My Little Secret: Chapter 1

#01: Gakuen Alice (Natsume & Mikan)
...xXx...

She was sitting at her desk, reading a mystery novel, when a soft knock was heard. Without getting up from her seat, she answered, "Come in."
Rin, her personal maid, approached her and bowed. "Mikan-sama, everything is ready."

Mikan let out a mental sigh and closed her book. "You may go now."

Rin gave her a bow before leaving. Right after she left her room, another person joined her.

"Looks like Oujo-chan is not in the mood to go back."

The person that stood before her was a brown-haired boy with a pair of sapphire eyes. Quietly, she muttered, "Aki-kun… I'm worried."

Akira knew the reason, but he still asked, "Is it about Ru-chan?"

"Will she accept me?" she whispered, clenching her fists. The memories of her old times with Hotaru flashed through her mind. She could feel it herself that she had lost the ability to smile sincerely because of the training. She couldn't blame anyone about this as she had made the decision herself.

Akira smiled. "She will, no matter what you are. She's your best friend, after all."

I hope you're right, Aki-kun. She looked up at him. "When will you—"

"I'll come after I finish my work here. Don't worry; everything will be fine," he replied. "And by the way, the limo is waiting," he added with a grin.

"Okay…"

Together, they went to the awaiting limo.

She planted a kiss on Akira's cheek. "See you, Aki-kun."

Akira nodded with a smile. "Take care, Mi-chan."

Rin bowed humbly. "Have a safe trip, Mikan-sama."

Mikan nodded in reply and stepped into the car without looking back.

...xXx...

A spirit-manipulating boy named Youichi ran towards the fire caster. "Natsume-nii-chan."

Sumire tried to hug him. "Ah! You-chan, come to Onee-chan."

Youichi glared at Sumire. "Get off, old hag! I have only one onee-chan and that onee-chan is definitely not you!"

Youichi really loves his sister, Natsume thought absent mindedly. Come to think of it, I've never met his sister before…

I need to tell Hotaru-nee-chan about Onee-chan Youichi thought while walking up to the busy inventor, Hotaru Imai.

"Hotaru-nee-chan, Onee-chan is coming back. She'll be here this evening," Youichi whispered to the genius, emotionless inventor.

What are they talking about? The class wondered in unison.

Koko sweat dropped. Why are they all thinking about the same thing?

...xXx...

Mikan gave a curt reply to the driver who just informed her that they would be arriving at the school in a short while. She stared out of the window as they finally entered the academy. She smiled to herself. Nothing has changed…

When the limo finally stopped at the school grounds, she stepped out of the limo and was greeted by the teachers.

"Welcome back, Mikan-sama," they chorused.

Being the Head Principal's daughter sure makes everyone respect you, she thought and greeted them back, "I'm home, everyone."

Mikan walked towards her father and impassively greeted him, "Otou-san."

Izumi embraced his daughter. "Welcome back, Mikan." But what happened to you?

"I'm sorry," she mumbled quietly.

"Eh?"

I can read your mind, Otou-san. She shook her head. "Nothing."

The man looked unsure for a minute, but then, he nodded. "If you need anything just ask Narumi. He will be your homeroom teacher. Just come to my office when you need me. I have to go back now."

Mikan nodded. "Hai, Otou-san."

Then, a 5-year-old boy ran towards her. "Onee-chan!"

The boy clung onto her tightly. "Welcome home, Onee-chan. I really missed you."

A small smile appeared on her lips. It was difficult to stay cold with children, especially to her little brother. "I'm home, You-chan. I missed you, too. Have you been a good boy when I was away?"

Youichi grinned widely. "Of course!"

Then, a raven-haired girl approached them. "That face does not suit you."

Mikan immediately engulfed the girl into a hug. "Hotaru."

"Welcome home, Mikan," Hotaru said impassively, hugging her back.

After they broke the hug, Mikan looked around before asking, "You-chan, where is Nii-san?"

"Nii-chan is still on the mission, Onee-chan."

"Oh…" She sighed. Being a Dangerous Ability Class's teacher must be tough. I hope he'll be alright.

Hotaru, who seemed to know what she was thinking, assured her, "He'll be alright, Baka."

"Nii-chan said he will visit you once he arrived here from mission," added Youichi.

"Thank you, both of you." She looked at them gratefully. These two really can make me relieved with their answers.

Narumi-sensei cut in their little conversation by handing her a golden key and a mask. "Your room is ready. This is your key and the mask you requested. Tomorrow morning at 7.30, please come to the teacher's office to meet me. We will go to your classroom together."

Right… I don't want anyone see my face, she reminded herself as she stared at the mask that should be put on someone for a masquerade ball. Though, it was too plain to attract attention. The mask was light pink in colour and had a Sakura print on the right side.

"See you tomorrow, Mikan-sama," Narumi-sensei said with a short bow.

"See you tomorrow, Narumi-sensei."

"Go to your room and take some rest," Hotaru said emotionlessly.

Youichi looked up at her sister. "Onee-chan, can I sleep with you tonight?"

She ruffled his silver hair gently. "Of course, You-chan."

Hotaru started walking away from her. "I will send Youichi's uniform to your room."

She smiled at Hotaru even though her friend couldn't see it. "Thank you, Hotaru."

The raven-haired girl didn't reply, but Mikan knew her best friend heard it as she saw her wave in response.

...xXx...

Mikan just finished taking her bath and dressed into her night gown when a knock was heard from her door. She opened the door. "Yes?"

Amanatsu, a prototype robot of her, held out a brown package. "Mikan-sama, Hotaru-sama asked me to give you this."

Mikan took the package. "Thank you, Amanatsu."

Amanatsu bowed. "You're welcome. Good night, Mikan-sama."

Before closing the door, she replied, "Good night."

She read the note that was attached on the package.
Mikan,

Be ready by seven.

—Hotaru

Hotaru really is my best friend, she thought with a small smile on her face and put the package on her study desk.

Youichi was about to ask her about it, but she gently told him, "You-chan, it's late. We have to go to sleep now."

He pouted but obeyed. "Hai."

She kissed his little forehead. "Night, You-chan."

Before closing his little eyes, he replied, "Good night, Onee-chan."

With a click on the switch, the room blackened, and she walked to her bed. Before falling into a deep slumber, she thought, I wonder what will happen tomorrow…

Chapter 1—The Arrival Chapter 2—The New Student Chapter 3—The Older Brother Chapter 4—The Younger Brother Chapter 5—The Partner Chapter 6—The Fans Chapter 7—The Name Chapter 8—The New Guy Chapter 9—The Truth Chapter 10—The Mission Chapter 11—The Kiss Chapter 12—The Sacrifice Chapter 13—The Time Chapter 14—The Promise Chapter 15—The End of Time Chapter 16—The Reason Chapter 17—The Dream Chapter 18—The Dance Chapter 19—The Departure Chapter 20—The Little Secret Next