Natsume's throat was so dry it felt like sandpaper.
As Teru continued, Natsume kept glancing at Mikan over and over again.
He clenched and then unclenched his fists again.
Sweat was forming around his forehead and on his neck.
He had a great urge to run to Mikan and cover her ears.
You shouldn't be hearing this.
"Natsume Hyuuga, it's time to face the truth." Teru's voice seemed fogged but his image was so clear, it was like a picture.
With his eyes gleaming with delight and his arms open wide, he looked just like a devil soothing someone into their trap.
In a way, that was exactly what he was doing.
"SHUT UP!" Natsume screamed covering his ears and setting the ground on fire.
Over the sound of fire burning he heard Teru's laughter.
Natsume was on the verge of insanity. He had to get away, and quick.
He threw open the door and ran back to his dorm as fast as he could.
The whole world seemed black and crimson as he ran.
Just like 3 years ago.
Just like 3 years ago when he was trapped in eternal darkness. When the world was covered in black.
When flames were his only warmth.
But they were also his deathly weapons.
"Natsume? Are you alright?" Akemi held his shoulders as he breathed deeply.
He was panting so hard he felt like he would cough up blood.
Why isn't she back at her dorm sleeping? She should be asleep.
This is the worst time for her to show up.
Teru's voice boomed through his head.
"Think about it. Why didn't you just leave Akemi there while you were on the mission? Why did you carry her on your back? Why do you want to know more about her?"
Oh god.
Anxiety went all the way up his throat and he would end up screaming any second.
He hugged Akemi tight, smelling her scent of tulips.
All he wanted was some comfort.
Only tonight.
He kissed her deeply, running his fingers through her long hair.
He earned a small squeak from her but she kissed back, nonetheless.
Akemi was getting so dizzy.
Is that Natsume? Kissing? Oh god I'm kissing Natsume Hyuuga.
Akemi tried to think rationally but something about the kiss told her that he really needed her at this moment.
She complied and closed her eyes.
She hooked her arms around his neck, playing with the hair on his nape.
This was a kissed she dreamed about.
When they finally broke apart, Natsume was ready to throw himself off a building.
He rubbed his face in exasperation.
Why would he in his right mind go and kiss her right now?
He stumbled a few steps away from her.
Akemi felt his uneasiness and wanted to break the awkward silence between them.
Just when she was about to speak, he ran away.
Natsume locked the door tight behind him. He stripped himself and changed into his pajamas and buried himself in the blankets.
He wanted to clear his mind but the humid temperature in his blankets and the overflowing smell of tangerines was about to kill him.
Tangerines.
Mikan.
He pulled his covers away and sat up.
He broke into a cold sweat and buried his face in his hands.
"I messed up real bad this time."
Natsume walked wearily to his classroom. He was so warn out and pale.
"Hey Natsume, you alright?" Ruka patted him lightly on the shoulder as he sat down next to him.
Natsume glanced at him but didn't reply.
He didn't feel like talking to anyone.
"Ohayo mina!" Akemi said, beaming as she entered the classroom.
A low growl was heard from Natsume.
Only Ruka heard though.
"...O-Ohayo Natsume-kun." Akemi smiled awkwardly at him.
Natsume didn't even look up at her when she said that.
A loud hiss was heard throughout the class when Teru entered though.
Teru shot him a big smirk and then sat in his seat.
The day passed smoothly.
There were no encounter with Natsume and Teru.
They would turn on their heals when they see each other in the hallways and sit on the other side of the room when in class.
Teru didn't hang out with their gang either.
Well, he really didn't have to since he's now so popular.
At about four o'clock, Natsume was looking out the classroom window as they rest of the gang were playing games and telling their 'secrets.'
"Natsume!" Ruka, who went to get some water earlier, burst into the room and ran to his best friend.
Natsume turned and lifted a eyebrow questionably at Ruka. While Ruka was trying to catch his breath, Koko started reading his mind.
"NO WAY! Natsume, Mikan is awake!" There was a long pause of silence throughout the group.
Then, the whole gang erupted with noises.
"Oh my god seriously?"
"What did the doctor say?"
"Did she say anything to you?"
"How do you know?"
"Oh my goodness finally!"
"That baka."
All sorts of statements and questions were said and it was like a typhoon of noise.
Ruka's sapphire eyes concentrated on Natsume.
He watched Natsume as his eyes grew wide, and then went back to normal. Flashes of emotions passed through his eyes.
Happiness, love, jealousy, uneasiness and finally, guilt.
Guilt?
Ruka wanted to make sure, but as soon as he blinked the emotions were gone and he was just starting at cold red eyes.
