Present Day

The man across from me shuffled, trying to get into a more comfortable position. "So, all because you broke some sculpture, you have to join this club? And what kind of club is it? It sounds really weird and sexual…" He trailed off looking awkward.

"Yeah I thought the same thing at first too, but actually the whole thing is innocent. They just sit around drinking coffee and talking. The girls fawn over these dumb idiots because their attractive," I explained rolling my eyes. I really don't know how they're so popular. I didn't like them until I really got to know them, their host personality is so over the top and over exaggerates their personalities. Although maybe not Tamaki… I really think he's exactly as he portrays himself.

"Well, continue with the story. I'm curious how this pans out. This is the most entertainment I've had… well, I don't know how long…" A heaviness settled in the air, and my handcuffs weighed heavily on my wrists irritating my skin.

How can I forget the situation I'm in…

I looked at the sad man in front of me and sighed heavily. I might as well continue, at least it offers me a distraction myself.

OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC OHSHC

The Past

I stayed with the club for the two mandatory hours all students had to stay for. At first I thought it would be awful, but it was actually rather relaxing. I have always loved piano despite my mother's protests to focus on martial arts. If it weren't for the people, the two hours would have gone much faster truthfully.

When the girls arrived, they at first didn't notice me, not until I started playing that is. Then all the whispering started…

Who is she?

More like who does she think she is? Does she think this makes her a member of the Host Club?

Is she trying to date the hosts?

What an attention whore, she just wants all the hosts attention, doesn't she!

She's just a commoner, it's not like any of the hosts will actually date her.

She's not even that cute.

And on and on they went. I could feel their stares burning my back.

The host's seemed to have my back whenever a lady was more upfront about her disapproval, trying to keep everyone calm by explaining I am just a hired pianist for the club and nothing more. This did nothing to stop the whispers, but the girls were smart. They knew not to say anything in front of the host's about me, especially after the first couple were so quickly shot down.

I did learn a few things though, like some of the club dynamics.

Tamaki is the 'king' of this club and has final say over everything. He's also a very over dramatic personality, and he woo's the girls by acting 'princely' but I think it's seems a little more perverted than princely. Like… who's says drink it from my mouth? Definitely not a prince! I could see some gross balding 40 year old saying that though. Like I said, he seems more perverted than princely.

Kyoya seems to be second in charge. And… I really can't figure out how he's wooing the girls because he seems to mostly be selling merchandise… Honestly anyone who requests him most solely be doing it because of his looks or status. Ootori's do have a ton of power and money. But, he does act more friendly and welcoming to the girls than he did to me.

Next is Haruhi, I was honestly the most curious about how she would act considering she's a girl herself. Really, she's just nice to the girls and actually talks and listens to them. Well, she does randomly say flirty things, but nothing over the top. I could see why she's so popular. Tamaki and her also seem to have a weird relationship, they're not dating but they both definitely like each other, and I think they both know they like each other soooo… I don't know, I'll have to ask Haruhi what's up with that.

Honey Senpai and Mori Senpai were next, and again I was a little confused just like I was with Kyoya. More Senpai never said a thing- ever. Well, maybe he said Mitsukuni once, but that was literally it. And Honey Senpai just ate cake and acted cute the whole time. Which I admit, he was cute, but little kids are cute too, that doesn't mean I think about dating them?! Like, what are those girls thinking when they sit with them? Besides I know the truth. Honey Senpai is not as innocent as he acts! He set me up! He's the reason I have this debt! He told me to come to this room to practice and next thing know, I'm breaking a sculpture! From now on, he is my enemy!

That only leaves the twins last… and don't even get me started on them… does no one understand how wrong it is! They are brothers! They share blood! Think about your own brother or sister, could you ever kiss them? On the lips!!! I'd rather first fight my brother than pretend kiss him… if I had a brother… that's besides the point. The point is, if you want a taboo relationship, then having two handsome men be in love with each other is good enough! Why does it have to be twins? I just don't understand how no one else finds that disturbing.

