Chapter Text
-Chapter 31-
Welcome to our Ouran Festival!
"The 43rd Ouran School Festival is now open!" With that loud declaration from the PA, parents and guests alike began to flood into the building as chatter filled the main halls. "Ladies and Gentleman, please reference both the pamphlet and the touch screens for information. The touch screens are specifically placed in each school building. Please relax in the Central Salon located in the central building. Also please join us for the dance party at 5 p.m."
"Welcome to class 1-A's event! Agence de Detectives Prives!" Hikaru and Kaoru announced with an open of the arms. Class 1-A was transformed into a private detective agency, with late English furniture and mysterious clues and objects sprinkled about. Students operated their stations, some helpful clues while others directed guests around the room. "If you're having trouble, the top students in class 1-A will advise you. Please choose an assistant of your liking!" The chuckled, gesturing Momoka, Kazukiyo and a bewildered Haruhi in the corner of the room.
"Hikaru! Kaoru!" Stepping out of the crowd, Miki waved excitedly at the twins who spun around after directing a few guests. "Good work today; how are you both feeling?" She greeted them.
"Miki-senpai." The twins cocked their heads at the sight of her. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be taking care of your station in class 2-A?"
"Since my job was in the preplanning phase to create all those production sketches, Tamaki-kun told me just to relax and enjoy the festival." Miki chided as she glanced around. "Besides, I wanted to see how the finished product turned out."
"Thank you for all your hard work," Hikaru grinned, patting the strawberry blonde's back. "The guests love the interior."
"Do you want to try out a mystery of your own?" Kaoru offered.
Though the idea was tempting, Miki pursed her lips and gently shook her head. "As much as I would love to, we have to head over to the central salon soon. If I started one of the mysteries now, I doubt I'd be able to finish in time." Turning away, she cupped her cheeks and let out a dramatic sigh as fake tears brimmed her eyes. "I guess I'll just be content with watching this time; it's such a shame."
"She is definitely milord's sister." The twins sweatdropped at her words when a sudden voice rang behind them.
"Hikaru. Kaoru." They quickly turned around to see an elegant, stylishly-dressed young woman with ginger hair approach, accompanied by a man.
"Mom!" The twins gasped at the sight of her as Haruhi turned around, curious to see the mother of those devils.
With an impressed smile, the woman's bright eyes scanned the room. "This looks like fun; the interior is perfectly coordinated as well."
Being complimented by such a beautiful and well-respected person, Miki quickly bowed with a joyful beam. "R-Really? Thank you very much," She managed to speak through her excitement.
Noticing her, the fashion legend, Hitachiin Yuzuha, hummed with a hand to her chin. "You were the one who coordinated all this? I'm quite impressed; you have some skill for your age." She studied Miki thoughtfully. "You hold yourself well, your uniform and makeup are coordinated. Though I would suggest using a pink-toned lip tint, it would help accentuate the mauve tint in your hair."
"Yes, I will definitely try that, thank you very much," Miki replied sweetly, inwardly thanking Arden for all those lessons on maintaining her appearance.
Seeing their mother and Miki immediately hit things off, the twins took hold of Haruhi and dragged her into the conversation. "Mom! This is Haruhi! We'll adopt her someday, so don't forget!" They chuckled in unison.
"Oh, so you're the one?" Yuzuha turned her attention to the brunette, routinely examining her.
"Um... Please to meet you," Haruhi muttered, noting to herself how much of a splitting image she was to the twins.
Yuzuha quickly went to work as she lifted Haruhi's chin. "Stand up straight." She advised. "You should trim your hair a little more. And dear, your ribbon is tilted. Your vest is a bit too big," As she worked to fix Haruhi's detective uniform, she asked her sons. "Hikaru, Kaoru, did you measure her properly?"
"Of course we did!" They chimed.
"There, it's better now." With a satisfied look in her eyes, Yuzuha secured the ribbon neatly before moving back to watch the two girls. "Please come join us for dinner sometime," She invited. "I want you two to try on some dresses of mine. Right, my darling?" She then turned to the silent man beside her with a doting expression, sending a shock of revelation to Haruhi, who had assumed he was an escort.
"Of course, that would be nice." The man laughed endearingly.
"Well then, we'll head out to the central building. See you later." After a quick wave, Yuzuha ad her husband left almost as quickly as they came, leaving Haruhi to remark on how the twins take after her.
"Yuzuha-san is a fashion legend and the head of her own high-end fashion company. Her basis on colour theory and coordination is said to be perfect." Leaning out the doorframe with the first-year trio, Miki cupped her chin, letting out a dreamy sigh. "It feels so unreal that she complimented my design."
"Is that so?" Haruhi hummed before turning to the twins. "So does your father work in her company as well?"
