Mikan arrived in her condo still in a sour mood. She couldn't help but remember that conceited smile that formed in Natsume's face. But she's determined of the thought that it will be their first and last meeting. And from that, she's confident of not having insomnia. She slept soundly that night as she was comforted by her optimism and the fact that one of her cards has been activated. Now she can live her life as if there's no grandfather and company pressuring her, and no random handsome guys embarrassing the hell out of her. She snuggled contentedly in her regular-sized bed as the city lights from her window sparkled more brightly.
Natsume came home earlier than he was supposed to. The company he's been working seemed to not want him do anything aside from his rendezvous with Mr. Yukihira. He stepped out from the bathroom and went towards his living. His condo was big enough for him and his previous lifestyle. He was still in his bathrobe when he heard his phone ring. It was his sister Aoi.
"Yes Aoi." He answered while placing the phone in between his left ear and his shoulder.
"Brother, I really need your help on this. The chairman gave me an assignment and he said he wants it early morning."
"Well, screw the chairman and get some sleep. Do that tomorrow."
"Like I said, he says he needs it first thing in the morning. Are you busy? I could really use a little help here."
Natsume then remembered that he was early today and that he could spare a little time for his beloved sister. "Fine, what's it about?"
"He said I just have to sort these files with me, but I don't know in what category I must sort these out."
"Just e-mail 'em to me." He said as he opened his computer.
"Thanks! I owe you one bro'! By the way, how're you? Any hot chick you going out with lately? I heard Tokyo's one for the hottest females site. "
"The chairman asked that too? I never knew he's interested in my love life." He sarcastically teased his sister.
"Oh come on! Don't be such a spoilsport, just answer the damn question."
"Nah"
"Nobody has taken your interest then? How about the other way around? Anyone takes a liking in you?"
"… Yeah, there's this one. She thought I was going to kiss her." He blurted casually as if not hearing his sister scoff in his statement.
"What? You don't believe me? Hey, I got the files already."
"It's not that I don't believe you. It's just that nobody's ever dared to go as far as 3 ft away from you. You intimidate them too much."
"That's only because I was never one to trust people easily." He stated as he rolled his eyes.
"You got a point. At least you have maids, and big named girls having a thing on you. Okay enough talking. You still have work to do. Thanks again bro'! I hope this time you'd date a girl seriously, unlike last time."
"Yeah, I got it Aoi. Bye."
He put his phone down and started scanning the files attached on his mail. As he scrolled down the files, he noticed it was some kind of personal data from random rich companies. His attention was taken by the 'Yukihira Co.' file. He then clicked it open and scanned the information.
"Yukihira Mikan… Sounds familiar." He murmured against his knuckles. He clicked the photo and a balloon popped up the monitor.
"I see. So she is the granddaughter of the owner of the company."
The morning seemed to be in good terms with Mikan as she lazily crept her arm to feel her phone on the table. The sun bathed her room brightly and the skies were clear. She tapped it and a message was propped up. It was from Narumi saying 'Good morning Mik, I hope I'm not interrupting you but I really need you to be present at the meeting this afternoon. It'll be held on the 11th floor board room. Important matters are to be discussed. This might be a chance for you to show Hiashi your worth. Let me know if you're interested the moment you read this message. X'
She stared at her phone for a moment as she was discerning whether she will or won't go. She wants to get back her rite of ownership but she also want to live her life. She squeezed her eyes shut and tapped her reply.
'I'm sorry Narumi, I won't be going. I think I still need time to breathe. It won't take long though, I promise you. I'm really sorry. Send my regards to grandpa. X'
Unknown to Mikan, the meeting's agenda today was pretty much concerned with her. Their company was debating whether or not they corporate their business with another in order for the two companies to stand stronger. Their company could stand on their own, but considering the level of competition recently, they need to strategize a new plan, which is to have a merge.
"We shouldn't be accepting companies hastily. Who knows, their success will be a downfall for us" argued Narumi to the board.
"We got your point Narumi but that won't be a problem anymore once we decide each company's shares" pressed one of the Boards.
"What is your say to this, Hiashi?" asked Narumi.
The old man was silent the whole time until he leaned forward and said "This meeting is adjourned. We'll meet again once we finalize our decisions. I still have to let my granddaughter know about this. Until then, let us focus on our next launch next month." Everybody except Hiashi and Narumi stood up and walked out of the room.
Narumi approached Hiashi and sat beside him.
"Hiashi, we don't need the merge. We are in good shape, not to mention one of the top companies in the industry."
"I am aware Narumi. It's not the merge I am worried about; it's my promise with Mikan's mom."
"What is it?"
"Her parents made a promise with the Igarashi's long ago. Kaoru and Yuka are best of friends, until Kaoru died. When Yuka was still carrying Mikan, Kaoru knew she won't be seeing Yuka for a long time. Thus she made Mikan promise that instead of them, their children should meet, in their place."
"You're not talking about an arranged marriage, are you Hiashi? Mikan won't approve."
"I'm afraid yes Narumi. That's why I need to talk to her."
"But what does it have to do with the corporation the Board keeps on babbling about?"
"The Igarashi's own a plantation and an estate on the countryside. I bet you're familiar with Hacienda Igarashi."
Narumi nodded and looked him intently as if saying he's got it already.
