Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 8 - Culture Festival?

It was already autumn, which meant school trips, cultural festivals, and sports events, among other things. But for students at Gakuen Alice, there were no school trips because they were forbidden to leave the premises. Hotaru had to remind Mikan of this fact when she appeared disappointed.

" Eh? " She gasped. " You heard me. " Hotaru said bluntly. Misaki just laughed at Mikan.

Then, the bell rang signaling that the class is starting. Everyone went to their proper seats and waited for their adviser. After a few minutes, Narumi arrived in the classroom. the students greeted him and sat back again.

" Everyone, the Culture Festival season is coming soon! " He announced, he was wearing a cute yet goofy outfit, it looks like he was excited.

" Yesss! "

" Yatta! "

Cheers from the class were heard.

{Misaki}

Narumi-sensei explained that the students would be divided into four ability classes and would compete with each other during the festival. The class that attracted the most customers and generated the most sales would win a trophy and a cash prize. It sounded like fun, especially since I had never heard of such a festival before.

Mikan seemed just as excited about the festival.

"Misa-chan! The culture festival sounds nice! Isn't it?!" She beamed and held onto my arm, shaking it wildly.

She was clearly very hyped. "It is. It's the first time I've heard of a festival like this. None of my previous tutors mentioned such events," I said, which shocked both Mikan and the class.

The class fell silent as they listened to our conversation. I looked at them and smiled.

"Ah, sorry, did I startle you? Hehe," I awkwardly apologized. They laughed and returned to their own conversations.

"Really? Misa-chan doesn't know much about social events?" Mikan asked, looking surprised.

" Mikan-chan~" I smiled, and she looked at me. " What are you thinking about?" I asked, propping my elbow on the desk.

Mikan tilted her head and blinked. " Well, Narumi-sensei said that when we lose trust in teachers, adults, or other people, companions become the most important beings for us. When we're emotional, that's when our companions come together to laugh, think, and act. There will be a time when companions become a treasure to us," she explained.

" Maybe he wants you to create new friends whom you can rely on, aside from me, Hotaru, and Inchou," I chuckled. Mikan laughed, nodding her head.

" Maybe that's right," she said. " You know, I can't help but think that Narumi-sensei is thoughtful of his students. And he always smiles, even if he burnt my letters, I still want to believe him."

" It's great that you trust him. At least you trust one of the teachers," I replied, nodding my head. Mikan then laughed and said, " Anyways, let's try to answer sensei's request and try to be friends with the people we haven't interacted with." Making friends was easy for Mikan since she was bubbly and friendly.

Then, Mikan mentioned that the first person she didn't want to interact with was Natsume, and the second was Persona. Mikan attempted to talk to Natsume, but he remained poker-faced. I wished her good luck silently; she'd need it.

On the other hand, Ruka was taken aback. Earlier that morning, Hotaru had been selling pictures of Ruka wearing a girl's uniform. Mikan and Ruka had swapped clothes when she was trying to escape.