Chapter 10

Nights (Part 2)

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"Kazumi, the launch is on the 31st, and from the looks of it, I don't think you can catch up. But I do believe in your potentials. Hence, I called you here to have updates on your future plans", Narumi stated across the table.

"I'm not interested in designing clothes, but you'll need me for strategies in marketing and advertisements. I'm also connected to a lot of elites that would make our ratings high. Since you called me here, I'll tell you a fraction of my plan".

"One of which is promoting Mikan to head designer. She can have her own office and work with her own staff".

Narumi furrowed his forehead in deep thought after hearing his suggestion. They had thought of promoting Mikan, but it's not the right time yet.

Narumi answered in an awkward tone, "Well, we already agreed on promoting her after the launch, but if you have reasons, then I think we might reconsider".

"Like I said, I have connections with tons of elite consumers, and by 'elite', I meant they won't settle for anything less. They would be more eager to buy our line if the designer is an elite herself. I'm not saying Mikan is inadequate, but naturally, people would procure something sophisticated from head to toe".

"Think of what the people would say if they found out the designer is a nomadic unemployed individual", Kazumi pressed.

"I also have personal reasons. I admit I've been hard on her since the day we've met, and now, as an uncle, as a family, I want to give her something as an apology".

Hiashi and Narumi didn't say anything. Yes it would be wise to follow Kazumi's suggestion, and hearing that he wanted to appease Mikan, Hiashi approved his idea without second thoughts.

"Seriously?!" Mikan screeched loudly that other costumers in the café turned towards her direction. She immediately bowed her head shyly as an apology for her impolite deed, and continued with her current ordeal.

"When did that happen?" she whispered.

"I already told you: last night, after you went inside the building". Natsume answered in annoyance.

"Why didn't you call for help? You could get hurt".

"But I wasn't. Anyway, I have faith in my level 4 Judo skills". He's not planning on telling Mikan the truth, that it was her that they're after, thus he played it cool again.

"Your level of arrogance is way beyond the top", she sighed and Natsume just shrugged and sipped his latte.

It's still 8:30 in the morning, and they decided, well, Natsume decided they have breakfast together. It has been a while since he had a decent one.

"Natsume, I have to go. Ji-chan said we're discussing something urgent".

"Okay", and with that, they shuffled from their table and went on their way.

Going to Yukihira Co. wasn't as bad as last week anymore, and Mikan can finally go inside without having to worry about meeting a daunting relative. In fact she's even eager to have a conversation with Kazumi. It's like she's talking to her father. Being an optimist, she always has that nature to shrug off any bad memory of him, and to have a new, fresh start. It's futile effort to be trapped in the pains of the past and being incapable of just living your life.

Her morning is great so far, after having breakfast with Natsume. And she's having a hunch that it's about to get better.

And it did.

She's been summoned to the Board room because they announced her promotion. The Board is there, as well as Kazumi and Narumi. They said she'll be the head designer and will be given her team. She'll have an office along with her subordinates, gallery, and most of all, a tight strict schedule. Since she's now employed again, she's not granted of having much time for extraneous activities anymore. She could still hang out with her friends, but not as often as when she's still laid off.

"Don't thank us Mikan. Kazumi was the one who endorsed you", Narumi stated, briefly angling his head towards Kazumi.

"Really? Oh thank you Uncle Kazumi! Thank you very much!", Mikan said and she launched herself to Kazumi and hugged him.

"I'm glad you liked it Mikan, but seriously, it's not just because of me. You deserve this position, you've worked hard".

"He's right Mikan, congratulations", Hiashi butted in.

"Well then, this will be effective next week. For now, we still have to clear your office and finalize your staff. If you want, you could pick them yourself".

"I'd love to", Mikan eagerly smiled and bowed her head to the Board.

Her day really is surprisingly splendid, it's like nothing can ruin her day, and it's not even ten o'clock. Not a bad morning.

"Hotaru!" cheerfully screamed towards Hotaru.

Hotaru lowered her specs and eyed her sceptically. She's used to her child-like attitude, but seeing the water forming on her lower lids, which she assumed would be tears of joy, she knew there was something.

"Guess who's been promoted to head designer?" she enthusiastically asked.

Hotaru's lips stretched into a wide smile and grabbed her best friend's hands. "For real? When? How? Why?"

