I woke to a soft warmth, the sound of Haruhi's alarm clock pulling me out of a restless sleep. She was still dozing despite the morning sunlight streaming into the room. Carefully I removed myself from our shared futon and snoozed the alarm, standing and putting on my uniform. Once dressed I went into the bathroom, carefully brushing my long locks up into a high ponytail and smoothing my bangs. After brushing my teeth and putting on deodorant, I began making breakfast.

Haruhi groggily stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes as she asked, "Aya, why didn't you wake me up?"

"We still have plenty of time. If you start getting ready now, breakfast will be done by the time you're dressed."

Haruhi was quiet, and as her footsteps sounded on the tatami I anticipated that she'd moved to the bathroom, but as her arms wrapped around me and her head rested on my back, I wondered what was wrong.

"Are you sure you want to be in the Host Club with me, Aya? You looked so sad." she asked, her voice soft and sympathetic.

I smiled to myself, popping open the rice cooker and fluffing the rice inside. "I'm sure, Haruhi. As long as you're with me, I'll be fine."

…

I found myself alone, Haruhi having wandered to the libraries I knew she would once again complain about being not only full but noisy. But, the scent of roses and the gentle April breeze was almost enough to make me forget my lonesome. Though I knew my brother and Kyoya would definitely welcome me, I couldn't bring myself to step foot into the second-year building.

"Mind if I sit with you?"

I snapped to attention, my eyes meeting those of a particularly average-looking student. His brown eyes stood out against his pale skin, his black hair pushed back by a bit of gel.

"No, go ahead." I replied, scooting a bit to the side.

The boy sat down, his arms stretching across the back of the bench. I folded my hands in my lap, discomfort most likely showing on my face as I noted the many empty benches surrounding me.

"I'm Nakamura Akihiko, second year. Who are you, a first year? Or a transfer student?"

I turned my face away from him, meekly replying, "I'm a first year. My name is Ayame Suoh."

"Oh, you're Suoh's little sister? Why weren't you at Ouran Middle with us?"

I pursed my lips, hoping I wouldn't have to say more, and by some miracle the class bell rang right as the silence grew to be uncomfortable. Nakamura stood and crouched before me, making it difficult to avoid his eyes.

"Ne, Suoh's little sister. Let's go on a date this weekend. Do you like udon? There's a killer shop not far from here run by my uncle."

"I'm sorry, I don't-"

Nakamura smiled, slight laughter escaping his lips. "It's not a serious date, just something casual. Here, let's trade emails."

He held up his cell phone, and as the warning bell sounded, I felt that if I wanted to get to class on time I had no other choice. Reluctantly I took out my own cell phone, and the ping alerting me of a new contact meant there was no going back.

"I'll shoot you an email later with the time and address. See you around, Suoh's little sister!" he said, finally standing and heading off in the direction of the second year building.

...

After school I returned to the clubroom with Haruhi, Hikaru, and Kaoru in tow. I settled myself on a loveseat, the buzz of my cellphone surprising me. When I checked, I was displeased to find that it was a message from Namakura Akihiko.

The subject line read 'Our Date' with a few emoticons, followed by a message playfully flirting with me and detailing the address of the udon place, and the time and date he wanted to meet there. I replied as simply as I could, thanking him for the details and saying I will arrive on time.

"Aya, can you help me rinse the teacups?" Haruhi called from the back of the room.

I snapped my phone closed and stood, making sure to shove the inconveniences to the back of my mind and focus all of my energy on Haruhi and the Club.

When guests started arriving, I resolved to routinely pour tea and serve slices of cake among the tables. Haruhi did the same, though she eventually stuck closer to the back to take care of dishes as they came. As usual the hours came and went, the last guests waving goodbye as I finished wiping down the last of the teacups.

Haruhi was sprawled out on one of the couches, staring up at the ceiling as she talked about her math homework. "Oh, Aya, you said you wanted to ask me about something?" she said, sitting up and looking at me.

