Most kids hate waking up on their first day of school. They would wish and wish that their break would have lasted much longer because to them, it seemed as if it went by with the blink of the eye. To certain extent, I suppose that's true; during times we can leisurely sit by and do nothing, time can either lag and become tedious, or it can fly by with the wink of an eye.

I, however, am not one of those kids.

The early bird catches the worm, or so they say. Me? I just love ambling by the rising sun that colored the sky in a mishmash of red, purple and orange, the fresh scent of cool and dew moist air, and despite being tired as hell most of the time, it was my caffeine.

This morning, I both dreaded and awaited, however. Is it bad that I feel like vomiting because I'm, perhaps, just maybe, too nervous? Either way, after waking up an hour early and throwing on clothes, I found myself nearly out the door till...

"Hold to your horses, Homura." I stopped just steadily in the open doorway, murmur impatiently as I turned around to see my father - all dressed in his scrubs and ready for work. He walks to me, his frame becoming illuminated by the light peering from the doorway. "Before you leave, let's be sure you have everything." he said.

I suppressed the urge to sigh as I nodded dryly. Father was always the organized type of person; he likes to keep things in order, neat and clean. So knowing that, I only prayed this didn't take too long... like usual.

"Do you have your cellphone so you can call us if in an emergency?" Father appraised me with his usual lighthearted voice trying to sound stern. But even if he did accomplish that tone of a strict parent, I couldn't take it seriously, what with his reflecting reading glasses and his soft, droopy lime green eyes behind them.

"Yes, got it." I said with a nod, leaning onto one leg and readjusting the duffle case - strapped over my shoulder - comfortably. A chill from the early morning air creeps up and send goosebumps on my exposed thighs, and despite that chill visibly showing, I was eager as I ever could be. Though it was a ridiculous thought, I distantly wondered if the climate here was really different from France. Must be. Not that Japan doesn't have nice weather, and frankly, the common temperature of France is nothing more than a distant memory to me now.

"Do you have your money?"

"Check,"

"Your paperwork?"

"Check,"

"Clothes?"

Really?

"Check," I said nonetheless.

His hands reach forward, each place on both of my shoulders as he leans from side to side with an anxious and worried look behind his smile, looking like a father checking the child they lost then found for any wounds. Not that I blame him for looking this perturbed. Sending your daughter - a middle class girl - to a school filled with other children from families of higher standing, it would make any parent think twice. I had a bravado on, but anticipation and nervousness settled in the pit of my stomach.

"School supplies; your notebook, pencils..."

"Dad..."

"... your erasers, your sharpener, your ruler,"

"Dad..." I said a bit louder, trying to snap him out of his overprotective father mode. Sadly, I failed, and he only starts to quicken his speech due to it.

"And do you remember the number to the police station, the fire department, or my work? You mustn't forget anything, you always need to prepare because you don't know when something might just happen and you can't get a hold of me or anyone else. And what if-"

I cut him off of his frenzy, gently taking off the hands on my shoulders and returning them to their owner. "Dad, it'll be all right," I said between chortling. His eyes reach up my own, and they soften slightly. "Don't worry, okay? I made sure to have everything, so no need to go into crazily overprotective mode. I'm not a little girl anymore." I knew my words may seem harsh, but I hope father knew that I was being genuine, and the relaxed smile on his face eased the slight guilt, causing a small smile of relief to grace me.

"I'm so sorry," he chuckled softly. "It's just... It's hard to believe you're already grown up, and now attending the prestigious Ouran Academy of all things. Your mother and I can't be blamed for being happy, proud, and anxious all at the same time, my dear." That anxious part in his sentence sounded as if it was added in at the last minute, and again, he's being his usual overprotective self; I've gotten quite used to it after so long, though it can be repetitive sometimes.

But seeing father happy like this, it almost made going to that school for snobs and spoiled children worth it. Not that I don't see him smile all the time - on the contrary, it's rare to see him frown. That's what I always loved about him, other than he's been the best father a girl could have- B-But it's not like I'm trying to make him proud or anything. It was they, my parents, who insisted I enroll into Ouran because of my scores. They want the best for me, I know that.

It wasn't easy, that's for damn sure...

I thank my bullheadedness for getting me there.

I smiled confidently, raising a clenched hand equally as confident. "Well I can't stay a little girl forever," The moment those words left my mouth, I notice father's brow frown slightly. The sun's rays that slip into the doorway outlined the shadows on his owlish face, seeming to make it more somber but I continue unfazed. "This is something I have to do, right? After everything you've done for mom and me, consider it... something to give back as a token of thanks."

His brows rose slightly upward, and then an thoughtful look dawned on his face as he crossed his arms. He was silent for a moment, his eyes observing every inch of my face. "It's amazing," he said musingly. "It seems just like yesterday you were just a child, always acting like an adorable little princess,"

"W-What? I did not..." I flushed, pursing my lips as I looked down the street to conceal my embarrassment. Of all things he had to bring up...

