Hardly anyone is in the class yet. Haruhi is talking with the Hitachiin twins near our seats and a few students are wrapped in their own conversations throughout the classroom. I smile and nod at Haruhi in greeting before taking a seat at my desk. Immediately I begin to take out my books from my bag. When I finish taking everything out I take out my journal and begin to write lyrics to a song. I always write in french and in cursive, so no one knows what I'm writing if they bother to look.

As I near the bridge, I feel someone's presence behind me. I pause and look up from my paper to see one of the Hitachiin twins looking over my shoulder at my paper. "What are you writing, Anna?"

"Hello to you too, Kaoru. I'm just writing." I continue to write my lyrics. I know it's Hikaru behind me, but I need to continue this little act for later. Otherwise, our plans will be ruined.

"Writing what?" Hikaru reaches for my journal, but I snap the book closed.

"Just writing." I slide my journal back in my bag and smile in his direction. "You might want to get back to your seat. The teacher shall be arriving shortly."

Hikaru goes into his seat next to me, which I then pretend to be shocked at the discovery he is Hikaru and not Kaoru. Hikaru smirks at me and mocks me by pointing to the front of the room, just as our teacher walks in. I have a hard time keeping up with the lecture today, as my mind is on the events that will occur later. I'm nervous for my role in the plans I made with Haruhi and Kaoru.

The final bell has rung to end the day and I quickly rush into Music Room 3 to meet Haruhi. When I open the doors I'm not greeted with a blinding light as I was the first time I walked in here yesterday. Looking around I find Haruhi setting up a table. "Hello, Haruhi."

"Anna! I'm glad you're here." Haruhi smiles at me, and finishes setting up the table. "Go into the back room, there's a dress Kaoru made especially for you. The guys should be coming in here soon so you should take the dress and go to the bathroom so they don't find you. In the bathroom there's a stall that has 'Can I help you?' written on the tiles. Go into that stall and flush the toilet. It will open a secret passage that leads to the gardens. One of the hosts will you meet you there. Oh! and before you go through the passage, you can leave your school dress on the shelf that's in the stall."

"Thank you, Haruhi." I give her a quick hug, making her blush, before heading towards the back room. When I walk in, I see a white strapless ball gown hanging on a rack. Gold thread and diamonds embroider the bodice and a very light, silver lace wraps around the skirt. I grab the dress and walk into the bathroom. I quickly change into the dress, noting how it fits perfectly and how light it feels - regardless of the many layers - and flush the toilet. The passage opens without a noise and I walk into it, leaving my school dress behind.

After walking through the dark tunnel until I'm greeted by sunlight. "Bree, there you are." As my eyes adjust, I see Kyoya standing with a clipboard in his hand under the shade of a large tree. "Follow me. I'll be showing you to a little spot where no one will see you."

"Thank you, very much, for all your help, Kyoya-senpai."

"It is my pleasure, Anna. And you don't have to call me senpai. Kyoya will do." We walk for a few minutes in silence. Kyoya leads me into a maze and we eventually reach a gazebo. Rose vines are growing over the gazebo, but the inside is protected by glass. "You can wait here, Tamaki should be arriving shortly."

"Thank you, again, Kyoya."

"As I've said before, it is my pleasure." Kyoya smiles at me then walks off. Before I get into the gazebo, I feel something rubbing against my back. I reach back and feel a piece of paper. I look at the paper and realize it's a note.

Anna,

I hope the dress fits. I'm sure it does, but I hope you like it.

It's made with the finest materials.

Yours,

Kaoru Hitachiin

P.S. Kyoya helped pick the color. I would have preferred you wear orange, but that's what the gold is for.

'Oh it's from Kaoru. How thoughtful.' I slip it back into my bodice, reminding myself to thank Kaoru when I return the dress. I slide into the gazebo and realize there is a king's crown on top of the table. 'Oh, I completely forgot about that. I'm very thankful for the host's help. I must repay them somehow.'

It isn't long until I hear footsteps and excited talking getting closer. "Come on Tamaki, this will be fun!" I hear Honey's cute, childish voice first.

