Disclaimer: I don't own GA. ;)
Chapter Three: Guaranteed to be Free
The natural cold stare was giving her creeps. It was piercing yet at the same time amusing. How could a person look so attractive even when emitting a cold aura? Well, maybe if she's not a human at all. Mikan almost jumped on her feet when she was called by the familiar person.
Hotaru.
She was there—she was also there. Why? Of course she has to be. Uncle Kota must have informed her beforehand about Natsume's arrival. She'll be the soon fiancée anyway. Does it ever need to be wondered upon? Well, yes maybe. It still depends on her if she'll succeed on bridging him to this girl. That still remains an if now.
Suddenly lots of questions started scampering in her mind. First was has Hotaru already knew the whole plan already? Second, Aunt Yekha who is supposed to be busy in business was here too, does she have anything to do with all of these absurdities his husband is planning? And thirdly, she thought that Natsume has already arrived. So where is he? His plane isn't delayed anymore, is it? Because seriously she's gonna go and make amends again or worst she has to cancel everything she had worked hard upon if it's so.
She almost groaned in frustration but then suddenly she stopped short. Hotaru surely doesn't want to be left out in things specially the one concerning her life. So she probably knew of the plan. She either bribed or threatened Uncle Kota to spill the news as early as she can catch it. That's how Hotaru Imai works. She isn't the kind of person who lets other people control her unless there's an association of money.
As for Aunt Yekha, she knows probably that this time Natsume's in the right age to marry. And no mother would want to miss the special love story her son could have in his life. Moreover; it is a love story planned carefully by her husband and her cranky goddaughter. She is serious with this as much as Uncle Kota is.
She shook her head unconsciously as the realization sink in. It's quite all clear now—why Hotaru is in front of her now gazing at her stoically and why Aunt Yekha had suddenly arrive in the midst of their busy and perky business abroad as well. The only question she couldn't provide an answer yet was Natsume. Where the hell is he?
"How are you?" Hotaru broke her reverie.
Hotaru looked sophisticated with the frilly dress she wore. It's not like she really like to wear frilly dresses. It's just that, Uncle Kota has a fascination with women who wears frilly dresses. It was probably one thing why he fell in love with the Hyuuga woman. Anyhow, the dress looked good on Hotaru. She even matched it with her five-inch heels. Those high heels always made her taller and more lady-like. A pang of envy made its way towards Mikan. Hotaru's good in dressing up. Hotaru's good at everything. What's not to love?
Superficially speaking, both stoics are meant to blend perfectly. Natsume's intense and blazing ruby red eyes blend to Hotaru's cold and emotionless amethyst pools. Both hairs are colored raven setting a comfortable distinction between the two individuals. They were both cold but they'll get the hang of it. They're both enough smart and proud for that matter. Hotaru might really be the girl for Natsume. And she can be the genius-money maker in town. Being blood-related with Hotaru doesn't change her bias for both parties. After all, she doesn't care about Hotaru. Who was she anyway? She was nothing but her biological cousin. Their worlds are parallel to each other walled in the midst by a high gap.
A really high gap.
Yet Mikan had always intended to be like Hotaru. That was the girl who can do everything, the genius money-fanatic woman, the smart and well-raised daughter who can get everything she wanted and dispose obstacles without hurting anyone. She wanted to dye her hair in lavender because it looks like royalty. The color highlights her fair skin. It was cool to look at and very peaceful. She hated her auburn hair. It was nothing but a dull, undertone color.
It reminded her of the girl that was a nuisance, an annoying klutz who always makes people worry about her. It reminded her of her old self who was helplessly in love with the biggest jerk this world has ever made. She did everything to forget her old self and the jerk, move on, and face the new sequence of curveballs; life has to throw.
"It's obvious, is it not?" She raised an eyebrow.
"I see." Hotaru smiled a little and pursed her lips in a thin line nonetheless; she looked as if she wanted to say something more.
"Tsk." She rolled her eyes depreciating the smile that Hotaru rarely shows and began her way towards Uncle Kota without another word.
