I was finally starting to get used to being a student at Ouran Academy. My days were falling into a very pleasant routine; I would wake up early and prepare in the morning before the host of the day would arrive and whisk me away to school. I listened attentively in class when my professors lectured, taking careful notes, and practiced the harp in every spare moment. I was becoming quite skilled at it too, if I did say so myself. When classes concluded for the day, I would make my way to Music Room #3 where I would work on assignments or read, and more often than not, observe the hosts in their natural habitat.

Today was no different. I had left for school punctually at 7:15 with the twins, who had talked my ears off the entire ride. Classes had been interesting as always and I had made great advances on the harp piece I was learning. Currently, I found myself sitting at the table I frequented in the back of the music room working on some homework for an American history class I was taking, while taking the occasional glance around the room at the hosts.

They each had a "type"; Kyouya had informed me when he once caught me viewing them. Tamaki was the "princely" type, always dashing and charming to a fault. The twins were the "little devils", feisty and quick witted, with a flair for the…unconventional romance. Kyouya was the "cool" type; aloof and mysterious, watching, seeing, and knowing all. Haruhi was "natural", which confused me, as there was nothing natural about her situation as a host. Finally there was Mori and Hunny who, like the twins, were presented as a package. Hunny was the "boy-Lolita", the adorable 18-year-old with a love for all things pink and sweet, especially his Usa-chan and cake. And always faithfully beside him was Mori, classified as the "wild" type because…well truthfully I was not quite sure. I probably would have branded him the "strong silent" type for obvious reasons.

I had yet to figure Mori…Takashi…out, and it quite distressed me. I could usually read people unusually well, and I did not relish the fact that he was throwing off my senses.

Suddenly, as if he could tell I had been thinking about him, he looked directly at me. I paled and turned away quickly, my assignment becoming a lot more interesting at that moment. I leaned my forehead against the table; how could I let him catch me staring at him...again! I darted a quick glance back in his direction, but something was obscuring my view. I jumped at the person's sudden appearance and looked up to see it was…of course who else could it be...Mori.

I offered him a weak smile, putting my hand over my heart as I willed the thing, still racing from the small fright he had given me, to slow down. He kept his steady gaze fixed on me, a hint of confusion evident on his face.

"I brought you some cake. I thought you might be hungry," he stated as he placed a slice of strawberry cake in front of me, then handed me a fork. My smile grew ever so slightly; to think…he had been thinking about me. I bowed my head to say thanks, and then thought maybe he'd like to sit with me. So I swept my hand over to the chair on the opposite side of the table and shrugged, hoping he would understand I was inviting him to sit down.

"Ah, thanks," he replied a little hesitantly. Nevertheless, he pulled out the chair and sat down. I knew we couldn't really have a conversation but just being in someone's presence was sometimes enough. If he wanted to say something, he could, and I would reply to the best of my abilities. Besides, any individual, not to mention one with Mori's calm nature, would need a break from a character like Hunny at some point.


"Who does she think she is, coming in here and stealing our hosts?" Neikan growled to one of her followers as they watched Mori bring some cake over to Shizuko. "She isn't as beautiful as us, or as rich as us, so what do they even see in her?"

"I don't know Neikan, she is pretty nice and she's really smart, she's even in some of my classes," a third year girl named Yori responded.

"Oh quiet Yori, no one cares what you think," Neikan scoffed as she shoved her away. Yori pouted but stayed close to hear what else her leader Neikan had to say.

"Personally, I think she's getting a little too close to my Mori for comfort," another third year named Rin muttered, "There's no way that conniving little commoner, with nothing to her name, could compare to me."

"You're absolutely right Rin," Neikan smirked evilly, "you shouldn't have to compete with the likes of her for Mori's affections. That's why we are going to do something about her before she gets too out of hand. And the best part girls…she won't even be able to yell for help."


Mori hadn't stayed for very long as he was needed back with Hunny to host. We had sat in a comfortable silence for a while, me working on my homework as Mori moved between watching Hunny and watching me. I didn't know what he found so fascinating about seeing me type on my computer, but I consistently could feel his steady gaze on me as I finished editing my paper.

Not long after he left, however, Kyouya stood up and announced the end of hosting hours for the day. As the girls were all packing up their belongings, the hosts gathered in a small conference by the entrance. I wonder what they could be discussing, I thought. No sooner had the thought had crossed my mind than the little huddle disbanded and Tamaki clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention.

The room quieted as their prince Tamaki began to speak.

"My sweet princesses," Tamaki began as the girls giggled in anticipation, "I am happy to inform you that in honor of a new year here at Ouran, and a new year with the host club, we will be holding a masquerade ball this upcoming weekend. We extend an invitation to you all. Would you be so kind as to bring your beautiful selves and grace us with your presence for the night?" Tamaki finished with a sweeping bow and the room exploded into exited chatter.

The hosts opened the doors and ushered the overly excited females out; the girls were so beyond thrilled at the prospect of the ball that they practically trampled the hosts on their way out in a rush to begin finding the perfect dress.

I rolled my eyes at the bubbly girls and their boy preoccupied minds. How nice it was to not have to worry about the trivialities of dresses and parties and….

