Disclaimer: Disclaimed. I do not own Gakuen Alice.
Special thanks to Anilissa for pointing out the difference between "one-chan" and "onii-chan"!

Of iMessages and Conflict

No one likes change.

A brand new group of people dropping brusquely into, or falling away from, one's life is the definition of such a thing; it's sudden; it comes without warning, and it takes time to get used to.

But sometimes, change… change was just inevitable.

…Perhaps.

Nearly a week had rolled by since the siblings' newspaper incident.

Even so, here he was, practically trudging down the bustling streets of Tokyo City. Busy city-goers brushed passed him in his black baseball cap, paying the young heartthrob no heed – perhaps they were too occupied to notice that Natsume Hyuuga was right in front of their noses; or maybe his looks had degraded overnight.

Natsume doubted the latter. It was either his ego or confidence talking — perhaps it was both.

Nearly all his life, the raven-haired male had kept most of his personal affairs separate from the prying public eye. After all, he had a social butterfly as a mother, his oh-so-charming younger sister, and a once-beautiful father. Ioran Hyuuga was beautiful.

Natsume and Aoi Hyuuga struck a deal: If Natsume cooperated with her for one week, she would share with him whereabouts of anyone he wished. He doubted she had such power – after all, only Hotaru Imai could even dream of such a thing. Not knowing what had come over himself on that particular evening, Natsume had decided to humor his younger sister.

So here he was, scowling as he made his way through the throng.

His hands were pocketed in his leather jacket. His well-sculpted torso was accentuated by a dark, clingy Rolling Stones t-shirt and uncomfortable leather skinny jeans clung to his lower region. A French-script Aoi hung from a thin gold chain around his neck – it was evident just who had dressed him that particular morning.

Natsume rolled his eyes and studied a green insect that had landed on his sleeve.

It's only one week, he managed to convince him.

Watching as the bug crawled slowly around his index finger, he stood vacantly in front of his intended destination. The avocado-colored bug had stopped romping; it rubbed its tiny wings together and wriggled a single antennae.

Aoi is dead after this.

Natsume flicked the bug into the air and shook his head slowly at his own empty threat. Both he and his sister knew the soft spot he had for her— and Aoi being Aoi, she took advantage of that.

The raven-head ran a hand through his entangled hair.

Standing grounded in front of large, revolving glass doors, he glanced at the large clock that glinted within the building. Seeing that he was eight minutes over the scheduled time, he shrugged and strode in.

A blast a stifling warm air met him.

As his scowl augmented, his eyes swept across the surroundings.

It was a rather spacious ground floor. Marble tiles and dozens of potted plants made the heat seem even more unbearable. Several elevators sat in the center of the hall; every ascending floor was visible from the lobby with ramps leading in different directions as if they were lengthy spider legs.

Stretching silently, the raven headed nonconformist was greeted by a chirpy voice.

"Ah, Natsume Hyuuga?"

He turned around.

Standing behind him was a young woman, perhaps just a year or two older than him, in a black pencil skirt and ruffled pink blouse. Her large green eyes were framed with oversized glasses that threatened to slide off her nose.

Natsume nodded dully, briefly acknowledging her presence.

"Wonderful!" She smiled at him genuinely and stuck out her right hand. "You're here for your appointed interview, right?"

Natsume took her hand reluctantly and noted the softness of her skin. Letting go, he nodded again, remaining mute.

Forced seemed more appropriate, but he made no move to correct the woman.

"Perfect! I'm Akiko and I'll show you to your room! " The girl beamed. Again. She turned around and beckoned with her hand, black hair swishing behind her. "Follow me!"

Natsume spoke for the first time. Clearing his throat, he took his time in speaking. "And how do I know that you won't attempt anything dirty?"

Akiko turned around, an unexpected expression on her face. Cheerfully tapping at her clipboard with a yellow pencil, she indicated with a mild look of surprise, "Well, you'll just have to trust me, don't you, Mr. Hyuuga?" She winked casually and continued leading him down a narrow hall.

Boredom lifting slightly, Natsume shook his head at the girl's flirtatious actions.

Or maybe they're genuine.

He shrugged.

They had arrived at a small space decorated modestly two white sofas, a large Toshiba flat screen, and a stout-legged coffee table.

Akiko turned and bowed before entering the room with Natsume closely behind.

He raised his eyebrows silently and took a seat on the couch as prompted.

Akiko excused herself and exited the room with a small blush on her face, claiming she had "business matters" to attend to.

Natsume stretched into a lazy position, folding his hands laxly over his stomach. Staring at the glass table in front of him, he briefly wondered if the bottle of water was free for him to wake.

Probably not.

He shook his head and glanced at the wall clock.

11:14

So he wasn't the only one late after all.

As several idle moments passed, Natsume felt his boredom return. Seeing as no one bothered to enter the well-lit room, he disregarded the many cameras and stood up. As he turned to leave, a woman in her mid-twenties waltzed in.

The first thing the raven head noticed about her was her hair. It was a simple haircut that reached her shoulders, but the familiarly pink shade instantly caught his attention.

