Danica adjusts to her new life in Japan.

"How are your first two weeks at Lobelia, Kingsley-san?"

Danica looks up from her reading, pushing her glasses up and flashing the class president a smile. "Please, call me Dani, Kazuha-san. it'll be easier. And I've been fine."

Danica's first two weeks at Lobelia had been overwhelming to say the least.

When she was first introduced the ladies took no time in barraging her with questions of what she did, where she was from and her interests.

Lobelia had very little to offer her from the get-go. She may have an appreciation for the arts, but the theater program the Zuka Club boasted was rather fervent. She didn't have any other interests in relation to the business and advanced science classes she'd requested.

"Listen, I know you've only been here for a few weeks, but I'd like to invite you to the culture festival over at Ouran next week!"

Ouran?

"Oh, that sounds like fun. But is there any particular reason?"

"The Zuka Club is invited to perform for the festival like a few other select schools. It's a good way to showcase their talents, and a nice way to meet new people!"

Danica hums in thought. There's a bit of panic when she thinks about it. It would surely be a way to see Haruhi finally, but it won't give them the privacy they need. No matter.

"As long as we're not having classes, I'd love to attend." She smiles kindly at Kazuha, before she nods happily. "Great! I'll put your name down for the travel service~"

"Thank you, Kazuha-san~" she sing-songs, giggling to herself watching the young lady walk out the library as the bell rings.

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When Danica first arrived she was in awe of the property her father bought. It was of course smaller than all their other estates, but it's cozy enough to be a home.

Of course it's on par with what everyone expects from a wealthy multi-billionaire—a three-story penthouse with a hot spring, a separate pool and a wide area for intimate gatherings.

Everything is still smaller than their previous estates, which is good in Danica's eyes, including her room. Gives her an excuse not to invite anyone over.

Everything else in the house was… eclectic. Maximalist. A far cry from what she's used to, but she assumes it's because it really is now a personal space for her father and her, uniquely for them.

"I'm home!" She calls out, stepping out into the living room. She looks around the area, humming to herself as she heads into the room.

"Welcome home, Danica-san." She blinks and flashes a smile at their housekeeper. "Good evening, Etsuko-san. Is dinner ready?"

Etsuko nods, smiling at her, "Yes… I placed the tray in your room."

Danica slows in her tracks, sighing softly.

The first week, Danica had given the instruction that if her father wasn't expected home and past a certain time, she'd like to eat dinner alone in her room. It left the rest of the house underutilized but it was better than sitting there eating while the staff stands there at her beck and call. It may be improper but she knows better than to waste someone's time.

"Thank you, Etsuko. If you could, you and the housekeeping staff can retire for the night."

"Thank you, young mistress but we'll at least receive your father in case he arrives before midnight."

"Right…"

The door was left ajar to ensure the aroma doesn't stink up her room, but she's more than happy to take a whiff of the food. It smelled familiar, but wasn't quite there just yet. She smiles happily at the thought, closing her door and plopping down on her bed after putting her bag aside.

Setting her phone up by the vase on the tray, she tries to call Haruhi as she starts her meal.

"Danica!"

She instantly smiles when her cousin picks up, looking at awe at the sight of her for the first time in years.

"Haruhi-chan~ oh wow you look so cute!"

"I do? I don't feel cute—"

"Oh hush. I like the way your hair is styled."

"In that case you should thank the host club. Oh gosh, it's nice to finally see you after a long time… I don't go on social media, I mean I don't have any."

"If you did I would have added you a long time ago." She chuckles, taking a bite of her food.

"I'm sorry I couldn't contact you the last few weeks, with the hosts and everything. It's hard to plan anything when you have debt to pay…" Haruhi fiddles with her fingers as she watches Danica eat, "Don't you eat at the dinner table?"

"Father's not around, and if I ate at the table the staff would just watch me. So I told them to eat and retire for the night."

"Oh right… you have staff."

"A new staff. They're very nice." She hums. "I'd love to have you and Uncle Ranka over for dinner sometimes. Maybe even cook together like when our moms used to at New Years." She smiles softly.

"Oh I remember that. Then we'd go to the shrine out in the province."

"Yeah! Though, I don't remember much about rites anymore…" she scrunches her nose.

"Well if you stay here longer than usual maybe I could show you?"

"That'd be great. I'd like that. If the hosts don't drag you out, I mean."

Haruhi groans, "please I don't want to think about them, not on my off time." Danica laughs softly, covering her mouth a bit, "how are you holding up?"

"Thankfully nothing major is happening, it's only been a week since school started." Danica picks at her food a bit before looking up, "Oh! Speaking of, our school is heading out to Ouran for a cultural fest and I asked to come with them."

"What? Really?"

"I get to see you again! Hopefully. Even just sneak a peek." She chuckles. "If not, then it's just a networking moment."

Haruhi nods in agreement, "Surely… I don't know how that works yet but either way I'm sure you'll have a good time here."

"Is it because I'm rich, or?"

"... maybe?"

The two girls giggle as they continue to eat together and talk over the phone. Soon when she's done with her meal and Haruhi hangs up, Danica goes to wash her dish herself, hearing Etsuko receive her father at the door.

While Etsuko was well equipped to speak to her and her father, Alistair surprisingly had made the effort years ago to learn Japanese. There was still an American twang to his accent, but he was well spoken either way, to the relief of much of the staff. Alistair wasn't so picky with Japanese food either, it was as if he'd lived there for years.

Danica looks up when Etsuko escorts Alistair into the kitchen, the chef bowing next to Danica as he informs him of his menu for dinner.

"Sounds fantastic, Haruno-san. Thank you." he smiles at the chef warmly, before standing next to Danica, back pressed against the counter as he watches his daughter. "How was school, sweetie?"

She shrugs. "It was fine." She looks at him with a small smile. "I, uh, might see Haruhi much sooner than I thought. Some of the prestigious schools in affiliation here in the central region are having some sort of cultural art exchange? Lobelia is heading to Ouran, Haruhi's school."

"Ouran, huh?" he hums. "Y'know, the private investigator told me Haruhi went there, so I considered sending you there but your grandparents opposed."

Danica could imagine why, "... surely they weren't actually thinking about my connection with my mom when they sent me to Lobelia."

Her father frowns. "I…"

"Dad, it's all right." she shakes her hands, drying them off with a soft smile. "I'll find my way, eventually."

Alistair sighs but then pushes his tongue into his cheek, looking at her. "... Y'know, the dermatology department had an idea–it wasn't concrete, but when the Ceecee brought it up, I knew I had to try to get you on board."

Danica raises her brow, "Oh? I mean… it'd be nice–"

"And I know if you took part in it, you'll be able to grow it to a point your grandparents wouldn't oppose." he smiles.

"And what could that possibly be, dad?"