Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 42 - Christmas Ball: Clarification

{Author}

Misaki observed Mikan as she left the dance floor and retreated to a quiet corner. Concerned for her friend, Misaki watched as Ruka made his way to Mikan, taking a seat beside her. Ruka, being a gentle soul, attempted to console and reassure Mikan about the unfortunate incident with the masks falling off.

Narumi gave Misaki a friendly pat on the head before offering a reassuring smile. "Your job will be starting, Misa-chan. Let's do our best for her."

Misaki had teamed up with Narumi before to ensure Mikan's safety. They both understood the significance of Mikan's identity as well as her unique Alice ability, which seemed to be of interest to the Elementary School Principal.

" Of course, sensei. Please take care as well," Misaki replied with a warm smile. She glanced at Narumi's attire, specifically the single glove he wore, and couldn't help but be curious.

" What's with the fashion statement, sensei?" she inquired, somewhat perplexed by his choice.

" Doesn't it suit me?" Narumi responded with a wry smile, his eyes dancing with amusement. Misaki raised a skeptical eyebrow as she looked him over.

" It's the face that matters, sensei. Without your good looks, you'd look ridiculous," she stated straightforwardly, causing Narumi to chuckle.

" I'll take it as a compliment, then?" Narumi replied, nodding his head with a grin. Misaki, apparently satisfied with her critique, simply shrugged and added, " If you say so, sensei. Looks like you've got quite a few admirers waiting for you to dance with them. I'll leave you to it."

With that, Misaki quickly departed to give the other students a chance to dance with Narumi. As she wandered away, she happened upon the Imai siblings, who were dancing together, each wearing identical masks and occasionally stepping on each other's feet.

" Are they even dancing?" the students around whispered among themselves. Misaki couldn't help but laugh at the amusing sight. " Siblings will always be siblings. I wish I had one too," she murmured, her eyes filled with nostalgia.

Just as she thought about her own family, Hayate approached her, calling out, " Misa-chan!" She turned to see her older brother, who had jogged over to her.

"Found you again," he sighed with relief, his gaze warm. Hayate asked Misaki to dance with him, and she readily agreed, a smile gracing her face. " Brother-san, why aren't you with the others?" she inquired as they danced together.

Hayate grinned broadly, twirling Misaki around as he replied, " I wanted to dance with you, just like before."

Misaki laughed at his playful response. " That's unreasonable, wouldn't the others get mad at you for being here?" she wondered aloud, concern furrowing her brows.

Hayate nodded in agreement. " They probably would, but if it's for you, they won't scold me," he said with a mischievous snicker. " I'm sure Rui would beat me up for dancing with you. Remember that creepy guy from our ability class?" he teased before twirling Misaki again.

" That's mean. Why wouldn't he just ask me instead of beating you up?" Misaki responded with a frown.

Hayate shrugged, whispering conspiratorially, " He couldn't leave Hajime, who controls insects, alone. I just slipped away from him. They can probably see us right now."

After dancing for a while, Hayate reluctantly left Misaki's side and rejoined Rui and the others on the second floor. With a sigh, Misaki wandered toward a massive Christmas tree, its branches thick and sturdy seeking for a space where she could be alone.