Hi everyone. Just to clarify with you all, Kyoya won't be the 'villain' of the story, I promise.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran High School Host Club or any of Kyle Landry's piano arrangements, but I do own Jacklyn Prout.

*Jacklyn's P.O.V*

Class 2-A was completely silent, save for a few small noises. Pencils scratched away at paper. Desks groaning whenever someone shifted in their seat. A clock ticked softly above the doorway. At the front of the room, a teacher stood with his arms behind his back, eyeing each student with a soft gaze. Behind him on the board were three math problems waiting to be solved.

I sat still at my desk, staring down at my notebook that was already filled with markings and three circled answers at the bottom. The problems had been surprisingly easy to solve; so easy in fact that for a second after I'd finished I wondered if I had gotten them all wrong. But when Zenigata-sensei noticed I was finished about ten minutes before our "time limit" for the problems was over, he simply walked over, read my paper, and gave me a warm smile and an approving nod. A few other students had noticed and looked at me in shock before going back to their own work.

I should've felt proud.

Instead, there's a sickening twist in my gut as my mind was no longer preoccupied by the glory of Pre-Calculus math. Clenching and unclenching my hands, I threw my eyes around the room in search of something to preoccupy myself. Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai sat a few rows in front of me, diligently scribbling down the answers to the problems on the board, and my eyes locked on to the back of their heads. I remembered the promise I had made yesterday to sit and talk with them later during club activities today. Wonder how that was going to work out.

But, of course, now I was thinking about the Host Club and-

Nope. Nopity nope, nope, no, not going there.

With a sigh, I closed my eyes and pressed the heel of my palms against them, trying to force my mind away from the less pleasant images attempting to surface.

Why did he even feel the need to threaten me? What did I ever do to him?

As a last ditch attempt to push those questions out of my head, I lean back over my notebook and begin sketching a random design. Unfortunately it doesn't work. Sorry, but threatening doesn't happen to me very often, so Kyoya's words had really dug themselves deep into my brain. Maybe I wouldn't stay at Ouran for another two years... Perhaps Mom was right. Maybe I should go home after this year. These kids were cruel.

"Your time is up. Could I have a volunteer to come up and solve our first problem on the board?"

A few hands went up, but I saw Zenigata-sensai staring directly at me. I gave him a small shake of the head before breaking our eye contact and staring at my desk. Four seconds later, he called up another girl who gladly bounced up to the front of the room and began working out the answer. This process repeated itself for the following two problems. Zenigata-senpai would obviously want me to go up and answer the problem, I'd refuse, and then a different student would be picked. I didn't like disappointing my teacher, but I knew that if I stood up in front of the classroom I'd start shaking and my numbers wouldn't even be legible.

For the next half an hour, I managed to keep my mind focused solely on math, but all too soon Zenigata-sensai was packing up his bags, about to rotate with another teacher. Which meant I had to go to the 1-A classroom. Aw hell. Slowly, I shoved my books back into my bag and stood up, following my teacher out the door. Honey-senpai waved at me as I left, and I returned it halfheartedly.

The walk to the 1st year building felt even longer than it did yesterday. Of course, yesterday I wasn't suffering from a near panic attack at the prospect of class. As I grew closer to my destination, a lump of bile seemed to lodge itself in my throat. Is he going to try to embarrass me in class? Or is he going to ignore me again because Tamaki is nearby? If that's the case, then I'm going to stick to Tamaki like glue.

As soon as I decided that Tamaki was going to be my new best friend, I broke out of my daydream to find myself at the doorway. It looked a little too big to be normal. Was it that big yesterday? Did Kyoya have it switched out just to intimidate me? I blinked again and let out a sigh, Now you're just being crazy, Jacklyn. Just grit your teeth and get in there. Your grade depends on it, you know.

I licked my lips and pushed the door open, my eyes glued to the ground as I maneuvered my way through a few rows of desks to my spot in the back of the classroom. No one spoke to me as I sat down and pulled out my textbook, for which I was glad. My nerves were so shot at the moment if someone simply stepped in my direction I may scream.

"Prout-san?"

