I am so thankful to God for those who reviewed the past chapter/s. Thank you, thank you to the following people:
Anilissa: About Natsume not searching for Mikan—you'll find out soon, if you haven't thought about it. Thank you!
Guest (July 30): Apparently a lot of people think Mikan has it harder haha.
GothicXHeartz: I hope you're still here and hasn't given up on me.
deviedra: You're one of the very few people who actually pay attention to Kira and Koko haha. Thank you so much!
Guest (August 7): Are you one of the angels of God? I was having a tremendously bad day when I opened my email and saw your heart-wrenching, angels-singing, long review. Your analysis is remarkable, and your hardwork in typing. Gads I wanted to cry when I read that.
College is hard. I understand the privilege of being able to study at all, but still. The privilege doesn't alleviate its monstrosity.
This chapter, and the following chapters are set after 7 years. I hope you're still here.
Her Favorite Boy
Chapter 17: But I Couldn't Help It
The heels of her shoes echoed 'click, click, click', attracting attention. People froze and averted their gazes, their palms running cold and their toes curling inside closed, inexpensive shoes.
Imai Hotaru walked by coolly, aware of the tension-filled air—and hating it. 'You should smile more.' He said.
Hotaru had certainly changed in the past seven years: she had her long, raven hair cut to a pixie, she had grown slender over the years, and she smiled less and less. Natsume wanted her to smile more often, saying that it made her look less like a porcelain doll. A cruel, emotionless porcelain doll.
Her intelligence magnified, born of poverty and cultured in a prestigious university, but mostly made certain by need. She needed to be excellent for her Papa, for the company she works in, and for herself. She swore to never fall into that abyss again.
She took her phone from her purse and entered the elevator. It went off with a 'plink'.
From:
Recipient:
Subject: Appointments for the week
Good morning ma'am,
Attached in this email is the document containing all your meetings and appointments for the week, August 24-28, 2015.
Have a wonderful day!
Your ever-wonderful secretary,
Misaki
P.S Smile so you won't scare off the investors! Joking…
Her eyes narrowed at the email address; she remembered demanding the secretary to change her email address—it was her professional email ad for god's sake! And she wasn't even a beauty.
Before she could construct a reply, the elevator pinged. She got off at the 41st floor.
Secretary Yoon greeted her by the glass doors, a polite, familiar smile on her face. Hotaru hesitated to return the gesture, but a after a millisecond, she tried her best. If it looked like a witch's grin, Secretary Yoon didn't react.
The clicking of her red, stiletto shoes were muffled by the maroon, carpeted floor, and she relished the cool air in the wide space. She nodded at the Secretary, and the latter immediately understood. She walked forward in a careful pace, making sure Hotaru didn't find the space between them too wide for her to appear distant and scared, or too close she would feel her privacy invaded.
She turned left, heels clicking on the now wooden floor and stood before the oak doors that looked oddly familiar. Secretary bowed and left.
Heart beating load inside her chest, she raised her right fist to knock. Three second barely passed when a male voice called 'come in'. Pushing with the same hand, she walked inside and tried to calm her beating heart.
"You're finally here. I've been waiting for you for so long." Natsume smiled at her handsomely.
Sumire set down the cup of hot coffee on the table angrily that a few drops spilled.
"The bars aren't even symmetrical, the details, oh god, the details!" She wailed in disgust and agony and lifted her arms.
"The brown is reddish and not mahogany, I see it in the fifth shade and I specifically, personally, and majestically picked the color out from Inuzumake's!" The six other people around the table groaned.
"And Artemis the goddess of art—"
"It's Apollo, Sumire."
"…Whatever, what I mean is… If they're gonna copy my design, they should copy it properly!" She wailed and flailed her arms once more before shutting down, her frame shaking with anger.
"Stop it, Sumire. It's going to change nothing now." Mikan reasoned calmly, extending an arm to nudge the shaking girl. She had grown her hair long, the auburn waves going past her shoulders but stopping before the elbows. She adjusted her glasses and sighed.
"It would do no good. Contact the PR company." She demanded quietly. Yumiko saluted and exited the room. The remaining five people sat in silence, deep in thought. Mikan raised the cup to her lips and took a sip.
"We'll just have to alter some designs or if not, we'll face them head on. I go for the latter." She smirked and flexed her shoulders. The rest shivered in anticipation, some in fright. Their General Manager had grown scary over the three years they had known her. Well, for Sumire, she had known her the longest. She grinned and reached for Mikan's hand, both grinning evilly.
"Oh now that sorting out their sucking, feces-infested ass is over," She nodded carelessly at Taiga, whose head turned at her language, "we have other pressing matters to deal with. The Kyoto branch has been receiving complaints about our furniture being ""low-class, waste of a tree, piece of crap"". Their words, not mine." She defended.
Raomi raised an eyebrow, and the violet highlights in her hair shone dangerously. She took out her phone and typed, holding up a finger. They waited.
"I just had a private investigator into that case, and it turns out Cambria had some people hired to complain and spread rumours about us." Sumire inhaled deeply through her nose. Raomi turned to Mikan.
"What do you want to do about it?"
"Just let the Kyoto branch deal with it. Lulu's strong enough to handle those kinds of issues, and we have enough loyal customers in that area." She reasoned and turned to Suniko, the latter squirming in her seat.
"The deliveries to Nagoya will be delayed for two days. Not to worry though, we've already informed the branch and they will inform the customers. We're still thinking if we're going to offer them coupons or the likes." She breathed in her small voice. Sumire rolled her eyes.
"If I were the customer, I would demand 20% off from my purchase."
"Well, that's one reason why you're not a customer but the designer." Mikan said evenly. Sumire's eye twitched.
"I don't see your point. I can be a customer and demand 20% off, lest I make a scandal if you don't give me what I want."
"That's another reason why you're in the Designs Department and not at Social Relations. We would've been bankrupt a long time ago because of you."
"Well you little—"
"Everything's little except for your mouth." Raomi and Taiga barely had time to bite their hands to muffle their giggles, while Sumire immediately shut up.
"I can't believe I have not killed you in high school."
"I can't believe I lived, either."
Mikan burst out laughing after a silence, and Sumire couldn't help but crack a smile. Suniko tilted her head in confusion.
"Why were you trying to kill Mikan back in high school?" She asked innocently. Taiga and Raomi stared at the two expectantly, and Mikan froze.
"It's just that she kept stealing my purse and of course I'm prettier so I want it back." Sumire saved. Mikan released the breath she was holding.
"The purse isn't even yours to begin with. And, now that you think about it, it isn't that nice." She pouted. The other three nodded their heads, still suspicious, but they let it go.
"If there's nothing more to talk about. Meeting's dismissed." They exited the room quickly, Mikan last. She flipped her phone open and clicked open a message.
From: Tamaki
6:15 pm
I'll see you later.
She snorted and punched a reply.
To: Tamaki
6:41 pm
"I don't look forward to seeing you."
She was just seconds on her seat, packing her things when her phone beeped.
From: Tamaki
6:43 pm
"Well, we both know you love me and therefore look forward to seeing my handsome self."
She rolled her eyes and stood up, turning off the lights and exiting the room.
Hotaru tapped her polished nails on the table, listening to Natsume talk on the phone. He swiveled back to look at her, phone in hand.
"Yes. I'll get back to you later." He snapped his phone shut and stared at the raven before him.
"So what is it that you want to talk about? I was under the impression that it's important." He leaned back on his chair and heaved a deep breath. Hotaru, with all her willpower to calm her beating heart, faced him.
"The Board wants to discuss a meeting about the contract cited by Nagashi Pharmaceuticals." She stated. Natsume blinked.
"I thought we rejected that." Not the only thing you've rejected, Hotaru thought.
"Apparently Kaisen liked one of the terms and wanted to reconsider." Natsume lifted a pen and twirled it between his fingers. Hotaru averted her gaze.