"No, he's an executive for a software development company," Hikaru explained with his hands in his pocket. "Incidentally, he married into the family."
"The name Hitachiin belongs to my mother's side. Grandma is known for her original style of flower arrangement." Kaoru elaborated.
Facing each other, they let out a troubled sigh. "Generation after generation, our family has a strong line of females. Since we're shy like our dad, we're worried about our future." They chimed in unison.
"Am I supposed to laugh right now?" Haruhi grumbled dryly.
Suddenly, Honey and Mori appeared in the detective agency dressed in their Carnivale outfits and pushing a cart of expensive looking desserts.
"We brought some Venetian cakes for everyone in Class 1-A!" The lolita waved with brightened cheeks as the regulars quickly crowded around him enthusiastically.
Bowing in thanks, Haruhi stared in amazement at the crazy fancy pastries. "Thank you so much-"
"They're 10,000 Yen each!" Honey followed up, passing a piece to one of the girls who happily forked over the money.
So they're not free? Haruhi averted her eyes with a sweatdrop.
At this point, Kazukiyo approached the group with Momoka. "Fujioka and Hitachiin, don't you have to go to your club event now?" He said with a soft smile. "We'll be okay here. Go on."
"Have fun!" Momoka waved patiently before quickly rushing off to help out the next customers.
As the rowdy group of six walked down the bustling halls of Ouran, Haruhi turned to the two thrid-years. "Honey-senpai, Mori-senpai, are your parents here too?" She asked curiously.
"Yep," Honey nodded cheerfully as he skipped down the corridors. "But they're in the middle school division right now to see our little brothers' events."
"What are Chika-kun and Satoshi-kun doing for their class events?" Miki pursued, speaking with a slight hum to her voice as her eyes darted around the halls, amazed by how many people were present.
"I think they are building a petting zoo," The little blond tapped his chin thoughtfully, "Chika-chan love cute, cuddly animals you know?" He winked, pressing a finger to his lips in secrecy.
Haruhi hummed, tapping the strawberry blonde on the shoulder as they turned the corner on the second floor. "By the way, Miki-senpai, what is class 2-A's theme?" She questioned, coming to the large double doors.
"Well-" With a mysterious smile, Miki threw the doors to her classroom open. Instantly, it was as if they stepped out of the elegant school building and into the streets of a summer festival. Food stalls were lined up on the sides as prim and properly suited guests walking about, clearly not fitting into the setting they were placed in. Dimly lit lanterns were strung across the ceiling as well as a few arranged in the shape of fireworks, adding to the festivity as a familiar blond dressed in a commoner's festival outfit came forth.
"Ah, you all came!" Tamaki greeted them with a wide smile. "Step right in and take a look around, class 2-A's theme is 'Kiosks of the Common Folk.'" He announced proudly. "Would you like a candy apple, Haruhi?"
"Tamaki-kun had so much fun at the summer festival, he insisted that I drew inspiration from that experience," Miki explained with an airy giggle. "I was the one who suggested the fireworks, by the way."
"As far as he is concerned, nothing surprises me anymore," Haruhi mumbled with a sigh, taking the sweet treat that was shoved into her hands with a small sigh.
"Yeah! Let's try that shooting game again!" Hikaru chimed, about to run off with his twin when Kyoya appeared, already dressed in his school uniform.
"Now is not the time," He interfered, readjusting his sleeves. "It's almost time for our event."
"That's right!" Snapping out of his doting trace, Tamaki jolted up with excitement. "Is the carriage ready?" He asked the twins who swiftly saluted military-style.
"Carriage...?" Haruhi repeated with a raised eyebrow, already fearing for what was coming.
"Yep! We ran final checks this morning!" The twins grinned.
"And the central salon?" The blond then turned to Miki, Honey and Mori.
"It's all ready Tamaki-kun," Miki gave a swift, curt nod. "I had a little help from Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai, but it's taken care of!"
Nodding in satisfaction, Tamaki lifted an all-knowing finger with a victorious smirk. "Now, listen up!" He pronounced flamboyantly. "Remember the customer is always right and that we have adult guests today! Enact the 'ladykiller' rules of engagement! But first, our special event for the school festival..."
***
"Ladies and Gentlemen, The Host Club Special Parade!"
With the broadcasting club's loud announcement, a carriage carrying the hosts dressed in late french styled costumes trucked down the large halls as guests around let out shrieks of adoration.
"Look, here comes the host club! They're looking exceptionally ornate today..."
"After this, I hear they'll have two carriages touring the school and escorting people back to the central salon."
"Ahh... I wonder if I can get a ride."
"Look, mom! Aren't they wonderful?" One of the host club regulars turned to ask her mother, who had a look of disdain on her face.