"Hey guys, lets all visit her right now! Oh my, I can't wait to see her awake!" Sumire squealed and the girls followed.
Hotaru stayed the same eating her canned crabs.
Everyone bustled out and ran to the hospital.
Out of breath and sweaty, they went into her room.
They practically jumped on Mikan, because once they saw those chocolate brown eyes, they couldn't help but hug her.
"C-can't...breathe..." Mikan choked out.
"Oops." They all muttered and quickly got off her.
They stood with goofy faces on their faces and Hotaru took a snapshot.
Mikan beamed brightly at all of them but it soon fell and tears were framing her eyes.
"I-I'm so sorry for all the worry..." She sniffed.
"But I'm okay now!" She smiled once again and looked at all of them.
She didn't notice Natsume, since he was trying to hide at the back of the group.
"I'm glad you're alright Mikan, I was really worried." Teru stepped forward and gave her a dazzling smile.
Mikan smiled back warmer than she did before.
She had heard him.
He was right next to her the whole time.
Natsume couldn't control the sudden jealousy tugging in his heart.
That jealousy was quickly covered by regret and guilt.
He had no right to say that. He had no right to be jealous.
Absolutely zero.
He bowed his head a quickly slipped out of the room.
Hotaru caught him as he quietly left the room.
"Oi baka, I'm gonna go to the restroom." She quickly excused herself.
"Okay Hotaru! See ya!" Mikan answered cheerfully and waved dramatically.
Hotaru rolled her eyes at her best friend and then slipped out of the room as well.
"Guilt." Natsume glared at Hotaru as she approached him lying of the grass under is favorite Sakura tree.
"The hell are you talking about?" He growled, irritated.
"It's written all over your face idiot." Hotaru said coldly, glaring back at him.
Natsume was surprised at this. He spent so long perfecting that emotionless mask of his that he never thought he would hear the phrase 'it's written all over your face.'
"Go away." Natsume whispered and turned his head away.
"Natsume Hyuuga I have told you numerous times in the past saying I will never hand Mikan over to you." Hotaru said firmly, glaring daggers at his back.
Natsume stiffened.
"I guess I was right. You are never getting near her again! You cheated!" Hotaru screeched and grabbed his collar.
"I'll make sure she stays away from you, Hyuuga." She spat venomously and let him go.
Hotaru stomped away, her back straight and head held high, like she always does.
Natsume was dazed.
I will never hand Mikan over to you.
You are never getting near her again!
You cheated!
He closed his eyes and laid on his favorite Sakura tree.
He covered his eyes with his hand and tried to steady his breathing.
It was his fault.
His head was throbbing. He couldn't think straight.
After a few moments of lying there, on the grass, he suddenly realized that he sent a Sakura flower on fire.
It withered and the melted into nothing but dust.
Life shortening alice.
He shook his head. He didn't have the life shortening alice anymore. Ever since 2 years ago when Mikan revived him, his alice was no longer shortening his life.
He really wanted to go see her, to tell her that he still love her and that everything would be alright.
The question was, was everything alright? Did he still love her?
Natsume quickly dismissed the idea. Of course he still loves her.
What about Akemi?
A voice seems to ask him, forcing him back into the problem at hand.
Was it possible to love two people at the same time?
It must be possible because that's exactly what he's feeling right now.
It was quiet and he enjoyed that. Now that everyone are in classes, he can have some time to himself to think.
He always felt that way.
He loved the silence.
"Mou, you shouldn't be skipping class, Natsume!"
Natsume sat up straight in a surprise. He was covered in cold sweat.
A...a dream?
For the millionth time today, he felt horribly lonely and cold.
He lit a flame on the dried leaves, making a fire in hope to warm himself.
"Natsume-kun?" He heard a soft whisper next to him.
He fixed his crimson orbs on Akemi who was kneeling next to him, her eyes full of worry.
Not this time.
"You seem to always show up at the right time." Natsume spat in her face. Akemi put on a wry smile.
"Well princess," Natsume started, standing up, "I can say that right now, your timing is terrible." He growled hatefully at her and then walked away casually.
Akemi was horrified. What did that mean? Does that mean he doesn't need her anymore?
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Natsume walked away silently.
He straightened his back and walked confidently.
He will fix everything.
Yay I finished this chapter faster than I expected. Thanks for all the review guys! It really encouraged me. I was so disappointed when I didn't get a single review for chapter 9 and I thought everyone already abandoned this story. I will do my best next chapter. Pleaaaaasssseeeee REVIEW! Merry Early Christmas! :D
Please go here. I swear it's not a prank!
www.
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Sorry, Fanfiction wouldn't let me post the url so I had to do that...