"Ah!" The sudden voice made me jump, as well as startle the girl who had spoken in the first place. My chest heaved as the girl apologized profusely for startling me. It took me a moment to calm down enough to speak.

"N-no, it's not your fault. I'm just a little tense right now. Sorry for scaring you."

The brunette relaxed quickly and smiled, "Okay, then! I was just wondering when you'd be talking to Mori and Honey today. I want to schedule my appointment then too so I can hear about your life in America!"

I blinked, "You want to hear about my life?"

"Yeah! I'm really interested!"

"Um... well I figured it would be right after my first song of the day. Somewhere around the 3:20 shift."

"Great! Well, see you then, Prout-san!"

I watched the bundle of excited energy prance away to her small group of friends, more than a little shocked at the sudden shift of feelings towards me. Did they not still hate me? The only person who had spoken to me in class before was Tamaki, so having a girl-

Wait.

Why didn't Tamaki come greet me today?

I almost turned my head to look at him, but then I recalled who sat behind him in class. And after that little 'warning' he had given me the day before, the last thing I wanted right now was to see that git.

But what if Tamaki didn't greet me because he's too busy asking Kyoya what had happened yesterday? What if Kyoya thinks I told Tamaki something?! Oh no!

Before I could continue to freak out, the Geography teacher, Akiyama-sensei, walked into the classroom, "Alright everyone, please find your seats. Thank you. As I come around to collect your homework from yesterday, please turn your textbooks to page 56." I was completely out of it as my homework was collected and I opened my class textbook, growing increasingly worried about Tamaki's lack of enthusiasm today.

Well, there's only one way to find out.

Slowly inhaling, I steeled my nerve... and glanced at the host club boys out of the corner of my eye. Neither of them were looking in my direction so the glance quickly grew into a stare. My lips parted a bit and my eyes widened in surprise because Kyoya, in a word, looked... ill. Like, the boy looked legitimately sick. His face had lost a fair amount of its color from yesterday and he didn't even seem to realize that class had already started. His eyes were glued to his desk and it looked like his jaw was clenched as the teacher gently pulled his homework from off his desk. No reaction. All in all, he looked like he was either going to be sick or pass out right out of his chair.

My lips quirked up into a smirk, Hey, maybe it's karma sticking up for me. That would be nice. Instantly after the thought crossed my mind, I felt bad. Like there was something dirty in my brain. My smirk vanished before twisting into a scowl instead, damn me for wanting to be nice all the time. He's a jerk and doesn't deserve any of my respect or pity.

As for Tamaki, it was pretty clear he was worried about his friend's behavior. He was hovering over his friend, a worried expression pulling his eyebrows closer and making his lips seem thin. When it was clear that Kyoya didn't want to move, the blond opened Kyoya's textbook for him and flipped to the right page before setting it back onto his desk. Kyoya didn't even acknowledge any gratitude towards his friend as far as I could tell. Tamaki frowned and nibbled on his lower lip, but he still turned to face the front as Akiyama-sensei began the lesson. I did too, only now I was curious as to why Kyoya looked like crap. He had seemed perfectly healthy yesterday. Maybe he caught a cold from someone in his family?

Either way, as long as it means he won't have the energy to make my life a living hell, then I'll take it.

I did my best to not feel guilty at that thought.

*Time Skip*

Kyoya remained completely out of it for the rest of the day. Even though I've only been at this school for three days, I could tell that something was off about him. And so could everyone else. All day I've noticed other students sneaking glances at the raven haired boy, and even the teachers were not calling on him to answer questions. He kept his gaze down, trained onto his desk. I don't think he even ate much during lunch.

Even so, I did my best to stay out of his way. No use trying to antagonize him in case he blames me for whatever this is. I shuddered. I hope not. I don't need this.

Thankfully, Kyoya also seemed to be avoiding me. Not once glance was spared in my direction. Even when the Host Club started, he made no move in my direction. Not even when Tamaki pulled me onto the arm of his chair once again. The girls, on the other hand, seemed to be looking at me a lot more than they had yesterday. After we greeted them all and I was heading off to the piano, a few of the clients smiled happily at me and one of them even waved.

