Hello everyone! I have resurrected and finally posted something. I would like to thank the users who favorited and followed this story collection. I am also honored by the kind people who have followed me. I really appreciate it! I would also like to thank everyone who's been reaching out for collabs. Unfortunately, I am not yet up for collabs. But thank you, thank you and thank you for expressing your interest.

the break-up

Aoi is beaming, as she usually does on this special day. Natsume steels himself. Mikan giggles.

"Happy break-up anniversary, brother!"

Natsume loves his younger sister with all his heart, but every year, when she greets him like this, he just wants to tell her to get lost. However, the day of the "break-up" anniversary was also Aoi's birthday. Natsume settles for a glare before hugging her and wishing her a happy birthday.

Mikan told Aoi the "break-up" story on a family outing three years ago. The fiasco had occurred during their last year in the academy, a good 10 years ago. An excited five-year old boy, who possessed the Bubblegum Alice, was the starting point of all the absurdity. The sweet lad had no ill-intentions whatsoever. He was just not that skilled yet in manipulating his ability.

One fine day, this lack of skill manifested itself when a blob of aquamarine-colored bubblegum landed on the lower part of Mikan's hair and refused to budge. Mikan made the decision to have her hair cut. There was no real harm done. Or so she thought.

Five hours later, a jet-lagged Natsume came back from a mission to escort an eminent security analyst who was attending a weeklong conference abroad was accosted by an amused Youichi.

"I wouldn't go back to your dormitory, if I were you."

"Why?"

"Well, there is a bit of a crowd waiting for you there. Around 20 students. Actually, there were more but many already gave up and left."

"Why?"

"Here's the thing, Natsume. You and Mikan have supposedly broken up—"

"What the heck, Youichi?!"

"Shh, I know it's not true. I'll take you to Mikan. Nonoko-san and Anna-san whisked her away, quite skillfully. Yuu-san and Sumire-san are addressing the crowd. Koko, Kitsu and I were looking out for you. I just found you first."

Youichi gave him details along the way. Mikan went for a haircut after the bubblegum incident. The hair dresser who cut her hair was chatty. He spoke of the niece of his uncle's neighbor breaking-up with her longtime boyfriend. Another customer heard it, misunderstood, and the rumor mill began turning. Mikan had to fend off people who were asking for confirmation, people who were commiserating with her, and some members of her fan club who were denouncing Natsume.

"It's a hot mess," Youichi concluded.

They arrived at the Elementary School Division's botanical garden. Misaki-sensei had kindly gave Mikan refuge in a secluded greenhouse. She looked almost as tired as Natsume. They thanked Nonoko, Anna and Youichi for their help. The three then gave Natsume and Mikan privacy.

Mikan kissed his cheek and smiled.

"I missed you very much, Natsume. Welcome back."

"I missed you too. You don't look good."

"This is nothing. I'm sorry that you can't rest after returning."

"It's not nothing and it's not your fault, Mikan."

"I guess so. But arent't we lucky to have such good friends. I'll have to make sure to pay them back in some way."

"And I'll make sure that the people who harassed you get their payback."

"Natsume, please don't overdo it."

"They did, and you know it."

"Look, there has been too much chaos today. The most persistent individuals were probably sent to detention already. The skeptics will eventually be convinced that we are still very much together."

"You're too kind for your own good, Mikan."

"That's why I belong with you. You can guide and protect me. Anyway, do you like my haircut? I think it turned out pretty well."

Natsume pulled out a small pouch from his coat pocket.
"And now you'll have no use for the ribbons I bought for you during my trip."

"Oh! How thoughtful. Thank you so much, Natsume. It's alright, it's definitely possible to use it even with shorter hair. The hair dresser gave me some styling tips earlier."

"I hate that guy. I hate him."

Mikan laughed.