"I don't know..." She grumbled, casting the hosts a vulgar look. "They might be handsome, but if they're boasting about their looks and their way with women-"
"Is it a crime to adore true beauty, madam?" Suddenly appearing next to the woman like a breeze of air, Tamaki stepped off the carriage with a gentle look in his eyes. "Well, you may not forgive us, but the truth behind our actions is not the desire for feminine adulation." Gingerly taking the woman's hand, Tamaki gazed up at her. "Rather, it's our selfish wish to spend what fleeting moments we may in the company of beautiful ladies."
"Oh, I see..." Taken in by Tamaki's sugar-coated words and handsome face, the woman's cheeks were dusted pink.
Somewhere on the carriage, the twins were accompanying another woman as they spoke.
"So you twins are accomplished in flower arrangement?" The woman asked.
"Yes, but our grandmother says out work shows out immaturity as people," Hikaru explained as he lifted a cup of tea to his lips.
Kaoru nodded with a sorrowful and distant look in his soft brown eyes. "Our parents are always busy, so we've been neglected for the most part." He elaborated.
"Our loneliness resulted in a spiritual unbalance which we cannot help but betray in our work..." They spoke in unison, bringing tears to the woman's eyes as she hurriedly wiped them away with a handkerchief.
Ahh, I could disappear... Haruhi hid her face in shame from the passionate crowd who often begged for her to look in their direction. How can they talk like that without embarrassment...?
"Haruhi, correct your posture." Kyoya reminded her from across the carriage. "Try to present yourself more gallantly." Flashing his usual unbalanced smile, he waved out to the crowd who only grew louder from the attention they were receiving.
"Kyoya-senpai, aren't you ashamed of yourself?" Haruhi questioned. "I'd have thought this wasn't the type of thing you'd enjoy." She muttered.
"It's easy enough to cast away any sense of shame if it's for the sake of future profit," Kyoya explained as he continued to wave in a calm manner. "If you feel so ashamed, why don't you think of them this way." Gesturing the crowd, he smiled brightly. "They're nothing but scum of the earth." He spoke without hesitation.
How black must his heart be before he's satisfied?! Haruhi thought to herself when a wave of nausea hit her from being on the carriage for too long. Letting out a small groan, she leaned over the side with a groan as Honey and Mori approached her worriedly.
"Are you alright, Haru-chan?" Honey asked. "Maybe you should try thinking of fields of strawberries or a mountain of cakes!"
"A rice-ball mountain..." Mori also pitched in, hoping to help ease the motion-sickness she was experiencing.
"It's okay... I don't want to hear anything more that will cause me to doubt your humanity..." She mumbled, covering her mouth.
"Haruhi, are you alright? Hang in there." Her guest tapped the brunette gently on the shoulder in worry. "I know you don't care much for something like this. I'm sorry that in out merrymaking we ignored your feelings," She furrowed her brows with regret.
"Oh... Don't worry..." Quickly slipping into character, Haruhi flashed her honest smile. "I thought it was only our other club members who would enjoy a (stupid) thing like this, but if you're enjoying it too, it's worth (at least a little) the trouble."
***
As the carriage finished making its first round around the large campus, the hosts escorted the guests back into the central salon as they were quickly greeted with a ball of energy and smiles.
"Welcome back everyone!" Miki chimed cheerfully as she balanced a tray of tea and biscuits on each of her hands, rushing about the large ballroom and attending to each of the guests. She noticed the group of lucky ones who were escorted back personally by the hosts. "Welcome to the Central Salon; I'll get you seated immediately. Let me know what kind of tea and snacks better suit your tastes and I'll be sure to bring it." Prancing around in her layered orange and red ballgown, she lowered her head in a half-curtsy. "We also have a poker table and roulette wheel near the east entrance if you'd like to pass some time. If you'd like your snacks delivered there, I can surely do that for you."
"Miki-senpai is doubling as a maid...?" Haruhi felt her eyebrow twitch at the absurdity around the room, watching as the hosts quickly went to work and began to speak with the guests who were already seated.
"She volunteered to help out as a maid and hold down the fort while we make rounds," Kyoya explained as he lifted his glasses further up his nose bridge. "She seemed to have learned lots from working at Misuzu-san's pension." He then spotted his father in the corner, speaking with the other guests. He quickly approached to accompany him.
"Father, it's a pleasure to see you here." He bowed, greeting the stoic man who nodded in acknowledgement at the presence of him.
"Oh my, is this one of your son Ootori-san?" The woman who was speaking with the man cupped her cheek with her free hand as she studied the boy.
"Indeed, this is my third son, Ootori Kyoya." Gesturing the boy, Ootori Yoshio introduced. "Kyoya, this is Sakurazuka-san. She is one of the main sponsors of the Aquatic Garden that opened in the summer."
