#kyoya x you

[vincent-4ever]

If it’s okay, I would love something with grumpy Kyoya in the morning in bed with his s/o. I think he needs some headpats

Yes it's ok! Sorry it takes me a long time to get to requests lol, inspiration really takes it's time to hit me, I love this prompt so here's my take at it :)

Gender neutral reader

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╰┈➤As you were getting out of bed, you notice your significant other, Kyoya, toss and turn in his sleep. I mean you were pretty slow getting up and you did move the blankets around a lot so this probably bothered his sleep. You made sure his blankets were covering him when he was done moving around. After a few minutes you decide to get some water from the kitchen.

╰┈➤After a few minutes you come back, and notice Kyoya has woken up, not in a good mood. The time was 9:00 AM, and ever since you and Kyoya started sharing a bed, you were made fully aware he is not a morning person. He put his glasses on and the more he stayed awake the more obvious he was grumpy. He stared at you quietly with a look on his face that screams "you shouldn't have bothered me in my sleep"

╰┈➤ After a few minutes of Kyoya staring at you with a mean look you blurt "I'M SO SORRY DID I WAKE YOU UP?!"

╰┈➤Kyoya seeing you apologize like this makes him snap back to reality, he sighs and says in a calm, and collected voice "Don't apologize, just, don't do it again.."

╰┈➤ After that moment he got up to give you a hug and a kiss on the head, squeezing tightly though because he is still kind of infuriated.

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Hi!! Thanks for reading until the end, I don't think this was my best fan fic 😅😅 but I tried so if you enjoyed it likes and rebloggs are appreciated!! I hope you enjoyed this :)

ALSO!! don't hesitate to submit a prompt for me to write, even if it takes me a while to get to it I promise I'll do it

[theromcommotel]

Can I request a Kyoya x artist!reader who makes him little nick nacks? Maybe he has a specific page in his black book for the stickers his s/o makes him and a little bookmark. If not that’s okay!

KYOYA X READER !!

ARTIST READER BLURB !!

prompt: artist!reader who makes little artistic nick nacks for our beloved kyoya senpai 🫶🫶

requested by: lovley anon!

warnings: i couldn’t think of anyway to format this so i decided to write a blurb (which i have never done before) sooo idk how these really work but i do know blurbs are just brain vomiting ideas so that’s what i did so i hope that’s chill!!

kyoya for the most part thinks the little nick nacks you make him are the sweetest fucking thing

he may not show it

but he loves them!!

he loves any little doodles you may make of the two of them

any stickers (he probably makes you design merch for the host club)

and he especially loves the bookmarks!! (it helps him keep track of all the random shit in his notebook)

i can see him spoiling his partner in goodies so he loves it when you do the same :)

hey hey

it’s hermy

i stayed up into the late hours writing lol

hope y’all enjoyeddd

[athenasilver7]

Hiiiii, could I request the host club meeting kyoyas s/o for the first time? Perhaps they're a commoner and don't go to Ouran academy?

Kyoya x GN Reader

This was in my drafts from over a year ago :’D I never fully finished it, but might as well post it anyway!

[The Host Club meeting you for the first time]

Kyoya has been telling the Host Club all day that he’s expecting someone later after club hours, and that they all need to be on their best behaviour.

It was more specifically aimed at the twins and Tamaki.

Tamaki had to pry a bit, “Who is it, Kyoyaaaa?” He would whine. Kyoya just ignored his antics.

Haruhi even made a comment of, “I can only assume this person is special in someway. You’re not normally like this, Kyoya-senpai.” He also just ignored her.

Kyoya was growing a bit annoyed with the club members being on his back about all this…and you were running late.

He was only slightly worried.

One the doors to the club room opened. You peeked in to make sure you were in the right room. When you saw Kyoya, you relaxed.

You didn’t really know what to do or say. It seemed they were all talking amongst themselves, “Um..hello?” You hesitantly asked.

All the members turned to the sound of your voice.

“Sorry, we’re closed right now.” Hikaru spoke.

Kyoya walked over to you, “You took your time.”

You gapped, offended, “I’m sorry! I got lost! The school is really big….and you said Host Club room, not Music room.”

Kyoya pushed up his glasses, humming in response, “My apologies. I forgot about that detail.”

Honey’s eyes sparkled, understanding the situation immediately, “Kyo-chan, is this the person we were waiting for?!”

After a bit of discussion and mix ups, you found yourself seated at a large table with all the members.

“I can’t believe Kyoya had a secret relationship going on and didn’t even tell me!” Tamaki wailed with puppy dog eyes. “We’re best friends, Kyoya!”

“I’m more surprised about the relationship part,” Hikaru began, “And less about the secret part.” Kaoru finished.

Haruhi looked over at the mischievous duo, “Hold on. What does that mean?”

They scoffed at her, “Kyoya-senpai keeping secrets, big or small, is normal.” Kaoru shrugged. “The more surprising factor is that the demon lord opened his cold heart to someone.” Hikaru also shrugged.

Kyoya set his tea cup down, “Honestly, must you all portray me as some heartless, villain, demon lord?”

OHSHC masterlist

[cat3ch1sm]

☘️~ i apologize for not having written in a while, I’ve had no ideas ☠️☠️but here’s my first host club writing so enjoy <33

୧ ‧₊˚ 🍵 ⋅ panic attacks, language, g/n!reader

you (s/o) have a panic attack in front of them - ft. tamaki, haruhi, kyoya

~ reader is part of host club and has a family similar to that of kyoya’s. idk if there will be a part two, maybe :) these ran kinda long but i haven’t posted in a while so hopefully this makes up for it lol

~ also, note to my phone : please stop autocorrecting “tamaki” to “tamale.” it’s weird 💔💔💔

✧༺💚༻∞

tamaki

- he knew you’d been kind of on edge about your family. ever since they found out you’d been working for the host club to entertain women instead of in a different club that was more high-class, you’d been worrying yourself to death about what they thought. they hadn’t really been speaking to you much- perhaps considering you a pariah of some sort.

~ however, tamaki had kind of made it a joke- in an attempt to ease your anxiety about the matter without diving too deeply into it, he’d just been making lighthearted comments or silly jokes every now and then whenever he noticed you were down. most of the time, it helped to clear your head and you would be fine.

~ but one day, the jokes didn’t work. everything he tried to say drew absolutely nothing from you, sitting stoically at a freshly set up table with your head down. when he tried to touch you, you immediately stiffened. so he asked if everything was alright, and that’s when he noticed you were shaking.

~ “y/n? hey, whoa, everything’s alright, it’s-“

~ you looked up at tamaki- and he saw that your face was tight and glistening with sweat. you had a death grip on the armrests of the chair and your jaw quivered. “i- can’t breathe. i- i can’t fucking breathe.”

~ the second tamaki hears those words come from your mouth, he’s calling every other host in the room. he tries to stand you up himself, but your entire body seems glued to your seat, so he doesn’t try to push it. tamaki is really panicked- you’re hyperventilating and almost in tears and he doesn’t have a clue what to do about it; all he can do is repeat to you that it’s going to be okay as the other hosts rush to your aid.

~ tamaki wishes he had helped you with the issue more instead of making jokes, but he also wishes you had told him the extent of your worries. he’ll probably watch you like a hawk now and check in on you every two seconds until he knows for sure (and receives confirmation from kyoya) that you’re alright. he’ll also make the other hosts do the same and check for warning signs lest you have a second panic attack.

haruhi

~ she definitely notices that you’re apprehensive. you’re not as engaged in your job as you usually are, and your made-up charisma as a host club member seems more forced than usual. haruhi will go up to you and point it out when you two are separate from the others; she might pull you away from guests if she really thinks something is off.

~ despite you both attending to guests, she does notice the little warning signs leading up to your panic attack- your chest is heaving up and down a little too fast and you’re beginning to grow pale. so haruhi politely but quickly excuses herself and removes you from the area as quickly as she can before your panic attack hits full force.

~ she does it so subtly most of the hosts don’t even notice (besides kyoya, but he doesn’t feel like investigating). she’ll take you to a quieter, less crowded place and help you slow your breathing by counting to five on your inhales and exhales. she tells you to close your eyes and focus on calming yourself, telling you that everything will be fine.

~ “hey, hey, y/n, breathe. breathe. there you go. close your eyes, okay? look, hey, i’m right here, just count with me…”

~ haruhi handles it well and quickly before you can spiral too much. but she had been keeping an eye on you all day, worrying herself sick making sure you were alright. she’s relieved she was able to act when she needed to. she also strongly hopes that the other hosts tamaki didn’t notice or else they would be all over it and potentially make you more nervous. haruhi also asks that you stop trying to work if you aren’t well…

kyoya

~ he also notices the subtle signs that tell him that you’re anxious. he might pull you aside once or twice to ask if you’re okay and if you need anything, but if you tell him you’re fine, he’ll just leave the matter alone. it doesn’t matter if kyoya knows you’re lying- what he really wants is for you to tell the truth voluntarily instead of him coaxing it out of you.

~ however, when kyoya sees you abruptly leave the music room while guests are present, confused murmurs emitting from the crowd of girls, he knows he has to interfere. after you’re out of sight, he makes his own covert getaway, but he makes sure to move fast.

~ it’s a good thing he did, because you’re in the hallway with a deathly pallor and a bad case of dizziness. kyoya’s eyes widen behind his glasses when he sees you, and he comes over just in time to catch you when you mumble a strangled “can’t breathe” and fall to the ground. your lips are dry and your mouth is open, emitting choked wheezing sounds, trying to take in air to no avail. now kyoya is visibly concerned, and he props your shaking body up to an upright sitting position on the wall and puts a hand on your shoulder. he shoots you a worried look before his expression returns to a business-like one and he takes out his phone.

~ “y/n, i understand it’s difficult, but please try and calm down. i’ll have a medical team here in just a few minutes- everything will be alright.”

~ the medical team comes, but by then you’ve mostly recovered. still, he keeps a couple of them on standby until he’s sure you’re totally okay.

[lilacskiesapothecary]

Kyoya X Reader

…Tea for Two…

Kyoya was sitting in the host club room, looking through some papers, when you walked in. You were holding a cup of tea, and Kyoya couldn't help but notice how lovely you looked.

"Would you like some tea, Kyoya?" You asked, holding out the cup.

Kyoya smiled and took the cup. "Thank you," he said.

The two of you sat down together, sipping your tea and talking about your day. Kyoya was impressed by your intelligence and wit, and he found himself enjoying your company more and more.

As the sun began to set, the two of you finished their tea and said their goodbyes. Kyoya walked you to the door, and you exchanged a smile before parting ways.

Kyoya couldn't stop thinking about you all night, and he knew that he wanted to spend more time with you . Maybe you two could have tea together again sometime soon.

Kyoya had been thinking about you all week. He had been trying to find the perfect way to express his feelings for you, and he finally came up with an idea.

He invited you to a private tea party, just the two of you . He spent all day preparing the tea and snacks, making sure everything was perfect.

When you arrived, Kyoya greeted you with a smile and led you to the table. You both sat down together, and Kyoya poured the tea.

As you sipped your tea, Kyoya began to open up to you. He told you about his feelings for you, and how he had been thinking about you all week.

You were surprised, but also touched by Kyoya's honesty. You had always admired him, but never thought he felt the same way about you.

Kyoya reached out and took your hand. "I know this might be sudden, but I just had to tell you how I feel. I hope you feel the same way."

You smiled and squeezed his hand. "Kyoya, I had no idea. But I feel the same way. I've always had feelings for you too."

Kyoya's heart swelled with happiness. He couldn't believe that the girl he had been crushing on for so long felt the same way about him.

As you finished your tea, Kyoya and you talked about o future together. You both knew that they had a lot of challenges ahead, but you both were excited to face them together.

Kyoya couldn't believe how lucky he was to have found someone like you . He knew that he would cherish you forever.

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[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Hey if it’s not to much trouble, could I please get a tanjiro! Fem reader with yandere ouran high school host club? I just feel like the sunny personality and hard work would pair nicely.

Tanjiro Reader | Yandere Ouran Host Club 

Your smiles, your optimism, and your empathy make you a perfect guest at the Ouran Academy’s host club. Your sweetness is irresistible and your willingness to help just makes keeping you at the Host club all the better. Too bad you seem intent on chasing after one:

Tamaki Suoh

“W-whoa y-your strong!”

“Well thank you! I do a lot of training.”

Is amazed by how much power you have 

Over him and in general

Just the way you’re so willing to scoop him up when he dramatically pretends he can’t move

Not to mention you seem so ambitious

But for whatever reason you just won’t share

“Its kinda….yeah I think its best if I don’t talk about it.”

“B-b-but (Y/n)! I have to know everything!”

He couldn’t not know the love of his life’s personal struggles

While he could hire someone to find out its just more fun if he goes exploring stalking himself

Let’s just hope he doesn’t die on the way

Kyoya Ootori

You’re an elusive character he can’t help but fall in love with 

So sweet, so kind but there’s something more

Something fiery 

And through all his employee’s research he can find nothing

Only that your funded by the Ubayashiki group and that your sibling is a mute allergic to the sun

But he needs to know more

Like where those scars came from or why your so strong

“Well I guess there’s only one way to find out. Oh (Y/n) why don’t you travel with m-us to the Ootori resort?”

Hikaru Hitachin

Why were you so perfect?

He was just genuinely asking 

It was a little weird how you could tell him apart from his brother by smell 

but he wasn’t complaining when you can smell exactly what he’s feeling

And what he’s been through

“W-what are you doing here (Y/n)?”

“Well it smelt like some blood on you, are you hurt anywhere?”

“Ah uh yeah, right uhm here.”

He can’t help but want more of you

Your just so smart

Its hard to protect his place in your heart

But no worries that’s nothing money can’t fix right

Kaoru Hitachin

“Y’know you’re almost too perfect. Theres got to be something wrong with you.”

“Heheh maybe there is!”

You’re so sweet 

Everyone loves you and you listen to everyone

But who listens to you

What are you hiding

To be so strong, so powerful, so skilled 

He’d love to protect you at least once

He can be worthy of you

Just you wait and see

Takashi Morinozuka

“Ah you remind me of Nezukuro. Oh! That’s my sibling!”

He likes you 

A lot

Always responsible, always kind

Who wouldn’t love you

Which is what he tries to reason with when others pine for you

“Leave them alone.”

