"WHAT?! Nii-chan's getting married?! When did… How did… What happened exactly?" exclaimed the horror-struck Aoi at her uncle.

Kyou, who clearly just arrived, sat on the couch and draped both of his arms on the backrest. "It's kind of a long story, but to make it short… he's getting married." Story-telling isn't the remedy for his exhaustion, and he's sure to collapse any moment now. However, his niece seemed to not care. Just thoroughly curious he thought. After all, she's family, and she has every right to know.

Aoi sighed in irritation and asked her uncle once again "Tell me…"

Kyou, seeing her cute pouting face, had no choice but to explain things to her, thus he started at the beginning. This cleared Aoi's mind and was pacified. She no longer pushed his tired uncle; instead, she got him a refreshing glass of water as a compromise.

"So this Mikan Yukihira, was she pretty?" giggled Aoi whose mood came back.

Kyou nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. "Very." Although, it seems she doesn't notice it.

Aoi pouted and shifted closer to Kyou. "Then, that means I'm no longer Natsume-nii's apple-of-the-eye."

Hearing this, Kyou captured her head and rubbed her hair against his palm, making Aoi lean on his lap like a 5-year old child. "You will always, I repeat, always, be our one and only bubbly, bouncy, and adorable little Aoi."

Aoi smiled tenderly and closed her eyes to savor the moment. It sure was nice to have relatives that care for you as much as you care for them.

The sun isn't shining harshly that time and the waves gave a chilling temperature. The sun hid behind the thick clouds above the horizon, crowding the skies. Amidst the nostalgic feeling nature is emanating, the two sat comfortably on the bench facing the ocean, and wasn't aware of the time.

Mikan lightly rubbed her sore arm from that crushing lariat she gave, indeed it left a faint bruise on her upper limb. This took Natsume's attention and grabbed her sore arm, which made Mikan wince.

"See? And I even told you to stay away." Natsume roughly stated and scanned the bruise profoundly as he was busy mumbling about Mikan being reckless.

Mikan was surprised by his sudden move and stared at his probing look. As soon as she got a glimpse of his eyes, she was captured by it. His crimson eyes mirror loneliness, at the same time, a stern attitude. It's like he needs help but doesn't want it. His red orbs were like speaking to her, and she couldn't help but look intently, trying to look deeper. Natsume noticed Mikan was staring at him, thus she immediately looked away and shoved her arm from Natsume's grip.

"… Just leave it, it'll heal eventually." She didn't look directly in his eyes for fear of being captured again. She hasn't experienced hypnosis yet, and she's certain she might get her first try if she gets imprisoned by his gaze.

Natsume sighed "What are you, superman? Although you have some guts, you shouldn't be risking your life over some irrelevant matters."

Mikan looked at him with a straight face, feeling insulted, and answered "If I hadn't kicked that asshole's butt, you wouldn't be enjoying that can of soda you have. And I'm not Mikan Sakura for nothing, FYI"

Natsume was about to give her a teasing response, but then his brows creased as he remembered an important matter. "By the way, why did you introduce yourself as Mikan Sakura, when you're real name is Yukihira?"

Mikan took one sip of her soda and said "I don't want others to treat me nicely just because of my name. I want to be treated as such because of who I am, not because of some attributions."

Natsume remained silent as he waited for Mikan to continue.

"It's my mother's maiden name. I used it because it reminds me of her courageous attitude."

"I see. So Yukihira Co. is from your father's side."

The brunette nodded and looked down on her soda.

Natsume, noticing the awkward air between them, tried to open a topic "… So you're kicked out from the mansion and the company? What do you do for a living then?"

Mikan shot him one look and smiled "I design dresses. Our company's main production is clothing and I'm one of the major contributors."

Natsume grinned and added "A coincidence then. Hacienda Igarashi's known for its production of fabrics."

Mikan gasped in disbelief "Really? Oh my gosh, I've been dying to have a connection with fabric dealers! It's hard to find one especially this time." she was enthusiastically smiling at him and added "So this fabric of yours, what's it made?"

"Well, that depends on what fabric you want. We have textiles from the finest gossamer to the sturdiest canvas" Natsume shrugged and Mikan was still smiling at him.

Mikan furthered her questions to Natsume."Do you really have that business inclination? Or would you rather do other stuffs if you're given the chance?"

"Yes, I am a business-minded person and if I were a given a chance, I'd like to make our company grow more."

"I see."

"How about you? When did you start designing clothes?"

"Well… I don't know. It just came out naturally."

