Disclaimer: Characters belong to Higuchi Tachibana, creator of Gakuen Alice.

Author's Note: It's the epilogue, yall! Warning: slight OOC for Natsume (to be honest, I really like him like this...), super super self indulgent and a sappy A/N at the bottom. Please enjoy!

Four years later...

As soon as the professor ended the lecture, Mikan's phone vibrated in her pocket. She had put her laptop away ten minutes before, slightly aware it could be construed as rude but she was just too excited to care this time. She hurriedly said her goodbyes to her friends before fishing out her phone, walking out of the lecture hall.

She received a text that simply said: "Outside xx"

She walked faster, opting to tackle down the stairs instead of waiting for the usually packed elevator. Finally, she reached the main entrance of her faculty, a little out of breath. And there he was, leaning against his car- Natsume Hyuuga, or commonly known by Mikan's university friends as 'Mikan's hunky boyfriend'.

He had spotted her first, already smiling when she walked to him with a grin. "Hey, you," she greeted. "Were you waiting long?"

"Nah, just got here." He took her bag and stuffed it in the backseat along with his. Mikan started to move to the passenger side but Natsume took her hand. "Wait." He then leaned down to kiss her forehead.

She rolled her eyes, but her annoyance clearly didn't have its usual effect now that it was accompanied with a slight pinkness on her cheeks. "You could've done that in the car, you know?"

He opened the car door for her and smirked, "Now where's the fun in that?"

It's been four years since The Festival, and they have made great strides - both personally and relationship-wise. The time spent after The Festival was simply wonderful, getting to know each other, growing as close friends and Mikan gradually developing romantic feelings, with Natsume patiently waiting. They also found out about her friends' little betting bit about their dating status, which had spread far enough til the darn Alice Quarter caught whiff and made a whole betting session. So, they decided to make things official after graduation, simply out of spite.

It was the simplest of confessions. Mikan was on break from her part-time job, where Natsume occasionally visits, but he had come by that day specifically to wait together for an email from the University of Tokyo. When both of their emails started with 'We are pleased to inform you...', Mikan squealed and jumped to hug Natsume. She still remembered his grin, teeth on display and crimson eyes crinkling. Until now, they argued who leaned in first, but they shared their first kiss then. Natsume admitted it was hard to stop ever since.

Even so, they applied to different majors- Natsume got into Engineering while Mikan decided to pursue Journalism. It was easy at first to go on cute dates and fun places, but university load was keen to disrupt their lives. Soon, their dates consist of camping at the university library, getting coffees from 24-hour Starbucks or taking naps together in one of their dorm rooms.

Not that they minded - Natsume thought after three years, they had become pretty domestic and Mikan didn't think she could ever survive university without her boyfriend. She lost count of the number of times she came to him with tears spilling, so close to giving up and wondering if everything she's doing was even worth it. Natsume would always hug her, letting her cry while he softly whispered reassurances.

Three years together taught them a lot, they grew comfortable with each other, and it was hard to believe she ever despised him in the first place. Natsume was a great friend and an even wonderful boyfriend.

And today, today was an important day for them. Mikan was going back home, this time with her boyfriend tagging along to officially meet her family.

She buckled her seatbelt before placing her cellphone in the phone holder, GPS already set to her house. "So, you ready?" she asked.

Natsume's teasing smirk was now replaced with a nervous frown. He stiffly nodded as he shifted the gear to drive and peeled out of the parking space.

This was a huge step for their relationship. And it wasn't this fact that made him so anxious. It was the fact that he already knew a certain man in his girlfriend's family already cursed his very existence.

Mikan couldn't help but laugh. After many, many reassurances that her father didn't exactly hate his guts, she had given up and resorted to turning this into a teasing opportunity as he had done to her on various occasions.

"Where's your phone? How 'bout we play some soothing songs to calm- ah, there it is." It was left on the cup holder between them. She swiftly took it and typed his passcode, effectively unlocking the phone.

"Wait-"

Mikan let out a bark of laughter. Tears were starting to cloud her vision, blurring the sight of Natsume's screen that showed his notes about none other than the man he will be meeting soon. "I'm sorry, were you studying?" she said, still laughing. "I can't believe you actually did a case profile on my dad!"

