Mikan is staring at her phone for a while now. Ever since she told Natsume she'd text him, she can't stop staring at her phone; checking for messages, composing a text, and tries to have a draft of what she'll say tomorrow.

Surrendering, she tossed her phone across the bed and slumped back over the sheets, and after a while gets her phone back and starts composing a new one.

It sure is nice to spend Hanami with someone other than your relatives.

Her forehead creased as she pondered something relevant. Wait, Sakura Festival is on spring, and it's already summer... I better clear this thing up before my schedule gets jumbled.

That was her plan, though her unconscious is rejoicing because her motive to open up even an irrelevant topic to Natsume in order for them to converse via phone, was, amazingly granted. Thus she tapped in her message, but she'll play it safe; she doesn't want to appear like she's the one who's into him.

'Hey Natsume, I think you've mistaken Sakura Festival for the Obon Festival.' Then she hit the 'Send' button and slumped back in bed while waiting for his reply.

Meanwhile, Natsume had just arrived in his condo, still mentally criticizing himself and Mikan.

What was I thinking? Damn it, it's just a necklace for crying out loud, now I would spend my Sakura festival with her. Muttered Natsume to himself, while losing his tie and taking off his coat.

And why was she dressed like that anyway? Damn that cursed dimple on her cheek. Does she know her braids are so messy?

Natsume continued to curse mentally, and was already half-nakedly seated on the couch while rubbing his forehead with his palm, and ran his fingers through his dishevelled black hair. He sighed in defeat as he felt himself losing.

Giving up would be his only exit, but there's something that keeps him doing what he started. He's never one to commit, and he already swore to himself that he'd never take a girl seriously. It's not like he'd already get serious with Mikan, but there's a part of him, and he didn't know that part existed until today, that clings to the possibility that maybe, just maybe, Mikan is worth the try.

I should probably get some sleep. Natsume shook off any thought in his head, but was immediately cut-off when his phone beeped. He grinned as he saw the sender.

He felt his insides twist as he read Mikan's message, embarrassment filling his every cell. Damn it! How could I forget such a thing?! Absolute stupid!

He decided to let this slip, but his manly pride required him to come up with an explanation that's gonna compensate for that self-esteem he lost. In fact, he's going to turn it the other way around.

He then grinned as he tapped his reply.

'And I thought you'd never figure it out. I was just testing you: whether you're focusing on me, or you're focusing too much on me. Apparently, my second guess was right, you're too into me.' he then proudly tapped 'send' and lied down on the sofa, turning on the TV in the process, though his eyes were fixed on his phone.

Let's see how she's going to counter that…

Moments later, he received a reply from Mikan stating: 'Don't be too full of yourself. You know I'm focusing on eating, not you, deranged monkey from outer space! You sounded like you don't want to have me for the "Sakura Festival" or whatever that is.'

Natsume then quickly sat up and replied, appearing worried now. 'Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Let's just call it quits. I faked a mistake, and you're busted of being into me. No big deal.'

'WHAT?! You know what? I'm going to sleep. Goodnight to you!'

'Goodnight to you too. And our "Obon", I repeat, Obon festival is still happening. Pleasant dreams, Miss Mikan.'

He received no reply from Mikan, thus he boyishly grinned at the Television, and played with his phone as if winning a bet. He didn't bother checking his laptop for company matters, he's far too amused and entertained to be disturbed.

She's angry yet she didn't even cancel our 'date'. Interesting.

.

What a complete airhead! Am I that obvious to him? Does he read minds now? Mikan thought as she used the back of her palm to cover her flushed face. Part of his statement was true. She was focusing on him, okay scratch that, she was focusing too much on him, and she didn't expect him to notice that. However, she was only concentrating on him because he too was too intent on her. She couldn't really come up with a reasonable excuse for her behaviour, let alone cancel their 'date'. Anyhow, she'll let this slip for now. She can't afford sleeping carrying a thick cloud above her head.

The next day, Yukihira Co's lobby is clothed in a usual scenario: busy employees, fast paces, and faces that meant business. Some workers are trying to arrange the jumbled photocopies that slipped their already full hands; elevators are being slaughtered by too many passengers going up and down, and the enthusiastic roaring of the paging personnel that seemed to be not affected by sore throat.

However, there is one that looked like he meant serious business. He's 6 ft in height, has a respected posture and hazel eyes that made clear he has a serious attitude. He carried his briefcase and started towards the elevator, ignoring the people who stopped and looked at him curiously like he's some stranger lost in another world.

"Sir, there's someone waiting outside hoping for your presence" said the C.E.O's secretary.

