Author's Notes: Here's chapter 2. Thanks for the reviews for chapter 1. It was really encouraging. I wrote this chapter in advance before originally posting the first chapter so this is quick because I was speed typing big time. I hope you like it. Enjoy!
My first day at Ouran Academy has ended. What an experience it was. Meeting the socially famous Ouran Host Club was certainly something I didn't expect. Nor did I want it either. It can't be helped now, because Tamaki, the so-called King of the Host Club, has forced me into being the first ever-female host to charm the male clients that will soon attend at the clubroom at the very end of the north hall on the top floor.
I have to be grateful though. It's thanks to them I have a proper school uniform now, and judging by the condition of the fabric, it's really expensive! I did tell them all at the end of after school's club meeting how grateful I was for the uniform, but I think they were too busy chatting about this and that to notice my existence, despite that I was the one being forced to be there. Personally it looked like Tamaki-senpai had been trying not to look at me, but I don't know why. Kyouya-senpai, much to my surprise, was very talkative with me. It was quite reassuring for me, despite his cold evil smile and stabbing eyes that could probably scare a young child. Even though we socialised for a while, it was mostly about my grades and what I was most successful at. To my displeasure, there were a lot of insults, as he seemed more competitive than interested. As far as I care, it was probably a chance to learn about the newest member. He looks like the manager type, so it's probably safe to assume he handles that kind of thing. His surname, Ootori seems familiar to me, but I'm not sure why, it'll probably come to me some day.
Fortunately I didn't have any clients on my first day, so other than creating a first impression with Kyoya-senpai, I watched to see how the other members handled charming their guests. I think I'm better off asking for advice, rather than sitting on the side lines, but I'll have to see how things go, maybe they'll release me from my iron chains and prison cell.
--
I jumped off the bus, my red and white lily shoulder bag hanging over my legs as I packed my book away, then lunging it over my shoulder as I continued walking through the front gates. I took the map I was given yesterday by my homeroom teacher out of my blazer pocket, reading it thoroughly as I recognised the north hall where I had explored yesterday. I had circled the entire room in red triangles, to look like devil horns, to symbolise the third music room where the Host Club attends meetings and holds activities. At first, when I first drew the horns I was really peeved, but now, it entertains me as a silly joke. It's strange how my moods change so suddenly. Last night I had successfully memorised the south hall of the campus, but it still seems a blur to me. Either way I was happy with my current success, but also annoyed about my imprisonment by a bunch of gorgeous but equally bigheaded guys.
"Hollie!" A voice called out.
I turned around, searching for anyone who looked familiar to me. Not many people do, as I had logically calculated. I was shocked when I did see one person I did recognise, and that person of all people.
"Tamaki-senpai!" I shouted out, waving as he ran up towards me.
'Wow the morning's must be helping me,' I thought with a smile, but also slightly curious why waking up at 6am every morning was helping me, instead of destroying me from the inside and out.
"Good morning," Tamaki happily greeted me with a first thing in the morning smile. "Still learning from the map I see?"
"Yea. I find it easiest to learn by studying, but exploring is so much more fun. Especially when you're already doing something else and it happens by itself," I answered with a smile. It was only after I said it that I realised I was already rambling about unnecessary things, like usual.
"Would you like me to take you to your homeroom?" Tamaki asked, with a sincere but almost mischievous grin.
"Oh! You really don't have to!" I answered hastily; folding up the map and tucking it between my dark purple English book and dark green biology book in my bag.
"It would be my pleasure," Tamaki replied with a 'gentleman's' smile.
'Should I trust him? He had a suspicious look a minute ago… I better let him escort me. I might hurt his feelings if I don't. I really don't want to be on bad terms with anyone in the club,' I thought with a content look.
It was just like that. An older male student who had somehow successfully talked me into joining his club was guiding me to my homeroom. I'll admit that Tamaki's not a bad person, despite having to join his club against my will. I remember now, when he insisted that I joined his group, there was a look that seemed like concern, or was it greed? I don't know.
'Maybe things will get better,' I thought with a growing smile as I admired the maintenance of the school.
It truly is a beautiful school. The outside grounds look magnificent. It's as if someone with true taste designed it all. The sparkling spray of water from the fountains in the morning always made me smile, like when I'd walked past them when changing lessons yesterday, and when I first visited for the entry exam and to inspect the campus with Mum less than two months ago.
Walking past a large window, I could see the fountain by the front gates that looked undeniably amazing from up here on the first floor, which if I had read my map correctly, was the floor my homeroom was on.
'Note to self: Must draw something like this some day,' I thought with a satisfied grin.
Hikaru and Kaoru did mention they saw me drawing yesterday; it must have been during break. I have a habit to draw things that look unique, beautiful or any treasured moments that spice my interest. I don't always know why I do so, but it's something I've done since a pencil was put in my hand.
