Chapter 8: The Daytime Soap Opera Love Triangle

Sora walked down the halls with Tamaki chattering by her side. At Ouran, Halloween had been over for a while, and the next major holiday to prepare for was six weeks away. Christmas wasn't as big as Halloween, but that didn't mean it wasn't celebrated. The Host Club would be very busy indeed for the next few weeks. She sighed as they turned into English. It was the period before lunch, and on Fridays, Mrs. Hokage was known for her long speeches cutting into lunch. Kyoya said nothing as they took their seats. Two weeks had passed since the school festival, and nothing humongous had occurred. Nothing catastrophic.

Except that she found out Kyoya and Mori wanted to date her and Mori seized his chance to ask her out on a date. It was simple and clear: a casual Saturday attire day at the Fall Fest in Shibuya, complete with Mori by her side and lots of carnival rides. Kyoya was certainly unpleasant the last few days, refusing to even be in the same room as Mori unless it was impossible to escape. And her friends had made everything worse by leaving at exactly the wrong time! Riiko promised to write, but Sora needed her best friends now more than ever!

Kyoya would come eventually. The moment the words came out of Mori's mouth, Sora knew it would take more than one date to convince her. And she figured Kyoya would be more fun in a natural environment such as the school or a classy restaurant. Mori and Kyoya would just have to be patient to the extreme. After him, Sora wouldnve, world's" /'t take any chances anymore. Tamaki and Honey were thrilled, of course, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that, however friendly they seemed to appear, the Hitachiin brothers didn't like her. Whether it was outright dislike or something else, Sora decided to talk to them one of these days.

And today was a perfect day, indeed. The Host Club was taking the day off to go Christmas shopping, and Sora just happened to be in the same car as the twins. Honey, Mori and Haruhi were taking another car (on account of Kyoya refusing to share a car with Mori) to the commoners' mall. Tamaki was excited to go shopping with Sora, and the twins agreed with him that she had "the finest taste in apparel the world has yet to see." Kyoya then dragged them off, apologizing to Sora for having ruined her study time, and promised her he wouldnve, world's" /'t get them executed or something ridiculous.

"Tamaki, do you think you and Kyoya could take a different car and meet us at the mall?" she politely asked as they listened to Mrs. Hokage's lecture on English adverbs and adjectives. "I need to speak alone with Hikaru and Kaoru."

Tamaki raised his eyebrows and scribbled something down on a paper. He then tossed her the note. "Why?" It read. "Did they say something about you and Mori-senpai dating?"

She wrote back, "We're not dating, Tamaki. It's just one date, and maybe more, but right now, just one."

"But what did the evil doppelgangers do?"

"Absolutely nothing. That's why I have to talk with them. I'm getting the feeling that they don't like me."

"Oh, it's not that they dislike you. They have a small world, consisting of themselves. Only recently have they been accepting people into their world. Haruhi was first, followed by the rest of the hosts. You were just a surprise, and it's taking them longer than I expected, but you remind us all of Haruhi in a rich and famous form."

"Tamaki, you do realize that what you just said made no sense whatsoever?"

"And what do we have here?" Ms. Hokage was fast approaching their desks, an amused look on her face. "Passing notes in my class?" She held out her hand. "Miss Mikage, you should know better. You too, Mr. Suou. Hand me the note."

Grinning, Tamaki gave her the note. Thankfully, they had written in French the entire time, and Mrs. Hokage's smile vanished. "Do you understand the meaning of English classes? If you write anything in my class, it must be in English!"

Sora bit her lip to keep from laughing as the furious teacher walked away.

"Sora." Kyoya was writing something on a sheet of paper. This will never do. Don't you dare pick up bad habits from Tamaki. He silently passed her the note, keeping a watchful eye on Mrs. Hokage's back. "Don't let that idiot read it."

Sora pretended to be taking notes as she read the letter.

