Chapter One
"Terou, can we please get a move on? Soma has been waiting for twenty minutes already!" said Usagi Oshiro, calling up the marble staircase to her older brother.
Her voice echoed through the massive mansion, which was seemingly vacant save for Usagi, Terou, and a handful of trusted maids. The two were students at Ouran Academy, the most prestigious school in the area, Usagi being a first year and Terou being a third year. Of course, such a reputation did not come cheap, but money was far from a problem for their parents — their father was a CEO of the most popular electronic company in all of Japan, and their mother was a partner at the biggest law firm in the country. Due to the fact that they were both very important people, their parents tended to be away regularly for extended periods of time, so Usagi and Terou were used to it being just the two of them.
"Terou — come on!"
"I'm coming! Jeez. . . ."
Finally, after several attempts to get his attention, Terou emerged from upstairs, sauntering his way towards his sister. He looked impeccable as always, his long dark, russet locks falling to his shoulders, and his dark, warm eyes sparkling brightly. His school uniform fit him perfectly, the blue blazer and black slacks fit like a glove, as if tailored especially for him (they were, of course). Usagi rolled her eyes at him and turned on her heel, the skirt of her pale yellow dress twirling as she did so.
"Would it kill you to move a little faster? I wouldn't bother calling Soma if he's going to just have to wait around twenty minutes," said Usagi as they headed towards the front doors, which the maids eagerly opened for them.
"Usagi, I hate to break it to you, but Soma's our driver; he's paid to wait around for us," Terou said with a shrug. "And I can try to hurry, but you know I have to look my best. My clients —"
"Your clients expect nothing short of exemplary, I know," Usagi muttered.
Terou joined a club last year. It was called the Host Club, and he joined it at the end of his first year at Ouran Academy, and he was now going into his second year of being a host. Usagi wasn't much of a fan — the Host Club had taken her brother, who was once her fun-loving best friend, and turned him into a womanizing pretty boy who spent all his time with six other womanizing pretty boys. Though, since the beginning of the school year, it seemed as though another boy had fallen victim to the Host Club's charm — a boy by the name of Haruhi Fujioka, who was in the same class as Usagi.
The two reached the limo, which sat running in their driveway, and climbed in to the back. After they situated themselves and buckled up, the limo began rolling forward.
"Good morning, Lady Usagi and Sir Terou," said Soma, an older gentleman who had been their driver ever since Usagi could remember. "I see we're having yet another slow morning, hm, Sir Terou?"
Terou smiled softly. "Well, Soma, the Host Club is preparing for the party tomorrow evening, so we've been making sure all our clients attend, which means a little extra effort to look my best."
"You spend more time getting ready than I do," Usagi said, rolling her eyes yet again.
"Well, you look lovely as always, Lady Usagi," said Soma from the front, and Terou snorted with laughter.
"Oh, and what's so funny?" Usagi muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Nothing is funny, per say, but I think it's amusing that he chose the word lovely to describe you," Terou said simply. "The women who come to the Host Club — now, they're lovely. If you put half as much effort into getting ready as I did, then maybe —"
The limo stopped abruptly, causing Usagi and Terou to lurch forward. Soma turned around and stared at Terou through the open window that would normally separate the driver from the two siblings.
"Soma, did you slam on the brakes?" snapped Terou, rubbing his chest where the seat belt had tightened to prevent him from falling out of his seat. "We're not even out of the driveway, there's no reason to drive so recklessly —"
"And there's no reason for you to speak to Lady Usagi like that," Soma said sternly. Terou flinched under the driver's harsh tone. "Sir, I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to speak to a lady in such a way, especially a lady such as your sister. She deservers more respect than that."
Terou rolled his eyes. "Oh, she knows I was only kidding."
"Kidding or not, you can't talk to your sister that way," Terou said sharply. "You talk quite a bit about that Host Club of yours, don't they teach you how to treat women?"
"Yes, women, but not Usagi. It's different, she's my sister."
"It doesn't matter if she's your sister. Treat her how you would want any boy to treat her," Terou scolded. "I'll have to speak to your etiquette teacher, Miss Aina. Maybe she could refresh your manners."
