Chapter 7

Hotaru's limit has just about reached. Mikan was being absolutely infuriating by being stupid and ignorant. However, once a decision is made, Imai Hotaru would never give up till her goal is achieved.

"What's going on between you and Hyuuga?" She demanded the answer from the stunned brunette, who in returned, stared back at her with large wide eyes, stammering incoherent answers.

"I …er… Nothing much is going on… we're pretty much the same?" Mikan frowned at her own tone. It is true that nothing has changed, except for a few teeny details (like the kiss they shared), but that could be overlooked, and the fact that Natsume had treated her exceptionally well, which also can be overlooked.

Unconvinced, Hotaru squinted at her with questioning eyes and swear that Mikan was not telling the truth. However, she knew that nothing would come out from asking a person who is confused in her own situation. Mikan is no doubt an unreliable source. So, she would just have to ask another source, the main one, besides Mikan, THE Hyuuga Natsume.

Leaving Mikan completely perplexed and shocked, Hotaru strut off in search of a certain raven hair lad. She knew, from all her resources, where he would be; the sakura tree.

Natsume scaled up the tree expertly as the sakura petals embraced him in. He smirked as he was suddenly reminded of yesterday's scene under the huge sakura tree. It had become one of his most favorite memories in his life. He knew as long as Mikan was here beside him, he would never forget about every minute he had spent with her. And he hated how he was becoming a hopeless sap. Frowning yet resisting the urge to grin at the same time, he wondered for the umpteen times of the reason he had fallen for that stupid girl.

Was it because of her indifference towards him? It's not possible or else Imai would be his potential lover… talk about disgusting… the thought of him and Hotaru being a pair or even a meter away from each other made him nauseous.

Just as he was trying to drive her away from his mind, the devil herself appeared.

Imai Hotaru, firmly and surely, was still hot on Natsume's heels.

"Come out Hyuuga! I can see you!" She shouted blatantly, even though all she could see was a mob of pink, instincts told her that he was in there, and her instincts had never fail so far.

Natsume held back a groan. What did she want from him? He was totally sure that it wasn't something pleasant. He decided that ignoring her was the best option.

"I have proof that you and Mikan have something going on!" She persisted and lied.

Natsume shot up from his laid back position. 'What?' His thoughts were barely coherent. It was not as if he cared if the news got out, but what about Mikan? She would surely be affected the worst, receiving the end of the straw. And then he can almost imagine her breaking up with him almost immediately, as if there was anything to break in the first place. Mikan had a promise to keep, and him? He had her to get.

Launching himself off the branch almost immediately, he landed perfectly in front of a smug Hotaru.

"Now, where were we?" She smiled, knowing that it would not be long before the truth was finally hers.

After a few reluctant nods and grunts from Natsume, Hotaru was just about satisfied with the answers she received from her questions. Now, she knew for a fact that these two idiots love each other, (even though Natsume refused to admit it) and that Mikan had not told him about her secret. Hotaru felt slightly amused by Natsume's predicament, it would have sucked to be in his position. However, she was adamant when he asked about Mikan's secret which she refused to tell.

"I don't get what is so secretive and mysterious! It's seriously pissing me off."

"Then go take a piss yourself. I'm not giving away anything."

"After all that I've said? You suck."

"That's the best insult I've taken from you today. Thank you very much for your absolute politeness." Hotaru hissed and Natsume growled back. Both were like untamed wild animals waiting to pounce and devour each other.

Luckily, Hotaru was more sensible than to be involved in a cat fight with him. Straightening her skirt and blouse, she gave him a warning glance before giving him a piece of advice.

"Being with Mikan takes up all your energy and patience. You'd better be prepared. And if she shed one tear, I'll be sure to pulverize you." Natsume only glared back at her with indignant eyes full of pride and just gave a curt nod before turning his back and walking away.

'Good riddance.' He thought. 'No need to add in the fact that she had already cried more than three times in my presence. No need at all if I know what is self-preservation'

He knew she was serious and can be trusted but it's Hotaru of all people. You can't just totally trust 'trust' her unless you have something to blackmail or offer her with, but then again, she probably has everyone's dirty linen all stuffed up in her little handbook. Why bother?

'Oh well… it would be better hearing the truth from her herself. After all, it's more interesting.' Natsume's eyes glinted with evil as he went in search of his subject of annoyance and fawn, Mikan.

The young female squeezed through the rowdy cafeteria, determined to get to her destination, the noodles vendor. 'I can't miss out on my favorite curry noodle today! It's only once in a week! Go Mikan!' She pushed herself forward like a crazy fan, not minding the squeals and protests of by-standers in her way. 'I'll get there!'

Meanwhile, a pair of eyes watched her; the green eyes oozed with envy as she observed the brunette and her unruly behavior. "What's so good about her anyway?" She huffed in annoyance and anger. Fist bunched and ready to pounce, Sumire stormed towards Mikan, who was in the middle of fighting for her noodles. "Just you wait! Mikan Sakura!"

Natsume made his way towards the cafeteria, knowing that he would find the brunette there. "I bet she's all hype up about the noodles store now. That glutton." He smirked. Unknowingly, his footsteps quickened as his wish to see her grew. "Wait ill I find her!"

However, as he walked nearer and nearer he realized that something was wrong. The students seemed to be in a state of panic as shouts and screams were heard. Worried and partially curious, he doubled his pace and demanded the crowd to part. Everyone shunned away immediately, threatened by his presence.

"What's this?!" In front of his eyes was Mikan lying on the floor, unconscious. Panic and fury consumed him as he grabbed the nearest person he could see.

"WHAT HAPPENED?" He roared. The poor innocent passer-by could only shook his head. "I don't know! It's not me! I … really…"

Natsume shot him a frustrated look and sent him scampering away.

'Anyways, let's bring her to the infirmary first.'

He scooped Mikan into his arms, gently, as he glared at the rest of the students to give way. Oppressed by him yet again, they very much scooted away before anyone could get victimized again.

"Mikan, what happened to you?"

Sorry that I did not update for quite awhile! I was busy with the new school year. Everything is very hectic now but I hope you'll give me your support and continue to read my fanfics and stories! I love you guys and don't forget to review! I love reading reviews more than I love writing fanfics! Hahas! Heart peace and out!