If walking into a place like Ouran Academy, a school of filthy rich children of higher standing but more directly they're better dressed, wasn't awkward enough, I wouldn't of known till now. I really have become something of an foreigner in a foreign land; all the sights were somewhat new to me and everyone was a new face that was either smug, bored, or neither. But all things considered, I held my head up high and puff out my chest with confidence. Very lame confidence, really.
Where I live, the school was quite a walking distance as it was near the more fancier part of the city. Luckily having high enough stamina to run the rest of the way, I made it with about a few minutes to spare. And since some of the office staff were here, the faculty room was my first destination to get my schedule first quickly before it became crowded. Only a few students came out of the office by the time I slowed down and leisurely walked my way to the door - which both were older males in uniform, who both gave me a questioning stare as if they were wondering if I was an student or not. Not that I cared, anyways.
Despite when I entered and handed them all the necessary paperwork, the owlish looking woman giving me that incredulous look like she wondered the exact same thing but had the courteous not to ask, I remained composed and well-mannered under most of their scrutinizing gazes.
I could see it in most of their eyes, I'm not stupid: They no doubt think I'm some delinquent girl based simply on my attire and expression. Judgmental assholes... I did promise mom to not start anything (which I don't all the time, by the way. Shut up.) but she didn't have to deal with such an aura of entitlement coming off of the majority of people here. It was crushing and suffocating. But as mom's words echoed in my mind, I simply bit my tongue and went with the jagged flow.
It's like she said: High school is only one part of your entire life.
"Everything seems to be in order, Watanabe-san." The woman said as she finished typing away at her computer. Then the sounds of the printer printing out the paper with my schedule was heard. Once done, she efficiently pulls the paper out of the machine before taking another sheet - the map of the school - and stapled it together, then sliding it across the hard surface to me. "Here is your schedule and the map of the academy in case you might need it. Can't be too safe, especially since this is your first year here."
Taking one last casual sip of my nearly empty cup, I took the paper into my hand and take a glimpse at the intricate map. A mildly quizzical look slowly dawned on my face as my eyes traced every legend, line structure, and word like it was a problem to be solved. I knew the school was big; you can simply look at it outside to know it - that or maybe because I knew that the elementary, middle, and high school are divided among the campus. But... I will admit, I feel like I was going to get lost. There were a lot more areas of Ouran than I thought, and if I wasn't so bullheaded, I probably would have asked when I lowered the paper at my side and flashed an instinctively appreciative smile at the receptionist.
"Thank you, this will help greatly." I'm such a bullshit liar. But if I do ask her, she'll think I'm incapable of doing it on my own.
She graces a (habitual) smile, oblivious to my lie. "Certainly," she said, entwining her hands together and laying them on the surface. "We look forward to having you with us here in Ouran Academy. With your exceptional test scores, we expect great things from you, along with all our other students." Despite her words in that proud, kindly tone, it was hard to know if it was genuine or just being polite. To them, test scores weren't the only trait they looked for in a student. They wanted children from big name companies, royal linage, or just a shit ton of money and I am neither of the three.
But I suppose they do make exceptions at least. After all, it's not like I'm that poor, and I'm not. However, to their standards I was far below the lower class. To them I was a second class citizen, regardless of any intellect I had. I wouldn't of been able to be here if...
Either way, I curtly nodded. "Thank you. Please take care of me till my graduation day arrives." I offered a slight bow, as mom told me to do in presence of school personal... several times. After tossing the cup in a nearby trashcan I turned on my heel, not before catching a hint of surprise in her face, and go for the door but stopped just as my hand reaches for the knob upon hearing my name.
"Let me remind you that excessive noise or rowdiness on school grounds is not tolerated. We do not want to disturbed the other students with any trouble-" I knew what sparked this sudden reprimand so before she could even finish in that almost scolding and judgmental tone, I turn to the side and back at her, showing understanding.
"I understand," I curtly interjected. "Don't worry, I don't plan to making any disturbances. I only plan to work towards graduation and nothing more." I finish with a tone of finality. Admittedly, I wanted to snap at the bitch. Who was she to suddenly judge me about my character? But a part of me could see from her shoes. I suppose I would be suspicious too if some girl from a lower class family came in looking like a punk rock chick and carrying a guitar for effect.
There was a strange look of bewilderment as she watched me briskly turn back and open the door, brushing off the incident. I didn't want to stay and listen to anymore of what the woman had to say. As much as I was excited to start Ouran, that defensive and snappish side of me was still dreading being here a moment longer. But no matter what, I just had to tell myself mother's words over and over again: High school is only one part of your life.
Gently shutting the door behind me, my eyes lingered towards the ground. Finally being out in open space, I allowed myself to finally let out a breath of air I didn't even know I was holding it. Away from the judgmental eyes of the staff was probably part of the reason for feeling relief, most likely. They did seem kind. There's no doubt of that, but I suppose it would make them look dirty should they mistreat a new student. Especially one from a lower class. Their reputation is the only reason to be treated equal.
I breathed another sigh, an exasperated one, and rubbed the inner corner of my eyes. "Just get through the day, Homura," I spoke aloud words of encouragement, uncaring of any listeners. "You can do this without blowing up. You can fucking do this." My hand fell to my side and I look back up, then raising a clenched hand of determination and a quick nod of the head before up rooting my feet from the ground. It finally occurred to me all the students that suddenly started to come in and gather around their clique, loitering in the once vacant halls. I went in a random direction, not bothering to look at my map right away, and listen to some of the random chatter of the students as I walk past.
There was one thing I had to admit about something: Despite all the kids born from rich families, pampered their whole lives so thus souring their personalities, the hallways had a rather fair volume level. Not much commotion, and everyone seemed to gather to their friends to converse among themselves quietly. But that souring personalities still applies because I could hear some of what they were saying, as well as feel eyes following me.
"Is that the other middle class student? How improper, dressing like that to please the boys."
Other?
"Yeah, and what's that thing on her back? Who brings such a such a hideous looking eye sour to this school?"
"I heard that she was originally a yankee. Think that's true?"
"For sure. I mean, look at how broody she looks, especially the way she dresses. And those eyes, they look like a tiger's. Let's just stay away from her, kay? She's probably dangerous."
"Right. I don't want to die before I'm an adult."
The weight of their ignorant and judgmental assumptions kept piling on more and more. My hand around the strap clenched and trembled as my anger filled to the brim. Heinous bitches... And the guys comments weren't any better. I'm not even going to muse over their comments but let's just say that they're acting like pigs now they were out of the watchful eyes of their parents.
Just get through the day, Homura. You can do this... You can do this...
I truly sounded as convincing as possible, though it wasn't working. I just hope my years here will be as uneventful as possible, but knowing me, I'm sure my temperamental might make a daddy's little girl angry and then have some mafia guys come after me- Okay, that thought isn't helping...
"Goddamn it! Where the hell am I?"
I let out a frustrated, muffled growl as my hand brushes back my bangs and ruffles the brown locks, feeling an itch of irritation tingle on my scalp. Every time I twist and turned my head in each direction of the hallway, I'd hope to find something to help guide me through this giant ass school. But everywhere looked THE FUCKING SAME! Albeit it was pretty, but not what I was looking for. I glance down at the map again, trying to pinpoint my exact spot.
I started from the faculty office, right? And I turned a left from the hallway, then took a right, and up the stairs, and then... GAH! This is utterly frustrating! Though I tried not to show it as there was still people in the halls, some looking at me questioningly nonetheless, I was very frustrated and nervous. The thought of getting lost and being late on my first day turned my stomach, and I couldn't think rationally.
Or do anything that had common sense. Like ask a person where I am and how to get to my destination.
And speak of the devil; A couple of girls in their yellow dress uniforms were coming from around the corner, laughing and chatting, but the moment they notice me and I peer up with smoldering eyes, it seemed like they squeaked and paled before turning right around - leaving. I breathe a soft sigh while trying to get my head out of panic as I take one last look at the map, brushing the incident off.
"Son of a- I'm going to be late on my first day. What a way to have my reputation perceive me." I deadpanned, tapping the tip of my foot against the ground. Distractedly, I lift away the map to look at my schedule. From the top down, it was Algebra II (which I suck at), Japanese History, Modern Literature, Psychology, French, and Business Management. I know I'm cheating by choosing French, but hey, it was there. For clubs listed, though I was allowed to pick more, only kendo was inscribed onto the line. Come to think of it, the woman gave me this strange look when I picked it - as if it was sooo unladylike to do something that wasn't the norm for a woman.
