"Aw, the first-years were so adorable!" Tohru cooed, "Even some of them looked totally lost. The two of you really missed out by not coming to the opening ceremony to wish them well."

"Sounds horrible."

"Hard pass." Kyo and Uotani said in unison.

"I'm already suffering from this hay fever. Put me in a loud, cramped room and I'd be in hell." Uotani said.

"Stop complaining and take some meds." Kyo said.

"They don't work for me. Maybe all those drugs in my rebellious youth were a mistake."

"What drugs are you talkin' about?" Kyo asked, but she ignored him.

"I'm surprised the prince and [Y/n] aren't with you."' Uotani said, "[Y/n]'s usually your shadow."

Tohru smiled. "Well, everyone on the ceremony committee's really busy today."

"Man, sounds like a rough life. Plus, I bet the prince's getting mauled by love-struck first-years already." Uotani said.

Meanwhile, [Y/n] walked through the halls of the school with a clipboard in hand. She could hear the commotion from down the hall. [Y/n] took the whistle that was around her neck and blew into it, making all of the girls stop. [Y/n] put a hand on her hip and spit the whistle out before announcing, "Those who have a question for your senpai about this school or if you need help, stay. For those who are only here to gawk at Yuki, there's a fanclub for that, find Motoko Minagawa and I'm sure she'll gladly let you in."

The crowd dispersed while glaring and muttering unpleasant things about the girl. "Thank you." Yuki said, and [Y/n] presented her whistle with a sly smirk. "I guess my reputation precedes me. I have been named as the new captain of the new jujitsu club that's been started here, and now since I no longer have to pay for a membership in the judo club, I have reclaimed the title of captain."' She explained.

Yuki smiled at her, "That's good." His praise made [Y/n] smile even more.

[Y/n] hugged her clipboard. "This year...I'm really trying to reinvent myself. I even got new contacts." She said, "I don't want others to be scared of me anymore. Intimidated, maybe? I may not be as happy-go-lucky as Tohru, but I want others to see me as approachable. That was part of my New Year's wish." She explained.

"Why reinvent yourself?" Yuki asked as they walked together.

"For as long as I could remember, it's only been me and Tohru. People bullied us. It was rough. One day, when we were young, Tohru got lost running away from some bullies." [Y/n] said and glared slightly, "I blamed myself. I felt the need to always be there to protect Tohru, right at her side; I need to be tough so others wouldn't bother with her." [Y/n] then smiled, "Now, there are so many people who consider her a friend, and it actually makes me happy. I feel that I can relax a bit. I can be...softer."

"[Y/n]...you don't have to be tough all the time. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to cry. You can do all of those things and still protect Tohru." [Y/n] could hear Kyoko's voice and feel the warmth around her as if her mother was holding her, "And in the future, who knows, you'll have a bunch of friends willing to protect you and Tohru without thinking twice about it. When that happens, I know you'll soften up over time. Okay? My tough tiger."

[Y/n] sighed. "Hatsuharu was right. Talking to you does make me feel better." She said with a little smile.

Yuki sighed, "Honestly, please do not take anything he says seriously." Then he blushed a little and looked to the side, "But, if you ever need someone to speak to, you can always come to me. I like you just the way you are, Miss [Y/n]." He felt as though he got to know [Y/n] a little better. Like the walls she built were slowly falling.

[Y/n] blushed while touching the blue ribbon in her hair. "Yeah. I'll keep that in mind." She said. [Y/n] didn't know when it started, but she began envisioning herself with Yuki. She couldn't see him with such an aggressive person.

[Y/n] and Yuki walked up a flight of stairs to see Kyo, Tohru, Momiji, and Haru. As soon as Haru saw Yuki, his arms were open and ready for him. Yuki's smile dropped. "Seriously? I can't believe that what you're wearing, Momiji?" Yuki said, and Haru ran over, attaching himself to Yuki. "And you. No better." He said.

"Oh, good! Does this mean you're both done with your committee work?" Tohru asked, and [Y/n] sighed. "Unfortunately, no." She said while scratching her head, "People are so annoying."

"I just came to check on these two while making my rounds, and [Y/n] wanted to greet them." Yuki said, and [Y/n] smiled a little while waving at Haru and Momiji.

"Hey, ja, did they tell you?" Momiji said, "Earlier, before school, I got warned not to mess around. After all, if I crash into a girl, I might change in front of them. So instead, I'm going to play it cool while I'm here."

"This is you playing it cool?! Dressed like that?!" Kyo yelled.

"Your dubiousness is justified, Kyo Sohma of Class 2-D" They heard, and [Y/n] groaned. "Not him." She muttered.

