Chapter Text
“Ah, Mr. [L/n]!” You were relaxing in the library when Chairman Suoh approached you. “I just heard about your performance this semester. Well done; I heard your term paper in French was particularly well done. You must have studied very hard.”
“Yes sir.”
“Now if my memory is correct, you leave for home tonight.”
“That’s right. My family wants to spend the holidays together. I’ll be leaving after the Winter Ball ends.”
“Ah, what a good son you are! Well, you have a nice time then tonight at the Winter Ball. I hope you have a safe flight. If you get back early, please join us for the Ouran New Year’s Party.”
“Thank you sir, happy holidays!”
“Happy Holidays, Mr. [L/n].”
Little did you know, another person overheard your conversation.
You ran into Music Salon No. 3 with your roller suitcase bouncing along in tow. The room was empty, like most of the school. Most of the students had already left for home for the holidays; plans ranging from nights at Swiss ski resorts to lounging on the coast of Bora Bora. The other hosts were downstairs in the main ballroom, ready to open the festivities of the Winter Ball. You tossed your suitcase inside and ran to the changing room – knocking first this time – to change into your tuxedo.
In the changing room, there was a note with a beautiful rose boutonniere.
A flower for my love, in hopes that we may meet tonight. ~Your Secret Admirer.
Of all the things you were excited for tonight, the chance to meet your secret admirer was the most exciting. You pinned the crimson rose to your tuxedo, careful not the crinkle the petals. For a second, you rested your hand on top of it, hoping your admirer could feel your love wherever they were. You also hoped that the red petals were symbolic of your admirer’s passion… and hair.
Actually, the more you thought about it, the obvious answer was Kaoru. It had to be him, with how much the two of you hung out, with how he was extra possessive of you during your skit, how he protected you, and how he always found an extra excuse to be close to you. You had to admit that the boy was great to be around. You loved how he could be a little mischievous but was caring and considerate. He was smart and philosophical, often having little debates with you on everything from the meaning of life to symbolism in a book between classes. There was nothing quite like having a nice intellectually stimulating conversation with someone.
You strode with confidence down the quiet hallways to the main ballroom. The adorable thought of Kaoru in the kitchen trying to make chocolates for you filled you with happiness. You might be leaving today, but you hoped that maybe you and Kaoru could dance tonight. If you could get a moment alone…
There was no time to think about “what-ifs” though. It was time for you to get to work. You tossed open the double doors to make your entrance.
The grand ballroom seemed to sparkle. The Host Club hired a special crew to hang little crystal snowflakes with near-invisible wire, creating a beautiful snowfall illusion without making it look tacky or gaudy. You smiled to yourself, seeing Haruhi over at the snack table, helping herself to a plate of fancy tuna. You smoothed out your tuxedo jacket as you made your way through. Students filled the dance floor in a variety of beautiful dresses in a rainbow of colors, accompanied with white rose corsages. However, none of them matched your red blossom.
“Welcome one and all to the Ouran Host Club Winter Ball!” Tamaki announced. “We’re so glad you chose to spend this winter night with us. Before we begin tonight’s festivities, a toast!” Everyone raised a champagne flute, though it was filled with ginger ale. “To another semester done, and to a wonderful holiday season! Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
You scanned the room trying to see who your secret admirer might be. “Who is it?” You then looked over at the twins. Kaoru wasn’t wearing a boutonniere at all. Honey might have been wrong…
“Let the dancing begin!”
Snow began to fall outside. You groaned on the inside, knowing your taxi was going to take forever to get to the airport. Your flight might even be cancelled. Worse yet, you couldn’t find anyone with a red rose. Still, you had to admit, the fluffy flakes looked stunning against the pink buildings of the Ouran campus. You stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the courtyard for some air. It was freezing, but the chilling breeze and snow felt nice after the stuffy air inside. This was your first break all night. You wiped away some sweat from dancing and took a sip of your “mocktail”. The snowflakes flurried around you, a few sticking to your eyelashes. You absently stroked the boutonniere and watched your cloudy breath.
Behind you, you could hear the soft click of the glass door open and shut.
“Kaoru?”
The redhead smiled warmly. “Hi [Y/n], you’ve been standing out here for a while.”
“Sorry, lost track of time.” You noticed he was a bit distracted. “Is everything alright?”
“Today’s your last day here, right?”
“I’m going home tonight to see my family. We always spend the holidays together. Plus, Chairman Suoh offered to pay for the flight. I couldn’t say no.”
“Oh,” he said quietly. “You could’ve stayed with my family for the holidays. We always have extra room.”
“Thanks, but it’s tradition, y’know?”
For a moment, the two of you watched the snow fall and flurry. “Too bad there isn’t enough to make a snowman,” you joked. “We could make a snow-Tamaki or something. Give it a crown and everything.”
“Yeah,” Kaoru laughed but his heart wasn’t in it. “Well, the party is gonna be wrapping up soon. We’d better head back in.”
“Wait a second.” The music was drowned out by the blood pounding in your ears. Your throat went dry. “Um, Kaoru… I… I was wondering… areyoumysecretadmirer?”
“Um… sorry, what?”
You took a deep breath. “Are you my secret admirer?”
