Disclaimer: I do not own anything except for the storyline.
Author's note: Don't curse me for the cliché ahead. (;
Lingering Darkness
Chapter 2: Betting Against Themselves
I stare right ahead as I trotted down the alleyway; ignoring the glares that I'm receiving from any direction. The sun is glimmering brightly, contrary to my mood. It feels like I'm emitting some dark aura again, basing from the people that keeps making way whenever I walk into their path.I transferred here in Alice Academy for some apparent reason and it's my first day. The first day in hell.I took a glance over my shoulder for the reason I heard someone sneer that's directed to me.
"Transfer student," snorted a curly green haired girl. Her hands are over her chest; looking proudly and almighty. She eyes me with her frog colored orbs intently.
I glared back at her darkly then turned my back without another word.
Pathetic.
I'm supposed to find Class B, high school department. There are lots of rooms and this school is very enormous, compared to my school last year but I doubt I'd get along with the students any better than before. I feel like every person is a hypocrite and I'm not gonna risk anything befriending anyone.
The bell suddenly rang, startling me then I stopped abruptly, seeing that I finally found the classroom I'm in. I rummage through my sling bag and seize the big notebook and the ballpen, clutching it the students were inside, so is the teacher. They hurriedly made it earlier and now, I'm the only one outside.
I stare at the blonde teacher directly, feeling annoyed for taking him this long to invite me inside. I tap my foot impatiently and he seemed to noticed then he twirled around, his blonde hair swaying in bliss.
He looked at me for a second then immediately dart his head towards his students.
"So as you know, I'm your homeroom teacher, lovely Narumi~" he squealed in delight.
The students made a grunting sound, obviously from disgust while I merely rolled my hazel eyes.
"So, we have a new student today!" he said in a high pitch. He shifted his head to me then beckoned for me to go inside.
There were few giggles but then later died when I slowly made my way then eyed everyone. I don't know what happened but I know that they don't like my presence.
"Her name is Mikan Sakura. Nullification alice." Narumi chirped excitedly.
"Is she mute or something?" the seaweed haired girl from earlier asked dryly.
I kept silent, only watching them.
"She just doesn't want to talk," Narumi was the one who answered, wiping the sweat off his forehead.
"Where would I sit?" I wrote down on my notebook then showed it to Narumi, staring at him coolly.
His eyes travelled around the classroom then clapped his hands cheerily.
"The only vacant seat is on the back. That's fine, right?" he asked me then I nodded my head once then heads towards my seat until a voice stopped me.
"Mikan," she said softly.
I turned my head then saw a pair of amethyst eyes staring back at me. Her hair is cut short gorgeously. If I hadn't become this twisted, maybe I'll be hugging her right now. My bestfriend—my former bestfriend who left me all alone.
"What?" I wrote.
"You've changed," Hotaru answered nonchalantly, her eyes were evident of worry.
I smiled bitterly at her and hold the pen firmly then wrote a reply,
"You left."
With that two words, she blinked a couple of times then look ahead guiltily but somehow, it feels like a thousand needles were injected on me. I shrugged off the feeling then resumed walking.
There are two people on the long chair; the one is blonde haired guy and the other one is raven haired guy; both have pleasing appearances. The blonde one looked at me with awe that I couldn't quite figure out why while the other one just looks neutral and boring, he have blood red eyes that allures me for some reason.
I settled myself on the right side, next to the raven haired.
"You're not mute. Why won't you talk?" said an impassive voice from the side.
I jerk my head then wrote something on the notebook,
"Mind your own matters," Then I look at his crimson eyes boringly.
He shrugged then smirked, almost teasing.
The class ended easily; I didn't listen, it's not like I needed it anyway. I prop myself against the Sakura tree then stare at the blue sky. After a minute or so, I heard footsteps coming towards me. I turned my head with alarm then saw a blonde haired boy with glasses. I looked away then I felt the grass moved, dictating that someone settled himself beside me.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, or rather, wrote.
"I'm Yuu Tobita," he introduced, directing a smile on my way.
I didn't answer.
"Hotaru always tells me stories about you—about her bestfriend," he started, making me stiffen.
He continued after a few seconds, "She never forgot about you," he chuckled, "She even invented a robot that looks like you; she said it's her stress removal. She also said that you're a perfect pair of cute girls."
I listened to his every word and I felt myself soften then I wrote,
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because I'm also Hotaru's friend and I can't help but feel concerned about the conversation you two had earlier," he explicates, looking far ahead.
I gulped. I've been so selfish.
"Where is she?" I wrote down.
He stared at me for a good five seconds before answering, "She's at the park bench, near the Sakura tree. You know where that is, right?"
I nodded. Narumi showed me around when I decided to transfer, to become aware of the different places here. I got up then brush my skirt. I didn't look back to where Tobita is sitting but I know that he knows that I'm grateful to him.
I slowed my pace when I saw Hotaru's back staring at the Sakura tree. It's what we used to do when we were together. I saw her peek over her shoulder then turned to the Sakura tree again. I stopped when I'm a foot away from her then dig something out from my pocket. It's a letter—a letter that was never sent.