"A pleasure to meet you, Madam." Kyoya lowered his head in respect.
"What an excellent son you have," The woman chuckled, swirling the champagne glass in her other hand. "I heard there were a lot of competitors for the central salon this year. Kimiko told me all about it with such enthusiasm! I hear it was rigged to favour the athletic clubs. It was an astounding victory for you guys. Rumour has it that their strategy was planned by Kyoya-kun. You sure are smart! You're already a top student, but this required a different set of expertise." She complimented. "Well done!"
"Oh no, not at all. I only supported my very talented companions." Shaking his head, Kyoya denied the applause with an unreadable smile. "Unfortunately, I was not born to stand above others as a leader." He spoke brazenly.
"How humble you are!"
"It was right to let the chairman's son take the spotlight in the end. Well done, Kyoya." In a low voice, Yoshio closed his eyes. "It's good to show support to the Suoh family."
"To be honest, I was taken aback when I first heard of the host club." The woman covered her lips with the tips of her fingers as she chuckled wryly. "Well, it's rather outrageous, isn't it?" She questioned, taking the last sip of the last of her champagne.
Yoshio opened his eyes thoughtfully as he stared at the last of his drink. "In this day and age, to change people's perceptions is also an important technique." He spoke calmly. "Unless one can attract attention, it's impossible to be understood or even recognized. I advocate meritocracy. If he has the talent, well..." Taking an elegant sip of his champagne, he raised his glass. "I don't mind naming my third son heir to the family business."
"Oh, how exciting!" Sakurazuka giggled.
Kyoya's eyes widened slightly by this declaration before a small smirk surfaced on his lips.
For now, mission accomplished.
The doors to the central salon creaked open followed by an excited cry for their grandmother. Kyoya's eyes shot up to the senior woman dressed in a kimono as she entered the room with two attendants. Her gray hair was tied into a neat bun, and there was a hardened expression in her downcasted eyes. His attention then automatically flickered to Miki as she watched the events with a slightly troubled look.
"Grandmother! You took the trouble to come!" Tamaki exclaimed, running up to her.
"Oh, so she's Tamaki-senpai and Miki-senpai's grandmother." Haruhi smiled.
"I hate her." Honey stated as his face darkened.
"What?" Haruhi blinked.
"That person is hateful." He continued vaguely.
"Please come in and take a seat." Extending an arm forward, Tamaki attempted to guide the woman in further with a soft smile only for her to step out of the way without sparing him a single glance.
"Don't touch me. You're filthy." She spoke harshly.
Haruhi's eyes widened in disbelief, thinking that her ears had somehow played a cruel trick.
"I'm sorry; I was working the kiosk before." Scratching the back of his head, Tamaki chuckled apologetically. "Do I smell like food?"
"Even if you wash, it will make no difference." The older woman, the matriarch of the Suoh family, Suoh Shizue continued. "The son of a harlot who vanished, deserting her own child." She muttered. "Shameless." She spat as she continued to the center of the salon, observing the setup of the room.
Haruhi felt her heart sink to her stomach; she attempted to reach forward to Tamaki who had leaned his side against a pillar. "Tamaki-senpai, are you-"
"I upset her!" Snapping around, Tamaki hushed with comical tears, shocking Haruhi. "I can't believe I let this happen! I bet it was the octopus balls - my grandmother hates the smell! Of course, she's not used to commoner's food."
"What?" Haruhi sweatdropped, attempting to understand what was happening. "I don't really think that was it-"
Seeing her brother under such distress, Miki bit her bottom lips. She cast a glance at Shizue who still hadn't left, still admiring the set up of the room. "Tamaki-kun," She called out to him and catching his attention. Glancing over her shoulder, she winked as she tapped a finger against her lips. "Don't worry; I got this."
Kyoya watched silently as Miki gracefully approached the older woman stood at the center of the salon. What is she planning? He furrowed his brows.
"Excuse me, Suoh-san." Leaning to the side and popping into her peripheral vision with a beaming smile, Miki called out to Shizue who averted her eyes towards her. "I noticed you had taken an interest in the interior designs of this room. Would you like to sit down and talk about it over some coffee?" She offered sweetly before noticing something and covering her mouth. "Oh, but of course if the coffee is too bitter for you, I could always bring something with a little less intensity. Maybe commoner's coffee? The taste is much more water down and it could-"
Miki's voice came to an abrupt halt as the sound of a crackling slap resounded through the air followed by a series of loud gasps. Miki's head was snapped to the side by the aftershock, and she lost her balance on heels, staggering to the ground. A red mark was burned onto her pale cheek only covered by the girl's hand. Though the people were staring at first, one interrogative look from Shizue made them go back to their previous actions, almost as if nothing had happened.
