It was a while until Satoshi and I finished kissing and we exchanged numbers before we said goodnight before I went back to the dormitories, and he went back to the clock tower. The celebration was still going on inside, but I silently walked by my peers and went up to my dorm. I plopped into my bed and sighed blissfully before I ultimately fell asleep, feeling like I had the whole world in my hands.

The next day, classes began, and I went to class dressed in my school dress with a smile on my face. All of the classes started with the teachers discussing the course and giving us schedules, but I didn't pay much attention. Subconsciously, I was writing down everything the teachers were saying in my notebooks out of habit from being a hardworking student, but in my mind, all I could think about was Satoshi. Everything we experienced the previous night replayed in my mind constantly and I grew excited about our secret relationship. When classes were over, I went straight to my dorm and started doing my homework so that I would have it out of the way for the day. Then I remembered that Sonia asked me to write a short story about love, and so I decided to write a variation of how Satoshi and I got together.

As soon as it was done, I received a text from Satoshi to come to his room through the secret passage. I smiled and wasted no time to take the passage to the clock tower to find him waiting for me. Within the next couple of hours, we were talking or kissing, enjoying our time together as a new couple.

But things didn't go so well as Sonia had hoped. While Satoshi and I were together, the school board was getting together for the meeting Princess Miette had arranged. Sonia was walking toward the meeting room with a smile on her face before Jessie abruptly stood in front of her with a cross look.

"Uh, what's going on, Jessie?" Sonia asked, uneasy with the way Jessie was glaring at her.

"Don't play innocent with me," Jessie snarled. "You have a lot of nerve to try to interfere with my plans just to get your stupid theater."

"But it's not my fault. I really arranged an appointment for Serena to meet Satoshi," Sonia protested. "Maybe your secretary forgot to inform you or something."

"I don't care about your excuses," Jessie growled. "I'm warning you here and now; don't ever interfere with Rocket Incorporated's business, or I'll make sure that your little art program will be erased from existence. Understood?"

Sonia looked at Jessie fearfully and gulped before she said, "Understood."

"Good," Jessie said before she turned around and went inside the meeting room. "Make sure your students understand too."

Sonia sighed in relief before she also entered the meeting room. It wasn't long after Sonia sat down next to Principal Magnolia that Princess Miette entered the room with a tall, black-haired woman dressed in a dark gray suit carrying a briefcase with a cold face. Sonia was intimidated by the woman's demeanor while everyone on the board stood up and bowed the princess. Princess Miette smirked, pleased to see the board showing her respect before she sat down in a chair in the middle of the room. The board sat back down in their seats as the princess cleared her throat.

"Members of the school board, I'm delighted that you have all come as requested," she said.

"Not at all, Your Majesty," Principal Magnolia said politely. "We are honored to be in the presence of Galar's future queen."

The rest of the board silently agreed before the princess continued.

"It has come to my attention that your art program has needed a theater for students in the performing arts for some time," she said.

Everyone on the board except for Sonia and Jessie looked at other confused.

"Yes, that is correct," Principle Magnolia said. "My granddaughter and her students have been trying to convince us to build one, but we've sadly had to decline for business reasons."

Princess Miette nodded and said, "Well, I'm here to announce that I wish to fund the art program to build a theater."

The board gasped in surprise while Sonia smiled, and Jessie watched uncaringly.

"Your Majesty, this is an unexpected surprise," Principle Magnolia said. "May I ask why you have developed an interest to aid the program?"

"To put it simply, Jessie and Sonia have informed me of a play they want to make with Jessie's host, Satoshi, and Sonia's students," the princess answered. "After telling me the story and explaining who the majority of the cast and crew are, I've become so intrigued with their show that I want to help them make it."

Principal Magnolia looked at the princess, surprised. She turned to Sonia who smiled and nodded, confirming that what Princess Miette said is true.

"So am I to understand that you wish to simply supply the fund for a theater just like that?" The principal asked.

"Not quite," Princess Miette said. "What I'm announcing is an investment, not a donation. Therefore, I have two conditions."

"And they would be?" Principal Magnolia asked.

"Firstly, I wish to have my name on the lease to the theater," the princess said. "And secondly, I want Jesse's entire host club to be part of the cast."

Sonia frowned, confused with the princess's second condition.

"I'm afraid I don't understand, Your Highness," she said. "You just said that we already have a cast. Why do you want the host club added to it?"

"Publicity," Princess Miette said plainly. "The host club is the most popular club in the entire school. I've done some research and every host has a minimum of ten regular clients. Is that correct, Jessie?"

Jessie smirked and said, "That's right, Your Majesty."

Princess Miette nodded and said, "So if the host club's clients learn that the most handsome boys in Galar Academy are going to be performing in a musical production, those girls won't hesitate to go see the musical."

"But the boys in the host club aren't actors or dancers," Sonia protested. "They may disrupt the show with their lack of experience."

Princess Miette chuckled with her mouth closed, amused.

"Sonia, it's a host's job to act or dance and other things to please their clients," she stated. "Besides, you already have a host in your show with Satoshi, right?"

Sonia hesitated and said, "Yes, but -"

"Then there's no reason we can't have the rest of the hosts in your show," the princess interrupted. "After all, it likely won't be until sometime at the end of the fall semester that the theater will be fully built which logically means that the show should premiere near the end of the school year. That gives the hosts plenty of time to learn how to perform on a stage with your students. And as I said, the clients of the host club will want to come to the show and maybe even want to bring their family and friends with them since they love the hosts so much. It's simply the smart way secure that there will make a profit out of giving a large sum of money to make this happen."

