Chapter 1: Enlightenment

The Host Club was in full swing. The profits were high (much to Kyoya's pleasure); Tamaki was shamelessly wooing the girls to the point of fainting; the twins were very into their brotherly-love act; Hunny was eating all the cake Mori would allow, and Haruhi was calmly chatting away with her growing number of customers. Kyoya was at his usual desk, calculating profits, making plans for the next Host Club activity.

I need to come up with an idea for the Club event that is going to be held before the end of the semester. Tamaki is going to end up killing me with everything that needs to be done...Well, it seems that the sakura tree viewing festival we had last year was very popular. We could do that again this year and also dress up in traditional Japanese clothing. Yes, I'll propose the idea to Tamaki at the next club meeting...Kyoya's train of thought was cut off as he became aware of a certain club member's presence and his nose inhaled the scent of a very gray-tasting, yet familiar drink.

"Yes, Haruhi?"
"Kyoya- senpai? Are you alright?" she asked. The sincerity in her voice was evident.
"Why would I not be alright, Haruhi?" he replied slightly defensive.
"Don't lie, Senpai. It's pretty obvious that you're stressed and tired, hence the coffee I brought you," she states bluntly.

How does she do that? She sees right through the mask that has taken me years to master in one glance. Surprisingly though, it pleased him. Ridiculous, Tamaki must be rubbing off on me.
"I have everything under control, I assure you," he stated, not once looking up from his laptop.

"Senpai, you should really take a rest once in a while. I would think that since your family is specialized in the medical field, you would be aware of the effects stress has on your health," she scolded.

He paused his typing. Who does this commoner think she is, reprimanding me, Ootori Kyoya? He sighed in slight annoyance. This shows she cares, a small voice in his head tells him. So what if she cares? It brings no merit to me, he snaps to his subconscious. Not material benefit but perhaps, it could bring you something much more valuable... He was really starting to lose it. He looked at Haruhi, who was still standing there with her hands on her hips and a frown on her face, and took a sip of the commoner coffee. It was definitely not what he was used to, however he enjoyed it nonetheless. Maybe because she made it? Just for you? This voice was really starting to become a nuisance.

"I appreciate the concern, Haruhi, and the coffee," he relented. She smiled.
"You're welcome, Senpai," she said. She then went back to the kitchen to get more tea for the customers. Instead of continuing his typing, his eyes followed her. She can really see right through me, huh? He inwardly chuckled. The great Ootori Kyoya was read as easily as a book by a mere commoner girl. Who also dared to scold him. He should be offended. Insulted. Annoyed. But he wasn't. In fact, he was quite pleased.

Admit it. You love her.
Shut up. I do not. I simply appreciate the company of another sane person in this club.
Don't lie to yourself
It's the truth. Besides, she is of poor lineage. My Father would never approve. And, Tamaki is in love with her.
Making excuses now, I see
Why am I having an argument with myself? He rubbed his temples in frustration.

For some time, he has been considering the possibility of him having interests beyond those of friends towards Haruhi. But kept them to himself. Even if he acknowledges these feelings, it's not like she would return them. She probably thought of him as a cold-hearted rich bastard.

That did not sit right with him. She couldn't possibly think so harshly of him, could she? She did bring me coffee and ask me if I was alright...So what? She would do that for any one of us. But, at least it shows that she holds me to a certain regard. Ugh, this is irritating. I think I'm getting a migraine. He nearly growled out loud because of his inner turmoil.

What if you tried getting to know her?

That girl is completely dense. And, Tamaki loves her. I'm pretty sure Hikaru does too.

So that's it? You're not even going to try?

He wanted to throw his laptop at the wall from all his frustrations. This is getting out of hand. But, is it really that bad of an idea to act upon my feelings? All my life I have always done what my Father has expected of me. However, I have never been happy. I have never done anything for myself. Is it so bad to just let myself have something for once? Is it so wrong to let myself be happy? I'm human too, damn it!

Throughout his whole inner battle, he did not notice that club had finished for the day, leaving him alone in the room with a certain blond Half-Japanese boy.
"Kyoya?" Tamaki asked. Kyoya wanted to jump at the sound of the voice, such was his surprise.
"Yes, Tamaki?" he asked suspiciously. The idiot was being strangely calm and quiet.
"I...I realized something." Tamaki had a serious expression on his face.
What is he babbling about now?
"And what, exactly, is this enlightenment you have discovered?" Kyoya's interest was piqued.
"Haruhi...Haruhi isn't my daughter."
What the hell?
"Tamaki, what you are telling me is that you finally realized you are not the father of a girl that is one year younger than you?" Kyoya deadpanned. Tamaki was sitting on a couch, an unreadable expression gracing his features while staring out the window.
"I don't love her like a father. I think I'm in love with her," he responded.
Crap.

So how is my first fanfic? Like it? Hate it? Thanks to anyone who took the time to read this! I would also like to give a huge thanks to Yue Guang Kuroneko! She really helped me out with this story by BETA'ing it (is that how you say it? I have no idea), and by motivating me to finally publish it when I was ready to chicken out, *bows in gratitude*. Thank you so much! Go check out her stories people! Also, if you could review or PM me some constructive criticism, I would appreciate it a lot!