"The One Who is Numbered Infinitely"
By: AnjelLove
Chapter 5:
I didn't know what possessed me. Was it an evil fox? or probably a flirty ghost? Either –maybe neither way, I have successfully stopped Natsume.
I could still hear the faint sounds of fireworks from the background. But it didn't matter.
Suddenly having the urge to do something which I don't usually do (and never did) I deepen the kiss. It wasn't just a chaste kiss or a simple brushing of lips anymore. It's a kiss kiss.
When I opened my eyes, I saw him staring at me with wide eyes. Oh no. Not a good move Mikan. Is he going to push me? He'll probably strangle me to death now even before I could reach the very end of my numbered days.
Not good.
Definitely not good.
I close my eyes at all the grim thoughts that quickly fills my head, waiting for him to push me off his body. But then I felt Natsume's hand on my automail. No way, he's going to jerk my arm off!
But…
I couldn't help but flutter my eyes again. Quickly, he pulled me closer to him, his hand that was on my auto-mail moved towards the small of my back, holding me in place. His eyes closed, as if he seemed rather…relaxed? I groan as he bit my lower lip.
The heaven?!
And…
I mean, can I die now? Cause I'll really die as a happy woman.
His tongue swiftly entered my mouth. Exploring, tasting, and coaxing me. This time a soft moan escaped me. Butterflies are fluttering endlessly in my stomach and an electric jolt seemingly coursing from my body through his –or vice versa. I really don't know.
The suffocating feeling overwhelms me again and I push myself off him. Trying to catch-up with my breath I walk towards the bed and sat. I closed my eyes for a moment. I couldn't breathe. I'm still feeling feverish. And damn, what I'd do just to get my head off my body! It aches too much.
Easing myself off the bed, Natsume watches me as I rummage through the drawers of the dresser. "Where's the medicine when you need it?" I mumbled to myself, half-aware that he could hear it. "Ah, here." I quickly gulp a capsule down with water.
I breathe. Finally regaining my composure, my eyes met his. As if, he has thought of something he made his way towards me.
My eyes fell to the floor. How could I tell him? The heck, what do I even tell him in the first place? "I'm sorry. It's just that…" he cut me off mid-way.
"Shh." He tucks a stray auburn strand behind my ear and I felt him resting his forehead on mine.
I could breathe him in.
"I wish I could make you understand." I muttered. I did not even realize the tears streaming down my cheeks. This time he kissed me for the second time. Soft and gentle and understanding. "Then make me." He says.
Day 17. Homeroom Period.
Since that fateful night Natsume has been stricter. How should I put this? A Great Wall of China seemed to have been destroyed between us and we grew closer. Like something ended and we're both moving forward to something new. Like there's something going on between us but then again, there's nothing. What that something might be…I know nothing of it.
But then again,
He felt like a body guard or something to me. (Yes, that something again) He never lets me out of his sight, we're always together –seriously, we both look suspicious! As if something inside me is wishing to conclude this puzzle if we're really in a relationship…
-Damning
-Did I just think of that?
*Shaking head*
But no matter how much he scolds me, fifteen times a day, (I know because I count each time he does it) he's still soft-hearted.
This is confusing. Like really confusing confusing. Got it?
I let out a frustrated sigh. I'm confusing my own head!
"You okay?" I heard Natsume asked. I nod at him. He frowned again. What did I do now? He was about to bombard me with a series more of question, or make another impromptu speech when Narumi entered the room. Just in time.
I flashed Narumi a secret smile.
"Good morning class." He greeted. He looks tired though his smile never falters.
15 minutes past 1200 o 'clock. Narumi's office.
"I am surprised you're alone today." I rolled my eyes at Narumi's comment. I haven't told him what happened but I'm sure he's beginning to get hints.
I sat on the couch opposite his. "Yes. My PSG is our out for lunch." I retorted. My eyes narrowed at the grin forming on his face. "Really?" he placed the teacup and saucer on the coffee table. "I thought you're in a 'NO LUNCHBREAK' policy."
I could not but help to scowl at him.
"But seriously, I'd be glad to know what happened." Gone is all the wittiness in his face. I sighed. Here comes Narumi Anjou's hot seat.
Sinking back on the couch I scrunch my eyes. "Natsume found out."
Silence.
Eyes open.
"Oh."
I thrust my body forward. "Oh? That all you gonna say Uncle?"
Still silence.
"Well, what?"
His brows knitted. "What what?"
I sat back down properly. "I mean what now? No advices or lecture or just give me something. Anything! Just give me a break out of this." I'm pretty surprised that he's not giving me SONAs today. And I'm even more surprised I'm actually looking forward to it. But then again, it must've been a shock to him too.
Narumi suddenly exhaled a mouthful of air. "He knows everything?" he asked.
I stopped momentarily and found my forefinger at the tip of my chin. Everything? "No. He only knows I'm a girl. I haven't told him why there's a bunch of med in my room."
Narumi nodded.
"But Uncle," he poured another batch of tea for himself. "I don't think I can make it till the end of the year."
"What do you mean?" I looked up at the ceiling, a small sad smile on the corner of my lips. "I'm feeling lighter and heavier and the same time."
