33It's been a month since I updated. Wow, usually, I update once every two months or a month and a half or worse, never at all. Hahaha, I'm just too excited and I want to know myself what happens next! Well, this is gonna be long so please bear with me!
Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own GA. Fic: Mine
III: My Savior, My Fiance, My Enemy?
The exhausting nature yesterday beats up the crap out of me. I feel like I'm going to have a nerve breakdown! I looked outside the window hoping that the clouds would make a miracle for me and rain. With that, the dinner meeting will possibly be cancelled! But….
But with that sunny disposition, there's no way it can be possible, right? Suddenly, I feel like my heart's going to break down in pieces when I touched it. I glanced at the sky again. It sure is a beautiful day, isn't it? But in my eyes, it isn't the same free, innocent and cheerful day anymore.
Looking back last night…
"…I see…" I said. I became speechless for I don't want to complain my objections over the situation. I know my dad and grandpa really worked hard but we really can't change our fate. Dying is part of the nature of life.
"I'm sorry, Mikan. I'm so useless. I always wanted you to live your life freely and to your heart's content but in the way I see the situation right now, I just don't want to think of the consequences. I always wanted to run away and I hated myself for that. I hated myself for just thinking about myself." I really admired my grandpa for being so strong and brave, but right now in front of me, he's weeping for the first time. He looked weak and vulnerable when he's in this state. He never showed his depressed or miserable face to anybody until now.
"You don't have to blame yourself, jii-chan. You've worked so hard already and I believe in that. I know that even though it's so small, there's still a chance and I will find a way! So, save your tears for later when we lose the battle because I'm not giving up!"
But…right now, I feel that my life is starting to be fettered and controlled by someone else.
Even though with all that bravery, of course, I feel scared and nervous too! Who wants to go off and marry someone you don't you like, moreover, someone you don't even know?! I know marrying is a very important thing that should be taken a lot of thinking and consideration and more importantly, it should be with someone you love! Should I tell Hotaru about this?
I remember something grandpa told me about marriage once.
"When the right time comes, you will soon fall in love and be married. One thing you should always remember, marriage should come from both the heart and the brain. You should marry someone you truly love both inside and outside. You also need to choose someone who will love you more than you love him. In that ways, there will be no doubt of your relationship. Soon, you will have children like you that will keep both of your bonds stronger, not looser. I don't want you to be like some people nowadays, they marry for a lot of different reasons like money, status and background. There are a lot of people who marry someone they don't love and end up having a miserable life. That's why I told you all of these so that you can be ready when the time comes. And always remember, be strong."
When the time comes, huh? When he said that, I cried and cried a lot. His words felt encouraging but the tone of his voice sounds painful. I was so into soap operas at that time, I thought the reason of him telling all of that was because he was about to die. I found myself panicking because of fear. But then, all of it was an honest mistake. "Don't be foolish, child! You're paying too much attention on TV!" he said.
I now understand what he meant by that. I should really tell Hotaru, after all.
(-)
"I see."
"'I SEE?!' IS THAT ALL YOU COULD SAY?!" I shouted.
"Calm down, Mikan-chan. I believe that we, I mean, you still have a chance!" Yuu said. While on the way to Hotaru's, I saw him on a book shop and talked to him. Since he has some businesses to discuss with Hotaru, he decided to come along.
"How can you tell me to calm down when I'm getting married in 4 months?!" I said. That's right, 4 MONTHS.
BAKA! BAKA! BAKA! BAKA!
Ow. Hotaru!
"Don't be stupid. A 16-year old can't marry. The legal of age of marrying is 18 years old. I'm sure they're not brainless enough to not think about that."
Hotaru. I felt relieved after she said that. She may be a bit lousy on being kind to people but when she wants to, she can throw everything away for someone else. She's not only tough but thoughtful. That's why I love her, and she's my best friend.
"Ho-Hotaru! Is that true? So, you're saying, I still have two years?!" Unconsciously, I found myself crying in joy.