He doesn’t like hurting others 

Unless its for you

Mitskuni Haninozuka “Honey”

“(YYYY/NNNN)! I have some cake for you!” 

Not many are strong like you or as disciplined

But that doesn’t beat how sweet you are 

Sweeter than cake!

He just can’t get enough

But he’s an experienced fighter 

He knows the look of vengeful anger

Who IS IT?!

He’ll make sure they never breathe again.

[ellssbellss]

(NEW!) Lavender Roses - Kyoya Ootori x Reader

pairing ~ Kyoya Ootori x Reader

In which a rational head hides a generous heart, but you have always known how to see past his walls and help him bloom into the gorgeous rose he is. Enjoy a slow burn between an honor student and our beloved glasses character!

here it is! so sorry it took so long, but unfortunately updates will be slow. but i will not abandon this story! i have too many plans :)

-> summary: Nodding, you pull your purse onto your shoulder, and Kyoya barely has time to react before you’re furiously brushing past him. 

“Let me make it less complicated for you, then. Since everything else is.” Your voice is cold as you push open the exit, still avoiding eye-contact. “You won’t have to save me anymore.”

-> tw! descriptions of drowning.

-> word count: (whole episode): 20k

-> legend:

(f/h/d) - favorite hot drink

(s/c) - suit color

see masterlist! masterlist

taglist! @abbysblogsstuff @sunukissed @kisskissshutmydoor @idonia-dovahkiin @greensnakegoblep @vervainnnn @desert-fern @delievia @obeythemasters @luca-nightshade @sweetandsourwrites @wrzloyd @1234567890nono @inactivecrofters @katiebwalczak03 @reader3 @radical-bunny @stevexbucky404 @localgaytrainwreck @jade-digital @eleventhdoctorsangel @ozdramaqueen @httpzace @wrzloyd @localgaytrainwreck @kawaii-onikuma113 @httpswilloww @pest-ill-ence @akumakitsune21 @britty-yk @daniels2003 @jade-digital @eleventhdoctorsangel @ozdramaqueen @sadpotatoondrugs @name1nonexistent2 @jstanaxx @yikesarooni 

A Challenge for Lobelia Girl's Academy!

Your lungs have flattened as you float, and your heart rate has ceased its erratic beating, but somehow your brain is still conscious. The comfort of breathing has been robbed from you, and yet you're still awake, still suffering as the freezing water breaks into your skin and rips through your muscles, chilling your bones with a pursuit that had to be admired.

Your eyes are open, (e/c) irises staring blankly up through ripples of water, your eyelids only being held open by the force of the current. Cold water rushes past your skin and pushes you deeper into a black abyss, away from the sunbeams that pierce through the watery veil. 

It’s as if they're laughing at you, teasing your skin with their bright warmth. 

A crash comes from above you, and a body falls from the horizon that you so desperately longed for. The form is small and muscled, rounded into a ball as they plummet towards your limp form. 

Your eyelids widen, only from the force of the splash, as you see Honey’s body tumble towards you, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. 

Your consciousness cries as you will your body to catch him, to move, to do anything. Honey whizzes past you, locking eyes with you as you outwardly stare into space. His mouth opens to make sound, but nothing comes out but bubbles of his precious oxygen. A sudden rush of a concentrated current pushes him down out of your view, out of your peripheral vision, and out of any hope you had of saving him. A sense of feeling comes back to you as you scream, unable to move as you feel his presence disappear, the red light of a tiki statue flashing behind you. 

And when your mouth opens, more water files in, hungry and selfish as it not only surrounds your body, but suffocates your insides. Your lungs inflate with the chilling liquid, making your body weightless in the pools of terror, and you start to rise. 

The surface tension of the water breaks as you lift out of the ocean. Water spills out of your mouth and nose as you are pulled up and up. Over the vast sea, over the jarring cliff that wasn’t in clear view before. 

But now it taunts you, its sharp edges barely missing you as you rise. 

As you ascend into the lighter blue of the sky, it begins to morph around you. The cerulean begins to darken into black, the crisp air becoming muddy and warped as the scene changes around you. For a moment, everything seems to pause and you are suspended in black. Then, gravity reminds you of your fragility, and you are sent slamming a firm surface. 

The landing makes the wind rush out of your lungs, and white sheets billow around you. A comforter sculpts your back, and a large window shines into the room. You choke.

This is Kyoya’s bedroom at the beach home. 

Panic floods into your system. Why were you in his room? Where was he? You couldn’t see him, not now, not after everything that happened today. Cursing in your mind, you move to leave this godforsaken mattress, get out of here and curl in on yourself till your broken heart heals, but your arms feel heavy. 

Looking at your wrists, you see that they are pinned on either side of your head by an invisible force. Fighting against it, the force lifts for a second before your wrists are pushed down again, deeper into the mattress as it squeaks and wrinkles. And a red shirt appears in your vision. 

Gnarly, curled fingers grip your skin, and you bury yourself into the bed. Ren’s eyes flare back at you, closer than he ever was. His sneer is prominent as his long hair is in shambles over his shoulders, and it only grows wider as you thrash below him.

His voice echoes in the shadowed chamber, wrapping around your throat and squeezing. “Nowhere to jump now, sweetheart.”

Your words are lost on you as fear strikes your heart, making it beat to a wilder rhythm as your body writhes. But he continues.

“You could’ve died on that cliff, you know that, girl? Thrown into raging waters? Very dangerous.”

“You could’ve gotten yourself killed.” Ren’s voice mixes with one that breaks through the shock, through the terror, and sends more panic into your veins.

In slow motion, gracefully long fingers dissolve into view. Your eyes follow as particles of pale skin form an arm that locks your wrist to the bed, and then a lithe torso comes into view as you look towards the ceiling. 

The smug face of your crush, your director, your best friend appears before you, smirking with a calculating glint in his eyes that used to feel warm. 

But as Kyoya pins you to the sheets, its like ice as he meets your gaze. 

The floor below the bed frame isn’t stable, the mattress below you rippling like evil water as you stare up at him. Shock and dizziness make everything around you hazy except for his distasteful gaze on yours.

“Do you know that? Please tell me you’re smart enough to see it, you idiot.” There’s somehow a sense of desperate anger as Kyoya keeps you underneath him. “You were wrong. You could’ve died, and you were wrong, and now look at what you did, (Y/n).”

Your nerves say your legs are kicking, but his own pin your knees, rendering them useless. Your arms feel like they’re thrashing, but you still feel the sting of cotton surrounding your skin. Apology after apology rushes through your mind, and you open your mouth to plead with him, to cry for him, to say anything. 

But you’re choking again, and a floral scent fills your lungs, causing you to freeze.

Kyoya’s cold eyes flick to your lips, and his raven brows furrow as he releases one of your wrists letting it fall heavily against the mattress. You willed it to move, but like you are drifting in the current of the ocean, you are not in control. 

Coughing, something works up your throat and lands on your tongue. Kyoya’s fingers reach past your parted lips and pluck it out, bringing it into your line of sight. 

A rose petal. A single, purple rose petal. 

Kyoya looks at it confused, his teeth barring. “What is this? What are you doing?” Distrust engulfs his tone. 

But his eyes widen as your coughing turns into wheezing, and your body is jolting as he holds you to his mattress, more petals coming up and filling your mouth, your lungs. 

You're drowning, and Kyoya lets you go fully as he sits back in horror. 

“Stop it. Stop it, (Y/n). Don’t do this to me.” He yells, the moonlight cascading over his sharp features that have twisted in betrayal and anger. “Don’t do this to me!”

Sitting up, you heave, the flower petals triggering an onslaught of spasming lungs as they bloom out of your mouth. Your eyes tear up, apologetic and sincere as you move to look at Kyoya again, only to scramble away in horror. 

The back of your skull hits the headboard as Kyoya’s face rapidly changes. Images of his gray eyes morph into the intimidating brown of Ren’s, then the lighter ones of Haruhi’s. Tamaki, the twins, Arai, your mother, all flash on Kyoya’s neck and torso at a destabilizing pace, screaming at you to stop, to think about what you did. Looking away, you force your body to convulse, reaching a hand up to your neck to soothe the burning of thorns and petals poking into your esophagus so that you could just say sorry.

And that’s how you wake up. 

Your hand around your throat, lungs burning, and Kyoya’s anger resonating through your chest.

The doors of Ouran Academy burst open, your shoes squeaking against the polished tiles and scuffing them much to the cleaning crew’s dismay. 

Sending an apologetic smile their way, you stuff paper upon paper into your backpack as you dodge students left and right, weaving through the crowd of the rich and the beautiful. However, with the addition of your hurried figure, you’ve created an ink spot on a white page. 

You would not describe yourself as the spitting image of beauty as you raced up the tall stairs and long, carpeted hallways of your school. You could see your peers’ eyes linger on the small shadows of purple underneath your eyes, and the untucked fabric of your uniform. Some of them bent down to pick up a few sheets of your assignments as they flew from your grasp, noting your heaving breath and panicked eyes. 

Unusually, you were late. 

You gave them a quick nod of gratitude before practically sprinting down the last hallway that led to Music Room #3. Your footsteps sank into the soft red carpet as you rounded a corner, but when you actually saw the sign hanging above the club room, you slowed. Stopping to rest on a pillar, you caught your breath, staring at the double doors as you heard bustling activity inside. 

Every day for a week, you’ve been stopping outside the room, tracing the painted wood grain and the pink designs with your eyes for what felt like forever. For a week, your heart has constricted into knots while your fingers dug into the stone of the pillar, debating in your mind if you should even walk in. 

And every day, for a week, you stepped in time with your anxious heart as a pair of purple eyes flashed behind your eyelids, begging you to just come in. And who could blame you when an image of devastating gray accompanied them.  

Swallowing, you pressed your palm against the door, opening it as unceremoniously as you can, before a petite body slams into you. 

“Oh, god, sorry, I just-,” Haruhi fumbles over her words as she meets your gaze before trailing off, the worry in her gaze followed by a little bit of awkwardness.

You sucked your cheek into your teeth as you made an effort to look anywhere but her, and settled on a vase of flowers poised near the entrance. 

“It’s okay.” You mumble, scratching the back of your head before moving to push past her. “No worries.”

You hear a small, sharp sigh behind you, and a hand wraps around your wrist, much gentler than your nightmares. “(Y/n), wait.”

Haruhi’s calm voice makes your tingling anxiety bloom to your throat as you come to a halt. Turning over your shoulder, your smile is practiced and pristine, the muscles stretching over your lips. “Yeah?”

Her brows furrow at your soft, bright tone, your voice contrasting with your rounded shoulders. “I just…I don’t understand what’s going on.” 

Your eyes freeze on hers, and your heart cracks even more. 

Since you saw Haruhi lying underneath Kyoya, emotions rattled inside you like a tennis ball ricocheting off the walls of your ribs. Your anger was a bright, fleeting blip. You laid in your bed and frankly abused your pillows. You punched them, screamed into them, or threw them across the room as you tried to process Haruhi’s betrayal. You two had grown so close in such a short amount of time, and she knew you were falling for Kyoya, only to keep it a secret that she had been secretly crushing on him. 

In the middle of another swing at your pillow, that thought in your mind, you froze. 

She kept it a secret. 

Why did she keep it a secret?

Shoulders shuddering with sandpaper breath, you sat back on your knees and faced the window looking out into the ocean. 

Haruhi must’ve been harboring her own feelings, keeping them locked away while you flirted and made eyes at the boy she wanted, and she did it so easily. You watch through her eyes as you play off of Kyoya’s banter, work with him late into the night, keep him for yourself as Haruhi is pushed onto the sidelines. 

A soft gust of air leaves your lips with a quiet whine, and your face curls into your palms as your spine bows. You're crying again, but for a different reason. 

You cry for the friendship you two had. You cry for what it must’ve felt like for her to see you steal all of Kyoya’s time and attention and say nothing. To keep it locked away. Tears rolled for what must’ve felt like the most one-sided sisterhood of the century, and all because of a stupid boy. 

Speaking of the boy.

Your anger had then reignited, and your cries turned frustrated. Digging your fingers into your next feathered victim, your punches resumed.

Now, guilt dripped into your chest, mixing with the anxiety and hurt as you stared back at her, but your smile remained true. “What do you mean?”

“Are you avoiding me?” Her voice is blunt, and you cringe internally. You loved Haruhi for being straightforward, it was refreshing from the usual antics of rich people to passively aggressively beat around a bush. But to be on the other end of it was jarring. 

Clearing your throat, you look to that same vase again, a lie locked and loaded behind your teeth. “No, no, I just saw that you were leaving, and wanted to get out of your way.”

Haruhi’s eyes deadpan. “If that’s the case, you’ve been getting out of my way all week.” She put air quotes around the words. “Did I do something, Senpai? I know you might be a little…shaken by what happened on the beach, but I feel like you’ve practically tripped over yourself to get away from me lately.”

When you look back at her, you can see the concern whirling through her irises, and the faucet of guilt breaks into a steady stream.

You’ve kept her in the dark, you’ve had too. There was no way you were going to out her relationship with Kyoya without her being ready, and you couldn’t bear the embarrassment of telling her that you saw them together. Empathy floats up in your sternum at her clear confusion, and you fight to make your smile a little more real. 

Sighing, you relax your arm, signaling that you weren’t going anywhere, and she releases you. “I’m not ignoring you.” You say gently. “And don’t call me Senpai, it’s weird.” 

Her confusion fades into relief as you turn to her, fixing your overflowing backpack onto your shoulders. “Sorry, it’s just when you look at me like you don’t even know me, it’s hard to resist formalities.”

A lump forms in your throat when you realize that it was true. Since she has been hiding so much from you, you didn’t know her. Not as well as you thought you did. 

“I’m just tired, no big deal.” Desperate to change the topic, you gesture to her outerwear, the light spring breeze forcing students to wear their light jackets. “Where are you off too?”

“Hikaru and Kaoru asked me to get more instant coffee from the store.” She grumbled, and you almost laughed at the disdain that passed over her face. “I still don’t understand why they can’t go get it themselves.”

“Well, it’s nice of you to help them out.” Turning over your shoulder, you see the two red-haired boys talking jovially with some other guests, chests shaking with gentle laughter. “They seem to be having a good time, thanks to you.”

Haruhi curls an eyebrow. “Thanks to me?”

Sighing, you turn back to her, trying to force yourself through the conversation so that it doesn’t look like you’re avoiding her even though you are, and it’s very complicated and annoying and you hate it. 