"Here's your homeroom. Have a good day," Tamaki said, which startled me slightly, causing him to chuckle. "In a world of your own huh?"
"Oh, yea, sort of. I don't normally go around school with anyone so it's a change," I explained with an embarrassed smile.
"Not even at your old school in England?"
"No. My friends walked slower than me, so I often walked off ahead without even realising because I was thinking about something that either bothered me or caught my interest." I explained.
"You're quite a complex person aren't you?"
"Indeed. That's what most people expect of me, and I'm proud to be that way. A lot of my complexity increases certain aspects towards my work, which can be both a burden and a pleasure for myself and others around me," I explained, adjusting my glasses by shifting the rims that sit on my nose.
"How is it a burden?" Tamaki questioned, he seemed really content in what I had said, which made me blush slightly. I was so used to being ignored so it really took me by surprise.
"I'm afraid it's difficult to explain, but if it ever becomes a situation in the future, I'll let you know. Oh… Thank you for showing me to my homeroom," I smiled, adjusting the bag straps as it chafed and ached my shoulders, slowly making my back tingle with an irritating strain.
"It wasn't a problem at all," Tamaki chuckled before leaving me to go into my homeroom. He turned around at the end of the corridor and looked at me. "Remember, club activities after school."
He then walked off. I don't know why, but I found realised I was smiling. Maybe it was because Tamaki was treating me like a human being, not like the animal I apparently seemed to be yesterday. After I knew for certain that he was gone, I opened the door to my homeroom and found my seat where I had sat myself yesterday, which I didn't realise before, but now realised was between Hikaru and Kaoru in the back row near the window.
Taking my pad of specially ordered art paper out of my bag, I started to draw the photographic memory I had taken in less than a few minutes ago of the fountain I had found myself admiring. Taking out my pencil case, I took out my sketching pencils and started work on my newest piece of work.
About ten minutes into my work the bell went, and when I looked up to find students in my class walking in to be in earlier than our teacher, I was shocked by the faces staring down at me. I closed my book and put my pencils away in my bag as I tried desperately to put the book away with them.
"Hikaru? Kaoru?" I questioned as I looked between the two of them.
"Ah, you remember our names," they stated bluntly in chorus.
"Of course," I replied, I could tell by my nervousness that I had a serious look on my face. After seeing their behaviour yesterday, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect of them. It's not natural for brothers to be in each other's arms as romantically as they show themselves off to be. "I may have only met you both yesterday, but it doesn't mean I'd forget who you are."
"Hmm, all right then. Tama-senpai asked us to keep an eye on you. Don't ask why cause we don't know," they added in chorus.
I wasn't sure whether to reply or not, but one thing was for sure. I wasn't going to escape as easily as I had hoped. It also seems certain that Tamaki-senpai is trying to keep me under control. Does he think I'll run away?
"Does he realise I'm not going to be like a wild animal and run off? I have no intentions of escaping, even if I had no choice but to join your group." I questioned with a smug grin, leaning my elbows on the desk as I rest my head on the palms of my hands.
"Probably. He's quite protective of his members though," they both answered, again, in chorus, almost creating a symmetrical image.
I was going to ask another question, but our homeroom teacher came in, so obviously I couldn't. The day passed quickly, with break spent in homeroom working on my latest piece, and lunch also spent in homeroom as well, where I managed my thoughts, while consuming the lunch of sandwiches and fruit I had prepared for myself. Although Hikaru and Kaoru were in homeroom at lunch as well, I noticed they were both together but separated from everyone else around them. It seems they are all the time, when they're not hosting.
The end of the day seemed to come quickly. I was leaving my English class with a somewhat uneven smile. It's fair to blame the fact that people kept looking at me strangely throughout the entire lesson, glancing back between the teacher and I. Ah well, I don't care what it was about, I just need to handle a short afternoon of hosting and then I can go home.
I opened the brass doorknob, at the end of the north hall of the third music room. Everyone seemed content with something and didn't seem to notice me until about a couple of minutes after closing the door behind myself.
"Hollie-chan!" Honey-senpai cheered as he rubbed his eyes and ran full speed towards me, then grabbing my hand and spinning me on the spot, similar to yesterday. I think he's created a nickname for me already… "I just woke up and now you're here. Lucky me!"
I smiled, blushing slightly at the sweet compliment. I couldn't help but question why he was asleep though. He does look like a young child, so maybe he naps like a young child does? It's logical, despite his age. Many people have comfort blankets in their late teens, not that they'll admit it.
"You might have guests today! Everyone knows about it!" Honey-senpai continued with an adorable grin, I was definitely sure this time there was small poppies or some other flower blooming around his face. It would suit him.
I continued to smile, but couldn't help but feel nervous. I've only just remembered the names of the host club members, now I need to meet new people and remember their names as well. I'll just have to try.
