#01: Gakuen Alice (Natsume & Mikan)
...xXx...
...xXx...
Mikan touched her lips. She could still taste his lips on hers. It was peppermint. And the kiss was… sweet and wet. The word he said before he left was bugging her though. She could still hear his voice as he uttered it, echoing in her head non-stop. She just didn't understand what he meant by that apology, and her heart was beating so hard that it was making her even more puzzled.
Sorry? She pondered, thinking critically. Her head ached as she tried to understand him. He was the type of guy who didn't show any emotion. His face always remained as stoic as ever. She couldn't read his facial expression to understand him properly. Did he really like her? Or… Baka Mikan! He kissed you without your permission, so of course, he would apologise! She smacked her head in chagrin. It was impossible that he kissed her because he liked her. She was not his type of girl either. He would definitely kiss any girl he wanted… because he was a freaking player!
"It can't believe this…" she grumbled under her breath. This was unbelievable… outrageous! She felt so stupid for kissing him back. She pinched the bridge of her nose in vain. Argh! Don't want to think of this any more, she thought furiously and decided to see her mother. She hopped off her bed and bounced her way towards her mother's wad.
He hung his head low as he stared down on the brown earth from the thick strong branch he was sitting on. He rubbed his temple and closed his eyes, trying to figure out the best excuse for his impractical yet desirable act if she asked him the reason he had kissed her. He chuckled upon the thought. He would sound seriously insane if he told her the truth… if he said that he liked her…
Natsume was sitting alone as he gazed upon the sky above him. The breeze was soothing. He was enjoying this very moment alone until he felt someone approaching from his back.
"Natsume," a familiar voice called out.
He didn't need to turn his head ninety degree then peek through the corner of his crimson eyes to know who it was.
"I need to tell you something." The figure sat beside him.
He looked at new comer sideways, before his gaze returned back to the sky. "What is it, Ruka?"
He could feel his azure eyes were on him.
"I know who Akira's cousin is." Ruka paused, probably waiting for Natsume to say something, but it didn't come.
Natsume was stopped cold, but his stoic face said otherwise, not to care. Before he knew it, his mind was bombarded by questions… until Ruka said something that answered his uncertainties.
"I heard what you and Koko talked about earlier, Natsume…"
Natsume turned to look at him.
"I know you like her," he said while watching the butterflies ahead with interest. A sincere smile tugged on his lips.
"What are you talking about?" Natsume mumbled nonchalantly as he looked away, pretended that this talk was pointless.
Confidently, Ruka voiced, "Mikan."
Ruka was apparently trying his best to bring this topic up.
Natsume frowned. "Why are we talking about that little girl? Do you have nothing else to say, Ruka?"
"Don't lie to me, Natsume. I know you like her. You never greeted a girl before. She's the first," Ruka snapped.
How Natsume hated it whenever Ruka did that. He could always look right through him.
Noticing the silence, Ruka decided to continue, "Akira's cousin… is Mikan. Even though they are cousins, they're not blood related. That's why Akira became her fiancé. They were engaged since they were little."
Natsume remained silent, mulling over the bits of information Ruka had told him. 'So, his cousin is… Mikan?'
Ruka glanced over his best friend, thinking crucially. Natsume was really making things tough for him. His stoic face wasn't any help for his next say either.
'Do I have to tell him that they might be in love with each other?' Ruka asked himself. He tapped his chin. He remembered clearly when he and his friends complimented Mikan and Akira about them being a perfect couple and the way they stared at each other was kind of affectionate… He closed his eyes in frustration.
'On second thought, I don't think I should tell him about it.' Ruka gulped inwardly. He presumed things may be more complicated for Natsume if he was to confess his feelings to the brunette. He stood up at once. His gentle azure eyes were fixed on the butterflies again. He silently summoned one of them with his Animal Pheromone Alice. The little fairy danced gracefully towards him and lay gentle on his finger which he held up. The beautiful wings fluttered slowly.
"You need to tell her about your feelings, Natsume," Ruka said as he let the butterfly go gently. He smiled at Natsume and left.
