This is a re-upload.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, except my storyline.

Chapter 1: Return

Mikan

It was Christmas night. I didn't know how I knew, but somehow it seemed so familiar. I walked on the soft snow into the gymnasium of Gakuen Alice and saw the red and green lights. Everyone was chatting with each other with a smile on their face, except for him. Except for Natsume Hyuuga. My visions blurred and I was shifted to a different setting. I was sitting beside Natsume on a wooden bench. The sound of the night and the sight snow falling was so peaceful, I silently wished I could sit here forever, with just the two of us. Natsume broke the peaceful silence, although he kept his voice low.
"Mikan?"

"Yes Natsume?" I dreamily smiled at him.

"Mikan.. Mikan…" The image started blurring.

"Mikan…" A familiar voice called my name. "Wake up stupid."

I cracked my eyes open and saw Hotaru's emotionless face, then in a blink of an eye, something flew right at my face. I was too slow - mostly because I was half asleep - to dodge it and it whipped my cheek.

"WAH, what was that for." I automatically assumed it was one of her inventions; the baka gun.

"Just trying out my new invention, hehe." The corners of her lips rose. I rubbed my cheek on the spot she blasted her invention at me.

I had to say, Hotaru had changed over the 5 years of staying in this academy. Well, not the constant 'surprise abuse' I receive though. But first off, she has a boyfriend, Ruka. His sweet personality influenced Hotaru to smile more and open up. She grew her hair down to her chin and grew taller, but still being 5cm or so shorter than me. Oh, and now Hotaru and her older brother Subaru now have a more sibling-like relationship; who is staying in the academy to become the school doctor ever since he graduated.

"What time is it?" I asked, rubbing away the last stinging pain on my face and throwing my blanket off of me.

"You're going to be late. It's 8:50AM. You have 10 minutes to get ready and be in class." Hotaru announced while adjusting her white helmet to her head.

"Wow and you're not giving me a ride?" I tied my hair into a single ponytail. "So mean."

"Hell naw," She grinned, flashing her perfect set of teeth. "Catchya later dummy!" Hotaru jumped out of my window onto her flying duck scooter and flew off.

I sighed. She wasn't such a best friend at times, but if it wasn't for her, I would still be asleep in my dream with Natsume.
That reminded me of my dream, which wasn't so clear in my mind anymore. I remember some parts of it, mostly just sitting with Natsume on a bench.

It wasn't the first time I dreamed of Natsume, ever since he left. Natsume had volunteered to go on a special mission 3 years ago, and said he'd come back as soon as he can. He promised, and I told him I would wait for him. I was starting to lose faith after a year, but now I'm on the edge of giving up. But these dreams of him would always give me hope. It's a tiny string of hope I hold on to, because it gave me faith that I could believe Natsume was okay.

I quickly got my backpack and shoved my homework in then changed into my uniform before dashing down to the academy. But soon I realized I would be running late anyways, so what was the point of trying to show up late earlier. The academy was at least a 10 minute run or 20 minute walk from the dormitories. I would usually get rides from Hotaru with her inventions, if I'm early. But since she ditched me today, it would be my third consecutive day late.

I was never a smart student, although I studied really hard and did all my homework. My grades weren't as high as Hotaru's. It didn't really matter to me, as long as I was passing. Narumi sensei would understand…right? Not like he actually taught us anything or yelled at me for being late. Besides, I was late at least 3 times a week.
I can say I've also changed a lot from when I first came to this academy too - even though I would always smile and do dumb things without knowing. However, when I don't like something, I would stand up for myself. My stubborn personality would bother me if I don't do anything about it on the spot, and I would have regrets and worry about it all day. For appearance wise, I grew my curly brown hair up to my back and grew about 20cm in height, being 164cm now.

It was 10th of February. The artsy Alice kids were decorating the academy with pink and red hearts. It sure was pretty, although I was sure I'd spend Valentine's day alone…again.

I stood in front of the classroom door. I was always nervous to enter, especially during the middle of a class and everyone would stare at me. It was my billionth time entering late, but the nervousness didn't fade, especially today. The red Alice stone I wore as a necklace turned warm and tickled my neck. I held on to it, a gift from Natsume from a while back.

I clutched onto the doorknob and spun it open. Faking a nervous smile, I walked in quietly and as usual, Narumi sensei greeted me with joy.

"Mikan! Late again? Gee, you should wake up earlier and catch up with the latest news," Narumi sensei teased. "Okay class, this is a free study period." He walked out of the class.

"What's he talking about?" I was confused, sitting down on my seat beside Hotaru, not really in the 'latest news'. "What latest news?"

"Dunno." Hotaru said when I'm sure she didn't even hear my question. She was screw driving some deadly looking toy gun. I guessed I was going to be her guinea pig again. I felt my necklace turn burning hot so I yanked it off my neck. "Ow, that hurt." I muttered.

Hotaru took a glance at me then put all her attention to her toy gun again.
"Oh yeah, he's here."

"Who?" I said admiring my necklace glow from crimson red to light red. It never happened like this before. "This is so pretty."

"Thanks flat-chest, I made it myself," A boy said. A flash of anger burned inside me. There was only one person I knew who had called me that.

"But I guess you're not flat chested anymore." The boy said. He had a familiar voice. A voice TOO familiar. From the corner of my eye, I could see him move. Whoever it was, was perverted enough to angle themselves to check out my chest.

"Excuse me." I stood up pissed off and glared at him face to face.

I would have literally dropped to my knees if I didn't have my desk to hold on to. My mouth hung open and my mind was spinning. I stood frozen for what seemed like an hour, and I clung my arms around him. It was Natsume.

Thanks for reading! Tell me if you guys like it or not :)

-Cloud