Fireheart (ohshc story)

Chapter 2

"I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man."

-Alexander Hamilton

         The sickness had struck like a cobra—quick and deadly—leaving me heaving into a bucket and rolling in sweaty sheets. Death had come knocking on my door, and I had no choice but to lie down as it barged in.

         After cowardly running away from my room once seeing I was sick, Seiko called my doctor. The latter then informing me I had viral gastroenteritis, prohibiting me from drinking anything right after puking—the action having a chance of inducing more vomiting—and from eating anything heavy for the next two days.

         So I endured hell for twenty-four hours, the remnants of my sickness lingering in the putrid air of my room. I should really open a window.

         A flash of bright colors on my dresser caught my eye—a bright assortment of flowers that weren't there yesterday lying in a vase. A white card informed me Takumi sent them, wishing me to get better soon—and I couldn't help the smile that broke out in my face.

Takumi...

         My hands went to the girl's Ouran uniform, the yellow shade making me slightly cringe. The dress wasn't all that bad—certainly not something I would have worn if I had a choice—but it wasn't horrible. It was the way the color made me look, the pale yellow making my skin look sallow and pasty, my hair losing its vibrancy and appearing dull.

         Perks of being a pale ginger in an Ouran uniform—my sister somehow being the exception. Seiko always looked sophisticated and poised, the dress enhancing her features instead of washing them out.

         Before I could be late, I went downstairs; the queasy feeling of my stomach told me skipping breakfast was a good idea.

         The ride to Ouran Academy seemed agonizingly long, my thoughts turning to Seiko. Lately she always appeared cruel and uncaring to the world—an air of haughty arrogance surrounding her. She hadn't always been that way; I remember when Seiko was little she'd always be laughing, talking about every little thing—her presence making others automatically cheerful too. But slowly the blissful glint in her eye died, the years stripping her of her happiness.

       And then one day she arrived home in a mess of tears, her hair sticking everywhere and her uniform wrinkled. I remember the way my heart clenched, Seiko's face so, so pale, her whole body trembling. She had crushed herself into me, and I just held her as she sobbed—the sound terrifyingly raw and hurt. I hadn't understood, what could have reduced Seiko to tears and tremors?

        And I never found out why. Afterwards Seiko had locked herself in her room for two days, and when she came out she had changed.

         The sound of the door opening startled me, and Ren offered his hand to me.

"We've arrived at school miss." Giving Ren a nod I let him help me out, my mind still not fully connected to reality.

"Ren, today I'll be staying after school for club activities, so you'll need to pick me up at a later time."

         Ren hesitated, before replying, "Of course miss... just make sure not to strain yourself."

         Giving Ren a small wave goodbye, I walked into Ouran Academy.

♡♧♢♤

         I was starving, the rumbling growl of my stomach making that apparent. Maybe I shouldn't have skipped breakfast, but my stomach had been in knots earlier—food the last thing on my mind.