For the past two years I've sat at this table watching Honey commandeer the hearts of so many girls just with his stuffed bunny and genuine love of cake. His amazing ability to hide all that ninja power behind his cake-sweet face is unfathomable. But as much as I respect Honey, he's not the reason I continue to come.
Standing behind him is the stoic and silent bodyguard that for some reason has not only capture my curiosity, but I think even my heart. I've been in classes with both of them since elementary school, and in all that time I've become a friend to both. Honey goes out of his way to make sure I smile, but he... well he looks into my eyes with sincere appreciation.
Takashi "Mori" Morinozuka is the one man I've ever wanted to know better. He smiles at Honey's antics, punishes himself if Honey is ever lost or in pain, but of all the girls sitting here I'm the only one he's ever said more than ten words to. He's tall but not imposing. His short black hair is always perfect and his eyes are brown and deep.
His eyes met mine in that moment and I knew he caught me staring... again. I saw a small smile break his sober exterior, and either I blinked or he winked at me.
"Emmai-chan," I heard Honey call, "You aren't eating your cake. Is everything okay?"
I saw Mori's eyes flash with silent concern. I turned to address Honey's honest question. "Of course I'm okay, Honey. I'm just thinking."
"What are you thinking about," Honey innocently pried.
I smiled at him over my cake, "None of your business, you little busy body."
"Emmai-chan," Honey whined.
"Mitsukuni," Mori spoke up. "She's our guest and our job is to please her, and not pry into unpleasant topics."
"Who said the topic is unpleasant," I boldly countered. Mori's eyes sparked with humor and curiosity.
"If it's pleasant, than why not share," He baited. The girls that sat around us grew silent wondering what would happen next, Honey's smile grew with interest at our exchange.
"Sharing would mean that what I'm thinking is important and relevant to the group. I wouldn't want to bore anyone," I took another bite of my strawberry shortcake.
Mori shifted weight, "You couldn't bore me... or anyone, even if you tried."
I felt my eyes grow as wide as our on-lookers. He sat in front of me and leveled a challenging look on me. I opened my mouth, but Honey interrupted.
"Takashi, leave Emmai alone. Eat your cake." Mori's usual obedient self kicked in again, but for a minute I swear I saw his true mischievous self try to break out. I thought I could feel Mori's intense stare. I had to get out of there or I could end up suffocating in silence. I tried not to draw attention to myself as I looked around for an escape. I noticed one guest with Haruhi...perfect!
I almost dropped my escape plans when I saw the hurt in Honey's eyes. I stood in a rush, "I'm sorry, Honey, but I've got an appointment with Haruhi next." Everyone stared at me with concern, but in true Honey fashion he flashed his bright energetic smile.
"That's alright, Emmai-chan. We'll see you at the dance tonight, right?" Honey always did have a knack for cornering me without knowing it... or maybe he did.
"Of course, Honey. You know I'd never miss a masquerade. Go luck guessing which one is me." I pointed that last phrase at Honey, but my eyes were really challenging Mori. Now I had to get out of there.
"Excuse me," I spoke up. Haruhi cracked a worried smile. I addressed the young lady sitting with Haruhi, "There's a spot open with Honey, are you interested?" The young lady eagerly agreed, and I took the vacant seat. My dear friend watched the girl leave with a relieved smile on her face I've known Haruhi's secret for about as long as she's been attending Ouran, but it was she that slipped up, not the guys. Since then we've become pretty good friends. In fact she invited me to the house long before the boys got up enough nerve to drop by themselves.
"I don't know whether to be offended or relieved she dropped me so quickly," Haruhi laughed.
"Both, " I replied. "I just did the same thing to Honey. But at least now you can be yourself."
Haruhi seemed to like that notion. "You're right, Emmai-senpai. But you look like a girl with something pressing on her mind." Once again I could feel questioning eyes on me but this time there were two pairs, one distant and the other, Haruhi's. I look just past her shoulder and found the brown eyes of Mori lock with mine. I instantly broke the contact.
"It's Mori-senpai, isn't it?" As usual she hit the nail on the head. I nodded silently.
"I don't know what to do, and I refuse to let on because I know the minute Tamaki finds out it will be blown out of proportion," I replied. I know about her love for the big dope, but she wasn't blind to his flaws either.
"You've got my Senpai down alright. But don't you want Mori to know your feelings?"
"Those two are not as oblivious as they seem, but yes I wish he'd let on if he knew something." Haruhi seemed speechless, but I did see a glaring question in her eyes. "Yes, I know that Honey will always be important to him, and I'm willing to live with that."
"You seem to know what you want, so why don't you let us help you?"
"Because than I'll always be wondering if he came after me because he's forced to or because he wants to." I knew she understood, and thankfully she dropped the subject all together.
"So are we still on for shopping for our gowns tonight? The boys think I'll be with my dad so they'll be completely surprised." Haruhi looked elated as she spoke. This is the first time I've seen her excited about a school event. Honestly... I was excited too. The Ouran Host Club would never know what hit them.