For the rest of the day, I worked on the song/poem with Bonnie, May, Iris, Dawn, and Kenny. While I was writing, Bonnie ordered a construction company to fix my ceiling the next day. It took a couple of hours before I thought of all of the lyrics and ultimately wrote a final draft on my father's typewriter. After that, we went back up to Dawn's dorm with the ladder, where May started writing the song with my lyrics while Dawn ordered pizza for us. The six of us talked and I got to know everyone better while we worked and I began to be more comfortable around the five of them. Before the day was out, I found myself with the first five friends I've ever had.

The next day, we all got together and looked over our work during breakfast at one of the school cafeterias before we went to go see Sonia in her office. We gave her a copy of the song and explained our plan to her while she read it.

"So, what do you think, Sonia?" Bonnie asked excitedly.

Sonia hummed in thought and said, "I would be remiss if I didn't say it's a sketchy idea. That much being said, your poem or song or whichever is very good, Serena, so that might impress Satoshi and Jessie. All that to say, I personally would try anything to convince the board to give my students a theater."

"So you'll help us with our plan?" Dawn asked, hopefully.

Sonia smiled warmly and said, "You bet. In fact, I think I know exactly how I can help you."

"Really? How?" May asked.

"Simple. I can arrange an appointment for the night of the ball so that you can meet Satoshi after the dance at the clock tower," Sonia explained.

Bonnie, May, Dawn, Kenny, and Iris' eyes widened in excitement while I looked at Sonia confused.

"That would be perfect!" Kenny said.

"Excuse me, but why would I be meeting Satoshi up in the clock tower?" I asked.

"Because Satoshi's private chamber where he hosts his clients is just below the clock itself," Sonia explained. "You won't find a better place where the two of you can be alone, and you can tell your poem to him. Though you better be careful. Satoshi could distract you with his charms."

"I am aware of that," I said. "May, Dawn, and Iris have been teaching me everything I should expect when interacting with hosts like Satoshi."

Sonia smiled approvingly and said, "Good. Then I suggest you six get ready for the ball and leave making the appointment to me."

We smiled and nodded, feeling optimistic until May gasps in realization.

"Wait a minute. Serena, do you have a dress for the ball?" She asked.

My smile disappeared, and everyone turned to me.

"Uh...no, I don't," I answered. "I don't even have my dresses for school finished yet."

Everyone looked at each other in shock before Dawn said, "Why didn't we think about this earlier?!"

"I guess we got so worked up about Serena's poem and everything else that we didn't think about what to wear," May said, scratching her cheek sheepishly.

"Well, we gotta get a ball gown for Serena," Bonnie protested. "We need a dress that will make Serena look her best for when she meets Satoshi."

I gave an uneasy chuckle and asked May, Dawn, and Iris, "I don't suppose either of you have a dress to spare?"

The three of them shook their heads, and Dawn said, "I just have the one I'm going to wear."

"Me too," May said.

"Same here," Iris said.

"What about that guy, Harley, who makes dresses?" Kenny asked. "Maybe he could help?"

Sonia, Dawn, Iris, May, and Bonnie looked at Kenny as if he said something weird.

"Kenny, Harley only cares himself," Sonia said. "He has no reason to give us any of his dresses just for the slight chance that we might get our theater. There would be nothing in it for him."

Kenny frowned, seeing Sonia's point. The seven of us grew disheartened until I remembered something that Martha, the maid, said when she took me to get my measurements from Harley.

"Wait a minute, doesn't Harley come from a family of costume designers and dressmakers?" I asked.

Everyone looked at me, confused and Sonia said, "Yeah, why?"

"Well, aren't we going to need someone to design and make costumes if we get our play?" I asked.

Dawn's eyes widened, and she smiled brightly, saying, "I get what you're saying. We could make a deal for Harley to make a dress for you in exchange for being making costumes for Spectacular, Spectacular, where everyone can see his work."

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking," I said.

"What a great idea, Serena," May said.

Kenny turned to Sonia and asked, "Do you think that would work?"

Sonia hummed thoughtfully again and said, "It's still a long shot, but if it works, we can kill two birds with one stone."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Iris asked. "Let's get a dress for Serena, the sooner the better."

"I agree," Sonia said, standing up. "In fact, I'll go talk to Harley with you. He might be more likely to hear us out with the head of one of the programs is with you."

"Yay!" Bonnie said cheerfully. "Then let's go!"

********************************************************************************************

Before long, we were back in the main building and taking the elevator up to Harley's workshop. When we went inside, Harley's workers are working hard on making dresses for new students just like they were yesterday. The purple-haired man himself is working on a different outfit, smiling as if he's making a beautiful painting. Sonia cleared her throat to catch his attention, and he groaned, irritated that his moment is disturbed before turning to us.

"What do you want?" He snarled before noticing me. "And what is she doing here in another hideous outfit?"

I kept myself from giving him another hard glare for insulting my clothes while Sonia stepped in with a friendly smile.

"Harley, it's been far too long," she greeted. "And might I add that that dress your making is exquisite?"

Harley looked at Sonia suspiciously and said, "Save the pleasantries and tell me what you want already."