Sonia tried to think of something to counter the princess's logic, but no words came out of her mouth. She turned to Principal Magnolia, and the old woman sighed.

"Her Majesty is right, Sonia," she said. "If you really want a theater for your students, you have to secure that there will make a profit made out of it."

Sonia looked at her grandmother, shocked, having hoped that she would say something to convince the princess that her condition is a bad idea. She turned to Princess Miette who smirked boastfully, knowing that she's going to get her way. The peach-haired woman frowned and sighed in defeat, knowing what she reluctantly has to say.

"Very well. I agree to your terms," she said.

"Excellent," Princess Miette said before turning to the tall woman in the trenchcoat. "My woman servant, Abigail here has the contract that allows me to build the theater and signifies that my terms are met. I require the signatures of the entire board to make it official."

"Of course, Your Highness," Principal Magnolia said.

Princess Miette's smirk grew before she turned to Abigail and nodded. The tall, black-haired woman nodded back before she opened her briefcase, took out a contract and pen, and handed them to the member of the board closest to her. The person signed the contract and passed it down to the next person. The process continued until it reached Jessie, who smirked and signed the contract beforehand it and the pen to Sonia. Sonia picked up the pen and hesitated, still unsure about having students outside of her program participate in her first stage production. Eventually, she sighed again and muttered, "It's for the students," before she signed the contract and passed it and the pen to her grandmother. Principal Magnolia and the rest of the board signed the paper before Abigail collected the contract and pen and Princess Miette looked at everyone with a pleased smile.

"Thank you all for your time, ladies and gentlemen," she said. "I shall have my people get started on buying the property near the campus where the theater shall be built. If there are any problems, you will all be the first to know."

"I appreciate that, Your Highness," Principal Magnolia said.

The princess nodded and stood up, saying, "If everything is in order, then I bid you all a good day,"

The board stood up and respectively bowed to Princess Miette before they started leaving the room. Sonia and Jessie were about to leave last before the princess cleared her throat.

"Jessie, Sonia, may I speak privately with you for a moment?"

The two women looked at others, unsure of what the princess wants them for before they silently walked toward her and Abigail. Princess Miette waited until everyone else was gone before she spoke.

"There are a couple of other matters I wish to speak with you privately," she said before turning to Sonia. "Firstly, I've been looking over files of the hosts apart from Satoshi, and I've found one that I believe would be best suited for the role of the maharani's royal vizier."

Sonia frowned, uneasy that the princess was taking her interference a step further.

"And that would be?" She asked.

"Calem Xavier," Princess Miette replied.

Sonia looked at the others surprised and said, "Why in the world would you want him as the vizier?"

"Because of his reputation of being jealous of Satoshi and having a crude desire to be with the girls he sees at the host club," the princess answered plainly. "Who better to play the maharani's right-hand man than someone who knows how to be jealous and eager to be with the girls he wants? Plus, he's the father of Duke Xavier who is good friends with my father, so he's more likely to bring people to see the show if he has a specific role. "

Sonia looked at the princess skeptically, but all it took was a frown and a raised eyebrow from the princess to know that she was not making a request.

"Very well, Your Highness," she said.

Princess Miette smiled, satisfied with Sonia's response before turning to Jessie.

"As for you, we both know that your intentions are solely on convincing to make Satoshi a strong candidate to be my husband," she said. "And your employer, Mr. Giovanni, wishes to use this to gain good relations with the Galar royal family."

Sonia looked at the princess, and Jessie surprised, having no idea that Jessie's dealings with the princess revolved around that.

"Yes, that's correct," Jessie said.

Princess Miette smirked and said, "Then, I wish to make it perfectly clear that my desire for this show to be made is only because of my interest in Satoshi. If the play is successful, Satoshi's popularity will no doubt rise, and that would secure my desires to obtain him for said popularity along with him being the handsome and entrancing boy he is."

Jessie grinned, pleased with where the conversation is going while Sonia watched the two of them in disbelief. Princess Miette turned to Abigail and nodded before the tall open opened her briefcase again and took out another contract.

"So, in return for my support, I want you to sign this contract that binds Satoshi to me exclusively," the princess said. "Between now and when the production is finished, no girl will have any appointments with Satoshi during host club hours but me. And if the play is successful, you will hand him to me and the royal family shall start to do business with Rocket Incorporated."

"Hand him over to you?" Sonia asked in disbelief. "But Satoshi is a person. Not a piece of meat."

Jessie and the princess glared at Sonia, instantly making her nervous.

"That's not your concern," Jessie said coldly before turning to Princess Miette with a smile. "And I can speak for Mr. Giovanni that he would be delighted to hear this and as the boy's manager, I have permission to sign anything you wish."

"Wonderful," Princess Miette said before turning to Abigail and giving her a nod.

The tall woman nodded and took out another contract from her briefcase that Jessie eagerly snatched from Abigail's hand. The princess smirked as Abigail took out a pen again and handed it to Jessie. The magenta-haired woman walked over to the table closest to her and signed the contract before handing it back to Abigail.

"Excellent," Princess Miette said with a smirk. "Now that we all have an understanding, I suggest that we announce the production tomorrow during host club hours where many of your clients will be there, Jessie. Sonia, I expect your students from last night to come so that they can be introduced to the host club's clients as well. Understood?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Jessie and Sonia said simultaneously.

"Good," the princess said. "I shall see you all there at 4 o'clock sharp. Until then, ladies."

