Chapter 6
Cat and Mouse
Mikan's lips parted in mortification, her heart and mind racing. She took a single step towards Kokoroyomi, searching for the right words to explain herself. She swallowed painfully, then decided to break the unbearable silence between them.
"Have you heard everything?"
Kokoroyomi nodded his head agonizingly, his eyes unusually sombre. He was deeply discomfited about the things he just learned. Why the hell does he have to hear Mikan's thoughts? He was actually just passing by the room and suddenly, Mikan's venomous words start popping out in to his brain. He was absolutely shock to stillness. Because he never thought, that Mikan would be capable of such hateful and cruel thoughts.
Mikan took Koko's hand nervously. "Koko, I'm begging you, please don't mention this to anybody, especially to Natsume."
"Mikan, do you even realize the extent of what you are planning? Your plan is crazy! It would never work. You will only hurt yourself in the end."
"You don't understand! I have to do this for myself."
Koko dropped Mikan's hands and shook her shoulders wildly instead. "What's the use, for revenge? You will never succeed, Mikan. You are not that type of person. Don't be so vindictive. Can your conscience take it if you proceed with this? Because the Mikan I used to know would never even think about doing this."
"Don't you dare judge me, Koko! Because you don't know exactly how I feel! You don't know how much hurt I've been through because of him." Mikan snapped at him.
"I know, Mikan, because I was there too. I know it must have hurt a lot, but this is not the solution." Koko pleaded seriously.
"You will never how much it hurts! You cannot even imagine the amount of pain that I have to endure when he left me. I've love him and all he did was used me and then throw me away. He ruined my life!"
"Mikan, I may not know all the facts between the two of you, but there's at least one thing that I'm confident of. And that is Natsume did love you."
Mikan's eyes darken with fury. "Well he has a funny way of showing it! He never cared an inch about me! Where was he while I'm lying sick at the hospital? Where was he when I lose our baby? Where was he when I found out that I would never ever become a mother? Where was he when I committed suicide because of depression? Tell me, Koko, where was he?" Mikan sobbed as she pummelled Koko's chest heatedly. Before she can stop it, tears rolled down her cheeks helplessly.
"Mikan..." Koko sighed weakly as he cradled her in to his arms. He really thought that she move on. Who knew that all this antagonism is still buried deep inside of her? One would have thought that time may have help to heal the wounds. Now he knows that in reality, there are wounds that can never be cured, even by time.
What are you going to do, Kokoroyomi? He asked himself wildly. It would be wrong to allow Mikan to continue with her plan. She is really foolish to think that she can toy with Natsume as easily as that. Granted Mikan did change a lot, she is more mature and independent. She is also now more confident and self-assured. She stopped being impulsive with her actions and learn to control her emotions. Nevertheless,... is it enough to go against Natsume Hyuuga? Natsume is indeed on of his best friends but he still considered him as one of the coldest and most forbidding persons he had ever met. He is a skilled fighter, a gifted tactician. He is beyond brilliant and he would never dream of going against Natsume Hyuuga!
If he were to listen to his mind, the most logical thing to do is to advise Mikan to discontinue her plan. She should forget about the past and stay away from Natsume. Yet... something in his gut is telling him that maybe this is best direction for her. They all fostered Mikan with love all throughout this years, and yet it never worked, their love for her is not enough to help her. Moreover, he doubts they can help her now. She is so locked up in her own world and convinced herself that revenge is the only way for her to be happy.
Then there's Natsume. How will he react to Mikan's plan? Will he really fall in love with Mikan Sakura again? He saw the way Natsume was watching Mikan during dinner. It's still the same expression he has seven years ago... the kind of look he only reserved for Mikan.
All of a sudden, Kokoroyomi knows what he has to do. God knows why he was chosen of all people to decide on such a matter, because honestly, he is not exactly a good adviser. He is known as the joker of the group, the clever jester. But he has no choice, he was given the opportunity and he has to decide the future of his two close friends. And he honestly knows in his heart what he wants to happen.
Maybe it's not yet too late.
Maybe there's actually a chance.
If he were to choose two people in this world who deserve happiness, it would be Natsume and Mikan, without a doubt.
Koko gently prise Mikan in front of him and stared deep into her eyes.
