Chapter Text
It only took an hour to memorize information from an entire article pertaining to the Fifer Company's latest success. It took less than a year for Katherine to develop the business façade when interacting with business colleagues and establishing connections with other well-to-do businessmen. It took a little over a year for the life-altering fact of her new role as heir to finally settle in. It all started out as a mess on the floor for her to pick up and organize for her own understanding.
Excelling in her educational classes was a breeze and left little room for error and mistakes to be reconciled. Her tutors--and the rest of the staff for that matter--were hand-picked by her father for a reason: to make sure that the heiress of his company was always on top and able to stand firm in any opposition. Faltering, even for a microsecond, would allow the opponent an opportunity to strike and ease their way in. For years, Loen Fifer had made sure his heir was prepared for anything and everything related to business practices; doubling-down on his daughter when he decided for her to take over in his place. However, nothing he, or even the head housemaid, Marianne, did was able to prepare Katherine for this moment.
The moment she would interact with an extremely attractive young man.
Time slowed to a standstill, seeming almost surreal. In contrast to that, however, thoughts, words, and all the social strategies about networking raced inside her mind at a mile a minute. What was she supposed to do? What should she say first? Why were Tamaki’s eyes so alluring?! And with that soft charming smile of his was just the icing on top of the charismatic cake. If the cake was sculpted with fine care by the gods themselves, then that would sum up the blond Adonis before her.
Katherine Carol Fifer, the determined headstrong and resolute heiress to Fifer Corp. from a few minutes prior, had now faltered to quirky teenage K.C.. A quirky teen that was wasting time sifting through her floundering thoughts to come up with just the smallest response for the young man before her. And, the aftermath of that embarrassment terrified her to her core. If a premature heart attack from sudden infatuation to the opposite sex wouldn’t kill her, then her father most certainly would. She already dreaded the stern talking to she would receive for interrupting him earlier. Any addendum would certainly cause him to reconsider some privileges he allowed for her.
“I must say,” Tamaki spoke up, breaking the silence for the both of them. “I didn’t expect the heiress of the one and only Fifer Corp to be so enchanting.”
If her face hadn’t turned red by then, it certainly had now.
Hazel eyes flitted to the side in an attempt to allow her body some time to recuperate and return to that resolute businesswoman façade she was using minutes prior. However, a gentle tug on her outstretched hand caught her by surprise. Just when she thought she couldn’t escape that angelic face of the mixed-race boy, it was hovering mere inches away from hers.
“Would this princess maybe have resided in an enchanted forest in her past life~?” he murmured, his smooth voice soft and light as a butterfly’s landing.
“I...” Katherine began at last; gradually beginning to find her voice. “I-I can’t say that I have.”
Pausing for a moment to collect her bearings, she swallowed hard. Hopefully, that would send her awkwardness and anxieties down to the pit of her stomach; allowing her unwavering mask to resurface. The familiar sensation of confidence began to swell slightly in her being, and her body began to relax.
A calm smile played on the young heiress’s lips as she continued: “Quite an interesting observation though, I must say. You certainly have a way with words, Master Suoh.”
“Please, call me Tamaki,” the young man insisted.
First name basis already? A light blush threatened to creep across her cheeks and deepen the blush accented by the make-up she was wearing. Maybe he wasn’t being forward. After all, the blond seemed to be about a year or two older than herself. With that in mind, it would seem a little strange for her to be referring to him as a title as formal as “Master”.
“Ah, my apologies, M--" she caught herself as soon as the first syllable passed her mind. “Tamaki.”
Finally, he had released her hand. At least her fingers hadn’t absentmindedly began twitching against his palm! Now that would be embarrassing. Not to mention raise a bunch of personal if not probing, questions from the foreign boy that she honestly didn’t want to answer; especially not if it would be relayed back to the ears of her father.
“...So,” Katherine began, clearing her throat. After what felt like hours, her resolute composure had finally returned. “Your father tells me that you’re a student Ouran Academy?”
“Yes,” Tamaki answered with a smile, “I’m currently in my second year.”
Second year... she mused. That would make him a sophomore.
Wait. No. After immediately recalling information about most foreign schools, including Japan, the young heiress realized that there were only three years for their high school curriculum. So, as a second year, that would make Tamaki a junior. Right on the dot about her immediately observation of his age. He was about two years older than her.
“And, how is it?” Katherine pressed. “Attending Ouran, I mean. I hope the classes haven’t been too difficult.”
“Oh, not at all!” Tamaki smiled. “In fact, they’ve been rather manageable, especially with club hours in the afternoon.”
Club hours? Katherine had heard mention of some public schools hosting student-run clubs in the afternoon after classes had ended. But, having been privately tutored, and participating in online courses, she never really had the chance to experience a daily social gathering with peers like a club. It was one of the many things about her adolescence that set her apart from others her age. It was something so simple and mundane that was overlooked as such, yet she yearned to have it as part of her life; if only just to get a taste of the experience.
“Why the inquiries, my dear?” the blond’s voice broke through her aching thoughts and snapped her back into reality.
“Huh? Oh, well--" The young heiress had started to answer, but jumped suddenly when a hand clapped on her shoulder; nearly causing her to spill her drink all over herself.