Natsume mulled over the words that Ruka had said earlier. He was wondering if he really should tell Mikan about his feelings… but then, he, too, was afraid of rejection. He sighed dejectedly. Thinking was definitely tiring. No wonder he didn't do much of it. His natural instinct had always been wise enough. He was a born genius. I don't think I've done anything wrong. I kissed her because… because I like her. He leaned against the tree and closed his eyes, wondering if Mikan, too, felt the same…
Hotaru was unaware of the presence of a second unwanted party, who was reading her mind.
Mikan-chan in the hospital right now… but why? Curiosity washed over the meddlesome Kokoro Yome as he mused quietly in his seat. His eyes were on Hotaru Imai, then shifted to Mikan's empty seat, and then to Azumi Akira's. Hmmm…
When the last bell rang, Hotaru quickly packed her stuff into her bag,
Suddenly, Anna approached her. "Hotaru-chan. Where's Mikan-chan? She's not in class."
"Onee-chan is in the hospital," Youichi answered. He just came from his classroom to join them.
"Eh? Why? Did something happen to Mikan-chan?" Nonoko asked worriedly.
"Mission." Hotaru stated. She ignored the gasps from her friends and impassively added, "She's leaving the hospital this evening."
"Can we come with you, Imai-san?" Yuu asked in his authoritative voice.
"Sure."
"Hotaru-chan, we want to go to the cafeteria now. Care to join us?" Anna asked promptly, but Hotaru refused. "Sorry, I have some things to do."
"Okay. See you later, Hotaru-chan." Nonoko smiled as she skipped her way with the others.
"Hotaru-nee-chan, where is Akira-nii-chan?" Youichi asked as his eyes searched for the mentioned person.
Hotaru shrugged. "Don't know."
"I want to check on him now, want to come with me?" Hotaru asked gently as she stuck her hand out.
Youichi nodded happily and took her hand.
"Why must it have to be now?" he choked in between his coughs. He rubbed his chest to ease the pain, but it didn't do much good.
"Yes." His voice croaked when he heard a knock. He got up from his bed and paced his way to the door slowly.
"Akira-nii-chan…" Youichi chirped as he immediately threw himself over him and hugged his legs.
Akira thanked the wall beside him. If it wasn't there, he would have fallen backwards.
"You-chan, why are you here?" he asked the little silver-haired boy and crouched down.
"You didn't come to class. Are you alright?" Hotaru asked as she appeared beside Youichi.
"Yeah. I'm fine," he ushered them into the room before closing the door after them. He began, "I'm just not—" The cough started to irk his throat again, and he started coughing uncontrollably. He was already on his knees when the cough finally stopped. He felt little hands were on his shoulder. He looked up and saw a pair of worried eyes staring back at him.
"Akira-nii-chan, are you alright?" Youichi asked as he pouted worriedly.
He smiled, trying to assure the boy. "I'm alright, You-chan. I'm only—" To his annoyance, the cough began again, but this time, it was harder and longer. Before he knew it, on the last cough, blood spat out from his mouth to the floor.
"Akira-nii-chan!" Youichi exclaimed alertly.
Akira tried to catch his breath again, clutching his shirt, but when he saw Hotaru run towards the door, he knew he had to stop her. "Ru-chan…" he called out tiredly as he tried to look at her. He was panting hard while sweat beads were running down his skin. He was trembling and his sight was quivering and fading.
"Please don't tell Mi-chan about this. Please…" He heard his own voice crack, and he was lunged into unconsciousness afterwards.
The next time he opened his eyes, his head felt heavy, and he groaned in pain. He didn't bother to open his eyes just yet. He was too tired. He then rubbed his temple.
"What happened to me?" he mumbled wearily as he tried to open his heavy eyelids. His eyelashes batted a little before his sight began to stabilize.
"Akira-nii-chan is waking up, Hotaru-nee-chan!" He heard Youichi's voice squeak. He saw his blurry figure waving at someone.
"How are you feeling, Akira-nii-chan?"
Akira closed his eyes again to gain stability over his sight and opened them again. He saw Youichi, who was staring at him so close to his face.
"I'm alright, You-chan," he gave him a small smile and groggily asked, "What happened?"
He tried to sit up straight in his bed.
"You fainted," Hotaru retorted as she appeared out of his kitchen.
He smiled weakly at her.
She pushed a bowl of porridge into his hand. "Eat this."
