She took out her wallet, digging inside to grasp the few bills she had left, but she still lacked a few cents, and she had no more money to spare. She sent an apologetic smile to the cashier who was eyeing her pitifully from behind the counter.

"I guess I can go without the beef," she finally murmured, her head almost bent down in shame.

The cashier nodded, as if she understood. But she knew there was no one, not anyone she knew anyway, that can understand her situation.

Fujioka Haruhi was born in a middle-class family. Her mother was a well-respected lawyer. She was a kind woman with a pure heart and a firm belief that she allowed to lead her life. Haruhi's mother often took cases without pay. She would assist the old lady across the street that was being cheated by her own grandson; she would help the young lad who worked at the market to sue the man who burned his previous store down. She always did this with a delicate smile, a jovial face that adorned those beautiful amber eyes of hers, the same eyes that Haruhi herself inherited. But tragedy struck when her mother passed away, a victim of a hit and run as she was driving home from work. Her father, who was working as a bartender in a local bar was devastated. He lost his will to live and went through his day monotonously. Due to his lack of vigor, Haruhi took it upon herself to take in charge of the chores and responsibilities. She was merely seven years old when she started to shop for groceries, cleaned the house, and cooked their meals. She never complained, or whined or grumbled about her misfortunes. This was Haruhi, independent and headstrong…just like her dear mother.

For the first few years after her mother's death, Ranka, her father had associated himself with some very shady people. They plunged him into a world of gambling and drinking. It was only when he went home one day during a frightful storm and saw his daughter cowering pitifully under the table that he finally decided to stop. He cleaned up his act and took upon his old job as bartender in the same bar owned by his childhood friend. But it was already too late. He owed a very dangerous man a lot of money, and that man never failed to remind him. Almost every night, loan-sharks would bang on his door, demanding that he pay the money he owed. Despite the violent ruckus, Haruhi never displayed her fear for them. Instead, she bought more locks and immediately installed them on their door. Even if they cornered her outside her school, she would easily distract them and find her escape. But Ranka was not blind to her distress. He knew that his daughter did not have a lot of friends, the only exception were the handful of students in her school whose parents were in debt to her mother. She always did well in school, but he felt that her abilities and talents deserved to be displayed in a better place than the public school down the road.

So when Ranka encountered an old friend—a very, very, very rich old friend, mind you—he grasped the opportunity to provide a better life for Haruhi.

"Ootori-san! I haven't seen you in a long time."

Ootori Yoshio was a powerful man, a manipulative business mogul, and a strict father. But he is after all still a man, and he admits that he has fallen in love at some point in his life. As a teenager, he was still an upright and disciplines student. He was an only child and therefore the sole heir to his father's many companies. He once thought that his life was planned out for him, that all he had to do was follow in his father's footsteps. But when he met her, he was proven wrong.

In one of their interactions with a commoner school, he had met Kotoko, an aspiring lawyer. At first, he disapproved of her unruly personality. He thought her to be insubordinate and undisciplined, but it did not take long for his censure to develop into a strange sort of attraction. In his own odd way, he attempted to pursue her, but Kotoko was naïve when it came to love. Instead, they became very good friends, along with Kotoko's own best friend, Fujioka Ryoji, a strange, eccentric, but nonetheless very passionate man. For several years, this strange threesome had a close and tight-knit relationship. When Yoshio's father had voiced out his disapproval to his choice of friends, he had haughtily stood up to him, almost losing his whole inheritance to an arrogant cousin of his. It was the first and only time he every disobeyed his father, but to see Kotoko's smile was worth it.

When they all went their own ways, Yoshio to a university in France, and Kotoko and Ryoji to a university in Tokyo, they had parted somberly. Their bond had been so unbreakable, so unrealistically wonderful, that parting was a sorrowful conclusion. But Yoshio never thought that it would be the end for them, after college, he promised himself that he would propose to Kotoko. So with his heart set out, he pursued his education in a most fierce and desperate manner. He finished the top of the university, making his father content with his progress; he finally set out for home, to Kotoko.

But what Yoshio never thought of was that someone else could take the place in Kotoko's heart. And it certainly came as a surprise and great heartbreak to see that his other best friend had taken that place. At first, he tried to reason with himself, scolding his heart for being angry at Ryoji when he had not known his affections for Kotoko. But his emotion was something he couldn't control. So he begrudgingly decided for a last minute confession to Kotoko. She was…surprised, to say the least, and declined him gently. Ryoji, who was at that time already with Kotoko, took the news badly, and it was sad to say that some violence ensued. The two friends parted in poor terms, never again seeing each other…until tragedy struck them all in the form of her unseen death.