This is just the beginning.
"Where is he?" she hushed in his ear irritated.
"I'll call him." Uncle Kota said with a wink.
Natsume had been dragged by Aunt Yekha to the nearby stall for chocolates.
She crossed her hands on her chest as she waited for him. She wanted to end this meeting immediately. It's been burning her insides. She's here for a business deal and not for whatsoever and yet the day started her with a tough face-to-face session with Hotaru and even voiced out her displeasure of seeing her again though indirectly.
She just wanted to avoid any confrontations now. She just don't want to start heating things up again. For her, all things in the past are just part of the past. Why people can't get enough of that? Tch. These days, people are really getting sulky.
"Mikan-chan." A gentle voice said from behind.
She turned around and saw Ruka smiling at her. "Ruka.."Mikan said in relief after seeing the childhood friend.
"How are you?" he asked excited.
"Fine, I guess." She replied awkwardly.
Well, must people always ask if she's okay? Tsk. The very stereotype question and answer in the world. It's kind of annoying already.
"I-I see." Ruka nodded sheepish probably he was hinted that she wasn't good in being asked such lame questions.
"How are you?" it was Mikan's time to ask. She was smiling.
Ruka knew that Mikan doesn't just want him to answer if he was good or not. He knew Mikan wanted to know his life in America, and the current incident he was in.
"I'm glad and comfortable, I guess after the accident." He responded more comfortable with her presence now.
He must admit that Mikan had intimidated him the time she first spoken. He thought that she was still the bubbly girl he met when they were young. But she'd been so grown-up since he went to America. She talks now with much firmness and seriousness in her toneless voice. She sounded like a laconic strict teacher that would gobble a student who can't answer a difficult question. He was exaggerating of course.
"I feel sorry." She sounded sincere.
"It's okay Mikan. I've moved on." He replied with a small smile.
"So, you're talking with the brat, huh?" a firm strong male voice joined them.
Mikan stiffened. Cold strong winds enter her ears. And she couldn't speak. Yes, it was Natsume. The guy she had waited for so long.
"Natsume."Ruka said startled.
"What?" he asked tersely.
"Y-Your back." She finally found her voice turning around to face him.
Natsume looked at her, and she felt her whole body trembled and her face was beet red. Why does he still look so ruggedly handsome? He was wearing a striped polo shirt and brown pants. Yet, he still looked like a hot commercial model, advertising a brand of toothpaste.
He smirked.
"I am."
Mikan composed herself. She was prepared for this.
"I know." She snapped suddenly.
"Wow." Ruka could only muster with the formality in her voice.
"Where were we Ruka, when we're interrupted?" she turns to Ruka attempting to ignore Natsume.
"I did not interrupt." Natsume glared.
"I did not say you did." Mikan said unaffected.
"We were talking about: moving on." Ruka sweatdropped.
This time, was Natsume's turn to speak.
"Talking about moving on, I see." He smiled dryly.
"Not like you care." She retorted.
"So you're not over the bitter moving on state, I guess." He said with the air of confidence.
"Who said I haven't?" Mikan cried in annoyance. She was red as a tomato.
"Oh?" he teased.
"Shut up." The voice was controlled once again.
And both were surprised with the sudden intensity on Mikan's voice. Once she was annoyed, she'd really show how annoyed she was. And even the heavens wouldn't be able to stop her fury. Oh yes, she has changed. After all, people keep changing every span of time. Only, you wouldn't be sure if the change was to improve or deprive oneself. All you know is that, people change over time.
"Frankly, I have moved on after you left." She smiled bitterly.
"So what's with being bitter?" Natsume looked away.
"Maybe, I could let the two of you talk alone."Ruka managed to say sensing that this is a very confidential matter to both.
Natsume nodded a little, and started to stare back at her again. She was really different. She still has that innocent aura yet when she talks he couldn't help but get intimidated. Her eyes talks so sweetly, yet her voice penetrates down to the core. He couldn't believe this is the girl he had left some years ago.