I think she wanted to convince me to do something else - as she kept asking if I was sure if I wanted to apply for the club - but I was adamant on joining. There were some other interesting ones that maybe I could have chosen, such as karate, judo, and student council - those are the one that piqué my interest the most. However, I already have done judo in the past, and karate isn't my style. And student council? In this school? Yeah right. It's nothing more than a popularity contest, and I'm not out to be popular either.
Breathing another resign sigh, I readjust the strap of my case before dropping my arm to my side. I'm wasting too much time standing here like a lost child at the fair, but as I go to turn to leave I-
"Homu-chan!"
Quite literally out of nowhere, a young boyish voice shrieked out, then followed by someone jumping up and hugging my arm. Instinctively I clench my hand into a fist and shot my gaze over at the assailant, ready to punch them with a wild look in my eyes. However, upon seeing large and soft brown eyes and blonde hair, my nerves quickly relaxed.
"So you're going to Ouran too, Homu-chan!? That's amazing! So then we're going to see each other again everyday. That makes me happy."
It finally occurred to me as his voice in his words registered to me. I suddenly recognized it. "Wait... Aren't you... Mitskuni? The boy from yesterday?" I said dumbfounded, still in a daze from the little boy's attack as my eyes swept across that large grin of his.
He nodded his head enthusiastically like he was a hamster on coffee, his hair bobbing as he did so. "Yes, it is! You remembered my name, I'm so happy. Oh, I forgot to tell you before, but just call me Hunny. Everyone else does." he chimed, and still having a tight grip on my arm.
What a coincidence I bump into someone I met just yesterday. Talk about fate or whatever you want to call it. Either way, I was just happy there was a familiar face, and I smiled softly at that as I pat his head with my free hand. "All right then, Hunny. It's good to see you again, by the way." I cooed with emphasis on the nickname.
"You too, Homu-chan. And I see you brought your guitar. Are you going to play something right now?" he asked excitedly.
"No, not today." I chortled. "But if you have a request for later, I'd be happy to accept. I can't say no to that adorable look of yours." His cheeks brighten with a pink blush, giggling as I tousled his hair, and a great part of me wanted to squeal at the amount of cuteness. Admittedly, I melted from the little boy's-
Wait... Little boy,
With the sudden realization coming to mind, it was then I suddenly noticed what he was wearing - a blue blazer with the emblem of the school stitched and black dress pants, which was the boy's uniform. The high school uniform. Wait, why is he not in the elementary uniform? I'm confused.
As if sensing my confusion - or that I abruptly stopped petting him and perhaps he saw I was in deep thought - he promptly ask in a soft but still bright tone. "Is something the matter, Homu-chan? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Did I?
I knew that I looked perplexed by this but that bad? I mean, he looks like he's ten or younger, but he was in the high school part of the academy as well as in the uniform. Still a bit dumbfounded, I sounded like idiot as I finally brought it up. "Um, Mits- I mean, Hunny-chan, how come you're wearing that uniform? And shouldn't you get over to the elementary before school starts?" In just a little while. I added in thought.
"Huh?" For some reason, Hunny gave me this strange look as he cocked his head - his confounded expression stared into my questioning one. But he suddenly grinned all goofy like before finally saying - and what he said really took me by surprise. "Well because I don't go to the elementary. I'm a third year."
"A third year?" I asked with a raised brow. "Wait, how old are you, if you don't mind me asking?"
And his answer really caught me off guard.
"I'm 18 years old. What about you, Homu-chan?" He said it like it was so causal. Well, it is his age so I suppose it's just me that the answer was strangely simple. Still, it caused my brows to fly up in surprise. Maybe my hearing is off... but is he seriously older than me? I may have only met him for a brief moment yesterday, but it was no question that he acted way younger than his actually age, and yet he was older than me? How does that work?
Talk about having a late puberty. All joking aside, despite that I was still trying to comprehend this information, I was able to strain a smile to ease up some discomfort I felt. "Oh, um, I'm actually 16. I'm two years younger." I said, and it just sounded so off with how it was worded. A guy, who looks so much like a child, was older than me as well as a couple of grades higher?
