Summary: CEO Natsume Hyuuga, a business tycoon in 27, needs a maid for his new luxurious house. But what if he finds out that the person he hired is none other than Mikan Sakura, the owner of the second largest company in Japan? What will be his reaction?

Chapter 5: Youichi Hijiri

A silver-haired lad with an impressive height and handsome face stared at the person in front of him with annoyance. He was currently at one of his classes in Tokyo Institute of Technology, taking up Architecture and Building Engineering as his undergraduate major. He was already in his last year, and even though he is two years younger than Mikan he acts and talks as if he is older than her. He was actually very busy with his studies right now since he is a candidate for graduation, yet he always manage to find some time for his friends, family, and his hobbies. It was the last class he needed to attend for the day so he was pretty excited to go home and relax. That was until a woman with pale pink hair and blue eyes blocked his way towards the door. And currently, he was caught between playing nice towards his classmate and getting angry about her outrageous request.

"I'm telling you I am not interested." He pressed on, not wanting to be rude but still adamant to refuse. The woman, whom goes by the name of Saya, shook her head and gave him puppy eyes.

"Please? I need just one chance. You won't regret it I promise. You will gain more fans and become more popular in our university if you do this."

"The heck would I want that? I keep telling you I'm not interested."

"But you are the only one who is suitable for this kind of event!" She wailed, holding onto his arms which made him flinch in return. "Please, Hijiri-kun, please be one of our event's prince for sale!" She then bowed, trying to make him see how desperate she was right now. She is actually a part of the student council body of their university, and as the celebration for the foundation day of their school come closer they have decided this Prince for Sale as a main attraction for outsiders and co-students to enjoy the week-long event. She was given the task to convince Youichi to participate since they are trying to include all of the popular and good looking boys from their university. But even though they are classmates, they are not really close with each other and she was unprepared for his flat out rejection. She have this impression that he is a ladies man, thus he would like the extra attention he will get from the said event. Too bad she was proven wrong.

Youichi pulled away from her hold and scoffed. "No thanks. Why don't you ask other people? I have no time for that."

"Please, Hijiri-kun, you're our only hope! You've been requested by so many people inside and outside of the university!" She pleaded, thinking how she can change his mind.

"It's not my problem, woman! Stop bothering me!" He walked away, but she followed after him. He doesn't have time for silly things like that. He still has to find a clue about Mikan's employer. He knew he was forced to comply to her request of not getting involved with her activities, but knowing something doesn't necessarily mean doing something against her wish. Should he hire some private investigator? Maybe his father can lend him one of his subordinates. He was about to step out of the building when to his dismay, Saya once again blocked his way out. He rolled his eyes. "This is getting annoying."

"Name your price!" She exclaimed, bringing forth all her aces in order to finally get Youichi's participation. "Anything you want, and the council will give it to you."

"Why would I want anything from you?" He asked, curious about what she will offer that will change his mind.

She bit her lip. That's true, why would he want anything from them when he can get it by himself without anyone's help. The only thing that the council can offer is its service, the privileges they have and the information about the students and the university. "We don't actually have much to offer, but name your price and we will try to give it to you."

"If you know who I am, then you must be aware that I don't need anybody's help from getting what I want."

"We have some pretty influential members too, if you must know. Our president's a part of the Imai Family. She can certainly meet your expectations!"

"I don't-"

"She's smart, she can have anybody bend on her will, and people feared her because she can dig everyone's information, including ones that can be used for blackmailing! Besides, she's pretty and cool and a very reliable leader-"

"Stop selling your president because I'm not interested at all. Is she even aware you're doing that in order to make me join?"

"B-But we really need to get you in this event! Please, think about this Hijiri-kun!" She cried out, feeling all her energy leaving her body. She was disappointed she did not get Youichi's interest but on the other hand, maybe she can ask President Imai to talk to him? Although that would subject her to the latter's usual cold glare and harsh words, she was willing to take it in order to make the event successful.

"Like I said-"

"Is there something wrong here?" A voice from behind interrupted them, and a figure of a bespectacled man with short blonde hair welcomed their line of visions.