Shizue didn't waver or even flinch in the slightest as she lowered her hand to her side, she narrowed her sharp eyes at the young girl who clutched her cheek with the tips of her fingers. "After leeching off of us for years, you come crawling back the moment your family runs out of money." She spoke in a low voice that was masked by the uncomfortable chatter surrounding them. "It is you who leaves a bitter taste in my mouth."
Why? Haruhi thought to herself as her hands balled into fists. Her mind was racing as the harsh words and crisp slap that befell both her upperclassmen. Why is she treating them like that?
Not even a few moments later, Miki quickly recovered. Dusting her dress up as she stood up, her lips curled into a soft smile. "I see. If you do not like bitter things, might I recommend Chamomile tea?" She suggested. "They are known to be naturally sweet and can even help reduce stress as well as detoxify your skin." Holding her hands before her chest, she acted as if nothing happened.
"I do not want it." Closing her eyes, Shizue continued down the central salon.
"Please have a wonderful day!" Bowing as if another regular customer had just left, Miki chided.
"Both of you, stay away from me." She responded harshly before disappearing through the southern entrance of the salon.
"Miki!"
"Miki-chan!"
"Miki-senpai!"
Almost as soon as those doors closed, the hosts' par Kyoya quickly rushed up to her side and began fussing over her reddened cheek.
"Are you alright, Miki-chan?" Honey asked worriedly. "Do you need an ice pack?"
"It's alright, Honey-senpai." Miki chuckled, poking at her cheek to see if it still stung. " It's just a slap. Besides, I may have been a bit too forceful, to begin with."
"Senpai..." Haruhi's eyes dulled a little at the unwavering smile she wore.
"Miki, I think I've found the issue," Running a hand through his finger dramatically, Tamaki struck a dramatic pose while facing away from the hosts. "Could it possibly be..." Whipping his head around, his face darkened as comical tears streamed down his face. "... because we are too beautiful?! Is it a crime to be beautiful?" He exclaimed, grabbing Haruhi by the shoulders. "But my grandmother is beautiful too, isn't she? Isn't she a beautiful lady, Haruhi?" He questioned, shaking the brunette violently.
"Oh, dear..." Kyoya's attention was captured by the woman, Sakurazuka; his father was previously speaking too as she cupped her cheek in worry. "I wonder if that poor girl is alright? That seemed like quite a bad slap." Pursuing her lips, she waved a hand to call her over.
Noticing that her services were needed, Miki quickly excused herself from the hosts as she rushed over with a renewed smile. Seeing Kyoya studying her, she nodded her head in acknowledgement towards him. "Yes? How may I help you?" She chided.
"Are you alright dear?" Lowering her voice, the woman whispered with a hand cupped around her mouth. "That seemed like it hurt quite a bit, and your cheek is still burning red." She furrowed her brows in worry.
"I'm fine, miss. Thank you for worrying." Without missing a beat, the strawberry blonde reassured the woman before seeing her empty champagne glass. "Oh, you are out of champagne. Would you like me to get you a refill?"
Taken off guard by the optimism, the woman stuttered before handing it to her gently. "Yes, please." Her eyes crinkled softly.
"Understood," Placing the glass onto the tray in her hands, Miki then turned to Yoshio who had been observing her the entire time. Flashing a sweet smile, she tilted her head to the side as strands of her hair slid over her shoulder. "Would you like me to refill yours as well, sir?"
There was a moment of silence from the man as he scanned the girl head to toe once again. After letting seconds tick by, he handed his glass to the girl. "Please do," He answered without a crack in his stoic expression.
"What a lovely girl," Sakurazuka covered her lips with her hand as she watched the girl disappear in the crowd. "She must be such a pleasure to be around."
Kyoya's eyes flickered to his father, seeing him huff out a breath.
"Interesting." He heard the man say.
***
"Student activities are now over!" The PA announcement echoed through the now empty central salon. "Please come to the grand hall and join the dance party."
Thoroughly defeated, Haruhi collapsed onto the table tiredly. She had been on and off of the carriage with Mori and Honey doing rounds around the school every other hour. Thanks to her minor motion sickness, her stomach felt like it had been flipped on itself as she found herself unable to sit up straight.
"Good job, Haru-chan. Here have some cake." Honey giggle he brought a slice of cake over.
"You worked hard today." Miki nodded as she gently soothed the brunette's hair. "Everyone was very happy with your services."
"Haruhi, are you okay?" Tamaki was about to fuss over her once again when a knock interrupted him.
"Master Tamaki, the chairman requires your presence," One of Yuzuru's staff bowed. "You are to greet visitors at the grand hall."
"Oh. Yes, I'll be there right away." Nodding, Tamaki smoothed over his clothes as he rushed to the door. "See you all later. Haruhi, rest for a while, okay?" He reminded before closing the double doors behind him.