"Sora. I understand that you are seeing Mori-senpai now. Please forgive me, but I must sincerely give you my concerns about dating such a man. All I ask of you is not to flaunt it during club hours or in front of me. I could not possibly control my emotions. Another thing, when this dating façade is over, will you consider dating a much more reasonable person, such as myself? We could go out to dinner, see a play, whatever your heart desires. Notify me anytime, and we could discuss the possibility of a date."

Kyoya smirked as she wrote something in reply. Tamaki snatched his note from her desk and read quickly. He glanced at Kyoya in astonishment. Sora handed him her note.

"Kyoya, I have thoroughly read your letter and I understand your position. Here is what I have to say in regards to said letter.

"BITE ME."

"Why is she being so stubborn?" muttered Haruhi as she went over both letters at lunch. Kyoya decided she should eat in the cafeteria from now on, since she was technically his accomplice. "All you did was ask her on a date...then again, you shouldn't have called her and Mori-senpai's date a façade. It probably ticked her off righteously."

Kyoya leaned back in his seat, ignoring the stares from the fangirls. "It's the truth, no? Mori-senpai is simply infatuated with her looks. I could offer her something so much better."

Tamaki gobbled on his exquisite bento Haruhi made for him. "What if she likes Mori-senpai? Mother, why don't you let her go and follow her? See if she likes spending time with him or not, then ask her again. If she turns you down, there's plenty more fish in the sea. Isn't that right, Haruhi?"

Haruhi stared. Since when was Tamaki ever mature? He usually made stupid decisions on the spot. And why was he taking Sora's side? Sora, you've messed us up pretty good. Two of the most unlikely candidates for boyfriends have fallen head over heels in love with you, Tamaki-senpai is actually thinking maturely, the twins are being open, and Honey seems less of a childish young man and more of a sweet young man. So far, I'm the only one that's remained the same. Maybe it's because we're related or something... "I think Tamaki-senpai's right, senpai. Back off for a bit, and see who she really likes. No, what am I saying? Push her, with all you might! Just don't trick her. Simple as that."

The Shadow King twirled his bottle cap on the table. "I suppose I have no other choice? But I will not stoop to spying on her, Tamaki. She...needs...space," he forced out.

"Haru-chan!" Honey flung his arms around her. "Kyo-chan asked Sora-chan out on a date! That's wonderful!" He clapped his tiny hands. "Takashi is furious, but he doesn't mind a little friendly competition!" (I had no clue it was friendly, though Kyoya.) "I'm calling it the Daytime Soap Opera Love Triangle! Isn't that funny?"

Tamaki stared before laughing. "That's a good name! We shall use it in our bets!"

Kyoya smirked. "Bets?" he repeated, amusingly.

"Oui! Whoever wins Sora's heart affects a piece of land in Hawaii. Cera and Natalia have 300 euros on Mori-senpai, and Alexia and Elaina have 300 on Kyoya! Haruhi, Ranka-san and I are rooting for you, Mother, and the other hosts are rooting for Mori!"

Kyoya rolled his eyes. Of course. Most of the hosts would be hoping on Mori. He mentally jumped at the thought that others prefer him, but he would never admit it. "Bets on the outcome. If I wasn't one of the betties, I'd call it genius."

Haruhi laughed. "Bets or no bets, the competition heats up!"

A shout interrupted their lunch and celebration. "Uh-oh," squeaked Honey. "Renge-chan's gonna implode when she finds out Sora-chan's gone."

Renge had "invited" Sora to sit with her at lunch today, and she was regretting it. At the far east end of the cafeteria, she wished her cousin or her "uncle" would save her soon. "So how's Italy? What's it like? Is it like France? I've never been there, but Daddy and I are vacationing there during the winter, so I must know all about it! Does it snow a lot? How many beaches are there? Is the shopping good? What about the holidays? How are the gondola rides in Venice?"

