This chapter got really long! I love detail, so when I start typing stuff, it just keeps going- you've probably noticed that about my stories so far! LOL
So I broke this chapter into 2 parts. Hope you all like it!
I also want to give a special shout out to a new friend I made, "Listentothesoundofthenight" ! I can't believe how much we connected, this chapters for you!
Enjoy!
~ Lizzy
Chapter Ten: First Day
Part One: Introductions
Ai was nervous. Did she pass or fail. Kyoya's expression was always so hard to read. He neither looked happy or angry. She clasped her hands together. She was going to have a stroke if Kyoya didn't tell her soon.
"You passed, 96%." Kyoya said putting down the file he got from the school administrator. He planned to tell her at dinner, but she came to his room when he got home. She was clearly very anxious.
"I…I passed?…" She said unable to believe it. She was so afraid that her palms became sweaty.
"Yes, but now you have to organize yourself better with school work since you're coming a month late. Here is your class syllabus." Kyoya handed her the file. She took it still in shock that she passed.
"Thank you. I can't believe I got 96%" She giggled to herself a little. She had never achieved such a high mark, did she really want to get into this school that badly, she wondered.
"You did good." Kyoya said feeling a little uncomfortable. He wondered if he should say congratulations. Somehow, he felt like he couldn't. She looked at her class list.
"All of your classes are with me, since we're in the same grade and homeroom. We leave tomorrow first thing at 7, we have some things to finish up. Tachibana will drop you to your school after you're done. You also have to get yourself fitted with a new uniform." Kyoya noticed the look on her face, she seemed a little nervous. He wasn't used to her looking like anything but happily smiling. He wondered if this was the right time to tell her everything was alright. But somehow, it was just too hard to comfort her.
"You may go now, you have lots of things to prepare…tomorrow is your last day at your old school." Kyoya turned his back to her and busied himself with taking off his jacket and tie.
"You should say goodbye to your friends then…it might be awhile till you can see them again." Kyoya added. The sentence surprised Ai, she had forgotten about saying goodbye. It was her last day with Aizawa, her only link to Shiho. She looked down to her file with her passing grade, she was sure that Aizawa would praise her even though inside he would feel sad. But she had to be brave, if she could do this, for the long run things would be better.
"Yes, thank you." She smiled gently, bowed and left. Kyoya didn't turn around to see her leave, somehow he felt really strange. He was happy that she was leaving that school, leaving Aizawa, but being the last day, meant that they would most likely hug. And the most disturbing, was that he might confess. They might make promises. Kyoya sighed loudly feeling stressed out. What was wrong with him, why was he always so anxious around Ai, and even more stressed out with Aizawa?
'It doesn't matter now…'He thought. Ai was coming to Ouran, with him, which meant she was finally a proper worker, and that's all.
"Don't cry." Aizawa smiled patting her head. It was the hardest thing for him to do. She wasn't crying, but he could see the tears welling up.
"You'll have more opportunities when you graduate from there." Aizawa continued to cheer her on.
"I'll miss you Aizawa. Will I really be alright there?" Ai said feeling more and more nervous. She had never been parted from Shiho and Aizawa like this.
"You'll see me again right…no matter how far we are, we'll always be close. Shiho's coming today to my game…" Aizawa's voice cracked as Ai stared up at him with glassy eyes. It hurt him, a lot. He was already feeling so alone without her.
"She'll cry if you cry." Aizawa felt a tear roll down from his eye. Ai couldn't hold back, she embraced Aizawa tightly, holding back her own tears from streaming out.
"It's not like we'll be separated forever, we'll still see each other. So don't worry." Aizawa chuckled a little holding on to her staring out into space.
"If you ever need me, just call me Ai…anytime, please just call me….call me." Aizawa whispered tightening his grip on her. They stood silent holding on to each other. It was unbearable, like the first time they had to be separated. Back then, when she was forced to enter the orphanage, she had to say goodbye like this to Shiho. The memories of that time flooded into her mind. Those days were lonely, but the feelings were just as fresh. But now she had a strength. The Ootori family saved her from a place that had taken all but a small piece of her soul. Now was given another gift from them, a chance to be stronger and gain back the small pieces she thought were forever lost.
