Chapter 5

Exam

Miyuki's POV

The month (and a week) passed by and I think I'm ready. I studied a lot of subject books and I even went to the internet for answers to a couple of questions I had on some things I didn't understand. I've also been eating more fish, which is known to boost ones IQ, and my habit of working/studying late at night has decreased. Basically I've been working really hard; I hope my parents are happy now.

I could tell you what I studied this past month but you'd probably be bored to tears, so I'll just skip to the day of reckoning (entrance exam). When I woke up that day I was in my bedroom, a science book at my side, I sat up and looked down on the floor. There I saw books and notebooks scattered everywhere. A small frown appeared on my face. Today is the day.

I did my usual morning routine and went out. The entrance exam would take the whole day and it would be held in Ouran. Participants are required to wear their school's uniform. It would begin at exactly 7:30, latecomers would not accepted. I glanced at my wrist watch- 6:00. I had plenty of time to spare. Ouran was farther than my school, but I managed to walk all the way (I consider walking an exercise anyway). Whenever I passed by a bookstore I was tempted to go in and browse some books, but I didn't. I needed to get in that school no matter what.

I arrived at the school's gate, there was a security guard there asking me what I was doing there. I gave him the pass that the principal had given me the other day and the guard let me in. Once inside, I saw a woman smiling at me. She wore a dark blue pea coat and knee-length skirt. I assumed she was a teacher.

"Good morning, miss. Welcome to Ouran Academy." She said. "Are you one of the participants?"

I nodded. "That's good. Follow me please." She headed towards the school and I trailed after her. The atmosphere inside the school was completely different from my school. It was still early so there weren't that many students there. Ouran Academy was really big. It looked more like a mansion than a school.

"Here we are." She said, gesturing to a large door with a sign that said 'Entrance exam'. "This is where the exams are held."

I nodded. "Thank you very much."

She just smiled. "Good luck." She turned around and headed back.

I stared at the door. 'I'm finally here. This is the day that I've been waiting for. I can't mess this up.' I grabbed the metal door knob. It felt cold. I hesitated to open the door but I remembered why I was doing this and turned the door knob.

The room was brightly lit. The chairs and desks looked brand new. I wasn't the only one there though. Eight students were already there. They weren't socializing though- in fact I think they're avoiding one another. They sat on chairs farthest from one another.

I walked towards the desk at the back, receiving questioning glares from the others. I sat down and I realized that majority of the students here are wearing glasses. Was that the reason for their glares? Or maybe this is how competitors always act.

About twenty minutes later, a man in his forties (I think) came inside the room. He was the proctor. He explained the rules and regulations. We weren't allowed to talk while taking the exam. Restroom breaks are not allowed in the middle of the exam, we should go to the restroom either before the exam or during our lunch break. We had a one-hour lunch break and we are not allowed to go outside (except for those going to the lavatory). And many more. The proctor was pretty strict.

After that the exam started. The room went really quiet, so quiet you could swear you've gone deaf. I concentrated on my test. The questions in World History, Science, English, and Latin had answers which I'm pretty sure about. But in Math I was having a hard time. But I managed to pull through (hopefully).

Riiiiing!!!

My body tensed as I heard the noise, but then realized it was just the school bell. It signaled the end of the exam. I heard a couple of moans in the room- I couldn't blame them, I also wasn't ready to hand in my test paper. But everyone eventually did.

We were already dismissed and the participants (including me) were going home. But still no one was talking or socializing with one another. It must be a competition thing. The school's gate was already in sight, I was relieved. I was already exhausted and I wanted to go home and review my answers. Then after that I'll pray that I would get the scholarship.

My mind was wandering (as usual) when I heard laughing. I blinked. What were they laughing about?

Then I saw it. There were two guys that looked exactly alike but weren't moving at all. What was really funny about them was the way they were posed. Both of them looked like they were running; only they weren't moving. They just stood or rather posed there, but they seemed to like the attention.

"These are students in Ouran?"

"No wonder they're giving out scholarships."

I heard people say, I was too busy watching the two identical, unmoving guys that I bumped into something.

"I'm sorry." I said almost like a knee-jerk reaction. I touched my forehead, which was where I was hit, and I was hoping that what I bumped into wasn't a wall.

The thing that I bumped into was a person. A guy, to be specific. I was facing his back; he was taller than me and had neat, black hair. The clothes that he was wearing looked like the boy's uniform in Ouran.

"I really am sorry." I said, walking around him to see his face. When I finally saw his face I felt like I've seen him before. He was wearing glasses and had a serious look on his face. I blinked. 'Haven't I seen him before?'

The guy didn't answer nor did he move. I thought for a second there that he was a statue. Then I realized that he must also be part of whatever those twins were doing. I inwardly shrugged. He didn't look like he was going to say anything anytime soon so I walked away. But I couldn't escape the feeling that I've seen him before. A former classmate? A librarian? I wondered.

Kyouya's POV

Beep beep beep

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! SLAM! BANG!

