Chapter 2: I Lose But Gain Something In Return
(KAGOME's P.o.V)
I can feel that someone is undressing me. Mom…? I'm too tired to move…I can't even open my eyes. Then I heard someone's crying beside me. Who…? Now, I feel so cold…I know my skin is exposed right now and that there are persons around me arguing about something. I recognized Hikaru and Kaoru's sad voices and I tried my best to open my eyes to ease their pain. "Please don't say…that…" The first thing I saw was Hani-senpai's tearful face then all of their concerned faces. "It's not your fault…" So I made an effort to force my upper body raised into a sitting position and I'm so thankful for Mori-senpai's help in supporting my back. I removed some of the bloodstained from my mouth and neck with the sleeves of my blazer before thinking of a good excuse so I said the first thing that came into my mind. "A burglar attacked me…" Wow…what a good excuse Kagome… I mentally sighed.
"BURGLAR?" They all asked that at the same time and I saw disbelief in their eyes, especially Megane-senpai's.
"It can't be, because our security system is flawless." He coolly fixed his eyeglasses.
What flawless security system are you talking about? I was just attacked right? "Then what do you think happened to me?" I wearily argued back.
"That's not what we want to hear now! What happened to your wounds? You were attacked right?" I can see the panicked expression on Suoh-senpai's face.
"Y…Yeah…" I was attacked…obviously…
"Where's your wound Gome-chan?" Hani-senpai rubbed away the tears on his eyes and I can't help but feel touched with his actions.
"Uh…uhm…" Healed…
"Why are you in this room?" Mori-senpai asked me while pressing my left shoulder a little bit harder, suppressing his anger.
"H-huh? I-I…" I glanced at the twins and I saw them frozen on the spot. I feel sorry for them if they found out their mischievous deeds…
"Uhm…everyone…I think you should ask first the most obvious question right now…" I heard Haruhi speak and he motioned the others to look at my chest-part.
They became white as a ghost—except for Haruhi and Ootori-senpai— so I became curious and also looked at it. Suddenly, the blood rushed into my face and desperately tried to cover my upper body—which was thankfully covered by a girdle but my cleavage is still showing so I still want to hide it— with my arms.
"YOU'RE A GIRL?" Their jaw dropped…
I stayed silent for a little while, thinking if I have to tell them the truth. But since, the proof was already shown to their faces, then I guess there's no use in hiding it anymore. "I…I guess?"
"…!" All of them was flabbergasted and are red on the face—except again for Haruhi though she's also surprised and Ootori-senpai— and then turned around to cover their eyes. Mori-senpai who's still beside me took off his blazer and gives it to me while looking on the other way. I gratefully accepted it and cover my body with it. When they heard the shuffling of clothes stopped, they look at me again. Suoh-senpai was the first one to speak.
"S-S-So…! Kagome-kun! I-I-I mean, K-Kagome-san! Tell us the reason why you are hiding your g-gender?" We waited for him to finish his stuttering and Kyouya-senpai took over.
"So…" He leaned his face, a little bit closer to mine but still quite far since I'm still sitting and he on the other hand, is standing. "…is this the secret you are trying so hard to hide?"
Haruhi cut them off. "Senpai, why don't we just give her a break and let her change her clothes? I'm sure…It's uncomfortable wearing…that." He meant my brittle bloodstained clothes. I gave him a thankful smile and he smiled back. The others seem to also realize my condition and allowed me to take a break from their interrogating.
"I better cancel the ambulance which is probably almost near the school now." I heard Ootori-senpai muttered to himself and dialled on his mobile phone. "And order a new set of uniform…" He said while waiting for the other line to answer his call.
Mori-senpai assisted me to stand, while Hani-senpai is cheering me on the sidelines. They helped me walk to the changing room and to the bathroom—I didn't even know there's a bathroom here, it's 'the' Third Music Room after all— and leave me inside to let me wash myself. I looked around and once again, I saw that we live in a different world because the bathroom itself is bigger than my room. I sighed and told myself a little extravagance won't hurt. I undress with difficulty and throw my clothes—except for the girdle— in the trash-bin. It's kinda hard thing to do, throwing my uniform and all, but I can't help it since I can never wear it again even when I washed it thoroughly and sew the ripped part. Besides, there will be new clothes coming—courtesy of Ootori-senpai— so it shouldn't be a problem. There's no water on the large bathtub so I just opened the shower and cleaned myself thoroughly as fast as I could. It's about less than ten minutes when I heard a soft knock on the door. I figured it's my new uniform so I quickly got out of the shower and wrapped myself with clean towel. I opened it slowly, peek my head outside and saw Haruhi behind the door.
