While waiting for class to start, I pull out my binder and start rifling through some algebra notes. I like reviewing past lessons just to refresh my memory. While looking over formulas, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn my head and see two red haired boys.

"Hey, Haruhi," the one of the right says, "Good morning."

"Oh, hi, Hikaru. Hi, Kaoru." I put my papers down and turn to face them.

Hikaru nudges Kaoru, and he nods.

"By the way, Haruhi," he says, "the boss said we're all gonna go out to some theme park this weekend. Honey-senpai told Hikaru and I to ask if you'd want to come. Apparently you've struck a chord with him- he really likes you."

"Uh, sure. I guess I'll tag along." The pair notices my notes and bends down to look at them.

"What are those?" Kaoru asks.

"They're just some stuff I wrote down during algebra. Doesn't hurt to study. Besides, we're not all here because of our parents' fortunes, you know."

"Oh, yeah," Hikaru says, "I keep forgetting you got in for scholarship. You see, Kaoru? At least someone's good at math."

The left twin glares at his brother. "Shut up, idiot. No one asked you anyway."

"I could tutor you, if you want." I offer.

Kaoru looks at me gratefully. "Really? Thanks. Who knew commoners could be so helpful?"

These damn rich people.

My mouth drops when I reach the Hitachiin front porch. My legs tremble as I stand in front of the huge embellished door. Is this seriously their house?

This is probably ten times bigger than my place. Imagine how much stuff you can fit in there...

I reach out and knock twice on the door. Before I try a third, the door swings open and I'm greeted by the twins.

At this point, I get my first glimpse of the inside of their home. My jaw falls open again, and I'm speechless. The bag in my hand falls to the floor while my eyes take it all in.

"Y-your marble floors shine brighter than my future probably ever will..." I mutter.

Hikaru bursts out in laughter. "I think we just broke her, Kaoru. Look, she's probably swallowed two flies by now! Poor people are just great."

After getting a punch in the arm, Hikaru falls quiet. Kaoru steps out onto the doorstep, picks up my bag, and throws it over his shoulder. Then, placing his hands on my own shoulders, he gently pushes me into the mansion.

"Come on, Haruhi," he says, "you're letting out the cold air."

He leads me upstairs to a giant study. Finally, I snap out of my daze and look around. The walls are covered with bookshelves and paintings.

I walk up to one- a simple, delicate model sketch of a dress- and admire it. "Wow, this is really beautiful." I say.

"Our mother is a fashion designer." they call out.

Suddenly, I run over to Kaoru and take my bag. "I almost forgot," I say, digging through my stuff. "I brought you this." I hold up a bag of instant coffee for them to see. "Thank you for letting me into your home."

Hikaru awkwardly takes it from me. "Uh, thanks. You really didn't have to, Haruhi. We're rich, remember? This really has no place in here; we have all sorts of special coffee already. Some from places you've probably never even-"

"Nevertheless, we appreciate your gift," Kaoru interrupts, "If anything, I owe you, since you have to waste an hour here with me." He shoots a mean look at his brother who raises his hands defensively and walks out of the room.

"No, I don't mind," I give him an easy smile. "So, you ready?"

Kaoru rolls onto his back and slaps his forehead. "I give up. Math is stupid and never in my life will this be useful."

I laugh and put my notebook down. "Oh, come on. It's not that bad."

He sits up and rolls his eyes. "Says the honor student."

"Okay, okay," I reply, crawling over to where he is "one more time. This one's easy, I swear." I stare at him intently, then grab his face in my hands. "If y equals b to the power of x, then naturally x equals log, base b, of y. So, Kaoru, what is log, base 2, of 3, equals 3 in exponential form?" The words are slow and deliberate as I utter them.

"Uh... four? Wait, no! Negative four."

I groan and let go of him, exasperated. "That's it, I need a break. Why are you so bad at math?"

"I'm a host, Haruhi. The only numbers I know are my hairstylist's phone number." He throws his pencil at me, and it bounces off my forearm.

I collapse next to him onto the carpet. "You're exhausting, Kaoru."

He looks at me. "I'm exhausting? You're the one shoving the entire history of algebra into my head! I'm no Einstein."

"Einstein's actually known for his contributions to science, but that's alright. You were close. A for effort."

"Not going to lie, I'm torn between strangling you or pushing you off a balcony right now. I don't get how Honey-senpai puts up with you so much. I have no idea why he wants you to come with us to the fair."

"You and me both," I lean back against my arms. "Hey, can I ask you a question?"

He nods, and I say, "What do you know about Mori-senpai? I mean, he's practically mute, so I don't know much about him."

"Well, the Morinozukas served the Haninozukas for generations, until they joined through marriage. Mori-senpai probably still feels like he needs to play the servant role, so he's sworn to Honey-senpai's side."

"Wow, that's awfully loyal of him."

Karou lets out a small laugh. "I think that's what the girls love so much about him: his dedication and faithfulness. He's actually quite popular. Honey-senpai probably has a lot to do with that. He kind of cancels out how scary Mori-senpai can be."

"Does he get asked out a lot? I'm imagining a mile long line of hopeful bachelorettes."

Kaoru scoffs. "Like you wouldn't believe. He always turns them down, though. Maybe he's waiting for the right one or something."

I chew absently on my pen and stare off into space. I guess my head's stuck in the clouds a little too long, because Kaoru waves his hand in front of my face.

"Haruhi? Are you okay?"

I blink through my thoughts and clap my hands together. "Right. You ready for round two? We can go over factoring again."

An agonizing groan fills the air, followed by several complaints.