Disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice. It's characters/plot/and other ingenious devices belong to Higuchi Tachibana.

Summary: Separating from her friends was one of the hardest things she could have done in her life, but as Mikan Sakura begins her first year in college she discovers a new lifestyle, new friends, and possibly true love. NatsumexMikan. RukaxHotaru.

May 12th, 2009

Graduation.

The next step into adulthood that every young adolescent works towards from elementary to middle school to high school. Even though the seniors of 2009 were happy to be rid of there wretched high school days they were also saddened by what was about to happen next. Some would continue on to college, others would join the army or navy, or even the air force, and then there were those that went straight into the work force. It all depended on the situations of the miscellaneous 17 to 18 year old adults now moving on with their lives.

It was such a tearjerker. Truly.

Our story begins in the middle of a hallway, located in the Saguaro High School.

"Mikan, you have ten seconds to stop daydreaming before I shoot you with my baka gun."

Icy amethyst eyes glared heavily into the back of the young 17 year old brunette that was sighing in content. This girl was none other than Mikan Sakura, your average, klutzy student that was (unfortunately according to Hotaru) graduating with the class of 2009. At the moment her shoulders were relaxed, head slightly tilted up to stare blankly in bliss at the horribly painted white ceiling. The installation was terrible within there school, and it sometimes caused Sakura's best friend to cringe at the sight of it.
Now, Mikan wasn't the type to just stop in the middle of a crowded hallway full of rambunctious underclassmen, but the thought of graduation coming up just muddled up her entire brain. It was like Senioritus kicking in except ten times worse.

Hazel eyes widening, Mikan turned to her best friend Hotaru Imai, and smiled sheepishly trying to avoid anymore bonks on the head. Though when the brunette in question saw Hotaru pull out her weapon and shoot it, poor Mikan began to weep in the middle of the hallway with a new injury to sport around. How cruel life was... Not only did her friend love to create things, but she also loved to use them; specifically on Mikan.

"You didn't count down from ten! Hotaru, you meanie!" Her melodic voice pierced through the noisy teens hustling to get to their next class. Fortunately for these two that they had a free period and not Calculus with Mr. Jinno. Or Jin-Jin. Whatever popped out of their mouths first.

"I did, you were busy in la-la land to hear it." Hotaru, with her tranquil expression, replied calmly to her over-the-top friend. Sometimes she had wondered why she had been friends with Mikan, but watching her small frame tremble and the tears fall down from her face, she was reminded why. Deciding that Mikan had enough of her baka-gun, Hotaru shifted to put her invention into her bag. Mikan's tears were beginning to prickle down her cheeks at this point, her lips pressed into a thin line of grief. Luckily, her books were away in the new invention Hotaru made for her last birthday... so even if she fell or was being overly dramatic like now, they wouldn't fly all over then have to waste time picking them up.

"If you're done being melodramatic, I want to head to the cafeteria and eat. So get up or I'll leave you." Hotaru's tone never raised above a montaneous level, in fact if it did it only happened when her eyes were sparkling... and that only meant that the world was about to end or Hotaru had found another way to gain more money.

"Moe," Mikan pouted her lips at Hotaru before continuing, "Aren't you a bit excited to graduate? I know I am!" As Mikan was saying this she brought herself up from the floor, clearly over her small fit, and clamped her arms tightly around Hotaru's thin arm. She was smiling giddily returning to her enlightened state.

Ignoring her best friend, Hotaru glided down the hallway with an attached Mikan to her arm. Normally she didn't tolerate sort of behavior from her childhood friend, but Hotaru figured that she would get a big payoff from it later. Money was time, and Mikan was wasting it.

What Hotaru didn't get was why Mikan was happy about their graduation. Didn't she know that they'd be separated? Didn't she know that they weren't going to the same college, and may not be able to hang out like now? Honestly Hotaru never really cared for the whole thing since it was just another stepping stone to becoming an adult but...

The students quietly filtered into the classrooms on their left and right, clearly giving room for the two to move towards the stairway outside. No one dared cross paths with Hotaru Imai without facing the consequences.

"Idiot."

Mikan shook Hotaru's arm responsively to her statement, clearly shocked at her friend's dis-interest.

"Are you not looking forward to graduation Hotaru?" This question was quite different from before. In fact Hotaru could hear the tint of sadness attached to the words itself, weaving in and out of Mikan's being. Perhaps she did know why Hotaru was so indifferent to the ceremony?

"I am looking forward to it." Hotaru replied calmly, hoping to all the gods that Mikan wouldn't cry now. She'd probably shoot the girl ten times if she went into another crying fit.

Much to Hotaru's satisfaction Mikan smiled back to Hotaru. It was one of those genuine smiles that Mikan always created and this was one of the reasons why Hotaru loved Mikan. That smile was something that should never disappear, and one could suppose that was one of the reasons why Hotaru was friends with Mikan in the first place. Sure Mikan was a bit klutzy, a pain, and idiotic at times, but those paled in comparison to her happy-go-lucky attitude towards life. She was never pessimistic.