"So long!"
"Bye-bye!"
Haruhi stared at the closed doors for a moment before peering up at Miki who sat next to her. The red mark on her cheek was long gone, but she couldn't get that image of the cheerful girl being smacked to the ground out of her head. "Why?" She muttered. "Both of you act as if nothing had happened. Why did your grandmother act so cold to both of you? Is there a reason for that?"
"Could you not tell, Haruhi?" Miki tilted her head curiously. "Tamaki-kun was the son of a mistress."
"No, I understand that. But I don't see why she would call him the son of a harlot," Leaning her cheek against her palm, Haruhi averted her eyes out the window.
"Because Tama-chan's grandmother was enraged by the chairman's divorce as well," Honey explained with a sad smile. "After divorcing Miki-chan's mother, the chairman tried to bring both his mistress and Tama-chan to Japan. However, the grandmother refused to allow it because of the already major financial and credibility loss to both families. And because Tama-chan's mother was sickly and not suited to Japanese life, Tama-chan was raised in France until he was fourteen." His eyes flickered down sadly as he held Usa-chan closer. "Meanwhile, the grandmother began to worry about the Suoh family not having an heir as Miki-chan wasn't exactly in their custody. At the same time, Tama-chan's mother's family business failed, and they were left with a huge debt. That was when the grandmother issued a proposition."
"'I'll raise enough money for you to live comfortably, but in exchange, only Tamaki will come to Japan, and he shall be forbidden from seeing his mother ever again.'" Kyoya took over, closing his eyes as he recited those painful words.
"That's horrible!" Haruhi protested.
"The chairman might be the head of the Suoh family, but in actuality, the grandmother is the decision maker and holds supreme power on the board," Kyoya replied watching Miki's unmoving figure out of the corner of his eye. "Tamaki's mother was so sickly that if she had been left destitute and without the Suoh's support, it would've been the end for her. So..." His voice trailed off, and Haruhi didn't need to be told what happened. Judging by Tamaki's character it was quite obvious. He left to help his mother and came to Japan alone.
"Maybe because she was too lonely or maybe because she blamed herself for exchanging Tamaki for money," Kaoru sighed, resting his chin on his fist. "She moved away and went into hiding after he left. Though the chairman probably has a vague idea as to where she is."
"So that's why when Princess Michelle showed up..." Haruhi muttered, realizing how he must've felt when he saw a splitting image of his sickly mother once again.
"That granny should acknowledge milord since it was she who took him in, but she can't forget her grudge against the French woman who seduced her son," Hikaru concluded with a resentful look.
"Despite all of that, Tamaki-kun doesn't resent grandmother." Miki beamed softly at the sympathetic expression on the brunette's face. "He is always working hard and actively trying to gain her approval. It's one of the best parts about him, don't you think?" She chuckled lightly.
"It's easy to sympathize but," Kyoya closed his eyes. "I'm glad Tamaki is who he is."
Haruhi watched the sad smile on her upperclassman's face, furrowing her brows, she asked. "What about you, Miki-senpai? Do you resent her?"
Miki froze for a moment as her eyes flickered down to the table, fidgetting with her thumbs as she searched for an answer she hummed. "I... I can't resent her." She replied truthfully. "Because confined or not, it is thanks to her that I had a roof over my head for thirteen years. And it is also thanks to her, that I got to meet all of you."
***
Right after that intense conversation, the scenery quickly changed as the hosts entered the finale dance party where everyone was gathered. The twins had managed to convince Haruhi to attend wearing a flowy pink dress and a long-haired wig, saying that there were 'too many people to notice.' Miki, on the other hand, was wearing a lighter-chiffon version of the large orange gown she wore during the day. She stood on the side with Reiko, watching as the hosts led their guests through night gracefully in a calming waltz to the orchestra's music.
"You seem quite upset, Reiko-san. Is something bothering you?" Peering to the side, Miki blinked at the blank look on the raven-haired girl's face. Through the weeks they have spent together, mostly Miki helping out with Reiko strange hexes at the black magic club whenever she could, she has gotten a pretty good grip on sensing how Reiko felt through her expressions. Hikaru, Kaoru and Haruhi; however, question this notion, as the black magician's expression never changes.
Reiko stood next to her, wearing a black Victorian-styled ballgown and a black lace headband on her head from her club event. She had a plate with a piece of cake in hand, and the fork has been lingering on her lips for quite some time now. Her dull onyx eyes flickered to Miki's hazel ones for a moment before staring down at the whipped cream on her cake. "I heard someone afflicted physical pain upon you." Her explained vaguely causing her upperclassman to tilt her head cluelessly. She tapped her cheek in curiosity, only to remember the previously stinging sensation that lingered upon it.