Sora sighed, stirring her lemonade. "Italy's awesome, it's kind of like France in a way, 'vacation' is not a verb, moron, it snows occasionally, there's a few beaches, the shopping's the best in the world, holidays are fun, especially Christmas, and the gondolas are cool. Anything I missed?"

"What about politics? I know you're a princess, but what's the government like? Are there any theme parks? Is Genova its own country? How many people are in your family? Do you have any pets? What are the buildings like? Do they...oh. Mori."

Mori stood behind Sora's chair, his face unusually flushed. "I've come to ask Sora if she'll eat lunch with me today." He looked expectedly at her. "Well?"

Renge stood, outraged. "Can't you see that we're having a conversation? It is not polite to disrupt the flow. Tell him, Sora!"

She looked down at the table. "I'd love to eat lunch with you, Mori, but this one here..." She lowered her voice. "...doesn't know when to shut her trap."

Renge smiled triumphantly. "See? She prefers me over you, so if you'll excuse us-HEY!"

A pair of hands snaked over her eyes. "This is the last favor I give you," Nekozawa muttered darkly. "You murderers bring me out in the light and expect me to just do things for you..." He continued to mumble as he covered the manageress' eyes.

"Thank you," Sora whispered as she and Mori snuck off to the courtyard.

Kyoya watched them leave with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Thanks, Mori. I owe you one."

He had taken her to the far north corner of the courtyard. Several juniors left the area after a cold glare from Mori, who obviously wanted privacy.

The rest of the Host Club decided to take it upon themselves to spy.

"Aren't you hungry?" he asked, glancing at her almost empty tray and worried that she was starving herself.

"Not really. I'm never truly hungry during the day. It's dinner time you have to worry about whether or not I have a bottomless pit of a stomach. And desserts are another story. Speaking of desserts, why isn't Honey coming with us to the carnival?" Her eyes opened wide with curiosity.

Mori cleared his throat. "I wanted it to be...just us."

Sora nodded. "I thought so. Very wise, considering Tamaki and the others would use that to spy on us."

Tamaki fell back out of the bushes, still out of their sight. "Senpai, be quiet," Haruhi whispered.

"Is it fine with you that it's...a date?" Mori looked at his shoes, not wanting to look at her face.

"I don't mind. I really like you, Mori," she assured him. "Don't be afraid that I won't show up. I love carnivals, and I think it will be even funnier with you there."

Funny? "I don't understand."

"Not that you're strange. It'll be more fun, okay?"

"Mmm."

They continued to eat outside. When she came back from across the street (having no clue that she wasn't allowed to leave the campus without permission) with ice cream cones, he took her hand as they enjoyed the breezy day. She smiled when he reached for her fingers and allowed him to touch her. Finally, the bell rang, and they had to return to reality. As they began walking away, the others followed silently, hiding behind pillars and walls.

"So..." Sora was bouncing beside Mori as he walked her to class. "Tomorrow, when do you want me to be ready?"

Mori pondered. "By noon. We'll eat lunch first before heading out to the carnival."

Sora sparked an idea. "Mori, do you mind if I drive? Your driver can leave after he drops you off at the hotel."

Mori looked insultingly surprised. "You drive?"

"Duh. Back home, we do walk everywhere, but after a while, you want your own car. It's cool, my car. And I am the best driver in Italy, so you'll be safe."

He shrugged. "You need a car to drive."

"Did you think I came here without one? I had my Ferrari imported from the palazzo."

Every guy's mouth in the vicinity watered. A Ferrari? An actual Ferrari?

"You have a Ferrari? Impressive."

"And I have more good news. The superintendent, that is, Tamaki's father, agreed to allow me my freedom to choose between a white or blue blouse with a cute plaid skirt, blue of course, and it starts next week! He also said the other students would follow, too!"

"That's terrific."

"Isn't it? Oh, and you guys would make horrible secret agents. I can hear you from over here." She glanced over her shoulder, dropping Mori's hand. "Now come out. I know that Ferrari comment got yourtestosteronegoing."