"Exactly." She gave me a smile which washed my worries away for a moment. Such a simple response made me smile in delight. As long as we don't give up, a happy future will surely come.
"But there's an exception, though." Hotaru added. Huh? Exception?
"What exception?" I asked. I started to feel nervous again. My relief was brief but it gave me a little chance, didn't it?
"Nevermind." Hotaru took her word back. Argh, Hotaru, why won't you tell me anything?
'I never expected that such a simple-minded person would be tangled up in this complicated problem. There's a great possibility that her 18th birthday won't be anticipated and the wedding would befall much earlier than expected. But if it's her, everything would be alright as long as she won't give up. I trust in you, Mikan. Just believe in yourself. I also want you to be happy.'
NORMAL POV
After lunch, both Yuu and Mikan decided to go home. While they were walking, for some reason, both of them are unusually quiet since both of them are lost in their own, complicated world. But they do have the same thoughts: Marriage.
Embroiled in their thoughts, unawareness came to view that they both became unconscious of the road they're taking. Being a klutz and airheaded as she is, she crossed the road first, oblivious of the traffic signal. Yuu snapped back in reality when he realized that Mikan was crossing at the wrong time. His face went blank for a second as his eyes widened horridly.
"Mikan-chan, don't—!" But he was moments late.
SCREEEEEEEECH~!
"Mikan-chan!" Yuu shouted. Due to her rashness, she was hit by a motorcycle letting her realize what just transpired. Fortunately, the driver had the chance to stop before making it a serious accident.
"….Nnnn…o-oww…"
"Mikan-chan! Are you alright?!" Yuu hurried up to her side, his face showing obvious signs of panic and concern.
"Are you okay, miss?!" The driver stood up and approached her. She was half-unconscious that's why she just managed a tiny nod. He was still in his helmet that's why it makes his face hard to see. Suddenly, she felt a slight pang on her head which made her feel a little faint. It seems like that she somewhat hit her head on the ground when she fell. The guy grunted and hastily took off his helmet. Unexpectedly, the people surrounding them gasped, somewhat, differently. It became silent for a while until the crowd shouted excitedly. It wasn't because of the accident but because of the guy himself.
'Wh-what is with these intensely overwhelmed people?!' Yuu thought as he sweat-dropped animatedly.
Carefully, he shoved his left hand on the back of her shoulders just below her nape and the other at the back of her knees. When he thought he positioned her perfectly on his arms, his face twitched slightly as he attempted to stand up resulting to a failure. 'She's such a pig!' he thought. When he tried for the second time, that's when he succeeded. Instead of worrying, he rather looked annoyed. On the other hand, Mikan, completely awake now, found herself dumbfounded by the sequence of events. She didn't even realize that she was being carried by a person.
"..Umm...where are you planning on taking her?" Yuu asked as he tried to run with the guy's pace. Despite of carrying a person, he can still run fast.
"To the hospital, obviously, I can't bring her there with the bike and I have the responsibility, that's why there's no other choice but to carry her there. It's only a block away, anyways." He said as he panted when he breathed.
Her head was placed close to his chest that's why his voice and breathing that echoed on her ears, made her realize where she was.
"What the-?! Why are you holding me?! You pervert!" she shouted as she struggled to get off. Her move wasn't thought rationally for it made things even worse. He lost his balance and his hold on her became unsteady. "Oi, stop moving, you pig!" He was afraid to lose her grip on her for she is already injured. Not that he cared for her, he just thinks it's too much hassle.
"PIG?!" She shouted. Acting without thinking again, she used all of her left energy and did a very unwomanly thing: a headbutt.
Her head hit him right on his left cheek bone that made him completely lose his stance and his grip on her as well. The both of them stumbled clumsily and then fell. Expectedly, they were on a more awkward position than before: he fell exactly right on top of her. But moreover, not only was his body was on top of her but his lips on hers as well. It was really an unsightly thing for Yuu for he was infuriated with jealousy but for the people that witnessed the scene, a soon-to-be popular intriguing gossip lurked in their thoughts.