"Mikan... I promise not to tell anybody. If this would make you happy, then be it. Just promise me... listen closely to your heart. Don't be afraid to love again just because you've been badly hurt before. Don't think that it's better to be alone and lonely than being hurt by love again. Because someday, I promise you, when you're ready, all of your hurt will eventually fade away and then you will be ready to love again. And don't be foolish enough to turn your back from it. Grab that chance, because we all deserve love and second chances..."
Koko kissed her forehead and then left.
Mikan stared at Koko's retreating figure, his final words echoing into her mind. She was stunned and confused with Koko's actions. Does it mean that he wants her to continue with her plan? And what does he mean about her loving again? That would be impossible because she swore never to fall in love again.
Never, ever, ever... again.
The welcome party for Natsume took place at a private restaurant three days later. The restaurant is own by Anna and is famous for its excellent cuisine and stunning Japanese interior and ambiance. The small party escalated to a bigger one when news of Natsume's return made their friends from all over the country to visit him. Most of the guests consist of Alice Academy students and faculty.
A throng of people is at the buffet table while a handful of couples were dancing at the made shift stage at the center. Some were joined in circles and chatting about their high school experiences.
"Natsume, this is my little daughter, Miyuki. She is seven years old. What can you say? She definitely got her good looks from me, right?" Tsubasa grinned as he held up a young girl who looks exactly like a young Misaki.
Natsume grinned. "Don't kid yourself, Andou. She looks exactly like your wife!"
"Your right, who am I kidding? Miyuki should have at least inherited something from me!" Tsubasa complained.
Misaki's eyes widened. "Oh, please. I consider our daughter so lucky not to acquire any of your genes!"
Narumi laughed out loud and patted Misaki's shoulder. "Enough. Please don't start another fight both of you."
"We can't help but fight since my darling husband always started it." Misaki pointed out haughtily.
Tsubasa smirked at his wife. "But you love your darling husband so much, don't you?"
Misaki opened her mouth to reply but luckily, her daughter interrupted her, asking to go to the bathroom. She took Miyuki and strolled away from the group.
Natsume turned towards Tsubasa and mocked him. "Really, senpai, almost a decade has passed and nothing's actually change between the two of you."
"Speak for yourself, Hyuuga. At least I actually made a progress by having a wife and darling daughter. How about you? You spend your time sailing around the world in your fancy yacht and string of beautiful women. Just because you're halfway around the world doesn't mean I never heard of your escapades." Tsubasa reproved softly.
Natsume's brow rose questioningly. "Should I be flattered with your interest in my life, senpai?"
"I'm just curious on how you were doing. I have some connections with the US government too." Tsubasa replied smugly.
"Kidding aside, Natsume, did you ever have a serious relationship since Mikan?" Narumi asked, his amethyst eyes very much intrigue.
"I'm not a monk, sensei. I can definitely assure you that I did not practice celibacy." Natsume answered wryly.
Tsubasa protested immediately. "I can understand that a single man has... err ... sexual needs, but were talking about actual relationships here. What is your longest relationship with a woman, Hyuuga?"
Natsume merely shrugged his shoulder, clearly not interested with the topic. He certainly became involve with a lot of women but none of them ever lasted except for a few months. All of his relationships were base on mutual gratification. He never wanted to risk on serious relationship ever again. It will only complicate his life, for he can never give himself completely to any woman. He was born with a mission, always different from others. The path he has to take is always tougher than the others. If there's one thing he learned these past few years, it is better to be alone than to risk hurting somebody, like he did to Mikan.
"Natsume, don't you have plans to settle down? Look at your best friend Ruka for example. He is happily married and soon to be the father of two beautiful kids. Don't you want that?" Narumi implored softly.
Natsume's eyes became dark and unreadable. "Oh come on, sensei, I was never really the family type. I'm already contented as long as my father and Aoi are safe."
"I beg to disagree, but you dreamed of having a family once... with her." Tsubasa reminded him while he motioned his head towards where Mikan and Hotaru are standing.
"People changed." Natsume countered without emotion.
Narumi's eyes saddened noticeably. Yes, people do change, sometimes so severely that there's not even a glimmer of their old self anymore. Like Mikan... He once thought that Mikan and Natsume were perfect for each other. They used to compliment each other because both of them have what the other half is missing. In a sense, they completed each other. But now... it's so ironic because they now resemble each other. Both cold and so... distant.
