.

With a heavy heart, Mikan decided to open Hiashi's messages.

'Mikan, please come home, I need to talk to you. Please child, you need to understand things. It may not erase the hurt in your heart, or even appease you, but I need to explain myself.'

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The next day, Mikan wore a bandeau top tucked inside her platinum pink skater skirt with a thin belt around her waist, a gray sleeved blazer, and white heels. She decided to finally talk to her grandfather. Who knows, she might find anything that will clear her mind.

Minutes later, she entered the threshold of the mansion and let her thorough knowledge of the place guide her towards the marbled parlor. She looked around and saw no evident changes happened. The maids welcomed the young miss and offered her refreshments. Moments later Hiashi came inside wearing only a pair of khaki trousers, polo, and a walking cane.

Mikan walked towards Hiashi and she greeted her usual peck on the cheek. "Ji-chan…"

"Come child, let's have tea first. Are you hungry? I hope you're famished. I bought a new tea set, and the Jasmine tea is very delicious."

"Oh, and it's the last day of Obon festival, do you want to join us?"

"I'm sorry Ji-chan, but I already made plans for this day. Don't worry, I'll float two lanterns."

Hiashi then nodded and accompanied her towards the garden.

It's already half past noon, and Mikan took a cab to drive her home. Hiashi talked sense to her, and surprisingly, she was soothed out. Years ago, Kazumi rejected his offer of being the next owner of the company because he wanted to run a school. Kazumi loved his brother above all else, thus when news came out that his only brother died, he became extremely miserable. This made him cut himself off from anything, including his father, and went far away to escape his misery. Hiashi then entrusted the position to his only heir, Mikan, who's then still on her mother's womb. Hiashi never heard of his eldest son since he left, thus he decided to let him be on his own.

Regarding the right of ownership, both are of equivalence. Hiashi then proposed that the two compete for the position, knowing no other way of settling things. He can't afford to lose his son again, and there's no way he'd bargain his only granddaughter. They need only prove themselves worthier than the other, and the verdict will come out. Mikan approved this, as well as Kazumi, who seemed to be not having sympathy to his only niece. It puzzled Mikan once, seeing his cold attitude towards her. It's like she's done something very bad to him, but as far as she can remember, she didn't.

She shook off any thought aside as she came inside her room, now preparing her stuffs for later. Natsume told Mikan he'd fetch her around 2 pm since they'll be travelling longer than the usual.

Mikan took a quick bath, and packed her things afterwards. She decided to wear a maxi skirt and a white top. She didn't bring excessive stuffs, just the nuts and bolts.

Moments later, the two were on their way towards the place between Nagoya and Tokyo. Natsume visited the place often, since it's near his old place, but he's usually with his family. Clearly, this time, he made an exception.

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At almost 4 pm, Natsume parked his car at a nearby inn they booked for them to refresh a bit. The place was urbanized, but not that much. It still has that traditional edge to it, which Natsume liked best. The inn is few blocks away from the park where the festival is, and Natsume suggested of going out.

As they passed several streets, they noticed almost all the people are wearing their traditional attires. Mikan became anxious as to what other people might look at them thus, Natsume, seeing it completely unnecessary, suggested of buying clothes. The two were separated: Mikan was with the women's section while Natsume was on the other, but Natsume came out first.

He wore a black Hakama with its pleated gray trousers that reached his ankles. The sleeves almost fell to his knees, and he wore woven slippers with a pair of white socks underneath. He carefully checked himself on the mirror but was taken to a halt as he saw another figure on the reflection.

Mikan wore a white Furisode made of silk, and printed with fuchsia pink and red flowers. The deep red Obi hugged her waist conservatively, and the ankle-length sleeves are giving a goddess edge to her. Her hair was bunned at the back, with jiggling accessories clipped on either side of her head.

Natsume turned around to see her clearly and was thoroughly stunned at the sight. He liked how her hair bun showed her oval face and emphasized the dimple on her cheek. The nude make-up that highlighted her natural beauty, and wait just a minute, he finds it so cute to see her feet covered with socks!

He smirked at her and eyed her approvingly. "Nice."

Mikan blushed and said "You- you too…"

They stared at each other for a while until Mikan suggested "Let's…go?"

"Yeah… yeah sure. Come."

The two walked towards the park but Mikan kept him occupied by stopping at almost every stall that comes their way. Okonomiyaki, Dorayaki, Takoyaki, Yakisoba, another Yakitori, and Tempura. Natsume got fed up already, but the woman was relentless and he could only sigh in protest.