“Miss Fifer has taken an interest in attending our little school~” Yuzuru Suoh piped up happily.
“Is that so?” Tamaki grinned. “Well, we’d love to have a charming young lady such as yourself join our school. What year would you be starting in?”
Just like she had noted before, the high school curriculum for students was different in Japan compared to the west, which Katherine was more familiar with. However, it would only take quick mental mathematics to decipher the year she would be enrolling within the prestigious academy.
“First,” she answered, only after a few moments. “I’ll be in my first year of high school at Ouran.”
“Well, in that case...”
A gentle hand brushed along the side of her face; sending a waved of goosebumps along the young woman’s shoulders. The caress was slow and delicate, as if her model-clay demeanor were being kneaded by a crafty talented sculptor. Long thing fingers trailed along her jawbone until they reached the base of her chin; tilting her head up ever so slightly for her widened hazel eyes to meet those soft warm violet orbs shining above her.
Tamaki merely smiled softly. “...I await the day I shall be able to once again meet your beautiful face within the school halls.”
How many times had he taken her breath away with his words now? She had lost count.
Mustering up another bout of courage, she answered: “A-And, I await the day I’ll be able to walk down those halls.”
Really? That’s all she could come up with? Well, at least Tamaki seemed pleased by her response, given that he merely smiled and chuckled as he parted from her. Her eyes couldn’t help but follow his hand as it moved from her face and hovered palm-up in front of her. Blinking in curiosity, she raised her head to give the older teen a questioning looks.
Tamaki merely smiled charmingly. “Care to dance, Lady Katherine?”
It was at that moment the young heiress took note of the slow tempo of the orchestra echoing in the grandiose ballroom. The pairs of suits and gowns collected in the center, swaying and twirling in a gentle waltz to the melody’s flow. Even if the individuals had all gathered nationally or globally to celebrate the grand event, all the cares and worries of the world seemed to vanish from their beings. It was rather reassuring to say the least, and Katherine couldn’t help but smile.
Turning back to the blond young man, she set her hand in his. “I’d love to.”
Allowing Tamaki to take the lead, the pair waded into the sea of socialites; settling in a vacant spot within the dancefloor. While all different types of ballroom dancing were second nature to the young heiress, her mind suddenly began to draw a blank as she stood toe-to-toe with the tall mixed boy. How tall was he? In fact, Katherine had only just now realized that Tamaki was more than a head taller than her. At least her hands were able to reach their proper placements: one on his shoulder, the other gently clasped in his.
With the first beat as the cue--Tamaki taking the first step leading in--, the duo began to shift and sway along to the melodious tune. Step forward, to the side, step back, and to the side once more; all while turning in the simple box-step movement pattern. Easy. This was what beginners were taught in basic dance class, Katherine included. She didn’t have to nervously stare down at her feet; though, it was tempting considering who her partner currently was.
Eyes closing shut, a calm serene smile crossed her features. The unconscious procedural memory allowed her body to act on autopilot while her mind melted into the captivating ambience surrounding them. Gentle hum of bows on strings drove the andante tempo, like a musical puppet master, guiding it’s elegantly dressed marionettes along the patterned Marley floor. As her eyes remained closed, Katherine began to imagine herself sitting alone on the bench of a grand ebony piano; dainty fingers tapping the keys in harmony with the tune around her. Though, the surface her fingers were currently rapping on was a bit sturdier than a set of piano keys within the theater of her mind. Nevertheless, her subconscious blocked the worries and stressors of the outside world as the melody encircled her being.
Suddenly, a warm hand slid up her arm to meet hers atop the boy’s shoulder. As soon as Katherine opened her eyes, however, a gentle tug on her outstretched hand raised above her head. Soon after, she was led into a brief surprise twirl before returning to her former position in front of the young man.
While a light blush tinted the girl’s cheeks, she couldn’t help but grin. “You’re certainly full of surprises, Tamaki. Quite the impromptu skills you have with dancing.”
The young man chuckled lightly, that warm smile still playing on his face. “I simply like to add a bit of flourish from time to time. It keeps things entertaining. Plus, I like to make sure my partner is enjoying themselves.”
“Oh, I’m certainly enjoying myself. As for the ‘flourish’... is that typical for Japanese culture?”
“I’m not sure about Japanese, but I know in my homeland of France, we’re quite known for our extravagant flair.”
So, her presumption of his other half being a bit more western was right on the money. Perhaps she could add another little tally to her mental scoreboard for that. Even so, she brightened a bit at her astute intuitiveness.
A sparkle made itself present in her eyes as she grinned. “Ah. Alors, vous êtes en partie français?”
A light tug at the corner of her mouth made itself present, but she refrained from showing off too much cockiness. It felt like it would be rather unbecoming of someone like her and of her status. Though, Tamaki’s surprised reaction tempted that smirk to stretch even further. Well, out of all the times he caused her to be struck speechless, it only seemed fair she should have a turn--if only once.
A wide impressed smile along with an expectant expression replaced the brief surprise on the young man’s features. “Oui~ J'ai vécu au Japon pendant seulement trois ans cependant.”
