It had started so well. When Kyoya had handed that flower into Haruhi's hand he hadn't expected much of anything, really. A polite 'thank you', maybe even a smile; it was a flower, after all. Something transient that would lose its beauty as quickly as it had gained it. He certainly hadn't expected the pretty blush decorating her cheeks as she took it from him or just how the warmth of her smile would affect him. When he had invited her on this date he had done so with a notion of making the lie into something more real. It would be convenient to have someone to escort to functions with more substance than the society girls that his family usually associated with. Girls bred for looks and manners and little else. He found he had a lot in common with Haruhi and certainly wouldn't object to spending more time with her. It was an added bonus that she was objectively good looking.
The idea of having something to himself that so many others coveted also held an appeal.
But when her fingers had brushed his when she took the flower, and she smiled so prettily up at him, he had realised it was more baser than that.
He wanted Fujioka Haruhi.
On the drive to the restaurant they sat in silence but it was, for the most part, comfortable. They could have filled the space with nonsensical small talk - and in all honesty, Kyoya had been brought up to do just that in these types of social situations. It was what had made him such a good host when he deigned to entertain any of the myriad ladies who sought his company - but Kyoya was glad for the opportunity not to have to. He much preferred this way of passing the time. It only served to strengthen his notion of their compatibility.
Arriving at the restaurant, Kyoya was pleased to watch Haruhi's look of awe at the opulence. It gave him a pleasure that he did not fully understand to be the one to open this world of luxury to her, to be the one to give her a better quality of life.
"The building itself used to be a theatre. You see there," Kyoya gestured to what was now the back of the restaurant, "where the string quartet is. That was the stage and if you look up there," he motioned again and Haruhi looked up, just missing a flash of red hair and marvelling at the ornate carvings around the upper portion of the restaurant, "that is the mezzanine. I think it has a separate cocktail bar up there for non-diners."
"This is amazing Kyoya-sen... Kyoya," she blushed, dropping the honorific. "There's a real sense of history. And the architecture is so beautiful."
After the waiter took their order, they sat silently, sipping their drinks. Suddenly Kyoya found himself struggling for a topic of conversation. It was all he could do not to stare at her. The dress he had chosen for her suited her beyond his wildest expectations. It hadn't been before, but seeing Haruhi in that dress, royal blue became his new favourite colour. The way the richness of the hue brought out her eyes... he had never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. When the tips of her ears started to redden, Kyoya realised he had failed in his attempt not to stare.
Luckily, he was saved by the arrival of their entrees.
The consumption of food had largely only ever been that for Kyoya. He ate for sustenance, not for enjoyment. He had never realised before just how much... fun... eating could be. Sharing food with Haruhi, playful flirting, even just watching the way she enjoyed her food. He was fascinated with the small peek of a pink tongue when the food disappeared behind plump lips. The noises she made when she found something especially delicious was practically sinful. It was enough that Kyoya had to take in a calming breath.
Once the first course was cleared, Haruhi started a new topic of conversation, one that had clearly been playing on her mind.
"How exactly do you think things will change at school for us? Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad you brought me here tonight, I'm having a lot of fun with you se... Kyoya. I really don't mind pretending we're dating at all, but as far as the rest of the school is concerned, I'm a boy, so it's not like we'd need to pretend in front of them. It's only really for the others' benefit, isn't it?" Haruhi absent-mindedly swirled her drink, the ice tinkling. "Do you think we need to behave any differently?"
Kyoya took a considering sip of his own drink, uncertain of exactly how to play this out. Of course he planned out the possible outcomes to each choice he could make. Which would be the best option? For the time being, he decided to play it safe and allow her to lead the conversation.
"I suppose that's at your discretion. I think some things would have to change a little, it would be unconvincing if we resumed as we always have, however the degree of intimacy you wish to portray is up to you. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. Casual touches, whispered conversations, I could escort you home. Isn't that the usual in these sorts of circumstances?"
"An interesting thought, in its own way." Haruhi quipped, tilting her head to the side, her eyes closing under the force of her smile.
Struck with just how beautiful, how witty and just how simply... Haruhi... she was, Kyoya finally found the courage to speak his mind. He wanted to be with her, as more than just a farce, and by all accounts, it seemed that she wouldn't be unreceptive to the idea. Emboldened by her dazzling smile - a smile that was directed at him and him alone, much to the detriment of his usually unaffected heart - Kyoya reached across the table, taking one of her delicate, soft and definitely feminine hands - honestly, how it had taken some so long to figure out the truth was beyond him - into both of his. He threw caution to the wind.
"You know, Haruhi," he spoke calmly, as if commenting on the weather. "I know that this... affiliation... came about as a ruse to hide the fact that your debt had been cleared, however, I think that it would be in both of our interests if we were to cement this relationship as real. Our personalities complement each other, and I certainly find your company less abhorrent than the girls who visit the Host Club." Kyoya adjusted his glasses and smiled in what he must have assumed to be a charming fashion.
"I don't think I quite understand what you mean, Kyoya-senpai." She said, removing her hand from his so that she could pick up her own glass.
"What I mean, Haruhi, is that it would be only logical if you and I were to become lovers. I think it would be in your best interests as well. The Otori group is very far reaching and it would make advancing in any potential future career easy for you. I believe that, while your commoner background is something of a hindrance, and certainly something that I had to consider before making this decision, your perseverance and dedication to your studies as well as your innate intelligence will overcome that and with a little schooling in etiquette, you could fit quite well within the right circles. It's obviously still too early to discuss marriage..."
Cut back to Haruhi throwing her drink in Kyoya's face and leaving the restaurant.
Kyoya steadily picked up his napkin, waving away the ever-vigilant serving staff as they hovered around him desperate to help an Otori in any way they could. Removing his glasses he polished the lenses and calmly set them to one side before mopping all the moisture from his face, grateful that Haruhi had only been drinking water. All through his controlled movements, his mind was reeling as he tried to figure out what had gone wrong. They had been having a perfectly reasonable conversation, and a delightful evening by all accounts. She was certainly logical enough to see the benefits of his proposal. He really couldn't understand what had set off such a negative reaction in her.
Stepping into his room, Kyoya closed the door behind him, relishing the darkness as it pressed in on him. There was something soothing about the lack of light, as if the entire world had disappeared, and his worries along with it. He was no longer the third son, never quite measuring up to his older brothers, not even in the running to succeed as the head of the Otori house. The Host Club didn't exist with its constant dramas and Tamaki's harebrained schemes that were a constant strain on the finances. He could even pretend that tonight's date hadn't happened, the utter shambles that it had somehow turned into. In the darkness of his room he was just Kyoya.
The peaceful reflection only lasted a few moments but reality wouldn't wait and, with the knowledge of the multitude of tasks that were waiting for him between school work, planning for Club activities and managing stocks for his own company, Kyoya flicked on the light.
"Why did you lie about dating Haruhi, Kyoya?"
His face remained impassive save for a small tightening in his jaw as he made his way over to his coffee table where he had left his laptop. Picking it up he turned to where Tamaki lounged across his bed.
Thank you so much for being patient with me. Hopefully I didn't labour that too much. I tried to get in Kyoya's perspective without rehashing the same points. I promised to post this last week and I hope you can forgive my tardiness. Unfortunately sometimes life gets in the way. Hopefully that shouldn't be the case this week and I will post again in a timely manner. See you next time!
