Author's Note: This story takes place in a fashion school after graduating from Ouran. It mainly follows an original character and Kaoru. Also, I wasn't aware of Mei's birthday or blood type, so I made it up.

CHAPTER ONE.

"Kaoru! Kaoru! Get up!" his brother's voice yelled as he hit him endlessly with a pillow. Kaoru sat up in his bed and looked around the apartment room that he shared with his brother on campus, "Hmm? Did I sleep through the alarm again?" Hikaru nodded, "Yeah... what's up with you lately? It's unlike you to be like this..." Kaoru thought for a moment, 'That memory again... it keeps popping up in my dreams...' Kaoru smiled towards his brother, "It's nothing Hikaru." He stood up and started to walk towards the bathroom, "I guess that I've been working too hard on my projects." Hikaru shrugged, "Well, just take it easy then. With that said, I'm going to head to class. I'll write your name on the attendance sheet if you're late." Kaoru nodded, "Thanks."

Kaoru got into the shower and began cleaning himself, while thinking of the dream that has been showing up to him constantly.

'It was when I was five... wasn't it? Hikaru got ill and instead of letting me stay home with Hikaru to watch over him while he was ill, Mother forced me to go to one of those dumb parties... all sorts of famous designers and fashionistas were there... but I didn't care. I didn't want to be there... as I wandered the venue, I decided to grab some chocolate cake. I remember hearing sniffling under the table with the desserts, so I obviously was curious. There was a girl... around the same age... she might have been a year or two younger... regardless, her face is still vivid to me... those tears staining her face. I grabbed my handkerchief and handed it to her... joining her under the table, "Are you ok?" She glanced at me, but refused to speak. I don't know why I decided to stay there... maybe it's because in a way I felt that I cound relate to her? In any case, I continuously spoke, "Why are you crying? Can't find someone?" The girl cried a little harder, "Aah! Sorry, sorry! Didn't mean to make you feel worse! Here! Have some cake! It will help lessen your fear and make you feel better!" The girl looked at me holding the fork with some cake on it towards her. She grabbed the fork and placed the cake in her mouth. "Say... how is it?" She slightly smiled, "It's really good!" It was then that I realized her hair... never before had I seen hair like hers before... it was so silky and long. The length reached the bottom of her back. "WHOA! Your hair is so shiny and black! Just like a doll's hair!" She smiled, "Thank you!" The girl's mother glanced under the table, "Aaah, there you are! Mommy was looking everywhere for you! Quickly come out, we have to head out." With that, I watched the girl leave happily with her mother. I don't know what I felt at that moment, but it was a strange sensation... It was the first time that I spoke to someone without Hikaru around... I guess in a way, it was a good memory... Yet... even if it was a good memory, I remember hiding it away from Hikaru... I had to... if Hikaru knew that I spoke to someone he would feel betrayed. Thinking of that now, I kind of laugh... we were so close-minded... if it wasn't for Haruhi... I wonder if we would still be close-minded.'

Hikaru left the class and made his way back to the apartment, "Kaoru! Are you feeling alright? It's unlike you to miss the design class... in any case, I took notes and such... you owe me." Kaoru was laying in his bed and glanced over at Hikaru, "Thanks. I guess that I'm not really with it today. I'll be good though." Hikaru shrugged, "Well, as long as you don't abandon life... I think that everything will work out fine... So! It seems that Master Ninomiya is releasing a new line to the public today. Want to watch the broadcast in the common area later?" Kaoru thought for a moment, "I suppose... it's been awhile since I actually watched something in the common area... I guess that I usually just watch on our tv, since I'm always working on new designs."

The twins ventured to the large common area on campus. Several students were present to watch the new line from Master Ninomiya on the large screen. They were immediately recognized by a few guy friends. "Kasanoda! It's been awhile! Decided not to take summer classes, I'm guessing?" Hikaru said aloud while wrapping an arm around the man. Kasanoda nodded, "Yeah... I decided to have fun this summer instead... besides, I just want to sew... not design like Kaoru." Hikaru laughed, "I hear that! But... it's still good to know a little bit about designing, right?" Kasanoda shrugged, "I suppose so... but... I was more intersted in hanging out with this gorgeous lady instead-" The conversation between the two continued and Kaoru decided to wander around. Summer classes were ending that week and in another two weeks the new semester would start... which means that new students would be on campus. The area suddenly got quiet and all eyes were on the giant screen.

