Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High school Host Club. If I did, I would be a character and I would marry Kyouya.
Plot Summary: Katherine Yuri Inoue is your typical, average, half-Japanese, half-Spanish fifteen year old living in America. Except… She is secretly a Junior CIA agent, in training to become a full-fledged CIA agent. When she disobeys an order from her superior in order to save some people's lives from impending danger, she is sent to Japan on an individual assignment as a "punishment". Her mission: to find the Japanese ambassador's long lost niece. In Japan, she goes undercover as an Ouran Academy High school student. Kathy, who now goes by her Japanese middle name, Yuri, plans to find the ambassador's niece and return to America as soon as possible. However, she did not plan on finding herself with a group of new (and weird) friends, a club she has never heard of, a debt to pay, and… Love? Also, this secret agent not only has her identity and intentions to keep secret but a past as well that she doesn't want anybody to find out. Who is she really? And is only reason she doesn't want to stay in Japan because she was forced to? Or something else? And perhaps her newfound friends and a certain someone can change her mind…
_ _ _
Chapter 5- Debt
Kathy, now Yuri, finds herself with a debt to the Host Club and must pay by being their servant. She ultimately finds a friend in Haruhi and gets off at a rough start with the Shadow King. However, it seems that there's more to this commoner than meets the eye as Kyouya soon realizes that Yuri can read him like an open book. She is also mysterious and Kyouya finds himself drawn to this mysteriousness.
CRASH!
Yuri dropped her school things and her coat as she watched the fish wriggling on the floor, breathing for their lives.
"The fish!" the twins exclaimed in unison and scrambled towards the dying animals.
"I'm so sorry!!!"
Guiltily, Yuri dropped on her hands onto the floor, attempting her very best to save the fishes. Haruhi was beside her instantly, helping her in the rescue with Hikaru and Kaoru doing the same. One of the twins, with a fish on his hand, slipped as he stood up then fell on top of his brother. Both groaned in agony as the fish flew from the twin's hand and out of the window where they heard a girl shriek. Yuri apologized again. Mori and Hunny had run to the pantry and are back with water-filled bowls and are now helping the other four salvage the debris. Meanwhile, Tamaki simply stood, thunderstruck while Kyouya began writing in his clipboard, obviously calculating the expenses.
Ten minutes later……
"I am so so so so very sorry," Yuri said for what felt like the hundredth time.
She and Haruhi had finished cleaning the water on the floor and are now sitting on one of the Host Club's velvet couches. They had managed to save most of the fish and had placed them in the other aquariums but unfortunately, ten did not survive. There is currently a funeral on one of Ouran's bathrooms with Tamaki, Hikaru, Kaoru, Hunny, and Mori as the witnesses. It's just her, Haruhi, and Kyouya left in the Music Room.
"It wasn't your fault Inoue-san-." Haruhi started to say but was rudely interrupted by a certain Shadow King.
"Technically, it was," he said, tapping on his calculator with the back of his pen. "You were not paying attention Miss Inoue and as a result, broke the 900,000 yen aquarium and almost killed 2 million yen worth of imported fish."
Yuri's eyes went wide as saucers and her mouth dropped open. "That much for fish and a stupid aquarium?!"
Kyouya adjusted his glasses and gave her a look that often sends shivers down the other Host Club members' spine. "Yes, that much for fish imported from Hawaii and a 'stupid' aquarium made in and imported directly from England."
The girl didn't even flinch. In fact, she gave him a similar look. "Why didn't you just buy some at the pet store?! Who could tell the difference?!"
Haruhi sighed beside her. "That's what I said."
Before Kyouya can retort, the door opened and in came Tamaki and the others.
"We're back…" he said, solemnly. He has an empty tissue box on one hand and a wad up ball of tissue on the other. The Host King sniffed and dabbed at his eye. "Those beautiful creatures are now at rest." Then he looked at Yuri. "I am certain they forgive you for taking their lives Inoue-chan."
Yuri raised an eyebrow then caught a glimpse of Hunny who also looked like he had cried and felt guilty. Despite the guy being older than she is, his childish features made her feel like the villain.
"I'll pay for them," she said turning back to Kyouya.
