Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 24 - Poision

{Author}

" Natsume!" Misaki exclaimed, her voice laced with concern. Natsume, without turning to face her, halted in his tracks and listened intently as she continued to speak. Her words trailed off as she realized the urgency of her message, her concern for the safety of their friends, Hotaru and Mikan.

" We can't. No orders are given," Natsume replied, his tone firm. Misaki pulled her arm back, a frown etched on her face. She desperately hoped he would see the gravity of the situation. The presence of Z and the threat it posed to their friends weighed heavily on her.

" They are my friends. Our friends. Would you let them get hurt? Isn't it also our job to keep the academy safe?" she asserted, successfully wrenching her arm free from his grip. Natsume's eyes finally met hers, his usual blank expression unwavering.

" Persona wouldn't be pleased if we act so carelessly," Natsume warned, and Misaki couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine at the mere mention of that name.

Misaki, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and frustration, asked, " Then... what do we do?"

Natsume shrugged nonchalantly, turning his back to her once more. " Nothing. We'll allow the teachers to move this time. Our covers would blow if we tried to attack Z and her group while we are inside the academy," he explained.

As she trudged alongside Natsume, an awkward atmosphere hung between them. Their previous interactions had been marred by his cold and distant demeanor, yet she couldn't help but notice the stark difference in how he treated Mikan. It seemed like he was abiding by Serio-sensei's guidance regarding Mikan and her mysterious companions.

" Misaki," Natsume called out to her, his sudden use of her name catching her off guard. His tone, his expression, everything about him was shrouded in uncertainty and mystery. Misaki blinked in confusion, her unease growing.

" Eh?" she stammered, unsure of what to make of this sudden shift in his behavior.

" I knew that you were eavesdropping before," he revealed, his eyes locked onto her with an intense gaze. Panic surged within Misaki, and she awkwardly cleared her throat, attempting to play it cool.

" Oh? Was I? Uh... l-let me see," she mumbled, pretending to consider his accusation. But the truth was, she had indeed been eavesdropping.

" I can't remember~," she continued, her tone teasing. " Heh, I think Inchou's looking for me right now, bye!" She offered a forced smile before attempting to escape his presence, making her way toward their classroom.

However, her attempt to slip away was thwarted as Natsume's grip on her left wrist tightened, halting her in her tracks.

" Ah," she muttered, frustration and embarrassment welling up inside her as she turned to face him. Her evasive tactics had clearly failed, and she knew she had been caught red-handed.

Natsume shook his head lightly. " When did I allow you to leave my side?" he questioned. Misaki's eyes widened, her confusion evident.

" What—You didn't say anything," she replied hesitantly, carefully observing his expression.

" In that case, you should just stay by my side until I tell you to go," he decided, not waiting for her to respond further. He was about to speak when they were joined by Inchou, Ruka, and some of their classmates, as well as Narumi-sensei, all of whom were approaching them in a hurry.

" Inchou! Ruka! What's the matter?" Misaki asked, her worry palpable.

" Imai..." Ruka began, and Inchou nodded in agreement.