Thursday: Day 4 - Repercussions

One day they will look back on this joke and think about what their torture could lead to. The twins would think twice about pulling her into a mock threesome. Tamaki would hesitate the next time he tried to make her shiver with a few sweet words in her ear. Kyoya wouldn't be so quick to add to her debt. They all would most certainly think twice about putting her in girly clothing.

Or at least this is what Haruhi hoped would happen.

Ranka had been more than helpful that morning. He smiled when his daughter walked into the living room wearing yet another yellow uniform. Her face had the lightest sheen of foundation on along with some clear lip gloss. Although to him it wasn't enough. Being as fashion-forward as he liked to think he was, Ranka had forced his daughter to sit before him as he applied eyeliner from his own makeup kit. Quickly it was followed by a pale cream-colored eye shadow with just a hint of darker brown eye shadow to make her eyes sultry.

Haruhi knew her dad didn't approve of dating. Nor did he like the idea of a boy looking at her as if she was a bit of fun on a Saturday night. It was lucky for her that this was Thursday and soon enough this whole scheme would come to an end.

After her father had dropped her off in front of the gates of Ouran Academy, Haruhi made her way down the halls heading to her first class. The walk was quiet today with very few students seeking her out, but those that she did run across smiled at her appreciatively.

She went into class 1-A and sat in her assigned seat in between the Hitachiins. They had not arrived yet and was surprised to see another black rose upon her desk. Nekozawa senpai must have left it there before her arrival. She picked it up and gave it a look over avoiding the thorns that were still attached.

The back of her neck bristled as she felt someone watching her. Her eyes snapped to the doorway where she meets the steely gaze of the Hitachiin twins. Their eyes were glued on the flower in her hand. Her fingers were unconsciously touching the soft petals while she wondered exactly how did a rose get this color in the first place. It was safe to say they were not happy about that gift.

They were not going to be especially happy today in general. The girls had planned for their friend to buy her lunch. She didn't know who it would be and in a way, it was probably for the best. Her surprise would be genuine.

Umihito Nekozawa was also going to be pursuing her in a romantic sense. This was another thing she wasn't sure about. They were supposed to run into each other during the day before club activities exactly when that was, she didn't know. Nor did she know what he was supposed to say or do with her. Other than a few hellos's and surprise gifts she didn't know what exactly this portion of the prank was going to entail.

Hikaru and Kaoru sat beside her during class as was their usual. The focus was once again diverted with each glance in her direction. The entire class was just as unfocused. They were all keeping their ears open for a new joke. Something to occupy their time since apparently, rich kids had so much free time and no consideration for their grade.

They were given instruction to read the chapter of their history books on the Industrial Revolution of Japan. Her eye glazed the page, it was lucky for her that she took the initiative to read this section before.

The professor walked up and down the rows then back to his desk. It wasn't too long until she heard him call out her name. "Fujioka, it appears that the Chairman wishes to speak with you."

Her eyes glanced up from the text she attempted to immerse herself in to see that a fellow student was standing with her instructor. He held a note in his hands and was eyeing her expectantly. The student beside him had her hands crossed in front of her with one foot toeing the ground. She looked a tad embarrassed.

The feeling of dread soon filled her tummy. Like a rock dropped into a pool, she felt her confidence sink. What on earth did the Chairman of the school want with her?

As if mirroring her thoughts the twins glanced her way, concern evident in their faces. They watched as she packed her book into her beaten, worn leather bag and followed the courier out of the class. Once they were released from their lesson, the boys looked back at each other. Simultaneously, they pulled their cell phones out of their pockets and texted "Boss, what is your dad up to?" (Kaoru), "What the hell does your dad want with Haruhi?" (Hikaru).

Chairman Yuzuru Suoh was a reasonable man. A bit on the dramatic side like his son but still fair. Obviously heard about the prank and Haruhi only hoped he wasn't going to do something drastic.

By drastic, she wasn't even sure what he would or even could do, but her mind ran through several scenarios where he pretty much set things straight. Worst case scenario was that she had to stay dressed in the female uniform.

Tentatively she opened the large wooden doors leading to the Chairman's office. She saw him sitting behind the desk occupied by paperwork, but his eyes snapped up quickly when she stepped inside.

"Ah, Miss Fujioka. It's a pleasure to see you dressed up to visit me." He grinned at her. "I daresay, I understand my son's concern. You are a lovely sight to behold."