He raised an eyebrow, looking incredulous. "You'll pay 2 million yen?"
Suddenly, she wished she'd shut up instead. She jumped up from the couch. "Two million yen? Where am I going to get that kind of money?"
In the corner, she heard Kaoru say, "At least it's lower than what Haruhi owed us, ne Hikaru?"
"Hai," his twin answered.
"You just proposed that you'd pay for it," Kyouya reminded her.
"Well, yes, but-."
"You owe the Host Club 2 million yen Miss Inoue."
Yuri glared at him, murderously as Haruhi placed a hand on her shoulder and eased her back down on the couch.
"Kyoua-senpai? Can't you cut her some slack?" Haruhi asked, as Yuri began to calm herself down. Then under her breath, she added, "Unlike what you did with me."
"Fujioka-san, it's fine," Yuri said, softly. "Thanks for the attempt." She looked up at Kyouya. "I'll pay it. Just give me time."
Kyouya simply looked at her then shook his head. "Are you certain that you can pay in full by the end of the school year?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. But, I'll figure it out somehow." Unlike before, she now sounds defeated.
She gives up too easily, Kyouya thought. A natural flaw.
The Shadow King adjusted his glasses then turned away from her towards his laptop on his usual table. He began typing some things then looked up at her.
"I have a proposition for you Miss Inoue," he told her, smiling pleasantly. "One that would help you pay your debt."
She gave him a curious look. "I'm listening."
The Shadow King typed a few more things on his laptop before continuing. "You can start out as Haruhi did when he broke an 80 million yen vase at the beginning of the school year…………."
Did he say 80 million yen? Yuri thought, alarmed and no longer listening. And was it just me or did he just call Fujioka-san a 'he.'
"…… do you agree?"
She snapped out of it. "Huh?" Kyouya glared at her. "Sorry, I got lost when you said 80 million yen." She turned to Haruhi. "And aren't you a girl?"
The entire Host Club froze. Hunny and Mori, she didn't notice were back at their own table and Hunny has a fork halfway towards his open mouth. Mori just looked on. Hikaru and Kaoru looked horrified.
"Of course not!" Tamaki shrieked, suddenly appearing beside Haruhi. "How could you say that about my daughter! I mean, my son! I mean…"
Haruhi just shook her head. "I don't really care Senpai." She smiled at Yuri. "How did you know?"
The other girl shrugged. "It's just obvious. To me, that is."
Kyouya cleared his throat so Yuri turned her attention back to him.
"As I was saying, the only way you can repay your debt by the end of the school year is by starting out the same way Haruhi did. Miss Inoue, you will pay your debt by being a servant. Specifically, the Host Club's servant. You will serve tea and other refreshments to the guests while the Hosts entertain them. Also, you will do most of the cleaning in the club room after club hours and the preparation at exactly 2:30 in the afternoon before opening at 3:00 every single day after school. Being late or absent for no particular reason will result in my having to raise your debt."
At first, there was stillness and silence. Then suddenly, Yuri jumped up, an enraged look evident on her face. "A SERVANT?! I HAVE TO BE YOUR SERVANT?! WHAT CENTURY DO YOU THINK THIS IS???!!!"
Then, she started yelling in Spanish (a constant habit she has when she's really angry).They stared at her quizzically. She's thankful that they don't understand Spanish (at least, she hopes they don't). She is saying some very unpleasant things that are usually unlike her. A few minutes later, she breathed deeply and began to calm down again. She sat down on the couch and lowered her head, refusing to meet their eyes.
"Gomenasai," she said, softly. "That was rude of me."
"It's quite alright," Kyouya answered, seemingly amused. "Do you accept my proposition?"
She just yelled out in Spanish and the proposition was all he cared about? What is up with this guy?
"Say yes! Say yes!" the twins chorused, eagerly. "We want a new toy!"
"Haruhi is great and all but she constantly runs away when we try to make her wear cute dresses to maker her look cuter," Kaoru said. "At least with you, we can make you were dresses during club hours."
