Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 49 - Mean

{Author}

As they awaited the commencement of the banquet, the lingering effects of the mochi-mochiko gradually wore off. Hotaru separated from Ruka and stretched her arms, a subtle celebration of her newfound freedom. Ruka followed suit, relieved that the peculiar enchantment had dissipated.

" Woah, Hotaru, the effect wore off," Mikan exclaimed with genuine delight. No longer did she need to witness her friends' discomfort.

Misaki quickly distanced herself from Natsume, her body stiff from the previous confinement. She stretched and twisted, seeking to alleviate the stiffness that had set in during their unintended closeness.

" Ouch, my body~!" Misaki wailed her arms and gave a massage on her sore back.

Natsume, on the other hand, merely cast a silent sidelong glance at Misaki, offering no words. As soon as she'd completed her stretching, Misaki positioned herself beside Natsume.

Himemiya seized the moment to speak, addressing Natsume, " To think that the effect would wear off. It might have been better for you to separate before coming here, don't you think, Guren no kimi?" Her intense gaze locked onto Natsume, who maintained a stoic silence.

The other flower princesses shared knowing glances and indulged in some light gossip. " Guren no kimi (crimson lotus). His eyes are like a crimson flame," they remarked, further solidifying Natsume's mystique.

Notably, Ruka was given a flower name as well – "Himawari no kimi," which, fittingly, translated to "sunflower" given his striking golden hair.

Although Mikan desired a flower name too, the other Hanahime (Flower Princesses) coldly rebuffed her. They gave her a decidedly chilly shoulder.

With the banquet ready, Himemiya beckoned to her guests, inviting them to move to another room. Natsume and Misaki sat beside each other, with Ruka near their side, Hotaru to Mikan's right, and Ruka to her left. Youichi was now seated with Misaki.

The sumptuous spread on display left Misaki, Hotaru, and Mikan's eyes wide with surprise. The room was filled with the aroma of delicious dishes, and Mikan couldn't help but exclaim in delight.

" Amazing!" she gasped, her eyes dancing across the various mouthwatering offerings.

Misaki artfully loaded her plate and bowl with an assortment of dishes. Natsume observed her with amusement, clearly impressed by the extent of her appetite. " Pig." he commented.

Misaki shot him a glance and shove a whole shrimp inside his mouth. " Oh really?" she taunted with wide eyes. The boy has no choice but to chew what the girl gave him that will probably give him indigestion.

Ruka and Hotaru, too, partook in the culinary delights. Youichi, situated beside Misaki, looked to her for assistance with his meal, and she readily obliged, offering assistance and ensuring his hands and clothes remained clean.

" Hii-sama, the food will get cold." Shizune said, asking Himemiya to start eating as well.

Himemiya watched Misaki attentively as she sipped her tea. " Tsubaki no kimi, she acts like her, how amusing. She truly is the child of Ajisai no kimi (hydrangea)," she observed, noting Misaki's presence.

In the midst of the feast, Mikan was about to pick up a shrimp from a serving platter when a flower princess snatched it away, promptly offering it to Hotaru, who was already engrossed in her meal.

Misaki was quick to notice Mikan's predicament and sympathized with her. " How unkind," she muttered softly. Natsume also observed the unfair treatment and decided to assist. He offered a selection of fruits to Misaki to keep hidden within her kimono, intending to share them with Mikan later.