"I'm glad! I thought Hotaru wouldn't want to graduate because she'd lose her precious blackmail on everyone!" Mikan chuckled to herself tugging her friend down the stairs and to the cafeteria.

"We'll be together for a very long time after this too!" This was where Hotaru began to frown. Yup, Mikan was definitely, one hundred percent stupid, dense, and naive. Did Mikan really think they'd be together 'forever?'

When they descended the stairs Hotaru stopped in her tracks also stopping Mikan who was still attached to her arm like an manta ray to a fish. She thought this might be a bit out of character for even her, but she knew Mikan would appreciate the gesture as Hotaru's pale hand raised to Mikan's face to brush some of her disorderly auburn brunette hair out of her face, gently placing the strands of hair to the side. A small smile tugged her lips as she spoke.

"Of course, you idiot, you wouldn't leave me alone even if I was on the opposite end of the globe."

Hotaru would have to send Mikan a letter that evening. She knew it was something that she had to do, and with graduation creeping up in a couple of weeks she'd have to explain to Mikan what was going to happen. Mikan did plan to go to college in the area nearby, Hotaru knew that much since she'd boasted on and on about her acceptance letter, but what Mikan didn't know was that Hotaru got accepted to St. Alicea Academy and that in itself was a huge feat to accomplish. She had the best grades of their class, she had won miscellaneous awards for all of her inventions, ideas, and generous donations into the community, and this place gave her a full-ride scholarship. For Hotaru this was a big dream come true, she didn't have to pay for her continuing education and she'd continue to build up until she was at the top.

Unfortunately it wasn't a dream come true because it meant one thing: Leaving Mikan. Sure they'd be in the same continent, and sure they would more than likely hang out every once in a while, but that would be the end at least until college was over. Inwardly sighing to herself Hotaru brought herself back to reality and Mikan. She was still jumping up and down being too ecstatic for her own good, and thus resulted in her pulling out the baka gun and firing away. The pig-tailed brunette screamed in horror as the baka bullets whizzed by her and although Hotaru would never admit it she would miss shooting her friend like this.

'Mikan... you big idiot.'

June 22nd, 2009

The days turned to weeks, and finally graduation was upon them. All of the Seniors were rejoicing as they threw up their caps as the ceremony ended graciously. Mikan found her way to Hotaru who was standing motionlessly away from the cheering teens. Her cap was still pinned into her short black hair, her eyes still gleamed its normal violet color, and her navy blue graduation gown floated endlessly with the wind.

"Hotaru!"

The camera that rested in her right hand felt extremely heavy in her hand as her best friend approached her.

"Why don't you take a picture of us?" Mikan skipped over to Hotaru's right side bringing her arms around her shoulders and resting her head on one of her shoulders. Hotaru in reponse sighed and brought the camera lens to face them.

"Smile."

She pressed the button and a short flash popped in front of them. The camera had done it's job and Hotaru knew that this was a picture she'd always keep.

"Let me see! Let me see!"

Mikan bounced excitingly in her two inch brown heels, her calves showing underneath her own navy blue graduation gown. Underneath she was wearing a gold halter dress that flaired out at her knees. The dress was specifically chosen by Hotaru, since Mikan couldn't dress herself up fashionably and it did accent her figure and hair color. Instead of her normal hairdo of pigtails and braids, Mikan had her hair down over her shoulders and slightly curled at the tips; Definitely a more grown-up version of Mikan when you looked from afar.

Bringing the camera around Hotaru clicked the menu and pressed the button to see the pictures. When she did that the recent picture popped up on her tiny screen to show two grown-ups smiling back at the camera. Hotaru's eyes gleamed with serenity, her smile slightly showing, completely the opposite of Mikan's whose smile was broad and her hazel orbs electrified with excitement. They looked very happy.

"Ah! It's soooo cute! Can I have a copy?" Mikan asked outloud, and Hotaru couldn't help but smile.

"Sure, if you pay me 50 dollars."

"Ack!? Hotaru are you trying to bankrupt me?"

Hotaru shook her head as she powered her camera off and safely put it away inside her gown. That way the picture of them would be secured.

"Idiot, not everything is free."

Opening the door to her dorm room, Mikan slipped off her heels at the entrance and shut her door. Graduations really did take a lot of energy and this senior was currently pushing her limits. Stumbling through the dark Mikan plopped down on her bed only to have her head hit something hard.

"Ouch..."

Her right hand was holding her forehead in agony, and her left hand went to grab the cursed item that threatened her health. Its sleek shell glistened as the moonlight caught on it through the window.

"What the...?"

Examining the item in her hand she noticed it was another one of the inventions Hotaru made. It was a small operational turtle that held in its mouth two pieces of information. One of the pieces was a picture of the two of them together. Upon further investigation she realized that it was the recent one that they both took together at the graduation ceremony. Mikan would never understand how Hotaru would do things in such quick response, but then again her saying was always: "Time is of the essence."

Putting the picture down on her pillow, she regarded the next rectangular object in speculation. It was just a regular envelope with Hotaru's perfect handwriting on the top of it. All it said was: Mikan; but it made her feel upset. Why would Hotaru give her mail with a turtle? Why didn't she just give it to her at the ceremony? Something didn't feel right about this letter, in fact, it made Mikan feel completely dreadful and anxious.

