain… but Mikan didn't notice what her cute and loveable brother was doing.
You better thank god you're her brother… Kaito thought while Youichi just smirked.
When they parted their hands, Kaito's hand looked like it would camouflage in Santa's clothing.
"now that's more like it…" our pretty tangerine exclaimed while clapping her hands.
"so Mikan could we just proceed to your favorite place now?" Kaito suggested
"oh yeah… I almost forgot…"
This guy is trying to score… the wise little guy thought
"I'm going with you, nee-chan…" he said
"okay…" she answered right away.
"what?! He can't…" Kaito whined
Then Youichi clung to Mikan's arm and pointed an accusing finger at Kaito, "he's shooing me away…" he said, sounding like a helpless kid being bullied by some high school student.
"Kaito?" Mikan said while looking at him.
"of course not… you said that your favorite place is PRIVATE, ne?" he reminded her.
"yeah… I said that…" Mikan said. She felt that Youichi held on to her arm even harder as if telling her not to change her previous decision to let him come.
Mikan looked at Kaito then to Youichi with pity and said, "oh… alright, you may come…"
Youichi smiled but when he turned to Kaito his smile became a smirk. Kaito was really disappointed… he thought that he was gonna win…
"but…" Kaito began…
"it's okay, Kaito… he's my brother anyway…" she said
"yeah… I am her BROTHER anyway…" he repeated but emphasizing the word brother.
"fine…" a pissed Kaito replied, then the three started on their way.
Kaito was on Mikan's left while Youichi was on the right… (in other words, Mikan was in the middle…)
Kaito had heavy steps… showing that he wasn't happy about the whole Youichi-can-come thing. On the other hand, Youichi just couldn't help having that evil grin on his pretty face due to his success.
The two glared at each other once in a while but Mikan didn't notice it since she's busy blabbing about her entire life.
This kid is trying to ruin my time with Mikan… Kaito thought bitterly
The glaring game went on until… "guys, we're here…" the brunette said
"huh? We're where?" Kaito asked
"my favorite place…" the tangerine replied with pride
"what?" her partner asked
"this Sakura tree…" the little lady answered and touched the tree's trunk
"heh… LAME…" her brother said
Is this what she calls private? If this is private… then how exposed is the word public for her?? Kaito thought
"what did you say?" Mikan asked… looking like you threw insults at her coz… she really looks mad…
"it's not even private… I always get to walk in this area…" he added
I actually agree with him… Kaito thought to himself
"anyway… let's just sit here and talk for a while…" Kaito suggested then pulled Mikan to sit beside him under the tree's shade.
This guy never gives up… good start… Youichi thought then walked towards Mikan.
He pushed Kaito to the side and sat in between them.
This kid is problematic… Kaito thought
Then they heard something… it was getting louder and louder…
"haha… sorry guys… I'm a bit hungry…" Mikan said and scratched her head
The two guys fell to the ground (anime style)… coz they were already worried… they thought it was some kind of wild animal…
"could you please buy food for me?" she pleaded
The two pointed a finger at each other saying "let him do it…"
"wait… Youichi should do it… I was the first one to apologize… he has to do something too…" Kaito explained trying to escape from another responsibility.
"Youichi?" she said turning to Youichi and forgetting about Kaito.
"no…" he said coldly
"please…"
"no…"
"please… my brother…" she pleaded again and again…
"okay…okay just stop…" he finally gave up. He didn't want to go because he wanted to guard Mikan from Kaito. He wasn't sure if Kaito could be trusted.
He walked but stopped for a while and looked at Kaito. He was staring at Mikan, who had her eyes closed. Youichi saw that Kaito's eyes were full of kindness, purity (he's not GREEN… right guys?), love… different from the eyes that he saw when Kaito was glaring at him.
Youichi just sighed and continued walking.
He's a nice guy… I guess… he thought and ran to the cafeteria to get some food and drinks for his pig-ish sister.
UNDER THE SAKURA TREE:
Kaito was looking up at the sky, when something suddenly fell on his shoulder.
When he looked at it, he saw that it was Mikan… she was sleeping soundly…
Kaito just stared at her face without saying a single word… he looked from her forehead to her eyes, cheeks, nose, lips then her whole face… "beautiful…" was the only word he could utter.
He touched her cheeks then smiled when he heard her stomach again…
She's asleep but her stomach isn't… he thought happily
Then he looked at the skies again until he heard footsteps…
It was Youichi… he was running while holding some food and drinks too.
When he got to the spot where Mikan and Kaito was, he dropped everything to the ground.
"what took you so long?" Kaito asked but Youichi didn't answer him. He just walked away.
"hey! Where are you going, kiddo?" Kaito yelled
Youichi stopped on his tracks and whispered, "impressive…"
"what?" Kaito half yelled
"I said you're impressive…" Youichi said with more volume…
"you think so?" he asked getting a bit proud of himself
"yeah… impressive but not enough…"
"huh?" he asked getting really confused of Youichi's statement
"I could see that you really like her but…"
"but what?" he asked eagerly
"but you're not perfect…" he finished
"perfect? But nobody's perfect…" Kaito insisted
"I want someone perfect for my nee-chan…"
"I repeat, nobody is perfect… how can she marry if you're looking for something or someone that doesn't exist at all?!" he asked furiously
"you really don't get it, do you?" he asked
"I don't… happy?" Kaito admitted
"heh… think about it…if you don't know how to be perfect, you can never be for my nee-chan… no chance…" Youichi told him.