Katherine smiled politely with a light giggle. “Well, it’s experience nonetheless. Plus, learning more languages means you get to meet new people.”
That light flirtatious smile returned to his features as he stooped down once more to the young heiress’s level. The young woman flinched as her skin began to heat up once more from Tamaki’s actions. Breath hitched in her chest, her eyes flitted to the side in order to avoid looking into those vibrant violet gems of his. Not that she could at the moment.
His head had lowered to the side of hers; his lips hovering mere inches away from her ear. “Surtout les belles comme vous... mademoiselle Katherine,”
That smooth low voice sent a wave of goosebumps crawling along her skin. However, the words he spoke in that sultry tone had created a stronger reaction from her. For the umpteenth time in a row that past hour, Katherine had found herself stiffening at attention and unable to respond. Her thoughts were racing as fast as her pulse; though, she was sure that hadn’t stopped racing sine she first met the charming young man. Inwardly, she prayed that her father wasn’t watching--let alone, had glanced over in their direction--to witness his daughter being a floundering fool. The images of tabloid covers were already starting to take shape in her imagination, along with the scolding from her father in his office.
Why was Tamaki even doing this to her? Was he just normally like this? Or... did he have other intentions? It wouldn’t be fair to assume he had some ulterior motive. Besides, he confirmed he was half-French, and she knew that the country was stereotyped as one of romance and romantic endeavors. Tamaki just so happened to fulfill that stereotype. Yet, the warm soft breath from his lips tingled her bare neck, and she could have sworn she picked up a light whiff of lavender. They made that sort of scent for cologne? It was so tantalizing!
“Katherine?” the young man’s light voice broke through her reverie.
Snapping at attention, the heiress glanced up, only to find that Tamaki had returned to his upright position in front of her. His expression was colored with a mixture of concern and curiosity. The former she could understand, since she most likely had spaced out for a good long while, like usual. The latter, however, Katherine couldn’t quite pinpoint what would pique his interest to be curious about.
“A-Ah, sorry,” she faltered. “Did you say something?”
The older boy merely smiled. “No. You had just grown rather quiet.”
“My apologies, Tamaki. I... I suppose I had gotten a little distracted. Not in a bad way of course. Perhaps, my mind was starting to get a little weary. A-Ah, not to say that you are making me weary or anything, Tamaki. Quite the opposite. If anything,” a light pink tinted her cheeks as she smiled bashfully. “I’d say you’ve been quite a delightful distraction.”
“Well, if the lady wishes to take a break,” the young blond began, “she’s more than welcome to rest that beautiful mind of hers.” He paused to part from her; keeping her extended hand in his gentle hold. “And, I’m sure that her thoughts are just as beautiful, especially if they create a gorgeous smile upon her lips the way they did.” With that, he released her hand and gave a deep bow. “Thank you for the dance, my dear.”
Cheeks still flushed a rosy color, the young heiress smiled politely as thanks before bowing to her dance partner and excusing herself from the ballroom floor. Once she backed away far enough to the point the tall blond was swallowed by the sea of fashionably-dressed socialites, Katherine released a heavy sigh of relief. Thank God that was over with... for now at least. Never in her life had her body felt so flushed and tense before. Keeping a calm composure around rather attractive and borderline flirtatious individuals within the business circle was something she would definitely have to work on. Perhaps Marianne could help with that... Surely, the woman had some sort of experience with those sorts of individuals during her prime.
Regardless, the young heiress was thankful that the sudden spike in overwhelming anxiety hadn’t caused an episode to wrack her being. Now that would have been mortifying! Nothing like one of her episodes to cause a drastic scene among her father’s business cohorts and competitors. If the main estate had a dungeon, Loen Fifer would surely have thrown his daughter straight into it--heck, Katherine would gladly do the honors herself!
Now, though, she had a moment to herself. No mingling or networking. No unnecessary stress from the piercing hawk-like gaze of her father. For the first time that evening, she could take a minute to herself to just breathe.
“Katherine,” the all-too familiar strict voice hissed through that momentary escapism.
Dammit... she groaned in her mind, a brief grimace crossing her features. If only she had rapped her knuckles against a wooden surface sooner.
Already having rehearsed the motions of maintaining a calm and cool composure, the young woman straightened up to address her father. Unlike before, he stood a good meter away from her, though his countenance remained firm as ever. A quick flick of his fingers beckoned his daughter closer to him, and Katherine paled at what sort of words would be exchanged between the two of them.
Had he noticed her behavior with the Suoh boy? Certainly, Yuzuru had informed Mr. Fifer where his daughter had gone off to once they met up again. Well, if they met up again; there were many people that the two company owners could have begun conversations with during the couples’ waltz. The worries spawned by the ‘what if’s didn’t settle down within the heiress’s mind, though.
Not wanting to irk the older man more than he already seemed, Katherine sauntered over to him. “Is everything all right, Father?”
His dark eyes turned to a crowd that had begun to form near the entrance. “Esteemed guests have arrived. I need you to be on your best behavior.”
