Hey guys! Told you I'd update sooner ;) enjoy this chapter!

When I woke up the next morning, Natsume was gone, but I found a note beside me.

Had to wake up early for lifeguard duty. Made you breakfast downstairs. Hope to see you later tonight. I love you xx

N.

I smiled. He made me breakfast? It felt like we were an old couple already. But still, I found it touching and sweet. It was only nine-thirty in the morning, so I had a whole day ahead of me. Due to yesterday's events, I realized that if I wanted something to happen to my life, I had to take action. Don't think about it. Just do.

So I got up from bed, took a shower and got dressed. I knew exactly what I was doing today.

I went downstairs and found my parents in the kitchen doing their morning routine. My mom was talking on the phone about the house's renovation, and my dad reading the paper. I felt bad for putting them through last night. That wasn't fair to them.

"Well good morning, sweetheart," Dad said, when he saw me. "Spending the day with Natsume?"

"Actually no," I replied. I found the breakfast Natsume made for me. Omelet with bacon. He knew me too well. And he also made some pancakes for my parents. God, he was the best boyfriend ever.

"I gotta say," Dad said, "Natsume can really cook like pro. These pancakes are more delicious than your mom's."

I laughed, as Mom glared at him while still talking on the phone. After a few minutes, she hung up, and turned to me. "How're you doing, honey? You okay?"

I nodded, as I took a bite from the omelet. Ugh, so delicious. "I'm fine now. And I'm really sorry about last night if I worried you. I was just having a bad day."

"So you and Natsume worked it out?"

"We didn't really fight. It was me and Hotaru. But I'm giving her space for now. I have to fix things first."

"Wow," Mom said, impressed. "What happened last night that made you turn into this?"

My face turned bright red. "Mom! God."

"Okay, I'm reading this outside," Dad said, grabbing his cup of coffee, pancakes and paper.

"Come on, be honest with me," she said.

"Nothing happened between us last night." Which really was true. Since we were both so tired we just fell asleep beside each other.

"Okay good. Because I don't want that happening under my roof."

I just looked at her disbelievingly as I finished my breakfast.

"So what're you doing today?" Mom asked, after a while.

"Well, I'm taking the day off. I already texted my boss, he said it was okay. I'm going on that college tour that I didn't get to do before."

"Wait, didn't you say you were going with Natsume that day?"

"I wasn't ready, Mom. But now, I think I am."

Okay, maybe I wasn't ready for this.

I was already in UCLA, and I couldn't get out of my truck for some reason. Every time I opened the door, I would end up closing it again. Why did I come here again? Oh right, my future.

The campus was beautiful ans spacious. It was how I always pictured a college campus to look like. It was composed of several buildings with different pathways. There was greenery everywhere. Trees, bushes, you name it. I could actually picture myself here. I pictured Natsume and I walking to our classes together. I shook my head from that fantasy. The thought actually excited me, and at the same time, terrified me. It could actually happen you know, a voice in my head said.

"Well how the hell could it happen when I'm still stuck in my truck?" I muttered to myself.

Great. Now I was talking to myself. I really needed to get out. Looking around, I spotted a Starbucks beside the Engineering building. Yes, I definitely needed some caffeine. And procrastination. For some reason, coffee made me relax and calm my nerves down. I was already parked, so all I had to do was walk.

"Get your shit together, Mikan," I told myself. Okay, I really needed to get out of here before I started losing my mind.

Walking on a college campus felt so surreal. Like I was in one of those coming-of-age movies. Suddenly, I felt more determined than ever to get into this school. I wanted to do this not just because of Tsubasa, but for myself too. I wondered if he walked this very path I was walking on right now. It felt like I was literally following his footsteps.

After I ordered my coffee and sat down, I started to feel calm. I observed the students in the cafe, some were alone with their laptops, probably working on some paper; some were with their friends, just hanging out. To think that I could actually be a part of this someday. I just pictured my brother still being here. I wondered if he hung out here on his breaks too. The thought made me sad, since he still could be here, going on with his normal life.

"Excuse me?"

I suddenly looked up from my Caffe Americano, which I haven't touched by the way, and saw an older looking guy standing in front of me. He was actually handsome. He had blonde hair that reached his shoulders, and striking green eyes. He was tall too, like about six feet or more. He kinda looked like an Abercrombie model of you ask me.

"Mind if I sit?" he asked.

I was a little bit surprised by this. I didn't even know him. What if he was some kind ax murderer or something? But not wanting to be rude, I replied, "Sure, go ahead."

He sat down on the chair in front of me. "Hi, I'm Narumi Anju. But you can call me Narumi. Although here, I'm known as Mr. Narumi."