His brother turned to him and stroked his cheek, lovingly. "But of course, no one will ever be as cute as you Kaoru…"
"Hikaru…" his twin said, his eyes shining
Yuri stared at them, at a loss for words while Haruhi placed her head on her palm, frustrated. "The club didn't even start yet," she mumbled.
"Yes, my dear! This is a perfect opportunity for Okaa-san and I to have a new daughter!" Tamaki said, appearing beside her with puppy dog eyes.
"Okaa-san?"
"That would be Kyouya-senpai Inoue-san," Haruhi told her.
Yuri raised an eyebrow before giggling softly. Kyouya glared at Tamaki, then at Haruhi, then, lastly, at her. She pursed her lips, still smirking.
"You'll like it here Yu-chan," Hunny said, placing a piece of cake on his mouth, chewing quickly then swallowing. "And Haru-chan can finally have a girl to talk to while she's a host. That way, Haru-chan won't be as lonely just being with us boys, right Takashi?"
"Right," Mori agreed.
All of the Hosts looked at Yuri expectantly.
"Er… I kind of have my own things to deal with," she said, cautiously, thinking about her assignment. The Host Club will just take up most of her time.
"Any way or another, you must pay your debt," Kyouya said, not looking up from his laptop.
"Do you mind if I sleep on it?"
He paused, considering her request. "Only if you stay during the club today and see what it's like. You can give us your decision tomorrow." He finally looked up. "Do we have an agreement?"
"Um… I really should get home…"
"Then it means you accept the proposition and will return here tomorrow for your first day as our servant."
"No!"
"Then, make your decision Miss Inoue. We don't have all day. The Club opens in ten minutes and you have already wasted most of our preparation time."
Yuri sighed then turned to Haruhi with pleading eyes. "He's not serious."
"Unfortunately, he is."
Yuri breathed deeply to calm herself. "Fine, I'll do it. 'Til what time is the Host Club?"
"The Host Club ends at five o'clock every afternoon."
The girl pursed her lips. "Fine. But my final decision is tomorrow."
"Good." Kyouya stood up from his chair and gave her a smile. "I'm glad we came to an understanding. Haruhi, please show Miss Inoue the pantry and instruct her in what she has to do."
Haruhi nodded. "Come with me Inoue-san."
"Oh, and Miss Inoue?"
"Yes, senpai?"
"Haruhi's true gender is a secret. Revealing it will leave me no choice but to increase your debt to an inconsiderable amount. You might even have to stay a servant until next year."
He's smirking as if daring her to do it. She smirked back.
"Don't count on it senpai."
Then, she turned away from him and followed Haruhi to the pantry as the twins trailed behind them, grinning mischievously. As the four disappeared behind the pantry door, Tamaki turned to Kyouya with a worried look on his face.
"Kyouya?....."
"Yes Tamaki?"
"Can we order a new aquarium?"
"No."
Corner of woe time…
_ _ _
Meanwhile… Inside the pantry…
"So you were speaking Spanish because you're half-Spanish?" Kaoru asked Yuri, as he and Hikaru watched the girls prepare the tea.
"Yep, my mom's half-Spanish and half-Japanese. But she grew up in Spain and lived there for fourteen years until she came to America and met my dad."
Truth.
"Why are you here in Japan then?" Hikaru asked.
"Because my mom's work includes traveling all over the country. She's a journalist and an assistant editor to a nature magazine back in America. She was given this assignment and she didn't want me to be home alone while she travels and plus, I got into a little trouble so she decided that sending me here to live with my cousin might do me some good. My cousin has connections in the government so when they saw my grades back in America, they offered to pay for my tuition to go to Ouran."
Half-truth. Kaori concocted the whole mom-getting-an-assignment-and-Yuri-getting-into-trouble part.
"How about your dad?" Haruhi asked, pouring hot water inside the teapot. "What did he say?"
Yuri froze at the question. She didn't want to answer it. But she doesn't want to look like she's keeping something either. One rule in being a secret agent: Don't ever let the subject suspect a hidden agenda. But before she can think of an alibi, Kyouya entered the pantry, announcing that the customers have arrived and that the twins and Haruhi should go greet them.
THANK YOU EVIL VICE PRESIDENT!!!