I plopped down on the couch beside her. "I think I'm going to cut my hair short. I've been looking at an A-line bob, but my hair is wavy so I'd actually have to style it every morning." I said, leaning on Haruhi's shoulder as I scrolled through images of short haircuts.

"I think you'd look cute with short hair!" Honey said, sitting on the couch beside me. "I like this one!"

I pressed the image, looking at the messy, layered haircut. "Yeah, this one's nice."

Honey looked behind him, motioning for Mori to come over. "Ne, Takashi, wouldn't Aya-chan look cute with this haircut?"

Mori looked at my screen for a moment, nodding and replying with a firm, "Mmn."

"Oh, maybe Ayame would be cute with short hair." Hikaru said, appearing behind me and grabbing a chunk of my hair.

Kaoru appeared beside him, looking between my phone and my face several times. "It might be a nice change."

I pulled open my contacts list, scrolling for my stylist's contact as I said, "Alright, I'll book my appointment then."

It was them my phone was taken from my hands, lifted above my head and out of sight. Kyoya stood behind me and tucked my phone in the pocket of his blazer, acting as if he hadn't taken it at all.

"Kyo-kun, please give me my phone."

"Aya, I don't think you should cut your hair. What would Obaa-san say?" Tamaki said, sitting on the couch across from me.

I sighed and leaned back against Haruhi, hugging her arm. "I wish I could just hack it all off. Short hair is what's cute and trendy."

"You're plenty cute with your hair as it is. Don't cut it." Kyoya said as he leaned against the back of the couch.

My breath escaped me for a moment, and I buried my face into Haruhi's shoulder in an attempt to hide my flushed cheeks. "Kyo-kun, please. I still need to make a hair appointment."

"I figured. Your split ends are pretty noticeable." Kyoya replied, placing my phone back in my hand.

I didn't reply, but eventually moved from Haruhi's shoulder and re-opened my contacts list.

"If you're not cutting your hair, why do you need to go to the salon?" Haruhi asked, shifting a bit.

I paused, my finger hovering over the call icon. "I have a date. Nakamura Akihiko-san from class 2-A invited me out."

"Nakamura Akihiko-san!? Aya, you know-"

"That his father is not a good person, yes. But you of all people should know, Nii-san, that sons can differ quite greatly from their fathers." I replied, putting the phone to my ear. "Besides, isn't it time for me to start looking for someone to make Obaa-sama happy? Nakamura-san's father does hold a monopoly over the rail system, and his name would benefit the Suoh-"

"I forbid it." Tamaki said, snatching my phone and ending the call. "You are not allowed to spend even a single second more with him."

I rolled my eyes and stood, reaching for my phone that he so meanly held over his head. "Nii-san, please. Don't start this now."

Tamaki seemed to get offended by my words, his face contorting a bit. "Aya, I made up my mind. I will not allow you to go out with Nakamura Akihiko-san."

His height worked to his advantage and I was unable to retrieve my cell phone, but I wasn't going to back down that easily. "I hope you understand that cancelling a date immediately after accepting is not only rude, but will reflect badly on me. I would hate for Obaa-sama to find out that I cast even more shame on her precious family name."

"Aya…"

I snatched the phone from my brother's lowered hand, and headed for the door as I called over my shoulder, "See you tomorrow!"

…

A few days later I sat with my hands folded at the small, hole-in-the-wall udon shop. It was close to ten minutes after the arranged time, and though I hoped Nakamura Akihiko simply wouldn't show up, I figured I would wait until he told me he wouldn't be making it.

"You've got quite a sour look on your face, Young Lady."

I looked up, the middle-aged man speaking to me somewhat familiar. "Sorry. It's been kind of a long day."

"No need to apologize, unless you're still frowning after eating some udon! What's your name? Are you waiting for someone?" the man asked, turning to a wok and stir-frying another patron's noodles.

"My name is Ayame. I'm waiting for a senpai from my school."

"Oh! Are you on a date? Are you happy?"

I flipped open my phone, no messages popping up on my screen. "A date, yes, but I'm not quite happy as he's late."

