"Alright Hiyori, I know that this isn't easy for you, but with my Job and your schooling, you're going to have to attend Ryoutei Academy. Its a bit fancier than you're previous school and it's at night, but I hope that you can do all of what you were doing before without too much trouble. I won't be home during the day a lot, so you can take care of all you need to while its still daylight at home, then by the time its evening, I'll be home and here to see you off. I can't see you off tonight though, tomorrow most definitely. I know that you're no night owl, but you'll get use to the routine in no time I'm sure. Plus, I'll be making a lot more than before with this promotion."

My father has just gotten a promotion at his Job. I never bothered to know what it is exactly my father does, but its got something to do with politics. Apparently, he's gonna be gone majority of the time during the day, so he won't be home to see me off or enjoy breakfast in the morning. To be honest though, I wasn't too bothered about it. I got use to coming home and seeing him gone and having to eat meals alone. Besides, It was the least I could do considering how hard he pushed himself. I didn't need him worrying about me.

It hasn't been easy on him at all. Its just been me and my dad ever since Mom died. My Father has been working down to the bone to provide for us. Bills, clothes, food, and just your everyday living expenses. I was never ungrateful for all that he's done, in fact, I was very worried about him over exerting himself. He's done so before and had to be put on bed rest for a few of days. I don't want to sound cruel, but I was glad that he had to be put on bed rest for stressing his body. That was probably the first time in years that he's gotten proper sleep and the first time in years that we got to spend time together. Yeah it was just me nursing him, but we got to talk a lot. He found out something new about me, and vice versa. However things are gonna be from now on, I'll adapt in no time. If it'll make him worry less about me, I'll be flexible.

"Dad don't worry. I'll be okay and get use to everything. Its just school. I'll continue doing what I've been doing previously."

My Dad sighed and gave me a tight hug before he left.

"Hiyori, try to make some friends sweetie."

He said before he pulled away.

I looked at my feet and just nodded. I know he wants me to have friends, but to be honest, I just never bothered. My goal was to go to school, get good grades, get in a good college and get a steady career. I don't want to sound cold, but I felt that friends were a...distraction. If I did make a friend or two, then of course I'll be happy, but until then, I'm happier staying to myself.

But of course, I'd never tell my dad how I really felt about the idea of making friends, so I just smiled and nodded.

"Okay dad. I'll try for you."

My Dad gave one last smile and left for work.

I had the whole day to take care of some errands. Shopping for dinner, fetching the mail, taking care of a few bills and then cleaning up a bit. I was considering going out for a walk but immediately rejected the idea. I wasn't an outside person, so I'm quite the hermit. I stay to myself and that's that. Its simpler that way.

I wipe the small sweat off my forehead, and put the damp mop out back to drip and dry out. I'll just bring it in later to soak it with some hot water and bleach.

Its been a while since this place had been cleaned properly. With my dad rarely being home and me studying wildly at school, there was no time to thoroughly clean the house. It felt nice.

After coming back inside from putting the mop out back, I quickly laid down on the couch.

"As great as that felt, I'm beat. I never realized how much dust can accumulate in so many different areas like that."

Instead of switching on the TV, I just spaced out thinking about my new night school.

"A fancy night school huh? Hmmm...I wonder how it's gonna be from now on. Im sure its just like regular ol' school just at night."

Dad said it was fancier than my last school, what did he mean by that? Was it a rich kid school maybe? He did say that he was gonna be making a lot more money, but how much could he be making to put me in a fancy ritzy school? I could've suggested home schooling but my dad would've dropped that option without hesitation. He really wanted me to have friends, and being home schooled is not a way to do it.

For the time he was bed ridden, he told me how he'd just love to have me invite friends over, just so he can share all my embarrassing stories to them.

Just thinking about it makes me smile. As much as I'm not too keen on the idea, I suppose I can give it a try to make a friend or two. But only if I'm approached, I told myself.

I closed my eyes and dozed off for a few minutes.

Ring ring!

I jolted up from the couch after hearing the house phone ring loudly. I almost ignored it until I remembered that the school that I was to be attending to tonight was suppose to be calling. Sighing, I stretched before getting up and walked towards the phone.

"Hello, Yamaguchi residence...Yes this is she...I'm pleased to meet you Ms. Nakayama...Oh, unfortunately my father won't be able to make it, will it be alright if its just me that shows up tonight and then my father can handle everything else tomorrow night?...Yes ma'am I'm 17...Okay ma'am...Thank you so much, I hope to enjoy my following year there...see you soon."

I hung up the phone and went to my room to get ready.

After getting in and out the shower, I put on my new school uniform. Tied the bow and patted down my skirt. My Dad got the uniform the same day he enrolled me into Ryoutei Academy. I was actually surprised at how quick I got the uniform. Usually it takes a while to get a new uniform prepped for a new student, especially when its a girl. With all the measurements and what not. Ryoutei must really be an elite school.