"And after that, drink your medicine," she added as she placed pills on the side of the table beside his bed.
He nodded gratefully and took a sip on his soup.
Hotaru began, "I called my brother. He said he knew you were in this condition since the past two years. And you're—"
"I'm dying. I don't have much left. I know that," he interrupted her.
Hotaru remained silent. Akira knew she was sad and angry that he had kept this from her and Mikan. He concentrated on finishing his soup and took the last sip before trusting the empty bowl into her hands.
"What makes you think that I won't tell her?" Hotaru piped up as she stared probingly at him.
Akira was troubled by this question. He looked down on his hands. "I don't want her to worry. Yuka-ba-san is not in the good condition, but with my other Alice, I believe I can save Yuka-ba-san, Ru-chan. I love Mikan with my life, and that's the truth."
"I understand, Akira, but what if—"
"I want to give my life away to her mother to keep her smile," he cut her off.
Hotaru choked as she was clearly disagreeing with Akira's opinion.
"Don't tell her about this. Please, Ru-chan, You-chan," Akira said pleadingly as he stared at them.
"Akira-nii-chan…" Youichi cried and wept in his shoulders.
Akira hugged his little frame tenderly. "It's alright, You-chan. Akira-nii-chan will always be here."
He poked gently on his little chest where his heart is.
Youichi rubbed his tearful eyes before clinging on him again and sobbed in his shoulders.
"What will you tell her?" Hotaru asked quietly. She, too, was sad about this, about him, and about every misfortune happened to all of them within this little time.
"I have found someone who can replace me to protect Mikan," Akira said seriously.
Hotaru stared at him questioningly. "Who?"
Akira took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He smiled and chuckled. "Natsume Hyuuga.”
Sorry? She pondered, thinking critically. Her head ached as she tried to understand him. He was the type of guy who didn't show any emotion. His face always remained as stoic as ever. She couldn't read his facial expression to understand him properly. Did he really like her? Or… Baka Mikan! He kissed you without your permission, so of course, he would apologise! She smacked her head in chagrin. It was impossible that he kissed her because he liked her. She was not his type of girl either. He would definitely kiss any girl he wanted… because he was a freaking player!
"It can't believe this…" she grumbled under her breath. This was unbelievable… outrageous! She felt so stupid for kissing him back. She pinched the bridge of her nose in vain. Argh! Don't want to think of this any more, she thought furiously and decided to see her mother. She hopped off her bed and bounced her way towards her mother's wad.
...xXx...
Natsume still couldn't believe it. He was still dazed, or perhaps dazzled, as he remembered what he had done to Mikan. He touched his lips again and licked it wet. The taste of her lips was still there… lingering at the right corner of his lips. What have I done? He asked himself for the umpteenth time. He was supposed to feel happy that he had kissed her, but he desperately sighed. I bet she hates me now.He hung his head low as he stared down on the brown earth from the thick strong branch he was sitting on. He rubbed his temple and closed his eyes, trying to figure out the best excuse for his impractical yet desirable act if she asked him the reason he had kissed her. He chuckled upon the thought. He would sound seriously insane if he told her the truth… if he said that he liked her…
Natsume was sitting alone as he gazed upon the sky above him. The breeze was soothing. He was enjoying this very moment alone until he felt someone approaching from his back.
"Natsume," a familiar voice called out.
He didn't need to turn his head ninety degree then peek through the corner of his crimson eyes to know who it was.
"I need to tell you something." The figure sat beside him.
He looked at new comer sideways, before his gaze returned back to the sky. "What is it, Ruka?"
He could feel his azure eyes were on him.
"I know who Akira's cousin is." Ruka paused, probably waiting for Natsume to say something, but it didn't come.
Natsume was stopped cold, but his stoic face said otherwise, not to care. Before he knew it, his mind was bombarded by questions… until Ruka said something that answered his uncertainties.
"I heard what you and Koko talked about earlier, Natsume…"
Natsume turned to look at him.
"I know you like her," he said while watching the butterflies ahead with interest. A sincere smile tugged on his lips.
"What are you talking about?" Natsume mumbled nonchalantly as he looked away, pretended that this talk was pointless.
Confidently, Ruka voiced, "Mikan."
