Big thanks to all the reviewers :D

I do not own Gakuen Alice

It took a few minutes for me to remember what happened when I woke up. It felt like I just woke up from a nightmare, my palms were sweaty and my head was pounding. The usual glass of water wasn't going to work either, it all just felt so real, too real, and in the end, it was real.

I couldn't close my eyes, all that came to me was red. I knew I would have to face my friends when I woke up, I had this nagging feeling they would suddenly just distance themselves from me. I wondered if they knew about my phobia, maybe I should tell them. I just won't tell them how I got it, perhaps that would—

'No. Stop brain, don't give me false hopes.'

They would judge me, criticize me and despise me endlessly. After all, that's exactly what he did, and not only he, they. It sounds selfish but I've always done this for as long as I could remember, avoiding my problems, ignoring any possible solution.

With all the thoughts that ran through my head I didn't realize how fast time past, and by then, people had started visiting, my first visitor of they was... Unexpected. I had to look away, his eyes never failed to scare me, and probably never will.

'Unless you get over your phobia and past trauma.' A small part of me would always say that the small voice in the back of my head had hope, and it knew it would be crushed as soon as I believe in it.

"Hey." His voice was hoarse as if he had a sore throat but I doubt that was the cause.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, not bothering to greet him. He didn't respond, and for awhile, I thought that he'd left until I heard him sit down on a stool near the hospital bed.

"I'm sorry."

"Why? You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't even know." I felt his gaze on me, I was sure he had figured it out by now, wasn't it obvious?

"Know what?" Okay, maybe not.

"Nothing."

"Tell me."

"It's nothing you should worry about, it's none of your business anyway." He didn't say anything, but I was sure he didn't believe that it was simply "nothing" thankfully, he let it go, at least, for a few seconds.

"You're stupid you know that." He said.

I huffed. "How am I stupid, you jerk!"

"Only an idiot would fall for your excuse because 'it's nothing'." He mimicked my voice and I admit it didn't make me as mad as it should have.

"Why are you even here again?" He didn't respond immediately, and when he did, I wasn't expecting what he said.

"I felt guilty."

"Now here's something you don't hear every day," I teased. "The Natsume Hyuuga is feeling guilty and he apologizes." I could feel his deadly cold glare. God, it sent shivers down my spine in some of the most unpleasant ways.

"You're making me wish I never came."

"No one asked you to come."

"Nice to see I'm wanted here." He sighed, and I heard him run a hand through his hair. Soon, I heard footsteps that were approaching the door at the other side of the room.

"W-wait. I was just kidding!" I don't know what caused me to say that but I definitely didn't hear the footsteps leaving anymore.

"So you want me to stay?" I was willing to bet anything that he was smirking at this moment, as good as it looked on him, it was annoying.

"Who said I wanted you to stay?"

"Then you wouldn't mind if I lea-"

"No! Stay, please. I don't want to be alone." My voice was slightly brittle. It was a slightly rare moment where I was being completely honest. If I hated anything more other than, uhm, red liquid, that would be being alone.

"I thought you said I was a jerk."

"You are, most of the times."

"How flattering." he deadpanned.

"You're the one who calls me an idiot!" I still refused to look at him in the eye, but when I took a small glance in his direction I saw a ghost of a smile on his face, and for some reason, it made me blush.

"Are you blushing?" His voice was monotone but if you listened closely, you could hear the slight bit of amusement it contained.

"No way! Why would I be blushing?"

"You're blushing." He stated.

"Shut up! I'm not blushing!"

After half an hour—maybe more, heck, neither of us were counting—of mindless chatting, arguing and teasing, I admit I see Hyuuga in a slightly different light. However, that does not mean we're friends, I still have my suspicions this is a one-time thing. I mean, can you blame me? He has a reputation for breaking women's hearts in two, and I refuse to play his game.

On a lighter note, the doctor said that since I don't seem to be having any serious injuries, I would be discharged from the hospital in a few days. Sumire being in most of my classes has been given the 'duty' to keep an eye on me since they know Hyuuga would refuse, not to mention considering how rich his family is they're kind of scared to ask him. Other than that, Hotaru will be taking care of me when we're at our dorm, knowing her, she would have done it anyway she was always there for me, and I could never thank her enough.