After hearing of Kotoko and Ryoji's marriage, he finally accepted the proposal of a smaller, but nonetheless beneficial company executive. Yoshio was to be wed to their daughter after he finished his training, and once he became CEO of his father's company, he would be joined with her in matrimony. Yoshio's wife was a lady in all senses, she was proper, her manners were exquisite and she was also an industrious woman, successful in expanding her father's company. But they both knew, that neither of them loved each other, and this mutual understanding was what allowed them survive all those years together.

But one fateful day, Yoshio received news of Kotoko's death. He had been in his office late at night; when he instinctively decided to turn the television on to listen to the news channel.

"Fujioka Kotoko's death was definitely unfortunate. She was a beloved wife and mother, and also a wonderful friend to her neighbors…she will be dearly missed. If you have any information about the hit and run driver, please contact the number you see at the bottom of your screen."

Yoshio wasted no time; he picked up his phone and dialed a number he knew all too well.

"This number is out of service."

He slammed his fist on his desk, cursing madly at his circumstances. He picked up the phone again, calling a different number this time. A man answered on the other line.

"Find out Fujioka Ryoji's new address, and call for a car immediately. I will be out in the front of the building in five minutes."

Grabbing his coat from the rack, he fled out of his office, his feet taking him desperately to the elevator. Once inside, he gasped for air, not having run in such a long time, but his mind was racing. It was on auto-pilot, recalling all his memories of Kotoko and Ryoji together, the last time he saw her, so broken and forlorn, and also memories of their childhood, when she smiled at him so gratefully.

Once he got into his limo, he barked at his chauffeur to step on it. And with a broken sigh, he sunk into his seat, and wept. Kotoko was gone, just as quickly as she came into his life…she was just gone.

The car screeched to a stop in front of an apartment complex, after opening up his phone to check which room they belonged to again; he finally stepped out of his car and slammed the door shut. Yoshio ambled up the stairs miserably, his heart considerably heavy, and his face distraught. When he rang the doorbell, it opened almost immediately. And there stood Ryoji, his face now matured in age, he had a slight stubble on his face, and his eyes bloodshot, without another word, both men embraced each other and mourned. They mourned for Kotoko, who's death was not justified, they mourned for their lost friendship, they mourned for seeing her work in all of this, dying so that both of them would find each other again, regaining their friendship in the midst of her tragedy.

"I'm sorry," Yoshio murmured to his dear friend, who held unto him for dear life, "I'm sorry…Ryoji."

Ryoji embraced him tighter. He was here, the only person who knew, the only one who could understand, the pain he felt when losing her.

"It's all in the past, Yoshio."

Unaware to both men, a pair of eyes watched them, hiding behind the barrier of the door, watching them with a deeper understanding that no children should be aware of. From childhood, Fujioka Haruhi was not blind to their pain, she was painstakingly aware of it.

Later on, her father and the strange man came into the door, sliding it open gently. Her father introduced her to him, but what she found really peculiar was that the man was staring at her, his eyes wide, and his mouth agape.

"Kotoko," he whispered.

And it dawned on Haruhi, that not only did her resemblance pain her own father, but also this stranger that had set foot into their house.

"No," she muttered, "My name is Haruhi."

Her eyes pierced him…just as Kotoko did.

"I am Ootori Yoshio, your mother's friend."

Haruhi nodded, not voicing out the thought that invaded her head.

'She was not just a friend to you.'

When the man finally left, Haruhi promptly walked back to her bedroom, ignoring her father's questioning gaze. The next day, she broke open her piggybank and got a haircut, one that allowed her bangs to cover her eyes. She no longer tied her hair in a ponytail just as her mother always did. She would not hurt her father anymore and also that man whose face was so…very…pained.

"Ryoji?" Yoshio murmured, stunned, "What are you doing here? And wearing that?"

Ryoji beamed at him, "Actually I go by Ranka here, and well since Kotoko died, I decided that I cannot have another woman in my life, so here I am!"

Yoshio nodded, the usual stoic man adorning a very disturbed look on his face, "So you decided to become an…Okama?

Ryoji laughed heartily, "Well no, actually I just dress like this to fit into the theme of the bar, I work there as a bartender. Which reminds me, what are you doing at an Okama bar, Yoshio?

Ootori Yoshio flinched, clearly ticked off, "The president of an American company wanted to visit one, he's a very eccentric man; he says there's nothing quite like this back home."

Ryoji or Ranka eyed the man Yoshio was pointing at; he was surrounded by a fair amount of Okama(s) and a boisterous laugh escaped his mouth every time he took a drink from his beer.