Sonia and Jessie bowed to Princess Miette as she and Abigail left the room. As the princess walked away, however, Sonia grew worried over how much she will take control of the show.

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

The next day, Sonia told Cilan, Iris, Bonnie, May, Dawn, Kenny, and me to go to the host club after class. I frowned sadly, wishing I could go to the clock tower to spend more time with Satoshi, but when Sonia said it was for the play, I reluctantly agreed. The seven of us met up at the front entrance to the main building before going inside and went up the stairs leading to a large doorway. We came in to find a giant room full of couches, wooden tables, flowers, and tea sets all over the place. The area was filled with hosts talking and having tea and sweets with multiple girls at once. Every other second I heard girls swoon, giggle or blush after their host says or does something that fills them with hollow happiness.

"So this is the host club," I said before turning to Cilan. "Is this how it normally goes? Just tea and flirting and girls acting like this?"

"Pretty much," Cilan answered with a chuckle. "Handling multiple clients at once is practically in the job description. They usually change clients every half an hour, depending on the appointments that are scheduled. Most hosts have at least a couple dozen clients or so who meet with them devotedly, not unlike May and Dawn with Drew and Paul, respectively."

May and Dawn smiled and giggled with their mouths closed at the mention of their favorite hosts. Unsurprisingly, I noticed Kenny frowning again at the way Dawn was acting over another guy.

"So did you have a lot of loyal clients when you were a host, Cilan?" I asked.

Cilan turned to Iris and put his arm around her as he said, "Iris and I did break a lot of hearts when we fell in love, and Jessie kicked me off the club."

"We sure did," Iris said proudly while wrapping both of her arms around her boyfriend.

I smiled, glad to see another touching moment between the couple again before May stepped in.

"So, what do you think of the host club at first glance, Serena?" May asked.

I frowned and turned to her, saying, "I would be lying if I said this is something that interests me. I said to you guys before that I think the whole concept of the host club sounds petty shallow, and after the ball and now looking at this, I stand by it."

"Aw, come on, Serena. You never know unless you try," May said. "Maybe you'll find someone here in the host club who may learn to like you for real. If it happened with Iris and Cilan, it could happen to you, Dawn, or me."

I forced myself not to smile to hide that she's right. After learning how Drew genuinely feels about May and learning Satoshi's feelings for me, I couldn't help but secretly admit that May is right.

"Yeah, and some hosts are genuine with how they entertain their clients," Bonnie said with a smile before pointing to a table close to us. "Just look at my brother, Clemont."

I turned to where she was pointing to see Clemont sitting on a couch with two girls standing on both sides of him and four other girls sitting on the other side of the table in front of Clemont. The blond-haired boy's face was bright pink, and he struggled to hold his teacup steady, unable to stand being surrounded by six beautiful girls. The girls around him stared at him with blissful smiles as if Clemont's every bashful moment was captivating to watch. I couldn't help but smile and turn to Bonnie.

"Okay, I'll admit your brother's demeanor is very genuine," I said. "It's kind of cute too."

Bonnie grinned mischievously and said, "You think he looks cute now? Watch this."

"Oh boy, she's going to do it again," Dawn said, smiling.

"Do what?" I asked.

But before Dawn could answer, Bonnie cleared her throat and called out in a singing voice, "Brother, dear! Oh, big brother!"

Clemont and his clients turned to us, and his eyes widened.

"Bonnie, what are you doing here?!" He asked.

"Oh nothing," Bonnie said, acting cute and innocent. "Just wondering how my big brother who took care of me when I was little is doing. I always wonder if there will be somebody who will take care of him for me someday."

The girls squealed in excitement before turning to Clemont.

"Oh, Clemont, your little sister is so cute," one said.

"And you took care of her when she was little. That's so sweet," another one cooed.

The girl sitting on Clemont's left side leaned close to him and started walking her fingers up his arm, asking, "So would you like someone to take care of you, Clemont?"

With all six girls looking at Clemont, expecting an answer while his face turned beet red. He tried to say something, but all he could say were incoherent words. The girls simultaneously let out high-pitched "aw"s as if they saw a little puppy do something adorable. The two girls closest to Clemont wrapped their arms around his arms and rested their heads on his shoulders, giving him dreamy looks. The blond-haired boy let out a loud whimper, wishing the embarrassing moment would stop. Bonnie smiled, pleased with her handiwork while Kenny, Dawn, May, Iris, and Cilan laughed.

"That never gets old," Kenny said.

"No, it does not," Dawn agreed.

I try to contain a giggle with my mouth closed, feeling sorry for Clemont, until I hear Sonia walking toward us with a smile.

"Great! You're all here early!" She said cheerfully.

"Of course," May said with a smile. "I wouldn't miss us announcing our first play for the world."

"I second that," Dawn said.

"Third," Kenny said.

"Fourth and fifth right here," Iris said, pointing at herself and Cilan.

"Sixth right in front of you," Bonnie said with a cute smile.

I chuckled and said, "Well, I haven't been trying to get a theater and a show for the school as long as you guys have, but I'm happy that my friends are happy and that I get to write the show."

Sonia nodded and said, "And we all appreciate your help in making this happen, Serena."

"Yeah, none of this would be possible if it wasn't for you," Dawn said.

"Yeah, you are a really good writer, and you did a great job coming up with the story on the spot," Kenny said.

"Aw, thanks, you guys," I said. "Though you guys and Satoshi did help shape the story too. As far as I'm concerned, we all worked together to get out show."