"I'll be strong Aizawa, so don't worry." She smiled to him. Aizawa smiled down to her.
"I know." He whispered still clutching on to her.
"Ootori-san?" Kyoya could hear her voice again, sweet and soft. The smell of her surrounding him, the warmth she brought with her probably came from the drapery she opened before, but regardless it felt good. His body would unconsciously relax right after it tensed.
"Ootori-san? Please wake up." Her voice sounded distant but close.
'Ai….' He thought, his eyes opening slowly.
'I did it again…' He thought, his eyes opened enough to make out her blonde brown hair and blue eyes…
'Blonde hair, blue eyes?' He thought puzzled. His eyes opened all the way to see Tamaki's smiling face glowing back at him.
"Kyoya! Morning!" Tamaki beamed him a brilliant smile and continued to hug him back. Kyoya needed a few seconds to realize what was happening. He processed the information looking up from the bed to see Ai standing at the foot of the bed nervously smiling at him. Kyoya looked at Tamaki cuddling up into Kyoya's bare chest, happy as always to see him.
"I'm so glad I decided to come help Ai-chan wake you up." Tamaki smiled. It was the first time he was hugging his friend, although it was somewhat as a surprise at first. Being pinned down into an embrace like this, he never realized Kyoya was that strong.
"Tamaki?" Kyoya said, grinding his teeth. He grabbed his pillow and started to suffocate Tamaki.
"Muff mfyy?" Tamaki screamed 'but why', muffled by Kyoya's weight and the pillow.
"Ootori-san! He'll die." Ai said scared to witness murder.
"It's alright, just ignore it." Kyoya said plainly. Tamaki continued to struggle, trying to push off Kyoya who was now sitting up on him.
"But Souh-san?" Ai said nervous wiping the tear dropping down her head. Kyoya sighed not wanting to let Tamaki breath another word but he pulled off the pillow to see Tamaki's eyes swirling near death.
"Do that again and I'll use a bigger pillow." Kyoya said, Tamaki's expression changed to a smile again.
"But we were just hugging. Buddies hug-" Tamaki was cut off by the pillow again as Kyoya decided that it was better to be over with it.
"Ootori-san!" Ai said nervously coming on to the bed to pull Kyoya off Tamaki. She succeeded.
"Ootori-san it's almost 7:20." She said trying to divert his attention. He relaxed almost leaning on her to see his multiple clocks all turning to 7:20. He didn't have more time to waste. He'd finish this off another time. He got up.
"Please get my uniform." Kyoya said.
"Alright dear." Tamaki smiled recovering almost instantly. Ai looked a little surprised.
"Who asked you!" Kyoya shouted throwing the pillow onto Tamaki's face, pushing him back on to the bed."
"Souh-san! Are you alright?" Ai said going to his aid. She moved the pillow off of him and as always Tamaki was laughing telling her he was fine. Kyoya noticed that they were now alone on the bed, with Ai and Tamaki pretty close. He was annoyed. With the sun behind them, their smiles almost identical, her concern for him the same as it was for Kyoya. It made him anxious.
"Sakamoto-san, please get my uniform." Kyoya voiced angrily as he slammed the bathroom door shut. Ai complied and got off the bed right away and rushed to his closet. Tamaki looked at the bathroom door for a bit and then to Ai who was scrambling in Kyoya's closet. A smile came to Tamaki's face.
"Are you going to be the one who performs a miracle?" Tamaki whispered to himself.
It was time to go. Anytime Tamaki came to the house, all the staff were overjoyed and cheerful. Tamaki brought that out in everyone. Everywhere he went, he brought his sunny disposition with him, granting everyone warmth. Kyoya was the opposite of Tamaki and judging by how well Ai got along with him; he was also her opposite. Ai and Tamaki had something very much in common, they were both always smiling, making everything around them attracted to them.
"Have a good day." Ms. Ueda smiled and bid Kyoya and Tamaki a good day.
"Thank you Ueda-san." Tamaki said, moving a little closer to the older woman, giving her winning sexy smile.
"You're welcome Souh-san" Ms. Ueda said with an unchanging face and demeanor. Tamaki sighed as the staff giggled. Ai couldn't help but giggle too, Kyoya did nothing but check his cell for the time.
