This is an alternate universe (AU) perspective where all of the Host Club is in the same year of school (unlike the anime where they are staggered between the three years of high school) Also, unlike the anime, I have written this so that once they complete their three years of high school, Ouran Academy also serves as a university as it is such a prestigious school.

This story is centered on my OC Asuka Umari, the only child to one of the most powerful families in Japan, heir to the Umari fortune… who has opal eyes that seem almost iridescent and who is also hiding a secret...

Chapter 3

Asuka's POV

That had honestly been the longest three hours of my life in that damned lion costume… on the bright side though I had made some kind of good impression, having found myself at one point, sitting with three cute girls who lapped up the whole roguish bad boy routine, all while petting either the fake lion ears, my hair or the arms of the costume. It must have pleased Kyoya who kept scribbling things down in his black notebook and nodding approvingly every time he looked over at me.

Thankfully the time had eventually come that the Host Club closed its doors and everyone got changed back into their uniforms, ready to leave the school building and make their way home.

After the incident at my previous school, I was no longer allowed to walk home and so, as I had anticipated, waiting at the school entrance was one of our cars, along with everyone else's cars. Haruhi got dragged along with Tamaki into his car and we all said our goodbyes before moving our separate ways.

Climbing into the car, I sighed and flopped into the seat, dropping my bag by my feet. "Long day Asuka-sama?" the driver asked and I sighed.

"Yes Katsu… a long day…" I rubbed my face softly and he chuckled.

"Looks like you made some friends though Asuka-sama?"

I peered into the rear view mirror, my eyes meeting with his "I suppose you could say that… I joined the Host Club…"

He raised a brow "Host Club?"

"Yeah… 'Only those with excellent social standing and those from filthy rich families are lucky enough to spend their time here at the elite private school, Ouran Academy. The Ouran Host Club is where the school's handsomest boys with too much time on their hands entertain young ladies who also have way too much time on their hands. Just think of it as Ouran Academy's elegant playground for the super rich and beautiful' or so I am told"

"I see… and do you think your father will approve?" Katsu asked, raising a brow.

"I should hope so, since Tamaki Suou is the king of the host club and Oto-san made it clear he wanted me to befriend the boy" I shrugged some "That's why I requested you pick me up at just after six… this will be the same arrangement every day apparently… the club is a full time club" and if my father disapproves… then we have a serious problem.

Time swoosh!

Dinner was definitely interesting. I had gotten home, dumped my school bag on my bed, changed out of my uniform and set to work on my homework until I was summoned for dinner.

As usual, we ate in the smaller dining room, though we were easily six feet or so apart from each other, sitting in silence as the staff bought out the food and set it down in front of us.

"Thank you for the food" we all spoke in unison, our hands clasped together in a prayer sort of way before my father spoke up.

"Let us eat" his gravelly voice struck out into the silence.

We ate in silence for a few minutes before my father spoke up again, his attention directed to work and how things were going great for him and for our fortunes… nothing new there.

Then he rounded on me "Asuka. Tell us, how was your first day at Ouran?"

I swallowed the mouthful I had been chewing and dabbed the corner of my mouth with a napkin, "Well Oto-san… it appears I am in the same class as Tamaki Suou, Kyoya Ootori, Hikaru Hitachiin, Kaoru Hitachiin, Takashi Morinozuka, Mitsukuni Haninozuka and a boy named Haruhi Fujioka…" I paused to watch if his expression changed and was somewhat surprised to see a smirk on his lips "also it seems Tamaki Suou has taken a liking to me and invited me to join his afterschool club" I set the napkin down and looked my father right in the eyes. "I'd say it was a good first day Oto-san"

I saw that smirk grow and he nodded "good… good… the Suou family are very reputable and it would do you good to be in a club with this young man being the leader" clearly my father had taken it that Tamaki was the leader as I had said it was his club, he wasn't wrong. "Also, to hear that the Hitachiin's twins, a member of the Haninozuka family, one of the Morinozuka family and of course, the youngest of three sons in the Ootori family are in your class is refreshing… it will definitely do you some good to hang around people in the same position as yourself when it comes to being an heir… though the Ootori boy probably won't be the head of the family, he is of good stock…" he paused a moment.

"Yes Oto-san… of course…" he didn't care if they were actually going to be my friends, but that being around them meant his reputation wouldn't get damaged…

"Though… the Fujioka boy… he isn't of our stock is he? No… he is the honor student commoner" he scoffed and I had to grasp my hands under the table to avoid attempting to cut my father down with words too harsh for the dinner table.