Yoshio sighed, "I normally don't associate myself with…that, but his father owns the most prominent bulletproof vests manufacturer in America and apparently through new technology, they have acquired an advance shielding technique, and I'm trying to get my hands on that."

Ranka shook his head, "You sure have it hard huh?"

Yoshio nodded, taking a sip from his own beverage, "So how's it going with you?"

Ranka sighed, alerting the other man's undivided attention, "It's difficult too. Especially raising a female daughter, in fact, I don't think I had any part in helping her mature. She's always been so independent, doing the chores by herself, applying for her school by herself," Ranka almost seemed as if he was bawling, "It's like she doesn't need me anymore!"

Yoshio chuckled to himself at the man's antics. He was relieved to see that Ryoji hasn't changed one bit. He took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and offered one to Ranka who took it gracefully. He took one out for himself and offered a light to Ranka.

Yoshio took a swig from his cigarette, "I can almost understand what you mean. I am quite positive that the maids have raised my children. Two of them are already married, and the other one is engaged. The only one in high school is my youngest, Kyoya."

Ranka nodded, "Ah, the one that resembles you? I remember seeing him as a child at the funeral, smart-looking boy."

"Yes, but out of all my children, I believe he is the most difficult one to understand."

Ranka took out a new bottle of vodka and poured some for Yoshio, "How so?"

Yoshio laughed humorlessly, "If I knew that I wouldn't be having such a hard time with him."

Ranka sighed, "That's just like Haruhi."

For the rest of the evening, the two men spoke. They reminisced about the bittersweet moments with Kotoko, they complained about their lives, bringing up problems that they normally wouldn't speak with to anyone else. Eventually, the topic of the loan-sharks harassing Ranka and Haruhi came up.

Yoshio frowned, "You mean they've practically been stalking Haruhi?"

Ranka nodded solemnly, his head bent down in shame at the thought that he could not do a single thing to protect his daughter.

Yoshio, deeply perturbed by this piece of information decided to make an offer, "How about I pay your debt, Ryoji?"

Ranka, without even a thought on the matter, declined, "Absolutely not, I brought this upon myself, and I will take myself out of this."

Yoshio rolled his eyes and with a resigned sigh, made a final offer, "Well at least allow me to call on my guards to protect you and Haruhi," before Ranka could decline again, Yoshio continued, "Think of your daughter."

Ranka adorned a skeptical look on his face, but with a defeated murmur, he accepted Yoshio's proposal.

Upon returning home Ootori Yoshio had much to contemplate about, mostly about Ryoji and his daughter, Haruhi. He wondered if she looked even more like her mother now that she was older. Ever since he had seen her on that desolate day, he had been stunned. Kotoko was…alive, in this little girl, as if she left her very essence into her. But after much contemplation, he realized that even if they were so similar, they were also very different. Kotoko loved to smile, her eyes were bright; it shone with determination, joy, and love. But the girl on the other hand, much to his dismay didn't smile at all, of course he didn't expect her to smile, her mother after all had just died, but even in the face of distress, Kotoko managed to always be optimistic. Haruhi's circumstances never allowed her to feel the warmth of life, just as her mother did. And quite frankly, Yoshio would never be at rest until he does something about it.

Picking up his phone, he browsed through his contacts until he finally found Ryoji's name.

"Ryoji? Yes, I have another proposition for you…It concerns Haruhi."

"What do you mean I'm moving to a different school?" Haruhi questioned her father, putting down the knife she was using the mince the vegetables for that nights supper.

Ranka smiled at her, "Well, I bumped into an old friend of mine, and he happens to be very rich. He was your mother's friend too you know. And he suggested that I send you to Ouran High School instead."

"No," Haruhi replied bluntly, fixing her father with a piercing stare.

Ranka shook his head, "It's already too late. Yoshio and I already turned in the paperwork, and you'll be moving there after this weekend."

Haruhi, deeply enrage, slammed the knife into the cutting board, making the minced vegetables fly everywhere, "I didn't ask you to meddle with my life!"

It was one of those rare moments when Ranka would revert back to Ryoji in front of Haruhi. He thought that he needed a more feminine figure in his life; therefore he did not hesitate to cross-dress around her. But during times like these, where he would have that serious look on his face, Haruhi could see without a doubt that in the end, her father still had authority, despite her self-acclaimed independence.

"It's safer there, Haruhi. The school is protected by a special security unit due to the fact that many heir and heiress attend that school. All your food, uniform, and supply expenses will be covered by Yoshio. And plus, the school is known to have a well-rounded reputation in academics, sports, and club activities. You also have a better opportunity to acquire a scholarship into the same law school your mother went to."

