Only those with excellent social standing and those from filthy rich families are lucky enough to spend their time here at the elite private school Ouran Academy. The Ouran Host Club is where the school's handsomest boys and prettiest ladies with too much time on their hands entertain young ladies and men who also have way too much time on their hands. Just think of it as Ouran Academy's elegant playground for the super-rich and beautiful.
The weekend coasted by, Haruhi and Melody had done plenty of cleaning and finished all their school work before Monday. Ryoji was off working the weekend away, so it was just the two girls until Monday morning when he crawled into the kitchen as Melody was making a rice porridge she had looked up for breakfast.
She set it down on the table, and Ryoji thanked her before digging in.
"Any reason for the porridge?" he mumbled, his mouth full and his eyes tired.
"I wasn't sure how much rest you got while away," Melody nodded as she bowled herself some, setting it down. "No rest leads to colds, and I read that this helps fight it."
He laughed warmly from his seat.
"Some man is going to be lucky to have you watching over them one day, Melody-chan." he chuckled.
She felt her chest warm at the compliment and thanked him before heading to wake up Haruhi.
Haruhi's face lit up at the meal, thanking her before digging in. Their breakfast was quiet as Haruhi woke up.
Melody reflected on their weekend; they did some local shopping around the corner at a little otaku store she couldn't remember the name of. Haruhi also dragged her to a cute bunny cafe a prefecture over. They spent the afternoon petting rabbits, keeping them off their homework as they worked on assignments. It wasn't a busy weekend, but she loved the small little moments like that she could share when she got home.
She went to go get dressed for school, and once she was back, Haruhi had already finished up the washing, ready to go. She reminded herself to bag her Switch, Law had asked to play. They gave each other a quiet nod before leaving.
They made it to the parking lot before a limo pulled up. This was still new to Melody, but Haruhi let out a sigh.
"Haru-chan," Ace smirked as he opened the door. "And Mel-chan."
Melody wasn't sure if she should feel worried that the boys were picking them up again. It was a sweet gesture, but not everyone made sweet gestures because they wanted to. She kept this in mind as she climbed into the limo, sat between Sabo and Law, who was already there.
"Mel-ya." he smiled, his voice sounded rough like he had just woken up. It made her hairs indescribably stand on end.
"L-law." she nodded to him. "Good morning."
"Good morning," he smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Did you bring it?" his tone sounded very, mysterious. Like he was doing an illegal deal.
The group stilled as she reached into her bag and pulled out her Switch. It wasn't unique, with some Splatoon decals she had bought to cover it.
"Nice," Law praised it, he retrieved his, which was a Mario exclusive one, both red joy-cons. "I hope you're ready to get your ass kicked."
"Try me," Melody smirked and turned on her console, it had been in sleep mode but was still full charge. She turned on the game, and they played in their little world, cussing each other out as they played the ride there.
"Good matches," Law congratulated as they exited the limo.
"Could have been better," Melody sighed. "It's so early most people are off to start their days or sleeping, We only got American players who are turning in to sleep soon."
"Eh," he shrugged. "It was still well played. Good turf wars, it was fun watching you scramble around to figure out where I was hiding."
She playfully punched his arm, feeling a little frustrated.
"It was tough, your team was covering you well!" she defended.
"It's called communication," he teased, pretending the punch had hurt him. "You wound me, Mel-ya."
"Yea," Ace butted in. "It was great to talk to you two on the drive in, I thought that was the plan."
"I thought I decided on Sapporo prefecture," Law shrugged his bag on.
"No," Zoro punched the guy in the arm playfully. "We didn't agree."
"Yea," Law snorted. "That's why I said I decided."
"Easy," Sabo sighed before shooting Melody a charming smile. "Melody why don't you pick a prefecture to game in, huh?"
"Umm," she bit her lip in thought for a moment. "I mean, I don't know the districts as well as you guys. So it would kinda suck if I picked a bad or boring district, don't you think?"
The guys quietly mumbled as they walked to the school. Haruhi had looped her arm into Melody's, so they were walking arm in arm. It was comforting, the girl squeezed her hand and then nodded herself off. Leaving Melody alone with the guys.
