The original author of this story goes to Aileria. Everything plot-wise and anything else necessary goes to her.
Gakuen Alice owned by Higuchi Tachibana
Summer Madness
Chapter 4: Miss Hyuuga
His untidy raven colored hair stuck up on all sides; his black tank top was extremely wrinkly from him tossing and turning on his king sized bed. That morning, Hyuuga Natsume was in nothing but his favorite checkered boxers and a tank top that would bring girls to a squeal. The ignorant boy rubbed his aching head as he walked towards his medium sized bathroom that was covered in sleek marble tiles.
"Mr. Hyuuga," a muffled voice could be heard from outside Natsume's white doorway.
"What?" Natsume called, not really in the mood.
"You have a phone call; from Miss Hyuuga," the voice responded genuinely.
Natsume raised a brow but approached his door with curiosity. As he pulled down the brass handle, he came face to face with his usual butler who went by the name of: Koume. He was a cheery man who looked like he was in his early thirties but really was in his mid forties. His hair color was a sleek maroon and you wouldn't be able to pick out a single gray hair unless you carefully examined his head.
"What does she want?" Natsume asked in a gruff voice.
Koume gave him a small shrug, "She never said. Are you going to take the call, Mr. Hyuuga?"
Without a response, Natsume took the phone and with a small wave of his hand, Koume excused himself down the spiral stairway.
"Hello," Natsume answered with a robotic sounding voice.
"Natsume, sorry for calling so early," Miss Hyuuga's voice sounded quite high and pleasant. She had a slight British accent mixed in with her Japanese.
"What do you want so early in the morning?" Natsume asked, getting straight to the point. If you couldn't tell already, Natsume was definitely not a morning person.
"I wanted to see if you would like to join me for lunch this afternoon," she responded eagerly. "Unless, you have other plans already."
Natsume closed his eyes for a brief moment. "Only you?" He asked.
"Yes. Only me."
"Alright," Natsume sighed, admitting defeat.
"Great! I'll make the reservations at Famoso. Let's meet around two?"
"Sure."
Natsume caught a small giggle coming from the other end. Without uttering another word, they both cut the line. The slightly irritated boy closed his door behind him as he stepped back inside; he swiftly threw the phone onto his velvet sheets and picked out some fresh new clothes from his closet. Afterwards, he proceeded into the bathroom.
"Hotaru! Where do you keep- Oh! Never mind, I found it!" Mikan's blatant voice echoed throughout the Imai household. All the butlers and waitresses could hear the brunette shouting from her bedroom and the loud thumping of her footsteps was definitely hard to ignore.
In the kitchen below, Hotaru was quietly sipping on a cup of hot chocolate, not eager to help out the rushing brunette. However, there was one factor that was poking at the back of Hotaru's mind. Yesterday, when she arrived home, Mikan was unusually quiet. Her constant laughter and chatter had died down and she spent all her time locked up in her bedroom or watching comedies on TV without any sound. The young inventor recalled Natsume's visit from last night and couldn't help but wonder if something happened between the two while she was out.
"Hotaru! Where did my hair straightener go?" Mikan screamed from her bedroom while tossing a mountain full of clothes onto the floor.
Hotaru sighed heavily while placing her intricately designed cup onto the porcelain plate. "Sebastian, please go attend to her needs," Hotaru instructed.
"Yes, madam," Sebastian chuckled.
"Oh-" Hotaru spoke up, making the butler come to a halt. "Tell her the hair straightener is in my room; I borrowed it his morning."
"Certainly," Sebastian gave Hotaru a small bow before taking his leave once again.
Meanwhile, the brunette had a mountain of clothes piled up messily on her floor. Her bathroom light was on with lotions and a few eye-liners and powders scattered here and there. As usual, she had slept in and failed to wake up to the loud chicken that would be constantly cuckooing to wake her up. Mikan should have known that Hotaru wouldn't have the time and the heart to wake her up.
"Miss Sakura," Sebastian called as he knocked on the door.
The brunette came to a halt and turned her attention towards her maroon glazed door. "Come in!"
The door opened swiftly and revealed Sebastian's smiling face, "Miss Imai would like to inform you that your hair straightener is in her room. She apologizes for borrowing it this morning." Sebastian knew that Hotaru didn't specifically ask to apologize; but hey, at least it sounds better, right?
"Oh, okay!" Mikan smiled as she dashed out of her room.
"Miss Sakura-!" Sebastian called out. The brunette came to a halt by the call of her name. "Do you need any assistance?" Sebastian continued.
"Actually, you can help me pick out my outfit!" Mikan replied cheerfully.
Sebastian chuckled hesitantly. He meant "assistance" as in helping her clean up her drastically messy room that was had only been squeaky clean since yesterday when she arrived. Well, at least he would be of some help to her. The brunette dashed inside Hotaru's room and bounced towards her bathroom.
