oOoOoOo
Kyouya entered his father's study after being told to come in. He sat down on the uncomfortable chair in front of his father's antique wooden desk. The room was painted off-white with deep navy blue accents in the carpet and furniture. Bookshelves and somber pictures lined the walls.
"You wanted to talk," he said before adding "Father."
Yoshio Ohtori looked at him thoughtfully. He didn't notice that his son had grown taller and more imposing. "I did. Why do you think I asked for you?"
"Surely you'd want to discuss something important because this cuts in your busy schedule," the younger man answered evenly.
"Yes," his father replied with a raised eyebrow. "You're aware of the value of time. Good. That's what I wanted to discuss with you."
Kyouya hid his confusion behind his impeccable mask. He'd grown up strong and independent because of his father. Living with the older man was like constantly walking on eggshells. He had to learn how to become better, more manipulative and more resilient than his brothers. His father was known for having a stern attitude and sharp tongue so he schooled himself into making a harder mask and thicker skin.
Because of his position as the third son, he couldn't expect to impress his father when his brothers had already done that. He had to think of more ways to prove himself without overshadowing them. It was a skill that he honed to a fine edge.
Yoshio got up and turned to look out the window behind his desk. Miles of perfectly manicured lawns stretched in front of him. He clasped his hands behind his back. "You know about that commoner girl who goes to your school, yes?"
Kyouya clenched his fists but kept his voice perfectly controlled. "Yes, Father."
"I want you to marry her," the older man said seriously.
He didn't see his son flinch behind him. Shock broke his mask but he recovered quickly.
"Why, Father?" Kyouya spoke up.
Yoshio shrugged nonchalantly. "She's got exceptional school records, superb intellect and impressive courage to stand up to powerful men. Reports tell me that many generations ago, her family had blue blood. I think she's an excellent match."
The Shadow King could hardly believe his ears.
He looked at his father carefully. It wasn't like his father to suggest marriage so early unless there was something in it for them. Meritocracy was encouraged in their family. He wondered what kind of merits he'd earn if he married Haruhi. Even she said that he won't get anything if he tried her.
"Don't you think it's too early to think about that?" Kyouya said coolly.
"It's never too early," Yoshio replied just as coldly "I don't want anyone else to notice the little diamond in the rough."
"What will we get from such a poor girl?" The Shadow King asked evenly.
He didn't want to imagine the chaos that he would cause because he knew about Tamaki's feelings for Haruhi. He didn't want to destroy everything. He cared about both of them too much.
"We'll get a formidable lawyer and business magnate," was the icy reply from his father. "Surely you know about rich rewards returned from risky investments."
"That doesn't answer my question," Kyouya said pointedly.
Yoshio looked at his son with new eyes. "I'm sure you've thought about it. She can be groomed into a perfect mate for an Ohtori."
"What if I don't want to?" Kyouya rarely disagreed with his father.
The Ohtori clan head stared directly at his son's eyes. He didn't want to admit it but he'd raised him well. A bright future was certainly waiting for his last son. "You don't have a choice in the matter."
The dark-haired young man adjusted his glasses. He had to think fast. "I thought you wanted to use me to strengthen connections with other companies by marrying me to any of their daughters."
"I'll use your brothers for that," Yoshio said icily as he turned to his son. "Now, listen to me. Yuzuru Suoh has his eye on her. I want to beat him to it."
Something clicked on Kyouya's mind.
"Is this still about the rivalry between our families?" the Shadow King asked darkly.
Yoshio didn't say anything. He sat down and stared at his youngest son. "I don't see a problem with marrying her. You shouldn't, too."
I see lots of problems, Kyouya thought angrily. Start with her being my best friend's secret love.
"You can go." The Ohtori clan head said softly.
Kyouya didn't take the dismissal well. He got up and exited the study with a thoughtful frown. His mind was racing. If his father wanted Haruhi, nothing could stop him. It was a clan trait.
He was so deep in thought he bumped into his only sister in the hallway. Fuyumi Shido smiled down at her youngest brother. She was a tall, beautiful woman who had the classic dark hair and clear eyes of the Ohtori. Twenty-six-years old and married, she loved to visit her family in spite of her father's chidings that she should stay with her in-laws.
