Karino Makoto

It was the first day of school and to be honest, I was glad I was here. My brother, Watanuki-Nii-Sama, stood next to me, staring up at the new school as it hadn't set in that we truly were attending this prestigious academy. We toured the school yesterday but it seemed so surreal. It was truly a sight to behold. The entire building was pink. Never in my 15 years of living have I seen a pink castle being used as a school. My grip on Watanuki-Nii-Sama's hand tightened as my anxiety increased.

A castle was the only way to describe it and the students were the royalty. This was Ouran Academy, a school for the rich and beautiful. At least, that's what the pamphlet said. The students were treated akin to royalty as this was as much of a business as it was a school. In the stories, royal and wealthy children were always scary. They were always out to get the protagonist.

Wataknuki-Nii-Sama and I weren't born into a wealthy family. I actually was the one to bring my family wealth. I'm not bragging, I swear - I really did. When I was born, my mom was a simple bakery chef and my dad was trying to climb the corporate ladder. It didn't exactly work out. When I was 4, I started playing the piano, and my parents started calling me a piano prodigy. A year later, they started calling me a musical genius. At 5 years old, I wrote my first composition. Surprisingly, my parents submitted it and suddenly people were calling my house phone asking to talk to the 5 year old prodigy.

That year, shortly after we had established my place as a composer, my mom died. She was hit by a drunk driver on the way to the bakery where she worked. My father quit his job to look after Watanuki-Nii-Sama and I. In an attempt to make money, he sent me off to competition after competition to earn money. Soon, it wasn't just piano; I learned how to play the violin, the double bass, cello, flute, guitar and harp. The list of instruments I mastered in the past 10 years has been growing still. Each time a new instrument came to me, I would master it and then my dad would send me off to competitions. It was a routine and soon enough, our family managed to accumulate enough wealth to compete easily with the families attending Ouran Academy.

"Karino?" I heard a voice call me. I snapped out of my daze to see Watanuki-Nii-Sama staring down at me. I smiled up at him cutely, his 6 foot 2 height towering over my own 4 foot 8. I swear, I'm going to get a sprained neck from having to look up at everyone.

"Do you still have your schedule of classes from yesterday?" Watanuki-Nii-Sama asked me.

"Of course! I made sure I stuck it in my bag before I left. I double and triple checked it!" I said with confidence as I reached into my over the shoulder bag and pulled out my schedule triumphantly. I beamed at Watanuki-Nii-Sama.

"Do you want me to walk you to your class? We both know you have absolutely no sense of direction."

"Nii-Sama~~" I pouted. "I'll be fine. We walked around yesterday when we got a tour. I even managed to get to the class myself!"

"You mean you stumbled upon your own classroom? We wandered for a good 2 hours in this school yesterday," Watanuki-Nii-Sama mumbled under his breath.

"Mou~ I got it! Trust me!" I let out a happy smile and skipped into the school. Watanuki-Nii-Sama followed me until it was time to go our separate ways. He was a second year, so that meant his classes were a floor up. Watanuki-Nii-Sama offered one last time to walk me to my classes, but I refused again and pushed him up the stairs, forcing him to leave.

It soon became apparent that I should've had him guide me to my class. When he said I lacked a sense of direction, it was true. Add on top of that, this castle of a school was like a maze to navigate. So many stairs and steps and doors. I felt like I was walking in circles.

There were endless amounts of people around me. Girls dressed in the large banana dresses that I was currently also forced to wear. Guys had it lucky with a normal looking school uniform. Why couldn't we girls also have a uniform? Anyways, back to the issue at hand. I could've asked for directions, but despite the fact that I skipped into this school with confidence, I was shy. I don't like talking to new people, nor do I like being the center of attention, though the second was the bigger issue at the moment.

People were staring at me. Mostly girls were but there was an occasional guy looking at me. They were staring and whispering, only to blush and turn away when I stared back at them curiously. Their stares weren't malicious or anything. In fact, I felt like a walking Pomeranian. They kept staring as if I was some small animal. I'll show them all one day that my size doesn't define me. I trained in martial arts!

