Chapter Text
-Chapter 50-
またね!
Sucking in a harsh breath, Miki peered up at the familiar door. Even after a year, it still looked the same. The same chipped birch surface, the same brass-coloured lock and doorknob - the sight of those alone could haunt her for many years to come. Even now, it took all of her built-in courage not to close her eyes, to let out a piercing scream and to turn on her heel and run away. Instead, she gripped onto the hem of her chiffon dress with clammy hands, digging her nails into the flesh of her palm until her knuckles turned white.
"Milady, are you alright?" Arden's soft voice pulled her out of her state of mind, effectively reminding her that she wasn't the only one waiting in the crowded hallway. Yuzuru and Shizue, as well as a couple of furniture movers, stood behind her, waiting in silence for her to give the signal.
"Perhaps it would have been better if you invited Master Tamaki or even Master Ootori?" He suggested.
Miki's eyes flickered to a downcast for a few moments. "No," She said, slowly shaking her head. Surely, the thought of her brother or Kyoya being by her side during this moment would be exceptionally reassuring, but...
"This is something I need to face on my own," She pronounced, eyes falling closed as her hammering heart drummed against her ears "I came to Japan thirteen years ago, and for thirteen years the only ones who knew of my existence within this room were you, father and grandmother. So that is why..." Lifting her head, she met the butler's anxious gaze. "That is why I want to say farewell to this room, with only the three of us." She replied, mustering a wistful smile.
Seeing such an obviously forced smile, Arden's expression distorted with pain. However, he couldn't find it within himself to shatter such a blatant lie, so instead, he lowered his head in a routine manner. "I understand." He whispered.
Shifting her focus back to the door before her, Miki took a deep breath as she attempted to calm her erratic heartbeat. Then, opening her eyes, she stared forth with a spark of resolution."I am ready. Arden, open this door." She ordered firmly.
"As you wish, Milady." Plucking the keycard out of his suit pocket in one smooth motion, Arden scanned the card, hearing the door let out that familiar beep and click before resting his hand on the knob.
As Arden opened the door, Miki felt a gush of wind brush past the nape of her neck, instantly draining all the courage she had built up within. For a few moments, the world seemed to fall away around her as she stared ahead blankly. Her vision became blurry, clouding the view before her as she took a staggering step backward.
Sensing her apprehension, Arden glanced over. "Rest assured; I will not close this door." He pledged, snapping Miki out of her trance.
Hearing such encouraging words, Miki felt herself letting go of a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Casting the butler's worried eyes a wry smile, she nodded. "I know you won't." She said; though the clenching of her hands seemed to betray how nervous she truly was. However, this time, she didn't back down. Instead. she kept her eyes glued forth in determination, pushing past the invisible barrier as she entered the room.
The same one she had spent thirteen years of her life.
Everything looked exactly as she'd remembered. The large, neatly-made bed, the organized desk and the elegant dining tables and chairs. All be it, the items were a little dusty. But it still seemed as if time didn't even make a dent on the state and condition of this room.
She could still see the lingering silhouettes of her and Arden in the golden sun rays, peeking through the windows next to her bed. She could still hear the past laughs they've shared as they made little arts and crafts at her desk, she could still hear the gentle scoldings he gave whenever she'd mess up on a waltz step and even his soothing voice reading out every line of 'Rapunzel' to her over and over again as they sat on her bed late into the night. In a daze, she took a few steps closer, gently brushing the tips of her fingers against the smooth surface of the light wood desk. The faint paint stains were still present, along with the strange little pencil doodles she made when she was daydreaming during a tutor's lecture. Everything was the same in this room, yet to Miki, something still felt... off.
"Miki?" Noticing how silent she was being, Yuzuru began to worry. "Is something the matter?" He asked, pacing over to rest a hand on her shoulder.
"Father... Is this the same room?" Miki muttered, not even bothering to glance up.
In the face of her strange question, Yuzuru raised an eyebrow at his daughter. "What are you talking about? Of course, it is the same one." He assured. "Why would we trick you otherwise?"
Miki didn't immediately respond. Instead, her gaze trailed upward as she took in the view of the room once more, almost acting as if she were seeing it for the first time in her life. "It's so... small." After a few moments, she said. "This place was once my entire world, but now..." Her voice trailed off as she began to walk, gingerly placing one foot before the other. "It takes only a couple of steps from my desk to the table and a couple more from the table to the window..." She demonstrated, hand running along the walls as she approached the window she spent so long, outside looking in. "The walls feel shorter; the windows feel lower, and..." She paused, eyes trailing down to the ground below. "I don't feel as if I'm that high up anymore..." She muttered, hand scrunching into a fist as she felt a wave of moisture begin to gather within her eyes. "To think such a small space like this was once my entire world... To think my world... was once so small..." She whispered.
"Miki..." Yuzuru's eyes softened.
"Are you ready?" Stepping into the room behind the two, Shizue called out in her usual stern voice.
"Huh?"
"It'll take time to move all this furniture downstairs, much less transported to the appointed site." Closing her eyes, the older woman reminded. "It'd be much preferable to do this at the golden hour, would it not?" She questioned, locking eyes with Miki.
Miki stared at her grandmother, wide-eyed for a few moments before breaking into a bright smile. "Yes, of course." She nodded, turning on her heel to face the woman completely. "Thank you, grandmother!"