Pink.

He folded his arms over his chest, tapping his foot impatiently.

The woman who entered shot him a glare. "I don't have to explain myself to a spoiled teenager," she snapped.

Slightly surprised, but more so amused, Natsume's mouth twitched upwards. "Ah, I didn't say you had to.
Who said anything about me being a teenager?" he added dubiously.

She waved her hand dismissively. Whispering furiously, she stalked up to him. "Look here, Hyuuga, it's not like I wanted to come here. If you'll shut the fuck up, I'm the one who has to interview you. The stupid woman who was supposed to come," she glared at him menacingly, "called in sick. The wimp chickened out."

Nutmeg.

Natsume grunted. "At least we agree on something. Let's get this over with."

"I'm pissed too – Don't act as if you own this place."

"Sure, Harada." he replied simply.

As if on cue, a stream of cameramen entered the room. Delivering due pleasantries to the bickering duo, they set to work. If possible the crew delivered scattered stronger beams of light across the window-less room.

"Yoo-hoo, Natsume, Misaki, try not to look like you two are about to murder one another, o-kay?"

Natsume turned. Masking his surprise, he frowned at the vivacious newcomer. "What are you doing here?" he demanded.

The blonde man feigned hurt, sweeping an elegant deftly across his forehead. Blinking his large violet-green eyes, he pulled a pout. "My loves, am I not allowed entrance to this lovely get-together?"

Misaki Harada and Natsume Hyuuga seemed to be spitting images of one another – and complete opposites – as they mirrored one another's irate glares. "No," they spit simultaneously, venom coating their contrasting voices.

"But you were my amazing students!"

"And you're gay, Anju," Natsume retorted. "Two and one does not necessarily get you to four."

"Nonsense! Your logic is twisted." Narumi waved a pale, slender hand. "Shall we get on with your sex appeal?"

It took all of Natsume's willpower to not strangle the blonde man at the very moment. I'll show you sex appeal.

Narumi paid the raven-haired individual no heed. "Remember, smiles!" He clapped his hands brilliantly. "Just smile and act as if nothing was wrong!" he chirped cheerfully. "Because nothing is wrong, right? You may murder one another after this interview."

The twosome on the couch glared at each other before Misaki stiffly brought her microphone to her mouth and bit out sarcastically. Facing the camera, she said, "I am Misaki Harada, and I am here with Natsume Hyuuga. Now Natsume," she emphasized his first name tartly, "Is there anything you would like to say to our viewers?"

Natsume shook his head. He glanced the blonde man who was standing behind a camera, hands clasped above (what Natsume assumed was) his nonexistent heart. "No."

Misaki's grip tightened, her whitened knuckles standing out clearly against the microphone's dark handle. Forcing a miniscule smile, she smoothed her voice superbly. "Perfect. We will now ask you a few questions, alright?"

"Yes of course. That is what an interview is for." Natsume once again crossed his legs atop one another and gestured for her to continue.

"Ha. Ha. Of course."

Inclining his head mockingly, he said, "Do continue."

Narumi jumped in front of them. Flitting in front of a camera, he waved his arms comically. "And we'll be back in sixty seconds, viewers!"

He turned back to the couple on the couch. "Smile!" Disappearing again, he motioned for the two to continue.

I'll murder you, Anju.

Narumi only waved an adorned hand, an innocent smile gracing his face. He beckoned for the two to speak.

Misaki took the lead. "You have never agreed to an interview before. We are curious — What changed your mind, Natsume?"

Thumb playing with his lower lip, his brow crinkled. He did not expect this question. Cursing silently, he frowned upon realizing that Narumi had failed to go over the interview questions. "Reasons."

"And may I ask what reasons?"

"Yes you may."

Misaki nodded. "And…?"

"I struck a deal with my younger sister," he smiled minutely. "If I complied with her wishes for one week, and if I back out, she's the winner."

Misaki nodded again and quickly forced a strained smile. "Alright then… You never specified what the winner – you – receives."

Natsume shrugged. "Aoi claimed that she was working it out." He silently congratulated himself for disobeying sister's silent request to keep their deal obscured from the public eye.

Misaki nodded, mouthing idiot. "Well, we wish you the best of luck, Natsume. How is your romantic life fairing?"

Natsume had expected this question to a part of this questionnaire. Scrambling quickly for a response, he said, "Getting nosy, are we?"

"Yes we are. To be expected from an interview, no?"

Natsume shrugged. Facing the camera, he winked. With a teasing smile, he leaned forward, hands folded over one another. Staring into the lenses, he whispered chillingly, "It's top secret."

Misaki spoke for the nonexistent audience. "Oh come on, we would like to know more."

"It'll remain confidential for now, Harada."

Giving up, Misaki smiled tightly. "And how are your parents doing?"

"They are doing well, thank you for asking."

"This question was submitted by one of your young admirers, Ava Tomoe. She asks," Misaki glanced down at a notecard, "Do you prefer cats or dogs?"

