Chapter 5

A girl with the slightly perm hair blocked my way as I ran away from this too extravagant or can be called dangerous place. I stopped and looked at her.

"Hello" said the girl. The smile she's showing is too nice and I thought that she's different from the other people so I felt comfortable around her easily. "Are you new here?

"Yes?" I tried to smile back but it's only forced one. I couldn't even do it properly. I can feel my cheeks are twitching as I smiled. I must have looked awkward.

"Can I invite you for a drink?" The girl said. "By the way, my name's Sumire Shouda," and gestured for a handshake.

I took her hand. I didn't have time to say my name because I can see the boy with a raven hair coming and I panicked.

"Sorry but I'm in a hurry." I rushed to the left of Sumire but she blocked me again.

"Come on." She insisted. "Please." She held my hands. I can see in her eyes that she's desperate.

I couldn't do anything but let Sumire dragged me into the bar and ordered a drink for me.

"Thank you," I said. I might as well try an expensive drink now that I'm in this place but it's nothing like an alcohol.

I don't think that arrogant jerk would still try finding me.

I sat at the corner so none of them would be able to see me.

Sumire left soon after saying that she's just gonna retouch her makeup. She's been nice and treated me with a drink. I think she just wanted to be friends but I'm not coming back anyway. I won't be able to see her again.

While waiting for her, I observed the place while being more alert in case those boys will see me.

The club got more crowded as time goes by. People in rich families were enjoying the moment. They cannot do this kind of partying in any other club's because of their statuses. Normal people and the paparazzi will only surround them if they go to a normal club. And there were even young celebrities from movies and TV programs I watched.

How I wish I have a pen and paper to get their autographs.

I nearly finished my drink when Sumire turned up again.

"Hey," Sumire greeted. "Are you planning to leave already?"

"Ah, yes, maybe I should go," I responded. I waited too long for her and I have to talk to Hotaru as well.

"No!" She shouted angrily. I'm surprised. She realised her tone of voice as well then she cleared her throat. "Uhm, sorry. Don't go yet, please."

"Oh, okay." I'm weak when someone says the magic word 'Please' that's why I just agreed to stay longer but I'll try to slip out if I have a chance.

"Anyway, can you sing?" asked Sumire.

"Huh?" I looked at her confusedly.

"Come" Sumire grabbed my right hand suddenly. "It's a tradition that a newcomer should perform on their first day." She said and dragged me towards a not so big stage. I got nervous all of a sudden. Hotaru didn't tell me about it.

"What? I can't sing, believe me. You'll regret it." I said.

Sumire ignored me but there's a smile of hope on her face.

She signalled something to the live band performers and took me in the middle of the stage and gave me a microphone.

"Sing 'Keep holding on' by Avril Lavigne for us, okay?" said Sumire and walked away quickly.

The band members started the intro for the song.

"Whaaat? Sumire!" I shouted.

Some of the people in the club started to turn their heads towards the stage because of the sudden pause of the loud music replaced by a soft music. I put the microphone 2 inches away from my mouth slowly and nervously.

After the intro tune, I still hesitated to sing but it's now or never.

I'm already on the stage and I know the song, I cannot embarrass myself from running off now that some people are staring at me.

It's one of my favourites because I think the lyrics are totally for me.

You're not alone, together we stand

I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand

The first two lines gathered everyone's attention. People stopped chatting and turned their head towards the mini-stage.

When it gets cold and it feels like the end

There's no place to go, you know I won't give in

No, I won't give in

Everyone was listening.

Keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Just stay strong

'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you

There's nothing you could say, nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

So far away, I wish you were here

Before it's too late this could all disappear

Before the door's closed and it comes to an end

With you by my side I will fight and defend

I'll fight and defend, yeah, yeah

Keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Just stay strong

'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you

There's nothing you could say, nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Hear me when I say when I say, I believe

Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny

Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Just stay strong

'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you

There's nothing you could say, nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Keep holding on

Keep holding on

There's nothing you could say, nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through~

I finished the song without any out of tunes. I tried my best. I'm not confident with my voice. I thought I'm gonna choke of nervousness.

I was beginning to shake again because there's a complete silence. I'm afraid they didn't like it and quite annoyed because I just wasted their time and ruining their loud dance party.

But then something unexpected happen, a person started to clapped followed by another person until all the people were giving me applause. I couldn't believe it.

This is the first time I sang in front of many people and not just normal people but members of the upper class society. It seems that they like it, very much. I smiled at them and bowed.

I cheerfully looked Sumire but she looked unbelievably irritated and turned her back to me and walked away. I was puzzled on that action of hers. I was confused then turned my gaze to the audience again.

As the crowd kept cheering for my performance, I tried to think why Sumire acted that way but then a bucket full of cold water poured onto my head soaking my whole body. The place was swallowed by silence.

I gasped. I was shaking. It felt like the water is ice cold. I froze. I closed my eyes gasping for air. I was so shocked that I couldn't breathe. I dropped the microphone creating a screeching noise for seconds. My eyes are going around.

The people started whispering. But for me the whispers grew louder and louder as if it's on speaker. Shivers and discomfort, I felt through my body. I looked around and confused on what to do.

The stage feels like it's getting bigger and bigger and no place to escape. I ran to the side to abandon the stage but the audience laughed – I was tripped by the microphone's wire on the floor then fell forward.

'WTH?! How embarrassing. For Pete sake, please, let me disappear, just this once!' I thought hiding my face as I slowly stood up and run away.

Away from this place where I don't even belong.

I ran and ran. I took off my high heeled shoes which are slowing me to run. I don't care where I go as long as they won't see me again.

I saw Hotaru was just coming out of her car at the parking lot when she saw me running. I went to her and hugged her while crying. She's not supposed to see me cry but she's the only one I know around here.

"Mikan?" She called. I didn't answer but she just let me cry on her shoulder.

After a few seconds I told her, "I'm sorry, Hotaru. I failed and I embarrassed myself in front of those people."

"No, you succeeded. I saw everything." She patted my back. "He didn't give in."

How did she saw everything? Was she inside? But no, I saw her came out of the car.

"Hotaru," I pushed Hotaru slightly and wiped my tears. I have this urge to say the things I wanted to say since I found out about her issue with her boyfriend. I told you I'm no expert in love and just want to say this.

"I'm not sure if I'm the right person to say this but remember," I sighed. "There's a slight difference between being 'loyal' and being 'faithful'," I continued. "A loyal person still gets attracted to others, appreciates other girls beauty, flirt in some ways, but at the end of time a loyal person knows where his heart belongs," I said while I look Hotaru in the eye. This is what I think Chuck Bass is anyway.

Hotaru was just listening to my words. I can't really read her expression but somewhere in her eyes, I could see she understands me.

"But a faithful person doesn't have time to get attracted with others, his attention exclusively for the only one he loves. I'm not sure why you don't trust your boyfriend but I think he loves you very much and his faithfulness will remain only for you."

"I'm sorry you have to go through this just because of my selfishness." She said.

"I'm alright now. I'm done in here. Have faith on him, he's really a nice guy and he's proud that he have a girlfriend like you. Goodbye, Hotaru." I said and ran off.

She tried to stop me but I'm already quick enough to let go.

I looked back a bit and then I see the boy with the raven hair talking to Hotaru. Oh my gosh, I forgot to tell her that that boy found out. Geez..too late. I can't go back anymore. I wouldn't.

To be continued...

A.N:

Next chapter, I will provide a chapter between Hotaru and Ruka.

Thanks a lot everyone!