"I'm coming, Honey-sen, don't worry," Tamaki laughs, "what surprise have you hidden here?"

"I can't tell you Tamakiii!" Honey drags Tamaki's name out and laughs. "Now close your eyes, Tamaki-chan. We can walk now."

I see Honey pulling a smiling Tamaki. Looking at me, Honey blushes and giggles, then says, "You can open your eyes when you hear 'three' 'kay?" Honey looks at me and I smile and nod before he begins, "One." Honey pauses and keeps giggling as he turns Tamaki to face me. "Twoooo." He drags the last syllable, just as he did for Tamaki's name only moments ago. Honey nods at me and we say "Three" in unison.

Tamaki opens his eyes and blinks a few times. He gently smiles and looks at Honey, "Is this your surprise Honey-senpai?"

"Mmhmm. Have fun!" Honey skips away, leaving Tamaki alone with me.

"My king," I try not to smile and say as seriously as I can while a nod my head in acknowledgement, "you left your crown, sir." I slide out of the gazebo. When I stand directly in front of Tamaki, I grab the crown and face him. "My lord, if you will please take a knee."

"Anna, I-"

"That is, Princess, to you, King Tamaki." I smile as I continue this charade. Tamaki laughs and takes a knee before me. "King Tamaki, you are not a king without your crown. So, in your honor, my lord, I bestow upon thee, thy crown." I gently place the crown on his head. "My lord, you may rise." I smile as he stands. "What are your orders, my king?" I bow and regain my serious composure.

"First order of business, I must save a princess!" Tamaki goes along with my charade, "but you are here and perfectly safe. So how I can save you?"

Mori in a dragon costume comes running towards us. Lifting me up, he says, "I have captured your princess. Try to save her now." He runs back towards the same direction he came and I can't help but to let out an actual scream.

"I will save you my princess!" Tamaki calls back after us.

We turn a corner and find a waiting Honey holding a plastic sword and shield. "Quick, take her to Haruhi, I mean, to the dragon queen." He laughs. Mori runs through a few more twists and turns until we reach the school. We run through the halls and enter Music Room 3.

Mori sets me down on a velvet couch in the back, center of the room. All furniture is removed except for the couch and the tile makes the smallest of sounds echo. "What's going on now?" I inquire to Mori, considering this is the plan Kaoru made and wanted to surprise me with it.

"Just stay there," Mori replies in the same dull voice and walks to the door, as if guarding it. 'He really is like a dragon,' I think to myself, 'guarding his treasure.' A door to my left opens and Hikaru and Kaoru walk in, wearing jester outfits. They hold the door open, revealing Haruhi in a forest green gown and black cloak. Her short dark hair is covered by a wild gray wig and a tall crown. "What's going on now?" I repeat.

Hikaru and Kaoru walk in front of me and say in unison, "We're going to take you to the dungeons and chain you up."

My eyes widen and for the first time, panic begins to fill within me. "WHAT?! You can't just do that!"

Haruhi breaks character by smiling at me. "We're just going back to the park. We're gonna tie you to the tree. Tamaki will know where you are once he quote, un-quote defeats me."

I let out a breath of relief and nod. Hikaru and Kaoru pout but don't say anything and instead lift me off the couch against my will and carry me out of the room.

I'm left tied to the trunk of a large cherry blossom tree. I can see the Ouran Academy clock tower, but that's about it. The Hitachiin twins left me in what I assume is a secret garden, since a tall hedge grows like a circular wall. There's an itch on my back that I can't reach, so I try to squirm and get the bark to scratch it for me. "Where's Tamaki?" I sigh and look around, trying to see if I can see him from a distance, but bushes block my view.

Faintly, I hear a voice. I hold my breath and sure enough I hear Tamaki in the distance, "ANNA! I'M COMING FOR YOU, PRINCESS!" I exhale and smile to myself. Moments later Tamaki's head shows through a little opening under the hedge. He squeezes through the opening and rushes to me. He cuts off the rope and pulls me tight against him. "That was a great adventure."

We laugh and hug as he catches his breath. The cherry blossom is large enough for its shadow to cover half the garden. When Tamaki regains his breath we sit in the grass and talk about all that has happened between us over the years. "I'm sorry about your mom, Tamaki." From joking and friendly one minute, to serious the next. "You know, your grandma and my aunt are very similar."