Sonia cleared her throat and said, "Well, some of my students and I are here for your help, and we're willing to make a deal."

Harley frowned and said, "Please don't tell me all of your students here need a suit and dresses for the ball."

"Nope, just Serena," Dawn said, pointing at me.

Harley rolled her eyes and said, "Well, that's just too bad, hun, because I'm not interested. I could care less about what you want to help your commoner friend."

"We thought you might say that," Bonnie said with a cunning grin. "That's why you'll like the deal we're offering: one where your work will be seen and beloved by so many of the wealthiest people in the world."

Harley raised his eyebrow and debated if he wanted to hear us out in his mind.

"Go on," he said.

May smirked a said, "You see, we don't need the dress simply so that Serena has one for the ball. We also need it because we're making an arrangement so that she meets Satoshi in his private chambers after the ball."

"And she's hoping to show him some of her work as a writer," Dawn adds. "He will like her work so much that he will insist to Jesse that the school board makes a theater for us so that we can create our very first play for all of the students in Galar Academy and their rich parents to see."

"And if we succeed, we're going to need someone who can design and make costumes," Kenny said. "Someone creative and passionate who would love to see his work for everyone if high class."

Harley thought about our proposal and said, "That's all well and interesting. I know as well as anyone that you've been trying to get your cute little theater ever since your department was created. But how can you guarantee that you will work this time?"

"We don't," Sonia said plainly. "We're all taking a chance to achieve our goal. Personally, though, I think you're getting the better end of the deal."

"How so?" Harley asked.

"Because either way, the entire school is going to see me in one of your dresses and look in awe," I said in a matter-of-factly tone. "If I appear in one of your best dresses at the ball and people see me go to the clock tower is Satoshi after the ball, everyone will talk about it and will want to compliment you on your work. Of course, we will be sure to tell every person who compliments me on the dress that you're the one who made it. So if we fail, you still benefit from helping us."

Harley stared at me for a moment before he looked away and scratched his chin in thought. After a minute, he smirked and turned to us.

"You drive a hard bargain," he compliments. "Very well, I'll help you."

Bonnie, Iris, Dawn, Kenny, May, and I looked at each other, smiling while Sonia gave Harley a small smile.

"Thank you, Harley," she said.

"Save your thanks until after the ball," Harley replied before he walked over to me and grabbed my hand. "Now, let's see what I can do for you, commoner."

"My name is Serena," I said with a frown.

"Whatever," Harley said uncaringly as he dragged me all the way to a fitting room on the other side of the workshop. "Just get in, and I'll think of a dress for you to wear."

I quietly obeyed while still bitter about his rude attitude. I waited for a couple of minutes inside the fitting room until Harley opened the door and handed me a green and yellow dress.

"Here, try this one," he said before closing the door.

I looked at the dress skeptically, not impressed with the color or the design, but I reluctantly put it on out of respect for the man who is helping out my friends and me. I come out of the fitting room where Harley, Sonia, Bonnie, Iris, Dawn, Kenny, and May were waiting for me. Harley looked happy to see me in the dress while everyone else was repulsed.

"That looks horrible!" Dawn exclaimed.

"What?!" Harley shouted, appalled. "This one of my greatest frocks!"

"I'm sure it is, Harley, but it doesn't...look good for Serena," Sonia said, trying to be polite.

"Sorry, Harley, but I have to agree," I said.

Harley frowned and said, "Fine, take that one off, and I'll find another one."

I nodded and went back to the fitting room, where I was all too eager to take off the dress. Harley opened the door slightly to hand another dress to me without looking. This one was a long black dress with a pink streak at the center of the skirt. I raised my eyebrow before I put it on and came out to show everyone else.

"Hmmm. It looks better," Kenny said. "It has a unique color pattern."

"I agree," May said. "But it doesn't quite look right."

Harley groaned childishly and asked, "Well, don't see any of you have any other ideas."

Everyone was silent, reluctantly admitting that they don't have any suggestions. I frowned and looked at the dress I'm wearing before I spoke up.

"Do you have anything that has more red and pink?" I asked Harley. "I think those are more my colors."

Harley frowned and thought about it for a moment.

"I might have something," he said. "I wouldn't call it one of my best, but if that's what you want, it might have to do."

I smiled and said, "Okay, then let's try that one."

I went back to the fitting room and took off the second dress and waited until Harley slightly opened the door to hand me the third one. I looked at it and smiled brightly with my mouth closed, instantly loving the mixture of pink and red with tiny sections of white and black all over the gown. I quickly put it on and came out of the fitting room where Sonia, Dawn, Bonnie, Iris, and May instantly gasped in happiness.

"Oh, you look so beautiful in that," Dawn cooed.

"Now, that's what I call a dress!" Bonnie said cheerfully.

"I'm not big into dresses, but even I gotta admit you look really nice," Kenny said with a smile.

I smiled at my friends before I turned to Harley and said, "I love it."

Harley looked at me as if I said something weird before he waved his hand and said, "Whatever floats your boat, hun. Just don't forget to tell everyone that I made that dress."