"I can't believe STORMY NIGHTS design for Fall and Winter just hit the market! And here, we are the first station to have the information of Master Ninomiya releasing a new design for the next Spring and Summer version! Master Ninomiya is constantly leading in the fashion trend!"

A girl was looking up at the screen, her hands clenched and she was biting on her lip. She whispered to herself, "Kazuko! I'm warning you... you must not! You absolutely, positively must NOT cry..." She continued watching the broadcast.

"And that's all for the new STORMY NIGHTS Spring and Summer version! It's absolutely stunning! As expected of Master Ninomiya! What inspired you this time for your amazing chic and cuting-edge designs?"

The entire student body watched in awe as Master Ninomiya began to speak towards the camera, "Bold Love of course! As you can see we've amped up our storm to make it more daring. Women now-a-days have been cutting edge... it only makes sense for them to wear clothing that fits their personalities." "That's fabulous Master Ninomiya! The entirety of Japan looks forward to your next project! Thank you so much for showcasing such an amazing fashion show for us." "It's my pleasure."

The girl's tears became more apparent, "It will be extremely shameful if you're to shed a tear Kazuko... Very shame-"

Instead of watching the entirty of the program, Kaoru couldn't help but watch the crying girl. He began to walk over towards her when Master Ninomiya was first shown on the screen. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he couldn't help but be a gentleman. He grabbed the baseball cap that he was wearing on his head that day and placed it on her head.

The girl looked at him, "Uhhh?" Kaoru looked her straight in the eyes and smiled, "A girl's tears are very precious... you mustn't let other people see it. This cap... it's for you." With that, Kaoru walked off, meeting with his brother and a few friends. "Hey, hey, hey~ what did you think of that show Kaoru?" Kaoru smirked, "I think that my designs will kick that man's designs asses one day." "Uwaaa! You're so cocky!" Kaoru laughed, "Didn't I tell all of you that I will be the leading fashion designer in all of Japan?" Hikaru laughed, "Yeah, yeah... we're on this again?" Kaoru smirked, "Last I checked... I never left this thought process."

- TWO WEEKS LATER...

Hikaru grabbed Kaoru's hand and lead him down a large hallway, "Hikaru... where are we going so early in the morning?" Hikaru smirked, "To peek in on the new students of course! Their opening ceremony is about to start." Kaoru laughed, "Why do we need to show up there?" Hikaru smirked, "Well, remember our opening ceremony last year? You were the student with the most recognizable talent that was entering the school. Don't you want to see who takes that position this year?" Kaoru laughed, "Well, I guess we can see who will try to take my place as the leader of desiging in this school." Hikaru laughed, "Exactly... we must find out who will become your biggest competition this year!"

"Today is the school opening ceremony. Our Clothing Design Faculty of Me-Met Institute has trained many outstanding talents, which is obvious to all in the field. For this grand opportunity, we have invited two extremely important guests who have graduated from this school in the past. You should say that they are not only grand sempais to you all, but they both play a role in the Fashion Design World as well as the great masters who effortlessly are leading the younger generation. Now, everyone please give a round of applause to welcome Master Matsumoto and Master Ninomiya!"

Hikaru and Kaoru sat down at the back of the event. Kaoru smirked and whispered to his brother, "I get to see my current competition now... how great of a day this is." Hikaru laughed, "You really hate Master Ninomiya, don't you?" Kaoru shrugged, "It's not that I hate him, I just feel that he's too cocky for the clothing world." Hikaru laughed, "He does kind of show off towards the camera... what do you think of Master Matsumoto?" Kaoru was clapping as the two masters of the fashion design world walked onto the stage, "Hmmm... I guess you could say he's pretty modest... but I don't think that he takes enough risks on some of his designs." Hikaru nodded, "Not everyone can be as cutting edge as you." Kaoru nodded, "Yeah, it's just a matter of time that my designs are out in the open."

The two masters bowed and sat down in the seats prepared for them on stage. Then, the principal of the school continued, "Okay, to follow up, we firstly would like to ask the new student who entered Clothing Design Faculty who got a full-scholarship due to her designs submitted to us, Tatemura Kazuko-san, to represent the new students to deliver a speech. Everyone, please give a round of applause to welcome classmate, Tatemura Kazuko-san!"

