"Do I really have to go to this stupid school?" I asked for the 31st time that morning.

"Yes, Amai. Your dad and I both went here, now you will too."

"But what if I'm not like the others? What if they hate me?"

"You'll be fine! If anyone says or does anything to you, then go to Headmaster Suoh!"

"Okay Mom…"

Sighing in defeat, I stared out the window. You see, I was an orphan from the time I was born. I'd been passed through the foster care system over and over until, one day, I was adopted by Mitsukuni and Takashi Morinozuka. They were every orphans' dream! Not only were they super rich, they let me do whatever I wanted; including wearing boys' clothes. When it came time for me to go to school, though, Mitsukuni (Whom I referred to as "Mom") demanded I go to the school he and his friends all went to. Mostly because of how high end it was. I was able to make a compromise: I would go, but I get to wear the boys' uniform. Now I was on my way to my first day at Ouran Academy.

"Cheer up," Mom sighed, "Kizoku will be there!"

This made me feel a little better. Kizoku was my best friend in the while word, even if he was an idiot. The only reason he went to Ouran was because his dad was headmaster. The car stopped and, before my dad could utter a word, I was dragged out of the car and into a vice-like hug. Speak of the devil.

"Oh Amai, my darling sister, I missed you so!"

"I just saw you yesterday! In my house. You stole my dessert!"

"Ah yes, fond memories. Hello Mr. Morinozuka! Don't worry, I won't let anyone harm a single eyelash on Amai!"

"I know Kizoku. Bye Amai, I love you!"

"I love you too, Mom! See you after school."

Blowing me a kiss, he drove away into the horizon. But, Kizoku's grip stayed on me firmly. Sighing, I bit down on his hand. He yelped in pain and let go, brown eyes going full puppy dog as he stared at me. I patted his head affectionately then headed inside. My path was instantly blocked by two redhead with mischievous amber eyes. Of course the Hitachiin cousins would pester me on day one.

"Hello Amai," they said in creepy unison.

"Akira…Sakura."

The one on the left instantly went full tantrum.

"Sakura is a girl's name! I am Saku! Saku!"

"I know Saku," I chuckled, giving him a noogie.

He blushed, pushing my hand away and pouting. His cousin smoothed his hair for him.

"Saku, you look so adorable when you pout."

"Akira, not here…"

Girls started to flock around the semi-homosexual scene in place and I sighed, heading towards the Headmaster's office. As usual, Kizoku joined me. But not before his fangirls took notice.

"Suoh-senpai!" A freshman cried out, "Who's your new friend?"

"He's so cute!"

"Yeah! Is he going to be a host?"

Kizoku bristled, then picked me up and took off like a bat out of hell. He didn't stop until we reached his father's office. While he sat outside the door, panting and dying, I went in. Immediately a flurry of blonde hair flew toward me, scooping me up like a child.

"Oh Amai! It's been so long, my darling niece. Look how big you are now!"

"Uh, Mr. Suoh, you were just over last night. You gave my parents my uniform personally…"

"Did I now? How does the uniform fit, by the way?"

"Great! Thank you for being so lenient."

"You're very welcome. But, would you mind doing me a favor?"

"Of course, what is it?"

"Well, after school, Kizoku and his friends run a club. I was wondering if you could check in on them for me."

"Uh…okay? Will do!"

"Thank you so much, Amai! You are such a dear."

I smiled politely and backed out slowly, not wanting to be hugged again. Kizoku was still outside, waiting for me. But he wasn't looking at me. In fact, he was staring down the hall. I looked in the same direction and saw a tall, handsome boy with glasses walking toward us. His arms were draped over two well-endowed girls and he wore a cocky smirk. It was obvious he knew Kizoku. The boy paused in front of us, staring at me. As I stared back into his mocha-colored eyes, I felt a strange familiarity.

"Well, well. Looks likes little Kizo-kun made a new friend."

"Yoru. This is Amai Morinozuka. Amai, this is Yoru Ootori. He just returned from boarding school."

I knew he looked familiar! His father, Kyoya, came over to my house for dinner quite often. Yoru smirked, ruffling my hair like a child.

"He's a cute little guy," he snickered, "He will make a lovely addition to the club."

And, with that, he continued on his way. I turned to look up at Kizoku.

"Don't mind Yoru, he's jealous because he can't make friends."

"I'm not bugged, but I am curious about what he said. You never mentioned that you joined a club."

"O-oh! It's nothing really! Just a few of us guys…"

"Can I join?"