But he didn't comment on it, and he continues. "You've truly grown up, my dear girl," His hand reaches up and ruffles the top of my head just gently enough to not make a mess of it. Despite my reservations, I slowly look up at the semi-tall man, still with flushed cheeks but my gaze softened when I saw his owlish smile. "I'm very proud of you,"

I paused, waiting for him to say more, but instead his hand left my head with reluctance. He fixes glasses, flashing an even brighter smile - if that was even possible. "You better get going now, Homura, before you're late. Or else I'm going to talk your ear off till the school year is over and done with."

For a man in the type of work he's in, he sure has a sense of humor. And the nervousness. And to think he's already suffering the empty nest symptoms before I'm even 18. After a quick kiss on the cheek, I flashed a reassuring smile in his direction before I fixed the strap to sit comfortably and began my way down the street.

"Oh, Homura?" I didn't even make it twenty steps before I heard father's voice call. I stopped, turned slightly, and tilt my head back to look at him. A scrutinizing look, glowing with orange from the sun, came as his eyes scanned me from head to toe. He sweatdrops. "You still have time before school starts. Perhaps... you should think about changing into something more... appropriate."

"Hm? What's wrong with the way I dress?" I asked, raising a brow. I didn't think what I was wearing - a flannel shirt, denim shorts and white stockings - was anything to fret over. But I wasn't that thickheaded to understand why he looked this nervous. I'm going to a school where all the rich and famous attend. Most likely they're in their fancy school uniforms, walking around like people should worship the ground they walk on.

Besides, when I saw the girl's high school uniforms - a yellow fitted-bodice dress - I said, "Hell no" to that. Usually I don't mind skirts and dresses, and in fact, I used to wear them all the time. But... that uniform is just way too much, personally and financially. I'm not kidding. For one, it was about ¥300,000.

Screw that! I'm not, nor are my parents, going to pay money for something as eccentric and embarrassing as that. And besides, it's not required so what's the point? I'll dress what makes me comfortable.

Father opened his mouth but instead of words, a resign sigh left his lips as he knew that I would be bullheaded about the issue. But still with a gentle smile, his eye fixate on the guitar case strapped to my shoulder. "And what of your instrument? Do you really need to take it with you to school? It's not going to stand up and walk off on its own if you leave it home. It'll be more safe here." he said strictly, yet still kindly as usual.

Even though he meant well, my hand around the strap tighten significantly - more or less protective and possessive of it. And though I smile at him and say, "It's fine. I want to take it with me." something started to well up in my chest, threatening to burst, and my eyelids fell some. As you can tell, I'm very fond and finicky about my guitar - possibly like a mother to her child. I did risk taking it, but I wanted to. This guitar... It's very special to me.

And father knew that too, his eyes softening as he knew I'd never want to leave it alone - that it's something precious I can't let go. So thus he drops the subject. Raising an open palm to me, he sends me off with an encouraging smile. "Be safe, Homura. And be sure to stop by your mother's shop on your way."

I nod before turning back around and then answering in a shout as I took off in a jog. "I will! Have a good day at work!" I didn't look back to see what kind of expression was on the man's face. But knowing him, it's probably that warm and tender gaze as he watches the girl he chose to raise venture on with boldness. With that image in mind, some semblance of more confidence overshadows the dread of going, and I pick up the pace vehemently, my guitar bouncing against my back - but safely so.

By the time I reached mother's store, fifteen minutes had already passed by but I was still on the clock. I did only have an hour or so before I had to show up for the first term, but usually, I enjoy being the one person to come in earlier than the rest of the students. And I'm not normally the competitive type. It's just the feeling of self-fulfillment, I suppose. Because of such, I did mull over whether I should stop by here so I can get my schedule and not having to worry about the crowds

But since I was already here, I took a quick break, and decided to pick up something to get me through the day. I'm not a massive eater, so thus I have a rather thin figure. Something to go and some coffee will do for now. And besides, I'm going to have to hear my mother playing the guilt trip card on me later if I don't at least come by.

Stepping onto the black mat, and then the doors slid open on command, I was greeted with a high pitched voice of a woman in her apron, my mother, when she flicked around and saw me, waving while holding one box in her other hand. "Good morning, honey!" she said enthusiastically.

I smiled back tiredly, throwing a stiff wave back as I walked in, and over to her. "Morning, mom. So how's the work coming along." I said, wiping the sweat for my brow.

Mother sent me a side glance with a sunny grin as she turned back and went off with the box to the backroom for storage. "Excellent!" she exclaimed brightly from the other room, hearing a thump of the box when she set it down to the floor. "Just handling another shipment of goods from the US. They seem to be selling like crazy. At this rate, at least I know that I'll be in business still. Maybe become the number one business owner in the district." She chortled with hilarity.

