"Fujisaki-san."

The man seemed startled by my smile and stared openly at my face.

'Wha...what now?'

"Fujisaki-san?"

That serious expression made my heart race all at once. Then...he dropped down on one knee before me and took my hand in his.

'Huh?'

"Fujisaki-san!"

And the words that came next from his mouth...

"Won't you accompany me on a date?"

"FUJISAKI-SAN!"

"Yes!" I yell, my head snapping up from being buried behind the text book I have propped up in front of me.

The sensei gives me an exasperated look before quickly masking it with a perfect plastic smile.

"I would hate to have to give you detention on your first day of school Fujisaki-san," she says as she smooths out her suit jacket. "Please try to pay attention alright?"

"Yes ma'am," I sigh.

She gives me a curt nod before returning to the lesson. I take one last longing look at my phone screen. Sensei resumes her droning on about some long dead 'literary genius,' while I allow the prince's image to burn into my retinas before reluctantly pressing the off button and slipping the phone into my blazer pocket.

I try to concentrate, but the picture is still burned into my mind as I stare blankly at the chalk board. A handsome prince had asked me on a date. Well, technically he asked Falen on a date.

I slump forward in me seat a little and pretend to take notes, but instead I get to work sketching the scene I imagined from the otome game while it was still fresh in my mind.

I could still see that prince in my mind's eye. I could see him kneeling before Falen, looking up hat her with his vibrant violet irises through his messy white blond bangs. The excessive amount of ruffles in his shirt managed to somehow work with the whole look he had. But he was looking at Falen like she was the lady of the lake even though she was supposed to be covered in mud.

Falen on the other hand would be blushing and trying to cover her face. But even if she managed to control her expression, her mind would be in overdrive, trying to tell if he was genuinely interested or if this was just a pity date.

Oh, my bad. I forgot to introduce Falen.

You see, she's me. Or how I'd describe her, the me I've always wanted to be.

Falen is my sprite in nearly every game I play.

She's beautiful, with long hair in a slightly shocking shade of fuchsia. Her eyes were a deep crimson color that could be as soft as the dying embers of a fire, or intense like the last rays of a setting sun. They were framed by long thick lashes that brushed the top of her cheeks whenever she blinked. Her lips were soft and pale as peach blossoms, but full. In short, she was perfect. Or at least in my mind she was.

Falen was born way before I ever met Nayoko, and was brought back once she had begun ignoring me for Kiba.

And in all honesty, when I had no one around to care about what was going on in my crappy school life, these games became the center of my world. I could get sucked into them four hours at a time, and never have any inkling that time was passing. It was just me and Falen.

And Falen was everything I wasn't or couldn't be for one reason or another. People loved her, and she made friends easily. But then again, doesn't that count for everyone on an online gaming community?

Anyways, she sort of became my obsession ever since I felt I had been cast aside. And even though I consider her a kind of like an extension of myself, I find myself jealous of her often. Pretty pathetic huh? I constantly need to remind myself that she's just a collection of pixels, a figment of my imagination. I should be building my own life the way I'm building hers.

But I can't help myself. It's much easier this way.

Online I can be anyone I want. If I make a mistake or get tired of being a certain way, all I have to do is delete the account and create a new one. Sadly, I'm constantly reminded that real life doesn't have that option.

The bell rings and I shove my sketch into an empty folder I have designated for all my otome-based pictures. The rest of the class shuffle over to the exits in a rush to get to the cafeteria. My stomach growls rather loudly and the forgotten toast from this morning laughs somewhere off in the distance. I wonder what kind of food they serve in schools like this. Maybe I can actually be convinced to buy lunch here every once on a while.

"And here I wanted to beat the line," an annoyed voice whines.

"Yeah, hurry up Haruhi!" another voice calls.

I freeze. Haruhi.

I shake my head quickly. Come on…no reason to freak out. There's got to be like, a hundred Haruhis in Tokyo alone. There's no way-

"Oh! Hey Fujioka! Can I have a word with you about the upcoming class event?"

"Sure class rep."

"Make it quick rep! They're serving foie gras today!"

I can feel myself bristle. What the hell are the odds? Of all the classrooms that are in this school (you know what, scratch that and insert any school) I had to be placed in the one where there was a possibility I could be recognized.

I finish shoving the rest of my stuff in my bag before quickly slinging it over my shoulder and speed walking out of the room.

What the hell is this?

If anyone would be able to see right through me, it would be Haruhi. It's not even a what if situation. She'll notice me. She's just like that.

Then what? If they find me out what will happen to me?

If mom and dad find out I enrolled in Ouran as a boy, they'll freak and ship me off to someplace where I won't bring shame and embarrassment onto the reputation they've spent a their lives building.

They won't let me ruin that. Even if I am their own daughter. They wouldn't even care enough to stop long enough to let me explain. I'd just be living up to my role as the problem child. And that would be reason enough to ship me off to who-knows-where.

