Haruhi Fujioka is a student who transferred to Ouran on a scholarship. One day, when trying to look for a quiet place to study, Haruhi encounters the school's host club. After breaking an expensive vase, Haruhi is roped into serving the host club until the 8 million yen debt is paid off.
This episode provides examples of:
- Armor-Piercing Response: When Ayanokoji requests Haruhi's company, Haruhi is immediately on edge because the former has done very little to hide her obvious disdain towards her. Ayanokoji attempts to break Haruhi's self confidence by saying that Tamaki's only being nice to her out of pity. It's here that Haruhi comes to a realization that sends Ayanokoji into a Villainous Breakdown.Ayanokoji: Oh, really? That must've been terrible. I can't imagine what I'd do if my bag fell into the pond. And you actually made Tamaki search that dirty, old pond with you, how astonishing! You do realize he's a blue blood, not a commoner, right? The only he's paying attention to you is because he's trying to turn you into a gentleman. Don't start thinking he cares about you just because he's doting on you.
Haruhi: Now I understand. You're jealous of me. - Clingy Jealous Girl: Ayanokoji, one of Tamaki's regular customers, gets jealous over Haruhi receiving a lot of Tamaki's attention. In retaliation, she throws Haruhi's luggage in the fountain. Also, when Haruhi deduces that Ayanokoji is jealous of her, she tries to make it look like Haruhi attacked her to get rid of her.
- Idea Bulb: Throughout the episode, a series of lightbulbs turn on when the host club interacts with Haruhi and notice something about her. When Tamaki finally sees for himself that Haruhi is a girl, the rest of the lightbulbs turn on and show the kanji for "female".
- Knew It All Along: It is revealed that Kyoya and the twins knew Haruhi was a girl before The Reveal.
- Lady Looks Like a Dude: Haruhi is easily mistaken for a boy because of her attire and short hair.
- Luminescent Blush: When Haruhi complements Tamaki for helping her with Ayanokoji, Tamaki's whole face turns red.
- Mistaken for Gay: Because everyone (except Kyoya) thought Haruhi was a boy, Tamaki assumed that "he" was openly gay.
- Samus Is a Girl: The ending reveals that Haruhi was a girl the whole time.
- Unsettling Gender-Reveal: Tamaki is shocked by the discovery of Haruhi being a girl the whole time. Subverted with the host club who gets subtle clues about Haruhi's gender and aren't bothered at all.
