Note:
Chapter 4
Normal POV
Persona: So, do you agree to join?
Mikan: (in her thoughts)I know I may die from these missions but, now I'll get to stay close to Natsume, to protect him from the pain of saving others everyday. I don't know why I am doing this but, I feel as if it's my duty. Now, I'll be able to save others' lives. I'll be able to do something good for once…
Persona: Do you accept my terms, Sakura-san?
Mikan: I'll join you if you promise to grant my request to get on the missions with Natsume.
Persona: If that's what you want then it shall be granted. An asset like you is too valuable to misplace Sakura-san.
Mikan: Okay, so what now Persona?
Persona: From now on your life will be at the Academy's hands. You missions will be relayed to you only when needed and you have no choice but to follow. You are now, officially, an Academy's pawn. I must warn you though, every time you go on a mission, your life falls on the line. If you die, the academy will treat you nothing unlike an object. Be careful if you value your life. As Natsume's partner, you shall now be named Shiro Neko, the white cat. You have no right to call each other by your real names outside the Academy. Only the names given to you are the ones you could call each other. I shall be with you tonight to brief you for the mission. Be ready Sakura-san. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your partner. I'm sure he'll be happy to answer them for you. He already knows you're joining.
Mikan: But how? I haven't even told anyone!
Persona: I believe this entire conversation was not at all private. Please step out of the shadows, my Kuro Neko.
Suddenly, Natsume emerged from the darkness. Mikan stares at him unbelievably.
Persona: Get comfortable with your partner Shiro Neko. I shall be leaving now. Goodbye.
Mikan's POV (Alternative)
I felt stunned. The recent happenings have been too much for me. Then I see the person whom I would like to see the least. We're all alone now and it gives me strange mixed emotions of rage, anger, hate, disgust, fear, confusion, happiness, peace, security and ecstasy. I really didn't understand why, but these feelings hit me like lightning the moment the moment I lost myself in those cold crimson eyes. So cold and full of concern, it bothers me. Natsume stepped closer. I took a step backward. He corners me to a tree. He pins me a gain with his vice-like grip. I couldn't pull away. He started speaking.
Natsume: What were you thinking when you joined Persona? Do you know that you could die in these missions?
Mikan: I'm quite aware of that fact, Natsume.
Natsume: Then, how stupid can you get to risk your life for people you don't even know!
Tears started to form on my eyes. I did risk my life but it was all for the same guy who was now insulting me. I wanted to save him, I wanted to protect him and I wanted to be with him when he needed somebody. But those words, dripping with remorse, were like daggers pointed at my heart. I couldn't take it. Tears prickled down my cheek.
Natsume's POV (Alternative)
After Persona left, stepped over to Mikan. Seething with anger and concern I neared her. She stepped away from me. She stopped her back in front of a tree, which left her trapped. I held her captive in my arms. I spoke to her in a tone I never would have used. But the words cascaded from my mouth as I used it as an output for my anger.
Natsume: What were you thinking when you joined Persona? Do you know that you could die in these missions?
Mikan: I'm quite aware of that fact, Natsume.
Natsume: Then, how stupid can you get to risk your life for people you don't even know!
Every word felt like poison on my lips. My mouth felt bitter. I looked at her with concern and felt attracted to those hazel eyes. I saw tears willing from inside. He eyes grew distant. She turned away and clutched her heart. Her face winced as if receiving tremendous pain. I saw her tears prickled down her cheeks. I felt guilty at the hurt I was inflicting he. I needed to comfort her.
Normal POV
Mikan was sobbing now. Fisting her hand near her chest as Natsume held her beside the tree. Natsume's face registered anger but his eyes showed concern. He held Mikan's chin and guided her head to face him. Her eyes were red from the salty water gushing from them.
Natsume: Mikan…I'm sorry…I…I…
Natsume, receiving no response, held Mikan in his arms in a tight embrace. Mikan gathered all the strength she could muster and punched Natsume with a tough blow. Natsume staggered back.
Mikan: What wrong with you? You insult me without even knowing everything! I joined this organization in order to be with you! I don't really understand. You always insult me and make fun of me, but…it seems that I forget all my worries whenever I argue with you… I don't understand why you're mad at me, when all I wanted was to protect you! I think we should keep our distance from now on Hyuuga-san. It's better for both of us. See you in the mission.
With that, Mikan left leaving Natsume stunned for the first time.
Natsume's POV
The things she told me, we're they all true? If they were, what have I done? I shouldn't have hurt her. Now we're worlds apart… I have to protect her no matter what…Mikan….