Mikan jumped up and down, while hugging Hotaru. "Just this morning, and guess who pushed on my promotion…"

"Who?"

"Uncle Kazumi, that's who!"

"Wait, Uncle? You're now friends with him?"

Mikan nodded childishly and hugged Hotaru even tighter. "Yes, we've settled our issues, and well, we're friends now."

Hotaru smiled tenderly, "That's really great to hear Mikan, congratulations. I guess a stupid like you got what it takes to be an heir after all", she teased.

Mikan pouted and pulled away. "I was teasing. Oh you really are stupid if you believe that. Come here", Hotaru said and pulled Mikan for another embrace.

"This calls for a celebration. Tomorrow?" Hotaru suggested, now taking a seat on her couch.

"Sure! My treat. But, I don't know about tomorrow. Natsume and I are fetching Ruka from the airport."

"Ruka?"

"Oh, it's his best friend."

"Well then, count him in!"

Mikan argued no more, thus Sunday night will be booked for another get-together with an extra scoop of Natsume's best friend Ruka.

The next day, Mikan prepared herself. Half an hour in the bath, another half in digging her closet for something casual to wear, and another half for the last touches. She wants to wear something that'll make her look respectful, but not to the point of wearing formal attire, something that says 'I'm friendly, but I'm busy' look. In the end, she opted for a white studded tunic, a pair of PU trousers and red pumps that matches her red Prada handbag.

They stood at a busy hallway lined by people who are also waiting for their family's arrival. Natsume held a cardboard that says 'Ru-chan'. Ruka's mother used to call him that nickname when they were still kids, and Ruka greatly rejects the idea of being called as such. The hall was then gradually filled with eager people from the plane, pushing carts and luggage and into the waiting arms of their families.

A tall blonde man with blue eyes, who's dragging his baggage, smiled affectionately and shook his head as he saw the card 'Ru-chan'. He walked closer towards Natsume and took his sunglasses.

Natsume smiled while fanning the cardboard he's holding and was surprised as he was being pulled into a quick embrace, though it was more of a chest bump.

"Are you aware that you're embarrassing yourself?" Natsume stoically said, turning his head on both sides as if giving him evidence to prove his point.

"I'm already embarrassed anyway", Ruka shrugged, still not letting go of his smiling aura. He was embarrassed not because of suddenly hugging Natsume out of nowhere, but responding to the name Natsume wrote on the board.

"Welcome back Ru-chan".

"Natsume! I told you never to call me that anymo—" Ruka paused as he saw Natsume wasn't alone.

"Oh, pleasure to meet you Miss…"

Natsume instantly turned and gently pulled Mikan from behind, "I forgot. This is Mikan Yukihira. Mikan, this is Ru-chan. Ruka Nogi".

As always, Mikan gave her warmest smile and shook Ruka's hand. "It's so nice to meet you Ru-cha…"

"Please, call me Ruka, the pleasure is mine Ms. Mikan".

Instead of shaking Mikan's hand, he tipped it up, and gently placed a kiss on the back of her palm. Mikan was then taken aback at his sudden gesture, and withdrew her hand awkwardly.

"I-I'm sorry, I'm used to greet ladies that way. Hehe" he nervously said.

"He's half French", Natsume cleared. "Anyway, we'll have some getting-to-know-you act later. For now, let's get you refreshed from jetlag".

"Sure. I hope my first day in Tokyo is filled with activities you planned Natsume…".

"Of course Ru-chan, what do you take me for?" they chuckled.

"Anyway, Mikan here's promoted, so she and her friends are throwing a party. Drinks are on Mikan. Are you in?"

"Absolutely. Count me in!" Ruka enthusiastically stated.

Mikan grinned as she remembered Hotaru saying the same thing. The two probably could get along just fine.

Their night was clothed in merriment. For the second time, they occupied the VIP lounge on the night club Tono's brother is running. They didn't stay that long since it has been announced on TV that the city is under low pressure area, and it could rain within the week. However, they made sure they had fun before they leave.

Especially Sumire, who found a new target.

"So, you're a vet, and I'm a vet. Do you think you could visit my clinic some time?"

Ruka adjusted himself, more like distanced himself from Sumire and answered in an awkward tone, "Well, I-I'll think about it".