Haruhi felt her cheeks blush at the compliment while muttering "Thank you."

"Please, please have a seat" Yuzuru gestured to the chair before his desk. She complied and set her bag beside the chair before crossing her hands in her lap. She waited patiently for him to put his papers off to the side and cleared his throat.

"My son has expressed concern over your state of dress. He seems to find it inappropriate considering you were passing yourself off as a male student." He smiled kindly at her. "I personally think he is overreacting. You look as angelic as any of our female students in this uniform. Possibly more so."

He tilted his head as he watched her cheeks flush a rosy color. Even now he was pleased with his ability to flatter ladies, especially ones who were so crucial to his family. This girl was important. She was intelligent, resourceful and his son was head over heels for her. He had no doubts that this intelligent common girl was going to become someone extraordinary.

Yuzuru prides himself on his sense of romance and his sense of humor. So much so that he was intrigued by the scheme this girl put together with the help of the entire student populace. Haruhi Fujioka impressed him.

"I do however need to have a word with you about your activities of late." He said in all seriousness.

"Sir?" She gave him a questioning look. Her mind was unable to compute what indeed was happening at that moment.

"Allowing the student's of Ouran to become unfocused on their school work. Provoking the Host Club with possible repercussions of a physical altercation between them and other male students of the school. Even blatantly falsifying your gender once again to the masses." He paused to give her a stern look. "All of this can fall under the classification of disruption of peace."

Haruhi felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Her heart beating picking up the pace as that rock made a reappearance in her stomach. She knew full well the school policy. She knew the penalties, she knew the limitations, but she had not considered this prank as a whole to be a disruption.

The chairman noticed the girl blanch at the revelation. Yes, she was a smart girl. Not many students would know the punishments entailed by the school policy. Any other student would sit there blank and uncertain. Haruhi Fujioka was certain.

"You know the penalty for disruption of the peace?" He asked confirming his assessment.

She nodded slowly, taking in a shaky breath. "Suspension. A possibility of expulsion or ..."

"- or in your case, loss of scholarship" He finished for her.

Haruhi's fear escalated. Her mouth flapped without any words following since she had no words to express herself at that moment. She couldn't even find it in her to beg forgiveness. She wouldn't even know where to begin.

Yuzuru raised a hand to pause Haruhi in her distress. "Be calm, Miss Fujioka. I do not plan on doing any such thing."

Her mind took a moment to comprehend what he had just said. "Sir, I didn't think... I didn't.."

"I happen to find this very entertaining. I would give anything to have the ability to fluster my son the way you have. But alas, I am not a pretty female student so that skill is left entirely up to you."

Haruhi blinked in surprise. This was not what she expected. Indeed not after he reminded her that disturbing the student body as she had would lead to her no longer being able to attend the Academy.

He left his chair and walked around his desk towards his office door while with one hand he gestured to Haruhi to follow him. She did, picking up her bag from beside the chair and tentatively taking steps in his direction.

"I wanted to remind you of the policy, this is true. But I also want you to know that this bit of fun you are having is not going to lead to your expulsion. Not this time. Just don't allow the boys to get into a fistfight. It would not do to damage the faces of my son or his friends."

Her eyes found his. Formerly they were full of mirth and mischief with a touch of flirtatiousness, but now they took on a fatherly feel. He smiled down on her with all the affection of a gentleman.

"I think that this conversation would be best left in between us. Let the Host Club believe you are in trouble. This is my participation in the prank. They can make what they will of this summons. Let their imaginations run away." His features had returned to its original mischievous, knowing smirk. "Oh and give my regards to your father. His call this morning was very informative and to reiterate his sentiment, 'give them hell.'"

With that last bit of encouragement, Yuzuru nudged her out the door and closed it behind her.

Standing there exposed to the eyes of the secretary, she found self-walking down the hall back to her class. "Well, that was unexpected." She mumbled to herself.

Once she arrived back at class, the instructor had dismissed them for a break. Hikaru and Kaoru were on her like flies.

"What happened?" Hikaru blurted.

"Are you in trouble?" Kaoru asked at the same time.

They both were concerned, scared and, there was something else in their features that she couldn't quite place. One thing was obvious. They way they were hovering over her, they really thought something terrible had happened.

She looked down, away from them. Not giving them any information. Like the chairman said, "Let their imaginations run away." They probably are coming up with a multitude of scenarios the same as she had.

