Part One: An Interesting First Day

"Life at any time can become difficult: life at any time can become easy. It all depends upon how one adjusts oneself to life."

"Welcome, Inoue-kun. Follow me."

Masa obediently followed the teacher, adjusting his tie nervously. He had noticed he was getting plenty of looks, even when he had packed up what he had used this morning and had given his bags to Tsuji-senpai.

"Since you transferred here late, you will have to learn your way around campus," the teacher was saying. Masa shook his head, short curls bouncing as he focused on what was being discussed. "Please disregard the gawkers, they're simply interested."

Masa took that to heart and deftly ignored all looks and murmurs. "Yes, Sensei."

"Although you will probably end up as one of them," the teacher muttered.

"Pardon?"

"Ah, nothing. Here we are." The teacher opened the door and strode to the front. "Settle down, everyone. It turns out that Kouno-kun isn't the only transfer student this semester."

The classroom was instantly full of whispers. Masa stood anxiously outside, waiting for the teacher to introduce him. He was unused to such events and was unsure of how to react.

"Masa Inoue. Please help him learn his way around." The teacher gestured, and Masa sidled in.

His short, tousled, wavy hair glistened auburn in the morning sun, bright, hazel eyes wide with mild panic. Smooth skin and a slender build made it quick to see that this boy was quite interesting, indeed. Suddenly, his expression shifted slightly.

"My name is Masa Inoue. Pleased to meet you. I hope to have a good year with you all." His voice was clipped, almost regal as he bowed.

"Sakamoto-san, as the class president, can you show Inoue-kun around as well?" The teacher glanced at a green-haired boy who rose.

"Of course, Sensei."

"Go sit over by Sakamoto-san." The teacher gestured over to the empty seat, and Masa gratefully sat down, hearing his classmates whisper something about "another new one" and "he'll look great".

"I'm Akira Sakamoto, class president." The green-haired boy smiled warmly at Masa, who grinned weakly. "I'll help you find your way around campus, don't worry."

"Thank you," Masa said with a sigh. A sudden tap on his shoulder made him nearly jump out of his seat.

"A bit high-strung, are we?"

A laugh came from behind him. Turning, Masa saw Yuujiro. Beside him was a beautiful blue-haired boy.

"Ah, Shihoudani-san. Good morning," Masa said with a nod. Yuujiro waved.

"This is Tooru Kouno." Yuujiro elbowed Tooru, whose blue eyes were staring intently at Masa.

"Oh. Uh, yes. I also transferred in recently. Hopefully we can be friends." Tooru smiled, and it was also as radiant as Yuujiro's.

"What's up with these blindingly beautiful people?" Masa muttered. Akira laughed, his green eyes sparkling.

"Well, you're quite interesting in your own right, Inoue-san."

Masa was left to ponder that statement as he went through his morning classes.

Finally lunch came along. Masa collapsed at his desk. "Man, you guys are far ahead of where I was," he said with a sigh.

Akira came over. "Well, let's go get something to eat. Do you want to visit the cafeteria or the school shop? Or did you bring a lunch?"

"Ah, no, it's okay. I don't usually eat lunch." Masa waved his hands in denial. "Could you show me-"

"Will Yuujiro Shihoudani, Tooru Kouno, Mikoto Yutaka, Akira Sakamoto, and Masa Inoue come to the Student Council room immediately?" The loudspeaker rang out and everyone around them erupted in whispers yet again.

"What is with this school?" Masa wondered as Akira stood up. "The Student Council? Am I in trouble or something?"
"No, of course not. They just want to ask you something, is all." Akira led Masa into the hall.

"By the way, where did Kouno-san and Shihoudani-san go?" Masa peered around the students swarming them in the hall.

"Sakamoto-sama, good morning," they called, many eyeing Masa up. He glared at them all.

"Oh, they had some duties to attend to during lunch," Akira hedged. "Here we are." They arrived at a plush room. Inside were Tooru, Yuujiro, and a red-haired boy that Masa hadn't met yet. "President." He bowed to a strikingly beautiful young man.

"Sakamoto-sama, welcome. Oh, you're Masa Inoue? I see." The president stood up and walked around Masa, who was beginning to feel like a piece of meat being sized up for sale. "I'm Shuya Arisada, student council president, and I have a proposition for you."

"Don't listen to him!" The red-haired boy burst out, standing up. Yuujiro and Tooru sighed and tugged him back down onto the couch. "It's not worth it!"

"Not for you. But that doesn't mean others don't need the help," Yuujiro said chidingly with a glare. The boy sank back down, distressed.

"But we have Tooru! Do we really need another one?!"

"Mikoto, shush," Tooru said with a smile. Masa deduced that he was the Mikoto Yutaka mentioned in the announcement. "Please, have a seat." Tooru and Yuujiro shifted down on the couch, and Masa sat between Tooru and Mikoto.