Mikan grabbed Hotaru from slumping on the couch, and into the counter near Ruka and Sumire.

"A martini please".

Ruka saw from the corner of his eye two figures on his right. He turned and saw a black-haired girl, with a calm façade staring back at him. Hotaru never give an expression, but this time, she plastered on her face an annoyed look.

"Staring much?" she coldly spoke.

Mikan nervously butted in, "Hotaru! I'm so sorry Ruka, this is Hotaru Imai, my best friend".

Ruka just smiled, and answered "No, it's okay. Pleased to meet you Hotaru-san".

"That's Imai for you".

"O-okay, Imai-san" Ruka sheepishly chuckled.

Hotaru answered no more thus she turned her face away from him, and Mikan grabbed the opportunity to ask Ruka about Natsume.

"Ruka, I've been meaning to ask. Is Natsume allergic to alcoholic drinks?"

Ruka choked on his drink, and looked around to find Natsume. Thankfully, he was busy talking to Tono, and was beyond ear shot.

"Well, I'm not supposed to talk about it. But yeah, similar ballpark".

"Oh I see. My apologies, I didn't mean to pry."

"It's alright. Of course, his fiancé could be curious about him".

Mikan's eyes were pried open in surprise, "Wait, you know about that?"

Ruka scratched the corner of his eyebrow and answered nervously, "Now it's my turn to say sorry... Natsume told me".

"It's fine then. Just don't tell anyone okay?"

"Positive."

"Anyway, is… Nastume dating a girl back at your place?"

Ruka chuckled briefly and answered, "I'm really in no place to tell you this but, no. I mean, he had few crushes, but he never wanted to be in a relationship"

Mikan giggled sheepishly realizing that she should ask those things to Natsume himself and not from anybody, she answered, "I'm really sorry, I won't ask you about Natsume anymore…"

"Thank you."

Meanwhile, Natsume was hanging out with Tono and Tsubasa, knowing they share one thing in common: how to win a girl in one minute.

Amidst their conversations, Natsume noticed Tono's hair, very sleek and falls into place. He remembered the silhouette of the man he followed last Friday having the same figure as Tono, but he assumed at once that he was just imagining things.

"Uh… Tono-san, is your hair always that straight?" Natsume asked

"Oh, this? Yeah, I like to keep it in this shape", he answered, taking a handful of his hair.

Natsume wanted to investigate further, "You said your job was?"

"I'm a lawyer,"

"Tough work, I see".

"Nah, not as tough as yours. Hehe. I still have time to play around, like this, for example".

"I see, so you must've seen who won the match on the preliminaries", Natsume pressed, appearing calm and welcoming on the outside.

"Oh bummer! I was out late last Friday night; I missed the entire game man! Who won?"

"Didn't saw it either", he shrugged.

His suspicion is taking over half of his anxiety. Other half of him says that it's completely coincidental. There are billions of people in this world that could have the same posture and schedule as the man he saw last Friday. And Tono is no exception. He is a friend of Mikan and he saw no reason for him to be doing such thing.

Yet.

Anyhow, he decided to let it slip, and drove Ruka and Mikan home. Ruka is staying in his place for the night, until he could get a condo of his own. Besides, they missed the feeling of having slumber parties.

Ruka was in his PJ's when he slipped a bottle of milk from the fridge and filled two glasses. He gave one to Natsume and both were seated in front of the TV.

"Say, Natsume, Mikan is alright. She's pretty, and caring and all",

"Hn".

"She asked me if you've dated other girls before".

Natsume insides twitched and turned to face his best friend, "What did you tell her?"

"I told her you don't want to be in a relationship".

Natsume nodded his head and sipped from his glass.

"Correct me if I'm wrong but, I think you guys are getting serious. I mean, you seem to be serious in her."

"Don't be ridiculous. You know I can't".

"Well, I'm just saying. Life is short. You're bound to find a girl at your age."

Ruka continued, "But Natsume, you know yourself better than I do. You know your capabilities."

Natsume sighed and looked down as he said "I know."

The next days, Mikan is getting the hang of her new office and staff. It's nearing their launch now and every hand is needed for it to be successful. Natsume however, is having a hard time planning every night just to slip Mikan from danger, at the same time bringing her home early to avoid stress in the morning. It's even harder for him since the snatcher is now the one who appears randomly.

