Chapter Three
Mikan burst out of the front doors of the elementary building and ran down the steps towards the concrete path.
Classes had just ended.
She wanted to get away from everyone as quickly as she can. The truth was (she hated to admit it) she had wanted to get away from Ruka.
Ruka.
He had seemed down during class. He didn't speak to anyone. He just sat on his seat in class, stared at the floor and never looked up.
And Natsume.
Natsume was nowhere to be found again.
Mikan ran towards the Sakura trees that stood by the school garden.
She just wanted to be alone, to be in a place where she could think things through. She couldn't understand what was happening around her. Everything became more complicated all of sudden.
She hadn't spoken to anyone the whole day either. But the others didn't try talking to her. They just gave her worried looks and inquiring glances.
Even Hotaru, her best friend, didn't bother asking her what was wrong.
Mikan stopped by a hedge near a Sakura tree, panting and gasping for breath.
She was about to head towards the Sakura tree, but hid behind the hedge instead after catching a glimpse of a raven-haired boy sitting by the tree.
Natsume, Mikan thought.
He was looking up at the sky, his back leaning on the trunk of the tree.
Mikan also looked up to find the sky covered with dark gray clouds.
She gazed back at Natsume.
And then she saw it.
A single tear fell from one of Natsume's deep crimson eyes.
"Mikan," he called out, a hint of pain in his voice.
"Natsume," Mikan whispered to herself.
I'm right here, Natsume. Everything will be alright.
She reached out her right hand, wanting to hold him, to comfort him, but she held back.
She placed her hand on her chest instead.
Why does it hurt here?
Why does it seem like I'm feeling your pain, too?
She closed her eyes and tears fell from them.
What is happening?
She opened her eyes to see that Natsume had gone.
The Sakura tree stood there, seemingly all alone.
Suddenly, raindrops started falling from the sky.