But a softness comes to your face as you speak. “I haven’t known the twins for as long as some of the others, but I know that they weren’t always this warm and friendly.” A flashback of the boys in a corner reading the same book comes to your mind before you push it away.

“They were quiet, withdrawn, and didn’t have many friends. I worked for a long time to build the trust that we have together, but it was instant between the three of you. It really pulled them out of their shell, little by little.”

You watch Haruhi’s eyes pass behind you as she watches the twins, a thoughtful look on her face. A shot of adoration for her spikes through you instinctually at the fact that she truly didn’t know how much she has impacted the host club in the time she has been here. It makes you want to hug her with all your strength. Tamaki must be rubbing off on you. 

But then the image of her looking up at Kyoya as he straddles her replaces that warmth with chilling dread. 

“I never really noticed.” She said plainly, shrugging her shoulders. 

A reluctant smile formed on your features. “They can sneak up on you.”

Silence falls between you as the rumble of host club chatter fills the space, and the awkwardness rears its ugly head. 

“Are you sure we’re okay?” Sincerity spills through her, and it’s all you can do not to cry again.

“We’re fine. And if it seems like we’re not, it’s not you, it’s me.” Partly true, in a way. You jab a thumb over your shoulder, needing to leave the tense air. “I’ll see you in there.”

Turning over your shoulder, your eyes immediately fall onto a lithe waist dressed in a lavender jacket. Arms fold protectively around his blackbook as Kyoya’s attention floods into his calculations, but it’s as if you can feel your eyes on you as he meets your gaze out of the corner of his glasses. 

A whole switchboard of emotions alights in your body at the indifference in his eyes as he quickly retreats into his writing again. Blowing out a breath, you spin and walk right past Haruhi. “You know what? I’ll grab the coffee. Be right back.”

This time when you walk across your campus, it’s a slow, deliberate stroll. A paper grocery bag is pressed against your chest as you get lost in your thoughts.

You and Kyoya hadn’t spoken since that day on the beach. Anytime you were around each other, it was terrible and tense. You used to fidget, pacing back and forth in your mind on whether you should say something, anything to him to tell him how you feel, but eventually you didn’t have the energy to be anxious.

The betrayal you felt from Haruhi immediately changed into guilt when you realized what it must’ve been like to keep her true feelings from you. With him, your anger and heartbreak slightly dulled into a constant pressure, always reminding you that at the first sign of trouble between the two of you, Kyoya turned to someone else. 

Kyoya had once called you a child for ignoring him after the whole incident with Renge, and yet he has justified himself enough to do the same thing. He’s been quiet, cold, turned off from anything that you had to say that wasn’t what he wanted to hear. 

But he never made himself scarce. Kyoya wasn’t avoiding you by any means. In fact, he seemed to be anywhere you turned, always giving you ample opportunity to get on your knees and grovel for his forgiveness, as if he was above all this.

As if he hadn’t done anything to rip your heart in two. 

Now fuming internally, you decided to wait it out. The two of you were exceptionally stubborn people who were skilled at compacting your emotions into a tight star, ready to burst at any moment. 

You decided to see which one of you would be the first to set off a supernova. 

The whole situation felt off, and you had no idea why. You never pegged Kyoya as the kind of guy to be so physical with someone he had relatively just met. The glancing touches and the near-kiss instances that you two shared felt special to you, as if you had gained his trust enough to reach a level with him that almost no one else has. 

You sighed, blinking back the image of him straddling her waist. Guess it was just another testament to how hard they had fallen for one another. 

In your pity party, you didn’t see a rogue banana peel being thrown into your path, and soon the ground is yanked out from under you as you fall backwards. 

Limber, strong arms wrap around your shoulders as you tip backwards, and after closing your eyes expecting an impact, you open them to see green eyes staring back at you.

Chest heaving in surprise, you freeze in the strangers arms. Their presence is familiar in a way. 

The stranger gets closer, and you realize that despite her more masculine facial structure, it’s a girl that has saved you from falling on your ass. 

She poses, dipping you more into her embrace as her smooth, timber voice rolls over your ears. “It’d be a shame for any harm to come to that cute face of yours young lady.”

The startled look in your eye plateaus as you bite your cheek, and you groan internally. This new student steadies you and offers gallantly to walk you back to your glass, and you realize why her energy was so recognizable. 

She’s exactly like Tamaki. 

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Benibara says, keeping her arm firm around your shoulders as she escorts you through the halls of your school. 

Wiggling in her hold, your jaw ticked as you tried to force a polite smile. “Really, I am. You don’t have to walk me to class, I’m sure your school is dying to get set up for the cultural exposition.”

Benibara, who confidently introduced herself as the president of the Zuka Club as Lobelia Girls’ Academy, tsks and looks at you with a sultry gleam. “Don’t be silly, (Y/n). Let me make sure you get there safely.”

You fight the urge to roll your eyes, but follow her anyway. If Kyoya didn’t already want to kill you, he certainly would if you were rude to a student from another school. Not to mention you were in uniform, so they would know exactly where the rude girl belonged.

Her red skirt and white blouse flowed gently around the corner, and you unintentionally froze again as Music Room #3 came into view. Tall, gorgeous Benio turned over her shoulder, her gaze becoming sharp. 

“You know, (Y/n), when I asked if you were alright, I wasn’t necessarily talking about your fall.”

You suck in a sharp breath and flick your gaze right back to hers, her eyes looking at you with a deep understanding that almost knocks you off your feet. 

And then it annoys you. “I’m fine.” The words are practiced. This is what you’ve been telling yourself on repeat, after all. 

“Are you, now? Think you’re above a hard day here and there?” Benio chuckles deeply in her chest before reaching a hand out to graze your cheekbones. “Come now, little sakura, tell me.”

But you pull your face away from her touch, rolling your eyes again as your irritation motivates you to push past her. You almost make it to the club’s door, hearing voices from inside. 

“...a little harsh? Fine then, what do you think women want to hear?” Tamaki’s muffled voice floats out into the hallway. Another sigh rolls through you as the topic of their current conversation already feels too intense for your emotional state. 

But you don’t have time to open the door yourself as Benibara pulls you back against her from your waist. You feel a bony chest at your back as she seems to levitate towards the club door, her arm firmly wrapped around you as she bursts through it. 

Her feminine baritone fills the air of the Music Room. “Maybe something like…” You squeak as you feel her breath on your ear. “I would never leave my lover alone.”

“What the f–?” Your confusion is cut off but also flamed when the arm around your waist pulls, spinning your 360 degrees before you're caught in a dip by her toned arms. 

Benio’s lips curl into a smirk as her voice holds a fantastical tone that causes your mind to fog a little. “If we fight, it will be together. If we fail, we fail together.”

Again, you’re whisked to another position. This time your arm is stretched out and Benio is on one knee before you, your palm in hers as she brings it to touch her lips. “Even if I were to die, I promise you that I will never leave your side, my love.”

Your eyebrow twitches for a moment, a blush deepening on your cheeks. Looking to the side, you see your host club dressed as knights, armor shining dramatically in the natural light from the windows, and you sigh, eyeing their protective costumes. 

You could’ve been wearing armor against this girl too if you hadn’t left to go run errands. 

The idiotic trio’s mouths fall open as you are spun and held against another student, and Tamaki’s eyes seem to bloom to twice their size. You see two other girls in uniforms similar to Benibara’s run up to her with large, adoring smiles on their faces. 

“Benibara! We thought you’d never show!” One of them says, her short hair bouncing with her movements. 

Another taller girl with a deeper voice and longer hair strides to Benio’s otherside, giving you a long look. “What’re we going to do with you? So, tell us where you found this lovely lady.”

All three women are looking at you with an interest that you’ve only seen from your guests, and you feel a headache coming on. Not just because they were staring at you with a protective interest that you’ve only seen from your guests, but also because they were so goddamn beautiful. 

What kind of blood oath did you have to make to get their bone structure?

Benio’s chuckle rang close to your ears as she stood, still holding your hand. “I just met her outside of the school. She may look plain, but I knew the truth to her beauty. She has such gorgeous eyes.” The taller woman leans in, her lithe finger gracing your cheekbones as she stares deeply into your irises. 

Wincing, you turn your face away from her as you back up, only to run into the shorter, peppier one. 

Her high voice exclaims an excited gasp as her fingers dip under your sleeve, forcing the fabric of your lavender coat up to feel the soft skin underneath. 

Your jaw clenches as she forcefully takes your hand, your annoyance building. “Wow, her skin is incredibly soft!”  

“Could you not?” You ask softly yet firmly, but it’s overshadowed as the third student kneels in front of you, running her hand over your bare thigh and calf with amazement. 

Her hand runs over your healing cut, the band aid with hearts still attached to your skin. “Isn’t it though?” She marvels as her fingers prod over your leg. “I think we found a diamond in the rough!”

Seeing her hand pass over your cut ignites a sharp reaction from you, and you push all three women off, ripping your limbs away from their grasp. “Would you all stop? God, ever heard of personal space?”

Your shoulders heave in the middle of the club room as the women stare you down, their eyes wide in amazement. Looking past them, you see the boys watching you tentatively, knowing where your outburst is coming from.

But then Benio’s mouth curves down, not from disappointment, but in sympathy. Her long legs make their way over to you slowly, and her hand reaches towards you, an olive branch. 

“You’ve been hurt, yes?”

Her words spill over you like ice water, and a shot of embarrassment pierces through your chest. Was it that obvious?

“What?”

“Someone hasn’t treated you well. Someone hurt you.” That same understanding from before shades into her pupils, and it takes everything in you not to retreat from her form. She studies the way that you roll your shoulders with a conjured formidability that had to have been practiced and reconsiders her words. “Or maybe, people hurt you.”

Her bluntness is laced with caramel-like kindness that completely blows the wind out of you. You just stare at her for a long minute, not knowing what to say as she comes closer and closer, cautiously stepping towards the deer in the headlights. 

This time when her hand finds your face, you don’t pull away. She hums in pity, tapping her finger under your chin. “Ladies, this princess is suffering. Trapped in a place where she is underappreciated and lost.”

Their eyes swim with tears with the grace of a celebrity on screen, gorgeous eyes glistening with the moisture. They whine to you as they immediately embrace you again, two pairs of arms coming around your waist. 

“It’s such a shame!” Leaning their heads into your shoulder, their cries dampen the intensity of the moment, and your annoyance rises again to a dull buzz.

Your face falls flat as they fret over you, but you let them. If it’ll get them to leave faster, so be it. 

But Tamaki couldn’t stand it for another second. 

The host club has stood back long enough and watched you run yourself into the ground. Most of them have done all they could think of. Hikaru and Kaoru try to make you laugh, and sometimes it works. Sometimes you’re doubled over, clutching your sides while trying to catch your breath and the twins think that the storm has finally passed. But the next day, you’ll kindly shake your head and walk away, leaving them lost on what to do next. 

Mori and Honey have been feeding you, making sure that you’ve eaten lunch when you are scheduled too, and sending you with plenty of sweet treats and things they know you enjoy before you leave school for the day. Even after Mori had offered their dojo to you, you still had yet to show up, and that was worrying. The cousins thought it was because it was hard to bring yourself out of bed in the morning. 

Tamaki and Haruhi showered you with attention when you allowed it. You did sometimes, but mostly from Tamaki. His heart sputtered in confusion when you would turn your gaze away from his brunette honor student, but he figured it was just because she reminded you of that day on the cliff. The blonde was constantly at your side. During class, club hours, any time you didn’t completely shove him off gave him an opportunity to show him that he was there for you. 

As his purple eyes watched your blank expression while foreign hands touched you, his eyes shot to Kyoya, a dramatic glare in his gaze. Kyoya felt his best friend’s eyes on him and met his stare before rolling his eyes behind his glasses. 

The blonde saw Kyoya’s Adam's apple bob for a second, and he knew that the Ootori son was holding himself back. Tamaki groaned internally as Kyoya kept up the same facade he’s been portraying for the past week. The facade of disinterest. 

And frankly, Tamaki had had enough. 

Another flare of irritation fired into the prince’s chest as Kyoya simply shook his head slightly, stubbornly folding his arms across his waist. But when Tamaki studied him closely, he caught the sharp way Kyoya’s eyes narrowed at the way this tall woman was cradling your face. 

Tamaki huffed when he realized Kyoya still wasn’t going to do anything and immediately rushed forward, wanting to save you like he always does.  

“Don’t you go touching mon ami without asking my permission!” He yelled, reaching towards your form with a protective urge. 

But you watched as a fist connected to Tamaki’s pristine features, and your jaw dropped as Benio sent him flying, the other two women wrapping their arms tighter around you. Your prince’s blonde hair whips with the force as he is sent flying back towards the other hosts. 

He lands on his butt with a whine, and his hand comes up to his cheek. “She punched me! So violent!”

Honey-senpai scolds him as Tamaki sprawls on the ground, holding Usa-chan in his grasp. “Pull yourself together!”

Finally, the female trio lets go of you as they put themselves between you and the host club. A sigh rolled out of your lungs, and you watched two dramatic forces clash together like swords. Beni stands, her long form towering over Tamaki after knocking him to his feet. 

“Guess the rumors we heard are true.” She speaks, utter confidence lacing her tone. “You guys are just a bunch of weak little punks with no sense between you.”

A distinct sigh passes over the host club, one that topples another rock onto the stone pile in your stomach. 

“These uniforms.” Kyoya’s voice is cold, precise as he pushes his glasses onto his nose. “I assume you ladies are from Lobelia Girls’ Academy?”

Benibara’s hair swishes as she twirls, her attention completely lost to you. Another smug grin traces her lips as she strikes another pose, her hand poised just so. “That’s correct.”

Flashes of color and cloth pass by your vision as the three girls rip off their uniforms, revealing extravagant costumes underneath. Bouncy skirts fall to the pink tiles from the waist of the taller girl, the shorter one sporting something pink that went to mid-thigh. Beni rises in a tux, perfectly tailored to her slim figure. It seems like spotlights shine down on them as they pop up from their poses one by one, glitter in their irises. 

“Lobelia~” Benibara stands, a baritone note rising from her lips. 

“Lobelia~” An alto sound follows as the middle-height blonde rises, her toes pointed and chin lifted in the air. 

“Lobelia~” Soprano fills your ears as the last one sings, her arms stretched out as she picks one leg up. 

You stared at them incredulously, confusion and a little bit of admiration in your thoughts as they harmonized. How many times had they rehearsed this? When did they rehearse this?