I don't understand this entire club and everything about it… truthfully I don't think I want to understand. I think I'll be better off not knowing. I just need to punch in my time until it's over and my debt is paid off.

Honey Senpai caught my eye and smiled widely, waving his hand eagerly. I quickly averted my eyes back to the piano, I will not fraternize with the enemy! If anything I need to plan my revenge! I kept glancing at the clock, I only had a few minutes left…

I had played romantic songs for the most part, sometimes playing sad songs that went with their theme. It was interesting to see how the girls reacted to the songs chosen. When I played 'Say Something' they would get closer to the hosts and burst into tears or faint at little things the hosts did. Compared to when I played 'I'll Make Love to You' the girls were more active and screamed more, a lot even got nose bleeds. Coincidence? Maybe. But pretty dang suspicious if you ask me.

Finally, at 4:00, the bell rang dismissing any students who wanted to leave for the day. I got up and closed the piano, gathering my stuff to go. As I did so, I could sense someone walking up behind me, setting me on edge. At first I didn't think anything of it, until I had the thought that it could be my enemy Honey Senpai! I tensed and prepared myself for anything, but didn't let it show. He was smart enough to plan a scheme that tricked me into being in debt to this dumb club, he is not a threat to underestimate. Not to mention he's a Haninozuka, despite his cutesy act he is clearly well trained to kill if need be.

However, when I turned around it was Kyoya standing behind me and not my arch nemesis. "Well, Hana Senpai, I have to say I am very impressed with your work today. However," He paused as he pushed up his glasses. "I did notice you repeated several songs during your duration."

A tic mark appeared on my head at the very subtle jab at my piano skills. "Given how I had no time to prepare and no sheet music, you should be blown away by my performance," I huffed, crossing my arms and openly glaring at him.

He gave a fake smile, one you might expect from someone working customer service. "Of course! Well, none of the ladies noticed so that's what matters. Hopefully by tomorrow you will be better prepared," He shrugged his shoulders and more tic marks appeared on my head. Is he serious? He expects me to play a 2 hour Playlist and have it ready by tomorrow? Before I could say anything he held up a bag. "I've ordered your uniform, you will need to work it off as well. It's an added-" I yanked the bag out of his hand, cutting him off, not wanting to hear the price.

"Just add it to my tab," I muttered under my breath. If I had to think about how much I owe this stupid club I'll get a headache. Lifting up my head and squaring my shoulder, I gave him my own fake smile in return. "Is there anything else you need? Or am I free to go?" I asked him cheerfully, I've always been good and faking my emotions and hiding the real me.

He was silent for what felt like a second too long. But before I could question it, he was talking, "No, you've fulfilled your duties for today. See you tomorrow," He abruptly turned around and walked off.

Well, alright then. I need to get to the Martial Arts Club, and fast. I wanted to be there early to meet the sensei. However, as I was walking out, I saw Haruhi was by herself as her group just left as well. I really need to get going, but I want to confirm that we are still meeting after clubs to walk home.

I stopped by her couch on my way out. "Hey, Haruhi! Just real fast, are we still planning to meet up and walk home together?" I asked her.

"Oh!" She gasped before smiling sweetly and nodding her head. "Yes! I almost forgot, haha," she laughed.

I smiled and nodded in return before giving my goodbyes and leaving quickly. I have about 15 minutes to get to the girls locker room, change into my gi, and then get to the gym.

Running all the way there and changing as fast as I could, I managed to do it with five minutes to spare. I walked into the gym and observed who was already inside, nerves eating away at my stomach.

Stop, I reprimanded myself.

I am Princess Hana Camila La'Verne Rire! I am a warrior! I will one day rule my nation! I will not let some martial arts club intimidate me!

I felt slightly better, but was still nervous, especially when I looked around and saw only men were in the gym. There was not a single other female… What the heck?