***
In the vermillion sunset, Miki stared down at the soot-covered grounds beneath her feet in a contemplative state as Arden jogged up the hill, an unlit torch in hand. "Milady, the safety crew is on stand by, please go on ahead whenever you'd like." He said, lowering his head in a bow as he extended the torch.
"Thank you, Arden." Reaching out, Miki took hold of the wooden stave, watching as the butler pulled out a lighter, lining the mouth against the flammable tip. "So this is it, huh?" She muttered to no one in particular, watching as the small sparks blazed to life against the fuel-soaked cloth, reflecting in her hazel eyes as she raised the torch upwards.
"Yes." Arden nodded, placing the lighter back in his pocket as his gaze trailed down to the darkened pits below. Thanks to the lit torch, he could now see the contents within the pit a little more clearly. He could faintly make out the desk they used to work on, the tables and chairs they dined on and even the shelves that once held her precious books and DVD collections. He must admit, as unpleasant those memories were, there was still quite a bit of good that came with them. "Even if these furniture pieces were to burn, the pleasant memories they gave will continue to live within us... forever." He hummed, emerald eyes falling shut as if he were making a prayer.
"Indeed." Miki agreed. "It's time to say thank you... And good-bye."
With those simple words, she tossed the torch down into the pit below, watching with unblinking eyes as it fell atop of the wooden furniture and began to spread. The crackling flames cast a soft glow onto the sharp edges of those familiar pieces of furniture, ones that swayed along with the flame in the late spring breeze as they began to climb upward, engulfing the pieces as a whole. Miki stood silently, watching the blazes consumed what was beneath her in mere moments as tears began to swell up within her eyes and course down her cheeks.
Noticing the crystal-like droplets that stained her cheeks, Arden swiftly his attention towards the blonde anxiously. "Milady...?" He said, wondering if his suggestion had somehow worsened her mental state.
Hearing her name being called out, Miki immediately snapped out of her dazed state as she reached up to wipe away the tears with her hands. "I'm alright." She assured, quickly recomposing herself from what came over her. "It just... It just feels like the end of an era... Like a page in my storybook has finally turned..." She sniffled. "But I'll be alright, Arden." Brushing a lock of hair out of her face, she turned to face the man. "After all, I now have so many friends and family who will continue to walk with me from here on out." She said, eyes crinkling into a soft smile as the flames continued to rage beneath them, effectively burning away the chains that once tied her down.
Arden's eyes rounded for a few moments as he felt his nose begin to sore. The expressions of pain, excitement, joy and relief all simultaneously flashed across his face before he finally broke into a benevolent smile. "If that is what you wish, then I believe I have a letter for you." He informed, pulling a letter out of his suit pocket and passing it to Miki. "This arrived this morning in the post box." He announced.
Taking the letter curiously, Miki blinked as she read the address on the top left corner. "It's from..."
***
"...Boston?!" The next day within Music Room #3, the hosts all let out a collective gasp at the new information being brought before by the second-year.
Catching wind of their conversation, the guests couldn't help but join in. "Haruhi-kun, you're going abroad?!" They questioned in unison.
"Is your brain-addled?" Hikaru panicked, grabbing the brunette by the shoulders. "Boston is in the middle of nowhere!" He shouted, despite the information being completely untrue.
"At least go to Vegas or Beverly Hills if you're going to America!" Kaoru added.
Haruhi sweatdropped as she held a hand up in an attempted to make space between her and the spazzing brothers. "I heard it's a safe college town and ideally suited for studying abroad. Besides, I'm going there to study, so it doesn't matter if it's not a flashy place." She pointed out, though her weak attempts to calm the twins only seemed to aggravate them more.
"Why couldn't you wait until after high school to study abroad?!" They complained.
"I considered that too, especially after my dad said he could afford to send me if I turned down the scholarship this year, but I guess the thought that 'If I go now, it's free' really can't be beaten..." She sighed, pressing a palm to her cheek.
"Agh!" Hikaru let out a frustrated grunt before whipping his head around towards Tamaki. "Come on, Milord put up a fight!" He demanded. "You two just fell in love! You don't want to let her do so soon, do you?!"
"Hika-chan! Kao-chan! Shhh!" Honey warned, pointing at Renge who's eyes immediately began to sparkle at the words 'in love.'
"I support it." Ignoring the mass commotion taking place in the clubroom, Tamaki said smoothly. "After all, Haruhi decided only after careful consideration."
"Milord's sense of nobility has reared its ugly head...!" The twins complained. "If he thinks we'll meekly agree-"
Cutting the two off, Miki leaned forward to tap her brother on the shoulder. "Brother, it's time to leave, you know." She reminded with a small smile.
"Ah, that's right." Tamaki hummed, his gaze flickering over to the grandfather clock as he rushed to grab his back from the backroom. "By the way, I'll be busy with my training at Suoh Cooperation for a while, but I'll still stop in for Host Club events, of course." He said with his usually goofy grin.
"What?! Hold it!" The twins attempted to reach out and grab him only for the before large double doors to click closed before their very eyes. "Kyoya-senpai! Kyoya-senpai! How can you be alright with this-?" They swiftly turned to complain to the vice president, only to find the man already wearing his usual business smile and conversing with the teary-eyed guests.
"The Host Club will be certainly hosting a farewell party for Haruhi." He informed courteously. "We'll release a special photo collection and special goods to mark the occasion as well."