"Really? Wow, Homu-chan," he exclaimed with unexplained amazement. "I thought you were the same age as me and Takashi. Maybe a bit older." My brow twitched indignantly from the unintentionally tactless words yet I maintained a smile. That snappy part of me almost surfaced, ready to counter him with some insult. But even I could tell he didn't mean anything rude by it. He seemed too kind and, in a way, childishly naïve.
"But anyways, shouldn't you head to class now? It should be starting in just a little while if I'm not mistaken." I asked cautiously, ignoring what he said. There was something of an apprehensive feeling in the back of my head now I knew he was supposedly my senpai. It was rather suspicious that he could look so innocent and young but is the opposite. Usually I'm a good judge of character - but my judgment can be rather bias. I thought he was a child, so it was easy to simply be open to him. But now that I know he's not, caution instinctively was rearing its head in.
The look on the shota looking boy's face told me he had much to say besides the answer to my question. And as his lips part, an unexpected voice spoke up out of nowhere from behind me. A voice that was harden and soft at the same time. A voice of silk and steel.
"Mitskuni, there you are. Don't run off like that again."
I jumped and squeaked, jolting up and straightening my position as I covered my mouth to (belatedly) muffle the surprised sound I made. Then there was a few solid, thumping footsteps approaching closer, but then it stopped, and I could feel someone's eyes on me. "Takashi!" The blonde shouted excitedly before he finally released my arm from his grip and ran past me, and I slowly turn around to see the person behind that smooth but gruff voice.
But I only then felt irked, feeling my brows frown seeing that tall man from yesterday. Then again, I would feel this annoyed if it was anyone else. When Hunny approached him, he bent down slightly and wrapped his large hands on either side of him before picking him up effortlessly like a doll. He sets the blonde to sit on the nape of his neck, his legs draped over his chest and the boy's hands in his obsidian hair. His onyx orbs peer up to the side at the boy, and despite that he had an inscrutable expression on his face, there was something about his eyes that betrayed him. I couldn't tell what.
"Don't run off like that again." He repeated in a deep, monotone voice, "You had me worried."
The boy's face fell sightly. "I'm sorry, Takashi," Then a full-blown grin widened as his eyes flicker to me. "But I saw that Homu-chan from the other day was here, and I wanted to say hi."
The man made a thoughtful sound as those stone gray irises fell back onto me, and I shuddered as if I could actually physically feel the contact of them. "Thank you," he said with an even tone. Stranger and stranger. It was hard to tell what emotion was going on with him, whether if he was thankful and concern or otherwise. Just like yesterday, he was impassive and stoic and impossible to know what was going on in his mind. And now that I was face to face with him again, it only occurred to me how tall he really was, especially compared to Hunny and myself. Yet, though it may be intimidating looking, I could feel that there was a certain gentleness in his form. Perhaps it's only the shota giving me that vibe, I don't know.
And I realized those stern orbs of his were still on me, watching me expectantly. Uncomfortable under his gaze I put up my front, scoffing brusquely. "Whatever. But next time, don't expect me to take care of a job that belongs to you. I'm not his babysitter." I snapped impulsively
A large part of me instantly felt guilt, especially when Hunny's expression fell at my harsh words. And I almost apologize but I resisted the urge to as I go to brush past them. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to get to class. I don't want to be late because of you." I murmured with venom. I got a quick glimpse at this Takashi's face before I walked by, and again, he remained unfazed by the short but cold exchange like it wasn't something to make a fuss over. Either he was used to getting the colder shoulder... or he has a high tolerance.
My eyes fell to the floor, strutting away before that little voice could make me say sorry out of guilt. I maybe making a horrible choice to be a bitch to them, because I was still lost, and when I plucked my phone to check the time, I blanched to see it was about to turn eight o'clock. Goddamn. This is going to look really great; being late on my first day.
Biting down on my nail as I skim through the map uselessly, thousands of worried thoughts raced though my mind. But while trying to think, I vaguely notice the footsteps echoing behind me, out of sync from my own. And I could still feel eyes on my form. Making a curious sound, I peer over my shoulder to see it was still that guy a few feet behind.
The hell? Is he following me?
