Chapter One

For a 25-year old, Natsume Hyuuga had everything under control. He was the CEO of his family's corporation, had all the riches he could ask for, and it didn't hurt that people considered him extremely attractive. He had everything anyone his age could ever ask for. However, his best friend and basically everyone he cared for didn't think so.

Ruka Nogi sat across Natsume's seat in the CEO's office, and drank the tea the secretary offered him. He stared at his best friend, bemused. "I don't want to nag you about this because I know you've already had enough from your mom, but have you ever considered dating? You're 25 years old now, and I think it's the perfect age to find someone you'd want to settle down with, don't you think? And don't use your company as an excuse not to; you've got it where you want it to be."

The raven-haired man snorted. "Funny. Mother called me about that last night. I think she nagged about it for more than an hour. Even if I wanted to, most of the ladies I meet at gatherings are too shallow and annoying. I'd go out once in a while, sure, but I don't think I'd want to be in a serious relationship just yet."

"It's fun, you know," Ruka said, smiling to himself.

Natsume raised his eyebrow at his best friend. "Really? I find it hard to believe. Look at you and Imai. You've been together for two years now, but she still blackmails you and takes embarrassing photos of you. You look miserable. I've never seen the two of you go through that honeymoon phase, or whatever people call the sappy 'sweetheart', 'cupcake', and other pastry-calling endearment phase."

Ruka chuckled. He said, "I'd probably start worrying if Hotaru starts calling me sweetheart. We may look odd when we're together, but that's just who Hotaru is. She never really shows others her soft side, especially to people she doesn't know. But to people she cares about? It's not hard to see her affections. Honestly, I find it cute when she takes photos of me. I pray for the poor girl who falls in love with you. You'd probably perv on her all the time to show affection."

Natsume stood up and fixed his coat and tie. Ruka took is as a signal to stand up. Natsume sighed. "As soon as I find someone who's not only interested in my wealth and good looks—" Ruka snorted. "—then I'd happily perv on her. With her consent, of course. Who knows, maybe I'd turn into a sap like you."

"I'm not a sap! You know, Hotaru and I have been talking, and I suggested setting you up on a blind date with Hotaru's best friend. She wasn't thrilled with the idea, but she said as long as you behave, she might let you live long enough for a second or third date."

Natsume pretended to think about it. He then shook his head and stared at Ruka pointedly. "God forbid I date someone like Imai. And didn't you tell me you dated Imai's best friend before? No offense, but I'm not into sloppy seconds."

"Hotaru would kill you if she found out you said that, so I'm going to pretend I didn't hear you. Mikan and I went out on a couple of dates before Hotaru caught my attention, but back then we were both too busy to date seriously. We're good friends now, and she was very happy when she found out I was dating Hotaru. I don't know why I'm even explaining myself to you."

Ruka shook his head, and smiled at Natsume. "She's a nice girl, Natsume. Definitely not a sociopath. Quite the opposite, really. She's sweet and friendly, and she's pretty cute, too, if that helps. She's a pianist, only coming back from a wildly successful international tour. I think she's staying in Japan for a while."

"Fine," Natsume said, knowing too well Ruka won't give up until he gave in. "I trust you. Don't mess this up."

Grinning widely, Ruka nodded his head and said, "I promise you this won't fail. It's Hotaru Imai we're talking about. She wouldn't associate herself with shady people. I'll call her right now to arrange the date."

He stood up from his seat and excused himself to talk to his girlfriend. While Ruka went outside, Natsume took it as a chance to think about what to do on the date. He didn't want to disappoint Ruka, but he wanted to piss off Imai. If he fucked this up, Imai would be pissed off, sure, but Ruka would make a fit, and he didn't like it when Ruka was pissy.

On second thought, it wasn't a good idea to mess up this date. He knew Imai's capabilities. Who knew what would happen to him if he treated her best friend badly?

After a while, Ruka came back, smiling widely at Natsume. "Congratulations, my friend. You will be joining us for dinner at the Hyatt Hotel tonight. I'll pick up the girls. Please don't be late. You know how Hotaru feels about tardiness. Try to have fun and be nice, okay? Don't be too formal, and please don't scare Mikan. Brush your hair, okay?"