…Did the host club need a theme song too?

Your thoughts were interrupted when Benibara pulled out a flower and you realized, Oh…it wasn’t over. 

“St. Lobelia Academy, high school 2nd year, Benio Amakuska.” She said as she passed in front of you, placing a lily in your hands before posing again. “Lady of the Crimson Rose, A.K.A Benibara.”

You stopped the rude scoff bubbling into your throat. God, they even had nicknames? The blonde steered toward you, her walk graceful as the blue dress flowed at her ankles. “2nd year student, Chizuru Maihara.” Chizuru’s right hand unfurls a small fan as her left places another lily in your hands. 

Lastly, the shortest one twirls, placing the last lilly into your hand before posing next to her friends. “1st year student, Hinako Tsuwabuki!”

“We are the members of the St. Lobelia Academy’s White Lilly League.” Beni said, posing her top hat in front of her face with a flirtatious grace. “Also known as…!” Sending her hat into the air with pizazz, the three girls twirl, the arms opening so wide that you have to make your way over next to Hikaru and Kaoru to give them more room. 

They spin with so much force that the petals on their lilies fall off the flower and are sent around the room, twisting in a flurry as they cover the girls. When the flowers dissipate, the Lobelia students have somehow changed outfits again, poofy dresses and intricate fanned headdresses adorning their heads. Their hands are outstretched, large smiles on their faces as they fall into a final pose. 

“The Zuka Club!”

Blinking slowly, you close your agape mouth. The silence in the club room lengthens, before you and your twins could no longer hold it in anymore. 

Deep chuckles expel from your chest as you wheeze, tears quickly filling your eyes as you drop to the floor. Hikaru and Kaoru are quick behind you, their backs arching as Hikaru slaps the floor with each bellow of his laughter, trying to catch his breath. 

“The Zuka Club?! Oh man, what a stupid name! My stomach hurts!”

Kaoru can barely agree with his brother, his voice cracking with an effort to breathe. “The Zuka Club?! That’s priceless!”

“They-They had those get ups under their uniforms!” You shout, clutching your side as you lean on Kaoru’s shoulder.

You three continue to bellow, and it feels like old times for a moment. The ease of being around the host club returns into your bones like muscle memory, and it felt like nothing had changed for you. 

But then the ground begins to tremble, machine’s whirring in a dark, unknown place. Your laughter halts, and as your gaze follows the tiered platform as it rises from the polished tiles of Music Room #3, you sigh, your mood rotting the peacefulness you felt. 

“You shouldn’t underestimate the Zuka Club!”

A certain brunette sits atop this tier, a tea cup perfectly placed in her hand, her fingers bringing it to her lips. She seemed almost serene atop a patio chair and table, an umbrella shading her from the artificial ceiling light. 

And then she spoke.

“I may not know much about instant coffee, but I am fascinated with girls’ schools.” Renge’s voice fills the club room, and you pinch the bridge of your nose. You wonder who else will come into this room and play with the frayed edges of your patience? 

She takes a sip out of her cup before spitting it out immediately, instant coffee splattering down onto the second tier of her platform. “St. Lobelia Academy! It is truly a woman’s world there!” Renge stands, and she gets that distant, dreamy look in her eye you’ve seen too many times before. Despite the perfectly good table in front of her, Renge discards her tea cup and saucer to the floor, the porcelain crashing with an annoying clang. 

“The Zuka Club is a group of young maidens who consider women to be superior in every way! The club prides itself on it’s 30 year history. It’s a society of maidens, by maidens, for maidens! Their activities include maiden tea parties, debate forums, and the musical reviews performed by their top members.”

Glancing over to Benibara, you see a satisfied smile on her face, pride gleaming in her green irises as she watches Renge recount her successes. You can see how people follow her so easily. She makes you want to be apart of that feeling of comfort, of accomplishment. 

“Well.” A clang of armor sounds against a desk, and you tense your shoulders. Slowly following the gaze of the crowd, you watch as Kyoya fixes his tie onto his button down. During Renge’s speech, the men had switched out of the knight costumes with a speed that is only achieved through years of practice. Or in this case, weeks. 

You let your eyes catch a glimpse of his sharp jawline before you direct them to the floor again. It was too hard. 

Kyoya cleared his throat, his voice resonating. “You sure have a vast world of knowledge, Renge.”

The brunette laughs, flicking a hand at the director. “Well, I’ve always admired Lobelia Academy. I just couldn’t go to school there, though.” She put her hands on her cheeks as if she was facing her worst nightmare. “Just what would I do without any boys?”

With that, she descended into the floor, waiting like a jack in the box under the tile; to spring up when least expected. 

Chizuru places her hands together, the tips of her delicate fingers tracing her lips. “A maiden’s beauty.” Her voice was soft but determined, as if passing on a valuable piece of information. “It means possessing a spirit pure enough to not give in to power or to lust.”

Hinako’s bobbed hair bounces up to the side of her friend as they face the host club together. “As a girl, you…for a girl, you…! We’ve had quite enough of all your oppressive male contempt for womenkind. 

“And our pride,” Beni’s baritone floats through the room, vibrating lightly against the host’s club’s windows. “It comes from having meaningful relationships based on equality.” Beni holds her hands out to the two other girls, and they cuddle into her side. It would’ve been sweet if there wasn’t a migraine blossoming it’s way to the front of your skull. 

“Because we are the same sex, and yes, that means relationships of love.” A mischievous sparkle floats in her eye that confuses you. Does this woman think she invented lesbianism?

Shrugging, you sigh, turning your back and stepping away from the chaos, mumbling a small ‘whatever floats your boat’ as you cross the ever spacious club room. 

You catch a glimpse of blonde hair and a hunched lavender form at one of the windowsills, and you make your appearance at Tamaki’s side. 

“Tamaki?” You ask, reaching your hand out to touch his shoulder, only to find it shaking. “What’s going on with you?”

He looks to you, eyes wide, his purple pupils shrunken to violet dots. “Th-these girls! They’re talking nonsense!” 

You laugh slightly, putting both of your hands on his shoulders and massaging them. “I think they are just trying to scare you.”

“Well, it’s working!” His voice carries, but you turn to find that the host club is too preoccupied with the Zuka Club to notice. “Who does this girl think she is anyway, huh? Touching you like that? Saying these…these…words that I can’t bear to hear!”

“Tamaki, Tamaki…” You say softly, a fond amusement warming your smile. “Just chill for a second, okay? I think you might be having a bit of a culture shock.” 

“Culture shock?!” His wide-eyed attention locks on you, and he brings his voice down to a hiss. “What’s that?”

“How about we just lay down, yeah?” You suggest through a giggle. Putting his arm through yours, you lead him to the bed that Honey-senpai uses for his naps. Pulling back the baby blue comforter, you sit him on the edge of the bed. You flip the pillow over onto it’s cool side, and Tamaki immediately realizes how much his outburst took out of him. Sleepy, violet gems become hooded as he looks up at you from his restful cloud. 

“This is not how it’s supposed to go.”

Still humored, you tilt your head, playing along. “And how is it supposed to go, exactly?”

“I’m supposed to be taking care of you, not the other way around.”

Your heart drops, your chest heaving with a sigh. Flashes of Tamaki greeting you at the door of the music room, a little bit too eager and standing a little too close play in your mind. 

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you pat him on the head, turning on your heel to leave him to rest. “We can take care of each other.”

Rejoining the rest of the club, you sink into the red couch as the Zuka Club continues to brag about their progressive ways, making you swallow another scoff.

The host club wasn’t listening to them either. Honey and Usa-chan watched Mori practice his sword skills, while Kaoru fiddles with the groceries you had brought back. Your eyes travel over Hikaru’s shoulder as he plays on his DS, Mario bouncing across the screen. 

A shadow casts on the other side of the couch, Kyoya’s spine curled around his book. Your curiosity catches a page that was filled with writing, but blank in the edges. No spirals. 

Hikaru interrupts the Zuka Club’s ramblings, his bored tone piercing their flirty air. “Whatever. Honestly, we are so over it.” He leans back, his shoulder brushing with yours as he props his feet up on the table, his gaze never leaving the game.

Kaoru examines another thing of instant coffee from the brown paper bag, his tone, like most of his mannerisms, mirroring his brother’s. “What don’t you gals just scram?”

The Zuka Club stands there stuttering at their rudeness, and your gaze flicks to Benibara’s, her eyes suspiciously watching the six of you. 

But Hinako huffs, a haughty tone lacing her words. “I find it hard to believe that you silly boys have nothing to say about our sublime female love.” 

But Hikaru just leaned towards you, speaking out of the side of his mouth without breaking his attention from his game. “What the hell is she even talking about?”

A giggle caught behind your lips, and Kaoru continued to show disinterest, facing towards you and showing you the label. “I’ve never seen this brand before, it’s clear (Y/n) bought the groceries this time around.”

This time, a scoff left your lips, and you picked up a throw pillow and chucked it at his head. 

The blonde Zuka member rolled her eyes, pitifully sighing as she caressed Beni’s cheek. “You should feel sorry for them, Benio. Now they are all flustered, and they don’t know what to do with themselves!”

Benibara just nodded gravely before another smirk lit up her lips. “True, though I must say that I’m glad we decided to perform here. It was fun to sneak a peek at the notorious host club.”

Honey perked up at that, swinging his legs off the edge of the couch as he looked at his cousin. “Hey, are we really notorious?”

Mori swings his sword before gracefully setting it onto his shoulder. “Yeah.”

Someone yawned. 

Benibara huffed, the lack of attention drawing irritation from her gut as she quickly scooped forward, grabbing your wrist and pulling you towards her again. She holds your arm up around her shoulders, her other hand lightly cradling her chin. Your jaw sets. 

“And to think, they’re dragging this sweet, young girl down with them.”

“I told you, I’m fine.” You argued, your voice steely and taut.

But she ignores you, pushing you away. As you stumble out of her grasp, you straighten your uniform, watching as she basks at the hosts’ attention once again now that she had grabbed you. You were only a means to an end. 

“Well, the host club’s president may be a pretty little halfer, but he shouldn’t be using his looks to create a fictitious romance!”

Another flare of annoyance sparks at her words, and you take a step toward her. “Don’t call him that.”

But she ignores you, relishing in the rising of emotion. Much better than the clear, piercing boredom. “Oh, attempting to fool the heart of a poor maiden is demeaning! Your so-called club activities are nothing more than debasing macho fantasies! I promise you, we will bring you guys down, the Ouran Host club will be abolished!”

You stopped in your tracks, the tiles on the floor almost seeming like glue traps, your black dress shoes wanting to sink and never budge. 

Abolish the host club? For what, creating fun little scenes?

You had never thought that your club was playing with the hearts of the boys and girls at this school. You thought they relished in the attention, the fantasy. But your mind rushed to the sweet girl who had kissed your cheek, hope in her eyes.

And now you were one of the maidens, your foolish heart in the hands of a raven-haired puppeteer. 

Is this what you made your guests feel like? 

“I see.” As if someone had whispered your thoughts in his ear, Kyoya closed his book, the leather-bound pages snapping closed as he pushed his glasses to the bridge of his nose.  His voice fell into a practiced politeness, but his eyes flared. “I understand your concern. But do you think that maybe we could finish this later?”

Beni’s chest puffed, her voice challenging the words of the megane, twisting them. “Are you saying that you’re not going to face us?”

The edge of Kyoya’s lips twitched, and he met her gaze. “Not at all.”

His pale hand gestures to where Tamaki still slept, his face exhausted and weary as he mumbles in his dreams. 

“It’s just that our president is still bed-ridden from his initial culture-shock.”

You wanted to ask him how he knew that, but you knew the answer. Kyoya was always observing. 

Honey giggles, having no problem with his nap spot being used. “You see, Tama-chan is having his nappy right now.”

Benibara clenches her fist at her sides. “Then wake him up!” She yells, and you fume. No matter how much she has shaken your day today, no one needed to interfere with Tamaki. 

Your feet unstuck themselves, but before you could give her a piece of your mind, Haruhi appeared in front of you, a full tray in her hands. The honor student shot a glance back at you, a look telling you she could handle this, and placed a sweet smile on her lips. 

“‘Scuse me, I just made some coffee.” She offers, her face calming and nurturing. “Would you ladies like to have some?”

The tall, handsome girl looked like she was about to faint with gratitude, and her sour mood lightened immediately. “Why yes, aren’t you the sweetest thing?”

The three of them smile at Haruhi as they take their respective tea cups, complimenting her whole-heartedly. 

“You know, coffee made by a maiden always has a more fragrant aroma.”

Haruhi’s hands tighten on the tray, her surprise mirroring the rest of the host club’s when Benibara confirms Haruhi’s sex. 

“What? Wait a minute…” You begin to stutter, the other hosts frozen instantly without knowing what to say. 

The flirty Lobelia student just scoffs, soaking in the scent of the coffee as she dismisses you immediately. “Oh please, don’t try to hide it. She may be dressed as one of these boys, but I knew the truth. What kind of lover would I be if I didn’t appreciate and recognize the beauty of my own sex? And the way they make their coffee.” She serenades, winking at Haruhi over the edge of her tea cup.

“But, uh…” Haruhi starts, her brain reconnecting its wires. “This stuff’s just instant.”

Hinako just coos, walking towards Haruhi and twirling her hair. “How about we all have a tea party?” She asks, smiling your way.

“You’ve got it all wrong!” The entire room jolts when Tamaki bursts out of his bed, his teeth baring as his eyes zero in on Hinako’s finger tangled in Haruhi’s locks. “Don’t you see that our host club isn’t what you think it is? We give them hope! Love! Fantasy from their daily routine!” He stomped over, almost running as he crossed the pink floor. 

“If we really were stooping as low as you believe, then why do people keep coming back?!” He cries, his arm jutting out to rip Hinako away from his precious honor student, but his momentum didn’t carry him that far. Instead, somehow, with impressive accuracy, his bare finger lands smack dab in the center of Hinako’s tea cup, dipping into the boiling coffee. 

“Hot! Hot, hot, hot!” Tamaki staggers backwards, wagging his finger before he trips over himself and falls, ungracefully, to the floor. 

Haruhi’s eyes widen, and she quickly hands the tray over to you before crossing the room. Before you can blink, Haruhi is kneeling in front of Tamaki, rummaging through her school jacket before she is taking a thing of bandages from her coat. 