"You're worried, Kyouya-kun?" Fuyumi said gently.
The younger man looked up and smiled at her. They were closest to each other although they'd never show it to their other siblings. "Ah, what are you doing here Onee-san? I thought you were traveling with your husband."
She shook her head. "The trip was canceled. My husband has to tend to some work problems. I asked for permission to stay here for a while because it gets lonely at home. I was just going to talk to Father…"
"Don't," Kyouya advised. "He's not in the mood for talk."
The older sister nodded with understanding. "Let's go to the living room. I think it's time for tea."
They went to the spacious living room of the Ohtori mansion. It was designed in a modern and minimalist style. Kyouya liked the huge glass windows that stretched from ceiling to floor because it lit up the otherwise large and lonely room.
He followed his sister on the sofa. She was talking to one of their maids enthusiastically. He smiled slightly. Wifehood suited her very well. Though she was born as a rich man's daughter, she willingly learned household chores to serve her new family better. She earned their respect that way.
"Tea will be served in a moment," Fuyumi said cheerfully. She noticed Kyouya's troubled expression. "What's wrong?"
"Did you marry your husband because Father asked you to?" he asked quietly.
She didn't look surprised. "Yes. But it was a marriage of convenience that turned into a love match. I think Father knew that I'd love my husband."
Kyouya looked out of the window. It was a bright summer day. He wondered why he felt so cold after his conversation with his father. Marriages of convenience still existed between wealthy and prominent families. It was a tradition that will probably never die out.
Fuyumi looked at him strangely. "Kyouya-kun, did Father talk about marriage to you?"
He nodded silently.
"That's strange," she said softly "Father never talks about it if he could help it. It's odd that he'd talk to you first. His attention should be on our other brothers because they're of marrying age."
The dark-haired man let out a sigh of frustration. "That's exactly it. I don't know why he should worry about me."
The maid cleared her throat politely. Fuyumi gestured for her to serve tea and waited until she was out of sight. She poured a cup for her brother before doing the same for herself. Her eyes were thoughtful as she stared into the dark liquid swirling on the cup.
"You're graduating this year, correct?" she asked suddenly.
"Yes," Kyouya replied "I'm going to university next year."
Fuyumi nodded. "You'll be finished with school after four years. I have a theory… I'm not sure but I think that Father wants to prepare you for something… Did he speak of any prospective candidates?"
Kyouya thought for a moment before replying in a nonchalant tone. "He's interested in one of my schoolmates."
"Ah," she smiled sweetly "Does he have his eyes on one of your classmates?"
He shook his head. "He's interested in a girl who's in a year level below mine."
Fuyumi looked interested now. She tilted her head and said, "Is she, by any chance, that smart scholarship student Haruhi Fujioka?"
"How did you know she's even a girl?" Kyouya said, amazed. "Where did you get that information?"
She laughed. "I knew about her, that's all. It caught my interest when one of my friends talked about a certain brave boy who stood up to Father at the 43rd Ouran Festival for you. I got curious about him and searched for more information then I found out the truth that he was actually a she. You're not the only wily Ohtori, you know."
Kyouya managed a smile. He shouldn't have underestimated his sister. It was obvious that she inherited most of the Ohtori's great observation and information-gathering skills.
"That's right. But not many people know about it so don't spread it around. Our club would lose its clientele."
"Your secret's safe with me." Fuyumi winked.
"Onee-san, I'd appreciate it if you don't talk about this," he said seriously "I don't want to think about it."
"Why not?" his elder sister looked shocked "She's pretty, smart, skillful and from a decent family. I think she'd make a perfect sister-in-law. Now that I think about it, she actually suits your tastes."
"I don't want to talk about it anymore," Kyouya said pointedly. "Haruhi Fujioka is a nice girl, yes, but it's not enough to make me want to marry her."
