Kaoru's POV:

Fingering the money in my pocket that I had taken out of a nearby ATM, I glanced around at the apartment complexes around me. A few of them still had their lights on. I glanced at my watch. Ten o'clock pm. It was probably too late to ask someone where an empty apartment was. The thought of squatting crossed my mind but I pushed it away. If the police found me, it would just be troublesome. But then, where should I go?

Baka, I cursed at myself, why didn't you wait until morning? But I knew that if I had waited until tomorrow, I would've found an excuse not to leave. Besides, leaving now gave me a head start. With a determined nod, I continued searching for a place to rest.

Just as the sun was peaking through the clouds, I came across an old abandoned looking church. My family was anything but religious, especially when it came towards Christianity, but the place seemed welcoming enough. At least here I wouldn't be bothered. The door groaned as I forced it open, the musty smell of decay stinging my nose. The stained glass at the front was broken, bits of grey sky shining through. In a weird sort of way, it reminded me of myself; something that had once been so pure was now tainted. I scoffed and turned away.

With as much dignity as I could muster, I put my suitcase down and lay back against the hard wooden pew. As I forced myself to close my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder what Hikaru was doing. Sleeping, probably. I threw a hand over my eyes and through sheer willpower, fell asleep.

When I woke up the sun was shining through the cracks in the roof. I stifled a groan and sat up, ignoring the pain in my lower back. Stupid wooden pews…I rifled through my bag, choosing clothes at random, and slipped them on; Navy blue hoodie and jeans. That seemed inconspicuous enough. But that still left another problem…I grabbed a handful of hair and examined it. Red hair stuck out in Japan no matter how you looked at it. I would need to dye it.

But first thing's first. I needed a place to sleep. I would not be spending another night on those pews again. So, I packed up what few belongings I had and made my way back to the row of ratty apartments I passed by earlier.

"This is our most popular model." I glanced at the man who would become my landlord, and back at the apartment. It was one room; One room and a bathroom. But, it was cheap. And I would need to conserve money.

"Hai, I'll take it."

"Arigato gozaimasu!" He shook my hand enthusiastically. I just bit my lip. Being in this place…it made my decision feel real.

Once I had given him the down payment and received my keys, I made my way to the store. I picked up some simple groceries; pots and pans, ramen, coffee, miso soup…and hair dye. I decided to go with black. Black was about as common as you could get here, and I wanted to blend in. I paid for my items and started back towards my new apartment.

Dying your hair by yourself was difficult, I realized as I struggled to comb the color evenly through my tangled locks. The last time I had dyed my hair—the time Hikaru and I had staged our fight—he had helped me with the back. Now, though, I had no one to assist me. I held my breath as I leaned forward, running the color through my hair with my fingertips. When I was sure that I had covered at least most of my hair in the vile smelling goop, I sat back against the tub. Only thirty minutes to go…

I couldn't believe it. Even as I blinked at myself in the mirror, I had a hard time believing it was me. I ran a hand through my still-damp bangs, half expecting the color to come out. But the black stayed. Without my red hair, I hardly looked like myself. It disturbed me how much of my identity was attached to my hair, but I shook it off. Hikaru wouldn't be looking for me like this. And as long as he didn't see my face, I was almost sure that I could pass by him on the streets without him noticing. My chest tightened at that thought, but I pushed it away. This was a new start for both of us.

I turned away stretching as my vertebrae popped back into place. I glanced at my watch; it was only three o'clock. What the heck was I supposed to do with my time? Before, my life had consisted of the Host Club and school. Now, without either, I was at a loss of what to do. I could get a job, I supposed. After all, I couldn't mooch off my parents for the rest of my life, especially given my current situation. Yes, the sooner I became independent, the better. So, with a sigh, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door.

I figured the market would be my best bet for an easy job. But how exactly did one go about getting a job? I came from the world of plutocrats where family businesses were handed down and you were basically born into your fate. Hikaru and I had long since accepted that we would most likely be carrying on our mother's fashion business, but now…I shook my head. No, that didn't matter anymore. I could do whatever I wanted now. With a confident façade, I strolled into the market.

I only hesitated a moment as I looked around at the people bustling about. Memories of my first trip to the commoner's supermarket crossed my mind; Haruhi smiling, Tono making a scene, Hikaru laughing…I pushed the thoughts away almost violently. No. No more. One of the cashiers caught my eye and I smiled, walking up to their register.

"Konichiwa," I greeted with a fake smile. "I was wondering if you had any job openings?" The woman, only a few years older than me, smiled. She had long dark hair pulled back in a braid and oddly light brown eyes. She was almost pretty.

"Hai! We do. Let me get the manager for you." I flashed her my best 'prince charming' smile and smirked inwardly as she blushed. Women were so easy to please. She hesitated, looking at me almost sheepishly. "Ano…Can I have your name, please?"

"Ah, hai. It's Hita—" I stopped abruptly. I couldn't go by that name here. I smiled apologetically and tried again. "Satou Kaoru." Before she could get suspicious, I pulled a page out of Tono's book and grasped her hand gently in my own, bringing it to my lips. "And your name…?" If she had been blushing before, she was beet red now.

"Tottori Kana," she said rather breathlessly.

"It's nice to meet you, Tottori-san."

"Ah…'Kana' is fine."

"Kana-san, then," I purred in my best imitation of Tono. She stuttered clearly flustered for a moment before hurrying away with a quick "I'll be right back with the boss," tossed over her shoulder.

As soon as she was gone, I dropped the act. I had always thought of other people as toys that were meant to be manipulated, but this woman…she made it too easy. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Just keep up the act, Kaoru, I thought to myself. You can do this. She came back only a few minutes later with an older man in tow. I grit my teeth in frustration. I couldn't really charm my way into a job if the manager was a man, could I? But no, I had to try. I caked on my best smile and shook the man's hand firmly.

"Ah, you must be Satou-san. My name is Kobayashi Chikao. It's nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," I said in a voice that made me want to vomit. It seemed to have the desired effect, though.

"What a nice young man. Tell me, what brought you to my store." I wasn't expecting that. Thinking on my feet, I fed him the first lie that came to my mind.

"Well, I've always wanted to work in a market. The atmosphere is so friendly and I'd get to help make others' days just a little brighter." Good god, did I really just say that? But Kobayashi-san just nodded and smiled.

"A man after my own heart. Well, Satou-san, you're in luck. We have a job opening as a cashier. Tell me, are you good at math?" I bit my lip as memories of Hikaru staying up late to tutor me in math slipped past my defenses. Forcing on the act, I grinned and nodded.

"The best." That was a lie. Japanese was more my thing. But I knew enough to be a cashier. I mean, it was basically just adding and subtracting, right?

"Great! Can you start tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Very good. We'll see you at eight in the morning, okay?" I nodded and bowed.

"Arigato gozaimasu!" This was almost too easy. With one last bow and a wave, I started back towards my new "home".

AN: Ah, aren't I doing good with updating? I'm so proud of myself! ^^ Please read and review—your comments are what keep me writing!