Chapter Four

Another day had past.

Mikan was sitting all alone by the front steps of the elementary building, elbows on her knees and chin on her hands, thinking about everything that happened over the past few days.

So many things have happened that she couldn't understand.

That day, Natsume finally came back to class.

Ruka, Natsume and Mikan never spoke a word to one another and to the others.

Sumire had asked Natsume what happened, but she only got a shrug.

Yuu tried talking to Mikan, but Mikan just buried her face in her arms in reply.

Kokoroyomi didn't dare tell aloud to the class what the three of them were thinking, afraid of what Natsume might do to him.

Hotaru, meanwhile, didn't do anything at all.

And now, Mikan sat, all alone outside, while her classmates ate dinner.

She felt someone sit beside her.

"A sad face doesn't suit you at all, Mikan."

Mikan turned to see Ruka smiling at her.

"Ruka, I–" She began.

"It's alright, Mikan. Natsume is waiting for you by the Sakura trees."

Mikan stared at Ruka, shocked.

"I love you, Mikan. That will never change. But what I can never change is your love for Natsume."

Mikan opened her mouth, even more surprised.

Ruka smiled sadly at her.

"I can never give you the same happiness that only Natsume can, no matter how I try. The only way I can make you happy is by sacrificing my own happiness at the same time.

That is why I am letting you free."

Mikan could see Ruka trying to keep the smile on his face, but in his eyes, she could see sorrow.

She finally had the courage to say, "I'm so sorry, Ruka. I am such an idiot. I could never understand love. I let you suffer ever since that night while I only thought of myself, how I couldn't understand everything that was happening. Instead of talking it out with you, I tried to get away from you."

She held his hands.

"I know there is someone out there whom you will learn to love and will truly love you in return. Someone who will be able to give you greater happiness than you thought I can only give you. I know that someone will come, someday. Just be patient."

She smiled at him.

Ruka smiled back, and this time, the smile reached up to his eyes.

"It had been Natsume who first set you free, thinking you would be happier with me. He just wanted you to be happy, you know. But I see now that you are happier with him after all. What is important right now is that you are happy, and knowing that kind of makes me happy too," Ruka told her. "Go now. Natsume is waiting."

"But how did you know–" Mikan started asking him, a mixture of surprise and confusion on her face.

"Hotaru talked to me," Ruka interrupted her.

"Hotaru? Why didn't she talk to me?" Mikan asked again, starting to pout.

"Hotaru will talk to you later. But first, you must go to Natsume. Now," Ruka ordered, starting to laugh.

"I-I will," Mikan stuttered, blushing furiously. She began to run towards the Sakura trees.

"Mikan," Ruka called out to her.

She looked behind her right shoulder.

"Smile on forever and ever."

She beamed at him then turned towards the Sakura trees.

She saw Natsume standing beside one of the Sakura trees, his backed turned to her.

"Natsume," She called to him, smiling.

Natsume turned around, a surprised look on his face. But then, his lips turned into one of his rarest smiles.

"Mikan."

A/N: And that's it. That's the end of my story. Hoped you liked it! Please let me know what you think of it by submitting reviews. Constructive criticisms are highly appreciated! Thanks for taking your time to read my story!