Natsume never got closer than before, towards Mikan and she got sad. She wanted to talk with him about the kiss they shared. About how she felt towards him and what they could be. But Natsume had no time to think about any of that. Even when he felt like pulling her towards him whenever their eyes met. Or how he felt like embracing her until he felt numb in the bones. It was too bad really, because he fell helplessly in love. Unconditionally in love with her that he couldn't help gazing at her curiously. And how her fragrance invaded his nose with the sweet scent of strawberries and oranges.

Oh how fitting was her name to match both her beauty and scent.

But as much as he loved her, he avoided her heavy gaze and rudely interrupted their small quiet moments. He never came around to help her any more. He had excuses to miss the day and even when he did come over, he only came to her side when she needed his aid. Little by little, he didn't know, she started to fall apart. Ruka, had gotten himself into a good college and it was a bit far from where they lived so he didn't visit as much. She was lonely and Natsume was able to satisfy her boredom before. Now she can't stand the soundless, awful, choking air around her. Sometimes she felt like singing, but she couldn't. She would slowly die until she stopped and then? Then... she'd end up in the hospital right away, again. Like it's always been until now.

"Natsume." She'd call out to him in her dreams but he'd never be there any more. He was barely there, and it was like he'd hated her. Why else could he avoid her? Maybe her lips reminded him of Hotaru, maybe he still loved Hotaru...

The thoughts overflowed and she'd end up crying after every one of them. Eventually he stopped coming around at all. It was like nothing ever happened. Like that one moment they shared, that special kiss they exchanged, was nothing. Nothing nothing nothing.

Slowly, she felt it again. Sadness, loneliness, despair, an abundance of nothingness. Like when her mother died. Like when her Jicchan died. Like how everything that meant everything, left and forgot all about her.

Natsume felt her feel like she was light. Sure she had Ruka but he could only make her happy temporarily. It didn't last very long, but with Natsume. She felt like a kid again. A happy, worry-free girl. One that the world could stop and smile at.

But now that he was gone... What was left? Nothing. Just sadness in its place.

All she can do is sit on her bed as she sobs her worries away. It's the fastest and easiest way right? Especially with the Radio on her nightstand, playing 'Believe' by Cher.

Ironic how songs are made specifically for this kinds of moments in life...

No matter how hard I try

You keep pushing me aside

And I can't break through

There's no talking to you

It's so sad that you're leaving

It takes time to believe it

But after all is said and done

You're gonna be the lonely one

Do you believe in life after love?

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough

Do you believe in life after love

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough

What am I supposed to do

Sit around and wait for you

Well I can't do that

And there's no turning back

I need time to move on

I need a love to feel strong

Cause I've got time to think it through

And maybe I'm too good for you

Do you believe in life after love

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough

Do you believe in life after love

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough

Well I know that I'll get through this

'Cause I know that I am strong

I don't need you anymore

I don't need you anymore

I don't need you anymore

No I don't need you anymore

Do you believe in life after love

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough

Do you believe in life after love

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough

Do you believe in life after love

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough

Do you believe in life after love

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough