Chapter Six
I was never really a fan of rock 'n roll, but my friend, Hotaru, as it turns out, has a thing for extremely loud music. I was a bit surprised when I found out since, you know, she's so quiet and all. I would've deemed her for a classical music type, to be honest. Anyhow, Hotaru got us tickets to the concert of her favourite band this coming Saturday. Although, I was not familiar with the band—I don't think they're that famous yet since they're relatively new in the scene— I didn't decline when Hotaru invited me since there's nothing for me to do this weekend anyway.
"So what's the dress code for the concert? Do I have to be in an all-black outfit with metals and chains?" I joked as Hotaru and I eat lunch.
"You're mocking my taste in music. I know you are." Hotaru threw me a glare.
"'Course not! I just didn't think you'd like something so loud. I mean, you shut me up when I talk too much."
"You may not be aware of it but most of the time, you just blabber on and on about the most non-sensible things. And for the record, you don't shut up whenever I tell you to shut up."
"Ha. True."
.
I was on my way to my car in the parking lot when a voice called out my name. A slight frown automatically formed on my face when I saw Natsume making his way towards me. I didn't have History today so I didn't see him all day, except now. I still get a bit flustered whenever I remember our little video chat last night.
"What?" I asked, sounding a bit annoyed.
"Whoa. I haven't said anything yet and you're already glaring at me." He said when he stopped in front of me.
"What do you want, Hyuuga? I'm in a hurry." That's a lie, but there's no need for him to know that.
"It's Natsume. You never call me Hyuuga." He deadpanned as he slid his hands inside his pants' pockets and then stared at me.
"I do now. So what is it? I don't have all the time, you know." I said. I'm not sure why but I'm getting irritated by the second.
"Are you still mad about last night? I was just joking. You don't have to be so uptight about it."
Somehow, I felt a bit of shame. He was right. I'm being too uptight about the video chat thing. Of course he was only kidding with me.
I sighed, and then crossed my arms across my chest.
"Is that all you wanted to say? Don't worry, I didn't get mad about it. I didn't even take it seriously. Of course I know you were only joking, duh." Ugh. I probably sounded too defensive for my own good. "So, uh, I really have to go now. Like what I've said earlier, I'm in a hurry. I've got tons of things to do."
I then turned around and about to walk away when Natsume grabbed my arm. "I'm not finished yet, you dork."
I would've scowled by the name-calling if another person did it, but I didn't. Coming from Natsume, it didn't sound insulting at all, instead it sounded surprisingly affectionate. Or was I only imagining it? Yeah, I'm probably just imagining it. Get a grip, self.
"It's Grandma's birthday this Saturday. There's going to be a family dinner at our house with a few invited friends. Gran wants you to come over."
For a brief moment, I only stood there, looking stupidly at Natsume. Well, I wasn't expecting that.
"O-Oh… Uhm, sorry, but I already made plans with a friend this Saturday night. I would really love to be there but I can't back out on my other affair." Wow. It felt weird saying that. It's been a while since I have to reject someone's birthday invitation. Back when I was still part of the 'in' crowd, I used to get countless of invites to different events. Although right now, I was kind of relieved that I have a valid excuse not to come to Natsume's grandmother's birthday dinner. Well, it's obvious, isn't it? If I got invited, that meant Luca was invited too and it's sure that he will be there. That also meant the three of us in the same room, with the ex-boyfriend and the ex-friend. I don't think I'm ready for that yet. And have I mentioned before that I don't like getting into awkward situations?
"Ah, really? You going somewhere?" I don't know if I should take offense by the surprise shown on Natsume's face. I guess he wasn't expecting that I still have a social life left in me.
"Yeah. My friend's a fan of this band and got us tickets for their concert this Saturday." Uh-huh, I have a friend. Suck on that, Hyuuga is what I want to add, but I think that would be inappropriate and uncalled for. And plus, I would only end up sounding pathetic.
"Ok, then. I'll just tell Gran that you can't make it."
"Thanks. Oh, and please tell her I said happy birthday. I'll just come and visit her next time." I said, suddenly feeling a little guilty. I'll just make sure that Natsume isn't around when I go see his grandmother.
"Yeah, you do that." Then he patted my shoulder before he left, leaving me there alone on my spot.
Thinking about it, Natsume was being unusually nice to me lately. Even when we were still hanging out together, he wasn't this nice to me— or to anyone, for that matter— and especially not this talkative either.
Did he reform himself or something? Maybe.
That guy could be really weird sometimes.
.
"Hey, Hotaru! I'll just go to the restroom!" I shouted to Hotaru but she didn't seem to hear me. I tapped her shoulder once more and when she turned around, I mouthed 'restroom'. Hotaru simply nodded and resumed taking pictures of the band playing on the stage.
It was quite an effort to make my way to the restroom with all of the people jumping and dancing around everywhere.
Hotaru and I are currently at the concert of her favourite band. The venue was jam-packed and the place stink of alcohol and cigarette. It was a bar with a small stage and a wide dance floor. I guess the band is kind of good, considering all the people that came to see and hear them play. But as I've said before, I'm not really a fan of rock music. But despite the loud music— if you can call that music, because for me, that's just noise— I still enjoyed coming here, mostly because I was able to witness Hotaru turned into a fangirl. It was fun to watch her get so excited. Who knew that girl can produce emotion.
After I finished in the restroom, I decided to get a drink at the bar first before I return to the dance floor with Hotaru.
I ordered Iced Tea to the bartender. I was enjoying my drink in solitude when a guy, probably a couple of years older than me, sat next to my spot.
"Hey, sweetheart." The guy said, obviously trying to sound sexy, but to me, he sounded way too creepy.
I acted nonchalant, showing him that I'm not interested. He didn't look like he's drunk so I guess he would get the message and leave me alone.
"Oh, a snob, huh? That's how I like my woman. There's more challenge for me." Through my peripheral vision, I could see the guy smirking, his eyes lingering on my exposed legs. Damn it, I knew I shouldn't have worn a mini skirt tonight.
My face crinkled in disgust when the guy continued to stare on my exposed skin. Not bothering to finish my drink, I stood up from my seat but the guy was able to grab my hand before I could finally get away from him.
"Hey, I'm still talking—"
Honestly, I was starting to panic inside and I was also ready to smack the shit out of the creep when a familiar voice interrupted.
"Get your hands off of her."
The creepy guy and I simultaneously turned to the owner of the voice, and there, behind us, stood my knight in shining armour, or so to speak.
::-::
I'm really sorry for this half-assed chapter. I just really tried to update this fic. Anyway, who do you think was Mikan's 'knight in shining armour' at the end of the chapter? Virtual cookies to those who get it right. :)