"It's nothing really," Tamaki smiles at me but I see the sadness in his eyes. "We should head back to the host club. The others are probably worried by now."

"I've missed you Tamaki." He stands and holds out his hand to help me up. We hold hands all the way to the host club.

Mori paces back and forth looking out the window. Hikaru and Kaoru watch him from the corner while Haruhi and Honey have tea and cake. Mori hasn't changed out of his dragon costume, and even though his face looks unfazed, the Hitachiin twins can see the worry in his eyes. He walks from the left side of the room, stops to look out the window, then continues to the right side of the room.

"He's been doing this forever." Hikaru complains to his younger brother.

"Who knew Mori-senpai had a soft side?" Kaoru shrugs.

Mori snaps back and glares at the brothers. "Tamaki could have gotten lost! What if something happened to Anna?! Have you thought about that?! No, you didn't! Someone could have found Anna tied to that stupid tree and taken her before Tamaki could find her! He could see the cut ropes THEN WHAT?!" Mori takes deep breaths, regains his composure, and walks back to the window. He goes back to his pacing, leaving Hikaru and Kaoru stunned in silence looking at each other in confusion.

"If you're really worried about them, you could always go looking for them Mori-sen." Haruhi looks back towards Mori. "Kyoya is talking to his father's police force right now. They have only been gone for a few hours."

Mori shrugs and presses his face against the window. As he considers the options, the front doors slam open. Kyoya walks in, clearly upset. "They have to be missing for at least 24 hours before they can do a missing person report. My father's orders." Kyoya moves to the window and stands next to Mori before pressing his face against the window too.

Hikaru walks up to them and puts his arms over their backs. "Oh how sad you two are!"

Kaoru follows his brother's lead and leans his back against the window on the opposite side of Kyoya, "So true! Have you ever seen anyone so-"

"Depressed," they say longingly. Laughing, they go back to the corner.

"To be honest I miss Anna-chan! You should have seen her in the garden! Tamaki is lucky."

Mori and Kyoya snap their heads back at Honey, staring daggers at him.

"What?" Honey's eyes go wide and he furrows his brows. "I mean, they are together aren't they?"

"Not that I know of," Haruhi inputs, "in fact, I don't think Anna is even seeing anyone." Haruhi's comment makes everyone in the room pause.

Before anyone can say anything, a boy's laughter can be heard from the halls. The doors open, showing Anna holding on to Tamaki's arm. Tamaki is laughing while Anna just smiles up at him. Mori runs to Anna, picks her up and spins her around in a giant hug. When Mori sets her down, he doesn't let go. Kyoya walks over and taps Mori's arm to release her. When he does, Kyoya takes Anna in his embrace and hugs her too, briefly. Honey skips over and hugs Anna's waist.

"Thanks guys. Glad to know where I stand." Tamaki laughs and shakes his head.

The Hitachiin twins walk over and put their arm over Tamaki's shoulder. "No offense boss, but Anna is prettier than you." They shrug and walk over to Anna, putting their arms over he shoulders.

"Haruhi?" Tamaki looks at Haruhi, who takes a bite of cake. "Will you hug daddy?"

Haruhi says with her mouth full of cake, "Hurl ner sernpurr."

Anna laughs from the group hug, sandwiched between the twins and Honey. "Hey guys, you can let go of me now."

Hikaru and Kaoru are the first to let go. Walking to drag Tamaki out of his depressed corner.

"We missed you Anna-chan!" Honey hangs onto Bree's leg as Mori tries to pull him off of her. "Mori was the most worried but we thought something happened to you!"

"Erts trer." Haruhi says through another bite of cake. When she swallows she adds, "Kyoya called his family's police force."

Anna stops laughing and looks at Kyoya. "You did what?"

Kyoya sighs and pushes up his glasses. "It's true. Mori was pacing by the window which concerned me, so with some calculations I agreed that you and Tamaki should have been back." Kyoya turns to look out the window, "Although, I should have expected Tamaki to pull something like this." Regarding Tamaki, Kyoya pulls out his phone. "I have to make some appointments for next week's events. Coming?"