"Ai-san, here is the schedule for Kyoya-san's day, please familiarize yourself with it. Please take good care of him at school." Ms. Ueda said, handing Ai a paper outlining Kyoya's day. It was indeed busy. Ai smiled.
"I will. Thank you for taking care of me." Ai bowed to her and left with Tamaki and Kyoya. She walked behind them not sure how she should be walking with her employer and his friend. They came to the car and Tachibana opened the door. Kyoya and Tamaki started to talk about how Ms. Ueda didn't smile, leaving Ai somewhat out of the loop. She felt strange to be going to school with Kyoya in such an expensive looking car, but she imagined his school was a place the bus didn't run to. She got in after bowing to Tachibana for his kindness. But it was hard to gage if he was nice since he wore dark sunglass and didn't move a muscle on his face.
She got in and sat down close to the door feeling nervous. She could only smile to herself. Kyoya and Tamaki were still talking about things she was not a part of, which made her wonder if she should be listening to their conversation. Would it be considered ease dropping, or being too nosy if she watched them as they talked? She wondered how she was supposed to act around them. All these questions made her feel even more nervous, but all she could do was smile.
"Right Ai-chan?" Tamaki said looking at her. He was sitting across from Kyoya who was sitting next to Ai, but being a big car, it only made her feel more distant.
"Uh?" She said snapping out of her strange trance.
"I was just saying that I'll switch seats with you, since if I sit in front of you, you won't be able to see the board." Tamaki smiled. Ai looked to Kyoya wondering what she should do.
"I suppose so…if it's alright?" She said in a small voice. She felt so strange. She was still wearing her old school's uniform, she would be fitted into her new uniform at the end of the week when it was finished. She wondered if she would stick out like a sore thumb.
"Great. If you need any help, ask me." Tamaki offered gesturing for a handshake. Ai shook his hand feeling a bit more comforted. She was glad that she knew Tamaki, since he seemed to be very nice.
"You're in the same class as well Souh-san?" Ai asked feeling better about being in an unfamiliar place.
"Yep! So we'll be together." Tamaki smiled looking at Kyoya who had closed his eyes and was trying to think of nothing.
"Kyoya is bad in the mornings. He's got low blood pressure." Tamaki grinned whispering it to her.
"Did you know that Kyoya and I have a really good relationship?" Tamaki went on.
"I see." Ai smiled nervously wondering if what Tamaki was saying was also felt by Kyoya.
"I was really alone when I came to Ouran too, but after meeting Kyoya, things got better. And I made many more friends." Tamaki went on to say, sliding a bit closer to her as to not wake up Kyoya, who was only half asleep.
"He's my best friend." Tamaki smiled like a friend who was truly blessed. Ai noticed that Tamaki was a positive person, who glowed when he smiled.
"So don't worry, you'll make lots of friends. And we'll be your first friends in Ouran." Tamaki added cheering her on. She wondered how he knew what she was thinking. His words calmed her.
"Thank you Souh-san. I was very nervous. I hope to make friends and do well at my studies." Ai smiled. Tamaki smiled back. Kyoya opened his eyes slightly. He heard it all, the kind things Tamaki was able to say so easily, and the change in Ai's voice meant that she was comforted. Somehow, it annoyed him; first because he wasn't able to say those things to her; and also because Tamaki was genuinely a good friend.
She took a deep breath in and got out of the car. The school was big, bigger than what her imagination had created. There were also many buildings that were part of the school, being different wings named after different rich people. It was beautiful, with long stairways, bright open spaces, large windows; artwork and richness all around. She was in awe and felt a bit out of place. They walked with her to the administrator's office to meet Chairman Souh, who Ai didn't realize was Tamaki's father until she saw the strange display of fatherly love.
"How could you dad! I thought they were ninja's!" Tamaki whined as his father laughed and blushed, stating his little boy was so cute. Ai's smile twitched a little, she didn't understand what was going on.
"It's alright, you'll get used to this..." Kyoya said with his regular smile.
"Oh, Kyoya, good to see you, and this must be Ai-san." Chairman Souh smiled as Kyoya and Ai approached his desk. Ai was a bit concerned about Tamaki, who was in the corner bent down and picking off the leaves from a plant.