She continued to scroll through the long note about her father, it was quite detailed- from his place of birth and right to his favourite kind of alcohol. It was rather concerning how much Natsume had taken this too seriously, but her heart fluttered a bit to the thought he had paid attention to her personal stories and made notes.

"Sure, laugh at my expense," he grumbled.

She reached to pinch his cheek. "Aw, you're gonna do fine, babe. I mean, look at this! You don't even make study notes and still get an A for everything. Now imagine the score after all this effort you put in."

He pouted instead, eyes maintaining on the road as he drove to his girlfriend's house. To have dinner. With her parents and brother. And meet her father. He felt dangerously nauseous. "That's easy for you to say. My mom loved you, probably still gushing over you to my dad."

Natsume had brought Mikan to meet his family two weeks ago, and she was ready to jump off the car on the way there. She'd change clothes three times before leaving, repeatedly asking Natsume which one was better. He had been no help, saying everything she wore looked beautiful on her. ("I'm not lying!" he said after getting lightly pushed by a highly-strung Mikan.) Then, throughout the whole drive, she fussed over the choice of fruits they had bought as a small gift. It was nerve-wracking.

But Natsume's mother absolutely doted on Mikan, embracing her as soon as they entered the house. After successfully making it through and promising to come for dinner again (Natsume's mom even offered to sleep over), she'd never felt more relieved in her whole life. It was an exceptional feeling to be accepted by your significant other's family.

She supposed she should be more understanding, but seeing Natsume so visibly nervous was such a rare sight. Mikan couldn't help but pick on him. She pointed to his phone. "Oh, this one's wrong. My dad doesn't like beer."

Natsume's head swerved to look at his screen- it was a good thing they stopped at a red light. "What? Where?"

She guffawed. "I'm kidding! I'm kidding!"

He sent her a withering glare. Nevertheless, he took her hand, lacing each fingers together and brought them to his lips, muttering, "Not funny."

Izumi was pacing, clearly on edge. Every fifteen minutes, he crossed the living room to peer outside the window, scanning the porch as if trying to catch a burglar red-handed.

"Dad, please, you're blocking the TV again," Youichi whined, annoyed with his father's restlessness.

Yuka's laughter rang from the kitchen. "Darling, they'll be fine. Mikan just texted saying they'll be here in 20 minutes."

Izumi begrudgingly sat down. He then adjusted his single-seat sofa to face the window. "They drove here? He's driving? Why couldn't they take the train? Separately?"

"Because that would be impractical, love."

He ignored his wife's logical reasoning. "I knew I should've just banned her from that Festival," he griped.

"But Natsume-nii was really nice to me and Nee-chan! We had a lot of fun." Youichi smiled in nostalgia. Unlike his father, he was looking forward to dinner. He missed his sister dearly and was excited to see his idol after so long.

Yuka set several dishes on the dining table. She scrutinized it for a while, then nodded in satisfaction at her work. "Let it go, darling. I'm sure Natsume is a really nice young man!"

Izumi looked scandalised. His supposed partner and only son had left his side. Just how charming is this Natsume?

Before he could protest, his wife cut him off, "You two, set the plates. Mikan hasn't been back in a while and this is a very special occasion for her. So best behaviour, okay?" She sent a pointed look to her husband as if he were the immature troublemaker in the family, making their ten-year-old son snicker.

They were right in front of the door. Natsume looked around, almost frantically. Their porch was homely, they even have a small garden with several vegetable plants. The shoe cupboard closest to the door was slightly ajar, revealing stacked shoes. The top ones looked like they were usually worn, while the bottom ones were starting to collect dust.

He was definitely stalling. Mikan didn't want to ask, knowing he would merely answer with a lame excuse, like 'trying to feel the vibes of this place'. She teased him enough in the car, so she decided to take a different approach.

She held onto his shoulder and slowly caressed to his nape, simultaneously redirecting his eyes and soothing him. He always liked her playing with his hair. "Hey, you're gonna be fine, okay? My mom and Yo-chan already love you."