"Yes… he is the honor student Oto-san…"

"I am not sure how I feel about that… but I suppose it can't be helped" he sighed and then "are all of them in this club?"

"Yes Oto-san…"

"Even the Fujioka boy?"

"Yes Oto-san…"

"Hn…" he grunted somewhat irritated "I suppose that cannot be helped either... no matter… what is this club? Something I hope that will help you for the future"

I watched him, unsure of what his reaction would be if I told him the truth… but I couldn't lie… lying would be much worse… and anyway, there were enough lies in this family, without me adding another.

"It is a Host Club, Oto-san"

"A what club?" I could hear the bristle in his voice.

Clearing my voice I spoke up again "A Host Club Oto-san… The Ouran Host Club is where the school's handsomest boys with too much time on their hands entertain young ladies who also have way too much time on their hands. Just think of it as Ouran Academy's elegant playground for the super rich and beautiful…" I repeated pretty much what I had told Katsu on the ride home... hoping that it would ease my father's rising temper, making sure to emphasize the next part "Only the richest boys are in the club Oto-san… apart from Haruhi Fujioka… he became a host originally to pay back a debt for breaking a very expensive vase… now they let him stay because they are all friends and he earns the club good revenue…" my words faded out however, my father's smirk had fallen into a scowl.

"It sounds like a ridiculous club… but if it means your social standing will be amplified… then I shall just grin and bear it… though Asuka" he paused "if this club affects your grades, I will not allow it. Also it best not end in your secret being exposed. Am I understood?"

Okay so he didn't freak like I thought he would "Of course Oto-san, I understand"

"Now…" he dabbed the corner of his mouth with his own napkin before tossing it down onto the table "I have business to see to… Nadeshiko my dear, please excuse me" he rose from his seat and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek before leaving the room.

Once he was gone, I let out a sigh and slouched down in my seat, having become painfully aware of how rigidly I had been sitting.

"I think this club sounds like a wonderful thing" my mother spoke up for the first time since I had gotten home from school "you know your father only has your best interests at heart Asuka darling…"

Bless my poor deluded mother… I know she was only trying to keep the peace but she knew better than I that he only really cared about himself and his own reputation… if my secret became exposed… it would shame him… well that's what he thought anyway… there's no shame in not having a son, not when you have a daughter as talented and intelligent as I was.

I dabbed my mouth one last time before tossing the napkin down just like my father had "you know better than I, it's his reputation he cares most about, this wouldn't be an issue if I had been born a boy. He resents me for being female and that's why he treats me the way he does…" I rose from my seat "I am not stupid Oka-san… I can see it as plain as day… he resents me"

I turned and left the room, stopping only to kiss my mother's cheek before heading to my room.

Letting the door close behind me, I flopped down onto my bed and sighed. I hated that I had to keep my real gender a secret… how was I supposed to find a husband later in life if I had to pretend to be a boy to preserve my family's reputation? How was I supposed to have children and pass the Umari name and fortune down? Would I be forced into an arranged marriage with a woman, to live like sisters and just put on a fake romance for the public eye? These were things I think maybe my father didn't account for and sometimes… just sometimes I wished he and mother had gone ahead and had another child.

Time swoosh!

I must have fallen asleep at some point because the next thing I knew, my alarm was blaring away and sunlight was streaming through the gap in the curtains. Pushing up onto my elbows I sighed and brushed my hair from my face "good thing I finished my homework before dinner" I muttered and rose from the bed, still wearing my clothes from the night before.

It was Friday morning, which meant tomorrow was the weekend and I could spend it how I damned wish… probably going undercover in the city so I didn't have to deal with my father and so I could get out of the house as a girl for a change. I collected up my text books and workbooks and stuffed them back into my school bag before starting the rigorous task of binding my chest and getting ready for school.

Soon enough though, I was moving down the stairs, bag slung over my shoulder and my hair its usual red mess.

"Asuka-sama, what would you like for breakfast today?" came the voice of the maid assigned to make sure I did things like eat breakfast and do my homework. She had been my private tutor during elementary school and my nanny I suppose while both my parents were too busy with work.

"I'm not hungry Rika-san, I'll grab something at school… they serve food all day long" and that was no lie… that damned dining hall was always open for all the spoiled kids to stuff their faces any time they wanted.