"I entrust her to you Kyoya. I'm sure she'll do really well. Her marks for the entrance exam and grade skipper were fantastic." Chairman Souh went on to say.
"Thank you Souh-sama." Ai bowed and smiled to him kindly. His smile resembled Tamaki's which comforted her.
"If you have any difficulties, please come back to see me. Oh here take these." Chairman Souh passed on some stationary with Ouran's crest.
"Please feel free to use them." Chairman Souh smiled with hopeful large eyes. Ai smiled nervously, the stationary looked like the stationary to write letters.
"It's special, it's made with a top secret special ninja paper and this top secret special ninja pen." Chairman Souh smiled mischievously. Ai was taken aback, there was no such thing; but it seemed to revive Tamaki.
"Wow cool! We should use these to write letters to each other." Tamaki said jumping to Ai's side.
"Not you, only special people who are going to write me special letters can use this top secret special ninja stationary." Chairman Souh said sternly.
"You don't have the ability to write on it!" Chairman Souh added, all the while Ai stood still as a rock as Kyoya watched this play.
"I do! I'll prove it! I'll write you so many amazing letters!" Tamaki shouted back in protest taking the stationary from Ai.
"That's a good boy! Show your father your amazing ninja letters!" Chairman Souh encouraged as Tamaki started to write on the stationary. Ai nervously smiled and looked to Kyoya wondering what she should think and say right now. The stationary looked like any other ordinary stationary kit with Ouran's symbol on it. Ai moved a bit closer to Kyoya feeling a little scared about what she had just witnessed. Should she laugh or be mortified.
"Well then, good luck." Chairman Souh smiled as he dismissed the trio.
"Ootori-san?" Ai said wondering how to politely ask what just happened.
"Don't think too much about it since nobody understands it." Kyoya replied putting his hand in his pockets. There was really no way explaining that display to her, it was something time would heal. Ai nodded and didn't probe any further.
"Hey Ai-chan, you want to write with me?" Tamaki asked showing her the stationary kit. Ai smiled nervously.
"No, we have to get to class first." Kyoya said leading the way to class.
"Sakamoto-san, you should try to remember the place as best as you can. The map I gave you should help." Kyoya said to her. Ai nodded.
"Yes thank you." She smiled as she looked around. It was big, high vaulted ceilings and chandeliers. It looked more like a fancy expensive hotel than a school. Students were starting to appear as they walked towards their wing. She blushed as they stared at her in surprise. It was true that her uniform made her stick out even more.
"Tamaki-senpai, Kyoya-sempai! Good morning." A group of girls rushed towards Kyoya and Tamaki.
"Good morning." Kyoya replied with a smile. Ai was surprised to see Kyoya flash classmates such a charismatic smile, almost like a business professional.
"Tamaki-sempai good morning to you too." The girls smiled to Tamaki. They started to talk about their plans for the weekend, Tamaki especially took over the conversation while Kyoya became a neat presence.
"Ah, who's this Tamaki-sempai?" One of the girls asked finally noticing Ai, who looked a little surprised.
"This is Sakamoto Ai, she'll be attending Ouran from now on. Please be kind to her. Tamaki introduced Ai with his normal smooth smile which prevented the girls from asking any further questions.
"Of course." The girls smiled as they withered. Ai could only smile nervously not sure what to do about their reaction.
They started to walk towards their classroom again, more and more people took notice of Ai, and by this time; news had spread far and wide. Ai was a shiny new object of the school, and everyone wanted to know who she was and what she was doing walking with Tamaki and Kyoya to class. She could feel their eyes on her, some of them in awe, some of them with malicious intent.
"This is our class." Tamaki welcomed as they stepped into class. It was a huge class room with very few seats, but that was to be expected considering most people couldn't afford to study at such an extravagant school.
"Here, this is my seat, but since I'm taller than you, I'll take your seat and you can take mine." Tamaki said happily as he placed his school books on his desk.
"Thank you." Ai smiled.
"You're welcome." Tamaki smiled.
"Now we don't have to be separated Kyoya." Tamaki winked sheepishly. Kyoya gave him nothing but a smug look.
