Chapter 7
Sparks Flying
Natsume took hold of Mikan's slim waist, trying to make his touch as impersonal as possible. Her hands sneaked on to his neck, making him even more aware of her warmth and presence. He caught a whiff of her perfume... making his head heady because of its sensual and intoxicating smell. A memory of the last dance they shared together crept in to his mind...
flashbacks
"Natsume... your holding me too tight..." Mikan protested as she shivered with awareness, her thighs and chest in perfect fit against his.
Natsume raised one perfectly shape eyebrow, his eyes mocking. "Are you complaining? We've been much closer than this, yet you never used to object."
"We were in private then, not in public!" Mikan hissed at him. She looked around and caught some of the crowd watching them with amusement.
Natsume gave an impatient sighed as he obediently distanced himself away from her. "You're my girlfriend."
"Yes I am, but still, you know I never favoured public display of affection. I rather show my love to you somewhere more private... and intimate." Mikan's voice became husky and her beautiful large eyes take on a teasing glint.
"You witch..." Natsume's lips curled slightly into a smile because of his girlfriend's unlikely provocative attitude.
Mikan laid her head on to his chest and closed her eyes. The expression on her expression shows so much contentment and bliss.
"Natsume..."
"Hmmm..." Natsume silently queried.
"Thank you... for making me so happy." Mikan whispered.
Natsume kissed her temple tenderly, and then admonished her softly.
"Idiot..." Why does Mikan have to say it repetitively? It is so obvious that she makes him happy as well...
Everyday... she never fails to tell him how much she loves him...
She will cup her chin on her hand, her beautiful eyes brimming with love and devotion, waiting for his reply...
Always... unwearyingly waiting for him to voice out his feelings...
And every time... no loving words will be uttered out of his lips...
Instead... he will always mocked her in return...
He tried to tell her...
God knows he tried...
But somehow...
He never gets around to telling her how much he loves her...
It's just that...
No words would be available enough to express how much he loves her...
No words can describe how beautiful she is to him...
No words... he dares not believe that such words can actually exist...
For even he himself, a considered genius by a lot of people, cannot even fathom how deep and profound his feelings are for her...
When it comes to her... his mind just goes blank...
Yes, ridiculously blank.
He tried to compensate...
He tried showing it through his actions... especially when they are making love, how he lovingly worshipped her body and telling her that no other woman would be able to fit him so perfectly like she did...
But he knows... it's not enough...
A part of Mikan would always yearn for him to say those three important words...
A confirmation of their relationship...
An indication that their love for each does exist...
That their love is really mutual...
And a part of him will always hate himself for denying her such a pleasure...
end of flashbacks
Mikan's voice brought Natsume back to reality... Damn, why does his mind have to wonder? Why the hell does he have to remember it now, for pity's sake.
"I'm really sorry, Natsume, for Hotaru's behaviour. You know her, she still hasn't change. She's still very protective of me."
"It's okay. I understand." He clipped shortly.
Somehow, the soothing sound of ballad has the reverse effect on the couple dancing. If one would look closely, both of them are far from being relaxed.
Mikan exhaled noisily, obviously because of nervousness. "I'm sorry... because you were force to dance with me..."
Natsume bent his head to look down on her; unreadable crimson eyes met her own dark gaze.
"I wouldn't have dance with you if I haven't wanted it myself."
"Oh..." Mikan's soft reply as a blush sneaks prettily in to her cheeks.
Natsume's hand tightened on her waist as he brought their bodies closer. He can feel Mikan's pulse speed up against his neck. He positioned his jaw against her temple, his body responding to the familiar warmth of her body. It's been a long time since he felt this kind of sensation with a woman.
"Are you going to stay here for a while, Natsume?"
"Nothing's certain." He replied enigmatically.
Mikan's hand brought his head gently closer to hers, and whispered something in his ear. "I know you still have your missions, Natsume. But always bear in mind that we will always be here for you, whenever you return. You don't have to do everything on your own."
"My job is very dangerous, Mikan. It is best that I deal with it myself."
"I understand... you've always been so fiercely independent. But just promise me one thing, stop shutting us out from you life. We care too much about you."