Wow, if someone waving at me becomes the nicest gesture I receive at this school, then I should just buy a ticket home next April now.

To say the least, my thoughts were a little sour when I sat down at the piano. Only now there was also a couch set behind the piano bench. I don't think I remember that being there yesterday. What's going on? I was answered as soon as I finished selecting my first piece of the day.

"Jacklyn-senpai!" I turned around and saw the same three girls from yesterday quickly walking over to me, "Tamaki said that he had this couch moved over so we could listen and talk to you! Isn't that great?"

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, that's great! Wow, I wasn't sure if you girls were serious about that!"

The girls giggled and sat down on the couch quickly, looking at the piano music I was holding eagerly, "What's the song for today?"

"Is it more Kyle Landry?"

"Yes. Uh, I decided to play Let It Go from Frozen. Is that alright?"

The three nodded happily and scooted forward in their seats. My lips twitched in amusement before I put the papers up on the stand. The key cover made a soft 'thunk' as I moved it off, and instantly the volume of the room dropped. My head jerked around to see if something had happened, only to find that about 75% of everyone's eyes were on me.

I swallowed and turned back towards the piano. Why does today feel even more nerve wracking than yesterday? At least I know they like what I play…

Yeah, but now I have to keep up to their standards.

My lips pressed themselves together, Oh. Right.

With a sigh, I perched my fingers up on the keys, hovered for a moment, then started the very familiar opening to the song. From behind me, the other girls who were sitting let out quiet gasps as they recognized the piece instantly. Some other conversations tickled at my ears, but I tuned them out as my piece became more fun. A full blown grin was on my lips a minute in. My head lolled around in sync with the melody, my body pulsing along to the beat. And yet, I kept the volume down, never overpowering any voice behind me.

The moment the short piece ended, I was applauded, especially by my three clients. A quick bow later, I found myself with three guests that I had no idea what to do with. What now? Do I just… host?

"Jac-chan! Come sit with us! You promised, remember!"

My mouth opened, but one of the blonde girls who had sat by me responded instead, "Ooo! Prout-san, are you going to be answering questions? Can we join you?"

"I'd love that!"

"Me too!"

"Can I ask a few?"

Less than a minute later I found myself seated upon a cushiony couch between Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai with nearly a dozen extra eyes on me. How did I get here?

"So, Jacklyn-senpai, what's your family like?"

It took me a second to realize that the question had been directed at me, so I try to squeeze the answer past the newly formed lump in my throat, "Oh, um… well, there's me, my mom, my dad, and my younger brother, Alec. Uh… I've been told that I look like my mom, but I've also been told I look like my dad as well. I'm the only one who has brown eyes, the others have hazel, and I have my parent's brown hair. Alec got black hair. That's… sort of it."

"Do you guys do anything together? Trips and the like?"

"Well, we used to go camping every summer, but we recently sold our camper. As for doing stuff together, we make homemade pizza every Saturday and watch a movie together. Oh, and since Alec and I were both in the marching band like our dad was, all four of us are pretty active in the program."

"Marching band?" The girls leaned in a bit, "What instrument did you play? Was it the piano?"

A soft chuckle escapes me, "Not even remotely. I played the flute in concert band class, but in marching band I was a part of the color guard. It was a lot of fun."

"Oh, oh, Jac-chan! I've got a question!" Honey-senpai started bouncing in his seat, making me laugh out of instinct.

"Go ahead!"

"Why did you come to Japan?"

I smiled a little wider, I had been expecting this question, "Well… I've always had an interest in Japanese culture, cuisine, and history ever since a friend of mine came here. I even took a few Japanese courses at the local college to learn the language. On a whim, I started looking at schools in Japan that were accepting exchange students. I had a few discussions with my school's principal, and he somehow arranged to have a few schools from Japan open their doors to three students from our school to try for scholarships. Of course, it was only for students who could speak the language, which is why there were only three of us, but we were all offered a chance to earn a three year scholarship to Ouran Academy."