“You have to be more careful, Senpai.” She sighs, her eyebrow creasing slightly as she holds out her hand for his. 

Tamaki blinks slightly, a slight blush rising to his cheeks. Slowly, he places his hands in hers. Her fingers work gently, spiraling the bandage around his finger, her brown eyes concentrated on healing the burn. 

So she may not notice, but you do when Tamaki’s gaze trails over her soft features for a millisecond longer than you might expect him too. 

You swallow, focusing on the shining porcelain on your tray, your reflection warped against the tea kettle. There was a time when you looked at someone like that, and had thought they had seen you similarly. 

“Thanks, Haruhi.” Tamaki says, his voice soft. You look up to see him staring at his finger, the pair kneeling next to each other. “Do you always carry bandages around with you?”

Haruhi just shakes her head, simpering at him with a smile that makes his eyes drop to her lips before flicking back to her gaze. “Nah, the supermarket gives them out for free with the purchase of instant coffee. I got them when I went yesterday.” She tilts her head just so, and you watch the blush darken on Tamaki’s cheeks. “You always get free stuff at the supermarket.”

“Free stuff?” His voice is drifting, clearly lost in some other thought that didn’t include any bandages. 

A deeper voice ruins their moment, and your hands grasp tightly on the tray. “Well, this conversation isn’t going anywhere.”

With gusto, Beni raises Haruhi to her feet, making Tamaki gasp and almost reach out for her. 

Almost. 

Two arms encircle your waist as another pair relieves the tray from your grasp, and you are tugged into a group hug with the Lobelia girls and Haruhi. Their arms drape over your shoulders as you're pressed into the blonde’s chest, Hinako leaning against your arm. 

“Now that we know what is going on,” Beni announces, her hand wrapped neatly over Haruhi’s waist as she presses the honor student to her chest, “We can’t allow these maidens to stay here! We will prepare their paperwork and have them transferred to Lobelia at once! And, we’ll welcome them to the Zuka Club!”

You gasp against Chizuru’s chest, before breaking away from the group. Stumbling, you shake your head. 

Keeping your composure was trying, your voice shaking as you reminded yourself to keep up appearances. Your wits were already worn, your headache growing exponentially at these girls’ antics. But you swallowed, shaking your head and willing the social training you had experienced your entire life. 

“Listen, I understand that you are trying to help here, I do. But the way you are going about it is abrasive, assuming, and quite frankly, ignorant.” The three girls tensed at your tone, Beni folding her arms. Your anger from the past few days simmers into an urge to put yourself on a pedestal, to stand as if you’re better than them in every way.

Your posture straightens, but right before you are about to give them a piece of your mind, Haruhi interrupts, standing in front of you. 

“Just, everyone wait a second, okay?” Haruhi reconciles, her hands waving in a peaceful gesture. “I think there may be some misunderstandings here. I mean, first of all, you called Senpai a halfer!” She says, giggling.

You step forward, peeking out from behind her shoulder. “Cause he is. Even though the term is outdated,” You spit, sharply looking at Benibara, “Tamaki is half-french and half-japanese.”

Haruhi stutters, trying to correct herself. “Well, uh, I don’t think it’s fair to pick on the host club just because they might not have the same history as you!” She claims innocently, and you deadpan.

“Actually,” You wince. “We barely have any history, we were just founded two years ago when Tamaki started the club when he started high school.” 

The honor student’s shoulder’s slump, and her head lolls to the side. “Be that as it may, saying their club activities are just held to satisfy their appetites is wrong. I mean, we don’t even charge them.”

You plant your face in your hands. “Oh no, Haruhi…”

“While I wouldn’t call it a charge, we do have a point system.” You all turn to see Kyoya leaning casually against one of the tables of the Music Room, his laptop sat on top as he pulls up a website. 

Haruhi’s eyebrow creases, and you lead her to the laptop. “We offer a kind of priority service,” you explain, moving to the other side of the laptop and presenting it. “They are based on the winning bids of auctions held on our website.”

Kyoya hums. “Check this out, Haruhi. Your mechanical pencil just sold for a winning bid of 30,000 yen.” He smiles back at her, the fake one that stretches his thin lips. “Good for you.”

You nod curtly, trying to read Haruhi’s shocked expression as you move to close out of the window on the laptop, but Kyoya had the same plan. Your fingers brush his on the same button, and both of your gazes sharply meet, snapping like a rubber band. 

And suddenly, you’re back.

Back to when you were Kyoya’s right-hand man, back to the study sessions in your room, the moments on moonlit piano benches. The dances, the cherry blossom trees, late-night phone calls, and the sunset-colored glances and grazes. It takes everything in you to swallow the ball of sunshine that engulfs your sternum, and remind yourself of the darkness you had seen. And the shapes in that darkness. 

He’s the one that breaks eye contact first, and that’s when that darkness turns to ice, settling deep into your stomach. 

Before you could take your own hand off the keyboard, Haruhi rushed forward, rattling off complaints. 

“I thought I had lost that pencil!” She whines as she scrolls through the items up for sale. She looks up at you. “Why didn’t you tell me this before? I didn’t know you were collecting money.”

“To be fair”, You shrug, putting on your best ‘I-swear-I’m-more-innocent-than-you-think-I-am’ face, “I don’t choose what goes on the site. That is the director’s job.”

Kyoya scoffs, fixing his glasses with a sharper shove than normal when Haruhi’s accusing gaze lands on him. “What, you expect us all to work as volunteers?”

More gently, you try to explain. “While it’s not much, our club makes a small profit off of these auctions.”

“Oh, really? You’re okay with this?” Haruhi asks, huffing as she continues scrolling. 

“Okay with it is a stretch, but it isn’t the worst thing-”

“Then look at this.” Her finger freezes on the mouse pad and flips it around, shoving the computer in your direction before folding her arms across her chest. 

Leaning in, you gasp, the pixelated image forming the last thing you thought you would see on that site. 

Four pictures were being sold as a bundle, two you had unfortunately seen before, and two others that shoved your heart into your throat. 

Two of them were the pictures that had been offered as the prize for the Scare Challenge on the beach, your drool and your middle-school Ice Bucket fail had been put up for the world to see. 

But the other two were more intimate. A sparkling blue dress dressed your figure as the twins hurried around you, sparkles in their eyes. And another where you had lifted the camera with a cheesy smile, catching Kyoya off guard after being enlisted as the club’s private photographer. 

Only one person had access to these photos anymore, since you had wiped them from all other accounts. 

“Kyoya…” Your voice was chilled and rough, this was the first time you had said his name in days. “What…why are these on here?”

There was silence on his end, causing you to flick your eyelids up to see him completely ignoring you and writing something in his notebook. 

“Kyoya.” You try again, more firmly. Spinning the computer his way, you enhance the image. “What the hell are these doing here?”

Still no response. He instead flips a page and begins walking around the table the computer is perched on and out of your path. 

But you stop him.

Your frustration flames and you’re in front of him in minutes, ripping his book from his fingers. That gets his attention. 

His eyes meet yours for the first time in what feels like centuries, and apparently that time had erased any warmth those eyes once held for you. Now, his gaze is piercing, the gray that used to represent a calm fog sculpted into a thunderstorm. 

“Give it back, (Y/n).” Even the way he said your name was strained, every syllable stretched and unnatural. 

“Not until I get an answer.” With his journal tucked neatly to your side, you harshly point to the computer screen. “Why are those pictures on there? You know those are not meant to be public. They were just for you.”

“They’re optimal items to sell. Anything that can humanize our hosts is extremely valuable to our guests, which I shouldn’t have to explain to you.” The muscles in jaw pulses, and you heave a breath at the superiority in his voice. 

“You were the only person with those copies, and I asked you to never share those with anyone. You knew how embarrassing, how personal my life can be, and you said you would keep them to yourself. You promised-”

“I never promised anything.”

“Please.” You rolled your eyes. “You were so proud to have those pictures, and you just gave them away like that? What were you thinking?”

“I no longer have a reason to keep those pictures in my possession. They were taking up space in my books, and I needed to make room.”

You scoffed, emotion blocking your larynx. “For what?”

“For more important matters.”

The room was so quiet, you were sure everyone heard your heart break. 

Your grip on the leather material of his black booklet tightened, and your chest stuttered. But you held your ground. Once again, you knew that if you let your emotions take over, they would never stop, and you just had to get yourself together. Yanking the booklet from under your arm, you slammed it so hard into his chest as you walked past him, you heard him grunt as he caught his balance. 

“Hope it was worth it.” You breathed, willing your voice not to crack. 

You stormed towards the entrance, only to be blocked by glowing blonde hair. 

“Oh, you poor thing. I can’t believe they’ve been deceiving you.” Chizuru whines, sympathy potent in her voice as she wraps her form around you. 

Before you can snap at her, Beniobara comes around and pulls her off of you, her strong hands on the younger one’s shoulders. “Give her a moment, Chizuru, both of these young maidens have had quite a day.”

Benio leads the three of her girls towards the doors, which blow open dramatically on their own somehow. “We will give you both some time to think about it, and will be back tomorrow for your answer. Adieu, Host Club.” Waving with the grace of a queen, the Zuka Club disappears around the corner, leaving the aftermath of their intrusion unattended. 

The safety of the hallway is too tempting this time, and your feet make their way towards your exit before you can even think twice. 

“Wait, (N/n)-chan-” Honey’s voice calls for you, but you just call over your shoulder. 

“I have to go. I have some thinking to do.” You say, voice low but reinforced as it echoes across the pink walls of the host club. 

The host's watch with concerned gazes as your figure disappears, Haruhi’s lips settling into a line. 

“Yeah, I better head out too.” She says, but Tamaki’s hand shoots out to grab her shoulder. 

“Wait, Haruhi, we’re sorry! It’s not like we were hiding it from you, you can have my pencil!” He whines, and he holds out his own mechanical pencil, a small teddy bear taking the place of the eraser. 

“I don’t want your pencil, Senpai. You boys can’t just go doing whatever you want, whenever you feel like it.” She says, turning around and taking a turn out of the Music Room. 

Suddenly, Tamaki’s sad whimper turned into a growl as he whipped around, his gaze targeting a certain megane. 

“What have you done, you stupid man! You just added fuel to the fire!”

“Facts are the facts, Tamaki.” Kyoya breathes, boredom flowing into his tone as he perches his glasses on his nose. “If they can’t handle a few inconveniences, then they’ll have to deal with it themselves. They’re smart.”

“But they’re not made of steel.” Hikaru said, folding his arms as he went to Tamaki’s side. “How could you do that to (Y/n)?”

“Please, she’s fine. She just needs to blow off some steam-”

“She is not fine.” Kaoru explains, less aggressive than his brother but still fiery. “She hasn’t been for days.”

“And Haruhi is already indifferent, but we know she tends to favor men’s clothing, and she said that getting fussed over by a bunch of girls might not be that bad.” Honey said, worry etching into his features. 

“And we know (Y/n) loves us, but how long is she supposed to deal with Kyoya icing her out?” Tamaki expresses, jabbing a finger into his best friend’s chest. 

“I am not icing her out. We are simply not speaking until she apologizes for what happened on the beach. She knows this.”

“She already apologized, you dimwit! She came crying to me with a cut on her leg about how bad she was feeling!” 

“Yeah!” The twins agreed. “At dinner, she said she felt bad…”

“I haven’t heard any of this from her.” Kyoya stated, feeling a pit grow in his chest. You had apologized to everyone but him? That thought shouldn’t have stung as much as it did. 

“No, no, I pushed her out of the room and she was definitely on her way to you.” Tamaki insisted, his anger diffusing into hot confusion. “She didn’t talk to you?”

“No, she didn’t.” His words were a lot shorter than he had meant them to be, but Kyoya was done hearing about how little you thought of your relationship with him. How you had put him so low on your list of priorities, pushed him aside like everyone else in his life. 

“You should talk to her.” Mori’s voice added a base to the confused mumbles that rumbled through the club room. 

“I will not.” Kyoya almost scoffed. “She is the one who needs to apologize, as she is the one in the wrong.”

“You both are!” Hikaru emphasized, getting into Kyoya’s face. “You’re both so fucking stubborn, neither of you see how much you’re affecting the other.”

“Her behavior has not affected me in the slightest-”

“Oh, give us a break!” Hikaru was about to give Kyoya a piece of his mind before Kaoru took over, pulling his brother back to his side and shushing him. 

“Give it up, Hikaru, he won’t listen to us.”

Tamaki leveled his gaze with the Ootori son. “Do you want Haruhi to leave the club, Kyoya?”

“She can’t. Her debt is too substantial to pay back within such a small time frame-”

“Lobelia academy could easily pay her debt off, Kyoya-senpai.” Kaoru said, both brothers seething at him. 

“Well, it would be…unfortunate, if she was to go, but if that was what she wanted-”

“What about (Y/n), then?” Tamaki interrupted him. “Do you want her to leave this club? This school?”

Kyoya paused, his gaze snapping to Tamaki. “She isn’t going to leave over something as little as this. She loves the Host Club.”

“She loves this club because of us. Because of you.” Hikaru says, his voice grumbly. 

“What happens if that goes away?” Kaoru adds. “Does (Y/n) think so little of herself that she would just take the rude comments and invasions of privacy?” 

“That is not what I-”

“Stop being mean, Kyo-chan.” Honey warns, his face crumpled into a scary pout. “It’s hurting her feelings.” 

“She’s thinking of leaving the club, Kyoya. I can tell.” Tamaki’s mouth twists, as if he is so uncomfortable with that fact, that it makes him squirm inside his own skin. 

The megane stops talking, and the boys can tell that he is registering their words. Slowly, he takes off his glasses and wipes them with the tail of his shirt, taking a deep breath. 

“I won’t be apologizing. This kind of thing needs to be worked out between the two of us, without any interference from any of you. It will be resolved within its own time.” The hosts deflate as Kyoya works on a stubborn smudge within his lens, and Hikaru is about to step forward and give him another piece of his mind before Kyoya speaks up again. 

“However, you’re right. (Y/n)’s services have brought in a great number of guests, and therefore income, to this club, and it would be a loss to let her leave without some effort.”

Kyoya picks up his glasses and gently places them back on the ridge of his nose, the light catching onto the frames. “What can I do to help?”

Tamaki just sighs, rolling his violet eyes. “It’s not enough, but I’ll take it.” Clapping his palms, he brings his friends into a huddle, his leadership skills beginning to shine. 