"I won't. I promise," I said assuringly.

Harley gave me a brief nod, satisfied with my answer. Sonia walked over to me and clasped my hands together with her hands.

"You're going to be great, Serena," she said encouragingly. "I'm going to make sure you get your appointment with Satoshi."

"Great. Thank you," I said.

Sonia smiled and nodded before she said, "Well, I better get going. The appointment isn't going to make itself, and you all need to get ready for the ball. See you later, everyone!"

"Bye, Sonia!" Everyone but Harley called out as the head of our department left our workshop.

Once Sonia is gone, I went into the fitting room and changed back into my normal clothes before putting the dresses in their hangers and exit the room one final time to give Harley the first two dresses.

"Now, you better take good care of that dress," he warned. "I expect it to still be in great condition when you give it back."

"Don't worry. I will treat it with great care," I promised.

"I'll hold you to that," Harley said, unconvinced. "Now, kindly leave my shop. I'll be waiting for to bring the dress back after the ball."

Without another word, Dawn, Bonnie, Kenny, Iris, Kenny, and I left Harley's workshop and started heading to the elevator. Bonnie pressed the button to the elevator and we waited for the doors to open until Iris lets out a gasp.

"Wait a minute. Do you know how to dance, Serena?" She asked.

Everyone else looked at me worriedly as if we suddenly have another serious problem, but I chuckled and gave my friends a comforting smile.

"I do, actually," I said. "My father taught me how to dance."

They all sighed in relief, and May said, "Thank goodness. I was worried that you need to be taught over the next few days."

"No kidding," Bonnie said. "And that gives us more time for Serena to practice saying her poem to Satoshi."

I chuckled again, amused by their demeanor before the elevator doors opened, and we all went in to head back to our dormitory.

***********************************************************************************

For the next few days, Dawn, Bonnie, Iris, Kenny, May, and I went over our plan multiple times as the Beginning of the School Year ball grew closer. I went through my song multiple times until I memorized it by heart. Finally, on the night of the ball, Dawn, Bonnie, Iris, May, and I when two are dorms to put on our dresses while Kenny went to his dorm to put on a nice, aqua-colored suit. We met at the entrance to the main building before we went in together.

Inside there were dozens of students walking down the hall with the girls dressed in all sorts of dresses in various colors. We followed them all the way to the other side of the building, where there was an enormous ballroom. There were at least a dozen shining chandeliers hanging above the ceiling and on the other side of the ballroom is a large staircase leading to a large doorway that is covered by a red curtain. I looked at everything in awe before Iris grabbed my hand to gain my attention.

"Serena, let me introduce you to my boyfriend, Cilan," she said

I smiled and nodded before she dragged me to the left side of the ballroom with the rest of our group, following behind where an orchestra was setting up. In front of the orchestra was a guy with green hair wearing black pants, a white buttoned shirt and a black vest placing a music book and a baton on a stand. Iris smiled brightly at the sight of him as if she was looking at the most amazing thing on earth.

"Honey!" she called out.

The boy named Cilan turned to us and smiled with his mouth opened as we walked over to Iris and gave her a tender kiss with his hands on her cheeks. Iris let out a soft moan before they parted at looked at each other with loving eyes.

"You look beautiful," Cilan said.

"And you look very distinguished," Iris replied before turning to me. "I'd like you to meet my new friend, Serena."

Cilan turned to me and said, "Ah, so you, the writer who's going to help us get our theater."

"That's right," I replied.

"Well, on behalf of the entire orchestra, I thank you for your help," Cilan said. "We've been dreaming of a place where we can perform concerts for the longest time, so we'll be praying that you will succeed."

"Thank you. I'll do my best," I promise.

"We're counting on it," Andy said, approaching us from behind with a smile.

"Oh, hi, Andy," I greeted. "Is Octavia with you?"

"No, she's in the orchestra," he answered, pointing to Octavia, who is sitting in the front row if the orchestra in a red dress. "Since I can't dance with my lady, I'm just here for support and to watch her play throughout the entire ball."

I frowned and said, "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Andy assured. "I'm just happy to watch her do what she loves, and she's glad I'm here. That's good enough for the both of us."

My frown turned into a small smile, glad that Andy is okay that he won't be able to dance with his girlfriend. Iris and Cilan also smiled at Andy before the latter turned to me.

"So Iris and the others told you how to handle yourself when you meet with Satoshi?" He asked.

I nodded and said, "I plan to be on my guard the whole time I'm meeting with him."

"Good. Though one friendly advice from me would be to keep away from the other hosts," Cilan said, seriously. "Some of them are okay like Drew and Bonnie's brother, Clemont, but keep away from the others. They're not your friends, and they're not here because they're genuinely interested in you in a romantic way. They're here to sweep girls off their feet with their looks and their personalities because that's their job."

"Understood," I said. "So, I should keep away from the dance floor until I get to meet Satoshi?"

"That might be the best idea," Kenny said. "In fact, since I'm not planning to dance either, how about you and I stand beside the orchestra while we watch everyone dance? Maybe that way, all of the other hosts will think I'm your date."