Natsume looked at him in mock surprise. "Is that you, mother?"

Ruka gave a dry, sarcastic laugh. "Ha ha. Very funny. This is Hotaru's best friend we're talking about. You don't have to try too hard. Just be yourself. On second thought, be your nicer self. Be your best self."

Natsume patted Ruka's shoulders and said, "Calm down, Ruka. I'll try to behave. I don't want that deranged girlfriend of yours to decapitate me. She has crazy eyes, Ruka. I'm not dumb enough to agitate that."

Natsume went out to smoke, and Ruka accompanied him, briefly talking about Mikan. Ruka talked fondly of the woman, smiling and laughing every once in a while when he talked about their time together in the past.

"Why does it seem like you still like her? I remember back then you wouldn't stop talking about a girl, and this Mikan person fits your childhood crush to a T. I won't go out with someone you have feelings for, Ruka, you know that." Natsume said, staring incredulously at Ruka.

Ruka raised his hands in defense and shook his head. "Well, it's true she was my childhood crush, but it was the kind kids have when someone's incredibly nice and sweet to them. I don't like her anymore. Not like that, at least. She's like a sister to me. She never held a grudge against Hotaru and me. She even cheered me on when she found out I was interested in Hotaru. She's just a genuinely nice person. It's not hard to like her, really."

"Imai doesn't get jealous?"

"Of course not," Ruka grinned. "Hotaru loves Mikan more than anyone in the world. She trusts her and knows Mikan would never do anything to hurt her."

Natsume smirked. "Why do you make it sound like Imai doesn't trust you?"

"I'm serious here," Ruka scolded him but laughed. "Hotaru trusts me, but she trusts Mikan more. So, do you now understand how close those two are?"

Natsume crushed his cigarette on top of the trash can. "Yeah, yeah. I believe you."

Ruka was about to leave, but he came back and closed the distance between them, standing close enough to sniff Natsume's neck. Natsume backed away and glared at the blond. "Ruka, what the hell?"

"You smell like a chimney," Ruka noted. "Do you have an extra suit in your office? Or a shirt? If you don't, will you spray some cologne please? Hotaru wouldn't be pleased if she smelled you."

"I thought you were pairing me up with Imai's best friend, not Imai herself?"

Ruka ignored him and walked away. He waved his hand at his best friend and said, "Just spray on some cologne, will you? See you in a bit."

"Who was on the phone, Hotaru?" Mikan Sakura asked, lying on her bed and reading a magazine.

Hotaru sat down beside her and shrugged. "Ruka. He wanted to have dinner with his best friend and us. Said Hyuuga didn't go out much, and he wanted to introduce him to you."

"To me?" Mikan turned around to stare at Hotaru. "Why just me?"

Hotaru nodded her head. "Well, I've met him before, so it would be pointless if Ruka introduced me to him. I scheduled it tonight at 7pm. That work for you?"

She could never resist Hotaru anyway, and it's been a while since she last saw Ruka, so she agreed, beaming at Hotaru and nodding her head.

Hotaru looked at her and lay down beside her. "Just so you know, Ruka wants to set you up with his best friend. I wouldn't worry too much about Hyuuga. He's a bit of a prick, but there are worse people out there, I guess."

"Well, he is Ruka's best friend," Mikan said, standing up. "I'm sure he wouldn't be hanging out with some weirdo with an underwear fetish. Hyuuga? Why does his name sound familiar?"

"He's the CEO of the Hyuuga Industries. Natsume Hyuuga."

Mikan nodded slowly, and went to her closet to pull out a simple shift dress and a pair of black leggings. She grinned at Hotaru and showed her outfit choice. "Is this fine?"

Hotaru nodded her head, but said, "Isn't it a little too hot for leggings though?"

"This dress is short."

"So?" Hotaru raised her eyebrow at her. "Wear shorts underneath then. It's too hot for leggings. Now go shower. I can smell you from here."

Mikan pouted at Hotaru's insult. "Fine."

She then went to the bathroom to shower and change. When she came back, Hotaru was already wearing one of her dresses. Mikan grinned at Hotaru, amused. "Nice dress, Hotaru."