With that, he gestured for her to follow him to where the ‘esteemed guests’ had entered. At first, Katherine stared at her father’s retreating back as he maneuvered his way through the parting crowd. Had she not been on her ‘best behavior’ all night? She liked to think she was, save for that interaction with Tamaki; however, that was just her lack of skills dealing with flirtatious advances. Besides, it wasn’t like Mr. Fifer had seen his daughter in action during the start of the night. She handled those uppity socialites pretty well, if she said so herself. Perhaps... impressing these ‘esteemed guests’ could be her opportunity to finally show her father what she had been working at all evening.
Picking up her speed, she squeezed through the tightening crowd, muttering quick ‘excuse me’s as she attempted to catch up with her father. Once by his side, she turned to him questioningly. “Who are the guests, exactly?”
Loen was silent for a long while, much too long for Katherine’s liking. Sure, it may have only been a matter of seconds, it felt like hours were dragging on by as she patiently--as patient as she could be, at least--await her father’s response.
“...The Ootori Group,” he said at last.
Now that was a name the heiress was quite familiar with. While the quick study session and handful of pop quizzes from earlier that day pertained mainly to her family’s company, Katherine made sure to brush up on the information of the company’s business partners and other associates. And... their competitors.
The Ootori Group was primarily a large part of Japan’s social and business world; being one of the wealthiest in the country. Though, the name itself was revered globally, especially for companies that dealt in the same industry. In this case, the medical industry; the same industry that Fifer Corp. hailed within North America. While the Fifer’s company primarily dealt with medicinal studies, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and biotechnical advancements, the Ootori Group dealt with similar and much more. Just to name a few major differences, they owned their own specialized medical treatment facilities as well as hospitals all over Japan! To sum it up, in terms of which of the two companies reigned more supreme over the other, it would, hands down, be the one from the east.
And the men that ran the company were just as imposing as their namesake. Had they not all been of similar heights to the other businesspeople within the chamber, they very likely would have towered over them. Though, the aura the four radiated certainly combined to what would be considered ‘towering’, along with the shadow they cast as they strode through the parting crowd. An elder, greying gentleman led three younger ones, who, in ways, looked similar to him; all with dark neatly combed hair as well as glasses, standing tall and firm as they seemed to glide through the suits and gowns around them.
The group of men came to a halt the moment Loen Fifer and his daughter stepped forward to greet them, the American gentleman speaking first: “Ootori Yoshio, it’s an honor for you and your family to attend our event.”
With that, the man bowed deeply at the waist in respect to the elder company owner. Meanwhile, Katherine could only gawk in impressed awe at the men before her. Though, her gaze was short-lived with a sudden jab in her arm snapped her back into reality. A quick glance downward and she was instantly petrified by her father’s pointed glare. Immediately understanding his implication, she bowed deeply at her waist as well; straightening up shortly after with her father.
Again, she had forgotten about Japanese customs... Not like Mr. Fifer wasn’t already going to scold her for her ‘brash business decision’ earlier. Just another accident to add to the list of reprimands she would receive later. Great. As if this night couldn’t get any worse.
“Congratulations are in order for your success, Mr. Fifer,” Yoshio answered coolly; his unwavering demeanor rivalling that of the man before him.
“Thank you, sir.” Loen answered.
Was that a slight falter in her father’s voice? Maybe the events of the evening had exhausted her mind to where it was playing tricks on her. However, Katherine could have sworn there was a crack in her father’s typically stoic mask as he spoke to the older gentleman. To think that anything would be able to break Loen Fifer’s stonewall defenses. Yoshio Ootori was that intimidating figure that stood that chance, it seemed.
“My sincerest apologies for my daughter’s lack of knowledge for your culture,” her father continued; causing the young heiress to flinch lightly at the implication. “She’s... still learning her role as the heir to Fifer Corp.”
An eyebrow slightly raised on the brow of the Ootori patriarch. “I had presumed your son was to take over.”
Another falter from Loen Fifer; this one a second-long hesitance with a twitch of his lip. Perhaps the young heiress’s mind wasn’t playing tricks on her.
“He was,” Mr. Fifer began. “However, some... unplanned events came up to where his role was taken over.”
Katherine frowned inwardly at the blatant dance around the subject concerning the stripping of her brother’s deserved birthright.
“I see...” Yoshio mused; his brow flattening to its former serious countenance. He paused, and then turned to the young heiress. “Katherine, correct?”
The heiress snapped at attention and faced the elder gentleman. “Yes, sir.” She bowed once again. “It’s a pleasure--an honor--to meet you.”
Was she supposed to bow again? Might as well. After all, bowing a second time could possibly smooth over the initial blunder of her forgetfulness the first time. That’s what she hoped at least, and that it would reconcile said blunder in the eyes of her father.
As Katherine straightened up once again, though, her eyes caught a pair of brownish-grey eyes behind a pair of prescription specs. While each of the men had similar eye color, this pair contained a gleam of determination and light intrigue. The glance lasted only for a brief moment as those eyes returned to their serious countenance; flitting their attention back to the current owner of Fifer Corp. The girl blinked curiously, noting that the young man, who had been staring at her, was much younger than the other three. A grandson, maybe? The Ootori patriarch didn’t look that old though... Not to mention the young man looked to be around the age of the Suoh boy.