Hikaru glanced over at his brother, "That name... it's female... seems like your new competition is a woman." Kaoru smirked, "Well, she probably won't be much competition then... considering that women usually work solely on female designs." Hikaru shrugged, "You never know Kaoru... just because 99.9% of this school's girls in the design department only work on female designs doesn't mean that all of them will." Kaoru's eyes widened a bit when he saw the woman walk onto the stage.

She was tall and slender like a model, had beautiful chestnut eyes and long, soft black hair. It was the exact same girl that cried watching Master Ninomiya's new line on display. Kaoru frowned, 'She's in design... so those damn tears of hers were probably from being moved by that cocky jerk's work... I wasted my good-heart...'

Hikaru took notice of the girl, "Say Kaoru... your new rival is cute! Though... she looks like she might be a bit difficult to handle..." Hikaru took notice that she was wearing extremely cutting edge designs... it was an extremely punk look, which not many girls at this school would be caught wearing.

Kazuko approached the podium and took a deep breath. She wasn't used to speaking infront of large crowds, so she was a bit nervous, "Principal, Fellow Teachers, and Felllow Schoolmates. Hello. I'm Tatemura Kazuko, a representative for the new students. I'm extremely happy to have an opportunity to become a Clothing Designer by entering this Clothing Design Faculty of Me-Met's Institute. However, before I entered this school, I'm determined to aim for a goal that may not be similar to other fellow schoolmates."

Hikaru and Kaoru both were intrigued and raised eyebrows and Kazuko took a deep breath before speaking back into the microphone, "That goal that I speak of is that I will surpass a successful kindergarden child who designed THE STORM. Furthermore, I wish to push the designer who depends on that STORMY NIGHTS LINE to be completely forgotten. What I have mentioned is a small speech from the new students representative, Tatemura Kazuko. Thank you everyone." With that said, Kazuko bowed and walked off the stage and sat back down in her seat.

A few of the teachers on stage began speaking amongst each other, "Oh... how did this happen?" "How did it turn to be like this?" "That student doesn't know her limit, does she?" Master Ninomiya smirked, taking notice of the girl and whispered to a teacher, "Could you get me her name please?" "Of course sir, I apologize for such a comment. We didn't ever expect this to happen..." The teacher wrote down the name, "We're terribly sorry for this." Master Ninomiya's face turned a bit sadistic, "Oh it's not a problem... not a problem at all... Designing is suppose to be like this..." He looked down at the name of the girl, "Tatemura Kazuko..."

Hikaru and Kaoru walked into one of their many classrooms. Kasanoda immeidately spoke up, "Hey, hey! Did you two hear about it?" Hikaru smirked, "You're talking about Tatemura Kazuko... right? She's gotten quite popular already." Kasanoda nodded, "Yeah, hard to believe that a newbie would say such things in front of Master Ninomiya! Claiming that the STORMY NIGHTS line was made by a kingergartener... what the heck is she thinking?" Kaoru smirked, "This is the most excitement I've seen on campus yet... everyone is always praising Master Ninomiya... I think that it's great that someone on this campus opposes him... though, I am quite curious why she dislikes him so much..."

Kazuko was walking throughout the campus heading to her very first design class, 'It's no surprise that they're all looking at me like I'm insane... I did say a lot during the opening ceremony today... I guess that chances of finding friends are slim to none. Haha, not that I'm here to make friends. All I care about is defeating Master Ninomiya. That bastard has it coming.'

"Hey look, isn't that her? The girl who is going against Master Ninomiya?"

"Yeah, yeah... wow... looking at her right now, it's pretty obvious that she over-estimates herself!"

"She also voiced against the professors! Didn't you hear that?"

"What?! Voicing against the professors too! What is she thinking? Does she not realize her place?"

'Come on Kazuko! You must ignore it! Ignore all of it... this is your new place! This is the beginning of your battle against Master Ninomiya! How can I have the strength to even care about what others think? The only thing that matters is defeating that bastard! Come on Kazuko! I will surpass a successful kingergartener that designed STORMY NIGHTS! Furthermore, I will ensure that no one even knows the name Ninomiya after this!'

Ninomiya walked back to his company headquarters, "Nishida."

"Master, you're looking for me?"

