Preview/Prologue
"We're glad to see that you are better and returning to Ouran."
She stood from her seat, mimicking the chairman, and returned his smile as they shook hands, "thank you, Suoh-sama."
"Can I ask a favor of you Hitsumatsu-san?"
A curious expression fell on her face, "what favor?"
He laughed at her sudden cautious behavior, "I simply would like to ask you if you would deliver this letter to my son. He is still at school so I figured it would give you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus once again."
"Ah, of course. That would be no problem." A sense of relief washed over her as she was handed a small envelope.
"He should be in the Third Music Room. Do you remember where that is?"
"Umm," her eyes averted from the chairman's for a moment as she searched her memory. "Yes, I do believe I remember where it is," she answered with the slightest doubt.
The chairman laughed once again, "ok, you can explore the campus. If you get lost, just try to find your way back here and I'll help you."
"I will, Suoh-sama," she stepped backwards as a gesture of her departure, "Thank you for your time, goodbye."
"I'll see you around campus," he waved to her as she left his office.
Although they did not know each other personally, only so much can be kept a secret in the world of the rich and powerful. The story of the Hitsumatsu family was no exception. After discovering that she would be returning to the school after her absence, the chairman wanted to make sure that she felt welcomed, that was why he set up this meeting after all, but still he couldn't deny the fact that he wanted to satiate his curiosity.
How had she learned to cope?
What kind of person had she become?
Was she really prepared to come back to everything she had tried to run away from?
.
She gazed through the gigantic windows that filled one wall of the hallway as she made her way to her destination. It had been a few years since she last marveled at the extravagant grounds of Ouran High School. It was surprising that she was able to recollect the location of the music room, or at least where she thought it was located. It seemed that not everything had been lost to time.
As she climbed the grand staircase that would lead to the room, she looked at the small envelope in her hand. 'Suoh Tamaki' was written on it in elegant cursive with the school's insignia on the bottom. Of course she knew something about him, something that tainted the Suoh reputation and was practically impossible to hide. She pitied him for that and at the same time knew she could somewhat empathize.
.
At the top floor of the south wing, at the end of the northern hallway, Hitsumatsu Yuumei stood in front of the double doors of the Third Music Room.
I do remember where it is, she praised herself.
She reached for the door handle when a sudden chill went down her spine.
She hesitated but disregarded the feeling as she opened the door...