"We have a list, Melody," Sabo announced. "If you don't mind looking it over."
He handed her a list of Japanese prefecture names.
"Pick whichever, and we'll go to that one, no arguments." Ace explained with a warm, reassuring smile.
"Okay," she looked it over. Unfortunately, they all wrote in their own handwriting so she could tell each was written by someone new and one prefecture struck out at her, it was in a sloppy, sharp scrawl, possibly Zoro's; Kawasaki prefecture.
She pulled out her phone, quickly looking up the arcade as the boys waited with baited breath. The place was reminiscent of a natural disaster but as she read her heart was pumping with excitement. The location was meant to look like a run-down building taking inspiration from the future dystopia of sci-fi.
She looked for another that stood out. This one was in fluid, energetic writing, it reminded her of Ace; Obaida.
She looked up that one and her jaw dropped. She quickly closed her phone.
"I'm torn between two," she announced.
"Why not choose both?" Law smiled at her, his voice was confident.
"Because I need a second opinion," she smiled and waved as she headed off, trying to get to class before them.
She pulled into class and sat down, turning to Nami.
"Okay, quick question," she asked the red-head.
The red-head perked up as Melody circled the two locations she had picked out and slid it to her.
"Which one?" she asked.
Nami's eyes lit up.
"Oh this one," she squeaked and pointed to Obaida. "It's a luxury gamer and theme-park lover's paradise, also if you're not paying it's even more fun."
Melody blinked, so that meant it was more expensive. Perhaps she should get Haruhi's opinion.
"What do you think, Vi?" Nami leaned back to the bluenette.
"Hmm?" the woman took the card and looked it over, slowly breaking out into a smile. "I think both are good, if you want, go to both."
Melody nodded and took the card back, tucking it away because Sabo was getting nosey as he sat down.
Melody wasn't relaxing long before the seat next to her was left abandoned. She usually sat next to Mori-senpai. He was quiet and kind, but he was currently heading over to sit next to Sabo, taking Honey with him.
Mori leaned over and whispered something to Sabo, who scrunched his brows up in confusion before standing and heading over to where she was sitting.
"Umm," he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Could you sit in Mori's seat today?"
"Why?" she quirked a brow, feeling curious about this.
"Please?" Sabo shot her a charming grin.
That was it. It was so pure and adorable it struck Melody's soul, she couldn't say no to that face.
"Okay, Sabo," she shimmied over a seat, and Sabo plopped down into her chair.
"Thanks," he smiled. "You won't regret it."
Her heart was in her ears. My god he felt warm so close to her, it was only an elbow's distance away. Did Mori plan this? No, that didn't seem like the quiet one's style.
"Miss me?" came a smooth voice in her ear.
Oh, it was him, huh? Of course, Law. The doctor probably had some nefarious plan to work out her decision for them. She wasn't going to bite.
She turned to Nami first, who was jaw-dropped at Melody's situation.
"Don't talk about what I showed you, Nami," she turned to the blunette. "Please."
"Mum's the word," Nami nodded.
She then turned to Law and shot him a sickeningly sweet smile.
"Of course I missed you Law," she looked up into his steely grey eyes.
He smirked and took a seat, wrapping his arm around the back of her chair. He pulled himself closer to her and whispered low so only her and Sabo could hear.
"You really shouldn't tease the other girls," his voice hummed warmly in her ear. "They'll think you're into having a dozen guys fawn over you or being with you."
"So what if I am?" Melody said before she could stop herself, she bit her inside cheek to stop herself and pulled away so she could pull out her notebook. "Besides," she continued. "Watching you all sweat over the details is sweet."
She took out her phone, snapping and sending a picture of the list quickly to Haruhi before tucking the note deeper into her bag.
"Too bad the rest of us aren't here," Sabo teased boldly. "You'd probably have a tough time containing yourself."
She tilted her head to him, shocked at his frankness.
"Someone's bold this morning," she noted, focusing on giving him a small grin before biting her lip, which caught his gaze. She dropped her voice and mumbled to Sabo. "I like when you're bold."
"Then you'll love me," Law reminded her of his presence by taking her free hand she had on her desk.