"Yes, mommy. Of course." Turning towards Anna, Tamaki takes her hand with his, "I will see you tomorrow, Princess." He kisses the back of her hand before following Kyoya out of the room.

Honey yawns and rubs his eyes. "Takashi, Usa-chan and I need to go to sleep."

Mori picks up Honey and carries the young-looking blonde. He stops in front of Anna, gently pats her head, then leaves.

Anna looks towards the closing doors, thinking of what's really behind the boys' actions. When she turns around, Hikaru's face is barely an inch way from hers, causing Anna to jump back. "You okay?"

"Oh, yes, I am quite alright, thank you." Anna bites her lip.

"Are you sure? I didn't scare you too much did I?" Hikaru takes another step towards her, forcing Anna to back against the wall.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you, Hikaru."

Haruhi steps between them, making Hikaru take a few steps back. "You don't need to get in her face, Hikaru."

"I'm just having some fun, Haruhi." Hikaru pokes her forehead.

Kaoru walks up and pokes his brother's side, "Play nice Hikaru."

"Okay, okay." Hikaru stands straight and hods his hands up in surrender. Before he walks away he looks to Anna. "I'm glad you're okay."

Haruhi watches Hikaru walk away. "Is he okay?"

"I don't know." Kaoru sighs. "I better go talk to him." He stops next to Anna on the wall. "Hey," he uses a finger to tilt her head up to look at him, causing her face to go red, "don't scare us like that again." Kaoru pushes himself off the wall and walks to his brother.

The two girls are left alone to watch the last of the Host Club boys to walk out of the room.

"Hey, Haruhi, want to spend the night at my house?"

Haruhi looks at her phone. "Yeah, that should be okay. I need to stop at my house first to let my dad know and to get clothes for the night."

"Of course. To be completely honest I've never had a sleepover before."

"Neither have I. At least, I don't count it as one." Haruhi remembers the last time she slept overnight the other hosts.

Anna looks at her friend, whose face is full of regret, "What happened?"

"A beach vacation gone weird. Let's just say I found out something about Tamaki that I wish I didn't know."

"Something about Tamaki?"

Haruhi laughs, "I'll tell you later tonight."

It's been a month since my transfer to Ouran Academy and I've become a regular guest at the Host Club. The guys like to call me "host-hopper" because I change my host every day. Usually, though, I'll sit with Haruhi and talk about our homework or her family situation. I haven't told her this, but I feel like Tamaki is infatuated with her. I've talked about it with the others and they all agree. Hikaru and Kaoru told me they make the boss flustered in front of her because Tamaki gets so sensitive around Haruhi.

Today, I decide to sit with Kyoya. He hardly ever has a guest, since he is always writing in his little black book and taking care of the host club's finances. When I walk through the doors, the hosts are all occupied with their guests so I find Kyoya. "Kyoya-sen," I greet him and pause a couple feet away from his table.

Kyoya is on his laptop this time, but I can see he is editing the host club's website. He stands up and takes my hand in his, kissing the back of my hand gently before saying, "Anna, welcome. You know you don't have to call me senpai."

I smile, "I know, but I will feel odd if I were to call you anything else."

"As you wish. Are you here to sit with Haruhi or Honey and Mori?" Kyoya types away on his laptop.

I look towards Honey and Mori, who are making a cake tower with 5 guests. "No, actually. I wanted to see you today." I don't hear tapping on the keyboard so I look back towards Kyoya.

He's staring at the screen with a blank expression, but I can see the tension in his hands. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't take guests," Kyoya starts to type again, "there is far too much work to be done."

"I have much work to do as well," I pause and watch his hands rush across the keyboard. "Would you mind if I sat with you while I did my work?"

Kyoya smiles, even though his eyes are still glued to his screen, "Not at all, please take a seat."

"Thank you," I say with a smile and sit down. I take out my journal and begin to write a new song. I write a few lines, scratch them out, re-write, and so on. I can't think of a tune. I try, but I can't. I give up after I scribble and re-write on fifteen papers. Closing my book, I sigh and put it away.

