Dear readers,

I'll make this really short. I am deeply sorry for the fact that I couldn't update quickly. But I did my best to present it to you in the best way possible. It was nearly thirty-one pages on Microsoft Word! I really try to give time to writing, so please forgive me. The next time, meaning the third chapter, I might be slower because I will be very busy. Oh, and I want some suggestions. Should I make my chapters long or should I shorten them? Please give me your personal opinion. And please review, so I sould have the will to go on.

Yours Truly,

Gleaming Hope

Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice manga, anime, or drama CD.


Chapter 2: Amber

"She scared the hell out of me!" a masculine voice exclaimed, I later realized to be Nastume's.

"You think she didn't do that to me as well?" Hotaru muttered, sounding concerned, which was something as rare as seeing as a pig fly.

"Let's just hope she won't stay unconscious for too long," Ruka desperately tried to reassure his girlfriend and best friend.

"You freakin' idiot!" Hotaru shouted, obviously directing her insult to Ruka. "This is the first time I've ever seen my best friend faint. How do you think I would react?"

Such a conversation, I think, was going in the area surrounding me. Blackness engulfed me, and I was unable to open my eyes. I felt tired, exhausted, fatigued even by the slightest move I made. It really wasn't that unusual; it was something I was used to since four years ago. I felt my head bump continuously, realizing that I was in some sort of vehicle. Considering that these were my friends, it had to be a car. Come to think of it, Hotaru never saw me faint. Maybe that was because it always happened at home. I couldn't leave them to worry about me. I had to explain the situation to them. I struggled to open my eyes and said something that returned their attention to me.

"I'm really sorry."

Suddenly, I felt big, firm hands wrapping around me. I found out it was Natsume, and my heart skipped a beat. I blushed lightly, knowing that everytime I saw, touched or talked to him, my heart did the same thing. I had this unexplainable feeling roaming in my heart. It made me feel happy, as if those moments were all that I needed to stay like that. Unfortunately, those "moments" didn't last for long since I felt like I would lose my breath at any moment.

"Um, Natsume, I need some air here."

"Sorry," he said, gently removing his hands while he hid his eyes behind his bangs. "I was just really worried about you."

"It's okay," I tried to sound as cheerful as always. "I'm feeling much better now. There is nothing to worry about."

"Nothing to worry about? Idiot! Do you know how scared we were? How would you react if your best friend fainted for the first time in a mall? In a stupid, freakin' mall?" Hotaru said angrily, emotion filling her eyes.

I was completely surprised at her reaction and decided that the best course of action was to go and hug her, like I always did. "Thank you, Hotaru."

"You're welcome, stupid," she murmured, hugging me back tightly.

"We were really concerned about you. Natsume here was fidgeting the whole time," Ruka smiled, pointing to Natsume who was sitting beside me.

"We're here, Young Master," a voice came from behind the screen in the car. It was then that I realized we were clearly not in a normal car.

"Wow!" I exclaimed with wonder. "I'm in a limousine for the first time in my life."

"Seriously?" Natsume raised a mocking eyebrow at me. "Pfft. Such low experience in life."

I was going to scold him for what he said when he stopped me with a wave of his hand.

"We arrived at your house. We should get out right now and tell the news to your mom," he explained nonchalantly.

"Oh, I see," I said, forgetting about scolding him.

As soon as I got out of the car, I felt another pair of arms wrap themselves firmly around me. God! How many people were hugging me? But the touch seemed very familiar.

"Where were you?" the person said, taking their hands off of me and looked straight into my eyes. "You were getting late, and I kept calling you, but you wouldn't answer. Damn it! I was so… what are those words you use… shaken up to the point I sent five of my best in the Orb to search for you."

"I'm sorry, Youichi," I replied dejectedly. "I fainted at the mall after the 'support breast cancer' campaign."

"Make sure you feed yourself properly at this state. You won't be able to hold up much longer if you keep stressing yourself," he ruffled his hair, showing his frustration and looked at my three friends standing behind me. "I know Hotaru since she obviously isn't a guy. But why the hell are there guys behind you?"

"Oh, don't worry about that!" I said as I lazily slapped my brother's back. "They are just my friends, and plus, the black-haired guy over there lifted me all the way from the mall to his limousine."