"Oh my! We'll absolutely buy it!" The girls squealed before collectively turning on their heels and rushing out of the club room. "We'll let everyone know immediately!" They cried, leaving Haruhi sweatdropping at the sight.
"When do you leave, Haruhi?" Kyoya then asked.
"Oh. Since the American school year starts in September, I thought I'd leave right after the Spring semester so that I'll have time to settle in." She replied.
"I see, that certainly sounds a bit hectic." Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Kyoya hummed. "You'll be doing your trip preparations during final exams. Then we'll hold the farewell party on the last night of the Spring Semester." He concluded.
"W-Wait! Hold on a second!" Hikaru protested.
"The end of the Spring Semester?! That's too soon!" Kaoru nodded his head furiously in agreement.
"Hikaru... Kaoru..." Watching as her two classmates made such a huge racket over the situation, Haruhi stepped forth in another attempt to comfort them. "I'm sorry I decided this on my own so suddenly, but I really hope you can understand." She said, her gaze flickering to a downcast. "I'm going to miss you all, but it's thanks to you all that I'm determined to strive for the best. It's thanks to you all, my world has expanded, and that's why..." She paused for a moment before glancing up at them with a tranquil smile. "That's why I need to go and broaden my perspective." She announced determinedly.
"Haruhi..." Hikaru murmured, rubbing his neck awkwardly.
"Yeah... We understand..." Wiping away the tears that began to form in his eyes, Kaoru reached forth to ruffle her soft brown hair.
"Kyoya-senpai, I have a little request." Turning to the third-year, Haruhi spoke. "It's not only the Host Club I have to thank. There's also my classmates who visit the Host Club, and I don't want to leave with them still believing a lie about me. So can't I..." She hesitated a little. "Can't I tell them the truth?"
Everyone's eyes widened a little.
***
And so, the following days passed quickly. During which, the students at Ouran Academy were beginning to prepare for their final exams of the semester as spring moved into summer. On such a day, the third-year trio was wandering through the halls along with their peers as they headed to the cafeteria for a much-needed lunch break.
"I wonder what's for lunch today?" Miki hummed, walking between her brother and Kyoya with a bounce to her step.
"I heard they have tiramisu for dessert, your favourite," Tamaki said playfully.
As Kyoya was about to comment on how carefree the two were acting despite the stressful time of year, they heard a familiar voice ring out of Classroom 2-A.
"Fujioka-kun, you're studying abroad in Boston, correct?" Peering in, they spotted Ayame hovering over Haruhi, having dropped a mountain of English workbooks onto the poor girl's desk. "At your current level, you should be able to get around and converse easily enough in English. But you may have trouble keeping up with your classes." She adjusted her glasses. "The Bostonian accent may be difficult to understand, as well. Therefore I'm prepared to tutor you in English every single day until you go. For starters, let us go over all this." She said, gesturing the entire pile.
"E-Everyday...?" Haruhi sweatdropped, a little intimidated by the workload her upperclassman was presenting. "But I've got final exams to study for... And-"
"Come now, scholarship student," Kyoya sounded. "If you can't do that much, are you really prepared for Boston?" He challenged with a slight smirk.
"That's right!" Miki chimed with an airy giggle. "Everyone is cheering you on, you know?"
"So do your best, Haruhi!" Tamaki waved.
Spotting her boyfriend in the hallway, Haruhi immediately perked up. "Ah, Tamaki-senpai..." She muttered, hurrying out of the classroom to meet him bashfully.
Realizing the brunette probably wanted to speak with Tamaki alone, Kyoya reached out to grab Miki's hand. "We'll go on ahead." He said before dragging her off.
"Alright, see you both later." Tamaki nodded, not noticing their interlaced fingers at all.
Peering over her shoulder at the two, Miki blinked. "I wonder what was that about?" She wondered out loud.
"She's probably inviting Tamaki out somewhere." Kyoya deduced.
"I see."
"Speaking of which," As they continued down the hallway, Kyoya glanced down at her. "Would you like to join me for dinner tonight? My father expressed interest in meeting you again." He invited, the corner of his lips lifting a little at the remembrance of his father's words.
Tapping a finger to her chin, Miki tilted her head apologetically. "Ah, I would love to, but big brother and I promised grandmother to eat dinner with her every night this term." She informed.
"That woman has become quite attached to the two of you," Kyoya commented as they entered the busy cafeteria.
"It's mostly big brother," Miki chuckled wryly. "But Arden thinks she's beginning to warm up to me as well. Did you know? Just the other day, she invited me to brew some chamomile tea for her as we talked." She announced with a sparkling smile.
Kyoya mused at her excitement. "What did you talk about?" He asked.
"She told me a few stories." Miki's gaze flickered upward thoughtfully as she recalled the event. "She told me about mother and father's first meeting, their first 'date,' their wedding... She also told me a little more about... why she chose mother." She paused for a moment, recollecting herself a little before continuing. "She said how mother was back then, really reminded her of her younger self. Driven, focused and ambitious..." Her voice trailed off.
Kyoya remained silent, watching as her expression turned into a wistful smile. He felt the fingers interlocked with his tighten a little.
