"Private school? And how exactly are you going to afford that?" Kaoru inquired.

To attend private school rather than public? It goes without question that it would be expensive. Considering our current housing situation, the prospects of attending a private school in the foreseeable future seems far-fetched.

As it is, we were cramped together in this small house. Utilities and food were pressing struggles that Haruto liked to ignore. I respect him working diligently for the household's sake, but he can't deny that there is a lot of pressure attached to being the sole breadwinner.

"Money is of no issue," Haruto replied coldly to Kaoru.

"Father didn't put you up to this, did he? I already dislike the fact that you're still in association with-"

"This isn't any of his doing, Aiko. I told you that I thought it would be beneficial for us. If we want to make it out there by ourselves, we need a formal education."

There was no denying that schooling would help us in our chances of job-hunting. Although, I'm not sure if I will still have the same opportunity as those two in finding employment... But it's still an accomplishment, right? Seeing as I'm being given this opportunity, I should be gracious and take it!

"The headmaster and I have been in contact. He seems to see potential in us after looking into our backgrounds."

"Are you sure it isn't just based on my family name?" I ask sarcastically.

"He's aware of it. But it didn't influence his final decision."

I still felt uncertain and slightly wavering, but there was no point in hesitating any longer. For now, I should just comply. Eventually, I would try to figure out how these opportunities are just popping up for Haruto. Private school and secretive business with my Father... How suspicious.

"We start on Monday, so make sure you're up bright and early. Oh, by the way, that means you're also back on Monday too, Kaoru."

"Me?"

Kaoru stood back momentarily perplexed. When it finally clicked in his brain, he jerked forward.

"Wait. YOU'RE GOING TO MY SCHOOL?"

Kaoru's school huh. I recall that it is considered to be quite prestigious. I should consider myself lucky in that case. Apparently, only the wealthiest can attend it. Looking at our current state of finances, I guess this will make Haruto and I the black sheep. After all, Kaoru still has his own Father's backing. He is practically a diamond in the rough while living here.

"Do you have a problem with that?" Haruto narrowed his eyes threateningly.

"I don't think it's the best place for Aiko." Kaoru retorted with a clenched fist.

Upon hearing Kaoru's scepticism, I folded my arms in irritation. "And why is that?"

"... I just... I don't trust those guys around you."

I wasn't surprised by Kaoru's possessiveness. It was a given that he wouldn't want other guys looking at his fiancée. But he knows that he has to share me with other guys. He should've already accepted that fact when he agreed to come and live with Haruto and me.

The more I think about it, schooling might also open other doors for me. I might be able to find additional marriage candidates... Of course, I doubt that they will be able to compare to Haruto and Kaoru. But I need to remain open-minded on the matter regardless of personal taste.

By the time the first day of school arrived, I felt the butterflies flutter in my stomach. This was all so new. It's still hard to believe that I'm finally attending a proper school... Even when I put on the elegant black blazer and plaid navy skirt, I feel like I was just playing dress-up.

It's been so long since I've attended an actual school. I was worried that at any second now the bad memories from my past life would come flooding back. But I shook all doubt and focused on my new beginnings.

Just as I finished admiring my uniform in the mirror, Haruto popped his head in the door. "Are you ready yet?"

"I think so. But I'm just so nervous."

Haruto came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, planting soft kisses along my jaw.

"You have nothing to be nervous about. I'll be beside you the whole time."

I smile at his reassurance. I should consider myself lucky that I will always have Kaoru and Haruto by my side. We are in the same class after all, which came as a huge relief for me.

Without a word, Haruto styled my hair as he threw it up into a high bun. The gesture was oddly nostalgic. It reminded me of coming face to face with Haruto for the very first time. Even with him being promoted to the role of primary husband, not much has changed in matters of roles.

Haruto stopped to look at me momentarily. "I can't let you out of my sights. Those vermin won't be able to take their eyes off you."

I chuckle at Haruto's remark. "Hey now, you can't just call our classmates vermin before meeting them."

"No way! Is there actually going to be a girl?" One boy asked loudly.

"Is that her?" Another boy said.

As soon as the three of us entered the room, we were immediately pounced on. The entire class practically rushed before us to get a glimpse of the new students.

"So, it's true! There is a girl!" Said one of the voices from the sea of boys.

"I'm Aiko Uchida. I hope we can all get along." I say courteously while waving.

"And she's polite too!"

I felt myself blush from all the attention. During my homeschooling, I was heavily versed in proper etiquette, so I am well prepared for occasions such as these. But I still find it flustering, nonetheless.

"Uchida-chan I'm-"

Just as one boy reached out to shake my hand, he was quickly intercepted by Haruto standing before me.

"Respect her personal space please."

Some of the boys from the back released visible grumbles at Haruto's hostility.

"And who are you? Some kind of bodyguard?"

Placing a hand on Haruto's should, I stepped forward. "Why yes, he is. Along with being my primary husband that is."

A short silence filled the room. They had to have known that I was already married, right?

"... But pay no heed to that. Just treat him with the same respect, as you do to any other classmate." I say trying to move on.

A couple of boys saunter over to Kaoru and wrap an arm around his shoulder.

"I thought you guys were getting married. What's the deal with all that?" One of the boys asked.

Kaoru eased up in his posture and rolled his eyes back with his arms confidently crossed over one another.

"Relax guys. I'm still engaged." Kaoru said confidently.

"But we heard that you went psycho and-"

"Yeah, I got into a fight with some guy who was looking at Aiko. You should've seen him, he needed twenty stitches after I was done with him!"

"OH SHIT! That's our man Fujiwara!" One of the guys said as he gave Kaoru a noogie.

I didn't know whether I should roll my eyes at Kaoru's attempt at being macho or applaud him. I didn't realise he was so popular with his classmates. It makes me feel proud in an odd way.

Looking around it didn't take long for Haruto to become acquainted with several other boys. Although he kept his aloof mask on, it was evident to some that he was enjoying himself.

"How are you finding the school so far Uchida-chan?"

I found myself talking with another clique of boys as they helped me settle in. I was relieved. It looks like it won't be too hard to make friends here.

As all three of us were caught up in chattering before homeroom started, we failed to notice a group of boys who were plotting something wicked in the corner.

"She's pretty hot. Too bad she's already engaged to Fujiwara." A brunette said.

"Like that matters." The bleach-blonde boy spoke up.

"You're not really gonna try getting it on with Fujiwara's girl, are you?"

"It's not fair that Fujiwara gets to keep all to himself. He should share with us!"

"I doubt he'll let that happen."

"Who says I'm gonna say shit to him?"

The blonde curved his lips into a sly smile.

"My Father told me that if I want something, I have to just take it! And that's exactly what I'm gonna do with her."