"You could at least un-plug it." Mikan sighed as she realized the still plugged in hair straightener that was lying on the marble sink. "You're so-"
The brunette caught a glimpse of a ocean colored photo album that was blending in quite nicely with the cobalt flowers that was placed neatly on the top of the toilet. Mikan never recalled Hotaru keeping a blue photo album before. There was a photo that was barely sticking out, that you would have to squint just to see it. Mikan guessed she was just good at seeing things that were barely visible to the naked eye.
"Miss Sakura, Miss Imai is going to take her leave soon!" Sebastian called from Mikan's room.
The brunette shook her head and directed her attention away from the photo album. Still, it was as if it was provoking her, for her to open it and reveal the photos that was placed neatly inside. With the hair straightener in her hand, Mikan exited Hotaru's room and closed the door behind her. From downstairs, she could see that Hotaru was already slipping on her black cozy jacket.
"Hotaru! Wait-! I'm almost-"
"I have to be at the office by ten. It's already nine forty-five," Hotaru interrupted. The young inventor picked up her keys from a nearby basket and signaled the maid to come over. "Is there something you need, Miss Imai?"
"Tell Sebastian to take her there. I cannot be late today," Hotaru instructed.
"Yes, madam," the maid nodded with a smile.
The brunette watched with narrowed eyes, her best friend strolling out the door. With a huff, she hurriedly strolled towards her room, only to see Sebastian folding up some of her clothes that had been thrown on the floor.
"Has Miss Imai left already?" Sebastian asked as he placed a black and white striped tee onto Mikan's bed.
"She just left," Mikan huffed while stomping towards the bathroom. "She could at least wait for me. I'm almost done!"
A light chuckle escaped Sebastian's lips. "She is very busy these days. Company representatives from foreign countries have specifically came to see her to confabulate about selling her inventions overseas."
"Hotaru never gets a break, does she?" Mikan responded with a worried tone. The brunette plugged in her hair straightener and switched the off button to on.
"Occasionally, she does," Sebastian informed. "Though, she doesn't socialize with others as much."
"That sounds like Hotaru to me," Mikan chuckled lightly. "She was always the quiet one back in elementary school."
"But, she does have an interest in Mr. Hyuuga." The brunette blinked several times. Mr. Hyuuga? Certainly Sebastian couldn't be talking about- "The two have been quite good friends since high school."
"Wait," Mikan interrupted. "Mr. Hyuuga as in Hyuuga Natsume, Hotaru's boss?"
Sebastian folded the last piece of clothing and patted it gently, "Yes, that's who I mean."
"They have been good friends since middle school?" Mikan shouted in disbelief. The brunette started to ponder if the two have any feelings for one another.
"Yes. Ever since the inci-" Sebastian started but stopped as his face turned a light shade of white.
"The what?" Mikan asked as she picked up her hair straightener and clamped it on her auburn hair.
"The party." Sebastian finished in somewhat of a rush.
"I find it hard to imagine anyone to be close with him," Mikan mumbled, remembering the incident that occurred with "Mr. Hyuuga" last night.
"He is quite the unsociable type, I agree," Sebastian chuckled.
"Why though?" Mikan couldn't help but ask.
Sebastian gave her a small shrug, "That, I am not familiar with. Miss Imai seem to know the details but I have never heard her speak of it to anyone."
Mikan turned her attention towards the mirror; her reflection reflecting a girl with slightly drowsy hazel eyes and half of her hair straightened. Hyuuga Natsume; well ain't he the mysterious one?
"Yes, yes, I understand," the young inventor nods briefly, completely absorbing of what the German company representative was saying.
"I look forward to your call, Miss Imai Hotaru," he replied in German with a bow of his head.
"I look forward to doing business with you," Hotaru smiled, speaking in fluent German.
As the German male excused himself, Hotaru walked over towards a small water fountain and twisted the handle. Just as she was about to lean over, a male approached her.
"I see you're getting more and more love calls each day," the male said. Hotaru could feel the smirk in his tone.
The inventor turned on her heel and gave her boss a gentle smile, "I see you're getting more energetic these days."
Natsume scoffed, "Don't make me laugh."
"Did you get what you wanted yesterday?" Hotaru asked.
Natsume nodded, "I did. However, I also got a displeasing host." Hotaru could see the irritation that was lingering in Natsume's dark hazel's eyes.
"Ah, you mean Mikan?" Hotaru chuckled as she turned herself around to get a drink of water.
"Who is she anyway?" Natsume asked, raising a brow. "I must say, she has quite the attitude," he muttered through clenched teeth.
Hotaru swiftly turned off the tap and wiped her mouth with her blue hanky. "She's staying with me for the summer; that's all you need to know."
"Well, whoever she is to you, get her to control that filthy mouth of hers," Natsume scowled. "She annoys the hell out of me."
As Hotaru slipped her hanky back inside her clean pocket, a small smirk started to play on her lips. "Oh? Why's that?"