"He WHAT?" Youichi screamed emphatically. "How the hell could you let a guy carry you? Didn't I continuously tell you to stay away from guys?"

"Please note into consideration that I was unconscious. Therefore, what does any sane person do if someone is lying unconscious on the floor? You might call the ambulance or something, or you could carry the person and provide help as soon as possible. Get my point?" I glared at my brother, silencing him with my look.

"We are going to discuss this later. But for now, get inside and take some rest. And you can bring those people with you," he pointed at my friends who were standing by the limousine before he went inside.

"Don't worry. My brother is always like that if I'm next to a guy."

"I'm not surprised," Natsume said bluntly.

"Why do you say so?" I tilted her head.

"Because the Ice Queen is always like that around the you," he rolled his eyes while he and the rest entered the house while I looked at him confusedly.


The atmosphere was very tense.

Indeed. It was so tense that you felt like you wanted to move four blocks away from the house that was originating this certain atmosphere.

The five aforementioned people were sitting silently in the living room of the Sakura household except for the fact that the most well-known soap opera was airing on television. The television, lying in the front of the living room, seemed to be the object of attention of all the adolescents present. One would think that they were deeply engrossed in the program, waiting for the events of the said show to progress.

However, in this situation, that was definitely not the case.

It was all a complicated problem. A huge couch was facing the screen of the television where its occupants were the most attentive to the serial. To each end of the couch, two chairs were situated diagonally. In the space between the television and the couch, a coffee table was positioned, unharmed by the situation that was going on. To the left of the television, a huge shelf lay where there were trophies, photos, and many books. To its right, a dining table was positioned, consisting of six chairs and being close to the living door's room.

Now, whoever was watching this scene would wonder why in the world everyone in this room was so worked up. Well, like it was said, the most obvious answer would be that they were concentrated on the happenings of the pointless program on the screen. On the other hand, let's look at it from this perspective. How about we observe our beloved characters?

The people sitting on the couch were something really funny to laugh at. At its left, Natsume sat with his legs stretched out, his right arm propped up on the side of the couch with his chin lying at its center. He wasn't really looking at the television, but rather trying to avert his gaze to the auburn haired girl at the other end of the couch. However, since he didn't want to be caught watching a girl, he kept his stare on the program, his thoughts somewhere else.

On the other end, Mikan sat, and, judging by her stance, she was nowhere near stiff or rigid. She was wringing her hands, trying to concentrate on A Minute's Moment. Alas, her efforts were in vain as her thoughts kept drifting on what would happen if her brother tried to pick on Natsume. She was optimistic about nearly everything. It was her nature. However, when it concerned her brother and his involvement with guys who risked being near her, it was somehow a matter of life and death. She was a witness to victims with broken limbs, bruised faces, scratches of different shapes and size (most of which were big), and, let's not forget the finishing touch, a one-hour lecture by Youichi telling the consequences of getting near his sister. So, undoubtedly, she was in a nervous state, trying to think of a way out of this problem.

The next person which would make the laugh in this scene is Youichi. He was sitting between Mikan and Natsume, thinking of ways on how to get Ruka and Natsume away from Mikan. His eyes were darting back and forth, looking at the other two guys and his elder sister. Realizing that no one was going to make a move, he crossed his arms and diverted his attention to the screen before him. However hard he tried, he couldn't help glancing right and left, checking if everything was alright with Mikan.

In the single chairs sat Ruka and Hotaru, enjoying the scene that was occurring with the people on the couch. It was definitely more amusing than A Minute's Moment. In fact, the drama on the couch was literally a minute's moment anyways since something would obviously disrupt it later. But for now, all they had to do was watch.

Unfortunately, a certain interruption arrived when Mrs. Sakura came in with a plate of cookies. Even if she noticed the strangled atmosphere, she remained oblivious just as her daughter had always been. She dragged a chair from the dining table and sat next to the couch.

"Does anyone want cookies?" Mrs. Sakura chirped.

Five heads turned at once, surprised at the sudden interruption. Nevertheless, in order to avoid being suspected, Hotaru spoke first, "Why, I'd be glad, Mrs. Sakura. I love the cookies you make."

And soon enough, everyone joined in and took a cookie. Despite the crispy cookie and its sweet chocolate, the strained atmosphere still remained.