Terou paled at the name — Miss Aina was an older woman who had helped care for them since they were both infants. She served as both the head maid and their etiquette teacher. She was a very kind and caring woman, but she was also very strict, and whenever one of the siblings showed even the slightest bit of disrespect (normally Terou), they'd have to spend two weeks having after school etiquette lessons that would go long into the night. Terou and Miss Aina never saw eye to eye, so she was always a bit more strict with him and tended to be a bit harsher in their lessons.
"No, no, there's no need to speak to Miss Aina," Terou said quickly. "I-I'm sorry, it won't happen again."
"Don't apologize to me," Soma said stiffly, "apologize to Lady Usagi."
Terou sighed and looked to his younger sister, who sat there silently in her seat, looking down at her lap, her luxurious waves of glossy chestnut locks hiding her tear brimmed eyes — the old Terou would have never said anything like that, jokingly or not. That stupid Host Club. . . .
"I'm sorry, Usagi," Terou said. "I didn't mean it."
Usagi clenched her fists and blinked back the tears before lifting her head and narrowing her eye at her brother. "Y'know, maybe you do need to spend all that time getting ready in the bathroom — lord knows your clients wouldn't want to see what you looked like without make up on, and your hair in the morning? What a travesty! And don't even get me started on your morning breath!"
Terou's eyes widened. "Why you little —"
"Oh brother," Soma sighed to himself, rolling up the window to help mute the arguing from the backseat before he started the drive to Ouran Academy.
Soon they arrived at the school, which was swarming with young men and women alike, all dressed in the same uniform as Usagi and Terou. Once they slowed to a stop, Terou happily got out of the car and was instantly flocked by girls, all cooing compliments and praises.
"Oh, Terou, you look spectacular today!"
"Your hair is so soft!"
"Is that a new cologne?"
"Wow, your skin is just glowing today!"
Terou smiled at his fans, gently pulling away from them. "Ladies, as always, it's wonderful to see you. May I walk you all to class?"
"Oh, Terou!"
As Terou and his posse walked off towards the main building on the academy, Usagi sank in her seat, sighing heavily.
"Are you okay, Lady Usagi?" said Soma. "Do you need assistance getting out of the car?"
"No, no," Usagi sighed. "I'm fine, but. . . . Soma, do you think I could go home instead of having to go to school today? I don't think I can stand another day watching and listening to girls gawk over my brother."
Soma smiled softly. "I'm afraid Miss Aina wouldn't approve of you missing school."
Usagi nodded — she knew the answer to her question before she even asked. With another soft sigh, she picked her bag up off the floor of the car and headed towards the open door, but Soma spoke before she left.
"However, if you still don't feel up to school by the time lunch rolls around, I suppose I could come get you. I'll simply tell the office you have a doctors appointment," Soma said.
Usagi paused and smiled softly at Soma. "I'll let you know."
"Very well then. Now, hurry off to class, you don't want to be late."
Usagi grinned, thankful for Soma, and left the car, headed towards the building in much higher spirits than before. She made her way through the hallways, politely greeting people as she went, but for the most part keeping to herself. She made her way to her classroom and sat down in her seat, which, much to her displeasure, was right next to one of the Hitachiin twins, Kaoru — he and his brother, Hikaru, were members of the Host Club. And, even more unfortunate, the twins were already there, along with Haruhi, the three chatting happily amongst themselves.
However, as Usagi sat down, something weird happened — the twins, who had never so much as spoken to Usagi, despite being in the same class as her since middle school, looked at her as she sat down, watching her intently. She tried her best to pay them no attention, but as she placed her notebook on her desk, she found the desk was suddenly occupied by both twins leaning on either side of it, staring directly at her.
"Excuse me," Usagi said, jumping slightly. "But what are you doing?"
"You're Usagi Oshiro, right?" said one of the twins.
"Terou's little sister?" the other said.
"Erm, yes," she said slowly.
"Hm," one twin hummed. "You're very pretty — don't you agree, Hikaru?"
"Mhmm, I think you're right, Kaoru," said Hikaru with a smile before looking back to Usagi. "So, Usagi, how come we haven't seen you much?"
"You do know your brother is part of the host club, right?" added Kaoru. "How come we've never seen you there?"
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Please, as if I would ever come there," she scoffed. "Sitting around with a bunch of other girls fawning over some womanizing, sleazy boys? No thanks, I have better things to do."
"Womanizing?" said Hikaru.
"Sleazy?" Kaoru added.
"What makes you say that?" the two said in unison.
Usagi shook her head, remembering one of the many etiquette lessons she had with Miss Aina.
"Remember, Miss Usagi, if you have nothing nice to say, it's best to say nothing at all."
Usagi swallowed her words and forced a smile. "It's nothing, just my opinion."
"But we'd love to hear it," said Hikaru.
"We'll always listen," said Kaoru, giving Usagi a side glance and a soft smile — was he trying to actually charm her right now?
"Trust me, you don't want me to say it," Usagi said. "You won't like what you hear."
"Oh come on," said Kaoru.
"You can tell us!" chimed Hikaru.
Usagi's jaw clenched ever so slightly and her smiled faltered. "Fine, if you really want to know — you're in a club where you sit around, doting on girls all day, complimenting them, getting very close, but never making a commitment to any of them. It sounds like a socially acceptable way to be an asshole."
Kaoru and Hikaru grinned devilishly.
"Oh, feisty," smirked Kaoru.
"I like you," Hikaru said with a wink.
"Alright, you two, cut it out; leave her alone."
The twins and Usagi both turned towards the sound of the voice and saw Haruhi standing next to her desk, looking at the twins expectantly.
"Awe, Haruhi, don't ruin all the fun," the twins whined.
"I said cut it out," Haruhi said a bit more sternly.
The twins sighed and slid off Usagi's desk, crossing their arms over their chest. "Fine, fine, fine. . . ."
Usagi forced a smile towards Haruhi. "Erm, thanks. . . ."
He smiled softly. "Sorry about them. They can be a bit much sometimes."
"I noticed," she said quietly, turning her attention towards the front of the classroom.
"So, Usagi," said Kaoru suddenly. "Are you coming to the party tomorrow night?"
"It'll be a lot of fun." Hikaru said. "And maybe your opinion of the club will change."
"I doubt that," Usagi said stiffly. "I'm not going to waste my time with a party like that."
"Oh come on, please?" the twins said. "If you come tomorrow night, we'll never bother you again. We promise."
"No," Usagi said sternly.
"I guess we'll just continue to bother you then," said Kaoru.
"And you'll never get rid of us," Hikaru added.
"We can come over to your house," Kaoru said.
"Since we're friends with Terou."
"I hope you get used to us, Usagi."
"Otherwise, this could get annoying."
"Oh, what if we —"
"Oh my god," Usagi groaned. "Fine! I'll come! Why do you even care if I'm there anyway?"
"Oh, no reason," hummed the twins in unison.
"Just wanted to see how long it would take us to annoy you into going," said Kaoru.
"Terou wanted us to convince you to come," said Hikaru.
"He's worried you don't have any friends —"
"— and he thinks this party may help."
Usagi sat there, obviously annoyed — Terou put them up to this? Of course he did. He never respected her privacy. He knew how much she disliked the Host Club and everything it stood for, and how much she didn't want to go to this stupid party. She would have never agreed if Terou had bugged her (which he had), but Hikaru and Kaoru. . . . Something about the two of them really bugged her, even more than Terou.
"Why are you having this stupid party anyway?" said Usagi bitterly. "Just another excuse to waste girl's time, eh?"
"It's not wasting their time if we make them happy," said Hikaru.
"It's our responsibility," said Kaoru.
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Right, because you truly care about making girls happy."
"Come on, guys, leave her alone," sighed Haruhi. "Just sit down."
"Haruhi, you ruin all the fun," the twins huffed before finally sitting down.
Haruhi, who sat on the opposite side of Usagi, took his seat. Usagi watched him for a moment, curious — he was different than the other members of the Host Club she personally knew (which consisted of only her brothers and the twins). He seemed more sincere in his actions. As he got himself seated in his desk, Haruhi noticed Usagi's watchful eye, and he turned towards her, smiling softly.
Usagi blushed when their eyes met, and she turned away, slightly flustered as she looked down at her desk. "Erm — thanks for the help, Haruhi."