Honestly, I don't think I need all this 'surveillance' it's not mandatory nor is it something I need, I can take care of myself. At least, I think I can.

I sighed, bored because of the ridiculously small amount of entertainment I had. Don't blame me! I just get bored easily. Nevertheless, these few days are going to be long, then again, there are people who're staying here longer than me, why am I complaining so much?

'Because uncle Kazu spoiled me so much these past few years.' Not that I asked him to, he was just... worried about me because after my parents died, I was going to be put up for adoption until he came along with Grandpa.

Some part of me always wonders what it would have been like if I had been raised in an orphanage. Surely, I wouldn't have come to Alice Academy and I would probably never seen Hotaru again.

I remember the words she told me once, I'm just not sure if she meant them. But I doubt she would be lying about something like this, Hotaru wasn't known to waste time or energy on people or things that don't matter.

"You're the closest friend I could have, even if it would take me a lifetime, I would make sure to always be able to help you and protect you. So, wipe those tears, they don't suit your smiling face. Not to mention they make you look ugly."

I'm not sure if that last part was meant to be a compliment or an insult, knowing Hotaru, probably both... It could have been worse though, after all, she is known to be the "Ice Queen." of the academy.

And coincidentally, guess who just barged into my room? Yes, my best friend herself. Surprisingly, she didn't have her expressionless facade, her face was filled with worry but she somehow managed to keep her composure.

"What were you thinking!" Hotaru half-shouted.

"Don't worr-"

"It's a little too late for that don't you think?" She said dryly, cutting me off.

"I'm fine, it's not like Hyuuga knew about my phobia."

"Why was I hearing from others that 'the cute girl was going to kiss her hot boyfriend but then she fainted.'" She looked like she was ready to kill someone—probably Hyuuga—and she had her baka gun with a weird gleam in her eyes that creeped me out.

"Hyuuga wanted to me to look at him without shifting my glance to anything but his eyes. The position may have started a few unwanted rumors though…"

"Mikan, not only is there this stupid rumor going on since several people have seen you both at central town, but the slime incident is still fresh in their minds."

'Thanks a bunch Hotaru, I totally wasn't trying to forget about it.' I sarcastically thought.

"It's not like I care about what they say." Was my oh, so brilliant reply.

"You know that's not going to fool me."

"I'll be fine."

"You can't even convince yourself, Mikan. Why don't you let me handle it? It's not hard to blackmail people." I hated being so dependent on Hotaru, she was always there for me, I was lucky to have such a great friend. Nevertheless, I still want some independence.

"Only about the slime incident, I can take care of the rest." Okay, I can't take care of the rest, but I can try...

"Hyuuga would probably end the rumor anyways." That slightly reassured me knowing I have little to no power over what's going to happen when I get back to school.

Not long after, three knocks could be heard on the door before a nurse came in.

"Just to let you know, if everything is fine, you can be discharged tomorrow." This made me happy as much as it made me somewhat glum. I mean, I can't say I'm excited to go back to school! It is Monday, the worst day of the week! Maybe if I get discharged after classes I could ski-

"Don't even think about skipping classes." My best friend said, glaring at me as the nurse left.

"I-I wasn't even thinking about it! I was thinking a-about, uhm... Fluff puffs!"

"You're better than math than you are at lying." She said, rolling her eyes.

"Hey! It's not my fault I'm bad at math!" Hotaru sighed.

"At this point, Jinno will be giving you a tutor." Of course, she knew what I would ask next.

"Hotaru, can you hel-"

"No." Knowing it would be futile asking her I made a mental note to ask one of the twins since Sumire's isn't the best at math either.

"I should get going." The Amethyst eyed teen said as she went to the door.

"Already? Alright then, bye!" She gave me a nod before closing the door, leaving me alone once more.

Then I noticed something on my nightstand that wasn't there before. A light pink box that had a note on it.

Figured you'd miss these, you owe me.

- Hotaru.

A small smile came to my lips. Hotaru usually wasn't one to give gifts, especially if they came with a price. Although the best part was what was inside the box when I opened it my eyes shone and I was drooling gingerly placing one in my mouth savoring the sweet, fluffy taste it had.