Haruhi did not give him a reply; instead she grabbed her bag and jacket and promptly marched out the door. And at that moment, Ranka doubted that maybe he should not have accepted Yoshio's suggestion. Haruhi was not too keen in having her life controlled.

"Kyoya."

"Yes, father."

"I have found a girl for you to marry."

Kyoya gritted his teeth, attempting not to retreat into a state of utter bestiality at his father's ridiculous assumption that he would be happy to marry whoever he chose.

"And who might she be father? What company does her family own?" Kyoya questioned almost haughtily.

Yoshio without even a single glance at his son replied, "She's a commoner."

It was rare to see Kyoya so startled, "C-commoner?" he sputtered.

"She is the daughter of two of my greatest friends, and I have arranged for her to be transferred in Ouran by Monday," Yoshio paused, finally looking up from his paperwork to peer at Kyoya, whose face was red from disbelief and anger, "You are in that host club, am I correct?"

Kyoya tensed and replied with a curt 'yes'. His father had never approved of him in joining the host club, and if it wasn't from his ever calculating scrutiny of the benefits of the club, he would have thought of himself ridiculous to even consider it. But finance and manipulation was something he was good at, if he wanted to take over his father's company, he needed practice, and the host club was the perfect breeding ground for the future president of the Ootori Empire.

"Well then it would not be difficult for you to woo her."

Kyoya bowed, "I will do my best."

Yoshio inclined his head to him, "Make sure you do. You must by all means make this girl yours."

"Yes, father."

"I will go to that school if you want but I will not marry some stranger you chose for me!"

Ranka sighed. Haruhi had returned home. He was glad that she had finally agreed to go to Ouran, but he did not stop there. Yoshio's proposal was far more complex than that. He did not want to succumb to this, but he was desperate.

"Haruhi please," he pleaded, "It is not permanent; the marriage will be annulled after one year."

Haruhi spun around, enraged beyond belief. The normally calm Haruhi was about to just spontaneously combust, "This is ridiculous!"

"But you see," Ranka continued, "Our debt will be paid off! After the annulment we will finally be free from the loan-sharks!"

"You sold me," Haruhi hissed, "You sold me off to some rich guy to pay your debt!"

Ranka froze. It was true. He practically sold her daughter off to be married just to correct the mistakes he had done in the past.

"I would never," he almost sobbed, "I would never do this to you if it wasn't the son of my friend. Yoshio was also your mom's best friend you know. We both trust him. He was the one who found the man who slammed into your mother's car. He was the one who got him arrested. I would never sell you off; you're the only person I have right now."

At her father's lament, Haruhi calmed herself down. She decided to think rationally, and after much consideration, she decided that the intent of the offer was beneficial to them.

'It's only a year,' she told herself. 'Just a year and we would be free from all of this.'

"Fine," she finally murmured, "BUT I will not engage in any marital…activities. AND it has to be only exactly one year."

Ranka could almost cry from happiness, "Of course! I would kill him if he attempted anything! And as I promise, it is only one year."

Haruhi rolled her eyes, "Tch, rich bastards."

And all along Ranka beamed. Things were going as planned.

"Yoshio, I cannot agree to let my child be married off for money, even if it is to your son."

"Ryoji, it may seem that way. But let me reassure you now. You are doing me the favor. I feel that Haruhi would be able to change Kyoya for the good. Out of all my children, I believe that he is the one that can excel the most. He can easily outshine his brothers, he can easily overtake my company as he is now, but he does not have the right heart to manage such an empire."

"And you think my daughter could help him?"

"Of course, and the payment of your debt is only something extra. I would pay it off even if you do not agree to it. You know me Ryoji; I wouldn't have suggested this if it doesn't help any of us, most especially our children."

"I guess…But Haruhi will not easily agree to this. She is stubborn…just like Kotoko."

"So will Kyoya, but their union, it is for the best."

"This is a dangerous game we're playing, Ryoji. We are not gods; we cannot control the outcome of their fate or their relationship."

"I know. But I have convinced you, have I not?"

"You have yourself a deal."

It was because of these two men that this charade started. She was inclined to marry because of debt, and he was inclined out of duty to his family. But how can two people so different be so compatible in their eyes? Can they not see that this pretense they've indulged themselves in could possibly destroy the very people they are trying to protect?

Hi! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of my first fanfic. I would appreciate to hear your comments on it, and of course constructive criticism is always appreciated. I feel that there are some parts I still need to improve in so if you could just kindly point that out. Please review :) Thanks for reading!

-Kira Bee