IMPORTANT: So this is the slightly edited version. The whole thing has been changed to present tense. The only other change is when Mikan and Hotaru talk. And it's just a little part, but it's kind of important, because the ages are changed. I realized that they need to be older and more mature. So now they're 15 and in the 9th grade. And Natsume is also 15. Sorry if this confused anyone.

Again, the date is January 25th (I couldn't figure out how to bring it up during the chapter). I realize that Mikan's birthday is not the 25th, but it's convenient to the time line of the plot. The Valentines' Ball is February 14th, and a bunch of things have to happen that fit into that space.

I also realize that everyone forgetting Mikan's birthday isn't really a big deal. Mikan will also be a kid at heart, so she still acts very immature/overreacts to everything. Also, there are some things that are going to influence her being worried about the birthday thing. You'll find out later :)

**My beta says that changing the chapter to present tense has corrupted the flow of the story. So sorry if it's awkward to read, but I'm incredibly OCD and I couldn't leave one chapter in past tense when the rest are going to be in present.

DISCLAIMER: No, I do not own Gakuen Alice.

Natume's POV

"Why are you doing this?"

"Just shut your trap before I shut it for you."

"HELP! HE-" I shove my hand over her mouth before she can continue.

"You asked for it, witch." I reach into the duffel bag hanging over my shoulder and pull out a rag that's soaked in chloroform. She doesn't realize what I'm doing until the rag is over her mouth. She's unconscious before she has time to struggle.

PROJECT NATSUME

I arrive at HeadQuarters at midnight, the girl's body draped over my shoulder. I maintain a passive expression as I carry her into the boss's office. He look up briefly from the papers on his desk, and only spares a few words.

"In the back." I obediently carry the girl through the door behind his desk and into the next room. This room is the second to worst in the whole building. It's where the prisoners where kept under lock and key until their ransom is paid. The only room worse is the basement, where the prisoners are properly "disposed of."

The girl doesn't stir as I lay her in the cell nearest the door. Only when the cell door is closed, locked, and double checked do I reenter the boss's office.

"Close the door behind you." His cold voice sends shivers down my spine as I obey. "Sit."

As I ease myself into one of the large leather chairs in front of his desk, the door opens and Ando Tsubasa enters the office. "Persona, the ransom for Harada Misaki has just arrived."

"Lock the ransom in the vault and proceed to expose of Miss Misaki." Tsubasa bows slightly and disappears into the back room. A moment later, he reappears, carrying Harada Misaki in his arms. In the next second, he's on his way to the vault that holds all of the ransom money they receive.

Persona turns his icy gaze on me. At the moment, he's without his infamous solid white mask. He only wears it when addressing outsiders.

"Well, Natsume, it seems you've survived another mission. What a pity." He chuckles under his breath. "As it happens, it's time for your paycheck. But have you earned it?" His smile is malicious.

"What are you talking about, of course I have! I've worked my butt off for the past month! I always collected the victim successfully and without problems. I've done my share, now do yours." My eyes flash dangerously in the dim lights of the low-ceilinged room. This happens every month. And I'm getting tired of it.

"Okay, okay, don't get all worked up. Here." He bends over, reaches into one of the drawers of the desk, and pulls out a wad of cash.

PROJECT NATSUME

Mikan's POV

"HOTARU!" My best friend turns her head slightly in my direction before ducking, right in time to narrowly miss the flying bear hug I had planned, and effectively causing me to land painfully in a heap on the ground. "You're such a meanie," I mumble as I rub my sore butt.

"You should be used to it by now," she says in her usual placid tone. "We've been friends since first grade, and we do this everyday."

"Yeah, but I keep hoping I can catch you by surprise and finally get a proper hug from you."

"That'll never happen if you always yell my name right before, Dummy." I scowl for a second, but I can't keep the smile off my face.

"You know what today is right, Hotaru?" I ask, raising my eyebrows playfully. Obviously, today's my birthday. Hotaru would remember, right? We've been friends for 7 years.

"Nope," she replies, popping the "p" and turning away.

"Really? You have no idea? Really?"

"Hmm." She puts her index finger to her chin as she thinks. Suddenly, she acts as though a light bulb has appeared over her head. "Got it! We start decorating for the ball today. We're on the committee, so we have to be there early. Come on. Breakfast is over." She starts walking towards the cafeteria doors, heading for the classroom.

Hotaru and I go to Alice Academy, a school for special kids. Kids with special powers called Alices. (A/N-I'm not gonna go into it, you all know what I'm talking about.) Every year, we hold a ball for Valentines' Day. We're on the committee this year to help plan and decorate all school dances and balls. It's hard work, because we always have to show up early, being the President and Vice President of the student council. We're probably too young, being 9th graders, but my dad is the High School Principal, so that helped during election. But in all reality, Hotaru and I are perfectly capable of leading the student council. We just have to work extra hard to prove ourselves.

I grudgingly follow Hotaru into our classroom. She sits near the front, but I'm all the way in the back. It's not all that bad, because I get to sit next to Nogi Ruka. On the way to my seat, I stick my tongue out at Hotaru, who ignores me completely.

Ruka's already waiting when I sit down. As I pull out my supplies, he smiles shyly at me. I answer with an equally shy smile, tinted with my extreme blush. Before we can exchange our usual awkward greetings, Narumi-sensei bustles into the room wearing a pink tutu over jeans. Only Narumi-sensei.

"Good Morning, class!" he begins, his chipper mood sending out rays of happiness. The whole class immediately smiles cheerfully, all except for me. Usually, I would be the most excited one, but my mind is still back in the cafeteria.

I keep replaying the scene in my head. I can't figure out why Hotaru hadn't wished me a happy birthday. She hasn't missed one yet. Then a horrifying thought occurs to me. What if she really doesn't remember? Come to think of it, no one has said anything to me all morning about my birthday. What if no one remembers?

Content edited by finding.

**I once thought that this story would only be a few chapters. I WAS WRONG. The idea I have requires much planning, among other things. I can't predict how many chapters it will be, but it should be at least 10. Maybe. I don't know, I'm not good at predicting this kind of thing. :)

I sent chapter 2 to my beta, and as soon as I get a reply, I'll post it. :) Sorry to keep you all waiting, it's been hectic in my life.

So I hope you enjoy!

Thank you so much, and don't forget to R&R!