Rika frowned "well if you are sure Asuka-sama… I don't want you going hungry, I know how you get after you and your father clash" and boy was she right on the money with that… last time me and my father clashed verbally, I didn't eat properly for two weeks, only eating maybe a cookie or a piece of fruit each day.

"I am fine Rika-san… we didn't clash so bad last night, he is just slightly displeased with my extracurricular activities" she nodded hurriedly and fussed at me until I was out the door and climbing into the car for the ride to school.

So technically I lied, I didn't plan on getting food when I got to school and would merely wait until lunch time. It was true though that my father's disapproval or disappointment affected me quite deeply and I often skipped meals to punish myself for my failures even though honestly, I wasn't a failure. The ride to school was quiet enough; I was far too lost in my thoughts to talk with Katsu and only surfaced to reality when I heard;

"Asuka-sama we have arrived"

Blinking, I came back to reality and looked out the window. Indeed we had arrived at Ouran Academy. Scowling softly I slid across the seat just in time for Katsu to open the door. "Thank you Katsu…"

"Have a good day Asuka-sama" he smiled and I nodded, offering him a small smile and a word of thanks before heading inside. Instead of heading to Music Room 3, I went straight to homeroom and slumped down in my seat. The classroom was empty and so I deduced that the Host Club must be in session for the time before homeroom began. I knew it was likely there would be some cross words or something heading my way when they came to class, so I just composed myself and got busy reading through my homework and checking it was all done and to the highest standard.

Gradually, students began to arrive for homeroom and I could hear snippets of conversation, casually injected with soft squeals and swooning about how cute I looked while checking my homework over, about how responsible I looked and of course about my brooding mood… which was mostly based on last night's discussion at dinner.

The minutes ticked by until I heard familiar voices just outside the classroom and I knew the Host Club had made it to homeroom. I braced myself for what I assumed would be a ticking off for missing club time and began to pack away my books as I had finished looking over my homework and it was as usual at its highest standard.

"Asuka where were you this morning?" came Kyoya's voice and I looked up at him, giving him the same moody look I had been wearing since I woke up.

"Yes! Why wasn't my little boy at club?!" Tamaki exclaimed dramatically, dropping into his seat and grabbing my hands "I was worried about you!"

He had a deeply concerned look on his face and it got the attention of the girls in class who all swooned behind him. I blinked a little and tugged my hands away from his.

"I wanted to check my homework over" I said simply, settling back into my seat and resumed scowling softly.

"I know that look" Hikaru spoke up

"Yes… that's the same look" Kaoru smirked

"That Kyoya has when his father disapproves of him" they finished together.

They all watched me quietly for a moment and I could almost hear their minds working, until….

"Does your father disapprove of the club?" Honey spoke up, watching me with sad blue eyes.

"I could join any number of clubs and my father wouldn't approve" the words left my lips with a salty undertone, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Mr Umari is a strict man, he has dictated Asuka's life from a young age so it is no surprise he might disapprove of our club" Kyoya chimed in and I snorted.

"Yea well he generally disapproves of my life so let's just leave it alone shall we?"

They all stopped and watched me, blinking a little at that and I had to bite my tongue to stop myself elaborating as it could very well uncover the truth of my life, something I wasn't allowed to do. Thankfully though, the homeroom teacher arrived and I got an escape from the conversation.

Time swoosh!

The rest of the day seemed to float by in grumpy little cloud and I found myself avoiding the Host Club at lunch, finding somewhere to go and hide out until afternoon classes. All through afternoon classes I could feel their eyes on me, the concerned looks boring into the back of my head as I concentrated on the lessons being taught. Once or twice Tamaki whispered across to me asking if I was okay and I just ignored him… I had already given them more than I should have done and I was regretting it. That one little sentence had sparked something among them and I was slowly dreading the end of the day when they would have ample opportunity to crowd me and start asking questions.

The minutes ticked down until eventually the end of class came and with it, the end of the school day. Sighing softly, I packed my books away and rose from my seat, slinging my bag over my shoulder and making a beeline for the door.

"Hey Asuka! Wait up!" I heard Tamaki calling after me as I slipped out of the door and began down the corridor. I didn't want to open up any more than I had… I just wanted to go find somewhere to sit quietly until six, when Katsu would arrive to take me home. I didn't want to admit to my father that I had compromised myself and had skipped club activities to come home early… no he would be pissed and I really didn't want that.