“You remember my sons, Yuuichi and Akito, yes?” Yoshio continued; gesturing a hand to the two young men at his side.
Loen nodded. “Yes. Medical students, correct?”
“Akito still is,” the patriarch corrected. “He will be graduating this year and plans to earn his Masters in Business Association so that he can work alongside Yuuichi and I at the main hospital.” Yoshi paused and then turned to the younger male at his other side; his expression and tone hinting at a light disdain, though he did well with masking it. Not that it slipped by the young heiress. “...And this is my youngest son: Kyoya.”
Ah, so he was also Yoshio’s son. So, he was more than likely in high school as well.
The younger man merely nodded in respect, the light from the chandeliers casting a glare across the glass of his spectacles. Once his head bobbed back up, however, a smile crossed his thin face and practically symmetrical features. His eyes, now visible behind his glasses, seemed to turn upwards; emphasizing the charismatic polite smile.
“A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Mr. Fifer,” Kyoya spoke, his deep voice rather pleasant and smooth. “I must say that the advancements in medical technology from your company have been quite impressive.”
Buttering up an individual for their grand accomplishment... Anyone could see that tactic from a mile away. From all the conversations she had during the event, Katherine noticed it immediately. It was child’s play! There was no way her father would fall for it.
A light smile crossed Loan’s features as he adjusted his tie. “Ah, thank you.”
Katherine nearly choked on her own saliva. Her father actually did fall for it?! Was the Ootori Group really that esteemed and imposing that Mr. Fifer’s own pride was brushed under the rug? No. That couldn’t be right... The young heiress definitely stepped into another dimension at some point in the night. That had to be it! Her father would never act such a manner otherwise. ...Would he?
Kyoya merely continued to keep that smile plastered on his face. “Some of your company’s findings are unlike any we have ever seen. I don’t suppose Fifer Corp. would be interested in Collaborating with the Ootori Group--”
A gruff voice cut through the young man’s sales pitch; drawing attention to the patriarch. His gaze narrowed down at his youngest son, who stood unfazed by the reaction. Those aged yet full of experience eyes said all he needed to say to the young Ootori boy; a silent threat for his son to ‘back off’.
Kyoya, with that smile still on his face, lowered his head slightly to gingerly push his glassed up the bridge of his nose. “My apologies, father.”
Meanwhile, the heiress to Fifer Corp could only continue to stare bewildered at the scene playing out before her. Her father, a man she always saw as resolute and unable to be knocked down, was nothing more than putty in the hands of the intimidating foreigner. They were competitors, weren’t they? Why did her father feel the need to grovel at the man’s feet instead of at least see him as an equal. Yoshio Ootori couldn’t have had any blackmail on their family. What need would there be if her family wasn’t even a threat to their Group?
And, then there was the youngest of the Ootori siblings. Something about his attitude and behavior struck Katherine as familiar. A child of a wealthy businessman buttering up and rubbing elbows with other businessmen to gain an “in” or... network. That was when realization struck her and her eyes slowly widened as she turned her head to face the young man. Kyoya, just finishing adjusting his glasses, caught her gaze out of the corner of his eye and merely flashed her that same smile he had given her father.
“I do suppose some business matters can be tended to concerning both the Ootori Group and your company though,” Yoshio continued, turning his attention back to the American businessman. “That is, if you don’t mind, Mr. Fifer.”
“Of course not,” Loen answered. “Though, perhaps the office would be better suited for that sort of meeting.”
With that the two men began maneuvering their way through the crowd once more; towards the entrance of the ballroom. In tow behind them were the two eldest Ootori boys with Kyoya beginning to turn and follow suit. Katherine’s gaze followed the men, her eyes focusing on the back of the youngest son’s head as he followed after his brothers.
Time slowed to a standstill as the young heiress’s mind began to scream at her to go after him. She had noticed something from him that she was one-hundred-percent certain of! There was no denying it. All she had to do was confront him about it.
Before even realizing what had happened, she had raced over and slid in front of the young Ootori boy; halting him suddenly. It was then that she realized that he was just as tall as Tamaki was compared to her, so she had to crane her neck back a bit more in order to properly address him. Kyoya, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow while giving her a questioning look.
“You’re just like me,” she blurted out; hazel eyes still wide with realization.
Kyoya flinched, though a smile crossed his face when he gave a light laugh. “I beg your pardon?”
A light blush crossed the young woman’s face, understanding that she probably should have chosen her words better. Like always, though, with her stoic façade gone, she was just her blunt self.
“I mean... the things you do and say,” she rephrased. “It’s the stuff that I do. A-At least at these events and meetings and stuff like that, y’know? It’s... Ah, what’s the word?” Katherine glanced away, snapping her fingers in an attempt to find the word that was on the tip of her tongue. Once it hit her, she brightened up and looked back up at the young man. “Duplicity! Without the negative connotation of betrayal and all--the business side of it, I mean. But, that’s besides the point. I noticed it immediately. That look you gave my dad... the stuff you said about our company... you can’t say that’s not what you were trying to do.”
That smile was gone. The air was still. So still in fact that the chatter and murmur of the other guests seemed miles away and unheard by the young heiress. It was just her and the young Ootori son right now. And Katherine took his silence as her putting him in checkmate.
