"So, what made you take them off?" She asked him, while she picked up the used teacups and saucers, when they were left alone in the Third Music Room, as the others had gone home.
He stayed behind on the pretext of wanting to finish the remaining paperwork here. He looked up from his rather continuous flow of typing, and asked, with a sardonic smile;
"Why do you think?"
She seemed to think for a moment. Then, answered with;
"You were thinking of ways to offset Tamaki's more indulgent expenses, and showing the customers what you really looked like would definitely spark their interest, and boost income."
He felt no need to correct her. Not as if she'd believe him, if he told her he wanted to see how she'd react to the change.
Of course her answer was one of the things that he'd also considered. It was a harmless, yet possibly profitable experiment.
"Do I take it to mean that you believe I look better without them?" He asked, referring to his lack of glasses. "Or did you just indirectly, if not thoughtlessly, say that the glasses don't suit me at all?"
"They suit you just fine." She answered absently. "But I think you look better without them."
"How unusual. I remember you telling Tamaki that it was the inside that counts. Yet you actually have an opinion about my outward appearance."
"I do. But it's not as if changes in your outward appearance would affect our relationship." She answered, bluntly, never realizing the effect her words had.
Of course he had expected this answer from her. Which was why he wasn't offended. Of course he felt a little disappointed that she wasn't affected by the change, at all.
"You really do look better without it, though." She added, as an afterthought. She handed him a slice of cake to go with his tea, as she sat beside him, a cup of tea, and a cake slice of her own.
He moved the laptop a little to the side, in order to see her better. It would be rude not to give her his undivided attention. At least, that's the excuse he was sticking with.
"If you weren't such an honest person, I'd think you were trying to charm me out of lessening your debt." He mentioned, sipping a little of the tea, taking a break from the so-called paperwork he was using as an excuse, peering at her from heavy-lidded eyes.
"If I thought it'd work, I'd probably have tried." Came the idle reply, as she put a portion of cake into her mouth.
She closed her eyes, savoring the taste.
"You're not wearing contacts, are you?" She asked, after swallowing.
"No. Though judging from your tone, I imagine you expected that." He answered.
"I still can't figure out why no one's noticed that the pair you wear are just plain clear glasses, which does nothing for your vision." She mentioned thoughtfully, in-between chews. She smiled a dry, yet amused smile. "Maa. You have your reasons."
And it probably wouldn't do me any good to know what they are. She thought, silently."My, my. Aren't we talkative today? You're usually eager to go home." He noted, tasting the cake, as well. His tongue tingled a little, and felt slightly warm. Was it the tea? "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
"Hunny-sempai told me to ask you to try this cake, since it's a bit spicy, and he wanted it added to the regular ones we have delivered daily. He thinks you might like it. I didn't think you liked sweets."
"About as much as any regular person, I suppose." He admitted, looking at her curiously." But you. I'm pretty sure you told him you weren't particular to it."
"What can I say? I got a little hungry." She answered evasively.
"Spill it." He ordered, smirking as he did.
"Fine." She said, glumly. "Some of dad's friends from work are coming to visit. I'm too exhausted to deal with all of them, all at once. I wanted a little break, before I went home to meet them."
"Was your first time meeting them, too memorable, perhaps?" He asked.
"They all want to dress me up. They're worse than Tamaki, the twins, and my dad." She answered, dryly.
She shot him an indignant look at the smile that played on his lips. "Glad my discomfort amuses you."
(Translated: How rude.)
"You wouldn't take it against me if I lessened your debt for it." He shot back, almost chuckling.
(Translated: How mercenary. Or practical, if a change of words is needed. either way, it serves its purpose.)
She gave him a serious look, then after a little thought her face went back to its usual blankness.
"Maa ne." She agreed absently, eating more of her cake. He enjoyed how clearly they understood each other.
His eyes rested on her, watching her savor the cake she was eating, as she marvelled at how wonderful it tasted.
It was true. He was quite fond of Haruhi. Something about her just seemed to capture his attention.
Ah, but he did enjoy these little talks with her.