The date read: September 21, 2008
"Dear Hotaru," I started. I haven't heard my voice in years and I shivered when I used it again. I didn't look at her, I just continued reading,
"Where are you? Why didn't you write any letters? I'm all alone again. It's me against the world scenario," I chuckled humourlessly , "It's funny how I end up writing a letter to you though I clearly doubt it would reach you. I've become so twisted, I don't trust any people anymore and that includes you, Hotaru. People always leave me; permanently or not? I hardly care. I built a wall around me, a wall of hatred, angst and hostility. Because if I didn't, then I will not survive. Thanks for being a part of my life. You left a big gap and I'm not complete . –Mikan S." The few last sentences were barely audible because I began to sob; hot salty tears were streaming down my cheeks. I rub it off with both my hands, not looking at Hotaru. I pulled out another letter then grasp it tightly with my trembling hands.
The date was: June 2, 2013
"Dear Hotaru," my voice is shaking but I have to finish this.
"I didn't expect I'd write a letter to you again. I just have no one to talk to and I need to be sure, at least, of my decision. Something big had happened. The family that adopted me was murdered again. That's why I came to this conclusion, I'll be transferring to Alice Academy; the teacher named Narumi said that I have an alice or whatever that is so the bastards who killed them were after me. He also told me that he would explain everything I will ask and no one will be hurt again because of me. I don't know what awaits me in that school but I bet it will be some hell," I stuttered between sobs. The paper is wet with tears; I gulped then resumed, "Sorry for the previous letter. I wish you're here. –Mikan S." I finished then Hotaru wrapped her hands around me, only then did I notice that I've been longing for a hug this whole time, I've been so distant and cold.
I buried my head on her shoulder then continued crying. I always thought I was strong enough to be on my own, with no one on my back. Now I know I was wrong.
"I'm sorry," I apologized.
She broke our hug to look at me then she smiled, not a big smile, but her usual smile.
"I bet that's for me to say," she stated clearly, wiping the tears on my cheek with her thumbs.
I smile crept up on my lips, "Then you're forgiven."
"Are you finally going to stop writing your silly answers there?" Hotaru asked, gesturing for the notebook on the ground. I didn't know I threw it there.
I picked it up then muttered, "Nope. They're not worth my voice."
"You really did change," she commented dryly then we head back to the classroom.
Class was finished then Hotaru invited me to go to some restaurant in Central town, together with Iinchou, Nogi and Hyuuga. It was getting plainly boring until I asked Hotaru why Nogi and Hyuuga have to come.
"You never told me," I wrote on the notebook then flashed it in front of Hotaru.
"You're not here," she responded evenly.
"I still can't believe that he's your boyfriend," I rolled my eyes.
She rolled her eyes back, "Ask him to prove it."
I look across me, to Ruka Nogi, who she claims to be her boyfriend. He's too charming and good. Ha ha.
"What's wrong?" Nogi asked nervously, feeling a hint that there's something off beam with him.
"Nothing," I wrote.
He smiled then stared at Hotaru with his light blue orbs.
Five of us were on the table, Hotaru, me, Yuu then across us sits Ruka and Hyuuga. I tap my fingers impatiently on the table.
Then a boy was running rapidly to our table. He stopped then breathes before finally speaking,
"Iinchou, you're needed in the faculty," he announced.
Yuu pushed his chair aside then looked at us apologetically.
"Sorry. I have to go," he said then merely shrugged before dashing out.
I smiled at him. Class representative sure looks hard. We're in a restaurant and he managed to find him? Oh, that's probably the reason why he's running out of breath when he arrived but it's not school hours for Kami's sake.
"What happened when I'm away?" Hotaru asked in bewilderment, looking at me blandly.
"Two families were murdered, I'm left all alone. Nothing much." I stated sarcastically at her.
"I thought we're cool," she groaned.
"So don't bring the damn subject. I'm trying to erase it," I answered none too gently.
She sighed exasperatedly, "I know."
I nodded at her.
"Are you just going to talk about your dramatic issues?" Hyuuga scowled from across Hotaru then he stared at me with his creepy crimson eyes.
"Stop staring at me, Hyuuga." I wrote.
"I'm not," he deadpanned but just continued glaring anyway.
I rolled my eyes, "Denying the obvious."
"Stop assuming." He stated nonchalantly then smirked before taking a bite on his pizza.
I gritted my teeth, "I said, stop staring at me."
"I'm not." He merely said, taking another bite then chewing it down.
"Talk to your ass." I wrote down then showed it to him.
"My ass is more interesting to talk to." He retorted, piercing me with his gaze again.
Fuck.
"You will make a good pair to each other." Ruka remarked.
I yelped then crumpled my nose in disgust while he simply smirked too subtly.
I looked away before muttering a 'no way' under my breath.
"Yes way, Sakura!" Ruka squealed in delight. "Natsume finally found his match."
"Shut up, Ruka." Natsume groaned in annoyance but Ruka only grinned.
I creased my forehead to him then say nothing more, then tapped my fingers on the tabletop again.