"It's no problem, Usagi. I know the twins can be a bit unruly," Haruhi said with a smile.
"Hey, we heard that," said the twins in unison from either side of Haruhi and Usagi.
Usagi smiled, giggling quietly as she looked at her desk. Haruhi rolled his eyes at the twins.
"So, you're Terou's little sister, hm?" Haruhi said. Usagi nodded and Haruhi nodded. "Well, it's nice to finally talk to you — I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself sooner, especially since we sit next to each other. But Terou talks about you, and he said you tend to keep to yourself. I didn't want to bother you too much."
Usagi paused and lifted her head ever so slightly. She turned towards Haruhi, trying to mask her surprise.
"Terou . . . talks about me?" she said quietly.
Haruhi nodded thoughtfully, not picking up on Usagi's surprise. "Well, yeah, of course he does. I mean, you're his little sister after all."
"Er — yeah, I just. . . . I didn't think he'd talk about me, I guess," Usagi muttered.
"Well, he does, and he'll be really happy you're coming tomorrow night," said Haruhi. "It'll be a lot of fun, too. There's going to be dancing, and I'm sure some really good food — I know the rest of the Host Club is going to love meeting you."
Usagi sighed. "I don't know if I can handle meeting all of them. . . ."
"Don't worry — they may be a bit much at first, but they're really a lot of fun," Haruhi reassured her. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it more than you think."
Usagi shook her head. "Oh, I don't know about that. . . ."
"Well, if it helps at all, I'll be there so I can try to keep them at bay," Haruhi said with a laugh.
"M-maybe," said Usagi with a small laugh.
Then, before they could say anything else, their teacher came in and began the lesson, and all of them fell silent, turning their attention to their teacher. However, throughout the entire lesson, Usagi couldn't help but allow herself to be distracted — why did it bother Terou that she didn't want to come to the ball so much so that he recruited two of the most bothersome students in the school to annoy her into coming?
Terou's never respected my privacy, Usagi thought to herself, rolling her eyes. He just wants more women to come to this stupid dance; after all, he said this morning how important it was to get as many people to attend this dance. . . .
Despite the bitterness she felt, Usagi felt her emotions soften slightly as she thought about what Haruhi had said. Terou talked about her, and apparently, it wasn't all bad. . . .
What else did he say about her?
Class ended soon enough, and Usagi quickly gathered her things, tucking her pencil and notebook away in her bag. She slung it over her shoulder and stood from her desk, ready to head on to go to her next class, with a brief stop at her locker to exchange her books as she went. So she went about her normal route, the day seemingly plain, but for some reason, this trip to her locker felt off. Like she was being followed. . . .
"So where are you headed?" said a sudden voice from her left.
"Yeah, our next class isn't even in this direction?" said a voice from her right.
Startled, Usagi let out a small yelp, and quickly turned to see the Hitachiin twins were following closely behind her.
"What are you two doing?" Usagi snapped. "You scared me!"
"We thought we would all head to class together," said the twins in unison.
Usagi stared at them, blinking slowly. "Why in the world would you think that?"
"Well, we're best friends with Terou," said one twin.
"And you're his little sister," said the other.
"So by default, we're best friends with you," they said in unison.
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable. . . . You do realize that's not how that works, right?"
"Ah, that's what you say," said one twin.
"But we're pretty convincing," the other chimed in.
She stared between the twins for a moment in disbelief — were they really so delusional that they thought they could just magically become best friends with her? Usagi then quickly reminded herself that they had successfully annoyed her into going to their stupid dance, so they could probably annoy her into agreeing to be friends with them.
However, like a knight in shining armor, Haruhi appeared behind the twins, seizing each of them by the collar of their coats and letting out a frustrated sigh.
"Hikaru, Kaoru, cut it out," Haruhi said.
Both twins crossed their arms in front of their chest, pretending to pout.
"Oh great, here's Haruhi, ruining all of our fun," said one.
"Well, that's what Haruhi is best at," said the other.
Usagi looked from the twins to Haruhi, smiling softly.
"Thanks again," Usagi said, blushing some.
"I told you they can be unruly," said Haruhi as he released the collars of their coats.
"Unruly?" said the twins in unison, adjusting their coats.
