Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice
Chapter 16
Ruka's last drunken words before going to bed hours ago still rang inside Natsume's head. "We're both in love with the same girl."
Finishing another glass of scotch, Natsume instantly poured himself another one. He looked outside the window, looking far into the distance over the park through the buildings. He closed his eyes. As much as Natsume tried to keep his mind busy and away from Mikan, he always catches himself thinking about her.
Releasing a bottled up breath, Natsume shook his head. "It's no use." he told himself. He just watched the glass in his hand. Telling himself to forget about Mikan and Youichi was too impossible in his perspective; he is too far gone in love with Mikan and he already treasured Youichi as his own.
"What am I gonna do?" Natsume asked himself hopelessly. With a last sip from his scotch, Natsume settled the glass on the table and pulled out his phone. Scrolling down through his contacts, Natsume stopped at Mikan's name.
Mikan Sakura
A minute later, Natsume was till staring at the name. Then he shook his head.
…
"Aunt Hotaru, why didn't mommy pick me up today?" Youichi asked as Hotaru tucked him into bed.
Caressing Youichi's hair, Hotaru lightly smiled "You're mommy is just too busy today. She had to take care of something in her school too" she lied.
Youichi's sleepy eyes blinked twice and he yawned. "Mommy's going back to medicine school?" he asked groggily. Hotaru just nodded and sat on the bedside. "You're mommy is gonna be a doctor really soon You-chan."
Youichi gave a sleepy smile. "She won't have to clean rooms anymore" then he yawned again. Hotaru just nodded with a smile. When she saw Youichi asleep, the smile on her face disappeared.
Giving Youichi a soft kiss on the forehead, Hotaru got up. "Let's just hope your mom can put herself back together in time"
Gently closing the bedroom door, Hotaru walked towards the couch. She pulled out a book from her bag and settled in her seat, looking at the clock. "You better come home right now Mikan" Hotaru commented in a threatening tone.
…
In the cold night wind, Mikan was lifelessly walking through the streets. Her emotions were overflowing, it was everywhere. The truth, the divorce of her parents, the lie, Natsume finding out the truth, Youichi, the future; Mikan was so unsure of everything right now.
Holding the door knob, Mikan composed herself Keep yourself together Mikan. She kept on telling herself. Keep yourself together she told herself and went in.
Closing the door behind her, Mikan was surprised to see Hotaru sitting on the couch reading a book with the lamp lit beside her and a cup of coffee on the coffee table. Hotaru just lowered her book and looked up at Mikan. A flash of relief ran through Hotaru "How are you doing?" she suddenly asked when she saw Mikan.
Sighing, Mikan walked towards the couch and sat across Hotaru. Taking the blanket behind the couch, Mikan wrapped herself with it and rested her head on the back rest looking directly at Hotaru who was just watching her. Mikan closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Natsume…found out"
Hotaru blinked and nodded her head; she turned back to her book. Mikan just settled in her seat. "I guess timing wasn't on your side" She commented.
Hotaru heard Mikan give a light laugh. "Yeah I guess so" there was a pause. "But at least now he knows" Mikan added quietly.
Looking up from her book, Hotaru watched Mikan. She noted how exhausted Mikan was, emotionally. She doesn't deserve to go through this Hotaru told herself. Placing her book down on the table, Hotaru pulled Mikan in a warm embrace.
The whole time Mikan was in Hotaru's embrace, she didn't cry because she was so tired of crying. She just enjoyed warmth and the support of her best friend. Mikan closed her eyes, By tomorrow morning I will be stronger, I'll be so much better. Mikan told herself.
After Hotaru left, Mikan went straight to the bedroom and saw Youichi peacefully sleeping. Carefully sitting down on the bedside, Mikan brushed Youichi's hair away from his face and planted a soft kiss on his forehead. She watched him for a while, and kissed his forehead again.
After a while, with shaking hands Mikan pulled out her phone. 8 messages and 16 missed calls. She never got this many missed calls and messages ever since she changed her name. Scanning the missed calls, eleven were from the house phone, Mikan immediately knew who it was "Youichi…" then she lightly smiled at the sleeping boy beside here, checking the five others, two were from Hotaru, one was from Anna and the last one was from Ruka.
Checking the messages, Mikan read that three were from Horatu asking her where she was, how she was doing and she'll take care of Youichi tonight, two were from Anna asking if they could hang out, two were from Ruka saying thank you for spending breakfast with him and asking if they could meet up again and the last one was from Natsume. Mikan blinked, her heart skipped a beat, "Natsume…" she almost felt light hearted just knowing that he sent her a text.
I want to hear what you have to say.