"Your tangerine may be a nuisance, but a boy wearing a girl's uniform is unprecedented! Brazen, even! Not to mention the length of those shorts! Shameless!" Takei said as hee as his goons walked closer to the group, "The teachers may overlook this travesty, but I will not. That is my duty! For I am Makoto Takei, your trusted student council president. And to you, I'm the commander of the School Defense Force."

"Another idiot appears." Haru muttered.

"I swear..." [Y/n] muttered.

"What gal! This coming from an obvious ruffian. You're practically jangling with jewelry. And don't even get me started on your ludicrous bleached hear."

"Actually, president, that is his natural color." Yuki added.

"Moron..." [Y/n] muttered.

"Yuki! Greetings! It's a pleasure to see you. And, [Y/n]...no piercings. You finally look like a well-modeled student." Takei said, and [Y/n] glared. "My foot will be well-modeled up your ass. I'll still kick your ass like I did last year." She growled. Yuki held [Y/n]'s wrist to stop her from getting closer to Takei. She blushed a bit and clicked her tongue.

"Wait, you fought this guy?" Kyo asked [Y/n].

"Yeah, it was after school and off the property, so I didn't get in trouble." [Y/n] said and crossed her arms, "He kept complaining about my pierced ears."

"Back to the vile matter at hand! This can't be real--the roots are black." Takei announced.

"Trust me on this one." Yuki said.

"I am a scholar and his hair defies sense!" Takei said.

"You're just an idiot who refuses to believe it. His hair is naturally that color." [Y/n] grumbled while glaring at the ground.

"Now, shall we move on to the little sprite? What's the meaning of your look? Speak up for yourself! Is this some rebellious statement on masculinity? Or is this simply the sense of self you'd like to present to the world?" Takei yelled at Momiji.

"I just...I like this uniform looks much cuter on me." Momiji cried.

"Uh, please, sir. Don't be too harsh on him." Tohru said.

Before [Y/n] could even step in, Dark Haru came out. "I thought I had shit on my shoe, but you're what I've been smelling." Haru growled, and [Y/n] smirked, "Why don't I ask you some questions now. You think wearing a tie doesn't make you a bully? Or no one's ever been mugged by a guy not wearing jewelry? That people with one hair color can't murder a man." Haru grabbed Takei by the collar, "Who the hell do you think you are? God or somethin'? Huh?"

[Y/n]'s smirked grew. Takei didn't respond, so Haru started shaking him. "Well? What happened? Where's your righteous fury? Lost your voice?" Haru continued to shout.

"Stop it. You can tell he's got no fight training." Kyo said.

"You stay out of this, ya stupid cat!"

"Don't start with me, you idiot!"

Haru dropped Takei. "What?! Don't act like you're that great! You ran away from our last fight with your tail between your legs!" Haru yelled at Kyo.

"Is your brain broken? You're the one who called that fight off! Oh, let me guess, you're on this worms side. I shouldn't be surprised you'd think he's right."

Yuki sighed while Tohru had a nervous look on her face. 'At this point, I was going to throw him out the window. I wouldn't mind being expelled.' [Y/n] thought.

"Excuse me, ladies. I wanna know what ya think. Take Momiji Sohma over there. He looks fine in that uniform, right? Eventually, he'll grow up. But let him enjoy himself. He can dress like a man later. Bet he'll be hot." The girls blushed.

"Don't let him brainwash you!" Takei yelled and got up. "You're unleashing chaos. Why can't you follow the rules?!"

"It's a rule of fashion to always wear what looks good on you." Haru said while patting Momiji's head.

"Unacceptable! You're twisting reality to suit your own desires..."

"You just don't quit, do you? Well, okay then. What if it was Yuki wearing a girl's uniform?" Haru asked, and Takei gasped. Tears fell from his eyes when he imagined it.

"Fine."

'Is every guy here gay for Yuki? Well, not Kyo...I don't think.' [Y/n] thought while thinking hard about it. 'Why do I fall for the guy literally everyone likes?!'

"No, it's not!" Yuki gave Haru a dark look, "End this. Or I'm never speaking to you again."

"Come on. It was rhetorical. Just like your threat." Haru said and poked Yuki.

"Magnificent..." Takei muttered.

"Stop picturing it!" Yuki yelled. Takei snapped out of it. "Please forgive me. I got carried away. You are quite the formidable opponent, Mr. Hatsuharu Sohma. But can you prove to me that your hair is without a doubt its natural color?! Hmm?!"

