Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 20 - Stupid?

{Author}

The atmosphere in the classroom was filled with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety as the students gathered to hear their homeroom teacher, Narumi sensei, make an announcement.

" Next week is our first-semester exams! Remember that your test results will affect your star rank and the excellent student race! Do your best in studying!" Narumi sensei announced with a cheerful smile.

Misaki wasn't quite sure how to feel about the impending exams, but the weariness she had been experiencing lately, due to her recurring nightmares, made her question her readiness.

Mikan, ever the expressive one, let out a dramatic wail, collapsing back in her seat as she declared, " Waaaaah! I hate tests!"

Hotaru, on the other hand, made a typically cutting remark as she calmly read her book, saying, " Yeah, it's painful for stupid people to go through."

Kitsuneme, the flying boy, couldn't resist chiming in. " How stupid? Stupider than me?"

Mikan, feeling the weight of the impending exams, slumped even lower in her seat, visibly stressed.

Inchou sensed Mikan's mood and attempted to lift her spirits, focusing on the positive. " But... But Mikan-chan, if you do well and have high grades, you can be a candidate for the best student award. You can receive a month's worth of shopping coupons in the central town, a certificate, and a week-long trip to your hometown," he explained, offering encouragement.

Koko and Kitsuneme couldn't resist teasing, " No way, no way." Mikan glared at them briefly but soon returned to her state of frustration.

Mikan, in her desire to improve, asked Inchou whether studying hard could help her reunite with her grandpa. Inchou responded with a nod, smiling reassuringly.

" Yes, let's study hard, okay? If you need help with anything, you can ask me," he offered. Inchou's genuine concern for his friends and classmates made him a beloved figure in the class. Misaki cherished her friendship with him, especially since he had played a significant role in making her feel welcome at the academy.

In preparation for the exams, Mikan, Inchou, and Ruka formed a study group to help Mikan improve her understanding of the subjects. A diagnostic test revealed that she needed to strengthen her foundational knowledge, as she was struggling to grasp some basic concepts.

Misaki was eager to volunteer as a tutor for Mikan, but she trusted that Inchou's guidance would be more than enough to help Mikan succeed.

After a week of intense preparation, reviewing, and tutoring, the exams finally arrived. Misaki had diligently prepared for the exams with Hotaru, who surprisingly allowed her to study together.

Hotaru usually preferred to study in solitude, often claiming that studying with "stupid people" could be contagious. Her straightforward approach earned her a reputation for being blunt, but it was also why Misaki cherished their friendship.

During Mikan's tutoring sessions, Hotaru and Misaki continued their study sessions. Misaki tried to stay focused, but occasionally she found herself slacking off. She even half-expected Hotaru to use her "baka gun" on her, but instead, Hotaru charged her money for each minute spent slacking.

On the day of the exams, the students were visibly nervous. Mikan's anxiety was palpable as she expressed doubts about her readiness to remember everything she had studied.

" Good luck, Mikan-chan. Just do your best," Inchou offered a few words of encouragement with a kind smile.

Misaki couldn't help but join in. " Whatever the result is, it'll be okay," she said, patting Mikan's back. She had faith in Mikan's determination and knew she would do her best, even if the odds were stacked against her in a class filled with brilliant students.

Mikan beamed, her eyes filled with determination. " That's right! I know that it is impossible, but I'll hope for the best. I won't let Inchou and Ruka-pyon's effort be wasted."

Her optimism was unwavering, and her drive to succeed despite the odds was inspiring.

Suddenly, Narumi sensei walked into the classroom, and the students quickly took their seats, ready to hear the instructions for the exams. Today, Narumi sensei had chosen an unusual outfit, with a part of his hair tied to one side, giving him a somewhat feminine appearance. Misaki couldn't help but think that he looked a bit like a "lolita girl," though it was a marked departure from his usual attire.

Narumi sensei was known for his unconventional fashion sense. Misaki personally preferred the classic look he had when he wore a white long-sleeved button-up shirt and simple pants, which gave him an effortlessly princely appearance.

" I'm tired of thinking about ways to prevent each of you from cheating, which is why I changed the contents of my exam this year! Have the test papers reached the back yet?" Narumi sensei said with his usual cheerful tone.

Misaki glanced at the test paper and noticed that her classmates were either disgusted or shrieking in response to what they were about to do.

" For your grammar test, I want you to write a love letter for me! Yay! Requirements and the criteria are indicated there. Have fun, and you may start!" he announced. The students couldn't help but snicker or groan at the unusual request, and Misaki couldn't hide her amusement either.

After completing the exam, there was a 30-minute break to prepare for the next subject. The students eagerly discussed the love letter task they had just completed.

" I anticipated the test would be unusual, but..." Inchou began, his voice reflecting his surprise and mild distress. No one could have predicted a love letter-themed grammar test.

" I actually have a good feeling that I did alright on the grammar test!" Mikan optimistically beamed and nodded her head in determination.

" You're the only one who think so..." our other classmates said with a horrid expression on their faces.

Koko the mind reader suddenly blurted out, " I thought my mind and hand would rot from lying, no joke." He's really honest, coming from a mind reader.

Misaki just laughed at what they said, it wasn't that bad for her as the cringe was tolerable. Narumi's test will probably be the easiest out of all examination.