“Listen up gentlemen, we will keep our ladies no matter what! It will be alright. If you listen to me, I have come up with a plan!”

Bunkyo’s city streets bustled with noise. Footsteps falling on the sidewalk, voices calling over car horns and barking dogs. But nothing was louder than your thoughts. You had long dried your tears, and after sitting in the rose maze for a little while, you were able to collect your thoughts. 

You picked yourself from that gazebo, feeling lonely in the absence of someone beside you, and decided to treat yourself to a pastry from a favorite cafe. You need support from yourself now more than ever. 

Everything had become clear at that moment. You didn’t mean anything to Kyoya anymore. You were simply one of his acquaintances that he kept arm’s length, offering them fake smiles and short words. And how were you supposed to work in the club like that? Without the warm glances and small touches? Without the words of encouragement, the quiet nights of working in each other’s space?

How could you sit back and watch as Haruhi took your place?

You cursed your lip as it trembled, and you looked up at the sky to keep your tears at bay. You didn’t want to cry anymore, you just wanted it to be over. 

But just as you were about to walk into the cafe, you collided with a torso longer than your entire body, and you gasped as hot, hot coffee drenched your school uniform. Flinging back, you peeled the wet fabric off your torso, cringing at how the brown color stained the pristine, white cotton. Dropping your shoulders, you were about to confront this long torso, or at least whine at them while you suppress your second breakdown of the day, before you see the head attached to it. 

“Oh my god, oh no, (L/n)? God, I am so sorry!” Brown eyes scan over your form in worry, and before you can protest, Arai is shoving his long brown jacket off his shoulders and shoving it into your arms. “Clean it with this! They’re the same color anyway. Dab the stain, don’t rub it in, it will just make it worse.”

He tries to do it himself as he scrambles out more apologies, but then he realizes that he is dabbing too close to your chest and immediately throws the jacket at you. “Oh god, sorry! I didn’t mean-I mean, I was just trying to help, because I didn’t see you! So I thought-”

“Dear god, Arai, calm down.” You clutch the jacket with one hand, the other extending to rest on his shoulder. And then you’re seeing his wild expression, worry and horror clear as day on his freckled face, and you’re laughing. 

The noise lifts into the air, above the commotion of the city, and it feels good. You try to remember the last time you laughed like this, but it’s been too long, so you just decide to relish in the moment. And it feels even better when you hear a lower, quirky laugh join yours, and you see Arai’s shoulder’s bouncing in your peripheral vision.

“You’re okay.” You say, giggles still shuffling out of you as you grab the coat to wrap around your torso. “Although I don’t think the shirt can say the same.”

“I’m sorry, those shirts are so expensive.” Arai says, another wince rolling through his body. “You can keep the jacket until you get home. I know how bad your father can get with stains.”

“Oh my god, remember that time you came over when we were little? You tracked mud all over our floor and-”

“-and your dad nearly cussed out an eleven year-old? Yes, I remember. Unfortunately.” He smiles, and it’s big and wide and a little crooked, and his image solidifies a little more into the friend you had made way back when. 

You both chuckle again before a silence falls over the two of you. Arai raises his eyes to yours, and suddenly you’re reminded that you’ve been crying all afternoon when his brown irises flood with concern. 

You try to stop him from asking. “Oh no, I’m fi-”

“Are you alright? You look like you’ve been…” His arm reaches out for you, but you meet his hand half way and put it back by his side. 

“I’m okay. I’ve had some time to think, so I’m alright now.” You reassure him, and he nods, thankfully dropping it. 

“Okay, I’m glad.” There’s that smile again. “Were you heading inside?” The farmer asks, pointing a thumb at the door to the cafe. 

“Yeah, actually. This place is my favorite.”

“Mine, too.” His whole face almost lights up, and he opens the door, waving you inside. “Wanna grab that cup of coffee you promised me earlier?” He raises his empty coffee cup. “Mine is empty for some reason.”

Another laugh bubbles out of you, and even if you are drenched, Arai’s energy is refreshing, and you don’t want to leave it just yet. “Sure. My treat.”

He shakes his head. “No can do. Not only will I pay for your dry-cleaning, but also your coffee- I mean, tea. Or something else. Whatever you want, because you just like the atmosphere.” He playfully mocks, and you roll your eyes, surprised he remembered that part of your conversation from a week ago. 

Brushing past him, you walk into the cafe, Arai close on your heels. The door closes, muffling the chaotic rumblings of the outside world as whiffs of coffee grounds meet you. Warm, sparkling fairy lights swathed the ceilings, reflecting the natural sunlight streaming through the windows. 

Soon, you both have ordered, your (f/h/d) in front of you as Arai’s lavender latte steams in front of him. 

“Thank you for paying, you really didn’t have too.” You say, relishing the hot liquid that warms your throat. 

“I really did, though. Your poor shirt.” Arai whines, his fingers running through his brown hair anxiously. 

You laugh again, shaking your head to calm his nerves. 

“It’s fine, god knows we have the money to replace it.” 

“Especially if this deal goes through.” Arai says. “How have you been adjusting to the whole idea?”

You shrug, tracing the rim of your mug with your finger. “Fine. My parents have roped me into business deals before, but this is the first time they want me to be so…involved. No offense, but I think they might be using our friendship to get a better deal.”

The delivery boy just laughs. “I absolutely agree. But I’m not surprised. It seems to be my father’s tactic to get into business with my rich friend’s parents.”

“Really?” You scoff. “He’s done this before?”

“Mhmm. Twice actually. Your mom hasn’t pulled this act before?”

“Never forcefully. But I was always encouraged.” 

“You know, that’s what I always liked about our friendship, way back when.” Arai noted, a sincere look in his eye. “Nothing forced us together, we just were.”

“Yeah.” Your breath catches in your throat when you think of the contrasting relationship you had with a certain Ootori. How it had all started with the proposal that merged Ootori Hospitals and (L/n) Tech. Would he even have talked to you if the proposal hadn’t been accepted? Would he have noticed you at all?

Something must’ve shown on your face, because you felt a slight pressure on your palm as Arai grasped your hand from across the table, that sweet look of worry creasing his brow. 

“I, uh…” He pauses, the farmer sifting through his mind to find the right words. “I know you said that you were okay, but you don’t seem okay. Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, no.” You squeeze his hand before pulling it away, choosing to warm your fingers with your drink. “I’m okay, really.”

“Sure.” He says, but you can tell that he isn’t going to give up because his brown eyes are still piercing through yours. “But, hypothetically, if there was something bothering you, you could talk to me. If you want to.”

You simper at him, sighing deeply. “Yeah, I appreciate that. I will if something comes up.”

But he wasn’t satisfied. “Because I know, hypothetically, if there was something bothering me-, I would definitely feel better talkin–”

“Arai.” You say, cutting him off a little harshly. Taking a breath, you lean forward a little, placing your cheek in your hand. “I’m good, I swear.”

“Right. Sorry, I just–” His hands wave around before they settle back onto his coffee cup. “I want to make sure you’re actually good.”

And that warms your heart to levels that your (f/h/d) couldn’t reach, and you tilt your head, studying the sincerity of his gaze. Maybe you could open up a little bit, just so he wouldn’t have that wounded puppy dog look on his face. 

“Well, I guess there is one thing.” You say, picking at your fingernails. “I have a big presentation tomorrow that I’ve been working towards for a while.”

“Yeah? For what class?”

“Foundations of Marketing.” A nervous sigh escapes you as you realize just how close your deadline is. “We have to present an original product to a panel of mock-investors, and it’s an idea that I’ve had from the start of my highschool career.”

“If all goes well,” You continue, swallowing the butterflies in your throat. “These fake investors could take it to real investors. Which could mean the start of my own product launch.”

“Which would be…good, right?” Arai asks. “Why does it not sound good?”

“I’ve…been working on it with a partner.” You say, looking out the window to catch a couple holding hands strolling by. “We were on good terms at first, and we even worked well together. But, now, it’s not working out so well.”

“We’ve been in a fight recently, and, I don’t know. It’s making me question things.” 

“What kind of things?” 

You shrug, playing with the end of a sugar packet. You want to tell him, but you’re just not ready to be that open with someone you’ve just met. Instead, you skirt around it a little. 

“Was it hard? Moving schools?” 

Arai quirks an eyebrow up, but takes your change of subject in stride. He just leans back in his chair and blows out a breath. 

“Yeah, I’d say it was rough at first. But it worked out in the end. Things always do.”

Taking a sip of his coffee, he met your gaze again. “Why? You want to change schools?” 

“I don’t know what I want.” You groan, exasperated at the war going on in your head. “I’m just conflicted, I guess. So conflicted that…” A sigh breezes past your lips. “I talked to my mother earlier today, about finding a transfer application to Lobelia.” 

An image runs across your mind of you in a Lobelia uniform, performing for the Zuka Club. 

“Maybe I just need a fresh start.” 

“(L/n).” You don’t look at him, but you show him your listening. “You’re happy at Ouran, aren’t you?” 

“Well, yeah, but things feel…different now. Ouran is the best high school in the area, but this project has just shown me that people who I thought cared about me might not anymore.” 

You hear Arai tap his fingers on the table before he draws a breath. “You’re not going to let that stop you, though. Right?”

Your gaze whips back to him as he looks at you with so much apparent trust in your abilities, that it almost makes you double over. 

“What do you mean?”

“(L/n), you have to be one of the most capable people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I mean, even when we were kids, you still had more raw, immeasurable talent in your eyelashes than most people do in their whole body.”

You shake your head. “That’s sweet, but–”

“But nothing. Anyone who is worth their salt will see that you are the true passion behind your project, no matter what this dimwit of a partner does.”

“Thank you, Arai. But you’ve only known me for a short amount of time, so-“

“Then it makes it even more obvious when I can already see that you deserve to feel happy in the high school you fought to be in.” 

Shaking your head, you do your best to fight your smile, but you can’t. Instead, you’re almost glowing at him, and you bite the inside of your lip, trying to shove your blush down from your cheeks.  Looking out the window, you try to think of something to say that could possibly match that, but Arai interrupts your thoughts again. 

“You’re still doing that?” 

Blinking, you turn back to look at him. “Doing what?”

“You used to bite your lip when you were anxious in school.” He says, taking a sip of his latte. “Looks like you didn’t grow out of it.” 

Your lip falls from your teeth on instinct, a small blush running to your cheeks at being caught. “I’m surprised you noticed that, I barely even notice it myself half the time.” You chuckle sheepishly, looking into your mug. “I should probably break it, but-”

“No, don’t.” He says, shaking his head with that crooked smile of his. “It’s cute.” 

Your lashes flick up to meet his, surprise evident on your features, and Arai blubbers when he realizes what he said. 

“No, not like cute cute, you know? I mean, you-you are-wait, I meant, it’s not like you’re not–god! What I meant was that it’s sweet, and nothing’s wrong with it, and I should shut up before I say shit I regret.”

Arai groaned, letting his forehead fall onto the table. But your giggles made him pick his head back up. 

“You think it’s funny?”

“I do.” You say, silencing your laughter with a sip of your drink. “I really do.”

“I’m glad my embarrassment is funny to you.” 

“I promise, I have my fair share of embarrassing stories to share, if you stick around long enough.”

He gave you a long look then, his smirk growing wider. “I think I will.”

go on ahead to part 2 :)

this isn't proof read btw, haha

[ac3ifix]

hi idont really know what fandom you write for, but can you please do a male reader fic where the reader is chubby and can it be smut if not just some cute fluff thank yoou and also any character of your choice

Hi hi!!

Thank you for requesting, ily for this. You said ‘male reader’ so I assume you mean C!male reader and I'll be more than happy to oblige.

Now featuring: Kyoya Ootori

CW: Comfort smut, Oral (reader receiving, (I think)), Chubby reader, aged up characters, insecurities, mischaracterization of Kyoya

WC: Like 600-ish cuz i can't for the life of me write 1000 words :3

—------------------------------------------------—

You couldn't help but stare at yourself. You hated how your body was proportioned, it was just too off for your liking. You hated how big your thighs were, you hated how your stomach always hung over a bit, and most of all, you hated your stupid chubby cheeks. They made you look like a child and it bothered you so much.

You hear the door open but you don’t pay it much mind, until the bedroom door opens and you yelp in surprise.

“Calm down love, it’s just me,” Kyoya laughs, stepping into the bedroom. He pauses in the doorway, a frown on his face. “What's wrong, my love?” He asks, seeing the tear stains on your face.

“Nothing,” You mumble in response, wiping your face with your shirt.

Kyoya walks over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist. “I asked you a question, I want an answer, baby.” He whispers in a smooth tone.

“Just.. Feeling a bit off today,” You say in a pained voice, your voice breaking as you speak.

“Off how, baby?” He asks in a sweet voice, hugging you tighter than he was before.

“I just feel off,” You mutter in response, just wanting to change the subject at this point.

“I think I might know something that could help you,” He whispers into your ear, a smirk evident in his voice. Gently, he picks you up bridal style and carries you over to the bed behind you two. He sets you down and gently spreads your legs, positioning himself between them. He reaches up and digs his fingers under your shorts waistband, looking up at you for consent. You nod at him, allowing him to remove your shorts. Once your shorts are off he gently teases your hard-on through your boxers.

“Mmff- Kyo!!” You whine, reaching down to pull down your boxers.

“Shhh,” He whispers, “Just let me handle it, baby boy.” He carefully pushes your hand away and burrows his fingers under the waistband of your boxers, swiftly pulling them down to your ankles. Your cock springs up from the fabric and he gently takes it into his left hand. He deliberately strokes your cock with slow and teasing motions as he leans down and nips and kisses at your inner thighs.

“You’re so pretty,” He hums, pinching at the skin of your stomach.

“Kyo–” You whine. “Feels good.” You drawl.

“Yea? You like that baby? Doya want more?” He asks teasingly. You nod in response. “Alright then,” He says, slowly kissing up your thighs and making his way to your cock. Slowly, he takes the head of your cock into his mouth.

“MhmF- F-fuck-” You let out a strangled cry.

“Are you sensitive, my love?” He chuckles, the sound waves vibrating your cock. You let out a loud mewl from the pleasure.

His movements become more intentional as he sucks you off, slowly dragging his tongue up and down your shaft as you moan and whine helplessly. “Are you close, baby?” He Tuts. “Such a sensitive boy.”