At around 6 pm, they finally reached the park. The place was breath-taking: paper lanterns hanging everywhere, trees that is adorned with different lights surrounded them, more stalls and games, people hanging out together in groups or in pairs, the river that sparkled in illumination, paper kites of different colors, and the tangerine light that is mostly emitted by various lights that give a romantic aura around the place. They slowly strolled each street and Mikan was gasping in adoration.

Natsume on the other hand was captured by her enthusiastic and innocent look as she walked in circles trying to get a panoramic view of almost every spot of the place. It's as if he felt proud that he made her feel like that.

Mikan stopped to look at a person in a stall hitting balloons in order to get that plush toy as a gift for his girlfriend. She watched him earnestly, her smile never letting go of her face.

Natsume saw her look, and thought she wanted to have one. Girls are like that, wanting to let their boyfriends work out for something they want to have. He thought to himself. Hence Natsume walked closer to Mikan and asked "You want me to get that for you?" pointing at a Panda bear above her.

He was waiting for her obvious answer but was suddenly taken aback as Mikan answered, "Nah, I don't want that. But I do want to try that game! Tell you what, if I win, I'd give that panda to you. What do you say?"

Natsume stared at her in shock, his emotions mixed. He was wrong about her wanting to have that toy, and now, it sounded like he's the one wanting it. He didn't know how to respond, or what to say, thus he only nodded and looked away.

It was Mikan's turn now, and she rolled up her sleeves and hit the balloon with the dart. Luckily, she won, and she got Natsume a panda toy, not that he wants it though.

The two continued walking, but Mikan suddenly stopped.

"Natsume! Do you hear that sound?" asked Mikan excitedly.

Natsume looked around, also hearing the pounding beat and said "Oh, you mean the Bon dance?"

This made Mikan's eyes popped wider, and she took both Natsume's hands and said "Let's go there!"

"Yeah, sure. It's only a few walks from here."

"Oh no, walking takes up too much time, and I want to see it now. Let's run!" Mikan then grabbed Natsume by the hand and dragged him along the way. Natsume couldn't even pick up his speed to run decently.

After a while, they stopped as they arrived in a spacious spot. It's the integration of all the streets they passed by, like a rotunda. The place was circular covered with more paper lanterns hanging above, and on its centre is a huge stage called Yagura having lanterns of its own. The stage was the source of the loud banging of drums and people are dancing around it, imitating the dancers in Yukatas on the stage.

Mikan was in awe as she saw the crowd dancing gracefully and gleefully around the stage. She looked up and she saw more circular lanterns that are lit in orange.

Natsume looked up too, and said "Oranges huh? Kind of suits you. Mikan"

Mikan chuckled and answered "Well, my name means orange," and looked at Natsume.

"Come on! Let's join them Natsume!" she took his hand again and dragged him inside the dancing throng.

"H-hey! I'm not good at dancing!"

"Oh don't be such a spoilsport, just follow the dancers upstage." Mikan stated as she started to wave her arms, clapped her hands, and twirled along with the music.

Natsume couldn't dance. Not because he can't, but because all his attention was taken by Mikan, who's gracefully dancing in front of him. He just stared at her as if time is ticking in a slow motion, not minding other people that bumped him and said 'come on lad, dance!' He started moving his feet and stopped rhythmically, still staring at Mikan.

She clapped her hands while she jumped in circles, and stopped in front of Natsume. She walked closer and circled around him, making wave patterns on her arms. Natsume could only follow her movements while staring intently at her.

He was then brought back to reality as he saw the crowd moved further around the circle, dragging Mikan farther from him. He immediately followed her, but other dancers are making it hard for him to cross.

"Excuse me," he said

"Excuse me," and another,

"Will you please excuse me sir?" and again, until he couldn't take it any longer and tried to shove the people in front of him. As soon as he made way, he was again halted. That's it!

"Hey, lady!" he shouted, but was shocked that it was Mikan he's yelling at.

"Oh, Natsume!"

Heaving a sigh, he said, "There you are."

The next dance step made Mikan and Natsume place their palms together and walked in circles, fixing their eyes to one another. Natsume's crimson eyes were stained with awe, while Mikan's hazel ones reflect enthusiasm.

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The Bon dance sure did exhaust them both, thus they decided to take a rest on a bench for a while. They ate their dinner on a nearby ramen stall. He's not that affected much by street foods anymore, and considering he had no other choice, he surprisingly accepted it.

Moments later, the megaphones informed everybody that Toro Nagashi is starting in 10 minutes, and that they have to get their lanterns immediately.