"…"
"…."
The three of them was severely dumbstricken. Both of their eyes widened to the highest level as their lips forgot to part.
"Mi-mi-mi-mi-mi-kan-chan?" Yuu's stuttering voice broke the inept situation. Life couldn't be more difficult than Mikan's. By the time she realized she desperately needed air, she pushed him hard enough to make the situation, again, worse than before. His only balance was his arms that swung freely into the air when she pushed him. With no other substitute, his hands involuntarily landed—not on the ground—but on her chest.
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" She shouted on top of her lungs until she fainted, shock and stupor the suspects.
(-)
"…my fault!"
"I know. I'm sorry for the bother, Yukio-san." Yuu said despite his jealousy. Ever since he was little, he always had good manners and self-control. He's never good at fighting or arguing that's why he often doesn't get things his own way.
"It's okay. But, she really is damn heavy. You know, this girl, this is the first time I encountered someone like that. The thing happened between me and your girlfriend, that was a complete accident so don't take it seriously." He said.
"Ah. She's not my girlfriend. In fact, she already has a fiancé. She was really opposed with the idea and moreover, she hasn't met the guy yet. I really feel worried for her." He said with a sad, weak smile followed by a sad face. The marriage issue really is a big deal for him.
"Ehh? So you do like her." Obviously, his statement wasn't a question. After listening to those words, Yuu's face revealed the darkest shade of red making the fact more obvious.
Yuu nodded just once then looked down.
"Is that so? Well, it's none of my business anyways. Well, I gotta get going." He said as he stood up and did a little stretching. 'My body is so sore!'
"Oh, okay. Thank you so much for the help, Yukio-san."
"No prob. And, one thing, you might want to steal that girl before it's too late. Don't just stand there, you need to make a move before that bastard's gonna take her from you. See ya." He said as he did a military salute, un-militarily.
'Bastard?' Yuu thought as he sweat dropped again. By the time Yukio went out, Mikan woke up from her unconsciousness. 'Eh? Where am I?'
"Ah. Where am I? Who are you?" Mikan asked as she narrowed her eyes and examined Yuu.
"M-mikan? Could it be you don't remember anything?!"
"Huh?"
~ FLASHBACK ~
"How was it, doctor?" Yuu asked worriedly. It looked pretty severe for she needed to take an x-ray.
"There's really nothing to be worried about, but there might be side effects that will occur because of shock or trauma. It might have shocked her brain and there may be some outcomes that will happen. Just try to observe her when she wakes up." The doctor explained.
"What kind of outcomes, doc?" Yukio asked coolly.
"Well, usually with these kinds of situations, she might get mild amnesia. It might not show up right now but it could be possible during the later days or even months."
~ END OF FLASHBACK ~
"Don't you remember me, Mikan-chan?!"
"Ah. Iinchou, is that you? You seem different without your glasses on." Mikan said for she was surprised how different he looks without his glasses. Yuu just realized he wasn't wearing it either. It was kinda dirty that's why he took it off and cleaned it with the hem of his shirt but then forgot to put it back in his face. He was so worried over Mikan that he forgot about himself.
"Oh. Ha-ha, my bad." Yuu faked a laugh. He actually thought she had amnesia which freaked him out.
Mikan sighed as she plopped her head back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. 'She looks troubled. What can I do to calm her mind?' Yuu thought as he stared at her. In fact, Mikan doesn't have something in her mind, specifically. She was just looking for figures and forms in the ceiling.
She sighed again but didn't even breathed out half-way through when she realized something.
"Wait. How did I get here?!" Mikan asked as she went back to her sitting position.
"Ah, that. The guy—" Yuu managed to say but been cut off by her overwhelming demand.
