Chapter 1
Kuroko sits unmoving as the seconds tick by. He stares at the letter, mind blank as a sheet, cogs in his brain frozen.
He…doesn't know what to think. Ouran Academy? What is this, some kind of joke?
He knows what Ouran Academy is all about. An education institute for the children of the nation's wealthiest and most powerful families. To his knowledge (and on a smaller level, prejudice), he sees the students of Ouran to be snobbish airheads who have too much time on their hands, and ordering people around while not lifting a finger. Why would such a prestigious (and if he must say, elitist) academy accept someone as average like him?
Kuroko comes to a conclusion.
Some dishonorable douchebag is trying to pull a nasty prank on him, forging a letter from the Chairman in order to make him believe that he had been accepted. Then when he shows up at Ouran, he will just make a complete fool of himself when he finds it has all been a joke after all.
But…that didn't mean Kuroko didn't just let the matter slide out of his conscience. No, he is going to check the authenticity of the letter to save himself the humiliation if it really did turn out to be one nasty joke, and the miniscule chance that it might be real.
Putting the letter to one side, Kuroko got up and made his way over to the household computer…though it should really be called a personal computer since he is the only resident anyway. He typed in the website of Ouran Academy, scrolled through the contacts, before clicking on the link for admissions queries.
Since it's Friday, Kuroko believes that someone will pick up when called.
A few cycles of the ring tone later, he is proven correct.
"Konnichiwa, this is the Admissions Office of Ouran Academy. How may I help you this afternoon?"
"Konnichiwa, my name is Kuroko Tetsuya." the tealnette responded, "I received an acceptance letter from Ouran Academy today. May I check to see if the letter is authentic and the academy really did send it out to me?"
"Just give me a moment, Kuroko-san."
The line goes silent save for a few indistinguishable noises. After a few moments, the person comes back onto the call.
"Thank you for waiting, Kuroko-san. Yes, the acceptance letter sent to you is authentic. I have checked the system's database to confirm that."
"I see." Kuroko replied, inwardly surprised, "Is there anything else I need to follow up on?"
"Yes there is, Kuroko-san. As stated in the letter, the Chairman would like to have the chance of meeting you in person as soon as possible before the new academic year. May I propose that a meeting be scheduled for tomorrow at 10 am?"
Kuroko thought about it for a moment. The next day is Saturday, and while that usually meant weekend practice, now that he had resigned two weeks' prior, his weekends have been completely free. Sounds reasonable.
"That sounds good. Saturdays are usually free for me."
"Wonderful. I'll inform the Chairman of the scheduled meeting. That would be all, thank you for your time, Kuroko-san. Have a pleasant day."
"Thank you. You too."
A moment later, the line is cut, ending the call. Kuroko pulls his phone away from his ear, staring at the device before putting it down by his side. He stares into empty space for several moments. So the letter is indeed authentic, the academy really did send it to him.
But instead of getting answers, more questions pop up.
Why did Ouran accept him in the first place? As far as he can remember, his household income is nowhere near the levels of the families who can afford to send their children to Ouran. His family isn't connected to any wealthy sources. And perhaps more chillingly…how did the Chairman know who he is? Kuroko is almost certain that he has never even heard of the name Suoh Yuzuru before…right?
A slight jolt of pain in his brain screams at Kuroko to stop thinking about things now. Until his scheduled meeting with the Chairman tomorrow, wondering will not bring forth any answers.
And besides, with his stomach growling, Kuroko realized that he hasn't eaten anything since breakfast. With a sigh, Kuroko gets up, pocketing his phone and grabbing his wallet from the kotatsu table before departing for Maji Burger.
The next day comes quickly. Kuroko wakes up a bit earlier to give himself time to get ready and look his best. After all, he is going to be meeting with the Chairman of the prestigious Ouran Academy. And for all his prejudices and misgivings, Kuroko knows when to give a good impression, especially when meeting someone of such high status.
