Strings Attached [Tamaki x Reader]

Chapter 1 ~ The Music Room

     My heart fluttered at the idea of getting to write alongside people who actually cared, as opposed to the few friends I'd made in my public school who were only prioritizing writing skills to get good grades. My mom gave me a little push towards the girls, and I smiled as I walked over. The journey to my future club mates was suddenly interrupted by a short girl with a big bow in her hair. She was wearing the uniform, and looked a little bit older than me, so I assumed she was a part of the festival committee.

"Hi there! I'm Renge Houshakuji!" she exclaimed, smiling so wide that her cheeks pushed her eyelids to close. I was taken aback by her excitement to be talking to a complete stranger.

"Um, hi, I'm Y/N L/N."

She stuck out her hand to introduce herself, and I politely took it, giving her a gentle smile. Although I wanted her to leave me alone so I could go talk to the leader of the literature club, her enthusiasm did give me hope that I could make friends here, despite joining so late in the school year. The bangles and bracelets on her arm jingled as she shook my hand.

"Welcome to the back to school festival!" Her eyes widened as she looked at my clothes, "You're new, aren't you? Are you choosing a club to join?" She turned to look at the literature club behind her, "Oh, don't tell me you're choosing them! They're so odd, we have so many more interesting groups here! Come on, why don't you follow me?"

     Without giving me a chance to reply to any of her questions, Houshakuji grabbed my hand again and started leading me away. I looked back at my mom, trying to give her my best 'help me' look, but she must've assumed I had made a friend and simply smiled. Houshakuji lead me down the stone pathway pointing out the different clubs and telling me about some of the academy's history. She pointed out the different gardens and recreation areas, then started summarizing each club. There were too many to list, I couldn't believe how many opportunities these kids were given. Each club had a stage with a sign, meticulously designed by the academy's art club, or at least that's what Houshakuji told me.

"What's that one? It seems quite popular..." I pointed toward a stage surrounded by young women and their mothers. On the stage, seven boys in post-renaissance French attire appeared to be handing out roses. A tall blonde boy wearing a crown stood front and center, speaking out to the crowd. I assumed that he must've been the leader, judging by his confidence and attitude.

"I thought you'd never ask!" Houshakuji practically shouted, "That's the Ouran Host Club, my personal favourite, as I am their self-proclaimed manager!" She said proudly.

"Self-proclaimed?" I asked, raising my eyebrow. I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm (and delusion) as I watched the blonde lean down and take one of the girl's hands. He caressed it and the girl squealed. That was the only word to describe the noise she emitted, a squeal. I looked back to Houshakuji as she spoke again.

"Why yes! And as their manager, I strongly suggest you come by to visit! It's practically just one big dating sim!" She giggled, "See?"

     Houshakuji pointed as the boys spread out across the stage and sat at their own respective tables. Each table had a tea set and a rose. The crowd began to line up as they anticipated their turn to talk to each of the blatantly stereotyped boys. The blonde looked over and waved to Houshakuji, then to me as well, flashing a smile. She smiled and waved back before facing me again. She had an expectant look on her face, as if she was just waiting for me to run over and take my place in line.

I stared at her. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Their club activity... is just going on dates with girls?"

Houshakuji nodded excitedly, "They also host events, and I don't mean to be too confident, but when I direct them they're simply spectacular!"

     I felt like I should've been physically holding my chin with both hands to stop my jaw from falling through the floor into oblivion. I needed to get away from this girl, and this host club, and get back to the literature club, or at least back to my mom. What kind of activities were these rich kids doing here?! And how on earth could such a prestigious school support such a club?! Never mind that, first, I needed to politely decline Houshakuji's invitation. I didn't want to burn any bridges, even if it was with a self-proclaimed manager of a PG-13 brothel.