***Chapter 5***

***Natsume's POV***

Hn. Imai really had me by the neck. Curse her. Ruka and I were walking around the park. Actually, I just wanted to sit down under the Sakura tree and sleep. But no. Imai here blackmailed me into spending the whole festival with Polka. Not that I care. Besides, I needed to do something productive. Sleeping all day doesn't seem to be the jackpot for me.

I looked at my watch and told Ruka I had an appointment with somebody. I ran away.

I knew exactly where she was. She would be at the Howalon store. She seems to be an addict of it. What's so good with Howalon anyway? It's a waste of money and time.

I turned a corner and guess who bumped into me. Polka. Her precious Howalon jumped into the air. I calculated that I couldn't save them so I let them fall to the ground. What shocked me most was Polka. She was sprawled on the floor with her skirt askew.

"What a klutz. If you continue this, no one will want to marry you. Nobody wants a klutz for a wife." I wanted to bite my tongue. Damn my witty mind. I didn't help her up. If I will, those electric waves will go through my skin again. Weird. Whatever.

You already know what happened. I shrugged and turned around. With that action, I felt a pang in my chest. It was like it was filled with lead. Heavy. I wanted to look back and see what her reaction was but—I had a feeling that I would only feel heavier. I'm not sure why. Call it intuition if you want. I don't care.

I felt guilty with my actions so I went back to check on her. She was absent-mindedly picking up the Howalon and duped them into the trash can. Then, with a far-away look on her face, she walked around. I followed her around while keeping a safe distance between us and carefully dodging any fan girls. She suddenly ran to the Northern Forest.

It was getting dark. There was a drizzle coming. I can't use my Alice or else she'll see me and think I was following her or something.

Stupid Polka running off to who-knows-where alone. Now I have to find her. It wasn't hard. She was loud while crying? Why the heck was she crying? She arrived at Fate's Waters. I took a shortcut and circled around the lake across her and sat in the shadows.

I gazed at her. She was clear in the moonlight. She suddenly out of nowhere shouted "Congrats, Mikan!" and murmured something to herself. A branch was in my way and I knocked it out. She must have noticed my movement. Drat.

She looked up and stared straight at me. I didn't move. Her beautiful and warm chocolate orbs glittered against the moonlight.

Her tears spilled over. The lake water rippled with them. She shouted "Natsume?"

Oh. It was a question. She knew it was me?

"Is that you?" I guess she doesn't. I didn't reply. I continued looking at her and watching her cry.

I was watching her cry? Was she crying because of me? My already heavy heart doubled its weight. Ouch.

I watched her cry her eyes out. She was crying. I wasn't used to this Mi—Polka. Whew. That was close. She's always laughing or smiling. It breaks my heart to see her like this. What? That's new.

After a few moments, she stood up. I stood up, too. No way was I going to see her devastated face up close. It already hurt from this distance.

She took a step. Involuntarily, I stepped forward, too. She was going to get wet! It was freezing cold, for Pete's sake! Is she going near here? With her following steps, I resisted the urge to swim to her. I decided to run to her instead. Dry.

I stepped back and ran to her. I heard her cries. I quickened my pace. I wanted to console her NOW.

I was nearly halfway when I felt a presence. I skidded to a stop. I was on my guard. It was an evil aura. It was an aura I knew completely.

Persona.

He blocked my way. He was with someone. It was a girl. I couldn't see her, but I could feel her.

If I ran to Polka now, she'll surely be involved in the problem I'm in.

"Good evening, Natsume. Or should I say Black Cat? It's such a surprise to find you here! Who are you meeting?" That cursed son of a bitch was practically threatening me.

"Don't fool with me. What do want, Persona?" I resisted the urge to burn his tongue. Damn him.

"Get ready for a mission. ESP's calling for you. Come with me. My friend here will take care of your unfinished business."

"I'll come with you. Leave her alone. I just happened to be there."

"Whatever you say." As I passed by him, he reached out his filthy hand. That bastard actually thought I would let him touch me!

"Touch me and I'll burn your hand off."

That drat masked man walked behind me with his friend until we reached the Elementary School Principal's office. I may be in the Middle School, but I'm still a member of the Black Ops.

The Black Ops is an organization of the Academy that uses powerful students as agents. The students they pick are then put into the Dangerous Ability class. Our teacher, Persona, is also our coach. The ESP gives us missions. You get the picture.

I really want to get out of this hell hole. I never wanted this anyway. But if I don't---

Whatever. I don't really care anymore. I'm used to it. Ruka gives my weird glances sometimes.

I went on a briefing with ESP. They gave me my limiting mask. Tch. It's in the shape of a black cat's face thus giving me the code name.

I prepared myself. I was led out of the school.

As the car carrying me turned a corner to get to our destination, I stole one last glance at the academy.

Tch. Damn life.

***Hotaru's POV***

Where did that bastard get to? He was supposed to be with Mikan!

Nogi's giving me funny looks. He must be wondering why I dragged him like that. More like blackmailed. I don't care.

Actually, I could do it by myself but I need someone to keep an eye out for Natsume if he blows the deal. By 'it' I meant surveillance.

Mikan's just been wandering aimlessly all day after that encounter with Hyuuga. It looks like she was crying.

