Chapter 5
Cruel Retaliation
Natsume waited impatiently on his Ferrari. Mikan still hadn't changed; it still takes forever for her to dress herself. He just doesn't get it why women spend so much time and money on their looks when most of them look absolutely stunning without their clothes on.
He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel with irritation. He went home to his yacht and got dressed and it only took seven damn minutes. He is always wearing casual clothes whenever he is away from his mission. For him, casual means jeans and long sleeve shirts. To complete his ensemble, dark sunglasses covered his amazing eyes.
Finally, the front door of the mansion opened and Mikan came out. Natsume felt his mouth dropped, literally! Mikan is wearing a skin tight t-shirt and the tiniest denim shorts he had ever seen. Her long auburn hair is arrange into big pile of curls and is top off with a cowboy hat. Tall knee length cowboy boots encompasses her legs.
She looks... Natsume rankled his mind for the right word but he found himself absolutely dumbfounded. Gone was the Mikan who used to dress in childish and modest clothes. For the Mikan in front of him is definitely... provocative. As Mikan neared his door, he immediately composed himself.
Mikan rushed inside the car hurriedly and definitely out of breath. "I'm sorry I took so long. I decided to dress myself for the photo shoot so I could save time later."
Natsume cleared his throat awkwardly and nodded stiffly. He started driving and concentrated on the road, his forehead sweating a little.
"It's so hot isn't it? My skin feels like its burning. Summer days are so hard!" Mikan gushed at him.
Did she just smile at him? He thought dubiously. Yesterday, she was definitely furious with him! But her attitude today is beyond civil; she is just so... friendly. Come to think of it, suspiciously friendly. He remembered the livid and spiteful Mikan that faced him yesterday at the yacht.
Natsume cleared his throat and decided to bring up the matter. "Mikan, I know that a lot of stuff happened to us in the past and I know that I owe you an apology. I can understand if you are really angry with me. But if you just let me explain--"
"Natsume..." Mikan cut him off and place her hand on his thigh. "It doesn't matter anymore. I've been thinking about it and I think it's really foolish to harbour anymore of this resentful feelings towards you. Obviously, I moved on. And I can see that you moved on too."
"Mikan, it's not about moving on. There is still this unfinished business between us. Until now, there's this guilt inside of me because I damn know that you don't deserve the way I treated you seven years ago!"
"It's alright, Natsume. I have already forgiven you."
"You've already forgiven me?" Natsume repeated uncertainly.
"Yes, Natsume, I really do. I am willing to start over again. We were friends once, aren't we? I think we can be again"
"Are you sure? Because I think we still need to talk about a lot of things." Natsume is stunned. And definitely hurt and annoyed. How can she be so calm about this stuff? Is it possible for her to recover so quickly? It's as if she doesn't even care about what happened between them. The old Mikan would have rage on until she's satisfied that he is sincere with his apology.
"Let's not talk about it anymore. Let the past be part of the past. From now on, let's be friends Natsume! I'm sure our friends will also be happier. They would be ecstatic when they see you, especially the boys. I can just imagine Koko and Mochu's face."
Natsume is silent for a moment. He switched off the engine and faced her. He tried not to make his expression so grim. Good thing that he's been hiding his feelings for so long that he is able to do it so easily.
"We're here." He clipped shortly.
"Thanks for the ride, Natsume. Hey, do you have anything to do? Why don't you come and watch the photo shoot?"
Keiko at that moment was watching from the window of the studio. She is particularly excited about the Vogue shoot today. It's a group pictorial of all the top models in the country and it's really an extravagant shoot. They are going to shoot a series of theme photo shoots all over the country. Today's shoot is western theme and all of them are in cowboy outfits.
She is excited because Mikan Sakura is going to be with her in this shoot. She relished the thought because it is her chance to show them that she is definitely a better model than Mikan. She's prettier, sexier and definitely more talented. But why do people prefer Mikan than her? She probably wouldn't care about Mikan that much if she weren't Christopher's girlfriend. Christopher is the only light in her life, her first love! And she will never forgive Mikan for stealing him from her!