I grabbed the alarm clock and threw it violently to the wall. I heard a crash as bits and pieces of the clock fell to the ground. It's been a month since I started living on my own and I still haven't gotten use to waking up this early. Since I have to cook my own breakfast, I have to wake up an hour earlier than I used to.

I stood up and headed for the bathroom. I took a bath then put on my uniform. As I was buttoning my uniform, I stared at the wall that separated me and my neighbor and thought, 'I wonder why she's never complained about the loud noise every morning. Maybe she's a heavy sleeper. But even if that's the case she must have heard it.'

I shrugged the thought off. I then went out of my room and made breakfast. After that I took the things I needed for school and left my apartment. I saw Tachibana waiting for me outside (I still get driven to and from to school). He greeted me and I nodded.

The place where I live in is a bit far from Ouran. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get there. But today, being late won't be such a problem.

Today wasn't a normal school day. In the morning, club activities would be going on, and the afternoon we'd have our "free time", as the chairman would call it. There would be students from different schools taking a test in our school, and the chairman thought it was best that students wouldn't go to their classrooms (he thought that the students would make some noise, disturbing the participants). Of course everyone was ecstatic, except for me. Knowing Tamaki's frivolous behavior we would probably do (or rather play) something childish, more or less a commoner's game. This would definitely be a long day. Although, I am curious about the entrance exam. Who would be the next scholarship student, I wonder.

The car stopped and I snapped out of my reverie. "Ootori-sama, we're here." Tachibana said.

I opened the car door and went out. School bag in one hand and a black notebook on the other, I headed to school. As I was passing down the hallway I heard dome girls gossiping (their favorite pastime) about the participants.

"Did you see them? I did and they looked so nerdy."

"I know. None of them are cute like Haruhi-kun at all."

"Most of them wear glasses but none of them are meganes!"

"I wish the scholarship student would be a megane like Kyouya-sama."

"Yeah…"

Then they squealed, making some passerby's stare. I inwardly rolled my eyes. 'Women can be so noisy.' One of the girls saw me and 'whispered' something to the other girls, who immediately turned to me (blushing, I might add).

"G-good morning, Kyouya-sama." One girl said. Then the others followed.

The girls there were mostly from wealthy or famous families. So I gave them a smile (my host smile). "Good morning to all of you as well."

I saw some girls swoon. And some were blushing madly, trying hard not to swoon. I politely excused myself, telling all of them that the host club would be opening soon (which they squealed the moment I mentioned the host club). As I walked away from them I heard several comments, or rather praises, from them.

"Kyouya-sama is so cool."

"And he's so handsome. Not to mention kind and gentle."

"No wonder he's in the host club."

"Kyaaa~"

I smiled. 'Better safe than sorry.' I thought as I recalled the faces I saw earlier. Yumi Matsu- daughter of a famous CEO of a high ranking medicinal company. Ran Ichi- daughter of Suguru Ichi, the famous inventor/CEO. And the others were from families which own companies unrelated to my family's, but as I said earlier 'better safe than sorry'. Relations with different, albeit completely unrelated, companies might come in handy some day.

The third music room came to view when I heard a high-pitched shriek.

"OKAA-SAN!"

Followed by two simultaneous laughter. I slowly turned around. Then I saw the twins running, dragging Haruhi and holding on to what seems to be a blue swim suit, Tamaki was running after them. They were still a bit far from me but I could still hear them (unfortunately).

"Okaa-san! Look at what those devilish twins are trying to do. They're sexually harassing my daughter!" Tamaki cried, tears in his eyes.

Hikaru and Kaoru laughed in vain, "Why don't you catch us then, tono?" They said as they kept running whilst holding tight to the brunette. Haruhi looked irritated (so was I) but made no attempt to escape, knowing it would be futile. The twins passed by me, their boisterous laughter echoed through the hallway. They opened the third music room with their free hand and went inside, slamming the door behind them.

Tamaki slowed down a bit and leaned on the wall near to me. He panted. "Kaa-san, why didn't you try and stop them?" He asked, breathing in and out loudly.

I narrowed my eyes. "Why would I?"

Tamaki looked outraged. "Because you're the mother, don't you care at all about our daughter? Those devilish twins were trying to make her wear a swim suit! And I will not allow my daughter to wear such revealing attire in front of any men. Especially those twins!"

Again with the daughter thing, how much of an idiot can he be? Obviously he harbors feelings for Haruhi that are different from a fathers'. He's just too blind to see it.

I sighed. "Tamaki, club activities are about to start so you'd better prepare yourself." I said as I began walking towards the third music room. Tamaki trailed after me, telling me to punish the twins (which I just ignored).

The host club lasted about two and a half hours; fortunately no unusual things happened during that period of time. Tamaki was designated by numerous girls, Haruhi had her usual costumers (which isn't good in speeding up the payment of her debt), Hikaru and Kaoru were doing their 'brotherly love' act, and Mori-senpai and Hunny-senpai were at their usual table, entertaining their costumers (mostly Hunny-senpai). All was well, that was until our afternoon free-time started.

"Let's play freeze tag!" Tamaki announced, pointing a finger to the air and one hand on his waist.

