Aki stood in her room, looking at herself in the mirror. She held her new school uniform in front of her and turned from side to side.

"Doesn't look as good as Tomoko High's or Tomoko Middle's," she said.

"It'll look good on you, Tomi-chan," Michiko said, leaning back on Aki's bed. Aki glanced back at her Aunt.

"Aki-chan, Auntie. It's Aki-chan."

"Oh, right, right, Aki-chan."

Aki looked back at herself in the mirror. The dress for the school wasn't very pretty. She didn't care a lot for dresses in the first place – she felt restricted in them – but she knew an ugly dress from a pretty dress and this was an ugly (and plain) one.

"Didn't you say this place – what, Ouran? – is a rich kids' school? The girl's uniform doesn't look very rich. Tomoko's sailor uniform looks better," Aki said. Michiko shrugged.

"It feels rich, though, doesn't it? Nice and silky."

"More like velvet, don't you think?"

"Eh, I can't tell one from the other."

Aki sighed and walked over to the bed, tossing the dress onto the headboard. "Why do I have to switch schools, Auntie?"

"You know why. The education's better than Tomoko's."

"But I like Tomoko."

"I'm sure you'll like Ouran, too. I heard the food's better, and the school's bigger."

"I don't want a bigger school."

"It'll be fine, Tomi-chan."

"And I don't even know anyone there! It's not like any of the kids Mom made me play with are there."

"You're a great girl. I'm sure you'll make a lot of friends one your first day!"

Aki frowned at her aunt. "Auntie, I don't think I'll like these people. I mean, can they let loose? I don't think any of them burp on purpose."

"Young ladies aren't supposed to burp on purpose."

"You sound like Mom."

"I was trying to."

"Anyway, do they like video games like I do? How about shows I like? Or books? Or music? I don't think I'm going to be able to make great friends with any of them!"

Michiko got up and shook her head. "You're being ridiculous, Tomi," she said, tousling Aki's hair. "You don't actually believe none of those kids like the same things you do."

"I don't, but they've gotta be different than the guys and girls at Tomoko. My friends."

"Oh, don't try to guilt me. I've already payed for Ouran and the uniform. You're going."

Aki huffed and sat on her bed. "This is all Mrs. Nakamura's fault."

"Hey, Mrs. Nakamura wants you to have a great education, too. She cares about her daughter's friends. Now try on the dress so I can see how it looks actually on you."