Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice

Chapter 17

Ruka adjusted his tie as he walked in the big room. Charmingly smiling at the first people who spotted him, he casually walked through the great hall. He stopped by some people to greet them and made small chit-chat then went on his way, ignoring all the women trying to get his attention. Taking a glass of champagne from a near by waiter, Ruka made his way up the interior balcony over seeing the whole room without anyone seeing him.

"Figured you'd be here" Ruka said knowingly as he arrived beside Natsume Hyuuga, dressed handsomely in his suit and tie.

Natsume on the other hand just raised his glass up to acknowledge Ruka's statement, as he casually leaned on the railings his eyes bored and uninterested while looking over the guests in the hall.

Standing beside his best friend Ruka took another sip from his glass, "So you're here early" he commented as he saw Natsume scan the hall with eyes like a hawk. "Thought you were gonna finish those paper works in your office?"

Natsume just smirked. "I made other people do it for me."

Ruka smirked back and looked down at the hall, as well.

"So how are things going at the shelter?" Natsume suddenly asked.

With a shrug of his shoulders Ruka raised his glass to eye level and turn to his best friend. "Same as usual, just a concern about the drop in pet adoptions this month" He answered.

Nastume gave a nod.

There was another silent moment between the two. Both of their eyes were carefully scanning the hall for any signs of Mikan Yukihara's arrival.

"Hey guys!"

Both Natsume and Ruka looked away from the hall to see, Koko and Mochu arrive. Ruka looked shocked but managed to sound out a small "Hey" and Natsume just didn't care and just took a sip from his glass.

"It's been a while" Mochu greeted Ruka and Natsume.

"Yeah it is" Ruka agreed his eyes darting from Koko to Mochu. Isn't Koko feeling awkward hang out with Mochu. He looked at Natsume. You know with Mochu dating Sumire and all.

As if Natsume understood what Ruka was trying to say, he just looked back at him with a shrug. But to cut the awkwardness they were feeling, Natsume broke the ice "So Mochu when did you arrive from Europe?"

"Just two days ago" Mochu gladly answered taking a sip from his glass of whiskey.

"What about you Koko? How's that big case you're handling?" Ruka asked Koko as he stood beside him. "I heard about it in the news."

With his usual big smile, Koko gave two thumbs up. "Not that big, I got it all under control. " He commented confidently.

"That's great news" Ruka added as he took a sip from his glass.

"Speaking of great news" Mochu interjected. "I've got news for you guys" he continued when Natsume, Ruka and Koko looked at him.

"I am currently dating Fashion Designer Sumire Shouda" Mochu announced in a proud voice with a smirk on his face.

Natsume and Ruka looked at Koko who just had a simple smile on his face. Natsume was the first to react. "Good for you, Mochu" He commented. "At least, you'll get Shouda away from me for the time being".

They all laughed because they all knew Sumire Shouda was major in love with Natsume ever since she found out about him and was almost constantly everywhere Natsume would go, like small business parties to huge corporate events.

"Where is Shouda right now? Isn't this supposed to be her major event?" Natsume asked to keep Mochu preoccupied while Ruka pulled Koko away to get a hard drink from the bar below. When Ruka and Koko were on their way, Koko noticed a commotion happening at the entrance. Hmm…Mikan Yukihara just arrived. He thought to himself.

While Mochu was telling Natsume the where about of Sumire Shouda and what she was currently doing, he looked over the balcony once again and saw a mop of brown hair entering the great doors.

…

Mikan looked around the big room, just as the group of high society people walked away after welcoming her back. Mikan was offered a glass of champagne by a friendly waiter. "You could use a drink Ms. Yukihara" the waiter said with a smile.

"Thank you" she smiled thankfully and the waiter walked away with his tray.

Blowing away the bangs off her forehead, Mikan tired to look for any signs of her mother and uncle. "There are so many people" Making her way through the hall, Mikan kept of smiling and thanking everyone who has been welcoming her back. It's been so long since I've attended a benefit Mikan thought to herself. I feel like I forgot how to act around here.

Walking through the throng of people, Mikan felt someone pull her arm from behind. Quickly looking behind her, Mikan saw Ruka Nogi and Kokoro Yome, who was holding her arm, dressed smartly in their tux smiling down at her. "Hi" Mikan greeted the two. "Finally, two people I'm familiar" Mikan commented as she smiled at both Ruka and Koko.

"Hey Mikan!" Koko greeted warmly as he pulled Mikan in a hug,Mikan looked at Ruka in a thankful smile.

When Koko pulled away, Ruka smiled down at Mikan as he registered how beautiful she looked tonight. With her hair up in a messy bun, light make-up and a stunning diamond encrusted white gown. Mikan was a vision.

With his eyes still on Mikan, Ruka breathlessly commented "You're beautiful". He didn't really care if he just blurted that out.

Koko laughed at Ruka's stunned look as Mikan just thanked Ruka and commented as well "And you look handsome tonight".