He suddenly stopped when I did, and I frowned with discontent. "What are you doing, creep? Don't follow me, it's frankly creepy. Especially with that face of yours." I snapped before I twist back and continue walking, not waiting for a retort. What did I just say!? That was too mean! My words were way too harsh, but I couldn't help it. In all honesty, he's quite handsome - and more frankly, gorgeous. Albeit he was... kinda scary looking as I said before, but that's not my honest opinion. Maybe others but not mine. I've encountered ten times more scary looking men, anyways.
Either way, analyzing hot guys aside, I wanted to get away before I go and apologize. It may not seem like it, but I do get guilty easily and I become all apologetic. I suppose that's one traits I obtained from mother.
I wasn't even able to get any more than a few feet away from them before-
"You're lost, aren't you?" Takashi suddenly asked, and I abruptly stopped in place. The color drained from my face as his words registered. Dammit. "If you are, then I can help if you wa-"
"I'm not lost! And I don't want your help." I cut him off loudly, twisting around and sending a scowling expression his way as his strong dark irises lock contact with my sharp light one's. As I try to think of a comeback, I felt heat gathering at my cheeks with embarrassment from my out lash, making it red no doubt. "I just... I'm walking around and enjoying the scenery. Or I was till you interrupted me-"
And speaking of interrupted - before I was able to finish what I was trying to say, a bell chimed loudly into my eardrums and my face went completely white. Shit, that must be the first bell to warn students that class were about to start. Shit, shit, shit! I can't be late on my first fucking day! As is my nervous habit, I gnaw at my bottom lips as I ignored him, and looked around like a lost child. I knew that I probably seemed like a helpless little girl to my audience but I was too frustrated to care. Blatantly starting to panic, however, wasn't the first thing I wanted to do on my very first day.
It wouldn't surprise me that Takashi and Hunny picked that up, because I squeaked when I turned back to see that colossal bastard standing into my bubble. "O-Oh, what do you want?" I snap but he remained composed as his eyes and the shota's trained on me.
He raises a massive open hand to me expectantly, and I look at that and back to his masculine face with furrowed brows. "Let me see your schedule," he bluntly asked.
"What? No," I quip, belatedly hiding the paper behind my back. "Why should I give it to you?"
"We know the school a lot better, Homu-chan," Hunny said in place, concern evident in his voice which surprised me to hear. Not that I didn't think he was caring kid, but he looked serious. Not really befitting him. "If you're lost, then you should ask for help. It's not a bad thing to ask when you need it, and Takashi and I don't want you to be late for class."
"Then just go," I said straight-faced, keeping my panic in check. "You don't need to become late because of me. Why are you even bothering me to begin with?" Though I knew my conscious and bullheadedness was going to bite me in the ass, I was adamant to being separate from... people like them. But Hunny made a logical point. Yet I just didn't want to follow it.
Takashi was still staring at me intently as he then said. "We were on our way to class, and we just happened to bump into you."
Hunny nodded with his statement, suddenly feeling like a massive ass. "He's right. And beside, Homu-chan, we maybe going to the same class so why not go together. But we have to know if we are first. So can we please see your schedule? Please~" I don't know if it was Hunny's intention to use puppy eyes, but it's working. I had no choice, huh? All but resigning myself, I breathed a defeated sigh as I withdrew the paper from my back and, instead of giving it to him, I flashed him the flipped page.
Takashi bent down and leaned forward a little, those seemingly glistening dark eyes quickly scanned the first page for a few before he curtly nodded. He straightens his posture, returning to his tall height, and I waited expectantly whether or not to know if our paths went down the same road. I really hoped he'd say no because I know how awkward it'd be to follow behind him, as if I was truly an idiotic second class citizen. I wanted to prove them wrong of it as it wasn't the truth. And it was no secret most around here thought that.
Sadly, I was about to swallow my pride. "Algebra II." he stated simply. Goddamn.
Then Hunny suddenly grinned brightly as he closed his chest against the man's head, wrapping his small hands on the sides of his head. "Perfect! We do have the same class together. What luck." Double goddamn. And now I sounded as if it was them that was the problem, and it's not. It's everyone else including them...
Instead of gracing a thankful smile, I crossed my arms against my chest, glancing off to the side with frowning brows and bored eyes. "Great, how fun..." I groaned with complete disinterest. Though I was rather blunt with the emotion, Hunny didn't pick it up, and was full of energy as his hands clap together.
