The sun was setting. White doves flew gracefully to the sky as the church bell rang, giving off a joyous chime indicating the new life of the recent couple.
The newlyweds hastily went inside the bridal car to avoid the tension that they were feeling inside the church. Agreeing to marry someone was one thing but lying to the priest about loving each other was a different thing.
Mikan sighed. "This is the end, huh?"
She just got married to someone who was supposedly her fiancé but she has never met him in her entire life. She took the window seat, staring at the passing scenery; she remembered the event that happened two days ago.
FLASH BACK
"Mikan dear, you are going to marry your fiancé two days from now" her grandfather told her one evening with a firm tone.
The atmosphere went so silent that one could hear the warm air coming out of the heater of the house. It was already the first week of March and spring has already started, giving off a cool climate in Japan.
"mphf…"
"hahahahhaha…" Mikan laughed. "You almost got me on that one grandfather."
Unfortunately, the old man's expression didn't change. He looked at his daughter with the deepest regret.
"Mikan, I have just received the results of the examination this morning from the doctor." He paused hoping to gather up the courage to face his granddaughter's reaction. "I have a few weeks left to live."
It seems that everything slowed down. The huge wall clock seemed to tick slowly giving off a long echo. The atmosphere suddenly turned gloomy.
"Your lying!" Mikan shouted as tears suddenly flooded her eyes. "You're not going to die!"
"…"
"Please, say that this is a joke and you are going to stay by my side forever." Mikan gave a hollow laughter as her tears slowly stopped.
"..."
Mikan stood up and hugged her grandfather crying her heart out. She holds his hands as if never wanting to let go.
"You're lying grandfather. Please say you are lying." Mikan said as more tears suddenly come out again. "Don't leave me…"
"Mikan…" Her grandfather strokes her soft honey brown hair gently trying to comfort her.
"That is why you are going to marry your fiancé earlier so you won't be alone."
"Huh?"
"I just can't bear seeing my precious granddaughter all alone and not taken care of." Her grandfather gave her an assuring smile. "Beside, your fiancé's family is nice people. They will surely take good care of you."
"B-but I-"
"Mikan, before I leave you, I wanted to see that you are already happily married and well taken care of." Her grandfather told her persuasively but with gentleness. "Besides I couldn't think of a better person to take care of you than my best friend's grandson."
"Yes grandfather." Mikan agreed.
She just couldn't argue with him and it seems that this marriage was the only thing that could make her grandfather happy and I don't want him to die having a problem about me.
END OF FLASHBACK
Mikan sighed again. Even though her heart had already belonged to someone else, she was willing to sacrifice her hope and happiness of being with 'him' just to make grandfather happy.
'Alright, I am going to make grandfather last weeks to be a happy one. His last moments will be something he would never regret.'
The car had already stopped in front of a huge house.
"Hey…" Natsume sighed. "Never mind"
Natsume was already trying to get out of the car when Mikan spoke.
"N-natsume?" Mikan paused trying to inhale some courage. "Your name is Natsume. Am I right?"
Natsume just paused and stared at the girl as if she was an alien from another planet.
'She was so silent ever since we met at the altar that I thought she was mad at me. The only time I heard her say anything was when she accepted the vow of our marriage. She was also in a very deep thought on the way that I thought she has already regretted marrying someone whom she just met hours ago. So why is she suddenly speaking to me?'
"Yes" Natsume answered finally answered finally breaking off the silence.
"What is it…?" He paused for a while trying to remember her name. "Mikan, Am I right?"
"Y-yes, I am Mikan Sakura." Mikan stuttered, she was still uncomfortable with her husband. "I am pleased to meet you." She gave off a slight bow.
Natsume just bowed back slightly and preparing himself to leave the car.
"Hey! You still haven't introduced yourself." Mikan suddenly felt insulted when Natsume didn't introduce himself properly at her.
She grabbed his arm making him fall back at her. They were now in a very awkward position. Natsume was on top of Mikan while Mikan was lying on the seat of the car. Their faces were just faces inches apart. Mikan felt her cheeks getting warm. Natsume quickly moved away hiding the blush on his cheeks.
"See what you did polka dots." Natsume smirked then started to walk towards the house.
"Huh?" Mikan was befuddled. She suddenly realized that her gown had ripped when the fall occurred, revealing her underwear, which happens to be POLKA DOTS.
3…2…1…
"PERVERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Natsume just chuckled while continue walking. He wondered what his life will be from now on living with a clumsy and funny idiot. Suddenly he felt a slight tug at his arm. He turned around expecting to see a very cross girl but instead he saw another side of Mikan.
"Natsume, can you please pretend that we are happy together whenever my grandfather is around." Mikan asked him desperately.
to be continued…