"Where did you get that?".

Those were the first words that came out of Mom's mouth upon seeing Phonex, her eyebrows we're scrunched up together, a frown on her lips, she didn't look too happy that I got a pet. Mother on the other hand, was ecstatic upon seeing the beautiful bird in the cage.

"Marvelous! This is good, Hemalyn. This can help you!" Mother told me with glee. Vani nodded in agreement, "That is what I said when I suggested the idea! I heard that animals are good therapy for people." She stated, a grin on her face. Mom stared at the bird, not seeing eye to eye with the two animal lovers. At least I didn't get a big rowdy dog.

I sat the cage down on the coffee table, watching Vani close the door fully so Phonex didn't fly out into the rooms of the mansion, never to be seen again.

I opened up the cage, Phone staring at me with a titled head. I moved out of his line of sight, letting him explore.

Mother lightly jumped, giddiness filling her.

"How much was the bird?" Mom asked me, cocking an eyebrow.

"I don't know, Vani took care of all there and gave me supplies to start with. She has a bird of her own so... She already knows what to do." I stated, my voice quiet as I felt slightly intimidated by the taller woman. Mom sighed heavily, looking down at the carrier crate Vani had placed down on the ground.

"And that?"

"She is mine Mrs. Alderain, she is asleep right now and hopefully until I head back home." Vani answered her. Phonex let out a small scream, his eyes looking all over the place. He seemed curious, but also unsure of himself to get out of the cage he had become so accustomed to.

Vani knelt down, making a popping noise with her mouth, that stayed close, as she beckoned it to come forward. Phonex seemed to slightly back away, afraid of Vani. Vani suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me down beside her. Phonex slowly inched his way towards us, peering at us with a hunched back, his talons grabbing hold of the edge of the cage.

Vani stopped her popping, getting up from her spot and moving away. I looked to her, not knowing what to do. She gestured to her other hand, holding it as if there was something on it. I understood what she meant, and held out my left hand to Phonex, so if he wanted to exit the cage, he would have to climb on.

"What is she doing?" Mom asked, not knowing what was going on.

"Gaining trust. If Phonex wants to get out of the cage, he will have to get on Hemalyn's hand." Vani explained, her voice quiet as to not startle Phonex. She knew more about caring for a bird than me, so her help and advice was much appreciated. 'Reminder... Look up things on the Internet for caring for a bird...' I told myself.

Slowly, Phonex pushed his head out of the opening of the cage, staring at my hand thoughtfully. He went to put his foot down, but stopped in mid air, unsure if it was safe. I hummed softly, calming his and I's nerves. With a deep of faith, he walked onto my hand. I smiled, feeling relief wash over me. Progress.

---

I sat in the classroom during free time between classes, the teacher was apparently caught up and would be a while until they could get here.

Vani relished in the fact that the teacher was late, sitting on her desk as she ate a snack food that she snuck into the classroom. I furrowed my brows down at the math problem, why could I not get the hang of this? It is just Algebra! I crossed out the problem, giving up- I am screwed if this problem magically showed up on the test coming up and would be the breaker of getting a good grade and a bad grade. I blew my ginger bangs out of my eyes, feeling frustrated with myself. I looked to Vani, pondering if I should ask her for help, but from the looks of it, she was more engrossed in snacking before lunch.

I saw a shadow look over me but I ignored it, trying to focus- but of course, the shadow decided to speak.

"What are you doing?" The voice of Tamaki Suoh broke through. I slightly stiffened, realizing he was reading what was on the paper- The paper that was filled with math problems and equations. Which are most likely than not to be wrong in so many ways.

Instead of hearing a snide remark of how much I sucked at the subject, he stayed silent, awaiting for my answer.

"Uhh... Practicing?" I answered awkwardly. He nodded, going around me so we could be face to face, leaning against the desk in front of me that was unoccupied.

"Do we have a test coming up?" He questioned. I nodded, why was he talking to me?

Vani took notice of Tamaki, smirking wickedly as she threw a cheeto up in the air and caught it in her mouth.

"If you are worrying about the test, don't. Because I find that worrying makes you do worse than you usually do when you aren't worried." He told me in philosophy, his words and voice calming my anxiety slightly. I nodded, "Thanks, and... Don't worry about it too." I told him. He smiled softly like a prince would in a fairy tale.

"How is your bird doing?" He asked after a short while of silence, trying to find small talk starters.

"He is doing fine. Vani told me that it will take him a while to fully trust me." I informed, messing with my pencil, twirling it around in my fingers absentmindedly.

"What is his name?"

"Phonex." He nodded in approval, humming as he tapped his fingers against his upper leg.

"So... Er-" He tousled his hair around in a swooping motion nervously, biting his lip as he looked away, his ears tinting pink.

"What are you doing after school?" Vani's smirk widened, as if realizing what he was speaking about.

"I was-"

"Oh yeah, I have to go to a birthday party after school- Forgot to tell you that." Vani stated quickly, disregarding the plans that we made. I shrugged, deciding that I was free. I will ask her later.

"I guess I'm free, why?"

"There is no Host Club today, so how about we go somewhere..." He trailed off his eyes shifting to somewhere else. I went to turn around to see where he was looking but was caught off guard by him blurting out a location. "Ferris! Uh, Festival!" I stared up at him, confused.

"Huh?" He went red in the face, his embarrassment showing.

"The Festival! W-We can go watch fireworks and-and do stuff!"

"Sure...?" He nodded frantically, the teacher entered the room, saving him.

"Everyone to their seats so I can take attendance!" Tamaki scurried back over to his seat, the English teacher laying his stuff down on the desk.

I looked back to where Tamaki sat, seeing him hold his head in his hands while Kyoya smirked smugly at him, whispering something that I couldn't hear. Vani wiped cheeto dust off of her mouth, giggling quietly.

"Okay... That shit was funny to witness..." She whispered to herself, intending for me to hear it.

To Be continued