☆A Gakuen Alice Fanfiction☆

Chapter 5: Heartfelt Goodbyes

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"I have something for you," started Hotaru slowly. "I wanted to give it to you on your birthday..." She continued, reminiscing about everything they had initially planned for the celebration next week as she placed something in her friend's hand. "Happy birthday, Yuki. Thank you for being born. Thank you for being my friend."

Yuki gazed at her gift, mesmerised. It was a necklace with a thin gold chain and a crescent moon pendant. Its golden surface had been delicately carved to form subtle, intricate designs that looked like constellations. Attached to it was a small blue star charm, similar to the night sky, that sparkled in the light. Yuki stayed silent for a few seconds longer, completely at a loss for words.

"I love it!" she suddenly exclaimed when she came out of her stupor. "I'll wear it every day, I promise," she added, smiling brightly at Hotaru, happy and thankful.

Hotaru took a step forward, looking pleased with Yuki's reaction. Taking the gift from her hand, the black-haired girl put it around her friend's neck and fastened it. Once finished, she admired her handiwork and nodded, satisfied. The necklace was incredibly beautiful and complemented Yuki's features perfectly.

Yuki gently touched the fine piece of jewellery—it felt strange having something around her neck, the metal still feeling slightly cold in her grasp. The idea of having this piece of her best friend with her at all times reassured her for some reason. Closing her fingers around it, she held it protectively against her chest. Suddenly, three knocking sounds were heard, and the peaceful atmosphere vanished, never to be found again. The two girls turned towards the living room's threshold, where they found Mrs. Imai standing.

"Girls, it's time to go now..." Hotaru's mother announced regretfully.

"Yes, Obachan..." Yuki answered dejectedly. It really was time to leave now. She also wanted to do something special for Hotaru, but there was no time. What can I give her? Do I have anything with me right now? Looking down, Yuki's eyes caught sight of a shimmer.

"Here, my gift!" the white-haired girl started as she took off her bracelet. "It's my favourite—I mean, was my favourite, 'cause I like your gift even more now." She continued, her eyes sparkling. "Now you'll also have something to remember me by." Yuki declared as she took hold of her best friend's wrist and quickly fastened the bracelet around it. She had come to love the small piece of jewellery even more so after meeting Hotaru because it reminded her of her friend so much.

Hotaru looked at the precious bracelet, at a loss for words. She knew how much Yuki loved it; she never took it off. It was a silver chain with a butterfly charm made from a deep purple amethyst stone. Its wings were delicate-looking, and swirls of black ink danced in them to form intricate patterns. Before she could say something, Yuki left the room limping away, a twinkle of mischief shining in her eyes. Hotaru sighed, realising her friend wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. Admiring the lovely bracelet, she vowed to cherish it. After all, it was a gift from her best friend, Hotaru thought, smiling, her heart feeling warm.

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The two families stood silently facing each other, separated by the threshold of the entrance door. The air was heavy, charged with unsaid goodbyes and bittersweet emotions. The night sky was almost black, and the moon was nowhere to be seen, covered by big dark clouds. Not a sound could be heard. Everything was still as if the world had been frozen in time.

"Take good care of yourself and always be careful out there," Mr. Tamura started seriously, his voice faltering at the end. His eyes glimmered with unshed tears as he looked at his closest friend.

"You too, Ta-chan," Mr. Imai answered in his low, calming voice as they hugged. Who could have thought they would become so close? The two men were complete opposites. But as they got to know each other, they realised they had more in common than they first thought.

One by one, the adults all said goodbye, and Yuki was engulfed in Mrs. Imai's warm embrace. Her shoulders trembled slightly from her silent crying. "Never let your guard down, Yuki-chan," she whispered warningly before letting go of her, her eyes teary. Yuki nodded quietly in response, promising to stay vigilant. Then, she felt a big hand on top of her head, gently ruffling her hair. Mr. Imai, like his daughter, always looked very aloof. But behind this apparent lack of emotion was a very kind-hearted man. "Take care, Yuki," he told her, looking sorrowful.

Then, she was suddenly pulled back into another pair of arms. Hotaru hugged her tightly as if she would never let go, and they stayed like that for a few seconds before ending their embrace. A lone tear ran down Yuki's face, mirroring Hotaru's. Silently, they vowed once again to never forget each other. The white-haired girl took a few steps back and wiped her left cheek, giving the Imai family one last smile before turning away, ready to face whatever would come her way.

Hotaru watched the Tamura family's silhouettes disappear into the night, her fists clenched painfully tight. Her teary eyes shone in the dark with determination. See you at Gakuen Alice, Yuki, she thought before wiping her tears and closing the entrance door, her face emotionless.

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Greetings dear readers,

Here is the last part of this first Arc. I'm so proud of myself for getting this far °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°. 

What do you think of it? Isn't it a bit sad? This story will contain angst (probably tons of it because my sadistic side likes to make my characters suffer), but there will also be good times, don't worry... too much...

Anyways, please do vote and comment. Seeing your reactions would make me very happy and motivate me to continue this story and see it to the end.

Sincerely,

The Author. 

P.S.: Now I have to brainstorm the next Arc. I do have a general outline and plan on following the manga (while still taking some liberties here and there), but I don't really know where I'm going next, I guess. I'll find something... somehow... hopefully... please pray for me  ╥﹏╥.

Revised 17th April, 2025