『 THE TYPE TO TRY AND GRAB THE SPOTLIGHT 』

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Had this been here when Ai was a student? She doubted it. Most likely, if it had been around, Ai would have been convinced by her friends or classmates to have joined. She was grateful that the chance had never presented itself. There were things that she didn't like and regretted about her past but there was nothing that she would have changed. Ai liked the person that she was now, and without those experiences, she wouldn't be the same person. It was a lovely, hot summer day. Ai wore a simple, strapless black maxi dress that hugged her frame until it flared out at her hips. The skirt swirled around her stilettos as she walked to an empty table and claimed it for herself.

The young woman leaned back in the chair and looked around. It wasn't particularly crowded that day. There were only a few tables and they were already being attended to by handsome young students. The attendees giggled and the hosts flashed charming smiles. Everyone was so cute. Ai twirled a strand of hair as she looked around the garden.

Aika had never been on the receiving end of a "prince's" attention. She was curious and with Mi asleep - the young girl would probably be asleep for the majority of the day - Ai was acquainting herself with the new developments of the school before classes began. It seemed that all of the hosts were occupied or on vacation, or so Ai had been informed by a sign at the entrance. She caught sight of one person who did not seem busy and waved a well-manicured hand in the long-haired stranger's direction. The stranger was fairly tall with straight black hair. Ai's red-painted lips were curved into a smile.

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word count : 283

notes :  lyrics for the title from "Helpless" from the Hamilton Musical Soundtrack (I'm obsessed)

Sasu didn't usually come to LeRim, though tales of its whimsical nature made their way to even the tradition-minded halls of Miator.  What the former Vincennes rebel knew about this place she now found herself surrounded by was that it was a host club.  A place where it seemed that princely girls greeted guests with gusto and a handsome smile.  None of those were things which Sasumi Sanzo was particularly interested in getting involved with.  She was fairly handsome herself if other girls were any judge, so she would've fit in just fine.  The problem was that she didn't want to be a prince anymore no matter how much those girls begged to differ.  Since beginning her Miator career she'd become entangled in all sorts of strange happenings and goings-on, thanks to her ties to Raion Honoo.  A former rival who was now a friend embroiled in family drama which had engulfed Sasu as well; she had been practicing her manly looks again, much to her chagrin. Only that kind of appearance would let her help the redhead and fulfill her debt to the strange blonde whom had bested her in a challenge.

That was why she stood in the middle of the host club, dressed in the jeans and red shirt Raion had picked out for her, looking horribly confused.  According to a message the blonde had sent her there was a package that had to be delivered here.  She had then sent a contrary message just as Sasu arrived at the place, saying that - oops! - she'd be picking it up later rather than in person.  With her long hair back in a ponytail and a pageboy cap atop her head, Sasumi looked just like a host.  A very casual one but a host all the same.  That being said she didn't know what to do now that she was here without anyone to receive the small package she had carried in.  Thankfully all the guests were occupied by princes better suited for the role.  Sasumi had set her pacakge down on the counter where goods were stored and was about to leave when someone waved at her.  Eyes drifting over she saw it was an adult with rather well manicured hands - a teacher?  Maybe she knew if the blonde was just totally playing Sasu or not?  With some reluctance Sasu walked over to the unoccupied guest and bowed - you did that for teachers, after all.

"Um..hello, sensei.  How can I help you?" she asked, then blushed a little at being seen in her prince mode, "You wouldn't happen to know if Victoria Miller was here or will be here soon, would you?  She kind of has an appointment with me but she's acting like she's not going to show now."

『 THE TYPE TO TRY AND GRAB THE SPOTLIGHT 』

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The stranger, long dark hair tied behind her head, came over when beckoned. Ai couldn't decide whether or not the girl looked uncomfortable. At least, not until the stranger started speaking and a blush crept across the girl's face. She was most certainly not comfortable. Was she new or was this some sort of persona? Ai wasn't entirely familiar with the workings of a host club, after all. This was not her area of expertise.

While the girl spoke, Ai placed an elbow on the table and leaned her chin on the palm of her hand. She crossed her legs under the table and regarded the stranger. "I'm still new to campus," that was sort of true, "so I don't know any Ms. Miller. Have you been stood up?" She asked sympathetically. Was this part of the host club experience? Was the persona that the host pretended to have her plans cancelled so she attends to the guest to pass time? Or had she actually been scheduled to meet with a guest who was running late?

Either way, Ai was curious to learn more about this part of campus life. "I suppose that means that you have this time available to keep me company, then? Maybe if you wait with me for a bit, your mystery girl will appear." She motioned toward the empty chair on the other side of the table.

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word count : 232

notes :  Sorry I took so long! Let me know if this gives you something to work with. I can change it if you need it.