"We'll be expecting you to be there Shizuko, as the guest of honor of course!" Tamaki interrupted my thoughts, bringing me crashing back down to Earth.

My eyes grew wide and I waved my hands back and forth in front of me, shaking my head no all the while. There was undeniably no way they could persuade me to attend that ball. I didn't own ball gowns, or fancy shoes and masks; I was simply not masquerade ball material.

The hosts had started to gather before me as I continued to tell Tamaki no. The twins, Hunny, and even Haruhi (just slightly) looked sadly at me while Kyouya never even brought his gaze from his tablet. I couldn't quite read Mori's expressions, but his eyes showed just a hint of disappointment. I brought my hands to my lap and sighed, letting my head drop and dangle between my shoulders.

I felt Tamaki put his hand on my shoulder and looked up to see him smiling sadly at me.

"Why won't you come Shizuko? We really would love to have you there," Tamaki pleaded. I sighed again and grabbed my notebook to write:

"Why would you want me there? I'm not the kind of girl who goes to balls. I'm not a social butterfly. I wouldn't know how to act, or what to wear. I wouldn't have anything towear in the first place. I'd probably embarrass myself, or you."

The hosts took turns reading my note. When they had all finished Tamaki kneeled down in front of me and spoke:

"No, you aren't the most social individual, and most definitely not the kind of girl who goes to balls. But I believe that is why I am being so adamant about your attending. You aren't like the majority of the girls who frequent the host club; you're a breath of fresh air to us."

Hikaru cut him off then to say, "And don't worry about what to wear. Kaoru and I want to design something for you. Our mother is a fashion designer you know?"

Tamaki smiled, "See we will all help you!" To which all the other hosts nodded in agreement.

Surprisingly, it was Kyouya who spoke next. "If you're worried about embarrassing yourself, you can't do any worse than Haruhi at her first ball. She kissed another girl."

"Thanks senpai for bringing that up again," Haruhi grumbled as the rest of the hosts all began to laugh. I giggled then too; I wasn't sure how they always managed to make me feel so comfortable with myself. They all looked on expectantly as I put my hands up in defeat. I shrugged and nodded yes; they had convinced me.

The twins high-fived each other as Hunny took a flying leap into my lap to hug me. Haruhi smiled, clearly pleased, while Tamaki had started daydreaming about Haruhi in a dress (which was not going to be happening). Kyouya had gone back to his tablet, which left Mori, who was smiling softly at me. I blushed and sent him back a smile over Hunny's shoulder.

Hunny jumped off my back to go to talk to Kyouya about what types of cakes he wanted at the ball, which finally left me free to move. I stored my notebooks and computer back in my messenger bag and closed it, ready to leave for the day. The twins each grabbed one of my hands and pulled me towards the door, more than ready to begin designing the dress and mask I was to be wearing.

I had never thought I would be going to a ball, much less one wear I'd be wearing a dress designed specifically for me and be the guest of honor to a very attractive group of young men.

Maybe a masquerade ball would be enjoyable after all.


"They're making her the guest of honor?" Neikan fumed as she let the door to Music Room #3 fall softly closed. "We have to save them from themselves! She's brainwashed our poor boys!"

"Well, what do you suggest we do Neikan?" Yori piped up.

"Yori my dear, what an excellent question. I…" Neikan opened her mouth, and then shut it abruptly. "Well I'm not quite sure yet, but this masquerade will be a perfect cover. Whatever I come up with will have Shizuko wishing she could scream."

"Did you say Shizuko?" a gravelly voice came from behind Neikan.

"Maybe I did. Who's asking?" Neikan retorted.

"The name's Kuro. Shizuko and I have a bit of a history, and there's something I've been meaning to do to…I mean give to her," the guy corrected himself, snickering.

Rin looked apprehensively at Kuro. "I don't know Neikan, I've heard things about this guy, none of them very pleasant." Kuro winked at Rin and she shivered.

"Nothing pleasant you say Rin?" Neikan smirked. "Sounds about the kind of guy I need. Care to talk, Kuro-san?"

"It would be my pleasure," Kuro's mouth twisted into a hideous grin.

The two walked away, plotting deviously, leaving Yori and Rin gulping nervously behind. They weren't quite sure they liked the sound of whatever Neikan and Kuro were planning, but Neikan was their leader so she was right…right?


Dun dun dun... what could Neikan and Kuro be planning together? Whatever it is...it isn't good.

Now do you want a say in what Shizuko wears to the ball? If you do, choose one of the following colors/color combinations:

Red, Black/Gold, Silver, Midnight Blue, Emerald Green, Gold

and Private Message me your choice. Whichever one has the highest votes before my next update will decide what dress Shizuko wears (i'll provide pics!)

If you don't care... oh well. Don't bother messaging me!

**Update: Current Scores - Red(0) Black/Gold(0) Silver(1) Midnight Blue(5) Emerald Green(0) Gold(0) Pink/Pastel(1)

I had someone suggest pink/pastel so I'll throw it in.

If you haven't voted yet, I'm closing the voting Friday night.

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. You guys are awesome as always!