After a quick breakfast, he tackles his bed-hair and dresses in his Teikō uniform, having no other formal clothes in his wardrobe. As 8 am rolled in, Kuroko grabbed his bag with the acceptance letter stuffed inside, and departed for Ouran.
The bus ride to Ouran passes with no hiccups. The bus arrives at the closest stop to the academy, and Kuroko alights, the only one to do so. Watching the bus drive off down the road, Kuroko adjusts the strap of his bag, and takes his first steps towards Ouran.
Passing through the main gates, Kuroko is immediately hit in the face with the opulence and beauty of the academy. All the buildings are built with ornate Western designs that remind Kuroko of those beautiful cathedrals or palaces he has only ever seen on TV or in books. Even the clock tower caught the tealnette's attention, reminding him of the Big Ben in London.
Even though it is only five minutes to 9 am, Kuroko had a good reason to be very early. Once he crosses the manicured front gardens and entered the academy proper, it takes him close to an hour to find where the Chairman's Office is in the vast compound. Kuroko also lost count of how many times he had gotten lost or had to backtrack. All the time, he is hit in the face with the lavish furnishings and fittings the academy has to offer – chandeliers in every hallway and room, works of art from paintings and sculptures, and the ornate architecture that makes up the interiors of the academy, from the staircases to the ceilings.
When he finally finds the office, he checks his watch – five minutes to 10. Thank heavens.
Checking over himself one final time, Kuroko takes a deep breath. He reaches forward, and knocks three times on the door.
"Come in."
Taking the cue, Kuroko grabs the doorknob, and opens the door.
He is greeted with what appeared to be a waiting room. Like the rest of the school, it is ornately decorated with beautiful wall patterns, and furnished with a set of chairs surrounding a small wooden coffee table placed parallel to a large set of windows. Across from the chairs and table, is a desk where a man (whom Kuroko assumed to be the Chairman's secretary) is busy typing away at a laptop with a stack of papers on one side, and a telephone on the other.
Kuroko quietly steps in, closing the door behind him. The man at the desk looks up from his laptop.
"Ohayō gozaimasu, you must be Kuroko Tetsuya."
"Ohayō gozaimasu. Hai, I am Kuroko Tetsuya. I have a meeting with Chairman Suoh at 10am?"
"Yes." the man nods, "The Chairman will see you shortly. Why don't you have a seat in the meantime?"
"Arigatou."
The man resumes his work on his laptop. Kuroko silently sat himself down onto a plush, leather armchair by the window. The room remained silent, save for the 'click-clacks' of keys being typed from the man at the desk.
Drumming his fingers against the leather seat, Kuroko wondered how long more it was going to be before his meeting with destiny. After all, he is taking his first steps into a new direction that until the day before, he had never even conceived of in his mind. So many new possibilities have suddenly opened up to him. And while it may seem tempting to just run forward and embrace it all, especially after the last one and a half years of misery, Kuroko knew he had to wait and see how the road of fate will pave before him.
After all, as life has taught him so far, things are never guaranteed.
Suddenly, the sound of a telephone ringing breaks the silence in the room. Kuroko watches the man pick it up, and bring the receiver to his ear.
"Hai, Suoh-sama?"
…
…
"Hai, Kuroko-san is waiting here."
…
…
…
"Hai, I'll send him in now."
The man puts down the receiver, and turns his attention towards Kuroko.
"Kuroko-san, the Chairman is ready to meet you. His office is behind those doors."
"Hai, arigatou."
With a nod to the man, Kuroko got up from his seat, and walked the few paces towards the set of double doors. With a sigh, he knocked three times, before taking the doorknob, and pushing the doors open.
Peering inside, Kuroko is greeted by a large office that is just as ornately-decorated and furnished like the rest of the academy. From his perspective at the doors, the office seemed to extend a long way back, with a desk at the other end, and another set of table and plush chairs and sofas in between the desk and the doors. Unlike in the room outside, the windows of the office had drapes that blocked out some of the close-to mid-day sun.