"If you plan to bring some of those things home, don't expect me to have any of it. I rather keep myself slim, thank you very much." I said sarcastically, placing a hand on my hip as I look around to see the clock hanging above the doorway. It read, "6:59" but suddenly it turned, "7:00" upon the move of the hands. School would open around, "8:05", so I had plenty of time. Yet I was still a little eager and jittery from the adrenaline rush still coursing in me.

"Aw, and I thought I could surprise you with something special. We got some very interesting things, Homura. I think you might like them. After all, there are children in the world who be very thankful to have them." she smiled witheringly as she pushed aside the curtains, poking her cocked head out as strands of her black hair in a ponytail fall from her shoulder. I don't know if it's just me, but her overly cheery enthusiasm was really making me tired.

I raised a brow at her, watching her unaffectedly as I cross my arms and lean on one leg. She is right, as per usual, but I rather not touch those chemical enriched things - only when I have to. "I know, I know," I said hurriedly, changing the subject because just like father, she'll pick a subject and go on and on about it. "Anyways, I was wondering if I could have a cup of coffee and something to go."

Her grin became softer, brighter - if that was possible. "Ah, of course, sweetheart," she said as she steps out and strolls over to me. "Just let me refill the maker and I can- KYA!" Despite walking at a slow pace, she ends up tripping on her own feet, almost slamming into the ground but luckily, I caught her in time.

"M-Mom!" I exclaimed, and she only flickers her light brown eyes at me sheepishly as she sweatdrops and chuckles. My mother was a Japanese woman, through and through, not just looks but her work ethics. She is always a top-notch worker, always completing her jobs with a hundred percent, but the downfall to it was that she is a major klutz; she bump into walls, trip on her own feet, or breaks plates and such with her butter fingers. Oft I wonder how she handles the convenient store she OWNS. Yes, owns.

But being the down to earth woman she is, she has much inner strength. I am proud to be the daughter to someone like her... but she can be doting and embarrassing at times.

Helping back to her feet, I give her a strict look, and responds with a silly grin. "How is it you're managing this place on your own? You really need to hire workers like I said before. Don't need you falling on a piece of glass the next time." I said witheringly, but I was being concerned. What if something did happened and I wasn't here to catch her?

But she smiles wholeheartedly. "I'm so happy you're concerned about me that you recommend such, but I already told you," she went on as she gingerly brush past me and goes to prepare my coffee. "I can manage the store on my own. I prefer it that way." She was just as bullheaded as I am, but much more kinder - or more naively, perhaps. "But if my wonderful little girl would like to work with her mother-"

"Hell no..." I deadpanned, and she shot a shock look back at me with her mouth agape. I swear, if I was in some anime, she would be the character that would have the stream of tears down their face while they whine comically.

"How can you be so cruel to your own mother, Homu-chan~" she whined, and that image of the anime tears came up in my mind - I pictured it on her, and it was just a perfect fit. "It would be perfect for us to bond like mother and daughter. You can see the type of work your mother does and learn so much-"

"I walk by here every morning on my way to school," I corrected her with half-lidded eyes, and hers become animated. "And besides, I'm fine with what I'm doing to make due." I said with finality. And it was the truth. I know some people may think I sound like some stuck up bitch who doesn't want to work an actually job and trudge all day, but that wasn't the case. Many say that you must work towards doing the career that you truly wish to do, and even if it's still beyond your reach, just work at it the best you can. Though sometimes it won't happen no matter how hard you try, I realized. That isn't what I want to happen.

And besides, I'm only 16. I'm not working in a convenient store, with my mother no less.

When I was expecting my mother to whine jokingly some more to guilt trip me into giving up - since she knew that was my weakness - I was thoroughly surprised when her eyes flicker to the case on my back, and she drops the matter with a understanding look and smile. I guess I shouldn't be so shocked. She knew as well as father that I was adamant on doing what made me at home. They always wanted what made me happy, and if playing on a street corner is what brought me some happiness, then they didn't object too much (and wow, that can really be misunderstood if someone that didn't know me heard that).

The scent of roasted coffee beans filled the air. It invaded into my nostrils, and I breathed it in with delight. There was a certain nostalgia that came from the sounds of the coffee maker at work, slowly dripping brown, steaming liquid into the clear glass pot. Maybe because as a little girl, I used to wake up to such noises and smells. Thinking about it, I begrudgingly admit I did feel a little homesick.

If it's not apparent, I'm not actually from here, though I did live in Tokyo for the last seven years of my life. I suppose you can call me a half-foreigner(?) Most people knew that I wasn't native to Japan, if not for my appearance then it was spoken by my mother - who is very popular with the city folk who stop by. While I did inherit most of my mother's personality (the bullheadedness, and others I care not to share), everything was European descent - the face structure, the hair and the eyes...