"So, Natsume," Mrs. Sakura turned to face Natsume after distributing the cookies. "What were you doing before you came to rescue my beautiful daughter?"

Natsume glanced at Mikan, noticed her blush and said, "I was helping her in the 'support breast cancer' campaign. We were asking people to support people with breast cancer by donating some money. That's why," he pointed to the shirt he and Mikan were wearing, "we're wearing this."

"You…you…imbecile!" Youichi shouted as he stood up and pointed an accusing finger at Natsume. "You tried to seduce my sister!"

And before he could punch him, he received a punch himself, rubbing his hand on his head where a huge lump was sticking out, "Mom, what the hell did you do that for?!"

"Oh, Youichi. You're not supposed to attack our guests for no reason," his mother reasoned, looking innocent.

"But he was attempting to molest my sister!"

"Now Youichi, that is not a very nice way to speak about your guests. One bad word out of you, and you won't see Mikan for a week," she ordered strictly.

Youichi looked at her in horror and sat obediently in his place. If there was something he couldn't give up, it was his sister. And now was a justification to the statement.

"I'm sorry, mom," Mikan spoke up, looking at her hands which were folded on her lap. "I should have taken better care of myself since this is not the first time this happens."

"It's okay. At least you had…"

"It wasn't the first time?" a voice sprang up with anger and rage, claiming to be Hotaru's. "You fainted before and you never told me? When did this start happening?"

Mikan inhaled deeply preparing herself to what seemed to be a long explanation, "It was four years since I first fainted. The day I fainted, I was very tired. We had our final exams that week, and I felt incredibly weak after they finished. And once, when I started helping my mom in cleaning the house, I suddenly collapsed. We all thought that I fainted from fatigue. But that wasn't it. Everytime I did something that would exhaust me, I would simply fall into oblivion. My mom said that wasn't normal, so she decided to take me to the doctor.

"That's when we discovered that I had anemia. I had a low supply of iron, thus causing me to have a low rate of hemoglobin, an oxygen carrier in my blood. The hemoglobin rate I was supposed to have was fourteen. Unfortunately, it turned out to be six, which was too low for a girl of my age. Even pregnant women didn't have such a low rate. So, I started taking medicines in order for them to keep me up and about. But if I did things that were too vigorous, I would immediately faint. That's why I always fainted at home since I had to study a lot, exercise, cook, and clean the house. But this was the first time I ever fainted outside."

She ended her explanation with a thoughtful sigh when Hotaru asked, "Then why didn't you tell me?"

Amber and amethyst clashed, their eyes expressing their true feelings. Hotaru wanted to know the truth but concern and a feeling of betrayal were evident in her eyes. On the other hand, Mikan's eyes started to tear as she ran to hug Hotaru.

"Hotaru, please don't get it the wrong way. I hid it from you because I didn't want you to think that I was weak like I always was. I always wanted to be like you, so I decided to stay strong and do my best."

"Idiot," Hotaru murmured, hugging Mikan back.

"See, Mikan. You shouldn't have worried about the consequences," Mrs. Sakura told her daughter softly while patting her shoulder.

"Um, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I think we have to go," Ruka suddenly announced, his existence forgotten by the other people present in the room.

"I think you're right," Natsume supported while looking at the time on his watch.

"I didn't have time to know you very well, Natsume. But please, come some other time. It would be fun to have you," Mrs. Sakura said.

"Ignore my mom. Your presence is unwanted in here," Youichi glared at him.

"Youichi," she said, casting a contemptuous glance at her son.

"I have to go as well," Hotaru said.

"Well, I guess I'll see you in school on Monday, right?" Mikan asked, leading everyone to the villa's door.

"Sure," Ruka replied as they all went out of the house and climbed in to the limousine.

"That was a nice visit," Mrs. Sakura told her two children, obviously delighted by the turnout of the events. "My little Mikan can finally get a boyfriend."

"Mom, what are you saying?" Mikan blushed deeply.

"I saw him trying to steal glances at you, and you just kept blushing the whole time," her mother giggled.

"Mikan, is that really true?" Youichi asked dangerously.

"No, it's not what you think."

"Well, that's good because I'll do whatever it takes to keep him away from you," he stated firmly before he marched upstairs to his bedroom.


So boring.