Ten minutes of wandering the halls lost felt like a good hour. My fun-sized legs were getting tired. It takes me two strides to walk a normal person's one. These short legs really get their work out just by walking you know.

Eventually, my misery was ended by an almost-as-short boy who was holding a stuffed bunny. Finally! Someone who I can talk to without breaking my neck! Unfortunately, the guy who accompanied him was taller than average. I suppose if you combined their heights, it would somehow average out.

"Are you lost?" The shorter boy asked. I nodded shyly, looking down and slightly playing with the tips of my silver hair. Yes, I had silver hair; my whole family did. Purple eyes and silver hair ran in the family from my mom's side. It was a dominant gene or something along those lines. My dad has just brown hair and brown eyes.

"I'm Mitsukuni Haninozuka, but you can call me Honey. This is Takashi Morinozuka! He also goes by Mori! We're third years!"

"I'm Karino Makoto... first year." I almost whispered out, my shyness getting to me. I was about to repeat it, thinking I was too quiet.

"Kari-chan, right?" Honey-Senpai asked cutely. I nodded in confirmation.

"Wow, you sure are lost then Kari-chan! These are third year classrooms!" I lifted my head and stared at him with wide eyes. Third year classrooms?! But I don't remember walking up any stairs...

"C'mon! Takashi and I will lead you back to where you need to go. You look like a lost bunny. Ah! Speaking of bunnies, this is Usa-Chan!" He lifted the stuffed bunny in his arms and held it out in front of me. I lifted my hand and shook the bunny's paw.

"Nice to meet you, Usa-Chan," I said a bit louder than I was speaking earlier. The bunny was cute. As I stared at it for a couple seconds, I swear it blushed. That made me giggle a little bit. Honey-Senpai put the bunny back down and linked his arm with mine and began pulling me off in the direction I came from.

"Let's get you to class, Kari-chan!"

As we walked, he was chatting to me about different topics. He mentioned that he was in a club after school that was made up of all his friends and he could enjoy socializing and eating sweets. I wonder what kind of club that is and if I could join. Just for the sweets of course. I love candy and cake. The walk felt really short and soon he stopped by two doors.

"This is your classroom, Kari-chan!" He pointed up at the sign that had a big print on it saying '1-A' and smiled happily.

"Takashi and I have to get back to our own class, but maybe we'll see you soon?"

"Ne~ thank you for your help!" I replied happily. They were fun to talk to, despite Mori-Senpai not really talking. Honey-Senpai waved as he walked backwards before the two of them disappeared around a corner. I smiled slightly and waved down the empty hall where they had disappeared. It seems like the third years and first years might have a different passing period. It was so empty in the hall.

I turned back to the door and stared at it, anxiety rushing back through my veins. I brought this on myself for not asking for Watanuki-Nii-Sama's help. I could've arrived on time, but noo. I just had to push Nii-Sama to his class. I took a deep breath and slid the door open.

As the door opened, the teacher stopped her lecture to look at me.

"Sensei, sorry I'm late. I got lost in the halls." I bowed to her in apology.

"Ah, the new student. No worries, it happens." The teacher welcomed me into the classroom and had me stand in front of her podium. She gave me a brief introduction and then looked at the board behind her.

"Karino, the principal said that you had self studied a lot of subjects and could've actually skipped a grade or two. Out of curiosity, can you answer the question on the board?"