"Tobita-kun!" Saya exclaimed in relief, seeing some hope with her situation right now. Yuu Tobita is the student council's Vice-President, and to have him with her right now brought great assurance that she can finally have Youichi's participation. "I was just convincing Hijiri-kun about the event." Yuu nodded in return, pushing his glasses up his nose.

"Good day, Hijiri-san. I believe she forgot to tell you all the benefits you will receive after your participation in the event."

He waved a hand. "Yeah, I don't think I'm interested to know."

"You might want to hear it first. This won't take long, and you've got nothing to lose anyway." Yuu suggested, smiling at him warmly. "You're free to visit by the council office anytime. I think our President will be interested to meet you."

That sounded suspicious. "Why would I even want to meet her?"

"I think that is for me to know and for you to find out. Have a great day, Hijiri-san." Yuu bowed his head and anchored Saya away by the wrist.

Youichi's eye twitched. What is wrong with these people? They are really pushy it got into his nerves. Besides, he doesn't need their help. He can do it himself. How difficult will it be anyway.

Well, that's what he said.

A few days after that encounter, Youichi met another member of the student council. He blinked, staring at a gray-haired woman who goes by the name of Yura Otonashi. He's in the middle of lunch when a fight started between two girls who by the way were arguing about who is the most handsome lad in the university. That was kinda shallow in his opinion and good thing Yura decided to intervene before the two of the girls started doing serious injury.

But now he has caught her attention for whatever reason, and he doesn't really want to deal with anyone at the moment.

To his surprise, an unknown woman suddenly attached herself onto his arm. "Youichi-kun! Let's have a date!" A few other girls whipped their head towards them, starting to get envious at the woman who has the guts to ask him out. But everyone knows his temper so they try not to annoy him. And if looks could kill, the woman should be dead by how the fangirls glare at her.

He pulled his arm and scooted away from her. "Don't fucking touch me. And why would I even go on a date with you?"

The woman's flirtatious smile faltered. "D-Don't you remember me? I'm one of the cheerleaders. Two weeks ago you smiled at me after I g-gave you a towel."

"Do I look like I remember you? Just because I smiled at you doesn't mean I'm interested. And that is if I really did."

"B-But, I like you, Youichi-kun!" She exclaimed then attacked him with a hug around his neck. He flinched and pushed her away.

"What the hell, get away from me you crazy woman!" He gritted out, glaring at the woman who seemed to have been doused by cold water. She let out a strangled cry, stood up and ran away in embarrassment.

"Well, that was a scene." A voice suddenly piped from behind. He snorted, taking his water and drinking it all.

"She was annoying." A figure of a cropped black-haired lad sat in front of him with a grin. Hoshio, one of his closest friends in the university shook his head in disbelief.

"Who would have thought that their ultimate heartthrob is a woman hater."

"I'm not, stupid. I'm just not a ladies man. Besides, I don't even understand how being a womanizer is attractive to anyone's eyes."

"Well, I guess some find it as an excuse to throw themselves at you knowing that you have no reason to reject them at all."

"No reason? I admit they have the faces, but that's all. I don't like a dull woman, it's boring." Hoshio laughed at his reply.

"Wow, that's harsh Youichi."

"Whatever. So, why are you late?" They were supposed to eat lunch together at the cafeteria but Hoshio said he has something to do and would follow after him.

The latter sported a sly grin, moving his brows up and down. "Guess what."

Youichi rolled his eyes and threw the water bottle towards him. "You disgusting mongrel."

"I haven't said anything!"

"You don't have to. Your stupid face says it all." That broke him into a loud laugh.

"Chill out, dude. You really need to let loose one of these days. Want me to introduce you to some chix?" When Youichi gave him a glare, he retreated back. "Alright, I'll shut up now. But we need to start preparing for the practical exam later. Jinno-sensei isn't really the type of professor who will be considerate with his students. I'll have to borrow some of your notes if that's okay."

Youichi nearly forgot about the exam. Though there's nothing to worry. He's pretty much excelling in his classes. "Go ahead." And maybe after that he can resume his investigation regarding his pretty cousin's employer.

- - - - - - -meLria-chan- - - - - - -

"Are you sure about this, Nonoko?" A voice loaded with uncertainty about her current dilemma asked her colleague.