A Ferrari stopped at the front of building and she waited patiently for the passenger to come out. It's a very expensive car; a high-profile person probably owns it. Her bottle green eyes widened with surprise when Mikan came out followed by a very tall and attractive man. She wondered who that man is. A new boyfriend? She knows Mikan is not that intelligent but she would be so stupid if she let go of Christopher. He's the kindest man she had ever known.
She waited impatiently for their arrival, and finally the couple stepped out of the elevator. Wow, that person with her is really... something. He is definitely handsome in a rugged and devilish kind of way, and his body...it's really toned and sexy... Why is Mikan always surrounded with good looking men?
She walked towards them with a friendly smile prepared. Because in spite of her extreme loathing, Mikan seems to be very unaware of her feelings.
"Hi, Mikan! Are you excited about the shoot? Because I definitely am." Keiko greeted.
"It's okay. I really want to take a long vacation but no one has the right to say 'no' to Vogue right?"
Keiko nodded her response and looked expectantly towards her then Natsume.
"Oh, I'm sorry Keiko. This is my friend, Natsume Hyuuga. Natsume, this is Keiko Hamada. She is a friend and a model as well."
"Nice to meet you, Natsume. I'm Keiko." Keiko smiled flirtatiously at him and held out her hand.
"Nice to meet you too." Natsume shook her proffered hand.
"Are you going to watch the shoot? Because it will be really fun if you are going to be there." Keiko asked eagerly.
"Yes, Mikan invited me to watch."
"Great! I'll see you later then. I have to change and have my make up done. Ciao!" Keiko winked at him then left.
Natsume watched as Keiko strutted away in her stilettos. She is exquisitely beautiful. Somehow, he is not attracted at all even with her daring and bold flirtations. He met and slept with a lot of women like her. Yes, the attraction is there, but at the end of the day, it left him cold. They mean nothing to him.
He stole a glance at Mikan and saw that she was frowning and watching him curiously. "What?" He asked.
"Nothing." She mumbled and averted her gaze.
"Yes, Mikan that's it! That's perfect!" The photographer, a successful Spanish photographer named Miguel, praised Mikan proudly. Now he understands why she is so widely popular. There's something about her, he can't quite put a finger on it, but it makes her photographs breath taking. The models are taking individual shots and for today, Mikan is the last one to shoot. So far, she's definitely the best.
The studio was transform into a country barn and it looked amazing. Wooden fences, a stack of hay nearby and wild shrubs covered the ground. A beautiful white stallion is at the centre, neighing softly at Mikan. Mikan gently patted its head, a serene smile one her face. The stallion purred its pleasure and started licking her face. Mikan laughed happily, her wonderful laugh being carried all over the studio.
Miguel snapped more shots, his camera clicking energetically. He wants to catch every moment. Never in his life did he encounter a model who poses so naturally and with so much grace.
Natsume can barely contain his admiration, his crimson eyes glittering with pride and appreciation. Mikan is incredibly amazing! Seeing her in actual action is something to behold. She's really good at modelling and no wonder she's so successful.
Keiko, who is beside Natsume, can barely contain her fury. Stupid Spanish Photographer. She clenched her fist angrily, oblivious to the pain of her long nails biting into her own skin. He also told she was really good, but he didn't showered her with as many compliments like he did to Mikan. Moreover, why is that stupid horse much kinder to Mikan? Keiko consoled herself that it is the only reason why Mikan's photos were much better.
Keiko glances at Natsume and saw his eyes glittering with admiration. Her face turns into an ugly sneer. It pisses her even more!
Miguel finally took down his camera and clapped his hands. "Okay, people, that's a wrap for today. Thanks, Mikan! You were sensational!"
"Thanks, Miguel! I enjoyed working with you as well." Mikan beamed at him. They began walking towards Keiko and Natsume.
"Congratulations, Mikan. You were truly amazing. " Natsume said, a small smile on his lips.
"Yes, the camera loves her. I never met anyone who is so natural in front of it. You, Natsume, is a very luck man to have Mikan as your girlfriend. " Miguel gushed with his thick Spanish accent.
Keiko and Mikan gaped at Miguel, while Natsume's expression barely changes at all.
"Err... Miguel, Natsume is not my boyfriend. He's just my friend." Mikan explained.
"Not your boyfriend? Now I'm really embarrassed. It's just that both of you look like a couple. I thought he is here to watch over you or something. I'm really sorry!"