"We have a tradition here at Fujimori...As an all-boy's school, we find ourselves lacking in morale, grace, and elegance...which is why we have the Princesses." Arisada sat down on the couch opposite, flanked by three other men.

"Princesses?" Masa was confused. "But there are no women here."

"You see, Inoue-kun, we select students with feminine features to be the light of the student's school days."

Masa stared at the president. "But I haven't seen anyone..." He paused and glanced at the three lovely boys sitting beside him. "You three dress up as girls?"

"I never wanted this!" Mikoto cried out.

"Yes," Tooru and Yuujiro chimed.

"It seems strange, but hear the President out." Akira patted Masa's shoulder. "It may be worth it for you to consider."

Arisada coughed and glanced at Mikoto, who quieted down. "Basically, Inoue-kun, a candidate for a Princess must be a first year student of the school since they have more free time from school work, bodies that have not fully developed, and can easily wear girls' outfits. From all the first years, those with the best looks and most-suited personalities are chosen to be Princesses. However, if one only has good looks but is not popular, that person will not be chosen."

Masa nodded. "That makes sense, I guess."

"The Princesses' duties consist of wearing girl's clothes to morning meetings or school events, encouraging others at school, and cheering at school events. When there is a conflict between a Princess' work and school classes, absence from class or leaving early can be considered as a school vacation, and the absence will not show up on his attendance record. Every month the Princesses receive thirty school luncheon vouchers each. Therefore, when they eat at school, they do not have to pay." Arisada paused, looking thoughtful.

"All necessary school supplies are covered by the Princess budget, which is, by the way, the largest of the school. Also, the Princesses will receive partial profit they can use as pocket money from the photography club that takes pictures of the Princesses and sells them to other students. The school rules require the photography club to share profits with whoever serves as model for the photos they sell, and the photographs of the Princesses are the most sought-after." This was said by the man on the president's left. "Wataru Harue, student council treasurer."

Masa pondered this. "So you're telling me that if I dress up as a girl, my school lunches and supplies will be paid for?"

"A good deal, right?" Tooru grinned at Masa, blue eyes alight with passion.

"It is," the short-haired brunette agreed.

"But you have to dress as a girl!" Mikoto stood again, gesturing towards Yuujiro and Tooru. "Are you really going to accept this as easily as those two?!"

"I don't see any real reason in objecting," Masa said after a moment.

"If he's becoming one, then I should be able to quit," Mikoto said, hope in his voice.

The president shook his head. "No, I'm afraid that isn't possible, Mikoto-kun."

"Why not?" Masa asked, glancing over at Akira.

"Once you become a Princess, it's tied to your grades," Akira explained with a sideways look at the president.

"Oh. Then I accept." Masa folded his hands on his lap. "Please take care of me."

"Well, that was simple!" The president stood. "We'll need to plan another Princess Announcement ceremony. You're dismissed." The student council members retreated into the back part of the room as the four boys stood. Akira led them out and gently shut the door behind him, then turned to Masa.

"You seem to have accepted this all in stride," he said with a quirk of his eyebrows.

Masa's hazel eyes sparkled. "I'll get to eat lunch," was all he said. Yuujiro laughed.

"That was Tooru's reason too," the blonde said with a grin. Tooru glared at Yuujiro.

"No, the supplies was my reason for joining." Tooru looked haughtily away.

"I didn't want to do this!" Mikoto muttered. "Why can't I just quit?"

"If you leave, then everyone's benefits are taken away." Yuujiro frowned at Mikoto. "I'll hate you forever if you do that."

Mikoto stood shocked as Tooru and Yuujiro laughed. Masa stared in bewilderment at the three boys. Akira tapped him on the shoulder, breaking his reverie.

"I'm sure that Natasho-senpai heard the news, so you should probably head over to the Home Economics room for a fitting. Also, as a Princess, you get to stay at the

P-Room over in the Dorms...I'll make sure that Tsuji-san knows. Yutaka-san, Shihoudani-san, Kouno-san, can you escort Inoue-san? I'll go make sure that everything is arranged."

"Yes, Sakamoto-sama," Mikoto sighed. The green-haired boy trotted down the hall.

"Why does everyone call him Sakamoto-sama?" Masa inquired.

"He's going to be student council president after Arisada-san. By the way, it turns out that Arisada-san was a Princess as well." Yuujiro glanced at Masa, who was moderately surprised.

"I figured as much. He probably looked lovely." Masa sighed as he followed the three Princesses down the hall, wondering how this was going to turn out.

A man in glasses came barreling out into the hall, stopping when he saw the four boys. "Ah, Princesses! You've come to try on my newest outfit, haven't you?" he said excitedly. He began rambling on about cloth cut and thread types when Yuujiro smiled beatifically at him.