Everyone was standing around in small groups talking as they waited for training to start. Swallowing thickly, I walked into the gym with square shoulders and my head held high. It went silent as I walked further into the gym and more people noticed me, they backed away from me as I approached them, as if I was parting the red sea. There were two boys who didn't back away though. One was on the taller side, maybe the same height as Tamaki and Kyoya, he had dark black hair and steel grey eyes. He had a sharp jaw line and looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn't figure out why. He had a wide friendly smile, a complete contrast to the guy next to him.

The other boy had warm brown hair, and light brown eyes, the color of whiskey when the sun shines through it. His eyes were sharp and hidden behind a pair of glasses, but they looked so familiar… But they were currently glaring daggers at me, and his features set in a displeased frown. He was of average height, maybe the same height as Haruhi, only two inches taller than me. "Are you lost? No girls are allowed to be in here during training, it distracts my men," He demanded, scowling angrily at me.

"Ehh… Did the chairman not talk to you?" I asked him. Based on his sneer I'm going to guess no. I bowed to him, showing respect, guessing he is the sensei. No one else would be so direct or disrespectful, "My name is Setsuko Hana, I'm a transfer student from Meltesia. I received a scholarship for martial arts and was told I will be in the martial arts club," I explained.

His scowl became even angrier somehow as he glared at me. "The chairman does not get the final say of who can just join the martial arts club! That is up to me, and you do not get to just walk in here without trying out just like everyone else," He sneered at me.

"Yasuchika, calm down, the chairman is a smart man, he wouldn't have done that without a reason," The tall boy behind him warned, trying to calm the boy with glasses.

I stood even taller in response, straightening my spine. "It's okay, I understand. I wouldn't want to join unless I had rightfully earned it anyways. Otherwise no one would respect me. Well, what must I do to make the team?" I asked him confidently. I am the reigning champion back at Meltesia, I still need to fine tune my skills, but to take over as Ruling Queen, I have to be the strongest and best fighter on the island. I am not worried about a couple children, this kid has to be a freshman, his face is too young looking despite his angry features.

The boy in front of me scoffed a laugh, "You have to fight someone from the division you're trying out for. The leader of your division and myself as Sensei of the martial arts club will assess your fight and decide if you have what it takes," He huffed angrily.

I grit my teeth, reading between the lines. If I don't win the fight, I don't join the team. What is with this guy? Is this because I'm a girl? Do they really believe girls can't fight? I mean, yes the male gender is physically stronger and faster than women, but that doesn't mean I can't fight smarter. I may not be the strongest, but I am strong. Stronger than most men!

I fought against every urge to glare at this idiot in front of me. He never even introduced himself! Doesn't he realize that if I don't join the team I can't keep my scholarship! Mom and Dad will be furious if I'm sent back home and lose my scholarship! Whatever, I'll destroy whoever I have to fight against and ensure I have a spot on the team.

"What fighting style are you?" Sensei asked me.

"Well, truthfully, I've never studied a specific style. I was trained in Velox Mortem, which has a large combination of many fighting styles. But, it's the closest to Karate and Judo, so I was going to try out for both of those divisions, and I do have some basic knowledge of those fighting styles," I explained truthfully. Suddenly nerves wracked my body as I realized I couldn't just fight someone, I had to follow the rules and styles of my division.

The sensei nodded thoughtfully, "Very well, as the leader of both those clubs only I will be assessing your fights." He shrugged. "We'll start with Judo. Honda!" He yelled and a boy I recognized as a fellow third year rushed forward and bowed. "Honda, you will be fighting Setsuko as an assessment fight. Both of you, take the mat." He ordered.

Swallowing thickly, I followed Honda to the mat in the middle of the gym, and everyone circled around us to watch. We both faced each other and bowed respectfully before preparing ourselves.

"Begin!" The sensei barked.

I waited, letting Honda rush me. At first, I just blocked and evaded his attacks, familiarize myself with his fighting style and what side he favored. I was honestly surprised, I expected the sensei to choose someone really advanced, but Honda was almost sloppy and slower than I expected. Clearly the sensei didn't think much of me… And based on the cheers for Honda, clearly none of the others expected me to do well either.

