Chapter One ~ Prologue

April 10

"It's been half a year since I last saw Rin face to face... I really miss her!" thought Riyanne Hayami Takemichi, the younger twin of the family, elated to finally be able to meet her sister again. The twins had been separated by an ocean as Rin was in America, studying in the junior high school for a year. Riyanne continued studying in Ouran Junior High School back in Japan, so they could only keep in touch with calls and messages. As a result, the twins really looked forward to meeting one another once more.

"And this time, we'll both get to enjoy America together with Papa and Mama!" As their father was busy when Riyanne last went to visit their mother's family back in the US, he couldn't go with her. Instead, a maid accompanied her so she wouldn't be lonely and had someone to take care of her (a ludicrous thought, to say the least).

Even after being separated from each other for so long, Rin Elise Takemichi and Riyanne Hayami Takemichi still got along well. The twins looked much alike in appearance, but had shockingly different tastes even though they were identical twins. It stemmed from their separate (but not fully) upbringing and easily confused everyone with their individual and group quirks.

Still, it was April, and the school year in Japan was beginning. Riyanne was allowed to transfer in later, with her sibling, after a long convincing towards the headmaster. However, due to the school year difference between Japan and America, Rin would have to pass a test in order to get into the school (just a check to see if she knows her stuff). She'd also skip half a grade.

But, it was time for the Takemichi family to enjoy their time in America with the twins' mother's family, so Riyanne put all thoughts aside and decided to enjoy this great family bonding session. After all, once this was over, everything would return to its classic hectic ways!

"Rin!" "Riyanne!" As soon as the twins saw each other, they eagerly rushed towards one another while their parents trailed behind. Even if the trip would only be a week or two, they wanted to make the most of it. The twins spent the entire time visiting all sorts of places with their parents, and acting like tourists, even though Rin had been there for the past year while their mother was a native there. From New York to Florida, and even Niagara Falls, the Takemichi family hopped from one state to another to see the sights and enjoy themselves.

Of course, the twins had school to go to, so they had returned to Japan after they had their fill of fun. "Rin, Rin! We're both going to attend the same school! We can finally have the same few friends!" the bubbly-as-always Riyanne exclaimed, clearly excited to finally be in the same school as her dear twin.

"I know, Papa and Mama both told me already. For that matter, we don't know for sure - don't I have to pass the test first?" Rin replied. She was also extremely happy; even after trying her best, the cheery tone was still in her voice.

"Hey, you're so smart and all. I'm sure you can do it!" Riyanne's optimism shone as she attempted to encourage her sister for no reason whatsoever. Rin didn't reply, since she knew her reasoning was valid. Instead, the older Takemichi twin silently read her English storybook with a smile plastered on her face.

A few days later...

Rin had taken the test, and the results had just been returned. As expected, the little genius (as Riyanne would always call her) aced every topic, even without studying the subject in class before. Her grade wasn't perfect, of course, but they were nevertheless excellent enough to let her in the school. That said, she was placed in 1-B instead, by her special request (met with surprised looks from everyone, except Riyanne who pretended to be hurt).

"Rin~ Why'd you request to be in a separate class? Aren't you happy to study with me?" The older twin had asked after they returned to their house, even though she could guess why.

Sure enough, the answer she received proved her thoughts right. "...You're going to force me to talk to everyone. And I'd like to focus on studying instead, even if majority of this school doesn't seem to."

Rin interacted less with richer people than Riyanne did, as a result of her schooling. She was terrified of offending someone by accident when it came to the rich people (Rin did always have a sharper tongue) since the twins were identical. "If I say something wrong, Riyanne's going to be the one who suffers!" is how she thought, and to be fair it was a legit one. After all, even with their greatly different personalities, one who didn't recognise the other twin would think them the same person. Riyanne hoped that she'd learn to be more honest with others so they'd get to know her too, while she was in the school.

Also, Rin always liked studying more than Riyanne did. While Riyanne would mess around with her paints and clays, Rin focused on her education. They were certainly quite different. Riyanne was creative, Rin was studious.

"Get some sleep tonight, you two. Tomorrow, it's your first day of school, so Riyanne please introduce some of your friends to Rin and show her around. I know you've been to the High School section before," the voice of their father drifted down the corridor, accompanying the taps of his shoe on the ground as he approached the twins. "Guilty as charged," Riyanne thought to herself, grinning. She had visited the High School branch once or twice, to check out the new Host Club that had been started that year. Also, she'd spotted the renown antisocial twins frequently heading there, and she simply couldn't resist the urge to find out. Thus, she knew her way around the school campus.

"Hello, Papa. Don't worry about us, we'll go to bed soon. Even if Riyanne doesn't show me around, I'll figure out how to get places in the school. Please go ahead and sleep first." Rin spoke almost monotonously, but not out of rudeness. She was trying to be polite, but her polite voice sounded like it was purposefully rude. It was unavoidable. she wasn't exactly the best at it.

"Rin, no need to be so serious when you're just being polite! I'll happily show her around if she wants it, don't worry. Night, Papa!" the cheery Riyanne replied, before grabbing onto Rin's hand and running into her room.

"H-hey! What are you doing?!" This was going to be a hectic school year for Rin, alright. She was already dreading it.

A/N : I know, we haven't actually gotten to the school part and the chapter's over. I'm sorry if the characters are too Mary-Sue ish or too similar to the Hitachiin twins (I might love them a little too much).

Riyanne was originally in B class when she was in Middle School, so she was never in the same class as the twins up to then. Also, I like to think that new students (like Renge, example) are transferred into A class for their first term and are then refiled into the class that suits their grades and status more. Thus, Rin is an exception. From the next chapter onwards, I'm going to write from the perspective of the twins mostly.

For now, I think the twins won't date anyone. However, HaruTama is official and nothing is going to make me change my mind about making it a ship. Please tell me what I did right or wrong, and give me some suggestions for the characters if they really are too similar/MarySue!

~The Sparrow Messenger

PS: You might want to remember both their English and Japanese names. Riyanne will be using Hayami while in class (mostly) as it's easier for the class to say. Also, the twins transfer in slightly after Renge did so