"Just your mom and Youichi?" he deadpanned.

"You know I don't like lying, especially not to you. But I mean it, you're gonna be fine! You studied, right? You always ace your exams!"

"This is one where I'm not too sure I have it in the bag."

Her palm moved to rest on his cheek. He nuzzled it for comfort. "I'm here with you. I'll never leave your side- not even for toilet breaks," she promised.

He nodded, relaxing at the thought of having his most important person by his side at all times.

"You ready?"

This was it. He nodded again.

She opened the door. The wonderful smell of her mother's cooking was the first to greet them. Mikan hadn't gone home in a while, despite studying in the same city. There was so much work- too much work and it was easy to forget the time and day when she was buried deep in deadlines. But when her family came into view, Youichi taking the lead, she vowed she would try to make time.

"Nee-chan!" Youichi hugged her. He had grown taller. Mikan dreaded the day she would have to look up rather than down to her brother.

Her mother hugged her next, followed by her father. Izumi was grinning, he missed his daughter so much, sending her to university had been so painful for him. Especially knowing a certain boy was joining her there.

When they let go, Izumi was still smiling, but it had a hint of malice now. "So here's the special boyfriend."

Mikan rolled her eyes. "You don't have to say it like it's a curse, Dad."

"It's very nice to finally meet you. I'm Natsume," he stiffly bowed.

Izumi nodded, straight-faced. But at least, the two other Yukihiras were beaming at him. Natsume ruffled Youichi's hair in greeting, and returned Yuka's smile.

"Oh my! He's as charming as the pictures!" Yuka said. "Come, come, let's not loiter here."

Mikan took Natsume's hand and squeezed it reassuringly. With just a simple touch, the bile cruelly dancing in his stomach let up. He took a deep breath as she guided him to the dining table. Izumi sat at the head of the table, while Yuka settled on his right. Youichi had taken the seat beside his mother, leaving the two seats on the other side for them.

Natsume mentally noted to treat Youichi some ice cream- he didn't think he could contain his uneasiness if he weren't next to Mikan at all times. She sat on her dad's left, leaving him to the last seat across from her little brother.

Dinner started out fine. Mikan handled most of the talking, updating her family about her degree life and that one bitch (Mikan called her that with Natsume, but kept it PG in front of her family) in her class who was free-loading on a group assignment.

The bile started its belly dance again when Izumi addressed him. "Natsume, what was it that you're studying, again?"

"Engineering, sir."

"Oh, how wonderful!" Yuka said. "A man of science. You must be very smart, Natsume."

Mikan stopped chewing. "Hey! I'm smart too, you know."

"I know, dear. But he's in science, it's very commendable."

Mikan huffed. Asian parents.

"I like science! I got the highest grade on my midterms too," Youichi said as he looked at Natsume, like a puppy waiting for a treat.

"That's awesome, kiddo," Natsume said, earning himself a grin from the boy.

Mikan sent Natsume a pointed look. They've been dating long enough for him to understand it meant "See? I told you."

But Izumi, a man of language and literature, didn't quite share the same sentiment as his wife and son. "Engineering? I read the news that it has one of the highest rates of unemployment- too many graduates and not much work."

"I, uh, actually plan to get into academia. As a professor, one day."

Yuka clapped in delight. "That's a really good ambition to have!"

"See, dad? In education. Just like you," Mikan grinned, enunciating the last three words.

Noticing Izumi's deepening scowl, Natsume attempted to appease him. "Of course being a teacher is much more noble work. You're shaping the minds of the next generation, sir. That's very admirable."

Izumi merely nodded, and this only quadrupled Natsume's anxiety. Youichi changed the topic of the conversation then, telling Mikan who hadn't heard his big news yet- he got into the volleyball team of Alice Academy.

Natsume tried hard to focus on Youichi's exciting tale, but his mind was frantic now. Mikan's father did not look happy and he felt the urgent need to fix it. To do something to make it right. He wondered if groveling would be sufficient. Please, sir. Please like me enough to approve of my being with your lovely daughter.