"Are you suspended?" Kaoru asked, but she gave nothing to indicate that was true or false.

"Are you staying a girl?" Hikaru demanded.

"Are you going back to the boys uniform?"

"He better not have expelled you."

"Why aren't you talking?" Kaoru asked shaken. Hikaru looked to his brother. That tone disturbed him and realizing what he said, he too wanted to know. Haruhi was not talking. That was a bad sign. It had to be.

Neither of them got a response from her as they sat in the classroom in a trio position. The two on either side of her exchanging glances of concern. This week could not get any worse for them. Or at least that was what they thought.

Class resumed, Haruhi didn't flirt. That terrified them both to no end. So when lunch came around, they were grateful to at least begin their non-stop ramble. They tried, whined and begged her to tell them what happened but she remained stoic.

Inside, however, she was amazed at how deep their thoughts ran. They still have not stopped with the possible scenarios. They wouldn't stop, and they were not alone because once they entered the refectory for the fourth time this week, Tamaki joined in on the speculation.

He felt terribly guilty for contacting his father in the first place. What did he do to make his Haruhi so quiet? What did he say to make her not want to talk with them?

She didn't respond positive or negative to any of their claims, so they ended up started right back at the beginning.

Kyoya came to sit at the table with them all. "Will you all shut up. If Haruhi were expelled or suspended she would tell us so."

He nailed it. Damn. She was hoping the fluster and frustration would continue a little longer. Oh well, the day was not over yet, and now that lunch began her eyes scanned the room.

A very tall, athletic looking boy was coming over to their table. "Hey Fujioka" he called out to her. "I got something for you."

She blinked in mock surprise and stood up. She didn't say anything to the Host Club as they followed her direction. Kyoya's eyes glowered. She was talking to his rival, Kuze. The rest of the club didn't seem to be thrilled by this turn in events either.

"What's up?" Haruhi asked.

"The girls wanted me to buy you lunch. Still up for it?" He shrugged and glanced back at the Host Club's table. His eye locked with Kyoya and he tossed a smirk in his direction. "Ootori looks pissed."

Haruhi looked back and noted. Indeed, he was angry. His eyes were smoldering with distrust, and his fist was balled up. Everything at that table was tense. Perhaps this was taking a step too far.

"Oh shit, Hitachiin really looks pissed." He chuckled. "I didn't think the Host Club would ever get that possessive over another dude. They are really buying this shit about you being a girl?"

Haruhi shrugged. "They won't deny it, they won't confirm it. They are gonna believe what they want."

"Yeah but still, I thought they were all gay before. Now, this is just too funny." He laughed again. "Well, then Fujioka. If you still want that lunch, I am more than up for it." He pulled an orange out of his pocket. At least she hopes that was where it came from. He smelled it and handed it to her.

"Err... thanks" She muttered uncertainly.

The orange was quickly snatched out of her hand by a dark shadow. Or at least that was how it looked. Her head snapped left then right only to find the cloaked figure of Nekozawa standing beside her.

"I beg pardon, Kuze. However, Haruhi will be joining me this afternoon." He handed back the fruit and guided Haruhi away from the cafeteria.

The Host Club just sat there. Stunned as they watched the Black Magic Club president wander off with their Haruhi.

"Nekozawa senpai?" Haruhi questioned. "Don't you think it's a little early to be pulling me out of the lunch room like that?"

The dark figure beside her chuckled. "Don't you know anything about romance, Haruhi Fujioka?"

Right on the nose, she thought. No, she didn't. She knew when people were deeply in love like her parents that it was special. She knew that it was also rare to find such a quality and never did she think it was something she would have to deal with until she was done with school.

"They will seek you out." He continued. "If any of the Host Club has any inclination of romance they will be near to interrupting us any moment which leads me to this." He took her head in his hands. Gently tilting her face up to him. He bent down and placed a kiss on her lips.

Of course, the moment he had Haruhi pulled away stunned. Pure shock riddled her features as his eyebrows raised.

A sly smile grew on his lips. It evolved into a smirk while he continued to cradle her neck, his fingers pressing gently into her skull. Then he let out a deep laugh.

It was then that the Host Club burst through the door. Stopping just short as they took in the position Haruhi was in. Her arm hands placed on the crook of Nekozawa's elbows, his hands still holding her head while his thumbs caressed her jawline.

And worst of all the deepest red blush that the club has ever seen on her face. Along with terror in her eyes.

