May I Love You?

by Hanabi Mirei

I was fully aware that I was living a lie day by day. It was decided to be like this to begin with and I didn't go against this arrangement either. Though, I couldn't help but yearn for that freedom he always talked about. Pairing : I'm not so sure anymore ; Rated T to be safe ; Based on Ouran High School Host Club manga version. NOT A YAOI!

1. Chapter 1

I, Hanabi Mirei, own nothing of Ouran High School Host Club.

I don't even own Kadomiya Keiichi as he belongs to Bisco Hatori-sama as well.

I only own my OCs and this fanfiction.

Have fun reading!

This fanfiction is based on the manga version of Ouran High School Host Club.

May I Love You?

By Hanabi Mirei

PROLOGUE

The sky was pouring its heart out at the scene beneath it. The sound of an ambulance coming closer to the scene was echoing in her ears. The picture of people shouting for help and a particular child trying to help another one that was stuck under a fallen car was still fresh in her mind. The warmth of the fallen child's touch was still there in her hand. She guessed it was true that the kindest people die the earliest. Because, right there, buried several feet under the ground, was the kindest person in her world.

Here lies,

A daughter, a sister, a niece,

a cousin, and a friend.

Shiori Kadomiya.

Date of Birth: 19nd of July 19**

Date of Death: 3rd of September 20**

Resting in Peace

CHAPTER 1

I was walking down the corridor of the infamous Ouran Middle School, trying to get to my friend. He was supposed to be in the library just like how we had promised before, but I didn't see any maroon haired boy there. This was the 8th time he didn't show up in our supposed meeting. It made me question his health, particularly the part of his brain that was supposed to be remembering this working-together assignment.

'Where is he? I've been walking around the school for the third time now! I have much more important things to do rather than play this hide and seek game…,' I let out a sigh as I considered a few minutes of resting.

My eyes searched for a nearby seat and fortunately, it was only a few steps from where I was standing. I leaned against the back of the seat, relaxing my stiff shoulders and aching legs. My hands found themselves massaging my shoulders as my mind wandered around. It might have not been the first time that I looked for this friend of mine, but it was still tiring since I don't have a very good body to begin with.

I closed my eyes and took three deep breaths, calming my slightly fastened heartbeat. Was there a place that I perhaps have missed on the way? Nope, I don't think so. I'd search every possible place that Saotome might go and failed to find the boy.

"Now what should I do with this assignment?" my eyes moved towards the paper I held in hand.

Should I just call it the day and finish everything on my own? That wouldn't be fair, though. Ah, maybe I'll do it myself, then I just have to tell the teacher that he had done nothing. But, then again, he did give me some resources regarding what happened to those who were thrown to the jail and Father wouldn't like it if I abandoned him that since Saotome was one of our business partners.

Just then, a vibration in my pocket cut my thoughts… and I felt stupid for running around the school when I could have just called him. Shaking my head a few times at my stupidity, I grabbed my phone and looked at the caller ID. Grumbling about the person on the other side, I answered the call.

"Where are ya?! I've been inside the library for like 30 minutes, but ya're not there!" I heard Saotome's voice loud and clear.

"I should be the one to ask you that. I did go to the library an hour ago, but didn't saw you there. The meeting was supposed to be at 3 P.M. sharp!" I refused to say anything about the humiliation I'd been through.

"Wait, really? I thought it's 3.30 P.M. Whoops, sorry, man," said the maroon haired boy with no trace of guilt.

"Where are you right now? At home?"

I licked my dry lips before replying, "Nope, I'm on my way to the library now. Just wait for me for a bit."

"Okay! See ya soon!" and he ended the call.

Getting into my feet, I stretched my body a bit, preparing myself for another stiff shoulder in the library. I was just about to walk towards the corridor again when I heard someone called for me.

"Excuse me!" called a voice behind me.

I turned around to meet the one and only heir of the Suoh family, the son of the Ouran School Chairman, Suoh Tamaki. My eyes blinked in visible curiosity while my mind searched for anything that might had been a reason as to why he approached me all of the sudden. I remember nothing of being an acquaintance with him, but then again-

"You must be Kadomiya Keiichi, no?" the blonde-haired person smiled brightly.

I nodded, "Uh'huh. Is there something I can-"

He grabbed my hands suddenly, shaking them, "It's truly a pleasure of meeting you, Kadomiya-kun!"

"Well, the pleasure is all mi-" I was cut off again.

"Brief introduction, I'm Suoh Tamaki, a 3rd year!" he let go of my hands with the smile still on his face.

"Why, yes, I know-," and once again.

"Well, this might have been a surprise for you, but I would like to ask for your help in something!" said the boy.

I raised my eyebrows at his rather… different behavior, but answered anyway, "Sure, what could-"

Tamaki jumped in joy, startled the already surprised me, "Excellent! Bravo! Would you please be a member of my host club later in our high school years?"