"You mean a merge with Hacienda Igarashi would be a perfect excuse to fulfill your promise with Yuka?"
"Yes, and Mikan would understand since it's her parents' wish."
Narumi stared in disbelief as he pondered what could be Mikan's reactions if she knew about this.
Mikan was hanging out with Hotaru Imai her all-time best friend, Sumire Shouda her bitchy city-girl friend and the sisters Anna and Nonoko Unenomiya. They were having the time of their lives spending the day in the beach. The girls seemed to be having a break over the half-year's pressures.
Hotaru owns the Imai Tech™, Sumire is a veterinarian in her clinic Cats&Dogs, and the sisters Anna and Nonoko runs a restaurant.
"Hey Mikan, how're your grounded life?" teased Sumire while applying another layer of sunscreen.
Mikan rolled on her blanket and stared in the clear sky. "It's great, if you want to feel like high school again." She said as she gave a weak laugh.
Sumire, Anna and Nonoko ran towards the water and were busy splashing while Mikan and Hotaru stayed under the big umbrellas.
"You're not okay" said Hotaru who almost sounded like she was telling a fact.
"What? No. I'm perfectly fine."
Hotaru eyed her skeptically and she rested back on her blanket. "Fine, I'll let you pass, but if anything happens tell me. You know the consequences if you won't."
Mikan smiled warmly as she was thinking how Hotaru can be so sweet and brutal at the same time. True, her best friend is kind but can be very scary once angry. She remembered one time when she forgot to pay her debts; she was woken up by some giant robot bear that won't stop banging the door of her dorm until she pays.
She was having a great time with her friends when all of a sudden her phone vibrated. She looked at the caller and it was Narumi.
"Narumi?"
"Mikan, your grandfather needs to see you"
"But, I'm-we're still-"
"NOW."It was clear that Narumi mean it and so she excused herself and hurried towards Yukihira Co.
Minutes later she arrived at the building and hurried towards the 25th floor. As soon as she arrived, she went straight to her grandfather's office.
"What is it grandpa? And why is Narumi here?"
"We need to talk." Hiashi said as he glanced at Narumi. Narumi returned the gesture and sighed deeply.
"I… we're really sorry if this is such an inconvenience, but you're going to be married soon" stated Narumi.
Mikan seemed to not hear it clearly. She gave a sour look and said "I beg your pardon?"
"We're really sorry Mikan. It's inevitable. You will be married and the two companies will have a merge."
Mikan was silent and she felt warm inside. She felt blood rushing to her cheeks and her brows forming a furrow on her forehead. "What? And you expect me to obey that?" she was trying to suppress her anger as she spoke but it seems that every word she utter is a dagger directed to them.
"And what do you mean inevitable? What, I can't decide my future now? Or you've decided already? I'm telling you once again, I'm not agreeing to this. You should probably know by now that I want to lead my life, not you." She was about to storm out of the room when her grandfather spoke.
"It was your mother's wish Mikan. Assuming I want you to lead your own life, which would be impossible because I made an oath to your mother and I can't live out having that guilt" he said as he remained calm.
"Why did you only say it now? Why not when she's still alive?"
"Because you wouldn't understand. Your mother and I both know you're as hard as a boulder and you would decline."
Mikan couldn't believe her ears. She was trying to have a life of her own, now she's going to be tied up to another fate she hasn't decided. Why is life giving her a hard time? Has she done anything bad for her to be punished like this? It seems that every time she finds an escape to her shackled life, it only opens a door to another. She can't even find a window or a crack at least. She want to breathe, not suffocated.
"I… I'll think about it."
"We understand. You can go now" Hiashi said and Mikan finally went outside.
Narumi bowed his head and Hiashi stared at the floor. The two remained quiet, for they knew they both break Mikan's heart, which is the very last thing any of them wants to do.
Mikan weakly opened the door of her room and she shakily went inside. As the door was shut, she quickly ran towards her bedroom and searched for her bed. In a second, she broke into tears. She clenched the covers tightly and cried hard. She was crying the whole night until she fell asleep, still wearing the clothes she wore that day.
The next morning, she decided to go to Hotaru's place and talk the shit out of her. She ate breakfast and takes a well-deserved bath. She quickly put on her casual clothes and started her car.
Moments later, she was in Hotaru's office.
"Well, what's your decision?"
"I don't know Hotaru. I don't like the idea, but it's my mother's wish. And I don't want grandpa to feel guilty over something that isn't his responsibility" Mikan said as she hugged the pillows on the couch.
"You know the decision lies on you. It's your say not mine."
"I thought you wanted to help me!" cried Mikan.
"Yes, and that's what I'm trying to do dummy. Make up your mind so that I'll know how to deal with you. This isn't about me, and knowing you, you wouldn't want other people deciding on your behalf."
Mikan pouted and hugged the pillow tighter. She breathed in deeply and sighed.
"I'll call grandfather now."
She tapped her phone and searched her grandpa's number. Hotaru was still waiting for her answer when Hiashi answered the phone.
"Grandpa? I'll… I'll accept the wedding."
Hotaru looked down and walked towards Mikan. She sat down beside her and rubbed both of her shoulders. Not long after, Mikan was again in tears.
"Shh… everything will be all right. You have me on this" Hotaru said as she gave her a warm hug. Mikan could only curl up in a ball as she wet the pillows with her tears.
End of chapter 2