"Here is your new uniform." He smiled at me. "Kyouya-senpai asked me to bring it to you."
More like…he ordered him…Why can't he just deliver it himself? There's no difference who brought it since they are both men. I smiled back, took the clothes, said a, "Thank you." and closed the door again. I took another towel and dried my hair while looking at the large mirror, "I'll just take a bath at home." and decided to get dressed. When I finished dressing, I put my wet hair—but not dripping— in a tight bun. I gaze again on the mirror and laughed at myself. "I looked like a transvestite." I opened the door and let my feet brought me to the main room where I saw Haruhi and Suoh-senpai scolding the twins and the two has their head-low, looking on the floor. They are not arguing back even though it's their 'Tono' who's reprimanding them. It appears they are really sorry for what they have done and here I am to the rescue. They all stare at me when I walked to them. "Please stop scolding them. It's not their fault I got myself into this mess…actually it's my own fault for sleeping." The twins showed me grateful smiles. I was about to ruffle their hair but the voice of Ootori-senpai stopped me.
"So…are you ready to explain everything to us? Miss Kagome Higurashi?" He's standing in front of us, with his arms folded on his chest.
I glanced at him, then to the others. Their expressions are demanding for answers and I heaved a long sigh. "First things first. I know you're aching to know why I'm hiding my gender, am I correct?" They nod their head seriously and are waiting painfully for my answer. "Well…there's only one reason for that. That is…" Do I have to tell them the truth? I guess…I have to… I closed my eyes. "…because I don't like to wear the girl's uniform…" I slowly open my eyes and what I saw to their faces are doubts. WHAT? They don't believe me?
"Do you think we will believe an answer like that? Take us seriously please." Ootori-senpai, along with the others shakes their heads in disbelief.
"W-Why would I lie to you? Why won't you believe me?" I helplessly looked at them.
"You already did right? Lying to the whole school, I mean." He fixed his eyeglasses.
Gulp.
Hani-senpai stares at me sadly. "Gome-chan! You don't trust us?" Mori-senpai also looks sad.
"Wha-?"
Suoh-senpai tapped my shoulder and looked straight at me. "How can we help you if you don't tell us the truth?"
"Please wai-!"
The twins wrapped their arms around me. "We promised not to tell it to anyone Kagome! We will forever serve you!"
"H-huh-?"
Haruhi also join in and stands beside Suoh-senpai and gave me a reassuring smile. "We may not look like it but you can count on us."
"WILL YOU PLEASE SHUT UP!" They were taken aback by my sudden outburst. "I'm trying to tell the truth here! Sure, there are things I can't say to you but can you blame me? I can't just tell it to people whom I only started speaking to three days ago! And you can tell everyone that I'm a girl for all I care!" I was huffing when I finished talking. They just stare at me with wide eyes and I took that chance to escape the awkward atmosphere. But before I can walk further, someone grabbed my right arm.
"Please hold it right there."
I frowned and looked back at Ootori-senpai. "What?"
"We still have the contract."
"Huh? What more do you want? I can't be a host anymore right? Since you know now that I'm a girl!"
"Haruhi is a girl." He said simply.
"Please don't stop me— WHAT?" I stare at him and then to Haruhi. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"That's the truth." He…or she said and senpai removed his grip from my arm. "But it's not like I'm really hiding it." She scratches his head indifferently. "I just don't care about appearances or gender and such. *I don't really mind being treated as a guy. Actually, that's better because I can finish my quota of 1000 people and pay my 8 million yen debt."
Suoh-senpai suddenly twisted his head scarily to Haruhi and grabbed her face while crying. "A GIRL CANNOT ADDRESS HERSELF WITH *'ORE'!" Then he looks at our direction which caused me to jolt on where I'm standing and Ootori-senpai crossed his arms. "WAAAH! MOM! HARUHI USES BAD WORDS-!"