Natsume became silent for a moment, her words sinking in... They already stopped dancing; both of their eyes locked into a battle of wills, in the middle of the dance floor. After what seems like forever, Natsume finally spoke.
"I promise..."
Mikan smiled, something flashed in her eyes, satisfaction and... Contempt? Natsume is not sure; because it was instantly gone before he has a chance to decipher it. Maybe it's just his imagination.
Before Mikan sauntered away from him, she gave him one last parting shot.
"And don't you dare runaway from us again, Natsume... Because this time, I will definitely track you down..."
The party finished around midnight, and it left Natsume brooding as he paused in front of his Ferrari , his keys on his hand. Almost all of them were on their way home, except for a handful of people who opted to stay around for a little longer to have coffee. He refused, because suddenly, he was not in the mood to socialize anymore. He just received a phone call... from his superiors. He needs to get back to his mission. Loud footsteps alerted him that he is no longer alone.
"Hyuuga..." An undeniably familiar voice pierces in to his consciousness.
He turned and faced the owner of the voice. "Now why am I not surprise that you will approach me, Imai? I can only say that I would have expected you much sooner."
"I was waiting for the right moment."
"No one is around, only the two of us. What do you want?" Natsume asked her bluntly.
Hotaru took a step closer towards him. "Stay away from her..." She told him, her tone equally honest.
"Why?"
"Mikan has changed."
"So? I don't see that as a hindrance for us to become friends again."
"You were gone for a very long time Hyuuga... so long, that your memories of her may have become..." Hotaru shortly stopped. "Overrated"
"Overrated? What the hell does that mean? You can't read minds, Imai, and I doubt you can ever predict mine."
"Your right... I may not know yours, but I know hers. And believe me Hyuuga... Don't bother her anymore..." Hotaru told him seriously.
A pulse beating erratically at Natsume's jaw betrayed his outward show of calm demeanour.
"Is this because of Christopher Fujioka?" He asked madly.
"No... But since you brought him up, let's talk about him. He really cares for Mikan. I think he will be far better for her."
"I care for Mikan too..." He replied heatedly.
"I know... you did love her, and she loved you as well... but you see... at least Christopher never made her cry..." Hotaru pointed out quietly.
Something stirred inside of Natsume, a twinge of pain that made him breathless for a second. His mind wanted to deny her words... but he knows... what she said is undoubtedly the truth.
"Maybe you're right. Might as well that I'm leaving, Imai. My superiors just called. I have to resume my mission."
"I wish the circumstances can change... But too much has happened... I'm really sorry... Natsume." Hotaru's voice is full of pity and regret.
"Goodbye, Imai." Natsume started his car and then left.
It's been a month since Mikan saw Natsume. One whole month has passed since his welcome party. He called once, to Ruka. He told him that it may still take a while before he returns to Japan. He's very busy with his mission. God knows where exactly in the world he is right now. It irked her that he didn't even bother to call her, or asked about her. Which for her... means unerringly one thing... he's avoiding her. Damn him, how can she start her revenge if he is nowhere to be found?
The whole cast for the Vogue shoot just landed in Thailand. They are schedule to do a series of photo shoot at the scenic beaches of Phuket. Hotaru wanted to come with her, but thankfully, Ruka forbade her. She was due any minute from now, and Ruka refuses their baby to be born in Thailand.
Christopher hasn't return to Japan yet, he is still extremely busy in America. He is very passionate when it comes to his work. He is still excited about the unexpected opportunity that came his way. Sadly, though, it will still take a couple of months before he can return.
Mikan removed her white designer shades, her eyes scrutinizing the grand reception room of the five star Hotel where they are staying. Initially she doesn't want to go, but maybe this short holiday will do her good after all.
Some of the guests at the lobby gave her an appreciative look, for she was quite a remarkable sight. She is wearing a short white jumper, its thin straps leaving her creamy shoulders bare... Its tight bodice at the front has a row of gold buttons, the top low enough to give a tantalising hint of cleavage. The bottom part, skimpy white shorts that skimmed her hips flatteringly, leaving her long smooth legs exposed.
Zi Shu, an old friend and a Taiwanese model who will be working with them in this shoot, reprimanded her lightly. "My dear Mikan, you are causing quite a commotion with that little outfit of yours."
