-'Know Me to Change Me'-

A hurtful past none that last a Cold Mikan. Will someone be able to change her? Can friendship, family or a new found love turn her frown upside down?

Disclaimer: Not the owner of the Gakuen Alice nor the Characters.

Recap:

"Mikan" Hotaru said with a tint of worry.

"I need to rest Hotaru. I'm extremely tired." Mikan said and went inside to her room.

After closing the door she sat on the bed thinking of the encounter earlier.

"I am not strong enough" Mikan mumbled to herself.

While Hotaru was still outside Mikans room

"No, Mikan. You are not just ready yet."


Chapter Six

The academy is silent because the students were still sleeping. But a young adult is outside just walking and observing the surroundings where she will stay for a long time. While walking she noticed that the clouds are darkening and the wind is quite strong and the change of weather made her smile. It was not very sunny, not wet, and most of all it was dark just like she is now.

She just finished her mission five days ago and found out that the girl she rescued will be attending school tomorrow. She was confused whether she will be happy or not. The girl was very likable, cheerful in a way and fragile... just as she used to be. Though Mikan wanted Aoi to happy and enjoy her little freedom though not completely freed, it still bothers her that every close friend of her will be and danger.

Mikan stopped from her little walk and stared at the ground. A heavy sigh escaped from her but still did not help her confused mind. But there is one thing for sure "It should be done." Mikan whispered.

-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-

"What's up, Imai?" Kokoro Yome, a blond boy with a plastered grin on his face that is clearly visible.

"Shut up Koko. I'm busy." Hotaru clearly stated to Koko without any other emotion but annoyance on her voice. She was obviously busy doing some techno gadgets that will be quite handy on some sticky situations.

"Oh! Come on. I am very bored! Do you know that the school became plainer these days?" Koko sat near Hotaru but not close enough to make her angry. No one wants an angry Hotaru that spells "TORTURE". Koko shivered at his own thoughts.

"As I was saying, Ahem. We have a new student but it didn't really made any difference. I'm just bored." Koko shared her feelings to Hotaru hoping that she will understand. But unfortunately, she didn't care and was not listening to him the whole time. Koko could only sigh to think that Hotaru Imai would understand. HA, what was he thinking?.

Suddenly the classroom door opened and in came Mikan. She was kind of early but decided proceed to the classroom hoping Hotaru would be there already. She may be not the cheery type of person anymore but she still cares for her best friend. Sure, Hotaru left her when they were young but it wasn't enough to make her hate the only best friend that cares for her in a unique way. She also sat near Hotaru but distanced herself from Koko.

"Moring, Hotaru. Sorry about yesterday." Mikan expressed her sorry. It might be weird but she felt that acting cold to Hotaru makes her sad. She tried to distance herself to Hotaru but it ended up not completely as she had planned. Hotaru joined the DA instead of avoiding her. It made her feel important but at the same time worried. She did not expect that Hotaru would care for her so much to also risk herself doing missions and letting the Academy use her inventions. Now, she has someone that understands her and in exchange the more she wanted to be strong to protect it. (not in a romantic way, ok?)

Hotaru stopped her work for a while and looked at Mikan. She was sincere and she can feel it. She tore her gaze away and continued her work knowing well that Mikan understand what it means.

"Looks like Hotaru doesn't want to talk." Koko interrupted while looking at Mikan. He couldn't stop the intriguing feeling inside him. How Mikan talked to Hotaru casually and not getting ignored. He was curious.

"I'm Kokoro Yome. Call me Koko" He introduced himself with a wide grin.

"Mikan Sakura" She said briefly. Though she already knew who he was and everyone in their class. She was polite enough not to tell Koko about it. But the fact that Koko was smiling widely at her made her acknowledge him by cracking a bit and giving him a tiny smile.