“Yes! M’ so close, please let me come, Kyo-” You plea, your begs intertwined with moans.

“Very well, my love,” He says, sucking you off harder than before, clearly trying to make you reach your height. You buck your hips into his mouth desperately as you release. Come begins to drip from his lips as he pulls your soft cock from his mouth.

“Such a pretty boy, all for me,” He praises, climbing onto the bed to lay next to you as he whispers praise and sweet words into your ear.

[h8ani]

𝘼𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪

Kinktober Day 9 - Cuckholding

Pairing - Kyoya Ootori x Reader

Anime - Ouran Highschool Host Club

Word count - 568

Warnings - fem!reader, smut, rough sex, doggy, his best friend fucks you

A/N - I was struggling v hard with this 🥲 very short I apologize

Kyoya Ootori.

Your loving husband.

The man who loves you with his whole being and who's single-handedly taken all your worries away since being with him.

He loves you so much.

From the way you always make sure to wake up before him and quietly escape from the bedroom, careful not to wake him just so you can make his coffee the way you handle his business affairs when he's out of town on other meetings for his job. Although, what does he loves the most?

He loves seeing you, his perfect little wife getting fucked by his best friend.

He loves seeing your face go from apprehensiveness to completely fucked out once Tamaki hits that perfect spot deep in you. He loves to see your walls crashing down no matter how many times he's had his friend bend you over and fuck you on your shared bed.

Kyoya watches you intently as he fists his cock, stroking himself slowly and crossing his thumb over the tip of his cock, precum leaking out bit by bit. You're being so obedient, bending over for his friend at the drop of a hat as long as your husband says it's okay, you glance over to him with a subtle glint in your eye when you see the smile form on his face. Kyoya nods to you, a silent confirmation of "it's okay, you're doing great."

You just want to make your husband happy and if taking his best friend's cock will do that then you'll do it every time he asks.

Tamaki's thrusts were rough, one hand holding both your wrists behind your back as the other was gripping your hips pulling you back into him with each thrust. You were struggling to take him with such a rough pace, your breaths and moans coming out as a broken cry only to be muffled by the sheets on the bed. Each cry you let out edged Kyoya closer and closer to his own climax.

Seeing his wife whine and cry due to another man's cock could be fucked in a twisted sort of way, he knew this when he saw your face when he brought it up the first time. To have his closest friend fucking his wife in front of him, it was something he loved and thought about a lot. You were so pretty and kept together and something about you being turned into a puddle by another man's cock, it was a beautiful sight to see. You've never looked better than when your tear filled eyes meet his begging for permission to cum on someone else's cock.

Precum spilling past his tip as his hand fists his cock at a faster pace, your moans ringing in the room bringing him close to his climax. His gaze meets yours and he already knows what you're about to ask.

"C-Can I?"

"Cum darling. Cum for me."

Tamaki's thrusts quicken in pace, knowing your body fairly well already he feels you tighten as you cum around him. Body shaking while pressed against the bed you cry out your husband's name sending him over the edge to make a mess in his chair, strings of white spilling past his tip and over his thighs. His body relaxes, yours still shaking as his best friend is bringing you down from your own orgasm.

Yeah, Kyoya loved watched you get fucked.

@enchantedforest-network @bitchcraftinc

[kakusu-shipping]

headcanons for dating Kyoya from Ouran? Iirc he was one of my crushes when I first watched the anime as a kid and I always thought his glasses were so cool

Dating Kyoya Ootori Headcanons

He's the kind of guy who says he'd want someone low maintenance, who'd let him put work first, but then you meet his friend group and realize he's full of shit and does need the balance of someone clingy, loud, and high strung. It's comforting to him, familiar.

He could plan a date if you wanted him too, and it'd be classic and romantic and expensive with every little detail and moment planned out, but all of it would be pure "what the internet said a good date would be". It'd be better to tell him what you want to do as a starting off point, and he'd go from there

Gifts are a lot like his date planning as well, he'll get you anything you ask for but if you don't tell him directly what you want, you're getting whatever the top google results for Good Gift for Romantic Partner is. He won't get you something you'd hate or wouldn't use of course, but he figures if you wanted something specific you'd tell him.

All of this changes of course when he's feeling petty. One of the other hosts call him out for being so passive in his relationship? He'll change his tune, get you something perfect you didn't even know you needed until right then, or plan a date to somewhere you'd always wanted to go but never actually considered. He knows you better than anyone else, even yourself, and he can prove it when provoked.

You're probably the only person who could convince him to put down a project before 2am, or even better the only one who could wake him up before noon on a day off and survive the encounter without a verbal lashing. Though you probably still can't actually get him out of bed without good reason.

If he was ever mean to you in the morning he would probably be rather mortified, and would spend the day trying to make it up to you, subtlety of course. Please don't take anything he says before he's fully awake to heart.

He has thousands of photos of you on his phone, btw. And on Tachibana's phone. And a few on Honda's. And maybe a couple on Aijima's as well. He can't help himself, he just wishes to capture every beautiful moment he has with you. He's considered equipping Honda with a professional camera to capture beautiful moments of the two of you together as well. He is the best of the staff at photography.

[yandereaffections]

Ouran HighSchool Host Club Masterlist

Tamaki Suoh

Headcannons

S/o who only wears the same jeans

Finally being in a Relationship with S/o

Attempting to break up with him

Celebrating S/os birthday

Bakery owner Crush isnt interested

Deal with a down on her luck singer

Sweet tooth S/o

Book loving S/o

S/o not sharing the same romantic feelings

Honey Mitsukuni

Headcannons

S/o collects Stuffed animals

Crush isnt into young men

S/o fears men

Scary movies

Mori Takashi

Headcannons

Werewolf Takashi

Dancer S/o

Book loving S/o

S/o asking to be spoiled

Taking S/os cat

S/o crying because on knee and back pain

Poly Twins

Poly Headcannons

Kaoru Hitachiin

Homeless Crush

Falling for Haruhis childhood friend

Werewolf S/o trapped

S/os afraid of girls so they cross dress

relationship Headcannons

Kyoya Otoori

Future wife disappears before wedding

Bullied S/o

Darlings a MMA Fighter

Werewolf/Hunted down

Haruhi

S/o related to Honey senpai

Darling threatening to fight the sun after getting a sun burn

Tamaki trying to help Haruhis clueless S/o on romance

Crushing on Haruhi but wanting to hide her gender

[joonie7007]

I wish they made another ouran highschool host club

At first I didn’t watch it cuz of the weird trans jokes and the twins 🗿… but after I watched it I loved it I still cringed but oh my gaaaad w show ♥️

I WISHHH ESPECIALLY WITH MORI SENPAI “it could be like bro can care about to 2 things”

I need more MOREEE ( haruhi and mori ) RAHHH

But yk dang well my boi in fics HE DONT KNOW HOW TO EXPRESS HIS FEELINGS TALL AHH SIRENHEAD HOT MF LOOKING GAHHH

Also bro look like Ren 😭🙏🏼♥️♥️‼️‼️‼️

(There’s so much DROOL INSIDE MY MOUTH GAHHHH )

THERES SO MUCH POTENTIAL// especially in today’s time the slight changes they can do or something/

MAYBEEE IN AN ANOTHER UNIVERSE 😭

Also theirs a musical 💀💀💀❗️❓❓ION BOUT ALL DAT 🗣️🗣️🗣️

I’m just saying random stuff :p

[sincerely-astra]

☁️Ouran Highschool Host Club: Haruhi x Commoner reader headcannons☁️

Her first thought is, "Finally, someone who is actually kind of normal!"

Shes actually so glad someone can understand her struggles, especially when it comes to the host clubs eccentricities...

She doesn't push you to visit her in the host club, but if you want to visit she'll give you a discount. (Don't tell Kyoya)

Haruhi avoids the host club like the plague when shes with you.

She just knows they'll say something stupid that will drive you away from her, and she likes you too much for them to do that.

Really, the only host club member that she's okay with barging into your dates is Mori-

You guys go on a lot of picnic dates, or just other simple dates where you can just talk to eachother and enjoy the others company.

She definitely trusts you a lot, and you were to quick to know that she was actually a girl when you first met.

Tamaki is actually so jealous of you.

Kyoya's tired of his whining.

Her favorite gift to give you are red roses, she thinks they are romantic. She also just loves when she comes over and sees them still being taken care of, she likes to know you're thinking about her. :))

Haruhi thought about you the whole time during the dance, she wished it was you she was picked to dance with. :(

[theromcommotel]

HARUHI X READER !!

CRUSHING/DATING HCS !!

crushing:

haruhi isn’t very obvious in her feelings towards you, but there are some signs

we all know haruhi speaks her mind - no matter how blunt she’s being

so per say u were wrong about smth, especially if ur sensitive, she’ll word it in the nicest way possible

she also cooks for you a lot, or in other words she’ll “give you left overs” becuz we ALL know how tamaki is😒

she’ll also try to get to know u, so she can find out ur likes and dislikes and use em later

dating:

haruhi is hesitant about being open about your relationship at first, the host club, both it’s members and clients can be a lot to take in

so y’all take it slow at first

kyoyas a fucking smart ass so he figured out first. after him it was kaoru. then honey and mori. then hikaru and tamaki.

kyoya, mori, and kaoru are pretty chill bout it.

but tamaki and hikaru are just sad that haruhi didn’t like them (but they’re obv happy for u, even if a little ginger bitch gets too jealous smtimes)

as for kyoya and mori, they don’t say much about it, their happy for u, but they chill

kaoru and honey are big time shippers, honey will always talk about ur wedding in the future, and kaoru wants to give all the help he can

kaoru is like ur damn couples therapist lmfao

haruhi is very physically affectionate, and y’all will cuddle up after club hours

and everyone just goes batshit crazy lmfao

but it’s cuz they love u

and haruhi

they just love u two together🫶🫶

[what-the-fic-khr]

Hibari for earl grey and chai tea pls

hiiii anon!!! all good, thank you! weeeee everyone suddenly wants to know how they spice up their relationships lol. but these were fun, thank you!!

character/s: tyl!hibari kyoya, reader-insert (gender-neutral)

word count: —

warnings: the second one is intentionally written to come off suggestive in the narration and dialogue lol

prompt: tea prompts (coffee, chai tea)

coffee; do they get jealous easily? how do they show it?

hah. ha. well, not in the most… convenient way…? not that he’s ever had to worry about his partner cheating on him or being unfaithful, and usually walking around publicly as Hibari Kyoya’s partner you’d skip a lot of people trying to hit on you. but I think he’d still get… unnecessarily…. competitive? he knows he’s stronger, he knows he’s better, this other person can eat shit. it’s all very stupid truthfully lmfao

Their nervousness was getting worse the longer this conversation went on. You were trying to steer it into something that would help comfort him, but Kyoya’s presence was like a wall. Unmoving, unfaltering.

“Oh, the time…” You looked up at Kyoya for a moment. “You’ve got to go, don’t you?”

Kyoya nodded once. “Yes. A meeting.” Your expression flattened when he held the other’s gaze evenly. “A Guardian meeting.”

The flaunting of his title seemed to work a bit, because the man you’d been talking to flinched a little. You could almost hear Kyoya snort in amusement over the reaction, so you grabbed his arm, tightly.

“You should get going, then. Don’t want to be late.”

“It’d be a shame if someone held me up, huh.”

“O-Oh! I’ll let you get to it then, Sir!” You smiled warily as the man in front of you bowed his head and left with a quiet goodbye in your direction, waving.

Once he was gone you turned to smack Kyoya’s arm before doing it again for good measure. “What’s wrong with you? Cut it out.”

“It’s kind of funny, isn’t it? I wonder how they’ve survived this long.”

You turned him and forced him down the hall with a loud noise. “You’re like a mafia anomaly to these people. Stop scaring people for no reason.”

“They’re scared because they know I’m stronger.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

chai tea; how do they spice up their relationship?

right. so, you’d know how to fight already by his standards. I think for shits and giggles he’d just give you his weapons. just let you go to town learning them, and I bet he’d probably think that’s soooooo attractive, sooooooo cool and sexy. he’s a stickler for the rules (the ones he likes following, at least) so he wouldn’t do anything too reckless, but fighting is right up his alley, so letting your learn with something apart of him is the way he’d go about it

“Harder!”

You seemed to do well, getting yelled at and commanded into things, because your next swing at the dummy took the wooden head off it’s stiff shoulders, letting the heavy ‘thunk’ echo in the training room.

“Yeah!” You threw your hands up, gripping his tonfa tightly. “Got his stupid ass head off!” You turned to grin at him, eyes wide and sparkling. Chest heaving with adrenaline from training. Very clearly expecting praise.

Kyoya sighed softly, head tilting, but he watched you with amusement. He waved a hand at you, instructing you to come closer, and you came immediately.

Once close enough, he lifted a hand to pet you on the head once. “Good job. Now go destroy the others and I’ll give you a reward.”

The way you visibly lit up, practically vibrating with excitement, was almost endearing. He waved you off and you ran off with a laugh, lifting up a tonfa threateningly. They looked good in your hands.

[strawwritesfic]

Kyoya Ootori x Female!Reader: Soul

Summary: It was supposed to be the best day of your life.

Rating/Tags: All (The Glorious War of Sisterly Rivalry; older sister!Reader; Reader & Original Character; Kyoya & the Host Club; established Kyoya/Reader; Ouran High School Student!Reader; breakup; no honorifics; Kyoya/Reader/Original Character)

Challenge: “160 Collective Drabbles” challenge by BobaPop on Lunaescence Archives.

Tag List: @imaginesfire​​

Soul

It was supposed to be the best day of your entire life. Admittedly, that wasn't saying all that much, since you were only in high school, but you still awoke with a flurry of excitement the moment your mother's maid slipped into your bedroom to pull the curtains back. From that moment on, everything went just as it should have: your favorite tea delivered before you could think of getting out of bed, the sun shining bright in a cloudless blue sky straight into your bedroom, and bird song drifting inside with the flower-scented breeze. You had nowhere to be and nothing to do until that evening, and spent a delightful day watching the world prepare for you to take center stage.

Two hours before that happy time, you finally slipped into your bathroom to get yourself ready for that night.

"I don't see why they're making all this fuss about you," your younger sister observed sullenly from her perch on the (obviously closed) toilet.