"But now you're blocking my view, so you can sit behind me." Kyoya adjusted his glasses. Ai and Tamaki looked at the 3 seats realizing that Tamaki was the tallest. But before Tamaki could whine, Kyoya had already asked a fellow classmate to switch seats with Ai so that she could sit next to him. Ai was stunned as was Tamaki.
"It's more convenient for me this way. There's no use to a personal assistant who isn't by my side." Kyoya said sitting down on his own desk as Tamaki sat on his own.
"Yes. Thank you." Ai bowed and smiled. She sat down on her new desk. It was a normal desk design but still fancy, with read red wood and a neat Ouran crest carving on the side. She sat down and relaxed. Students started to pour into class, and her presence was immediately noticed. Not only was she very eye catching in her black uniform, her beauty was something people would notice. Kyoya expected this. They were staring at her wondering who she was and why she was there.
"Is she on some sort of field trip?"
"What's with that uniform, it looks so plain."
"I heard she came in with Tamaki-senpai and Kyoya-sempai."
"Ah, really! Who is she?"
"She's really pretty isn't she? Maybe she's a total snob."
"Maybe she's a charity case."
Ai could hear all the things people were saying around her. She felt uncomfortable, but reminded herself that she had to bare it since this was her job and this was for her future. Kyoya also heard what was being said, but didn't do anything to defend her. He already expected some bad rumors to flourish, so this was nothing to be concerned about.
The teacher walked in, and started the lesson. He wasn't surprised to see Ai, he had expected her, but what he didn't expect was for her to look so beautiful. He had to hit his chest suddenly in order to get his mind back on track.
"Ah, I see the new transfer student is here. Great, why don't you come up to the front and introduce yourself." The teacher smiled kindly. Ai was hesitant. She wasn't expecting to be put under the lime light. All their staring faces had become more concentrated. She could feel the strange atmosphere all around her as she walked to the front. She always hated these types of situations where she would have to stand in front of people.
"My name is Sakamoto Ai. Today is my first, please take care of me." She smiled and bowed. The classroom and the teacher became momentarily stunned, some people dropping their pencils. Her beautiful smile made them fall in love with her, even the teacher.
"Ah yes yes, that's good" The teacher laughed trying to regain some of his composure. Kyoya kept his eyes downcast trying not to focus on what the class was saying. He was hearing a lot of comments both from boys and girls alike about how they fell in love instantly.
"Sakamoto? As in Sakamoto industries?" One of the classmates said wondering if she was the daughter of some big wig executive.
"Um, no." Ai replied hesitant.
"What do you parents do then?" Another female classmate asked. Ai looked around feeling the pressure building. Tamaki watched on feeling the need to step in, he looked back to Kyoya thinking that he would any minute now jump in to save her.
"My parents…they passed away." Ai said in a quiet gentle voice. Her smile didn't waver even for a moment. She had to be strong.
"Then what school did you transfer from? Your uniform is really simple." The female student added.
"Koto high school." Ai replied.
"Koto high school? What kind of private school is that? I haven't heard of it before." The female student asked maliciously trying to figure out who Ai was.
"It's not a private school. It's a public school about an hour an half away from here…" Ai added. There was loud gasp, the class couldn't believe it.
"A public school?" They started to gossip making Ai feel more and more exposed and uncomfortable. She didn't feel like she belonged there, and felt her spirit being trampled over. But she spirited on and continued to smile fearing that if she stopped smiling, she would cry on the spot.
"That's enough class, either way we welcome Ai-san to our class. Thank you for telling us about yourself Ai-san." The teacher kindly smiled and started the class. Ai sat down feeling saved. She didn't dare to look over to Kyoya, but Tamaki turned around and smiled at her. She returned the smile feeling a bit more relaxed. She at least knew two people at this school and that was a comfort.
Lunch time came and Ai was still alive. She had somehow managed to write down the notes and keep up with the pace of the classroom. She had never learned the type of things she was learning now. She exhaled relieved that it was lunch at least.
"Ah lunch time. Ai-chan, lets go to the cafeteria to eat." Tamaki smiled
"I'm glad I packed a good lunch today, I'm very hungry." Ai giggled a little embarrassed that she was struggling this much. Tamaki and Kyoya looked at each other for a moment.