Natsume shrugged. "Both seem just fine. Dogs are loud and energetic," like her, "and cats typically keep more to themselves."

Misaki tilted her head. "It seems to me that a cat suits you better."

The interviewee nodded. "Maybe," he agreed half-heartedly.

"Well, we heard that you recently started up your own brand name. Hyuuga, are we correct? How is everything running so far?"

"Yes, you are correct. Everything is running smoothly." Feeling rather uninterested, he tossed in, drawling, "I learned that chocolates make clothes shrink faster."

Misaki snorted. "Oh indeed. You should know that better than anyone," she said with a hint of a glower. Straightening her blazer and shaking her short hair quickly she nodded pleasantly.

"What is your relationship status at the moment?"

With a suppressed groan, he said, "What do you think?"

"This is the last question."

Natsume stood up. Swooping at the waist, he tilted his pink-headed senior's chin upwards. With a little smirk, he landed a swift, teasing peck on her lips.

There you go.

"Does that answer your question?" he teased. Waving at his glowering friend whom he was previously sitting beside, he donned his baseball cap and tapped his own nose. Bringing two fingers up to his head, he threw the flabbergasted blonde a mock salute and made his way towards the exit.

With a slight wink, he was gone.

It was already half past noon when Natsume finally made his way down the street he had first taken.

He had bumped into Akiko on the way out; with a small nod, he had helped the clumsy girl up from the ground and walked away.

She glanced up at him, startled as she stuttered quick apologies and hasty thank-yous.
She smelled of sweet juniper and orchids.

Tangerines.

Natsume stopped abruptly mid-step. Pulling his cap off deftly, he ruffled his hair in exasperation and kept walking.

Reaching Shibuya crossing, he leaned against a pole and lowered his cap rim. Crossing his legs out of habit, he closed his eyes.

The street's overwhelming chatter directed his attention away from the endless waves of young, cheerful Japanese women. It was always the same; women were rarely different – it was no surprise that a quarter of an hour felt like eternity for the impatient late-teen.

Half-snoozing in a pair of shades, a small tap shook him back to his surroundings.

He groaned silently and pulled into a standing position. Rubbing an eye with lazy fingers, he grunted.

"Eh, excuse me, a-are you perhaps Natsume?"

His shades slid slowly towards the bridge of his nose. Closing his eyes, he replied, "No."

"You are not Natsume Hyuuga?"

The said male sighed. Pushing the glasses back up to his eyes, he repeated his previous answer.

"Oh, but…" the speaker's voice dissipated. "But… I – you…"

Annoyed, Natsume removed his sunglasses. "What do you want?"

Eyeing the intruder of his peace, Natsume failed to suppress his annoyance. The girl speaking to him was short in height; an overtly large chest protruded from her relatively thin figure. Her unusually blue hair fell in odd angles above her shoulders.

Her murky eyes stared at him fanatically as she unconsciously licked her lips. Rushing forward, she continued speaking.

As she continued her chatter, Natsume nodded along, tuning out her loud chattering.

"And then he was like, 'No, marry me!' And then I just like, well it was like… And then Sam bought me an adorable rainbow headband… Anyway, then I was like 'You know what you bi—'"

Natsume adjusted his hat. Voice thickly lathered with impatience, he interrupted the chattering girl. "Pardon?"

The girl stopped in midsentence. Her arms were loaded with bags of varying brands as she attempted to amplify her gestures. Smiling continuously, she grinned, "Sorry, you probably don't really know what I'm talking about."

"I don't." Glancing at his phone, Natsume ignored the girl's hurt expression as he shook off any excessive guilt that clung to his insides. It was already 1:32, but his reckless sister's driving was nowhere to be seen.

"May I have your autograph?"

No.

"Sure."

The girl's gaze lit up as she fumbled with a purse hanging from her neck. Producing a heavy fountain pen and a kitten-filled notebook, she held them up cheekily.

Twirling the pen between his index and third finger, Natsume begrudgingly scrawled a hasty N.H. on a random sheet of lined paper.

Pocketing the pen, he turned around. Ignoring the ginger head's supposed friends behind them, he waved. With a husky cough, he declared, "I will be keeping this. Good day."

Out of sight, he kept his head low and ducked into a nearby café.

Greeted by bustling waitresses, he went ahead and seated himself near a window.

Observing the busy city-goers, he removed his excessive accessories and fished his phone from his pocket. Busying himself with unread messages, a woman came to stand beside him.

It's always a woman.

"Good afternoon sir. Welcome to Retrouvailles! My name is Chloe and I will be your waitress for today." She pulled out a white notepad. "What may I interest you in today?"

Tilting his head, Natsume leaned against the chair. With a humorless chuckle that bordered politeness, he said, "Enlighten me."

The woman looked briefly confused before she rolled her eyes. Complying with his wishes, she rattled off, "Pain au Chocolat, Poire Belle Hélène, and our pâtissier special Chocolat Mousse topped with strawberries."

Natsume eyed her lazily before nodding slowly. "Chocolat Mousse."

The redhead nodded. "Anything else?"