Tsubasa sighed dramatically. "It's probably impossible anyway. Mikan is practically engage to Christopher Fujioka."
Natsume's eyes hardened visibly.
Tsubasa, who is observing Natsume's reaction, caught his sudden change in expression.
Interesting, he thought to himself. So Hyuuga actually still cares about her... though he is rigorously trying to hide his true emotions.
Suddenly, an idea popped into his mind. "Natsume, why don't you dance with Mikan? You know, for old time's sake." Tsubasa suggested, his expression innocent.
"What?" Natsume asked in disbelief.
"It's just a suggestion. Nothing could possibly go wrong. Since you both obviously move on, and are now friends again. Why not? Your not scared, are you, Hyuuga?" Tsubasa teased mercilessly.
The look Natsume gave Tsubasa is so intense that if looks could actually kill, Tsubasa would be dead.
"Why not? Thanks for the suggestion, Tsubasa." Natsume smiled grimly at him then headed towards where Mikan is position.
Narumi stared at Natsume's departing figure, his eyes doubtful. "I don't think that was such a good idea, Tsubasa."
Tsubasa glanced at Narumi, his expression suddenly serious.
"Trust me, sensei. I know what I'm doing. "
"Your stomach is so big, Hotaru that it looks like you would pop any minute from now!" Mikan grinned at her friend.
"Thanks." Hotaru replied dryly.
Mikan clapped her hands in delight. "I can't wait to see your new baby. I bet its going to be a boy who has Ruka's good looks. What do you think?"
Ruka beamed at her. "I actually want a boy too, but I'm fine if it's another girl. I'm happy just as long that the baby is healthy and fine."
"But you've got to have a boy in your family for he will protect his sisters. Not to mention he is the one who is going to continue the Nogi family name. So what are you going to do if it's another baby girl? Are you going to have another baby?" Mikan asked eagerly.
"Err... I'm not sure... It really depends with Hotaru." A flustered and red face Ruka replied.
"We don't really plan this kind of thing, Mikan. Actually, this pregnancy is a surprise. We wanted to wait for a few more years when Nana is a little older." Hotaru replied emotionlessly.
Mikan nodded her head, her expression deep in thought. "You guys can afford to have a lot of babies anyway, since both of you are successful in your own field."
Ruka smiled kindly at her. "We'll see. No matter how many children we have, Mikan, we will always assign you as their godparent."
"Thank you. That is really an honour." Mikan responded softly.
Ruka patted Mikan's slim shoulders fondly. "We trust you the most, Mikan."
Mikan rewarded him with such a stunning smile that both Ruka and Hotaru were awed with what they seen. Because her smile is so poignantly like the way she used to smile... so genuine and carefree.
"Hyuuga is heading this way." Hotaru warned suddenly, her voice tight and filled with tension.
Ruka and Mikan turned towards the newcomer, surprise evident in their faces.
Ruka greeted him first. "Are you enjoying your party, Natsume?"
Natsume dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Surprisingly, yes. I just had a nice chit chat with Narumi and Tsubasa over there."
Ruka grinned. "Seeing them again does bring back a lot of unwanted memories, doesn't it?"
"Something like that." Natsume replied sardonically.
"Somehow, I hope those memories are good, Natsume." Mikan said softly, her eyes glinting with unsuppressed humour.
Natsume's lips twitched on their own accord. "Some of them."
Hotaru interrupted their tête-à-tête. "Why are you here, Hyuuga?" She demanded brusquely.
"Hotaru..." Ruka chastised his wife, a warning in his voice.
"Actually, I am here to follow Tsubasa's orders, to dance with Mikan. You don't mind, do you, Imai?" Natsume asked her mockingly.
"What if I do?" Hotaru challenged him.
"It doesn't matter because your opinion is invaluable. It's still Mikan's decision." Natsume pointed out.
"Hyuuga--" Hotaru started angrily but Mikan's calm voice halted her.
"Enough, I can decide for my own, stop being so protective of me, Hotaru. It's just a dance. Let's go, Natsume." Mikan left straight away towards the dance floor escorted by Natsume. Hotaru watched the departing couple with deeply troubled eyes.