He's running out of excuses to be with Mikan every night, and thankfully, Mikan is not giving a fit. He almost even slipped in telling Mikan about his encounter last week. But on this fateful night, God gave him an opportunity to escape from thinking too much.

Mikan was curios of his condo, and she keeps nagging him about bringing her to the park next to his apartment. It's not that big, just a place where old people can exercise and sports-minded people to jog few laps.

Of course, Natsume took the opportunity of not making excuses anymore, and he parked his car on the parking lot next to the park.

They walked until they reach the end.

However, they heard the thunder clapped loudly, and noticed thick clouds erasing the stars and moon. In less than a minute, few droplets were now falling and sprinkled the area. On instinct, the two ran back towards the car, but the raindrops increased in volume.

It rained hard.

And now, before they could reach Natsume's car, or any shaded place, they're heavily soaked, and dripping wet.

Natsume didn't want his car to be soaked from their clothes, and he didn't want Mikan to catch a cold either. Thus he was left with no choice.

"Let's get you changed in my place", he said in between quivers.

"O-okay." And the two hurriedly went inside the building, leaving wet tracks behind.

They entered the room in a flash and Natsume turned on all the lights, highlighting every corner in his unit. He fished for a spare towel from the closet and offered it to Mikan.

"Here, dry yourself first and you can clean your clothes after."

"What about you?"

"I'll use the guests' comfort room. The bathroom's on the left." And with that, he disappeared into the said place.

Mikan examined his home. The furniture was similar to that of his office, but it was more beautiful than the other. Everything was clean. Even the couch was dressed smoothly. The carpet looked as if he didn't even walk on it. The chandelier was just perfect for the interior designs, and the room was well-ventilated.

She then noticed something that is opposite from what she's seeing. Her wet, muddy shoes are soiling the place!

Thus she hurriedly went to the bathroom and cleaned herself. After stuffing her clothes in the dryer, she went out to find something to wear aside from her already soaked bathrobe.

Luckily, Natsume laid out his oversized white long-sleeved polo and a pair of his long PJ's on the bed, and a note saying 'Wear this'. He didn't want to see Mikan unclothed, thus he just left a note.

The polo reached Mikan's legs that it almost looked like a dress. She left the pyjamas out because it's too long and loose. Mikan's undies dried quicker than her clothes, which made it easier for Mikan to walk around the house without having to worry of being seen through.

She found the stove and boiled soup to soothe her chilling stomach.

Meanwhile, Natsume has just finished grooming himself with a decent nightie, and went straight towards the kitchen. He was stopped in his tracks as he saw Mikan opening the lid of the pot.

He noticed her long slender legs and wet hair that touches her back roughly. He approved how his polo seemed to make Mikan look more beautiful, the way her hands are almost covered with the fabric, the length his polo allowed, and how she stood like a goddess.

He just stared at her as if he's looking at a work of art in a museum. He didn't move, for fear of distracting Mikan and losing sight of his current view.

To his dismay, Mikan noticed him standing just few meters from her, and she called out, "Natsume. The soup is almost done. Can you stir it while I go get the bowls?"

Natsume stirred in his place as if he lost his balance, and walked towards her, lowering his sight. He held the ladle and stirred it in a circular motion. Mikan on the other hand was busy reaching out for the bowls up the cupboard. She jumped once, twice, but still couldn't grab hold of anything.

Natsume dared himself to turn his head, and was confined in Mikan's figure. He cursed at the polo for making him feel edgy every time Mikan leap. He felt disgusted of having weird thoughts, but at the same time waits to see how far the polo can go.

He was lost in thought.

Then, he was brought back to reality as Mikan finally managed to get two bowls from the cupboard. He was even more shaken up as he burned his hand on the pot. He quickly jerked his hand away and shook it rapidly, clearing up any evidences of his 'staring' act recently.

Concerned, Mikan placed the bowls on the counter and grabbed Natsume's sore hand.

"Let me see."

Again, Natsume was caught by her face. She was just few inches away from him, and it brought back those weird thoughts and edgy feelings inside him, even more.

He quickly shoved his hand away from her grasp and said, "I-it's fine. Just leave it", and walked away towards the couch.

