I sit and talk with three girls from my old middle school class, Kara Okito, the daughter of a rich overseas trader, I've known Kara-chan since kindergarten, and she was picked on for her weight by a lot of kids in school; Foolish children who couldn't stand anyone who looked a little different, but what can you do when your taught to shame others who are dissimilar. Our fathers grew up together, even graduated from Ouran Academy; we often played at each other's houses. We would play for hours and hours and as we got older we would just lay on her bed or mine and talk forever.
I used to stand up for her when the neighborhood boys would pick on her; I was rather violent now that I think about it. I couldn't stand those children, from supposed proper upbringing. Teasing this sweet girl mercilessly, like children often do, it's a sad reality that such cruelties can come from those so innocent and small. But the worst of it was the children who had teased her as a child grew up and continued to tease her through middle school. Looking at her now, her brilliant smile, her familiar laugh, I don't pity this gorgeous girl, I'm proud of her.
Nana Koji, the daughter of a construction corporation president was always friendly in school. She is a very shy girl, with soft features and light brown hair. She doesn't talk very much at first but once she gets comfortable you find she can be a real chatter box.
Rin Oshijo, the daughter of an affluent real estate owner. Rin is a short, shorter than me, petite girl with glasses and short black hair, cropped close to her head, I don't know much about her but she seems nice enough.
I munch slowly, trying to control myself, on a huge piece of Italian bread that I slathered with about half an inch of herb butter; I sip some delicious Anjou pear oolong tea, trying to look as lady like as possible, remember your manners Ashe.
"So Ashe-chan what made you decide to come back to Japan didn't you like America, it must have been beautiful?" Kara asks sipping some fresh made matcha, her long golden hair falls across her shoulders straight and lovely. Her light green eyes sparkle with wonder and fascination.
I smile and glance around the room looking at each of the boys one by one, they are the reason I came back, they're the only real friends I've ever had. Honey and Mori sit eating cake with a couple girls who are squealing; they are always together, kind of like the twins. Mori's expression is subdued while honey giggles and smiles between huge bites of cake, he's always loved cake.
I turn just in time to see Hikaru and Kaoru embrace, their faces inches from each other, their golden eyes smoldering in an unbreakable gaze, Hikaru's hand rests protectively on his younger brother's cheek, a soft blush stains Kaoru's porcelain cheeks, there are soft tears leaking from his eyes. I get goosebumps immediately my stomach flutters, every time they do their brotherly love act, I just can't stand how attractive they look, the girls around them squeal and gasp, a soft blush comes to my cheeks, and I look away quickly regaining my composure.
Kyouya is being his usual self; he's writing away in his black book, who knows what he really has in there, I don't think I would ever chance looking without his permission, he can be quite scary. He is saying something to Haruhi, who holds Usa-chan in his arms, and his expression is grim, they both stare over by Tamaki a moment then go back to talking, I wonder what Kyo-kun is saying to him. My eyes wonder to where Tamaki was just a moment ago, and hear Haruhi gasp loudly. Tamaki is bent over him no doubt teasing him then proceeds to babbles on about something inaudible. I turn back to Kara and the other girls.
"Well you see Kara-chan America was so lovely but being an only child I was alone a lot, I didn't know anyone at the school I went to and I didn't really make many friends." They all listen intently sitting on the edge of their seats.
"That must have been so lonely for you Ashe-chan." Nana gasps sympathetically, the other girls nod in agreement.
"It was very lonely, my father wants to live in America permanently, but I was so miserable I begged him for months to let me come back, and finally he made a proposition, which I accepted." The thought makes me annoyed, my father is such a hard ass once he makes up his mind its damn near impossible to change it.
"So are you living here for good? Where are you staying?" Rin asks softly twirling a piece of hair between her delicate fingers.
Before I can answer the girls question I see a flash of brownish orange zooming past me. Tamaki is barking orders and snapping his fingers, I only hear him tell Kyouya to call his hairstylist and see Mori dash for the door. I look around and see Haruhi is missing. I hear groans of protest coming from the changing area. I excuse myself and walk over to Tamaki cautiously.
"Tama-kun what are the twins doing to poor Haruhi?"
He grins. "Dear Ashe-chan do not fear we are merely giving him the look of a proper gentleman." Suddenly the twins are thrown from the changing room, quite roughly, hopping on one foot barely escaping a face full of carpet.
"I'll leave you to it Tama-kun I believe in your abilities! I'm sure he's going to look great!" I go back to my spot on the couch next to Kara and the other girls and finish our conversation.
Half an hour later all the boys and I are waiting impatiently for Haruhi to finally come out. Tamaki fidgets incessantly being the most intolerant of us all. I place my hand on his arm gently, but firmly, he looks down smiling.
"Tama-kun settle down he'll come out when he's ready." I say softly, I can't help returning his genuine smile.
No sooner are the words out of my mouth, Haruhi emerges, dressed in a school uniform, I can't help but let a gasp escape my lips. His hair is straight and tidy, he's wearing contacts which give you the full force of his doe like eyes, and you can see the shape of his body for the first time, I am smacked with the biggest epiphany of my life as I look at his chest, are the other boys blind? Haruhi Fujioka isn't a boy, he's a girl! Does this mean he's a cross-dresser? I've never met a cross-dresser before. What should I do? I'll keep Haruhi's secret, that's what friends do, but is he, er she my friend? What do I do?
"Are you sure it's alright for me to keep this uniform?" Haruhi, who is a girl, asks softly, I can't believe it took me so long to realize.
Tamaki is pleased but I don't think he's figured it out yet. "You're as pretty as a girl Haruhi!" he exclaims oblivious to the truth smacking him in the face. I knew Tama-chan was a little slow but it's way too noticeable!
I exchange a glance with Kyouya who has probably known from the beginning. He does research on everyone and everything, the fact that he failed to mention it is no surprise. He nods eloquently giving me a look that says I shouldn't say anything and to let Tamaki figure it out on his own, who know how long that will take, I clench my teeth wanting to shout the truth impulsively, and I nod back slowly.
"As of today you are an official member of the host club!" I hear Tamaki's declaration and want to laugh, but I keep my mouth shut, for now.