I hardly know Hyuuga.
"Hyuuga," Hotaru called out which made me stop tapping my fingers.
"What?" he groaned, causing me to wince.
"Nogi and I will be leaving. Take care of this idiot until we come back," she demanded.
"Then I'll just come with you," I said out of the blue then their heads turned to me. I forgot to use my notebook. Joy.
"It's private," Hotaru deadpanned.
"No way, Imai. I'm not a babysitter," Hyuuga said sarcastically then looked at me.
"I'm not a baby," I wrote then rolled my eyes at him.
"You don't talk," he retorted, his tone sardonic as if it was the obvious thing in the world.
"Because it's worthless talking to you," I retorted back using my notebook.
Ruka and Hotaru stood up.
"Okay then, you seems to have a good company, Mikan. We'll be back," she stated casually, clutching Ruka's hand.
I gape at Ruka then he smiled brilliantly, I thought he would say that it's okay to accompany them but he stated otherwise,
"See you later, Natsume and Sakura."
For Pete's sake.
I watched them as they stroll out of the restaurant and when they're already nowhere in sight, I jerk my head to the boy across me.
"What are you looking at?" he grunted in irritation.
I fought the urge to stick my tongue out at him then just gritted my teeth out of frustration.
Why in heavens would you leave me with this sarcastic guy?
"I'm leaving," I wrote on the notebook and got up.
"Where do you think you're going, Polka Dots?" he asked.
Now he's calling me names based on my shirt. Jerk.
I cast a one final glare at him then marched towards the exit. I squinted my head.
Where the hell am I?
Oh shit. They took Ruka's car and what am I gonna do now?
I heaved a frustrated sigh then enter the restaurant once again.
I rolled my eyes at the triumph look on Hyuuga's face then sit again across him.
"Just as I had expected," he grated, smirk plastered on his face.
I put my notebook on top of the table then wrote,
"What the hell do you want?"
He placed his hand on his chin, "You're stupid."
"May I know why, Mr. Know-it-all?" I carved on the paper before glancing at him.
"You like your bestfriend's boyfriend." He replied in an even boring tone.
"Hardly. He doesn't qualify."
"Do I qualify then?" he said, amusement evident on his tone.
I stare at him before writing down, "I better not tell it, you'll not like the answer."
He ran a finger through his raven hair languidly,
"Do you wanna make a bet?" he challenged.
"Depends." I wrote down.
"If I make you talk permanently in less than a month, you have to go out with me." He explained the mechanics.
"I don't like playing games with someone I barely know." I composed on my notebook before flipping it. He's much more intriguing than he's worth.
"It's rather fascinating like that, isn't it? You have your own advantage."
He's getting boring, I'm getting boring. This is sure gonna be fun.
I shrugged my shoulders then pick up the ballpen when—
He snatched the pen.
"Deal?" he asked, his eyes travelling around my face.
I grunted then gestured for the pen he's clasping.
"I want to hear you speak." He said reluctantly, his eyes dictate enjoyment though his tone was always stoic and unfeeling.
This doesn't count so it's okay.
"What will I get if I win?" I questioned then raised an eyebrow at him.
He smirked, "So that's your voice." he stopped then continued, "You choose."
I thought for a moment then I grinned victoriously. I know that he holds quite a reputation, considering that he's the top student and all. He doesn't like crowds and girls. I will make him regret playing some damn game with me.
"You will have to sing in front of all the alice academy students." I snickered mischievously.
He eyes twitched, "Fine, it's not like I'm going to lose anyway."
I cross my legs, "What would I do if you win again?"
"You have to go out with me."
I rolled my eyes, "I didn't know you have some hidden crush on me."
His blood red eyes darkened ten shades than usual. He's angry.
But he laughed humourlessly nonetheless, "I don't, I just thought that would be more of a torture to you than singing in front of damn people."
"When's the deadline, Hyuuga?" I asked, ignoring the explanation he made.
"Next month would be fine." He answered then smirked.
"Agreed." I snorted then pierced him directly, "But you can back out now to save your dignity."
"I'm not going to lose, Polka dots." He stated again but more convincing and determined this time.
A shiver runs down my spine. Maybe this is an absurd idea but I can't turn this down now.
"What are you two talking about?" Hotaru said, slouching herself beside me while Ruka on the other side.
We ignored them then muttered in unison, not letting go in one's stare, "Let the game begin."
[End of Chapter 1]
Author's note: Another chapter done! Is it too fast? I'm not making this fic long; maybe it will be just 6-8 chapters. At least, that's what I'm thinking to do but who knows? And hey, this chapter's pretty cliché, right? I can't think of anything else so forgive me. Chances and Choices is my top priority for now because it's my favourite fic among all that I wrote so don't expect some fast update.
For the people who reviewed, followed, and favorited; thank you so much.
~PhoenixOtaku, Guest, MusicalnoteX, animefreak3721, Ketsueki Snow Yuuki Asuna.
As for my silent readers that I know are out there, thanks a lot, too!
-AnneHyuuga13, logging out.