Wow, he looked way too young to be a college professor. He looked like he was just in his late twenties.

"Mikan Sakura," I said. "So you teach here?"

"Yes. But I'm also the head Dean of the College of Letters & Science. Also coach of the swimming and diving team."

My mouth fell open. "D-did you just say coach of the swimming and..."

He grinned. "Yes. That's what you heard. And I happen to know you, Mikan Sakura."

As if I wasn't already surprised enough. Oh my God. What if I was right? What if he was a stalker or a killer? "How do you me? We've never met before."

"No, but I happen to know your brother. And your mother, Yuka."

I opened my mouth to reply, but nothing came out. I was literally speechless.

"So," he said, motioning to my coffee, "are you gonna drink that?"

"U-um, n-no," I stammered. "Go ahead."

He took a sip of my coffee, as if we were old friends who hadn't seen in each other in a long time. This was too bizarre for me.

"So how do you know my mother?" I said. "I mean I know Tsubasa was on the swim team, but my mom?"

He smiled, ruefully. "Well, Yuka and I used to date. In college. At Yale. That's why I recognized you right away. You looked exactly like her when she was your age."

Wow. I did not expect that at all. "Wait, so you met her in college? But you look so... young."

He grinned. "I'm actually in my late-thirties. Like your mom."

"But don't worry," he added, showing me his hand with his wedding ring. "I'm married now. No need to worry about probable home-wreckers in the near future."

"I hope not," I said, slowly.

"So, Mikan. I heard you went to Japan after Tsubasa died. Terribly sorry about that, by the way. He was such an amazing athlete and student. So I'm guessing you're here for the summer?"

"And where did you hear that?" I said, not responding to his condolences. I knew he was sincere, but I was getting tired of The Look.

"So feisty like your mom," he muttered. "I actually heard it from one of my students whose on the team as well. Natsume Hyuuga? I suppose you know him, since he's Tsubasa's best friend?"

I smiled, hearing Natsume's name. I totally forgot he was on the swim team too. "Yeah, I know him. He has a scholarship, right?"

Mr. Narumi smiled knowingly. "Yes. Amazing swimmer. And smart too. Top of his classes."

I nodded. "I know."

"Okay, so what brings you to our fine campus today, Mikan? I suppose not for coffee since you didn't even drink yours."

I sighed. "I honestly don't know. Before I came here, I thought I was hopeless at having a future. And I thought of my brother, and how much he loved swimming. How we both loved swimming. And this is the place I found, since he did go to school here. I don't know maybe I just wanted to find something here."

"And what is that?"

"A sign, probably," I said. "That this is my call. I know it's only college and not like the whole world beyond that, but I always dreamt of attending one ever since Tsubasa kept on gushing about how wonderful it was."

"Come with me," Narumi said, standing up.

"Where are we going?"

"I want to show you something."

Even the swimming pool was beautiful here. Mr. Narumi led me to the main swimming pool gym where swim meets and practices were usually held. Since practices were over as of last week, the place was empty. The pool was olympic-sized, which I've always dreamt about swimming in since I was kid (since the pools in my old schools weren't that big). And suddenly, I just realized how much I missed swimming. I missed how amazing it was to be stuck in my own little world.

"This is amazing, Mr. Narumi," I said, walking alongside the pool.

"Is this the sign you were looking for?"

I turned to look at him. "Yeah, I guess it is."

"So, what do plan to do now?"

"I was just wondering," I said, carefully, "if there are still slots open to apply for a swimming scholarship?"

He smiled. "Actually, there's one last slot. And we're having a swim meet on the last day of August for that last spot."

Last day of August? Which meant that I only had a week and a half to prepare. "I don't think I can," I said.

"Why is that? I remembered your brother telling me how amazing you were."

I hesitated whether to tell him about my fear, but it was like he was the only person who could help me now. "That was a long time ago. You see, after he died and we moved to Tokyo, I hadn't gone in the water since. Just the thought of it makes me sick. Literally. I threw up once."

"And now? Does it still make you sick?"

I glanced down the pool. A bigger part of me was still scared to swim. To touch the water, even. But there was also that small part that was curious of what would happen if I did. That small part of me hadn't been there before. And I've been perfectly calm ever since we came in here.

"No," I finally said, "not really."

"Then it's all yours."

I stared at him, wide-eyed. "What?"

"Well, nobody's going to use this anymore for the rest of the summer. You can practice here if you'd like. Here." He took out something from his pocket then grabbed my hand and placed it there. It was a key. "You can use this place anytime."

I was dumbfounded. Here, we barely knew each other and he was giving me a key to one the buildings in this school that I didn't even go to?

"But I'm not a student," I said. "What is somebody catches me? You could lose your job."

