Alone Now
Author's Disclaimer: No, I do not own OHSHC. All rights go to their respective owners. Haruhi is working, but she is making time for her friends. But not all lunch dates are what they seem. Why? Read on!
Chapter 4: Lunch Dates
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Working life suited Haruhi.
Every day, Haruhi woke up, usually to the sound of alarms and assorted text messages from friends, with a sense of purpose. Today was the day that she was going to help someone have a better life. Sometimes the sun shined; other days it did not.
But it did not matter to Haruhi. She was now an attorney, and she was ready for the day. The day started with a bowl of corn flakes eaten quickly, followed by a leisurely bike ride to work. She was less than ten minutes away from work, so she could walk if the day was really nice, or pedal in within five minutes if there was bad weather. The streets downtown were always crowded, but they made space for her bike, parting like the Red Sea in order to avoid being hit by her. Haruhi rather liked the slim slice of sidewalk allotted to her and other fellow bikers.
Once she was at work, the days started out slow, but got better as the day went by. She was always there earlier than most people, so she got what she could done without anyone, which was hard at first. She had interned with the prestigious firm before, but being a full-time paid employee was another story.
There was paperwork to fill out, and knowing who to turn it in to was confusing at times. As she prepared for cases, she talked to other employees who had experience, and learned more tricks of the trade. And, when she was finally ready, she got her clients. She liked working with those people, and with all of the valuable experience she had from hosting, she was a natural at work. People were willing to open up and work with her, appreciating her easy smile, natural confidence, and no-nonsense way of dealing with a problem. She won the trust of people at work and those who paid for her services.
Not everything was perfect, though. While she did have her coworkers' trust, she did not truly "know" her coworkers. She was still Haruhi, a hard worker who barely went out with the others at night, or would take breaks when everyone else did around the office. It did not help that she was in the back corner of the office, in a room that had not been used in a while. Sometimes, people forgot about her, but she was okay with that. She got more work done, and whenever someone needed something quick, she became the go-to girl. The only time that she did take breaks was at lunchtime.
At first, Haruhi just ate her lunch quietly at her desk. Then, one day the twins popped up magically inside her office, telling her that since they were in town, she had to go out to lunch with them.
Thankfully, Kaoru's girlfriend was waiting already at the restaurant, so they did not have to wait long. She got to hear all about the twins' new sales and places they had visited. It seemed that their designs were especially well-received in France and South Africa, so they had been going there quite a bit. They had plenty of stories about their experiences, and so Haruhi was thoroughly entertained. Eventually, the girls got to talk.
After she went out to lunch with the twins, her fellow coworkers decided to ask her to join them. It seemed that Haruhi did do more than work. That turned into a good arrangement for all involved. As it was, they had all been curious about her, and she was unsure how to approach them in order to get to know them better.
She soon had a small group that she ate with each week, assuming that she did not eat out with other hosts. Some of her coworkers knew the various hosts from other connections, so she was glad that she could talk about her friends with others who knew them.
More lunch dates followed with the other hosts. There was a pattern to lunch dates with the hosts. She tended to see them in pairs, usually in the order of first the twins, then Tamaki and Kyoya, and finally Mori and Hunny. Depending on schedule conflicts, sometimes she ate alone with a host, but it was not frequent. Sometimes it was with only Hikaru if his brother was out with his girlfriend, and similarly for Mori.
What had been the oddest one had been the time that only Tamaki came. Earlier in the day, Kyoya had called, telling her that he would not be able to come for lunch that day due to a change in plans at work. Out of habit, Haruhi said that it would be fine. It was only after she hung up the phone that she realized that she would be alone with Tamaki for the first time. Kyoya had always been there between them to make sure that it did not get awkward, but he would not this time. Would it work out?
It was probably time that she did so, anyway. It had been three months, and they had not had an awkward moment in a while. The last time they had one, it had been Tamaki running in late, and the waitress mistakenly assumed that Haruhi was his girlfriend since she had not arrived with Kyoya, asking if Tamaki had made it yet. When Tamaki came, the waitress said that Haruhi's boyfriend had arrived. Haruhi would have been fine with it if Tamaki had not then walked up to her and started to lean in to kiss her cheek, as had been his habit while dating.
For that moment, the world was forgotten as Haruhi dreaded what Tamaki was doing. She wanted nothing more than to run down the aisle way between tables, or at least have the low murmurs around her suddenly increase so that she did not feel as though everyone noticed what Tamaki was about to do. However, reason stepped in eventually.
Kyoya looked like he wanted to sweat-drop, while Haruhi gave Tamaki an odd look and ducked quickly. Tamaki did not like being denied and was about to grow mushrooms in his corner until Kyoya told him to sit down and act courteous toward his ex-girlfriend. After that, he was apologizing to Haruhi for the rest of the lunch for acting so thoughtlessly. Haruhi was hoping that nothing untoward happened like that again since they would be alone.
Thankfully, her fears were unfounded. Tamaki was a perfect gentleman, remembering to make it clear that they were not together, and the two had a peaceful lunch, talking about work and mutual friends. Another hurdle had been cleared, and Haruhi felt a little more closure with regard to her relationship with Tamaki. This friendship would last.