Slowly, Tamaki and Kyoya revealed themselves. Honey and Haruhi took a little longer to move.

"What have you learned?"

Tamaki's head drooped onto her shoulders. "Not to follow or spy on you. And that you're the greatest driver in all of Italy."

"And don't you forget it," she scolded him. "Let's get to class, Tama-chan, or we'll be late. You too, Kyo-chan." She was going to have fun in History.

After school, the twins dragged Sora off to the mall, where shops galore awaited them. Feeling underdressed after looking at Hikaru's shirt and slacks, and Kaoru's polo with slacks, she untied her bun and let her hair fall to her shoulders. She waited outside another girlie shop as the twins practically ran over other people to get everything they wanted.

After a few minutes, she saw them leaving the counter. "There you are," sighed Sora as Hikaru and Kaoru exited the store with a multitude of bags. "Those better not all be for Haruhi. She'll pitch a fit."

Hikaru grinned. "Not all of it. Just most."

Kaoru laughed. "Some of it's for the girls, and we'll go to another store for the hosts."

Sora shook her head. "It's your death wish." She motioned to Kaoru, who nodded.

"Hikaru, why don't you go get that belt? You know, the one you saw in Gold Inferno?" he suggested casually. "I know you wanted it really bad."

The older twin gapped at Kaoru. "You mean it? I can have it?"

"Why not?"

Hikaru took off back into the store, yelling in delight.

Sora sighed. "Thanks. I had no idea if he would leave or not."

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"I've heard that you guys have a small world, and that confuses me. Please explain." That was Sora, always too polite. "You two are some of the friendliest people alive. I can't comprehend why you don't let anyone get too close."

Kaoru stared after his brother. "Because we've always been close to each other. Before we joined the Host Club, we never had any kind of friends. We were forever so quiet."

"Hah, you were quiet? Impossible!"

"Believe it. Many kids our age didn't socialize with us, and we never talked to them. It's the truth. We didn't want to lose our connection with one another, so we blocked everyone else out. It became our world, and their world."

"But what changed that?"

"Haruhi and the guys. She was the first one to tell us apart by our personalities. Tono was so accepting of us. Kyoya-senpai always respected us. Honey-senpai is friendly with everyone. Mori-senpai regards everyone as an equal. And you were different. Not as friendly as Honey-senpai, but not heartless like Kyoya-senpai. You just...are. You exist happily, and it scared us. You didn't see us as close friends, but you don't regard us as enemies. Tell me, Sora. Why is that, do you think?"

"Hm. I think it's because my opinion never mattered. I never question things around me. Everything was set in stone back in Italy. Destiny, fate, a script. Everyone living their lives as puppets, never to laugh, never to cry. I wished to live my life as my own, instead of a masquerade. That's why I'm so carefree here; at home, I was tied down and scolded. Here, I hold my own. And that's the best feeling in the world." She looked at Kaoru, her smile tight. "When you've seen life through my eyes, Kaoru, then will you understand. In Italy, I felt like one of those puppets. Here, my strings have been cut."

He nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I can see why Mori-senpai and Kyoya-senpai fell for you. Like them, your life has been planned out. Like a script. Maybe your happy-go-lucky attitude attracts them. I have no clue. What I do know is that you've affected us in so many ways, Sora. You've become our personal drug."

Suddenly, Hikaru appeared, a wide grin on his face. "I got the belt and some awesome shoes. Wanna see?" His smile faltered. "Is something wrong?" he asked nervously. Sora and Kaoru were staring at each other intensely.

"No," said Sora, turning towards him. "Kaoru and I were discussing life, and how it royally blows."

Hikaru laughed aloud. "You finally learn!"

"Just took me a little longer," she confessed.