"Say Kyoya-kun... I want to go see her again someday." She admitted quietly. "When I get older, more successful, more influential. I want to show my mother and make her proud of what sort of person her daughter has become." As she glanced up to face him, Kyoya witnessed a peculiar sight. His eyes widened, spotting the same hint of determination that flashed across her hazel eyes like a shooting star, much like that time on the balcony under the velvet night skies of Madrid.
He couldn't help but huff out a laugh.
"I'm sure she will." He assured, leaning in close to press his forehead against hers.
Once Miki flashed her signature radiant smile, Kyoya pulled away with a knowing smirk on his lips. "As much as I'd love to continue this conversation, I couldn't help but notice an air of hostility burning into my back." He informed in his usual calm voice, despite the singeing gaze that drilled into his backside.
Confused by what he meant, Miki tilted her head to the side, peering over his shoulder to spot Reiko standing in the lunch line in the distance, glaring at them as she fiddled with something in her hands. "Ah! It's Reiko-chan!" She chirped.
"I'll see you later."
"Okay!" After giving him a small wave, Miki bounced over to the raven-haired girl. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Reiko-chan." She sang, plucking a lunch tray before noticing the strange braid Reiko was weaving in her hands at a remarkable pace. "Huh? Is that another hex?" She asked.
"Yes..." Reiko grinned darkly. "It is a hex I plan on unleashing it soon."
Miki cocked her head to the side. "Really? On who?"
"Ootori-senpai." The black magician announced with a tone of spite laced in her voice.
Nearly choking on her saliva, Miki immediately flew into a panic. "Eh? Kyoya-kun?" She stuttered. "W-Why would you do that?" She questioned anxiously.
"Because that wretched man has probably placed an extremely potent spell on you, for you to be spending so much time by his side," Reiko grumbled, her hands dancing with the fabric strings as she began to weave the braid at an even quicker pace than before - if that was even possible. "I cannot forgive that. Therefore I must counteract with an equally powerful curse to plague his family for at least the next ten generations to come with such bad luck he'll wish he was never born-"
"Ahhh! Reiko-chan, stop stop! Please don't do that to Kyoya-kun!" Reaching a hand out to stop Reiko's hands from moving any further, Miki cried out.
Reiko stared blankly at her dearest friend, wide-eyed.
"Things with my family have been a little hectic lately, so I've been relying on him a lot for advice on press interviews and public appearances." She explained with a weary smile. "That's the reason why I've been spending so much time with him lately."
The raven-haired girl didn't immediately respond. Instead, her onyx-like eyes flickered downward, seeming a little dejected by something. Miki tilted her head to the side, wondering what could still be bothering her.
"Ah, perhaps have you been lonely?" She questioned bluntly, causing Reiko to jolt a little. Miki couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "I guess it has been a while since we've last hung out together." She hummed. "Then why don't we go see a horror movie this weekend, just the two of us?"
"R-Really?" Reiko's mood seemed to perk up a little at that suggestion. "I'd like that..." She murmured, averting her eyes bashfully.
"Alright, then it's settled." Miki giggled before glancing down at the little black braid her friend held in her hands. "So, um... What are you going to do about that hex then?" She asked.
Reiko hesitated for a moment, staring down at the half-finished braid thoughtfully. "Are you happy with that man?" After a while, she finally asked.
"Of course I am," Miki assured, her expression breaking into a soft beam. "I love him a lot."
The black magician nodded. "Then I'll save it. In the case that man were to shatter your soul, I unleash it and ten other curses upon him." She declared, another dark chuckle sounding from her throat.
"Hehe, thank you, Reiko-chan."
As the two girls continued down the lunch line, Reiko couldn't help but glimpse at her friend once more. Then, she voluntarily opened her mouth, reluctantly pushing the words past her lips. "Miki-san, are you really going to be...?" Her voice trailed off, seeming afraid to continue.
"Hm?" Miki glanced over, taking a moment to process her question as her smile dropped a little. "Oh. Yeah, I am." She hummed, averting her eyes to stare down at her empty lunch tray.
"I see..." Reiko's brows drew a little closer. "If that's the case, why is Fuijoka-san holding a good-bye party, but you aren't?" She asked.
"Kyoya-kun told me to hold off on it," Miki said, absently reaching out to grab a cup of coffee. "He said he has a prediction on how things will turn out, and it'll be much more interesting if I kept it a secret for now. So..." Turning to Reiko, she lifted her index finger and pressed it against her lips with a mischievous wink. "I only decided to tell my best friend about it."
Reiko's eyes rounded a little in a mixture of glee and loneliness. While she was elated Miki saw her as 'her best friend,' she still couldn't shake off the woeful feeling that rose within her chest. She turned away wistfully, staring down at her empty tray. "I see. I'll... miss you." She muttered, voice barely audible.
"I'll miss you too, Reiko-chan." The blonde's hazel eyes crinkled softly. "Message me if you run into any trouble, alright? I'll come running."
The second-year simply nodded, leaving Miki still a little unnerved about her friend's reluctance to speak. She watched her friend's silent figure worriedly before noticing the lunch menu flashing directly above them. She peered up, an idea quickly forming in her mind. "Hey, Reiko-chan." Tugging on the hem of her sleeve, she called out the black magician. "I feel like having the C Lunch Set today, so would you like the included Black Forest Cake?" She asked with a knowing head tilt.
The raven-haired girl blinked a little, seemingly catching onto what Miki was implying. "Then... I'll take the F Lunch Set so that you can have the Tiramisu." She said, the corner of her lips rising slightly.