Needless to say, fluff puffs are the best.

Then I got a call, from my supposedly furious uncle.

Natsume

"So, did you visit her Natsume?"` Ruka asked me.

"Yeah, why am I supposed to do this again?"

"Because you should be nicer to her. Besides, you said it yourself, she doesn't annoy you like most girls, right?" I kept a straight look, there was no way I'm admitting I had fun with her.

"She'll fall in love with me eventually, after that, I'll probably be discarding her."

"Natsume." Ruka sighed. " She's not someone you should be toying around with."

"Just because she happens to be friends with Imai and you happen to have a crush on the women doesn't mean that I should listen." I saw Ruka turn a deep shade of red.

"Give her a chance. Besides, I don't think Mikan would be falling in love with you if she barely even looks at you, which is weird if you ask me."

"Tsk, not like I care."

"You sure? I'm actually rather curious." He insisted.

"She's just an idiot who wears pigtails to school every day."

"And refuses to look at you, not to mention barely makes any physical contact."

"That last part isn't abnormal though," I said.

"Oh, really? Remember last time you had a partner? I think her name was Luna Koizumi? Whatever, but she went as far as making that ridiculous rumor, I'm so happy she's with her father on some trip, it was a pain having her around." I cringed at the horrendous events I remembered. Luna was my partner until two years ago, and god, she was clingy. She made some stupid rumor about dating me and we had this affair, nothing involving emotions.

"Still, I'd rather not know what she's hiding."

"Right, Natsume, it's obvious you're as curious as I am."

"It's not like I'm going to get anything from it." I saw Ruka sigh and then, his eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had come up with this genius plan.

"Fine. If that's what you want." He had was smiling, and it wasn't the usual prince charming smile either. Not a good sign.

Normally, I wouldn't mind joining him in whatever 'adventure' he wanted to go on. Then again, this is Mikan Sakura, I would say our conversation earlier this morning didn't affect me but I knew damn well that was a lie.

There was just some kind of sudden... connection. Great, now I sound sappy as if I was a love sick teenager. Perhaps it's because she has a nice voice. Yeah, that's it.

Oh, who was I kidding? Even the pigtailed idiot wouldn't fall for that stupid excuse.

But I won't lie, she does have a nice voice.

Sumire

"So? How's Mikan?" I asked.

"She's fine, but the rumors are already spreading, I heard a few fangirls talking about some sort of 'prank' or whatever," Hotaru answered.

"Wait. What?"

"You heard me, don't worry, I'll take care about the ambush. What I'm worried about is how Hyuuga's trying to get close to Mikan." Are they getting close? Okay, I admit I'm starting to get a bit jealous.

"Seriously? But, if he really cares for her why doesn't he just tell those idiots to well, as he would say it 'fuck off'?" Hotaru looked at me as if saying you-can't-be-that-dumb.

"That's exactly the problem Sumire."

"What is?" Okay, don't blame me! I'm not some super genius or anything.

"Well, let's just say, Mikan's had some tough times at her old school, especially after her parents died."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Mikan's heart is... Fragile."

"Well, it's not like a relationship can be perfect." This is probably more from personal experience than I'm admitting right now.

"That's not what I mean. Sumire, you know what Natsume Hyuuga is known for."

"His godly looks and genius mind?" That I am very attracted to.

"Other than that." Shit, she was giving me the glare. Makes me wonder if she knows how I feel about him.

"Uhm, being a player?"

"Exactly. Now, what makes you think he wouldn't be doing the same to Mikan as every other girl he's been with?"

"Well, Mikan doesn't annoy him to death like his fangirls."

"All the more reason to make her fall in love with him. She's a challenge, but that doesn't mean Hyuuga's going to fall for her." She was right—not that she ever wasn't—but there was still a small problem.

"Mikan doesn't even look at him though. Not that I know why it's just..." Wait. Why does she avoid him anyways? In fact, why did she faint that day? This didn't make sense but... That day she was with Natsume. Does that mean they're linked together? Is that why she doesn't look at him?