"Pssh, still acting brave even in pain", Mikan mumbled as she poured soup in both bowls.

The two were settled on the couch and watched TV while emptying their bowls when Natsume wanted to soothe himself by opening a harmless topic.

"You said I'm a deranged monkey from outer space right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I don't know.. It just doesn't fit me."

"Really? Why so? It fits you perfectly for me."

Why you little-!

"I'm too handsome to be a monkey, and way too smart to be deranged. Though I kind of agree being in outer space. Coz I'm exterrestrially unique. Also, if I'm a monkey, then so are you", he proudly stated.

Mikan choked on her soup and scoffed, "This jerk, you really are deranged. Handsome my ass!", and chuckled as she find him very hilarious.

Natsume didn't counter; he's amusing himself in seeing Mikan's rebellious reactions and incoherent rebuttals. Besides, they're both used in being silent every once in a while. Probably because of spending every night together, they managed to make themselves comfortable with each other. Of course, they now know each other well.

"By the way, you can stay here if you want. I'll drive you home early in the morning."

"I think no. Once my clothes are dried, I'll go home immediately."

"Yeah right, as if this rain is showing any signs of stopping."

"It will", Mikan assured him.

Natsume held the remote and switched the channel.

The two both gulped silently as the screen flashed an erotic scene in 'Breaking Dawn' where Bella was topped with a naked Edward, and were busy doing their 'love-making'.

Mikan pressed her lips tightly and lowered her head as she felt her cheeks turn beet red. They may be comfortable with each other, but things like this were never mentioned. She coughed once to show her discomfort, and Natsume immediately switched the channel.

They coughed together as HBO showed a scene in 'Friends with Benefits', where they did their first 'with-emotions' act.

"I-I-I kind of love animals. Let's see Animal Planet", Natsume shuddered and Mikan nodded her head hastily.

This time for sure, they'll watch TV comfortably.

To their dismay, the host narrated, "And that's how monkeys mate. The female usually…"

Mikan's mouth dropped, and Natsume couldn't move. Seeing the two monkeys 'mating' dropped a bomb between the two and both have one thing in mind:

Awkward.

Natsume could not bottle up his thoughts anymore, and the cold isn't helping him feel at ease. In fact it's even adding up to the lightning-like feeling inside his stomach. Mikan on the other hand feel absolutely the same with the addition of regretting calling Natsume a monkey, and sitting beside him in the couch with his body heat brushing against her skin.

The two chorused in unison:

"I need a drink", Natsume said.

"I n-need to sleep", Mikan stuttered.

And the two went on separate ways, Natsume on the kitchen, and Mikan finding her way back to his bedroom. His bedroom.

Damn! I should've slept in the couch! Stupid!

Mikan carefully slipped inside the duvet and found his bed utterly soft. She smelled the pillows, only to find Natsume's scent still intact. She smiled as she pressed her face deeper and inhaled the Calvin Klein perfume on the sheets.

Natsume slipped a fruit wine from the cupboard and stared at the city from the glass wall. He traced with his fingers a raindrop sliding down. He's pacified right now, but Mikan's image wearing his polo still lingers in his mind. He still remembers the toned creamy legs that urged his hands to touch and verify how smooth it was. He still remembers the tingly sensation inside him as he watched the polo going up her thigh, and makes him wanting the polo to go all the way upwards.

"Damn", he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

He was stirred in his thoughts as thunder clapped loudly and flashed a lightning bolt in the sky.

At once, Natsume thought of Mikan. He hurried towards his bedroom thinking how scared Mikan is after hearing the thunder.

He opened the door and was surprised to find Mikan lying comfortably on the bed as if not hearing anything.

Mikan rolled to her side and asked, "What is it Natsume?"

"I thought you're scared of thunder, so I came to see you. You seem to be fine, so I'll just go back to the kitchen."

"You thought I'm scared of thunder? Haha.." she chuckled.

"Yeah, I forgot how tough you are. I guess even ghosts can't scare you huh", he said as he exited from the room.

The word ghosts freaked Mikan out that she quickly leaped from the bed and ran towards Natsume who was now about to close the door.

She grabbed hold of his arm, as if her life depends on it.

Surprised, Natsume turned to look at Mikan and felt how she shivers in horror.