"Deal!" Nodding curtly, Miki chirped.
***
After a few more weeks, the final exams for the spring semester came and went. And as per usual - Fujioka Haruhi had ranked first in her grade, officially solidifying her place as the exchange student set to depart for Boston during the upcoming fall semester.
"Alright, everyone." With all the hosts' par Haruhi gathered in Music Room #3, Tamaki cleared his throat, resting his hands on his hips in his usual flamboyant mannerism. "Tomorrow night is the farewell party. Are the designs for the Central Salon ready, Miki?" He asked, pointing at the strawberry blonde.
"Of course, all the parts have arrived this morning," Miki affirmed happily.
"Excellent." Tamaki hummed. "We'll set our plan into action then, so everyone make sure you know your part."
"Ordering us around when you haven't helped with the party preparations at all..." Hikaru grumbled in annoyance.
Ignoring the elder twin, Tamaki lifted his pen. "Just to be sure, let's review the plan one more time-"
"We've got it alright, Tama-chan. But do you really think this plan will work?" Honey interrupted, taking another bite of his cake with a thoughtful expression.
Kaoru nodded in agreement. "What happens if it doesn't?" He asked. "If Kyoya-senpai's assumptions are wrong-"
Presented with the ginger's worries, Tamaki rubbed his chin before shrugging. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there!" He announced boldly, causing everyone else to sweatdrop a little.
"You need to take this seriously!" The twins shouted.
Listening to their usual lively complaints and banters, Tamaki huffed out a small laugh. "Well, I want to believe." He stated, sapphire-coloured eyes flickering to a thoughtful downcast"Both in the time Haruhi spent with us in the host club and in all our customers who have watched over her through it all."
"One last thing." Cutting his semi-inspirational speech short, Kyoya raised his hand. "Our president announcement to make." He said, gesturing Tamaki with a sigh.
"Huh? I do?" Tamaki cocked his head to the side as all eyes shot to him.
***
"Ladies and Gentlemen," On the final day of the Spring Semester, July 20th, 5 p.m. in the evening, countless people were gathered in Ouran Academy's dimly lit Central Salon. Tamaki stood at the top of the grand staircase, speaking into the rustling crowd with his a mysterious voice. "Thank you very much for attending the farewell party for our Host Club member who is leaving to study abroad. Though we call it a farewell party, it is our club's mission to ensure our guests always enjoy themselves. Thus, the theme of tonight's party is a Host Club-style masquerade!"
With his crisp announcement, the lights within the central salon flickered to life in unison, casting a bright glow across the crowd as the sophisticatedly dressed guests began to gasp in awe and surprise. Everyone present either wore or held a detailedly designed mask that complimented their extravagant outfits for the refined evening. This included the hosts, who were spaced out along each side of the grand stairway as they lowered their heads in a bow.
Haruhi peered down curiously.
The regular guests who visited the host club almost daily, the members of the athletic clubs and recreational clubs, pretty much every single one of the classmates the host club had come into contact with over the course of the year, were present at the masquerade ball.
As the party went into full swing, the brunette found herself surrounded by her beloved classmates of Class 2-A.
"So it's finally time, Haruhi-kun..." Wiping a tear that formed in the corner of her eye, Momoka sniffled. "Have you made all your preparations?"
"Yes, more or less." Haruhi nodded wearily.
"Listen to us, Princesses. You won't believe how heartless this guy is!" Resting a hand on her shoulder, Hikaru shook his head. "It's too late to do anything about studying abroad, but when we offered to use our family jet to visit every weekend, Haruhi said..."
"'I forbid you,'" Kaoru continued, raising his arms in a cross shape as he imitated Haruhi's apathetic demeanour. "'Since I only get one year there, I don't have time to be playing around.' That's what she said! Isn't it mean?" He whined.
"Hehe, that does sound like Haruhi-kun." Kimiko giggled lightly.
Just at that moment, Haruhi noticed that the cluster of students toward the side began to parted way, revealing Miki of all people approaching her from a distance. "Haruhi? Would you like to dance with me?" She offered, extending her hand out with a bright smile.
"Miki-senpai?" Haruhi stuttered, a little estranged by the sudden development. "Why? I'm afraid I can't really dance-"
"Is that so? Because that's definitely not what I've heard." Miki blinked, cocking her head to the side with a hint of mischief laced in her voice. "I've heard you're actually quite a splendid dancer, so much so you managed to score a kiss after your last-"
Haruhi immediately tensed at the reminder. "Alright, alright!" She interrupted, waving her hands frantically before huffing out a sigh. "I'd love you to dance with you, Miki-senpai." She bowed, lips forming a wry smile.
As the two moved out to the dance floor along the soft waltz music, Haruhi seemed to notice both of the twins hustling out of the central salon, seemingly in a panic.
Where are they going? She wondered.
"Haruhi, is something wrong?" Miki asked curiously, interrupting her train of thought.
"Oh, it's nothing." The brunette shook her head, shifting her attention back to her upperclassman as she stared down at her dress. Upon closer inspection, the fiery red gown seemed to incorporate some intricate butterfly-like designs along the edges of the ruffles, fanning out to a beautiful black gradient. "Hey Miki-senpai, is your dress themed after a butterfly?" She asked absently.