With Tamaki, she trusted him in all aspects except love. He was as dense as she was, but he was such a gentleman that she was not worried. They did not have any more lunches alone after that, which was fine with her. All that mattered was that she could be alone with Tamaki again and not feel weird, so she was happy.
It was a little time after that day with Tamaki that Haruhi was asked to attend a special luncheon at work. One of the partners was retiring, and she was invited to attend with an escort. Much as she wanted to go alone, her coworkers told her how it was expected that you bring your significant other with you, but seeing as she did not have one, she would be expected to bring some male friend and introduce him as such. That did not seem so bad, so she started making calls.
The problem was that everyone was busy. Granted, she did not ask Tamaki because of their past and how it might look (nor did she want to risk the friendship over it), and two had lunch dates already planned at that point. Hunny in particular was insistent about keeping his date with Reiko, so Haruhi wished him well with it. Hikaru was going to be out of the country then, and Mori had unavoidable business plans. That left Kyoya. However, given his busy schedule, she decided not to ask him.
The next day, Renge appeared out of the blue to have lunch with Haruhi. She had not had lunch with a female from high school in a while. Mei was busy with work and Kasanoda, while Renge was flying between Japan and France frequently on family business. Renge was full of plans as always, and she had new gossip that she just had to share with someone. Haruhi could have cared less about it, but she listened because she knew that this was what Renge enjoyed. It helped that most of the talk was related to people she had met through the hosts, so she could put faces to the various deeds being done.
At some point in the conversation, Haruhi suddenly found the topic of conversation to be herself. It had gone from the rich families going out here and there to who was with who, and suddenly, Renge was looking expectantly at Haruhi.
"So, Haruhi, how are things with you? How does it feel to be single again? Ready to see someone else?"
Haruhi was tempted to spit out the large chunk of rice she had just taken a bite of. Where had that come from?
Haruhi didn't know what was going on inside Renge's head, but she had no doubt that whatever she said would be listened to intently. If she said the wrong thing, she might end up causing a powerful motor to appear, as Renge was prone to do when she got ideas. That Renge wanted to know meant that she was up to something. Instead, she chewed slowly, savoring the soy sauce (because it is rice, after all) before answering Renge calmly.
"Things are going well overall. I'm enjoying my career choice. The people have been very friendly, and they don't insist upon my cosplaying every day."
"Which is such a shame. A good cosplay would make for great conversation, and you could always cosplay as a judge. At least something more fitting with your choice of job."
"I don't think the partners see it quite the way you do."
Renge just hrrmphed softly before continuing.
"It helps my employees. Still, how about being single? Is it weird anymore?"
"Thankfully, no." Haruhi then proceeded to tell Renge about her lunch with Tamaki. Renge was glad.
"That's a relief. Now you are over him and can move on to someone better, for you."
Haruhi found herself pausing before answering. As she sat outside at the French café, people-watching with Renge on white barstools, Haruhi went over in her mind what males she knew well that she would actually consider dating. Hunny and Kaoru were out of the question, even though she had never had entertained feelings for either. Tamaki was like a brother to her, an annoying one at that, and she still did not have feelings for Hikaru. She suspected that he still had feelings for her, but she could not be sure. Kyoya was, well, Kyoya.
In all the time that she had known Kyoya, she still could only remember once him ever going on a date. Even then, that date had been done out of respect, with none other than Renge. Renge had been making a nuisance of herself and her single state, bothering all the hosts about going out. All knew that she still had feelings for Kyoya, so he was voluntold to ask her out.
Nothing happened on the date, from what all saw and knew. They had sat together at a restaurant, talked about stuff, and they came and left in their separate transportation. After that, Renge was quiet. Eventually she went out with other men, and Kyoya saw no one. He had been finishing college at that point, and he was too focused on grades and work to worry about dating (or so he said). He could have had anyone, but he chose none.
Still, Haruhi did not think that she had feelings for Kyoya. He had a good heart hidden under his cold, businesslike manner, and he was an intelligent and thoughtful friend. He was a good friend, and she would like to maintain that for a long time to come. With all that evidence flashing quickly through her mind, she answered Renge honestly.
"I don't know who is better for me. I don't have feelings for anyone right now."
"No one, at all? Surely, there must be someone that has caught your eye. Maybe you have a soft spot for Hikaru, or really appreciate Mori's presence, hm?"
"No, Renge."
"Fine. But not even Kyoya?" Even then, Renge leaned in a little smiled a little more suggestively. Even her voice's pitch raised slightly, the larger-than-life fangirl in her showing. All as though waiting to hear a great secret.
"Not even Kyoya."
"You know you can tell me if you do. I promise I'll be supportive no matter whom you choose."
"I know you will. However, I just don't have those feelings right now. Who knows; they may develop again. But not right now."
A little deflated, Renge settled herself back onto her seat and twirled back and forth. "So there's nothing new in that area at all?"
"Not that I know of," Haruhi replied, until she remembered her lunch situation, "Unless you count a luncheon."
"Luncheon? What luncheon?" Renge was practically glowing now.