I smiled sheepishly, "I was the only one who aced the entrance exam. After that, I finished my 9th grade year, packed my bags… and came here. Saying my goodbyes was a little tough, considering I'll be gone for three years, but I'm glad I came anyways." Though if things continue on the way they have, I might be leaving just a bit sooner…

"Jacklyn-senpai… did you have a boyfriend back in America? Is that why the goodbyes were so hard?"

I could feel my face heat up at the question, "Er, no. I've never had a boyfriend before."

"Girlfriend?"

My face grew hotter, "No. Not one of those either. I have been single my whole life."

Instantly, the guests were in an uproar, "Do you think you'll find someone while you're here?"

"Oh, how romantic!"

"WHAT IF IT'S A HOST?!"

"IT WOULD BE LIKE FATE!"

"Woah! Woah! Woah!" I waved my hands frantically in front of my face, positive that my entire face was now as bright as the red roses displayed around the room, "It's not like that! I'm not here to begin a relationship with anybody in this school, and I certainly don't plan too. I'd like to simply focus on my studies, get into a good college, and then maybe start dating. And no offense… but I simply can't see myself dating any of these boys."

The girls began giggling among themselves, "Oh?"

"And why's that?"

This is getting out of hand. I don't think the boys would like me talking about this… "Well… I just can't see it."

"What about you and Mori-senpai?"

"You're both quiet and kind." Against my will, my eyes flicked up to Mori. He wasn't looking in my direction, but I could tell by the tightness of his jaw that he was a bit uncomfortable about where this conversation was heading. And no wonder. This is probably way beyond what they signed up for.

"Look, you are never going to hear me admit that these boys in this club are unattractive, I will give you all that. But I'm not going to be looking for someone with just looks. Yes, Mori-senpai seems like a very nice person, and I'm sure we'd be great friends, but I don't see a relationship working here. We're both so quiet we'd probably never get a conversation going. I really hate having a one-sided conversation. It makes me feel like I'm being judged."

One more quick glance to the left, "No offense, Mori-senpai."

The tall boy grunted, but he shot me a look. It wasn't a bad look. Not at all. In fact, he seemed almost amused, with just the hint of a quirk to his lips. He patted the top of my head. Maybe we will become great friends.

"Well, what about Honey-senpai?"

At this, I laughed, "Honey-senpai reminds me of my seven younger cousins. He's a cutie," I ruffled his hair, "but no way." Honey giggled.

"Now, I'm sure you're all about to ask me the same question for the other boys, but can't we all just have some cake instead? How about we talk about you girls instead? I've only got another ten minutes before I have to play another piece and I'd like to hear a little bit about you. Will that work?"

A beat of silence.

Then.

"YOU'RE SO NICE!" I jump a bit at the sudden shouts, praising my apparent selflessness and other qualities I was unaware of until this moment. Honey was laughing on my right, serving slices of cake to the girls. Mori was humming contently on my left before he reached up and gently ruffled my hair similarly to what I had done to Honey. Off at the only other table I could see, Tamaki was flashing me a thumbs up and a grin.

Slowly, I smiled again and accepted a slice of delicious looking chocolate cake. Hm. Maybe I'll fit in here just fine.

Of course, the rest of the hosting hours were a bit lackluster. Nachi, my only other "client" of the day never showed up, and my last two pieces were only received with a polite amount of applause. Otherwise, I was completely ignored.

Until.

"Miss Prout?"

All the air was sucked out of my lungs.

"Yes... Mr. Ootori?" Oh my gosh... how did that come out as anything other than a whimper?

"I just wished to congratulate you on how you handled the girls' questions from earlier, about any possible relationship with a host. You diverted the questions quite well." Okay, what universe did I end up in? Is this Kyoya's version of a compliment? What the hell?!

"Make sure that it never happens again. This club has a reputation to uphold, and if rumors start to spread about any one of us becoming involved with our new... musician... it could ruin the club forever. Keep that in mind, if you could."

Before I could make any other sort of remark, he was gone. Back across the room collecting his items. There was a brief thought of marching straight up to the boy and flat out telling him to lay off and find some other person to terrorize, but that was before I remembered that that would probably ruin my entire future and decided against it.