History class was just so boring. Mr. Horace was blabbing on about how some Austrian dude got shot before World War I because of some Serbian dudes. Like anyone cares. He started describing the scene as if he was there, as if he was the one shot but simply got reincarnated to tell us his experience. What a freak! I mean, couldn't we talk about something more interesting? Like Hitler, Stalin, or nuclear bombs? Seriously, this was way too boring.

The clock ticked slowly, barely showing progress. But through those slow minutes, I spent the whole time watching Mikan. She just gave me those feelings that made me feel as light as a feather. She wasn't like those other girls, doing everything within their power to get the attention of who they admired. She was a soft, non-violent, kind person. It was simply her nature.

Before I could fantasize about her, the bell rang, signaling lunch time. I got up from my chair when I found Mikan next to me.

"Would you like to have lunch with me?" she asked while we walked out of the classroom and headed to the cafeteria.

I raised my eyebrow in surprise, "What do you mean? We always eat lunch together with Ruka and Imai."

"No, that's not it," she chuckled cutely while shaking her head. "I made lunch for the both of us. Would you like to eat with me?"

"What about Imai and Ruka? Won't they eat with us?" I asked.

"I suggested the idea to them yesterday, but Hotaru said she had to attend the 'Gifted Inventors' club while Ruka said that he had soccer practice," she answered sadly and then lit up. "But they told me that you were free this lunch and that you would have time to spend with me before I go to the club."

"I see," I said as I smirked inwardly. This would definitely be fun. I mean, come on. What was better than having the girl you like prepare lunch for you and eat it with you? Fine, I admit it. I like Mikan Sakura. I have a crush on her. The girl was special, and even though she hadn't noticed, she had managed to capture the heart of the hot, notorious, smart and dangerous Natsume Hyuuga.

My train of thought was cut off when we arrived at the academy's garden. We usually sat here for lunch instead of the cafeteria since it was usually noisy with all the fangirls. I set the mat down on the grass and sat down while she opened the box she had been carrying all along. What I saw made my mouth water. Everything was so perfectly prepared. There was salad, rice, chicken, juice, apples and of course, plastic plates, forks, knives and spoons.

"I'm sorry since it's not that special," she said shyly. "I didn't have time to prepare a lunch with a variety of some foods at least."

"It's okay," I assured her, wanting to start eating at once. "Is it alright if I start eating?"

She brightened up when I said that, "Sure, dig in."

I grabbed a plate and began placing the rice and chicken on it. As soon as I finished, I took a big bite. I chewed slowly, savoring the taste while Mikan was watching anxiously.

"Well, is it nice? Is it tasty?" she asked worriedly.

I swallowed the food in my mouth and replied, "That is the tastiest homemade food I had ever laid my hands upon."

She smiled brightly, "I'm really glad you liked it. I thought you wouldn't since you eat high-class food and all."

"My mom never made food for me. That's why I don't know how it feels to have someone make food for you."

She looked at me sorrowfully and then cheered up again, "I know. I'll prepare lunch for you every day. What do you say?"

I was taken aback by her words. I was at a loss for words. It was the first time anyone tried to do anything to make me happy, besides my mother and my siblings. I reflected on the idea and shook my head, "No, you can't. It's simply way too much for you. I don't want to be the reason for your stress."

"Don't worry. My mom is helping me. In fact, she was the one who encouraged me to do this. Your happiness is my happiness as well."

I was simply too touched by what she said. No one other than my family decided to do such things for me. No one was as determined as her to make my life as happy as possible.

Unconsciously, I placed the plate on the mat and hugged her. It felt so right, so perfect. I wanted to hold her in my arms forever. I felt like I didn't want to give her to anyone else. Not to Imai, not to Mrs. Sakura, and most certainly not to Youichi. Maybe that was why everyone who was really close to her got so deeply attached to her. I held her so tightly, never wanting to let her go. She was the only one other than my family who understood me so well. She was the only one who knew what I always felt, what always made me happy. And then, I knew. I knew that she was the key to the joy I had always wished for.

Surprisingly, she hugged me back, as if she was happy that she finally got acceptance from something she asked for. She smiled secretly and looked up at me, "If there is anything you need to talk or consult to me about, I'll always be there to help you."

"Thanks," my bangs covered my blush.

"Thanks for everything."


I was determined.