"It's okay, Miguel! It's nothing but an honest mistake." Mikan assured the discomfited Miguel.
"You're really silly, Miguel! Mikan's boyfriend is Christopher Fujioka. Surely, you heard of him?" Keiko emphasized and put a stress on Christopher's name.
"Really? Christopher Fujioka? Of course, I met him before. I'm sorry but I am not really aware of the news. I hate gossip that's why I don't read magazines and tabloids." Miguel explained.
Keiko rolled her eyes. He is in fashion but he doesn't read magazines? Really, Spanish photographers are so weird.
"Anyway, I'm sorry, but Natsume and I have to go. We have another appointment at our friend's house." Mikan said.
"Goodbye then, see you on the next shoot!" Miguel waved.
"Natsume, come watch us again next time! I would love to see you again." Keiko winked at him.
Natsume marvelled at the kindness of his friends. He is truly lucky to have them. He's been gone for almost a decade and yet it feels like nothing's change. They warmly welcome him again with open arms.
They were a little uncertain but after finding out that everything is all right between Mikan and him, they sighed with relief. His other two close friends, Koko and Mochu greeted him by patting his back and with a grin on their faces. Just like the good old days. Iinchou shook his hand eagerly and asked about his whereabouts these past few years. Anna and Nonoko welcome him with huge hugs and teary eyes, while Sumire scolded him for not making contact all these years.
The group is having dinner at Sumire and Mochu's Townhouse. All of them are seated at the huge glass table made special with food cooked especially by Anna.
"This is an amazing day, for I never thought that we will ever see Natsume again. So I would like to propose a toast, welcome home Natsume!" Ruka declared while raising his glass of wine. The whole group cheered and raised their glasses then drank their wine. Hotaru, who unfortunately is drinking water because she's pregnant, rolled her eyes irritably.
"Tomorrow, let's call Narumi sensei so he can join us. Let's have a party. He will definitely be thrilled!" Sumire suggested eagerly.
"That's a great idea! Let's also invite Jinno and Serina sensei." Nonoko added.
"I think Tsubasa and Misaki should come too." Mikan suggested.
The girls began chattering simultaneously and planning the party. Ruka intervened and hushed them. "Aren't you guys forgetting something?"
"Did we forget to invite someone?" Anna asked worriedly.
"You should ask Natsume first whether he wants to have a party. After all, this party is for him, right?"
"Of course, he will agree! Why wouldn't he?" Sumire asked in exasperation.
They all turned their heads towards Natsume's direction. Natsume lay down his glass slowly on the table, and looked at their expectant faces. "Actually, I don't think it's a good idea. I'm still working for the US government. I should really remain low profile as much as possible."
Sumire stood up in indignation. "Non-sense! After all, we are only going to invite our close friends at the Academy. It will be an intimate gathering."
Iinchou nodded in agreement. "I'm sure the rest of our friends would like to know what happened to you, Natsume. And besides, it's been a long time since we had a reunion. This will be a great opportunity to do so. Right, Mikan?"
All heads turned towards Mikan's direction. Mikan, who happens to be drinking her wine, suddenly choked painfully. Hotaru, rolled her eyes again and patted Mikan's back helpfully.
After recovering, Mikan straightened out her back uneasily. "I think it's a good idea. I would love to see the others again, especially Narumi sensei and Tsubasa senpai. But of course, we have to respect Natsume's decision."
Everybody went silent after Mikan's comment.
Natsume gaze at Mikan instantly, his eyes unreadable.
"I change my mind. Let's have a party then." Natsume announce suddenly.
The reactions that followed were instantaneous. Iinchou smiled in satisfaction. Ruka sighed in relief. Anna, Nonoko and Sumire cheered happily.
Meanwhile, Hotaru's hand tightened on her drinking glass, her lavender eyes glinting with disapproval. She doesn't like the way Natsume is looking at Mikan.
After dinner, the group hang out at the cabana near the infinity pool position at the back of the townhouse. Coffee and dessert is being served while they continue to chat and reminisce about their past. Mikan's cell phone rang and she excused herself. She decided to take the call at the guest bedroom overlooking the pool at the second floor.
