Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice.

Title: A Bittersweet Fate

Summary: REVISED. AU. Slightly OC. Mikan Sakura is the almost perfect epitome of a prominent, yet ruthless student. But her almost perfect life comes crashing down when she agrees to date Natsume Hyuuga, her long time suitor. The thing is, what happens next?

Author's Notes: I apologize for another revision of this story. Again, the plot is still the same. I figured out I had too much of fluff in my other story "He's Mine, She's Mine", so I will try to lessen some of it here; the characters are also 'almost' the same with that story, so I have to change it, too; and lastly, I want to avoid too much Mary-Sues and Gary-Stus (although I'm not very familiar with the whole concept of those kinds of characters) in my stories. So, enjoy! And don't forget to leave a review. You are loved by me.

Chapter One – Creams and Butters

It had been roughly an hour and a half since Mikan Sakura sat on her chair inside the meeting room of the Student Council of Alice Academy, a private school in Japan where children of the elites took their high school education.

The room, located at the fourth floor of the building, was comparable to those found in companies; an oblong-shaped, polished wooden table was found in the center with eight black swivelling chair tucked under it, a meter-long fluorescent light emitting a white soft light was attached on the ceiling, releasing dim yellow light which made the room look highly sophisticated as it accented the brighter light, were four round bulbs engraved on the four corners of the room, in front of the table was a white board and rolled-up projector screen above, and to complete the furnishing was a pot of meter-high lucky bamboo standing beside the big and only window of the room.

She gazed at the obvious frowns on the faces of her friends who filled the remaining seats around the table, as well as the other positions in the council. On the left of Mikan, sitting at the farthest end of the table, was Rui Amane, the president of the student council. He was often mistaken as a girl for his feminine features. He never opposed idea, in fact he enjoyed it.

Rui was chatting with the girl across Mikan, Shizune Yamanouchi, the secretary. Unlike Rui who had the air of perkiness around him, Shizune was more to be in the aloof side. Her dark brown hair that cascaded until the middle of her back and round eyeglasses were her signature look. She was the one taking notes in her medium-sized notebook that she spared for the council.

Beside Mikan was the treasurer, Yura Otonashi, a sophomore who was rumoured to have the ability to see and talk to ghosts. She owned a distinct beauty. Mikan always thought that her gray locks were enough to catch the eyes of the males, if not for the gloomy and dark aura she had. Mikan glanced at the thing Yura was holding and saw that it was a tiny voodoo doll. Creepy girl she was.

Across Yura was Sumire Shouda, the P.R.O. of the council. She was Mikan's classmate. Apart from calling herself the muse of the Student Council, Sumire was also one of the most fashion-forward girls in the school. Sumire was tapping her long fingernails on the table, making small, but noticeable sounds. Mikan cringed as she continued to focus her dead-beat attention to Sumire's annoying hobby. She shook her head and diverted her concentration away.

Two chairs saved for the members were left empty. While the other member was presenting, the other was absent. Another empty chair was saved for their adviser, Serina Yamada, who wasn't also present. Standing in front of them was Luna Koizumi, the business manager, who was doing her proposal for the upcoming Alice Festival.

"As I was saying," Luna slammed her hands on the table, frustration visible in her eyes. The thumping sound of her palms against the hard material caused everyone to jolt in their seats. "We will impose stricter rules this time. We cannot let anything ruin this year's festival."

Rui stretched his hands upwards, opened his mouth, and let out a yawn. He then, turned to Mikan. "What do you think Ms. Vice president?"

Mikan straightened her back and fixed a curious, yet impassive stare at Luna. "I agree of it. Good job on this Luna." She claimed as her hands clutched the handles of her chair on each side, swivelling it to an approximate 30-degree turn.

The praised girl held a smug smile. "Why thank you Sakura-san."

"Enough of this," Rui checked his watch—6: 38 p.m., it said. He stood up, signalling Luna to take her seat, and walked to the front of the table where Luna was previously standing. His soft features hardened, as he fixated his eyes on each member. "Luna, I need a full report of that tomorrow in my desk, remember to compile it in a purple folder. Give Mikan and Shizune their own copies for inspection. And, provide Yura a copy of detailed budget description by tomorrow, too. Sumire, I need you to talk to Megane so you two can schedule a meeting with the class representatives. Where the hell is Megane anyway?" He scratched the side of his neck while his other hand was crossed on his chest.

"He was sick, remember? If you didn't throw him a bucket of water because of your childishness, he would be here." Shizune closed her notebook with a loud 'thump' and glowered at Rui, who in exchange crossed his finger and mouthed the word, 'peace'. "Really Rui, can we go home now?" She asked after placing her notebook inside her bag.

Rui clapped his hands. "We could, of course, we could. Let's go home now!" With one last big smile, he said, "You're all awesome. I love you, guys!" He blew them a kiss, and he headed for the door.

Mikan stayed for a bit and watched her friends stood up and filed for the door. She tossed her head back and closed her eyes for a bit, giving her mind a momentary time to relax. Not long after, she felt a presence beside her. She opened her right eye and saw a Barbie-like face staring at her. "Hey." She greeted as she opened her other eye and sat up straight.

"Someone's waiting for you." Sumire giggled at her before yanking her arm. Mikan almost tripped at her bag that was laid on the floor as Sumire dragged her. She grabbed her bag and slung it on her shoulder. "Slow down Permy."

Sumire turned her head to her, and manifested in her scrunched features was the annoyance with the aforementioned nickname. "Don't call me that, twerp." She tightened her grasp around Mikan's wrist and exerted a greater force in order to pull Mikan towards the door. But the heavens forbade a good ending of this, for seconds after, both girls fell on the floor.

"Aww..." Mikan pushed herself from the floor and glared at Sumire who did the same. "Why did you do that?"