"What?"

"I'm.. I-I'm" she stuttered and mumbled "scared."

Natsume smirked in disbelief and entertainment, "So the great Mikan Sakura is scared of one thing after all", he teased.

Mikan pouted, still not letting go of his arm, "Stop teasing me…". If there is one thing Mikan is scared of, it's ghosts. She can face any frightening stuffs like snakes, worms, thunder, adrenaline gigs and the like, but not ghosts.

Natsume chuckled, "Alright, I'll keep you company until you calm down".

They sat on the bean bags facing the glass wall, staring as the rain showered the entire city. Natsume was right. It's not stopping.

"So, why exactly do you not want to be in a relationship?" Mikan asked.

Natsume glanced at her, surprised of Mikan's sudden question.

"Because… I'm unworthy."

Mikan's eyebrows furrowed and said "No you're not. If there is someone here being unworthy, that'd be me."

Natsume scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"I'm serious. You're close to perfect. I can't find anyone who has the same heart as yours. You're worthy to be loved, everyone is. And everyone is worthy and capable to love."

"I hope I believe you."

Mikan sighed. Why can't you see how great you are? Why can't you see that I like you?

Sure, Natsume is cocky, but that's only him covering up how he disliked himself. If he's really egotistical, then he wouldn't bother putting himself in a troublesome situation of picking Mikan and making sure she's safe. If he's self-centered, then he shouldn't have sleepless nights thinking of her safety.

Mikan wanted to dig deep inside him, to know how he became like this. After all those days spent with each other, she fell for him. Not because of his obvious good looks, but because of his soul. There's something utterly pure and divine she's feeling every time she thinks about it, and even after hearing Hotaru's continuous insinuations about playing with him, she just can't.

She wants him to feel good about himself, and not just sulk in the shadows of fear. She didn't know why, but deep inside her, she only wants nothing but his welfare.

She didn't know what's left to do to convince Natsume, thus she stood up and walked towards him. She leaned down, held both of his cheeks, and boldly kissed his forehead, then she went lower to his nose, and stared deeply in his ruby eyes.

Natsume was stunned by her move.

She slipped her hands away from him and stood upright, but before she could get away, Natsume held her hand, and the other pulled her by the waist. She felt herself being hauled quickly and was then strangled in Natsume's powerful grip.

Before she could think of anything, her system was shut down by his next move.

As if the world was in slow motion, he lowered his face closer, shutting his eyes as he pressed harder, into the soft pink lips in front of him. Mikan's eyes widened in shock, but were later closed as she met him.

He kissed her.

He let go of all his bottled thoughts and feelings and just focused on the blissful sensation the way their lips made contact. Her soft lips erased all his worries pent up from last week, and the way she tastes fogged his mind with want.

Natsume let go of her hand and settled for her waist. The way her curves taunt him urged him to deepen the kiss from just a peck to something more.

He kissed her harder.

Mikan's now free hand occupied itself. She snaked both her arms towards Natsume's neck which made her lips part and respond in full. She clung to him and tipped herself up, trying to be level with him, and to her surprise, it made her hold him even tighter.

They stopped as they gasped for air, their eyes now staring and arms still holding each other, their breathing rugged.

For a moment, they stared like that, but after a while Natsume loosened his grip and settled Mikan comfortably on her feet, still few inches from each other.

He breathed, "Go on a date with me".

Mikan chuckled.

"What?" Natsume asked.

"Nothing."

Natsume narrowed his eyes and Mikan added, "You know, I'm starting to have second thoughts about not wanting to spend the night here", knotting her fingers with his hair.

Natsume smirked, "I wonder why that is…"

"But. I have few conditions."

Natsume raised his brows, waiting for her to finish her statement.

"I'll make breakfast."

"It's settled then."

"Also, I'll take the bed", she proudly stated.

Natsume chuckled and pulled her closer, as if there was any more space.

Staring deeply into her eyes, he mischievously smirked and said,

"Half."

End of Chapter 10

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AN:

There you go, Chapter 10, big 1-0. :D

How was it? (I'm desperate XD)

I hope it's not moving so fast. If it does, you can always post on the Review box, and tell me what's on your mind ;) Millions of thanks for those who reviewed anyway, I appreciate it so much.

Laters!