Mikan merely smiled mischievously at him. "What? You're causing quite a stir too, with that boyishly good look of yours." What she said is true, because she spotted girls swooning ever since they left the airport.
"Too bad, because I only have my eyes for you." Zi Shu teased her. He actually tried to court her two years ago, but he gave up when it became painfully obvious that she can never return his feelings. He already moved on and he is now engage to be married with his childhood sweetheart.
"You still haven't change, you playboy. Careful or I will tell your fiancée. " Mikan threatened him half-heartedly.
Zi Shu chuckled and tousled her hair affectionately. "Brat. Come on, let's go and check our rooms."
An hour later, Mikan is fully submerged under the bubbles on the huge marble tub on her room. She sighed with satisfaction as she lathered herself with the fragrant soapy water. This is the way her life should be, she thought. It's all about enjoying life's simple pleasures. After half an hour, she reluctantly rose up the bath for she has to get ready for dinner. Zi Shu, Keiko and the other models decided to dine in at the Hotel's famous restaurant. They all agreed to try Thai cuisine and hang out at the bar later on.
She opened her suitcase and took out her frock for the evening. It's a beautiful inky purple satin gown with a deep v neckline that moulded the curves of her body to perfection which skimmed gracefully just below her knees. She arranged her hair into a complicated chignon and opted for a pair of glittering diamond teardrop earrings as her only jewellery. She put on a simple make up emphasizing her eyes and donned black high-heeled stilettos. After a final spray of perfume, she finally left the room.
She hurried towards the restaurant because she was already ten minutes late. Fortunately, Zi Shu was waiting for her at the entrance hall of the restaurant.
"I'm really sorry I'm late." Mikan apologized as she gasped for breath.
"Whew! What a dress... I can say the wait is pretty much worth it." Zi Shu replied. He took her elbow and guided her towards the bar. Mikan ordered a glass of her favourite drink, Martini, while Zi Shu ordered Scotch on the rocks.
"Don't worry; you're not the last person to arrive. Keiko is not even here yet." Zi Shu informed her as they took a sipped of their drinks.
"I'm not surprised." Mikan retorted wryly.
Zi Shu grinned back at her. "Yes, she always loves the attention, that one... Probably preparing for her grand entrance right now..."
Mikan rewarded him with a sardonic smile. "Since when did you become so mean?"
Zi Shu raised his eyes upwards in mock consternation. "Oh, please! I am not the only one who hates her. She's the one who is nasty and plays dirty."
"Modelling is a hard business. Any person would have a trying time. It is very hard to stay sane in this business. That is why I don't judge my fellow models." Mikan told him seriously.
"Your one of a kind, Mikan Sakura. Because underneath that cold exterior, is a really kind heart." Zi Shu finally said with awe and admiration.
Mikan clink their glasses together and it made a light tinkle. Mikan sipped her drink with renewed appreciation. Thank God Zi Shu is here! He's always been a good friend and a good company. She would probably die of boredom if he weren't here. Impulsively, she tiptoed on her high heels and kissed his cheek loudly.
"Thanks, darling." Zi Shu's eyes mirrored hers gratefully as he caressed her cheek. Because she knows, that he understands exactly how she feels. Because let's face it, he would probably die of boredom too if she weren't here. They grin foolishly at each other over their glasses.
Keiko's chilly and malicious voice interrupted their light bantering from behind. "I'm really sorry to interrupt this very poignant scene, but look who I found, Mikan."
Mikan turned, a smile readied on her lips. Her smile seems to freeze on her face as her gaze collided with icy crimson ones. For a second there, Mikan swore that her heart actually stop beating.
"Natsume... What a surprise." Mikan manage to croaked, surprise evident in her voice.
If Natsume's eyes were icy a second ago, now it actually became arctic cold. "I bet. I wasn't expecting you either."
Keiko butted in, her hand flew towards the sleeve of Natsume's tux. "I was hurrying to get here because I was running late and then all of a sudden I tripped! Luckily, somebody was there to catch me. Imagine my surprise when it's actually Natsume! What a coincidence!"
"You're very lucky indeed." Zi Shu commented dryly.
Mikan, finally recovering from her shock, manage to introduce the two men. "Err... Natsume, this is Zi Shu, he's a Taiwanese model. He is going to participate in our photo shoot tomorrow for Vogue."