"Oh, you mean the slap?" Turning to her with wide-eyes, Miki questioned before breaking into a reassuring smile. "It was that big of a deal, I'm perfectly fine now, see?" Winking, she struck a small power pose.
Seeing her smile like that, Reiko's eyes flickered down to a downcast. "When I heard you were harmed," She muttered, "I felt as if I wanted to cursed the one who afflicted such with my entire book of hexes." Stabbing her fork into the leftover cake on the plate, a grimacing aura began to emit off of her, making the others around shiver in fear.
"I-I don't think that would be necessary, Reiko-san," Miki sweatdropped as she waved her hand to calm the girl down.
"When I heard that happened... I..." Hesitating as she rested the fork against her lips, Reiko's brows furrowed slightly. She took in a small breath as she attempted to convey her feelings across properly. "I was worried." She admitted. "For the last two weeks, whenever you came searching for me... It made me... very happy. I... I didn't want someone else to cast a counter curse and... and take you away from me."
"A counter curse?" Miki blinked as she tilted her head, lips curling, she lunged to loop her arm around the black-haired girl's and clung to her. "Don't worry about something like that, Reiko-san." She giggled in an airheaded manner, winking playfully. "Besides, I became friends with you by my own free will, no curse or hex can ever make me change my mind." Tightening their linked arms, she flashed a soft smile.
Reiko's eyes widened for a moment before averting away. "Miki-san, are you afraid of my interest in the dark arts?" She asked with a dull expression.
"I used to be," Vision flickering up to the ceiling, Miki replied honestly. "I thought black magic was a cruel and ruthless, something created to harm others around them. However," She turned to Reiko who stared back, eyes crinkling. "I soon realized black magic couldn't be a bad thing. Because the talisman you gave me during Halloween, it rescued me in a time in need." She confessed joyfully, tilting her head to the side and she leaned in closer to the blank-faced girl.
Staring at her friend with a sense of bewilderment, Reiko's lips parted slightly. After a few moments, she huffed out a small breath. The corner of her lips rose slightly as she peered down at her feet. "...Thank you, Miki-san." She muttered as her arm instinctively tightened around Miki's.
"Miki-chan? Rei-chan? What are you two doing here?" Suddenly, Honey appeared before the two girls with a curious smile as Reiko tensed up at the sight of him. "Aren't you two going to dance?"
Miki glanced to the side as a flush of pink crept onto Reiko's pale cheeks. She chuckled. "I'm not going to dance for now," Waving her freehand, Miki chimed. "But I'm sure, Reiko-san would love to." She offered, gesturing her shy friend who gasped at the mention of her name.
"Really, Rei-chan?" Tilting his head, Honey giggled. "What would you like to do?" He asked ambiguously, urging for the raven-haired girl to speak her mind.
"May... May I dance with you... Haninozuka-senpai?" Breathing out slowly, Reiko managed. Her onyx-like eyes darted back and forth between Honey and the floor.
"Hehe, of course." Giggling in adoration, Honey extending a hand out. "Come on Rei-chan; let's go dance."
"Y-Yes!"
Tossing her friend's paper plate in the trashcan, Miki smiled as she watched Reiko be pulled off to the dance floor. Closing her eyes, she let out a small sigh of relaxation as she pressed her back against a decoration pillar in the room. Her body began to sway to the orchestrated music when someone approached her.
"It seems that you have gotten onto my father's good side," Kyoya's shadow loomed over her as her eyes fluttered open in surprise.
Miki blinked for a few moments before tilting her head curiously. "Your father?" Her brows drew close. "Was your father here today?" She pressed her lips together cluelessly.
Kyoya felt his eyebrow twitch lightly. Despite knowing the obvious answer, he found himself questioning whether or not this really was the girl he fell for. "The man I was with, in the central salon." He reminded her, letting out a sigh in an effort to remain calm.
Tapping a finger to lips, Miki hummed as she searched through the faces she had met that day. Her eyes widened as she gasped sharply, remembering the man's face. How could she not tell? Their similarities were uncanny. "Hehe, now that you mention it," She chuckled awkwardly, scratching her cheek. After studying Kyoya for a moment, she began to giggle softly. "So he is your father huh? What kind of person is he?" Leaning to the side, she asked.
"He's a successful man," He revealed with a hint of hesitation.
"You did mention he has high expectations in you, right? I can only imagine how exciting that is; I'm a little envious." Covering her lips elegantly, she giggled, causing a puzzled expression to appear on Kyoya's face.
Those who have met his father have always sympathized or pitied him because of his iron-fisted father; none had ever said something so unusual. He raised an eyebrow, studying her smile. "Why do you say that?" He questioned.