Natsume then brought Mikan on a lantern stall, and ordered two for him. Mikan also got 2 lanterns of different colours.

"Two?" Natsume asked.

"My mom and dad. You?"

"Same." They smiled at each other as they sensed camaraderie between them.

People crowded the riverbank rapidly and they started lighting their lanterns. Natsume and Mikan also took their lanterns, lighted it, and gently placed them on the water. Their eyes followed their lanterns flowing above the water, but were disturbed as more lanterns crowded the river. The sight was completely majestic, as the water's ripples reflected different colours, like a parade of glowing colours.

Mikan was smiling contentedly and is admiring the beauty in front of her.

"Come on," Natsume said.

"Where are we going?"

Natsume sighed and said, "Just come with me."

The two walked along the riverbank and stopped in front of a small deck. Natsume walked above it, and offered a hand to Mikan, who was clearly confused.

"I rented a kayak so we can follow the lanterns."

Mikan smiled at him widely and hurriedly took his stretched hand. Natsume carefully assisted her in entering the boat to avoid being thrown over. As soon as she's seated on the bench near the bow, Natsume slid his body to the stern side. He grabbed the two paddles and started rowing towards the water.

Mikan couldn't help but be jumpy as lanterns come near them. She stretched her arm across the starboard bow and let her fingers comb the water. There are about hundreds of lanterns and a handful of kayaks occupying the river now, and this made their surroundings clothed in bright orange.

"Thanks for tonight Natsume, it was unforgettable." Mikan said while noting the way Natsume paddled, flexing his shoulders. Even wearing thick covers, Mikan still noticed the strong build of Natsume's body, and the way his hair stirred as he slowly rocked his body back and forth, made him look more attractive.

"Don't thank me yet."

Mikan smiled and asked "You mean, there's more to this?"

Natsume only shrugged and this made Mikan's eyes grow wider in excitement.

Around 10 pm, Natsume and Mikan were already on land, and decided to wait for the fireworks show later that evening.

"Is this the season for fireworks?" Mikan asked.

"Well there are plenty of things worthy to be celebrated."

"Anyway, I've got the perfect place to watch the fireworks" added Natsume.

"Let's see it!"

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Natsume led Mikan to a hill facing the park. It wasn't that steep, so Mikan accepted the challenge of climbing it. Besides, the ways are paved with light posts assisting the tourists. There weren't much people there, some climbed down to watch Hanabi, not knowing that the best view is from there.

The walk took them a few minutes, and they finally arrived at a more secluded place, the highest peak of the hill.

Mikan gasped in astonishment as she saw the whole park from up there. She can see the Yagura and the branching streets that are adorned with lights and stalls and many people. But above all, she's captivated by the orange lanterns that covered much of the area, like tiny glowing orbs of light.

Her attention was then taken as Natsume led her to a bench beside a big old in-bloom Sakura tree. It's nearing autumn, thus the flowers fall off from the tree and showered the bench continuously. The bench faced the park, and it made watching fireworks convenient.

She sat down, and Natsume followed her.

"How did you know about this place?"

"Well… My father made this for my mom when they were still alive. We preserved it."

"It's so… so, so spectacular!"

"Only on this time of day, thanks anyway. People don't usually compliment this place."

"Why so? Are they blind? It's obviously gre- Natsume look!"

Natsume turned his gaze where Mikan's hand pointed, and saw fireflies flying around the bottom part of the Sakura tree.

Mikan immediately rose from her seat and towards the fireflies. She followed them as they circled the tree, emitting tiny lights behind them. She jumped to capture one, but her stuffy outfit is not helping.

Natsume was again stunned as Mikan joined the lights and finds it adorable seeing her movements restrained by her conservative attire. Her face glowed along with the tiny fairy-like creatures, and the flowers generously showered her. True, the fireflies gave a fantasy look of the place. However, Natsume finds Mikan glowing brighter than anything else, and he couldn't help but rise from his seat, walk towards Mikan, and suddenly takes her hand. He pulled her closer towards him, and Mikan's eyes grew wide as she felt soft lips touching her cheek.

She was utterly surprised by Natsume's sudden move, and she could only fix her feet on the ground to stop any movement. That was their first not-so-intimate-but-romantic physical contact, and under a Sakura tree.

Natsume gently pulled away and stared at her shy hazel orbs that reflected many lights, still holding her hand and pulling her close. Not long after, a flare of light rocketed above the sky and exploded massively, producing glitters above. Soon, more fireworks joined in, and the place was more brightened both on land and on sky. The two watched the fireworks above their heads, still not letting go of their hands.