Everyone smiled at me, appreciative of my words. Shortly after that, the doors opened behind us to reveal Satoshi, Jessie, and Princess Miette entering the room. My heart leaped at the sight of the raven-haired host, and I could see in his eyes that he was happy to see me too. I heard dozens of girls all over the room scream in excitement at the sight of him, but I paid no mind, knowing that I'm secretly his girlfriend.

"Ah, you're all here early. Excellent," the princess said. "I always appreciate my subjects who come at the time I tell them to."

Bonnie, Iris, Cilan, Dawn, Kenny, May, and I resisted the urge to glare at the princess for calling us her subjects in a condescending tone. The seven of us and Sonia gave her respectable bows before Sonia spoke.

"Shall we make our announcement now, Your Highness?" She asked.

Princess Miette nodded and said, "No time like the present since we're all here."

"Wisely said, Your Majesty," Jessie praised.

With that, the eleven of us walked over to the center of the room. Many of the hosts and girls already noticed us standing there if for no other reason than because of Satoshi, but Jessie clapped her hands loudly to gain everybody's attention just in case.

"Attention, my dear hosts and little lambs," she began. "Her Royal Highness, Princess Miette, has a grand announcement to make on behalf of the host club and Galar Academy's art program."

The crowd looked at Jessie, confused as the princess stepped in.

"Thank you, Jessie," she said. "Now, as some of you may be aware, Sonia here has been trying to have a theater built so that her students can perform play. I am happy to announce that after she and her students pitched their show to me, I am going to have their theater built and fund their play."

The hosts and the girls looked at each other confused, wondering why the announcement mattered to them.

"What's more, Jessie and I have reached an agreement where half of the cast for this show will be all of your beloved hosts in the host club," the princess continued proudly.

The hosts and their clients immediately looked at the princess, surprised. The girls were excited to hear that the boys they spend time with in the club will be appearing in a play. The guys, however, are dumbfounded, having not been told about this.

"I will now announce the main roles and crew members of the play," the princess continued. "Firstly, we have May as the pianist and Cilan as the orchestra conductor; both of which are co-composers for the music. Iris will be the tech director of the show while Sonia will be the head director. Finally, we have Serena as the writer of the play."

The majority of the crowd applauded politely except for a few girls who cheer for Cilan and/or glare daggers at Iris. It was all too clear to me that they were Cilan's former clients back when he was a host and they were still bitter over Iris taking him away. I noticed Drew glancing at May with a small smile on his face, pleased that the girl he secretly likes was going to perform in a musical. I gave the crowd a humble bow, smiling at the moment of people applauding for me being the writer.

"For the cast, we have Bonnie as a magical sitar, Dawn as a sitar player, Kenny as the sitar player's best friend, Jessie as the maharani, and Calem as the royal vizier," the princess continued.

Bonnie, Dawn, and Kenny happy waved at the crowd with Dawn's eyes, especially on Paul, hoping that the news of her role might grab his attention. Jessie waved at the clients of her club in an over-the-top manner as if she was the star of the show. I, on the other hand, looked at Princess Miette in shock, unable to believe the news that Calem was cast as the vizier. I noticed Calem looking at me several tables away from us with a sly grin. There were several girls around him, thrilled that he has a role in the play, but he didn't pay attention to any of them. His eyes were completely fixed on me, clearly still having unholy desires revolving around me. I frowned worriedly, knowing that I will have to work with him as one of the supporting characters of the show.

"And best of all, Satoshi himself will be playing the lead character of the show as the prince," Princess Miette said proudly.

The room was silent for a moment as the girls processed the information that was given to them. Finally, they all let out deafening screams, with some of them getting up from their seats and jumping up and down in excitement like little children. Satoshi smiled and waved his hand at the girls like a celebrity before Jessie stepped in.

"That that said, however, I do have some bad news for you," she said. "Due to some business matters, Satoshi will not be available for any of you during host club business hours. Instead, his only client will be Her Majesty throughout the entire school year."

All of the girls gasp loudly while I turned to Jessie in shock. I turned to Satoshi, and he looked at me just as surprised as I am. Before long, girls began moaning or crying in grief. Princess Miette boastfully smirked at them like a bully getting away with stealing a toy from the other kids. I frowned, worried about how this will affect my new relationship with Satoshi while he cleared his throat and gave the girls a comforting smile.

"Now, now, my darlings. Do not grieve," he said. "I'm as devastated as you are with this news. I will miss you all dearly, but it would cheer me up if you promise to go see our show and bring all of your dear friends and loved ones. Will you please do that for me?"

Almost immediately, the girls smiled and exclaimed promises to come and bring everyone they know. Sonia smiled, while Jessie and Princess Miette looked at each other and smirked, knowing that they are going to make a profit out of their show. A part of me hated hearing him speak that way to other girls, but the rest of me knew that he was only acting.

"I'm glad," Satoshi said with a toothy grin. "I can't wait to see you there. Remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder."

The girls squealed and swooned, with some of them fainting in bliss. I shook my head at the way they were acting before the princess spoke again.

"It will be some time before the theater is ready, the script is fully written, and the cast and crew can begin rehearsing," she said. "Therefore, we have scheduled the play to be a couple of weeks before the end of the school year. Until then, I hope you will look forward to our production. That is all."

The crowd applauded and bowed to the princess out of respect. Bonnie, Iris, Cilan, Dawn, Kenny, May, and I took advantage of the fact that the announcement was over and huddled around Sonia, eager for answers.

"Sonia, why is half of the cast going to be the host club?" Dawn asked.