"Why not? There's really nothing wrong with it. Besides it's a festival, we need to take a break sometimes you know." Was her answer and tucked her blue locks behind her right ear as she sipped from her cup of iced coffee.

"But why in Tokyo Institute of Technology? Why not a fashion school around Tokyo?" Her crimson orbs stared at the woman in front of her, curious about this sudden interest to participate in the said university's annual foundation day.

Nonoko grinned. "Didn't you know? That's my alma mater."

She did not expect that. "Wait, I thought you took up some course related to fashion designing."

"Well, I did, after finishing my bachelor degree in Chemistry. Being in the fashion industry isn't really something I wanted in the first place. I guess I just fell in love with it after I met you, Aoi-chan."

Aoi Hyuuga, the younger sister of the infamous Natsume Hyuuga, is a renowned newcomer in the world of fashion industry for about three years now. She's a graduate of a fashion school in Paris, and is currently the owner of five boutiques there and in the process of establishing a large branch in Yokohama this coming month of August. It has already been three months since she saw her brother, and while that is a common thing between their family members she couldn't help but want to schedule a visit with her family before her schedule get hectic in accordance to her upcoming branch in Japan.

On the other hand, Nonoko Ogasawara, a graduate of Tokyo Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemistry is also what you can call a newcomer in the fashion industry. They met each other last year, during one of the after party of a luxurious brand in America. While Aoi is a creator herself, Nonoko is more interested in the runway scene. She is handling models and stages of certain brand names and was invited by the raven lass to help organize one once her store in Yokohama opened for the market. She is a 25-year old woman who has dark blue wavy hair and a fair complexion.

They were currently inside a coffee shop in one of the malls around Tokyo, catching a short break before they return to Aoi's studio.

"Besides," Nonoko continued. "I'm having a bit of crisis. It seems like we need to pick-up new recruits for the runway."

That surprised Aoi. "Why? I thought you're taking the Rye Studios' models?"

"Not anymore. I found out they've been unprofessional around my staff so I broke off the arrangement."

"And is this the main reason why we are going to your Alma mater's foundation day?"

"Not exactly. I just wanted to see Misaki-sensei. You know he's my ultimate crush during college. And also one of my kouhai invited me so I don't see any problem in attending the event."

She pondered the idea, finding none to worry about. Besides, she might get some inspiration with her new collection. "Alright, I'll go with you."

Nonoko's face brightened. "Great! I'll send you the details of the event."

- - - - - - -meLria-chan- - - - - - -

Mikan watched as her boss sluggishly went for his room. She hesitated about helping him, seeing that frown upon his handsome face. Yep, he's currently having one of his episodes. During this particular moment she tends to keep her distance because she's afraid that he may turn all his negative energy into shouting at her. Not that it happened before, anyway. She's just being cautious. As the door closed soundly behind him, she released a breath. Maybe a dinner can help alleviate his bad mood.

Natsume dived for his bed, too exhausted to care about his growling tummy. For the last two weeks they have been revising and correcting all the inconsistency with the reports for the month of June, which actually took all his time going back and forth from the office and the other branches. Yep, they have branches in different prefectures. The last straw before his patience snapped was the fact that one of his employees actually screwed up in encoding data within the database because he was fucking busy flirting with one of the staff from the accounting department. And because of his temper, he fired the both of them right on the spot.

Taking of his coat and necktie, he proceeded to unbutton his white shirt. Before he could enter the bathroom however, Mikan came knocking at his door. He opened it, not bothering to cover up his naked torso. "Yes?"

She paused, unconsciously bitting her lower lip. Oh my. Dark, toned torso welcomed her sight. He isn't bulky, but built enough to create delicious shivers down her arms. And she realized that too much pheromones will kill her.

She is also very much tempted to run her hand down that hard and lean body.

"Dinner is ready, sir." She announced, her voice going a bit husky than intended, staring up at him under her dark, curly lashes.

He welcomed the appreciative eyes. He leaned against the doorframe, not bothered by this naked situation. All of his joints are aching and the only thing he wanted right now is to soak in a warm, relaxing tub of water and a glass of chilled wine.

And a mind-blowing sex.

Goddammit. It has really been too long since he was involved with someone. But who was he kidding? The thought didn't really cross his mind until he laid eyes on his ever so attractive maid. Who would want to have sex when you're already on the brink of collapse due to exhaustion? And yet, looking at her right now makes him crave for a round of hot and steamy one.

