Kuchiki was her last name, but yet she was not a tad least bit related to the nobility of the name. She was given that last name after she was adopted by a normal married couple. She was just an ordinary girl who coincidentally had the same last name as the rich and powerful family. Whenever others ask for her name and she tells them, 'Kuchiki Rukia', they start to get excited and ask her if she was related to the nobles. She of course tells them no, and tells them that it was just a coincidence. Sometimes she can use her last name to her advantage, such as whenever she falls in a long line at Starbucks just trying to get coffee. She shows her I.D. to everyone in front of her, and immediately they get out of her way and let her through to the front of the line. It was really an easy way for her to grab coffee quickly.
The only people who knew pretty well that she wasn't a noble were her friends. They knew that her last name was just a coincidence since they knew her lifestyle and where she lived. She was not rich at all, or even middle class. She was just a bit lower than middle class, struggling financially with her parents, but doing well in other matters otherwise. Even though her friends know that her last name does not associate with nobility, they use it to get front seats at concerts without having to pay extra. They really were such good friends...
Rukia, Orihime, Tatsuki, and Momo all sat around a short table in Orihime's room just hanging around like usual and eating whatever food that Orihime prepared for them.
"Wow Orihime, your cooking is getting better and better each time we come over!" said Momo, who seemed to be enjoying the colorful food that Orihime served them. Everyone else agreed with Momo, also taking spoon-fulls and gulping down the food. After eating, they all just sat there, relaxing and spending good old times with each other.
"So Rukia-chan, have you found a job yet?" asked Tatsuki.
"Well, kind of. They're considering on hiring me in the Kuchiki manor as a maid." answered Rukia, who seemed uncomfortable talking about the subject.
"Awww! It's so unfair! Just because you can't afford going to university after the summer! I mean, you have top grades Rukia-chan! You're even really good at sports! I really wish that you didn't have to work to earn money and just go with us to study!" exclaimed Orihime, as she pouted at the idea that her very smart friend would be left behind to work while the rest of them go to university.
"At least you'll get paid decently, and you'll be working in the Kuchiki manor! Who knows? Someone might find out about your genius brain and make you work in their corporation instead of just being a maid! Besides, you wouldn't have to bury yourself in books and study like hell during the next year like us, and we'll still be able to see each other since the the university isn't so far. And..." Momo stopped in mid sentence to nudge Rukia on the shoulder, and made a sly face. "I heard that the head of the clan, Kuchiki Byakuya, is quite a sight! You'll be able to give us the details about him!" she exclaimed, getting all excited because of the rumors she had heard about the man.
"Uh... I don't even know if I'm working in the Kuchiki manor for sure yet. Besides, I heard that Kuchiki Byakuya was always so busy that no one sees him at all during the day." replied Rukia, as she sweat-dropped at her friend's joking ways, and they all laughed. But deep inside, she really appreciated what Momo said, because she really didn't want to lose them. She wanted to keep in touch with them while they were away and hang out whenever they could get a chance. It's also true that she would be able to take a break from school, even though she loved studying, and find out what she wants to do with her life. Working wouldn't be such a bad idea at all.
At the Kuchiki manor...
In an office at the Kuchiki manor, two men sat at a desk, looking through papers and pictures. They were resumes and applications to work as a maid in the Kuchiki manor. One of them picked up Rukia's picture and resume.
"Hmm... I really like this one a lot. I gave her a call a while ago and told her that we might be considering her. She looks like a hard worker, and look, she even stated in her resume that she recently graduated high school with honors and won first place in her school's regional track and field. She's also very cute. Byakuya-sama wouldn't want anyone less." said one man, as he continued to read Rukia's application.
"She only graduated from high school? Why is she working then if she has top grades?" replied the other man, who seemed skeptical about hiring Rukia.
"Well, it says here that she's trying to earn money for university. At least that's a good intention unlike the other girls who applied who said that all they wanted was to see Byakuya-sama's face. Really now, how insulting to the young master." said the first man, still holding Rukia's resume and picture, thinking that she is the best candidate for the job.
"Fine" sighed the other man. "But if I hear Byakuya-sama complain about this girl even once, we're going to have to fire her right away. He only deserves the best after all. Give her a call tomorrow morning and tell her that she's got the job. I'll tell Unohana-san about her and she'll let her know what she needs to do." he continued, sounding defeated. But hopefully she really will be able to uphold the job as Byakuya-sama's personal maid...