By the time I finally calm down enough to realize where I'm walking I'm in some random hallway. Taking a quick glance around, I realize nothing looks familiar. I can't believe I just let myself get lost. Way to go Naoko.

My stomach lets out another sound of protest as I stop in front of a large double doorway. I wince as I look up, reading the sign that hangs above it.

Library 4.

Wow. With four libraries there should be plenty of places for me to hide. And the great thing is, the girls at this school don't seem like the type to hang around a library. So with that thought in mind, I swung the doors open and head in. My eyes jump up and I scanned the gold plaques on the floor to ceiling shelves, looking for one of those sections no one would ever think of braving.

And I was right. The Self-Help section was an abandoned wasteland compared to the rest of this massive room, which is sadly more populated than I counted on. So I pick the biggest plush chair I can find and curl up with my phone. I pull an energy bar out of my bag and begin to munch on it.

I'm sure Falen isn't the only one anxious to go on her date. And if she was going to a ball with a hot prince for her date, I sure as hell won't keep him waiting either.

I could feel myself falling into the game like I always do. If I tried hard enough, I could feel the silky material of the ball gown under my fingers. I could feel the phantom locks of my hair tickling my bare shoulders as it cascaded down my back. I could smell the food and flowers in the banquet hall, and hear the music being played off in the corners.

For this moment, I am Falen. And as her, I had encountered all of the six princes by now, but my character was still unaware of the fact.

Just as that thought crossed my mind a voice filled the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen; thank you for your patience!" it boomed. "Please turn your eyes now to the balcony atop the spiral staircase!"

'Wha...what?'

I looked about the excited crowd and everyone was staring up at the balcony. My eyes were also drawn up the stairs.

"The eyes of the world are all upon them," the announcer boomed. "The future kings of the six greatest kingdoms on earth!"

'What?'

Then the spotlight snapped on, illuminating the figures of six men.

'The future kings? Those guys are!?'

I stared wide eyed at the men's faces.

"First is Charles's own Prince Edward!"

At those words, one of the men started down the spiral staircase.

It was the prince who asked Falen to be his date to the ball. Still all smiles and ruffles. But I'm definitely not complaining.

'What!? I thought he just looked like him, but he really is the crown prince?! A real prince! I can't believe I...'

He stepped down off the stairs and another pair of footsteps could be heard coming down that staircase.

"Prince Wilfred of Philip!"

A stoic blond with gorgeous blue eyes appeared on the screen. I felt my heart flutter slightly as I stared at him. He's even better than the one who asked Falen out.

'Oh...Isn't that the man that I almost ran into outside? I thought he seemed quite cool and good looking, but...he is the prince of Philip?'

As my eyes followed him, the next prince was also introduced.

"Prince Keith of Liberty!"

I felt slightly suffocated as I saw Prince Keith coming down the stairs.

It was that asshat who's car splashed mud on Falen earlier in the game. He had cold blue eyes and dark chocolate brown hair. I felt like sticking my tongue out at him, so I did. Like the mature adult that I am.

'He's also one of them? Oh...no wonder he seemed to know Prince Edward. But I never would have taken him for a prince.'

Then another familiar face entered my line of sight.

"Prince Roberto of Altaria!"

'Oh that's the man who escorted me into the ballroom tonight.'

He had warm light brown eyes, light brown hair and a dazzling smile. I felt myself smile back at him. He was adorable in a baby face way. And by far he seemed the nicest.

'Which means...I was escorted in by a future king?!'

As I stood in shock, another man was being introduced to the audience.

"Prince Joshua of Dres Van!"

A very smartly put-together man looked down upon the crowd.

He had dark purple hair an amethyst eyes, but he had the same arrogant look as Keith. He's definitely cuter than Keith is though. But then again I think everyone is.

'Huh? Isn't that the man who drained all those champagne glasses?'

He had a slightly frightening air about him, but even he was a prince. I couldn't hide my complete shock even as the spotlight fell on the last prince.

"And Prince Glenn of Oriens!"

'He's a prince too!? He looks a fair bit younger than the other princes though. Maybe even younger than me.'

Well, in real life perspective he looks older than me. He has coppery brown hair wand honey gold eyes. He's handsome, but he looks like one of those guys I'd be too scared to approach. But cute. Really cute.

At last all six men had made their way down the staircase and a great storm of applause naturally filled the room.

'How could it be then six men I met today all turned out to be princes? Things like this just don't happen. Right?'

After that it had come time for the receiving line, but I was unable to approach the princes.

'Though I do want to go and thank Prince Edward at least...'

Despite that wish, the space in front of the princes was filled by an army of women. There was no clear way to get in front of them. Just then, someone shoved past me and sent me knocking straight into another stranger.

"Watch it!" she yelled.

Flung forward, I tumbled to the ground, my hands breaking my fall. Silence fell around me for a moment.

'Ugh. How embarrassing!'

I hurriedly tried to stand and then...

"Are you alright?"

'Oh...that voice.'

A hand appeared before me along with the voice. I looked up and there was Prince Edward smiling at me.