"Hotaru... You've got to stop this." Ruka admonished her gently.
"I'm only doing what I think is the best for her!"
"I genuinely doubt Natsume would hurt her in any way."
"Perhaps... I'm not worried about Mikan. Perhaps it's Hyuuga's safety I'm worried about." Hotaru revealed oddly, her voice almost a whisper.
"What?" Ruka asked, taken aback with his wife's puzzling words.
"Don't you get it, Ruka? Look at them!" Hotaru motioned her hands towards the dancing couple, swaying gently with the romantic music.
Ruka obeyed, and saw nothing to be suspicious about. Natsume's hands are on Mikan's slim waist, their bodies close to each other. Mikan laughed at something Natsume said, and then leaned closer towards him to whisper something in his ear.
"I can see nothing to worry about, Hotaru." Ruka announced, his voice perplexed. Maybe it's because of her pregnancy, that's why she is acting all weird. Ruka reasoned out to himself.
"What their doing... is playing cat and mouse." Hotaru finally revealed with a sighed.
Ruka's brow creased in confusion. Now he is even more flummoxed. What could Hotaru possibly mean? What she said is totally ridiculous!
Because it's just Mikan and Natsume!
Who could possibly be the cat?
And who could possibly be the mouse to be trapped?
Hi guys! I am especially proud of this chapter because lately, my creative juices are flowing non-stop. Don't you guys just adore Koko and Tsubasa in this chapter? I know some of you might think that it would be better if Koko told Natsume, but really, even if Natsume finds out at this point, it would be fruitless because Mikan still despises him so much! No chance that he can persuade Mikan to get back together. They have to undergo a journey, to rediscover their love and passion for one another. So be patient, my dear readers... Some of you were really surprise about Mikan's character, but try to put your self in her position. Like Natsume said in this chapter, people changed. And don't you guys just appreciate the change? Most of the stories, Natsume is always the wicked one, hurting our poor Mikan.
I would like to thank those who continuously give creative comments. I really love it when you guys give such honest opinions and really give your reactions towards the story! It's really helpful because it gives me a head-ups whether my story is going in the right direction! Now I know, some of you maybe in a hurry or just forgot to leave comments, but it really disturbs me when I lose readers. Your comments are really precious to me. So please, I'm begging you, log in and leave a comment! (author sobs).
mitsu hoshiko-- I'm glad that you understand how Mikan feels.
aliceacademy8-- if ever Mikan and Natsume did end up together, I'll make sure that Christopher has his own happily ever after too, I'll do it for you aliceacademy8. So don't be confuse anymore.
KMAC 08-- though Mikan really has changed., I tried to insert glimpses of the old Mikan in this story to show you guys that she's actually still there... Just waiting to come out...
Fujiwara Yuri-- I like the evil Mikan too. I hate it when some authors made her such a stupid person. They are definitely going to rediscover their love for one another in this story.
k0nek0-- Do you like this chapter, nova-chan? I really really hope so...
Ashe16-- awwww... thanks for reviewing! How do you like the story so far?
dominiqueanne-- Natsume will find out the baby? It may still take a while.
angelakawaii--- yep, Natsume is smart enough but maybe our Mikan has grown smart enough to equal him... hmmmm... like I said in the previous chapter, we'll see if Mikan can still have a baby... I'm not giving out any spoilers...
Sakiru Yume--- I know my version of Mikan is unconventional, but try to understand what she's been through.
Rachelandthecupcakecrusades-- I love Koko too! Don't worry, he is safe from Mikan.
Cutenatsumexmikan-- violent? Nah, Mikan won't do any physical harm to Natsume. Yup, a lot could happen while Christopher is away! Good luck to our Natsume!
jazzflame-- Mikan was so preoccupied with her thoughts that's why she didn't use her alice. In this story, I don't really mention their respective Alices that much, because this is about more about their actual relationships... I want them to become as normal as possible...
Michiru-Ichigo--- nope, Koko is not going to tell Natsume.
shana.rose.-- you don't like what's happening in the story? :(
My Hopeless Romantic-- Don't worry to much about Natsume's welfare. We all know how tough he is. And thanks so much for the compliments, Anna! Glad that you appreciate it.
ichigo kimmie--awwww... your words are so sweet that it brought tears to my eyes... I'm not kidding...