...Hi guys. I wanted to post this chapter because there have been people liking and favoriting my story even though it's been so long since I've last updated. Thanks a lot you faithful readers, you! But uhm..I have to warn you this chapter is not my best and hopefully I'll get the drive to post a way more better chapter (I have completely lost my inspiration), so for now, I hope you forgive me and enjoy this chapter :)

Disclaimer: You already know what it is I own and don't.

Chapter 15

Someone tapped my shoulder while I was taking my lunch break in the employees' room. When I turned around, Natsume was standing there holding a plastic bag with his ever neutral face. I swallowed down my rice, "How'd you get back here?"

He jabbed a thumb, pointing behind him, "Your boss."

Made sense. I nodded as his long legs glided over to the seat across from me. I stabbed the tonkatsu, then drowned it in the sauce before taking a bite. I took a bite from my rice too, then noticed Natsume staring at me. I chewed a little bit, "Can I help you?"

His face kept still, his eyes were completely focused on me as I chewed a bit more. "How was Youichi's birthday?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes before continuing to eat, "God, don't even mention that." Even thinking about it made me feel irritated. "That woman is completely self-absorbed, I don't know who she gets it from."

It was then I noticed Natsume took out a bento that looked like it was from a convenience store, "That's totally bad for your health! That's from a convenience store right? Here, eat this instead." I stuck out my tonkatsu bento, the breaded pork that laid next to my rice.

But he shook his head, "Tonkatsu is high in calories."

"Oh shut up and shove this down your mouth." I picked at a piece and dipped it in the brown sauce. I put the piece right in front of his mouth and he took a bite. "Tasty, right?" I smiled, taking a bite myself.

It was nice. Eating lunch like this, having this sort of relaxed atmosphere with him. It was soothing, it made me calm. He isn't much of a talker but still, the silences were never boring. Sometimes they were even comfortable because he was like my rock. In my hectic life, he held me down. "God that is so cheesy." I said aloud. I immediately regretted it once Natsume looked at me with his eyebrows arched. But...it was true. I'll admit it, but I'll never admit it out loud. I was cheesy enough with this guy already, it was more than enough for this relationship.

He walked over to my side and sat next to me, smiling as I smiled back. There it was again, that feeling that would come about whenever he was around. Geez, I never knew I was this cheesy, I inwardly groaned.

He raised his hand to pick off this glob of rice I didn't know I had next to my lips. His eyes had that twinkle again, the corner of his lips wrinkled a bit when he smiled, and he smelled incredible. I really couldn't take it anymore, so I leaned forward when he got the rice bits off my face. I guess he wasn't expecting that kiss because his body went still for a moment. I smiled when I pulled back, trying not to laugh.

;p

In the events that had taken place at home, I didn't really care for school. Classes were one thing, the peers another. As I look back, going through school felt like a dream. I remember being in class, but not actually taking part in it. It was weird, so when I went to school today I made sure I was more aware of my surroundings, but I guess no one really noticed. For that I was thankful. With what went on with Mom, I didn't want anything to happen at school too. I guess in my dazed state, I did a pretty good job at avoiding Sumire and Luna. I haven't seen them for a while, and I hope it stays that way.

"Yoohoo! Earth to Mikan!"

I slightly jumped, startled at the sudden voice. Koko was right beside me and I didn't even notice. "What."

He shook his head, "I've been calling you for a while now. You okay?" He leaned against the lockers that were next to my locker.

"Yeah. I'm fine." I replied, smiling a bit. "Have you seen Hotaru?" I closed her locker and headed towards the cafeteria with Koko in tow. He put his hands behind his head then brought them up over his head, stretching out his back.

"Nope. She's probably in the cafeteria munching on some seafood." He grinned, "I still can't believe she coaxed the principal into serving seafood at lunch."

Recalling the memory of Hotaru talking to the principal about the 'essence seafood brings to growing children' as if she was spitting rapid fire made me laugh. "She'll do anything for good seafood." We began reminiscing all about Hotaru and her schemes as we walked over the cafeteria to grub on some needed food.