Fuyumi shook her head, smiling. She could see what Kyouya definitely can't. "Whatever you say, little brother, whatever you say…"
oOoOoOo
"Konnichiwa, Kyouya! What's up?" Tamaki asked cheerfully as he answered his cellphone. He smiled to himself. As best friends, they didn't neglect each other. They kept up constant communication in spite of the distance and time zones. "I was just about to call you…"
The Host Club King sat down on a couch. It was a sunny day. He wondered if he could take his mother out for lunch after her weekly check-up. A smile lit up his face. He decided that it was a grand idea and he'd tell her as soon as she gets home.
"How are you?" Kyouya asked coolly.
"I'm great. How about you? How are the others?" Tamaki asked back. He became more aware of his heavy heart. Waves of homesickness washed over him.
"We're fine. Tamaki, I just want to clear something," Kyouya said in a serious tone "You signed an agreement to marry a rich girl, correct?"
Tamaki sighed. "Yes, I did. It's written on black-and-white. I can't turn my back on my word unless I want to kill myself."
"That's serious," was the reply.
"What's this all about?" the blond asked, curious. They had talked about it before. Kyouya never asked for clarification if he could help it. It was not in character for the Shadow King.
"I just wanted to confirm some details," Kyouya answered quietly. He forced himself to brighten his tone. "How's Anne-Sophie?"
"She's responding to treatments," was the King's cheerful reply "I think she'll make it."
"That's good," Kyouya said "We're praying for her health."
"How about Haruhi?" Tamaki asked anxiously. They'd reached the topic that he was most anxious to discuss. "How is she? From what I heard, she's been feeling ill…"
"She's all right," the dark-haired boy said in an odd tone. "We're going to have a meeting tomorrow. Do you want to say anything to her?"
Tamaki longed to say many things to her. He missed his lover very, very much. But he couldn't tell that to Kyouya. "Just tell her to take care of herself, Mom. I don't want her to get sick without me to take care of her."
The Shadow King winced at his nickname. "I'll tell her."
They fell silent. It was unavoidable. They missed each other too. But they believed that friendship was not based on how much time, effort and money you spent because true friends were there for you whatever happened. So they didn't dwell much on it.
"Kyouya," Tamaki started to say as a lump jumped in his throat "Take care of her for me, okay? Take very good care of Haruhi. Even if I'm not there, I want you to be there for her."
Kyouya sensed his best friend's feelings over the cellphone. He gripped his cellphone tightly. It was a favor that he could never turn down. "Yes, I'll take care of her. Don't worry about it."
The blond let out a sigh of relief. He felt slightly better. Kyouya was one of the few people that Tamaki really trusted. He knew that his best friend would never break his word and trust. It was a relief to know that Haruhi would be in safe hands.
"School starts soon," was the stern reminder "summer vacation's over. You've got two more weeks left before school opens."
"Ah, how time flies," Tamaki murmured with sad eyes "I'll call you when I'm going home. Prepare a welcoming feast for me, okay?"
"Ask your housekeeper to do it," the Shadow King muttered under his breath.
The blond looked up as his mother entered the room. He grinned at her and gestured for her to wait for one more minute. She smiled with understanding and headed towards the bookcase in the corner. "I get it. Just do what I said, okay?"
"Fine, fine," Kyouya said "I have to go. I'll call you again."
The Shadow King hung up.
"Who was that, Rene?" Anne-Sophie asked as she kissed her son's forehead.
"It was Kyouya," Tamaki answered readily. His smile was mischievous. "Let's go out to lunch. I think there was a charming little café that we haven't tried…"
He took his mother's hand and led her out of the room. They talked easily and laughed heartily. He decided he'd call Haruhi when he got home later. Loneliness was an emotion that he never wanted her to feel.
oOoOoOo
Kyouya reached for his cellphone and flipped it open. "Hello."
"Kyouya-senpai, we're so sorry!" Hikaru said hurriedly "We can't come to the meeting at Haruhi's house today. Our mother is holding a party and we can't get out of it. Sorry again for not telling you earlier."
The dark-haired boy couldn't conceal his irritation. He was already riding the family limousine on the way to the Fujioka residence. It wasn't wise to anger him so early. "Fine but don't do it again next time. You both get extra hours of Hosting as punishment for skipping a meeting."