"Yes. I want you to go research Tatemura Kazuko's household register and also every single piece of data from thirteen years ago of Sakurai Mamoru."

"Of course sir!"

Ninomiya continued to walk through his company's headquarters and finally made it to the room he was looking for. He entered and immediatley began to hear gossipping from his employees.

"Hey, hey~ that story about STORMY NIGHTS is crazy, isn't it?"

"Yeah... it's a strange rumor designed by some jealous person."

"Yes yes yes!"

"I think I heard who designed it! Rumor has it that Master Ninomiya stole the works of the internationally famed Master Sakurai! Insane, right?"

"Whoaaaa! I didn't hear that rumor! I heard another one! You know how my daughter is now in Me-Met's Institute? Well it just so happens that-"

Ninomiya made his presence known immediately, "Go on... I'm quite curious to hear the insanity being spread about MY line."

The gossipping women got really nervous, "Oh, Master Ninomiya! Welcome back! We hope that your trip went well?"

Ninomiya glared at the women, "Look, someone's going to tell me this rumor or else."

Shivers went up the women's spine. "Oh well, it's really a dumb rumor that makes no senes! But it's about your past work... the famous STORM dress that you made... it's rumored that it's designed by a five year old child."

Ninomiya had a dark look on his face, "I employed you guys to work, not come here and gossip~ Do you really believe a stupid rumor like that? Do you really believe that design is so easy that a five year old could make it? If you are not EARNESTLY working, then... it represents that you don't have the heart for it. If you don't have the heart for it, well... it's obvious isn't it? Obvious that you're just not qualified to work for my company. So, you all should think that through." With that said, he got up and left. "Uwaaaaaa! That was so scary! I thought that he was going to fire us all on the spot! Well, I'll never speak of rumors again!"

"Tatemura-chan~ Tatemura Kazuko-chan!", a squeaky voice came from behind her. Kazuko turned around and saw a rather attractive ganguro girl, "Uh... yeah?" The woman smiled, "Hey~ I'm Yasumura Mei! I'm in the same design class as you! And... it's been decided that I'll eventually be your best friend here." Kazuko stood there blankly, "Come again?" Mei spoke again, "We're going to be best friends at this school, because after hearing all the rumors, I know that we'll get along fine." Kazuko shrugged, "... uh... right... well, I have to start heading out..." Mei followed her, "That's fine! I'll continue my introduction while walking with you! Aries, blood type B! My interest is karaoke and makeup! Even though my appearance doesn't look like it, I'm an introvert! Oh and! I'll always be the best looking on campus, mainly because I'm so individualistic! Since I have a twin, which no one believes me since she's studying abroad, I have to make sure that I'm one-of-a-kind! Oh and, fashion is the one and ONLY thing that I'm passionate about in life, that's why we'll be best friends! Ok. Introduction complete!" Kazuko nodded, "I... see..."

'Introverted?! Is she insane? There's no way that she's an introvert... in fact, she's extremely loud... and it seems like she'll never stop talking... oh well, it's not like she's a bad person... it's just that I wonder why a sempai like her wants to be my friend... especially since I'm the enemy of the school right now for hating Master Ninomiya...' Kazuko continued walking, "So... Yasumura-san." "Mei. Call me Mei!" Kazuko nodded, a little uncomfortable, "Mei-chan..." Mei smiled, "Yes?" Kazuko continued, "Exactly why do you want to be my friend... I mean, you're a sempai..."

Mei laughed, "Even if I'm considered a sempai for being in my second year of college doesn't really mean anything. Just for the record, no one really cares where you stand in college. If you noticed, we're in the same design class. I couldn't get in the design course last year, so I'm starting it this year. Anyways, I know that you're someone that I can get along with. Not everyone wants to challenge a top-notch designer." Kazuko raised an eyebrow, "I'm not challenging a top-notch designer, I'm challenging a thief that needs to be forgotten." Mei laughed, "See! This is why we'll get along! I'm not a fan of Master Ninomiya either... actually, I have one designer who I respect like crazy." Kazuko slightly smiled her herself, "Who's that?" Mei responded, "The one and only Hitachiin Yuzuha!" Kazuko nodded, "She makes some really nice clothes, well, I'll see you around."