As I start to get up, Kyoya holds my wrist. "Don't leave because you're frustrated."

"How did you-"

"I can see it on your face. You might not realize it, but you bite your lip and narrow your eyes when you write something wrong. Pray tell, what are you writing that is getting you so worked up?"

I sigh and take a deep breath before explaining my song-writing process. "So you see, I need my instruments and I need new inspiration before I can continue."

Kyoya pushes up his glasses. Letting go of my wrist he says, "This IS a music room. You can use any instrument you'd like."

"Oh I couldn't. Not in front of a crowd. A few people is one thing but a room-full," I take a deep breath before going on, "Thank you, Kyoya-sen, but I possibly couldn't."

"But the room is empty."

"I'm sorry?" I look around and am surprised to see the hosts lounging alone on the couches. I can tell they're trying to look casual, but at the same time I realize they're listening to our every word. "I didn't realize-"

"Would you like to use the piano?"

"Yes, please." Kyoya takes my hand and guides me to the piano. After opening the curtain he steps away and goes back to his laptop. I look towards the other hosts and am relieved to see they focused into their own conversations. I pull out my song book and start to play with the keys. Every now and then I'll pause to write down the notes, or add a verse, then go back to playing with the keys.

When I finish the song, I play what I wrote, in case there was something I missed or it doesn't sound smooth. I forget I'm not alone and sing the words out loud. "Darling, don't you know I wanna be with you? I will do anything for you, 'cause you're my miracle, my dream come true. Sweetheart, don't you know that you are mine? We'll be together 'til the end of time. And just so you know I will: climb any mountain, walk through the deserts, fly over valleys, swim through the oceans. And I'll even walk every mile for a miracle, my miracle, which is you."

I look around me to see if there's a different instrument that would better suit the song. Noticing a guitar on the other side of the piano, I sit on one of the steps that leads to the platform where the piano stands, and strum a few chords on the guitar. I repeat the same song-writing process of writing down notes and re-writing verses. After I have an idea of what I want it to sound like, I play what I wrote, singing out loud again.

I stop playing and scratch out the next line. After putting the guitar back, I go over the song one last time on the piano before closing the curtain. I make the final changes as I walk back to the table Kyoya is sitting at.

"Did you figure out what was wrong?" Kyoya closes his laptop and looks at me.

"Yes, I did, thank you." I put my journal down and look at my phone to check the time. "I didn't realize I was here so late. If you'll excuse me, I have to go." I pull my bag over my shoulder and smile at him. "Thank you, for showing me to the piano and guitar."

"No problem at all, Anna. Enjoy the rest of your day." Kyoya stands up and walks with me to the door.

"You too." I walk quickly out of the room and down the hall.

The hosts look towards the door in stunned silence. They watch Kyoya, who is frozen at the door. When he turns towards them, they all awkwardly look somewhere else. Kyoya walks to one of the couches and slumps down, leaning on his knees and staring down at the floor. Honey walks over to Kyoya and pokes his arm.

Honey continues to poke Kyoya until Mori picks him up and says, "No, Mitsukuni. Kyoya needs to be alone right now."

"But Takashi! Wouldn't it be better if we comfort him? He's obviously not happy."

As Honey beats on Mori's chest, Tamaki leans into Kyoya. "I can kick everyone out if you want."

"No, don't worry. I have no idea why I'm reacting this way." Kyoya looks up and smiles at his friend, "Thank you, though, Tamaki." He stands up and walks back to the table where his laptop and journal lay.

The hosts watch Kyoya, whose expression becomes as stoic as ever. Silence fills the host club, except for the typing of keys or the occasional scratching of pen on paper. Even the Hitachiin twins have nothing to say. Instead, they just stand by the window and look outside. They can see Anna walking past the garden to the fountain, where she takes out her phone and calls someone.

"What are you staring at?" The twins look over their shoulder to see Honey trying to look past them out the window.

"Just at the fountain," Kaoru says.

"Nothing too great," Hikaru adds.

Mori walks over and puts a hand on Honey's head. "Mitsukuni, you need to brush your teeth."