If Kuroko had to guess, the drapes must be made of some expensive velvet or associated red fabric.
Tearing his attention away from the drapes, Kuroko focuses on the middle-aged man sitting at the desk. Wearing a white business suit, the man stares at him intently, with a small smile on his lips.
"Ohayō gozaimasu." Kuroko bowed, "You must be the Chairman."
"Ohayō, Kuroko-kun." the older man replied, getting up from his seat and returning the bow, "And please, don't be so formal around me."
"Excuse me?" Kuroko quirked an eyebrow, "What do you mean, Suoh-san?"
"There's no need for formalities, Tetsuya-kun." Yuzuru smiled as he crossed the room to the table and sofa set, "You can call me, Uncle Yuzuru."
The man smiled charmingly, but Kuroko remained unimpressed, even a little scandalized.
"Suoh-sama, it is very unbecoming of me to refer to my elders in such an informal manner. Furthermore, this is the first time we have met. I cannot abide by addressing someone I am making an acquaintance with as if I have known them for my entire life."
Kuroko finishes his response with a tone of finality. He doesn't notice the slight glimmer that flashes across Yuzuru's eyes. If he had noticed, perhaps he would have thought of it as a tiny wave of disappointment? Maybe even sadness? Nonetheless, it goes unnoticed, thanks in part to Yuzuru looking away slightly to clear his throat. When he faces Kuroko again, his charming smile has been replaced by polite chuckling.
"Goodness, aren't you extremely formal, yet so stubborn?"
"If that is meant to be a joke," Kuroko deadpanned, "I don't find it funny, Suoh-san."
At this, Yuzuru's chuckling grew a tad louder, before he composed himself.
"I'm just kidding with you." he replied, "But now, why don't we take a seat to discuss your admission?"
Despite not getting the older man's earlier sense of humor, Kuroko immediately sensed the change in atmosphere. Now came the time for the real purpose of their meeting.
Both the Chairman and the tealnette each take a seat on opposite sofas, just as a butler seemed to materialize out of nowhere, balancing a tray with a large, Victorian teapot and two matching teacups. The butler gently sets the tray onto the table, before taking the teapot and pouring tea into the two cups. Putting the teapot down again, he bowed respectfully to the two, before silently taking his leave.
"Dozo." Yuzuru offered.
"Arigatou."
Kuroko takes the cup nearest to him, leaving Yuzuru to take the remaining one. Kuroko takes a sip of the steaming hot tea – Earl Grey, he notes to himself.
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me."
"It's no trouble, Tetsuya-kun." Yuzuru put his teacup back on its saucer, "And I am glad that the admission letter has been delivered safely to your address."
"Ah…about that." Kuroko began, "Suoh-san, I have a question pertaining to that, if you don't mind."
"Go ahead."
"Of all the people to accept into Ouran Academy, why me?"
At this, Yuzuru's eyebrow quirked up, "I'm afraid I don't understand your question, Tetsuya-kun."
"I am not from a wealthy or famous family." Kuroko explained, "I have virtually no presence. People mistake me for a ghost or don't notice that I am there at all. Furthermore…"
Kuroko glanced down at his teacup, his reflection clear in the fragrant, steaming beverage, "…I am not well-connected either. My only family is my grandmother. My parents…they…they disappeared when I was three, or so my grandmother said. And because of my poor presence, I never had many friends. And the few friends I had…they are all gone."
The tealnette turned his focus back on the Chairman.
"My grades are average at best. I did some research before arriving here, and although I read that Ouran Academy accepts one regular student a year, they will have to pass an extremely difficult entrance exam before they are considered for the place. As far as I can tell, I will never be able to get in through that channel.
So Suoh-san, my point is, why did you send me an acceptance letter in the first place? Just like earlier, is this some kind of joke?"
Kuroko hadn't intended to sound so cynical with his closing question. But when one has spent the past year and a half in growing misery and despair, and most of his life virtually alone, it is hard to see any positivity left.