The two continued chatting about themselves that they forgot their appointments that day. They may not notice it, but it sure was the start of their friendship, thanks to that snatcher, and what they thought would be impossible was actually easy. Neither of them thought of being like this, or exchange smiles at least, and now, it seems as if all those harsh behaviors they shared didn't happen.

"You know, you're not that hard to get along with." Mikan said with a smile.

Natsume didn't know how to return the gesture but responded anyway. "I should say the same."

They looked at each other for a while and shared friendly smiles. Their eyes were of different language now, not like the time when they're still pissing each other off. They could go on like that for some time but Natsume's phone suddenly rang.

He quickly fished his phone from his pocket and was surprised to see who the caller was.

It was his boss.

Mikan noticed his face turned sour and she kept silent, thinking that this is a very serious matter.

"I'm really sorry Mr. Yome, I'll be back by-." Natsume was cut-off; his caller hung-up on him and this only made him feel a lot worse. He gulped and checked the time on his watch.

2:34 pm, it said.

Crap! Shit.

Mikan, who was halfway towards the brink of her curiosity, angled her head and asked "Natsume? May I know who that was?"

Natsume looked at her, and stood up.

"I'm really sorry Mikan, but I need to go. The C.E.O needs me immediately, and we, well, I didn't notice the time." It's still their first healthy chat together and he didn't want guilt to interfere in the potential of their relationship. Besides, it's his natural instinct as a gentleman and as a grown man to take responsibility.

Mikan rose up and gave Natsume an approving nod. "Yeah sure, you can go. And I'm so sorry for stalling you. Wait, you work even on Sundays?"

"No it's okay, and no, it's just today, I made a promise with Mr. Yome… Anyway, how about tomorrow night? Dinner?" Despite the fact that he's going to be toasted real soon, he still managed to flash a boyish grin to Mikan. Clearly it's his second nature to be playful, and he won't let anything take that away from him, not even the overwhelming trouble ahead of him.

Hearing this, Mikan tried to hide her amusement by lowering her head down; too bad she isn't an excellent actress. Natsume saw her amused look and it made him feel proud. It took long for her to respond, as she's discerning whether or not she'd accept it.

"… I'd love to. See you tomorrow?"

Natsume breathed a smile and answered "Okay, tomorrow then."

The two went on separate ways, but before they increased their distance, Mikan shot one last look to Natsume, who was looking at her too. Mikan felt both ashamed of being caught, and triumphant seeing Natsume thinking the same thing.

Before she could shift her eyes away, Natsume winked at her before turning his back and head towards the parking lot.

What the-! She felt blood rose on her cheeks, after allshe's still a woman subject to hormonal dictates. She then hurried her pace to clear her mind and went towards her former home. She still has to discuss things with her grandfather regarding the launch and of course, her engagement.

Mikan arrived at the mansion in a nick of time. She wanted to discuss matters regarding the new line they're launching by the end of the month, and to clear things to her grandfather regarding her harsh attitude towards Natsume. She also wants to submit her new designs to the Board and to be part of the event. This may be the ticket to her dreams, but it sure is far from what she really wanted. Ever since she started making designs, she wants to start a new line of her own, not just on the sides. Unfortunately resources and opportunity aren't her friends yet.

"As you can see Ji-chan, these new designs are especially made to match with the theme. I believe that this will hit the big charts in demand because they're unique, fresh and trendy. And I would want you to consider and present this to the Board tomorrow."

Hiashi scanned the papers and approved them immediately." The Board will be very pleased, well done Mikan." He said

Mikan felt high, her smile almost reached her ears.

Being alone, Mikan seized the chance to open the topic that's bothering Hiashi. She explained things to him and the old man was completely pacified.

After a sumptuous dinner with her grandfather, she went straight back home. Her grandfather suggested of spending the rest of the night in the mansion, but Mikan insisted on going home. True, it would be nice sleeping on her bed again, and she missed the comforts of home, but her pride got in the way. She made a note to herself not to come back until she has proven herself.

She was tired and wasted, and a nice calming bath is a must. As soon as she unlocked the door, she immediately went to the bathroom and draws a bath. She put in aromatic oils and a nice, orange-scented bubbly solution.

She stepped into the tub and was amazed how the water seemed to wash away the stress in her body, and how the scents are filling her nostrils smoothly.

She made a promise to Hotaru that day that she'd spend the afternoon tomorrow with her. It's Monday and it's a busy day, and Hotaru could use a hand, although, her real motive was to have updates from Mikan. She couldn't really say it straightforwardly, being expressive isn't her nature.

Meanwhile, Natsume is taking a quick shower before going to bed. He leaned forward to the tiles, using his strong arms to support his weigh andt letting the water slide down his body like he's under the rain back from his hometown.

