A/N: I'm back! Gosh, it's becoming harder for me to update faster. School, distractions and stuff get in my way! Anyway, let's get the show on the road!

ENJOY READING!

Chapter 3: Minor Pain

XxXxX

Yesterday, when the rain kept falling and falling
Tomorrow, was what I longed for

I heaved a sigh for the unknown future
But meaninglessly,
It slowly disappears into empty space

XxXxX

It was quiet.

Everything is being drowned out by a muffled sound; I'm not sure what it is.

So hazy.

What is going on?

I don't know.

My body feels so weak. My eyes…

All I see is gray. A dull, blurry color; no shapes or form. Just gray.

Am I dreaming?

I don't remember. All I remember is waking up this morning and going out somewhere. Which reminds me; what time is it? My parents will surely kill me if I get home late…is it even nighttime? I can't recall how long I've been staring at grayness.

Wait.

The living room at home has gray walls. Maybe I'm actually at home, having a major headache or something…

My mind feels sluggish. I'm awake and asleep.

Does that make sense? I guess not.

I can't seem to focus my eyes. I can't look at anything else. It's like my sight has been glued to this grayness I see.

Is this nothingness or something? I don't know. I can't think clearly.

"…Who…gi…lu…"

I hear something…

"You…in…act…"

Is someone talking? My mother? Father? I can't make anything out…My ears are ringing…

My head hurts, I can't seem to make myself move.

I tried to reach out to the voices I heard—the voices that sounded like shouting—but my body just won't listen; it remained still as a doll, a lifeless being. My fingers…are they twitching? I have no idea. My thought process is muddled; I feel like my head has been hit by a sledgehammer.

I don't know why, but a strange feeling is gnawing at me. I can't discern whether it is bad or good, I just feel strange.

Is this normal? I've got a feeling something important is happening…

Maybe my parents are arguing and have decided to get a divorce? Seems unlikely, though.

In that instant, I somehow felt panic. A rush of anxiety that cannot be explained. I feel like I'm about to be sucked into something momentous, something that will change everything.

I feel helpless to stop it.

I want it to stop because I'm afraid, afraid of what this overwhelming feeling means…!

But at the same time, I want it to happen. I'm curious and even excited.

My mind is doing a lot of weird things…

Am I dreaming?

I hope so. I can't stand this feeling; I want it to stop, I want it to go away. I have this foreboding feeling about what is happening, I think that—

"Weird."

Huh? Are you talking to me? I'm…weird?

Never mind; that sounded strangely clear compared to the voices I heard earlier. It sounded so piercing, yet calm at the same time, as if someone is calling out to me.

I held onto the voice, it being the only thing that is vividly clear to me. I want to hear it again. Maybe it will snap me out of this haze I'm in. I want to hear it-

"What a moron."

-or not. I wanted to retaliate by denying that insult, but I could not find my voice. What is happening?

"Oi, polka dots."

Suddenly, I saw the light.

The first thing I saw when my eyelids opened was light. From the light bulb on the ceiling.

I blinked for a few seconds, uncertain.

I looked around me; I was in my bedroom, which looked really messy by the way. My eyebrows knotted in thought, my brain buffering up.

I was conked out? How did that happen? I remember coming back here from Misaki-san's place and when I got here I…

…!

"Natsume."

"Huh?"

"My name." He said quietly.

I blinked. His name is Natsume…

I made a gleeful sound. I gave a bright smile that I know he can see wherever he is.

"I promise I'll do my best, Natsume!"

I'm going to help a…

…

Oh boy.

Promptly after giving that blinding smile, I fainted.

...

I fainted.

So that's why I was unconscious, "Hmm." I've never been the type to faint.

I shrugged, putting it behind me.

Focusing on the matter at hand; I fainted…

I guess that makes sense. Fainting because-of-of-!

Wait, wait, and wait! The house! The note! My parents!

The shockwaves from the recent turn of events crashed into me like a tidal wave.

I gasped.

An intruder, screams, and-and insults! Then a—a—a—a—GHOST!

My eyes widened.

I let out an involuntary shriek. Oh my gosh…that part was real? I mean, really real?

I met a freaking spirit; a dead guy! It was shocking, yes, but what was even more shocking was my sudden ease at the information that I just met and spoke to a person who is no longer of this earth. Of course, my first reaction was disbelief, but my gut was really telling me to listen to him! Surprisingly, I fainted after my brain processed the fact that I'm communicating with something that—despite repeated lectures of non-existence—I'm deathly afraid of.