Sonia sighed and said, "The princess made it one of her conditions in supporting us. She wants to use the host club's popularity to make sure our show makes a profit."

"But what about all of the actors and dancers who have been waiting too long for a chance like this?" Bonnie asked.

"They still will be able to perform in the play, they'll just have to adjust to working with boys who aren't members of the performing arts," Sonia answered sadly.

"But why in the world is Calem cast as the royal vizier?" I asked.

"That was another one of the princess's conditions," Sonia replied. "She wants to use his popularity as Duke Xavier's son to gain more of a profit. She also thinks his experience of being jealous of Satoshi would make him fit for the part."

"But I don't want him to have a role in the show," I protested. "Have you seen the way he looks at me?"

"Serena's right, Sonia. Calem made a move on her at the ball, and it was clear that he's interested in her for the wrong reasons," Kenny testified.

"I hear you both, but it's out of my hands now that the school board and I have signed the princess's contract," Sonia said. "I can, however, have a talk with Jessie to make sure Calem doesn't try anything with you, Serena."

I smiled, feeling slightly better.

"Thank you, Sonia," I said.

"Absolutely," Sonia said with a smile. "Anyway, now the announcement is made, you're all free to do whatever you want for the rest of the day."

"Wonderful," Cilan said happily before turning to Iris, "Let's go for a walk in the courtyard."

"You read my mind, honey," Iris said, wrapping her arms around Cilan's arm as they leave.

"I'm going to see how Clemont is doing with all the girls around him," Bonnie said with a mischievous grin before walking back to where her brother is.

May's eyes lit up, and she said, "I should see if I can make an appointment with Drew and find out how he feels about if working together."

"Ah, great idea!" Dawn squealed. "I should do the same with Paul! I hope he's happy that we will be performing in the play together, and I'm one of the lead characters!"

Once again, Kenny frowned at the way the girl he liked was acting over another guy.

"I think I'm hoping to go back to my dorm and do some homework," he said deflated.

Dawn turned to Kenny, confused and asked, "Kenny, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Kenny lied, not looking at Dawn. "I just feel kind of tired, that's all. Go flirt with Paul or whatever."

Dawn tilted her head, and I frowned as we watched Kenny storm out of the room. The two of us and Sonia looked at each other concerned, knowing that Kenny is anything but okay.

"What's eating him?" Dawn asked.

"I don't know," Sonia answered. "That was kind of out of the blue."

Dawn frowned and turned to me, asking, "Any ideas, Serena?"

I bit my lip to resist the urge to tell her the truth for Kenny's sake, figuring that it might do more harm than good if I just told her how her childhood friend feels.

"I think I have one, but I can't say for sure," I answered hesitantly.

"Really? What is it?" Dawn asked.

"I can't say for private reasons," I said. "But in case I'm wrong, I think you should consider how he acts every time you talk about Paul."

Dawn looked at me even more confused and asked, "Why?"

My mouth opened to give her a direct answer, but I once again fought the urge to speak. At that moment, I glanced at Satoshi, who just finished talking with Jessie and Princess Miette. Jessie was smirking while the princess was giving my boyfriend another flirtatious look as they spoke while Satoshi himself pretended to be happy about what they are talking about. He then excused himself and kissed the princess's hand before turning around to leave the room. Eager to talk to him. I bit my lip and gave Dawn a hasty answer.

"I can't say," I said. "Anyway, I better go do my homework too. I'll see you guys later."

I don't give Sonia or Dawn a chance to respond as I jogged my way to the exit. As soon as I'm out of the room, I look around the hall to find Satoshi, but he was nowhere in sight. I started running toward the direction closest to the clock tower, figuring he would be there when someone grabbed me by the shoulder, and I turned around to see that it was Calem.

"What's your hurry, gorgeous?" He asked. "I was hoping we could have a little talk."

I groan in irritation, not wanting to have to deal with him while looking for Satoshi and said, "I have nothing to say to you."

"Oh, I disagree," Calem said with his hand still on my shoulder. "Since I'm going to perform as a character in your show, I thought we could get to know each other and talk about this royal vizier I'm going to play."

"Well, you thought wrong," I said, swatting his hand away from me. "I don't want to get to know you more, and it wasn't my decision to have you in the play at all."

"Aw, come on, toots, don't be like that," Calem protested, grabbing my hand as I tried to walk away.

My irritation grew onto anger, and without warning, I slapped Calem again so hard in the face with my free hand that the of the slap echoed through the entire hall. He let go of my hand and took a few steps back while he massaged his cheek.

"Listen here, and you listen good, you good-for-nothing creep!" I growled. "When a girl says no, she means no! I have no interest in your disgusting desires and I never will! And don't you ever call me toots again!"

The hall was silent for a moment before Calem turned to me furious.

"You dare attack me and speak that way?!" He barked. "I'm the son of Duke Xavier, the highest member of the Galar high society and friend of the king himself!"

"Then he should have taught you better manners," I said.

I turned around to leave again, but he grabbed me by the hand again, pulled me to face him and grabbed my other hand. I tried to free myself, but his grip was too strong.

"No girl ever says no to me!" Calem snarled.

"And I just did twice," I countered. "That's life. You can't always get what you want."

"Oh, but I do," Calem said. "One way or another, you are giving me what I -"

"Calem!"

My heart leaped again at the sound of Satoshi's voice and Calem and I turned to see him storming towards us and forcing Calem to let go of me. I stood behind Satoshi as if to use him as a shield while Calem growled in annoyance.

"This doesn't concern you, Satoshi," he said.