"Huh? Mom? Who?"
"Probably me. I'm guessing."
"…?"
Then I saw Hikaru and Kaoru taking away Haruhi from the idiot-prince. "Here, here, he's scary so come this way."
And the senpais soothe the blond with cake and stuffed bunny. Oh right…I almost forgot that these people are idiots… I suppressed a laugh.
"And you Kagome!" My body jolted when Suoh-senpai suddenly called my name when he recovered. He was standing now with his hands on his waist and with the others who's also looking at me. "Don't you think we were not hurt by your words? We will not force you to tell us everything until you decided to tell it to us yourself but remember that you became one of us and there's no turning back!"
Megane-senpai followed. "Besides, you already established yourself to the guests so I can't just tell them they can't request for you anymore." Business again…
"We will not tell to the other students about your gender of course! We will keep it until our last breath!"
Hani-senpai walked to me and tugged my sleeve. "Don't leave us okay? Ne?" Geh! Using him as your last weapon?
Mori-senpai who's behind him also nodded.
"Please don't be like that everyone…I'm not someone special to be treated this way…" Now I really want to stay with them…It's only been three days but…they reminded me so much of…my friends…
"Don't say that Kagome." Haruhi smiled. "You're special, and we're friends right?"
I remained silent and continue to stare at them. They made me angry…they made me laugh…they became so worried about me…and they made me realize that there is still a place for me here in this time…that it's worth protecting these people… All of a sudden, tears formed in my eyes and I brought Haruhi into an air-shattering hug. "C-Can I really stay here?" I glanced at the others and they just gave me a smile, telling me that words aren't necessary for my acceptance. Someday…I'm sure I'll be able to tell them…about my mission…and about me…
…
"Alright everyone!" Suoh-senpai gathered our attention. "Let's review about Suzushima-kun and Kasuga-hime's Reconciliation Plan!" Oh right…we were discussing about it yesterday…about them being engaged… Ugh…somehow…that word left a sour taste on my mouth…
"E-eh? What about my dance lesson…?" Haruhi voiced out but to no avail, because everyone is reviewing about the plan. I don't have any particular role in this charade except for…entertaining the guests. Right…don't you think that's already quite a big role for me?
…
…
(NARRATOR'S P.o.V)
"Lambs gathered tonight. Give thanks to the fortune that we can attend today, and to the sovereign beauty-ness. May the Lord's blessings be with us. Open the door." The blond-prince gave a charming smile and opened his right palm in a welcoming way. "Welcome to the Ouran Host Club Christmas Party…!" The other hosts are beside him, and smiling at the guests.
"Hello! Why don't you play some cards with us, ladies?" Hikaru spoke first whose holding playing cards, "If you win one game, you'll gain one point and a gorgeous reward!" Then followed by Kaoru who's showing the cassinopoint-scoring card game table to the guests. "For those of you who get the highest number of points, you will have a chance to dance the last dance with one of the club members!" In unison again, "Moreover! The top point-getter will get a blessing kiss from King!"
The tall blond enchantingly raised one of the girl's chin while saying, "Do your best…" and you can hear the squeals of the other girls on the background.
…
(KAGOME's P.o.V)
"Casino? Is that even legal? We're only students right?" I asked myself while walking around and looking at the tables.
"Casinos are normal to us especially in social gatherings such as this. Our parents bring us with them sometimes so we should at least know how to play the games." As usual, a certain four-eyed megane answered for me who came out of nowhere.
"O…kay? Do I have to apologize?" I smirked at him.
"No need to add the mockery. You can also play if you want and that will please the customers if you join them."
"No thanks. These things are not for me…and you will only laugh at me because of my lack of knowledge about it." I laughed with no humor.
He only fixed his eyeglasses and gave me a "Hn." Then wrote something on his clip-board. "By the way, your suit will be added to your debt."
I looked at him wide-eye. "WHAT? I have my own debt to pay now?"
"That is correct. Aside from the compensation you owed us on your first day as a host, you also owed us with the restoration of the clubroom, especially cleaning the bloodstained which was hard to deal with in secrets. I hope you get my point."
