Disclaimer: I don't own any character from Gakuen Alice.
While Mikan brought Natsume to her home, Hotaru also bring Ruka to her house. On their way there, Ruka noticed that a lot of villagers were very surprise yet happy to see Hotaru.
"Hotaru, are you very famous here? How come everyone is very happy to see you?" Ruka asked.
"I did invent many things here and the Gakuen people took me away from here. That's why they all are so nice to me. They think I'm the star here, but I'm just nothing." Hotaru said.
"Sodes ne… by the way, how far is your house to Mikan's?" Ruka asked again.
"About 10 minutes…" Hotaru answered. Then she pointed at a house in front of them, "That's my home over there." She said and they hurried over.
"Tadaima!" Hotaru said as she entered the house.
As soon as she finished speaking, a lady ran out of the house and hugged her, "Hotaru-chan, you've finally came back… I have been waiting the whole morning…" She then said.
"Kaa-san… I have brought along a tomodachi with me… This is Nogi Ruka." Hotaru introduced and Ruka nodded.
Mrs. Imai looked at Ruka and said, "Oh…. Welcome to our house and I hoped that you will enjoy your stay here."
"Thanks you, Mrs. Imai." Ruka thanked.
"Hotaru-chan, why don't you bring Ruka-kun to the guest room first?" She then said and Hotaru led Ruka into the house.
However, before the walked out of Mrs. Imai's sight, she seems to remember something and said, "By the way, Hotaru, your onii-chan is also coming back today for his home-stay."
Upon hearing the news, Hotaru went stiff for a moment and then led Ruka into the house, to his room. As they were walking to his room, Ruka was busy thinking about what her mother has said just now. He was very surprised to hear that Hotaru has a brother.
"Here's your room, Ruka and my room is just beside yours. You unpack your things first. I'll meet you in 5 minutes later, then we proceed to Mikan's house." Hotaru then said and Ruka agreed.
Soon after Ruka has finished unpacking, he began wandering in the room and began thinking about the previous questions that kept him preoccupied. However, he did not get to think much as Hotaru appeared at the door of his room. As they were walking towards the door, they heard some commotions. Ruka looked at Hotaru curiously and realized that her expression has turned stone-cold. It was then Ruka realized that her onii-chan is back and they left the house in hurry.
On their way to Mikan's house, Hotaru showed him around a bit and he is fascinated about the village.
"This place is so peaceful and quiet. It is like a dream place that I like to have in the future." Ruka commented. "What about you?" he then asked Hotaru.
"I only care for now. As for the future, nobody will know what is going to happened." Hotaru answered.
"I see… By the way, I didn't know that you have a brother. Does Mikan know about it?" Ruka asked.
Hotaru shook, "She doesn't know. My nii-chan is 5 years elder than me and he was already taken to the Gakuen way before I was born." She explained.
Soon, they reached Mikan's house and the 4 of them go sightseeing. As they walked through the village, Natsume spotted a Sakura tree and walked towards it.
"This Sakura tree is very special as there is rarely a Sakura tree found in all small villages and this is the one and only Sakura tree in this village." Mikan explained.
"What makes it special?" Ruka then asked.
Mikan thought for a while, "Well, there is a legend behind this tree. Ji-chan once told me the story. It happened long before peace is restored in the country, when there is still war. A pair of couple grew up here and they fell in love with each other. They pledged their love at this very Sakura tree and before they even get married, they died during war. They held on to their last breathe and made it back here together and died in each other's embrace." Mikan related.
"This is really a romantic yet tragic story. Quite touching too, the story." Ruka then commented.
Mikan nodded, "That's right, Ruka-pyon. That's why this tree is a sacred tree and many elders said that the couple's souls have been protecting the village till now."
They then continue sightseeing till the sun is setting down, and then they returned to their homes for dinner.
During dinner-time, Ruka gets into the conversations with everyone occasionally. He then noticed the liking and disliking of both Hotaru and her nii-chan are the same. After dinner, Hotaru sat outside the house and Ruka joined her.
"Ne… Hotaru, what is your nii-chan's Alice?" he asked.
"His Alice is healing external injuries." Hotaru answered as she looked at the sky. "I can't wait to see my friends from the school. Mikan and I are going there tomorrow. You want to come?" She quickly changes the topic.
Ruka hesitate for a while, "I'll like to join in too." He answered.
Hotaru then smiled at his answer.
"You know what? You look very beautiful when you smile. You really should smile more often." Ruka then said and Hotaru blushed a bit.