Hiashi's already wrinkled forehead creased as he replied "I believe I made myself clear about not inviting people in without making an appointment. Or you have a reasonable excuse for this? "

The secretary panicked and answered through worried whimpers "I'm so sorry sir, but he insists… He says his name is Kazumi Yukihira…"

Hiashi was silenced and his furrowed brows retreated back to its original state upon hearing the name. He took a deep breath and rested his elbows above the wooden desk, eyes closed while resting his chin on his joined knuckles.

Kazumi Yukihira is his eldest son. The real heir of Yukihira Co.

Natsume is seated in his chair, scanning papers, interpreting graphs, and answering emails from various people, mostly businessmen. He never had time for friendly chats from his old friends, or anybody at least, not that he has many friends though. Then again, he always makes time to inspect the activities, performances and current state of Hacienda Igarashi, and makes amends if needed.

However, there are some things that curbs people's daily expectances and behaviours, and Natsume couldn't escape those things, especially receiving a call from his best friend.

"Ruka? It's been a while since you've let the world know your existence!" teased Natsume over the phone.

"Is that your way of saying 'I miss you' Natsume? It may hurt your manly pride but, I got the message already." Retorted Ruka who's enthusiasm is evident.

Natsume chuckled and twirled his chair as if wanting to hear more from him. He sure did miss his best friend. They've known each other for as long as they can remember and being in touch with him like this is one of the things they considered as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"How are you man?"

"Never better. The clinic's earnings are high, so I think I can manage."

"You should've listened to your own voice, you almost sounded like a real businessman."

The two chuckled over their phones.

"By the way, I'm engaged."

"Oh come on Natsume, you know you couldn't pull off a little joke. Is this what being a C.E.O brings?" Both parties, Hyuuga and Yukihira, decided that they'll keep the engagement thing a secret, not letting anyone, except family members, be informed. And Ruka, obviously considered as family to the Hyuugas, has the right to know.

"Ha-ha, very funny Ruka, but I'm serious."

It took Ruka a while to respond, he still couldn't believe his ears after hearing those words he yearned to hear from Natsume. Being his best friend, he knows him more than enough, and he's certain of his mind-set, even preferences.

"Anyway, I bet you would know her easily, and this is no serious matter, I mean, it's not like I'm really marrying her, so let's just drop this. Why did you call?"

Ruka cleared his throat before answering "Well, I'm going home and I want you to come fetch me."

"And you think I'd do that because?"

"Because you missed me. Haha! I'm sorry Natsume, it's just that it's been a while and I miss your humourless look. Anyway, I just know you would. "

"I'll be back on the 25th."

"Roger that."

"Bye then, I'll see you around."

"Bye."

He may not admit it, but he's looking forward to seeing his best friend again. Ruka is in par with Aoi in knowing Natsume thoroughly, but there are some things that he couldn't share to his little sister, especially men's stuffs. Thus, hypothetically, Ruka knows Natsume more.

Aside from Ruka's arrival, there are also other things that excite him, one of which is him fetching Mikan from work later that day. He smirked at the thought, and took his phone from his table.

Mikan gleefully entered Hiashi's office wearing a floral trim pin tuck dip hem blouse, a pair of cream tight trousers, and black pumps. She greeted his grandfather with a kiss, and was about to discuss things with Hiashi.

"Ji-chan, listen, I came up with an idea on how we advertise our line, and-"

Her enthusiasm was cut-off when Hiashi said "Mikan, there's something I need to tell you."

Mikan's mood suddenly shifted from eagerness to anxiety as she sat down the chair to listen intently.

"There's someone I'd like you to meet," on cue, a man came out from the door, and straight towards the two. He bowed his head and fixed his hazel eyes to Mikan who in turn was startled seeing a person wearing the same features as her father's. She awkwardly stood up and bowed her head in return.

"May we be introduced?" said the man in a stern voice, still not letting go of his gaze to Mikan.

"Mikan, this is Kazumi Yukihira, he's your father's older brother."

Mikan's orbs widened and a big smile plastered on her face as she generously handed out her hand towards the man.

Kazumi looked down on her hand and back to her, saying "Pleased to finally meet you, Mikan", still in a serious tone. The brunette cheerfully shook his hand and smiled at him.

"Father, I propose it's time to get serious, we don't have the luxury of time and Miss Mikan here still has something to say."

"Right." Hiashi composed himself, drawing a deep breath, and leaned forward on his desk. "Mikan, I know this is sudden, but I want you to know how much the company owes you. Without your efforts and compassion for the company, we wouldn't stand a chance in getting high earnings."