Veins popped on my head but still suppress my anger to show on my face because I don't want the guests to see it. "You…money-grabbing monster!" I shouted at him in a low voice. "So that's the main reason why you stopped me from leaving?"
"Hm…precisely. In addition, you have your own debt to pay for when you decided to quit again and tear the contract…though that's not quite possible since I left the original copy at my house." He smirked at me while fixing his eyeglasses to place.
"WHAT?" I eerily eyed him. Huh? Doesn't that only mean…you just want me to stay? It seems to me that you're only doing this…so I have a reason to not leave… Why didn't he just tell it to me straight? "Oof!"Then I felt some air left my body when someone glommed from the back. t
"Kagome-neechan! Play with us!" The twins said that in a low voice so the guests won't hear their endearment 'neechan'. For some reason, after what happened to me, they became so attached to me and started calling me that even when we're of the same age. Maybe they're still feeling guilty?
"What do you want now?" I acted like I'm irritated but still patted their heads.
"They want you to play cards with them! You should ask that to our little kittens!" Suoh-senpai appeared with the others.
"Eeeh? But Kagome-neechan is also a 'kitten'!"
I ignored what they said and instead focus my eyes on the smaller girl. "Haruhi, why are you so tense?"
She glanced sideways. "I-I'm not used to this events. On Christmas, I only ate the cakes that my father brings home from work."
"So gorgeous party doesn't mean anything to you, huh, Haruhi?"
Ootori-senpai joined the conversation while still folding his arms. "Well, why don't you just eat something then? They're high-class foods." Then he glanced at me and smirked. "You, too Kagome. Don't worry, they're free."
I pay no attention to his mockery and only heard the word 'free'. So my feet automatically walk itself to the buffet table. But when I'm only a few feet away, I heard Haruhi spoke.
"High class foods? Like…ootouro?" I instantly glanced at her but I don't have much time to react because the other hosts flocked at her and I even heard Suoh-senpai shouted, "SOMEBODY! BRING OOTOURO HERE!" And the feed hunting begins…
I sighed a relief. I don't know how to save her in this situation… Good thing I hadn't said a word…or I will end up like her…so embarrassing…! Haruhi! I will weep at your grave! So long my friend! …and I completed my way to the buffet table. As I was eating a chicken with ham and cheese something dish, I saw Hani-senpai and Mori-senpai grabbed the poor Haruhi who's talking with the now surprised Kasugasaki-san. I guess it's time… The guests immediately formed a circle around me and of course, I have to do my job.
"Where do you think are the other hosts, Kagome-kun?" said one of the guests.
"T-They're just setting up something for you to see… I hope you understand."
They seem to understand and instead throw me their full attention. "By the way! You look so cool with your outfit today! We hadn't seen you dress up anything except for the school uniform so we were quite surprised! Thank God I attended the party!" then she blushed.
"That's right! And the way you tied your hair to your shoulder gave you the princely look! Aah~ so dreamy~!" She squeals with the others.
"Oh! You like Chicken Cordon Bleau?" I think she is referring to what I'm eating. "You better add white sauce to make it more flavorful!"
"Why don't you try this Strawberry Almond Tarts for your dessert Kagome-kun?"
"No! Try this Maple Sponge Cake! It's one of the twins' favorite!"
"Then try the Strawberry Shortcake! It's Honey-kun's favorite!" And so…I began my own feed hunting game… Suddenly, we saw light from the outside and we immediately go by the window.
I saw our targets below the bright Christmas tree and heard Suoh-senpai shouted, "Merry Christmas! May there be blessings over the clumsy couple!" and we all clapped our hands. Now, it's time for the last waltz.
I danced with one of my customers and she looks so happy with her beet red face. If only she knows my real gender…she won't show me this kind of expression… Then I noticed someone's stares from my back and instantly turned with my partner. I saw Megane-senpai staring at me with a smirk on his lips as if saying, "So you can really dance, eh?" I childishly showed him my tongue and looked the other way, though I can still feel his stares burning at my neck. Stare all you want! You can't see any flaws with my dancing and tease me later for it!