"I don't know," Natsume muttered. "She just annoys me like no tomorrow."
"Well, that's a good excuse," Hotaru replied sarcastically. "I'll be sure to inform her of that."
"Please do."
"Miss Imai, you have a visitor." A male who was dressed in a white dress shirt and black dress pants stood at the doorway of the large meeting room. In his hands was a small clipboard that had many papers stacked upon each other.
"I'll see them right away," Hotaru responded. "Well, I guess I'll see you around; Mr. Hyuuga."
Natsume rolled his eyes in a way that was hardly noticeable. The inventor excused herself and followed the neatly dressed man towards the front of their large office. Instead of seeing another company representative like Hotaru thought, she was only a few feet away from coming face to face with her loud best friend. Hotaru was secretly glad that Nonoko was there to distract her.
"Thank you," Hotaru replied as the male gave her a small bow.
"Eh, so what are you plans for today Mikan?" Nonoko smiled warmly.
Mikan shrugged, "I haven't decided. I'm planning to drag Hotaru with me somewhere though. I want to go to all the exciting tourist sites of Tokyo again!"
Nonoko chuckled, "I thought you lived here before though."
"Yeah, but it's nice to see all the wonderful attractions Tokyo has to offer, right?" Mikan beamed.
"You arrived quickly," Hotaru's robotic voice interrupted the two girls.
"Hotaru!" Mikan screamed. "Is your meeting done?"
Hotaru sighed heavily, "Sadly, yes."
"Great! So, lets go get something to eat!" Mikan smiled, "And, you can even show me around!"
"Actually- "Hotaru started, "I have one more person that I have to meet. If you would like to wait, you can."
Mikan's smile vanished and in its place was a heavy frown. "How long will that take?"
Hotaru shrugged, "He should be here any minute now."
"Oh, well-" Mikan gasped. "I can wait!"
Before any of the girls could utter another word, the harmonious ring of the elevator sounded throughout their ears. The metal doors slid open and neither of the girls were expecting to see a tall handsome blond with dashing blue eyes. In his hands, he was carrying a small rabbit that had a bandage wrapped tightly around his foot. The brunette's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as she realized who this individual was.
"Ruka!" Mikan gasped in astonishment.
"Ruka," Nonoko greeted with a warm smile. "What are you doing here?"
Ruka gave the girls a small nod and approached them. "I was dropping by to see Natsume before I go visit the vet."
"I thought you were a vet," Mikan tilted her head cutely.
"I am," Ruka chuckled. "I'm training some people who wish to become one. Therefore, I'm letting them operate on him." The blond directed the girl's attention towards the cute rabbit that he was holding in his hands.
"Aw, he's so cute!" Mikan grinned as she patted the rabbit's head.
"What's wrong with his foot?" Nonoko asked worriedly.
"It's nothing big," Ruka reassured.
The brunette flattened down the rabbit's ears and gave him a small smile, "Hotaru, let's go with Ruka after to-" As Mikan turned around, Hotaru had vanished. "Hotaru?"
"She just left," Nonoko replied sadly.
"But why?" Mikan asked.
Nonoko gave her a small shrug. "Oh, she must be busy with her own affairs," Ruka said. "Let's just leave her alone."
"But, she said the last person will be here soon," Mikan said.
The mellow elevator tone sounded throughout the area. The three individuals turned to see a properly dressed man with platinum colored hair and immerse gray eyes. Mikan knew for a fact that he certainly was not Japanese.
"Excuse me, is Miss Hotaru Imai here?" He asked in dashing French.
"Ah, yes she is," Ruka responded just as fluently. "I'll escort you to her office."
Mikan's jaw nearly fell to the floor. As the two blondes left, having a conversation in French, the brunette directed her attention towards Nonoko. "Ruka is-"
"Ruka is half French half Japanese," Nonoko chuckled. "His mother is French while his father is Japanese."
"Wow," Mikan breathed. "No wonder he doesn't look fully Japanese."
Nonoko gave a light chuckle. "I should go fill out this orders for Natsume now. I'll see you later Mikan!"
The brunette gave her a small wave as Nonoko rushed off towards the interior of the office. Feeling curious, the brunette stepped inside and peeked around the corner. There, she saw Ruka, Hotaru and the French man standing in somewhat of an awkward silence.
"Miss Hotaru Imai!" The man exclaimed as he gratefully shook Hotaru's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Hotaru replied, cracking a small smile.
"Well, I'll be on my way now," Ruka stated, politely excusing himself.
Hotaru mumbled something towards the French man before turning her attention onto Ruka. "Wait," she said, slightly louder than her usual voice.
Mikan narrowed her eyes; Ruka seemed to be awfully startled and frightened at Hotaru's call. But, he turned himself around anyway. "Yes?" He answered.
"Do me a favor and show Mikan around Tokyo for a bit," Hotaru said. "I can tell this might be a while."