That bastard's deal is off.

"There he is." He was walking a couple of feet from Mikan. If she ran, he would just walk faster. He must really love his reputation.

I guess the deal's fine, then.

Mikan ran into the Northern Forest. Hyuuga followed.

I grabbed Nogi and made him sit in the newly installed passenger seat in my flying duck mobile.

When the moon was in the sky, and Mikan was moping and bawling, Nogi and I were watching everything from a safe distance. I never knew Hyuuga had a soft side. Perhaps he likes the baka too? Interesting.

Nogi was just staring and taking everything in. When Hyuuga was out of sight, I told Nogi to attend to Mikan. I will follow Hyuuga.

Using my latest gadgets, I managed to catch up to the latter. He was running to the direction of Mikan.

Suddenly he stopped. A man in his early 20s was in front of him and blocking his way. A girl was behind him. The older man was wearing a white half-mask and was dressed with black everything. The girl was hiding so I couldn't see her face. She seemed to be wearing the Academy's uniform. It was pitch black in the forest and I could only see them with the help of my see-in-the-dark goggles.

The masked man was covered with Alice Suppressors. Even Narumi-sensei has one. But this man had a dozen of them. Earrings, bracelets, rings and a pendant. Even his mask seemed to be a Suppressor. He must be powerful.

Hmmm. Could this guy be Persona? The mysterious adviser of the DA class? Who could the girl be? She must be new. Probably even a DA student herself.

I watched them silently and listened intently. These are the characteristics I possess that make me a good blackmailer. They're natural to me. They're essential to make money. So what? I want money. I'm greedy. What's wrong with that?

They were talking about a mission and ESP… Hmmm… What could that mean? Could the rumours about students being forced to do adult's work be true? I'll have to confirm this with Hyuuga someday… I guess I'll let him off the hook—for now…

***The Next Day***

***Normal POV***

Mikan opened her eyes to a white. White walls, white sheets, white ceramic floor, white door, doctors and nurses in white uniforms… You get the pic.

She turned her head and saw Hotaru sitting there, guarding her. Ruka was beside her. Are they dating? The brunette giggled. She tried to stand up, but found that she couldn't. She was too tired. Hotaru, seeing her movement, rushed to her side.

"The doctor said not to sit up. Lie down, baka. Do you want to extend your stay here in the hospital? It's a real downer I can't hit you right now. Would you do me the honour?" Hotaru glared at her with stern eyes. She was really concerned. She didn't show it of course. Just deep deep deep inside. Really deep inside. Very deep inside. Somewhere inside? I give up. Whatever.

The girl just laughed. "What's Ruka-pyon doing here? Is he with you?" Mikan was curious. She thought Hotaru left her to be in a date with Ruka. Hilarious.

Hotaru brandished her Baka Gun. "You were saying?"

Mikan backed off. "I didn't say anything! Ruka-pyon, did you hear me say anything?"

Ruka sweat dropped. These girls are weird. He opened his mouth to answer when the hospital door opened. Their friends had heard that Mikan was at the hospital and ran over. With them were Tsubasa and Misaki. Everybody looked concerned.

"Hey there guys! How's it going?" Mikan smiled a big smile. All breathed a sigh of relief. They were all worried. Misaki jumped to Mikan's bed.

"Mikan-chan, I was worried about you! You poor thing, you must be so tired. It was your first festival, after all… I should have been with you. My favourite kouhai is here at the hospital…" She pouted.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine! I'm fine! There's nothing wrong about me…"

Mikan was overjoyed. She didn't think her friends would be so worried about her. I mean, they just met…

"You're supposed to stay here overnight. I'll be staying with you." Tsubasa offered. Hotaru coughed. "Oh yeah, Hotaru's staying, too. She was upset about you."

Baka! Baka! Baka!

Hotaru smiled an evil smile. "If you don't mind, I'll step out for a little while. I need some fresh air." Then, she turned around and headed to the door.

Mikan looked at Ruka with questioning eyes. Ruka shrugged. He didn't know what was going on. When Mikan was sleeping, Hotaru was silent. Not that it was unexpected or anything. Hotaru was a woman of few words.

Hotaru's hand touched the doorknob and stared at Mikan as if she wanted to say something, but thought better about it and kept silent. She opened the door and stepped out, leaving Mikan with her visitors.

Instead of heading out the Academy's hospital, the raven haired girl proceeded to the nurse station and asked for somebody.

"Door 626." The red-haired nurse with light green eyes gave Hotaru the information she wanted. Hotaru smiled at the lady leaving her dazed. That's how beautiful Hotaru is. The raven haired girl left the dazzled woman at the station. She went to the 12th floor hallway.

"622, 624 hmm, 626." The girl genius went inside. Her lavender eyes scanned the room for any inhabitants. The bed has been slept in and the occupant apparently left in a hurry. He must have heard her coming. Or maybe woke up and didn't want to meet somebody. He couldn't have known it was her. That was impossible.

She once again opened the door and stepped out. She took one look at the name of the occupant on the door just to make sure it was the right room.

Room 626. Underneath the name…

…Hyuuga, Natsume.

***…***

A/N: What could Natsume be doing in there? Was he hurt in the mission he took last night? Find out in the next chapter.

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