The blonde nodded curtly. "It is! Though I originally wanted to use an alligator as the theme, Arden just wouldn't allow it. Something about how it wouldn't befit such an extravagant event." She hummed, eyes averting upward as she recalled the memory. "So, we ended up deciding on a butterfly-theme with a traditional Spanish flare."
Haruhi blanked for a second as she processed her upperclassman's words. Her first reaction was to deadpan at how ridiculous an alligator themed dress would be, but for some reason this time, her antics felt oddly comforting. So much so, she had to stifle a chuckle. "You really haven't changed, Miki-senpai." She laughed.
"Huh?"
"Remember when we visited the water park?" Haruhi reminded. "You almost got your arm bitten off trying to pet one of the alligators."
"Of course, I do!" Miki nodded happily. "What about last summer when we were in Karuizawa? Do you remember that? It was so much fun!" She said, her cheeks practically gleaming.
"We could always go to a local one again sometime." Haruhi offered, sweatdropping at her enthusiasm. "Ah, if you don't get kidnapped to Spain again, that is."
"I won't anymore, I promise." Miki giggled. "Though if there is anywhere I'd like to go again, it'd be to the mountains." She stated, eyes twinkling brightly at the memory. "The snow was beautiful up there!"
"Right..." Haruhi's voice trailed off, her eyes dulling a little. "Hopefully, Hikaru doesn't get stuck in a snowstorm again..." She murmured.
Sensing something off within her underclassman, Miki tilted her head to try and get a better look at her face. "What's wrong, Haruhi? You look upset." She pointed out.
"I-I'm not upset," Stuttering as she shook her head, Haruhi denied. "I was just thinking about how today is my last day here. And how I still never found the right time to tell everyone the truth about me..."
Miki's eyes rounded a little at her words. Then without a particular reason, she broke into her usual radiant smile. "Don't worry, Haruhi." She chimed, supporting Haruhi's leading dance steps in a fluid motion. "Just because you are leaving to study abroad, doesn't mean our stories together ends here. Besides, Kyoya-kun and my brother were the ones who thought of this plan; I'm sure it will work out for the best." She assured cryptically.
"Plan...?" The brunette raised an eyebrow suspiciously. However, before she could pursue it too much, she felt a shadow loom from behind. Whipping her head around, she saw Mori towering over them, dressed in a bard-like outfit.
"M-Mori-senpai?!" Breaking out of the waltz, Haruhi unintentionally stumbled backward into Miki.
The blonde, however, simply beamed at the sight of the silent giant. "Ah, is it time already? Alright, then." Giving Haruhi a final knowing smile, she pressed her hands firmly into her shoulders before shoving the girl forward into the university-student. "Mori-senpai, catch!" She warned, watching as he immediately hauled the confused brunette over his shoulder with his usual stoic expression.
"Wha- Ah? AHHHH!" Before either she or the guests present had the time to even process what was happening, Haruhi was then carried out of the central salon by Mori, Honey trailing not far behind.
"Good Luck, Haruhi!" Miki giggled, waving her hands with her airy smile before turning to peer up at her brother, who stood at the top of the grand staircase. They exchanged eye-contact, the elder giving her a wink and a thumbs up. Receiving the signal, Miki quickly donned her mask before making her way to the lighting panel in the corner of the ballroom.
While at first bewildered by the 'kidnapping' of the night's guest of honour, guests' attention were then quickly stolen away as the lights within the central salon began to dim, leaving the flickering candles held to the walls as the only light sources of the evening.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I hereby propose a small game for your diversion." Tamaki cleared his throat, calming the crowd down to rustles and whispers. "Right now, I implore everyone to don your masks, and you shall find that even the identities of those near you will be obscured within the dimmed lights." He instructed, sliding his own mask down into its place on his face. " I would like you to search for tonight's guest of honour, who will soon be departing from Ouran. I present to you, 'the Great Hunt for Haruhi!'" He announced, causing the guests to break into cries of excitement as they donned their masks, all eagerly ready to participate in the event.
***
Leaning against the walls of the central salon, Kyoya kept his gaze fixated on the guests as they each broke off, observing anyone and everyone beyond their masks within the ballroom. Though the countless cries for Haruhi fell short to his ears, as he was lost in thought himself. That day when I learned that everyone knew about the situation regarding Tamaki's mother within the Suoh family, I worried that they knew about Haruhi as well. It's the nature of fans to wish to know everything about the object of their adoration. If that's true, they likely already know about her secret. They knew, yet they still kept quiet about it. Hearing a nearby door close softly. He peered over just in time to spot Haruhi standing awkwardly in the darkness wearing a long-haired wig as well as a pale white gown and a matching swan-like mask. He smirked. This is a gamble, Haruhi. He declared mentally. But we are really betting on, is the strength of the bond you've built with these girls.
Sure enough, Momoka soon noticed the mysterious brunette standing silently at the door. "Hey, is that...?" She whispered as she and Kimiko approached the stranger.
"May I?" Kimiko asked sweetly, gesturing Haruhi's mask. Unable to make a peep, Haruhi simply nodded nervously.
Reaching forth, Kimiko gently removed the mask from the brunette only to let out a small chuckle. "I thought so." She hummed.
"We found you, Haruhi-kun." Momoka chimed, the rest of Class 1-A surrounding them, each wearing warm smiles.
Gaze sweeping across each of their benevolent expressions, Haruhi felt her nose go sore. "Everyone..." She whispered.