"Come and sit with me and Mori!" Honey-senpai grinned, tugging me by my sleeve as he readjusted his grip and sat me down between him and Mori-senpai on the three-seat-sofa. "Do you want some cake Hollie?"
"No but thank you for the offer," I excused, smiling at the understanding honey blond and chocolate-eyed member.
"Oh! Then why not hold onto Usa-chan!"
Taking the pink and black-eyed bunny he had in his arms, I sat the plush doll on my knee, which seemed to entertain my excited elder. I have to admit, although personally, stuffed animals and dolls do not thrill me, it was definitely a cute toy. I couldn't help myself and analyse the animal, it looked handmade, how the stitching wasn't perfect, but discrete to any passer-by. But indeed, it was a wonderfully made toy.
Conversations started to take place as mixed groups of boys and girls started to gather at the small area in the corner of the room, not far from the window. I felt almost fortunate to be sat on a sofa surrounded by three others; in the centre was a coffee table where I was given responsibility to pour hot drinks, which seemed to please everyone who was sat with us.
I wasn't quite aware of how good looking a lot of the guys were that came to be designated to me. Even though I was nervous, and always growing increasingly shy, I somehow managed to keep a good conversation going, but constantly being interrupted by Tamaki-senpai who would run over and chant how cute he thought my smile was, which made me loose rhythm of the conversation. What made it slightly easier to bear was that it became more like a group discussion with Honey-senpai, his female clients and my male customers who had enough curiosity to investigate about the exclusive activity that I had to dish out. Although Mori was sat with us, he wouldn't utter a word.
"So, Hollie-chan. What are your hobbies?" Honey-senpai asked, whilst being watched by the mixed gender of customers who glanced between us both.
"Hmm… It's hard to create a list, but my favourite hobby of all is singing, along with art, acting, and writing fiction. Not forgetting sports like netball and basketball. I enjoy trying out a wide variety of different activities, whether its extreme sports, down to the performing arts, I like to have a go." I explained, taking my glasses off and coping with the strain of adjusting to the change in my vision.
"Do you bake?" one of the girls asked with an expectant look on her face as she grinned at Honey before looking curiously back at me.
"Oh definitely. I'm not a very good cook, but baking cakes and other deserts is fun because when my family tries it, they seem to enjoy it a lot because it's fresh," I continued to explain with a growing smile and slight giggle. I finally felt more comfortable. Maybe it's because it's a casual conversation, not an endless attempt at winning a customer's heart.
"Hollie-chan, may I taste your baking when you next cook?" Honey-senpai beamed.
"Of course. If you'd like, I can cook one tonight and bring it tomorrow," I stated with an even larger smile. Although I hated the idea of my imprisonment, already it felt more pleasurable to be appreciated for my hobbies and being taken an interest in.
"That would be great!" Honey-senpai chuckled as he picked up a fork and pulled a chunk of strawberry cheesecake from the slice Mori-senpai had cut for him.
I continued to smile, which didn't take long for another inevitable attack from Tamaki as I felt myself being strangled and tried to break free.
"Tama-senpai! Let go of me!" I shouted, wriggling in a desperate attempt at escape the suffocating grip of his tangling arms. Frantically looking around I noticed Mori-senpai had turned around with Honey to look at another of Senpai's attempts to praise me. "Mori-senpai! Help!"
It was sudden but it happened, I was relieved, but also shocked to be suddenly lifted away from Tamaki's grip and was hanging over Mori's shoulder looking at Honey. It was safe to assume I was being carried in the typical fireman's lift. I was just as shocked as Tamaki at Mori's method of heroism.
"Mori-senpai… that was drastic, do you have to go that far?" Tamaki complained. I was sure he was tugging at the end of my trousers, and luckily for me I was wearing a belt.
"I was asked for help, so I helped," Mori answered in an almost emotionless monotone.
"Thank you," I answered in a suffocated whisper, sighing as I tried to push my stomach away from Mori's shoulder in an easier attempt to breath properly.
"Come to Daddy!" Tamaki chuckled as he ran around the other side of Mori to face me.
"I don't need two fathers," I groaned as I stared into his excited purple eyes.
Being placed safely onto my feet, I took a moment to balance myself properly, but unexpectedly the Hitachiin twins surrounded me. Judging by their appearance, they had purposely ruffled up their hair and were looking down on me with mischievous grins. An audience started to gather, and naturally I assumed this was a common activity for the clients to take part in, it didn't seem like anything else.
"Lets play the 'Which One is Hikaru-kun Game?'" they both grinned as they continued to snigger amongst themselves.
Sighing, I thought to myself about my decision.
"The one on my right is Kaoru and the one on the left is Hikaru," I grinned with a slight giggle as I waited for their response.
"Wrong!" they shouted with beaming smiles.