"If I have to." Haru said and grabbed Takei's tie then dragged him to the boys' restroom. There was silence for a moment then Takei suddenly screamed. Takei came out looking pale. "Undeniable proof." He muttered, "I see there is still much to learn of this world."

Haru came out of the restroom with a smirk on his face. "He didn't" Kyo muttered.

"He did." Yuki said.

[Y/n] tried not to laugh, "I really like Dark Haru."

"Fine! You're the victor on this day! But each of you will feel my retribution next time!" Takei said and ran away with his goons. Haru only chuckled.

"What was the reason that guy showed up again?" Momiji asked.

"To annoy everyone." [Y/n] said with a sigh.

"Um, so how did you prove that that was your real hair color?" Tohru said, and Yuki, Kyo, and [Y/n] froze.

Haru placed his hand on Tohru's cheek, "Easy. If you'd like, I'd be happy to show you as well. Don't you worry. No hugging is necessary for us to give into--" Kyo, [Y/n], and Yuki punched Haru in the head knocking him down to the floor.

"Dark is the one guy I can't handle." Kyo said.

"I'm...confused." Tohru said.

"It's nothing. Don't give him a second thought, Miss Honda." Yuki said.

"Yeah, don't worry your pretty little head, Tohru." [Y/n] said with a forced smile.

Haru sat up. "I feel tired."

"You're tired? I'm exhausted." Kyo said.

The bell chimed. "Hey! There's the bell!" Momiji said.

"Question: would you be willing to meet some of my and [Y/n]'s friends before you go home today?" Tohru asked.

"You really mean it? Ja! Of course, I would!" Momiji said.

"They'll be so excited!" Tohru said.

"Oh, yeah. I need to talk to Yuki and Kyo. Could you two stay behind? It'll be real quick." Momiji said.

"Right, [Y/n] and I'll go on ahead, but we'll see you when school lets out." Tohru said, and [Y/n] walked next to Tohru.

"I'm sorry." Momiji said.

"Oh, it's no problem." Tohru said and walked away with [Y/n], who waved goodbye.

"All right, what's this all about?" Kyo asked after the two girls left, "It better not be something dumb."

"We've got a visitor. At school." Momiji said, and Yuki's eyes widened in horror, "Akito's here." Yuki could remember being trapped in that room with Akito. 'I yearned for so much from inside that dark room. I wanted so many things.'

"Apparently, Akito up and decided to visit the school." Haru said.

"We thought it would be best to warn you two so you weren't surprised." Momiji said, "Especially if you don't want to see each other."

Yuki's bangs covered his eyes, and he walked away. He could feel an intense weight on his chest. Yuki didn't want to face Akito. He could never get away from Akito no matter how far he ran. They were bound together forever. An unchanging fate.

Meanwhile, [Y/n] and Tohru walked through the corridor. "Wow, that was kind of a lot." Tohru said with a sigh, "If it's gonna be like this in the hallways every day, Yuki and Kyo are going to be worn out in no time."

[Y/n] smiled as well. "I know. It'll be interesting."

"You look like you're having fun." They heard and stopped. There stood a person with short black hair and purple eyes in a black turtle neck and jeans. They appeared to be male, but their voice sounded female. [Y/n]'s eyes widened. 'Could that be Akito?' [Y/n] thought as the person walked closer to them.

"A-Akito. It's you?" Tohru said. [Y/n] got an unsettling vibe from Akito.

"That's correct. Tohru Honda. [Y/n] Honda." Akito said.

"Ah! I'm pleased to meet you!" Tohru said and bowed. [Y/n] bowed as well still keeping an eye on Akito. As beautiful as Akito is, this person was the one who hurt Hatori's eye and caused his heartbreak. Akito smiled. "You strike me as quite feminine. Gentle, too. I'm glad you seem like such good girls. And most importantly, you're both very cute."

Akito's smiled looked fake in [Y/n]'s opinion. Like they were putting on a show to lead [Y/n] and Tohru into a false sense of security. Tohru got flustered. "What? Oh, no, I'm just a normal--"

"Ha. Don't get flustered I'm just stating the obvious. Sorry it took me so long to introduce myself. I'm rather shy when it comes to strangers. I hope you're not angry."

"No, not at all." [Y/n] said with a forced smile. She didn't want to jump to a conclusion about someone she'd just met, but there was something inside of her screaming that this person was dangerous and cruel.

"That's a relief. So, how about a formal introduction? Nice to meet you. I'm Akito. Head of the family." Akito said.

"Oh, right! But, please, the pleasure is all mine." Tohru said and bowed again.