Hotaru ignored her and went to her dresser where her makeup was neatly stacked. Hotaru tapped the chair placed in front of the dresser and stared pointedly at Mikan. Mikan laughed at her best friend's obvious order, but went to sit nonetheless. Hotaru started blow drying and brushing her hair. "You don't mind this, right? This set up with Hyuuga?"

"I trust you, Hotaru," Mikan said, closing her eyes and enjoying the moment with her beloved best friend. "And didn't you tell me it's time to go out and meet new people?"

After brushing her hair, Hotaru proceeded to apply light makeup on Mikan's face. Mikan stared happily at her best friend as Hotaru concentrated on preparing her for the dinner.

When Hotaru was done, she went back to the bed and browsed the magazine Mikan was reading. Mikan faced her best friend and said, "Hotaru, why haven't I met Ruka's best friend before? I've known Ruka since we were ten, but he's never mentioned this Natsume Hyuuga before."

"Hyuuga barely went out with Ruka or anyone. He was home-schooled when we were kids, and as soon as he reached the legal age to work, he's been flying from one country to the other to represent Hyuuga Industries. I'm actually surprised he's in Japan for good. I'd be busy too if I were him; Hyuuga Industries has over 15 divisions and 20,000 employees."

"Oh," Mikan shrugged and started drumming her fingers on her seat. "It's amazing though. He's handling something as big as that. How old is he, 26?"

"25, actually."

Soon, Hotaru's phone buzzed. She quietly read the message she received and stood up after. She smoothed down her dress and said, "Ruka's here. Let's go."

They left Mikan's flat and met up with Ruka in the lobby. On their way, Ruka chatted with Mikan about his pet rabbit while Hotaru ignored them and stared outside the window.

"Usagi-chan made new friends," Ruka said, staring briefly at Mikan through the rear-view mirror. "The clinic just rescued some animals, so we're a bit busy right now. We rescued this abnormally large chick and named her Piyo. Usagi-chan seemed intimidated by Piyo, but a few hours of spending time with each other, the two became the best of friends. You should visit. They're so amusing to watch."

Mikan smiled at the thought of a bunny and a chick playing and cuddling. She leaned her head on Hotaru's seat. "I can imagine. Usagi-chan's cute enough on his own, what more if a chick is playing with him? How big is Piyo?"

"She's only a few weeks old but she's already as big as Usagi-chan. She's very big for her age. Pretty sure she'd grow bigger later."

"She's perfect for Thanksgiving," Hotaru muttered, still staring outside.

Mikan laughed and slapped Hotaru's shoulder from behind, which gained her a glare from the girl in the front seat. "I'm sure Ruka wouldn't use Piyo as a Thanksgiving meal."

Before Ruka could say anything to defend Piyo, his phone started ringing. He smiled sheepishly at Hotaru whose back was turned to him. "Hotaru, will you please answer the phone? And if you'd put it on speaker, please. That's probably Natsume."

Hotaru rolled her eyes at him before answering it for him. She placed it on his dashboard. Ruka grinned at her. "Thanks."

A low, husky voice talked.

"Ruka."

"Yeah? You're on speaker, Natsume. I'm driving right now."

There were shuffling sounds before Natsume answered. "I'll be late. There were last minute documents to be edited and signed. My secretary reserved us seats under my name and made the maitre'd know you can go ahead and order. I'll be there before 8."

Hotaru glared at the phone. "You're paying for dinner, then."

"Whatever."

The line went dead, and Ruka smiled at Mikan apologetically. "Sorry. It happens. Busy as a bee, Natsume. Now that I think about it though, he isn't as busy as he used to be. Back then, I couldn't even call him because he was always on meetings."

"Oh," Mikan leaned back and nodded her head. "Is he sick though? His voice sounds hoarse."

"No. He smokes. I've been trying to make him quit, but he says it's his stress-reliever."

Ruka parked the car in front of the lobby for the valet, and he opened the door for Hotaru while one of the valet parkers opened the door for Mikan.

The three went to Oak Door, one of Hotaru's favourite restaurants, and went straight to the maître d' who smiled at them. "Good evening. Do you have a reservation?"

Ruka smiled back. "Yes. It's under Natsume."