His amethyst eyes bore straight to mine. Digging inside my eyes. "I don't understand."
I shrugged. "Me neither."
Day 21. Weekend.
"You look like an Eveready."
I flick Natsume's forehead. "I don't battery-ize, you know."
He scoffed, smirking his way. "Battery-ize? I didn't know there is such an existing word." He sat on the far end of the couch.
Tangling my legs on top of his lap, I continued with my partial –and non-too-real Philosophical researches. I clicked my tongue at him and lowered the book for a while. "Yes. Yes there is, I just made it twenty-five seconds ago."
"Oh really? I do think it will be highly unappreciated by the world." This time, I closed the book and inched closer to him. "And what does Natsume know about the world. Are you even best friends?!"
"I'll let you shoot me if that would be true."
"Certainly. I'd be glad to do so." I hissed at his smirking face. Suddenly overrun by jade, I sat leaning on his side. Breathing, please be a little steady. Why does every day seem like a fight with my own body? Like I always have to tell my heart to beat and to pump.
"What happened? Are you okay?" I nod momentarily and let my head fall on his shoulder blade. I closed my eyes trying to absorb all the pain. Beat now, beat please! Supressing the moans and screams I bit my lip, a little too hard that I did not realize that I'm already gripping Natsume's arm too hard. "Mikan, what's wrong?" I take in his soothing voice as I felt his hand caressing the side of my head.
I breathe. I smile. I look up at him, with a tear-stricken face. "I'm fine."
"Tell me what's wrong." He whispered while he laid me down the couch. I shook my head and flashed him a small smile. "I'm fine, I really am." A sighed escaped Natsume's lips, bending down lightly he pressed his lips against my forehead.
"Rest."
Day 30
"Where's Sky?" Koko's question never stopped since the first period began. He right across Natsume and dumped his fried non-too gently on the lunch table.
Ruka shrugged his shoulders. "I haven't seen him lately. And he's been skipping classes for the last three days." Gulping down half of his coke lite, he turned to Natsume. They knew very well the sudden undermining progress between the two. It was too apparent to ignore. "Natsume, do you know something?"
Red orbs clashed dangerously with ocean blue one's, sending daggers through his eyes to no one in particular, because Natsume himself doesn't know a thing. He looked away. "Hn."
Koko sighed. "Very helpful. Thank you Mr. Bloodshot." The sarcastic tone dripping out never lets him down.
-Silence
-Terrible Silence
-Deafening, terrible silence
"What's with the long faces party?" came an all-too familiar voice. Ruka looked up in time. "Sky?!"
"Hi." Mikan sat beside Natsume.
Natsume shot her a Wait-till-we're-alone-because-lecture-time-isn't-f inished look. She sighed, giving Natsume a weak smile instead.
"Aren't you too pale?" that was Koko. Mikan stared at him, contemplating for a moment whether she'll give an answer or divert the subject to another. Best option, the latter.
She smiled, as if nothing is wrong. "Anyway, I want to introduce you to my best friend," she glanced at her wrist watch. "she'll be here in three minutes."
"Still precise as ever." She heard Natsume commenting quietly, as if it's just for her to hear. "I am never precise. I just need to mind my time." She whispered back. Natsume cocked his head sideward to look at her. A low tug ghosted her face. "My time is worth the gold." She mouthed.
He snorted. "Then I'll buy half of it."
"That would be selfish," she paused.
"Point taken."
And then she beamed lightly at him "but maybe I could lend you some."
He smirks, amused. "How about we spend your time in our non-telluric space?"
Her eyes twinkled. "Bang-up."
Ruka clicked his tongue. "There they go again."
Koko nodded, seconding the thought. "Yup. In their own little world."
"You're leaving us outside your circle again." Ruka snickered.
Mikan smiled awkwardly. Glancing to her right side to the left, her grin even grew to something ear-splitting. "There she is." Quickly getting up, she waved a hand at someone. Short raven hair and piercing amethyst eyes searched for familiar hazel ones. Her lips tug up into a small curve, but it was a smile nonetheless…all just for Mikan Yukihara.
"Woah, is that your girlfriend? You didn't tell me you're hiding a really hot babe there." Koko said. Mikan glanced at him with a smirk. "Didn't you know? I'm a really rare type of man, every girl's dying to have me in bed." And she laughed at Koko's astonished face.
"Arrogant brat." He snickered.
She laughs again "That's why you love me, too."
Koko scrunch his nose in disgust. "Man I hate you." Which makes her laugh again. Her eyes travelled to another blonde, whose ocean eyes seemed to drown the approaching beauty, as if she really belongs to the waves.
Mikan elbowed Natsume. "Look, someone seems to be something."
Natsume glanced up at Ruka. Smirking. Oh, the amusement. "Cupid is pretty accurate with targets."
"Oh so accurate." She said in between the smiles and giggles she's trying to muffle.
"Yukihara." The woman muttered in a monotonous tone. It was cold and distant and empty. But it was different for Mikan. She nods at the brunette.
Mikan returns it. "Imai."
"You look worse."
"You're still you."
"You know I'll never change."
Mikan breaks into a smile. "That's the Hotaru I know."