A/N: I got FORTY reviews!!! for SIX chapters!!!! I'm so happy I could cry. THANK YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUU!!!! x3x


I looked at my watch and sighed. Three minutes more until the bell rang.

As you might've guessed by now, I've finally escaped from the woman's grip and landed myself to class. I couldn't see her anywhere so I logically thought she's still sleeping by the barn. But I tell you… getting away was no easy task. I had to ask for help from the horses, the rats and the birds available in the area. And they did help me —I was a bit surprised their nudging and honking and neighing and quacking haven't woken her up— but not without playful jibes with romantic implications.

Naturally I told them to piss off, sorry for the term.

I sneaked a peek at Misaki-sensei. He was substituting for Narumi-sensei because the usual sub was suffering a trauma after a particular nasty class yesterday. Sensei didn't look at all pleased to be teaching us either, nor was he trying to hide it.

"Has anybody seen Miss Imai around?" he asked. I watched that huge stick he carried around shake impatiently over his shoulder, not paying attention until his question fully sunk in. Did he just ask what I think he asked? Oh hell no…

I froze on my seat, and I could almost feel Natsume's accusing stare beside me. I sneaked him a glare before relaxing my shoulders and slumping on the table. Mikan raised her hand.

"I haven't seen her at all since break time, sensei!" she exclaimed, pigtails bouncing as she did. "She couldn't have gotten hurt, could she?"

"Heh." Natsume snorted. I could almost taste another fight brewing. "She's probably somewhere in the grounds, ditching class."

Mikan's head whipped so fast I was surprised it stayed on her shoulders. "Unlike you, you vile piece of scum, my friend is a very responsible student, so I'll appreciate it if you keep your sarcastic comments to yourself you inconsiderate jerk!"

"Heh."

I can't stand this.

I stood up, bowed to the teacher and patted Natsume on the shoulder. "I'm going to go check up on her." I whispered as I passed.

If only I spotted that smirk on my way out.


I closed the barn door carefully behind me, noticing for the first time the large window beside it. So that's how Natsume got in.

I frowned a little, mostly because I've been so dense to let such a gaping hole escape me, then turned and found Hotaru.

She was still on the hay, hair a bit tousled, legs crossed daintily, half-buried in the hay. But there was one teeny tiny difference.

She was awake.