"Now we'll have the last event! This will be given to Miyako-hime, the top point getter! A blessing kiss from King…modified…FUJIOKA HARUHI!"
"HUH?" Haruhi became pale and Suoh-senpai was shocked.
The twins nonchalantly replied. "It's all because Kyouya-senpai said if we have an accident at the end, the party would be more fun. We just did what we were told."
Ootori-senpai whispered something to the smaller girl's ear that made her agreed for some reason. Scheming bastard…
"Ne? Isn't it Haru-chan's first kiss…? Probably…"
Suoh-senpai turned his head sideways that I even heard a cracked sound from his neck. "Hold that kiss!" Honey-senpai's statement made the taller blond act quickly, but too quickly because he didn't see the banana peel on the staircase and the unfortunate me who was three steps below the stairs tag along with his flight to the remaining steps with my back first and senpai at my front… It didn't take long for us to rest our bodies to the ground─ more like 'my' body to the ground─ because it's not that far…and he completed his mission of stopping Haruhi's first kiss…but…
Ugh... I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was blue-violet eyes, and I think it's too close for comfort. Then I noticed that my lips are pressing with something. Suddenly, senpai raised his body which was also pressing to mine with a stunned face, moistened lips and with a blush on his face. It's already far too late for me to realize what happened. WHAT THE HELL!
"T-T-This! K-K-Kagome…I-I'm s-s-sor—" I didn't give him the chance to finish because I positioned myself who's still under him and kicked him hard from his stomach and he flew 45 degrees.
"P-Pervert!" Though I'm also blushing a little… but not because I like it…it's because…it's so embarrassing! To be kissed by someone on public! What's worse? To be kissed by a guy when I'm dressing up as a guy!
The pervert-prince managed to stand but a two certain auburn-haired twins loomed darkly at him. "To…no…WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO KAGOME! HOW DARE YOU STEAL HIS(HER) FIRST KISS!" And so…the game of tag begins…
It's not my first kiss though…
(KYOUYA's P.o.V)
I fixed my eyeglasses while staring at Tamaki who's running for his dear life. Then to a certain violent-girl who's still red on the face. This is not the ending I'm anticipating… Nevertheless…it turned out good… I say that but why do I feel kind of…disappointed? Well whatever. What's important is, this party was a success.
…
…
(KAGOME's P.o.V)
I went home with a heavy heart. Christmas Parties were supposed to give you joy and warm-feeling right? Sure, I enjoyed the food but that's it. The finale didn't make me happy at all. Maybe I'm not yet really fully accustomed with the host club's activities…? I heaved a long sigh before opening our front door and muttered a, "I'm home." and what welcomed me is the face I haven't seen for weeks. "Sesshomaru? What are you doing here?" I closed the door behind me and took a seat in front him, untying my tie on the way.
"What took you so long? It was already past midnight." He crossed his arms, and gave me a reprimanding look.
"I'm sure my mom already informed you. So what brings you here?" I immediately changed the subject, because I don't want to talk about the party.
"What else can it be? Visiting my fiancée on Christmas, of course."
"Oh…right…" I rolled my eyes.
We became silent before he speaks again. "How was your school by the way?" Then he looks at what I'm wearing. "Base from what I can see from your clothing, they have not yet found out your real gender. Am I correct?"
"H-Huh? Uh…yeah…" He will surely rush to see them if I tell him the truth…
"Your mother told me about you attending some Christmas Party. I presume it is a party of your club?"
"W-what? H-How did you know?" I still haven't told him about me, joining the Ouran Host Club…because he will ask a lot of questions… So how did he-?
"That is because you informed me about your acceptance in the Kyūdō Club on the phone so it is normal for you to attend some party with them."
"Kyūdō Club? O-Oh! T-That's right! I attended a Christmas Party together with the other members. A-Ahaha…" I'm not the lying kind of person but I seemed to be lying a lot these days…I wonder when will this end… I mentally sighed.
He eyed me suspiciously but just ignored it in the end, "Before I forgot…" and instead handed me a large box with a red wrapper and ribbon. "I think this is where you say…Merry Christmas…?"
I chuckled and accepted the gift. "Merry Christmas…sorry I don't have anything for you."
