Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 122 - Confession

{Author}

Misaki and Natsume found themselves reunited, their eyes locking in a sea of emotions. Overwhelmed with joy, Misaki couldn't help but tear up, vividly recalling the heartfelt note Natsume had sent her. Meanwhile, Shiki, orchestrating from the shadows, bore an air of quiet pride for his recent actions, silently observing the unfolding scene with a discreet tool.

Determined and fueled by an unwavering connection, Natsume scaled the balcony, and Misaki eagerly grabbed his hand, assisting him up. Their attempt at an embrace was met with the barrier's limitation, allowing only a 30-centimeter opening.

" Shiki-san..." Misaki whispered with a sigh. Shiki's unseen orchestration added a touch of magic to their reunion, making her visible even with the barrier. Natsume, recognizing the orchestrated beauty of Shiki's deed, couldn't help but appreciate the moment.

" Natsume, how did you...?" Misaki began, her curiosity piqued about Natsume's unexpected appearance.

But Natsume silenced her with a gentle gesture, covering her mouth with his hand, cautioning against being discovered by nearby guards, although the barrier concealed them from view. " Shh," he whispered, his gaze fixed downward.

Misaki complied, holding Natsume's hand and playfully planting a tender kiss upon it. Natsume's eyes widened seeing Misaki up close, and he heaved a sigh of relief, resting his forehead against hers.

" I missed you," Misaki confessed, overwhelmed with joy. As she basked in the happiness of their reunion, the question lingered in her mind—how had Natsume found her?

" Hey, Natsume, how'd you find me here?" Misaki asked, allowing Natsume to sit on the balcony ledge.

" I felt you calling for me, that's why I found you," Natsume explained with a smirk, prompting a playful exchange about his attempt to act cool.

" Huh? I wasn't really calling you or anything... At least tonight, I wasn't!" Misaki defended herself, blushing.

" You missed me so much that you kept on calling me, and a power emanated, leading me here. Or is there any other explanation?" Natsume stated.

Misaki, flustered, covered her face, delivering a playful smack to Natsume's leg. " What the heck?" she hissed. Natsume raised a brow and looked away. " Hm, so it's not true then," he said.

" I really felt a strong presence calling me here, hmph," Natsume teased, giving Misaki a disappointed look.

Despite the banter, Misaki acknowledged the truth in Natsume's words, confessing that she, too, felt his presence calling out to her. " It's not completely untrue, though... Eh, why are you so annoying?" she clicked her tongue, looking away in embarrassment.

" It's not like I am the only one who's calling out. You kept calling my name too," Misaki muttered.

Natsume, however, lamented the formidable barrier preventing him from saving her. " It's good that I found you, but with this barrier, I can't even save you," he groaned and ruffled his hand through his hair. " Damn."

In response, Misaki reassured him. " Simply being with you now makes me happy enough, knowing how much you've gone through just to find me. This is the best Christmas present I could ever receive in my whole life." She smiled and held Natsume's hand through the barrier.

Natsume glanced at Misaki, hearing her statement. " Ah... but I guess there are birthday presents too. But it's okay not to receive any Christmas presents now, since this is enough." Misaki chuckled and grinned widely.

Realizing she hadn't prepared a gift for Natsume, Misaki found herself flustered and released Natsume's hand. " Natsume, I didn't prepare a gift for you," Misaki admitted. " I didn't know that I would meet you so..."