"Mikan, it's Christopher. How are you, darling?" Christopher's warm voice asked her.
"I'm fine. We are still at Sumire's place. Are you back at the mansion?"
"No, I'm at the airport. I'm about to board the plane. I'm sorry, darling but I really have to go to America. I don't know when I will be back."
"You're leaving? Why is it so sudden?" Mikan asked in a shocked voice.
"An urgent and important photo shoot. It's an amazing offer, it's going to boost my career. I'm afraid it's going to take a few months. I'm really sorry, darling."
"I understand. But try to make it home sooner, okay? Promise you'll call me as much as possible?"
"Of course, darling. Cheer up! I have to go; I'm going to board the plane. Bye, don't forget that I love you."
"I know... take care, darling." Mikan ended the call.
She walked towards the window stared unemotionally below. She can view her friends and they are still conversing at the cabana. She gripped her cell phone tighter to her chest, trying to assuage the hurt that she is feeling inside.
"Natsume..."
Her mind screamed his name over and over again.
Did you really think it would be that easy?
Do you really think I can ever forgive you?
Because I will die before that ever happens.
I promise that before this lifetime ends, I will make you suffer the way that I did seven years ago...
To be filled with unbearable pain that it makes you crazy...
That it hurts so much that you would prefer...
Mikan smiled coldly, her eyes glinting with manic glow.
To die...
Yes, the infamous and untouchable Natsume Hyuuga would fall right into my arms.
"Because you... Natsume...
Mikan tilted her head to the side and stared grimly at Natsume's profile from below, who is unaware of Mikan's attention.
would fall in love with me again..." Mikan whispered with sweet relish.
Suddenly, the door swung open. Mikan turned around in surprise.
A pale and uneasy Koko stepped inside the room.
Mikan's face turned ashen.
Because obviously... Kokoroyomi heard her thoughts...
Wheewww, sorry guys to leave you in such a cliffhanger. This is a long chapter because I want to show my gratitude to you guys, for being so supportive to my fan fict. 98 reviews for 4 chapters! Thanks you so much guys. Your comments inspire me to write and update whenever I can. I'm just so happy that my work is being appreciated.
To the following splendid people who leaves such creative and moving comments:
Fujiwara Yuri-- thanks nova-chan! I really strive hard to make every chapter exciting...
mitsu hoshiko-- Mikan right now is really determine to take revenge on Natsume. Who knows, this story might turn out as the sweetest revenge? Or, the biggest tragedy? I'm still in conflict whether it's going to be a happy ending or not. But so far, there's a bigger chance that it is going to be happy.
bitteRswEetcHocolatelover-- Thanks for the review and the master part... (-o-)
niceladysakura-- a lot of people are commenting about how sad they are that Mikan cannot get pregnant... all I can say is... we'll see... I'm not giving out any spoilers... haha... yes, I have a friendster, but don't you find it weird that we will be able to know how each other looks like? I like the mystery between the readers and the writers. But if you still want to invite me, it's fine by me.
pyroAssasin14--- good thing you logged in! I hope you like what is happening so far...
KMAC 08-- thanks for the compliments! MxN forever!
kuroneko1815-- keiko and Christopher? Hmmmmm... not bad... thanks for the suggestion... this story will definitely change if the baby was alive... too bad for Mikan...
k0nek0-- I hope your question is answered... because Mikan is definitely not letting go of the past... far from it...
aliceacademy8-- I really like my version of Hotaru too... thanks! I really made Christopher to be such a nice a guy, because Mikan deserves a nice guy...
shana.rose.-- please don't kick my ...
RavenHimeSama-- I hope it's worth the wait...
AzurEaquA-- actually, I've been thinking about it too... what will happen if Natsume find out?? (author sweats) it's going to be such a hard chapter to write...
Rachelandthecupcakecrusades-- yes they're engage... but not yet married... there's still chance for our Natsume...
Misaki-chan--- Thanks a lot for thinking my fan fict is touching... oops... what do you think of Mikan's plan? Stupid?
aTinG-- thanks! Please continue to comment on my story...
z-line-- thanks you for reviewing... please continue to do so in the upcoming chapters... for you, I'll add more MxN moments...
shireentay-- arigatou!! Don't worry, I'll read your fan fict too...