"Remember the science festival where she created that arm gun thing?" he started laughing, "She duped you into becoming the test target!"

I playfully punched him, biting my lip to refrain from smiling, "That was such a horrible day!" I though back to the memory, "I had a headache for a week."

As we walked through the doors, the smell of burgers and french fries wafted through the air and the first thing I smelled. Koko kept talking, but I was too distracted by the heavenly smell. "Oh my god Koko, stop talking and let's get some food." He nodded and we walked over to the line. I scanned the crowd looking for Hotaru and spotted her near the other side of the building near the windows. After getting our lunches, we zigzagged the crowd to get to where Hotaru is. "Hey!" I called out.

She looked up from her bowl of crabroe, then nodded before continuing eating her lunch. We sat down and started to dig in. Me and Koko continued our walk down memory lane with Hotaru giggling and slightly smiling on the side. It was so peaceful, and fun. Nothing happened. No drama, no yelling, Luna and Sumire not in our faces. It was so wonderful that it was the first time in a long time that I actually enjoyed being at school. My friends were great company along with the conversations carried with it. But I couldn't help but have that nagging, negative feeling at the back of my head. I didn't end whatever was between me, Luna, and Sumire, so them being so quiet felt completely off. It's not like I want drama or conflict, but I don't want it to linger and just fester before having it blow up in my face. I'd rather have that. Right now, I could only hope that they just gave up this futile argument, because I still couldn't understand their animosity towards me. Well, whatever. Enjoying what's happening right now, right before me is better than having these pessimistic thoughts.

"I got up too excited, and my phone fell off my lap completely broken!" Koko huffed and puffed, even taking out his phone to show the cracked screen as emphasis.

;p

I sat down at the benches watching dully as the freshmen were running the mile. It was Wednesday, and every Wednesday they run four laps around the track. I was in charge of writing down their times as Ms. Tanaka watched them.

"Watch." Ms. Tanaka whispered. I looked at her. "That kid is about to trip." I followed her gaze to a kid who was dragging his feet as he ran, and soon enough he toppled over himself, sand flying in the air.

I heard her snicker, and I covered my mouth trying not to laugh too loudly. The kid stood up and dusted himself off after looking around to see if anyone saw-we did-then began to run again. "6:46." she said, "Morimoto."

I quickly looked down the list for the last name Morimoto, and jotted down his time next to it. This is pretty much what happens on Wednesdays, take down the times for the kids who ran the mile then after we take a break then play some basketball. Being the P.E. teacher's assistant wasn't all that exciting, but Ms. Tanaka sure does keep it lively.

"Heads up." Ms. Tanaka whispered as she looked past me. I followed her gaze and saw Luna sauntering towards the basketball courts. She had a pale hand covering her eyes from the sun and her other hand was fanning her face with a piece of paper. As she got closer, I noticed she rolled her eyes and I couldn't help but roll mine too. "Vice principal is calling one of the kids." She said once she stopped in front of us. Ah, I had forgotten she was the principal's assistant.

"Which one?" Ms. Tanaka used her teacher's voice.

"Some kid named" she paused, taking a look at the paper in her hand "Kikiuchi Masao." She popped her gum.

I can almost feel Ms. Tanaka roll her eyes, "Masao!"

A kid with black hair covered in gel spikes looked over as us and began jogging over when Ms. Tanaka waved him over. "Yes?"

She jabbed a finger at Luna, "Follow her. You're in trouble."

His face completely fell in confusion, but nodded his head. Luna gave me another look then smirked, "Bye loser." Then sauntered her way back, weaving through the basketball courts. A ball flew by behind her, and I wished it hit her instead.

"Wow." Ms. Tanaka said. "What a piece of work."

I nodded my head and looked back to all the other kids playing basketball again. "I can't wait to graduate this place and never have to see her face again."