"We knew, Haruhi-kun," Kimiko said softly. "We've known for a while, and we think these clothes are the ones that suit you best too."
"And we also know about your relationship with Tamaki-sama," Renge added eagerly, shoving the approaching blond towards the brunette.
"Huh?" Tamaki yelped, his face turning red at the notion.
"Aweee, you're blushing!"
As the regulars began to tease and gush over the two's relationship, Kyoya noticed the chandeliers hanging within the salon had once again brightened. He hummed, glancing over at the lighting panel to spot Miki standing alone in the crowd. Though he couldn't clearly see her expression through her red, butterfly-like mask, he could somehow sense the tranquil aura that emitted off of her. His eyes crinkled gently.
I've really gotten soft. He thought to himself before donning his mask and making his way towards her.
Noticing the familiar figure that weaved through the crowd, Miki's cheeks immediately brightened. "Ah, Kyo-" She was about to call his name when he interrupted her mid-sentence, pressing his index finger against her lips as if telling her to stay quiet. She cocked her head to the side, watching as he slowly lowered his body in a sincere bow before offering out his hand.
"May I have this dance?" As the orchestra began to play the introduction to a new song, the masked man peered up at his girlfriend with a soft gaze.
As per usual, it took Miki a little time to process what he was saying. Though once the information when through, her expression quickly broke into a bright beam. Reaching out to place her hand in his, she lifted the corner of her ballgown in a curtsy. "I'd be delighted to." She replied.
As the two were whisked away to the dance floor, moving to the given music, they had somehow managed to garner a small crowd of onlookers with how grand their steps were. Now that Kyoya thought back on it, Miki was quite the remarkable dancer for someone who had been locked up for so long. Whenever he'd intentionally lead her into a tricky turn or step, she could always catch on and continue flawlessly.
There's still a lot I don't know about her...
"This is the second time we've danced like this, you know?" Miki said with a giggle, pulling Kyoya out of his thoughts.
He blanked for a moment before allowing a small smirk to curl upon his lips. "You remembered?"
"Of course!" She chirped. "You told me that you'd make it a dance worthy of remembering. You were right about that, Kyoya-kun."
"I suppose I was." Kyoya hummed as he led her into a turn, watching as she followed along with little hesitation. "Your movements are a little more fluid this time." He noted.
"Hm?" Miki's hazel eyes rounded in confusion before catching onto what he meant. "Ahh, that's because of Arden." She explained with a dry laugh.
Kyoya gave her a weird look.
"Ever since he returned to me, he's been diligent in making sure my basic skills as a lady of nobility hasn't deteriorated." She elaborated.
"So he's been making you practice the waltz?"
"Mhm." Miki nodded, gaze flickering upward thoughtfully. "He's always wanted me to be good at dancing ever since I was young, so he's made me practice lots. Don't be too surprised if I've become much better-" Before she could finish her sentence, however, she felt something other than the marble ground under her heels.
"Ah."
She glanced down, realizing that she had indeed stepped on Kyoya's foot. Though that didn't seem to last long, as the next thing she felt was her body leaning towards the side as she began to fall.
Kyoya sighed. Sliding his hands down, he secured his grip around her waist before turning on the ball of his foot, gingerly lifting her into the air in a sweeping motion.
"Oh my!"
"Look at that!"
The crowd immediately began to gasp and point at the sight.
Miki stared into Kyoya's eyes in a slight daze. She could feel the soft breeze weaving through her hair as well as the rustling of her gown, but she still had yet to process that she was now being held up in the air like a precious gem of some sort. Though before she could even realize that Kyoya had conveniently covered up her prior mistake, he had already placed her back onto the ground and continued to dance as if nothing happened.
"How cute!" Someone in the crowd hollered. Though their voice, Miki quickly recognized them as Sora.
Kyoya peered down at Miki's blank expression. "I thought you said you have been practicing." He commented smugly.
Miki chuckled, seemingly unbothered by her previous blunder. "I guess I slipped up a little there."
"EHHHHH?!" Before she could say anything else, a loud scream erupted from the outer balcony of the school, surprising everyone within the ballroom.
"W-What was that?" Miki whipped her head around worriedly.
"Probably Haruhi finally finding out that idiot is going with her to Boston to study abroad." Kyoya shrugged, much more relaxed about his underclassman's loud yelp in comparison. "Moreover," He sighed. "Is 'that' ready?"
Miki nodded. "Mhm. Father says it's ready whenever we are." She chimed.
"Excellent," Kyoya muttered in a low voice. Though as he began to think a little more about their upcoming plans, his gaze wandered to the side as he noticed a group of familiar-looking students staring right at them. He immediately recognized a few of them as members of Miki's self-proclaimed 'fan club,' and it seems as if the roster for that ridiculous club has since expanded since Miki's first press appearance.
That thought alone didn't side right.
"Miki." Making sure that they were watching, Kyoya called out to the blonde.
"Hm?" Feeling his palm cup her cheek, she glanced up at him in curiosity only to feel Kyoya press a kiss directly onto her lips. While this kiss wasn't one of those lengthy and sensual kisses, it wasn't short and sweet either. Instead it seemed to be firm and driven, as if he were making a statement of some sort. As they parted, Miki blinked a little. "What was that for?" She asked, tilting her head to the side
Kyoya didn't immediately respond. Instead, his gaze flickered over to the 'fan club' for a second to see just a few annoyed expressions glaring right back. He huffed out a triumphant laugh. "Just marking my territory," He answered, tracing his thumb over her stained lips. "I needed to make it clear to the others that you're mine."