"Thank you," I replied.

I borrowed his hand and pulled myself up as the prince gently smiled.

"So you are a prince. Please forgive me for the thoughtless things I said."

His eyes glimmered when he heard my words.

"No," he relied. "I am at fault for bringing you someplace like this without even giving you my name. I am the one who should be apologizing."

Prince Edward looked at me as he spoke.

"I wasn't sure how such a last minute outfit would look, but...you look divine."

My face flushed red when I heard those words.

I feel my real cheeks heat up. Wow...a collection of pixels is making me blush. As if I couldn't sink any lower than I already have.

"That's not...oh, but I do thank you for leading me this beautiful dress."

I smiled back at him and he squeezed my hand, still held in his.

"A dress exists only to be worn by a woman," he replies. "I am sure that this dress is glad that it could adorn someone as beautiful as yourself."

It seemed both the real me and the virtual me were at a loss for words.

"But," Edward continued. "If you aren't careful, you might just find yourself the target of jealousy with beauty such as yours. I'm sure the lovely flowers decorating this ballroom all wish they were quite as captivating as the bloom in your cheeks."

'It's really quite embarrassing, but still-'

DING DOOONG...DING DOOOONG

I groan and shift in my chair, really not wanting to return to class. But I roll out of my comfy position, tucking the wrapper from my bar into my bag.

Maybe I should bring a blanket and pillow from home and spend my lunches here. Judging by the thick layers of dust on all the objects around me, I think it's safe to say no one's been here all semester. Maybe even longer.

I take a deep breath, choke slightly on the dust, and sling my bag over my shoulder.

"Yo!"

I've barely set foot outside the aisle when I hear the voice.

It belongs to a girl around my height with unnaturally lavender hair and bright blue eyes that are covered by thick circular glasses.

"Hey," I reply curtly, hoping that this will just be a hi and bye kind of thing.

I swallow hard and all thoughts of leaving vanish as a wicked smirk crosses her face.

"You do realize that's the yaoi section right?"

I feel the corner of my mouth curl up slightly .

"Nice try," I say. "Though it wouldn't surprise me if they did have a yaoi section here."

Her smile darkens as the light glints off her glasses.

"So you know what yaoi is?" she asks in a dark voice. "Most people don't..."

I feel myself pale as the words leave her lips.

"M-my little sister reads it," I mutter.

That technically wasn't a lie, but the girl doesn't look convinced.

"Cool..." she mutters. "Real nice."

"Are you in class 1-A?" I ask.

"NEW KID!" she yells as her bangs fall in front of her eyes.

"Um...yeah..." I trail off. "How do I get back there from here?"

She laughs loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room to us.

"Dude!" she yells. "You're lost!"

Thank you for stating the obvious random psycho.

"Um...Fujisaki-san?"

I turn to see a random girl standing in the next aisle. She has wavy copper hair and brown eyes. A soft blush covers her cheeks as she looks up at me through her long dark lashes.

"Would you like me to show you how to get back to class?" she asks shyly. "Yuki isn't the best person to ask for these kinds of things."

"I'm sorry Suki...I didn't quite catch that..." the girl whispers a menacing voice.

Suki pales as the other girl, Yuki I guess, begins to shove me in the direction of the exit.

"Hurry hurry," she grumbles. "My time isn't free. Man I hate rich girls..." she mutters as she slams the door shut behind us.

"So…does that make you a scholarship student?" I ask as I stumble towards the door.

"Who me?" she asks, whipping around to face me.

"Who else?" I ask bluntly.

"NO WAY IN HELL!" she yells as she drags me down the hallway.

With me still thoroughly confused, we arrive in front of class 1-A a minute later. I guess there is a shorter route to the library than the one I took earlier.

Go figure.

"Well, see ya," I mumble as I step inside.

She peaks in real quick, ignoring the curious glances from the other students.

"So this is the class this year..." she says dreamily. "Well, see ya new kid!"

"Later," I say as she takes off.

I guess she's ditching. Well it's not really my problem, so I shrug it off as I walk back to my seat. Talking to her just sent my head reeling.

"Kyaaaa! Fujisaki-san is so cool!" a girl squeals. "No one can stay that calm around Yuki!"

I just sigh and slump forward on my desk. How does anyone get anything done at this school?

XX

I walk out of the school building, my eyes once again glued to my phone.

Music swelled and filed the room again from nowhere. In response to the music, couples started to form throughout the ballroom.

'Is there going to be dancing?'

It seems as though there was a chance to dance with the princes as well...judging by the great hordes of women surrounding them once again.

'Amazing...but well, it has nothing to do with me. Maybe I should go hit up the food tables while everyone's dancing.'

I began walking up to the table where the food was laid out.

"Might I have this dance?"

'HUH?!'

I turned around and standing there before me...

I sighed as the screen changed, telling me it was time to pick the prince I wanted as my love interest. God, I'm torn between Wilfred and Roberto. But I find myself leaning towards-

"I see you've taken up a new style Naoko."