She was left stunned, the only one who could help her out of this was Nami. But just as something could have been done; Class started.
She was tense and could feel the heat from both guys on either side of her. It was kinda driving her crazy, it was hard to focus. On one side; a charming, possibly manipulative, polite but secretly bold Sabo. On the other; a driven, undoubtedly manipulative, observant but very no-bullshit Law. Her stomach was doing somersaults.
She could feel her body growing warmer and warmer in the embarrassment of the thoughts crossing her mind. What if the classroom was empty? Just the three of them left? Would Sabo move first? No probably Law. Would he kiss her tenderly or make-out furiously? She couldn't tell. But Sabo would be passionate. He'd likely trail her neck and cheeks with small pecks before kissing her properly, leaving her flushed. Maybe that would get Law jealous, and he would pin her to the classroom wall, devouring her lips. Her spine tingled at the thought before she snapped herself out of it.
If Law could read her mind, he didn't show it. Melody's lips were dry from her heavy, uneven breathing. She prayed the boys didn't notice that. She wet her lips with her tongue, not daring to dive down into her bag for a lip-gloss.
She took out a page, as their class continued, and wrote on it the best she could.
Are you here for answers or to tease?
She slid the paper to Law, who smirked at it and circled both symbols. Damn him. And now he knew he was getting to her. He pulled the paper closer and wrote quickly, sliding it back.
You'd probably die from blood-loss if you read our group-chat, Melody-ya.
Her heart skipped a beat, they talk about her in their chats? No. Not something to find cute or exciting, Melody. Focus on class. Sabo reached over and wrote on the paper himself, sliding it back.
If you're going to mention it, you might as well show it.
Sabo looked unimpressed, the sarcasm in writing was evident. But Law smirked darkly and handed Melody his phone, making the blond's eyes widen in horror.
She slowly took the phone and opened the messaging app. It was a long conversation, where to begin. She scrolled up to the weekend before something caught her eye.
It was Ace being vulgar, which made her jaw drop. 'Fire-fist' was talking about getting her alone about how he would try to get her bra off first and worship what was hidden underneath. She felt her cheeks burn, she was reading the intimate thoughts of the guys who were trying to win her over. She couldn't turn away, however.
Next was Zoro saying how he'd like to hear her say his name for him, that dried up her mouth. Zoro was very quiet but bold when it mattered, he was hard to read because she's spent so little time with him.
Sabo said that he'd just like to go out on a date with her in the chat, which everyone was calling him out on, she continued to scroll. Sabo then admitted that he had wanted to see her naked for a while but refused to let that get in the way of being her friend.
Most of the group then argued that it was impossible to stay friends with her now that they all admitted they liked her a lot. Law discussed the word 'Love' which made her swallow drily. She then continued. Finally, someone pointed out that Law didn't share his unhealthy reason for liking her.
The doctor teased then confessed; he wanted to make her his, in a permanent way, claiming her virginity. Which left the chat outraged. Sabo claiming that he couldn't know that or command that. And the rest agreeing.
She set the phone down. She was a bit stunned, took the paper in hand and wrote down, her hand trembling. Maybe this would shut Law down, she felt nervous and reckless.
You can't claim anything if I lost it.
The paper was left unattended for the rest of the class. Melody handed Law his phone back, which he accepted with a nod. Finally, the bell dismissed them.
"What to share?" Law asked, pointing to the paper.
Her face turned bright red as she pulled the paper back and wrote one word.
Toys.
Before leaving the guys there to look over the paper.
She dealt with her new seating partners in the next class too. Thankfully she was also focused on the work to avoid her embarrassment, so the lesson whooshed past.
When she made it to lunch, she headed up to the roof, shoving past Sabo before she could be stopped. She tumbled up the stairs to the roof, damn the school shoes. She huffed and pressed past it though. She needed some air, and some space to process.
The campus looked so peaceful up there as she stared at it, she sat down and kicked her shoes off casually, rubbing her feet, which had been sore from her stumbling up the stairs. She sighed and leaned her head back as she sat against the wall of the stairs. She let out a sigh and thought over what was shared, what was said. Did she really want to continue hanging out with these guys? Yes, they spoke their mind in private. She shouldn't have looked. She should have let it be, curiosity was going to kill her.