No, it would be much better to just ignore all the B.S. he was throwing at me and just leave. What I needed right now was a nice, hot shower, a warm dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread, and to go to bed. After I finished my homework, of course. I chuckled as I finished packing the last of my things into my school bag. I can't believe I ever complained about my homework load back in America. These Japanese teachers don't mess around.

"Hey, Kyoya? I've been meaning to ask you, but do you feel sick? You've been looking out of it all day." At Tamaki's question, I began packing faster.

"Not at all, Tamaki."

"But you really looked terrible in class today."

"Just a lack of sleep. I'll be sure to remedy it tonight."

"Well, if you're sure. Maybe you're just having a hard time falling asleep. Perhaps Jacklyn could record some piano playing for you to help-"

"I do not require any help, and even if I did I doubt any pieces Miss Prout could play could have the slightest chance of helping what-so-ever." My jaw clenched. Hm. Way to say I'm pretty much useless to you, f*ckwad.

"I need to go. Don't want to miss the train. See you all tomorrow." With that, I bolted out the door and down the hall. Suddenly it felt like this huge weight had just lifted off of my chest. Geez, it's like I just escaped from prison or something. Then again, maybe I did.

"Jacklyn! Wait a minute!" Tamaki was chasing after me down the hall and, not wanting to make a big scene, I stopped and waited for him. He skidded to a stop at my side and beamed down at me, eyes closed and everything.

"Where were you running off to? I wanted to ask if you had any piano duet ideas yet, but you left too fast for me to say anything!"

"No, I haven't come up with anything. Not yet. I'll let you know when I do. Bye!"

"Wait!"

I bounce up and down on my toes, antsy to leave quickly, "What?"

Tamaki tilts his head to the right slightly, his smile dimming until he held a concerned look on his face, "Jacklyn… are you alright?" The question gives me pause. How should I phrase this?

"I… I just feel a little uncomfortable at the club."

"Why?"

My right hand wrung the handles of my school bag. What should I say? 'Sorry, Tamaki, but your best friend threatened me and my family yesterday so I'm a little on edge around him'?

"It's… Kyoya just gives off a scary vibe. I-I know it's probably just me-"

"It's not just you." Tamaki smiled softly, ignoring my newly dropped jaw, "Kyoya seems to have the idea that it's him against the world. He has to play every game he can think of to seem like the perfect-" the blond paused for a moment before switching tracks, "He's very cold on the outside, but inside he's just another person like you or me. He has his own morals, his own rules, and his own views of right and wrong."

I licked my lips, "And what are those views?"

"Even I'm not sure about that, but I do know that Kyoya is a kinder person than he would have you believe. Don't sell him short just yet, he still has a few walls that need to come down."

"Ha... few…"

The blond patted the top of my head lightly, like I sometimes did with my dog when he would whimper during thunderstorms, "If Kyoya said something to you recently… don't take it at face value. I recently readjusted his whole worldview and he's probably trying to relocate his boundaries. Kyoya is very passionate about some things, and if he said anything that seemed -out of line, perhaps?- he's probably just worried. Having a musician in the club, let alone a girl, is very new to us. This club is something we all enjoy, and none of us want to see it ruined. Just keep that in mind, alright?"

"I…"

Tamaki smiled and left after one final pat, "See you in class tomorrow, Jacklyn!"

I couldn't do anything but stare after the boy. Where on earth did all that intelligence come from? What the hell!? But, if I were to be completely honest with myself... that's probably the first time I acknowledged that fact that he was a very beautiful human being. Both inside and out.

The train ride home felt far too short to sort out everything that had happened today. Yeah, I definitely need that shower.

Okay, a little bit of sweetness to cover Kyoya's sourpuss-ness. In which Tamaki is an adorable cinnamon roll and understands his new best friend and willingly puts out the fires he lights. Also, I apologize for the lack of Hitachiin in this chapter. They'll show up really soon. But yeah, Jacklyn now has three friends at this school. Good for her!

Read, favorite, follow, review please! I like hearing from you all!

See you next chapter!