Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 22 - Cold

{Author}

Misaki sat near the massive window of her classroom, her eyes fixed on the falling leaves outside. The rustling of tree branches in the wind and the soft rustle of leaves had a calming, almost hypnotic effect on her. She let her mind wander, thoughts drifting to her mother. Misaki had been writing letters but hesitated to send them. She was plagued by second thoughts, uncertain about sharing her feelings and experiences.

In the classroom, the anticipation was palpable. The day had arrived for them to receive their results for the semester. The atmosphere among the students was a mixed bag of nerves, indifference, and nonchalance. Some classmates were visibly anxious, while others, like Misaki, appeared more relaxed, taking it all in stride. Hotaru, Natsume, and Ruka also shared her composed demeanor.

Mikan, on the other hand, had experienced a mix of results, having excelled in grammar but struggled in other subjects. Her paper had the dreaded red "F" mark, which seemed to crush her spirits.

" I thought that I would do well!" Mikan lamented, tears welling up in her eyes. Mikan had managed to survive Narumi sensei's unusual teaching style, but the same could not be said for all her subjects.

Inchou gave Mikan a quick pat on her head as a sign of comfort. " Don't dwell on it too much, Mikan-chan. There's always a next time, trust me-- you'll do better!" The boy beamed which caused Mikan to heave a deep sigh before gaining back her usual demeanor.

Inchou, who had received an award for his high grades, did his best to console Mikan as well. His imminent week-long trip home had been made possible by his academic excellence. His younger sibling, a three-year-old, eagerly anticipated his return, and Inchou cherished the thought of being reunited with family.

Misaki couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the idea of having siblings, knowing she was an only child. The joy of having a brother or sister seemed like an unattainable treasure. She could only dream about having a sibling since her mother is now alone outside the academy grounds with only their housekeepers by her side.

" Congrats, prez! You deserve it!" Their classmates cheered, celebrating Inchou's well-deserved recognition for his academic accomplishments.

Ruka suddenly approached Misaki, interrupting her contemplation about her life. She hadn't even noticed his presence until he stood beside her, his ever-present rabbit companion in tow.

" Are you okay, Misaki?" he asked gently, his usually stoic expression softening. Had she been so deep in thought that she hadn't realized he was there?

Misaki offered a warm smile to her partner and nodded. " Of course. I was just lost in thought, I guess. I love watching the leaves fall outside."

Ruka shifted his attention to the scenery outside. " It's already autumn. Haven't you been outside during the fall season?" he inquired, gently stroking his rabbit's head.

Misaki admitted, " I usually just watch the seasons change from my window like this. I guess that's kind of boring for others." She chuckled at herself, realizing her solitude.

Ruka disagreed with her self-assessment. " That's okay; I don't find it lame. I guess that's just how it is for someone special like you."

Misaki's heart warmed at his compliment. " Thanks, Ruka," she responded, grateful for his support. She couldn't help but wonder what she had done to deserve a partner like him.

" Of course, you're my partner," Ruka replied, surprising her with the sincerity in his voice. " Even if you weren't, I'd still say that."

His response left Misaki feeling even more appreciative of Ruka's unwavering friendship. She had always sensed a warm aura around him, even if he seldom expressed his feelings, unlike his close friend, Natsume.

Before she could say more, Mikan suddenly approached her. The air was thick with anticipation as Misaki braced herself for a rant about Natsume's behavior or perhaps the antics of some troublesome junior girls. But instead, Mikan clung to her like a koala, crying out for her help.

Simply seeing Mikan, Ruka's face flushed as his eyes grazed on the girl's face. " Uh--,"

" Misa-chan~," Mikan whimpered. Her voice trembled with an unusual vulnerability, making Misaki's curiosity pique.

" Do you need something?" Misaki asked, her voice laced with concern. She offered a reassuring smile, her pinkish eyes searching Mikan's brown ones, trying to decipher the distress etched on her friend's face. Whatever had brought Mikan to her this time, it was clearly something out of the ordinary.

Ruka noticed that Mikan was as white as a sheet, feeling concerned he stepped closer to Mikan. " Sakura-san, you look very pale." he commented. Mikan's eyes shifted on Ruka who held her forehead checking if her temperature was normal.

" Huh?" The girl flinched a little after feeling Ruka's touch.

Mikan leaned against Misaki where Ruka took a step back not to make Mikan uncomfortable with him. Mikan's petite frame seemingly drained of energy, and whispered, " I just--.... need, Misa-chan." Then, in a somewhat dramatic twist, Mikan's head slumped onto Misaki's shoulder as if she had just fainted or run out of strength.

" Sakura-san!" Ruka gasped and was about to assist Mikan but Instinctively, Misaki reached out to support Mikan's head, preventing her from crashing to the unforgiving floor. However, the precarious position caused Misaki to lose her balance. With nothing to hold onto, both of them tumbled to the floor with an audible thud, a crash that seemed to echo in the room.

The pain from Misaki's fall shot up her spine and settled in her pelvis. She winced, clutching Mikan's head, which she had cradled during their unexpected tumble. " Ouch~," she groaned, trying to hide her discomfort, although it was clear that this accident would leave a bruise or two on her body.

Inchou, Ruka, and their other friends rushed over in a panic, their eyes wide with worry as they witnessed the unexpected fall. Concerned for their well-being, Inchou, their ever-protective class president, asked, " Misa! Mikan-chan! Are you both okay?"

Misaki, even in her throbbing discomfort, assured him with a bright smile. She forced herself to sit up, propping herself on her elbows. " Fine as a gem, prez!" She gave him a thumbs up, accompanied by a wink and a grin, despite the lingering pain from the fall. The promise of a speedy recovery comforted her.

Inchou, satisfied that they were not seriously hurt, made the decision to take Mikan to the clinic with Ruka following them. Misaki watched them go, her friend's arm around her shoulder as they walked away. Left alone, she rested on the floor and began gently stretching her limbs. She made a mental note to be more careful in the future, to avoid any such mishaps.

As she slowly leaned against a nearby wall, nursing her sore body, Misaki heard a familiar, gruff voice. She turned to find Natsume looking at her with his typical blank expression.

" Idiot," Natsume muttered, his voice tinged with exasperation, although there was a hint of concern in his eyes.

In response, Misaki quipped, " Uh-- As if you aren't," and began dusting off her clothes as she slowly got back to her feet. Natsume couldn't help but scoff, the usual response he had whenever Misaki gave him a taste of his own medicine.

Since her friends had gone to the clinic, Misaki decided to head to the corridor to investigate the source of the commotion. She found students gathered around the bulletin board, their faces filled with intrigue as they read the notices and news posted. Her curiosity piqued, she joined them to see what had captured their attention.

To her surprise, the bulletin board was plastered with rumors about students losing their Alice abilities. It was unsettling news that sent shivers down her spine, and Misaki couldn't help but wonder if some kind of illness or virus was responsible for these disturbing occurrences.