It only took me a minute to understand Honda's fighting technique and I was quickly able to latch onto his arm, flip him over my shoulder, and pin him down in one move. Like I said, I don't have to be the strongest, just smarter.

It was dead silent, the cheers quickly evaporating as I stood up as the winner of the battle. Honda groaned as he slowly stood up, rubbing his back where I had dug my knee into him.

Baby. I wasn't even that rough with him. I looked over to the sensei who was studying me closely, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Well done," He hummed. "I have to say, I'm impressed, I didn't think you'd win."

"Does that mean I get to join?" I asked him.

He narrowed his eyes at me, clenching his jaw. "You are allowed to join the Judo division, but you still need to try out for Karate," Again he fell silent and he thoughtfully pondered something.

After a long silent pause I couldn't hold my tongue any longer, "Okay, and who will be my opponent?" I asked him as respectfully as I could.

He looked at me, his glasses flashing. "I will be," He said finally, "Prepare yourself!" He yelled before instantly launching an attack. I flipped away from him and sent an attack of my own. He was able to watch me in the last round and I can already tell he won't allow me to gauge his fighting style, there's no need to waste my time trying to observe him.

He threw a slow punch, much like how Honda did. He was clearly expecting me to latch onto it like I did in the last fight, but instead, I slapped it away and threw a punch of my own. He grabbed onto my arm and went to throw me like I did to Honda, but I drug my feet into his chest and kicked off of him into a backflip, lightly landing on my feet. I thought the kick would have been hard enough to knock him down, but instead he did a back handspring, staying in a crouch to watch me. We made eye contact and I smirked evilly, a black aura seeping around me. It finally seems like I'm being taken seriously. He's actually a pretty good fighter…

This time, I threw an attack first, sprinting at him, and feigning a tackle. As I had predicted, He jumped up into the air, and I quickly grabbed his ankle, but as I tried to yank him down, he used his other foot to try and quick me in the face. Because I had to dodge the kick, I was able to yank him down, but not tackle him.

He was on his back, but rolled up onto his shoulders and jumped up to his feet before I was able to attack again. Huh, that was a good move and hard to pull off too, maybe I won't be wasting my time here…

I threw myself back into the fight, letting the anger and annoyance I felt all day flood me and feed into my moves. Most countries believe that you need to reject emotions to be stronger. Deny your humanity to focus all your energy into the fight, otherwise they label you hot headed and reckless. They believe that you'll make foolish mistakes and overlook things. But they're wrong.

In my country, we believe that our emotions make us strong. When you have something you love, when you have a reason to fight, there is nothing that will stop you. When you allow yourself to fight with anger, you'll find you hit harder and have more accurate precision in hitting your targets. It's a delicate balance we learn, to feed off your emotions but not get carried away with them.

Yasuchika started moving faster and throwing attacks right after the other, clearly trying to end the fight now, but I matched his pace, taking it even faster myself. I felt like we were just blurs to everyone else, acting and reacting so quickly that even I had a hard time seeing it all. I tried to get him with a roundhouse kick but he dodged it easily. And we were locked into a fist fight, punches flying, but we kept deflecting each other's hits. If I can just get him on the ground, I can win!

Acting quickly, I dropped wanting to sweep my foot underneath him hoping and knock his feet out. But he was able to read my movements before I was fully crouched down. Before I could even finish my move, he launched himself down at me, knocking me down. I tried to roll us over, but he held me securely down on the ground. I could hear someone counting and the fight was called.

Well, I have to say, I am very impressed, it's been a long time since I lost. The sensei stood up and offered me a hand, which honestly surprised me. I thought he would be laughing and gleefully declare me unfit to join. We both stood panting, and I could see he was just as exhausted as I was. At least I put up a good fight. The crowd around us was going crazy, cheering like mad for their sensei, and I didn't have it in me to be a sore loser. I smiled warmly at the Sensei and bowed. "I have to say, I am very impressed with your fighting. I am honored to have you as an opponent," I told him truthfully.