He lowered his head and closed his eyes as he had flashbacks of the events that had happened that day.

He was thinking about the bitter coffee his secretary gave him, and how he endured his thundering stomach. He remembered not taking breakfast, as well as the reason why he hadn't taken it.

He opened his eyes as a new thought entered him.

Mikan.

The one to blame why he hadn't had breakfast that day, the one who let him eat street foods for the first time. The one who bravely chased a snatcher for his wallet, the one who comfortably sat and talked with him for hours and the one he's making sure to fall for him.

He was amazed at her gutsiness and strength (strength of her guts included). He had never eaten on the streets before, let alone bought a drink on a vending machine. Nevertheless, he's still convinced of making Mikan his fan girl, and his first day went well, just as he planned. He never thought Mikan was such a pushover for 'concerned' acts.

Now he knows he just have to make her fall for him even more. After all, girls are easy to get once they're taken by his manly acts, at least he thinks so. He grinned of the thought and plans a new scheme for tomorrow evening.

However, deep down, despite the fact that this was all a game to him, he still felt something. Although he can't really tell what it was, and he's damn too busy to figure it out, he's certain there was something. Something he hadn't felt before. Something that is dangerous yet sweet.

Maybe it's because of the Yakitori. He thought to himself.

Sleep cut his thoughts off, thus he finished his bath and went towards the closet, scurrying the folded clothes for some boxers to slip on. Not long after, he was in deep slumber and let the coldness of the night wrap his tired body.

The following day, Mikan slept in. She was woken up by the harsh rays of summer sunlight bathing her room. She lazily yawned and opened her eyes, and checked her surroundings. It's still her room, and she's not in Mercury. Why then is her room too hot?

She checked her clock and quickly jumped out of bed as she saw it read 10:05 am.

Damn it.

She hurriedly ran to the bathroom and took a quick shower. She applied her shampoo and soap at the same time and toweled herself dry. She made a quick glance at the mirror and checked if her eye bags were showing. Seeing nothing, she then hurriedly opened her closet and looked for anything that can be worn.

Just a pair of jeans and a shirt would do. She thought to herself. But it isn't her nature to dress like that. She would always go for something classy or something that has a 'fashionista' edge on it; after all she's a fashion designer. Thus she opted for a cream boyfriend blazer with a black tube underneath, a pair of PU trousers and a 4-inch orange gladiator. She hung half her hair loose, and the other half she braided. For the finale, she added her outfit with a scarf with printed flowers that circled twice around her neck.

She checked herself in the mirror and smiled, appearing contented with her outfit.

Casual she thought.

Moments later, she grabbed her bag and hurried down the building. She took a cab and went towards Imai Tech listening to her iPod.

"What happened yesterday?" Hotaru directly asked.

"Good morning Hotaru."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Good morning to you. So what happened?"

"And here I thought you want my help." She teased, towering one leg over the other as she sat.

"You can help me later. Just spill me the details." Hotaru said, clearing her desk.

Mikan told her everything, leaving no important detail unsaid. She told her she chased a criminal, and she spent hours talking to Natsume. This made Hotaru's face looked cautious and peeked at Mikan over the papers she's currently reading.

"What?" Mikan asked.

Hotaru shifted her gaze back to the papers and flipped the next page. "Don't get too overwhelmed by that. You know perfectly well what you're capable of."

Mikan was then reminded of her nature, her hidden crisis that actually drives most of her life. The one she's been repressing the whole time. She lowered her head down and muttered "… I know."

Hotaru, seeing her feel down, tried to cheer her up by giving her works to clear her mind from the thought. She then started on running down the papers and spent the whole afternoon with her best friend. She has nothing to do that day anyway, she already passed her assignments to the company, and she just have to wait for the launch.

Time flew by without them noticing, and the clock showed the time. It says ten minutes past three. Hotaru has to attend a meeting then, and Mikan had plans for the night. Thus they called it a day and kissed each other goodbye.

Before going home, Mikan thought of taking a short shopping at the nearby mall. She bought new orange bubbly bath, a bottle of shaving cream, and an aftershave. She thought of buying groceries but remembered her fridge is still packed from last week's supply. Seeing nothing else to do, she went back home.

Natsume was usually seated in his armchair during break time. However, he broke his routine and went to a jewelry store. He thought of something to give Mikan later that night. A brooch maybe, or anything. He scanned the glassed trinkets and looked for something he thought would suffice to be called a friendly gift. His attention was taken by a silver lariat, with studded gems hanging on the ends.

He smiled at the coincidence. A lariat, the same one that took his attention during their first lunch together. He asked the saleslady for the jewelry and scanned the lasso.