[Y/n] bowed as well. Akito's presence left an intense feeling in [Y/n]'s heart. She didn't know it it was fear or hatred, but [Y/n] could already tell that she didn't like Akito. "Now that we've met, I'm hoping we'll be able to get along well. Please take care of Yuki and the others."

"Akito!" They looked to see Yuki standing there, out of breath. As if he's ran all the way to them.

"Ah! Yuki." Akito said with open arms, "I was hoping I'd run into you. My boy. Feels like a lifetime has gone by since I saw you last. Can't believe how grown up you look. You're taller, right?"

"What did you do?" Yuki asked, "What did you say to them?"

Akito smiled a bit, "Nothing. I was simply paying my respects. Isn't that right, Tohru? [Y/n]? Wasn't I just paying my respects?"

"Um. Yes, that's right." Tohru said while [Y/n] nodded.

"But, Yuki, now that you're here, there is a question that's been weighing in my mind." Akito said and place a hand on Yuki's cheek. [Y/n]'s eyes narrowed. She could see the pure fear in Yuki's eyes. He was trembling.

"What would possibly make you skip New Year's with me? Don't you know how that makes me feel? Especially when I have been so generous to you lately. When you do foolish things like that, it really hurts my feelings. I wonder if this means you need a little re-educating. Perhaps some time in your special room is in order. You recall those days. Would you like to repeat them? Or do you remember how to be a good boy?"

[Y/n] couldn't take it anymore. Tohru pushed Akito away from Yuki a little while [Y/n] stepped in between Yuki and Akito. "Um. I'm sorry. But we have to get back to class now. Or else we'll get in trouble. " Tohru said, not meeting Akito's gaze while [Y/n] glared.

"Of course. Forgive me. I suppose I should be getting back to Shigure and company anyway. They're probably worried." Akito said, "Yuki, I hope you're enjoying your time at this school. And remember...it would make me happy if you visited." With that, Akito walked away.

[Y/n] clicked her tongue. She noticed that Yuki was still trembling. "Hey, Yuki-"

"Did Akito really not say anything strange to the two of you before I got here?" Yuki said.

"No, nothing. I promise. We were just saying hello." Tohru said.

"Okay." Yuki said.

The mood felt heavy. "Hey, doesn't school let out earlier today?" [Y/n] asked, and Tohru smiled. "Yes! I was talking to Uo-chan and the others about hanging out after class!"

"That sounds fun. Let's have some fun today, huh, Yuki?" [Y/n] said with a smile. Yuki smiled a bit. [Y/n] grabbed his hand to see that it was still trembling a bit. Then she grabbed Tohru's hand. "Come on, or we'll be late."

╚═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝

"Rock, paper, scissors, and these will be our teams!" [Y/n] held up rock. "How'd I get roped into this? And why badminton?" Kyo questioned.

"Real men don't complain when they're asked to play sports. You're not the one who's gotta play the game wearing a mask." Uotani said.

"No one's making you play!"

"I don't really know why we're in groups. Or the rules." Yuki said.

"Easy." [Y/n] said while twirling the racket in her hand, "Do whatever you want."

"There are no rules required for badminton. You serve with every ounce of strength, and then you return with every ounce of strength. Let's put it this way: the first to collapse loses."

"I like this. It's simple." Haru said.

"That sounds too easy!" Kyo yelled.

"Oh, shut up. Just protect your side of the court." [Y/n] said.

On one team was Kyo, Haru, Hanajima, and [Y/n], and on the other was Tohru, Yuki, Uotani, and Momiji. [Y/n] smirked. "Let's do this." She said.

'I yearned. I wanted so many things. Parents who would hug me. A home I'd want to return to. A place where everyone smiled. To be someone that people wouldn't leave behind. Warmth. A warm life. A warm person. They exist.'

Soon, it was sunset already. "The sun is setting already? I guess time really does fly when you're having fun. See you two tomorrow, [Y/n]. Tohru. Until then." Hanajima said, and the sisters waved goodbye to Hanajima and an out-of-breath Uotani.

"Could come we're dying...and she's okay?" Kyo questioned while catching his breath.

"Well, we should head home, too. I was worried at first...but Yuki seems fine. To me, at least. Thank you. For everything." Haru said, and [Y/n] looked over at Yuki said to see that he was smiling a little.

[Y/n] smiled a bit as well. "I guess we can't stay here. It's getting pretty late. Shall we?" Yuki asked.

'I saw the look in his eyes. They were dark and terrified when Akito was standing right in front of him. Whatever Akito said or did cause Yuki so much pain. I want to take that pain away. Even if it's just for a moment; if he could look to me and forget that pain...it would be enough.' [Y/n] smiled more, feeling that her mission was accomplished. "Sure."