Ruka was apparently trying his best to bring this topic up.
Natsume frowned. "Why are we talking about that little girl? Do you have nothing else to say, Ruka?"
"Don't lie to me, Natsume. I know you like her. You never greeted a girl before. She's the first," Ruka snapped.
How Natsume hated it whenever Ruka did that. He could always look right through him.
Noticing the silence, Ruka decided to continue, "Akira's cousin… is Mikan. Even though they are cousins, they're not blood related. That's why Akira became her fiancé. They were engaged since they were little."
Natsume remained silent, mulling over the bits of information Ruka had told him. 'So, his cousin is… Mikan?'
Ruka glanced over his best friend, thinking crucially. Natsume was really making things tough for him. His stoic face wasn't any help for his next say either.
'Do I have to tell him that they might be in love with each other?' Ruka asked himself. He tapped his chin. He remembered clearly when he and his friends complimented Mikan and Akira about them being a perfect couple and the way they stared at each other was kind of affectionate… He closed his eyes in frustration.
'On second thought, I don't think I should tell him about it.' Ruka gulped inwardly. He presumed things may be more complicated for Natsume if he was to confess his feelings to the brunette. He stood up at once. His gentle azure eyes were fixed on the butterflies again. He silently summoned one of them with his Animal Pheromone Alice. The little fairy danced gracefully towards him and lay gentle on his finger which he held up. The beautiful wings fluttered slowly.
"You need to tell her about your feelings, Natsume," Ruka said as he let the butterfly go gently. He smiled at Natsume and left.
Natsume mulled over the words that Ruka had said earlier. He was wondering if he really should tell Mikan about his feelings… but then, he, too, was afraid of rejection. He sighed dejectedly. Thinking was definitely tiring. No wonder he didn't do much of it. His natural instinct had always been wise enough. He was a born genius. I don't think I've done anything wrong. I kissed her because… because I like her. He leaned against the tree and closed his eyes, wondering if Mikan, too, felt the same…
...xXx...
Hotaru's emotionless, purple eyes narrowed. Why isn't Akira here? I never thought he was the type who would skip class. I should check on him. Mikan's still in the hospital, so she might not know where Akira is…Hotaru was unaware of the presence of a second unwanted party, who was reading her mind.
Mikan-chan in the hospital right now… but why? Curiosity washed over the meddlesome Kokoro Yome as he mused quietly in his seat. His eyes were on Hotaru Imai, then shifted to Mikan's empty seat, and then to Azumi Akira's. Hmmm…
When the last bell rang, Hotaru quickly packed her stuff into her bag,
Suddenly, Anna approached her. "Hotaru-chan. Where's Mikan-chan? She's not in class."
"Onee-chan is in the hospital," Youichi answered. He just came from his classroom to join them.
"Eh? Why? Did something happen to Mikan-chan?" Nonoko asked worriedly.
"Mission." Hotaru stated. She ignored the gasps from her friends and impassively added, "She's leaving the hospital this evening."
"Can we come with you, Imai-san?" Yuu asked in his authoritative voice.
"Sure."
"Hotaru-chan, we want to go to the cafeteria now. Care to join us?" Anna asked promptly, but Hotaru refused. "Sorry, I have some things to do."
"Okay. See you later, Hotaru-chan." Nonoko smiled as she skipped her way with the others.
"Hotaru-nee-chan, where is Akira-nii-chan?" Youichi asked as his eyes searched for the mentioned person.
Hotaru shrugged. "Don't know."
"I want to check on him now, want to come with me?" Hotaru asked gently as she stuck her hand out.
Youichi nodded happily and took her hand.
...xXx...
Akira tried to clear the haziness in his mind. He was too tired and his body ached all over. He had coughed non-stop for the past few minutes. The pain was irking his chest, and it was really maddening to say the least."Why must it have to be now?" he choked in between his coughs. He rubbed his chest to ease the pain, but it didn't do much good.
"Yes." His voice croaked when he heard a knock. He got up from his bed and paced his way to the door slowly.
"Akira-nii-chan…" Youichi chirped as he immediately threw himself over him and hugged his legs.
Akira thanked the wall beside him. If it wasn't there, he would have fallen backwards.