Then an image of Mikan naked under his sheets flashed behind his lids.

Fuck. She shouldn't really have worn the maid uniform. It hugs her figure too well.

Feeling drained and sexually frustrated at the same time, he grabbed her by the arms and kicked the door close. To her surprise, he untied the white apron she was wearing. Mikan jerked away from him when he was about to grab the front of her blue blouse.

Silence. "What are you doing?" She stared at him, body in a defensive stance as she slowly approaches the door. Is he finally going nuts? Does this mean he's going to do something she will not like and she'll quit thus wasting all her efforts for this act?

He stared, too tired to even explain what he wanted to happen and instead grabbed her again and pushed her towards the bathroom. "Take off your uniform and prepare my bath."

"Why should I remove my uniform?"

"I need you to join me."

She gaped at him. "What the hell are you talking about? I can't do that." Natsume sighed. This is taking too long. Instead of answering her, he stepped c loser and leaned against her, putting his arm around her shoulder and his face nestled on top of her head which caught her off-guard.

"Look," He grumbled, playing with a few strands of her hair. "I just wanted a bath and a little bit of massage. I don't want to move around, and I remember someone telling me to put nursing duties as part of her job description so I'm actually making use of it."

Mikan struggled to balance the two of them, seeing as Natsume is a lot heavier than her. "Oookay I get it! But get off me so I can start the bath-" She squealed in surprise when he suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist, his face on her shoulder. Wait a second, this is too much contact!

"Hurry up. I'm getting sleepy." She shrieked silently. How does he expect her to do that when she's all flushed because he's too touchy with her? After a few minutes of struggling between preparing the bath and carrying half of his weight, she has finally tucked him good in the bathtub. But she also suffered with too much stimulation when he started undressing unannounced. She has never turned away that fast before.

She is currently giving her boss a shoulder massage. He is sitting in the middle of the tub and was leaning against the side for better access. She is definitely never doing this again. The guy is seriously attractive. Sexy. Delicious. Gosh she sounds like a pervert right now. His nakedness is hidden by the soapy and clouded water. He must have fallen asleep while she massages his broad shoulders because he has been silent and unmoving for a few minutes.

But on a serious note, he really looks worn out that it is starting to worry her. She wonders if he can eat dinner tonight. It isn't recommended either to sleep after eating so he needs to be awake for a good half an hour or more to somehow let the food get digested before he go to sleep. She hopes he will like sautéed vegetables with miso soup and brown rice.

Maybe she needs to reheat the food just in case he wants to eat.

With that thought in mind, she stood up from squatting beside the bathtub to do so. However, she failed to consider that her legs have been staying like that for a couple of minutes and the cramps immediately sent her sliding down the floor, face first.

Natsume jolted awake when he heard a loud crash followed by a painful moan. Struggling to open his eyes for a couple of seconds, he went all alert when a teary-eyed Mikan nursing her bleeding left leg welcomed his vision.

"Holy fuck – what happened?" He exclaimed rushing out of the bathtub well-soaked and naked.

The words she was about to say died down her throat when she looked up at him in return. Her eyes widened then immediately looked away. But the damage has been done. Mother earth! She blushed, hard. S-She just saw- oh my gosh-

Natsume scooped her up his arms and headed for the bed. "We need to disinfect it or else it might get worse." But she wasn't paying attention at all, she was still hyperventilating. She just saw his glorious, mother, father -

'Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god-' She shrieked, completely distracted about her current situation and was unable to notice Natsume in the corner of the room getting dressed in his usual black cotton pants and white long sleeves. He took the medical kit and was confused by her quiet stance. She was covering her face with both hands and he could see her skin flushed in pretty pink. What's wrong with her?

The moment he sat across her on the bed, one leg folded on top of his knee and the other touching the floor, was the time he realized why. Leaning on the bed with one hand, he took one of her wrist and removed her hand from her face. He then grinned boyishly, peeking up at her with his head leaning against his shoulder, his wet hair falling sideways. "Did you see me?"

Her reddening face gave away her answer.

Dammit. She is so cute.

- - - - - - -meLria-chan- - - - - - -