He waved a hand. "Nah, I'm the only person in charge of this place. You don't have to worry about anyone catching. Just don't act suspicious."

I smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Mr. Narumi. You have no idea how much this means to me." Then, I realized another thing.

"What?" he asked, noticing my frown.

"I just... I really do want to swim now, but I'm still scared. And I haven't swam for over two years. It's not that easy just going back in the water and know what to do."

"Actually, it's just like riding a bike. It'll come naturally."

"I don't know..."

"Tell you what. Why don't you come to my session tomorrow? That way we could talk."

"Your sessions?"

He smiled. "I'm actually the university's psychologist. A counselor, if you may. But I actually have a doctoral degree, so I prefer psychologist."

"Wow, you're quite well-known here, aren't you?"

He laughed lightly. "Indeed I am. So? Will you come tomorrow? Because I think I know just the thing to get over your fear."

"And what is that?"

"I think you may know that answer, Miss Sakura, but aren't quite ready to do so yet. So that's why you need to attend tomorrow."

I nodded, considering this. "Yeah, okay. I guess I will. Oh, and can I ask you a question?"

"Ask away."

"Why are you being so nice to me? I mean, not to be rude, I really do appreciate everything you've offered me so far, but we just met like an hour ago."

"Well Mikan," he said, putting his hands in his pockets, "as I said earlier, I do know your family. And you've come from a wonderful one. And not being biased, I can really see the potential in you. Just the way your eyes lit up when we came here? You have a bright future ahead, Miss Sakura."

"Don't tell me you're also psychic?" I joked.

He laughed. "Not psychic. Just really observant."

After we've left the building, Mr. Narumi offered to walk me to my truck, and told me to take good care of his key.

"Well, I really am thankful for everything you've done Mr. Narumi. I don't know how I can ever repay you," I said, as I got in my truck.

"Just do me one favor."

"What is it?"

"Tell your mom I said hello."

"Sure," I said, turning on the ignition. "I will."

When I got home, I checked my phone for messages and I was hoping to see one from Hotaru, but of course, there wasn't. God, I really missed her. I knew I needed to fix this distance between us again, but it wasn't until I could prove to her, and myself that I wasn't a coward. I realized I had to quit my job at Tony's Ice Cream Shop so I could focus more on the scholarship. I just hoped she wouldn't get the wrong idea. I scrolled down, and saw a text from Natsume.

From: Natsume Hyuuga
08/18/14
4:14pm

Going with Ruka to pick up his parents at the airport tonight and having dinner. Do you mind staying with Aoi for a while? I'd understand if you're tired, you can just ask her to come over. Sorry for the last minute favor, Ruka's parents really wanted me to come along. Hope to still see you tonight. I love you x

I smiled. I didn't realize that I hadn't seen him for a whole day. I quickly typed a reply, since he sent this an hour ago.

I don't mind, I'll go over to your house. Have fun with your dinner! Don't worry, I'll wait til you come home. See you later, I love you too x

"Mikan! I've missed you!" Aoi gave me a tight hug, as she opened the door for me. "I haven't seen you in ages."

"I just live next door, Aoi," I said, smiling. "And we saw each other just this weekend."

"Yeah, but you're always with Natsume now. But that's cool, I get it. You're just like couples in movies."

"Well I'm not with him right now, am I?"

"How about earlier? You do look extra pretty today."

I looked down on my tank top, plaid shirt, denim shorts and sneakers. I've been wearing this outfit all day. I didn't even bother taking a shower when I got home. I shook my head. "No. Believe it or not, we could spend a day away from each other and not have separation anxiety."

"God, you two make me sick," she replied, as she grabbed a tub of ice cream from the fridge. "But in a good way."

We spent the rest of the night watching movies (mostly rom-coms—and this time I let her watch the R-rated ones, on the condition that I not tell her brother), ordered pizza, and ate one liter of ice cream. I think it was in the middle of watching Crazy, Stupid, Love where I began to feel sleepy and drifted off.

I woke up to footsteps beside me and someone draping something over my shoulder. I sat up abruptly. "Aoi?" I gasped.

"Hey it's me."

I turned around and saw Natsume sitting at the end of the couch I was in.

"Oh God, you scared me. Where's Aoi?"

"Carried her upstairs. You two had quite a night."

I looked around and saw empty pizza boxes on the floor. "Yeah, looks like we did. How was dinner?"

"Good, but I missed you the whole day. Come here."

I scooted closer to him until he put me on his lap and my legs were wrapped around his waist. "I missed you too."