I was dumbfounded by my own decision to help the guy. Call it my desire to not let others experience what I went through or whatever, but I was focused on the newly acquired goal to assist him in his "unfinished business". The situation pierced me even more when I thought about how he was actually…dead. I'm sure I can help him in some way but…man, this is heavy.

Sure, I smiled and said some rather encouraging and hopeful words, but to be honest, I acted more on guts than thought. A Hero complex, some may call it.

I must be insane.

The stress and loneliness must be making me desperate for company. That or I just became a human magnet for misfortune and oddities.

I might've made a tiny mistake of promising to help this guy. This Natsume person or spirit or guy or whatever.

Worst and weirder things have happened before…right?

Yeah. I chuckled nervously. Weirder things…

"Are you crazy?"

I almost screamed at the sudden voice that interrupted my musings. I glared at nothing in particular, remembering that I can only hear his rather insulting voice. He always sounded like he's bored and uncaring.

I released an almost regretful sigh, ignoring the jab he threw. "So this is really happening." I frowned.

His reply came three seconds later. "Yeah, it is. Took you long enough to wake up. Did you have a nice dream?" He asked, irritated. But what he said hit me; I did have a dream. But for the life of me, I could not remember my dream. But I was sure it had something to do with…something.

I huffed at his tone. "Hey, watch it buddy. Let's recall that YOU are the one asking for MY help. So let's be more polite, hm?" I said in a falsely sweet voice.

"Whatever." He shot back flatly, paying no heed to what I just said.

I felt a vein pop in my forehead, but held my tongue back. Calm down, Mikan, calm down.

Remember, this guy—Natsume—is in need of help, and it seems like only I can give him that as of now. Be more understanding of his situation, I thought to myself grudgingly. I signed up for this…

I slowly began to get off my bed.

"What are you doing?" He asked, sounding like he doesn't really care what my answer would be, so just for the heck of it, I answered.

I shot back with sarcasm, "Getting out of bed. What does it look I'm doing, mowing the lawn?" I tried to suppress the grin that was taking over my face when I heard him emit a small sound of annoyance. I planted my feet firmly on the floor as can be.

Then, I went on with my chore.

I hummed a random tune while picking up the objects scattered on my bedroom floor and putting it back to its proper place. It only took me a few minutes since I don't really own a lot. I don't have cosmetics, cute clothes, or adorable trinkets like most girls my age, heck, I don't even have a computer. I only have a cell phone, and it's an old model compared to my schoolmates.

But I don't mind. I make do with what I have; a healthy body, a beating heart and a sound mind. The last one, I'm having doubts about. I mean, a dead guy? Really?

I sighed, picking up a pillow and throwing it on my bed.

Sure, why not Mikan? I mean, I have nothing to lose, right? So I'm sucking it up. And besides, I guess it's not that bad. And if you use the term loosely, I have a new friend!

In a twisted and weird sense.

"How long was I out?" I asked casually.

"Three." He replied.

Well, that was short. "Minutes?"

"Hours." He corrected.

No way. I looked out the window and sure enough, the sky was a bright orange. It was already well into the afternoon. I suddenly felt that this has been a very long day. I shook my head and continued my chore.

I was hit with the urge to use the toilet. I turned around and headed for the bathroom with a languid stride. I was about to turn the knob of the bathroom door—

"Your house is dark." The calm words of observation that came from somewhere near struck me like lighting.

I froze.

Natsume; here. Can't see him. Can see me. GUY.

I turned around sharply. "You better not try anything strange, you hear me?" I demanded, not exactly sure where I should look.

I got irritated by the silence I received in return.

"Just because I can't see you doesn't mean I'll entertain your perverted mind!" I warned him, remembering the time when he commented on my underwear. He called me "Polka dots"! The pervert!

That seemed to rouse his attention.

"Quit spouting nonsense. Why would I be interested in your body? I can't do anything to you anyway, idiot." He declared nonchalantly.

"I-I know that! It's 'cause, you might, y-you know—peek!" I sputtered, my face slightly heating up.

"Tch, it's not like there's anything to see. So take it easy, polka dots." He said offhandedly.

I felt a vein pop in my forehead. "You're lucky I can't strangle your neck!" I yelled angrily.

His reply came quickly. "There you go shouting again." He said smoothly.

My blood boiled even more.

"I have every right! Pervert!" I declared with a vengeance.

This guy is annoying!

