Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 44 - Happy Birthday

Dear Mom,
It's New Year's Eve! Wish that I could be there to celebrate with you. I'm doing well and I've made quite a lot of friends too! We're celebrating at the dormitory's dining hall and it's my first time to wear a kimono, the school distributed it around. Oh yeah, I'm eleven as of today. I'm so happy that I'm older by a year now! I hope that you could watch me grow older but see you soon, mom!

Your daughter,

Ashikaga Mirai Misaki

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{Author}

The students had gathered in the dormitory for a New Year's celebration. The school had thoughtfully provided two sets of kimonos for the students to choose from, one dark and one light. Misaki, Mikan, and Nonoko opted for the light kimono, while Hotaru, Permy, and Anna went with the dark one.

As the girls entered the dining hall, they were greeted with enthusiastic cheers from Koko and the others, who were thrilled by how adorable they looked in their kimonos.

" Wow! Everyone looks so pretty!" Mikan beamed, her smile warm and infectious as she admired her friends. She turned her gaze to Inchou, Koko, Kitsuneme, Mochiage, and Youichi, who also looked handsome in their kimonos. Mikan's joy was evident, and she expressed her admiration, making her friends feel appreciated.

Inchou, Koko, Mochiage, and Ruka wore light kimonos, while Natsume, Kitsuneme, and Youichi donned the dark ones. Permy blushed and squealed in excitement, particularly at the sight of Natsume and Ruka, who undeniably looked very attractive.

Misaki and Hotaru, seemingly famished, dashed over to a table, their appetites driving them to start eating immediately. Mikan observed with a sweatdrop as she watched her two friends engorge themselves.

" These two... Ever since Misa-chan got close with Hotaru, her stomach is becoming more like Hotaru's," Mikan mused with a playful tone. Inchou nodded in agreement, chuckling at their hearty appetite. " I guess it's infectious."

Koko shrugged. " Better be full from food rather than feeling hangry." he commented and shoved a choco pie inside Permy's mouth. " Mmff--" Permy exclaimed leaving a slap on Koko's back.

The group settled around a table and joined in the feast, their enjoyment evident on their faces. The idea that the food servings were not determined by their star ranks filled Mikan with gratitude.

" This is fantastic! The portions aren't based on our star ranks!" Mikan rejoiced, her eyes glistening as she savored the moment. She'll be able to savor quality dishes without limit.

Koko, who sat beside Ruka with his usual easygoing expression, grinned. " Eat up before these two piggies devour everything," he suggested playfully as he used his chopsticks to pick up some food.

After the delightful feast, New Year's money packets were distributed, and the amounts inside were still based on their ranks, a detail that brought a tear to Mikan's eye.

" Happy New Year!" Mikan exclaimed, brimming with excitement. Her eyes shone with anticipation as she addressed her friends. " Do you know what day it is?" she asked, grinning from ear to ear.

Permy, with her arms crossed, gave Mikan a questioning look. " What are you talking about?" Ruka inquired, casting a glance at her.

Koko, ever nonchalant and easygoing, mused, " January first, I believe. It should be a good day."

Mikan playfully pouted. " Oh, you guys! I'll just have to tell you, then." She nodded resolutely, determined to share her revelation. " Whose birthday is it today?" she asked with a cheerful smile, pointing at herself, though her announcement went largely unnoticed.