As she waved goodbye to the twins outside Starbucks, Sora caught sight of Tamaki and Kyoya, who were examining a delicious-looking pizza in a window. Kyoya was wearing a black vest over a sleeveless shirt with jeans, and Tamaki wore a blue sweater over a pair of khakis. Sora's get-up of a red babydoll and jeans seemed appropriate after all."Do guys always think with their stomachs?" she inquired as they turned to greet her.

"Sora!" Tamaki smiled. "Did you get our shopping done?"

"Yep. And I also got a few things for me, as well." She grinned. "And did you get my shopping done?"

"Of course," said Kyoya, a glare on his glasses. "Otherwise, we would have shooed you away."

Sora laughed. Despite his cold demeanor, Kyoya really did have a caring and humorous side. "So we go shopping for the twins next, right?" She jerked her head back. "I say we take on the lower level. The twins went to meet Haruhi and Ranka-san at Starbucks. Let's get a move on!"

Kyoya fell back as Tamaki and Sora pointed out the various department stores. He loved the way Sora's eyes sparkled and widened whenever he pointed out an interesting shop. "If I may say so, over there's a good ice cream parlor, Sora. Over by the EB Games store, to the right...your other right."

Sora giggled. "I see it! Good thinking, soldier!" she winked at Kyoya. "After we get down, an icy treat sounds delish!"

Tamaki almost jumped. "Look, there's Dillard's! Didn't you say it's a popular store in America, Sora! Let's go there first!" He grabbed her hand and they walked over hastily, Kyoya a step behind them.

"Sora, what about this!"

"PERFECT, TAMAKI! HOW ABOUT THIS ONE!"

"EVEN BETTER! WHICH ONE LIKES ORANGE AGAIN?"

"Oh, that's Kaoru! What about this shirt?"

"For whom?"

"Hikaru, of course."

"BON-BON! And this fabulous watch?"

"Definitely Hikaru. Or this wallet?"

"Very Kaoru."

Kyoya quietly chuckled. Her face was so easily readable when she was this excited. She glanced over at him several times before finally asking, "And you, Kyoya? What are you getting the twins?"

He shrugged. "They like video games, so I was thinking a game or two. Possibly three of four each."

"Seriously, who are you and what have you done with Kyoya? I swear, you just hide behind that cold personality to impress people." Her face softened. "You don't need to impress me, you know."

Tamaki bounded up. "I think we're done. Shall we pay?"

Sora handed him a few bills, looking away from Kyoya, who had his mouth slightly ajar from her last comment. "Here, Tamaki. This should cover it." Tamaki looked in-between the two of them before leaving for customer service.

"Well. This is the, what, seventh time I've been caught staring you?"

"So it is." She moved closer, her gaze intent on his face. "How many times must you do this before you understand the definition of publicity?"

He smiled and stayed rooted. "I'm not sure. A few more times, perhaps."

"Perhaps you like it," she suggested idly, inching ever closer. Her mind was screaming at her, You fool! YOU IDIOT! YOU ARE GOING ON A DATE WITH MORI TOMORROW! STOP IT!

"Maybe. Or maybe you're just extremely attracted to me, and you're in denial, so you try to keep your eyes off me." He leaned down.

"In denial? I highly doubt that." Her breath fluttered in his face.

"So then what is it?"

"I honestly do not know, but I do know what I want, at the moment."

Three young ladies and a couple stopped to watch. Tamaki returned with several bags. "Hey, you guys. Are you ready? The lady working register wanted my number, so I think we should..." He froze when he saw their faces not an inch from each other.

Unaware of a small audience, for the second time, their lips locked.

The Daytime Soap Opera Love Triangle was forming at last.

Tamaki stood frozen, bags on his arms, as Kyoya lifted Sora off her feet, his arms wrapped around her waist tightly. Her arms were thrown over his shoulders, and her eyes closed, as were his. His tongue slowly worked its way into her mouth, and she granted it entrance. One of her flats fell off her feet, but she didn't care. All she cared was that Kyoya was kissing her, and it was for real.