Kaoru wouldn’t look at you, keeping his gaze fixed out on the courtyard. “No,” he finally said. “I’m not.”
You could practically hear your heart shatter. “Oh,” your voice cracked. “Oh… this is embarrassing. I’m sorry, I just… I…” A huge lump formed in your throat, tears starting to form. “I’m going to… I need… I need to go to the bathroom.”
You tried to walk through the ballroom, but your feet kept moving faster and faster. Without thinking you were now sprinting out of the ballroom and down the hall, tears falling and sparkling in the moonlight. You slammed the bathroom door and slid down the wall, sobbing. “Stupid,” you sobbed. “So stupid.” You could hear the party winding down and resolved to leave.
You hurried back to Music Salon No. 3 and picked up your suitcase. Hastily, you tore off the tuxedo, not removing the boutonniere. As you turned to leave, you saw someone standing there. “Haruhi!” You shouted. “Sorry, you scared me.” Thankfully, the room was dark, hiding your bloodshot eyes.
“[Y/n], where were you?”
“Oh, stomach ache. Guess eating all of that cake with Honey-senpai was a bad idea.”
She eyed your suitcase. “Are you leaving?”
“Oh,” you said, trying to buy time for another lie. “I… got a notice from my flight. I need to be at the airport earlier than I thought. I should have been there like ten minutes ago.”
Haruhi was silent, but you could tell she wasn’t buying it.
“I’ve got to go, Haruhi. Happy Holidays.”
“Happy Holidays…” she replied flatly as you bolted out the door.
Narita International Airport was absolutely packed. People seemed to move everywhere at once. You stood in line at the security checkpoint, trying to lose yourself in the noise. For some reason, you felt empty. You were going home; shouldn’t you be excited? You shifted between your feet, messing with your passport. “It’ll be better once I’m on the plane,” you muttered to yourself. “I’ll just sleep the whole way. Everything will be better once I’m home.”
Why wasn’t it him? You thought.
Your stomach twisted, and you could feel fresh tears trying to form. “Maybe I’ll watch some movies on the flight,” you said to try and distract yourself. “Too bad I can’t use the school plane this time.”
Just get away from Japan. As far as possible.
You felt a hand on your shoulder. “[Y/n] [L/n]?” It was one of the security guards. “I need you to come with me.”
Perfect…
You followed the guard to a secure room. “So what?” You asked. “Special random search?” The guard left without a word. You collapsed with a huff onto the long bench against the wall. Then, a knock came at the door.
“Who’s there?” you called out, sarcasm dripping from your voice.
“[Y/n]!” The door burst open and you saw the Host Club, all standing there still in their tuxedos. Kaoru stood at the front holding the boutonniere.
“I…”
“Kaoru?”
Suddenly you found a pair of nervous lips on your own and deep in Kaoru’s embrace. He pulled away slowly, tears on his cheek. “I’m sorry, I got scared… I didn’t want to start something only to have you leave forever!”
“Kaoru…”
Kaoru shook his head. “Please let me finish. I love you. I was scared that maybe you didn’t love me or maybe people wouldn’t talk to me if I was gay. But you were so comfortable with it and… I admired that. You gave me the strength to be true to myself. But… but now we can’t even be together.”
“You… you do know I’m coming back right?”
“Huh?”
“My stay is until the end of Ouran’s school year. I’m only going home for the holidays.”
“Oh…” Kaoru buried his head in your shoulder. “I’m… I’m glad.” His soft hair tickled your neck. You held him close, feeling your hearts beat as one.
Kaoru seemed to tremble in your arms. “Are you alright?”
“Just nervous. I’ve… I’ve never actually dated someone before.”
You fought hard not to laugh. “You’re a host! You basically date people every day.”
“But that’s acting!” Kaoru stressed. “I… I don’t wanna mess this up. I almost lost you once.”
You leaned in and gave him a quick peck. “You won’t. Cuz’ you’re you, and I know you care. And I love you too.”
“I’d hate to break this up,” Haruhi said, “but [Y/n]’s gonna miss his flight.”
“Oh crap,” you muttered.
“Wait,” Kaoru said, squeezing you. “Our family owns a private jet. We can get you home!”
“Damn rich people,” you laughed. “You’re just doing this so we can be together on the flight huh?”
“Maybe.”
Before you could tease him more, your cell phone rang; the number was one you knew well. “Hi Mom,” you said. “Yeah, I’m gonna be a bit late. I’m on a different flight now… yeah… Hey, um, do you mind if I bring someone home with me? He’s… he’s my boyfriend.”
Kaoru’s smile could nearly take over his entire face.
“Hey, you’re taking the rest of us too, right?” Hikaru asked.
Tamaki agreed. “It’s only right for the Host Club to visit each member’s home.”
“I believe our schedules are free,” Kyoya added.
You shot a look to Haruhi who shrugged. “They did it for me.”
You rolled your eyes, but with a warm smile. “Yeah, actually Mom, make that some-ones. It’s my club… Yeah, the hot guys… The others want to come visit.”
Kaoru snuggled up into you as you finished your call. It was going to be a long flight, but you knew this would be an unforgettable holiday with your new boyfriend.