"I beg to differ," Satoshi said, glaring at Calem. "I won't allow you to assault a girl just because she's saying no to you."

"Who are you to say what I can't or can't do?!" Calem growled. "Do you think that just because the princess wants you all to yourself that makes you better than any of us?"

I felt a small pinch in my heart from Calem, bringing up the princess while Satoshi didn't flinch.

"I don't need to be so highly respected in high society to keep you from trying anything with Serena," Satoshi said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm taking Serena back to her dorm."

Without letting Calem say another word, Satoshi and I turned around and began walking down the hall together. The black-haired host growled again as we left.

"You can't use your popularity in this school forever, Satoshi!" He yelled. "You're nothing but an illegitimate child pretending to be an heir to your daddy's business, and that's all you'll ever be!"

I turned to Calem, confused before turning to Satoshi as we walked.

"What is he talking about?" I asked.

"Nevermind that," Satoshi said without looking at me. "Let's hold off talking until we get to your dorm, okay?"

I wanted to protest to get answers right away, but for the sake of our secret, I silently said, "Okay," as we walked down the hall.

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

Once we were out of the main building, we walked through the courtyard and went inside the art dormitories. As we were walking through the entrance hall, some of my fellow art students look at us curiously, and we simply explained that we were going up to my dorm to discuss the play. After we took the elevator to my floor, I guided Satoshi to my dorm. After we went inside, I closed the door behind us before we finally faced each other. I opened my mouth to speak, but Satoshi raised his hand for silence.

"I know what you're going to ask, Serena, and I don't want to talk about it," he said. "What Calem said about me is private business that he had no right bringing up."

I frowned, disappointed that he wouldn't give me an explanation.

"I understand," I said reluctantly. "I'm sorry if that's a touchy subject he brought up."

Satoshi gave me a small smile and said, "I appreciate that. I know you want an explanation, but it's something I don't talk about with anyone."

I nodded and said, "I get it. We've only been going out for a couple of days, and we don't know a whole lot about each other. Just understand that as your girlfriend, I will be here if you trust me enough to tell me."

Satoshi's smile grew for a moment before he frowned and looked away from me.

"That's going to be difficult if we're not going to spend as much time together as we want to anymore," he said.

I frowned sadly, knowing exactly what he was talking about.

"Did you know about this arrangement between you and the princess?" I asked. "Tell me, honestly."

Satoshi walked toward me to look at me deep in the eyes as he said, "I swear to you, I didn't. I was as surprised as you and everyone else in the room when Jessie and the princess that she's going to be my only client and that the whole club is going to be in the show. I asked both of them, and the princess said that she wanted to be a surprise for me. I pretended to be happy and everything, but please believe me when I say I'm just as worried about us as you are."

We stared at each other silently for a minute. I studied his eyes thoroughly to know that he is telling the truth. I gave him a small smile and placed my hand on his cheek.

"I believe you," I said, making him smile slightly. "So, what are we going to do?"

"I don't know," Satoshi said. "I told you that this isn't going to last long and that I have to do everything Jessie says to woo the princess, but even I want us to have more time than they're giving us."

"Then we have to make the most of our time together," I said confidently.

"How?" Satoshi asked. "My free time after school is going to be booked with being with the princess for the whole year with the exceptions of homework and working on the play."

My eyes widened, and my confidence grew at the information Satoshi just gave me.

"Homework and the play, huh?" I said with a mischievous grin that rivaled Bonnie's. "Does Jessie ever check on you when you have to do homework or anything like that?"

"No, she doesn't care about what I do once host club hours are over," Satoshi answered, unsure of what I'm thinking.

"How good of a student are you in class?" I asked.

"Uh, not great," Satoshi admitted scratching the back of his head. "I do my homework and stuff, but I barely pass my classes."

"Well, lucky for us, your girlfriend is the hardworking student from Vaniville Town," I said with a smug look.

"I don't follow," Satoshi said, confused.

"Think about it, Satoshi. If schoolwork and the play is what will keep the princess away, then we use it to our advantage," I explained. "You could say to Jessie and the princess that you have to meet up with me for homework and working on the play. They both know that I'm the writer of the show, and from what I've heard, practically everyone knows about my hard work from passing the test to win my scholarship. So, it's hardly farfetched for them to believe that you want to work on the show with the writer since you are the star and you may also want to be tutored by a hard-working student."

Satoshi thought about it for a moment before my idea clicked in his mind.

"I get what you're saying," he said. "If we say things like that, Jessie and the princess will let me be, and we can see each other without needing to worry about them."

"Exactly," I said. "Now, for the sake of honesty and progress in our show and your grades throughout the year, we will actually have to work on both of them, but the important thing is we will be able to spend as much time together as we want. The princess will be completely unaware that you are tricking her into spending more time with me."

The more I explained my plan to Satoshi, the more he smiled brightly.

"I like it," he said. "You're coming up with all sorts of ideas revolving around us."

I smiled and said, "Well, I did say I believe in the best-case scenario."

"You did say that," Satoshi with a toothy grin as he wrapped his arms around my waist. "Comes to show that I'm secretly dating the smart one."

My cheeks heated up, and as I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a sweet smile.

"And I'm secretly dating the handsome one," I said.

Both of us chuckled before we learned in for a kiss. The kiss then led to us making out as we pulled each other closer and started kissing more passionately. My heart was racing, glad to finally have a moment like this with Satoshi after waiting the entire day to be alone with him, and I knew from the way he was kissing and holding me tight that he felt the same. Our thoughts about everything else in the world were put in the back of our minds as we enjoyed this moment together.