Determined to show Mikan what I've got in basketball.

I was sitting on the bench in the gym hall, waiting to be instructed. After the hugging incident at the garden, I remembered that I had basketball practice and asked her to come and watch me. She was very glad, and there she was, standing at the side and talking to a person she met when she came in.

The coach was splitting us into two groups, like usual, and had us face each other. We did this so that the coach could point out our flaws and so that we could improve ourselves. Of course, without doubt, I didn't have any mistakes seeing that I always practiced vigorously. Eventually, I ended up being in a team with good players.

This was it.

This was the chance where I would show Mikan that I was awesome.

And the match began. Mikan watched intently, noting my every movement. I decided to use my best moves, and I kept glancing at her direction, making sure if she was watching me. She gaped at me, and I smirked at her reaction. She looked so stunned by what I did that I decided to stun her even more. I dunked three times, raising my skills to the maximum of my ability. By the end of the match, she came running to me, a bottle and a small towel in hand.

"You were so cool!" she exclaimed.

"Of course I was," I declared haughtily.

"Stop bragging yourself," she said as she handed me the bottle and the towel. "But at any rate, you were awesome."

Ah, the sweet smell of victory. I achieved the goal I wanted, not the one in basketball. I wiped the sweat out of my face, drank the bottle of water, and gave it back to her. I swished my hair in an appealing way and said, "Thanks."

Her face turned into a deep shade of red at the mere word itself. I expected the reaction anyways. She looked at me and said, "You're welcome. But you worked really hard. Your moves were just flawless. Just like Youichi."

That last part made me twitch. Is she saying that I am at the same level as her little brother who is in fact one or two years younger than me? I doubt. "I believe that I must be obviously better."

"Probably."

Probably? That is simply out of the question. After all the skills I displayed, after all the hard effort I put into it, she tells me that I am probably better than her brother. I am known to be the best of my age in the region. I am unchallenged, undisputed, unbeaten. One day, when I get a match with Youichi, I will seriously crush his team in basketball.

Realizing that my anger was rising, I rubbed it again with a towel. Well, at least I heard part of what I wanted to hear. I told Mikan to wait for me while I went to change my clothes. When I finished, we went out of the gym hall now that we had ten minutes left until we had Chemistry Class. We saw a student rushing everywhere, posting a certain paper on all the notice boards visible to the eye. Mikan looked intrigued and went to a notice board to know the news. I followed her and what met my sight made smirk evilly.

"The Masquerade Ball, eh?" she said as she put a finger to her chin. "Scheduled to commence on Christmas Eve. Masks are compulsory unless if one is wearing glasses."

This was the perfect chance. Seriously, could this day get any better? I mean, a tasty lunch, a passionate hug, appreciation in basketball by my crush and finally, a chance to ask her out for the dance. This is the best day ever, literally. I've never had so much luck in one day. God, thank you for your generosity and support. I will serve and respect you for the rest of my life. But for now, I have got to use the chance while I still have it. Since I am renown for my sly tactics, I shall face this situation my way.

"I never went to a ball in my life. Did you ever go to one?" she inquired.

Even better. I would be honored to be her first dance ever. I answered coolly, not showing my enthusiasm, "Of course. My parents manage a big company, so we attend many parties held by other people, especially masquerade ones."

"Wow, that is so cool. Are they fun?"

"It depends. If you're with an entertaining person," I added with a charming smile.

"I am definitely going. This means that it's on…" she said, counting with her fingers, "next Friday. I'll go with Hotaru in the weekend to choose my costume."

"Aren't you going to have a partner?" I asked curiously.

"Who would ask with my brother's spies scattered over the school? Plus, I'm just going for the fun of it," she said, not really minding the fact whether she had a dance or not. "What about you?"

"I might not either. With all the fangirls hanging around me, it's quite impossible to get one."

"Good point," she agreed while the bell rang. "Guess we have to go. Mrs. Croner is going to appoint partners for lab work for the rest of the year. We have to get there quickly before she scolds us."

And with that, we ran off to class.


I was so damned lucky.

