One More Chance

Chapter 7: A Trip to Central Town

 

*Forgetting those feelings is much like digging my very own grave and burying myself ALIVE.

 

"Mikan onee-chan, can you buy us some candy?" Five-year-old Youichi Hijiri, who was sitting on Natsume's shoulders, asked, his light blue eyes pleading.

Youichi is Mikan's cousin. His mother, Suzuka Azumi, and Mikan's mother, Yuka Azumi, are sisters. He had light gray hair that is somewhat brownish and gentle baby blue eyes. Like Mikan and the others, Youichi was also studying in Alice Academy and is currently in his kindergarten year.

"Sure, You-chan. What kind of candy do you want?" Mikan smiled at the little boy.

"Huwalon!" He exclaimed.

Mikan turned towards their other companions.

"Do you guys want some candy?" She asked.

All of them just shook their heads. Mikan nodded and made her excuses.

Classes had dismissed early that day and all thirteen of them, namely: Mikan, Natsume, Hotaru, Ruka, Anna, Kitsu, Nonoko, Yuu, Sumire, Koko, Eiji, Megumi and Youichi were roaming around Central Town, occasionally trying out booths and participating in the events. Central Town was celebrating its 150th Anniversary and the thirteen of them were excited to join the festivities. Since Mikan and the others were assigned to have partners, they had no choice but to bring Natsume and his friends along. Eiji and Megumi also came along.

More than a week ago, unexpectedly, Hotaru, Anna, Nonoko and Sumire all received letters indicating that they were assigned to be partners of the new students, respectively: Hotaru and Ruka, Anna and Kitsu, Nonoko and Yuu and finally, Sumire and Koko.

Not wanting the others to wait long for her, Mikan hurriedly went to the candy store, which was only a couple of blocks away. Fortunately, there was no line and she immediately went to the front.

"A box of huwalon, please." She said to the saleslady, who was around her early fifties. The lady gave her a small pink box.

After gathering her change, Mikan turned around and was about to leave, but the saleslady stopped her.

"Miss, can I ask you a question?" The saleslady asked.

Mikan turned to look at her.

"What is it, Ma'am?"

"That young boy carrying the child, is that your boyfriend, perhaps?" The lady pointed towards the other direction. Mikan saw that she pointing towards Natsume. She couldn't help but blush in embarrassment.

"Why do you ask?" She managed to ask.

The saleslady gave a heartfelt laugh.

"Well you see, the three of you look so much like a family that I couldn't help but ask." She explained and gave Mikan a warm, friendly smile.

Mikan couldn't help but glance at Natsume. He and Youichi were laughing wholeheartedly. How she wished that she would be able to share those happy moments with him. She couldn't help but feel a deep sadness and loss in her heart.

"I wish that he was." She whispered.

After making her excuses, Mikan finally exited the candy store and went back to the group. She handed the candy to Youichi, who in return, gave her a cute and adorable smile.

"Thank you for the huwalon, Mikan onee-chan!" He exclaimed.

Mikan grinned at him.

"Hey guys, we're just going to buy some drinks for everybody." Koko and the others excused themselves. Youichi also came along with them. Without even realizing it, only Mikan, Natsume, Eiji and Megumi were the only ones left.

Unexpectedly, Megumi approached Mikan.

"Mikan-san, can I talk to you for moment?" She asked. It was the first time that Megumi ever talked to Mikan.

"Sure, Megumi-san." Mikan went along with her, curious as to what Megumi would want to say to her. But for some strange reason, she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Mikan just followed Megumi and they walked for several minutes. Mikan couldn't help but wonder where the heck she was taking her. Finally, Megumi stopped. Mikan looked at her surroundings. She didn't know where they were.

"Megumi-san, where are—" Mikan was immediately cut off.

"Mikan-san, will you leave me and my boyfriend alone?" Mikan was surprised to find Megumi glaring at her.

"Megumi-san what do you mean?" She couldn't help but ask.

"Don't try to act dumb." Megumi yelled. "Why can't you just leave me and Natsume alone? After all, you already have a boyfriend. Go bother someone else's lives!"

Mikan's patience finally snapped. Before she could even stop herself, she slapped Megumi hard on the face.

"How dare you!" Megumi glared at Mikan, cupping her cheek. Without any warning, Megumi also slapped her. And soon, they were enraged in a slap fight.

Not until Natsume broke them apart did they realize that someone was there.

"Will you two just stop it?" He went in between them.

Megumi immediately ran to his side, sobbing.

"She was the one who started it, Natsume-kun. I just wanted her to stay away from us but she didn't agree with me and then she slapped me!" She wept.

"I would never have slapped you if you didn't insult me!" Mikan yelled. She looked at Natsume, hoping that he would believe her.

He looked away from her and turned to Megumi. Mikan's heart became heavy.

"Shimizu." He called.

Megumi's expression was joyous. "What is it Natsume-kun?"

"We're through." Natsume said and turned to Mikan, who was staring at him in outright surprise.

"What?" Megumi demanded. "Natsume-kun you can't do this to me!" She grabbed his arm.

Natsume glared at her and snatched his arm away.

"Leave. Me. Alone." He said between gritted teeth.

"You're actually choosing her over me?"

"Of course I am."

"But why?"

"Isn't it already clear to you? Because you've hurt and insulted the woman that I love."