"We're sorry again, send Haruhi our regards." Click.
Kyouya hadn't closed his cellphone yet when it beeped. He opened the new message on his inbox. His expression grew darker as he read the message from Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai.
Kyouya-kun, sorry but we can't make it too. I forgot that the Haninozuka family martial arts tournament and festival was today. We fear your wrath but we'll make it up next time. –Honey.
The Shadow King frowned as he replaced the cellphone on his front pocket. It was not a good day for him. He wondered how he would hold a meeting with only two members present.
It wasn't good for the club at all. He was supposed to discuss new marketing strategies and advertising campaigns. He was geared up to talk about profits and plans, dollars and cents to them. Their absences were going to throw the whole schedule out of the window. He couldn't bear to think about the possible consequences of their actions.
Just because Tamaki was away didn't mean they could relax.
He sighed. Yes, they could. He had no right to think badly of them. It wasn't their fault that they got caught up with something else. Family activities were very important to all of them. If they were busy, he couldn't blame them at all.
"Take care of her for me, okay? Take very good care of Haruhi. Even if I'm not there, I want you to be there for her." Tamaki's words replayed in his mind.
Kyouya decided to go ahead to Haruhi's house. He had to check on her because he promised. Tamaki wouldn't let it rest until he does.
His mind wandered back to his conversation with his father. It was odd to say the least. He didn't expect Yoshio Ohtori to choose Haruhi Fujioka as his future bride. Arranged marriages were common to wealthy families but it would certainly shock commoners who were raised with the idea of free love.
Tamaki was also a problem. He didn't want to go against his best friend. It was very obvious to everyone who had eyes that Tamaki was smitten with Haruhi. Kyouya had watched them grow up and fall further in love. If he was supposed to marry Haruhi, what will he do with such a strong opposition?
But Tamaki was bound to a contract. It was unthinkable for the blond to break his word to his grandmother. The King would be stuck in a quandary in the future because he'll be forced to marry someone else. That would leave Haruhi free.
Kyouya didn't want to think that his father was aware of the agreement between Tamaki and his grandmother. But he wouldn't put it past him either. His father didn't become a powerful man for nothing. He knew that the older man had lived and survived within the competitive world of business and finance to advance their family against rivals like the Suohs…
Something fell into place.
If Yuzuru wanted Haruhi for a daughter-in-law, that raised her value in his father's eyes. It would mean why he was so interested in her. Yoshio wanted him to marry her because she became a valuable prize.
The dark-haired boy shook his head. How childish. He himself didn't see any merits in marrying Haruhi but if it pleased his father…
He'd do it.
Kyouya wanted to please his father and prove to him that he was smart and valuable as any of his brothers. He wanted him to know that he was also worthy of respect. It was his goal to prove himself as the best.
"We're here, young master," the chauffer spoke up.
"Thank you. Please come when I call you." Kyouya said quietly as he exited the limousine. He was dressed in dark-washed jeans and deep green shirt. If it wasn't for the limousine, he could've passed for an ordinary commoner.
He watched the limousine drive away before climbing the steep stairwell. It was a hot summer morning. He could feel beads of perspiration trickling down his forehead. But he didn't mind his discomfort.
Kyouya passed the landlady. He bowed to her and she bowed back. Tamaki was the only person she'd smile at, he thought involuntarily. He reached the apartment. Knocking on the door, he waited for a response.
When Haruhi didn't answer the door, he grew curious.
He entered the apartment without any problems. The door was unlocked. He decided that it was unsafe for Haruhi to leave it that way; he'd advise her against it. Who knows if a malevolent stranger would show up to rob them?
"Haruhi!" Kyouya yelled as he left his shoes at the door. Pulling on one of the house slippers, he walked into the hallway. "Haruhi, where are you?"
He checked all of the rooms inside the tiny apartment to look for her. His panic was rising. After a thorough check-up, he decided that he couldn't avoid her bedroom. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door before twisting the doorknob. "Haruhi?"
A low moan answered him.
Kyouya threw open the door. It was dark inside her bedroom so he immediately parted the curtains and opened the windows. Haruhi lay in bed, moaning softly. He kneeled down at her bedside and checked her temperature. It was normal.
