Chapter 3: I Like You... Not?

There. He had said it. Now, all he had to do was wait for her to say yes, or no, and that was it.

Instead, she did something he did not expect her to do. Mikoto threw back her head and laughed. "That was a good one, a really good one," she commented. "You had me there for a moment."

He sighed. "I'm not bluffing or anything. Honestly. I meant what I said."

"Sure you did. Yeah, right. You must have eaten something weird for breakfast this morning. Or maybe it could be lack of sleep?"

Fugaku tapped a foot impatiently. "There's no need to laugh; I'm telling the truth. Well? What's your answer?"

"Answer? What answer?" For a moment, she seemed momentarily confused. "What was the question?"

He shook his head. "Never mind. Anyway, I guess I just wanted to ask you, could we be friends? I'd love to go to your house from time to time."

"Are you serious? Are you kidding?" she said disbelievingly. "I still don't like you, Uchiha Fugaku, and I never will." And with that, she strode off out of the barn.

Fugaku stared after her. We'll see about that, Mikoto, we'll see about that, he thought to himself.

o0o

Mikoto rushed out of the barn and rushed upstairs to her room, her green eyes flashing furiously. She ignored the stares of her family, only thinking about what Fugaku had told her.

How dare he, she thought. How dare he beat my brother up and have the guts to come here telling me he likes me! She decided to calm herself instead of worrying about something. After she had closed her eyes, Mikoto suddenly sat upright, recalling something she had thought.

Why did I even assume he likes me? She wondered. Besides, where did I ever get that idea, anyway? Then, tired, she slumped back amongst the pillows and slept her troubles away. Strangely enough, she dreamt of Uchiha Fugaku.

o0o

Fugaku stood in the barn awkwardly, wondering what he was going to say to Mikoto's parents. Surely, they would have noticed she was mad at him, and there was no telling what they would do to him.

He sighed, and went inside the house to ask permission to leave.

"Uuh... actually, I just wanted to say that I'm leaving... uh... er..." he stammered. "I guess Mikoto hasn't really been in a good mood today."

The father nodded. "You may go. But could you mind telling us why our daughter seems to have a distaste of you?"

This time, he was really in a very uncomfortable position. Luckily, the guy he had defeated saved him from embarrassment.

"That was nothing, father. Mikoto just got annoyed because he... er... he's one of her suitors, I mean..." he looked helplessly at Fugaku.

"Actually, yes, I am." Fugaku lied. Although I don't think I'm lying anymore.

Their mother stood up. "Why didn't you say so? We could have prepared more for your arrival. Is Mikoto really like that to you?"

As she spoke, a sly smile formed on Fugaku's lips. "I don't mind coming back on another day, when Mikoto is in an... er, less irritable mood. Is next week enough?"

"Why, yes, of course. Anytime."

"Thank you. I'll be going, then." He put on his cloak and went out the door, his smile still present.