Miki averted her eyes to the side, humming at the notion. "Then, it's the same for me, right?" She questioned absently.
Kyoya raised an eyebrow at her.
"Well, you are mine too, right?" Turning to glance back at him, Miki pointed out with a slight pout. "If not, that'd be a little unfair."
At first, Kyoya found himself estranged by the question. But before he even realized, he nodded. "Of course, I'm all yours." He assured.
Satisfied with that answer, Miki's cheeks quickly began to flush faintly with happiness. She reached up to wrap her arms around his neck before pulling herself closer to him with a small smile. "I love you, Kyoya-kun." She whispered just loud enough for him to hear. "With everything I am."
Kyoya smiled softly. Securing his arms around her waist, he leaned in to press his forehead against hers. "I love you too." He replied.
***
(A/N: Italics are words spoken in English... in this Japanese story)
Haruhi sighed, stepping around a sleeping Antoinette with a few emptied boxes in hand. It had only been three days since she's moved to Boston, and Tamaki was already making a big deal about blocking off the door that connected their apartments. As much as she loved him, he really was a grand idiot.
As she began to put away the plates and bowls in the nearby kitchen cabinet, she caught herself thinking about the members of the host club whom she left back in Japan. It felt strange, knowing that she wouldn't be seeing them every day as she had before.
It was a little lonely.
However, before her thoughts could entirely drown out her surroundings, the doorbell to her apartment chimed, causing her and Tamaki to put the unpacking on a halt. "Hello? We're your new neighbours."
"Oh!" Weaving around the boxes, Haruhi quickly rushed to unlock the door. "Hi! I'm sorry I haven't stopped by to introduce myself yet-" She peeked out nervously to find...
"Hello!"
Standing in the hallway of their apartment, were six familiar faces smiling back at her. The same six she had been thinking about mere moments ago.
Haruhi immediately slammed the door shut in a state of shock. She jerked her head around to stare at Tamaki, who broke into a cold sweat as he had already recognized the voices of their new 'neighbours.' However, before either of them could say anything, the apartment door was forced open on the other end, and the hosts came trotting in as if they owned the place.
"So every room has the same layout, I see." Hikaru hummed.
"These apartments are quite spacious." Miki nodded, observing the space around her curiously.
"The view is nice really too," Honey added.
"Yeah." Mori agreed, petting Piyo on his shoulder as Pome rested in his arms.
"You two have rooms on the fourth floor, right?" Kaoru asked as he peered over his shoulder at Kyoya. "Our rooms have a huge tree in front of the window." He complained.
"No complaining over something that was decided by drawing lots," Kyoya said firmly.
"W-Why are you guys here?!" Hearing the sound of her sanity snapping, Haruhi shouted.
"Haha, surprised to see us?" The twins laughed, reverting their language back to Japanese. "We sure had a tough time planning all of this the day before the farewell party."
"We decided it was time for us to study abroad too." Honey said.
"But how?!" Tamaki shrieked, flailing his arms around at the shattering of his dreams of a 'beautiful daily life with Haruhi.' "How did you guys end up in the same apartment building too?!" He questioned.
"We just happened to know the owner of the apartment complex," Kyoya shrugged as an unbalanced smile surfaced upon his lips. "Though we are quite lucky there even happened to be empty rooms here."
"Say, big brother?" Miki called out, covering her lips with the tips of her fingers. "Do you remember how my birthday was a little more than two ago?" She asked, watching as Tamaki nodded. "Well, this year, I asked father for something a little peculiar, as he called it." She hinted with a small head tilt.
"D-Don't tell me..." Haruhi began to sweat profusely.
"Mhm! I asked for an apartment complex in Boston." She chimed happily, lifting an all-knowing finger.
"Ah, but don't get us wrong. We aren't here for you two at all." Hikaru grinned.
"Miki-senpai here happened to win that production sketch internship based here in Boston," Kaoru proclaimed proudly as he ruffled his upperclassman's hair affectionately. "So, we all decided to follow her here too."
"W-What?!" Tamaki's jaw dropped at the months-old announcement. "You won that contest?! Why do I not know about this?" He asked, fingers twitching as tears of betrayal began circling his eyes.
"Perhaps you have been so busy riding on the thrill of being in love to the point you didn't notice." He commented with a clear sense of smugness in his tone, sending Tamaki sprawling to the ground in shock.
"M-Miki-senpai..." Haruhi peered up at the girl with strawberry brown hair in a mixture of fear and panic.
"I told you already, didn't I?" Keeping her finger pressed to her lips, Miki chuckled. "Just because you are leaving to study abroad, doesn't mean our stories together ends here. The spring of our lives are far from over, so let us continue to our next adventure!" She announced.
"Yeah!"
Following along with her, the twins and Honey threw their fists in the air, letting a collective cheer as Kyoya and Mori watched on the side with calm smiles. Tamaki was collapsed to the ground in dejection while Haruhi was beginning to tear up, regretting even missing these idiots.
As the group began to tease Haruhi and Tamaki, Miki noticed something out of the corner of her eye. Glancing over, her eyes widened for a second before breaking into a bright smile.
"Adios~!" She whispered, winking.