At those words I opened my mouth, but not a word came out of my throat. I almost felt my head was hit by a huge question mark. The Suoh heir gave me a very hopeful stare as he waited for my answer. My refusal was caught on my throat at once, as the gesture had always been my weakness. I turned around to block the semi puppy-eyes. I said my refusal once I couldn't see the hopeful eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Suoh-senpai, but I don't think I will have the time to participate in such… interesting activity. My high school years are going to be filled with me learning to take over my parents' company in the future, I'm afraid." My eyes were closed shut.

I could sense his disappointment before he persuaded me again, "But, it will be perfect for you to play the Big Brother type! I can sense from miles away, the beautiful brotherly aura that would always stay to take care of his younger brothers and sisters, radiating from you! It would be a hit if you act like a caring big brother to your customers!"

Letting out a sigh and some deep breaths, I turned around to face him, "Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, Suoh-senpai, but my parents would expect me to go for another club activity, or even none, if they have another plan in mind. Please excuse me; I have something that I have to do. Good day, Suoh-senpai."

Bowing my head briefly at the third-year senior, I turned around once again and was met by the long elegant corridor. My mind was briefly clouded, but I chose not to dwell on any of them. Shaking my head, trying to get rid of the thoughts, I continued my way towards the library.

oOoOoOo

A blonde boy was walking towards his black haired friend in the classroom with his shoulder slumped. The black haired friend who noticed his saddened behavior immediately made a conclusion that his friend had failed to persuade the Kadomiya boy to join the club. The glasses boy wouldn't admit it out loud right now, but there certainly was a big amount of money the club could get if Kadomiya Keiichi joined the club. His name was well known around the school and their fathers were business partners. Not only that, but his personality and behavior did resemble the "lovable big brother" image; he certainly had the looks to attract more customers.

"I assume that you have failed, Tamaki." The third son of Ootori Yoshio mentioned.

Tamaki sighed while letting a dramatic tear dropped to his cheeks, "Aaaaah! Not again! Those Hitachiin twins also refused my proposal! My great ideas have been flipped like a flip-flop! Well, of course I have anticipated them to immediately decline the offer, but-"

Kyoya turned from his book to look at the serious expression Tamaki had. It was rare for the heir of the Suoh to show this kind of face. This could only mean that whatever he would say is important.

"Kadomiya Keiichi… that boy certainly has a lot to shoulder as the next heir."

Closing his book, planning to continue the next chapter later on, the Ootori spoke, "Each and every one of us has something to shoulder, Tamaki. Even you will become the next heir of the Suoh's, right. You two have something in common."

"I know that, but still. I have never seen anyone with such… I don't know, dullness, I guess, in one's bright colored eyes." Tamaki sighed.

oOoOoOo

Inside the library, two 2nd year students were sitting, facing each other, discussing a matter seriously. They were doing the assignment that was given two days ago, wanting to finish the assignment as soon and as great as possible. Their assignment was to picture the situation in the end of a war. It was not that hard, but it still required some research here and there.

"Hmm… Should we include this one?" Saotome Masato shoved the book he was reading lightly towards me.

I read the content of the page he pointed while running my hand through my hair. My eyes widened slightly at some of the new points inside the book and nodded to him, indicating that we should put it in.

"That was great information that will support some of the points we have written down." I smiled

The maroon haired boy grinned, "Hah! Then we just have to get the details for this line… and this line, and then were finished! Wo-hoo!"

Masato punched the air while he expressed his excitement, making the librarian shushed him down, reminding him that this is a library. He "Oops!" on it before getting back to work. I smiled sheepishly at the librarian, hoping she would forgive our brief loudness.

We ended up using the same book that Masato used to search for the other details and found them immediately, not far from the previous one. Soon enough, all we had to do was type them, print them, and then we're done! I smiled happily at the feeling of free of homework until next week. Thanking Masato for being a great partner, I went home.

My house was not that far away from school, only about 15 minutes by car. I was greeted by the maids and butlers when I arrived which I smiled in reply. My feet brought me to the stairs and I headed to my room. Thinking about what food I would have for dinner, I opened the door to my room and closed it as soon as I entered.

The room was painted in pastel blue, bringing out the other blues in the room. A large window that has the sight of the city was the first thing you would see after entering my room. To the right, you could see my mini living room and if you turn right again, you will see a door towards my bedroom, my private study, and my bathroom. To the left is a room of "freedom". It contained everything that I consider as entertainment, and a place where I could relax and most of the time; I often took naps there instead of in my bedroom. And so, I went to my bathroom to take a bath before taking a nap.

It was a little late for a nap, but I didn't care. I'd been so used to take naps that if I didn't I would get so tired which lead to a grouchy me. Therefore, I took my time in the bathroom, replaying everything that had happened today. From the morning until I finally here taking a bath.

I closed my eyes as I replayed every single one of them and came to a stop at Suoh-senpai's offer.

'A host club…' I contemplated.

Would there be anything to receive in that activity? Father wouldn't like me to join such… club. He wanted me to be the next heir of Kadomiya's company. Perfection, idealism, and discipline, those three words were the words that my Father held until this very second to make greater achievement. And, of course, he would want me to hold like tight just like how the other Kadomiya family member had done.