"Good idea, Kenny," Dawn complimented. "I'd really appreciate it if you do that while we dance."

"Yeah, Bonnie and I won't be dancing either, but I think the hosts will get that impression if a guy is standing next to her." Iris said.

"I agree," Bonnie said.

"Me too," May said.

Kenny smiled, looking at Dawn as if her opinion mattered more than the others. Then he turned me and gave me a bow like a gentleman.

"What do you say, madam? May I be your date for a little while?" He asked.

I giggled before I did a curtsey and said, "I would be delighted, good sir."

The rest of the girls giggled at us while Cilan gave a small chuckle. Suddenly, the lights went out, and everyone gasped in alarm because they couldn't see anything. Then a set of spotlights turned on and shined at the large doorway where the red curtain is lifted up to reveal a woman with magenta hair entering the ball from the top of the steps. She was wearing a dark blue dress and giving a proud, condescending look as if we are all servants willing to do her bidding. Soon after, two rows of tall, handsome boys entered the room on opposite sides of the woman and walk down the stairway until they are all standing on the steps. Every girl who didn't have a date was screaming at the top of their lungs like they were in a concert for their favorite band at the sight of the boys. Even Dawn and May were squealing in excitement.

"There's Paul!" Dawn shouts, pointing at the purple-haired boy standing halfway down the stairway on the left with a cold look. "Oh, he looks so handsome!"

Kenny winced at Dawn's praise as if she slapped him hard in the face. I looked at him curiously while May spoke.

"And Drew looks so amazing!" She squealed. "Oh, I want to dance the night away to make up for lost time from summer break!"

I was still uneasy about the way two of my new friends were acting over boys who are just playing roles for their amusement.

"And there's my big brother as bashful as ever," Bonnie shouted.

I turned to where Bonnie is pointing and saw a boy with the same yellow hair as hers wearing round glasses. He was standing in one of the bottom steps of the staircase and was trying to hide the fact that he was extremely shy with a fragile grin.

The woman with the magenta hair then clapped her hands loudly, making all of the girls stop screaming. The ballroom is silent for a moment before the woman clears her throat.

"Greetings, my little lambs. It is good to see you all once again!" She said. "For those of you who are new here, I am Jessie, manager of the host club. On behalf of my hosts, I bid you welcome to the Beginning of the School Year ball."

We all applauded until Jessie lifted her hand for silence.

"As always, my host club is here for your entertainment," she said. "So for those of you lovely ladies who don't have dates, I invite you all to dance with my hosts to my heart's content."

Many of the girls, including May and Dawn, scream in excitement again. Jessie grinned, pleased that so many students desire to do exactly what she wants. She then raised her hand again and the ballroom was once again silent.

"Let the ball begin," she declared.

With that, Cilan gave Iris a quick kiss on the cheek before walking over to his music stand and picking up his baton. Andy blew Octavia a quick kiss for luck that she returned it before she, Cilan, and the rest of the orchestra opened their music books. Once they were ready, Cilan tapped his baton against his stand and waits for a second before waving his arms and the orchestra started to play.

As soon as the music began, the hosts walked to the bottom of the stairway and May, Dawn, and many of the other girls rushed towards them. It took a minute before the hosts all chose who to dance with first and so they escorted half of the girls to the dance floor and began to waltz with them. The girls who weren't chosen to dance with the hosts first, including May and Dawn, glared at the other girls in jealousy as if they were watching someone dance with their real-life boyfriends. The rest of the girls started dancing with their dates.

As I stood next to Kenny, I watched the hosts dance with their partners with an uneasy look on my face. Most of the hosts were giving the girls flirtatious looks as they smoothly step and slide to the rhythm of the music. The rest of the hosts, on the other hand, treat their dance partners differently depending on their personalities. Drew had his head up high like he owns the place, not even looking at his partner. Clemont looked down on the floor, looking scared that he was going to step on his partner's toes, which she thought was adorable. But Paul just looked away from his partners coldly, looking like he wanted to get the dance over with. His partner gave him a dreamy look as if she wants to soften his heart just like Dawn.

Every now and then, the hosts will spin, dip, or lift their dance partners into the air, and the girls squealed or swooned in excitement like they're on cloud nine. I frowned at the way they were enjoying themselves because nothing that they were doing was real. The hosts were just doing their jobs to amuse their dance partners while the girls gave in to the imagination that they were in a sincere relationship with some of the most handsome boys they have ever seen. Everything that they were experiencing was so empty and it disturbed me that they were enjoying it. I turned to where Bonnie and Iris were, and Bonnie was amused with her brother's bashfulness while Iris was watching Cilan instruct the orchestra with a loving smile. I turned to Kenny who was as uneasy as I am with his eyes fixed on Dawn who was looking restless for her chance to dance with Paul.

Just then, I felt a tap on my left shoulder, and I turned my head to see a host with black hair that reached to his shoulders and grey eyes. I instantly felt uncomfortable as he looked at me with a coquettish look on his face.

"Excuse me, but I couldn't help but notice that a ravishing hottie like yourself isn't joining in the festivities," he said. "Perhaps you would care to dance so that I can stare into your pretty eyes?"