"You do not have to worry about it, because I already anticipated it. Anyways…" Then he handed me a large red paper bag with a ribbon. "This is from Shippo."
"W-What? F-From my son?" I instantly grabbed the gift from his hand and peeked inside. What's inside are a designer's coat and an envelope. "This is…"
"A letter from him. He wanted to apologize for not visiting you, but we cannot help it since he only started his new degree and is only a first year college student so he cannot abandon his studies."
"You didn't…peek?"
"Why should I? I only said to you the facts and what he feels is inside that letter. So you better reply to him."
"Of course I will! And you better bring it to him safe! You hear me?"
"You do not have to threaten me given that your reply will certainly make him happy."
"Hmm…okay. Thank you…" I gazed at the envelope and read the words, To my dearest Okaa-sama. Just those words made me want to cry.
"Now that my job here was finished…" He grabbed my attention and glanced at his watch, "…then I have to say goodbye for now." and rose from his seat.
"What? Why don't you eat first? I'm sure my mom made something." I also stand up and was about to go to the kitchen but he stopped me.
"I have already eaten the food your mother insisted a few hours ago so do not bother. Tell her my gratitude and I bid goodbye." Then he called his secretary whom I haven't noticed when I entered the house. "We are going home, Sakemaru."
He placed his right hand to his chest and bowed. "Yes, my Lord." Then they're gone.
I stared at the door. Few hours ago? So he's been waiting for hours? He should have called me…idiot dog. Then I gazed again at the envelope and shakily opened it. It only has one page and a picture. I looked first at the picture and my eyes were bulging from its sockets. A handsome young man with bright orange-hair and green-eyes can be seen in the picture, with the famous London Bridge as its background. His hair was tied from the back and has some strands on each side of his face—very much like when I tied my hair at school— and a very charming smile was plastered on his face. He's wearing a green long sleeve—which was noticeably folded below his elbows— open button-up shirt with white shirt underneath, black watch, white denim pants and black shoes. He looks like a typical college student with what he's wearing but if I didn't know him, I will think that he's some kind of a model. Hundred years sure changes a person, eh? I mentally laughed. When I had my full in staring at the picture, I unfolded the paper. It says…
Dear Okaa-sama,
Merry Christmas! I hope you like my gift! Ehehe~
I miss you soooo much! I really really miss you terribly! After 500 hundred long years, I will finally be able to see you again! I want to fly to you the moment my old man told me your reunion but he don't want me to leave school because the term only started and I can't just take a leave of absence. I'm so fed up with studying but I made this as my past time so I will not take notice of the flowing time without you by my side. It was soooo hard for me not to go to you immediately because I sooo want to catch up things with you after the long wait. But please be patient my dear mother, because the moment we have a long vacation, I will fly to wherever you are! I still have lots and lots of things I wanna say to you but I want to tell it to you in person so always take care of yourself and wait for me okay?
I hope you send me back a letter! I love you! See you soon~!
Your son,
Shippo
My eyes became a blur and tear drops can be seen on the piece of paper. So he still remembers me and is waiting for us to see each other again…I will always be here...waiting for you…son.
…
Woah! Finally! I finished the 2nd chapter~ Ahahaha~ sorry if it's a bit boring and slow-paced. That's because I want first to develop their relationships and don't just jump into the lovey-dovey stuffs. Besides, I still can't picture the great Ootori Kyouya blushing and laughing without being OOC. In short, I can't imagine him as an in love person at only this point of time.
…
Btw! For those who are wondering why I revealed Kagome's gender on the first chapter…it's because…
I want to dress her up! That's right! I want her to wear girls' and boys' clothing! Ahahaha~ what a lame reason!
But seriously, my main reason was because I don't want this to turn into a yaoi or shonen-ai series… Wait! Please don't get me wrong! I'm a certified yaoi fangirl! Check-out my profile! It's just that, I want their feelings to be true and with nothing to hinder them in falling in love. And it will be much easier for me to write the story if they know she's a girl. Ahahaha~
I hope you understand my reasons!
Oh that's right! Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews~! It really motivates me to continue this so please! Please review again so new readers will be attracted to read it~!
Matta ne~~