If the tealnette had expected the Chairman to take offense with his cynicism, the latter surprisingly didn't. Instead, the older man's eyes glimmered again, this time Kuroko noticed. Although the tealnette's initial thought had been to dismiss it as nothing more than a trick of the light, he was almost certain that he saw a flicker of…sympathy?
"Your acceptance letter to Ouran is far from a joke, Tetsuya-kun." Yuzuru replied, "I will be really grateful if you were a student here."
"But the thing is, why?"
"Why?" Yuzuru leaned forward a little, "Why shouldn't you become a student here? Tetsuya-kun, wealth and power cannot buy the greatness that a mind can work. But if you were to attend Ouran Academy, I believe the path to that greatness opens for you through education here."
"That sounds nice and all, but I have my practical reservations too." Kuroko countered, "How on earth am I supposed to pay for the astronomical tuition that will cover for the three years?"
"You need not fret about that, Tetsuya-kun." Yuzuru leaned back, "If you were to accept the admission letter, all costs from tuition and any other financial matters that you might make in Ouran will be waived."
At this, Kuroko choked on the sip of tea he had been taking, doing a spit-take to his right, splattering the beverage over the marble floor. Kuroko coughed violently, as the butler from before suddenly reappeared, produced a towel, wiped up the tea splatters, and disappeared again.
"Excuse me?!" Kuroko's voice raising slightly for the first time, "All costs waived? Who would authorize such an unconceivable action?!"
"I would." Yuzuru replied with a proud grin, "Once you accept the admission, I will send down a strict order to ensure that your days at Ouran will not be at any financial cost."
The tealnette stared at the Chairman with widened eyes and mouth slightly hanging open. He was in such shock that he almost dropped his teacup. It took a few moments for Kuroko's brain to start working again.
"But…why…?"
Clearly though, the wires in Kuroko's brain were still too fried to allow him to make a comprehensive sentence. Yuzuru got the gist of it however, and saved the tealnette from any further effort to question him.
"Why? It is so that you won't have to worry about financial burdens if you choose to enroll at Ouran." the older man replied as if it was the answer to the easiest question in the world, "You have gone through so much, Tetsuya-kun, and I believe enrolling in Ouran will allow you to at last see hope for your future. The last thing we want is for you to carry the weight of a financial burden on your young shoulders."
At this, Kuroko finally processed what Yuzuru said to him. He leaned back against the plush sofa, falling into deep thought. He still had great difficulty wrapping his head around the current situation. It felt too good, too good to even be conceivable. After all, how often would you believe a fancily-dressed middle-aged man when he said that you can become a student at the school he runs for virtually nothing? He didn't have to fork up a single yen, or sit through a tough entrance exam. Surely, there must be some hidden catch behind all this goodness, right?
But from the looks of things, there was no catch, or fine print for the matter. This man, Suoh Yuzuru, really looked like he wanted him in Ouran as a student. Despite only meeting him for the first time today, Kuroko couldn't help but feel that he could trust this man. And…alongside a vague, almost-invisible feeling that he had known Yuzuru from some far away memory.
And besides, what other choices does he have? Ever since he handed in his resignation at Teikō, Kuroko knew that basketball had faded away from his life. And his life before that had been dominated by basketball. Now though…he had nothing. He needed something to begin his new life outside of basketball. With no other viable options, it seems that going to Ouran was probably the best bet that he had now.
"So Tetsuya-kun," Yuzuru's voice disrupted his introspection, "how's it going to be?"
A few moments of silence followed. Kuroko went through his thoughts again, making sure he is absolutely certain before making his decision. He was standing at the crossroads, ready to step towards one of the roads. There would be no turning back, once he made the decision.
And no turning back he did.
"Suoh-san, I will accept the offer to attend Ouran Academy unconditionally."
At this, Yuzuru's face brightened considerably. Like a spring releasing the Jack in a Jack-in-the-Box, the older man jumped up from his seat, did a really dramatic twirl on his heel, before turning towards Kuroko, his charms back at full-speed.