I looked at the board and then nodded. On the board was a calculus equation. To be exact, it was a multi-variable integration equation. I had learned it about a year ago myself. Quickly picking up the marker, I solved the equation and then bowed to the teacher when she smiled and directed me towards an empty seat in the back of the classroom.

~~~

I learned after classes had ended that the problem I solved wasn't a problem the class had learned yet. Someone had asked a question regarding multi-variable calculus and she had written the problem up as an example of what they would be learning in a few years. They were still on single-variable calculus. I flushed red when my seat neighbor told me that and started complimenting me.

Class ended about 15 minutes ago, and I was once again lost. I was trying to find Watanuki-Nii-Sama so that we could study together. We always studied together. When we took the entrance exams, the proctor had told us that if we wanted, we could both graduate on the spot. The two of us refused and insisted on staying in the grade that was determined by age. There were varying reasons We wanted to stay out of that house...

Another 5 minutes of wandering and I finally found Watanuki-Nii-Sama. I successfully managed to stay within the first year halls and even fairly close to my own classroom. Though that made me wonder where I had walked in the last 15 minutes.

"Nii-Sama!" I called out. His short silver hair stood out from the crowd of yellow and blue. He heard me, but didn't see me. I had expected it since the classes had all gotten out at the same time and everyone was walking around. I picked up a piece of my hair and waved it around in the air while jumping up and down. Eventually his familiar purple eyes noticed the waving silver and he looked down, met my own orbs of purple. He laughed slightly as he saw me jumping up and down waving my hair.

He quickly made his way over and stared at me in amusement.

"I thought you were shy, Karino."

"I am though? I clam up when talking to new people."

"Well, sure. But you were just jumping around waving a silver flag." Sure enough, everyone was staring at me in amusement. My cheeks flushed and I looked down as I covered my face with my hair.

"L-Let's just find some quiet place to study please." Nii-Sama laughed at me before agreeing and leading the embarrassed me down the hall.

~~~

We searched the entire school, only to come up empty on study spaces. You'd think that at least 1 of 4 libraries we checked would have some peace and quiet. Apparently, the students here didn't really study at school. They probably have private tutors at home. We checked some music rooms too, since I could also practice for my upcoming recital while he did some homework. But it was hopeless since the two music rooms we checked clearly were occupied by either chatter or a barrage of various instruments.

Eventually, we stumbled upon a third music room. This one seemed silent enough, though one can never be sure. We stood in front of the doors for a few seconds, but no sound came out.

"Nii-Sama, we could study in here? Hopefully we don't disturb anyone..." I stared at the handle.

"I'm sure it'll be fine. I'll go in first and you can come in behind me. He reached for the handle. I swear, as he pulled open the door, I heard a slight cry of pain from inside before we were blinded by white light.

"Welcome~" came the voices. I slid behind my brother as much as possible and prayed that no one noticed me. The light died down and I managed to make out the voices of 7 different people in that one word.

"Oh. It's a boy," two guys said in unison, pausing slightly as the thought about something. "Wait. Isn't this too familiar?"

They sounded familiar, perhaps in my class? Were they first years? I quickly discarded my thoughts as Nii-Sama moved a bit. I quickly made an effort to follow his movements and keep myself hidden. Don't see me. Don't see me. Don't see me.

"You shady twins! Don't embarrass our dear guest! His gender matters not. We welcome everyone, even you, young prince. This is the Ouran High School Host Club, a playground for the super rich and beautiful. So who are you into, prince. The strong, silent type? The boy-lolita? How about the mischievous type? Or -"

I felt Nii-Sama shiver at these words and he quickly cut off whoever was talking.

"Sorry to burst your bubble there, blondie. I'm not into any of that. My sister and I were just looking for a quiet place to study."

Damn it. Nii-Sama, can't you see I'm trying to hide? It defeats the purpose if you bring attention to me.

"Sister?" Various voices chimed out.

"Yea. Karino, come out. It's rude to hide." Nii-Sama tugged at my arm to pull me out. I pouted in defeat and stood up to my full 4'8" height, though my head was still bowed and my bangs covered my face.

"I'm Watanuki Makoto, by the way. Second year. My sister and I just transferred in today. Nice to meet you all. " Nii-Sama gave them a smile as he introduced himself. As he did so, slight whispers emerged and I caught a few phrases.

"For once, this guy isn't bland."

"Do you think he'd attract some ladies?"

"Maybe we should recruit him..."

"Karino, introduce yourself," Watanuki-Nii-Sama nudged me, interrupting the whispering. I continued to stare at the ground.

"M-my name is Karino Makoto. F-first year..." I trailed off.