"That's right! Where's the pervert?! I'm gonna smack him till his death! How dare he do things to me like that!" She was ramping her feet hard on the ground oblivious that she was causing an earthquake downstairs.
"Mikan-chan, calm down. Let me explain." He said as he tugged Mikan's arms and tried to stop her. After a while, she got tired and sat down on the hospital bed.
"Are you going to listen to me now?" Yuu asked and got a nod as a reply.
"Well, Yukio-san brought you here. He felt the responsibility for bringing you here that's why he did. I think that it's his way of asking for an apology. He never had those malicious intentions to you but you took it the other way round." He said as he took Yukio's side for now.
After listening, there she then realized that it was her fault. But she was still angry at him for kissing her and touching her breasts even though it was an accident and her move caused all of it. He just kind of reminds her of someone.
Her silence gave him some peace of mind but then she suddenly jerked her head and faced Yuu, somewhat in a disturbing manner. 'Is this an effect from the accident?' he unnecessarily thought as he sweatdropped.
"Iinchou, what time is it?" her face was all stiff and nervous all of a sudden. Yuu glanced at his watch and told her the time.
"It's thirty minutes past seven." He said curiously because she suddenly stiffened more after he said it.
"Oh. My. God. THE DINNER MEETING!" She shouted. Her eyes widened as well as Yuu's because it was completely forgotten after the incident. The doctor told Yuu that she can go out of the hospital anytime she wants for it's just nothing big. Yukio already paid for the hospital bill so they just simply checked out and looked for a vacant taxi. The dinner meeting was supposed to be on eight o' clock sharp. She didn't even have the time to fix herself up. When they found a cab, Yuu opened the door for Mikan hastily as Mikan jumped in. Yuu's house is just two blocks away thus he doesn't need to take any rides.
MIKAN'S POV
I'm such an idiot! I forgot all about that! I didn't even had the chance to think about a plan to change their minds. What will I do?! Wait a minute. I glanced at the mirror as I saw my messy self. This will actually help! If they see me so sloppy and unelegant, they will get discouraged and might cancel the marriage contract, right? This will be good!
Wait, how will I know if it's them?
"We're here." The driver told me. I got out my wallet and took out a 200 yen bill and gave it to him. As soon as he gave me the change, I quickly got out of the cab. I walked hurriedly as I searched some shops and buildings from left to right. But I can't seem to find a restaurant called 'Bistrot de Loulett'. What kind of restaurant is this? Is this English? Well, one thing I know, it surely isn't Japanese!
While I was searching for the restaurant, some thought came to my mind. I saw a lot of lovers in the streets maybe hanging-out or dating. Am I supposed to act like them too with my fiancé? I caught my self dumbfounded.
No way in hell! To think about it, what does he look like?!
[A/N: In this part, she's imagining her soon-to-be fiancé. (The picture in her imagination at the bottom of the page.)]
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I don't want my child to be ugly!
Ah. Why am I worrying about things like this?! I should be worrying about my freedom! What is wrong with me?
NORMAL POV
Unconsciously, she clutched her hair oblivious of the people on her surroundings. Before she realized, murmurs are starting to come out on people's mouths. Surely, this incident turned her life upside down.
"Oi, retarded girl. What are you doing?" A familiar voice came from behind her. Of course, she already knew who it was. Mikan turned around animatedly to make sure of her own assumptions.
"Na-na-na-natsume?!" She shouted. 'Why is that jerk here?! Is he stalking me?! Is he looking for a fight?!'
"Are you having a battle with your own brain? Seems like no one still won." Natsume said as he smirked coolly. It was a nerve-wrecking sentence, for sure.
"Wh-wha-WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY, JERK?! ARE YOU SAYING I'M AN IDIOT?"
"Hn. As expected. No guy will probably want the likes of you." Natsume sighed as he continued to walk away. He expected something like a slap or a beating but nothing happened. He turned around to see what's wrong with her but to his surprise, instead of getting ready for her plan of assault, she just walked the opposite way. He can clearly tell that she is crying because of her loud noisy sobs. But another case has taken him aback: He's feeling guilty?!