Mei sped up a bit, "Hey, hey! Don't just leave so quickly! We're friends now... so where are you heading to?" Kazuko let out a small sigh, "I'm going to see the head of the department's cultural offer." "Oh?! Can I come too?" "Uhh... sure." Mei smiled and grabbed Kazuko's arm, "Then let's go right away!"

Mei and Kazuko walked into the giant theater-like space and took a seat. Mei smiled, "They're showcasing the best of the best from the design department." Kazuko nodded, "Next year, I'll be apart of this event." Mei nodded, "I'm sure you will."

The department head spoke up, "And that's all for the women's clothing series. What an appreciation! As you all can see there's such diversity in this department. Nothing is the same, regardless of the theme. And now, coming up is the men's clothing series!"

Kazuko glanced over at Mei, "They're showcasing men's clothing as well?" Mei nodded, "Yup! In the past they used to showcase the best of the best, which was just two pieces from the entire department... but ever since last year, the making of men's clothing sky rocketed... so, instead of just picking two pieces, they now provide a whole fashion show using the best students' work. Actually, the men's clothing is quite huge right now." Kazuko raised an eyebrow, "That surprises me, since most people don't seem to be interested in designing men's clothing here..." Mei smirked, "Well, it's all because of Double H and K." Kazuko had a confused look on her face, "What's Double H and K?" Mei giggled, "You'll see soon enough!"

The department head continued, "Now... to begin the men's clothing... I present Double H and K!" The second the name was mentioned, the entire audience went into a giant uproar. They were screaming like fangirls and a few girls even took uchiwas out of their purses. Kazuko blinked heavily a few times, not really sure what to make of the situation. The department head spoke again, "For those of you who aren't familiar of Double H and K, the designs are created by Hitachiin Kaoru, with help by Hitachiin Hikaru and Kasanoda Ritsu." The audience's level of loudness became ridiculous. Kazuko looked at Mei, "There's no way that this Hitachiin Kaoru's designs are so good for them to be doing this..." Mei giggled, "You'll see exactly why they're freaking out... everyone in Me-Met knows Double H and K."

"And here they come... Me-Met's handsome lads are about to perform on stage! I said... Me-Met's handsome lads are about to perform on stage! Have a round of applause to welcome second year in Industrial Arts Faculty, Hitachiin Hikaru! Second year in Commerce Faculty, Kasanoda Ritsu! And... the one who designed this time, second year in Clothing Design Faculty... Hitachiin Kaoru!"

Kazuko watched as the three boys took the stage.

"Bringing us cultural feel of men's clothing... this is Double H and K! Let's showcase their fantastic pieces!"

Kazuko watched the entire thing, then her eyes landed on Kaoru... a flashback from a few weeks ago suddenly re-appeared in her mind.

'"A girl's tears are very precious, you mustn't let other people see it. This cap... is for you."'

A small tightness hit her chest and her heart beat began to accelerate.

'Why is it... why is it that after seeing him... I can't restrain my face from turning hot? Why is it that my heart beat accelerates? What is it? No. No Tatemura Kazuko! You can't! I won't allow it! Are you seriously falling for him? No! I'm warning you... you CAN'T fall in love! Understand? Before you surpass Master Ninomiya... love is absolutely, positively NOT allowed!'

The showcase ended and Mei glanced over at Kazuko, "Say Kazuko... you don't look too well. Oh! That's what! We should go eat! Eating good food will make you feel a heck of a lot better!" She grabbed Kazuko's hand and pulled her up, "Let's head out!"

Kazuko immediately snapped back to reality, "Oh... Mei-chan... sorry... I shouldn't have zoned out like that... I just... was really impressed by that guy's work... amazing what he can do with men's clothing... though... the three guys walking out like they're badasses from a movie was kind of lame." Mei giggled, "I know, right?! They told me last year that it's impactful and more people will remember their name that way! Instead... it became impactful as them becoming the three hotest men in the university. Almost every girl wants to be with them!" Kazuko laughed, "I don't get it... sure, they have good looks, but... I wouldn't want to date someone solely for good looks. Besides, why waste time on relationships when there's so much to do at school." Mei laughed, "You're a strange one, Kazuko-chan! I for one, find romance quite inviting. Though, it's nothing that I need." Kazuko laughed, "Anyways, I don't have time to eat... I have to head to my color theory class. I'll see you around." Mei nodded, "See you!"

TO BE CONTINUED