Disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice.

Summary: A dance contest. They need eight members. But, they can't find anyone willing to replace an injured member. And it's almost time for the contest! No one can learn that quickly! Well, Mikan seems to have someone in mind… (NatsumeMikan)

+ - Catch Me - +

Chapter I

I don't know how or when it began. It just did. It came to me so suddenly that I was downright overwhelmed. Terrified. I didn't know how to cope with it. It was the first time I've ever felt like that. The mere thought of it never even crossed my mind. Not once. All I know is that everything started with Narumi-sensei's announcement of the event over class.

"HOTARU!" I greeted my best friend in my usual loud voice and was hit with the idiot gun that she made especially for me. But I'm not really an idiot, am I? I fell to the ground and my other friend, Yuu, came rushing to my rescue.

"Mikan-chan! Are you all right?" He asked, helping me up. He is not only a class representative but also a three-star student.

Hotaru didn't even bother asking if I was all right. But I guess she didn't have to since it was her fault in the first place. She was also a three-star. But she's been my best friend since practically forever! How could my best friend in the whole wide world do that to me? But that's okay. She'll always be there for me no matter what happens.

By the way, my name is Sakura Mikan. I'm sixteen years old, and I am in middle school. It's so cool. Being in middle school, I mean. But I miss my elementary days. Those were the best because I got to know great people like Ruka-pyon, Tsubasa-sempai, Misaki, Anna, Nonoko, Kokoroyomi, Yuu, Sumire (though we don't get along that well, but still), and… do I have to say it?… um, Natsume…

"Good morning, everyone! I've got some good news for you. I bet you're all going to love it," said Narumi-sensei as he entered the room. His eyes seemed to twinkle as he said it. The room fell silent.

Narumi-sensei was still our teacher or rather, adviser, because there had been some shuffling of instructors in the academy and that was how he ended up. Not that we weren't glad, of course. He had always been my favorite teacher ever since I first got here. He was pretty sympathetic about the whole grandpa issue. He even let me call him 'dad' that one time to make up for not sending my letters. That had to mean that he was on our side. The students' side, I mean.

I wonder what Narumi-sensei is going to say. What could possibly be the good news? Maybe we're going to have a festival! But it's still so early in the school year so having a festival is definitely out of the question. But I would really love the school to have another festival just like the previous years.

"Hey, Hotaru, what do you think the good news is?" I asked my best friend who was sitting right next to me.

"How should I know? Besides, just listen to Narumi-sensei if you want to find out. Now, don't bother me," replied Hotaru whose eyes were fixed on the book she was reading even before sensei came into the room.

"Everyone, we'll be having a dance contest. All levels will participate but only eight students are to be chosen by the advisers as representatives for each level," continued Narumi-sensei, "But since we were not told how to go about choosing the participants, I will choose randomly. Let's draw lots!"

The room buzzed with excited murmurs. It seemed that all the girls except Hotaru were totally willing to join but the students at the back seemed quiet. As for me, I would really want to join. I wouldn't want to miss it for the world! I bet it's going to be so exciting. I mean, just watching all the groups dance would be a treat! I can't wait!

"Before I forget, it will be held a month from now so you'll all have time to practice," informed Narumi-sensei as he shook the bowl that contained all our names. I think the statement just went to deaf ears because no one appeared to be listening. Well, save for some.

"I won't be mentioning the names just yet. I want some suspense. How about I just tell you tomorrow? Does that sound okay?" Narumi-sensei's announcement was met with disappointed and, dare I say it, outraged reactions. The latter was mostly on Sumire's part. The look on her face made me giggle but when I looked back at the students sitting at the rear, I saw that Natsume and Ruka-pyon weren't thrilled at the very prospect of having a dance contest. I highly doubt that Natsume would want to join even if his name was picked. That was just the way he was.

"I'll leave you to your substitute teacher. I have some things to attend to. Good day, class," said Narumi-sensei.

+ - + - +

The spring season is nearing. I can feel it. Everywhere I go there are green things coming out of the earth. The smell of the air is different. It has the rich scent of soil. I'm so glad that it's finally here after all that snow. I love nature and life. During the winter, I couldn't stand the sight of the cold white snow because I knew that underneath the white lay the green.

"I'm so excited! Yuu, do you think I have a chance of getting picked? I mean, I really want to try my hand at dancing. After all, it's only been some time since I came to this school and I don't know what to expect. It's also the first time the academy held a dance contest," I asked.

We were sitting on the turf outside the middle school building. It was our break and we had nothing else to do. All our classmates were outside as well. I guess they couldn't resist going out in this perfect day. As I looked around, I smiled. I felt so grateful that fate brought me to this place. But still, I miss my grandpa so much.

Then, my gaze sort of strayed to where Natsume and Ruka-pyon were sitting. Don't ask me why. I don't know either. Natsume was reading his manga as usual and Ruka-pyon was petting his bunny. Looking at them, I couldn't help remembering the good times we had during elementary. Natsume isn't all that bad now, though.

I caught myself just in time. I didn't realize that I was staring at Natsume for quite a while. Thank goodness I looked away before he saw. Oh great, now I'm blushing. I hope no one notices that my face is as red as it can be. Wait a minute. Why am I blushing? I mean, it's just Natsume. He was just a classmate. Well, okay, he's a friend. So, why am I feeling a bit warmer than was normal?

Suddenly, I got hit by something. That something was Hotaru's invention yet again. Doesn't she ever get tired of hitting me? I don't think I'm that stupid to be hit all the time. I matured over the years I've been in the academy. I'm not that clueless anymore. Well, maybe just a bit.

"Hotaru! What did you do that for?" I asked while rubbing my head. She didn't have to hit so hard.

"You were acting like the idiot that you are, idiot," said Hotaru, "And in response to your question, Narumi-sensei used the lottery method so we all have equal chances of getting picked."

"Is that so? Wow, you're so smart, Hotaru!"

"I know. Now, shut up and leave me alone."

"Hey, Mikan-chan. Do you really want to join the contest? It's just that I know that you'll like it. But do you really want to face the whole school and dance?" asked Yuu.

"Of course! You don't have to afraid. After all, what have you got to lose?" I replied, "Oh! And Iinchou, do you know anything about the mechanics of the contest aside from what sensei told us earlier?"

"Sure I do. From what I know, contests like this do not allow the use of alices. It means that we'll all perform like normal kids."

"That's great! Now, I really can't wait to hear the names of the participants in our class!"