Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 56 - Fire

{Author}

Ruka voiced his concern about Aoi's persistent fever, a topic that had been weighing on his mind for three long days. Standing with Natsume on the sidewalk, he couldn't help but ask, " Aoi's fever hasn't gone down yet? It's been three days. Are you worried, Natsume?"

Natsume, looking slightly troubled by the situation, nodded in acknowledgment and responded with a casual tone, " Yeah. We've been to several doctors, but they can't seem to pinpoint the cause of Aoi's fever."

Quickly shifting the conversation away from the distressing topic, Natsume decided to tease Ruka, " But let's not dwell on that now. You've really stepped up, Ruu-chan!"

Ruka, blushing and embarrassed by the nickname, protested, " Stop calling me that!"

" Stop calling me that!" Ruka exclaimed. Ruka's mother made Ruka walk instead of riding a car so he could eventually go to school with Natsume. The two bodyguards were trailing behind the two kids.

It was apparent that Ruka's mother had recently undergone a significant change. She had allowed Ruka to accompany Natsume to school on foot, something she'd previously been cautious about. Her new attitude seemed to suggest she had noticed the positive transformation in her son's behavior since he'd become friends with the Hyuuga siblings.

" Mama changed lately. She even forgave me for staying at your house without permission." Ruka muttered before walking beside Natsume this time.

" Is school interesting, Ruu-chan?" Mrs. Nogi asked as she gave Ruka a look. " Are you happy?" she added. Mrs. Nogi wanted to know if Ruka is enjoying now compared to before.

Ruka's face lit up, smiling sincerely as his eyes twinkled in delight. " Yes, Mama." he answered her mother. Mrs. Nogi stared at Ruka as her eyes widened in shock. She was completely stunned by her child.

" Madam!" the guards tried to snap Mrs. Nogi back to reality. She held both of her cheeks and gasped happily seeing Ruka's adorable smile after a long time. " Did you see his smile?!! Oh my... my child- I've been so stupid." she said.

Mrs. Nogi realized that she was to protective and too uptight with Ruka, eventually stealing the child's freedom just for his safety. She didn't even realize that Ruka stopped making such lively expressions since she was hindering him to enjoy and be happy.

" For him to have a friend that causes him to smile again... It's great." she said.

Ruka inquired about Aoi's well-being, curious about her progress. 

" How's Aoi-chan?" Ruka suddenly asked. Natsume explained that Aoi had been saying unusual things, likely due to her high fever.

" Brother, did you see Aoi's amulet? The red stone, looks like brother's eyes. It was in my hand last time but it eventually keeps getting smaller and smaller." Aoi asked Natsume who was looking after her. Natsume was confused since he didn't know that Aoi has something like that.

" As if the stone's getting absorbed through Aoi's hand... Where'd it go?" Aoi asked sounding so sad as she couldn't find her said amulet.

" Ruu-chan! You came to visit me?! Waaa~ Daddy left Aoi alone and I was super lonely~!" Aoi exclaimed and clutched her blanket before forcing herself to sit up. Her face was sweating because of her high fever.

Natsume who was sitting beside her sister on the floor pushed her forehead resulting Aoi to lay down once again. " I told you to go to sleep. Such a noisy brat... You're sick!" Natsume hissed causing Aoi to pout.

" S-Stop fighting..." Ruka sweat dropped witnessing the Hyuuga siblings argue again. Ruka sighed in relief as he smiled at the two. He saw how lively Aoi is but she still looks so sick.