"Call me whatever you want. Even if you don't, that won't stop me from doing the same to you, little girl."

"I'm sixteen! I'm not a little girl!" I said with arms crossed, acting a bit like a petulant child. I quickly let my arms fall to my side when I realized how contradicting my actions were to my spoken words.

I really wanted to throw something. Alright, I've decided I will throw something to make my point clear. I was not happy with him. Not at all!

I was about to pick up a shoe on the floor and hurl it in a random direction when I felt uncomfortable again.

Ugh, toilet.

I shook my head resolutely. "Hey, can you stop being a headache for a minute, please?" I asked exasperatedly, abandoning my previous plan and wriggling my legs in discomfort.

"Why?" He asked mildly, not taking notice of my situation. Either that or he's just trying to get to me by acting like a clueless dolt.

I cringed. This guy! "W-well, you see…I need you to be a gentleman, if possible."

"Why?" He repeated. The jerk! He actually wants me to say it!

I turned my head to the side. "I need to use the toilet." I felt my face flare with heat, embarrassed.

What he said next had me speechless. "So what's the problem? If you need to use it, then use it. I'm not your toilet keeper." He uttered with a neutral voice.

My eyes bulged with disbelief. Toilet keeper? What the heck? "The problem is I can't use it with you breathing down my neck!" I hissed.

"I'm not breathing down on anyone's neck, blockhead. Just use it already." He stated easily.

I was close to pulling my hair out.

"I can't!"

"Why the hell not?" He asked, sounding perplexed, confused and utterly annoyed.

I twitched at his question. "Because you're a guy—"

"Obviously." He cut in, not seeing my point.

I forged on, "—and I'm a girl!" I felt the blush on my face intensify.

It was silent for a moment, him not uttering a word and me twitching around. It made no sense really; I didn't even drink any large amount of fluids!

"…Moron." He finally said.

I instantly got irritated. "Hey, you don't have to call—"

"Unnecessary." He cut me off.

I was momentarily startled by his interruption. I went silent, tilting my head to the side. I was confused by the word he spoke. What did he mean 'unnecessary'?

As if reading my mind he answered.

"Your wariness is unnecessary. Just go use the freaking toilet. I've already got a lot going on; peeking on you is the last thing on my mind." He muttered, serious and annoyed at the same time.

I was about to respond with an argument, but common sense quickly overcame me. I need to use the comfort room now; it'd be stupid to prolong this whole thing. His promise to not peek or do anything perverted kind of relieved me. Well, he really can't do anything physical related since he is intangible, but his presence is enough to disturb me. Touchable or not, he is still a guy and I'm still a girl.

But I guess that doesn't really matter to him, judging by the way he interacts with me, I have a strong impression that he sees me not as a girl, but more as a child or something. That annoyed me, but I put it aside.

Soundlessly, I nodded my head and went in the bathroom to ease my discomfort, all the while thinking:

Why did I trust his words?

XxXxX

I will probably "simply" go through the motion
Of living another day like any other day
Since I'd get tired of repetition
I told a boring "lie."

I've come to mind people's facial expressions
I've become unable to maintain my normal distance
I've become lonely all of a sudden and I started to mope in melancholy

XxXxX

After using the bathroom, I began cleaning up the place. I started with the kitchen.

Shattered glass, turned tables, spilled water, all kinds of utensils on the floor and whatnot. There's so much to fix up and this is just the kitchen. The living room is the true challenge to behold.

I should start with the glass. I took out the sweeper from the broom closet and some plastic disposal bags to put the trash and glass in.

I crouched to pick up the glass shards when my legs pulsed with pain.

I tried to get rid of the pained expression that must be evident on my face.

"Stop." Ordered the voice that I really didn't want to hear right now.

I flinched. "What do you mean 'stop'? Someone's got to clean this mess up and I don't hear you volunteering." I didn't mean to sound so scathing, I couldn't help it; I'm really tired.

But I really want to fix everything up to get it over with already, so I held myself steady.

I continued with my work, ignoring his words.

He didn't exactly like that. "I said stop. Don't be stupid." He demanded sternly.

I didn't like his tone, as though he was reprimanding me for doing something wrong.

"Me? Stupid?" I snapped, the stress overwhelming me." What the heck do you care? I'm doing this 'cause I want to! Don't call me stupid, because I'm not! I'm freaking tired and I just want to finish up with the cleaning!" I threw the plastic bag I was holding in the trashcan with a harsh flick of my wrist.

