Such soft fake fur, cheap but cute black plastic eyes, and the size of my hand. It was an adorable gift. However, it made me curious. How did Takashi know I was staying here? I was standing by the door, the bear in my hand. Tomo is taking his sweet time. He and I decided to walk to school together today. I don't know what people will say, seeing the troublemaker and nerd walking together but I could care less.I have more important things to do than worry about my image. Before that was all I could think about but now, I've changed for the better.

His heavy footsteps finally were beside me. "I'm ready." He groaned. He never was the type to wake up early. I heard he was always late for his first class. Being a bully and a fighter, everyone knew him around the halls of the school. I wonder how he got into Ouran high. I don't think they would let a delinquent like himself into their academy. Should I ask? We began walking towards the school.

"Tomo, why are you at Ouran high?" I asked.

He sighed, tilting his head in annoyance. Maybe it was a bad idea to ask. "My father is some big company guy. He wanted me to take over so he paid my way into the place."

"But you left home, right?"

"I did."

I went silent. If he left his family behind from what he's told me. Then why was he still going here? Wouldn't he want to cut all ties and leave this school? He could have easily transferred to a more laid back academy. He noticed me thinking to myself and butted in. "I was actually going to drop out of school."

"What!" I said a little too loud. He was going to drop out?! Even though I dislike my mother and if I ever had to courage to do what Tomo did and leave my home for good when I was alive. I would still attend school. I knew it was hard in life without an education.

He laughed at my reaction, "I knew you would act that way." I looked away, not wanting to prove his comment. "I was going to drop out but then," He looked at me with a genuine smile, "You came along." My eyes widened, I had to look at my dirty shoes. "I didn't think you would be happy staying with a dropout. I was still thinking of the idea until that one day involving Luka. I didn't know she acted that way towards you. Since then, I knew that someone had to keep an eye on you."

"I can take care of myself." I pouted. I've done it most of my life.

He could only chuckle, "Sure, whatever you say."

We arrived at the school. Everyone was minding their own business, talking to friends and enjoying their day. We entered the building and I said my farewell to Tomo who went to class. I knew what I had to do. With a deep breath, I went towards the room Nekozawa was always in. Slowly opening the door, the pitch black room welcomed me. There was a light breeze that touched my cheeks. Does he have a window open? But I couldn't see one. Stepping in, the door slammed shut behind me. I jumped with a gasp.

"Welcome my dear cold flower." The voice of Nekozawa shot out, "How may I help you?" The room lit up with candles, leaving me breathless. How could he do that? I knew it was best to not ask questions. Not after what I'm going through.

He motioned for me to sit down. I did and sighed, "I have a question."

"Yes?" He sat down as well, his dark cloak spreading around him. I couldn't see his eyes but I knew they were glued to me. His stare made me want to back down but I had to stay strong. Maybe it was his interest in my condition that worried me. Who knows what he would do if he was allowed to tamper with my state.

The question I was about to ask would more than likely be for nothing. He couldn't possibly know the answer but I had to ask. "Is it possible...for me too..."

"Come back to life?" He finished my words.

I was taken back but I recovered, "Yes."

He tilted his head, giggling. "Why would you want that? From what I've heard around the school. You were bullied and ignored. Why return to that?" He reminded me of all the lonely lunches, the harsh words of Luka and her gang. Being tricked into a friendship all so a girl could make a quick buck. However, I also remembered how Tamaki reached out to me. Getting to know all the Host members and how they are all so sweet. Also, how I met Tomo and even though it was rough at the start. Now, he was my savior. I've grown from such a weak pushover to someone who can stand up for themselves.

"It's different now," I protested. "I have friends who will stand up for me. They care for me and I'm no longer the same person!"

He laughed, "I see." He stood up, approaching me slowly. I sat in place, not knowing what to do. He took a piece of my black hair, letting it fall from his fingers. "I hate to hurt your feelings but there is no way."

I pulled away from his touch, biting my inner lip. I felt the skin tear but no blood or pain followed. I knew it was a stupid question. I just had to know the answer. "Okay...That's all I wanted to know." Standing up, I went to the door.

"You feel very faint."

Looking back, I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Your tie to this world is fading. I can feel it." He warned. I didn't respond.