Turning the letter around, she hesitantly popped the seal on the back and emptied the contents onto her bed. It was actually one written letter from Hotaru. Not written by a computer, not hastily scribbled. This letter emenated the feeling of patient and effort.

Mikan, May 13th, 2009

I know when you receive this letter that graduation is over. You're probably wondering why I didn't just give it to you and yes, idiot, I do realise that handwritten letters should be delivered via postage mail, but I wanted you to keep the turtle (which this letter was purposely given to) in remembrance of me. Plus, I knew the turtle would be slow enough to wait until the last moment to give this letter to you.

I'm sorry Mikan. I truly am but we won't be together forever like you dreamed. Currently, as you are reading this letter, I am boarding a private plane to my new school.

I have been accepted to St. Alicea Academy, and no, stupid people like yourself can't just barge in, so don't even think of quitting school to find me. It's only for four years, and I'm sure we can hang out during the breaks. Stay in college and work towards your goal in writing.

Hotaru.

P.S. Don't cry. You look 30% uglier when you cry. Keep smiling Mikan. I'll keep in touch.

It wasn't that big of a letter. Mikan would have to give her best friend kudos for that, but it didn't stop her tears from falling down her face. The ink that Hotaru worked so hard to make perfect smudged and blotched up with the new water mixture adding to it.

"Idiot..." Mikan gasped, clenching the sides of the letter with such ferocity. "Why... why didn't you tell me... idiot!" Throwing the paper aside she ran to her balcony connected to her room and thrust the sliding door open. The slamming noise didn't compute in Mikan's ears as she tripped outside to the rail. Rumbling could be heard as one white airplane passed through the suburban area as Mikan shouted at the top of her lungs. "Hotaru! You big Idiot!"

The tears didn't stop flooding down her flushed face, red in the cheeks and she was breathing out shallowly to catch her breath. "Why? ...Hotaru?"

That night Mikan didn't get much sleep. After her breakdown outside (and the neighbors constantly berating her for continually shouting about Hotaru), she found herself laying on her bed, one hand clutching the picture and her other holding the turtle. She had placed a pillow on top of her head to cover her blotched up face from view. If Hotaru was around, she wouldn't want to see Mikan cry so much. It was just unsightly.

"...Ho...Hotaru..." Mikan mumbled, closing her tired, exhausted eyes one last time that night.

June 23rd, 2009 (Early morning)

The alarm beeped for what seemed like an eternity leaving Mikan with a huge headache the size of Guam. Yes, Guam, she had a small-medium dense headache that caused her great pains... Okay, it may have been an exageration, but Mikan was hurting.

During the night the picture had wound up on her dresser, and the mechanical turtle was sleeping on her tummy where her hand secured it. The pillow that was still resting on her face was pushed off onto the floor without a moment lost. Her eyes felt puffy, and when she stumbled out of bed to her small bathroom located near her left wall her assumption was proved true. Her hazel eyes, which normally were bright and glazed with excitement were dulled with signs of red and lack of sleep attached to them. Her auburn brown hair that had been so clean and straight turned into a horrible birdsnest, and to make it worse, her graduation clothes were wrinkled beyond repair. Hotaru would kill her if she found out.

"But..." She thought outloud, bringing a brush out from the glass cabinet. "She's not here...." Sighing to herself, Mikan brought the brush through her hair trying to work the knots out before taking a shower and getting dressed for the day that had abruptly come.

June 30th, 2009

One week later Mikan finished packing her stuff out of her apartment. The moving trucks were already on their way to her new dorm located on campus, and that was a relief in itself. She had been planning to move for a year now in commemoration of being accepted to the Ariane Gakuen Academy and even if Hoatru wasn't there, Mikan would still have to work to continue her own story.

Remembering how Hotaru left without much of a goodbye almost made Mikan burst into tears. All of her memories of them hanging out happened in this apartment. From the outrageous photo schemes Hotaru printed out there, to the torturous Studying hours Hotaru made Mikan endure... she'd have to leave everything behind and start something new... and that was college.

It had been a difficult senior year for Mikan, since the academy she wanted to join was extremely difficult to get into, but with much help from Hotaru and her Advisors, she passed the entrance test by a couple points. Wiping her face for any tears that threatened to fall, she promised herself not to cry anymore.

Hotaru may be gone now, but Mikan trusted her friend's judgement. Plus, when she looked at it from Hotaru's point of view, it gave her a new inspiration to catch up to her friend. Hotaru made it big, but Mikan would catch up shortly. It would just take a while, but Mikan would just strive to be at the top like her best friend.

"Alright! Ariane Gakuen here I come!" Running out, she closed her door to her first apartment for the last time.

So how was that for a prologue? Good? Bad? Indifferent? Please review! :D

I didn't read through this, so if there are any grammatical errors, I do apoligise! Just send in a review with what needs to be fixed and I will fix it! I'm still working on making my writing flow, so it may be choppy at parts and some of the characters probably weren't explained like they are as in the manga. I'm horrible with clothing descriptions too... T_T

Thanks for reading! T.K.