"Awwwww! But Takashi! I wanna see what they're looking at!"

"Whatever they're looking at isn't important." For once, Mori looks at the twins and nods in understanding.

The twins look at each other, knowing exactly what Mori's nod means. He knows they're looking at Anna. They turn back around to look out the window. Anna is pacing around the fountain, she has taken her hair down from her bun so it cascades down her back stopping a couple inches above her hips. Kaoru holds his breath.

Hikaru glances at his brother before looking back to Anna. 'So,' he thinks to himself, 'my brother can't even tell me he likes her. Are we finally going to be separated? Is she going to come between us?'

'I can pace all I want, but nothing is going to come out of it.' I sigh and take a seat on the bench. Looking down at my school uniform, I can't help but verbally express my disapproval with a groan. 'I hate this uniform. I feel like a child.' Standing, I pick up my bag and walk towards the building to find a bathroom. Once inside, I go into a stall and open my bag. I take out stockings, black dress pants, a lavender blouse, a black suit jacket, and pointed-toe black pumps. I change out of my school uniform and put on my new outfit.

When I step out of the stall, I look at myself in the mirror. 'I suppose this will suffice.' I walk out of the bathroom and head back to the fountain. Before taking a seat on the beach, I check my watch. 'It's only 4:30pm. If I'm going to be stuck here for half an hour, I might as well get ready. I completely forgot I had a meeting with the CEO from Shining Star Records.'

I pull my hair to the side to fish-tail braid it. 'Why did I decide to let my hair grow so long?' Closing my eyes, I remember the life I had to lead at my aunt's.

"Anna! Focus! How should a lady keep her hair done?" 9 year old Anna stares at Aunt Maryanne's blood red hair, afraid to look into her demonic dark eyes. Anna sits in a chair, where her hands are tied to the chair's arms and weights hold her feet to the floor. A metal band keeps her chest back, forcing her to sit up straight.

"A lady keeps her hair long, whether it be left down her back, or pinned tight in a bun."

"Exactly! But how long should she keep it?" Her aunt paces in front of her.

"Her mid-back."

Maryanne walks next to the chair and slaps Anna's hand with a riding crop. "Incorrrect." Anna holds her tongue, knowing her aunt will only punish her more if she cries. "I will ask again, how long should a lady keep her hair?"

Anna takes a deep breath and slowly exhales. "A young lady should keep her hair to her tailbone. As a teenager, she will keep it down to her waist. As an adult, she should keep it to the middle of her back."

"And why must a lady keep these specific lengths?"

"If one's hair is too short, she looks ungraceful and unfeminine. Hair too long shows neglect."

"Good. Finally you're learning something."

I open my eyes to my phone ringing. Once I answer the call, I hold my phone between my head and shoulder to continue braiding my hair. "Hello?"

"Anna?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"It's Tamaki."

I look up at the building to the host club. The twins are standing at the window. Looking back to the fountain I ask, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, where are you?"

"By the fountain, why?" I look back up to the window. The twins haven't moved, but Tamaki pops up behind them and waves excitedly, pointing to his phone, then to me, back to his phone, then waves again.

Laughing Tamaki says, "Why did you leave? Come back up here!"

"I can't, Tamaki-sen."

"Why not?"

I put my phone on speaker so I can un-braid my hair and put it in a bun. "I have a very important meeting to go to." I check my watch again. 'Shoot! I better go now before I run late.' I finish tying my bun and rush to pick up my bag.

I nearly walk away without my phone when I hear a faint, "Aren't you forgetting something, Princess?"

I turn around to see my phone on the bench. Looking up to the window I smile. Hikaru is looking at Tamaki, confused as to why he's laughing, while Kaoru keeps staring out the window. I wave to Kaoru, and he waves back. I grab my phone and walk away from the bench again. "Thank you, Tamaki."

"For what?"

"For calling." There's a long pause. "Tamaki?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, of course."

"Okay." I walk to the front of the academy, where a limo is waiting for me. "I have to go now."

"Okay, Princess."

"I will see you tomorrow."

"Yes, tomorrow."

"Good bye." I hang up and put my phone in my bag, without letting Tamaki say his goodbye.