"Of course. Table for 4?" Ruka nodded, and the maître d' led them to their table. He handed them three menus and smiled. "A waiter will be with you shortly. Feel free to call them if you need anything."

The moment a waiter approached their table, Hotaru went ahead and ordered the most expensive meal in the menu. The others followed suit. Ruka then ordered something for Natsume.

"Alright, then. Would you like to order some red wine, perhaps? I would recommend the Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon, year 2005."

"Yes, please." Hotaru smiled at the waiter, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Serve it first."

The waiter excused himself, and Hotaru continued smiling. Mikan looked at her best friend suspiciously. "Why are you smiling like that?"

"I enjoy free food and free wine."

"That, you do," Ruka laughed. "Natsume will not be happy when he sees the bill."

Hotaru rolled her eyes and said, "It's his fault he's late."

The couple talked about a trip they were planning to have so Mikan decided to just play with her phone. Hotaru nudged Mikan and said, "We're going to Ruka's villa this weekend. Do you want to join us? I remember you whining about wanting to go to the beach."

Mikan looked up from her phone and stared at the two. She didn't want to invade their private time together, but she really wanted to go to the beach.

"Yeah, Mikan, you should join us. It'll only be for the weekend." He smiled at her, and Mikan looked closely at Ruka, looking for signs that he's faking his enthusiasm.

When she was convinced they really wanted her to join them, Mikan nodded her head eagerly and grinned. "That would be great, thank you!"

She then excused herself to go to the washroom. She hummed a happy tune as she skipped her way there. She loved the beach! It's been so long since she's been to one, so she'd definitely enjoy it.

The thought of the beach distracted her, and she didn't notice a toy train lying on the floor. She inevitably tripped on the toy train, and ended up falling flat on her face. She groaned loudly while the child who left the train picked it up and ran away, without as much as an apology for leaving the toy on the ground in the first place.

"Kids these days," she muttered to herself, massaging her forehead.

Before she could stand up, a hand was extended in front of her. She blindly grabbed it, and in an instant, she was on her feet, the swift motion making her squeak. She looked up to her helper and smiled politely. "Thank you."

Her savior, a tall handsome man with dark, messy hair, smirked at her. "Watch where you're going next time, polka dots."

She blinked, confused. The man patted her on the shoulder and walked away while she stood there, trying to understand where the weird nickname came from.

A few seconds later, her eyes widened in realization as she remembered the pattern of her underwear. The handsome man saw her underwear. She went red with rage, and shouted at the man. "Pervert!"

The man simply waved at her, his back still facing her. He didn't even stop to deny it! She glared at his back, hoping her eyes could somehow shoot laser beams at him.

Her mood turned sour, and she stomped her way to and from the washroom. It wasn't her fault she hated wearing shorts underneath her dress! She should've just worn the damn leggings.

When she came back to their table, she was in for a shock when she saw the pervert sitting beside Ruka. She pointed angrily at him. "What is he doing here?"

The man smirked at her outburst and shook his head. "Ruka, you didn't tell me Imai's best friend was rude. She shouldn't point her fingers at people like that."

Mikan could feel her lip twitch in anger. Who was he to insult her like that? He harassed her, damn it! "Shut up, pervert!"

Ruka eyebrows shot up at what Mikan said, and turned his head to the man beside him. "Why is Mikan calling you a pervert, Natsume?"

"He saw my underwear! No one would want to marry me now!" Mikan said, unaware of the attention she's gaining. Hotaru pulled her down to make her sit. Unfortunately, she was seated directly in front of Natsume.

Hotaru looked at the two in amusement, and turned to Natsume. "Is it true, Hyuuga?"

Natsume shrugged. "She tripped and her dress hiked up. Her underwear was there for the world to see. It wasn't my fault I was there when it happened."

"Apologize, pervert," Mikan said, crossing her arms.

"I don't owe you an apology. You owe me an apology for traumatizing me with your ugly underwear print."

Mikan faced her best friend and whined, "Hotaruuu."

"Shut up," Hotaru hissed, massaging her temples. "You're giving me a headache. Mikan, get over it. It's your fault you're clumsy. Hyuuga, stop antagonizing Mikan. Now Mikan, don't be rude and introduce yourself."