"Where are you going with this Ji-chan?" Mikan said looking thoroughly bewildered, Hiashi could only heave a heavy sigh.

"He meant to say the company is no longer yours, Miss Mikan", stated Kazumi with a straight face, not even considering that this might be a tough blow on Mikan.

Hiashi bowed his head to avoid his dear grand-child's offended face, and Mikan scoffed in disbelief. "Excuse me? Who are you to disown things from me? Do you know how much I've strived to be worthy for this company?"

"I must say I'm deeply sorry, but what you've just heard is true. As you can see, I'm the eldest child, thus I have more right than you to take over this company."

"You don't have the final say. You can't just state things like that, and you know perfectly well Ji-chan chose me in the first place. You know, I'm trying to be nice to you because you're my uncle, and I just met you seconds ago, but clearly your attitude doesn't go well with your name. Pathetic. And you call yourself a Yukihira? Ji-chan say something. Talk some sense with him, because clearly he's suffering from mental incapacity, no offense though."

"Oh, none taken Miss Mikan. I too, was trying to be nice to you, but seeing you can't possibly understand, and it hurts me to say this, but I have no choice-"

"Kazumi, stop it!" Hiashi finally said.

"No, Ji-chan let him finish. I want to hear the rest of it."

"Like I said, it hurts me to tell you this… I was the real heir of Yukihira Co., not you, and clearly not your father. Hiashi didn't tell you this because I told him it was unnecessary, but it seems I should've listened to my father long ago. Now you actually believe that you're next in line for the company."

"KAZUMI! Stop right now! Mikan, please, let me explain-"

"Is this true, grandfather?" Hiashi noticed Mikan called him 'grandfather', the name she calls him whenever she's angry, hurt or serious; he could only look down on his table.

Mikan was teary-eyed as she heard those words from Kazumi. All she worked for, everything she dreamed and strived, was all for nothing. What's worse is that throughout her life, she only heard lies, lies, and more lies that were just uncovered only now. Her past relationships, marriage engagement, and now, the biggest blow so far, she isn't the true heir of the company. The company that she gave all her efforts to, the company that she imagined she'd manage, and the company that holds all the memories of her parents. And now, all of those are going to disappear, and she has nothing to do but cry and be bitter about it.

She stood up and faced Kazumi and Hiashi with a straight face. She pressed her lips in a firm line and tried to stop the tears building on her eyes to drop.

"Mikan, listen, I know this is hard to accept, impossible even. But-"

"It's okay grandpa, I understand." Now looking at them emotionlessly.

"No you don't un-"

"Goodbye" and she dashed off towards the door, across the secretary's table, and into the empty elevator. She didn't cry, she would never cry. Her tears aren't worthy for those lies, and she's sure to thrive to be better tomorrow. The sooner she recovers the better.

She's walking in a fast pace, looking down and didn't really care if she bumped anything. She didn't even notice the loud 'honk's that's directed at her. But she was finally brought to reality when a hand pulled her back. She gasped in shock and suddenly, her tears started to build as she saw who the person was.

It was Natsume.

"I texted you several messages already and was beginning to... Hey-" he was cut-off when he saw Mikan turning her head sideward, as if avoiding his gaze, but Natsume held her chin and pulled it gently towards his direction. He was then taken aback as he saw beads of tears clinging on her lower eyelids. She tried to shift her face away from him, but he immediately forced it back.

"What's the matter?" he said as gently as he could.

Mikan closed her eyes, letting her tears slide down her cheeks, and said with her face directed on the right "It's nothing." She tried to sound casually, but her sobs were not helping her. Natsume wiped her tears and she opened her eyes quickly.

He pretended to look at his watch and said "I'm free today, so if you want me to do anything, I guess I could lend a hand." He doesn't want her seeing he's concerned, thus he played things cool.

"Get me out of here."

It's twilight, and the light posts are already lit. The sky is painted deep blue, and the tides are starting to rise. City's noises are gradually covered with nature's own, and the temperature started to drop. Mikan was seated on the sand, clutching a handful of it on her sides, while Natsume is standing beside her, hands on his pockets. They're in an inhabited beach near the city's coast, but far enough to make Mikan forget unhappy thoughts.

She cried silently, enough to convince Natsume she's not crying. Unfortunately, Natsume noticed tears dripping from her chin, and he took his handkerchief from his pocket.

"Here," he said straightforwardly.

Mikan looked up, and saw the same handkerchief she gave Natsume when they ate Yakitori. She smiled and shyly took the hanky.

"You kept this?"