I was about to leave the school, I was told to wait in front of the garden for Tomo so we could walk home together. What is taking him so long? So I have decided that tomorrow I will ditch school and go to my home. Mother will be there, Father should be at work and Seika should be safe at school. I didn't want them to get tied up in what I was going to do. I was going to tell Mother everything. I wanted to let her know how terrible of a mother she was. How she hurt me, ruined Father's courage and made Seika into a bully. I'll tell her how even though she hit me, screamed and kicked me. That I wanted her to be proud of me but not anymore. I'm free now and I will let her have a piece of my mind.

"Hara."

My eyes met the bright violet ones of Tamaki. My body went numb and all thoughts I had were gone. It was just Tamaki and me. He waited for an answer but received none. "How is my Snow Queen?" My nickname made me bite my lip. I didn't want to hear it. I didn't want to be in front of him right now. I would have given anything to talk to him the other day but now, I wanted to leave.

"I'm fine." I lied.

He smiled, "That's good. I heard you were looking for me?"

My chest froze. The words refused to escape my mouth. What was I suppose to do? My feet shuffled around, wanting to walk away but failed. Couldn't he feel the heavy atmosphere? It was suffocating. I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"She wanted to say hi." Takashi's smooth voice said. Where did he come from? Either way, I was thankful for his presence.

"Really? Well, a nice greeting to you too." He went to kiss my hand but Takashi got in the way. I could tell Tamaki had his princely facade going. It made me hurt worse. I knew he wasn't acting like himself.

"Where is Haruhi?" He asked, his dark eyes locked onto his friend.

Tamaki rubbed his blonde hair, "She's running an errand with the twins, she'll be back before the club starts." Wait, he did say she. My hearing couldn't have messed up. Takashi noticed my awareness. Then Tamaki noticed his slip up, his face going pale. "What I mean is ugh...He's busy."

"You don't have to hide it." I heard myself say. "I'm happy for you too." It felt like my head was going to crack. I wanted to be happy for him. He was my friend. The first person to reach out to me and I will always be thankful for that. I was in pain. I never thought it would hurt this much to see someone you like with another person but I need to move on. I can only get stronger from here on.

Takashi noticed how uncomfortable I was and the smile I was forcing was fading. "See you later." He said to Tamaki. He then grasped my hand gently and led me away. I felt too weak to pull away and followed without protest.

We were now in front of the school, I was struggling to hold back tears. He squeezed my hand, I was thankful for the comfort. I swore I wasn't going to be weak anymore but here I am again about to shed tears. I didn't' like Takashi seeing me this way but he was there when I couldn't confess my feelings. He knew why I was so upset. "Look at me," I spoke, trying to laugh. "In tears once again." He didn't laugh.

"It'll be okay." He managed to say, looking just as uncomfortable as I. Everyone explained that Takashi was the silent knight type. They were right to say that about him. He saved me time and again. He didn't speak much and when he did, he was struggling to find the right words. I liked that about him. I remembered that I had stashed the bear in my bag and wanted to thank him. I pulled it out with my free hand, looking it over again. It made me genuinely smile.

I showed it to him, his eyes lighting up. "I wanted to say thank you and apologize for running off." I forced it into his other hand. Realizing we still were holding hands, I let go of his slowly. "I want to properly accept it this time."

He went along and held the bear out, "I got you a gift." I saw the lovely smile of Takashi. It was nice and it made me feel somewhat warm inside? It was weird but I wasn't complaining.

I gladly took it, looking it over with questioning eyes. "Thank you, but why a bear?" Seeing the bear reminded me of the one father gave to me. It was still at Mother's and I knew that when I confronted her, I would get it back.

"Well..." He struggled to find the words, his cheeks fading into a pink, "Bears are cute and I think that... You are cu-" We heard the shuffling of feet behind me. We both looked back but saw no one. Was somebody watching us? Snapping out of our little play, I realized the time. Where's Tomo? He should have found me by now.

"I love the gift and I'll happily accept it." I said, "It's getting late and I need to get home." A stylish limo pulled up into the school's driveway. It honked and Takashi waved at it. The window rolled down and in it was Honey.

"Come on! We need to pick up the snacks before the club starts!" He yelled. His eyes landed on me and a mischievous smile took over," Sorry I have to steal him, Hara!"

Takashi's voice pulled my gaze to his, "We can take you home."

"It's alright. I'll be fine." He was reluctant but nodded, heading towards the limo. I waved the two Host's goodbye and went on my way. I put the bear away, smiling the whole way home.