Mikan bit her lip. That's all he said. Mikan took a deep breath. He's giving me a chance to explain. I can still turn things around. I can still get back on track. Mikan kept on telling herself.
Just as Mikan was about to text Natsume back, her phone died in the process. Quickly, Mikan opened her bedside drawer to grab her charger, but instead she pulled out her old medicine book. Surprise registered in Mikan's face, then recognition the next.
A light smile blessed her lips as she ran her fingers over the cover, slowly opening the book Mikan carefully pulled out a letter in between the pages and with delicate fingers Mikan slowly opened it.
Mikan kept herself from crying as she saw the penmanship written on the paper. She released a shakey breath to steady her emotions and started to read the letter.
To my wonderful daughter,
The first time I was able to hold you in my arms, this unexplainable happiness just bubbled up inside me. My daughter, my baby girl, my Mikan. From that day on I promised myself to always make you happy, to always protect you from hurt and harm. I promised you that I will always be by your side no matter what and support whatever it is you want to do in life.
I can still remember the time when we were walking home after I picked you up from school. We were passing by the book shop when you saw this book with a small doctor character on the cover. After I bought you that book and that night I read that book to you over and over. I remember you telling me that you wanted to become a doctor when you grow up.
And now look at you, soon to become a doctor. You have grown into a beautiful young woman so strong and independent. I want only the best for you and I will stop at nothing until you truly become a doctor and live you dream of helping other people.
If I haven't told you before, I fully support you in your dream and I am so proud of you. You are my pride and joy, Mikan.
After reading the letter, that was when Mikan understood her priorities. She now understood what Hotaru, Uncle Kazu and Yuka wanted to do for her. Then she told herself I can still get back on track.
Now that Mikan knew her priorities and what she was suppose to do, that night, Mikan slept with a calm heart and with Youichi in her arms.
...
Inside the company building of the Yukihara Group of Companies, Company President Kazumi Yukihara was preoccupied reading certain documents in his office; he paused when his intercom buzzed. "What is it Hanna?" Kazumi asked sternly.
"Mr. Yukihara, sorry to disturb you but you have a visitor—" Hanna answered on the other side.
Kazumi continued to read the documents on hand "I don't have time to entertain guests right now" he commented not letting his secretary finish
"Yes Mr. Yukihara, I do understand but Ms. Mikan Yukihara is persistent to see you right now" Hanna answered back professionally.
Kazumi stopped reading the documents and turned to his intercom. "Send her in" he ordered immediately. Putting down the documents, Kazumi stood up from his seat and walked towards the door to greet his niece.
Just as the door opened, Kazumi heard Mikan tell Hanna "Can you bring in some tea and pastries Hanna? Please and thank you" Mikan greeted her uncle with a warm smile. Kazumi received Mikan with a welcoming hug. "How have you and Youichi been?" he asked warmly.
Hugging back Mikan answered "We're doing pretty well, Uncle"
Settling at the couch in the office, Kazumi and Mikan waited Hanna to settle the tea and pastries on the table, while waiting he noticed a vibrant energy radiating from Mikan. "So what made you visit, Mikan?" he casually asked.
Mikan thanked Hanna before watching the secretary walk out of the room and turned to her uncle "I actually came here to tell you something" Mikan answered, her smile never leaving.
"Okay" Kazumi welcomed Mikan's statement. As he poured tea on each cup Kazumi asked "What is it?"
With a light bubbly jump Mikan declared "I'm going back to medicine school."
Kazumi didn't hide his surprise. He was elated with Mikan's decision but he knew that if Mikan was going to back to school that means that she's going to use the trust fund Izumi left for her and that means Mikan has to be in communication with Yuka Azumi "Does this mean…" he drifted off.
Mikan nodded her head. She knew what Kazumi was asking. "I'm going to use the trust fund dad gave me for my studies and I'm going to use it for Youichi's studies as well."
Kazumi nodded. "That's really great news, Mikan. It is a big help for the two of you." he added. But he knew this was just starting.
"Are you ready for the second news?" Mikan asked still with a smile taking a brownie from the tray and taking a bite from it.
Kazumi gave a nod as he took a sip from his tea.
Taking a deep breath, Mikan stated "I already talked to mom"
Kazumi blinked twice. "How are things between the two of you?" he carefully asked still trying to test the waters concerning the subject.
"Mom and I are actually doing great. She told me everything about what happened in the past" Mikan answered, her stature was comfortably leaning back on the couch. Kazumi didn't see any discomfort from Mikan. "She clarified everything…it was difficult to accept at first but everything is okay right now"
Observing his only niece, Kazumi did see that Mikan was in a better state right now. He can feel that Mikan wasn't carrying anything heavy anymore. Mikan was happy and positive as before.
