Mai's POV
"So?"
I glanced over from the books in my locker to where Cho stood next to me practically shaking with excitement. "So?" I repeated in a confused fashion.
"You have to tell me what happened the other night at the charity ball."
I paused slightly looking for the right book before answering. "It was nothing special. Just the same people doing the same thing we do every year."
"Did you see Kyoya?" She asked quietly in a singsong voice.
"He was there just like he is every year." I sighed.
"And?" Cho pushed.
I shoved my book into my bag, "And nothing. Honestly, Cho, I'm not sure what you expect. We're not even friends really." I shut my locker and took a step back when I found the devil standing on the other side. "Ootori." I greeted pushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
"A word Ms. Kato?" He requested politely.
I nodded and waved off Cho, "I'll see you at lunch." She glanced between us with a knowing smile before taking her leave. I turned my attention to Kyoya. "Yes?"
"I've been thinking." He started and I smiled.
"Don't strain yourself."
He sighed and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I believe we should keep what happened at the ball between you and me."
I nodded, "I couldn't agree with you more."
"I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page about the events."
"We are."
"Wonderful."
"Well I'll be on my way."
"Wait a moment." He grabbed my wrist before I could step away. He moved his hand from my wrist to my palm carefully and pressed something into it. I closed my hand and slipped the mysterious item into the pocket on the side of my bag and nodded.
Once he received confirmation that I understood he walked down the hall, leaving me alone. I opened the note as I walked toward my class and stopped dead when I read what was written. I glanced up and found Kyoya smiling expectantly in the doorway. When our eyes locked he raised his eyebrows and walked into the classroom without waiting for a response.
Kyoya's POV
I checked off guest after guest and directed them to their requested table. After all were checked in, I headed over to my place by the coffee table. Today, like most days, my section was empty. I had never gotten very many requests, but it didn't particularly bother me. I had other business to attend to without having to worry about entertaining young women on top of it. Today, however I was bothered. I'd specifically requested Mai to attend the Host Club this afternoon and she was not in attendance. I typed away in annoyance at my keyboard. This had never happened before, people were supposed to show up for meetings. This was very unprofessional of her.
When the Host Club finally closed up shop, I waved the others off but didn't move from my spot. I continued punching in numbers to keep log of today's profit and the amount of spending that was done, along with the guest logs. Such was my job as the Host Club's vice president. I didn't look up when the door opened, although I was startled. "You're late." I chastised and then looked up.
Mai shut the door behind her and started walking over, "Sorry, unfortunately for you I do other stuff on campus and coming to play tea party with you and your friends is not my number one priority." She took a seat on the couch across from me and dropped her bag on the floor. The first thing I noticed was her uniform dress was long gone. Instead she was in a pair of black yoga pants, white tennis shoes, and a grey zip up jacket that didn't cover her stomach fully and was unzipped just enough to reveal the electric blue of her sports bra. The signature pink bow was also gone, but her red hair remained up.
"You're a cheerleader." I noted and she made a face.
"I am not a cheerleader. I'm on the dance team. However, I'm sure you didn't ask me here to discuss my extracurricular activities so what's up?" She asked leaning forward on her knees slightly. Just barely enough to show interest.
I was a bit taken aback by the familiar air with which she spoke. Mai very rarely dropped formalities with anyone, let alone with me, but I forced myself to remain calm and cool as ever, "Actually, in a way I did." She seemed surprised by my confession, but didn't respond. "You see, Mai, ever since the ball, I've been having a very hard time getting you out of my head."
A small smile played on her lips, "You've been thinking about me. I'm flattered."
I sent her a warning look, "I want to get to know you a bit better. If you'll allow me to that is." I leaned back in my seat.
Mai copied my actions and seemed to assess me. "I think I'll allow it. On one condition that is."
I felt my stomach clench in an uncomfortable fashion at the mention of this mysterious condition. I nodded for her to continue, afraid of what it would be.
Her smile widened, "I'll let you get to know me, as long as you let me get to know you. The real you, not this wannabe perfect son show you put on for your father and your friends. In turn of course, you'll get to know the real me. No tricks, no smoke and mirrors, just me. Do we have a deal?" She asked and held out her hand.
I took it and shook it once, "I believe we do." I felt a smile tug at my own lips and Mai released my hand and sat back.
"Well, if we're going to do this we should start small. What's your favorite color?" She asked.
I looked her over for a moment to see if this was a real question before answering, "Navy. What's yours?"
She laughed once, "Purple."
"Just purple?"
"Just purple."
I watched her eyes sparkle for a moment and I couldn't help but smile, "I suppose it's my turn to ask a question." She nodded expectantly. "What do you do besides dance?"
She shrugged, "Volunteer at the hospital. My father insists on it. There's a woman there: Mrs. Simons. She's been there for quite some time, she's my main charge when I'm there. She's very old and doesn't have any family, but she has the best stories." A small, sad smile was pushed back as she bit her lip. Her eyes flickered from the floor to me. "What do you do besides host?"
I thought about it for a moment, "School work I suppose. I have to stay at the top of the class."
She looked me over frowning. "Nothing else?" I shook my head. "Mr. Ootori, we must change that or you are at danger of becoming boring. Tomorrow, after your club and my practice you and I are going on an adventure."
"Mai, I-"
She held her hand up to silence me and stood up and grabbed her backpack, "I have to go, my driver is waiting for me, but I want no argument about the adventure because it is happening. Do you understand?"
I nodded and she smiled waving to me as she closed the door behind her. I looked over the still open laptop on my lap and smiled slightly while opening the file I had on her. At the bottom I wrote down the most valuable piece of information she had given me in the short visit: her favorite color is purple.