"Ah. It's that girl from our class. Hey, Haruhi, we found someone smarter than you!" the two almost identical voices chimed out. I blushed again. I didn't do well with compliments. It made me turn as red as a tomato. Good thing my hair was still covering my face.

"Kari-chan!" a familiar voice rang out. Then, for the first time since stepping into the room, I looked up. Right away, my eyes focused on the two third year Senpais that I had the pleasure of meeting this morning.

"Ah! Honey-Senpai! Mori-Senpai!" A bright smile came to my face as I saw them. I even waved at Usa-Chan.

"What an adorable girl! Yes, you're so adorable!" Suddenly a blonde haired, purple eyed guy was in my face. I screeched in fright and ran to hide behind Watanuki-Nii-Sama. The blondie anime-cried and started mumbling something about why I don't smile at him.

"You're lucky she didn't punch you, blondie. She's trained. If you scared her anymore I'm afraid that she might've struck." Watanuki-Nii-Sama sighed, patting my head lightly to calm me down.

As I hid, I finally got a good look at everyone who was in the room. Crouched on the ground was the blondie with purple eyes. Surrounding him were two identical twins, who I recognized slightly from my class. They were poking and prodding him. To the side of them was a boy - no, a girl - who just sighed at the trio as if this was a common occurrence and made minimal effort to get the twins off of the blondie. Honey-Senpai and Mori-Senpai were sitting at a table eating some type of sweet. To the side and away from the mess of the center was a black haired guy wearing glasses. In his hand, he held a black notebook and was busy scribbling things down.

"Is that a Death Note?" I couldn't keep my mouth shut. His aura simply fit that of Kira's. If I died in the next hour, I will haunt that death note until I reveal its secrets.

The guy looked up from his notebook at my question and let out a - somewhat dark - chuckle as he shook his head.

"No, it isn't a Death Note, though I do wish it to be sometimes. Alas, it wasn't meant to be for me," he said, as he shot the trio a glare. They stiffened at his look before they quickly stood up and formed a line on the side, stiff as boards. The glasses guy sighed and flipped a few pages in his notebook before he began reading.

"Watanuki Makoto, 6'2", age 16, transferred into class 2-A today. Got a full-ride scholarship on visual arts. His proctor made a note on his application that he was offered immediate graduation upon taking his entrance test. Hobbies include drawing, painting and music. Blood type, AB."

"Karino Makoto, 4'8", age 15, transferred into class 1-A today. Also got a full ride scholarship, though this time in music, and was also offered immediate graduation upon entrance. Hobbies include music, baking, eating sweets and martial arts. Blood type, AB."

The trio stared at the two of us in fear and scrambled away from us, trembling in a pile on the ground together. We haven't even moved though...

"Ah, we've been rude," the glasses guy said suddenly. "We haven't introduced ourselves. My name is Kyoya Ootori, 2nd year and Vice President. The blonde one on the ground in that pile is Tamaki Suoh, 2nd year and our President. The other two in the pile are the twins, Kaoru and Hikaru Hitachiin, 1st years. The short blonde eating sweets is Mitsukuni Haninozuka, 3rd year. He goes by Honey-Senpai. The one standing behind him is his cousin, Takashi Morinozuka, 3rd year. He goes by Mori-Senpai. Lastly, our newest member is the normal one of the group, Haruhi Fujoka, 1st year. Together, we form the Ouran High School Host Club.

Honey-Senpai bounded up to me with various platters of cake in his hand.

"Kari-chan! You like cake right? What's your favorite? Do you like red velvet? Strawberry? Lemon? Chocolate?" He lifted all the cake platters in front of him and smiled cutely. I was lured out from behind Watanuki-Nii-Sama at the prospect of getting cake. Cake... I almost drooled at all the sweets in front of me.

"Oh, goodness. Karino, no." Watanuki-Nii-Sama suddenly covered my eyes and held my arms down by wrapping his own across my body. I flailed my legs uselessly trying to get out of his grasp. My cake!

"Honey-Senpai, please take the cake away. She really likes sweets, but if she has any more I'm scared she'll be literally bouncing off the walls." I managed to shake my head a bit to the point where I could peek out between two of Nii-Sama's fingers. I stared hungrily at the cake.