"I wasn't intending of using it,"

Mikan smiled inwardly, noting that Natsume isn't one to express his emotions. In fact, she's kind of amazed how Natsume and Hotaru are alike: appearing cold on the outside, but soft as cotton on the inside. She wiped her tears and stood up.

"I'm better now. Thanks." She said looking at him.

"Where do you want to go next?" Natsume replied still not looking at her.

"… I don't know. But I don't want to go home yet."

Natsume nodded, and said "then I've got just the place for you."

.

.

.

"Seriously?" Mikan jokingly asked Natsume "This is the place you wanted to show me?"

Natsume proudly answered "Yup"

Mikan chuckled silently, sucking the insides of her cheek and shook her head, "You sure do surprise me. Nobody has ever considered their car to be a perfect place when they're upset."

Natsume narrowed his eyes and shook his head, "I don't think you're upset. I think you're ecstatic, and completely happy."

Upon hearing, Mikan smiled warmly as she was comforted by Natsume's words. For a normal person, they may think Natsume as being insensitive, but reading behind the lines, he meant to say 'don't let that get the better of you'. Thus she composed herself, smiled and shouted:

"I'M ECSTATIC! I'M VERY HAPPY! YOU CAN'T TAKE THE BETTER OF ME UGLY HAG!"

She was breathing heavily as she finished, and she felt all sadness washed away. She chuckled, and later she began laughing. She was laughing earnestly that it almost made her stomach ache.

This made Natsume chuckle silently too, and said while shaking his head "You're crazy."

"No, you are! Hahaha! You're a deranged monkey who's so full of himself." Mikan continued to laugh.

"And you're into me." Natsume said.

"No, I'm not!"

"Yes you are. I have enough evidences to prove my point."

"Oh really? Then let's hear it." She's not laughing now, but she's completely pacified and contented of arguing with him. She finds it kinda fun messing with him, and she felt her sorrows being wiped away when she's with Natsume's cold and proud attitude.

"That could take us both a day, so I won't tell you. Besides, I don't need to tell you, it's pretty obvious already."

Mikan chuckled and rolled her eyes, "You're impossible."

Mikan was startled as she was being pushed back on her seat as Natsume started the engine.

"Where are we going?" she asked, hesitant to go home.

"We need to eat, crazy woman."

"Oh."

.

.

After having dinner on a nearby restaurant, Natsume dropped Mikan on her building and they said their goodbyes.

"Thank you very much Natsume. You don't know how much you've cheered me up."

"Just have some rest."

"Sure will. Good night."

"Wait, you haven't returned my handkerchief yet."

Mikan stared at him disbelievingly and said "As far as I can remember, it's mine…"

"Not anymore. Now give it." Natsume stretched his arm imperatively.

"I won't."

Natsume placed his hand back on the steering wheel and said "Fine, you can have it then. After all, it wasn't washed, thus, the sauce is still stained on it, and considering you wiped your tears using that…" smirking.

Mikan's mouth dropped as she threw the handkerchief to Natsume who was smirking at her victoriously.

"Fooled ya." He then winked at her, and she immediately shut the door in front of him and entered the building.

Arrogant, conceited, airhead thief. She smiled at herself as another thought entered her head,

Yet an absolute gentleman. Don't make me fall for you, deranged monkey.

What's with her? It's like she's been mourning over something very big. Natsume thought to himself as he raised an arm and placed it over his forehead while slumping back on his bed. Truth be told, he wanted to know what's bothering her, that made her look like that; down, and unhappy. He disliked the way her tears build up on her cheerful hazel eyes. But no matter, he's sure to find it out in a nick of time. But why does he even care? He doesn't know. All he's sure of is he's going to erase those frowns off her face, and pin up a smile that he liked most.

Mikan, on the other hand is hugging her throw pillows tight. Not because of depression, but because of sheer bliss. She felt her cheeks heated, and something stirring in her stomach. She rolled around, and stopped as she stumbled across her phone. Not wanting to break it, she took it from her behind, and started to compose a text to Natsume. Her plan was then terminated when she saw twenty missed calls and various messages mostly coming from her grandfather. She didn't bother opening any of his texts, thus she turned it off and hid it inside the drawer on her bedside table, and slept directly.

The next morning, she woke up 30 minutes earlier than she used to. Work is her motivating force on getting up, but this time, she got no stamina, not after being informed she's no longer the heir of Yukihira Co.

She took her phone from the drawer and turned it on. She checked for messages and opened one from Hotaru.

'Hey Mikan, can you come by my office tomorrow? I need to talk things with you.'