"Set the meeting on Thursday. God knows how I want to delay looking at the frog's face." He tried for a joke but Hotaru just nodded.
"Is something the matter?" He asked. Hotaru shook her head, her raven locks bouncing from her forehead. She directed her stare at the painting on the wall across her. It was of the sea.
"Nothing."
"So is that all?" She nodded and smoothed out her skit, prepared to stand.
"Wait. Tell me something. Anything, however irrelevant, that happened today at the company." Natsume spoke calmly, keeping the curiosity off his voice. Hotaru was unusually somber today.
The lady turned to him, surprised etched on her face, before narrowing her eyes to think. She wasn't called 'Ice Queen' for nothing.
"One of the Management employees broke down a while ago. They said it's because he just lost his mother yesterday." She said thoughtfully, trying to recall more details. She was weird like that.
"I heard from Misaki that he threw up his coffee while in a meeting this morning." Natsume's eyes twinkled, watching her.
"Hmm. I never thought Imai Hotaru to be one who listens to word of mouth." He mused. Hotaru reddened in embarrassment.
"I am not a gossip-monger!" She exclaimed, turning angrily at her seat. Natsume rested his elbows on the table and folded his hands, staring at her amusedly.
"I never said you were."
"But you… but you… Ah, curse it! Well you said you wanted me to say anything that happened in the company, it's not as if I'm around every time when something happens." She retorted and flashed him a glare. Natsume chuckled.
"That's your longest sentence for the day, I take it." Hotaru flushed again, but not in embarrassment. This time, she was annoyed. Badly annoyed.
They had been the closest friends for the past seven years since the incident. Both attended the same university, took up Business and Accountancy respectively. Upon graduating, Izumi had quickly whizzed away Hotaru into his company as planned, and placed her as head accountant. Natsume worked at a bank as manager before being hired by Izumi as the incoming vice president. Yukihara Pharmaceuticals was a buzz at the sudden hiring, especially at the high ranks. But after two years of occupation, no one questioned the hiring.
"You really are annoying." She spat. He laughed at her childishness, his eyes shining with mirth.
"Yes, I am." She shot him one last look before standing up and heading for the door. Natsume was still smiling, watching her leave.
"Wait." One word stopped Hotaru from her tracks and her heart thumped loudly inside her chest once more. She turned.
"What."
"May I invite you to dinner later? I'll pick you up from your floor at seven." She felt her heart freeze then jump up wildly, fighting from her rib cage.
"Ok." She checked her voice, it wasn't overly excited or shaking, it was her. Just right. She headed for the door and pushed past it, noting the strange coolness in the air and the 'click, click, click' of her stilettos on the wooden floor. She turned the corner and met the stare of Secretary Yoon, who gave her a sympathetic look.
'Fuck, she knows too.' She screamed inside. 'How long are you going to make a fool of yourself?' A voice inside her head asked.
'How long?' The words echoed, again and again. She bowed her head and sighed just as the elevator doors closed.
Lights shone brightly from the lamps at the streets of Tokyo, blinking and enticing the hordes of people to come and visit its commercial districts. True enough, people were hustling by, children being held by parents, teenage couples giggling and exchanging sweet nothings, and employees rushing home.
Establishments blared loud music from equally large speakers, making people wince and distance themselves. Various aromas filled the air, so thickly that you could almost taste soy sauce and bean paste in your tongue.
Tokyo was alive.
Around the corner were elegant, international restaurants. The area was less crowded and the people who came by had an air of aristocracy—of privilege and money.
Sumire fiddled with her knife in boredom, afterwards sniffing the air. Pasta, steak, and seafood were being cooked. Don't ask the details, don't ask how she knew.
"This is supposed to be our date!"
"Uhh, no. She invited me." She pointed lazily at Mikan. Tamaki pouted, miraculously appearing cute and handsome at the same time.
"Oh my gosh, you're still not over her after all these years." She remarked, feigning shock. Tamaki sobered.
"I don't think I will ever be." Mikan snickered and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah, baby. When will you get over me?" She imitated Sumire's voice poorly that the person said winced.