Unfortunately, as we continued to kiss, there was a knock on my door before Bonnie, Dawn, and May suddenly walked into my dorm.

"Hey, Serena, are you working on the script right -?" Bonnie began before she, Dawn, and May saw Satoshi and me, and gasped sharply.

The two of us broke our kiss immediately and turned to the three girls in shock. Our voices died in our throats as we tried to think of something to say despite knowing we were caught red-handed. It took a minute before May broke the silence.

"Serena, were you just ki -" she began before I shushed her.

"Be quiet!" I hissed. "Close the door!"

Bonnie was quick to obey as she closed the door and turned back to Satoshi and me. The raven-haired host and I looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

"Okay, spill it, you two," Dawn said with her hands on her hips. "Why were you two kissing?"

Satoshi scratched the back of his head while I played with my hair, not looking at the three girls standing in front of us.

"Oh, come on, are you two a couple?" Bonnie asked with a pout.

I bit my lip and turned to Satoshi, who hesitated and gave me a shrug. I sighed in defeat and looked at my friends with all the courage I could muster.

"Yes, we're a couple," I said.

The three girls gasped in shock, unable to believe that I had just confirmed Bonnie's guess.

"How long has this been going on?" May asked.

Satoshi continued to scratch the back of his head and said, "Since the night of the ball."

"WHAT?!" Dawn shrieked.

"You started secretly dating Satoshi of all boys in the host club just like that?" Bonnie asked before she smirked at me. "Wow, Serena, you're a girl of many talents."

"Bonnie, don't encourage her," May said.

"Why not? You and Dawn want something like this with Drew and Paul, and we all supported Cilan and Iris' relationship," Bonnie said.

"Yeah, but none of them just became Princess Miette's exclusive host," Dawn said before turning to me. "What are you thinking, Serena? What if the princess or Jessie caught you two? Are you really putting everything at risk just because you are attracted to him?"

I opened my mouth to respond until Satoshi stepped in front of me.

"Look, girls, I'm not just making out with Serena out of attraction. I actually like her," he said.

I looked at him sweetly, touched that he admitted it to my friends without hesitating. May, Dawn, and Bonnie, on the other hand, looked at Satoshi as if he said something strange.

"Are you being on the level with us?" May asked.

"I am," Satoshi said. "Believe me, the two of us are as concerned about the princess as you are, but we don't want to let it stop us from seeing each other."

The three girls stared at him for a moment before turning to me.

"Is this true?" Dawn asked.

"It is," I said, standing beside Satoshi. "I like Satoshi too."

May and Dawn were still looking at me as if I had done a horrible crime while Bonnie still looked optimistic.

"Well, if you like each other for real, then that's good enough for me," she said with a cheeky grin.

May hesitated and said, "I want to say the same thing, Serena, I really do, but what you two are doing is risky."

"Ditto," Dawn said.

Satoshi and I looked at each other before he said, "We know that. This is something that's not likely to last. Heck, I warned Serena of that before we got together."

"Then why are you willing to risk so much for some temporary relationship?" Dawn asked.

Satoshi opened his mouth, but no words came out. I frowned, worried that he had no answer that can justify what we were doing. Bonnie, May, and Bonnie clearly had the same thought as Bonnie looked as concerned as I was, and Dawn and May looked hopeful that they were convincing Satoshi to end our relationship. Their hopes were dashed, however, when Satoshi took a breath and gave them an honest answer.

"Because even if it doesn't last, I want to make the most of my time with Serena," he said. "She's unlike anyone I've ever known. I can't explain it, I just know that what I'm feeling is somehow more important than what I have to do to please the princess and I want to pursue it to the end."

The four of us girls were silent, taken aback by Satoshi's declaration. Dawn and May looked at him as if he transformed into a strange animal, while Bonnie looked at him in awe. I stared at my boyfriend in amazement, just as surprised as my friends that he values our relationship that much. Eventually, Dawn sighed before smiling at the raven-haired host.

"Well, then if that's the way you feel, then I guess I will support you," she said. "But you better treat our friend well, or I'll pound you."

Satoshi smiled and wrapped his arm around me in a side hug and said, "I will. Promise."

I smiled sweetly at him while May hung her head in defeat.

"I suppose I can do the same," she said. "Just make sure you be careful."

"We will," I replied.

Bonnie smiled, glad that Dawn and May are on my and Satoshi's side.

"So who else knows about this?" She asked.

Satoshi and I looked at each other before I answered, "Just you three."

"Really?" Dawn asked.

"Really, really," Satoshi answered. "And I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone else."

"Why not?" Bonnie asked. "Iris and Cilan would totally be behind you, and I'm sure Sonia and Kenny would be okay with it as long you guys explain how you feel."

I frowned and said, "Maybe that's true with Iris, Cilan, and Kenny, but I think Sonia would be horrified if she knew. You saw how stressed she is about the princess's involvement with the play. If she found out about us, she'd be terrified."

May thought about it and said, "When you put it that way, that makes it even more important that no one else knows. A secret is no good if half Galar Academy knows about it."

"Exactly," I said. "So let's keep it to just the five of us."

My three friends nodded in agreement, and Bonnie said, "You got it, Serena. Though friendly advice, you should lock to door next time."

"Yeah, and keeping your curtains closed so that no one can see you making out from the dormitories behind us," Dawn added.

