"I wonder what they were doing yesterday," Haruhi mused as she strolled lazily into the music room.
Today the host club displayed bright yellow ribbons, and daisies filled delicate china vases. Pink tablecloths hosted elegant tea sets, the most of which were imported from Italy as Haruhi had been told. In the midst of all the spring colors, the host club lounged in kakis and plain white, button-down shirts.
"Well, Haruhi is finally here. We can open the host club now," Kyoya sighed.
"Uh, senpai," Haruhi began nervously. "You sound upset. Is something wrong?"
"No, I'm perfectly fine. But thank you for your concern Haruhi." Kyoya smiled again, the same warm smile he had given her twice now. Something was definitely up, but whatever it was, Haruhi had bigger mysteries to solve. Like, for instance the dress and the host club's plans. And it only made things worse that her father was in on the secret as well.
An hour in the host club passed slowly, but after the club closed, Haruhi finally had a chance to talk to Tamaki.
"Hey senpai," she sighed. "I'd been meaning to ask you…what were you guys planning yesterday?" Tamaki looked her straight in the eyes. The action didn' t seem unusual, but Haruhi immediately looked away, a pink twinge on her cheeks. Looking back up, she saw his face twist and distort to anguish. "Is there something wrong?" She stammered. "Was it something I said?" Tamaki relaxed and let out a small sigh.
"No it's nothing. I'm sorry for worrying you. I will also apologize for not telling you anything. I'm not allowed yet; you're fa—never mind that's not important. All in good time. I promise you'll know very soon." Tamaki's lips morphed into a heart-breaking smile. "Would you like to come visit my family today?" For a moment, Haruhi wondered if Tamaki was still talking to her. "I already called your father, and my family is very anxious to meet you. You don't have to," he added.
"No, I'd love to," Haruhi smiled. "What's the occasion?"
The twins had always had a history of popping up unexpectedly, randomly showing up in the middle of what they found to be an 'interesting' conversation. So, Haruhi was not surprised when two more voices joined in, one over each of her shoulders.
"Yeah Boss," they echoed. "What's the occasion?" One thing to note about the twins is that they always ask questions that someone is seeking to escape from answering. Haruhi knew this and could sense the malicious aura growing around them, a parasite, strangling its way up a tree. Something near to a blush flashed across Tamaki's cheeks, but he maintained his composure and lied with skill great enough to be genuine.
"Well, Ranka actually suggested that you," he smiled at Haruhi, "should get out more, and with my piano recital coming up, I need someone to practice for. Also, my father is looking into floral arrangements for a big event and is in desperate need of a female opinion." It wasn't all a lie, really. Inside of his statement was more than enough truth to get by with the made up portion.
"No offense to you, Haruhi," the twins chimed. "But I don't think Haruhi is the expert on either…"
"No, Haruhi's judgment will be the best for this." Before the twins had time to assault him anymore, he whisked Haruhi from the host club and out the front doors of Ouran Academy.
"Seriously, what is their deal today?" Haruhi mused. "They seem even more determined than usual to ruin something…" Haruhi was of course referencing the twins.
"I'm not sure," Tamaki replied. "But yes, they probably have some form of destruction in mind." He laughed. "They won't cause any real trouble; I think they're just getting impatient." Haruhi looked up at him, puzzled. "You see, they are as determined to ruin this surprise as everyone else it to see it though. Yes, they complied happily knowing that you wouldn't know anything, but you're not attempting to investigate; naturally, they're running out of entertainment."
"Senpai, you almost sounded like Kyoya for a minute...but if that's the case, then why are they focused in on you senpai?"
"I'm not going to say anything more than this," he began. "But I play a very important role in this surprise." Tamaki flashed his heart-breaking smile again.