I walked over to my mirror to see how I looked. I wasn't too bad. My long brown hair was down my back with a simple yet cute hair clip at the top of my head, I didn't wear make up, there wasn't a need. I didn't have terrible skin but it wasn't perfect. Since I was olive toned, my flaws on my skin wasn't really too noticeable unless you got completely in my face of course. I wasn't a model but I guess out of everything on my body, I've got say, I loved my eyes. They were hazel, almost seemed like amber whenever the sun hit them just right. Dad always said that I had Mom's features, and he'd worry that some boy would come and scoop me up.

I laugh to myself thinking how ridiculous my Dad is. I grab my bag and head out the door. Dad said that it was only a few blocks from the house, so I should be there in a few minutes.

"Wow, that was a short walk. Man, it feels nice to live close to a school for once."

My last school was further away from home and my dad always had to get up extra early to take me to school. I'd tell him that I'd just take the bus, that way he can get extra sleep, but he insisted. Saying that a good drive in the morning together was the most relaxing time before work. I loved that he appreciated the small things in life but I just wish he wouldn't worry so much about me.

I walk up to the front gates of the school and looked around in awe. This school was most definitely an elite. The uniforms should've been a giveaway, but when you actually see the place, you can clearly see its not bullcrap. The architecture was absolutely beautiful. Like something you'd see from centuries ago in history books.

As I began to walk up to the school doors, It had suddenly gotten kinda quiet. Everyone stopped talking with each other, with only whispers filling the area. I turn around to see what caused the immediate change around me, only to see a sleek black limo slowly pulling up in front of the school. My only guess is that whoever is in that car, must be some kind of celebrity that goes here or something.

As the car door opened, everyone seemed to have stilled.

One by one, a handsome boy appeared one after the other. I don't usually pay any mind to the opposite sex but my goodness, it'd be a big lie if I said that these guys weren't absolutely gorgeous. The air they carried seemed arrogant and intimidating yet very mysterious and eerie. One was tall dark and wore glasses, the next after him was curly blonde with an MP3 around his neck, another had white/silver hair and quite the scowl on his face as he walked behind the others in front of him, a young looking boy was next, he had terrible bags under his eyes and carried a bear. That was odd. I wonder how old he truly is. The next was a Fedora wearing boy. He had neck length soft looking hair and was pretty much enjoying the attention they all were receiving from the crowd. Whoever these boys were, they were clearly the core of this school.

While everyone was stuck in awe over the stunning group of boys, I took notice of a petite blonde girl exiting the car next. I didn't expect a girl to be exiting next. There were so many boys leaving the car, that it took me by surprise. She wasn't the last passenger though. There was a messy red haired boy that was practically glued to her side. As if he's worried someone would steal her away from him. Her head was down, no expression on her face and she looked very pale. Despite all that, she was very pretty. Almost like a smooth porcelain doll.

I'm guessing the limo had been completely emptied out because it had quickly drove away. As the strange yet beautiful group began heading towards the doors, everyone, mostly the female students, just started speaking in awe of them.

"They're sooo cool~."

"Not just cool. They're like heaven's gift from above."

"Ugh damn that girl. She's so lucky to live with them."

"She always looks so sad. I'd be thrilled to be that close to them. Ungrateful."

"Totally unappreciative."

I couldn't help but sneer at the girls saying such things about that petite blonde. What the hell was their problem? They weren't even trying to be subtle about it. I'm sure that girl heard everything those snobs said before she went inside. If these were the type of students that I'm gonna be attending school with for the remainder of my time here, then I'm better off being left alone. Yet again, you never know. Its still pretty early, so I can't say that everyone is like those horrid girls at the front entrance.

I make my way inside the school and quickly went looking for the Faculty Office. I walked around for a good minute trying to find the Office on common sense alone. Usually the Office is on the middle floor but this is a whole new school with a completely different layout from my previous school, so it wasn't gonna be easy.

I wanted to ask for help, but my shyness kicked in. Compared to these kids, I was nothing but a commoner. Its not like they knew what my lifestyle was like or anything, and I'm not poor just average.

I just need to suck it up and ask someone before I'm late on my first day here. Well first night.

I looked up and down the hallway to see if I could find someone that looked friendly enough to give me directions.

While, I'm scanning the hallway, I look further down near the end and see the blonde girl I saw earlier. She wasn't alone though. That intimidating looking red head was with her. He was clearly saying something to her, of course I couldn't hear but whatever he said to her, her entire face turned bright crimson. Its none of my business, but I wondered if they were in a relationship of some sort. I did hear those students at the entrance say that she lived with them, but for all I know, that could be a ridiculous rumor made up by the mob of jealous girls.

