Short Stories

Different is Good (Ouran Host Club)

"Did you see the new girl?"

"Yeah, how weird. She doesn't have a uniform."

"Have you ever seen clothes or hair that dirty?"

"Disgusting."

I tried to ignore the whispers as I passed people in the hall. I barely made it into this school. I wouldn't fit in but I needed the education, and to get away from my family in London. I pulled myself over to the side to let others pass and put in my earbuds, starting my music, and I relaxed.

Nah Nah Honey, I'm good

I could have another but I probably should not

I've got somebody at home,

and if I stay I might not leave alone

No, honey, I'm good

I could have another but I probably should not

I've got to bid you adieu

To another, I will stay true

This song always calmed me down. After I dared to open my eyes, the hall was mostly clear. I walked with rhythm to my music as I walked around to find somewhere to study. I found an empty dancing room and smiled to myself.

"Well, seeing as I could use some exercise..." I muttered with a smile.

I found the changing room and got down to my shorts and a tank top. I put the song on loop and put it on a speaker. After stretching, I danced my heart out. I didn't have a specific routine, I just did what felt right.

I was surprised when I ended the song to see the door open, and a man was watching from the hallway. I blushed in embarrassment and stopped my music before quickly heading to the changing room.

"H-hey, wait!" He called out and grabbed my wrist. I flinched and tensed up.

"I'm sorry, I won't play my music that loud again, sir," I mumbled, not even looking at him.

I was so scared. My heart was pounding. The thought of being in trouble scared me to death. I seemed to get in trouble without realizing it for every little thing. I looked down and tried not to hyperventilate or cry.

"I was just going to say that you were a good dancer." He said.

"I- not, n-not really..." I said quietly.

"Are you kidding? I've never seen anyone look that alive or free before. Please don't stop for my sake!"

"I was j-just leaving anyways...I have to get home..." I said to tried and get him to let go of me.

"Oh...I see." He said, disappointed. "My name is Tamaki Suoh. What's yours?"

"M-Machig, Machi Nakayama..." I said quietly, correcting my first name so he didn't know it fully.

Machigai.

The literal meaning: Mistake. That's what I was, what I will always be.

"Well, Ms. Nakayama, would you like to join me for lunch tomorrow?"

"I, I don't have m-money to spend..."

"Don't be absurd, I'll be paying for it all."

"N-no, I couldn't accept that, I'm sorry, Mr. Suoh," I said and finally got free of his grip, holding my arm close to my chest. "Please, excuse me. I must be going." I said as politely as possible.

"Such a stubborn girl aren't you?" He chuckled. "Well, not to fear, you'll give in eventually."

"Yeah, sure," I said quietly and went to the changing room.