Normally you did not allow Kita in to watch your makeup routine, but after her fifth fight with your mother that day, you'd practically been assigned babysitting duty. This was not an ideal situation for the best day of your life. A glance in your mirror showed you Kita's usually dour expression directed toward you. Well, it was your day, not hers. She was understandably jealous. You decided to be magnanimous, rather than let something like her attitude ruin your mood.

"It's a celebration," you answered, without remarking upon how her expression would prematurely wrinkle her features. After all, you were the one that would need to remain "dewy and youthful" for as long as possible.

So far, judging by your reflection, you were managing just fine, though your hair could use some work. For once, you were out of your gaudy Ouran Academy uniform, and you wanted to radiate beauty from every angle--something all the easier to achieve when your only competition was Kita's scowl.

She did not answer, which you counted as a point in your favor. If she was done pouting, perhaps you could get some work done. You pulled open a drawer to reveal a painstakingly organized rainbow of makeup products inside. The decision of what foundation to start with was just forming in your mind when Kita decided to interrupt again:

"Yeah, but what are we supposed to be celebrating?"

Your eyes shut as you gave in to temptation and let out a sigh. Then you turned, hands on your hips, to explain to her what she ought to already have known: "We're celebrating," you answered in tones of forced patience, "because my new makeup line has outsold all of Father's since it was released."

This only caused her to draw her knees to her chest and glare at the floor. She looked like some disgusting, puffed-up bird that made its home in toilets, and somehow she didn't care. You would never understand your little sister.

"Still don't see what that has to do with you," she muttered.

Another sigh escaped you, this one not so well hidden. "I designed it."

"So? I could do that. I have done that. Not that anyone around here cares what I do."

You shook your head and returned to the mirror to apply your selected foundation. Kita's argument was not one you wanted to have again, not that day.

Your family business was makeup--high-end makeup, though you hoped to change that soon. As the eldest child, you would inherit the company upon your parents' deaths, while Kita got…well, money enough to get by, you supposed.

It wasn't a situation you could change, nor would you if you could have. You liked putting things together, liked figuring out solutions to problems, liked figuring out the best lighting to show off a model's cheekbones. There was no use listening to your sister whine about it all night. Hopefully she'd get over it before the guests arrived.

"Besides," Kita went on, so quietly that someone that didn't know her well might have thought you weren't supposed to hear, "your success has nothing to do with you. I could sell a ton of mascara, too, if I had your boyfriend."

You gaped at her reflection. "Kita, how can you say that? I've worked so hard to--"

"You have not. It's all Ootori's doing. Everyone knows it. You couldn't even get Mom to try your stuff before you got him to do your work for you."

Now it would be impossible to apply your blush properly, your body was making so much of its own. "Just because you're jealous-"

"Jealous? Of what?" Kita demanded, hot-faced herself. "You not being able to do anything without hanging off Ootori?"

"That isn't true, Kita!"

"Yes, it is! I don't even see what he sees in you, you're so useless!"

Tears threatened to undo what work you had done on your face. Up until recently, you and your sister had got along well. Then she had started at Ouran and, like all the girls there--including yourself, you couldn't forget--had fallen head over heels for the Host Club. A particular member of the Host Club. Your member of the Host Club.

Ever since she'd met Kyoya, Kita had done a complete one-eighty. Now she refused to help you with figures or advertisements, barely talked to you at family events, and had even started following your boyfriend around whenever he visited. Your parents told you that she was young and that you shouldn't take it so personally, but it was hard to be understanding when she talked like this.

"Get out of my room," you said.

Kita scrambled to her feet only to get right in your face. "I won't! I'm tired of giving up everything just because you're older!"

"If you don't get out of here, I'll tell Mom."

"Go ahead! You're the favorite, aren't you? You got your boyfriend to make sure that Mom and Dad love you most!"

"Kita--"

But it seemed now was the time she had chosen to say everything that had been on her mind since the day she stopped talking to you except to make snide remarks about the state of your clothes. "Mom and Dad love you. The teachers love you. Ootori loves you. You think you're so great. Well, I could do everything you do if someone gave me the chance. You get everything, and I get nothing!"

Now Kita was crying in earnest, her tear-streaked face as blotchy as yours felt. Despite everything--her constant hogging of Kyoya's time whenever she visited the Host Club, her attempts to embarrass you in front of your friends, even her constant asides about your average grades--you felt for her. Before you could attempt to say anything to patch things up, however, someone outside the bathroom cleared their throat.

Both you and your sister looked wildly around. There, standing in your bedroom a few feet away from the open bathroom door, stood Kyoya Ootori, the love of both your lives. He looked particularly dapper that afternoon in the suit he'd put on for the party. Of course, Kyoya always looked dapper.

Kita froze, but you remembered your manners.

"Kyoya!" you said brightly.

"[Name]," he said, then nodded at the mortified girl at your side. "[L Name]."

Kita made a very short, high-pitched sound in response. You suspected that she, like you, was wondering how much of your argument he had overheard. Fortunately, Kyoya was a gentleman. He said nothing as he extended one hand toward you.

"Would you join me for a walk?" he asked.

As usual, Kyoya's attention to you caused butterflies to explode into being inside your stomach. "I'm-I'm not quite ready," you said, torn between embarrassment at Kyoya seeing your natural features exposed like this, and your desire to follow him anywhere--even to the ends of the earth, so long as your sister didn't follow.

"I'll go," she said eagerly.

Kyoya did not spare her a glance, his gaze steady upon you. "I'll only keep you for a few minutes," he promised. "I'll have you back in time for the party."

"O-Okay,” you said.

You stepped away from the mirror and into your bedroom to take Kyoya's hand. With your arm in his, the two of you left Kita behind. Her glower followed you all the way out the door. What, did she expect you to let her occupy your boyfriend all night? He was far too mature to deal with a first year dragging him around for hours.

Kita and her bad manners were behind you now. Once Kyoya had led you out into the nearly-finished garden, you took a deep breath. The heady scent of hundreds of flowers made your head swim pleasantly. A walk with your boyfriend was just what the doctor ordered. You were happy enough to bob along at his side until it struck you how quiet he was being.

"Kyo? Is something wrong?" You leaned forward a little to frown up at him.

His dark eyes slid away from one of the chefs setting up a plate of otoro and onto you. "Why should anything be wrong?" he asked, and followed his question with one his rare smiles.

You could still remember the first time he had graced you with one of those smiles. Not a hoard of fellow students requesting his time at the Host Club. Not at some public event where your two families had to make nice. No, he had stopped you after arithmetic one day outside of class. Far at the end of the hall, you could see the heads of all six of his friends poking around the corner, the twins grinning as usual while the rest attempted to hide. You hadn't thought anything of their presence until Kyoya said:

"What would you say to getting dinner with me this weekend?"

You had laughed. “You mean for some Host Club event?"

“I don't see why I should ask by myself if I meant to bring them along. They'll likely show up anyway, but I intended the invitation to be for you alone.”

The blood ran from your face, then flooded back into it. You stole a glance toward the other hosts to see Hikaru (or was it Kaoru?) snickering openly. "Very funny, Ootori.”

"Well, if you aren't interested…" He turned to leave, but your curiosity got the best of you.

"Wait!" You had almost had the audacity to grab his shoulder. Luckily, Kyoya turned around first, a politely disinterested look upon his face. "Why me?"

"False modesty does not become you." You opened your mouth to protest that there was nothing false about it, but Kyoya went on, "Your family business has potential that I am interested in. You always request me during your visits to the Host Club. If it benefits both of us, why not spend more time together outside of school?"

You had not been able to speak. The Ootori family's system of companies was much bigger than the one your family owned, and yet Kyoya saw potential in it. He saw potential in you. After a moment, you nodded.

"Good. I'll pick you up at seven this Saturday. Here's my number, in case you need to cancel."

Wordlessly, your fingers wrapped around the scrap of paper he held out. Your heart beat like the wings of your pet canary. He offered you a shallow, chivalrous bow, then headed off to his friends, all of whom hastily ducked out of sight when they saw him coming.

You had not truthfully expected Kyoya to show up that Saturday, so you had not told your family to expect company. He was not the kind of boy to play heartless jokes on young women (especially regular patrons of the Host Club), but he could easily change his mind about being seen in public with one such as you. Show up he had, though, and since then, you had been in a whirlwind of dinner dates, weekend trips, and late nights of working on one company project or another.

Once such late night, you had awoken to find your head in his lap, his fingers gently fiddling with your hair while he frowned at some scrap of business. Kyoya was not the most openly affection of boyfriends, but you were over the moon. Outside of Kita's open jealousy and your having to share your boyfriend with every girl in school during Host Club hours, you couldn't have been happier.

"[Name]?" his voice came from afar.

"Hmmm?" you said dreamily as you returned to the present. It didn't take long for you to remember that you were supposed to be worried about him. "S-sorry. Did you say something?"

Kyoya didn't miss a beat. "I was saying that your sister was very accommodating this afternoon."

"Accommodating?" You threw him a look.

Kyoya's eyes remained on the garden path. "Yes. She offered to keep me company while I waited for you, then graciously allowed me to steal you away from her."

Now you looked behind yourself, half-expecting to see Kita lurking somewhere inside the house with her face pressed to the glass to watch your walk.

"She can be very accommodating," you said with forced civility, "when she has the incentive." That incentive being to steal your boyfriend, which wasn't something she would be able to manage anyway.

"It was quite kind of her, and she's very civil when she requests my time at the Host Club."

You were sure she was. Seeing as you could not buy up all of Kyoya's time with your allowance, you spent most of your own in the Host Club reading--or rather, pretending to read while watching all the girls swoon over what was rightfully yours. Kita especially made sure you were watching whenever she fawned over him. Knowing his job was to be polite and charming was the only thing that got you through. You'd never have expected him to notice those other girls, especially not your baby sister.

"I don't want to talk about Kita," you announced, tugging him closer. "It's not her day. It's mine."

"Speaking of your sister's admirable qualities does not diminish your own."

You eyed him suspiciously. That line was one you'd heard him use on dozens of girls throughout the years, but never on you. "Let's talk about something more interesting. Like the announcement that we're making tonight in front of my parents and everyone."

The emphasis on we're did seem to get Kyoya's attention. He loved business propositions, after all. This time, you noticed, his reaction was not the same as usual. Rather than launch into his plan to make sure the announcement went off without a hitch, he stopped right there in the middle of the path. Before you could ask again what was wrong, he finally looked at you.

"I won't be making any announcements tonight," he said.

For a moment, all you could was stare at him. Then you giggled, and stepped in front of him to take his hands. "What are you talking about? It was all your idea! They're sure to take the idea of selling makeup to peasants well if you bring it up."

"You'll have to tell them yourself."

"Why?"

He fell silent for a while before he slowly looked away from you again. It seemed as though whatever he had to tell you was very difficult for him--and you had never seen Kyoya have difficulty with anything before, except in dealing Tamaki's flightier ideas.

"I will not be involved with [L Name] Cosmetics anymore. Not officially." Though you did not understand why, your heart beat tremendously in your chest. His eyes flashed behind his glasses even as his hands sat limp in yours. "For the past eight months, I have done my best to see your company grow. Now I realize that all that has been a waste of time. It will never grow to its full potential with you at the head."

Your eyes burned with the effort of holding back tears. Wildly, you shook your head in the hopes he wouldn't notice how close you were to breaking. Had he heard Kita's accusations from earlier? Did he believe them?

"That's not true! It has grown. That's what tonight is all about! And I know it will continue to grow if you're still here to help me," you said.

His voice was flat, void of all emotion, when he replied, "The head of a business should be able to run her own company."

You were upset, that much was clear. Nevertheless, you weren't quite crying yet. Kyoya wouldn't say these things to you and mean them. He loved you. He'd told you so. You refused to believe that he really thought you were that stupid because of something Kita had said in the heat of anger.

"Why are you telling me this?" you demanded, voice shaking.

"Because it is true," he answered, but as he did, he continued to look away.

That caused you to snap. You let go of his hands and rushed over to shove yourself right in front of his eyes.

"If you think that I somehow tricked you into this because of what Kita was shouting earlier today, that's ridiculous! You asked me out. I—I admit that I still have a lot to learn, but I can learn when you're with me. Please don't do this.” Not that Kyoya had come to the point of breaking up with you, but no matter what certain individuals thought of your intelligence, you could see what was coming a mile away.

His eyes remained staring at something beyond your shoulder for a long time. Then they met yours, and he answered coldly, "this was only ever a business arrangement. I was under the impression that you understood that from the beginning. There will be no future for [L Name] Cosmetics underneath you, so I am no longer interested in you."

You gasped. A parade of images flooded your mind: Kyoya smiling at you over the heads of a gaggle of Host Club girls; Kyoya taking your hand to move a pencil inside it across the page; Kyoya kissing you on the lips for the first time the night he met your parents. He could be cold. He could be distant. But he was never cruel. You felt as though he'd slipped a dagger into your very soul.

"Tell me the truth!" you shouted, hands balled at your sides. Your temper did not faze him.

"Believe what you want." He pushed his glasses up his nose and turned back toward the house. "Your company's future is no longer of any concern to me, and I suppose it was foolish to think it ever was." He fell silent again, this time staring at his feet. Then he spoke again, his voice quiet, "It has been suggested that your sister would be a more prudent match for a third son such as myself.”

Your mouth fell open as your stomach dropped. "Who-"

Just like that, his manner changed again. "I happen to agree. I don't think I will have much trouble convincing her to date me in your stead, do you? After all, she was so accommodating this afternoon."

Kita? You gazed at Kyoya's back with an expression of absolute horror. This couldn't be happening. Any day of the week, you wouldn't have believed him capable of breaking up with you in such a manner, but on the best day of your life? Moreover, so that he could date foul-mannered, ill-tempered, conceited Kita of all people?

"You can't!" you said, running after him. This time, you did grab his shoulder.

"I can and I will." His blank features faded somewhat as he looked back at your stricken form. "Goodbye, [Name]. I suppose I'll be seeing you again shortly."

He bowed once more before he left. You stared after him, aghast. Kita, your sister, your rival, would find nothing wrong in accepting your ex as a suitor. She'd see it as some sort of karmic payback for you stealing her spotlight. If she could not have your company, she would at the very least have the man you loved.

From behind you came the swelling of the orchestra signaling the start of your party, but it was not to your bathroom to finish getting ready that you ran. No, you sped away to hide yourself deep in the most distant topiary to cry. Kita had said you had everything and she had nothing, but just then you would have given up everything promised to you just to have Kyoya back.

It was supposed to be the best day of your life.