"No!" he snapped, eyes darkening.

I flinched in fear and he immediately looked guilty. Being my best friend, he was given access to my darkest memories. And I had some pretty scary ones. He caressed my cheek lovingly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. It's just… I'm different when I work at the club. I don't want you to see me that way."

"Okay Kizoku."

I gave him a quick hug before letting him whisk me off to my next class.

~ Time skip to the end of the day ~

After the last bell of the day rang, Kizoku walked me to my dad's car. I got in, but quickly hopped back out once he was out of sight.

"I'll see you later Mom. Tamaki gave me a special assignment."

"Okay honey. Pick you up at five?"

"Sounds good!"

I pecked him on the cheek and hurried to find Kizoku. Once I located him, I followed him from ten feet away to a music room. He went inside, along with the cousins and Yoru. A little while later, girls from our school started to go in. That was when I finally made the decision to go in.

"Welcome," a chorus of voices greeted me.

The room was quite beautiful, with pink wallpaper and vases of roses scattered about. Sakura met me at the door.

"Amai? What the heck are you doing here?"

"Suoh sent me to check on the club. What club is this?"

"This is," he grinned, gesturing to the room, "The Host Club!"

I looked around the room in confusion. Akira was sitting in a chair facing one girl, serving tea. Yoru was making out with a girl on one of the couches. And then, there was Kizoku. He was surrounded on all sides by girls, looking like a prince in his throne seat. The stared up at him adoringly.

"Yes, I love doing charity events. It gives me a chance to make life a tiny bit better for those who are less fortunate."

"Oh Kizoku! You're so generous!" His harem swooned.

"It's the least I can do. I mean, you can't be this blessed with good looks and not want to share with the world."

Sakura tapped on my shoulder, bringing my attention back to him.

"So, do you want a table? I'm not busy."

"O-okay. Yes, thank you."

He led me over to a table and took a seat on the couch. I sat across from him, helping myself to a scone. Saku poured me a cup of tea calmly.

"Today's special is an Earl Gray blend. I hope you enjoy it."

"Thank you. So, who's the manager here?"

"We don't have one…"

"What?! How the hell don't you have a manager?"

"I don't know. We don't really have a leader of any sort. Usually, we just do what we want to do."

"That's chaos! You guys need some kind of order."

Sakura was about to speak, but was interrupted by the squeals of girls.

"Oh my gosh! Saku, who is this cutie?!"

"Are you new?"

"I want him to be my host!"

Three girls crowded around me, touching my hair and poking my face. Saku gawked in horror, but I put a hand up in reassurance. I took a deep breath and put on my most charming smile.

"Actually ladies," I said, using my deepest voice, "I am a host in training. Saku was just putting me through orientation."

They screeched in joy, drawing the attention of everyone in the room; including Kizoku. His eyes widened as he saw me sitting across the room and I smiled sheepishly. He stood up and strode over to where we were, face passive.

"Excuse me, boy, could you come into the hall with me for a moment?"

I nodded and he grabbed my arm a little roughly, dragging me into the hall. We were around the corner from the room before pinning me to the wall. His eyes burned with anger.

"What are you doing?!"

"Your dad asked me to check on your club. I-I'm sorry."

"It's okay. What did you see?"

"I saw you being an egotistical jerk, if that's what you're asking."

"That's what I was afraid of. Look, Amai, you know me. You know who I really am. That was just an act that I put on for the girls."

"I understand, Kizo."

"So, you aren't upset?"

"No, I actually think the club is an interesting idea. But it is very unorganized. That is why I would like to be the manager."

"You would?"

"Yes. I would keep track of income and spending of the club. I would also keep track of a schedule for the club so girls can reserve specific hosts if they want to."

"That…doesn't sound like a bad idea. Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you're a dummy. Anyway, it's too late for you to say no. The girls already think I'm a new host."

"Why? You know what? Nevermind. We'll just have to keep up the ruse that you're a boy."

Sighing softly, he released me. We headed back to the room together in silence. A group of people was waiting for us at the door. Putting on a smile, Kizoku placed an arm over my shoulders.

"Ladies and Gentleman, allow me to introduce the newest addition to our club: Amai Morinozuka!"

Everyone applauded and I felt a blush creep over my cheeks. He leaned down to whisper in my ear the words that would stay with me forever.

"Smile, they love you."

This is just the first chapter of many to come, so please share your thoughts. Did you love it? Hate it? Whatever? Thank you so much for reading! ~TLR