"Kyouya-senpai?" she murmured. Clear hazel eyes blinked to get a clearer view. "What are you doing here?"
"We're supposed to have a club meeting," he reminded her "But the others aren't coming today."
"Good," Haruhi murmured, closing her eyes. "I don't feel too good."
"How do you feel right now?" Kyouya asked gently. He went to the electric fan in the corner and turned it on. It instantly felt cooler inside the bedroom. Returning to her side, he looked at her carefully.
"Nauseous," she replied.
Kyouya noticed that she looked slightly green. He kept his expression neutral. "Would you like some help to get to the bathroom?"
She nodded then she clapped a hand to her mouth. He panicked inside as she fought a losing battle against her insides. Panicking, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her all the way to the bathroom. She didn't protest at all.
Haruhi hurried towards the toilet after he set her down on her feet. He winced as he listened to her vomit. Willing himself not to care, he went to her side and rubbed her back soothingly. He pushed her hair out of the way and kept his eyes averted.
"It's fine," he murmured as she staggered backwards into his arms. Half-carrying her, he left her to clean herself up at the sink. He took care of the rest of the mess. After a few minutes, he turned to her. "Feeling better?"
"Yes," Haruhi answered weakly. She didn't realize that her knees were shaking under her. "Can we go back to the bedroom, please?"
Kyouya helped her walk back to the bedroom. She leaned into him and used him for support. It surprised and pleased him. He didn't know what to make of it when he reveled in her softness, her sweet morning-smell and her dependence to him.
He waited until she was settled in her bed again. She curled up under a thinner blanket. With a sigh, he sat down on the edge of her bed. Their eyes met.
"Where Fujioka-san?" he asked gently.
"He's in a work-related trip now," she answered quietly.
"Does he know of your condition?" Kyouya asked in an even gentler tone. She turned pink. He guessed right. "When did you get sick?"
"It's nothing." Haruhi didn't meet his eyes. "I'm all right. It's something I ate last night…"
That was plausible. Kyouya looked at her thoughtfully. "Kaoru and Hikaru told me you threw up when they were here. Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai reported that you fainted. What is going on?"
"I don't know," she mumbled.
"Does Tamaki know about this?" he asked.
Haruhi shook her head. "I didn't tell him because I didn't think it's important. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself."
"Take care of you," Kyouya murmured. He stared in her eyes. "That's what he told me. How can we do that if you wont tell us what's wrong?"
She blushed. "I'm sorry, Kyouya-senpai. But I promise you that I'm fine. See?"
Kyouya had to catch her when her knees buckled under her after she tried to get up. He helped her lay down in a better and more comfortable position. "You were saying, huh?"
"Sorry," Haruhi murmured softly. "I have a headache, you see."
"Have you eaten yet?" he inquired. He took her silence as a yes. "I'm going to call for takeout. Do you want anything?"
Haruhi ordered salad and bread. She also asked for watermelons. Her expression grew blissful as she thought about bright red and juicy watermelon slices. He nodded as he dialed a semi-famous restaurant and placed their order.
She realized that she was still wearing her pajamas. Blushing, she asked him to leave the room in order to change. Haruhi fought against her nausea as she pulled on a white cotton t shirt and bright yellow Bermuda shorts. She also sprayed a bit of light cologne to feel better.
Kyouya knocked on the door. "The food will be here after a few minutes," he said.
"Thank you," Haruhi called out. She knew that Kyouya didn't know how to cook at all. That's why he relied on takeout. It was amusing t know that he didn't have that skill at all.
He entered the bedroom with a tray that had a tall pitcher of cool water, two glasses and a plateful of salty crackers. She smiled gratefully as he laid it on her chair. He handed her the plate silently.
"It might lessen the nausea," Kyouya explained. He poured water into the glasses. "I think you should see a doctor. You're going to come with me this afternoon."
"Tamaki will play the bills?" Haruhi said without thinking.
Kyouya noticed the usage of his best friend's first name. He didn't comment. "I'll charge it to him, don't worry."
