Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 70 - Practice

{Author}

Misaki noticed Narumi beside her and heard him speak, " Ah, if it's going to be like this... There's no point in having Mikan partner with Natsume, right?" He began with his usual smile, making Misaki wonder if he was siding with the new girl.

" Is it okay with you, Mikan? Perhaps it's time for Natsume to have a new partner," he added. Mikan was taken aback by the sudden topic brought up by Narumi.

Inchou and the others couldn't help but sweatdrop after hearing this and cautiously glanced at Mikan. Misaki, remaining silent, clicked her tongue in frustration.

Mikan, unsure of how to respond, pursed her lips and finally said, " O-oh..." Luna, on the other hand, covered her lips shyly while smiling. Obviously satisfied with the situation being at her advantage.

Narumi quickly added, " If it's alright with Natsume," after Misaki gave him a piercing glare. He then dismissed the class, claiming that homeroom was over, and hurriedly gathered his belongings.

" That teacher..." Misaki mumbled, leaving the classroom and following Narumi from a distance.

" Misaki!" Anna and Nonoko attempted to follow her but were held back by Inchou and Hotaru.

Ruka made eye contact with Natsume, clearly seeking an explanation for his actions, especially the way he had treated Misaki. Ruka could see that the girl was genuinely hurt by Natsume's sudden change of decision.

" I'm going to protect them in my own way, you do the same," Ruka assured Youichi.

Youichi then appeared beside Mikan, taking the side of the Red Team. " Will you join our team?" he asked.

However, Youichi didn't provide an answer and simply glanced at the door, likely thinking about Misaki, who had already left.

Natsume, whose emotions were inscrutable, remained silent and exited the room, with Luna clinging to his arm as if they were a couple.

Meanwhile, Misaki was busy trailing Narumi from a distance. Suddenly, she heard someone shout, " Narumi, come back here!"

Deciding to hide behind a wall, pressing her back against it, Misaki peeked out slightly.

" You, ever since Christmas, you've been hiding your wrist, even visiting the hospital from time to time and checking out my medicine rack. Now, you've been going in and out of the Principal's office..." Misaki-sensei confronted Narumi while studying him closely.

" What are you planning?" Misaki-sensei questioned, but his smile gradually disappeared.

Misaki-sensei attempted to continue, " That transfer student... I didn't know at first, but she's--" but Narumi cut him off with a shocked look.

" You..." he said, his smile vanishing, and he remained silent.

" What are you going to do? Both of them are-- Narumi," Misaki-sensei sighed after witnessing Narumi walk away.

Little did they know that Jinno had also overheard the conversation. Misaki spotted Jinno across from her and offered a slight bow before quickly dashing back to the classroom.

Meanwhile, Ruka, who was holding Youichi, left the room to follow Natsume.

" Let go, you damn leech. How long are you planning on sticking around me? Your existence is pissing me off," Natsume retorted, yanking his arm away from Luna.

Ruka was taken aback but decided to eavesdrop discreetly. He watched as Luna unexpectedly slapped Natsume across the face.

" Natsume..." he gasped, surprised by this turn of events. Natsume seemed unfazed, as Luna's presence was hindering him from being with Ruka and Misaki.