"I'm happy to see you happy" Kazumi patted Mikan's shoulder.
"I've got a lot more to tell you" Mikan commented as she smiled at her uncle's statement. "I'm officially coming back as Mikan Yukihara and I'm changing You-chan's last name as well."
Kazumi smiled at Mikan's decisions. He knew that wherever Izumi was right now, he must be happier than he is.
"I'm planning to move back at the old penthouse where mom and dad raised me so Youichi can grow up there too" Mikan added.
Taking another sip of tea, Kazumi nodded and commented "Izumi would like that." And he saw how Mikan was happy about it as well.
"Oh and Uncle Kazu, I'll be attending the benefit tonight as Mikan Yukihara, and I'll be with mom and Shiki" Mikan added with a smile. "Are you coming as well?"
Kazumi just nodded and smiled at Mikan. It's nice to have you back, Mikan. While Mikan was talking about what she'll be wearing Kazumi glanced at the portrait of Izumi Yukihara hung on top of the fire place. Your Mikan is back to normal Izumi. Kazumi was hiding a small smile.
After chatting with Mikan for the past hour, Kazumi remembered something "What happened with you and Natsume Hyuuga?" he suddenly asked. "I saw some tabloids before that you two have been together in some pervious occasions. I also heard from Mr. Takahashi that the two of you were exclusively dating?"
Mikan's radiant smile slowly disappeared but tried to regain it none the less. Kazumi saw the change in Mikan's mood. He watched her finished another brownie and drink from her tea "I've set my priorities straight, Uncle Kazu" Mikan looked away for the first time "Nat— I mean Mr. Hyuuga sadly, isn't part of my priorities right now"
With a slight nod, Kazumi left it as it is and didn't ask more.
…
Natsume checked his watch for the nth time. He pulled out his phone, Mikan didn't message him back yet. Natsume you are acting ridiculous. He scolded himself. Why was he still so caught up with Mikan Sakura—Mikan Yukihara?
Even after she lied about who she was, Natsume was suppose to be angry at Mikan but he knew deep within him that the moment he found out and felt angry, he immediately forgave her. There was no hate. What he was just waiting for is Mikan's explanation.
There is also the fact that, Ruka is head over heels in love Mikan but Natsume have known that both of them competing for Mikan's affection wasn't anything personal. It was just natural for two men to compete for the same woman.
Natsume released a bottled up breath.
"You ready for the benefit tonight?" Ruka popped his head inside Natsume's office.
Looking up, Natsume leaned back on his black leather chair and pocketed his phone. "Like I'm always ready for these events" he rolled his eyes.
Ruka laughed as he walked in the room and settled on Natsume's huge desk. "Sheesh you've got a lot of paper work, Mr. Hotshot CEO" Ruka commented taking one folder and skimming his fingers through the pages. "Don't you have people to do this for you?" He asked throwing the folder back on the desk.
"Yes I do, but it seems like they're all too lazy to do this today" Natsume commented dryly. To ease his frustration with work and mostly Mikan, Natsume got up from his seat and went straight to the mini bar. He poured himself a glass of juice and walked back to his table.
When Natsume settled the glass on his desk, Ruka was looking at him in disbelieve. Turning to his blonde best friend Natsume raised a brow, "What?" he asked irritably. He noticed Ruka's eyes darting from him to the glass.
What's his problem? Natsume thought to himself. "Do you want some?" he was referring to the juice.
Ruka shook his head. "This is unbelievable" Ruka commented still looking dumb-struck.
"What?" Natsume irritably asked again. He didn't like asking twice.
"You're drinking juice" Ruka stated disbelievingly.
Natsume looked at the glass then at Ruka. "Yeah? So?" Thes was getting no where. Natsume hated vague answeres and Ruka knew that. What's the big deal?
"Not scotch" Ruka clarified.
Natsume blinked. Then he blinked again. He looked at his glass of orange juice. Orange juice. Not scotch. Natsume repeated Ruka's words in his mind.
"That's one healthy option, for you" Ruka stated as he recovered from his state of shock. Walking towards the mini bar, Ruka poured himself a glass of orange juice and settled on Natsume's couch. "You've been so fond of oranges the past weeks"
Ruka looked at Natsume, who was now holding his own glass of orange juice. "It's just an observation. I saw the oranges at the hotel especially at your new penthouse"
Natsume just blinked and drank from his glass turning to the panoramic view in his office.
"Maybe it's because of Mikan" Ruka whispered to himself as he looked at the cool glass of orange juice in his hand. He glanced at Natsume who didn't seem to hear what he said. He shook his head. I won't go down without a fight Natsume. I'll still try my best to win Mikan over.