Mikan wondered what things she and Hotaru are gonna talk about, thus she prepared herself and went straight to her best friend's office.

"You're not gonna start about me getting disowned by some man who just appeared from nowhere aren't you?"

"No, I'm not. What do you mean getting disowned?"

"Well, I bet you heard the news. I'm no longer the heir of Yukihira Co."

Hotaru's eyebrows furrowed and stared at her incredulously. "Well if you're saying I forget things easily, I could consider what you're saying as true. However, I'm not, so would you please clear things to me?"

Mikan looked up at her and said, "You-you mean, it's not on the news yet?"

"What do you mean not in the news yet?"

"Well… My long lost uncle showed up yesterday and stated that he's the rightful owner of Yukihira Co., and that I am no longer the heiress of the company."

"That's awful. He can't just show up and take things with him without permission."

Mikan just nodded and smiled "Well, there are things that are just inevitable."

"Anyhow, you can't just leave without putting up a fight Mikan. You deserve owning the company as much as he does, and Hiashi won't let him just dump you anywhere."

Mikan just shrugged and answered while lowering her head "That's the way it's supposed to be."

"No it's not. You can't let other people ruin your life for you. I thought you're Mikan Sakura, the one who's not letting other people controlling her? Where's that attitude now?"

"You know what? I guess you're right. I'm giving that damned uncle of mine a little taste of my revenge, and he's not going to like it."

Hotaru shrugged and said "That's my little girl. And you know what? I'm with you, so I'm certain you're going to win. Aaaanyway, I called you here to inquire about your activities with Hyuuga Natsume."

"What?! You called me over for that? Wow, for an owner of a technology business, you sure have time to spare Miss Imai." She sarcastically stated.

Hotaru rolled her eyes and scoffed "I have underlings doing important stuff dummy. They get paid because of that, and everything's fine with my way of running this company. And I didn't require your presence because of some irrelevant matter."

"Really? Then let's hear this important matter you want with me."

"I came up with a plan on how you're going to counter that Hyuuga kid."

"Counter what Hotaru?"

Hortaru scoffed sarcastically "You're an idiot if you didn't figure out his real motive."

"His real motive? What's that?"

"He's making you fall for him dummy."

"Why would he do that?"

"Gee, I don't know. Maybe because he's some playboy?" Hotaru sarcastically answered.

"How would you know?"

"Mikan, I searched his background data, including personal ones. And what I gathered is simply coming down to him playing on you."

"You what?! Why would you even do that?"

"Let's just make this short. He started dating you, suggests on fetching you from work, yadda yadda yadda, oh, and inviting you to come with him for the Obon festival. Just the two of you."

"You know I'm starting to regret I shared those stuffs to you."

"Well clearly I'm the one who has a reasonable mind."

Mikan pondered on her words. She could be partly true. After all, when it comes to relationships, she's not stable. And maybe that's the reason why Natsume has been kind to her lately, and she fell for it.

"Well, assuming you're right, what's your plan?"

"You don't need to assume, I'm always right. Well the plan's simple. Instead of you falling for him, make him fall for you."

Mikan rolled her eyes. "That's so cliché Hotaru. I didn't know you're into dramatic things."

"Well if you have better suggestions then…"

"Okay, okay, I'll go with that. So tomorrow evening at the festival, I'll start seducing him?" Mikan answered feeling disgusted of stating the 'seducing' word.

"Not a good choice of word, but…yup."

"Okaaay…" Mikan complied with Hotaru's plan. She will never let herself decide things that involve her heart. After all, there are only two outcomes: Natsume is really playing with her, or he's getting serious with her. Either way, she's not okay with it. She won't let anybody take advantage of her, and it's far too risky trusting, or even believing that Natsume likes her.

Thus, going with Hotaru's plan is her only way.

"Oh, by the way, what do you think of my new invention?" Hotaru asked while reaching Mikan a very small thingy. Mikan squinted her eyes to get a clear view, but finally said "what's this?"

"It's a micro-camera with video recorder, or to make it short, Invention No.1544"

"I'm planning on pinning one in your dress, you know, so I could monitor you. But, you wouldn't want that. Besides it's not done yet, I'm still adjusting signal wires to micro level." Hotaru added.

Mikan gaped in confusion and said "Oookay, I give up. I don't understand anything you just said."

Hotaru rolled her eyes and sighed, "Dummy."

End of Chapter 6

Terms:

Obon festival: festival for remembering dead loved ones

Hanami: Sakura tree viewing (Part of the Sakura festival I guess. :D)

Thank you very much guys. Let me know what's on your mind.. so, Review..! :)