"Natasho-senpai, this is Masa Inoue. He has agreed to become a Princess as well, so we were wondering if you wanted to do a fitting on him."

The tall man stopped mid-sentence. "What?!" he said, eyes widening. "Ah, bring him in! Oh, this is going to be a wonderful year," he said giddily.

"I'm Masa Inoue, pleased to meet you," Masa said haltingly as he was poked, prodded, and measured.

"This is great, I have so much inspiration now! Ah, the four Princesses...perhaps I'll go with a seasonal theme..." Apparently finished with measuring, Natasho wandered off, grabbing a sketch pad and scribbling furiously.

"Um, are we done here?" Masa asked, glancing at the other three. Tooru sighed.

"Yes, probably. Lunch break is almost over." He glanced at his watch. "Masa-kun, you want to split some bread with me?"

"Ah, sure, if you don't mind." They left the home ec room, ignoring the squeals of delight heard from within. Yuujiro stretched and grabbed Mikoto.

"Mikoto, let's go see what the president needs us to do today so we can get Masa-kun used to our ways." The blonde grinned at Mikoto, golden eyes gleaming devilishly.

"No way! This is no way for a man with a girlfriend to act!" Mikoto protested, his defiant cries lingering as Yuujiro pulled him back towards the student council room.

"So you transferred in as well, Kouno-san?" Masa asked. The bread having been bought, they were sitting outside on the grass.

Tooru nodded. "Yes, just..." He paused as a group of students came by.

"Ah, Princess! This day is too long without your radiance! Please, bestow a smile upon us lowly students!" they begged.

"Please keep your spirits up, everyone," Tooru said with a dazzling smile. The throng of students cheered and dispersed. "Anyway, I actually transferred here last week. I was inducted as a Princess on my second day," he said with a laugh. "They seem to be moving faster."

"The students really enjoy having Princesses, don't they?" Masa asked ponderously.

"Yes. Although it can be tiring. I mean, we have to be cheerful all the time, and give them what they want-within limits, of course. I mean, most of it is smiling, waving, and cheering. But it's like being on stage all day." He sighed, then smiled and waved at some passing students. "It's interesting enough work, though."

"I see." The two sat in silence as they ate. A few students stayed back and stared at Masa, whispering and casting glares in his direction.

"They seem to be jealous. I'm hogging all of your attention, it seems," Masa said with a laugh.

"Well, the news will be out soon enough." Tooru shrugged. A student came racing outside, waving his hands excitedly. "There you go, it seems they put posters up for the Princess Announcement ceremony. It's basically a chance for the students to see you in your Princess outfit."

Masa nodded. "I see, I see." The bell rang, and he stood, extending a hand to Tooru. "Shall we head back?"

"Sure."

Just then, Yuujiro came out. "Seems there isn't anything special for us to do today, just rest up for the ceremony tomorrow." The three walked back to the classroom, followed by admiring students.

"Masa-hime! Good luck at the ceremony tomorrow!"

"Princesses! You are the stars in the dark night sky of school life! Please continue to shine!"

"I appreciate your thoughts, gentlemen," Masa said coolly, with a hint of a smile. "I will do my best."

Soon the school day was over. Masa joined Yuujiro as they walked to the dorms, staring at his feet.

"I can't wait to change out of this," he murmured. "It's so hot."

"Yes, you can change to the normal uniform now that you've been introduced." Yuujiro rubbed his eyes. "The ceremony will be tomorrow morning, so we should be at the school by about 7 a.m."

"I understand." They walked in silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts.

"Masa, it might be tough for you, but we're all here in case you need anything." Yuujiro turned abruptly to look at Masa. "Although he whines a lot, Mikoto's pretty reliable. Tooru seems to be a good listener."

"And you, Shihoudani-san, are my first friend," Masa said with a bright smile. "So let's have an interesting year."

"Yeah." Yuujiro nodded, golden eyes abstract.

"You seem to enjoy teasing Mikoto."

"Yeah," he repeated. "There's just something about him. Tooru does it too."

"I see." Masa scuffed his feet along the road.

"Oh, it's Tsuji-senpai. Hello senpai," Yuujiro called. The two trotted to the dorm doors.

"Hello Masa-chan, Yuu-chan. Masa-chan, you're going to be in the room you were in last night if that's okay with you. Unless you'd rather room with Miko-chan, of course." Tsuji glanced at Yuujiro.

"No, it's okay, I don't want to impose on Yutaka-san." Masa smiled.

"We moved your bags to the room. Shoes and name cards are here. Just put your card in the slot when you're in the dorm so we know. Since you're a Princess, you'll bathe when the other three do so we can have a guard set up."

"Guard?"

"Yes, some students would love to take photos of us in the bath." Yuujiro laughed.

"Oh." Masa was slightly taken aback by this statement as he removed his shoes.