I frowned at him disapprovingly and plainly said, "No, thank you."

"Oh, come now, I know you want to," he protested in a playful tone.

"No, I don't, and I am not interested in dancing with you," I said seriously.

But the guy just smirked, thinking I was playing hard to get and grabbed my hand.

"Now that's not very nice," he said. "Surely just one song wouldn't be so -"

"Hey, knock it off, Calem," Kenny says, stepping between the guy named Calem and me. "She said she's not interested. And besides, she's my date."

Calem looked at Kenny for a moment before he laughed loudly while still holding my hand.

"She's your date? That's rich," He said mockingly. "Everyone on the campus knows that you're dying to get with Dawn except for Dawn herself. If you can't get her to look away from Paul, what right do you have to have a hottie like this girl as your date?"

Kenny winced, visibly hurt by Calem's words. My eyes widened, finally realizing why Kenny has been down every time Dawn has been fawning over Paul. Calem laughed mockingly at Kenny and I grew angry at the way he was treating my friend. Before Calem knew it, I slapped him in the face so hard that he let out a high-pitched yelp as he let go of my hand and moved a few steps back.

"That's enough!" I barked. "I said no, and I mean no! I don't care what you think about my friend or me! I'm not interested in you and he really is my date tonight! Now back off and don't bother us again!"

For ten seconds, neither of us said a word. Then Calem scoffed and adjusted his suit before walking away to find a clueless girl to dance with like nothing happened. I sighed, relieved that he left before turning to Kenny, who gave me an appreciative look.

"Thanks," he said.

"Of course. I wasn't going to let him treat you like that," I said with a kind smile. "Though the way you talked to him, it sounds like you know him well."

Kenny frowned and said, "Actually, I know more of him than know him personally. His full name is Calem Xavier. He's the son of Duke Xavier, one of the most highly regarded dukes in Galar's royal court. Many girls who regularly go to the host club after school make appointments with Calem, in particular, just as a means to try to woo him into becoming his girlfriend. Though a lot of them chose Calem because they are unable to get an appointment with Satoshi."

I looked at Kenny, confused, and asked, "What is it about this Satoshi that makes him more popular than a guy who is the son of a powerful duke?"

"Simply put, Satoshi is more handsome, charming, and beloved," Kenny answered. "Calem has his loyal clients who adore him for his father's status and his own looks and charm, but when comparing to the two of them, Calem is only second rate. A diet Satoshi if you will. Because of that, Calem has always hated Satoshi for being more popular than him and typically having appointments with the most beautiful and high class of all of the host club's clients."

"I see," I said.

We went back to watching people dance where by noethe hosts have switched partners with May and Dawn getting their chance to dance with Drew and Paul, respectively. I frowned at the sight of Dawn blissfully dancing with Paul and turned to Kenny, who is looking depressed.

"So...was Calem right about how you feel about Dawn?" I asked.

Kenny sighed glumly before turning to me.

"I've known Dawn since we were in preschool," he said. "At first, I thought of her as just my best friend that I liked to tease a lot, but as we got older, I started to realize that I wanted to be more than that. But by the time I fully accepted it, Paul got into the picture and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. It was all too clear that she wanted someone less...friendly."

"I'm sorry," I said.

Kenny smiled, appreciative of my sympathy, and said, "It's alright. I've accepted that she wouldn't return my feelings. I'm sure it won't hurt anymore one day."

I frowned sadly, wishing there was something I could do to help Kenny with his dilemma. The thought of loving someone who doesn't love you back made my heartache. My thoughts were interrupted, however, when I felt someone placed their hand on my right shoulder and I turned to see Sonia smiling at me in a back dress.

"Hey, Serena. Are you enjoying the ball?" She asked.

I gave her a friendly smile and said, "I guess. Honestly, I'm just standing here with Kenny as my date so that the other hosts won't offer to dance with me."

"Good idea. That will help you stand out when Satoshi gets here to meet you," Sonia said. "Speaking of which, I've made the appointment with Jessie's secretary for you to see Satoshi alone in the clock tower."

"Awesome," Kenny said with a smile. "Our plan is in motion."

"Yay!" Bonnie said cheerfully as she walks over to us, having overheard Sonia. "I can't wait until they announce that they're going to make our theater!"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Bonnie," Sonia said with a chuckle. "Serena hasn't even met Satoshi yet, and there's no guarantee that this will work."

"It's going to work," Bonnie said confidently. "Satoshi's going to love Serena's poem to death. Right, Serena?"

"Uh...yes?" I answered, unsure.

Sonia noticed my unease and patted my shoulder.

"Don't worry, Serena," she said comfortingly. "Just do your very best. We can ask no more than that from you."

I gave her a smile, appreciative of her words.

********************************************************************

For a couple of hours, the ball went on with everyone dancing except for Sonia, Iris, Bonnie, Kenny, Andy, and me. Dawn, May, and the other girls kept taking turns dancing with the hosts. The rest of the girls danced with their dates, happy with the boys they were dancing with. I've been waiting for Satoshi to appear so that I can get on with the plan. I rehearsed the poem in my head hundreds of times as I watched girls dance with the same hosts again and again

Finally, the music ended, and Jessie clapped her hands again for her attention.