I was fuming with frustration and anger, mounting to my stress. Adding insults into the pile was not helping.

I began setting the kitchen back in order by putting back the utensils and other kitchen and dinner ware in its proper places. Luckily, he did not speak because I'm sure that if he did, I'll blow a fuse.

I headed for the broom closet to get the mop. I walked with forced, steady legs and I was doing pretty well until my right foot suddenly went in contact with a water puddle on the floor.

I slipped with a gasp; my back hit the dirty floor with a painful pull of gravity.

Then there was a flash. Then, the ceiling came into vision, with white spots darting around.

My body vibrated with pain, starting from my back and spreading quickly to other areas, I held my breath to keep from making any sounds. I bit my bottom lip hard till to stop the gasps and pants from coming out.

I shut my eyes to get rid of the white spots from my vision.

Why'd I do to deserve such misfortune?

I let out a bitter laugh despite the circumstances, which may have looked completely insane.

But I don't care. I made a move to get up, starting from my legs and arms. I bended my leg at the knees, I flinched at the flaring pain. But I persisted.

"Don't."

I paid him no attention. I'm already feeling like crap, so I don't want to listen to his frequent bashings of my actions.

I've been melancholic recently. I guess all that was building up to this day. It's pretty funny, really; I become pensive and pessimistic whenever I fall down these days. This time was no different.

The day when my parents finally left me, with nothing but pain, lies, confusion and scars.

I have been abandoned by many people; mostly the students from my school, a few shop vendors, all because of my parents reputation. And now, my parents have left me themselves. I can't really say I love them. But I don't hate them either.

I…care about them. They never have been loving, warm or caring, but somewhere deep inside, I'm thankful that they raised me like this. No, I'm no raving about the countless obstacles that have come my way because of their somewhat 'whip of love' (or just whip) way of rearing. I'm thankful because, they have made me this way; a girl who knows how to fight. But…

Just because I know how to fight and be strong doesn't mean I'll always be. Despite my less than smooth upbringing, I'm still a human being with limits. Right now, I'm at my limit. After two days straight filled with pain, I just want to fall into bed and sleep everything away, the pain, the sadness and loneliness.

At least I won't be able to trouble Misaki-san when she leaves. I won't have to lie to her anymore. Now, all I'll have to worry about is myself…

I heaved myself to sit upright, my body resented the movement, but I forged on.

"Don't…push yourself too hard." He said quietly.

His voice broke through the wallowing self-pity that shrouded me. But I still couldn't let go of the feeling of abandonment.

"Why shouldn't I push myself? If I don't, I'll sink into the ground and the whole world will forget me." I didn't think about what I was saying, it went pouring out like a torrent. "Who else will 'motivate' me to live if not myself? It's not like there's someone behind me egging me on to succeed." I said bitterly.

It was silent again. I wasn't surprised. What else could he do but listen to my gloomy venting? It's not like he'll be able to give me hopeful words that will brighten me up. I expected that.

"You are, undeniably, the stupidest girl in the entire existence of humanity." He said with a degree of harshness.

I was not expecting that.

"You act like you are alone, facing the evil that is this world, pitiful and weak. Well, you are not, idiot. You aren't weak. You're just a really big fool." His words carried a condescending and scathing tone, but I didn't feel offended at all. I felt…

"Stupid. There is always a 'someone'." He added with a quiet yet firm voice.

I blinked quite a few times, my eyes wide, absorbing his words.

"Quit acting like spoiled brat and suck it up. Everyone's got their share of problems. Face it head on." He ordered with a tone like that of a king. It did not sound bossy. He sounded like a king demanding his finest knight to fight in a war alongside him. It was strong.

It wasn't the words I wanted to hear. It was what I needed to hear. He may not have said it directly, but I think I know what he meant.

I felt something lit inside me. I know…

I closed my eyes for a moment. No, I have not changed; I am still the girl who has always been left behind, the girl who always cried. I will always be that girl. I will be left behind, I will cry often, I felt. I can't avoid that.

But I am also Sakura Mikan, the girl who has been knocked down more than I can count, but I am also the girl who got up each time, with my faith somewhat shaken, but my spirit maintained its glow. I haven't been aware of its fire. I am the girl who smiled in the face of my enemies. It appalled me that I have been frowning more. Yes, misfortune is not new to me…but I let it get the better of me. I have lost my grip on what truly mattered

What is important is acceptance. An acceptance that is within reason. Not in the sense where I change myself for other people's satisfaction for them to accept me, but in the way where I accept everything that is thrown at me. If I am to believe what other optimists say, then I am an optimist, too.