Perfect. Better than nothing though he thought. He made no second thoughts, and bought the trinket. He asked for a box that go with it, and went back to his office afterwards.

It was already 45 minutes past 6, and the two decided to meet at 7:15. Natsume already reserved a table at the restaurant, and is currently texting Mikan. He opened the rectangular box to take one last look at the lariat, before hitting the 'Send' button.

Mikan on the other hand is almost done. She wore cream 3/4 chiffon peplum with a sequin peter-pan collar, and a thin black ribbon belt around her waist. She didn't wear any jewelry aside from a pair of earrings, bracelet and a ring, and her 5-inch black pumps made a marvelous job in adding glitter to her attire.

She re-applied her make-up, just to matte her face, in fact, she's not one to put make-up excessively; just the basics: foundation, powder, lipstick, eye shadow/eyeliner, and mascara. As for her hair, she braided it back making loops that looked like roses.

As soon as she received a text from Natsume, she took her purse and went straight to the elevator. Natsume is already waiting in his car outside the building. When he saw Mikan, he got out from his car and turned to the passenger's seat. He opened the car's door as a gentleman would do, staring at Mikan afterwards.

Boy does she look gorgeous. Natsume was stoned to the ground with his mouth slightly open, and eyes filled with amazement.

He grinned at Mikan and bowed his head as a greeting; Mikan returned the gesture and went inside the car.

"It's a nice place here. Though, it's really far from home." Mikan stated while turning her head on either sides to scan the place.

Natsume was busy staring at Mikan, thus he only nodded as a reply. He stared at her auburn hair that is ruggedly braided, making it look seductive. Her long fingers tapping the table in excitement, the dimple on her right cheek that he had never seen before until tonight, her enthusiastic eyes that is scanning almost every corner of the place, and her evening dress that perfectly hugged her curves.

His enjoyment was cut off when Mikan noticed him staring at her and bowed her head to hide the faint blush on her already pink cheeks.

Natsume shifted his head to the left and smirked, not letting go of his eyes at her. Mikan's sixth sense told her that Natsume looked away, thus she straightened her head up and dared to look at Natsume who happen to still stare at her. As soon as they made eye contact, the two immediately shifted their eyes on the other side.

Their silence was unexpectedly comfortable, and they didn't bother behaving the other way around.

Their meals were served on the table not long after, and they both had a fulfilling dinner.

"Here," Mikan said while giving Natsume a paper.

Natsume looked at the envelope and opened it.

"So you're finally launching it huh?" Natsume said as he read the rest of the paper.

"Yes, and I would really appreciate it if you could come."

"Sure thing," Natsume assured her and added, "By the way…" there's something I want to give you.

Mikan raised her brows and waited for him to continue.

Natsume inhaled deeply and said "… there'll be a Sakura Festival, Friday next week near my old place, and, well, I'd like to take you there." He really wanted to give Mikan the necklace, but half of him says that it should be given on the right place at the right time.

I'm pathetic. Natsume told himself. It was his first time to reconsider things for a girl and this made him feel uneasy. It's even his first time to plan his actions in order to please a girl.

Upon hearing this, Mikan felt her insides churn, that she almost fell out of breath.

"U-uhm, sure, I'd love to. Near your old place, you mean back from your hometown?"

Natsume shook his head "No, my place is much farther. If you want, I can take you there."

"No, it's okay. It's just that- that-" I'm not ready to meet your family yet!

"I don't want to inconvenience your folks." Going to the festival is already a big thing, and meeting his family is just too much for Mikan to handle. She only agreed on going with him because she owed him a favor for attending the launch.

"Okay."

Before the night gets old, the two head back to the city and decided to go home. Natsume dropped Mikan on her building and bade goodbye.

Mikan bowed her head to Natsume when she got out and said "Thanks for tonight, it was marvelous. Have a safe trip, goodnight Natsume."

"Thanks for tonight too. Sleep well, dream of pleasant dreams. Until tomorrow." Natsume replied but his eyes didn't want to say goodbye yet.

Before Mikan could close the door, Natsume added "Wait, how about I take you home tomorrow? You know, if you already want to go home…"

Mikan flushed and smiled "Just wait for my text" and closed the door.

Natsume quickly opened the window and said over the windshield "I'll take that as a 'yes'."

Mikan only turned and winked at him. She smiled before twirling around and entered the building.

Now it's her turn to wink eh? Natsume grinned and shook his head in amusement as he sat comfortably on his seat. He started the engine and drove towards his condo, still wearing a pleased look.

He would have trouble sleeping tonight.

End of Chapter 5

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