"I hope you are all enjoying yourselves, my dear little lambs," she said. "But before we bring the festivities to a close, I would like to announce the moment many of you lovely ladies have been waiting for."

Many of the girls on the dance floor gasp and look at each other in excitement. The hosts, save for Paul and Calem, chuckle in amusement, knowing exactly what's going to happen.

"On this special night, the Prince of Galar himself is going to dance with one of you lovely ladies," Jessie continues. "Who will be the lucky girl to be the belle of the ball? We won't find out just standing in anticipation, so let's bring him over! For your entertainment, ladies, I give you the one, the only Satoshi!"

The curtains behind Jessie rose up again, and the girls let out ear-piercing screams that made me, Sonia, Bonnie, Kenny, Iris, Andy, and the entire orchestra cover their ears. Some of the girls jumped up and down like little children or shed tears of joy as if they were looking at The Lord himself. I clenched my teeth, annoyed until my look of irritation faded away at the sight of the person entering the room.

Standing next to Jessie was a tall boy wearing a deep blue suit. He had messy raven hair, z-marks on his cheeks, and hazel brown eyes. He was waving at the crowd with a bright smile as if everyone in the ballroom were dear to him. I couldn't help but stare at him with my mouth agape, realizing that everything my friends told me about his looks was true. He was the most stunning boy I have ever seen in my life.

"That's Satoshi?" I manage to say with my eyes still fixed on him.

Sonia chuckled, noticing my state of awe.

"Yeah, he's a good-looking guy, isn't he?" She said.

After a minute of Satoshi waving, he raised his hand for silence and cleared his throat.

"Hello, my dears," he greeted. "Three months of summer break is too long to be apart, and yet it is worth it to see all of your precious faces again."

The girls giggled and blushed as if he was talking to them individually.

"Having said that, it breaks my heart to know that I can only dance with one you during the last song on this beautiful night," Satoshi said. "But I hope to get a chance to be with all of you throughout the school year."

With that, Satoshi started looking at all of the girls who raised their hands and begged to be chosen. I looked at him, confused before turning to Sonia.

"I thought I'm his appointment tonight," I said.

"You are," Sonia said assuringly. "He probably is only pretending to be thinking before he sees you and picks you to be his dance partner."

I frowned and said, "I see. So what he's doing is for show to try to impress his client tonight, meaning me."

"Something like that," Sonia said.

"Hey, you!"

Sonia, Kenny, Bonnie, Iris, Andy, and I turned to our right to see an annoyed girl with short blue hair and orange eyes glaring at us. It took a moment before I realized that she was wearing a dress with the same colors as mine but has a different design. She stormed towards me until we were inches apart, making me uncomfortable.

"How dare you wear the same colored dress as me!" she growled.

I stared at her, unable to believe she was making a fuss over our dresses.

"Excuse me, but I just happened to like the same colors," I countered. "We don't even have the same design, so it's not inherently that big of a deal."

The blue-haired girl grew angrier with my response and barked, "Is that how you address your princess?"

"What?" I asked, taken aback.

Before the girl could respond, Sonia stepped in front of us with a fearful look in her eyes.

"A thousand pardons, Your Highness," she said. "My new student is from Kalos, and so has not heard of you."

The girl glared menacingly at Sonia and boasted, "Haven't heard of me? Do you take me for a fool, Sonia? Every man, woman, and child the high-class society knows about me and my claim to my father's throne."

"But Serena, isn't a member of the high-class society, Princess Miette," Kenny said, stepping in next to Sonia.

"Yeah, she's from Vaniville Town," Bonnie adds, standing next to Kenny.

The girl named Princess Miette skeptically looked at my friends standing between me and her until the pieces fell into place.

"Oh, I see," she said, giving me a condescending look. "You're that filthy peasant that won that ridiculous scholarship."

I controlled my anger to keep myself from telling her not to call me a filthy peasant, and with a forced bow, I calmly said, "Yes, Your Highness. I'm sorry about the misunderstanding. I wouldn't have responded to your so disrespectfully or wore the same colored dress had I known."

Sonia, Kenny, Iris, Andy, and Bonnie turned to me with concerned looks, worried that the princess wouldn't believe my lie. Thankfully, after starting at me suspiciously for several seconds, Princess Miette smirked at me.

"Well, at least you're smart enough to show some respect like a good little peasant," she said. "I'll let this slide once, but I will not be as forgiving if this should ever happen again."

"Understood," I said.

"Yes, perfectly clear, Your Majesty," Sonia said gratefully.

With that, Princess Miette sneered and walked away with her head up high. Sonia, Kenny, and Bonnie waited a moment before they all sighed in relief and turned to me.

"That was scary," Kenny said.

"No kidding," Bonnie said.

Sonia looked at me apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, Serena. I didn't think I needed to tell you about Princess Miette."

"It's okay," I said. "Though I didn't know princess and princesses go to Galar Academy too."

