I'm sorry for not updating for a month or so. I had summer classes, and they're taking most of my time. But to make up for, I'll be posting three chapters for three consecutive days, starting today. but after that, I might just update every two weeks again.

Thanks for all who's still supporting me, anyway! I feel so happy about it. If I could, I would post everyday!

This is a short chapter, and if you're getting tired of Miku separating Natsume and Mikan, well... :D

Chapter 13-Fitting

"Miss Mikan, the client is here," the intercom crackled. It woke Mikan from her shallow nap. She raised her head to look at the antique grandfather clock at the corner of her work room. She took a deep breath, and despite being tired, replied, "Lead her to the fitting room. I'll be there in a few minutes."

But for a few moments she didn't move from her comfortable seat. She just sat there, her head resting on the back of the chair, trying to clear her mind and calm her heart. The accident had happened a week before, but it still wasn't gone from her mind.

And facing the person who was with her that time would just open up the wounds.

But she knew she couldn't do anything. If she was to keep up the pretense that she wasn't that shaken by what happened, she needed to do this. And so she steeled herself to stand up and go to the fitting room.

"Mikan! How are you?" was the greeting Miku immediately gave her the moment she entered the room. The designer gave her friend her best fake smile, and replied, "I've been so busy these past days, so I'm not really doing well physically. But if you're asking emotionally, I believe I'm doing well."

"If you're not sleeping well, which I think you are, then that's not good for you physically too," Miku said. Mikan just smiled. She sat on the seat in front of her, and said, "Oh well. I think we'll have to wait for a few minutes, as Shizuka is still getting the dress from the other room."

Her friend's smile grew, while saying, "I'm so excited to see it!"

A few moments of silence passed, which made Mikan feel relieved. Then, suddenly, Miku broke it and asked, "Mikan, what did you mean by those words you said last week? The time when you and Natsume were fighting."

The designer shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She knew that she couldn't escape this, she couldn't avoid answering. Thinking quickly, she replied, "Well, you see, that guy already attacked before."

"That's pretty obvious."

Mikan's cheeks flushed, as she realized her mistake. She stuttered, "Y-yeah, w-well…it's quite difficult to explain. But fine, for you I'll try."

"You see, I've known Natsume since we were young. We grew up together, along with Ruka and Hotaru. That's why we're the closest. That is, then."

Miku raised an eyebrow, and said, "Then? Hmmm…if you're really going to think about it, you and Natsume don't seem so close now. So, what caused your fallout? Was it that?"

Mikan looked at her hands. "Yeah, it was that. It happened when we were in our senior year of high school. I was the closest person to him then. I was the perfect candidate for ransom. Hurting me would hurt Natsume."

"But what is his reason?"

Mikan looked into Miku's eyes, and replied, "He wants to get revenge on Natsume." And then she continued. "At that time, despite Natsume's age, he was already allowed to work for his family's company. And it just so happened that he trampled on that guy. But he had every reason to do so, anyway. That guy is corrupting his company."

She saw the change in her friend's expression, but she didn't stop. "After the incident, everybody got stricter with me. I couldn't go out without any guards. I didn't like it. It felt like I was caged. Natsume knew it too. That's why he thought breaking most of his bonds with me was for the best. We just decided to let go of our closeness."

"And as far as I knew, he decided not to let anybody get close to him ever again. So I think you really are so unique, Miku. You changed his mind."

There was a trace of bitterness in her voice that Miku didn't miss, but she decided not to ask. After all, she was already unsettled by the ideas going through her head. But she returned the compliment with a small smile.

An awkward silence ensued, until Shizuka entered, bringing the dress. Both women stood up.

"It's so beautiful…" Miku whispered. She turned to smile at Mikan, who smiled back and said, "I'm glad you like it. Well then, let's get you in this, so we'll know if there must be some adjustments."

But a bad feeling kept coming back to Miku.

She felt that she would end up not using that beautiful wedding dress.

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