"Never." Tamaki neared his face to hers, and she reddened.
"This is not the first time food has saved me from being a criminal." Sumire stated lazily when the server arrived. Mikan busied herself with food while Tamaki smirked.
"If you're going to have that reaction, I'll do that every time." He told Mikan with a smirk, the latter carefully avoiding him by twirling the fettuccini with her fork. She raised it and opened her mouth—
"Stop!" Sumire warned. Mikan's fork froze mid-air.
"What?" Tamaki snapped.
"If you continue doing that, you'll soon be a criminal too!" She whispered, horrified.
"What for?"
"For stealing Mikan's heart!" Mikan, who was successfully chewing her pasta, choked, the sauce dribbling down her chin. A noodle slipped past one nostril that Sumire and Tamaki's snickers escalated into full-blown laughter.
A server shot them a look and they immediately quieted down, biting onto the napkins. Mikan reddened with embarrassment and rage. Cooling down a little bit when Tamaki wiped the stain from her face gently.
Outside, a young woman with paint-splattered blouse hurried to catch up to a young man whose light brown hair shot up in spikes.
"I hate you two." Mikan pouted when Tamaki finally finished wiping her face after her protests.
"Well, I love you."
"…"
Sumire rolled her eyes, but it soon widened and she dropped her fork with a 'clang'.
"Nogi." Bright, blue eyes snapped in their direction, stared, and something akin to recognition flashed. He walked to their table and smiled.
"Long time no see." He greeted each one of them, Sumire smiled and Tamaki just nodded. Mikan flushed red once more that Sumire's eyes popped in frustration.
"Yeah. What are you doing here?" Tamaki asked conversationally and motioned for him to take the seat beside Sumire. He slid in.
"I know the chef."
Mikan took one look at him and blushed again. Sumire scoffed.
'You gotta be flustered all the time, girl?' She flashed in her eyes. Mikan nodded in defeat and caught herself.
"You want to join us for dinner?" She asked evenly. Sumire sighed silently, praying to the gods about the blushing intensities of the girl opposite her. Ruka smiled.
"Sure." They motioned for the menu and the server arrived, leaving immediately after taking Ruka's order.
Sumire quickly jumped into action.
"So… How have you been?" She took a sip of wine and stared meaningfully at Mikan.
"Just fine. I work as a neurologist at a hospital near here." He revealed, nodding at the stunned look at Mikan's face.
"Dr. Nogi. It has a nice ring to it." She remarked, trying not to wince at the pain that shot up her leg when Sumire kicked it.
"I agree with her, and that's rare." Sumire snorted and popped a shrimp in her mouth.
"You studied at Tokyo U., right?" Tamaki inquired, drinking from his glass. Ruka nodded.
"Yes, as Hotaru, Yuu, Kitsuneme, Natsume…." He faltered, and coughed awkwardly.
"… Apparently a lot of our batchmates studied there too. You?" Tamaki glanced at an ashen-faced Mikan and took her hand in his. She relaxed.
"Waseda. The three of us did, except Mikan only transferred there in our junior year. She," He nodded at Sumire, "took Interior Design, I took up Engineering, and Mikan, Business." He narrated.
"Everyone of us changed, somehow and in some way. I almost didn't recognize you." He chuckled at Sumire's permed hair and at Mikan's long, wavy one.
"Of course. Seven years is a long time." Tamaki replied, dabbing the napkin on his lips.
"You've grown more gorgeous, we see." Sumire joked and elbowed Ruka, who stared at her with some kind of horror and hesitance.
"Yes, and your blue, blue eyes shone from there, I saw." She continued, oblivious of the looks she was being given. She raised her head with a slurp.
"Don't give me that look; I'm loyal to my Louis Vittons and Romeo Umalit." She snapped. Ruka laughed.
"Who's Romeo Umalit?" Mikan and Tamaki sighed.
"It's her ten year old rubber shoes. With all their holes, she hasn't given them up yet." Mikan cooed pitiyingly when Sumire shot her a look.