"Suoh's little sister!"

I looked behind me, the covers of the Udon shop lifting to reveal Nakamura Akihiko's face.

"Sorry I'm late, I got held up at the station."

The shopkeeper turned to me, his eyes following Nakamura as he sat down. "Ayame-san, you're not on a date with my nephew, are you?"

"I am." I replied simply, putting my phone in my pocket.

The shopkeeper grabbed Nakamura by the collar, yelling, "You idiot! You got a girl that cute to go on a date with you, and you show up late? If you were my son I'd spank you!"

Nakamura held his hands up defensively, saying, "I really did get held up at the station! I'd never keep a lady waiting on purpose."

The shopkeeper released Nakamura, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at me. "Forgive my idiot nephew, Miss. As an apology, I'll make Aki pay for your udon."

"There's no need. Accidents happen, and there's no need to punish him for something out of his control." I replied, looking over the menu. "I'd like your Tanuki Udon Set, please. Nakamura-senpai, do you know what you'd like?"

"Oh, Ojisan, I want your Yaki Udon Set!" Nakamura exclaimed, smiling.

"Coming right up!"

Nakamura turned to me, saying, "So, Ayame-chan, we didn't have a chance to talk much earlier. How old are you? When's your birthday? What's your favorite color?"

"I'm fifteen years old, and I was born on February 17th. I'd say my favorite color is blue. What about you, Senpai?"

"I'm sixteen, born October 5th. My favorite color is green." he replied, resting his cheek on his palm. "You never answered my question from earlier. Why weren't you with us at Ouran Middle?"

I looked at my folded hands, figuring a partial truth was better than a lie. "I studied in America. I just came back a couple weeks ago."

"Oh! That means you must speak English well!"

"More or less." I replied. "I don't think I speak it well, but I don't have to repeat myself as much as I used to."

Nakamura and I made small talk as we waited for our ramen, his uncle throwing in a witty comment when he could. I found myself laughing by the time we received our ramen, and by the end of the date, I found my disdain for Nakamura had vanished.

"That was fun, Ayame-chan. Let's go to karaoke next time!" Nakamura said, walking beside me as we headed towards the station.

I waved my hand in front of my face, replying, "I don't want to make you go deaf, Senpai."

He smiled, pretending he wasn't laughing. "You're too cute to not sing well. We can invite other people too!"

"Like who? I don't think you'd enjoy my brother glaring at you for an hour." I asked.

"I have some friends I can ask." He looked at me, asking, "You don't have any friends in your grade?"

I laughed, replying, "My best friend isn't one for karaoke. The Hitachiin brothers might come, though."

"Oh, they're in the Host Club with your brother right? I forgot they were first years."

I scanned my transit card on the scanner, walking through the turnstile. "They're pretty popular, from what I can tell. The first year girls like them, and a couple upperclassmen think they're cute."

"Which direction are you going? I don't think your house is that far from-"

"The opposite direction, I'm sure." I said, cutting him off.

He paused, looking into the train packed with tired, working-class people. "There are only apartments that direction, unless you're on the train for an hour."

"Don't look too deep into it, Nakamura-senpai. I'll message you when I'm home."

An expression of worry showed on his face, his tone strangely soft as he asked, "Are you sure?"

I looked at him, my own face softening a bit. "I'm just like you, Nakamura-senpai. In the world of the elite, I'm an unfortunate but necessary acquaintance - an outcast." The train pulled into the station, my hair whipping behind my shoulders. "I was an outcast from day one, so I pity you. You knew what acceptance is like and lost it."

Nakamura grabbed my hand. "Let's go out again. I promise I'll show up on time."

I smiled, stepping back and facing him from inside the train. "Let's go on Saturday. We can go watch a movie or something."

"Yeah… Saturday is good."

The ding signaling the doors closing sounded, and I bowed my head. "Goodnight, Nakamura-senpai."

The doors closed, and I didn't hear his goodbye.

…

The next morning I stood outside Haruhi's house, leaning against a light pole as I waited for her. She was running a bit late, but just as I moved to knock on her door I saw her.