"Excellent choice, Tetsuya-kun!" Yuzuru proclaimed, "I can guarantee it, my lad, that you will thoroughly enjoy your time here at Ouran!"
Silently dodging all the charming sparkles flying his way, Kuroko sighed inwardly. Although a small part of him had begun to prophesize about impending doom with his decision to enroll in Ouran, it was quickly dashed aside with the light that came from this new door that is now opening to him. He knew that his future has been changed with his acceptance, and perhaps, there is a growing part of him that was curious of what was to come.
Raising his attention back to Yuzuru, Kuroko noticed the older man had calmed down, and was now making his way over to his desk. He reached for a telephone, picking up the receiver and pressing a button.
Although he could only catch snippets of Yuzuru's conversation on the phone, Kuroko guessed it might be the secretary he met outside earlier. A few moments after the Chairman puts down the receiver, he is proven right. The man he talked to earlier outside enters the room with a small stack of papers. He gives them to the Chairman, bows, and silently takes his leave, closing the door behind him.
"Now then, Tetsuya-kun." Yuzuru finally addressed the tealnette, "Could you come over here? I need you to sign the necessary paperwork."
"Hai."
Kuroko put down his teacup, and got up from the sofa. He crossed the distance briskly, reaching the desk in moments. Yuzuru handed him a fountain pen. Kuroko read the contents of the papers carefully, one hand holding the pen just above the desk. One by one, he signed the papers with his signature, and put the pen down.
"I'm done."
"Excellent."
Kuroko arranged the papers neatly, before he passed them back to the older man.
"Okay, that will be all for today." Yuzuru addressed the tealnette, "The academy will be contacting you very soon on other important administrative matters."
"Alright, thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Suoh-san."
"It's my pleasure."
With that, Kuroko stood up from the desk. He returned to the sofa and picks up his bag.
"Well then, I shall be taking my leave now. Thank you for having me."
"It is no problem. Take care, Tetsuya-kun."
The tealnette bowed politely, before walking towards the doors. His hand reached for the doorknobs, but stop short as a thought flashed into Kuroko's mind.
"Ano, can I ask one last question, Suoh-san?"
"Go right ahead."
"I don't suppose you happen to know the reason why someone seems to be wiring a fixed amount of money into my family bank account every month since my grandmother was hospitalized?"
A few moments of silence followed. From his vantage point at the doors, Kuroko couldn't clearly make out Yuzuru's reaction to his question. He does get the older man's response almost immediately.
"No, Tetsuya-kun. I do not know."
At the back of his mind, Kuroko considered having a talk with the bank to see who has been wiring money into the account afterwards. But not wanting to hold up Yuzuru any longer, he thanked the man for his troubles, before opening the door and leaving the office.
As the door closed behind the tealnette, Yuzuru's calm façade slipped away. A more somber expression gracing his face, the man sat down at his desk with a sigh that was mixed with relief, and uncertainty. He reaches for a drawer to his left, pulled it open, and reached for something inside. He pulled out a silver photo frame, letting his eyes fall on the picture behind the slightly dusty glass.
The photograph within the frame depicted what seemed to be a family picture. There were about ten people in total in the picure. At the back row, standing behind an ornate sofa, stood a much-younger Yuzuru. Sitting almost directly in front of him on the sofa, a beautiful woman with gleaming eyes and a small smile. She sat with poise and grace, in her arms a baby wrapped in a bundle of blankets, asleep and oblivious to the photographer as the picture was taken.
Yuzuru stared at the woman, his eyes shifting down to the baby in her arms. Another sigh escapes his mouth. He leans back, his hands holding the frame fall silently onto his lap. Yuzuru swiveled his chair, the backrest facing the doors and his eyes staring out through the windows in front of him, the bright sunlight showering over his somber expression.
'Tetsuya…one day…you will learn the truth. And when that time comes…I hope you will forgive me…'
To Be Continued.