"You're weird." Ruka stated flatly.
"You are too. Don't try to defend yourself." Sumire broached defensively. Ruka blushed and opened his mouth to retaliate when the sound of shattering glass cut the air.
"Help! We need a doctor! Doctor, nurse, anyone!" A panicked voice shouted. Ruka was instantly out of his seat, running for the door. The three sat stunned but immediately followed suit.
"Where do you want to eat?"
"You decide." Natsume sighed at Hotaru's cooperativeness and continued forward. It was past eight in the evening and he was starving. The crowd, however thin it was, was getting on his nerves. He glanced back at Hotaru with narrowed eyes.
"Will you ever decide for us?"He snapped.
"Well, I don't know, you seemed to have already done that." Hotaru snapped back and clutched her purse. She walked past him with a dramatic 'swish'.
"You're talking in riddles again."
"You're being stupid again."
"This is interesting… but exhausting." He said in a sing-song voice.
"Oh yes, truly." Hotaru raised an eyebrow, preparing her speech internally when Natsume stopped in front of a restaurant and inspected the menu displayed outside.
Just then, she was grabbed harshly by the elbow and she yelped.
"Please don't fire me… I need this job!" Natsume grasped the man's arm quickly and pushed Hotaru behind him.
"Why did you do that?"
"Please don't fire me!" Natsume stared at the man, noting the face's familiarity. He released his hold and sighed.
"No, we won't. But I suggest you take a leave for a short period of time."
"Leave, you want me to leave? Please sir, I need this job… sister, my daughter…" He shook Natsume who flinched and held him back again.
"I said you need a break, a leave." He said firmly but gently. Hotaru clutched his arm tightly behind him.
"But I don't want to leave, I need this job!" He shouted, a manic look in his eyes. A crowd was gathering around them now, and no matter how Natsume tried to console him, the man just kept on shouting and begging and sobbing.
Suddenly he fell to the ground and started to shake violently, eyes rolling to reveal the whites. Saliva foamed at his mouth and his limbs flailed uncontrollably.
Natsume stood in shock and kneeled towards him, hearing the gasps and cries of the people. He heard someone call for an ambulance, a doctor, just anyone—
He turned the man on his left side and attempted to hold down his arms, unyielding even though he was being slapped across the face.
Footsteps rushed towards them and he looked up to see a blonde man with steady blue eyes attend to his employee urgently. He didn't hear the siren of the ambulance until it was blaring beside him.
"Nogi." Ruka raised his head; their eyes met and his widened with surprise. His lips parted as if he were to say something, but his attention turned to the patient once more, and he rushed inside the ambulance. The vehicle sped along the avenue with its sickening siren.
The crowd began to disperse with worried whispers, and he spun around to look at Hotaru who was cradling her left elbow. A bruise was beginning to form.
"Let's get a cold compress for that." He said and took her other arm when she back-pedaled.
"No, no, no. I'm fine. Let's just eat dinner first." She heard the rumbling of his stomach and planted her feet on the ground.
"But your arm…" He replied anxiously, forgetting how hungry he was. His stomach rumbled again. Hotaru turned and began to walk to a restaurant when she froze. Natsume easily caught up to her in three strides.
"Let's go to the drug store then—" She grabbed his arm forcefully and he faltered.
"Ok. Let's go." He turned to the direction she was staring at moments ago, curious of the sudden change of attitude of Hotaru.
"What kind of…" Breath seemed to leave his lungs as he caught sight of an individual. She had a frown on her face as she turned away from the scene, her brown eyes sharp and worried.
"Mikan." He heard himself say. The lights seemed to shine brighter, and the world, the world was a blur of colors and motion. He faintly felt nails digging into his arm.
She paused, and looked back.
I did my best! College is dragging me away again!
How do you feel about this chapter? Did you catch Kira and Koko? Hihi.
Your reviews are my fuel! My inspiration, truly. I thank you for effort and time. And last thing, since I may not update for a while, I'll give you something. Study the titles per chapter and see .
Y. M. H. O