However, just before she could inwardly celebrate her little victory, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense. A chill ran along her spine the moment she noticed the corner of Kyoya’s mouth curl ever so slightly. The young heiress could only watch in confused horror as the young man’s features seem to darken; the light casting a glare on his glasses once again added to the intimidating effect.
“Quite the astute observation,” he remarked; setting two fingers to the bridge of his glasses and pushing them up. “Tell me... how’d you come to such a conclusion?”
He was patronizing her. It was dripping like venom from his tone. Hell, he might as well be a snake in that case. It fit him perfectly. Screw what her father thought of the Ootori Group and their family. Katherine already did not like this boy. As much as she wanted to punch the pretty out of his face at the moment, though, she had to maintain control. No use causing a scene and ruining a relationship between their family’s companies.
Despite her feelings, however, her low and controlled voice belied her boiling irritation. “Call it intuition.”
A chuckle rumbled in the young man’s throat. “Very well.”
Kyoya’s head raised though his eyes glanced down his long thin nose in order to look down upon her. It was a not-so-subtle figurative and literal way for him to address her, and it only irritated the young heiress further.
“I don’t see why it’s so bad though,” he continued, that smile still present on his features.
“I never said it was bad,” Katherine retorted. “I just... it was just something I noticed.”
“And, you felt the need to point it out to me?”
“Well... yeah?”
“I believe that’s what you call ‘Captain Obvious’.”
God, if they weren’t surrounded by hundreds of people--and possible paparazzi hiding out in the bushes outside--, Katherine would have smacked that smile off his face right then and there. Of course, it didn’t stop her lower eyelid from twitching slightly.
Taking a moment to calm her rising anger and regain her composure, the young heiress took a deep breath. “Be that as it may...” she began, her professional behavior gradually returning to her. “There’s a reason for everything we do, duplicity or not.” She paused for a moment when a thought crossed her mind and she blinked. “...Are you... trying to impress your dad too?”
Kyoya seemed to flinch for half a second, but quickly returned to his resolute self and adjusted his glasses once more--was that his own tic? “I don’t see how my motives are any of your business. Speaking of fathers though,” he straightened up and began to walk past the young heiress. “I must catch up with mine so we can talk business with yours.” He stopped after a few seconds to turn back to the young heiress, that pleasant businessman smile plastered on his face. “It was lovely meeting you... Kyasarin.”
The young woman blinked as she watched the third Ootori son turn back around and make his way towards the exit. “...Kyasarin...?”
Was that how her name was pronounced in Japanese dialect? While it sounded interesting, it would certainly take some time getting used to.
Her eyes never left Kyoya’s back as he continued to saunter towards the door. Just before he had the opportunity to turn the knob, a blur of blond tackled him to the floor after colliding with his side at high speed. Well, that was certainly anti-climactic, especially after the grand exit Kyoya was attempting to make after their conversation.
“KYOOOOOOYAAAAAAA~!!” The blond had screamed in delight; a collection of dress shoes quickly tapping on sleek floor rang out before a thud ended the brief symphony.
The heiress had only taken a few steps forward in order to recognize the individual that had intentionally struck down the Ootori boy by surprise. It was Tamaki. And, from the looks of it, the two seemed familiar with one another. Well, it only made sense considering they were both from the same country, and their fathers more than likely did business with one another.
Katherine’s hazel eyes flitted between the two young men as she watched with slight confusion and curiosity. Tamaki began prattling on while Kyoya, visibly irritated, protested and countered whatever the blond was going on about. Whatever they were talking about exactly was unbeknownst to the young heiress. After all, they were speaking to each other in Japanese. Deciding to make her presence known, Katherine cleared her throat; grabbing the boys’ attention.
While they both glanced up at her, it was Tamaki to speak first. “Oh, Lady Katherine! Good to see you again~” He smiled brightly and stood to meet her. “I didn’t think we’d be able to see each other again for the rest of the night.”
Katherine merely smiled politely. “Good to see you again as well, Tamaki.”
She briefly glanced over at Kyoya, who had stood and began dusting his suit off with his hands. Before he had the chance to turn and resume his journey to the Fifer Estate, however, he was forcefully tugged back by the excited blond teen.
“Have you met Kyoya?” Tamaki continued; his eyes seemed to sparkle as brightly as his smile.
The heiress’s smile faltered slightly and she gave a nervous laugh. “Yes. I have.”
The latter merely gave a begrudging hum in affirmation to their meeting.
“How do you two know each other?” Katherine continued, keeping her attention on the blond.
“Oh, we’re in the same class,” Tamaki answered simply. “Kyoya and I have been best friends since Middle School. Ah~ It feels like only yesterday when we went on that trip to Okinawa and I found a Namahage!”
“It was a Shisa...” Kyoya grumbled, casting a frustrated glare over his shoulder at his ‘best friend’.