"The cakes are in the cabinet over there Inoue-san," Haruhi said, pointing as the twins followed Kyouya outside. Voices of different girls can be heard. "Are you sure you can handle it by yourself?"
"Yeah, I can do that," Yuri replied. "Oh, Fujioka-san, just call me Yuri. We're in the same grade anyway. And no honorifics please."
"Oh. Sure. Then call me Haruhi. No honorifics as well 'cause we're friends, right?"
Haruhi smiled so pleasantly at her that Yuri can't help but smile back.
"Hai!"
_ _ _
Chapter 6- Blessing in Disguise
7:00 P.M.
Akiyama Household (A/N:Ryou's surname is Akiyama. I forgot to mention it in the last chapter. Sorry!)
"It was the strangest thing ever!" Yuri explained to Kaori.
Both are having dinner and the younger girl is telling her cousin all about the infamous Host Club. About the twins who used "brotherly love", or what they dubbed as "twincest", to cause their customers to shriek or even faint (Yuri shuddered at the memory). About the totally opposite cousins whose unique bond made girls sigh. About the Host King who made every girl swoon with Shakespearean-like compliments. About the girl pretending to be a guy and whose "normality" seem to make the other girls fall in love with "her" (Yuri finds this almost amusing). And, last but definitely not the least, the Vice President who does not participate at all yet manages to capture some of the customers with his stoic and "cool" manner. Also, she met Renge, the Club's unofficial manager. She was welcoming yet annoying, especially her laugh and the fact that she rose out of the floor in a rotating pedestal (How did that get there when they're on the second floor?)
"It was weird yet kinda amusing at the same time," she added, placing a piece of teriyaki chicken on her mouth then chewing it slowly.
"And you owe them 2 million yen?"
"Two million and nine hundred thousand yen."
"I see. And the only way to pay them is by being their servant?"
"Yep." Yuri took a sip of water. "But I'm not doing it."
Kaori tilted her head to the side. "Why not?"
The younger girl shrugged. "Because I have my assignment to deal with. I hardly started and I can't have the Host Club in the way."
"And how are you going to pay them?"
"Dunno. I'll take a job or something."
Her cousin pointed at her with her chopsticks. "Didn't you say most of their customers are girls?"
"All of their customers are girls." She paused, remembering something. "Oh yeah, there's one guy named Kasanoda who stopped by today to talk to Haruhi. I think he knows she's a girl."
"I see. Well, isn't that a good thing then?"
Yuri looked confusedly at her cousin then shrugged. "It's good that a guy outside the Host Club knows Haruhi's true gender? I guess it is."
Kaori chuckled and shook her head. "I don't mean that silly. I mean, the fact that most of their customers are girls might help you in your search for the ambassador's niece. She could be one of their customers."
"Not all girls at Ouran are smitten by the Host Club Kaori."
"But majority are, correct?"
"Well, yeah."
"Then it's perfect. And even if this girl is not a fan of the Hosts, you might still learn about her from the other girls, or even the Hosts themselves."
Yuri thought about this for a bit. Kaori's reasoning does makes sense. She was so preoccupied with thinking up of ways to start her investigation that she didn't even consider the Host Club as a means of actually getting somewhere. Joining the Club would make her search faster and she'll be back in America in no time. And maybe the Host Club wouldn't be so bad. She can just ignore the perverted twins, the often dreaming president, and the cold-hearted vice-president. And Hunny-senpai and Mori-senpai aren't so bad either. Besides, she has found a friend in Haruhi. Both girls took the subway home that afternoon and found out they live only two blocks away from each other, Haruhi in an apartment and Yuri in a private house. They agreed to meet up the next morning and go to school together.
"You do have a point there Kaori-chan," she decided, nodding. "I guess I have no choice."
Kaori smiled and patted her cousin's hand. "You can do this. I believe in you."
She smiled back. "Thanks."
"Think of that debt as a blessing in disguise."
"I guess."
"Oh, that reminds me. One of your teammates called. Jake, I believe."
The younger girl looked up. "Jake? What did he say?"
"He said that he sent you an e-mail on some information they were able to gather. Oh, and he asked how you are and that you should call them when you can." She looked at the wall clock. "It's morning there now, right? I think you may be able to call after dinner."