She's still beautiful though, the dress hugging her curves well, the wavy lavender locks he knew she dyed, the curly tips of her eyelashes, those expressive eyes, and her soft lips. That time, he knew his world stops. Unknown to him, it was the same for her. But it was Mikan who first got back from her trance.
"No Ruka, you stay." Her voice was hard, controlled.
"I-I think I must go Mikan. I-I—" he stuttered.
"You remain and you will hear every single thing I'll have to say for your pathetic best friend!" she said, annoyance is coloring her tone.
Magically, the people around them disappeared. Hotaru was nowhere to be found as well as Aunt Yekha and Uncle Kota. It was just the three of them in the place where they are supposed to welcome the newcomers. She began to think placidly. Ruka's face didn't hide the surprise he felt. She was commanding him. But he can't resist her. So he stayed. Natsume on the other hand, stayed impassive despite being surprise at her superior action as well. Mikan smirked for herself.
"Hyuuga." She said to catch his attention. He was in daze.
"What?" the voice was now cold as ice.
"I'm not here to party or welcome your comeback. I am here for a deal." She said transforming in her business-like tone.
"I hate deals." He said boredly and turns around to walk away.
"You better listen to me, or you'll lose the chance of being happy in the future." She said as a matter-of-fact.
Natsume turn to her again and raised a brow.
"What joke are you weaving this time?"
"One party must know what the other may not." She said vaguely and smiled at him sweetly, "Therefore, you must know the deal your father and I had." She added.
"Spill." Now his attention was fully on hers.
It was always hers anyway.
"He wants me to bridge you with Hotaru Imai." She said finally.
But deep inside her, a tiny voice inside was wishing he would back out. Yes, it was.
"What?" Natsume's voice came like a thunder.
"You could still decide whether to back out or not though." She smiled slyly.
Natsume's brow creased interestingly, "Why would you think I'll back out? I am not stupid."
She cringed at the word stupid, "I'm giving options."
He walked towards her unaware of Ruka's presence. He circled her until he came into a stop. And on her ear, he whispered seductively, "Unless, you still have that childish feelings for me. And won't let me snatched away by Imai from you."
Mikan felt her cheeks boil. The nerve of this guy!
She faced him, and quickly their lips touch the tip of one another. Mikan pushed him away and gave him a slap.
"You arrogant bonehead! I'm not that cheap and stupid anymore to think that way." Anger had circulated through her.
He smirked.
She raised her hand to slap him again when he dodged her and caught her wrist, "Slaps don't hurt me, remember that. You have to try harder."
"I don't have to. I don't plan to make my life living hell with your presence." She replied airily.
"Too bad you have to bear with me." He continued.
"I can back out if I want to." She said dignified.
"You won't, or you'll hate me even more." He threatened before turning to Ruka, "Come one Ruka, Miss Matchmaker and I will meet again at the house."
Mikan's head was down. So Ruka, with a simple goodbye left with Natsume.
"You really hit below the belt Natsume." Ruka said afterwards.
They were walking leisurely towards the exit.
"She surprised me Ruka." Was all Natsume managed to say.
"You can't believe she's the girl insisting herself to you some years ago." It was a statement.
"Yes."
"She has changed over the years." He continued.
"That better explains it well then." Natsume said tersely and walked ahead.
Mikan, who was lost again in thoughts, finally absorbed everything they had talked earlier. She was humiliated by the very person she'd hated the most. She wanted to strangle him for making her feel like this again. Suddenly, she wasn't very optimistic with this whole matchmaking thing again. Natsume, the biggest jerk in town had made her look like an idiot again.
A loser who can't stand out amongst everyone.
She thought that after all these years; she could get back at him; for making her look dumb on the first place. But it seems that it's the irony of what she wants. He's controlling her, riding on her plan so she would think of easy victory when in fact she was the one tricked by his witty scheme.
"You'll have to try harder, Hyuuga." She said venomously.