"Actually, no. I'm right. You may look similar, but you do have differences that allows me to tell you both apart," I grinned as I felt mischievously content.
Amongst the clapping and questioning of my success, I couldn't help but smile at the gob smacked look on the twins' faces. Never before had I felt so good about being right about something.
'To be honest, despite being right about their game, it's not that big a deal is it?' I thought to myself. 'Either way, they shouldn't feel bummed about being told apart.'
With that, I left the group so the ragingly excited audience could question the two twins, who admitted their hopeless defeat. Sitting myself down on a chair at a small table, I poured myself a cup of tea and reflected to myself. Closing my eyes I allowed my thoughts to unravel so I could contemplate.
"You're certainly becoming popular among the members of the host club," a girl's voice said, which seemed to be close.
I opened my eyes to find a girl with long dark hair sitting on the chair across the table. She was leaning her chin into the palms of her hands and was looking almost creepily at me.
"Seems so," I answered with a deep monotonic tone.
"You know, Tama-sama keeps looking at you. Just bear in mind he's only keeping an eye out for the club's little piggy until he knows enough about your background," the girl chuckled.
"You're probably right," I sarcastically replied.
"Don't think you're special though. Just because he's got his eye on you, it doesn't mean you mean anything to him. You're still only a commoner," she continued, tapping the side of her cheek with her index finger in what seemed to be a 4-by-4 beat.
'Hmm, I see. I get it now,' I thought to myself with a chuffed grin.
"To be blunt. I think you're jealous that…" I tried to say, but unexpectedly felt myself being flung backwards.
It was all sudden, but as soon as I came to and rubbed the back of my head from the aching where I must have landed on it, I could hear her shouting some random crap about me becoming violent, and ill-mannered as well her pathetic attempts to call other people to help her. What I also didn't expect was the Hitachiin twins' to pour dripping cups of water over her head, causing her to uproar more complaints. Clambering to my feet, I was then confronted by the girl, but was somewhat defended as Tamaki stood between us.
"It's inevitable to say you're a beautiful girl, but only on the outside. I hate to say it, but can you never come back? We can't have customers mistreating members like that," Tamaki scolded.
She simply squealed at her banishment and ran out of the clubroom screaming how stupid she thinks the club is. Which kind of contradicts her purpose of being there in the first place, making me laugh secretly in my head.
"We get that kind of customer every now and then," Hikaru added, breaking the silence.
I could only watch him, both out of shock and complete confusion. Nervously I rubbed the back of my head, and then pulled the sleeve of my right arm up to find it my elbow was bruised. Damn girl. Pulling the sleeve down again, I continued to watch with a sigh.
"Right then. How to handle this? My best customer's gone," Tamaki muttered to himself. "Hollie, I was going to negotiate with you. If I gave you a quota of 100 customers to assist and please, you'd be free to leave the club, but since my prized customer is no longer welcome, I'll double it to 200 customers."
"Eh…" I sighed. "Fine, I accept the consequences. Please excuse me, I need to get some fresh air."
Without uttering a word, I grabbed my bag and left the clubroom, escaping outdoors in less than a minute. Walking slowly along the path alongside in what seemed like a daze, around the end of the north hall building, I sat myself on a bench that overlooked a beautiful flowerbed of colourful tulips and other assorted breeds.
"This is all too much…" I sighed as I felt my shoulders slouch slightly in a false sense of relief.
"Been a long day for you huh?" a voice said.
Turning to look in the direction of the familiar voice, I was surprised to notice Kaoru running towards me. I guess it was better than Tamaki, especially because of this 'debt' he's burdened me with.
"Yea…" I groaned as he sat himself next to me.
"First everyone thought you looked a lot like our English teacher, Tono starts harassing you, Mori lifting you, our little guessing game, the princess backstabbing you, and now you're indebted because of her actions. Sounds like a lot to me," Kaoru chuckled.
"I only wanted somewhere quiet to study yesterday… I never planned on being caught up in any clubs, not yet. Tama-senpai was right to punish me like that though; I taunted her to a point where she retaliated worse each time I answered to her. It was wrong of me to do that, I didn't even mean to," I explained with a long deep sigh.
"I know it seems harsh that Tono forced you into the group, but he's got high hopes for you. He won't admit it but he does," Kaoru continued to explain with a reassuring smile. "You were clever to tell Hikaru and I apart."
"Thanks…" I stated in a soft whisper looking at my feet.
"Come on, we better get back to the club room. There's only twenty minutes left but Tamaki will appreciate you being there. Don't take it personally."
"Thanks for finding me. I feel a lot better for talking to someone about it," I weakly smiled.
We took our time walking back up to the clubroom, but even though it was a peaceful walk, and we had a peaceful conversation, I still couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with everything that had happened.
"Hollie. Don't worry about it."