"OI. Stop whining, ugly girl. It doesn't suit you." He said then left. On the other hand, Mikan wasn't paying any attention that's why she didn't hear him compliment her or was it? She just continued on walking. And her sobs was just an overreacting act. She wasn't in the mood to play with his games or end up losing in a fight for she have a bigger problem to solve.
'That arrogant bastard. Pervert. Impudent person. Foxed-eye JERK. His choices of words are really demeaning and humiliating. Can't he say something nice? Why do people even like him?! Sure, he is somewhat good-looking but his attitude just dragged it down. It's such a waste.' She thought. She looked at her watch and it says it's fifteen minutes past eight. She's fashionably late.
As soon as she was back in her old state, her eyes brightened when she saw the restaurant she was looking for. She approached it and saw a lady with a cute frilly top with a black tube dress over it.
The lady doesn't look Japanese because of her foreign blond hair and blue-eyed look. "Bonsoir, mademoiselle." She said in a 'French' accent.
"Am sorry. I speak no English." Mikan as she laughed nervously. Even for a highschooler, her English is still in the first level.
"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just a greeting in here. So, are you Ms. Sakura Mikan?" The pretty lady said as she smiled at her. Flabbergasted, she found herself speechless and just nodded as a reply.
"My, my. It seems that I surprised you. Is this your first time going to a restaurant like this?" The lady asked as she directed her to the reserved table.
"Mmhm." Mikan replied in response. The lady smiled in admiration.
"That guy is really lucky to have a pretty girl like you." As soon as she mentioned 'that guy', it made Mikan's queasy heart jump in anxiety. 'Pretty?! I even looked like a girl that just lost from a catfight!' she thought. She considers herself all messed-up when her hair wasn't in its usual twin ponytail. Her clothes is still the sunny yellow dress that stopped above her knees with a matching yellow frilly hat which accentuated her long wavy hair that she wore when she went to Hotaru's place. All in all, she looks dashing than normal.
When the both of them arrived at the assigned table, there waited two elegant-looking men. The older looking guy stood up first and smiled with delight and surprise at Mikan.
"Sakura Mikan-san, it's such a pleasure to meet you. I'm Tanaka Akito, your father's friend. And this is my son, Yukio." Akito said as he raised his hand and signalized Yukio to stand up.
'Yukio? Where did I hear that name before?'
It looks like he's been sleeping for a while but has been interrupted when his father kicked his leg from under the table. Akito looked at Mikan in an apologetic manner while Mikan just smiled.
"OW! What did you do that for, dad?!" His back was still the dominant part in Mikan's eyes and she seemed to familiarize him.
"Show some respect to the lady, boy." he said in a whisper-like tone. Still half-asleep, he groggily stood up and faced Mikan. When their eyes met, both pairs widened in shock.
(A/N: Important note at the bottom of the page!)
x END x
Yo, hanaler87 here again. I'm so happy you read this chapter. Well, this chapter still isn't the 'fluffs' you've been waiting for but at least, the most awaited answer of all your questions is revealed, right? Next chapter, I promise you, there will be a lot of NatxMikan scenes, envy, jealousy and a start of love?! Well, just check it out on the next chapter. I might update next week, to be the earliest or the week after that to be the latest since tomorrow is the start of my summer vacation! See you later and please review!
I haven't had the chance to acknowledge those people who reviewed my story, so here:
aznurbangrl, twister, kikolita716, animegurl gwen, seravee (my couz!), mikanluchia728, chrisca123456789, 2Lazy2MakeAnAccount, minahoru (thank u friend!), RandomWriterChick
All of you guys, thank you so much! And for those people who spent their time reading my fanfic, I also thank you. ^_^
IMPORTANT NOTE: OH! The link of the photo of the guy she imagined and Yukio is in my profile. Feel free to look. ^_^