"You smiled!" Koko said enthusiastically like earning a golden star. "You know, I always thought you were a cold person and somewhat lonely inside" he continued as he analyzed Mikan's reaction. He might not be able to read her mind because of her alice but observing peoples behavior related to their thoughts gave him an idea of what can be the possible attitude of the new student.

"I'm surprised you noticed." Mikan replied calmly. She was impressed how keen he is though looking at him gives you an impression of him being dumb or knowing something more than what you think he has. The latter sounded more believable.

"Cut it out, Koko" Hotaru interrupted. She sensed that the two are really having a good conversation but talking in front of her and ignoring her presence was making her mad. She can be quite possessive to Mikan now that her cheerfulness was reduced. Being friendly with Koko was fine but if this continues she'd feel lonely and was quite sure that Koko would taint her innocence while her pure cheerfulness would disappear with his schemes.

"C'mon Hotaru! Were just friends. I'm not a bad guy!" Koko complained having to hear Hotaru's thoughts while replacing his grin with a pout that didn't appealed to the two girls at all.

Click

A sound of a gun was heard that hinted Koko to scram and so did he.

The bell rang and students poured in their respective classrooms. As usual everybody was busy talking while teachers were discussing except for Mathematics and Homeroom where they fear or respect the teacher. The day was uneventful for everyone.

Just like any ordinary day, for some people that is.

-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-'+'-

"Hey Mikan!" Anna greeted after the class ended.

"Hmm?" She asked. She may seem unfriendly at first but she thought that shoving them away was futile.

"Do you want to come with us?" Anna exclaimed having the expression where she really wants her to come. Her eyes were twinkling while inching closer to her.

"Us? Where?" 'Who's us?' Mikan thought.

"To central town" Nonoko replied in behalf of Anna. She just finished gathering her books and saw Anna talking to Mikan. She was happy that Anna invited Mikan to come but she showed it by simply smiling and not close to Anna's overjoyed expression.

"Sure. I'll invite Hotaru too." That was all her reply and went to Hotaru's Lab.

They met at the bus station and found everyone wearing their normal clothes while Mikan was still wearing her uniform. Anna and Nonoko are wearing almost identical clothes but different in color and Hotaru with her simple purple shirt and dark shaded pants.

"Why are you wearing your uniform, idiot?" Hotaru asked when they were properly seated in the bus.

"Oh. I forgot to change after I've done my homework. I thought I would be late" Mikan was not lying though. It was true that she forgot but when she remembered it after locking her room's door. She felt lazy and didn't bother to change. "And I'm not an idiot. Besides, there are no rules against to wearing school uniforms when going to central town" She was a little mad for calling her idiot but it brought a feeling of nostalgia.

The ride was short because Central town was located within the campus grounds. When the four stepped out of the yellow bus, the two almost identical girls smiled widely while the other two was simply impassive.

"So this is Central town." Mikan stated after examining the place until where her eyes allowed her. "What's that store? It's so pink and ... girly" she continued noticing a store that stood out.

"They sell Fluff puffs! It's like cotton candies but more... everything! I love it!" Anna said or rather almost cheered.

Mikan thought that the establishment was too pink and girly for a candy shop with just one delicacy. But after she skimmed the place, she found out that there were many people that are ready to buy. The costumers were also looking excited and happy? But after all the skimming she found a cheerful girl that stood out despite having the common black hair of hers. The girl turned around and saw her. She seemed puzzled a moment like remembering who she saw. Then, the girl recalled who she was and waved at her while smiling.

"Hello! How are you?! Thank you!" The girl screamed at Mikan's direction then stopped.

'What the hell?!! Hyuuga!' Mikan screamed to her thoughts.

Thank you for reading!

I am very thankful to you guys! I know that I took a really really long time to update this one. But I hope you will continue to support me and I really made this chaper quite long though lacking something. I know I know that it's a little confusing but bear with me you guys, ok?

(Please forgive me for some errors.)

I am really happy today! At last!

For those who left a review: Thank you very much!

Please don't forget to leave a comment!