"I can't believe you would say something like that, Haruhi," said one twin.
"Me either," said the other. "The only unruly one between the two of us is Hikaru."
"Excuse me?" said Hiraku incredulously. "I'm the unruly one?"
"Well it's obviously not me," said Kaoru. "Whenever Terou asked us to convince Usagi into coming to the ball, you were the one who suggested we simply annoy her into coming. You're also the one who wanted to walk with her to class."
"That doesn't make me unruly," said Hikaru with a frown, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Excuse me for wanting to have a little fun."
As Kaoru opened his mouth to retaliate, Usagi quickly interjected, knowing that this argument could carry on for quite a while if she didn't step in, and she didn't feel like being late to class.
"Boys, boys," Usagi said quickly. "Look, I appreciate the effort you three are putting in to be friends, but I can assure you that I'm fine. You did exactly what Terou wanted you to do — I'm coming to your dance. You don't have to keep following me around, trying to be my friend; I'm sure Terou put you up to this too."
Haruhi stared at Usagi for a moment, looking a bit surprised. Even the Hitachiin twins paused, both of them raising a curious eyebrow at Usagi.
The brunette sighed softly, tucking a few stray strands hair behind her ear and forced a small smile.
"I really need to go to my locker; you all should head to class," said Usagi. "I'll see you around."
And with that, Usagi turned on her heel and walked off, leaving the Hitachiin twins and Haruhi behind. Haruhi frowned some as Usagi went and turned to the twins.
"She. . . . She thinks Terou put us up to this?" Haruhi said.
Hikaru shrugged and Kaoru raised an eyebrow.
"I wonder why she thinks Terou would do something like that," Kaoru muttered.
Then, the warning bell rang over head, signaling that students had three minutes to get to class, and the twins exchanged glances before shrugged, and turning in the opposite direction Usagi went.
"We better get to class," said Hikaru.
"Mm," Kaoru hummed in agreement.
So, the two of them began to walk off, and Haruhi turned to follow after them, but for a moment, she paused, glancing over her shoulder, just in time to catch a glimpse of Usagi turning the corner, disappearing from sight.
Why would she think Terou put us up to this? Haruhi thought to herself. I thought it was genuine. . . .
"Haruhi, come on!" called Kaoru.
"Yeah, you don't want to be late, do you?" said Hikaru.
"R-right!" Haruhi called back, looking towards the twins. "Coming!"
And with that, Haruhi quickly caught up with the twins, but she couldn't help but think about Usagi. . . .
That day, on the way to lunch, Usagi stopped by her locker, exchanging a few books in her bag for the ones in her locker, getting ready for the last half of her day. She was just about to close her locker and head to the cafeteria to meet her friends when she felt her phone vibrate from inside her bag. Usagi paused and opened her bag, curious to see who would be texting her in the middle of the day. She smiled softly when she saw it was from Soma.
I have your doctor's appointment set up, Miss Usagi. Shall I come get you?
Usagi thought for a second — she wouldn't be missing any terribly important classes, and she would get to catch her favorite soap opera if she went home. Perhaps if she feigned sickness, she could even get out of the Host Club's party the next evening. . . .
Quickly, Usagi typed her response.
Please and thank you!
However, before she pressed the 'send' button, Usagi closed her locker, and was startled to see none other than Haruhi Fujioka standing there.
"Haruhi!" Usagi exclaimed in surprise, placing a hand over her chest.
"I'm sorry if I startled you," said Haruhi with a sheepish chuckle.
"No, no, it's . . . fine," Usagi said, smiling lightly. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, I figured since it was lunch time, I'd see if you'd want to eat together," Haruhi said, motioning to the box lunch he carried.
"You want to eat lunch together?" said Usagi slowly, raising an eyebrow curiously.
Haruhi smiled sweetly and nodded. "Well, yeah! Full disclosure though, the twins will probably be there, so if you'd rather not, I understand."
Usagi paused — why was Haruhi inviting her to lunch? Was this just another one of Terou's outrageous requests?
"Look, Haruhi," Usagi said softly. "You don't have to be nice to me just because my brother —"
"Terou didn't ask me to do this," said Haruhi with a smile. "I just think you're really nice, and I'd like to get to know you."
