"Whether we like it or not, just about everything depends on our reputations."
In which Yukino must find balance and sanity in a life where she's part of the Ouran Host Club
{I do not own OHSHC. I only own my original characters}
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Main Suoh Estate, 7:15am
Yukino's mornings always started off the same way. She woke up to silence because she had no need for an alarm. Her body always managed to wake her up at the right time, and being awoken any earlier than the "right time" never turned out well for anyone.
Once she was up and ready for the day, that's when her mornings followed two different paths. Some weeks she ate breakfast served by cheerful, smiling staff, and some weeks she ate in silence. Some weeks she was sent off with love and hugs, and some weeks the most she got was a nod or a polite "have a good day" from the attendants.
It was always one or the other. And these past few weeks had been the "other".
This morning's meal was just as flawless as usual, but such was expected of any food made for the Suohs. So much food on the table, and it was all for her. It always was; rarely was anyone else around to share it. The dining room was quiet. So quiet that every sound her cutlery made was heard by all the butlers.
She had two more days of silent meals to endure, then she could go back to the different mornings. The ones where chatter and laughter filled the dining hall, and where the attendants were not only good at their jobs but were also friendly.
After wiping her mouth with her napkin, Yukino glanced up. "Hideo?"
The main estate's chief of staff appeared on the other side of the table. He bowed. "Yes, Mistress Yukino?"
"Will Grandmother return from her business trip before I leave?"
"I'm afraid not." He shook his head. "Mistress Shizue is not expected to return until late next week, by which time you will be at your mother's estate, correct?"
She glanced down at her empty plate. "...Yes."
"I'm certain she will understand, Mistress Yukino."
"...And..." She almost hesitated. "What about my father?"
"He will be leaving for Europe once you are gone, as planned."
Yukino couldn't recall when she last had a conversation with her father. In her three weeks spent at the Suoh estate, they had dinner together exactly four times. And even then, it was always quiet unless her grandmother or uncle joined them. But when it was just the two of them, they ate mostly in silence.
"Mistress Yukino?" Akihiko stepped up. "It's time to leave for school now."
Nodding, Yukino stood up. "Thank you for breakfast."
Silent bows from the butlers and maids were the only replies she got.
Yukino couldn't say it out loud, but she was eager to return to her other life. She would never tell anyone just how much she hated dead silence. Especially since she always complained about the noise in that stupid clubroom.