"Everything happens for a reason." I said with my eyes still closed, but my breathing was even. "Even if those things are bad, it happens for a reason." I opened my eyes and stared at the air with a fierce look.

"I have been left by them, by my family, and my only friend here is going away for a bigger and better life. I am hurt." My voice cracked a bit at the words, but I did not lose my determination. "It happened for a reason. I wasn't given anything on a silver platter. Those people have left my life in order to make room for something else. You. A dead guy who I can't even seen. An annoying, perverted and utterly rude jerk. But at the same time, you are the only one who has said anything like that to me. So—so—!"

I felt tears fall down my cheeks, my emotions running high. But I didn't wipe them away. I smiled through my tears. "Thank you!"

I smiled while the tears kept flowing down. I didn't mind.

"Ugly." He commented nonchalantly.

I threw my head back and inhaled deeply. I felt the haze fading away slowly, it was still there, but my mind is clearer than before. I shifted back and glared at him—I have no idea where he is, but I still glared—with no heat in it.

"I'm not ugly!" I retorted, slowly standing up with renewed peace. The pain in my body hadn't faded, but I found myself not caring. I will heal someday. Physically, yes. But emotionally...I can hope. I must be stronger.

I headed for the stairs.

"Rest." He ordered.

I wanted to reply with a sarcastic whip, but I let it slide this time.

"Yeah, yeah, I know." I replied airily.

I flipped the light switch of the kitchen off on my way and headed up the stairs towards my room. The cleaning will be continued tomorrow.

I entered my room and went straight to my nightstand. I plug my cell phone to the charger. When the screen lit up I was bombarded with text messages and two missed calls from Misaki-san. I was about to open one when an incoming call interrupted me. It was Misaki-san. I clicked answer and pressed the cell phone against my ear.

"Hello?" I greeted.

"Mikan-chan! Thank goodness! I've been trying to reach you! I read your note, but I was still worried and I tried to check on you. What happened to you? Are you alright?" She asked frantically with no preamble from the other line.

I felt a small smile form on my lips. "I'm fine, Misaki-san. My cell phone was turned off, so I couldn't attend to any messages."

I heard a relieved sigh from the other line. "That's good, Mikan-chan. But next time please keep your phone on for emergencies, okay?" I made a sound of compliance.

"By the way, how are your parents? Were they worried? What did they say?" She asked the question I was hoping not to answer.

I cringed and braced myself. "Uhh, they're…fine. There's no problem" Because they aren't here…I didn't dare say. "Everything's normal." I lied with a twitch. It was not normal at all. I got home and stumbled on some very shocking news and I met someone really strange.

It was strange, but oddly exciting. But I had to lie to Misaki-san. A 'boring' lie, you might say.

I just hope she bought it. "Oh, okay. Anyway, I got to go and start packing." Misaki-san said distractedly.

She told me that she'll be leaving in two days. Today's Friday, so she'll leave on Sunday.

I adopted a sad face. "Sure, Misaki-san. Good luck and umm, bye." I said lamely. I couldn't think of anything else to say.

"Thank you, Mikan-chan. Bye." She said with a gentle tone. Then the line went dead.

I put my cell phone back on top of the nightstand and settled down on my bed. I stared at my ceiling.

That was it, I guess.

XxXxX

My dream
My future
I still don't know anything about them
Yet another day is coming around the corner
But for now please
Watch over me as I'm losing my way

XxXxX

" Hey..." I called out to him. I have been trying to incite at least a decent conversation with him, but he always replied with swift and few words. Around two to three words at most. This has been going on for the past hour.

My room was dark, as I closed the thick curtain of my window. It was late in the afternoon, almost evening.

"Rest." He ordered. All I ever got out of him was; 'Rest', 'Quiet', 'Sleep', 'Noisy' and the longest would be; 'Shut up, polka dots.' I raised my voice when he said this but he just dismissed it and replied with the word 'quiet' again.

He was not exactly the most talkative person, I was beginning to understand. Which was strange because before the whole 'pep talk' incident, he's been pretty responsive. Not a complete chatterbox, but still responsive. In a rude and tactless way.