After a while he walked off and left her there. I'm assuming they're not in the same class and he went off to his own classroom while she would head on to hers.

I didn't realize how long I had been staring in her direction until she looked back at me.

My eyes went wide as I realized how rude I probably seemed to her. Before I could walk off, I heard her call out to me.

"Um excuse me..."

Her voice was so soft and sweet but I was still able to hear her clearly. I stopped and turned around to face her. She began walking towards me and I began to walk towards her, and we met each other half way. I thought she was gonna scold me for staring but I was wrong.

"I couldn't help but notice that you were roaming around the hallway. You wouldn't happen to be a new student would you?"

I was taken aback by her response. I was definitely not expecting that. I realized that I was just standing there like a mindless idiot and finally said something.

"Uh yeah. I'm sorry about me spacing out like that. Yes I'm new here and I was looking for the Faculty Office. Can you help me?"

She smiled and nodded.

"Yes. Its actually a floor down. My class is down stairs, so since I'm heading that way let's go together."

I more than appreciated her assistance and we walked down to the office together.

Once we made it down to the office, we said our farewells and went our ways. I was positive that I was gonna see her again, so I'm sure this isn't my last encounter with her. She does seem a bit...strange, but she helped me out, and I appreciated that.

How can those students say such things about her when they probably won't even try to get to know her. Then again, I don't know her at all either, but just because I don't know her, doesn't mean I'm gonna be hostile towards her just because she's surrounded by those pretty boys. There's no telling what her situation is and I refuse to judge her.

I walked in the office and a lot if eyes laid on me quickly. Feeling awkward, I hurriedly spoke up.

"Good evening. I'm a new student and I'm looking for a Ms Nakayama."

When I mentioned the name, a middle aged looking woman got up from her seat and walked towards me with a smile on her face. She held her hand out and greeted me.

"Nice to meet you. Hiyori Yamaguchi right?"

I shook her hand and smiled in return.

"Yes. Nice to meet you as well. Again, I'm sorry that my father couldn't be present for the rest of the paper work, but he said he'll finish everything tomorrow evening."

Nakayama waved her hand dismissively.

"Oh dear don't worry about that. Its just a few signatures. Come to my desk and let me give you your schedule for the year."

Ms Nakayama kindly explained everything to me. The school regulations, dress code, showed me a list of clubs, etc. She was very patient and kind answering all of my questions. It would be amazing if she was my Homeroom teacher.

"You're all set. Here's your schedule and your Homeroom is 2-D. To your left as soon as you walk out that door. Class starts in 15 minutes."

I thanked Ms Nakayama and made my way to my class.

As I walked into my class and looked around, I saw many students talking amongst themselves and goofing around before class started. I looked at my paper to see where I was to be seated and walked over to my seat which was the empty one in the back of the class, one seat over from the window.

Before I put my bag on the back of my chair, I took out all that I would need for this period, then sat in my seat.

I can't believe that I'm enrolled in a night school. Around this time, I'd usually be at home studying or reading a book, but now my usual routine has just done a complete turn around.

I guess that whole "friend" thing isn't looking too good right now. I wasn't too bothered by it. Besides, I only wanted to put up an effort for my dad, but I promised myself, that I'd give it a try if someone approached me first. Usually whenever I attempted to chat with a fellow school mate, it'd always be awkward and uncomfortable. Then my anxiety kicks in and I become a turtle hiding in my shell. I myself wasn't that interesting of a person anyways. I go to school and go home. I don't really have a fun hobby, I read sometimes but I wouldn't really count that as a hobby. I've tried to find other things that may interest me, something actually fun, but nothing caught my attention. Maybe I'll try a club or something.

Sighing, I reached behind me to pull out a book to read before class started, but before I could get it, someone sat in the seat by the window which was next to me. I turn around to see who it was and my heart jumped in joy. It was the blonde girl that helped me earlier.

She smiled widely and waved.

"Looks like we have the same class."

I have never felt such a relief course through me like this before. She was like a breath of fresh air. After I closed my bag and turned around properly to face her,

I smiled and greeted her so excitedly.

"Looks that way. Uh...I'm sorry but let me introduce myself, my name is Hiyori Yamaguchi. I would've introduced myself earlier but I was in a bit of a rush."

Oh goodness I'm rambling and being awkward. I hate when I do that. Just when I was about to freak out, the blonde girl just smiled at me and introduced herself.

"Its okay. I'm glad I was of help. And my name is Yui Komori. Let's have a good year together."

I nodded cheerfully and she and I began to chat until the bell rang for class. Then I realized something, Komori san said she was going to class after she helped me in the hallway, so why was she not here when I got here? Maybe she forgot something. "Oh um Komori san...I was here in class before you, you said you were going to class after you helped me earlier, did you forget something?"