"Ai-chan you packed a lunch for yourself?" Tamaki asked with sparkles in his eyes.
"Yes." She smiled.
"I have lots if you would like to share." Ai said. Tamaki's eyes started to water, how long he waited to eat from a bento box. He was about to grab her hands thanking her for her thoughtfulness but Kyoya stepped in.
"We get served our lunches at school because it's warm food." Kyoya explained.
"Oh, I see." Ai said not surprised. There was a cafeteria at her old school, but she imagined that it was not comparable to the one they would have here at Ouran. Tamaki smiled at her blushing face. She clearly was a little embarrassed. He came around to her and put an arm around her alarming the others in the classroom and Kyoya.
"You're really funny Ai-chan. Surely you had hot lunches in your old school?" Tamaki giggled feeling like Ai was being silly. Ai thought back to her old school, and how there was no such thing as hot lunches, just buns with different meat in it, and everyone fighting the line up to get what they wanted. She was always fighting the line up with Aizawa so they could buy some sweet bean buns. A smile came to her face.
Kyoya felt the rush of anxiety start to filter through his body, he really wanted Tamaki to have more sense then this.
"Alright, let's go." Tamaki smiled leading the way.
"Ah it's alright. I already packed my food and I don't have any money." Ai said trying to explain her situation.
"Don't worry about it, it's on me. Maybe we can exchange lunches!" Tamaki smiled still walking her out of the classroom with Kyoya following from behind. He noticed that a group of girls in the classroom were particularly distressed seeing Tamaki with Ai, he knew this could be a problem since they were also customers of Tamaki for the Host Club.
When they reached the cafeteria, it was the same as the rest of the school, really lavish. Waiters serving tables, large bouquets of flowers, roast lamb being carved table side, Ai couldn't believe her eyes. Was this really real?
"Hey guys!." Tamaki waved spotting Haruhi, Hikaru and Kaoru already seated at their table. Tamaki finally let go of her arm and raced towards the table to talk to Haruhi. She seemed a little happy to see him too.
Kyoya and Ai came to the table, while they talked, but before anyone could say anything more, they saw Ai. She smiled at them kindly and bowed a little to show her respect. Her winning smile made an instant kill, Kaoru, Hikaru and even Haruhi seemed to drop their spoons in awe. Even the boys tables away noticed that smile. Kyoya only sighed at how simple minded people were.
"Oh, let me introduce Ai-chan. She'll be coming to Ouran from now on." Tamaki gestured. Ai continued to smile.
"It's nice to meet you." She said. Kaoru and Hikaru looked at each other and then to Kyoya with an enormous smile on their faces. They had seen many pictures of her, but she was a doll in person. How Kyoya managed to stay so calm around her was anyone's guess. He knew what they were thinking, in fact when their faces changed to something more pitiful; Kyoya was greatly annoyed.
"Kyoya-senpai, it must be hard for you." Haruhi said giving him the same look. Kyoya's business man smile came to his face, a dark aura surrounding him.
"Not at all. In fact I'm rather content." He said calmly reminding them of the wraith he could spur any moment.
"Y-yes of course." Haruhi was able to say trying to re-start her heart. Ai was a bit confused and wasn't sure what was going on, but she continued to smile.
"Haruhi, this is Ai-chan, since you're both commoners please be friends! You guys must have lots in common." Tamaki exclaimed grabbing Ai and forcing her to sit next to Haruhi. Ai smiled kindly to Haruhi, who knew exactly what Tamaki was trying to do. Haruhi's somewhat distant smile came back, she was so used to this stupid treatment. But Tamaki meant no ill will, and in fact she could see that he wanted Ai to get along well with her.
"I'm Haruhi." She smiled gesturing for a handshake.
"Nice to meet you, please take care of me from now on." Ai replied and shook her hands. Tamaki started to wipe the tears streaming from his face.
"This is so great Haruhi. Good for you, you've made a commoner friend in Ouran." He said tearing up, as Kaoru and Hikaru joined in. They were really simple minded to think that Haruhi longed for a commoner friend in Ouran.