But initiating a talk with him seems like a death sentence, so Natsume decided to approach the next person. "Mrs Yukihira, I saw your garden outside. The turnips are growing really well."

Yuka laughed. "Oh dear, that's so sweet of you! But my husband is the one who gardens."

Izumi stabbed his steamed turnip in reply.

Natsume felt like he swallowed his tongue. "It's ready to be harvested now," he blurted.

"It's not time yet. I harvest after fifty days of planting."

Natsume glanced at Mikan, who gave an encouraging smile to go on. "Yes, sir. But smaller ones have a sweeter flavour. Perfect for steamed vegetables."

Everyone stared at Natsume. He felt the pressure to say something else. "But this one tastes great too."

Yuka smiled, pleased to receive praise from a guest. "Thank you, Natsume."

Mikan and Youichi's eyebrows went up. The boy looked simply impressed while Mikan was a little bewildered. "I didn't know you garden," she said.

"I don't. I watched a documentary."

Izumi said nothing. He kept eating his turnips while the rest continued the conversation.

"He hates me," Natsume whispered.

Dinner had passed without any other mortifying moments for Natsume. The young couple offered to clear the table while the rest moved to the living room. Mikan heard the front door open and shut, probably her dad out to see his little garden.

She was washing the dishes, soap up to her wrists while Natsume was in charge of wiping them dry.

"The turnip bit was good though," she smiled.

"It wasn't. I stereotyped his hobby, which is the worst thing to do."

"And then you gave him some pretty good tips. Everyone was impressed."

He groaned. The sink was clear now, but she noticed he was stalling again- wiping plates that have far long dried. She held his wrist softly, effectively stopping his mechanical activity.

She leaned in. "You're doing fine, Natsume. Great, even."

Somewhere in the back of Natsume's mind, he was vaguely aware that Mikan's family was only a wall away and they probably shouldn't be so comfortable with each other right now. But he couldn't help it, he leaned in too, much closer and took a deep breath. Mikan smelled like the perfume he'd bought for her birthday last year. It was a sweet smell - vibrant, refreshing and soothing all at once. Just like home, he thought. He tilted his head, intending to taste his home.

Someone behind them coughed. Natsume jumped away like a frightened cat.

"Hey dad, how's the garden?" Mikan smoothly asked, undeterred by the interruption.

Izumi set down a basket of small turnips, freshly harvested. "It's good," he replied.

Mikan and Natsume shared a glance, unsure if Izumi meant the garden or the turnips. Maybe both.

Once the dishes were done, Mikan brought out dessert, her favourite homemade chocolate-mousse trifle, from the fridge and to the living room. Just in time for Yuka to come back from the storage room with a box full of photo albums. Izumi took the box from his wife and placed it on the floor by the coffee table.

"Mom, come on," Mikan whined as she pulled Natsume to sit on the loveseat sofa with her. "Let's not do this."

Yuka moved the trifles to the edge of the coffee table, making room for the album viewing session. "We're doing this! My daughter comes back home with a special man? Of course I'll be pulling these out." She plucked out a random photo album and held it up like it was a trophy.

Mikan blushed. Even Natsume had a hard time covering his warming cheeks at the mention of 'special man'. "I'd love to see all of it," he smiled.

"Oh, of course you do," Mikan nudged him with her shoulders.

Youichi sat on the floor by Mikan's knees, rifling through the box. "Are there photos of me too?"

"Of course, dear," Yuka answered, flipping open the album in hand. "We don't keep the photos chronologically, it's a little messy but we like it that way." Of course, this information was meant for Natsume, as the Yukihiras were well aware of their little tradition.

It was odd for Natsume at first, seeing the memories in random order, but the more they flipped through, the more he understood. It felt like a playlist on shuffle- being aware of the content but taken a pleasant surprise by its sequence. Yuka told the story behind each picture with her husband adding some remarks once in a while. Mikan chimed in too, offering anything she could remember from her younger days.

"Look how adorable this is!" Yuka gushed at a picture of a twelve-year-old Mikan holding a newly-born Youichi.

"I remember this," Mikan laughed. "It was the day I discovered that newborns look like monkeys."