How typical. Why is it that it's always either French-Japanese or full blown Japanese, and not something else? Why not American-Japanese? Indian-Japanese? African American-Japanese- Okay, ignore that last one.

Lost in my reverie, I jumped when gentle taps hit my crossed arm and I heard my mother call my name. Looking back at her, she was gracing that same bright smile reminiscent of the raising sun, holding a large paper cup with steam slithering out from opening on the lid in one hand, and a cereal bar in the other. "Everything okay, honey?" she said with a hint of concern in her eyes.

I smiled reassuringly, nodding my head before I took the contents into my hands. "Don't worry about it, mom. I was just thinking." I said, but she didn't seem too convinced.

Either way, she did push the issue and makes a thoughtful sound as she places both her hands on her hips. She seemingly appraises me with those observant and warm chocolate-colored orbs, her expression softening as if a pleasant thought occurred to her. "How are you feeling, miss honor student, about going to Ouran? Excited?" she cooed in some attempt to pump up me about it.

If anything, I guess you could say I'm indifferent about it. Curious, but dreading. I stare at her straight-faced. "Yeah, I can't wait to go to a school where rich snobs are only there to have fun and sit on their asses. So excited." I joked with a hint of a smirk.

Mom caught it, being the observant person she is. Her brows frown slightly and her smile faltered a little. "Please don't talk like that, Homura. You've worked too hard to enroll into the academy. Not many middle class children have the chance to even step foot into such a luxurious school like it." I was tempted to tell her that the only reason I tried is because of her and father, I want to make them proud and not worry anymore. But I kept my lips shut about it as mom flattens her palms over my shoulders tenderly. "It's been difficult, but it's really paying off, right?"

Despite my reservations, I admittedly agree. It wasn't easy one bit - if it's worth it, only time will time. I smile back, curtly nodding. "Yeah, I suppose it has." I agreed precariously with a softer voice.

Her previously tense features relaxed some, her smile and her eyes that are trained on me soften. Taking her hands and fixing my collar, she goes on. "You're going to do just fine, love. And remember, high school is only one part of your entire life. It'll come and go quickly, I promise."

When the words hit home, I blinked and smiled. "Kay," I nod.

Being her usual doting self, she brushes down stray strings of ash brown hair. "Your father and I are so proud of you, Homura. Just do what you can, and have fun. You only live one life. Don't waste it." She may seem like a very ditsy person who is just chuck full of energy that most wondered where she got it from, but she can be quite insightful. It was that side of her I appreciated, and a little disappointed that that wasn't the one thing I inherited from her genes.

Consciously flickering my eyes over to the clock, I paled to see that it was, "7:13". Did I really waste that much time!? Time really can past by if you're not careful. "Sorry, mom, but I gotta get going." I said hurriedly, walking in place.

Mom peered over her shoulder and fumbled a bit when she looks back at me, turning from a wise and owlish woman back into a doting and goofy mother. "Oh, all right. Have a good day, sweetheart," she said before placing a kiss onto my forehead. "I'll see you later tonight."

"All right. Love you!"

"Love you, too, honey!"

As I stuff the bar into my pocket and make my way to the door, I abruptly stopped when I again heard her call my name. "Homura, before you go, promise me just one thing." I tilt my head back at her and make a curious sound, motioning her to talk. There was an apprehensive look in her eyes as she claps her hands together, bringing them to her lips. "Please, for me and your father, please don't start any fights with any of the students."

"Eh? Who said I would?" I inquired dryly, but she ignores it, waving her hand towards the door.

"Oh, never mind, never mind. Just have a good first day. I wanna hear all about it when you come back." she chimed as she then scratches the back of her head sheepishly, knowing she was trudging on a sensitive subject. I don't get into fights... Sometimes... Maybe... A little... Once in a while- SHUT UP!

Whether today would be a one of those fine days at school, it was too early to tell. Though there are many good things to be said about Ouran - the clubs, high test scores, the classes, and beautifully crafted buildings - the bad outweighed the few things that made Ouran a... decent school. I didn't want to be around rich assholes anymore then I have to.

I've dealt with them enough...

-Author's Note-

Wow, I wasn't expect that much of a response from just the first chapter O_O But it was very delightful to see that many alerts in just one day :) Sorry that this chapter seemed uneventful, but we're getting to the best parts soon. I really hope this chapter didn't disappoint any of you X(

Anyways~ A big thanks to: thecoldforest, royalpurple153, Animeismydrug2321, and BadassPunkGirl for reviewing

And an ever big thanks to everyone who favorited and followed the story.

Oh, and one more thing. I originally had some monologue from Homura to start off the chapter but I cut it to reduce the word count. But if you wish to read it to get some more insight on Homura, it's posted in my Live Journal account. The link is in my FF profile.

Thank you for reading~