"Now you both can talk about your woe's of everyday struggles." Tamaki said wiping his nose as he and the twins embraced feeling pity for the two commoner girls. Ai smiled nervously and looked to Haruhi for answers, who looked like her soul had flown off somewhere far away.
"Ignore it, you'll be better if you learn to remove yourself emotionally from these three." Kyoya said pushing Tamaki aside like a house pet and sitting next to Ai.
"But it would be good if you two became more acquainted." Kyoya said clearing his throat. Haruhi looked at Kyoya surprised as did Tamaki and the twins. He cleared his throat again feeling very awkward.
"Ah Kyoya! Come here!" Tamaki burst out grabbing Kyoya and making him hug with the twins and him. Haruhi smiled gently looking to Ai who could only continue to smile not sure what was happening. Haruhi realized just then, that was Kyoya's way of asking Haruhi to be friends with Ai. It was the first time Kyoya had asked for a favor…even though it wasn't direct and he certainly wouldn't admit it.
As lunch ended, they had all become well acquainted with Ai, who was starting to feel more comfortable. She and Haruhi had become good friends and had even started to talk casually about the discounts at different super markets.
"Good for you Haruhi, now you've made a friend who also enjoys huge discounts." Tamaki wailed happily for Haruhi putting an arm around her. She had somehow become immune to his annoying words, and that disturbed her even more. Ai smiled and giggled.
"I'm glad to have met you all. Are there any girls in your group Haruhi-san?" Ai asked politely. The group looked at one another before the twins burst into laughter.
"Ai-chan, this is top secret, but Haruhi is in fact…." Tamaki started to whisper and pulled Ai and Haruhi into a huddle.
"…is a girl." Tamaki said carefully. Ai was surprised and looked at Haruhi more carefully. She had assumed since Haruhi was wearing a boy uniform that she was a boy, but judging by the softness of her features she should have deduced she was a girl.
"I'm sorry Haruhi-san. I didn't realize." Ai said blushing and feeling terribly bad.
"No it's alright, it's my fault for not making it clear." Haruhi said with a smile, she didn't want Ai to feel bad since she clearly seemed like a nice person.
"But Ai-chan, you have to keep it a secret, no one knows this huge secret." Tamaki went on to explain gesturing with his hands like a little kid.
"I understand. I won't say a word." Ai smiled. Haruhi didn't really care, it didn't matter if people found out she was a girl, but for her debt purposes, she couldn't let people know just yet.
Before Tamaki explained why Haruhi was hiding her gender, the bell rang to go back to classes. Ai smiled and thanked everyone for including her into the group. Kyoya got up and Ai quickly went to his side to follow him back to class. She wasn't sure if she was being useful to him since she was in fact his assistant. She wondered if he would ask for her class notes? She would have to make sure from this point on, she took better notes.
Class progressed on, with Math and English. Two of Ai's most hated subjects. She paid extra close attention, but it felt like the more she tried to pay attention, the harder it became to understand. She looked over to Kyoya, he didn't seem to be writing down as many things as she was, which could mean he was really going to use her notes. She felt a little nervous about the condition and quality of her notes. Kyoya seemed so confident even in class during difficult lectures like this, she admired him and his intelligence. She wondered if she could become the same after a few months being at Ouran.
But right now, she couldn't get side tracked, right now, she had to focus and work hard, otherwise she'd fail.
Kyoya looked down at his paper, his paper was almost completely blank. He was getting distracted in class, partly from Ai, partly from Tamaki and partly from the girls in class who seemed to have their eye on Ai during lunch. He would have to talk to Tamaki about this case to prevent any bullying like Haruhi had faced when she first became the object of Tamaki's affections. But in this case, people knew that Ai was a girl, and a very attractive girl, even now, he could see that some boys in the school had taken some interest in her. Kyoya sighed, somehow he had inadvertently created more headache for himself.
He needed to smooth out these wrinkles in his plan otherwise things would become complicated and interfere with his plans to stage up his father and his brothers, who he knew planted Ai as a device to make him fail.
Okay that was Part One! Part Two is next!
On the next chapter: In his haste to get Ai to Ouran, Kyoya overlooked something. Ai's first time meeting the Host Club!