Present Day:
"Yes, father?" I said bluntly. There was something about the look in his eye that made my stomach clench.
"I'm sure you remember our discussion 5 months ago, Kyoya. I want you to be married once you have graduated from your senior year." He spoke slowly, as though he was talking to an idiot.
We'd had this conversation too many times. "Yes, I remember."
"I'd like to know who you're pursuing. I presume you chose a girl from a possible business partner's family?"
My lips curved into a tight frown. "No, father. I plan on marrying Miss Fujioka. I have already informed you of this."
He rose from his desk, something he did when he was making an important announcement. "This girl is no good for you, my son. Not only did she spoil your chances of attending the most prestigious of universities in England, but now she is ruining an excellent opportunity for you to redeem yourself."
I furrowed my eyebrows and met his emotionless stare. "Don't talk about her like that. She's been nothing but polite to you, she doesn't deserve your criticism."
He shook his head. "Nonsense. Now, I have decided to choose a worthy bride for you, seeing as you're incapable of making a wise decision."
My throat went dry. I tried to protest, but no words formed.
"I was considering the charming young lady from the Mitsuhara family. I've been meaning to get into business with the head of that family for some time now." He wandered over to the window, and rocked on his feet.
I stared at the ground, unable to speak. There was no way in hell I would accept this.
"Yes, it's settled. I'll arrange a meeting in a week's time. Please be sure to have severed all ties to Miss Fujioka in that time."
"No." I said flatly. I cursed myself for sounding choked.
"What was that?" Yoshio exclaimed, raising his voice.
I paused, then shook my head and left his office, slamming the door behind me.
I clenched and unclenched my fists, trying to control the anger that was building inside me. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of the time. If I didn't leave now, I'd be late for school.
I walked down the stairs, taking my bag from one of the waiting maids. Pushing the glasses up to the bridge of my nose, I hurried out to the car, and was soon on my way to Ouran.
I tried to be as casual as I could. Maintaining my cool was difficult, especially trying to keep my shadow-king aura in check. If Haruhi sensed that something was wrong, I'd be done for.
Looking through the crowds of students that filled the grounds, I eventually spotted them - a small group of girls talking cheerfully a few metres ahead. Haruhi was standing in the middle of them, a text book in her hands, pointing at something on the page.
Even after two months, I wasn't quite used to seeing her in a dress. But it suited her. The yellow made her eyes look darker, and the dress hugged her figure perfectly. She'd gotten used to styling her hair in the mornings; today, a small plait leading round the right side of her head, held in place with a small red hairpin – the work of the twins.
She looked up at me finally and smiled. Everything seemed to lift off my shoulders as I smiled slightly back. She passed the book to one of the girls and ran over to me.
"Morning Kyoya." She said, still beaming up at me.
"Good morning. Your hair looks nice today." I said, unconsciously playing with one of the strands.
Her cheeks tinted the lightest shade of pink. "Well, Kaoru attacked me this morning and did it."
I laughed quietly. "Remind me to thank him. So, what were you talking about?" I asked, gesturing slightly at the group of girls now intently watching us.
"Oh, they asked for help with one of the questions that could be in the upcoming maths exam. I was just talking them through it."
"Always ready to help."
She winked at me. "That's me."
Renge called over from the huddle. "Hey, Haruhi! Quit with the cute-coupleness and hurry up. We have to get to class."
I sighed. "Best not to keep them waiting."
She giggled. "I guess, I'll catch you at lunch though?"
I nodded, before kissing her cheek and watching her get dragged off.
I scratched the back of my head, wondering what to do. I had a free period, and no work to do, so I eventually decided to go sit in the club room.
I instantly regretted my decision. It appeared as though Tamaki had had the same idea, as he was perched on one of the sofas drinking coffee as I walked in.
His face had immediately gone blank, and he stared into his china cup, without saying anything.
It had been like this for a while now, since Haruhi had gotten out of hospital. It turned out he'd overheard us in her room, and the first words she had said.
I love you too, Kyoya…
It'd pushed him over the edge – he'd wanted to admit his feelings to her, I've known that for a while. But hearing her say that had stopped him. Instead, Tamaki now flat out refuses to talk to me unless it's necessary, and the same goes for Haruhi.
It's a blessing and a curse, in a way.
I sat down at my usual table, flipped open my laptop, and began looking through some online internet stocks. My father's business was doing extremely well, as usual.
Tamaki coughed slightly. "Kyoya, I think we should talk."
I sighed, irritated. So now he feels like talking.
I readjusted my glasses. "Yes?"
He cleared his throat. "I don't want to continue this childishness anymore, and I want to apologise. The whole ordeal had messed with my head, but I've moved on now. I'm…" he paused, and fiddled with his thumbs, "I'm happy for the two of you."
I smiled to myself. "I'm glad to hear that." I continued typing.
He got up from this sofa, and picked up his brief case. I didn't look, but I heard the door click open, so I guessed he felt just as awkward as I did.
"Mummy?" he asked timidly.
I hesitated. It had been a while since he'd called me that. "Yes, daddy?"
"Treat our daughter well, okay?"
I stopped typing, and turned to look at Tamaki. His eyes were full of sadness, loss, and genuine concern.
I exhaled. "Of course."
The door clicked shut, and I went back to looking at stocks, though my mind was elsewhere.