_ _ _
The next day…
Outside the 1-A classroom…
"Are you sure you're alright Yuri?"
At Haruhi's voice, the said girl looked up from the ground where she had been staring blankly for the last ten minutes. "Oh, sorry. What was it?"
"I was just asking you if you were alright," the other girl answered. "You've been having a staring contest with the floor."
Yuri giggled lightly and shook her head. "Gomen. I was up all night. So much work you know."
"Yeah. I know how you feel."
Yuri and Haruhi had arrived in school together that morning. From the moment they stepped into the school, all eyes turned to them and some girls had given Yuri evil and jealous looks. Yuri assumes that it's because they all believe that Haruhi is a guy. Although she has the urge to laugh when she noticed the stares, she was too tired to bother. She had been up all night finishing her homework (she still has to do it), reviewing the files Jake had sent her, and talking to her teammates long-distance. Yuri missed them terribly and they all missed her. But they have to take one for the team. After all, the only way they can get Yuri back in America is to provide her with as much information as possible.
"Haruhi! Yuri! Ohayo!"
The girls looked up to see Hikaru and Kaoru coming towards them, waving.
"Ohayo!" they answered.
_ _ _
2:30 P.M.
Third Music Room
"So you accept my proposition?"
"I don't have any other choice senpai."
"I see. Well, then, your servitude begins today."
"Great."
"Is that sarcasm I hear?"
"Is that a bad thing?"
"I may have to increase your debt."
"Then it was sincerity."
"A practical joker I see."
"Who? Are you talking about yourself senpai?"
"Keep it up and I might just add a few more numbers to your debt."
"Keep what up? I was only asking as sincerely as I could."
"Then 'sincerity' must have a different meaning in your dictionary."
"Maybe, let me check as soon as I get home."
Tamaki, Haruhi, the twins, Hunny, and Mori watched this exchange with interest. Kyouya is at his usual table with his laptop and Yuri is standing in front of him, her hands on her hips. It seems that Kyouya has met his match. This girl is even more sarcastic than Haruhi. What's more is that she is immune to the Shadow King's evil look. In fact, she has her own evil look: a very sincere smile and hints of sarcasm and dislike in her voice when she talks. Finally, Haruhi decided that the exchange should stop. It might result into more breakage that might increase poor Yuri's debt before she even started. She knows Kyouya. He'll twist things around so Yuri will end up paying more than she should.
"Uh… The club is starting in thirty minutes," she said, hesitantly. "Kyouya-senpai? Yuri? Can you two stop intimidating each other for now? We haven't started any of the club preparations yet."
Yuri gave her senpai one last "smile" then turned her back on him. "So? What's on the agenda?"
_ _ _
3:00 P.M.
The Host Club is Now Open for Business…
_ _ _
"My beautiful princesses, I am most certain those beautiful creatures (a.k.a. the fishes) would have loved to see your own priceless beauty. I only wish they had lived to see your charming smiles."
"Oh! Tamaki-sama, don't cry."
_ _ _
"It was a beautiful service. It pained my heart to see those poor fishes gone and at the prime of their life! If only I could have saved them."
"Kaoru! Don't blame yourself! I should have saved them. But you were hurt my dear Kaoru. When you slipped in that puddle of water, I knew I had to save you first!"
"Hikaru…"
"Kyaa! Brotherly love!"
_ _ _
"Would you like some more cake Hunny-senpai?"
"Sure!"
"How about you Mori-senpai?"
"Ah… Mitsukuni, you have some frosting on your cheek."
"Oh, thanks Takashi!"
"Kawaii!!!"
_ _ _
"Haruhi-kun, did you make this tea? It's really good."
"Yes, thank you. I had some help with Yuri."
"Oh. Is she your girlfriend?"
"Goodness, no. We're just friends."
"Oh! I'm glad… I-I-I mean, I'm glad that you're friends. After all, she's only been here two days, right?"
"Right. Besides, I value your company as well."
"Kyaa!!! Haruhi-kun is so sweet!"