I got up from the bathtub and walked towards the sink with 2 towels in hand. I dried my body with one before drying my hair with the other. Dressing myself in casual clothing, I looked at myself in the mirror. It reflected from the top of my head until my mid section. My wet short hair was clinging at the nape of my neck, tickling the skin with the dripping water. I sighed as I ran my hair, seeing the reflection in the mirror mimicked the action. Going out of the bathroom, my feet took me to my "freedom" room to take a nap.

oOoOoOo

The next day was like any other day to me: going to school early in the morning, going through each lesson, and turning in homework to the teacher. I still talked to my classmates to be polite whenever I got the chance. I would not want to displease my parents.

"My parents said that they are going to hold a birthday party for my birthday again this year! And they will give me everything I will need to go all around Europe for two weeks as a present!" shared a daughter of a well-known artist, "Don't worry! I'll invite all of you to my party next month!"

The boy beside me, the son of a successful lawyer, joined the conversation, "Thanks and that's an amazing present indeed. My parents wouldn't let me know anything about my birthday present, but when the day has come I couldn't be happier at the wonderful surprises they give me!"

"Oh, really? What did you get for your birthday last year?" I slipped into the conversation.

"I got a hand-written novel by my most favorite author!" he grinned happily.

Another girl chipped into the chat, "Woah, that's wonderful! I got an elegant dress made by the infamous Hitachiin Yuzuha last year!"

The female in the mini group gasped in both surprise and delight while the male were nodding with a smile on their faces.

"And what about you, Kadomiya-kun? What did you get for your birthday present last year?" asked Saotome who was there during the whole conversation.

"Huh?" I blinked in surprise, didn't expect them to ask a question.

A brown haired girl pouted, "Oh, I already got the feeling that Kadomiya-kun got the best present out of all of us!"

"Yeah! I got the feeling too!" the first girl to bring up the topic agreed.

I glanced around me, seeing that all of them were looking at me with expectation. I smiled, "Oh, it was no better than yours, believe me."

Masato rolled his eyes, "You're so modest, Kadomiya."

I smiled sheepishly at his comment while scratching the non-existing itch near my lips. My eyes caught the girls covered their mouth, trying to hide their squeals in my peripheral sight.

'Whoa… Never knew I could pull on that kind of effect' I silently thought.

That was when I saw a certain blonde at the door, talking to one of my classmate. My classmate looked around the class until his eyes caught mine.

"Ne, Kadomiya-kun! Someone wants to see you!" called the boy.

The mini group around me turned towards the boy before the female blushed at the sight of Suoh Tamaki inside the class. I sat up from my seat and went towards the blonde senpai.

"You're looking for me, Suoh-senpai?" I smiled at him.

The Suoh immediately pulled me into a hug and started spinning me around, "Ooooh! That naughty little gesture you did there didn't go unnoticed in my eyes! It's soooo cute!"

"Argh!Suoh-senpai! Put me down, please!" I demanded, not liking the moving sight of my classroom.

"So cuteeee!" he ignored me.

I struggled in his arms and managed to release myself. I took several steps backwards, putting a distance between us.

"Thank God my mother put me in a self-defense lesson," I quietly muttered.

Coughing to reduce the awkwardness, I met his surprised purple eyes, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"I wanted your answer about my offer yesterday." The senpai said.

"I did give you the answer and it's a no." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"B-B-But, you will be the perfect material as a host, mon ami!" the blonde tried to persuade me yet again.

Shaking my head, I winced, as I had to decline the offer again, "Like I said before, I won't be able to give my time for the club. Besides, there's still a lot who are more worthy than I am."

"Which is why I choose you to be the one!" replied Tamaki.

"But-"

"Kadomiya-kun, please take your time to think about this. There's still time to make the choice. I promise that it won't be that bad." The Suoh looked at me seriously.

I hesitantly nodded, not liking what I was feeling right now. It's the guilt of declining an offer. I was never fond with this feeling in my life, but I had to learn it for the near future. Like I had said before, the hopeful face of a person was my weakness because it always reminded me about my failure.

"Don't worry, Kadomiya-kun. I will always be waiting for you with open arms!" the blonde smiled before walking passed me, muttering about convincing the Hitachiin twins now.

My eyes followed him unconsciously. My head was telling me to head to my friends again to continue the conversation, but my body wouldn't let me. My heart was taking control of my body, as if saying that there was something about Suoh Tamaki as he began to talk enthusiastically to the uninterested Hitachiin Hikaru and his brother, Kaoru.

"Don't worry, Kadomiya-kun. I will always be waiting for you with open arms!"

---

Author's Note :

Hello readers! :D

I'm Hanabi Mirei! Nice to meet you!

Thank you for reading this story and I admit that I've written this fanfiction for quite awhile, but I'm afraid about your reaction to this first Ouran HSHC I created... But here it is, me gathering my courage to publish "May I Love You". :D

I do hope you like this story! And it's not a yaoi for your information.

Please give me your opinion about this story! It would do me a lot of good!

Thanks again for reading and I will see you next time!

Love,

Hanabi Mirei :)

...

P.S. Okay... Now that I think about it, I'm not sure about the pairings anymore. Let's just let the story flow for awhile, ne? I'll edit the Summary soon about this sudden change. Thanks again!