"You-chan, why are you here?" he asked the little silver-haired boy and crouched down.
"You didn't come to class. Are you alright?" Hotaru asked as she appeared beside Youichi.
"Yeah. I'm fine," he ushered them into the room before closing the door after them. He began, "I'm just not—" The cough started to irk his throat again, and he started coughing uncontrollably. He was already on his knees when the cough finally stopped. He felt little hands were on his shoulder. He looked up and saw a pair of worried eyes staring back at him.
"Akira-nii-chan, are you alright?" Youichi asked as he pouted worriedly.
He smiled, trying to assure the boy. "I'm alright, You-chan. I'm only—" To his annoyance, the cough began again, but this time, it was harder and longer. Before he knew it, on the last cough, blood spat out from his mouth to the floor.
"Akira-nii-chan!" Youichi exclaimed alertly.
Akira tried to catch his breath again, clutching his shirt, but when he saw Hotaru run towards the door, he knew he had to stop her. "Ru-chan…" he called out tiredly as he tried to look at her. He was panting hard while sweat beads were running down his skin. He was trembling and his sight was quivering and fading.
"Please don't tell Mi-chan about this. Please…" He heard his own voice crack, and he was lunged into unconsciousness afterwards.
The next time he opened his eyes, his head felt heavy, and he groaned in pain. He didn't bother to open his eyes just yet. He was too tired. He then rubbed his temple.
"What happened to me?" he mumbled wearily as he tried to open his heavy eyelids. His eyelashes batted a little before his sight began to stabilize.
"Akira-nii-chan is waking up, Hotaru-nee-chan!" He heard Youichi's voice squeak. He saw his blurry figure waving at someone.
"How are you feeling, Akira-nii-chan?"
Akira closed his eyes again to gain stability over his sight and opened them again. He saw Youichi, who was staring at him so close to his face.
"I'm alright, You-chan," he gave him a small smile and groggily asked, "What happened?"
He tried to sit up straight in his bed.
"You fainted," Hotaru retorted as she appeared out of his kitchen.
He smiled weakly at her.
She pushed a bowl of porridge into his hand. "Eat this."
"And after that, drink your medicine," she added as she placed pills on the side of the table beside his bed.
He nodded gratefully and took a sip on his soup.
Hotaru began, "I called my brother. He said he knew you were in this condition since the past two years. And you're—"
"I'm dying. I don't have much left. I know that," he interrupted her.
Hotaru remained silent. Akira knew she was sad and angry that he had kept this from her and Mikan. He concentrated on finishing his soup and took the last sip before trusting the empty bowl into her hands.
"What makes you think that I won't tell her?" Hotaru piped up as she stared probingly at him.
Akira was troubled by this question. He looked down on his hands. "I don't want her to worry. Yuka-ba-san is not in the good condition, but with my other Alice, I believe I can save Yuka-ba-san, Ru-chan. I love Mikan with my life, and that's the truth."
"I understand, Akira, but what if—"
"I want to give my life away to her mother to keep her smile," he cut her off.
Hotaru choked as she was clearly disagreeing with Akira's opinion.
"Don't tell her about this. Please, Ru-chan, You-chan," Akira said pleadingly as he stared at them.
"Akira-nii-chan…" Youichi cried and wept in his shoulders.
Akira hugged his little frame tenderly. "It's alright, You-chan. Akira-nii-chan will always be here."
He poked gently on his little chest where his heart is.
Youichi rubbed his tearful eyes before clinging on him again and sobbed in his shoulders.
"What will you tell her?" Hotaru asked quietly. She, too, was sad about this, about him, and about every misfortune happened to all of them within this little time.
"I have found someone who can replace me to protect Mikan," Akira said seriously.
Hotaru stared at him questioningly. "Who?"
Akira took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He smiled and chuckled. "Natsume Hyuuga.”
I love it!
ReplyDeleteNe...NE!..why must you kill off Akira[ he's soo sweet and he loves Mikan, but i doubt its the kind of lover's love, its more like the "family love" since their cousins and all that.
ReplyDeleteBut yeah I feel so bad that he's gonna give up his life for Yuka. Though sweet but sad...I wonder how Natsume will take it,he's still freaking out kissing the girl! ha boys freak out over the littlest things:p
update soon!