"I really don't get it… so spit it out…" he demanded
"just think… you'll get it someday…" Youichi said continued walking.
But then while he was on his way he whispered, "I hope…" finishing his previous statement.
"and one more thing... don't call me kiddo... i hate it..." he said and ran off
Kaito just sat still… he was puzzled, confused and whatever you want to call it… he kept looking at the sleeping Mikan.
That afternoon went well… they chatted, ate, and everything else. But that "little chat" with Youichi earlier was glued on Kaito's mind… perfect?? He kept on thinking.
When Kaito got home, he kept on asking the maids the same question.
"how can I become perfect?"
And they all had the same answer. "you already are perfect, Kaito-sama…"
They're really used to saying flattering words to their masters without really caring about what comes out of their big mouths… as long it pleases their master.
But sadly… it didn't please Kaito… he wanted an answer… he wanted to know how he could be perfect for Mikan…
Meanwhile in the Sakura mansion:
Mikan was in a good mood since she didn't see her parents nor Natsume. Natsume was locked up in his room ever since he arrived from school.
Then she suddenly thought abut Haiite…
"yeah… I missed chatting with him…" she said and switched on the computer.
She logged in and Haiite was already logged in.
AID: been waiting for me, haven't you?
FC: quit it… I have to tell you something
AID: don't be so serious…
FC: I have to tell you something so stop joking around…
AID: wait… me too, I'll tell you something… I met this guy… his name is Kaito and… (blah blah blah)
Damn! Why talk about some other guy?! Haiite thought
They've been chatting for half an hour already and all that Mikan talked about was Kaito, Kaito and Kaito.
If she mentions that guy again… I'll… his thought was cut when he got the message from A.I.D. and it said…
AID: Kaito is really nice you know… hope I could also chat with him
FC: could you just stop talking about that guy!
AID: oh c'mon… he's nice…
FC: talk to yourself!
AID: Haiite… what's wrong about him…
AID: c'mon… talk to me Haiite…
I hate it when she calls me Haiite…if I could just tell her I'm Natsume… I'd like to hear her call my name… the poor guy thought
AID: I won't talk about him anymore…
AID: I'M SORRY… promise I'll listen to you this time…
AID: please talk to me… please Haiite…
FC: hey…
AID: Haiite… thank you…now what do you have to say?
FC: it's nothing… forget it…
AID: no, say it… it's okay…I want to know
FC: I'm not sure you really want to know…
AID: of course I do…
FC: okay… here goes… i… like you
AID: is that all? I like you too.
FC: really
AID: of course I like you… you're one of my closest friends…
FC: oh…
AID: what?
FC: it's just that… I like you more than just a friend… I like you more than a very close friend…
OH GOD… I knew this day would come… she thought
AID: stop kidding around, Haiite…
FC: I'm not kidding around… I'm serious, I like… no… I love you… really…
(guys… I want to puke… but this line is necessary for this kind of story… I really don't like making, writing or saying those three words… to anybody… family or not… it's all the same…)
AID: I… sorry
Their conversation ended with a simple sorry since "Riiko" immediately logged out after Haiite's confession.
A loud crash was heard from Natsume's room… he was kicking the bed, the computer table, and punched the wardrobe.
I knew it… I knew I'd get rejected… why did I have to try…stupid me… he thought bitterly.
AFTER A WEEK OR SO:
-ding dong-
"coming!" the maid said
When she opened the door, she saw Hotaru standing by the doorstep.
"oh… Hotaru-sama… welcome… I'll call Mikan-sama…"
"okay… I'll stay in the pool area…" Hotaru informed the maid
"okay, Hotaru-sama…"
Then after a while of waiting, Mikan came and sat beside Hotaru.
"hey… Hotaru…" the brunette greeted
"hey…" Hotaru answered
"so what're you doing here?" she asked
"wanna go shopping again?" she added with excitement
"no! I just came to ask how you're doing…"
"oh… I'm fine…" the tangerine told her.
"okay… so how's it going with flamecaster?" she asked out of the blue
"well… just right... hey! How do you know about him?"
"I was just destined to know everything…" the brunette's best friend answered.
"and what do you mean by –just right-?" she asked
"well… Haiite… he-he confessed…" she stated
"and?" Hotaru asked for more info.
"and I… rejected him…" she said
Hotaru almost fell from her seat. "why the hell… wait Haiite?"
"yes… Haiite Takio… that's his name…" she informed
"I rejected him… coz he's… not perfect…" she said.
"what do you mean perfect?" Hotaru asked
"whoa! I thought you were destined to know everything…" Mikan mocked
"urusai! Answer the question…"
"you'll get what I mean… in time…" Mikan said and walked back to her room.
Hotaru was puzzled. Then she got her phone and dialed someone's number.
"hello, Ruka…" she said
"Hotaru?"
"yes, it's me…" she answered
"you missed me already? How fast…" he said jokingly
"shut up… we need to talk… meet me at the coffee shop…" she said
"what coffee shop?" Ruka asked
"as usual…" her girlfriend answered and hung up.
"okay…" Ruka said and wept… she didn't even say… goodbye Ruka, take care Ruka, I love you Ruka, or I'll be waiting Ruka… he thought miserably.