"Good morning, Aya." Haruhi said, adjusting her bangs as she stepped onto the sidewalk.

"Good morning. Did Chichioya like the breakfast I made yesterday? It was a little more savory than usual." I asked, following her as she began walking to the station.

She thought for a moment. "I think he liked it. I didn't get the chance to talk to him, but the dishes in the sink were pretty much scraped clean."

"Thank goodness. I was so worried when I was making it, but a little variety is nice."

We chatted a bit on our way to school, the subway ride passing by in the blink of an eye as I found myself before the school gates.

"I was thinking of stopping by the clubroom. Kyoya-senpai said we got some new tea sets delivered." Haruhi said, looking at me. "Do you want to come?"

"Ayame-chan!"

Both of us turned, watching as Nakamura climbed out of a car and waved to me.

He approached as the car pulled away, a smile on his face. "Sorry about yesterday. I know you said it's fine, but my uncle said he would disown me if I didn't properly apologize to you."

"Don't worry about it. Though I probably should thank your uncle for the entertainment." I replied. I looked at Haruhi, who was looking at me, and I said, "I'll meet you in the clubroom. We have some time before class starts."

She kept the puzzled look on her face, but still obliged. As she walked toward the campus, Nakamura spoke again.

"We should go again sometime! My uncle really likes you."

I smiled back at him. "We can go this Saturday before the movie, then. The udon was definitely good."

"I can pick you up. The subway must get expensive from that direction."

"No thank you." I said. "But I do appreciate the offer."

He smiled again, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "At least let me walk you to the clubroom, then."

"I won't stop you, but I have no power over anything my brother or Kyo-kun do to you." I replied, walking beside him.

"Ah, I forgot about them!" he exclaimed. "I can't avoid them in class. You should skip with me."

I laughed, replying, "That I will absolutely not do. I'd get skinned alive."

"Then eat lunch with me. If they beat me up you can take care of me."

"You should go to the nurse, not come find me." I said, stopping before the clubroom doors. "But sure, I'll eat lunch with you. The twins have stolen Haruhi from me lately, so I've been eating alone."

He ran his hand through his hair, glancing at the door. "Can I meet you at your classroom? I feel like your brother and Ootori-san would murder me if you showed up at ours."

"Sure, I'll wait for you. I'm not sharing my bento box with you, though."

"How mean!"

We both laughed, and once his footsteps disappeared down the steps I opened the door.

"Oh, Aya!" Haruhi exclaimed, looking up from a tea set. "I was just about to message you."

I sat down beside her, admiring the tea set she was holding. "Sorry. Nakamura-senpai likes to talk a lot."

The mention of his name seemed to pique the interest of the other members, and the twins approached us.

"You went on a date with him, didn't you?" Hikaru asked, picking up a teacup.

"How was it?" Kaoru added, leaning on his brother's shoulder.

I reclined on the sofa, sighing. "We went to his uncle's udon shop. The udon is good, but Nakamura-senpai is a little persistent."

"Persistent?" Haruhi echoed, confused.

"He just messages me a lot. I'm not used to having a lot of notifications."

My brother's hand petted my hair, and he looked at me with a sincerity I hadn't seen in a long time. "You don't have to go along with him. If you don't want to go, you don't have to."

"You're imagining things, Nii-san. It's actually quite nice having someone pay attention to me, even if he's not serious about it." I said. "This little romance game we're playing is the closest I'll get to the real thing, so I'm actually quite enjoying myself."

The class bell rang, and I stood from the loveseat.

"Ayame, wait." my brother said, grabbing my arm. "You don't really think that, do you?"

I couldn't look at him. "I'm not spending time with Nakamura-senpai out of self-pity. I do truly enjoy the attention, and the time that I spend with him." I stepped forward, out of his grasp. "It isn't because of Obaa-sama either."

"I just don't want you to get hurt." Tamaki said.

"Trust me, Nii-san. I won't grow too attached to him." I replied, looking back at him and offering a smile before heading to class.