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Their nights were filled with firsts, and none of them could ever forget what they've just experienced. Natsume got a bear, danced with a large crowd, rowed a boat with someone, and brought a girl to his parent's 'sanctuary'. Mikan on the other hand experienced for the first time, winning a game for a guy, danced around the Yagura, had a boat ride with lanterns, brought in a very special place, and danced around with many glowing fireflies.

Natsume suggested of going home, but was surprised as his watch read 11:53. Again, they didn't notice the time flying fast. Thus, they agreed on staying, and drive back home early in the morning. They went back to the inn, walking slower than the usual. The streets were emptied as people gathered in the park, and it's only the two of them strolling down, the lights guiding their way.

Natsume held his hand on his back, looking straight ahead, and Mikan is fiddling her fingers while looking around. Suddenly, her phone rang, stopping both of them in their tracks and she saw Hotaru's name on the screen.

"Hota-"

"Where are you?! It's already midnight dummy, why are still not home?!"

"I'm so sorry Hotaru, but I'm fine, we'll sleep in an inn nearby, and don't worry we'll be back before you turn off your morning alarm."

"You're still with him?! Mikan have some sense! He could do something bad to you!"

"Don't worry Hotaru, we're fine."

Hotaru sighed and said "Alright, alright! But remember the plan. You stay with him, and do something okay? Here, I have some tactics from this stupid manga. First, you let him-"

Mikan looked up to Natsume who was wearing a confused look, and walked away from him.

"Aaah… Oh, just a moment Hotaru" she said shakily and ran towards a post, facing it.

Natsume raised his brow and felt a little pang of jealousy inside him. "Hey you can talk here" he said in a hushed voice.

Tsk. Is that really personal that she had to distance herself from me? And why is she giggling? He thought as he saw Mikan giggling girlishly.

Hotaru? Kind of a weird name for a guy. He thought to himself. He had assumed Hotaru was a girl, but noting the past instances where his guesses about her was always wrong, he thought the other way and now he's completely curious of 'him'.

In defeat, he walked towards Mikan to stop this 'flirting' nonsense once and for all, and leaned his arm on the post, caging Mikan.

"Oh, oh Hotaru, I'll just visit you tomorrow bye!" she hurriedly said and placed her phone back on her pockets.

She pressed her lip and faced Natsume who's still caging her.

"Uhm, what is it Natsume?"

Natsume only gave her a serious look, and stood upright. "Who's that?"

"It's my best friend, Hotaru."

"Best friend? You've been together for?"

"As long as I can remember."

Natsume sighed and started walking. "Fine."

Mikan was completely confused of his behavior. Did I do something wrong?

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Few minutes later, they were on their sleeping attires provided by the local inn. The room had two separate wooden beds and native furniture. Mikan is already lying on her bed, while Natsume is busy stuffing his bag. He tossed the small panda bear he received from Mikan, before putting it inside. Suddenly, he felt something solid inside. Out of curiosity, he took it and found out it was the necklace he bought for Mikan. Seeing it the perfect time to give her the trinket, he approached Mikan whose back facing him, and placed the necklace around her neck. He was almost finished hooking it, but Mikan got up immediately and shouted,

"Pervert! Don't touch me!"

"What?! Stop moving woman. I'm not trying to harass you!"

"No, I don't believe you, and I won't stop!"

The two had an arm battle, both struggling to gain dominance over the other, but moments later, Natsume finally managed to lock the necklace around her neck, and distanced himself from the struggling woman.

"You're so… annoying!" he said in a firm voice.

Mikan was about to protest, but suddenly felt something around her neck. She searched for the thing, touched it, and was surprised to see a lasso. She was tongue-tied as she felt the studded gems on its ends. The necklace was beautiful.

"What's-what's this?"

"As you can see, it's a lariat idiot." Natsume stated as-a-matter-of-factly while heading his way towards the bathroom. But before he even turned the door knob, Mikan rose from her bed, ran towards him, pulled his hand and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you… for everything." She whispered, and retreated back to her bed, leaving Natsume in a shocked state.

End of Chapter 7

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This chapter had many unknown terms, and I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. Anyway, here are their meanings:

Hakama: traditional attire for men

Furisode: a type of kimono especially made for unmarried women

Obi: the sash tying the kimono around the waist

I won't include the foods okay?

Toro Nagashi: floating of paper lanterns, believing that they guide the spirits of their dead loved ones (or something like that.. XD)

Yagura: well, I've defined that earlier

Yukata: a traditional casual summer outfit both for men and women

Hanabi: fireworks show

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I wonder what you guys are thinking... Review.. ! :)