One finger under his chin, Natsume answered, "Buttermilk brioche. Do wrap that up. Thank you."

He watched lazily as she practically skipped towards the counter, her black-and-white French maid dress flouncing against her dark leggings. Tucking a stray strand of fiery hair into her checkered headband, she hummed a little tune, pausing to look up every so often whenever a new customer entered.

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From: Aoi Hyuuga
To: Natsume Hyuuga

Date: March 13th

1:34 p.m. iMessage: Sorry! I got caught up! I'm coming over right now.
1:34 p.m. iMessage: Is this a silent treatment?
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Natsume shook his head and continued scrolling.

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
1:35 p.m. iMessage: I have a question.
1:45 p.m. iMessage: STOP IGNORNIOG MEErtdt
1:47 p.m. iMessage: OH MY LORD, THIS MAD WOMANALMOST CRASHED INTO ME. NATSUME.
1:48 p.m. iMessage: What if I told you there's a guy I like?
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Blowing at a stray strand of hair tickling his eyes, Natsume could practically hear his younger sister panic as she glanced at the rear windows erratically.

A small voice told him he should be concerned, but it didn't bother him that he thought otherwise.

Your fault for being a maniac of a driver.

However, he was displeased with his sister's last text. Annoyance creeping into his system, his brotherly instincts kicked in as he frowned at the phone in his hand.

Without as much as a 'thank you' to the redhead whom brought his order, he languidly typed in a reply.

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To: Aoi Hyuuga
From: Natsume Hyuuga

Date: March 13th

1:50 p.m. iMessage: If there is any guy (except me) whom catches your eye, I will skin you alive.
1:50 p.m. iMessage: You should know better than to text while driving. Focus, stupid.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

"Sir. Sir?"

Natsume looked up.

Staring down at him was the same woman (if she could even be called one) who had brought his lonely mousse sitting on a table with a dainty looking fork sitting on a lace napkin beside it.

Clearing his throat, he nodded acknowledgement.

"I brought you a cup of dark coffee, on the house!" She emphasized her announcement by bouncing a tray holding a glass coffee pitcher and a ceramic mug with the café's logo inscribed upon it.

Without waiting for an answer, the woman placed the mug on top of his table and smiled. "Here is milk and sugar if you care for any." She beamed. "Enjoy!"

Natsume glanced at the mug filled to the brim with dark, steaming liquid. Eyeing the white container filled with an odd array of sugar and plastic things filled with what-was-it-probably-hazelnut cream, he licked his lips with distaste.

Hazelnut.

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From: Aoi Hyuuga
To: Natsume Hyuuga

Date: March 14th

1:54 p.m. iMessage: Okay Big Bro. No more nice games. Where are you? I'm hereeee.
1:55 p.m. iMessage: Besides, I don't like ANY guy. It was the only way to get you to reply me. Poophead.
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With a swig at his coffee, Natsume choked down the burning beverage, a fleeting thought of bitter distaste filling his mouth.

Disregarding the dark liquid quickly, he adjusted his cap.

Dismissing the thoughts regarding his sister and a guy he probably didn't know, he shook his head.

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From: Natsume Hyuuga
To: Aoi Hyuuga

Date: March 14th

1:56 p.m. iMessage: Here where? Where are you?
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From: Aoi Hyuuga
To: Natsume Hyuuga

Date: March 13th

1:56 p.m. iMessage: Jeez. I've parked already. Gonna come find you.
1:56 p.m. iMessage: I'm an evil little sister. I'm tracking you, Nat!
1:57 p.m. iMessage: Ugh, I had to borrow change from a pink-haired girl. She was really nice but… oh well. Anyway yeah. I'M COMING!
1:58 p.m. iMessage: Hehehe, I found you. Don't move!
1:59 p.m. iMessage: I'M COMING!
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Turning his vibrating phone into mute mode, his mind briefly wandered towards his earlier interview.

Maybe that exit wasn't ideal.

Sure, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but now, it just felt stupid.

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To: Aoi Hyuuga
From: Natsume Hyuuga

Date: 4/13

1:59 p.m. iMessage: You're taking an awful long time to get here. Stop abusing the Find My iPhone feature.
1:59 p.m. iMessage: We're going to AC later.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Leaving his coffee half-finished, he swiped the wrapped brioche into his pockets. Then, unperturbed by his untouched mousse, he signaled for a waitress to "box it up."

Donning his dark shades, Natsume stepped out of the café. With a bulging side pocket and a hand grasping a covered dessert, he glanced down the bustling sidewalk.

A teenager walked past him – the boy was probably no more than fifteen years old. Holding the soft hand of stumbling toddler, the older lad bent and spoke to him softly. Brown-haired and green-eyed, the teenager's soft features radiated of empathy and silent affection.

The toddler stopped in his tracks, and as Natsume watched amusedly, he let go of the older boy's hand and pointed at a woman sitting on a seat, alone.

Tiptoeing in his black sneakers, the little boy whispered something into his older companion's ear, earning a shrug and a little twitch of the mouth in return.

