Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 19 - After party pt. 2

{Author}

" The legend about the last dance? Come to think of it, almost everyone gets excited about it," Noddachi sensei remarked. He was the teacher of the special ability class, and Mikan was particularly close to him.

Misaki observed Noddachi sensei and couldn't help but think that he looked rather cute in his suit. " Your suit doesn't look good on you, Nodacchi!" Tsubasa senpai chimed in with a playful remark.

" Wah~! Misaki senpai, you look cute!" Mikan and the others exclaimed as Misaki senpai and Tsubasa senpai joined them.

Misaki playfully tugged on Noddachi sensei's suit and gave him a mischievous grin. " Don't worry, sensei, you look good in it."

Noddachi sensei ruffled little Misaki's hair and smiled at her. " Thank you, Misaki."

" Little ones, you all look pretty good yourselves!" Misaki senpai complimented the younger students, her warm smile making them feel appreciated.

" Ah yes, the junior girls' after-party dresses have a fairy motif, while us elementary girls' have angel ones," Nonoko said with a wide smile.

Hotaru, on the other hand, sported a tiara to signify her win, her unique style always making her stand out.

" And the guys just wear suits," Tsubasa senpai noted with a tinge of disappointment.

Little Misaki squinted her eyes at Tsubasa, " Why d you look disappointed, Senapai? Could it be... you wanted to be a fairy like Misaki senpai is?" This comment left Tsubasa's mouth hung agape causing Misaki senpai to laugh aloud before dragging the guy away.

Misaki informed Mikan that she intended to snack on some food before the dance commenced. Given the outdoor setting with a central bonfire, it seemed that people would be dancing around it. Misaki was determined to enjoy some culinary delights before taking part in the festivities.

Sitting next to Hotaru, Misaki and her friend indulged in the available food while enjoying the festive atmosphere. However, it became apparent that Hotaru had garnered significant attention from numerous boys of varying ages, who were vying for her company.

Realizing that Hotaru was somewhat occupied, Misaki decided to excuse herself from the lively scene and head toward the bathroom to wash her hands.

When she returned, an unexpected development was underway. The host had announced that the folk dancing was about to commence. " Now we will begin the folk dancing! All the participants stay at the middle!"

The participants were instructed to gather in the middle, both girls and boys pulling their chosen partners with them.

Misaki, bewildered by the sudden change of events, watched as Mikan hesitated and then looked toward Ruka. Natsume, perhaps realizing Mikan's hesitation, pushed Ruka toward her, creating a moment where it was evident that both of them wanted to dance together.

As Misaki tried to comprehend the situation, she was interrupted by someone who called out to her.

" Misa-chan?" the voice asked, and Misaki turned to see a boy from the junior division who belonged to the dangerous ability class.

" Me?" Misaki pointed at herself in surprise, and the boy nodded with a chuckle.

" Can I dance with you?" he inquired, extending his hand for Misaki to take. She accepted the offer, and he led her to the middle where they began to dance together.

" What's your name again?" Misaki asked while they danced. The boy chuckled, and they maintained a pleasant conversation.

" You forgot my name? That's cute, but I'm Hayate. Remember, Hayate," he said with a smile, and Misaki assured him that she wouldn't forget his name again.

As they continued dancing, Hayate asked Misaki about her impressions of the academy so far. Misaki hummed thoughtfully before responding, " Well, I've met a lot of weird people..."

Hayate gasped dramatically, his tone teasing. " Weird, does that include me?"

Misaki couldn't help but laugh. " Not really, but I must say when I first saw you, I was starstruck."

Hayate grinned in response. " Thank you. I thought you were adorable too. For me, you're a dream sister!"

Misaki blinked, momentarily surprised by the term "dream sister," and unintentionally stepped on Hayate's right foot.

" Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to. I just got dazed for a moment," she apologized. However, Hayate merely patted her head while they continued dancing.

" No sweat, Misa-chan. It's okay," he assured her with a sweet smile.

Feeling comfortable around him, Misaki chuckled lightly. " I don't know why, but I feel comfortable around you, Hayate senpai. Just like with Tsubasa senpai."

Hayate responded by suggesting, " You know what? I'll just be your big bro." He beamed energetically, and they danced. Suddenly, he lifted Misaki while they danced, and she couldn't help but laugh and shriek at the same time.

After her dance with Hayate, Misaki continued dancing with other partners, including Inchou, Noddachi sensei, Misaki sensei, Narumi sensei, Ruka, and some boys from the junior division. She was pleasantly surprised by how much fun she was having. Being left out of the romantic pursuits, she found that enjoying herself was the main priority.

After some time, Misaki took a seat near Hotaru, who was still enjoying the refreshments.

" Having fun?" Hotaru asked with a smile. Misaki looked at her and nodded.

" I guess so. This is my first-ever dance, actually. I'm really happy to meet all of you," Misaki replied. Hotaru nodded in agreement.

" Me too, especially Mikan. She's my first-ever friend too. At first, I didn't want her here, but as long as she's happy, I will be too," Hotaru confided. She continued eating, glancing at Misaki and saying, " Next time, I'll dance with you, Misa-chan."

Misaki beamed at the idea. " Of course, Hotaru!"

She excused herself once more and walked behind some bushes, away from the crowd. Misaki needed a moment of solitude.

" Ah!" she let out a small shriek when she suddenly spotted a guy sitting on the ground. Their eyes met as he glanced at her.

" Your friend Mikan came here a while ago," he informed her. Misaki unconsciously nodded her head in understanding but later on was confused as to why Natsume was explaining to her.

Misaki walked towards the tree nearby before leaning on it, still lending Natsume an ear.

" It is really stupid." he blankly said. " This festival is nothing. How can people enjoy such boring things." he added. Hearing his voice it sounded so mysterious. As if he's carrying something that he can't just let go yet. Deep inside, Misaki sincerely wishes him to have a happy life that he'll be contented enough to smile.