I actually became Mikan's partner for lab work in chemistry. Before Mrs. Croner assigned our partners, she dragged me to the side of the classroom to talk to me privately. I figured out that it was something about 'Be careful in the lab' or 'Don't touch things I don't tell you to'. But it turned out to be even better. It seems that the teachers discovered that ever since I started hanging out with Mikan, they noticed that I changed to a much more positive attitude. As a result, they have decided to help me to win Mikan's heart. So, she asked me if I wanted to become Mikan's partner until the end of the year.

And what would anyone expect me to say? Of course, yes.

Everything is going smooth for me, and I have the whole staff's assistance. My mom was right when she said I had charisma. I had a powerful gang, a whole load of fangirls, who were purely unnecessary, and teachers helping me to get my crush. There is only one thing left to have. I must have Mikan by my side. Whatever it may take, I shall strive to gain her love. Okay, now I'm sounding like a candidate running for president. But anyways, this is not pure luck. All of this happened because yours truly is simply a pro. It's a knack that takes years to perfect, but since I'm a prodigy, it was only a gift. I have to plan this carefully. I can't lose my chances when I have them.

We were standing in front of a table, in pairs like everyone was. Mikan and I were wearing the lab robes, the big glasses, and the gloves. Mrs. Croner was standing at the front table in the lab, grinning as her eyes observed me. She assigned us to do something, which I really didn't care about, now that I was thinking of ways on how to get Mikan's attention. When she finished, everyone started working, and Mikan began setting the things we needed.

"Natsume," Mikan snapped her fingers in front of my eyes. "Natsume, are you paying attention with me?"

I shook my vigorously, "Uh, yea. Sorry, I was just spacing out."

"Don't worry. It's fine," she smiled brightly at me.

There were five flasks on the table, labeled and prepared. Each one had a different color. There was a big empty flask with a small fire lit under it. Mikan looked at the chemistry book on the table and started reading the instructions. She took one of the flasks in her hand and carefully let three drops of the liquid inside fall down to the big flask. She was deeply immersed in the process itself, telling me to get the small flasks and hand it to her. There was even a time where our hands touched at the same time with the flask. Ah, the joy.

At any rate, when we finished the experiment, of which I had no clue about since Mikan told me what to do, we filed out of the lab and headed back to the classroom. We had around ten minutes left until the next class started, English. Mikan's favorite subject. She loved to read books and was seen holding a book no matter where she was. And that was my problem. Books were one of the things she treasured most in her life. Sometimes, she told me about her fantasies of the male leads in them. How enraged I was. How could she prefer non-living characters in books when there are lots of handsome guys in the world? Take me for instance. I have everything those guys had and even more. There was only one thing missing. I was not fictional.

And that thought made these books my rivals.

I decided to ask Mikan about the details of the dance, even though she was reading her beloved book, "Hey, little girl, what are you going to wear for the dance?"

She turned around to face me with a what-the-hell look on her face, placed her book inside her bag, and turned to fully face me, "I'm still thinking about it, but I'm planning to buy a dress I happened to see in one of the shops."

I smirked at the answer, "And what does it look like?'

"Well," she licked her lips as a way to show that she was thinking. "It's a white dress that reaches up to the knees, and it's sleeveless. It's a bit frilly at the bottom and has flower designs on it. It's just so cute. It somehow looks like and angel. What about you? What are you wearing?"

"I don't know," I said, trying to imagine Mikan with the dress she mentioned. "I might not even be coming at all."

"That' sad," she said sulkily. "Hotaru is going to be with Ruka, and all of my friends have dates. I'll see if I can hang out with Koko and Mochu."

I got a bit mad when she said the last bit, "Don't worry. There's a big chance I might be coming."

She lit up at my statement and said, "That would be great. But then, I probably won't be able to wear a mask since I wear glasses," she sighed.

"I think they said that people who wear glasses are exceptional."

"Really? You think so?"

"Well, it was written in the flyer for the ball. I don't think that it's such a big deal."

"This is really good," she said, flashing her bright smile to express her joy. "I think luck's on my side today." Before the bell rang and our English teacher, Miss Sanders, entered the class, signaling the beginning of the lesson, a contradictory thought escaped my mind.

You're wrong, little girl, because luck's on my side.


"Do I look okay?"

"No," Nonoko rolled her eyes disgustingly. "You look so ugly my eyes want to pop out. Just joking. You look marvelous. Seriously."

"She's totally right, Mikan," Anna added encouragingly. "You don't look okay. You look amazing."