"Someone is retiring, and I've been invited to attend a formal lunch with others to celebrate him leaving. I have to bring a male escort. I can't find anyone."
"Have you asked every member of the hosts? Even Kyoya?"
Ah, Renge and her obsession with all things Kyoya.
"No, I didn't ask him, mostly because he's busy so often."
"You should anyway. You never know; he just might have free time then. You know how he is."
Haruhi did not, but she was not about to ask Renge about it, lest Renge get ideas.
"And, even if he can't go, he can probably help you find someone to go with you. He has been so helpful in the past with Tamaki that he might be able to do something now. You know how he is."
Again with the weird phrase. What was she trying to imply? However, she was right about the Tamaki situation, so she might as well try. He of all people would know how to help. He was the Shadow King for a reason.
"You're right. I will talk to him later today and see if he's available. He should be able to help me find someone."
"I have complete faith in him."
"If you have so much faith in him, why don't you reconsider dating him yourself?"
"Oh, Haruhi, he doesn't see me like that at all. I tried, but to no avail. He needs a special girl, someone who will complement him better and understand him."
"Do you have someone in mind for him?"
The grin that spread across Renge's face was all the confirmation she needed. Renge was turning into a matchmaker, and her heart went out to Kyoya, because now he was going to have to deal with it. Maybe it would be a good thing if they could talk. She could at least warn him that way. It was the least she could do after Tamaki.
"Anyway, it was wonderful being able to talk to you, but I must go now. I've got people I have to meet, and I'm sure you have clients who need your help. Take care now, dear, and see to it that you get that lunch situation fixed. I'll be checking in!"
"I have no doubt. Good-bye, Renge!"
After a brief hug, the two women went their separate ways. Renge walked back, grinning as evilly as Mr. Burns to herself and creeping out other people that she passed. She may not have said "excellent" out loud, but one can take several guesses what was going through her mind based on such a face.
Haruhi was soon in her building, greeting security and heading to her office. Once she arrived, she closed the door and took out her phone to make a call. She did not know what to expect with Kyoya, so it was better to be prepared. She walked to the small window behind her desk before she finally made the call, mentally preparing herself for whatever Kyoya said.
Meanwhile, in a taller building in downtown Bunkyo, a few blocks from Haruhi, a man sat at his mahogany desk, frowning at a sheet of figures that had been handed to him. Why he was frowning is of no concern, as he is the type of guy to see to it that such figures never happen again.
However, when his phone rang, he checked caller ID, and his face softened, even showing a small, genuine smile. Only two people were capable of making him smile like that from a phone call, and the other was his best friend, as annoying as he could be most of the time. So, instead of ignoring the call or telling the person to call him back later, he took it on his cell phone, even getting up and pacing across the dark red carpet to his window to look in the general direction that he suspected the caller was calling from. Haruhi was not known for making surprise calls, so this had to be important.
"Hi, Kyoya-senpai."
"Hello, Haruhi."
"Am I disturbing you? Should I call later?"
"No. There are some unexpected numbers, but nothing I can't handle. You aren't disturbing me. What is it?"
"I am in a pinch. I was informed recently that someone is retiring, and that there'll be a party held for him next week. However, I was asked to bring a male escort."
"And no one else is available?"
"I asked all but Tamaki."
"I see. Early next week I assume? Who is it?"
"Yes, on Tuesday, for Shino. Would you be willing to come with me as my escort? I will of course explain that we are just friends so that there's no gossip."
"Haruhi, you will never be able to stop all the gossip. However, as it so happens, I'm free that afternoon. Shall I meet you outside your building, and then we go to the restaurant together?"
"That sounds perfect. We can meet at 11:00 AM. Thanks so much for understanding."
"Of course. Is there anything else?"
The pause Kyoya made after answering "Of course" told Haruhi all she needed to know. If it were anyone else at the last minute, there would be a "but" added on, which was always possible if anything awkward happened at the luncheon. She would be prepared, though.
"No, just that."
"Very well. I shall get back to my numbers. Have a good afternoon, Haruhi."
"And you as well, Kyoya-senpai."
With that, both hung up. Haruhi went back to her desk, looking over the next case she had to handle. She got much accomplished that day once the situation was under control.
Meanwhile, Kyoya crossed his room and spoke to his assistant, telling her to clear all his appointments for Tuesday after 10:00 AM. He then went back to work, doing research and rescheduling all of his meetings.
Even if he did not leave work with every answer for the unexpected numbers, he still left with a serene look on his face, and even a small gleam in his eye. He had a lunch date with Haruhi, after all.
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Author's Notes: *insert evil laugh and powerful motor* The Lady Manager is back! Once again, Haruhi seems a little dense, as she worries only about Kyoya. More fun for us. And there's more food on the way, with more Haruhi and Kyoya bonding time, because there is never enough of that (and definitely not enough in this one). What game is afoot? Stay tuned! I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks for reading and reviewing!
luxartisan: Yay! I'm glad you are liking the pacing and the bike! I imagine Ranka wanting to do stuff like that for Haruhi frequently. Sweet fluff is what I love writing most, so that chapter was fun to do, and I am looking forward to future chapters excitedly. Thank you so much for reading and for the review!