It wasn't long before her thoughts were interrupted.
"Deep in thought?" it was Zoro, leaning against the exit she had just come from. His hair seemed to whip in the air, even though it was so short.
"Yes," she nodded.
"Law let you read the chat?" he quirked a brow. "How high up did you read?"
She looked at him curiously.
"Zoro?" she asked tentatively.
"Yeah?" he asked, his brows knit in confusion.
She took a deep breath as she stood and stepped closer to him.
"Zoro," she said softly, testing how far her voice would have to go. How passionate it would have to sound before he would be embarrassed? Was she crazy for thinking of teasing these boys? She knew their weaknesses now.
"Yeah...?" he quirked a brow.
She stepped closer, her lips feeling dry, her throat warm with fear and excitement. She'd never teased a guy with vocals, just her words. She was close enough to take his hand now. She wanted to have a sense of control. Melody wasn't feeling very powerful right now. Law teasing her, Sabo babying her. At least that's how she felt.
"Zoro," she sighed lightly, making it sound airy. Was Zoro a safe bet?
There it was, his cheeks tinged pink.
"Y-yes, Melody-chan," he stammered out, his eyes widening a little. Realization must have dawned on him with his expression.
She then did something daring, something she hadn't planned on. Being so close to Zoro though, smelling the light musky smell of sweat and steal on him. Wetting her dry lips, her dry mouth as best she could.
"Could you kiss me, Zoro-san?" she breathed out, feeling her cheeks tinge pink.
This would be her second kiss. Her first was horrible, rushed and with someone who wasn't right for her. Could she use this as her first? Could she use his lips for her first good kiss?
He swallowed dryly, his cheeks growing red, his jaw dropped a little. Did Melody ask too much of him?
He slowly gathered up his jaw and licked his lips before pulling her in quickly by her hand, and kissing her on the mouth.
It was warm and salty. Like Zoro had worked out in the morning but not washed up. It was surprisingly gentle and tender for the tug her had given her hand to bring her close. Their lips only touched for a moment, but she could already tell she liked kissing Zoro. It was gentle but firm, could that describe the greenette. Would he kiss her again? She didn't know.
The door to the roof opened, and in came the rest of her suitors; Law, Kassanoda, Sabo, and Ace. They all caught her, inches from Zoro. The duo's cheeks flushed and lips wet.
Melody could see the look of betrayal on their faces, and it surprisingly hurt, made her eyes sting, and her heart hurt. Law looked so angry at them. But it was just a small kiss.
"I-I'm sorry," she managed out.
She gathered up the front of her dress and ran out through the other exit. If someone called her name, she couldn't hear it over the thudding in her ears from her heart.
She gathered up her courage before heading to the next class. She sat firmly next to Nami. Not answering the red-heads curious questions.
When she finished the class, she quick-stepped out of it, heading to the next class before someone stopped her with a grip to her hand.
She wiped around to find Ace, his face crestfallen.
It struck through her soul, and she let him lead her to an abandoned classroom, and her heart thudded in her ears at the sight before her. All her suitors were here, even Nekozawa and Zoro, the latter looked angry to be there.
"You owe us a little something?" Law said, his voice cold and distant.
She stood their firmly.
"You first," she snapped, finally feeling the stress of the morning catch up to her.
"Excuse me?" Ace asked, from her side.
"Let's tease the 'love-interest' by having her squeezed between two of us," she mocked Law's voice a little. "Was the plan to make me fall for you two? Or just to drive me crazy with questions? And then you over-shared and I know things I could have lived without knowing."
"How far did you read?" Ace asked, sounding angry.
She glared at Ace before shocking the group by grabbing her breast.
"I hear you're a big fan of these," she stated flatly.
The entire room went silent, everyone was blushing darkly. However, the most impressive reaction was from Ace himself, whose jaw was hanging open, and a little red started to trickle from his nose.
She let out an exhausted sigh that took a lot of courage to do that just now, and though her hands were trembling she was going to hide it.