Ruka's gaze softened but Hotaru's remained stern and fixed. "We could just wait for you-"
"No, I have no intention of tagging along," Hotaru interrupted. "She'll be doing me a large favor."
Ruka arched a brow, "What do you mean by that?"
"She'll be doing me a favor by not having you to show your face around here for a good couple hours."
On that note, Hotaru turned and started making her way towards her meeting room, leaving an extremely stunned Ruka behind. Mikan's eyes widened, feeling extremely irritated at Hotaru's response. That was no way to treat a friend. But wait, what is the relationship between Hotaru and Ruka anyway? The blond slowly made his way towards the front entrance; he wasn't prepared to see Mikan's infuriated looking expression.
"Stupid Hotaru," Mikan muttered. "Why didn't you-"
"Mikan, just let it go," Ruka cracked a small, forced smile. "Hotaru is really busy anyway with her own personal affairs. I might as well grant her wish of escorting you around." Mikan responded his comment with a small frown. "Well, shall we go?"
"Ruka," A male voice echoed throughout the area.
The two individuals turned and Mikan nearly let out a small yelp at seeing the devilish boy standing a few feet away from her. Of course, the memory from yesterday night didn't cease.
"Natsume," Ruka smiled. "Are you coming to join us?"
Natsume's gaze shifted from Ruka to Mikan; he looked quite dangerous almost as if he was going to strangle something. "No," he responded quietly.
"Really? Why not? It's not like you're busy with anything anyway," Ruka chuckled.
"I'm busy with a lot of things," Natsume muttered bitterly.
The blond laughed, "Really now? All I see is Nonoko running around doing your business for you. Unless, you wouldn't happen to have a date after?"
A small devious smirk crawled on Natsume's lips, "What if I said I do?"
"Then, you have to introduce her to me."
The brunette couldn't really take in everything the two friends were saying to each other. They seemed so natural around one another, just like her and Hotaru. However, there was something about the two boys that felt oddly different.
"Natsume, why don't you come join us? The more the merrier, I always say," Mikan flashed him a smile.
The raven colored hair boy couldn't help but realize how rosy the brunette's cheeks was. Her smile was quite warm and genuine but Natsume had no intention of accepting her offer.
"No," he replied bitterly. "I rejected Ruka already, what makes you think I'll accept yours?"
Mikan felt quite offended. "W-Well, sorry for asking," she huffed.
"If you're not joining us then let's get going, Mikan," Ruka smiled.
The brunette couldn't help but smile at how Ruka addressed her. "Yeah, lets."
Natsume watched as the two soundly strolled towards the elevator; but what really distracted him was the fact that Mikan's had her arm linked with Ruka's.
"Natsume?" Nonoko's voice snapped Natsume out of his thoughts.
Natsume turned himself around, "W-What?" He asked.
"Are you okay? You looked like you were spacing out quite a bit," Nonoko replied. "Is there something that needs fixing?"
"It's nothing," Natsume muttered while walking towards his office.
"So, do you have anything in mind?" Mikan asked as the two stepped out of the elevator.
"I'll take you to Tokyo Tower," Ruka suggested. "I'm sure you've been there before."
The brunette chuckled, "Hotaru and I used to go there a lot when we were younger. My parents used to take us."
The blond smiled, "Really? Imai... She's quite fond of that place, isn't she?"
Mikan noticed the strange way Ruka had address the young inventor. Wasn't it just a couple minutes ago that he addressed her by her first name? Why the sudden change?
"She is," Mikan nodded. "Do you and Hotaru visit there a lot?"
Quite shocked by Mikan's question, he hurriedly shook his head. "N-No not at all. I've heard about it from reading a fair amount of articles of her."
Even though Mikan was clueless majority of the time; there was no doubt that Ruka was acting quite strangely. Mikan also recalled Ruka's and Hotaru's little dispute back at the cafe. Their way of speaking to each other before and now was also drastically different.
When the double glass doors slid open, a soothing breeze embraced the two, sending a delightful shiver down their bodies. It was quite a difference from the warm office.
"I'll take us there with my car," Ruka offered.
"Sure, that will be great!" Mikan beamed.
The two friends stepped down the slightly steep steps and started making their way towards a fairly spacious parking lot located at the back of the enormous building. Occasionally, there were some pedestrians who gave Ruka a small bow or a smile; Mikan realized that Ruka was more popular than she thought.
"Don't you need to drop by the vet?" Mikan asked as her gaze drifted downwards towards Ruka's cute rabbit.
"That isn't until a hour later," Ruka chuckled. "That's why I was suggesting we wait for Imai."
Again; the formal address of Hotaru's name. "Oh, okay," Mikan cracked a small smile.