Komori san then turned red and chuckled.

"Oh Hiyori, you don't have to call me Komori san, Yui is just fine, and yeah. There was...something that I had to do."

I noticed that she looked uncomfortable and I quickly apologized.

"Komori san, I mean Yui, I didn't mean to pry. I was only curious."

Yui dismissed my worrisome apology and we chatted for the remainder of time we had until class started.

Even though Yui was soft spoken and sweet, she did seem a bit, strange. Not in a bad way, just something was off about her. I didn't want to judge her considering that I had just met her and she has been very nice to me since we met, I didn't want to be rude and try to figure her out. I'm no expert on judging people, but my gut says that she's a pretty alright person, and I'll go with that.

After looking at the clock, we both put a hold on our conversation until lunch. Class was about to start any minute and so we got all our stuff together.

Right before the bell rang, two male students walked in and all the female students turned their attention towards the door. It took me a minute to notice that those were the same boys from this morning that exited that Limo.

It was the boy that wore the Fedora and the other was the one with the teddy bear in his arms.

I have class with these two? I don't know why, but I feel very uneasy about them. Like I don't want them anywhere near me.

The Fedora boy looked in me and Yui's direction and gleefully made his way over.

Putting his arms around her shoulders, he happily greeted her.

"Bitch chan~ I see that you made a little friend. Ayato is gonna be jealous~."

Yui suddenly looked nervous for a minute. As if she was worried about something happening.

She then moved away from the boy that had his arms around her so that he wasn't as close to her anymore.

"Laito kun please don't do that. Ayato hates that."

Then out of nowhere, the boy with the bear appeared behind me with his face real close to mine. Surprised at the sudden closeness, I jerked away from him.

"She doesn't seem like much. You have an unusual taste in companions Yui..."

Yui frowned at the insult the boy threw at me.

"Kanato kun, that's not nice. Don't say things like that."

So their names are Laito and Kanato? As they were interacting with Yui, I found myself staring at them out of curiosity. Despite Kanato's eerie vibe, he was quite cute, especially with his bear. His bags under his eyes made him look half dead and deathly ill but other than that, he looked innocent. Looked innocent. I doubt that he was after that insult he threw at me.

Then there's Laito. I couldn't help but stare at his eyes. Green isn't my favorite color, in fact its one of my least, but Laito's eyes really draw you in. He seemed friendly and easy to talk to, but something is telling me to not associate myself with him.

"Ehhh~ doesn't your new friend know its rude to stare?"

I blinked in surprise as I realized how hard I was analyzing them. I couldn't help it though. Regardless of how mysterious they were, I couldn't help but feel curious about them.

"I'm terribly sorry about that. Um...its nice to meet you both."

Laito looked absolutely amused at my frantic apology and chuckled lightly.

"Bitch chan~ I like this new friend of yours. She's like a cute defenseless animal."

I felt bothered by what he said. It felt like an insult hidden between the lines but I noticed it immediately. That was most definitely not a compliment.

Kanato then smirked at me all of a sudden.

"I agree. Like a bird without wings waiting to be swooped up by a predator."

What in the world. My heart is jumping in my chest like crazy right now.

Yui noticed how tensed I was and laid her hand on my hand and smiled reassuringly. I felt myself calm down a small bit but I was still trying to shake this ghostly feeling.

As I was still trying to process what was going on, suddenly the teacher walked in the classroom. To my surprise and relief, it was Ms Nakayama.

"Good evening everyone. Class has begun, so get seated quickly. I have a few short announcements. Kanato and Laito, get to your seats. I don't want our new student feeling uncomfortable."

I smiled nervously. Thinking to myself that its a little too late for that warning.

After everyone got seated, Ms Nakayama motioned me up to the front of the class to introduce myself. I write my name on the board and turn to the class.

"Hello. Its nice to meet all of you. My name is Hiyori Yamaguchi and I hope to get along with all of you."

I bow and take my seat after the short applause from the class. After I take my seat, I notice that Laito is seated on the right side of me.

No way, this can't be his assigned seat. Laito looked in my direction and winked while giving me a flirtatious smirk. At that, I felt my face grow warm. I automatically put my hands to my face to see how hot I was.

I'm blushing? I mean he is attractive, but I shouldn't be feeling this way towards someone that basically called me a naive child to my face. I felt myself getting ready to tense up and freak out until Yui leaned in towards me.

"Lets have a good school year together Hiyori chan."

Then at that moment, all tension left me and I smiled warmly back in her direction. I swear, Yui was like a breath of fresh air. I felt myself calming down within seconds because of her making me feeling so welcomed here at this school. I thought my first day was going to be dreadful and stressful especially because of the ritzy atmosphere but with Yui here, it was a breeze. I hope things continue to be this simple for me.