He looked at me shocked, and I swear his ears turned red! But what shocked me even more was when he bowed to me, "The honor was mine, I haven't had an opponent that evenly matched to me before. You are a skilled fighter," I stood up and I just stared at him with my mouth dropped open. "My name is Yasuchika Haninozuka, I am the sensei of the Martial Arts Club, when we are here you will address me as such," He introduced himself to me finally and I just stared in shock. Wait? He's related to the devil back at the Host Club! Come to think of it, they do have the same eye color...

"Does… does that mean I get to join the club?" I asked, just to be clear.

He rolled his eyes but nodded his head thoughtfully. "Yes, you will join both the Karate and Judo divisions. You will be a good addition to our team. We can win more tournaments with you on our team." He said turning around and looking at the others who were watching us. "Enough chit chat!" He yelled loud enough for my ears to ring. "Training begins now! Get in formation!"

Training flew by, and I was eager to throw myself into the training. I was surprised by everyone else's talent. There was really only a small selection of those who were actually talented, including Yasuchika, that tall boy he was with, Honda surprisingly (I think he went easy on me since I'm a girl…), and about five others. Everyone else was mediocre at best… But given how it's just a high school after school club I can't really be all that surprised. Most of the best Martial Arts students don't join their high schools team, instead focusing on the dojo where they learn. Those who join the high school team don't normally go to a dojo.

When training was over, I was surprised with how many people walked up to me to talk. They were gushing about my fighting style and how they've never seen someone last that long against the Sensei before. I held my tongue to stop myself from saying how I rushed the fight and made a foolish mistake and how I could have won if I was thinking clearer, I don't think they would have appreciated me saying I could beat their sensei. One of the people who was talking to me was the tall boy who reminded me of someone. That's because I learned his name is Satoshi Morinozuka, Mori Senpai's younger brother. He is the captain of the Kendu division.

"Do you think you can show me how to do that move where you used his arm to flip around and kick him in the face?" Someone asked me, but before I could say anything someone else was asking me a question about Velox Mortem. They were all so friendly and reminded me of the royal guards. I had missed them so much, they were my only friends back home, although they were more so my students than friends since I was in charge of training them. Maybe, I can actually make friends with someone for once!

I eventually excused myself, feeling much lighter and happier than I have all day. I left the gym feeling energized and ready, and maybe a little sore, but nothing I can't sleep off. I went back to the locker rooms and changed into my clothes and grabbed my supplies, locking away my gym clothes.

Once outside, I walked away from the school and stopped at a park bench that was just on the border of school property. I'm supposed to wait for Haruhi here who will be walking back for me. I watched students walk past me, recognizing a few from class or club, there weren't many since the last two hours of school weren't mandatory. I sat down and pulled out my planner, marking down when projects were due so I wouldn't forget, checked what homework I have, and when tests will be.

I checked my watch for what must have been the thousandth time only to see that 20 minutes have now passed and hardly any people have walked past the last few minutes. In fact, the only people I see now seem to be faculty… Where is Haruhi? We both agreed to meet at this bench didn't we?

I waited another 30 minutes, everytime I went to leave I saw a student walk out and kept thinking Haruhi would walk out next. Maybe there was a club meeting, or maybe they had to clean up. I'm sure she'll be right out! Only she never came out. By now the sun was setting and it was going to be dark soon. With a heavy heart, I got up and started the trek back home, any happiness I felt early had vanished as I was suddenly forced to face reality. I don't have any friends. I'm hundreds of miles away from home. No one would even notice if I didn't show up to school tomorrow…

By the time I was close to the apartments, the sun had officially set and it was dark outside. Even though I knew I could defend myself if necessary, I still felt nervous and scared from being out late in unfamiliar territory. Everytime I had to pass dark figures hanging out in the streets I would tense up, and I jumped every time a car would slowly drive past.