On the Hyuuga mansion, several people including Hotaru and Ruka attended the welcome party. Everyone was welcoming back the only heir of the Hyuuga corporations. Despite so, only close friends and relatives were invited in this simple celebration. Natsume doesn't want to get mobbed by people he doesn't even know. Everything was perfectly planned, but the organizer was missing.
"Where's Mikan?" Aunt Yekha asked Uncle Kota who was busy talking to the guests.
"I don't know. I've been calling her but her phone is off." He explained.
"What are you saying?" her voice turned suspicious.
"She doesn't answer her phone.." the man said.
Aunt Yekha's face was locked in fury, "Make amends." And with that she left her husband.
Meanwhile, Natsume himself is not enjoying this little party. He thinks ill of the person who thought of this dumb idea—well it was dumb for him anyway. He never liked such mushy-mush welcoming reserved for him. It sounded to him like he was some kind of celebrity new in town. He was just a mere human who wanted a peaceful arrival at his home country. It's not like he wanted lame stuffs like this. He never really cares.
But he was thinking of the same girl he used to think about for some time now: Mikan Sakura. This girl has bothered him ever since he came from the airport. She act like she did not care for him anymore, that she had regretted the days they had spent together as best friends. What a stupid pretentious mask she wore! It's not like he can't read through her. She was still easy to read though it will require you quite an effort.
"Where the hell is she?" he thought to himself while gazing at the dark starless sky.
He isolated himself and stayed at the pool area where nobody from the party ever goes. He wanted to be alone. As you have known of him, he never likes to spend his time with lots of people around because hehated attention.
"I'll swear to kill her if she didn't come." He muttered slightly frustrated.
"Hoping for a certain guest?" a melodic voice cut his thoughts.
And he was surprised to find his own mother sitting next to him.
"What are you talking about?" he asked playing dumb.
"I'm talking about the person you're thinking." she smiled at him.
"I'm thinking of nothing." He denied.
"Yes you are. Is she someone special?" her eyes glowed interestingly.
"Stop the crap Mom." He said suddenly irritated.
Why does she need to press in when she knows he hated it. Well, that's the effect of not having your mother guide you on your life. It's trashed to have her presence with you. But she's his mother. Whether he like it or not, she have to deal with her annoying attitude.
"Chill. She'll come." Her mother smiled as if she really knew him too well.
And she finally left him after being sent unto some errands by his father.
"She can't come." Kota hissed secretly disappointed.
"Why?" she uttered in the most despairing tone.
"She's run an errand and her car ran out of fuel." He explained.
"Let Natsume get her." She retorted without second thought.
"He's been busy." He tried to reason out.
"Yeah, busy in thinking about her." She added, her voice filled with sarcasm.
"I'll go get him."Uncle Kota sighs in defeat but quite happy with himself and went to look for Natsume.
Mikan had tossed in side by side her body on her comfortable futon. She was restless. Why? Because this is the first time to not attend on her client, first to disappoint Uncle Kota, and first to fool herself that she's not thinking of him.
"You're a devil, Hyuuga!" she screamed angrily.
BEEP! BEEP!
The continuous honking of the car startled her. She has not expected any visitor. And she had given the greatest lie she could weave to Uncle Kota and he seem convinced with it. An impulse ran through her.
Could it be a burglar?
But then she thought again. If that's a burglar, there's no thief with a car distracting the deepening silence of the night. However; if it's a professional thief, she's surely dead. She's all alone in her big house. The maids are out for a big day-off, and surely they will come back at the early morning.
BEEP! BEEP!
Despite the trembling and shaking of her body in fright, she managed to squeeze in between her doors towards the main door in her pajamas only. The door cracked as she opened it, and she was surprised that Natsume appeared before her in his elegant clothes that perfectly suited him. Once again, he looked like a super hot commercial model on TV.
Her brows ceased, "Why are you here?"
But all she got was a grunt from him.
"Are you just going to stand there, or talk?" she asks impatiently.
"Are you not going to let me in?" he said impatiently.
His voice was cold, ice-like.