_ _ _
Yuri watched all these interactions with amusement as she served tea to the customers. Haruhi's customers are giving her evil glares but she replied with a pleasant smile, fighting the urge to giggle uncontrollably. Some of these girls are so gullible! And how can they not tell that Haruhi's a girl? What's more is that they thought Yuri was her girlfriend? It's so amusing! Though the twins' act still creeps her out, she figures that she'll get over it the more she spends time here. And Tamaki? She has no words to describe him except for egotistic, flamboyant, and playboy. Yet, he is rather sweet. If only he would stop giving false hopes to some of those girls. Mori and Hunny's relationship is heartwarming… Despite the fact that they're really the same age.
"Yuri!"
"Yes Tamaki-senpai?"
"Please offer these lovely ladies some more tea."
"Right away." She walked towards his table and poured tea for the five customers plus Tamaki. She offered them sugar. Then, milk. Would they like some cookies as well?
"Thank you Yuri-san," a girl with brown wavy hair said. "Do you mind me asking you some things?"
The servant-girl straightened up. "If I have answers, then it's fine."
The customers whispered to each other before the brown-haired girl finally said, "Is your hair natural?"
"Yes."
"Then, how did parts of your hiar become pink?"
Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Um… I dyed them?"
"But you said it's natural."
"My black hair is natural. The pink parts aren't."
"But why did you dye them?"
"Because I like them?"
"Oh. We see." They giggled before turning back to Tamaki.
Meanwhile, Yuri shrugged and turned away. A lot of girls in her class had also asked the "hair question". And she's getting annoyed telling them she dyed parts of her hair pink. Who in the world has natural pink hair?! Sighing, she headed towards the pantry to refill the teapot. She passed by Kyouya's table and noticed his fingers typing non-stop. They seem to almost fly through the keyboard.
Doesn't he ever get tired of typing? she asked herself. She went into the pantry and refilled the tea and sugar. Then, she decided to take some cupcakes as well just in case. When she went back, the scene is the same. And Kyouya is still typing. But, he looks exhausted. Like he's carrying a huge burden on his back. She feels a little guilty for their little brawl earlier since she's not usually the type to pick fights with people she just met. But she was cranky and in a bad mood that morning that she took her anger out on him because he annoyed her. Slowly, she approached him.
"Umm… Would you like some tea Kyouya-senpai?" she asked him, timidly.
"Yes," he replied without looking up. "Three sugars. No milk."
She laid the tray on the table and began to fix his tea. He did not look up once. She placed the cup and saucer in front of him. Then, she picked up her tray is about to turn away when she thought of something. She placed the tray back on the table and picked up a chocolate cupcake. She placed it on a plate and put it next to his tea. Turning around, she headed towards the twins who were waving her over.
"Miss Inoue?"
"Just call me Yuri, senpai," she said, turning around to face him, a genuine smile on her face.
"All right, Yuri." He had finally looked up from his laptop and is pushing his glasses further up his nose. "I did not ask for a cupcake."
She shrugged. "It's my apology for earlier. That wasn't usually me. I was just in a really bad mood and I do apologize. Besides, Tamaki-senpai told me that you like chocolate. And since you look really tired senpai, I thought the chocolate might help ease your burden a little bit."
With one last smile, she turned and served tea to the twins and their customers.
_ _ _
How did she know? How did she realize? He hid it so well from the others, even from Haruhi who can usually sense these things… Why did this girl whom he just met two days ago notice something so minute that he barely noticed it himself?
These questions ran through Kyouya's mind as he watched the new girl serve tea. He did not sleep until three in the morning but he managed to keep awake. Managed to keep his exhaustion out of sight. He thought he had everything under control. But a few sentences from that girl shattered that thought. For some reason, it seems that she can read him. Read him like an open book despite the fact that he tried to remain shut.
Kyouya's gaze found the cupcake and again, he wondered how this girl seems to know what might make him feel better.
_ _ _
"Yuri, please come over here a minute."
"Yes senpai?"
"I would like to discuss your debt a little."
"Okay."
Yuri placed her tray down on the table and sat across from her senpai who is (still!) typing on his laptop. As she waited for him to say something, her eyes fell on the chocolate cupcake. There is a bite mark on one corner.
To Be Continued…