"Aww...." I heard Honey-Senpai's disappointed voice. "That's too bad. I really wanted to share my delicious cake..." Then the cake started getting farther and farther. No! Not my cake!

Then, at that moment, all hell broke loose. My cake was leaving me and under no circumstance can I allow it to happen. The only way cake is ever escaping is if I'm dead. Before I knew it, Dark Karino came out.

Dark Karino is what Nii-Sama and I called this demonic side of me. It comes out when I'm woken unnecessarily or if I see sweets taken right in front of my eyes.

I stopped flailing my legs and my hand gripped Nii-Sama's, only to pull it off my eyes with surprising strength. Nii-Sama looked down at me, only to be met with a freezing glare. His eyes widened and he threw himself at me to restrain me.

"Karino?! Dark Karino?! Dang it! How did you see the cake?! I had your eyes covered! Oh good gracious." With all his effort, he managed to somewhat restrain me. I growled at him and continued to wriggle around, trying to get out of his grasp without injuring him.

"Honey-Senpai put the chocolate cake down right where you stand and back away immediately. Everyone else stay away from that cake."

"Watanuki-Nii-Sama...." I said darkly, waves of black aura exuding from my body as I stopped moving. "Karino wants cake and Karino will get cake. Now stand down before you are forced down."

"Got it, got it." With that, Watanuki-Nii-Sama released me. In a flash I was gone towards the cake. Before anyone could process my movements, I had swiped the cake platter from the floor and made it to one of the tables and was happily munching on the cake.

"W-What happened?" Tamaki trembled out. Him and the twins were once again wrapped up in a hug, shivering and staring at me in fear. I only smiled brightly at the trio before continuing to eat my cake.

"Ah. That, that was Dark Karino. Dark Karino is a term we use to describe that almost demonic side of hers. It comes out when she is woken up by others. Or, as in this case, her sweets are taken right in front of her. I still don't know how she managed to see it. I was covering her eyes.

Haruhi and the trio looked at me in fear while Honey-Senpai's expression could only really be described by the word amusement. He cheerfully made his way over with more platters of cake and laid them on the table. I patted the space on the couch next to me and invited him to eat with me. With a bright smile he bounded up to the chair, picking up a strawberry cake along the way, and ate it while chatting mindlessly with me.

"Ah, I almost forgot!" I quickly swallowed the last bite of cake as I turned around to face Haruhi.

"Haruhi, why're you dressed as a boy?" The entire host club froze.

"Right. I didn't want to be rude, but I'm curious. She's much too feminine looking, too much to look even like a fruitcake," Watanuki said, looking at Haruhi. She glared at his comments, and he only sweatdropped with an apologetic smile as he held his hands up in surrender.

"W-What are you talking about?" Tamaki stuttered, clearly panicked. The twins walked up to Haruhi and began speaking nonsense.

"Wow, Haruhi. You sure are looking manly today. Nope. Not feminine at all. You are the manliest man of us all here. Maybe except Mori-Senpai."

Haruhi sighed at their antics.

"Guys stop it. They're much too smart to fall for your dumb tricks. I'm sure they're sensible enough to understand so - Would you stop it with the fake mustaches?!" She quickly waved off the twins, who were approaching her with various stick on mustaches.

"I'm posing as a boy to pay off a debt, to put it simply. The only people who know my true identity are those in this club, and now you too. I would appreciate it if you kept it a secret."

Watanuki-Nii-Sama and I looked at each other, and then looked at Haruhi. The two of us made a zipping motion over our mouths.

"Your secret is safe with us, Haruhi! We'll make sure you are able to pay off your debt!" I said, with a giggle. If I were to blurt out this secret, surely Kyoya-Senpai wouldn't forgive me and I wouldn't be able to eat this delicious cake. Speaking of cake, I still had another plate of it waiting for me. I turned around, to be faced with Honey-Senpai holding out the last slice of chocolate cake. I beamed at him and happily accepted the slice. Nii-Sama can't stop me now.