I'm almost home. I'm almost home. I chanted in my head, I need to stay calm, panicking will only lead to mistakes.

I heaved a sigh when I finally saw the apartments, the tension leaving my body and the tightness easing up in my chest. Just as I was crossing the last alleyway, a strong hand gripped my wrist and yanked me into the darkness. They roughly threw me on the ground and I banged my head on the floor.

Shit.

I jumped up instantly, feeling woozy and light headed from hitting my head. The pain radiated throughout my body, and I knew I was in trouble. I looked around and was able to make out a dark shape hiding in the shadows, I stalked forward towards whoever it was. They dare attack me. Before I made it to them, three other people jumped out from the sides, and one of them used a baseball bat to whack me in the stomach and then on my back, and I collapsed onto the ground heaving for breath. They caught me by surprise and I didn't have a chance to even process what was happening before they wacked me in the head again and someone else used another bat to hit my back twice more.

Dot's danced across my vision, and I fought every urge to pass out. I grit my teeth and felt my self control snap. Someone went to swing a bat again, but this time I caught it and yanked it out of their grasp. I stood up, glaring evilly and them all, a dark aura of pure sin seeped out of me. I moved quickly, attacking all of them. I threw punches and kicks, I was able to throw them against the wall. I even used their own stupid bat to beat them half to death.

I stood still, panting angrily as I stared at their unconscious bodies. I should call the cops… but I don't think I will. Let it be a lesson to them to not attack innocent young women.

With an angry growl, I stormed away and stomped all the way to my apartment. I slammed my down shut, pissed off, and kicked my shoes off angrily. Today sucked.

I heaved a sigh and dropped my stuff down on the floor by my desk. I glanced at the piano but only sighed, my shoulders dropping and my back hunching over. I just… felt no motivation to do anything. Not even the things I love.

I swiped a granola bar from the kitchen as I passed, I'll make food later…

I collapsed in my bed and closed my eyes, feeling the pull for sleep. And just as I was about to succumb, my phone rang. Tossing the uneaten granola bar to the side, I grabbed my phone instead.

"Hello?" I asked, answering it.

"Hello dear!" Sang my mother from the other end. I could hear Father in the background asking to talk to me, but Mother ignored him. "How was your first day?" She asked me happily, refusing to give the phone to my Father.

I was silent for a long moment thinking of what to say. It sucked? Awful? Everyone hates me? I have made enemies with the oldest boy in the Haninozuka family? I want to go home? I got jumped and may have killed my attackers? I really want to go home and forget this place even exists? I felt my heart sink and my stomach dropped before I took a deep breath to prepare myself. "It was great!" I lied smoothly making my voice cheerful, smiling brightly even though she couldn't see me. My face lit up with false glee, but it felt as if each minute that passed I felt worse and worse. My eyes burned and my throat was tight.

Don't cry. Don't cry. I repeated in my head

"That's great! Did you make any friends?" Mother asked, still ignoring my father who was still wailing to talk to me or to put the phone on speaker.

Did I make any friends? No. Unless you count those from the Martial Arts club, but they're probably only impressed with my fighting. "Yeah! We're not super close or anything, but everyone's super kind and I have some friends who let me sit with them for lunch," I lied, still keeping up the fake persona of happiness. As if I could pretend long enough for it to become real.

"Oh good! Did you meet anyone who you think will be good to do business with?" She asked.

"I don't know, it's too soon to tell. I've gotta go! I have some homework to do," I said, quickly ending the conversation.

"What!" She yelled in outrage, my father instantly demanding to know what's happening. "On the first day? What teacher does that! I want to know who and what class!" She yelled.

"I joined late Mom," I cut her off. "I have a lot of work to catch up on. Anyways I'll talk to you tomorrow," I didn't wait for her goodbye, only hung up the phone. I stared at it sadly, flipping it over in my hand a few times as my thoughts weighed heavily on my mind.

With a sad sigh I dropped my phone onto the bed and laid down, closing my eyes. How long until graduation?