Mai's POV
"Where exactly are we going?" I questioned as Kyoya led me through a part if the Ootori estate I had never been in.
Kyoya kept his hand firmly in mine as he dragged me to a set of large doors. He stopped and pulled out a key.
"I know you aren't dancing competitively anymore, but I would hate to see that part of you die out completely."
He pushed open the doors to reveal a large ball room. I walked in almost timidly. The wooden flooring was beautiful and the high glass ceiling reflected the pattern. The walls were a cream color aside from the back wall that was completely a window looking out into a lovely garden I had explored the previous day.
"I know it isn't a dance room, but it was the best I could do with such short notice. I hope you understand."
I turned back to Kyoya to find him still standing by the door we'd come in. He was watching me carefully. I knew he was looking for a certain reaction. Apparently, he found what he was looking for because a small smile graced his features and he stepped into the room, allowing the door to remain open. He met me in just about the center of the room and looked around. His focus landed above us and I looked up too.
I caught Kyoya's eye in the mirror and smiled. He took my hand and I looked back down meeting his gaze.
"What do you think?"
"I think you're obligated to dance with me since we're in a ballroom."
Kyoya chuckled to himself. "I had a feeling that was where this would go."
He pulled a small music player from his pocket and pressed play before depositing it back where it had come from. Music started to play and he held out his hand for me to take. My eyes flickered from his hand to his face and back again before taking it without a word. His hand fell to my waist and mine to his shoulder as he led the dance quietly. Kyoya spun me lightly and I couldn't help but feel we'd been here before.
Kyoya's POV
"It's strange, isn't it?" Mai asked.
I pulled her a tad closer to me. "What is?" I questioned unsure of exactly what she was talking about.
Mai smiled and brought her hand from mine and draping both of her arms over my shoulders as we swayed from side to side. Her eyes met mine, shining brightly. I brought my arms around her waist more tightly.
"I never would have expected us to be like this. A year ago this would have been unthinkable." She bit her lip and looked away. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
She pulled away from me, crossing her arms over her chest protectively. She didn't look up, instead she seemed to have developed a sudden, intense interest in her shoes. Mai shook her head as if trying to rid the thoughts that plagued her.
"I'm sure you have things you need to be doing other than entertaining me."
I took a step toward her and cupped her face gently, running my thumb over her cheek. "Mai, look at me." She did hesitantly. "I care about you very much. There is nothing more important that I should be doing right now."
"Can you please just say it?" She asked quietly.
I frowned. "Say what?"
Mai met my eyes and then looked away, shaking her head as she did. "Nothing. Forget I said anything. I have some studying to do. I'll see you later." Mai pressed a kiss to my cheek and then left without giving me time to say another word.
Mai's POV
I grabbed my books from my locker to head out for the day. I had been losing interest in my volunteer work ever since I had moved into the Ootori hospital. Still, it wasn't as if I could just stop going or move back. I was at the mercy of Mr. Ootori's direction and he had insisted this was where I should be. The last thing I wanted to do was cause trouble.
"Mai." Speaking of trouble…
"Cho." I greeted flatly without turning around.
I could feel Cho's eyes on me as I continued to gather my books. She leaned against the locker beside me.
"You aren't still cross about the other day are you? I was only trying to help." She insisted innocently.
I finally looked at her. Cho seemed to be genuinely distressed by the thought that I had yet to forgiven her for 'informing' me of the rumors that were going around. I forced what I hoped was a genuine looking smile and shut my locker.
"Of course not."
A bright smile met her features and her eyes lit up. "Wonderful, I have so much to tell you."
"Walk with me." I insisted.
Cho linked her arm with mine and we headed in the direction of the front of the school where the Ootori's driver would surely be waiting for me. Kyoya had his duties at the Host Club this afternoon so I wouldn't see him until he came to pick me up from volunteering.
"Mai, I'm in love." Cho voiced dreamily.
I rolled my eyes. "Who is it this time?"
Cho patted my arm with her free hand. "I know I say it an awful lot, but I mean it. I'm in love. We're engaged."
I stopped walking, pulling Cho to an abrupt stop that almost caused her to fall over. I stared at her smiling face in complete shock.
"Excuse me?"
Cho became bashful and looked away. "Well, maybe not engaged. Engaged to be engaged." She elaborated.
"Who is it?" She mumbled something that sounded vaguly like a name. "I'm sorry?"
"Tamaki Suoh."
I frowned and sighed. "Does he know?"
Cho looked down and then at me. "I haven't told him anything yet, no. I'm sure he's aware."
I nodded. "Whatever you say. However, I wouldn't go around telling people that you're engaged without actually making contact with him first."
Cho seemed stunned by my words. "We talk." I gave her a look of disbelief. "We do!"
"'May I borrow a pencil?' does not count as talking, Cho."
Cho looked down sadly and then turned away. I was about to leave when I heard my name being called from down the hall. Kyoya was walking down toward us. I placed a hand on Cho's shoulder as a way of dismissing her and moved to meet him.
"I'm glad I caught you." His voice filled the empty space between us.
"I thought you had your club today." I stated.
"I do, but I had something to tell you first."
I didn't have a chance to ask exactly what he was talking about before his lips found mine. It didn't last very long, but it was longer than expected. His eyes met mine steadily.
"I love you." He sounded sure and determined to get the message across.
I felt the corner of my lip twitch up into a smile. "I love you too."
He placed a kiss on my forehead and took a step away. "I'll be there to pick you up around nine."