Usagi stood there for a moment, not sure if she really believed Haruhi or not. She supposed it was possible Haruhi was being sincere — he did seem different than the other boys in the Host Club, and he went out of his way to invite her to lunch. Maybe. . . .
Her phone suddenly vibrated again, and Usagi looked down and saw it was another text from Soma.
Well, Miss Usagi?
Usagi looked at her phone for a moment, then back to Haruhi, who was still smiling ever so slightly at her. Perhaps lunch wouldn't be so bad, even if the twins were there. . . .
Quickly, Usagi looked back to her phone, deleting the text she had already written, and she typed up a new response.
Not today, Soma. Thank you though.
Pressing send, Usagi closed her phone and tucked it back into her bag, smiling softly at Haruhi, giving a slight nod.
"I'd like that," Usagi said with a smile. "Besides, how much damage can the twins do during the span of lunch?"
"Don't say that," Haruhi said with a laugh as he and Usagi headed towards the cafeteria. "They're more devious than you think."
And with that, Usagi and Haruhi headed off to the cafeteria, where the Hitachiin twins had already reserved them a table. All eyes were on Usagi and Haruhi as they entered the cafeteria — Usagi had never spent time with anyone other than her two friends Eri and Botan, but now she was walking through the cafeteria with Haruhi Fujioka, the newest member of the renown Host Club?
Usagi went through the lunch line to get her food, and Haruhi joined her during the process, the two of them chatting as they went, and, much to Usagi's surprise, she was actually enjoying herself.
"Ah, Usagi!" said one of the twins as she and Haruhi joined the twins at the table. Usagi and Haruhi sat beside one another, both their seats across the table from the twins.
"You actually joined us!" said the other. "I must say, we're surprised."
"Well, Haruhi said that Terou didn't actually put you all up to this," said Usagi softly, a sheepish blush on her cheeks.
"Of course he didn't," said one twin. "Terou may be our friend, but we wouldn't pretend to be someone's friend just because he asked."
"Yeah, we have to actually like someone to want to be friends with them," said the other.
"Right," Usagi said, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I'm. . . . I'm sorry I accused you guys of just trying to be friendly because Terou asked."
"It's alright, Usagi," said Haruhi gently. "Don't worry about it."
Usagi smiled softly and their lunch commenced, the four of them talking about a variety of different topics, ranging from Usagi's dislike of pickles, to the debate of whether or not their math teacher wore a toupee or not. The four of them were nearly in hysterics, laughing at the idea of their teacher losing his hair piece in the middle of a lesson while bending over to pick up a piece of chalk when the bell overhead rang, ended their lunch period, and Usagi was surprised to find herself genuinely sadden that her lunch with Haruhi and the twins was over.
"Well, we only have a few more classes left," said one twin as they all gathered their trash.
"And then it's off to the Host Club, right, Hikaru?" said Kaoru to his brother.
Usagi frowned softly — for a short while, she had actually forgotten that Haruhi and the twins were in the Host Club. During their lunch, they didn't seem like the pompous assholes they usually portrayed themselves as. . . .
"Why the long face, Usagi?" said Hikaru.
"Yeah, is something bothering you?" said Kaoru curiously.
"Hm?" Usagi blinked, looking at the twins. "O-oh, I'm fine."
"I don't think you are," said Kaoru.
"It definitely seems like you're distracted," Hikaru said.
"I'm fine," Usagi repeated. "I just really enjoyed our lunch, that's all."
"Oh, I see," said Hikaru, a devilish grin suddenly appearing on his face. "Did you hear that, Kaoru?"
"I did, Hikaru," Kaoru said with an equally devious smile. "It seems as though we're starting to grow on her, hm?"
"W-what?" Usagi said, her eyes widening. "I never said that! I just said that lunch with you guys wasn't that bad."
"Oh really?" said Kaoru.
"Sounds to me like you're beginning to actually like us," Hikaru said with a smirk.
"As if," Usagi said quickly, crossing her arms over her chest and turning her head away from the twins as a pink blush settled on her cheeks. "I still think the Host Club is composed of good looking boys who are too full of themselves for their own good."
"Oh," cooed Hikaru.
"So you think we're good looking?" Kaoru said with a devilish smile and a dangerous glint in his eye.
