Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 12 - Alice Culture Festival 1

{Misaki}

The Alice Culture Festival was here, arriving just one week after I had received my official star. I was elated, my excitement practically bubbling over.

Mikan was equally thrilled, having received her first star, which had upgraded her room, her meals, her allowance, and a few other benefits.

On the morning of the festival, I had already bathed, dressed up, had breakfast, and was ready to head to the academy. I could only assume that my friends were already there. As I made my way to the academy, I noticed Hotaru and some of our classmates heading somewhere with purpose. I hurried to catch up with them.

" Hotaru!" I greeted, waving my hand excitedly. Both Hotaru and Inchou noticed me, waved back, and signaled for me to join them up ahead.

So, I picked up the pace and did just that.

" Misa-chan!" Inchou exclaimed happily as I reached them. I smiled warmly and nodded in response.

" Where are we headed?" I asked as we followed the stream of students, led by none other than our beloved Narumi-sensei.

" Since you just arrived, Misa-chan, the opening ceremony for the cultural festival will be held in the Junior division," Inchou explained. Hotaru nodded in agreement.

" Really? I wonder what's going to be fun to visit later," I said with enthusiasm as we walked together. Some of our classmates greeted us and asked how I was feeling, offering kind words.

I felt fantastic, and now that I had my very own star, it was time for a little victory dance!

After a while, we arrived at the festival location and split up into our respective ability classes. Unfortunately, the Dangerous Ability Class didn't have a booth or a line, so we didn't have any immediate plans. Narumi-sensei guided me to the side of the stage, where the executives were seated. I took a seat next to Natsume, pondering why we were here. We weren't officially participating, so we intended to simply enjoy the festival, watch others set up their booths, and bask in the festive atmosphere.

I didn't pay much attention to the speeches and performances, preferring instead to scan the excited crowd. I was on the lookout for Mikan, and there she was, sandwiched between the Predisposition and Technology class lines. Mikan, in her free-spirited way, seemed to require a guiding hand through this sea of excitement.

I couldn't help but wonder what kind of adventures Ruka and Mikan would embark on. I felt lucky to have Natsume as my partner; he knew how to lead me and show me around, even in the most chaotic of circumstances.

After the opening speeches, the various classes dispersed to prepare their booths. I remained uncertain about where to go and what to do.

" Misa-chan!" Narumi-sensei called out, and I approached him, curious about what he had to say.

" Yes, sensei?" I inquired.

" Would you like to join the Active Division?" he asked, offering me the opportunity to participate in their class's activities. I nodded in agreement. Ruka, sitting nearby, also nodded and flashed a friendly smile.

" Of course, you're always welcome in our class, and Mikan would like you to join hers too," Ruka chuckled. He had a way of being cute and gentle, even in such casual situations.

" All right, I'll join you guys," I said with a wide grin as we began making our way towards the Senior Division building, where Mikan's class was located.

" Misa-chan, wear this for now, as you'll be part of our class," Narumi-sensei said, handing me a paper bag. Permy, or Sumire as she should be called, pushed me toward the restroom, insisting that I change into the provided costume.

" But, do I really have to?" I whined, hesitating as I locked the restroom door.

" Yes, girl, just put it on, and we'll head to our booth," Sumire insisted with her usual sassy tone. Although we hadn't been particularly close, our friendship had grown following the incident.

Grumbling, I put on the Alice in Wonderland costume. When I emerged, I found Narumi-sensei grinning broadly, while Ruka-pyon's eyes had widened in surprise.

" I don't think it suits my hair and eye color," I remarked, scrunching my nose.

Narumi-sensei lifted me up, excitement in his eyes. " You're so cute, Misa-chan!" he exclaimed.

" Like a doll, right, Ruka?" he teased, causing Ruka's cheeks to flush. Ruka nodded, confirming Narumi's observation.

" Ah, sensei, should we visit the Special Ability class? I heard their booth is fun," I inquired.

Narumi-sensei glanced at me and then offered a soft smile. " If our Alice wants to go, we will." The reference to me as "Alice" was due to my Wonderland costume. I nodded, concerned for Mikan, and felt that we should pay a visit to her class.

" All right, sensei, Ruka-pyon, Curly... Let's pass the time by visiting the Special Ability class," I suggested cheerfully. With that, I managed to convince them to accompany me. When we arrived at the Special Ability class's booth, the students appeared somewhat dispirited, with no one having visited yet.

" Excuse me," I called out, capturing their attention.

" May we be the first to try out your booth?" Narumi-sensei asked, flashing a charming smile and ruffling his hair. His charm was undeniable, and I had to shield my eyes and ears from it at times.

" Is it okay if we're your first customers?" I inquired. The students seemed surprised and thrilled by our request.

" Misa-chan, Narumi-sensei, Ruka-pyon, Permy," Mikan greeted, her spirits lifting when she saw us. She sported a bright smile as Tsubasa-senpai set her down after carrying her.

" Did you come here for me?" Mikan teased, wiggling her eyebrows playfully wherein Ruka instinctively blushed.

" Of course, we did," I agreed, secretly nodding in agreement. Mikan's presence was indeed a significant draw.

" Come on, the Active class's performance is the festival's highlight. Our snack bar is a bit dull, so we're here to pass the time. Besides, this place is the closest," Sumire explained, tossing her curly hair. She acted tough around Mikan, but I sensed that they were slowly warming up to each other. I had no doubt that they would eventually become good friends. Mikan was easy to get along with, thanks to her warm personality and open-minded nature.

" We were also concerned about you, Mikan. As if we could stay away," Narumi-sensei added happily.

Hearing this brought a smile to Mikan's face. She looked over at Ruka, who was absolutely adorable with his bunny ears. I marveled at how he managed to pull off the bunny look without appearing silly or awkward.

As I observed Mikan and Ruka interact, I couldn't help but feel that they made an undeniably adorable pair. Even though we were still young, it was clear that our minds and feelings were more advanced than our years. I couldn't help but secretly ship Mikan and Ruka. Their innocence and cuteness together were a delightful sight.

And if I was going to indulge in some friendly shipping, I couldn't resist shipping myself with our formidable yet endearing Bear-san. There was something about his cute exterior and the way he cared for those close to him that had always draw me in.

Each time Mikan tried to engage Ruka, I noticed a faint blush creeping onto Ruka's cheeks. It made me wonder if Ruka harbored a secret crush on our funny and naive Mikan. On the flip side, it wouldn't be surprising if Mikan found herself drawn to Ruka's gentle and charming personality. It was easy to see why they might develop feelings for each other, especially with Ruka's undeniable appeal. Love was blooming in unexpected places, and the Alice Academy was no exception.