"They seem to be enjoying themselves," came an amused laugh. Haruhi stood behind Tamaki, a grin stretched across her face. "About time. I was worried all my hard work was for nothing."

"OH MY GOSH! NO WAY!" Renge was running toward them. "IT FINALLY HAPPENED! BUT I THOUGHT YOU WERE SEEING-EEK!" Haruhi's hand clamped over her mouth. "Mmm-mmm-mm-mm-mmmmmmm!"

"Renge, stop it. You'll blow out your vocal cords if you keep popping up out of nowhere and screaming."

Kyoya set Sora on her feet, and bent to pick up her shoe. "Here." He stared coldly at Renge and Haruhi before stalking off in the ice cream parlor's direction. "Do you still want ice cream or not?"

Tamaki winced at the anger in his voice before gathering himself and running after him. "Kyoya, wait! KYOYA!"

Sora frowned at Haruhi, who was still muffling Renge. "Let her go. Hush, Renge."

The screaming ceased, and Haruhi released Renge. "I'm sorry, Sora. But the entire school has been waiting for this to happen!"

Sora raised her eyebrows. "WHAT? Since when?"

"Since the Halloween Ball. He just couldn't keep his eyes off you."

Haruhi began to shove Renge, looking frustrated. "Go and catch up with them, Sora. I'll make sure Renge keeps her mouth shut."

Sora nodded and ran to catch up with the two men sitting at a table now. "Tamaki! Kyoya! Wait!" They turned their heads. "Don't just take off! Renge would not stop screaming!" she sighed. "I'm sorry for that. She's such an otaku."

"Ah." Kyoya muttered before turning away.

Tamaki goggled at Sora. "What...was that...all about?"

"What, the screaming?"

"EVERYTHING!"

Kyoya bit a piece off his cone. "That's between myself and Sora. No one else." Sora knew perfectly well Kyoya had good reason to ban Tamaki from saying anything. Mori could never find out about this.

"SORA-CHAN! TAMA-CHAN! KYO-CHAN! WE'VE FOUND YOU!"

Honey and Mori approached the round table, looking gleeful. Mori wore a black snug t-shirt with blue jeans. Honey donned a button-up yellow shirt with blue shorts. "Hello," greeted Mori, nodding toward Sora and Tamaki. Kyoya closed his eyes once before speaking.

"Judging by your appearance, you have found the perfect Christmas gift for someone." His tone was still too polite, the anger subsiding now that Sora was by his side again.

Honey nodded vigorously. "Yep, yep, yep! We got a gift card to Gold Inferno for Haru-chan! And Hika-chan and Kao-chan are getting a PSP from us!" He bounced up and down. "We wanted to ask Tama-chan if he could join us in our search for your presents!"

Mori looked stricken when he realized that would leave Kyoya and Sora alone. "That's fine with me," Sora agreed. "Tamaki, make it good, 'kay?"

The King stared at her. "But what about...?"

"Oh, I'll be fine with Kyoya. We have to find your present anyway. Go."

Tamaki's eyes watered with tears. "Oh...my sweet niece! You are growing up so fast."

"Tamaki, I'm a junior in high school. Please. I've already grown up."

Honey stomped his little feet in impatience. "Hurry, Tama-chan!"

"Well, Tamaki?" Kyoya inclined his head. "Do you want your gift or not?"

"OF COURSE I DO, MOTHER! LET'S BE OFF, HONEY-SENPAI! MORI-SENPAI!"

They left, Mori taking a glance back at Sora, who was licking her cone and staring around the mall. "Okay, I think we should get Tamaki something wicked awesome, but practical in a way. How about a Pineapple laptop, like yours? We could install video games on it, but also put in programs that will help him in school! Ooh, how about a laptop with a musical program on it, or-"

"I was thinking we proceed to my limo to continue what we began in Dillard's." Kyoya's smile was a sinister but soft one. "Then we shop for the idiot." Sora blushed.