The blond came to a sudden stop at a latest model of a expensive Porsche. Mikan's hazel eyes were glued to the sparkling tangerine color that was extremely sleek against the car body. From what Mikan saw, there was absolutely no scratches that was visible to the naked eye and the car seats still seemed to shine as if it was just newly bought. Ruka made his way towards the other side and clicked the center of his car keys.
"Get in," Ruka offered.
"T-This is your car?" Mikan stammered.
The blond nodded, "Yes, it is. Was it that big of a surprise?"
The brunette rubbed her eyes and nodded, "Q-Quite expensive if I do say so myself."
"Natsume owns one too," Ruka informed while stepped into the car and buckling up his seat belt.
"Really?" Mikan asked, raising a brow. The mention of Hyuuga Natsume made her excitement somewhat die down.
"We bought ours at the same time. Except, his is black," Ruka chuckled. "Come on, we don't have all day."
The brunette hesitantly stepped into the expensive vehicle. At first, she thought nothing could compare to the high class limo that Sebastian had drove her here in, but Ruka's Porsche just might have beaten it. The blond stabbed his car keys into the ignition and the engine roared to life. Mikan hurriedly buckled up her seat belt as Ruka switched the gears.
"You better hold onto something for the first few minutes," Ruka chuckled.
"Why?" Mikan asked.
"You'll see."
"Surely, your driving skills can't be-"
The blond slammed his foot on the gas pedal and the car felt as if it teleported towards the main road. The brunette stopped herself mid-sentence completely not expecting what she had just witnessed. Ruka took a brief glimpse to the left and then to his right and made the car turn a sharp curve, entering the main road. The purr of his engine was the only thing Mikan could hear, despite some blasting music that was coming from a nearby hot dog stand nearby. The stop light ahead flashed a solid amber; Ruka narrowed his eyes and gripped onto the steering wheel. Mikan had her nails dug solidly into the slightly squishy seats as Ruka started to speed up as the car approached the yellow light. Just when the light flashed red, Ruka's Porsche had already sped through and as the blond gently pressed down on the brake, he gave Mikan a quick glance.
"Are you okay? You look so pale," Ruka gasped, his hand still gripping tightly onto the steering wheel.
"Okay...? Okay? DO I LOOK OKAY TO YOU?" Mikan shouted at the top of her lungs.
Ruka turned his gaze towards the road, "I guess you weren't expecting that."
"I was already lying on my death bed when I was in the car with Hotaru; I don't need another heart attack, thanks!" Mikan breathed, trying to regain control of her rapidly beating heart. "Does everyone in town drive like this now?"
Ruka laughed with his bunny still laid on his lap. "I guess it's just a habit now."
"Don't you guys ever get tickets?"
"Natsume got one before; I never did though."
Mikan's eyes narrowed, "Let me guess; do you act like a safe driver while driving by police cars?"
"You really do have a wonderful sense of humor, Mikan," Ruka laughed.
The brunette's heart started to soften. No, no; right now is not the time to be feeling all giddy. "Don't try to change the topic," Mikan muttered.
"Sorry, sorry. I thought I might lighten up the mood a bit," Ruka said.
The brunette sunk low in her chair, afraid of what Ruka's next move would be. "Are we almost there?" Mikan asked softly.
"Yes, we are," Ruka responded.
Ever since their little quarrel, Mikan noticed that Ruka's reckless driving skills had died down and he was actually trying to follow the ways of a "safe driver." Well, at least he was trying, right? The enormous Tokyo Tower could be seen faintly in the distance. The curve that was given to the tower was giving it a more appeal than it already had. Lines of all lengths were melded intricately into one magnificent design. Though the bottom was composed of mainly of red, the tip was colored beautifully in a solid white. After that, it was like a pattern of red and white, competing to see who was the one to stand out when they near the bottom of the tower. As Ruka's Porsche near the tower itself, Mikan could see just a few by standers loitering around, glancing at their watches every so often.
"Are you hungry by any chance?" Ruka asked, breaking the silence.
Mikan rubbed her empty stomach, "I am kind of."
"You can go up ahead. I'll get us something to eat," Ruka offered. "Does crepes sound good to you?"
"That would be great!" Mikan smiled.
The blond pulled the car to a stop when they reached a small parking lot. Twisting the key slightly, the engine came to a stop. With his rabbit still in his arms, Ruka unbuckled his seat belt and stepped onto the pavement. Mikan merely mimicked his actions.
"It's just the way I remembered it," the brunette smiled.
"Have you ever came here at night?" Ruka asked.
"I have! My grandfather used to take me here every Friday night."
"Beautiful sight, eh?"
"Simply gorgeous."
Ruka escorted the brunette inside and the two parted their ways. Mikan, while holding Ruka's adorable baby rabbit stepped onto the moving escalator and hummed a soft tune to herself while she waited. Crowds of people could be seen as far as the eye could see and as the escalator ascended, Mikan noticed that she was the only individual without someone to talk too.