Despite their personalities being polar opposites, the pair seemed to get along well. After all, why be friends with someone for so many years if you couldn’t stand them? Tamaki genuinely liked Kyoya, she could tell. As for the latter... Wait. Was that a yearning look he was giving to the blond? Or perhaps a wistful glance recollecting the memory from time’s past? Either way, it showed her a faint window to a more vulnerable side of the Ootori boy. And, whatever sort of relationship they had, it seemed like one of them felt like it was more than a friendship.
Deciding to keep the observation pinned at the back of her mind for another time, Katherine maintained her polite smile as she continued to converse with the Suoh boy. “Sounds like you two had quite the adventures back home.” She paused as her own longing wistful gaze plastered on her face and she looked aside. “Hopefully I can one day visit those beautiful places you both have gone to.”
Warmth enveloped her hands; hazel eyes turning to curiously face the source. It was Tamaki. And, like before, he had gently clasped her hands in his. Though, this time, he didn’t have that flirtatious smile on his face. Instead, his expression was one of delight and excited anticipation.
“We’ll take you!” He cheered.
“We?” Kyoya repeated.
“When you come to Ouran next year,” Tamaki continued. “We’ll take you to Okinawa and Hokkaido and--oh! Better idea! Let’s make it a field trip with the whole club~!”
Katherine blinked, more confused than ever. “...Club?”
“Yeah. The Host Club. Oh, that’s right! I never mentioned that. Oh, there’s so much I need to tell you about. I know you’re already going to love the school. And the country too! Not to say that America isn’t great. It really is! Say, speaking of which... why do they call downtown...”
Tamaki’s voice trailed off in the distance as the young heiress’s attention slowly turned to Kyoya. Just like she had suspected, he was looking directly at her. Light glared off the glass of his specs, making his expression less easy to decipher. Though, the light pensive frown at his lips caused her worries to spike once more.
Kyoya attended Ouran Academy as well. He was going to be at the school when she arrived the next year. Their first impression wasn’t the best at all, and now they were both aware that they would be around each other in the same building. While the young Ootori boy certainly didn’t seem very pleased by the revelation, Katherine’s breathing couldn’t help but shorten in light shallow gasps.
“...You certainly do that a lot, don’t you, Katherine?” Tamaki’s voice suddenly broke through her reverie.
Snapping her head back to the blond, she raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Huh? Do what?”
The half-French boy merely smiled and gently rapped his fingers against the backside of her hand. “The little taps you do with your fingers.”
Now Katherine had another reason to feel like she was suffocating in her own lungs at this point. Her blood ran cold as her eyes widened to the size of saucers. Despite wanting to run, she could only stand helplessly before the young man, like a deer caught in headlights. No... nononono no, this could not be happening right now.
“You were doing the same thing while we were dancing,” Tamaki remarked, that kind smile still on his face.
Voice caught in her throat; the young heiress managed to breathe out a stuttered: “I... I-I-I w-was?”
The blond’s nod in affirmation caused her heart to skip until it was racing a mile a minute. He continued to prattle on about how her hand on his shoulder was ‘doing little taps to the music’, but his voice was drowned out by the growing ringing in Katherine’s ears. Every sound and light ambience around her had begun to grow muffled while the air seemed to thin even more. Her mind was screaming “RUN”, but her feet were rooted to the floor.
“Katherine?” Tamaki spoke up after a while, evident concern coloring his features.
Finally able to regain control of her body’s movement, the young woman stepped back; wobbling slightly from the sudden wave of lightheadedness that had begun to settle in. Her hands were clammy and shaking. All the while, the all-too familiar feelings began to settle in gradually and one at a time. The remnants of what was left of the logical-thinking left side of her brain were currently working in overdrive to keep her as composed as possible--at least until she was out of the public eye.
“I... I-I’m sorry,” she managed to stammer out. “I-I need... I need to step out f-for a minute. Umm. E-Excuse me.”
Giving the two eastern natives a quick bow, Katherine turned and hurried out the back exit of the ballroom. Get out and get away. That was her main priority right now. A temporary priority until this whole mess in her mind subsided. Even so, the realization of what she had done--and having it confirmed no less--only caused her symptoms to continue on even stronger.
She had to get out. She had to breathe.
~ . . . * . . . ~
“God, I probably looked like an IDIOT!” the young heiress screamed; though refrained from raising her voice too far a crescendo.
The evening’s festivities had long concluded, yet Katherine found herself pacing wildly in frantic circles around her sleeping chambers. How long had she been at it now? An hour? A few minutes? Her mind had been over-actively pumping out thought after thought, which mainly pertained to different sorts of worries and ‘what if’s, the moment she entered the mansion. Façade gone, all her quirks and flaws that she struggled to suppress had begun to spill out like an overflowing cup of liquid. Normally, company events would leave her body and mind so exhausted, she could be confused for a walking undead as she collapsed haphazardly onto her bed.
Not tonight.
Thanks to the eastern businessmen and their sons--their incredibly attractive sons--Katherine’s stonewall demeanor had transformed into nothing more than soft modeling clay. At least her father wasn’t there to witness that mortifying blunder! He’d more than certainly talk about it though. There was no way that word of his daughter, the damn heiress, flaked out on a company celebration before it ended didn’t get back to him!