"You look a bit better than average," Hotaru mumbled silently while brushing her hair in front of the mirror.

"Thanks," I said cheerfully. "A good comment from Hotaru means that I, without doubt, look passable."

We all giggled simultaneously, excluding Hotaru – of course, who cast a malicious glance at our direction.

We were at Hotaru's house, preparing for the ball that was only one hour away from now. Like all girls in our school at this moment, we were adding the finishing touches to our looks. It was our first high school dance; obviously, no girl would miss it for the world – unless she detested the school or had grudges on it. I, on the other hand, have an overprotective brother who seeks to torment any boy, guy, old man, etc. dare they get an inch into my space. But, no matter the consequences, I bribed my brother into letting me go to the dance, seeing that this is a very significant point in my life.

I sighed at a thought that crossed my mind. Even though I bribed my brother, no guys will dare approach me. It's all because of one reason. One stupid, freaking reason. It was called the 'Restricted Rule', one which my little brother invented. Such a rule was implemented on me: 'No human of the opposite sex is to approach the Silver Orb's leader's older sister, Mikan Sakura, or to communicate with her mentally or physically without permission from the Silver Orb's leader, the Hunter, Youichi Sakura.' He also added the punishments that were to be held. 'Anyone who defies the said rule shall suffer harsh consequences that cannot be mentioned due to the level of severity. At any rate, the accused shall be harmed mentally, psychologically, and physically by all means.'

Although I love my little brother, sometimes I think that he goes a bit too far. At least, he backed down a bit when he talked to Natsume. But I don't think he was scared of him. It's either of respect because of Natsume's strength and intelligence or mom's deathly glares of warning that she gave Youichi. Natsume was a good guy in many ways; he was straightforward and never attempted to lie.

For some reason, every time I get close to him, my heart beats faster than its normal pace, and butterflies gather in my stomach. Of course, being an avid fan of romance books, I knew that that meant I was on the verge of falling in love. I did feel a certain attraction towards him; that was true. I was a bit hesitant, though. I didn't really know whether I should let my feelings go loose or not. After all, love was a whole dramatic process itself.

Let's return back to the current situation. We entered Hotaru's car and drove to school. I managed to find the dress I described to Natsume and immediately bought it last weekend. I bought a beige strapped slipper. I tied my hair in a side ponytail, curls dangling at its end.

Hotaru wore a sleeveless black dress, a design of a rose with a thorn sticking out of it on one of its sides. Her mask was of a navy color and night designs, covering half of her face only. She wore dark blue high heels, and her hair was clipped with a butterfly pin. Her full attire matched her personality and pale skin, reflecting her mysterious hidden beauty.

Anna and Nonoko were exactly the same, except Anna was wearing pink and Nonoko light blue. Anyone who saw them would assume they were twins since their personalities were so similar. In any way, they were the perfect opposite match.

As the masquerade ball began, Anna and Nonoko's respective boyfriends, Koko and Yuu, came to take them. I stayed with Hotaru at a corner where a table filled with food was positioned.

"Hey, Hotaru," I began indecisively. "If Ruka comes, will you go with him?"

"There's no if there, Mikan. Of course, I will go with him."

"What about me? Will you leave me alone?" I asked cutely.

"Do I look like I care?" she looked at me with those passive eyes, eating her crab brains with all the composure possible. "You were the one who said that you wanted to come so badly. It's your fault you haven't thought of this point."

"I did. I did think of it. I just assumed that you would remain with me throughout the whole thing," I fidgeted nervously.

"Since when was I included in an assumption?" she arched her eyebrow. "I am everything but any person assumes. Haven't you learnt that lesson ages ago?"

"I did. And I still keep hoping," I replied while giggling.

Before she could come up with a comeback, a deep voice interjected, "Hotaru, it's the dance. Why would you want to ruin it with an argument?"

I turned around to see the owner of the voice, and Ruka was standing there, a smile spread on his face from one end of his ear to the other, "Ruka, it's you. Did you come to take Hotaru?"

"I am extremely sorry, Mikan," he told me apologetically while grabbing Hotaru's hand. "This girl needs to chill out."

"Have fun, you guys," I said as I waved my hand to them, Hotaru dumfounded of what just happened.