Ruka had one of his hands occupied with a egg carton that was holding two cups of French Vanilla. The other was carrying a paper bag that had two delicious crepes placed inside. As the blond approached the crowded escalator, his mind was constantly fixed on a certain young prodigy that was distracting him from his surroundings.
"Hello?" Hotaru answered.
"I must have been a jerk to you today. I wanted to apolo-" Ruka's charming voice echoed on the other end.
Hotaru scoffed faintly, "You're calling about that? I had forgotten about it already."
"If you had forgot about it, you wouldn't be mentioning it," Ruka replied sternly.
"Again, is this the reason why you're calling me so late at night?"
"I just wanted to apologize. You're not stubborn to the point that you can't even let me say a single apology, right?"
"I don't need your apology," Hotaru stated with a stern tone.
"Look, I know we're still on bad terms. But, this is getting ridicu-"
"When the sun rises from the west and sets in the east, that's when I'll have forgave you for your actions," Without another word, Hotaru cut the line and that was that.
"I-I'm so sorry!" Ruka apologized quickly, realizing that he accidentally bumped into a woman who was carrying a small child in her hands.
The woman shook her head, "No, no it's fine. It must be a hassle carrying all of those," she chuckled.
Ruka's cheeks turned a faint tinge of pink. "I'm so sorry once again."
"No need to apologize," the woman reassured.
The blond excused himself and continued up the steps towards the viewing area. It didn't take too long as the escalator did move quite quickly. When Ruka finally reached the top, he stepped onto the pavement and let a light sigh escape his lips. The huge crowd behind him started to navigate themselves throughout the large area that was surrounded by abnormally large glass windows. Ruka's cobalt eyes scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of a average height brunette that was standing by her lonesome.
"Let's go over there!" a girl exclaimed.
"I'm getting a bit hungry, let's go grab something to eat."
Chatters and murmurs were the only sounds that could be heard. Even though there was music playing from the speakers, you could barely hear the lyrics but there were some people who had their foot tapping to the beat of the music. Mikan "oohed" and "awed" at how Tokyo looked from above. Her lips were stretched to an extent that it seemed as if it was going to be stuck in that position.
"Found you."
The brunette turned herself around and caught a attractive looking blond gazing her way. "Ruka!"
"I bought you a cup of coffee and a crepe," Ruka replied while approaching her.
Mikan took the egg carton from Ruka's hands and set it on a sleek black bench that was nearby. Ruka mimicked her actions with the paper bag. The brunette took out one cup and handed it to Ruka who took it eagerly.
"Yum. French Vanilla," Mikan chuckled as she took a slow sip.
"French Vanilla is my favorite too," Ruka smiled. "How are you enjoying the view?"
"It's lovely," Mikan breathed. "I feel like I'm falling in love with the sights all over again."
The bunny who was resting in Mikan's lap hopped over towards Ruka and gently snugged himself in Ruka's shirt. The two friends chuckled at the cute sight.
"I should be leaving soon," Ruka said while taking his mouthwatering crepe out.
Mikan could feel her heart sink. At first, she wanted to spend this entire day with Hotaru but since Ruka had been a replacement, she didn't want him to leave. "I should go back and see if Hotaru is finished."
"Imai seems to be quite busy with own affairs. Why not try adventuring on your own? I'm pretty sure you'll find something to do," Ruka advised. "Besides, constantly waiting for someone isn't a way to spend your summer vacation, don't you think?"
The blond did have a point. The constant waiting that Hotaru was making her do was brutal, especially for a energetic and curious girl like Sakura Mikan.
"Ruka?" a high pitched but sweet sounding voice echoed from behind them. The two friends turned and Mikan was taken aback by the girl's appearance. Her face looked Mikan's age but the way she dressed made her look slightly more mature. On her head was a crimson colored beanie that complimented her nearly jet-black hair. She was wearing a black dress that reached up to her knees and a pair of lightly checkered colored leggings. Draped over her shoulders was a gray cardigan and around her neck was a extremely thin purple scarf. What really stood out to the brunette was her three inch black heels with a solid gem placed near her toes.
"Aoi," Ruka gasped as he placed his food on the bench. "What are you doing here?"
Aoi chuckled, "I should be asking you that. What are you doing here?" Her hazel orbs drifted towards the brunette. "On a date?"
The blond shook his head, "Just a friend I met yesterday. Her name is Sakura Mikan."
"Nice to meet you," Aoi greeted with a smile. "I'm Igarashi Aoi."
"That's a unique surname," Mikan smiled as she stood up. "Nice to meet you."
"Thanks," Aoi laughed. "It's really my mother's maiden name."
"You still haven't answered my question," Ruka informed.
Aoi directed her attention towards Ruka, "I was here with a couple of friends. Now, I'm meeting my brother for lunch. Would you two like to join us?"
"I would but I have some business to attend too. I'm sure Mikan wouldn't mind though," Ruka smiled.
"M-Me?" Mikan asked.