"What's that Tama-chan?" Hunny-senpai asked, clutching his stuffed rabbit.

We were outside, suggested by Tamaki. In Ouran there were many trees, which were planted for a.) Scenery and b.) Shade during the hot days. It was winter so the shade wasn't really needed, but it wasn't also that cold (if it was we'd be inside) it was just right, which Tamaki took advantage of.

"It is a commoner's game, Hunny-senpai." Tamaki said. He turned to Haruhi. "Haruhi, why don't you explain the rules."

Haruhi narrowed her eyes. "Tamaki-senpai, we're in high school we shouldn't be playing such childish games."

The twins sniggered at her response. "That's right tono." They said simultaneously. "You are so childish."

Tamaki fumed. "I am not! I only wish to play this game because it's such a beautiful day today!"

"Forget it Tamaki-senpai, I'm not playing freeze tag." Haruhi said sternly.

Moments later we ended up playing freeze tag (including Haruhi).

"How did they get me to do this?" I heard her mutter.

Tamaki explained to us the rules of the game. Apparently a person (or the "it") has to chase the others and touch them saying "freeze". When a person gets touched by the "it" he/she has to stay perfectly still until one comrade touches them immediately freeing the person.

The twins and Hunny-senpai looked excited, their eyes widening. The "it" was Tamaki. And guess who he chose to freeze first? That's right, Haruhi.

Hunny-senpai and Mori-senpai easily outran Tamaki. The twins ran off to the opposite direction. And I, not wanting to hear Tamaki's whining about me not participating in the game, decided to run as well. Run isn't the right word, it was more like walking quickly.

I was 'running' towards the school's front campus. I saw the twins running on the opposite direction. They were running pretty fast then I saw why, Tamaki was right behind them. Tamaki was trying hard to catch them, while the twins just laughed at him. Finally, with a sudden blast of energy, Tamaki dashed towards the twins taking large steps at a time. He finally caught them, shouting "freeze" automatically stopping the twins. They struggled at first but eventually got back their balance. In the position they were in they needed the balance. Hikaru was standing on his left leg while his right leg bent; his left hand was on Kaoru's shoulder for balance. Hikaru really looked like he was running, or rather frozen in the position of running. Kaoru on the other hand was in an easier position. Both his feet were on the ground (albeit apart), but his arms were in a position that suggested that he was reaching for something.

Tamaki laughed in triumph. He said to the twins, "Yes! I've finally got you, you devilish twins!"

I narrowed my eyes. Tamaki then turned to me, seeing as I wasn't running, he quickly went over and touched my shoulder.

"Freeze, Kyouya!" He said.

I just stood there, normally of course, and didn't move. If I did move Tamaki would whine about me not following the rules (and trust me, his whining can last for days). So I just followed the rules, no matter how ridiculous it was.

Tamaki smiled and ran past me probably going after Hunny-senpai and Mori-senpai. 'That's going to take him a while'. I thought. While I was standing still I stared at the school's gates. It was made of metal and was extremely tall to make sure that no outsider can come inside. On the middle of the gate lie the school's insignia. There was a guard house at one end of the gate.

Moments later I heard a bell ring. 'That must be for the participants.' I thought. 'I wonder how they'll react when they see a couple of Ouran students like this.' And then I heard footsteps. The footsteps got louder and louder until finally I heard laughing. Students from different schools walked past me, studying the twins, who loved the attention. I heard a couple of laughing and questions as to why they weren't moving. None of them suspected me mostly because I was standing normally. Then I felt something hit me.

"I'm sorry." said a girl's voice. For some reason it sounded familiar. I couldn't move because the twins would see, they would probably tell Tamaki if I'd move. So I just stood there. Moments later I heard her say, "I really am sorry." I heard footsteps at my side and I saw a flash of white. Finally I stood there face to face with a blonde haired girl whom I knew. She was my neighbor. My strange neighbor.

The girl stared at me for a while then she finally gave up and decided to go.

I stood there disbelieving. Why was she here? Was it because of the scholarship? It's not possible. From what I heard, she wasn't even in the honor roll. She can't possibly be a participant. Even if she was there's no way she'll win. She doesn't look like the studying type, nor does her personality show any signs of it.

I watched her as she went out the gate. Then the others (who were previously laughing at Hikaru and Kaoru) followed.

"Kyouya!" I heard someone say behind me. It was Tamaki. Haruhi, Hunny-senpai and Mori-senpai were there as well. "School's ended already!"

I turned around. "I can see that Tamaki."

The twins came over, a look of relief on their faces.

"So tono, were you able to catch Hunny-senpai and Mori-senpai?" They said simultaneously. Obviously they knew the answer but they wanted the host club king to admit it.

Tamaki shrunk, murmuring something about the senpais being too fast. The twins mocked him while Hunny-senpai celebrated for not being caught by jumping up and down. Then I wondered once more, 'Who will be the next scholarship student?'


A/N: How is it? Are there characters that are a bit OOC? Please review. Tell me honestly what you think.