Tamaki shouted, "Get your hands off of her!"

The two sprang apart, startled by the volume of his command. Nekozawa grinned at the Host Club then back down to Haruhi. He bowed to her as he quickly kissed her hand before disappearing into the shadows.

The twins were so enraged that they hesitated before attempting to chase the man who apparently violated their Haruhi. Honey and Mori stood back, shocked at the events before them while Tamaki whisked Haruhi into his arms. Kyoya studied her.

"Haruhi." He asked as calmly as he could. "Did Nekozawa senpai just kiss you?"

Part of him hoped that Haruhi wouldn't say anything, that she would revert to her silent, don't ask don't tell, personality from earlier that lunch hour.

However, luck was not on his side as she cleared her throat and nodding while she said, "Yeah. He did."

Tamaki crushed her body into his while he wailed. "HE'S CURSED YOU, HE'S CURSED YOU!"

She was too stunned to even move out of Tamaki's death grip. She didn't know what to think because of the way he looked at her. Haruhi was certain, Nekozawa new the truth.

Classes commenced as usual. The twins glared every few seconds in her direction but said nothing as they were still fuming that they didn't catch up to Nekozawa. They had no idea where he went. Probably back to his dungeon somewhere.

He could stay there for all they cared. Curses or not, they weren't scared of him. Besides they have flashlights. They could also just steal that damn cloak from him and make him stand in direct sunlight after what he did to Haruhi.

He kissed her. That bastard kissed her. He fricken kissed her.

Hikaru was ready to deal the death blow, and if it weren't for the more logical mind of his twin, they would have searched the halls all day just to give him the beat down that he deserved.

What's worse, Haruhi didn't seem bothered. She was flushed, but she wasn't bothered by it. Like she had no idea what it meant. He kissed her.

They hovered over her protectively as they walked down the halls heading towards their club room. It was getting to the point that they were near to squishing her in between them.

"Guys." She snapped when they pressed into her again. One of each of their arms firmly placed on her shoulder. "Guys!" She snapped again pushing against them. "You're squishing me."

Hikaru growled. "What do you expect? The way you have been throwing yourself around the boys at this school, you are getting way too much attention."

"Seriously Haruhi. Nekozawa violated you. You should be more careful. Being a girl isn't easy."

"Really? You guys are going to tell me how hard it is to be a girl?" She snapped at them, tossing a well-placed glare in their direction. "For your information, I've been one my whole life. I think I know what it's like."

The twins stopped in their tracks allowing Haruhi to get a few steps ahead of them before coming to their senses and following her again.

"I swear," Hikaru continued to mutter, "If he touches you again."

Haruhi shouldn't be surprised by the anger in his voice. It's been like this for a while now, but still, she couldn't believe how far they were taking such a simple action. All week long she flirted with them, teased them and pushed the boundaries with talking to boys who seemed to have an interest but one kiss and now they were on the hunt for blood. "He isn't going to hurt me. Don't you dare start a fight."

Kaoru took up the argument. "He is the one starting it!"

She shook her head, "No he didn't."

Nekozawa didn't start this. If she wasn't careful, he would be able to start something else. All she knew was right now she needed to talk with the elder classmate. Extracting herself from the Host Club was damn near impossible, but she had to try.

"Guys, I gotta go. I'll meet you in the club." She tried.

"Not a chance. The boss will kill us if we don't arrive with you." Kaoru commented.

Hikaru rolled his eyes "Nice try, Haruhi. You are not leaving our sight."

Together they linked their arms with hers and hauled her off to the third music room. Her feet barely even touched the floor, and she was sure that she would have been grateful to be off those damn shoes if she wasn't freaked out by the new level of overprotective that the Host Club apparently adopted.

She couldn't find any chance to leave the room. Kyoya kept her busy with menial tasks until her guests arrived. Once they left, she was back to making tea or delivering pastries and cakes to guests.

It was evident that they didn't want her talking to boys when the few they arrived to be 'hosted' by her were sent out with an excuse that she was not allowed to entertain them.

All she could think was, thank god there was only one more day of this joke. They were going to be feeling like idiots when they realize exactly how possessive they were being. She hoped that they would regret their actions and give her space. That really was all she wanted, and now that this prank had escalated she wasn't sure if that was even her goal anymore. She didn't know what motivated her anymore. One more day. She would see this through.

Now if only she could find Nekozawa.