When they were well out of sight, I sighed and took a drink. I noticed that some boys looked at my direction but quickly turned around when I met their gaze. I sighed at the boredom that began to overcome me when only five minutes passed. And due to the loathed boredom, I became insanely mad by talking to the sub conscious side of my brain.

This is way too boring.

I know, tell me about it. Do you know what you're lacking to make this all fun?

No, do you?

Of course, I do. Why I am your sub conscience then, moron?

Don't call me that. Anyways, what am I lacking?

A guy.

Huh?

A guy.

What?

A guy. Are you deaf? Wait, this has nothing to do about being deaf. It's all about understanding. Can't you understand? A guy. Don't you know what a guy is? Simply speaking, it is a boy. If you don't know what that means wither, then… I have to look at the dictionary lying within your mind. Wait here a minute.

A minute passes.

Two minutes pass.

Five minutes pass.

Ah, here it is. A boy: A male child, from birth to full growth, especially one less than eighteen years of age. And what I am trying to say is one who is obviously older than you. So, a guy in the sense we're talking about has to range from ages fourteen to fifteen. Understand?

Can I say what I want to say?

Sure, shoot.

I understood what you meant, even before you had to explain the whole concept.

Then why the bloody hell did you tell me to explain it to you while five minutes of my precious sub conscious life was being wasted?

I didn't tell you to.

You didn't?

Nope.

Really?

Uh huh.

Then what were you trying to say?

Well, all I was trying to say was that when I was bored, it never meant it was because of a guy.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. How sad. In this case, why do you think balls and dances are created?

To entertain people.

And?

To have fun.

And?

To deepen the intimacy between two people and give them the opportunity to lengthen their relationship.

Well, you're right, technically speaking. But what is the right word that fits the situation?

Do I have to say it?

It's something everyone has to overcome in their life.

To… to… fall in love?

Exactly. Now, tell me, who do you want to come this instant?

Only one image appeared in my mind. It was him. The only man which I believe I have fallen in love with.

Ohhhh. So, it's the guy with brown eyes who nearly has red eyes?

Yes.

Don't worry. I'm sure he'll be coming any moment soon.

Sub conscience, I have a question to ask you.

Shoot.

Do you think I have a crush on Natsume?

You think?! Girl, you have officially fallen head over heels for him.

Like how?

Like how?! You blush whenever you think, see or touch him. Whenever you're with him, you're so happy I could believe you would have flown above the seventh cloud. Whenever you are free, you think about him. You always cast a glance in his direction. You make lunch for him! What other proof do you need?

Ok, I understand, I understand. But, can I ask you another question?

Sure. Just do it quickly.

Do sub consciences also have PMS?

Mikan, that is a very ridiculous question. Think for yourself. I am going for now. I shall leave you to the present day. Farewell.

As I returned from the heated debate that occurred with my dignified sub conscience, a sudden hush enveloped the hall. Everyone was looking at the entrance, as if something spectacular was being exhibited or something. And what I saw made my eyes widen in amazement.

Standing near the entrance was Natsume, dressed fully in black. He wore black trousers accompanied with shiny black boots. He wore a sleeveless turtle-neck shirt, with a cape that reached to his ankles. Black gloves were on his hand, a cane griped firmly in them. As if on cue, a boy came, just like a butler, and Natsume gave his cape and cane to him but refused to hand him the gloves. His spiky hair, tanned skin, black earrings demonstrated an aura of dominance and power. Even though the combination of clothes was rather awkward, it was exactly the thing that would live up to Natsume's standards. I could have said that he looked like the devil himself.

Meanwhile, Natsume headed towards me, his gentle stride gracing his every movement. When he reached me, he surveyed me with a look in his eyes that showed something like… hunger, I suppose. I looked back at him, overwhelmed by his appearance. And suddenly, the moment of serenity was broken by him.

"You look absolutely ravishing," he said, taking my hand, bowing, and brushing his lips lightly on its surface. When he looked up at me, he gave me a look I have never seen in anyone else other than him. He looked at me wickedly and slyly, like a devil ready to pounce on the innocent angel. He also had a look that displayed he was being challenged, and that he would win no matter what.

"Would you like to dance with me?" he looked at me in a passionate way and smirked at the same time.

And for some reason, I had a feeling that this was going to be a very long night.


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See you in the next chapter,

Adios :P