Natsume watched the young child and the older boy, slightly wondering what was happening next.

None of your business.

Shut up.

What? You shut up… and no.

Shaking his head, Natsume observed the toddling child nevertheless.

The three-year old walked cautiously towards a woman sitting on a chair, her stomach swollen as she flipped through a magazine, a cup of hot chocolate steaming on the table.

"Why is your stomach so big?" the child asked curiously.

The woman looked down and smiled upon seeing the little boy. Bending, she peered into his eyes. "Well you see," she started pleasantly, "I'm having a baby, little one."

"Is the baby in your stomach?" The boy blinked up innocently, his large green eyes shining in the sunlight. Natsume noted the similarity between the youngster and the older lad, whom was standing a few feet away as he watched the younger boy with a thin coat of amusement.

The woman continued smiling, her pearly teeth flashing. "Yes indeed."

Puzzled, the little boy's hand found its place on his neck. "Is it a good baby?"

The pregnant woman nodded, "Oh yes, yes he is. He is a really good baby."

With a bewildered look that displayed shock and surprise, his face contorted into an odd angle. "Then why did you eat him?"

At this, Natsume would have burst out laughing weren't it for his controlled temper and the oddity of the scenario before him.

Turning his gaze, Natsume watched the little boy's brown-haired caretaker make a move.

With an eye roll, the brown-haired lad pushed off the glass window and stepped swiftly towards what Natsume assumed must be his younger brother.

The woman was glancing awkwardly at the little boy, not sure what to say. Relieved at the sight of her and the little boy's savior, she patted the three-year-old's head. "You'll know eventually, don't you fret." She winked at the little boy, "But don't worry, I didn't eat this baby."

Ruffling the little boy's head, Natsume watched amusedly as she bent down sorely and gave him a small hug.

"Ren, let's go."

The older boy had swooped and grasped his brother's hand, a quick look of discomfort falling over his features. Directing a mumbled apology and embarrassed nod at the patient woman, he had steered the innocent boy away from the prying eyes of public.

Natsume let out a quiet chuckle as he watched the pair disappear into the streets. Dismissing any thoughts of familiarity with the older lad, he couldn't help but catch the young boy's protesting words.

"You-onii-san… why… but, she… nice!"

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From: Aoi Hyuuga
To: Natsume Hyuuga

Date: March 13th

2:00 p.m. iMessage: Sure, I need to bother one of my friends there anyway.
2:01 p.m. iMessage: Oh I see you!
2:01 p.m. iMessage: Wait, is that even you?
2:02 p.m. iMessage: Oh yep it is! I'm so funny. J
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Looking up, his eyes caught a familiar blob of dark hair.

Striding towards his sister, he flicked her forehead. "One: don't text while driving. Two: don't text while driving. And three: don't text while driving. Four: No guys for you. Now, show me the car; I'll do the driving."

With that, Aoi glared at her elder brother before towing her older sibling down several blocks until they reached the desired parking spot.

Natsume heaved himself into the driver's seat as Aoi wiggled through the passenger's open window.

Throwing his sister an odd look, he shook his head and commented, "Nice underwear."

"Thanks, pervert."

Natsume shrugged. "So, tell me about your day," he said blandly.

Accepting the invitation to speak, Aoi grinned. "You won't believe what happened today."

"And I thought you were going to jabber off about my interview," he muttered under his breath. Stepping on the ignition, he sped out of the parking lot and cruised down an unusually empty street.

Aoi ignored her brother' comment and continued. "Okay so guess what!"

"I am guessing that I will need an ear transplant, given that you've damaged one of my eardrums."

She gave her brother a thwack on the head before pressing her lips together. "You'll never guess!"

"Enlighten me."

"Okay. Wait first, what's in your pocket?"

Natsume shrugged, pulling out the paper wrapping. "Thought you'd get hungry." He removed his sunglasses and slipped them into the compartment. "Don't get crumbs all over your seat," he added snidely.

Aoi's eyes widened. Grinning, she leaned over and hugged her brother's right arm. Peeking into the bag, she smiled stupidly. "Thank you, onii-san!"

"It's been a while since you called me that," Natsume remarked, teasing her.

"You never deserved it anyway. I just felt like being nice, unlike someone."

As Natsume made a smoother turn to the right, he listened as his sister talked nonstop. She would pause once in a while to chew on the buttermilk pastry.

"Okay so basically, I was at this cute little diner with a friend. Then this good-looking waiter came and introduced himself and all that. Then he asked me if I wanted supersalad. And of course, I didn't really know what he was talking about so I just said 'yes.' And then the waiter and my friend gave me a weird look and stared at me like I was an idiot."

As Natsume listened, he shook his head. Poking his sister's arm, he said. "Oi, Aoi."

Aoi looked up, several crumbs gathering up at the corner of her lip. "Yeah?"

"You really are an idiot."

"Hey, it's not my fault that I don't know what some stupid supersalad is!" She gave a huff and crossed her legs, kicking off her flats at the same time.

"Yeah sure."

"'Yeah sure' what?"