Looking around the big room Mikan commented, "I was actually hoping no one would notice me tonight" Mikan lightly laughed as she remembered how she was welcomed earlier outside the building and inside the hall.

Ruka just blushed at Mikan's comment. "I-I'm glad you were able to a-attend the benefit t-tonight" he stuttered out, rubbing the back of his neck trying to ease up his blushing and embarrassed state.

"Yes well, I actually came here to spend time with my mom and uncle Kazu" Mikan said as she took a sip from her glass of champagne. "And Sumire is actually a friend so how can I say no to her"

"Right?" Koko immediately interjected. "That's what I have been trying to tell you earlier at the bar Ruka!" he exclaimed.

Mikan looked at Koko confused. Koko talking about Sumire? They know each other? Then a depth of realization hit Mikan "Were you the second person courting Sumire?"

Koko looked at Mikan in shock with a how-the-hell-did-you-know-look on his face. "Oh my goodness, I didn't know" Mikan's hands flew to her lips. "Sumire told me about you in her emails but she never said your name."

Hugging Koko, Mikan whispered in his ears "She told me she was falling in love with you…but she was already in love with Mochu so she had to choose him." She held Koko tighter "I'm so sorry Koko." Mikan just felt Koko nod his head.

When Mikan pulled away, she saw Koko still trying to keep a straight face. "Thank you for telling me that, Mikan" Koko said. Taking a last swig from his glass, Koko handed the glass to a passing waiter. He looked around the room and noted that, Natsume and Mochu were still at the balcony.

For a split second, Koko caught Natsume watching them. When he blinked, Natsume had his back on the railings while talking to Mochu. Rubbing his eyes and ruffling his already messy hair, Koko just shook his head. "If you guys need me, I'll be by the bar drowning all this feelings away. Okay?"

Before neither Mikan nor Ruka could react to what Koko said, he walked away to the direction of the bar with a wave.

"Feel so sorry for Koko" Mikan commented still looking at the path Koko went. Ruka felt sorry for Koko too and thought to himself I could be like Koko. He looked down at Mikan If I don't do something to win her over.

A slow jazz music started to play in the background, Ruka looked up at the balcony. Natsume was still there, his back on the railings talking to Mochu. At least Natsume's distracted right now.

Taking a deep breath Ruka tapped Mikan's shoulder and held out his hand. "It's been a long time…" When Mikan looked at him Ruka asked, "May I have this dance with you, Ms. Yukihara?"

Suddenly, Ruka felt like he was Prince Charming when Mikan nodded her head with that beautiful smile. Leading Mikan out into the dance floor, they started to dance in sync with the music. Ruka looked down at Mikan lovingly. I can't believe it. I have you in my arms tonight.

"Mikan?" Ruka asked as they both moved to the music.

"Hm?" Mikan looked up at Ruka.

Gathering all his courage, Ruka asked "Remember when we were in the university?"

"Yes, I still remember. Why?" Mikan asked with a tilt of her head.

Finding the right words, Ruka took a deep breath and looked at Mikan straight in the eye. "The first time I bumped into you, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." he blushed. "I suddenly had a crush on you"

Mikan blinked three times. "Really?"

Since Ruka could find his voice anymore, he just nodded his head while looking away. I love you.

Mikan just smiled at him in delight. "Okay. That's okay" she commented with a nod of her head. "That was just in the university, which was years ago. We all went through that stage."

Ruka looked back at her, as if finding his voice again It's now or never Ruka. Then Ruka just blurted everything out"Mikan I'm in love with you."

Mikan stopped dancing and blinked up at Ruka, her smile disappeared. Ruka stopped dancing as well but he didn't let Mikan go. "Ruka…" Mikan was trying to look for the right words to say. Oh no… Mikan didn't see this coming, especially from Ruka.

"You know, Mikan, you don't have to answer right now" Ruka immediately interjected, when he saw Mikan's reaction.

Placing a hand at her chest, Mikan took a deep breath. Ruka, why does it have to be me? She thought to herself. I don't want to be the one doing this to you. You deserve so much better.

Taking another deep breath, Mikan carefully held Ruka's hands. Biting her lips, Mikan closed her eyes and nodded. She looked up at Ruka. "Ruka, I'm sorry."

It's as if the world stopped for Ruka, he knew where this was heading "But, I only see you as a very dear friend." Mikan continued.

Giving Ruka a light kiss on the cheek, Mikan whispered sorry one last time and walked away disappearing in the crowd.

Just when Mikan was gone in front of him, Ruka looked up. He just couldn't believe he was turned down by the only woman he was so in love with for the past years. She didn't even give me a chance.

Ruka looked up at the balcony. Mochu was still there but Natsume was already on his way down the stairs. Ruka blinked twice. Then the feeling of jealousy bubbled inside him. "It's because of Natsume."

Looking around the hall, Ruka tried to spot where Mikan went. He had to get her away; he had to get her out of there. I can't let you have Mikan, Natsume.