Chapter 1

It was a sunny day when I first wandered the halls of Ouran Academy. I resisted the urge to reach out and feel the etchings on the elegant vases that lined each wall or run my fingertips against the brushstrokes on the dramatic walls-size paintings. I settled with peering at the detail of it all, the way the threads were woven in the tapestries or the pastel colors cast across the rosy corridor in the morning sunlight. It was all so grand—so different than any school I had attended in America.

Also cast in pastels and luxury was the chatter I heard while passing groups of gushing schoolgirls and towering male counterparts. Everyone spoke of grand balls and lacy dresses, galas and fancy tuna. I had attended some higher class schools but this academy was by far the most privileged.

"The playground of the young and wealthy," I murmured to myself as I wove in between the throngs of students gathering before classes. I hadn't had time to come visit Ouran before enrolling and flying out for the start of the new semester, but it was just what I had expected from the stunning pictures on the web—thought those didn't quite do the colors justice.

"Miss Edwards!"

I turned to see a girl my age with a folder under her arm beckoning for me to follow.

"Hello, I'm Risu. The admissions chairwoman wishes to speak with you."

"Oh?" I asked, glancing at a stunning portrait on the opposite wall before following after Risu.

"Yes. You'll miss a while from your first class, but don't worry. Not much happens on the first day."

We entered the office and I couldn't help but stare up at the vaulted ceiling before taking a seat in front of the chairwoman's desk.

"Thank you, Risu," she said, sending her away. "So you're…Ivy Edwards, yes?"

I nodded.

"It says here in your file that you're from India…?"

I nodded. "Technically, miss. My parents are American, but I was born in India. My father's job means we've all traveled a lot. But I most recently lived in New York, USA."

"As I can see from your academic records. Your plans of enrollment at Ouran were submitted very last minute."

"I apologize," I said. "My father was assigned to a job in very rural part of Ukraine and decided it would be best for me to not come along, since he and my mother may stay there indefinitely."

The Chairwoman nodded. "That makes sense. It says here that you are attending under the patronage of your aunt?"

"My aunt lives in a different part of Japan, but she's paid my tuition and enough for temporary housing until I find something more permanent." I was currently staying a nearby motel—and for a motel it was pretty posh.

"I see. There are many apartments in the surrounding area that are reputable enough. And you may be able to house with another student if you wish. Many of them will have sufficient space for guest arrangements," said the Chairwoman.

"I'm sure," I agreed, thinking of the elegant chatter I heard earlier. "Something will work itself out."

"I see that you have already acquired your uniform dress and shoes."

"I have," I replied, smoothing the pale yellow dress against my lap and clacking together the Mary Janes under my chair. Perhaps a bit much, but they fit the school ambiance. And they went along nicely with the slim blue blazers and ties all the boys wore.

"I appreciate you selecting your classes prior to today. Since your most recent enrollment was in the United States, we're placing you in the equivalent grade as a first year. Though due to your…exotic educational background we may be able to compromise on a few honors classes later on." The Chairwoman pushed her glasses up as she ascended from reading my file. "Welcome to Ouran, Ivy. You may go."

Risu led me to each of my classes the first day, where I struggled to keep up with the fast-paced speaking and writing. Even after spending some time in Japan and some time studying the language, the inflections of the upper class were vibrant and new. And of course, quite the contrast from my school's language classes in New York. It would take some time to adjust.

Between trying to remember various kanji and flip through syllabi, I still ended up doodling about the margins of my papers and observing the students in each class. I mused at the way girls would adjust bows in their hair while staring out a window, and how tall boys would awkwardly shuffle their feet under the desk in attempt to find comfort.

What I had discovered in travel was that there was nothing more interesting than a room full of new people. Let alone an entire academy.