With a little grin, he pulled into another parking lot. Killing the engine, he glanced at his sister goofily. "You sure Mr. Hot Guy didn't say 'soup or salad?'"

Aoi blinked. Suddenly, she screeched, "Oh my god! So that's why! And I thought everyone was crazy! I mean like, why would anyone order or even MAKE a supersalad? I mean like, cucumbers and tomatoes are good and all that, but like ermehgersh how—"

"Aoi, my eardrums are bursting. Honestly. I swear if you don't—"

"Jeez, I'm shutting up, I'm shutting up," she mumbled her cheeks turning scarlet as she gazed out the window. She crumbled her paper bag and crawled out the car through the window.

Natsume honestly didn't understand why his sister would crawl when there was a perfectly fine door waiting to be of her service.

"Natsume, Natsume, I forgot, I forgot," she yipped, "my—Ow! My shoes."

With a grunt, Natsume bent and flung his sister's yellow ballet flats out the window before stepping out of the vehicle himself.

"Go do whatever you need to do. Meet you back here in about an hour."

Aoi acknowledged her brother's comment with a smile and a small wave as she jogged in the opposite direction.

Walking over to Alice Academy's familiar oak tree, he traced his fingers over the rough bark and leaned his forehead against it. Inhaling the soft, warm scent, he closed his eyes for several seconds before a vibration called for his attention.

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
From: Nogi
To: Natsume Hyuuga

Date: March 13th

2:28 p.m. iMessage: Joke?
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Natsume laughed and just shook his head.

His blue-eyed friend seemed to form conclusions and flawlessly pinpointed Natsume's availability.

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
From: Natsume Hyuuga
To: Bunny Boy

Date: March 13th

2:28 p.m. iMessage: Go ahead. Entertain me.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Bunny Boy, 2:29 p.m. iMessage: What did the ocean say to another ocean?

Natsume Hyuuga, 2:30 p.m. iMessage: What?

Bunny Boy, 2:30 p.m. iMessage: Nothing. They just waved.

Natsume Hyuuga, 2:30 p.m. iMessage: Oh.

Bunny Boy, 2:30 p.m. iMessage: Do you sea what I did there?

Natsume Hyuuga, 2:31 p.m. iMessage: No.

Bunny Boy, 2:31 p.m. iMessage: I'm shore you did…

Natsume Hyuuga, 2:31 p.m. iMessage: Dear lord, how do you have friends?

Bunny Boy, 2:32 p.m. iMessage: Don't be such a beach, Nat.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Walking down empty corridors of Alice College, Natsume entered the classroom he was looking for.

"I was beginning to think you were never going to come."

"You sound like a drug dealer." Natsume frowned and rubbed a weary thumb against his brow.

"I would be surprised if you didn't do drugs, Hyuuga."

"Oh please," Natsume mocked, "There is no need for formalities. Natsume works."

"Then Natsume it is."

Natsume threw his shades across the room. "So, humor me."

"Humor you with what?"

"Here, let me tell you a joke." Natsume took a seat on a wooden desk, his silhouette outlined against the dim lighting coming from the open doorway. Crossing his legs, he looked lazily around the shaded room. "What is six inches long, two inches wide, and drives women wild?"

An amused voice came from a corner. "I'm rather amused. But you being a pervert, I am not altogether surprised."

Natsume's lips curled into a little grin. "Give up?"

"No, you dickhead. The answer is money."

"Easy with the words there, milady. Women aren't loved dearly for their word choices."

"They are valued for their bodies, you imply? Sure thing. In that case, I'd suggest for you to shut up."

With an annoyed scowl, Natsume lay down, crossing his arms over his abdomen. "That doesn't even make sense. You may start."

A projectile hit a wall on the opposite end, illuminating against the blackboard. Upon it was an image of a shy brunette, sitting beside a gray-eyed senior on a bench. She held a book in her hands and was dressed loosely in a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.

Natsume's scowl deepened. Bolting upwards, he crossed his arms in displeasure. "Why are you showing me that picture?"

She's sitting with another guy.

Just the thought made his blood boil.

The woman stepped out from the shadows. "There is no need for dramatic effects, honestly."

The lights flickered on, revealing a female figure not much older than Natsume himself. Her large violet eyes were framed with an abundance of thick eyelashes. Her short black hair was styled into a devilish pixie cut; long bangs fell across one side of her forehead and a small violet hairclip nestled above an ear.

Pointing at the picture, Natsume raised an eyebrow, evidently waiting for an explanation.

"You'll be getting nowhere in AC," the woman said simply.

What the – What the actual fuck.

"What is that photo doing here?"

"Reasons."

Natsume forced off any nagging feelings. The photo was none of his concern. Gritting his teeth, he spit out, "What did you come here for?"

"Curiosity."

"You wouldn't come here out of plain curiosity. Hell knows how much you value your precious time," he spat.

Hotaru smiled humorlessly. "And at least you aren't naïve."

Natsume snorted. "I'm not naïve."

Damn this woman.