"Fine," Law snapped, his cheeks were still pink from her display. "You caught me," he glared a little. "I was kinda' hoping you'd kiss me, or become more open with your boldness."
"Open with my boldness?" she sighed. "So you want me to be teasing you all constantly? You want me to smooch you guys? And swear? And make jokes?"
The room was quiet.
"If that's how you really are; yes." Sabo supplied for the room.
She blinked in surprise.
"I'm Canadian," she explained. "I'm just as loud and rude as an American, are you sure?"
"Yes," Zoro sighed. "If you being bold was asking for what you want, then we'd like that."
She thought it over, not having to be so restrained would be nice occasionally. She had to watch her manners with her friends and her classmates. At home she could be friendly instantly with whoever; use their first name, call them nicknames, make rude or crude jokes. She sighed at the thought.
"Fine," she crossed her arms defiantly to Law. "What do I owe you now?"
"The rest want to kiss you," Zoro pipped up before Law could answer.
She smirked a little, feeling a little proud. Already kiss number two, and she had three to seven lined up for her.
"Um," she blushed a little at the thought. "Are you drawing straws? And I'm not kissing each of you while we're in the same room."
"We're drawing straws," Kassanoda answered. "Then over the next two days, we can take our time and kiss you in order of longest straw to shortest."
"Oh?" she nodded and stood back. "Okay, don't let me hold you back."
Soon an order was picked; Ace, Kassanoda, Sabo, Law and then Nekozawa. Zoro left out because she had let him steal one already.
"Okay," Sabo smiled, as they all tucked their straws away. "Rules are the best kiss determined by the lady wins alone time with her. We'll leave you with Ace then, Melody-chan."
Before she could protest that she had class they all disappeared out the other door.
Ace shot her a kind smile, why did it stop her heart?
"I'll walk you to class, Mel-chan," he smiled and extended his hand. "I'll steal a kiss when I feel like it."
Her mouth dried up at his words and he leads her out of the other classroom door. She was in a daze as he leads her to class. She didn't even register when she sat down and started her artwork for the day, the last lesson of the day.
Exiting her last class finally after the final bell, she absentmindedly headed to the music room. She kept her head down, looking over her phone, reading her message from Haruhi asking where she'd been for lunch and to meet her at Host Club tonight. Melody bumped into someone.
"Sorry," she mumbled as she continued past them, deep in thought.
The person grabbed her hand and pulled her hand gently. She turned around she had bumped into Ace.
"We really need to stop running into each other, Melody-chan," he chuckled softly, his eyes bright, his hand warm in hers.
Her heart skipped as he gently pulled her closer and set his lips on her forehead chastely. Her mind went blank. It was a sweet gesture, but a non-romantic one. She was slightly confused as she thought over the gesture.
She looked down the hall as she stepped back, the halls were already empty up this way. Why hadn't he stole a proper kiss?
"Was that your kiss for me?" she asked, trying not to sound disappointed.
"No," Ace grinned, his eyes seemed to light up in excitement as he pulled closer again.
His breath mingled with hers like Zoro's had earlier, her stomach curled up nervously. She held her breath. Ace's lips were warm, and he tasted like cinnamon and a little like mint, his mouth was demanding, he held her against him as if he were afraid she'd pull away. His hands and his lips were so warm, she felt her cheeks burning from the contact. His tongue touched her lips softly, and she gently pulled away, panting lightly.
She noticed his cheeks were just as pink as hers. His eyes looked wild, like a child seeing a sweet. He ran a hand through his hair, smiling bashfully at her.
His mouth seemed to linger its imprint on her lips. She let out a mumbled. "Sorry," turned on her heel and ran to the music room.
My god, it was just as good as her kiss with Zoro. Two great kisses in one day.
She almost squealed when she opened the door to the music room and saw Haruhi.
"HARUHI!" she cried and ran past the other hosts to her friend.
Haruhi jumped, and Melody tugged her friend by the arm to the changerooms.
"Where were you today, Mel-"
"OH MY GOD I HAVE TO TELL YOU EVERYTHING!" she squeaked out in response, pushing her behind the curtain and lowering her voice.