"Why did you trip?"

"You pulled me!"

"I... Ugh. Whatever. Let's go." Sumire stood up and dusted her skirt. Good thing they weren't at the door yet, or else extreme humiliation awaiting them would be a terrible outcome. She helped Mikan up and both of them exited the room.

Mikan found herself sitting beside Sumire who was driving her pink car. She furrowed her eyebrows as she glanced at the girl beside her. She was thankful for her seatbelt for it saved her from unintentionally throwing herself outside the window when Sumire pulled the brakes for the stop light.

"Where are we going? Hotaru's worried for me." She initiated.

Sumire let out a mocking chuckle, gripping the steering wheel. "Please darling, Hotaru will never do that."

"What do you mean?"

"If she did, she would have waited for you in the meeting. Or at the very least, join the council. And guess what, she didn't."

Mikan puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms in front of her. "That was harsh."

The red light changed to green, and thus, Sumire started manoeuvring her car, smoothly skidding in the spaces between the other cars that were on the road, too. The glowing lights from afar slowly became clear and were soon shaped into distinct structures when they neared them.

Mikan knew this place. It was the high-end area of Tokyo where the elites live the night life, spending hundreds to thousands of their money for merriment. She could see a beam of light roaming around the starless dark sky, the skyscrapers appearing to be taller than when seen from afar, and the groups of teenagers to adults in queue outside various clubs, waiting for their turn to experience the wild life. She thought Sumire would stop at one bar for she slowed down the car, when all of a sudden; the girl made a turn to the left and drove past the buzzing fraction of this area and proceeded to the pacified one.

Sumire seemed to have sensed the tension in Mikan. "We're going to meet some people. Don't worry, you know them." Through the sides of her eyes, she perceived the easing of the shoulders of her passenger. She turned right at an intersection and about ten meters away, she saw the place where they're headed to.

"We're here." She pulled the brakes, parked the car in between two cars, turned off the engine, and removed her seatbelt. She told Mikan to do the same before they exited the car, and drag the latter who was being reluctant.

Mikan couldn't help it but to notice the flickering lamp posts that poorly shone their way. She felt chills running up her spine and the hairs on her back standing up when the cold breeze of August night blew past them. They passed by a few stores selling various items before they reached a coffee shop which was at the corner lot of the street. She raised her head and read the 'Creams and Butters' in gold cursive letters, engraved on a wooden rectangular post above the two-door entrance of the shop. She could smell the inviting aroma of the coffees, the freshly baked breads, and the mixed smells of other foods served inside.

They took their steps and entered the shop, the wind chime hanging above the wooden framed door produced a glittery sound when it was hit. Sumire flipped her dark green locks, and surveyed the dimly lit area, taking note of the faces of the people inside until she found a set of familiar faces sitting at the farthest table. "Let's go." She said, clamping her hands on Mikan's wrist and tugging her towards the 'people' they were going to meet up.

"Who really is it that we're go—" Mikan stopped her tracks, refusing to near the table before her, as she saw a very familiar pair of crimson eyes. She shook her head mentally and prayed that this was just a dream, or a nightmare. She didn't like the idea of coming close to the owner of the eyes, much less to meet him outside their school. After all, who would want to have a surprise get-together with the guy who followed you at school each time he got the chance, which was like every second?

"Hey, Mikan." The lad placed his porcelain cup filled with cold cappuccino shake on the table, and rested his arms on the leather covers of his seat. His raven fringes were hanging messily on his head and his fair tan complexion was accented by the soft yellow light hanging above them, also defining the structure of his cheekbone and jaw. He pierced her with his gaze, the one that he frequently gave her whenever they're inside the school.

"Natsume Hyuuga. What the heck are you doing here?" Mikan angrily spat as she released herself from Sumire. She tried her best to be diplomatic, but the intense gaze he was giving her didn't help much. It was irking her, setting her discomfort and aggravation to the maximum level. Much to her displeasure, he returned it with his signature smirk.

"Waiting for you."

Sitting beside Natsume were his friends. On his left was his best friend Ruka Nogi, a half French guy who had the opposite personality of Natsume. He was regarded as one of the most beautiful people in Alice Academy, with his golden blonde hair and deep azure eyes often compared to the ocean. To the right of Natsume was Youichi Hijiri, a sophomore student who shared the same stoic expression as Natsume (in times when he's not following Mikan). His soft gray spikes complemented his teal eyes. He was sipping from the straw of his tall iced tea glass. All of them were still wearing their uniform, as well as the two girls.

Mikan watched as Sumire open her palm before Natsume, and the latter placing folds of money on it. She gasped, completely realizing that she forgot the fact that Sumire was Natsume's cousin, and that he paid her just to bring Mikan to this place. "I'm leaving. I don't have time for this." She was about to turn her heels when Sumire held her arms, preventing her from going anywhere.

"Stay here with Natsume, or else I'll tell Rui about 'that'." Mikan gulped after Sumire whispered those words to her. She didn't want Rui to know about 'that'. Sure, she had a higher position than Sumire in the council, but that didn't mean she could not be threatened by the girl.

"We're cool." She answered, only to be pulled by Sumire in a quick hug. "Bye hun, I'll be leaving with these two."

With her body frozen on the spot, her eyes followed the rising of Youichi and Ruka from their seats. Ruka gave her a quick hug, too, while Youichi nodded at her in acknowledgement. The three left immediately, leaving her alone with Natsume, who had been staring at her for the past minutes; his forehead was creased already as he wondered why the girl hadn't taken her seat yet.

"What?" Mikan asked, finally noticing that Natsume had fixated his eyes on her.

"I'm just wondering why you're refusing to be my girlfriend."

Oh, boy.