"I didn't say you were." She raised a perfectly arched eyebrow and tilted her head to the side.

"Whatever." Natsume fumed silently as he forced himself to ignore the woman's words.

It was enough that she was inconsiderate enough to pop back into his life. But meddling with it as well? That was overstepping the boundaries.

Hotaru shook her head. "You're so juvenile." She held up a white envelope. Thrusting the letter into Natsume's arms, she jerked her head towards it. "Open it."

Natsume rolled his eyes. "It's a pleasure to see you again too."

"Seven months hasn't changed your cynical attitude."

"Hn. I haven't been counting." Scanning the letter quickly, he folded it in half with trembling hands. "So what's this about?"

"What do you think?"

Well, two can play this game.

"My apologies, Imai." Natsume bent at the waist and mockingly swept himself into a bow, "I seem to lack any talent in this field."

"Come again?"

"I lack the ability to think," he elaborated bluntly.

Hotaru shook her head, accompanied with an eye roll. "You're coming to America with me."

Natsume laughed bitterly. "Easier said than done. Want to hear my answer? No. Fucking no."

America – Imai. What? His mind raced to catch up with the woman's words. He was sure that in between those lines dripped clues that he so desperately wanted.

"Language, Natsume."

"So now you're one to talk."

"I didn't ask you to talk."

Natsume snorted. "I didn't ask you to give me a stupid envelope."

Hotaru shrugged and stepped in front of him. Meeting eye-to-eye with the raven-haired male, she whispered, "Don't fuck this up."

"It's only education. You don't just fuck up education."

"Precisely." In a crisp voice, she repeated as she stepped back, "You're coming to America with me."

"Slow down," Natsume snapped. "I have a life here. No one gave you permission to meddle with my life." He crossed his arms and shuddered unconsciously. He blinked and swallowed.

"You have one heck of a life. You think you have a life?" Hotaru challenged.

"I already said no," he ground out. "No means no."

With a voice laden with sarcasm, Hotaru remarked, "I thought yes means no, and no means yes."

"I have a life. Shut up with your stupid nonsense. Now if you'll move aside, I have a call to make." Fervent for any excuse at all, Natsume waited for her to step out of his way.

Hotaru held up a hand. "No way. I wasted all this time flying back to Tokyo and you're giving me an outright no? Unacceptable."

"No one told you, no one begged you to convince the administration of some smartass college in Massachusetts to send me some acceptance letter." Natsume waved the letter in front of her nose, "I didn't even apply for Harvard."

Hotaru held said monotonously, "And yet I've done it."

Natsume gagged. "You've done what."

"Everything you were bumbling on and on about." Hotaru glanced upwards, briefly studying the ceiling.

Natsume's eyes narrowed. "What are you up to?"

Hotaru shrugged. Amethyst eyes unblinking, she said, "I'm doing you a favor and digging you out of your hellhole. You have options now. Get your sorry head out of your arse and open your eyes.

"I'm not blind, Imai. I have eyes, in case you haven't noticed."

"I haven't – I have not noticed."

Natsume groaned. Rubbing an eye slowly, he glared at the expectant Imai. "You're giving me no time to contemplate this, woman."

"And that's the whole point."

Shaking his head, Natsume walked across the classroom and stood there silently. He felt Hotaru's piercing gaze upon his back as he pulled the shades open, revealing a sun slowly going into hiding behind clouds.

He tugged at his cap. Laughing inordinately to himself, he sighed.

What am I doing?

Turning to face the woman, he asked suddenly, "Why?"

"Why are you such a nuisance? Get your life together, Natsume," she snapped. "Go to a good university. Study. Get a degree. Don't rely on your family name and money to give yourself a reputation." Hotaru's bore through her friend's, challenging the stubborn, red-eye to contradict her.

Natsume glowered at her dangerously.

"You're getting nowhere in Japan. You'll be a great asset to Harvard." She paused, "You're too much of a chicken."

"There another purpose behind all this."

"You've got family. Aside from that, education is most important. You have a shot, you ass."

"So what? Get a degree? Become an independent billionaire?" Natsume rubbed his forehead furiously, forcefully. "That's just the surface. Nobody cares."

"Natsume Hyuuga, people care. People care about the surface."

"Right. Sex and what? Money?" he sneered.

"Mikan's there too."

Holy Jesus. Freaking. Dear Lord…

Unexpectedly, Natsume yanked his cap from his head and threw it to the ground in a sudden bout of irritation. His bubble broke. "So this is what this is all about, isn't it? It all comes back to some stupid fucking girl. Isn't that why you came back?"

Hotaru stared at him calmly. "No."

"Aoi, Ruka, you. You are just pitiful people looking for something to pity! Are you looking for a game to pass the time? Are you? This is a joke, isn't it?"

Natsume blew a fuse. He could not not care – he didn't know. He was absolutely clueless.

Natsume Hyuuga was terrified.

"Joke? Please Hyuuga, tell me that you've matured. Don't speak of your sister that way. And don't bring Bunny Boy into this."