Usagi's face burned as it turned a deep shade of scarlet, and her eyes widened and she looked to the twins and Haruhi, shaking her head.
"N-no, that's not what I meant!" Usagi said. "I-I mean —"
"Haruhi, Kaoru, cut it out," Haruhi sighed, shaking his head. "You guys can be so annoying sometimes."
"But look how fun it is!" said Kaoru.
"Yeah, Usa-chan is all flustered now," Hikaru said, reaching out and pinching Usagi's cheek.
"She looks so cute when she's embarrassed," said Kaoru, pinching the other chin.
Usagi's face turned even darker, if that was possible, and she quickly swatted the twin's hands way from her face, clenching her jaw.
"Will you two cut it out?" snapped Usagi. The twins snickered softly, and Usagi rolled her eyes, her face slowly returning back to its normal color. "This is what I mean — the Host Club is nothing but assholes."
"We're not assholes," said Kaoru suddenly.
"Yeah, I mean, have you ever been in the Host Club?" Hikaru said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Er — well, no," said Usagi slowly.
"Then how could you possibly know whether or not we're assholes?" said the twins in unison.
"Sounds like an assumption to me," said Kaoru pointedly.
"And you know what they say when you assume things," added Hikaru.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Usagi said, waving her hand dismissively.
"Wait, have you really never been to the Host Club before, Usagi?" said Haruhi curiously.
Usagi paused and looked at Haruhi before shaking her head. "I've really never been; it just never really appealed to me."
Haruhi was quiet for a moment, and then he smiled. "Well, why don't you come today, after school, hm?"
"What?" Usagi said, her eyes wide.
"Well, you said you were nervous about meeting all of them tomorrow night, right?" said Haruhi. "If you meet them today, without so many people around, it may be easier."
Usagi blushed slightly. "I-I don't know, Haruhi. I-I mean, I don't want to interrupt your meeting or anything, a-and I don't really want to be a client or something —"
"We're not having clients today," said Haruhi with a smile. "We're getting ready for the ball tomorrow, and I'm taking dance lessons, so there's not much going on; it'll be the perfect time for you to meet everyone!"
"I-I don't know about that," Usagi said doubtfully, frowning some.
"Oh, please, Usagi?" said the twins in unison. "It'll be so great! We'll be there!"
"Yeah, I know that," Usagi muttered, narrowing her eyes at the twins.
"Hikaru, Kaoru, we're trying to convince her to come," Haruhi sighed. "You're not helping."
"Right. . . ," muttered Kaoru, frowning.
"Okay, then we won't be there," said Hikaru with a thumbs up.
Haruhi pressed his hand to his forehead, letting out a sigh as he shook his head.
"Still not helping," he muttered.
Watching the three boys together, Usagi couldn't suppress her smile, and she giggled softly, drawing the attention of all three of them to her.
"Fine, fine, I'll come," said Usagi, surprising all of them. "But this is a one time thing — after tomorrow night, I'm not going to be in the same room with all eight of you again. I can barely handle the twins."
Hikaru and Kaoru smiled triumphantly, and Haruhi looked at Usagi with a gentle smile that made her cheeks flush.
"I'm glad you'll stop by," said Haruhi. However, his smile faded, and a troubled expression crossed his face. "But. . . . If you think the twins are bad. . . . I can't imagine what you'll think of Tamaki. . . ."
"Tamaki?" echoed Usagi curiously. "He's the one who founded the Host Club, right? How bad could he really be?"
Later that day, after school had let out for the day, Usagi stood in front of Music Room Three, which, as far as she knew, hadn't been used for anything except for the Host Club's various activities for quite some time. She took a moment to prepare herself for whatever waited for her behind the doors to the music room; she had never met the entire Host Club before. They would come to their house every once in a while, but their house was so big, it was easy to avoid them if she wanted. Now she was about to willingly walk into the lion's den, and meet the group of young men who had taken Terou and turned him into a womanizing sleazebag. . . .
"I can do this," Usagi muttered to herself. "I can do this. . . . They're just boys after all."
With that final pep talk to herself, Usagi pushed open the door, unaware of just how unprepared she was to meet the rest of the Host Club.