"It is. This is really great, isn't it Takashi?" he looked down atop of the man's head as he asked.
He paused and his dark gaze cast down unto me, his silence had me thinking he was mulling over the answer. Whether or not it had to do with the boy on his back, he then nodded. "Yeah," Wasn't expecting him to say that. Though something tells me that a lot is going on under the surface, things that he holds reservations to. I suppose when you put it that way, looking at Hunny and him now, it reminded me of servant-master relationship, and he's the collective, obedient stereotype.
And if I was anything but like this, I would be a little more curious. However, there was just one matter that needed to get out of the way. "All right, and the classroom is where?" I asked hurriedly, deciding to push that inquisitive thought away. No time to analyze stuck up guys, anyways.
"Oh, right!" Hunny squeaked, and then straightens up before pointedly looking down the hall. "Our class is actually just down this hall. So there's no need to rush or panic." he said. As I turn to look in the direction he mentioned, I sweatdropped while my eyes lingered down the path. To think I was this close to it, so I was panicking for nothing. But with sudden realization of the time, I went up ahead without them.
They were watching my retreating form, no doubt. Actually, I think I could actually feel them from the prickle of guilt that ebbed in the back of my mind. Why is it so difficult to give people the cold shoulder? I've always have been able to put up this front: A mask that turned my features hard and practically shouted to the world I was in no talking mood with a cold aura. But for being rich, they were being genuinely kind. And even I knew that I was perhaps too harsh and stubborn.
So with that thought in mind, I stopped momentarily and peered over my shoulder more calmly. Hunny appeared in a confused trance as he watched at me with those big brown eyes of his - and dammit, the sting of being a bitch hurts. But Takashi, I noticed that his brows have evaluated to a small height that showed an emotion. What it was, I couldn't tell as I nudge my head in the direction of our destination.
"Well?" I inquired. "Hurry up before you make me and Hunny late." Stupid impulsive habit of mind to blurt out rude words. But Takashi nor Hunny said anything about it as Hunny fumbled about and Takashi wordlessly sauntered over.
"O-Oh, right. Coming!"
No doubt that we only had a minute or two that couldn't be spareed, but despite it, I somehow ended up walking with no hurry next to a colossal, taciturn man carrying a shota boy with ease as if he was his school bag. And as we walked side by side, I couldn't help ponder about that look Takashi gave awhile ago, glancing at him from the corner of my eye to study his face. But he was emotionless again, all calm, cool, and collective. I may have taken too much of his face in for too long, because as if he could sense my eyes on him, those dark grey irises side glanced at me coolly.
A tingle like shudder slithered down my spine and under my skin at the contact but not wanting to show it affected me, I quickly look away with a pouting scowl on my face. His eyes lingered on me for a bit before he did the same - albeit more mature and calmly. Even though I felt flustered for some reason, there was something that suddenly popped in my head. It was about that look before.
Maybe it's just me being me, but I was getting the strongest feeling he was trying to figure me out like I was to him. Did he catch onto my behavior? Oh hell, what am I thinking? Anyone could see that unbearable façade I tried to keep myself behind. Yet I was too conflicted between being the doting person to Hunny and the cold bitch to the tall bastard. Still hard to believe Hunny was older than me.
"Mori,"
"Huh?" I turned my head to look at him, raising a brow from the unexpected word spoken by him. "Mori? What the hell is that?"
"My name." he replied stoically.
Though he had a tone of finality I paused to wait for more to come, but he went back into taciturn mode. Mori... What a strange nickname. And despite him telling me, expecting me to address him as such, I turned away and back towards the door of the classroom that became closer as we walked (I still feel like such a dipshit knowing it was this close to me) feeling a smirk curve on the corner of my lip.
"Pleased to meet you, too, Takashi."
An inwardly sigh heaved at the impulsive and habitual words. But a wave of relief washed over me as the sound of the second bell rang just as my hand took the knob and opened the door, allowing myself to go in first before him. After today, let's hope this incident doesn't happen again. I have an image to maintain while I waste my time here in Ouran academy.
-Author's Note-
I deeply apologize if this chapter seems so... meh. I wasn't really sure how to write it and I wanted to get a chapter done before March ended. Anyways, thank you so much for reading.
Reviews would be a great help~ :)