"I have a life. I have a life!" More than anything, he seemed to be convincing himself. "I don't need some rich, smart Imai to come waltzing in and sending me off overseas to come motherfucking college." Natsume threw his right arm behind him and pointed at the window. "This is where I belong! Mikan or no Mikan," he glowered dangerously, "I am staying here."

"That was quite a performance." Hotaru pulled out a hidden camera, "I wasn't expecting you to explode, but nevertheless, I'll be able to afford a month-long trip to the Bahamas now. Thank you."

"Listen, Imai," Natsume snarled. Stabbing an index finger on her collarbone, he hissed, "I stay out of your life, you stay out of mine."

Hotaru turned, the camera dangling from her neck. With a wave of her hand, she said, "You're out of character – it's pathetic. There is no use in speaking to you when you're irate and on a roll. Shoot me a text when you've calmed down. You have three days."

She turned and walked away. "Oh and one more thing," she added, "two days," she corrected. "Take advantage of this situation, of Harvard, and the mentioning of Mikan? That was but a practical joke played on my part. She's moved on, Hyuuga. She's moved on."

With the clacking of heels slowly fading down the hall, Hotaru Imai disappeared down the polished floors of Alice College. "You are better than this, Natsume Hyuuga."

Natsume leaned against a cabinet. Throwing a fist into the polished wood, he groaned.

Fuck.

Tugging at the ends of his hair, he forced himself to exhale. Leaning down to grab his previously-abandoned baseball cap, he forcefully shoved it onto his head. Sunglasses in one hand, he stalked out of the classroom and down the corridor.

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
From: Aoi Hyuuga
To: Natsume Hyuuga

Date: March 13th

3:42 p.m. iMessage: Hey, I forgot to ask. What're you doing anyway?
3:43 p.m. iMessage: Just so you know, I'm waiting in the car. You left the keys in the cup holder… Dumbass.
3:50 p.m. iMessage: How much longer must I waityg? It's been more than an hour!
3:59 p.m. iMessage: P.S. I watched your interview from this morning…
3:59 p.m. iMessage: And that wasn't our agreement! You owe me big time!
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Not bothering to reply his sister, Natsume took a detour and found himself in the men's restroom. Stuffing his phone into his back pocket, he forcefully turned the faucet on, splashing his face with cold water. Leaning against the sink, he stared at his haggard reflection in the mirror.

Water dripped from his shaggy, wet bangs before they detoured towards the crease in the corners of his eyes and slid down his cheek. The water fell from his chin, dropping with a hollow patter into the white sink. His tired eyes were bloodshot and wild, mimicking the expression of a caged animal that threatened to lunge. His lips contorted into a permanent scowl—seeing the scowl only caused it to deepen considerably.

Livid, he removed his cap and heatedly discarded it on the countertop. Glaring at his reflection in the mirror, he gripped the sink until his white knuckles protested profusely.

Stepping back, he swallowed.

He slapped himself. As it rung emptily, bouncing off the tiled flooring, he panted. Distantly satisfied, he grunted as a reddened imprint began glowing on his lower cheek.

Focus. Focus.

Focus.

It wasn't that he didn't want to go to America. It wasn't that he disliked the thought of the invitation letter containing his acceptance to an American university.

He was confused. And what murdered him was that he didn't know why.

Groaning, Natsume mentally pinched himself.

His mind spiraled out of control.

Chest heaving beneath his soaked shirt, he bit his lip and screwed his eyes shut.

Mind made up, he gave his reflection one last glare before drying his face. Ripping paper towels from the soundless dispenser, he snarled. Cap sitting on his head again, he marched out the swinging door and led himself to the school parking lot.

Nearing the shiny metallic vehicle, he frowned. A second round of annoyance flooded him.

The hell?

Brows furrowed, his fingers began to tingle as he grit his teeth together as adrenaline pulsated through his aggravated veins.

Aoi was sitting on the hood of the car, her legs dangling. Her red iPhone was behind her, threatening to slide off the hood.

She obviously didn't notice.

But it wasn't where she was sitting that slapped him across the face.

It was what she doing.

It most definitely was.

One hand supporting her from behind, she was pressed against an unfamiliarly familiar, masculine figure. From where Natsume stood several meters away, watching, he could see the man's was tussled hair, and cobalt in color. His sister's fingers were entangled in his hair; the two were in the process of, albeit fully-clothed, pressed close together; to say they looked passionate was an understatement.

Natsume's pace quickened. Nearing the duo, his hands curled into fists as he bit back a sharp curse.

It was as if he did not already have enough on his plate.

It may have been a result of his befuddled mind, or maybe it was his own vague, confused mind; maybe it was because he refused to accept – to believe – that his sister was growing up — maybe it was a combination of all of those reasons. But what seemed clear as day was Natsume Hyuuga's ire as the entire day's, week's, months' of ache, incertitude, and resentment exploded, shattering into a myriad of fragments on the vacant campus grounds of Alice College.

"Aoi, what the hell are you doing?"

Stay tuned,
Reviews are appreciated!

November 28th, 2015
HE