We stared at each other for a brief moment, then his lips immediately touched mine with intensity. He pushed his tongue into my mouth, and I moaned, wrapping my arms around his neck. His hands wrapped around my waist, he pulled my body even closer to his. Our tongues moved in perfect rhythm, as he tugged on my plaid shirt and took it off me. I started unbuttoning his shirt, and my hands found itself moving down to the bottom of his jeans.

Nastume let out a low growl as he slowly pushed me backwards, my back against the couch. His lips moved down my neck, trailing hot kisses. I managed to take his shirt off, and he did the same to my top. I lifted from the couch slightly, and brought my lips back to his.

"I really need you right now," he rasped.

"Then I'm all yours," I replied.

His hands reached my thighs, and lifted my legs and wrapped them around his waist. Before I knew it, he was carrying me upstairs to his room, not once breaking the kiss.

I woke up the next morning to the sound of my ringtone. With my eyes still closed, I automatically reached for my bedside drawer, but my hand touched nothing. I opened my eyes now, and then I realized I wasn't in my room. I was in Natsume's. Smiling, I remembered everything that happened last night. He suddenly shifted beside me, but was still asleep. God, I would never get tired of looking at that beautiful sleeping face.

My phone started ringing again, the sound coming from the floor. I reached down slowly and felt the shorts I was wearing yesterday and took my phone from the front pocket.

"Hello?" I whispered.

"Mikan? Where are you? You were supposed to be at my session an hour ago."

It was Mr. Narumi. I checked the time on my phone and saw that it nine-fifteen already. Shit, I totally forgot about this morning. "Oh my God, I am so sorry. Is it over? Because I can be there in thirty minutes."

He sighed. "I'm afraid it's finished. But you can meet me at the swimming pool then."

"Hey," Natsume said, groggily as he kissed my shoulder. I put my hand up telling him to wait.

"Okay," I told Mr. Narumi. "I'll be there."

"Who was that?" Natsume asked, as I hung up.

"Mr. Narumi," I replied, getting out of my bed. I looked for my clothes, then I remembered we left them in the living room last night. So I grabbed one of Natsume's t-shirts by his chair nearby and wore it.

"Wait. Mr. Narumi? My swimming coach? How do you know him?"

"We met yesterday." I picked up my shorts and grabbed my phone from the bed.

Natsume grabbed my hand. "Hey, calm down. Do you mind explaining to me how that happened?"

I looked at him and saw confusion in his eyes. I hesitated, then I remembered the deal we had that nothing would change between us. I sat back down on the bed. "I went to UCLA yesterday."

"You did?" Natsume said, sitting right up.

I nodded, then I told him about how I met Mr. Narumi, how he knew my mom, and what he offered me.

"Sounds just like him," he said. "I'm so proud of you, Mikan. I can't believe you're actually trying out for the scholarship."

"Only if I don't freak out once I'm in the water."

"You're not going to."

I kissed him. "Thanks, but I highly doubt it. I really need to go now. Mr. Narumi's still expecting me."

"I'll come with you," Natsume said, getting out of bed.

"No, remember what we talked about? I'm dealing with this myself. Besides, don't you have work today?"

He smirked. "Day-off."

I arched an eyebrow. "No, it's not."

"Yes, it is, because I can pick any day of the week where I can have a day-off and this is it."

I stood up and walked towards the door. "Natsume..."

With one swift move, his hands were on my waist, and I was pinned against the wall. "Please?" he whispered in my ear. It immediately sent shivers down my spine.

"No," I breathed.

He bit my earlobe, and trailed kisses down my neck. "How about now?"

"That... is... not fair." My heart was racing now, and I felt throbbing between my thighs.

His hand snaked under the t-shirt I was wearing, and he grabbed my butt. "Mikan, please?" I gasped, because I wanted him now.

"Okay!" I said, in defeat. "You can come. Just kiss me right now, please."

Natsume smirked, and his lips crashed into mine. I didn't know how long we were making-out, but it was when we found ourselves on the bed again, did we hear a knock on door.

"Hey you guys!" Aoi said. "I know perfectly well what you're doing in there, since I could practically hear you from across the hall. But please, for the love of all that is holy, take a freaking break because I don't know how to cook and I'm starving."

Natsume and I stopped, stared at each other, and let out a laugh. "We''ll be right out!" Natsume called.

He kissed me one more time, before we pulled away from each other. I put on his t-shirt that I was wearing earlier and opened the door.

"Hey, Aoi," I said, smiling. "Do you happen to have clothes you're willing to lend me?"

So what did you think? I just really wanted to put MikanxNatsume moments here, because I enjoy writing them, and this chapter in particular.

Oh and what did you think about Mr. Narumi? Let me know!

Anyways watch out for my next update it's coming soon. Talk to you guys later byeee!