Yet, there she was, and there she had been since running away from the building neighboring the estate that they had used to host the event. Her once tight and properly fashioned updo was now a frazzled disheveled mess; strands of wavy brunette locks sticking out every which way.
“He saw me...” Katherine continued to mutter aloud. “Tamaki saw me. He saw my hands at least. GAH! The ONE THING I didn’t want anyone to see--what dad made sure that I wouldn’t do at all... I DID! I screwed up so bad. He’s going to kill me. Dad is going to have me murdered. And when I’m dead... he’ll have me killed again! Then I’ll be double dead!” She groaned loudly and flopped down in the chair at her vanity. “Why do I have to have this stupid tic?!”
Leaning forward in her seat, she buried her face in her hands while continuing to mumbled about ‘screwing up’ or how her father would heavily reprimand her for what she had done. Say goodbye to attending Ouran Academy at this point. There was no way she would be allowed to go if she couldn’t handle one night of socialization.
A light jingle of collar tags aided by heavy footsteps across the floor broke through the silence. A large canine foreleg reached up and set itself on the knee of the girl’s violently trembling leg; easing it to a halt. Splitting her fingers apart, Katherine peered through the opening and down at her canine companion, who merely groaned softly and rest his massive head on her lap.
The young heiress couldn’t help but smile as she began to relax. “Thanks, Mozart. Wish you could be in dad’s office with me when I go to talk to him about... well, what happened.” Lowering her hands, she sighed and slouched back in her chair. “This whole ‘heir to the company’ thing is a real double-edged sword. Everyone makes it look so easy too... especially Tamaki and Kyoya. It must be a guy-thing.”
There was a skip in her pulse as her mind flashed to the last image of them, she had printed in her mind. Concern was colored all over Tamaki’s face as she ran away from him. Meanwhile Kyoya, despite being unperturbed, had a slightly raised eyebrow. Confusion maybe? He probably hadn’t witnessed something like that before, so it was understandable if that was his initial reaction. Still...
“...They probably think I’m a psycho,” Katherine finished her thought aloud. Then, a halfhearted chuckle reverberated through her nose. “Or just a weirdo. Maybe it’ll be a good thing if I don’t attend Ouran Academy. I won’t have to worry about being confronted about what happened and why I act so weird.”
With a sigh, she straightened up in her chair and took a look at her disheveled reflection. Mascara had created thin little streaks cascading over her cheeks. Meanwhile, the eyes that they started from were red and puffy. She couldn’t face her father looking like this; she wouldn’t. Tugging at the clip that held her hair in place, she slowly let her wavy curls fall against her back; relishing in the metaphorical free feeling that swelled inside her. Then, using a damp make-up removal cloth, Katherine carefully began to rub away the black lines streaking down her face. A sudden rapping at her bedroom door broke through her concentration, but luckily, she had already finished cleaning her face.
“Come in,” the young girl called out, turning her attention to the ivory door.
A sonorous creek echoed within the room as she door swung open, and the familiar scrupulous housemaid stood at the threshold.
“Miss Fifer,” she spoke, her voice as calm and firm as always. “Your father wishes to see you in his office.”
Yep. Just like she had expected. A twisting pain ached at Katherine’s insides while her mind began to reel over the infinite possibilities of what it was that her father wished to discuss. Well, she could certainly narrow it down to a handful at least.
“Tell him I’ll be there in a few minutes, Marianne,” Katherine answered softly; her voice still cracking slightly from her sobbing fit earlier.
The older woman nodded before backing out of the room and closing the door on her way. Once again, the young heiress was left alone. Well, it was her and her St. Bernard, who seemed to assist with quelling the chaotic noise in her mind. The moment she stepped out into the hall though, she would be alone with her thoughts once more.
There was a thought at the back of her mind though; a desire. A desire lit by the suggestion of Yuzuru Suoh--to attend the prestigious Ouran Academy. Katherine could further her understanding of business and come back home and run the company just as well as her father. She had to be on her own. She couldn’t stay in his shadow forever. And, she had to tell him that. She had to let him know.
Taking the next few minutes to regulate her breathing with deliberate slow inhales and exhales, Katherine began to rein in the left-side of her mind and formulate the exact words she would say to her father. She couldn’t go to his office with her mind still a mess. She had to get everything in order. All those little worries and emotions needed to be boxed up and organized away for another time. Right now... was not that time. Once all little tremors and quakes had vanished from her body, the young heiress closed her eyes and took one last long deep inhale.
“Okay,” she breathed out, then pushed the chair back. “Wish me luck, buddy.”
With that, she stood up and gave her canine companion a quick pat on his massive head as she passed by. This was it. The long walk from her sleeping chambers to the office was one that was very familiar to her. Whether the path be lit by sunlight or the dim moonlight, like that shining through the window now, she knew exactly where to go and all the different routes to take in order to arrive at her destination. The “Long Walk of Shame”, as she had dubbed it. Though, this time, it was the “Walk of Purpose.” Her purpose. She was going to make sure her father allowed her in that school. She would learn better business skills and tactics, and gain better control over her emotions to the point where these episodes didn’t plague her mind anymore.
So, she began that Walk of Purpose; heeled footsteps clicking on tiled floor accompanying her instead of the chaos in her mind.