Satoshi and my eyes widened, and we turned around to see my window uncovered. I quickly rushed over there and put down the curtains, mentally praying that no one saw us before Bonnie, Dawn, and May came in. Satoshi chuckled and scratched the neck of his head in embarrassment.

"Thanks for the tips," he said sheepishly.

"Yeah, thanks," I said. "I owe you guys one."

"Hey, we're just suggesting whatever keeps you safe while you're doing this, Serena," May said before something clicked in her mind. "Although, if you want to repay us, your boyfriend could look into maybe help something secretly happen between Drew and me."

Dawn gasped loudly and excitedly said, "Yes! Yes! Same for Paul and me!"

"If you know any girls that would like to take care of my big brother, I'd like to meet them," Bonnie said.

Satoshi and I became uneasy, and he hesitantly said, "I'll see what I can do, but I make no promises."

"Yippie!" The three girls cheered.

I chuckled nervously and said, "Okay, now that that's settled, could you guys go now?"

My friends gave me smug looks, knowing what's on my mind before May said, "Oh, that's right. We were here to ask if you've been writing the script yet. Sonia is wondering about that."

"Oh, no, not yet," I answered. "I'll do that tonight."

Bonnie, May, and Dawn raised their eyebrows suspiciously.

"And how do we know you'll do that with your good-looking boyfriend with you?" Bonnie asked with a teasing grin.

I blushed and said, "We aren't planning to make out the rest of the day away. We did just discuss a plan to work on the play and to have me be Satoshi's tutor for school."

"That's right. So we do have to work on the play as a means for us to spend time together," Satoshi stepped in.

Bonnie kept grinning at us while Dawn and May thought about our explanation.

"That's not a bad idea," May admitted. "I guess as long as you write the play and tutor Satoshi for real, no one will be the wiser."

Dawn nodded and said, "Alright, we'll trust you two."

"Thanks," Satoshi said. "Now, could you please go already?"

The three girls smirked at my boyfriend's eagerness.

"Alright, alright, we're going," Bonnie said. "See you later, lovebirds."

With that, the three of them finally left my dorm, and I closed and locked the door behind them. I took a deep breath before I turned to Satoshi who was relieved that my friends were gone.

"Let's hope their advice is all we need to keep us a secret," I said as I walked back to Satoshi.

"No kidding," Satoshi said before he gave me a flirtatious smile and wrapped his arms around me. "Now where were we?"

I blushed and giggled with my mouth closed and said, "I think we were about here."

Without another word, the two of us went back to kissing. We made out for several more minutes until we finally parted and stared at each other silently.

"Did you mean what you said about me being someone you've never known?" I asked.

Satoshi gave me a toothy grin and said, "Sure did."

I felt my heart skip a beat, touched that he confirmed it without hesitation.

"You also said how you feel about me is more important to you than the princess," I said with a smile. "Care to elaborate?"

Satoshi frowned and looked away from me hesitantly.

"I don't think I can," he answered honestly. "I know for a fact that I really like you, but the way I feel emotionally is foreign to me. I have never felt this way before any more than I have ever known someone like you."

My smile grew as if he told me exactly how he felt. It took a moment before he realized what was on my mind and shook his head.

"It's not love that I'm feeling, Serena," he said bluntly.

"I didn't say anything about love," I said, still smiling.

"You didn't have to," Satoshi countered. "Besides, how could I be in love with you when we've only known each other for all of two days?"

I chuckled with my mouth closed and said, "You're right, it is too soon. But you are proving my claim that you can be a better person if you learn to love and be loved. I'm willing to bet that one day you will understand this feeling you have, and as your girlfriend, I'm going to help you every step of the way."

Satoshi stared at me with a skeptical face before he smiled and shook his head.

"You are a little stubborn, you know that?" He asked.

"I do," I said with a smile. "I get it from my mom."

"I see," Satoshi said. "Just be careful with how far your stubbornness takes you."

"Funny, I can say the same thing about yours," I said.

Satoshi smiled and said, "Fair enough."

With that, we leaned in for a soft kiss before my eyes widened, and I pulled back.

"Hey, I think this gives me an idea for a scene in the play," I said.

Satoshi raised his eyebrow and asked, "Really? You're coming up with scenes for the play from our conversation?"

"Well, the way things are thanks to Jessie and Princess Miette with their agreement, we may as well be the prince and the sitar player in real life," I said with a smirk. "And as a writer, I see no reason not to base some of the story about a secret relationship on my own."

Satoshi thought about it for a moment before he let out a laugh.

"I guess even at two days of dating, we do have a better idea of what it might be like to be in a situation like that," he said. "And you did say we should work on the play while we're together anyway."

My smirk turned into a cheerful smile before I pecked Satoshi on the lips.

"Exactly," I said. "So, what are we waiting for?"

Satoshi smirked and nodded before we broke our hug and walked over to my desk, where my father's typewriter is. I sat down in front of the typewriter and prepared to write only for Satoshi to surprised me by taking a knee and wrapping his around me from behind.

"S-Satoshi, what are you doing?" I asked, taken aback.

The raven-haired host just smiled at me and said, "What? I can't hold my girlfriend while I watch her write like the genius she is?"

I looked away from him bashfully with my cheeks heating. Satoshi chuckled before he rested his head on my shoulder and pecked me on the cheeks. With a smile on my face, I looked at my boyfriend sweetly before I took a deep breath and began to write.

"It was shortly after the maharani announced her engagement to the prince in front of both of their subjects," I said out loud as I typed. "Worried about how their romance can continue, the prince snuck away from his palace to meet with his dear sitar player, and the two of them began to form a plan."