Zi Shu held out his hand. "Nice to meet you, Natsume."
Natsume shook his hand briefly and inclined his head in acknowledgement.
"Are you dining with anyone, Natsume? Why don't you join us?" Keiko invited him, an alluring smile perched on her lips.
"Why not? I'm actually dining alone." Natsume offered Keiko his elbow and then escorted her towards the table. However, not before giving Mikan another piercing and freezing look.
"Whew! I never met a person so intimidating and unfriendly. Who is he, Mikan? Is he a model?" Zi Shu questioned her curiously.
Mikan scoffed in an unlady like manner. "Hardly. He's my classmate from elementary through High School, an old friend. He is base in America. He's ... a Stock Investor."
"He must be loaded. Maybe that's why he is so arrogant."
"Don't think too much about it because honestly, he's always been like that." Mikan proffered as she took another nervous sipped of her drink.
Zi Shu's perceptive eyes followed her action. "Is he an old flame?"
"Yes." Mikan admitted quietly.
"What happened?"
"I got burned." Mikan smiled ironically. She didn't offer any more information and was grateful that Zi Shu didn't bother to pry more from her.
"No wonder sparks were flying between the two of you. Suddenly, our evening has become quite exciting. Just one more thing, darling, before we trudge on towards the imminent danger ahead of us..."
"What is it?"
"Be careful of Keiko... her claws are definitely showing."
I am so overwhelmed with the response I got from you guys! thanks so much!! A lot of you gave reviews, and not just any review, really long and detailed reviews!! Which made me so happy, that's why as a show of appreciation, here's the new chapter uploaded much faster and hopefully better...
Yes, Natsume has never said I love you to Mikan... awwww... isn't that sad and so... bittersweet? It is my interpretation of his character, because let's face it guys, I love Natsume, but I can't really imagine him as the lovey-dovey type... Poor Mikan... one of the cons of loving a guy like Natsume...
I created Zi Shu's character to spice up the story... don't worry, NXM fans, he's no threat for he only cares for Mikan as a friend... But Natsume seems to think so otherwise? He looks pretty annoyed when he witness the sweetness between them... what will he do on the next chapter? the story yet again, took another twist and turn...
I know, I know... you all hate Keiko... But there has to be a villain in every story... You guys may hate her, but who knows, she may actually speed up the development between our hero and heroine...
angelakawaii-- Natsume is definitely the mouse... but it doesn't mean that he is going to be an easy one to catch... or perhaps he wants to be captured? Hmmm...
niceladysakura-- thanks for the long review... there will be more of tsubasa and koko in the upcoming chapters...
AzurEaquA--- thanks for appreciating my lines... I really try my best to make them as heart wrenching as possible... lol... me myself, is a sucker for romantic lines... I really want to continue my other story, but somehow, my mind just goes blank... I'm really stuck...
akerue--- koko would definitely participate more in the upcoming chapters... I hate keiko too, but what can I do? I really have to make her more bitchy for the story to become more interesting...
KMAC 08--- yeah, Mikan will definitely continue with her plan... Hotaru will probably find out about Mikan's plan after she gave birth...
ichigo kimmie-- Mikan is actually seems to be having a hard time making Natsume fall... because Natsume seems to be staying away from her because of hotaru's words...
bitteRswEetcHocolatelover-- Mikan really hates Natsume but I doubt she will wished him dead...
My Hopeless Romantic-- thank you for having time to read my story even though you have school. I must admit that I really tend to have grammatical mistakes... its not really my forte... I prefer diction really...
Little-Miss-Gigglex-- your comment sexbomb Hyuuga really made me smile... thanks for the review!
Sakiru Yume-- thanks for the correction... I feel really embarrassed about it...
Rachelandthecupcakecrusades-- I'm glad that you like the scene with Koko... it took me hours to write it...
BiTtEr-SwEeT-cHeRrY-- I really want to continue the perfect ending too but somehow, my mind just goes blank when I think about it... really sorry because you've been waiting for a long time...
Ichijou Takuma-- thanks, I'm glad you like my story... my story has some drama and angst too...
sayeessha--- really flattered with your admirations... thanks sayeessha... hope you like the new chapter...