Ruka laughed awkwardly at the two. "Hotaru's right. I think introductions are in order. You guys should just forget about what happened and start over. Is that alright, Mikan?"

Mikan pouted and looked away. "I'm Mikan Sakura," she mumbled.

"Natsume Hyuuga."

Hotaru whacked Mikan's shoulder. She then looked pointedly at her and tilted her head at Natsume's direction. Mikan sighed. "Nice to meet you, Natsume Hyuuga."

When Natsume didn't answer, Hotaru glared at her. "Do I have to whack you in the back of the head, Hyuuga?"

Natsume rolled his eyes. "Fine. Nice to meet you too, Sakura."

"You two are like toddlers," Hotaru then ignored her and ate as soon as the appetizer arrived.

Natsume shook his head at his best friend's girlfriend and stared at Mikan. "How do you stand her?"

"I heard that," Hotaru said, still focused on her food.

Because of the commotion Mikan caused a while ago, some people recognized her. The maître d' approached them and smiled at Mikan. "Sorry to disturb your dinner, but are you Miss Mikan Sakura?"

Mikan stopped eating, and smiled politely at the maître d'. "I am. Can I help you?"

"Some of the customers are wondering if you may grace us with a performance. Personally, I am a huge fan of yours, Miss Sakura. It would mean a lot to our establishment if you'd play us a song."

Mikan stood up from her seat and nodded her head. "Why not?"

She followed the maître d' to the middle of the dining area where a grand piano was located. The maître d' said over the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, a very special person will be playing the piano for us today. Please put your hands together for Miss Mikan Sakura."

Mikan smiled and sat in the piano chair. She said, "Good evening, everyone! Tonight, I'll be playing an original. It's called Four Seasons. Enjoy!"

Slowly, she started to press the keys in the piano. Everyone was enthralled with the music she played. It was the first time most of the people in the restaurant heard her play live and it amazed them that someone as young as her could play so well.

Natsume stared at her and said, "I'm impressed. I didn't expect her to play like that."

"Well, she's been playing the piano since she was three," Hotaru said, watching her best friend perform.

Natsume shrugged. "I guess clumsy people like her could be decent pianists. With the way she talked and moved, no one would've guessed."

"That's Mikan for you," Ruka laughed.

Natsume continued to watch Mikan. The piece she played was lively and fun; it suited her. She looked like she was having the time of her life.

After playing the piece, Mikan bowed and went back to their table with a smile plastered on her now blushing face. She sat down and sighed happily.

She said, "It's been a few months since I last played in front of an audience. It's like I've been recharged!"

Ruka smiled at her. "I can see that. You're blushing with joy. And I have to say this; you are the best pianist I have ever seen, and I'm not being biased because you're my friend."

Natsume nodded. "I have listened to a lot of pianists before, but you're a unique one, polka-dots. Who knew someone with such ugly taste in underwear could play like that?"

Mikan made a face at him and said, "You know what, I'm going to take that as a compliment. I don't want a stuck-up guy like you to ruin my beautiful mood. Thanks a lot for the compliment, Natsume!"

Mikan grinned at Hotaru. "Hotaru, I should perform in Japan. I haven't played here in a while now."

Hotaru hummed in agreement. "Yeah. Hyuuga has a concert promotions team and a concert hall. You should have it held there."

"Can we do that?" Mikan looked curiously at Natsume.

Natsume finished his food and drank his wine before finally answering. "I don't see why not. We can talk about it next time. Set a meeting, Imai."

Mikan clapped her hand and grinned. "That's settled, then!"

Ruka emptied his glass in one gulp and said, "Oh yeah, before I forgot. Hotaru, Mikan, and I were planning to go to Shimane this weekend. There's a festival there, and it's a perfect time to go to the countryside and go to the beach. You should join us, Natsume."

Natsume shrugged. "I'll check my schedule with my assistant. I haven't been able to swim in a while now. Aoi would be glad if she finds out I took a break from work."

Ruka liked that about Natsume. He loved his younger sister, Aoi, too much. He'd do anything to make her happy. He smiled at him and said, "I'm glad you finally agreed."