Aoi grinned, "Sure, why not?"
Mikan gave Aoi a smile, "Okay, sure." This sure beats having to wait for Hotaru all day and night.
"You sure you can't ditch whatever you're doing, Ruka?" Aoi chuckled.
Ruka laughed, "I'm pretty sure. I'll join you guys another time." The blond took a glance at his watch. "I need to get going now. Wouldn't want to keep my trainees waiting."
"Training the new ones eh?" Aoi chuckled.
Ruka nodded, "If you ever decide to switch your career. Feel free to come to me."
"Thanks, I'll surely keep that in mind," Aoi smiled.
The two girls escorted the blond towards the main entry way and soon the three departed their ways, saying their good-byes as they went. Meanwhile, Mikan threw out her coffee that she was so eager to finish.
"I hope you're not as a reckless driver as Ruka," Mikan bit her bottom lip.
"Don't worry. You can trust me," Aoi laughed, "You never would have guessed Ruka to be such a reckless driver eh?"
Mikan shook her head, "Not in a million years."
"Well, everyone has their secrets every now and then."
When the two girls got to Aoi's car, the brunette was somewhat glad to see that it was just a Nissan, the latest model. It was a drastic and nice change from Hotaru's and Ruka's fancy schmancy cars.
" I hope you're in the mood for pizza!" Aoi grinned.
"I'm in the mood for anything!" Mikan smiled while taking a huge bite out of her crepe.
"Are you sure you'll still be hungry after that?" Aoi asked.
"Sure I'm sure. I have two stomachs," the brunette teased.
"I have two stomachs... when it comes to deserts that is," Aoi laughed.
The brunette was happy that Aoi was a easy-going type of girl; Mikan also wondered what her brother could possibly look like. Identical to her or completely different? The drive towards the restaurant was a pleasant one. Mikan was glad that she wouldn't die inside of another heart attack.
"So, how did you and Ruka meet?" Aoi asked, breaking the silence.
"We met on the train to Tokyo," Mikan smiled. "Both of us were coming from Osaka."
"Eh really? That's such a coincidence," Aoi chuckled. "Coming to visit some family members?"
"Actually, my best friend," Mikan beamed. "My parents aren't around anymore."
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that," Aoi replied, her voice gone awfully quiet.
Mikan chuckled, "It's not the end of the world though."
"Well, I hope that this delicious meal will brighten up your mood!"
Aoi turned the corner and pulled into a large parking lot. There, Mikan saw the flashing lights of: Famoso imprinted nicely in cursive writing at the top of a crowded restaurant. Aoi parked her car in between a slightly dirty truck and a silver Subaru. She twisted her keys out of the ignition and the roar of the engine came to a stop.
"Their pizza is fantastic," Aoi informed.
"I heard!" Mikan smiled. "What's your favorite type of pizza?"
"Hm. Definitely Hawaiian," Aoi nodded with confidence. "What about you?"
"Just plain cheese," Mikan grinned.
Aoi pushed open the doors and took Mikan's arm, afraid of losing her in the large crowd that was waiting patiently for their seat.
"Do you have a reservation?" the girl asked while hanging up the phone.
"Yes. Igarashi Aoi," Aoi replied. "I think my brother is here already."
"Ah, yes. There's someone who mentioned that name not too long ago," the girl informed. "He's already seated, follow me."
As the two girls followed the girl, Mikan could hear the faint clink of glasses colliding with one another and the mouthwatering smell of pizza being freshly cooked in a large oven. It was very intoxicating.
"Here you are," the girl smiled.
"Took you long enough," a husky voice echoed from the table. The brunette took a small peek over Aoi's shoulder, curious of what Aoi's brother looked like. When her eyes were gazing upon a boy with raven colored hair and dark hazel orbs, her heart stopped.
"Sorry," Aoi apologized. "I ran into Ruka a few minutes ago. I asked him to join us but he said he had something to do. So, I bought his friend who was with him. I hope you don't mind."
"Friend?" He asked, raising a brow.
Aoi stepped aside to reveal the stunned brunette behind her. However, the boy was just as surprised as she was.
"You," he breathed.
"You," Mikan stammered.
Aoi glanced from her brother to her new friend. "Do you two know each other?"
"Erm-" Mikan started. "Somewhat-"
"Not at all," the boy interrupted.
The brunette gave him a small, barely noticeable glare. It was clear that the two know each other but Mikan couldn't put her finger on why he refused to admit it. Aoi merely shrugged it off and pulled out a seat for the brunette.
"Here, Mikan," Aoi smiled.
"Thanks."
When the two girls were seated, Aoi shifted her attention towards her brother. "Did you order anything yet, Natsume?"
Natsume shook his head, "No. I was waiting for you."
"What are you in the mood for?" Aoi asked.
Natsume shrugged, "Anything. But, I think I just lost my appetite."