"You don't need to look at them to fall in love. Some people fall in love through the internet others are blind and still, get married. In fact, Mikan could start surpassing her, uhm, reason to avoid him." The fact that Hotaru said an 'uhm' as if she didn't know what to say was, well, suspicious. Did she know why Mikan 'avoided' Natsume? They do seem to be pretty close to each other...

"True. Do you think we should tell her?" I asked.

"Definitely. Let's just warn her, she'll understand." Now, I wasn't so sure this would end well. Hotaru may be the smart one, but I know how love feels like. And if Mikan really does have feelings for the school playboy than this may or may not end well. Okay, scratch the first option.

"I hope she does." Now, my biggest concern was why Hotaru was so intent on keeping Mikan's 'reason' a secret. There had to be something more to this, something was wrong, and I wanted to know, even if curiosity does kill the cat. But maybe I'll lay low for now.

Maybe Mikan would tell us someday. For now, I'll respect her privacy.

For now.

Natsume

Convincing Ruka I wasn't interested was probably the easy part. Convincing myself wasn't as much. Honestly, I didn't even know what I was trying to achieve.

And in fact, I knew that I wanted her attention. I wanted to get to know her, she intrigued me, something many girls never did. I wanted to know her secret, I wanted to know why she couldn't look at me. I was used to people chasing after me, whether for money or love, perhaps both, but for that girl to just want to ignore my existence bothered me to no end.

I ran a hand through my raven hair - a habit my sister Aoi would always comment on - and grabbed my phone on the nightstand near my bed. Scrolling through my contacts, I saw Koko's and Kitsu's, and the slime incident flashed in my mind.

I bet Imai would do something about that, but nevertheless, the students of Alice Academy aren't known to show any mercy. Surely, when she gets discharged and goes back to school she'll have a lot to deal with.

Suddenly, my phone made a beeping noise, meaning I got a new message, specifically, one from Ruka. What does he want now?

Ruka: Hey. How r u?

Ruka, out of anyone should know how much I hate when people shorten words, however, he still did it anyway. Sometimes, I wonder if his goal was to piss me off.

Natsume: What is it?

Ruka: Geez, without so much of a greeting.

Natsume: You should hurry. My patience is wearing thin.

Ruka: i noticed. -.-

Natsume: ...

Ruka: i just wanted to ask u if the rumor is true?

Natsume: What do you mean?

Ruka; Pft, don't tell me u didn't hear about it! o:

Natsume: I didn't...

Ruka: Well... i'm sure u remember the day at the mall.

At that moment, images of Mikan fainting flashed in my mind. I felt guilty, even if I did talk to her this morning, I couldn't help but blame myself. It was a stupid habit I had.

Natsume: Yeah.

Ruka: Rumors say that u and Mikan kissed before she fainted, or at least, were about to kiss. Some even think ur both dating. Haha... Isn't that ridiculous?

I was about to type in the usual 'Hn.' I give, but then, an idea came to me. In the end, it didn't seem so hard to get close to her. I could easily use the rumor to my advantage.

Natsume: Actually, that's not such a bad idea :)

Ruka: *Gasp* U SMILED! Wait, why does it look evil?

Natsume: Shut up.

Ruka: I'm not talking, I'm texting.

Natsume: That's just stupid.

Ruka: Not as stupid as u getting a girlfriend.

Natsume: Said the guy who's in love with that inventor freak.

Ruka: Hey! She's not a freak! Besides, what's wrong with having feelings?

Natsume: I bet if we were talking face to face you would be blushing.

Ruka: Don't avoid the question! Geez, what's so wrong with liking someone? You never said why you hated love so much.

And at that moment, Ruka reminded me the exact reason I didn't date girls in the first place. No, I broke their hearts, I don't chase after them, they chase after me. I don't fall in love, I'm not supposed to.

Natsume: Love is stupid.

Well, looks like it's the end of another chapter. I hope you all liked it, I had a bit of trouble writing it since I had no idea how to show everyone's reaction, I felt like it was a bit too early for them to find out here phobia but they have their own doubts. :)

What do you guys think will happen? As usual, please, favorite, review and follow this story! ^^

Until next time,

~Smiley-San :)