Aww... I don't want Akira to die! He's too cool to die T-T Well, now I think Hotaru knows that Natsume likes Mikan XD Please update soon!
ReplyDeletei love it! thanx for the nice long chapter! -
ReplyDeletethis is getting good i wonder what will happen to mikan when she find out? hm hope everything will go alright with everyone at the end. well thanks for the update please update soon :]
ReplyDeleteYAY the chapters out!
ReplyDeleteI hope the next one can come out REALLY WALLY SOON!
nice...
ReplyDeletebut Natsume is stubborn
and sure enough
mikan is too...
i doubt Natsume
will just say yes
to whatever Akira
would tell him
especially now
that he thinks of
him as a rival...
and Mikan would
surely not want to
be acquainted with him
after that assumption,
now, would she?
but it's a great chapter...
it explained why
akira was looking
for a replacement...
but i wonder how would
this go...
so my guess was right that aki is dying... natsume and mikan is confused about their feelings... hope they get over it soon and understand and have the courage to confess...sniff... it kind of has a sad touch in it but i like it... update soon!
ReplyDeleteupdate soon! iloved it!
ReplyDeleteWahh...!
ReplyDeleteI love your fic...!
Pls update soon...!
favor please...? Can you place your translations beside the actual words coz sumtyms u forget or u put it at the bottom...
Thanks...
But isnt Natsume's feelings a bit rushed...?
But oh well, you cant stop love at first site...! Hehehehe :)
Please do update soon...! MOre power to you and your fic...!
loving it, update soon
ReplyDeleteWow, I never knew this chapter is so long, neechan. I knew that you said that earlier b4 i edit them, but still, when I edit it, i never did realized that it could be... so long!
ReplyDeleteNeechan, i am so happy to see you post it at last. Your readers too are happy. They love your story as much as I do!
if only the readers knows that I've all the originals till chapter 19 and you can't update unless i post them all to you... i would be D.E.A.D. M.E.A.T.
Roasted in Natsume's dictionary. LOL!
And smart of you to put blame on yourself for not updating, i was too engross with Aveyond myself. Blame is supposely on me. Again, I will give the next chapter next week. By then, your review increases!
Can't forgive you for eliminating Akira. He's so sweet you know. Don't you love him too? He's a perfect character, you create him well. I love Akira. He's so sweet.
Ja ne, neechan.
Aki doesn't have much time yet, but Natsume is his replacement. So, Akira will talk to Natsume soon. Natsume no BAKA! You should confess to her! A kiss was sweet but words are needed too! I'm sure Mikan-chan will develop feelings for him as well.
ReplyDeleteWell, this has been a good chapter. A rather sad one for Akira. Please update soon.
Hotaru would either lose her composure or see it coming already...update!
ReplyDeletethis fanfic is great
ReplyDeletecan't wait 4 d next chapter!
This story is so exciting. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I can't believe that Akira is dying, but I might have seen it coming. I'm loving this story so far, so please continue for all of your readers. :)
ReplyDeleteHi came here to say something and it is:
ReplyDeleteGood job and nice we can be friends
it is really a good story!
ReplyDeleteActually..why is Akira dying? Overuse of alice? And what is the 2nd alice Akira has? Sorry if u hav wrote the answers in pervious chappies..I was in a intesive training camp..make me forgot about some details (
ReplyDeleteaww...
ReplyDeletethis chapter is sad...
akira is going to die...
but the good thing is he mentioned natsume as his replacement...
funny ne...
he just select natsume...
hegehehehehe
wonder if gotaru saw them (mikan and natsume) kissing...
For your information (I don't know you know about this or not) but Aoi-chan also call Ruka Ru-chan
ReplyDeleteThe concept of your story is good. Very interesting. But I think that you need to work on your spelling and grammar 'coz you made a lot of mistakes.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Youichi is very adorable and all, however, I think he's not acting his age in this fanfic. I believe I read somewhere here that he's suppose to be 10 years old (correct me if I'm wrong, though) but he's acting like he's 5 or 7.
I also don't think that it's necessary to use Japanese words here. Although it might be something new to know to some readers.
Having said that, I can't wait to read the rest of the story. Keep writing and improving. (,)