"They don't, actually," Kenny said. "Typically, members of the royal families all over the world are privately tutored in their castles."

"Then what is this princess doing here?" I asked.

"We're just as confused about it as you are," Bonnie said before turning to Sonia. "Doesn't the Galar royal family not bother with Galar Academy unless they are on business?"

"Yes, but even then, it's usually just a representative of the royal family rather than a member of the royal family itself," Sonia answered.

I frowned and asked, "Well, if that's the case, then why did she make that much of a fuss about my dress? It's like having the same phone as the princess's is illegal or to say she informed the whole school about what she's wearing ahead of time."

"Well, you see, Princess Miette is the kind of person who believes she's above everyone," Sonia answered. "As the princess of Galar and heir to King Lysandre's throne, she expects everything to go her way no matter what. I think the only reason she let you off was that she was pleased that you were bowing to her."

My frown deepened, and I said, "Well, it's good to know that she couldn't tell that I didn't mean it, because I didn't like her attitude."

"I second that," Bonnie said with a childish pout.

"Be that as it may, you still need to be careful while she's here, Serena," Sonia said in a serious tone. "Even if she's not the queen yet, you don't want to be on her bad side."

I nodded in understanding before we all turn back to watch Satoshi who was still looking like he's thinking hard about who to choose as his dance partner. But then he turned his face to our direction and his eyes were immediately fixed with mine. Even though I was far away from the crowd, I could feel goosebumps all around my body as I realized Satoshi purposefully stopped in my direction. He smirked at me before he turned to face the audience.

"My darling partner has been decided," he announced.

The girls in the crowd squealed in anticipation as Satoshi walked down to the bottom steps to the dance floor. Their moments of excitement faded away, however, as he started walking past them with his eyes still fixed on me. My body began to shake, and I took a step back and turned around before Bonnie and Kenny grabbed me by the arms.

"Hold it there, missy, you still got a job to do," Bonnie said.

"I-I-I can't," I stuttered. "I'm not ready for this."

"Yes, you are," Kenny claimed.

"No, I'm not," I protested.

"Yes, you are," Sonia said, stepping in front of me. "We've been over the plan, again and again, you have memorized your poem perfectly, and you know what to expect with hosts like Satoshi. You can do this. We believe in you."

I hesitated with my body still shaking. Then I closed my eyes and took multiple breaths before I calmed down.

"I can do this," I said. "I can do this. I will do this."

"You better," Bonnie said with a smug grin. "Because Satoshi is right behind you."

My eyes widened, and it turned around before letting out a high-pitched squeal. Standing just a foot away from me was none other than Satoshi giving me a flirtatious smile. I felt my cheeks heating up as he put one of his hands behind his back and took my hand with the other hand

"Good evening, my lady," he said with a soothing voice before softly kissing my hand. "I believe you were expecting me?"

I stared at him in silence before I eventually stuttered, "Y-y-y-yes."

Satoshi smirked and turned to the crowd.

"My choice has been made," he announced. "Behold, this indescribable beauty shall be my partner tonight."

My cheeks heated up more, having never been called beautiful before in that way. The girls in the dancefloor "awww" ed in disappointed and some of them glared at me in jealousy.

"Now, now, please don't be that way, my dears," Satoshi said. "After all, we have the entire school year for me to spend time with each and every one of you. I promise."

The girls smiled and gave looks of hope before Satoshi continued.

"In the meantime, I humbly request that you all continue to dance with my dear friends who will love to entertain you in my absence," he said. "Will you please do that, my dears?"

The girls instantly say various promises that they will do what Satoshi asked as if their sudden responses might raise their chances to spend quality time with him in the future. The other hosts smiled, pleased with their response, but I notice Calem looking bitter as he glared at Satoshi and me.

"I'm happy to hear that," the raven-haired host said before turning to the orchestra. "Now, Mistero Cilan, my old friend, if you'd be so kind."

"With pleasure, Satoshi," Cilan tried with a bright smile before turning to the orchestra and signaling them to get ready. Satoshi turned back to me and gave a graceful bow.

"May I have this dance, my sweet?" He asked.

I looked away, shyly, and said, "Uh...well...I guess I -"

Before I could say anything else, Sonia and Bonnie pushed me closer to Satoshi.

"She would love to," Sonia said with a smirk.

I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could, I'm already pushed so close to Satoshi that are noses are almost touching. My cheeks turned red again and my voice died in my throat as he took my have and gave me a flirtatious smile.

"Don't worry, my sweet. Just follow my lead," he said.

"O-o-okay," I stuttered, bashfully.

Without another word, Satoshi took my hand and escorted me to the dancefloor before he took my right hand and places his other hand on my waist. I placed my free hand on his shoulder and heard Cilan tap his baton before the music started playing, and Satoshi and I began to dance. The raven-haired host led the dance with elegance, leaving me awestruck. He kept looking at me with a kittenish look as if we were a couple and he was mesmerized by my face. I kept trying to remind myself that he was acting this way as a means to entertain me, but I couldn't deny how that he was dancing with me with such charm that felt comforting.