It was downright annoying, but at the same, it was…refreshing, actually. Most people yell at me and say really offensive slurs even when I'm just passing through. Hotaru, Misaki-san and a few people treat me normally. But this guy…

He talked to me in the way he wanted, even if we just met. He was pretty mean and insulting, but he was never deliberately harsh or cruel. He seemed to be uncaring like most of the people here, but he wasn't apathetic…I think. He wasn't caring like Misaki-san, but he sort of cheered me up in his own way. He was blunt like Hotaru, he said what he wanted to say and doesn't really care about what I might feel in return, even though HE was the one who needed me. But truth be told, he spurned me on. I can prove to him my resolve. But that doesn't mean I find him endearing! He's a jerk.

I grabbed a pillow and hugged it. To think that the one who would somehow turn my world topsy-turvy would be him. A not-so-normal being.

I shifted back and forth, trying to get comfortable, but to no avail. I groaned with growing frustration. I just really want to rest.

It's funny how at this moment I could be frustrated and aggravated instead of sad and morose. I think I should be crying…being left and all. But I didn't feel that way. I was disappointed, yes, but not depressed. Maybe I'm more afraid of being alone than being hurt. I don't know. My brain is fried.

I grunted and squeezed the pillow tighter.

I fear loneliness, but I somehow always manage to push other people away. Is it because they really hate me? Or is it because they don't know who the real Mikan is? I am…

"Get some sleep." He ordered this time.

"I know! You don't have to tell me!" I throw back.

…Energetic.

"Already am." Came the smooth reply.

I rolled to the left. "Shut up then, so I can sleep."

…Determined.

"You look like you clearly need to sleep."

I cocked a brow up. "What's that supposed to mean?" I had a feeling what he was trying to imply.

"You're already ugly as it. Don't make it harder for my eyes."

"Huh? You mean guy! I don't care about that!"

…Honest.

"I can tell you don't have any friends since all you know how to do is argue!" I huffed.

"Look who's talking." He threw back.

…Friendly.

"Alright already! I'm practically friendless, there's no one! Whatever!" I tried to wave it off as unimportant, but my voice wavered a bit and my eyes misted.

…Lonely.

"Idiot." He shot at me.

"Don't call me that! You don't even—"

"I'm here." He cut off almost quietly.

I blinked. "What did you say?" I sat up.

"You can't say that there's 'no one'." He stated calmly.

…But not alone.

I was speechless. I'm actually holding a conversation with him! A pointless yet decent one. He even said something…nice. I actually giggled.

"Are you crazy?" He asked, seemingly annoyed.

"Hey, it's Natsume, right?" I asked immediately, I heard a hum in reply. "I'm Mikan."

"I know. You introduced yourself already." He replied dryly.

I lied down on my back and stared at the ceiling once again.

"It's not like repeating will kill you or anything." I shot back.

You are Natsume.

"I'm already dead. Not a good pun or joke." He commented flatly.

And I am Mikan.

No one can see Mikan. She's hidden behind a veil. A veil that is thick and heavy. But Natsume can see Mikan. I can feel that he does and even though we are complete strangers, I cannot help but feel relaxed around him. Maybe it's because he didn't judge me.

He doesn't know me, but he understands me in a way.

I buried my face in my pillow. "Yeah, yeah. Good night or afternoon or whatever." I said, my voice muffled.

"Just sleep already, polka dots."

Since I was in a light mood, I let in slide. He really wants me to rest…

And I still have school to face tomorrow.

"Sure. Thanks, Natsume."The name tasted weird on my tongue, but it was such a nice name, to be honest. I wanted to thank him. It made me feel better. Thank you, Natsume, you perverted jerk.

For letting me be myself.

A/N: Hi! I'm very sorry. This took longer than expected. Forgive the mistakes. I haven't really proofread this yet all that well...Kinda rushed it. Sorry!

Anyway, let me explain the time. Mikan has school on Monday to Saturday. Mikan left Misaki's house at about eight. She got home at quarter to ten (Her house is far from Misaki's. She walked.). The finding out about her parents, tripping and meeting Natsume scene took about an hour to unfold and then Mikan fainted and stayed unconscious for three hours. She wakes up and cleans up a bit, which took about two hours or so. You know what? You don't really have to mind all this. I'm not specific with these things.

The song is Minor Pain/ Mainaa Pein by Hatsune Miku. Disclaimed.

Thanks to all my lovely readers and reviewers who have been patient! THANK YOU! I would also like to thank all those who added me to their favorites, alert and all that! I appreciate it!

So, how was it? I hope this was worth the wait. Sorry if it's going rather slow and for the mistakes. But the main plot will start at the next chapter!

THANKS FOR READING!

_rain stops goodbye_