Cocoa: I think this chapter is nicer.. I think

Rich: Uhuh :D

Together: Remember to review!

Mikan plopped down on her seat, angry and unhappy.

She wasn't even in the mood to greet Hotaru, her sulky look managed to catch Natsume's attention.

The dumb brunette was so engrossed in fuming; she didn't notice Natsume settle down in the seat beside hers.

"Why have you been avoiding me since yesterday?" The raven-haired boy asked nonchalantly.

"…."

"Have you forgotten I posses fire alice? So answer me."

"Have you also forgotten I posses Nullification alice? So leave me alone, forever." It's the first time she answered him back so smartly.

Natsume decided to leave Mikan alone temporarily, until he figured out what the hell was going on.

Natsume's POV-

What is wrong with her? First, she doesn't turn up, second, she's ignoring me, and last, it seems she's going to Ruka for help. I seriously don't get the second point, why is she so mad at me when she was the one who didn't turn up?? She doesn't make sense! Nothing makes sense!! Why do I even bother?!

But being a true gentleman, and because he genuinely cares that's so sweet, Natsume thought it was best to just let her cool down on her own for a bit, instead of erasing her name from the list of girls he likes which consists of only her

It wasn't easy for him, especially when Mikan was hanging around Ruka all the time.

Ruka's POV-

I know she's only with me now because of Natsume.

Flashback-

"I guess, so you're just gonna wait here all day?"

"Depends."

"DEPENDS ON WHAT?" Ruka burst out. "She might be in trouble, for all you know, I mean when YOU were in trouble, did she just sit around and simply say 'depends'??"

Natsume was a little taken aback; Ruka was never the type to shout.

"I don't know." Ruka took a deep breath and walked off.

But at least she comes to me and not anyone else, so it should be okay to feel glad. Ever since Mikan can into our lives… Our friendship was never stable again. We could smile while talking about her, nevertheless, we will both be wishing on the inside she would choose one of us.

It isn't my fault to like Mikan, so it wouldn't be my fault to ask her out, would it?

Even if I know she would agree under the circumstances now…

Because Natsume doesn't deserve her, he doesn't even care!

---------

Mikan was starting to feel better with the help of Ruka.

But she couldn't remember what actually happened the day before… all she could recall was her receiving the note, going to the venue and everything was fuzzy from there.

One thing she could bring to mind was that Natsume Hyuuga didn't turn up at all.

Lunch was soon over, and the students quickly returned to class.

The teacher's words seem to be a lullaby for Mikan, who was lost in her thoughts while the he droned on.

"You wouldn't mind, would you?" Ruka asked politely, pulling up the chair next to her.

"Why would I?" Mikan smiled, allowing the blond boy to sit beside her.

"I was wondering.. if you'd want to, maybe…" Ruka stuttered, blushing a little.

"That jerk…" Mikan muttered, -referring to Natsume of course- unaware of Ruka talking.

From the back of the class, Natsume was watching the 'couple' coldly.

---------

"You're dismissed." The present teacher declared.

Mikan happily stood up, but to her horror, couldn't.

She struggled a little, but to no avail.

Ruka tried to help, but it was impossible to separate Mikan from her chair without tearing her skirt.

"Wait here," Ruka instructed. He went out of the classroom in search for a teacher or someone who could help.

While all of the remaining students exited the classroom, Natsume immediately went to Hotaru.

"Imai, here's 200 rabbits, lend me one of your spare skirts." He offered.

"You'll have to do better than that." And with that Hotaru went out of the classroom.

Natsume walked briskly to Sumire, who was silently giggling at her work.

"Lend me your extra skirt, now."

Sumire, who was obviously pleased and honored, -cos she didn't know what it was for too- agreed on the spot.

Holding the skirt, Natsume went to Mikan, who was still on her chair.

"Wear this under your original skirt." He ordered.

Mikan was too distressed to argue, and did exactly what he told her to do.

Without any warning, he tore her original skirt and pulled her up from the chair.

Shocked, she kept silent.

Natsume looked at the seat of her skirt, only to see super-glue. He proceeded to throw it away and turn his attention back to Mikan.

Recovering from her astonishment, she muttered, "Don't think that would make me forgive you. I don't need your help."

At that moment, Ruka returned, and was surprised to see Mikan free from her chair.

"I'm okay now, Ruka, no worries." She smiled gaily at him.

Ruka averted Natsume's angry eyes and kept his gaze at Mikan. "As long as you're fine."

"I sure am!" And she hooked her arm through his, leading him out of the room.

The anger in Natsume's eyes melted, and was replaced with dejection.

---------

The minute they were outside the classroom, Mikan slipped her arm out of Ruka's.

"I'm sorr-"

"Would you go out with me?" Ruka interrupted, catching her arm.

"I.. I " Mikan stammered, not just stunned at his question, but the expression on his face that came along with it.

Ruka moved closer to her, their faces only centimeters apart. He couldn't take it anymore and went to meet her lips.

Unfortunately for him, his hair caught fire before he could.

"Don't you try touching her." Natsume warned, his face hidden by shadows.

Ruka stepped back, the fire was gone, but he was still burning inside.

Luckily, Mikan did the talking.

"Yes, I would," She said in a defiant tone, never taking her eyes of Natsume, "I would go out with you, Ruka."

Cocoa: Since the next chapter is the last 1, I'll take a longer time.. sorry

Rich: As long as it's nice! And REVIEWED -hinting-