"You are a graceful dancer, my sweet," Satoshi said.

It took a moment before I realized that he was talking to me and replied.

"Uh, thank you," I said. "You're a wonderful dancer too."

Satoshi gave me a toothy grin and said, "I am pleased that you have taken the time to bless me with your presence. I look forward to our private meeting tonight."

"Really?" I asked, surprised.

"But of course," he said. "I hope we can get to know each other better."

In my mind, I was wondering if he was saying that as a means to woo me to become a regular client in the host club or maybe he was intrigued because I am the student who won the scholarship. Either way, I felt hopeful that his interest could give me the chance to impress him with my song.

"Yes, I'm excited as well," I said with a smile, deciding to play along. "I hope you will enjoy our time alone tonight. That is assuming you like what I do."

Satoshi raised his eyebrow, looking interested, and said, "I'm sure I will."

With that, I spun before he dipped me. I took a moment while he's holding on to me to look at Sonia, Kenny, Iris, Andy, and Bonnie who are all smiling excitedly and giving me a thumbs up. I smiled back before Satoshi lifted me up and we continued our dance.

"In fact, Sonia was wondering if I could give you a private poetry reading," I said.

"Oh, poetry," Satoshi said with a smirk. "Oh, I enjoy a little poetry after dancing."

I smiled and said, "You don't know how delighted I am to hear it."

"I'm delighted that you are delighted, my dearest," Satoshi replied as he stroked my cheek with the hand that was on my waist.

I felt goosebumps all over my body as he stroked my cheek. I continued to smile even though I was on to his game. Eventually, the song ended and we stopped dancing. The people around us applauded to the orchestra while Satoshi gently kissed my hand again before he leaned into my ear.

"I shall have one of my fellow hosts escort you to my quarters shortly after the ball," he whispered. "Meet him outside beside the clock tower."

"I will," I whispered back before he leaned back and gave me a wink before he walked away.

I watched him go up the stairway with the other hosts, feeling slightly sad inside. Even though I knew he was acting, I couldn't help but wish we could have kept dancing. The way he looked at me and danced with charm felt wonderful, and it was something I had never experienced before. I realized what I was thinking and I shook my head and slapped my cheeks before Sonia, Bonnie, Kenny, Iris, May, and Dawn all walked toward me.

"Atta girl, Serena!" Bonnie praised. "You were a marvel!"

"Yeah, May and I saw you while we were dancing with Paul and Drew," Dawn said with a smile while May nodded. "You weren't kidding when you said you can dance."

"I think you made a great impression on Satoshi," Kenny said.

"I hope so," I said.

We heard another loud clap and turned around to see Jessie at the top of the stairway with Satoshi, Drew, Paul, Clemont, Calem, and the rest of the hosts standing behind her. The entire crowd turned to them intently and silently waited four Jessie to speak.

"And so concludes the Beginning of the School Year ball, my dear lambs," she said. "Sleep well, and I hope to see all of you lovely ladies once the host club is open for service starting on your first day of classes."

Many of the girls, including Dawn and May, cheered and proclaimed that they will regularly visit the host club. Jessie grinned evilly before she and the hosts took a bow and left the dance hall. Once they left and the curtain was back down, the crowd began to leave and the orchestra started putting away their instruments and music books. Octavia walked over to Andy with her cello case and the two of them shared a deep kiss before they left together. Cilan put away his baton and music book before racing over to us, where Iris jumped into his arms.

"I take it you enjoyed the music, my love?" Cilan asked with a chuckle.

"You were magnificent as always, honey," Iris replied while resting her head against Cilan's shoulder.

Cilan chuckled again and hugged his girlfriend tightly. The rest of us smiled at their moment before Sonia turned to me.

"Anyway, you did a great job, Serena," she said. "Now let's head to the clock tower. I'm sure Satoshi it's already on his way there for your appointment."

"Actually, he told me to meet one of the other hosts outside of the clock tower," I said. "He said one of the hosts is going to escort me there."

Sonia, Bonnie, Dawn, Kenny, May, Iris, and Cilan looked at me in shock.

"Are you kidding me?" Bonnie asked.

I looked at her, confused, and said, "No, why?"

The rest of the group looked at each other before May said, "It's just that Satoshi has never had someone have his client brought to his chamber before. The clients always come to him."

I looked even more confused and asked, "And that's a big deal?"

"It's huge," Kenny said. "If he wants someone to escort you to him, then that must mean you made a really big impression on him."

I blinked in surprise before I smiled and said, "Then I guess if he's that invested in me, then impressing him with the poem might be a cinch."

"It's encouraging, to say the least," Kenny agreed.

"True, but the battle isn't won yet," Sonia said. "There's still a chance that our plan will fail."

"Don't worry. Serena can do it," Bonnie said optimistically.

"Maybe, but we're not going to find out until she sees him at the clock tower," Cilan pointed out.

"Good point, honey," Iris said. "So let's go outside already. Serena's escort could already be there for all we know."

"Right," the rest of us agreed before we hustled out of the ballroom.

Unknown to me, however, Calem still had a determination to have me that led to the worst moments in my life.