I could hear several pairs of footsteps following me along, until I ducked into a group of students and managed to slip off into an empty room, closing the door behind me quietly. Sinking down into one of the chairs there, I sighed softly and rubbed my face. I had a lot to think about and I couldn't do the thinking I needed when I was around them.

Host Club POV

Meanwhile, in Music Room 3…

"How could he just run off like that?!" Tamaki ranted, throwing his arms up in the air with his usual dramatic flair.

"Maybe he is hurting?" spoke up Honey, pouting a little and looking up at Mori "you are good at making people feel better Takashi, maybe you should go look for him?"

Silence filled the room and Tamaki nodded hurriedly "yes! Mori go find him! My poor little boy is hurting!" he cried out which caused the others to just sigh heavily.

"Guys maybe we should just let him be?" Haruhi spoke up "I mean I know I don't like being pestered when I am upset about something…"

"But you are a girl Haruhi, girls are more complicated! Boys tend to want to talk about their problems with a friend" Tamaki interjected

Kyoya just shook his head "Haruhi… go find him please"

"Well… actually…" Haruhi rubbed the back of her head "I think maybe you should go honestly Kyoya… you are most likely to understand how he feels"

Kyoya blinked "well I might understand but we open soon, so I need to be here when it does"

"GUYS!" the twins yelled at the same time, causing everyone to jump out of their skin "while you were all debating, Mori went to go look"

"Oh…" they all said in unison.

Asuka's POV

Back in the empty room…

I had at some point decided to sit on the floor behind a large desk, knees to my chest and my head buried into them, very much out of sight of anyone who might come looking… or so I thought.

I had been so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't hear the door to the room open; neither did I hear the sound of footsteps moving around the room. I was only jolted back to reality when I felt a hand gently press to my shoulder. My head shot up and I came face to face with Mori, who was crouched in front of me.

"Asuka are you okay?" he asked calmly, watching me for a moment.

I supposed it could have been worse, they could have sent Tamaki after me… from what I had observed so far, Mori was quiet and a good listener. I had seen the way he had sat in silence listening to the girls the night before.

"I…" I paused and sighed "I am just under a lot of pressure from my father… that's all" no it wasn't and the look Mori gave me, had me realize he knew there was probably more to it than that but he was kind enough not to say anything.

"I see" he nodded and offered me his hand.

I took it and he tugged me out from under the desk and did something I really wasn't expecting. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in against him… a hug? Why…?

I stiffened up at the sudden show of comfort, yet he didn't falter, just continued to keep the same pressure "It will be okay" he said in his usual calm tone and oddly, it seemed soothing. My eyes widened and after a few moments I could feel tears rising up, ready to trickle down my face.

"It's okay to cry sometimes"

How on earth did he know I was holding back tears? I wasn't shaking, or sniffling… but once he said those fateful words, I sniffled pathetically and buried my head into his chest as the dam broke and heavy large tears rolled down my cheeks, soaking into his shirt. I clung to him like some pathetic child as I sobbed it out, letting go of the anger I had been holding in all day.

Finally the tears stopped and I sighed, just listening to the rhythmic, calming sound of his heartbeat. I never got comfort like this from my father… not to say that I saw Mori as a father, but that another male had never shown me even an ounce of comfort. It felt good.

"Better?" Mori asked, looking down at me as I looked up at him.

"Much… thank you Mori…" I gently pulled away and he let me go so I could reach into my pocket for a handkerchief, dabbing my eyes and sniffing a few times. "I made your shirt wet… I'm sorry" I bowed my head slightly.

"Its okay" he nodded.

I guess maybe he was used to being the comforter to Honey and so this bothered him none. I sighed out and shook myself some "I guess… they sent you to come find me?" I looked up at him curiously "no… you came of your own desire didn't you?" he said nothing but I could see it in his eyes. "Thank you Mori"

He nodded softly and looked to the door.

"Let's go back to Host Club" I put on a smile.

We made the short walk back to Music Room 3 and thankfully tonight wasn't a costumed event. I spent the time sitting with different girls and acting as if nothing had happened, much to the surprise of the others.

"Wow Mori you must have done something amazing to get him out of that bad mood" Haruhi observed.

"Just a hug"

And in that moment, the club came to realize just a little comfort from male figure was all it had taken to ease me from my mood, having them also realize I hadn't ever had that kind of comfort before.

"His father must be very harsh" Hikaru and Kaoru said in unison.

If only they knew the truth.