Youichi crossed his arms. "I'm not a monkey!"

"You sure about that, buddy?" Izumi started to tickle his son, resulting in fits of laughter from the boy.

Yuka flipped to the next page. "Ah, see, it's baby Mikan! This one's right after I gave birth."

Natsume leaned in to look closer. Izumi was cradling the little Mikan, too focused on his daughter to even smile at the camera. His careful hold, gentle smile and loving eyes was enough to tell Natsume how happy Izumi was in this unmoving picture.

"He was speechless that whole day," the mother smiled, tracing the photo. "Barely said anything after Mikan was born. He just held her for hours- didn't even want to let go of her little hands as I was breastfeeding her."

Izumi fondly smiled at the photo, then to his grown daughter. He met Natsume's eyes as he softly said, "She'll always be my little girl." It wasn't a threat, just a reminder- a mere request even, to never break his daughter's heart and to not take her too far away from him.

Natsume glanced at his hand that was clasping Mikan's. He didn't even notice when they started holding hands- it was just something so close to second nature for them. He never wanted to let go.

He nodded to Izumi, a silent promise between them.

"Dad, please don't get all sappy on me now," Mikan said, fanning her free hand to her face, a silly attempt to dry the tears brimming in her eyes.

The parents laughed. Yuka close to tears herself as she held her daughter's knee to offer a small amount of comfort.

Youichi was still inspecting the photo. "You looked monkey-er than me, Nee-chan."

The car ride back to UTokyo was silent. Natsume was gripping the steering wheel unusually tight for a smooth drive with almost no traffic. They had left soon after the photo album viewing session, her parents fussing over the time (Youichi had school the next day) and worried it'll be too dark to drive despite them living in the city. Mikan hugged each of her family members tightly, promising to call as soon as they reached their dorms.

She twisted her body to look at him. "They loved you, you know."

Natsume sent a wary glance to his girlfriend who was smiling serenely. "I thought you said you don't like lying. Especially not to me."

"I'm not."

"Polka, your dad's glares turned into frowns by the end of dinner. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure that means anything but approval."

She laughed. "That just means he's in denial. You were perfect and he found no concrete reason to ha- I mean, disapprove of you now."

Mikan's mid-change of words did not go unnoticed by Natsume. He muttered an "okay" that sounded pretty child-like.

She reached out to his hand, slipping each fingers together for a reassuring hold. "Just a few more dinners, and he's going to love you," she insisted.

Natsume smiled at their linked hands. Mikan was absentmindedly stroking his finger with her thumb. "As much as you love me?"

"Of course not, no one loves you as much as I do."

He chuckled. "Thank you."

"For?"

"For saying yes to my final question."

She grinned. There were a lot of other things they were thankful for - family, good health, the internet - but as he drove them back, gentle conversation filling the car, they were also grateful for each other, and the one chance she had openly given him.

A/N: When I finished the last line, I was left with shock and slight in denial, sort of like I couldn't believe it's over. It sounds dramatic, but I think I'm going through some stages of grief LOL. This story means a lot to me, I had so much fun and I felt like I've grown a lot as a writer just from these five chapters. I'm aware my updates were insanely slow, but it was really important to me that I, first and foremost, enjoyed it before sharing to all of you. So thank you so much for everyone's support! The reviews are super sweet and became happy pills to some really bad days. I love getting them so much!

Also, the biggest thanks to my friends in Gakuen Alice Discord Server especially crimsoncitrus, Oh Hello World and extenuatingcircumlocution (all in FFN) for the ongoing encouragements and many writing sessions together. I am forever grateful I met such wonderful people. My last two mentioned friends actively write for the fandom, so go check their fics out, they're incredibly talented! I have some other stories in mind to write, so please look forward to that too!

Meanwhile, I'll be hanging around in the Discord server. I'd love to meet the nice people who leave such kind reviews and thank you all properly, so if you're looking for a community of avid fans, active contributors and consumers of the fandom, please join the server! It's a super chill and warm environment, so don't be shy! Just type discord .gg followed by /mnrgF2PWEr

Feel free to drop a final review and well then, jumpa lagi!