"Well, I need to talk to some of the other residents. I'm sure the other Princesses can take care of any other questions you have." Tsuji bowed. "I'll be on my way."

"Thank you very much for your help," Masa said, bowing in return. "Shall we, Shihoudani-san? Ladies first." He said it with a grin as Yuujiro swept past him.

"You're a man today, but a woman tomorrow morning," the blonde teased. Masa laughed. "Mikoto seems to equate clothes with masculinity, which is part of his problem." He unlocked the P-Room door, pausing as he opened it. "Tsuji-senpai forgot to give you a key."

"Oh, I have it." Mikoto emerged from the second room on the left, two keys dangling from his hand. "Here you go, Masa. The square one is for the outside door, the round one for your room. We don't usually lock our room doors, but we deadbolt the outside door at night. Tsuji-senpai has a master key if you ever get locked out."

Masa took the keys, nodding his thanks to the redhead. "I'm going to go move in, then."

His bags were neatly arranged in the corner. With a sigh, Masa opened the suitcases and began unpacking his clothing, shoes, and uniforms. Once they were properly hung up or put in the chest of drawers, he moved on to the duffel bags. One held his bedding. After struggling with the sheets, he unpacked the second bag, which contained his personal effects.

He dug around until he found a photo. Unwrapping the towel around it, he gazed fondly at the photo of his family. His mother, a female version of himself, was laughing at something his father said. Masa himself was on his father's shoulders. The picture was taken in front of a sunflower field.

Gathering a few more photos, he taped them to the walls and retrieved a keychain near the bottom. It had a heart on it, and on the back was written "Don't forget who you are-Chii".

He smiled at the thought of his best friend back in middle school as he attached his keys to it, then exhaled loudly. After putting a few more items out, he deemed himself done. The room still seemed empty, however. Masa flopped facedown onto the bed. "It's been a long day," he muttered.

A knock on the door made him jump. "Come in," he said, muffled by his pillow. The door creaked and Tooru's head popped in.

"Hey, just wondering if you needed anything." The blue-haired boy edged inside.

"No, but thank you for asking, Kouno-san." Masa sat up and massaged his temples.

"No need to be so formal, you know. We've been calling you Masa all day." Tooru sat at the table chair. "Hopefully we'll get the hang of this Princess stuff together."

Masa grinned. "Yes, that would be for the best." He yawned, then sat up. "What time is it?"

Tooru glanced at his watch. "Want to grab supper? Since the posters for your ceremony are up, you'll join us at the Princess table."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, we basically sit at the head of the room. Seems kind of awkward, but you'll get used to it." Tooru shrugged.

"I see." Masa pondered this. "Well, I guess as long as the other students don't mind."

"They love it," Yuujiro said, appearing in the doorway. Mikoto popped up behind him.

"Yes, but it's so embarrassing!" Mikoto hung his head. "I wish we could just eat normally."

"Shush, Mikoto. You probably like the attention." Yuujiro glanced slyly at the redhead.

"Never!" Mikoto protested.

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks," Tooru teased. Mikoto went off into a rant as the two laughed at him. Masa followed the three out, attempting to remember everyone's names and classroom locations.

At supper, the four Princesses ate at a separate table at the front of the room, as Tooru had said. The chatter of students was soothing to Masa and he relaxed and listened as he ate. As such, he was startled when Yuujiro gave him a poke.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention," he apologized.

"Obviously we're not pretty enough to hold your interest," Yuujiro said, flipping his hair over his shoulder, feigning disgust.

"We can't compare to you, what with that naturally messy hair and proportional figure, but you'd think we'd be more interesting than Mikoto." Tooru pouted.

Masa realized that as he had been spacing out, he'd been staring at Mikoto, who was blushing.

"I'm sorry, Yutaka-san, I wasn't staring," Masa said hastily. "And 'naturally messy' is the most painful kind of hair to deal with! I have to get up so early..."

"Mikoto," the redhead said with a sigh. "Call me Mikoto."

"Miko-chan," Yuujiro and Tooru suddenly chimed.

"No! I hate that nickname! It makes me sound like some sort of magical girl," Mikoto complained.

Masa laughed. "Okay, Mikoto. Shall we head back to the dorms? I need to prepare for tomorrow."

"Sure." The four stood up and deposited their trays on the conveyor, waving as they left.

"Let's try to outdo each other tomorrow," Tooru said with a smile as they walked back.

"I won't even have to try," Yuujiro said confidently.

"I don't want to," Mikoto muttered. "I hate it, I hate dressing up as a girl when I'm a man!"

"I'll give it my all," Masa grinned. As they went to their rooms, Masa sat at the table and began his homework. Soon the sun had set and it was dark; deeming himself done, he stretched and turned on a small lamp he had set up on the edge of the desk. Undressing, he quickly hopped into bed and was asleep, dreams of dresses running through his head.