Efflorescence

by Autumn Win-Dow

Chapter 27: Familiar Faces

Mikan's life was one of utter unpredictability, where institutional secrets, handsome men, and hidden memories would appear in front of her in quick succession—not always one by one, however.

Ruka held her parasol as they walked. Usually, such an action was formality and she would not pay any significant mind to it, but she somewhat felt that she needed to hold the parasol for him. Throughout the walk, Mikan continually scolded herself for not appreciating kindness when it was presented to her, and instead remembering the few instances when she did have to hold it for her customer.

There really was only one.

This is just getting ridiculous, she scoffed to herself. Mikan was no longer motivated to rid her mind of those thoughts. She could only laugh at herself for being so reminiscent.

"Mikan Sakura. It's you, isn't it?"

Eventually, she would have nothing to laugh about. In her case, seeing familiar faces on the road was never a pleasing event.

"Tsubasa-sensei."

Ruka glanced between the two, who stared at each other amongst an awkward silence. Seeing that neither were really aiming to break it, he took on the responsibility.

"You must be Sakura's high school teacher," he greeted the older man politely, shaking his hand.

Tsubasa responded with a grin. "You could say that."

He turned to Mikan, his face unchanging. "It's been a long time. You look good."

Mikan tried hard to mask her shame in front of him. "Thank you. Are you still teaching at the academy?"

"I am. Actually, I'm here with the new headmaster-"

Upon hearing his words, she gripped Ruka's arm tightly while replying, "I'm sorry, but we're quite in a rush."

With a fazed Ruka by her side, she bowed to Tsubasa in a quick acknowledgement, and attempted to leave the scene without encountering more familiar faces.

"Wait, he's here! Let me introduce him to you."

Mikan never meant to stop walking. She had ordered herself to move away from the danger, regardless of the circumstances. But her feet did not want to comply with her wishes, even when the very source of her stress was now two metres away from her, standing next to Tsubasa.

Keep calm, greet him, and leave. Keep calm, greet him, and leave. Keep calm, greet him, and leave.

She repeated the orders as she forced a smile and bowed. "It's nice to be of your acquaintance."

Ruka, still dazed from his friend's confusing actions, still greeted Natsume in his usual, friendly matter.

"Hello. I'm Mikan's friend… "He suddenly cocked his head in confusion as he raised a question. "Have I seen you before?"

"I'm sure you haven't." Mikan answered in response, before pulling him away—this time, successfully.

Before she escaped out of hearing range, however, she overheard the dialogue between the two men.

"She used to be a student at a school," Tsubasa explained.

Natsume's response, however, was a shock to her.

"I know."

A/N: I'm getting really busy now. So I decided to write a chapter now rather than later, because this week is probably when I'll be less stressed. Thanks for the support even during my hiatus. :)