Hikaru and Kaoru tapped their fingers against the glass. Puppies and kittens scurried in the window display, running in circles. "What if we got Sora a puppy?" they said in unison.

Haruhi absentmindedly picked at her shirt's hem. Her Bermuda shorts were sticking to her skin. "I don't know. Whatever's fine. But get a big dog. Raja won't like another cat around the house."

"Then what about a St. Bernard? Or a Great Dane?"

"Ew, no, Hikaru. How about a Samoyed? Cute and friendly."

"I say a Samoyed puppy, too. Where's your father, Haruhi?"

"Oh, he saw a card shop and claimed that Sora needed a few new stuffed animals."

Kaoru sniggered. "Okay, that's weird. Well, that takes care of Sora. Next...TONO!"

"Haruhi, get Tono that glass piano statue. He'd love it. I saw a wonderful Monet copy next door we can get him."

"And we'll get Kyoya-senpai something practical?"

"That's no fun, Haruhi! Let's get him a new laptop, with "Kyoya Loves Sora" engraved on the front!"

"Good one, Kaoru!"

"Actually, that's not a bad idea..." Haruhi was still focused on the kissing scene she'd just witnessed. Renge was hard enough; she didn't need the devils breathing down her neck about it. "But instead of a laptop, we could get him...a desk set. You know, when he becomes the most successful business man in Japan. And instead of that message, write something that Mori-senpai won't be tempted to throw out a window."

"Go, Haruhi!"

"Then to the Things Remembered shop!"

"But the Pet Shop, first!"

"No, we can come back for the Samoyed next week! That way, it will still be a puppy! OOH, MORE OF THEM ARE COMING IN, LOOK!"

"Tama-chan, would Sora-chan like these?" Honey asked, holding up a pair of diamond earrings, with a necklace and a bracelet to match. "I know she's an Aries, like you, so diamond's her birth stone."

Mori brought back a pretty white blouse and a white belt. "I know she likes white, so these can go with it." He smiled. "Mitsukuni, get her the jewelry. She'll love it."

Tamaki wailed. "I have no clue what to get her!"

Honey tugged on his sleeve. "Don't give up! Oh, doesn't she really like music? Get her that new GazettE CD. I think she likes them."

"THAT'S PERFECT!" He ran off in the music store's direction.

Mori tilted his head. "What else should I get her since I'm courting her?" He blushed slightly.

"Takashi, you should get her a diamond ring. Make it gold, and engrave her name into it."

"Thank you, Mitsukuni. I'll get her that." They approached the jewelry counter.

Honey's grin fell. He would never tell his cousin that, while looking for Tamaki, he witnessed Sora being lifted off her feet with a kiss from Kyoya. Mori may collapse from overbearing anxiety. "Ooh, Takashi, how about that one? Instead of her name, get her that one with the heart-cut stone!"

Mori handed the jeweler his credit card. "What do you think...Kyoya is getting her?"

"I already know. Kyo-chan wants to give her a library. Tama-chan said they were discussing lots of books in their English classes. He decided to invest in buildinga library. It's in the Kanagawa prefecture, right beside a shrine. Very secluded...oh." He frowned. "That's why he wants to give her that one."

"Do not fret, Mitsukuni. She'll choose by her own standards, not because we're giving her things. And has she mentioned anything about our gifts?"

"Nope. Still a surprise."

Tamaki came running around the corner, sweating like crazy as he dodged the antics of an elderly woman. "HOW DARE YOU! THAT WAS THE LAST CD, AND I WAS GETTING IT FOR MY DAUGHTER, SO YOU DECIDE TO CHARM THE POOR GIRL BEHIND THE COUNTER WITH YOUR LOOKS AND YOUR WORDS!"

He flailed his arms at the two seniors. "AH-HAH, MORI-SENPAI, HONEY-SENPAI! MAKE HER STOP!" He yelped as her giant red handbag hit him across the head. "AH! SEXUAL HARASSMENT! RAPE! HELP!"