Aoi arched a brow, "Why?"
"Just reasons," Natsume muttered while shooting Mikan a small glare.
The brunette narrowed her eyes. Was Natsume indirectly trying to pick a fight? If she had known Natsume was Aoi's brother, she wouldn't have decided to come in the first place. But, what really spoke out to her was why the two had different last names?
"I think I'll get a pepperoni pizza," Mikan said, breaking the awkward silence.
"I'll get the usual," Aoi chuckled.
"Just order for me," Natsume stated to his baby sister.
"I don't know what you want," Aoi frowned.
"Anything is good," Natsume sighed.
"Are we all ready to order?" The lady strolled by, giving the three a alluring smile.
"One pepperoni and Hawaiian pizza. Two salads and one lasagna please," Aoi ordered.
"Any drinks for today?"
Mikan raised her hand slightly, "Ice-tea please." The lady quickly jotted it down and took the menus that was sitting on the table back towards the counter.
"I thought you had a drink," Aoi gasped.
"I finished it," Mikan chuckled. "I love coffee too much to just savor it."
Aoi laughed, "Anyway, I'm going to head to the washroom really quick."
Aoi stood up and excused herself from the table. When Natsume's sister disappeared around the corner, Mikan directed his attention towards the ignorant boy.
"Why are you so uninviting?" Mikan huffed.
"Isn't that my business, not yours?" Natsume fired back. "What were you doing with Ruka anyway?"
The brunette didn't like the way Natsume worded that. "We went to Tokyo Tower," Mikan replied confidently. "Why are you asking?"
Natsume didn't respond. It's not like he was at a loss for words but because he didn't feel the need to reply to her question. The awkward silence between them was surely intimidating. Was Natsume still pissed off because of what happened yesterday? If he was, this kid could really hold a grudge.
"Erm- About yesterday-" Mikan started.
"I am glad that I managed to knock a sense of respect into your head," Natsume smirked. "Seems like you want to apologize."
The brunette frowned. Yes, she was going to apologize but not when his attitude was so rude and ignorant. "N-No," Mikan choked out, "I wasn't going to apologize." Natsume arched a brow, wondering what else the brunette had in store. "It would be bad if your sister found out that you were watching adult themed films, don't you agree?" The brunette flashed him a toothy smile.
"I wasn't," Natsume hissed bitterly.
"How could I be so sure?" Mikan cooed, feeling quite pleased of herself that she was slightly pissing him off.
A lady carrying two pizzas on a large tray and two salads on another stopped at their table. She gently placed it down and excused herself. Natsume swiftly picked up the lasagna and a fork while Mikan reached for her pepperoni pizza.
"Fatty," Natsume mumbled, barely moving his lips.
Just as the brunette was about to take a bite, Natsume's words echoed throughout the back of her mind. Fatty. She wasn't fat; was she? Mikan placed her pizza back down and watched Natsume dig into his lasagna.
"Look who's talking," Mikan replied. "You got sauce all over your mouth." Natsume placed his fork down and narrowed his eyes. Either way, he shot her a glare and continued eating, completely ignoring what the brunette had said. "Here," Natsume glanced upwards and saw that Mikan was nicely handing him a napkin. "I'm not lying to you. You look horrible," she teased.
"I don't need it," Natsume replied as he continued eating more.
"For a company boss, you sure are sloppy," Mikan commented. "If some of your employees saw you eating so messy, who knows what they might say?"
This made Natsume think for a bit. For once, he actually agreed to the brunette's comment. Hyuuga Natsume couldn't possibly pass as a boy who was sloppy and disgusting. Natsume placed his fork down and instead of taking the napkin that Mikan was holding, he grabbed another one that was not sitting too far away. He started wiping his mouth carefully, starting at the edges and ending near the middle.
"Oh, you missed some," Mikan informed. Natsume narrowed his eyes and wiped his mouth even more. "Still there. Here, let me help you."
The brunette leaned over and Natsume could see her chest getting closer and closer to his face. He had to admit, her figure wasn't bad. Suddenly, a sharp pain distracted him; being the childish girl that she was, Mikan was wiping Natsume's mouth furiously, as if she was trying to hurt him in some way.
"Get off-" Natsume's muffed voice could be faintly heard from behind the napkin. After Mikan was satisfied, she threw the napkin aside and dusted off her hands.
"There, now it's all gone," She laughed while taking a sip of her coke.
"You're such a-" Natsume started.
"Hey, hey. Watch your language mister. We're in public," Mikan nodded as she took a bite out of her pizza.
Natsume muttered something under his breath that Mikan couldn't catch. Well, either way, she was satisfied; that was all that matters. The two individuals failed to notice Aoi, who had witnessed everything from afar. Of course, she wasn't as clueless to believe the fact that the two weren't familiar with each other. It was too obvious. Aoi crossed her arms over her chest; Mikan would surely be an interesting contribution to Natsume's life.