"Because you're an ambitious person who enjoys a good challenge, Kyoya-kun. So having such a high profiled father near you must be exciting, as the goal you want to surpass is standing right before you. But," Beaming up at him, Miki turned her body slightly, her dress fluttering along with her movements. "When you're with me, I would like you to relax, okay? Constantly working is bad for your panda-eyes, after all."
Eyes crinkling at her, Kyoya huffed out a breath. She wasn't wrong, as long as he couldn't reach his father's levels, things were never boring. Yet there was one thing she said; he still couldn't understand. "Why are you envious of my circumstances?" He hummed, stepping closer to her with a small smirk.
Blinking for a moment, Miki's eyes averted to the side before trailing down to a downcast. "Expectation isn't something that is placed blindly," She explained with a wistful smile. "Treating someone as they are will only result in them remaining as they are," Eye line flickering back to him, she tilted her head and held her hands to her chest. "Having expectations means he sees potential in you, Kyoya-kun."
Kyoya's eyes widened as he realized why she looked so dispirited. His hand moved on their own accord, closing the distance and brushing against her gleaming cheeks as he caressed them. "What are you talking about, Ouran Host Club's production designer?" He narrowed his eyes, and the corner of his lips curled up. "We all hold high expectations in you, I especially. Besides, you're going to receive that internship, aren't you?"
Miki gasped slightly at the mention. Her heart was overtaken by a warm fuzzy sensation. Her eyes rounded as her brows drew closer and she bit her bottom lip. Her hands that rested on her chest twitched slightly. Dipping her head, she gave a curt nod."Yes!" She chided earnestly. "I'll do my best!"
"Good girl," Instinctively, Kyoya rubbed his thumb over her cheek, only to flinch as it glazed against her lips. He momentarily drew back before allowing the tip of his finger trace her lips deliberately, watching as they parted slightly. They felt a little chapped under his touch, but he couldn't care less. He wanted to ask how she managed to intrigue him, enchant him, vex him to such a point of no return, yet his lips couldn't form the words because he was so focused on hers.
Hazel eyes were staring up blankly, Miki revelled in the foreign yet familiar feeling. She felt that same tingling sensation rush through her body as she noticed she had once again been holding her breath. Her heart was experiencing an inexplicably sweet sense of pain that squeezed in her chest, stifling her breath and hazing her mind. She couldn't understand what he was doing, or why he was doing it. She only knew that she didn't want him to stop. Unlike the many other times people have touched her, it didn't feel unpleasant. Whenever he did, it felt...
Safe.
However, before she could completely lose her thoughts into the daze of pleasure, her hand moved up to take his tensed hand and brought it a little further away from her face. Kyoya's eyes widened as he snapped out of his trace. Had he gone too far? Was he acting out of line? His questions were quickly answered when he felt a soft warmth press itself on his finger. He stared in bewilderment as the strawberry blonde, who had planted a sweet kiss on the tip of his index finger.
Pulling away, Miki averted her eyes with a bashful smile as she continued to hold his hand. "When you kissed me on my finger a few days ago, I felt a warm jolting sensation in my chest. It was strange yet very pleasant, so I wanted you to feel it as well." Peering up, she tilted her head with a flush of pink on her cheeks. "Did you feel it too, Kyoya-kun?"
Hearing her explanation, Kyoya breathed out a wry chuckle. "Yes." He admitted. "Yes, I-"
"Oh my, how ill-mannered... Who's daughter is she?"
"She might be a relative of that scholarship student..."
Before Kyoya could finish his sentence, a series of whispers spread through the crowd as well as collective gasps and points towards the center of the ballroom, Kyoya and Miki quickly turned around at the mention of the 'scholarship student,' finding Haruhi and Tamaki. The former was holding out a fork of food out to the blond, offering it to him as if they were a romantic couple. However, Haruhi seemed to have noticed the disapproving looks and whispers and was about to retract her offer when Tamaki reached forth and willingly ate the food, sending another wave of commotion through the crowd.
Seeing everything was under control, Kyoya returned his attention to Miki who watched over the events with a tranquil smile. Noticing how she still held onto his hand, he moved his thumb over her fingers and tugged her towards the dance floor, startling the girl.
"May I have this dance?" With a smug smirk and a quick bow, he invited.
"Eh?" Miki blinked awkwardly.
"Do you perhaps not know how to waltz?"
"No, I do." Shaking her head gently, she stepped onto the dance floor gingerly As the orchestra began to play the introductions to a new song, she loosened her hand from his and took both ends of her flowy chiffon dress. "However, I've never officially waltzed at a party like this," She explained as she lowered her head in a curtsey. "It will be another new experience for me," Lifting her head, she beamed softly.
Kyoya's eyes crinkled as he once again took her hand. "I'll be sure to make this a dance worthy of remembering then," He replied.