Sheepishly, she opens the door a bit wider letting him in. And without a word he enters her home and made himself comfortable in her sofa. With a frown, Mikan could only seize the opportunity to stare at him. She was honestly surprised that he showed up in her house at that kind of time when in fact he could have fun in the party that she throws up for him.
"You're not there." He suddenly accused.
"What?" she was puzzled.
"Is that all you can say, what?" he was mad, and she knew it, but she couldn't come up with the reason why.
"Seriously, what do you want me to say?" she chuckled coldly.
"Why you did not show up?" he glared at her.
"Why does it matter?" she asked back.
"You organize a stupid party and you're not there. Isn't that just a waste of time?" Natsume told her pointedly.
"I have my reasons." She claimed.
Natsume looked at her blankly, "Humor me."
"Why would I—"she started to say something but stopped abruptly.
She doesn't know what to say anymore. Deep inside she was praying that this is just a dream, a product of her meaningless illusion.
"You throw the party. You should be there." He said.
"It's for you not mine." Mikan said.
"Stupid."He cursed under his breath.
"Repeat that or else—"she stopped.
"Or else what?" he challenged.
"Will you please stop it!" she cried irritated.
"What?" he asked playing dumb.
"Why exactly are you here?" she said in between rage and irritation.
She was doing hand gestures like throwing her hands in the air.
"To fetch you." He answered laconically.
"I'm not coming." She said too quickly.
"You are." He said.
"Am not." She glared at him.
"You'll go with me or I'll kiss you." He managed to say.
She grew slightly pale while he smirked.
"Cat got your tongue? Don't want my kisses?" his flute-like voice intimidated her.
"D-Don't threaten me." She stammered.
His stood up and walked casually towards her direction. His eyes glowed with lust.
"Don't." she warned.
"You're going with me." He stated.
"No!" she answered stubbornly, "Don't touch me or I'll surely kill you."
But he has caught her waist and was pulling her closer to him, then when he was close enough he whispered something on her ears.
"You're going with me even if I have to carry you there." Then he looked at her straight in the eye.
"I'm different Hyuuga." She said frostily looking away as she tried to push him away.
But to no avail he remained motionless. He cornered her on the wall and stare at her stunning face. She struggled to break free but he was just strong. She should've not underestimated him.
"You're still pretty." He blurted out in gentleness unaware of the painful emotions he'd probably dug up.
And too sudden, she collapsed on his shoulders crying. He rested her head on his shoulders as he held her in his arms tightly. She cried too hard dwelling all the bitterness she had for him. No words were spoken but Natsume knew she had enough of that tough façade. She was frail as he known her for.
"I mean it." He loosen his hold on her letting her collapse on him like a jelly.
"Why do you always make me feel this way? You're stupid." She continued sobbing.
And he was there to comfort her. She released her frustrations on him that night without letting a single word escape from her lips. And he had seen the look on her face that he had never seen on her. He had better liked this moment than spending it alone in their mansion. It's true he doesn't want to see her crying moreover; it was because of him. But it was the only way to be with her.
It went on for several minutes and when she's done, she wiped her tears and faced him with a tough façade again. They were close to each other. And he was still holding her in his arms. She pushed him aside and walked on near the sofa to sit.
"Your father and I had a deal implied. You should cooperate with me." She said now composed her face was tear-stained.
"…"
"You must cooperate because you can't do anything." She said cautious at the fact.
"That's a dumb proposal." He said airily.
"I thought earlier you said that you're not stupid not to cooperate." She said as a matter-of-fact. "Just do it." She encouraged him tonelessly.
Because deep inside her, there's this small voice telling her to stop and never continue this piece of crap. She just wanted him back, but she knew she can't. Her pride wouldn't let him go off the hook that easy. He was the jerk she hated for years. She can't possibly fall for him again in few hours after she saw him after a long time.
"How?" he said tersely.
Mikan bit her lips and looked up to say straightly to Natsume.
"Court Hotaru." She choked on the words.
Crumpled Thoughts