Their conversation was interrupted when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," he said as he got up. Haruhi waited for him while munching on the crackers. She could barely make out the inaudible conversation. He reentered with a plastic bag that contained their brunch.
Haruhi couldn't believe her eyes as he unpacked. He laid out the containers on the tray in an orderly fashion. Kyouya had ordered a light meal. His sharp eyes didn't miss the awful expression on Haruhi's face when he cut the meat. She ate as heartily as she could.
He felt slightly better when she devoured the watermelon slices. It was something that she'd wanted all summer, she told him. A sense of importance grew inside of him.
After eating, Kyouya cleaned up too.
"Thank you," Haruhi said shyly. "I don't know what to do for you, Kyouya-senpai."
"We'll go to the doctor's this afternoon," he said, suddenly business-like. "I've booked an appointment for you."
"What?" she said shocked. "I don't need a check-up…"
"Yes, you do." His blue eyes were very serious.
She didn't know what to say at all.
oOoOoOo
"Is it really okay?" Haruhi asked as she tried to match Kyouya's stride. He was walking as if he owned the hospital already. They were in one of the most prominent and prestigious hospitals in the city; she knew that it was one of the hospitals that the Ohtori Group managed. She wondered how much it would cost to have a check-up here.
"It's fine," he said curtly.
Afternoon sunshine streamed in the wide windows. After letting Haruhi sleep for a few more hours, he woke her up for the doctor's appointment. The chauffer was surprised but didn't anything. He wasn't being paid to be nosy anyway.
He glanced at her and gave a tiny nod of approval to her outfit. She was wearing a short mint green short-sleeved-polo shirt, skinny jeans and ballet flats. Her unruly bangs were held in place by a cute hairclip. She was also clutching a manila folder to her chest.
"Our family doctor will see you," Kyouya said coolly. "Don't give him any trouble."
Haruhi nodded nervously. He knocked on the door before opening it. They entered the moderately-sized office. She noticed immediately the formal furniture and somber colors. Inwardly, she wondered how a patient could be motivated to get well in such a depressing place.
"Ah, Ohtori-kun," the doctor said as he stood up. He was a middle-aged man with thick hair, thick glasses and a wide smile. His doctor's lab coat barely buttoned in the middle because of his large stomach. "It's nice to see you again."
"Murasaki-sensei," Kyouya acknowledged with a small smile. In spite of his physical appearance, Murasaki Ginji was an excellent physician that had taken care of the Ohtori siblings since they were born. "Good afternoon."
"Is it time for our physical check-up already?" Dr. Murasaki said in a joking tone.
"We're not here for me," he answered politely. "It's my friend who wants your expert opinion."
Dr. Murasaki noticed Haruhi for the first time. He smiled wider. "Ah, yes, I'm sorry for the mistake. I'm Murasaki, your doctor today. How may I help you, Miss…?"
"Fujioka Haruhi," Haruhi spoke up. She couldn't help liking this man. "It's nice to meet you, sir."
"Nicer to meet you," he replied with a hearty laugh. "Sit down, sit down! I see you've filled out the forms. Let's start, shall we?"
Haruhi sat right across him. Kyouya sat beside her. She didn't feel uncomfortable around him at all. It was strange but she felt secure instead.
She answered all of the doctor's questions as honestly as she could. He was very efficient and very amusing too. When he asked her to list her symptoms, his expression changed.
"Fujioka-san, you mentioned that you've been feeling nauseous, tired and sleepy during the day. You also have problems sleeping and you developed an aversion to certain foods like meat…" Haruhi nodded. He continued on, "You also vomited this morning. When was your last monthly period?"
Haruhi thought hard. "Last month, I think. It didn't last long which was odd. I missed my period this month probably because of stress. I've been studying very hard for my senior year, you see."
Dr. Murasaki smiled with understanding. He liked her very much. Rummaging inside his drawer, he pulled out a small package. He handed it to her. "Now, can you please take this?"
Haruhi looked at the small package that he placed in her hands. She glanced at him questioningly and he smiled reassuringly.
"The bathroom is down the hall, my dear," Dr. Murasaki said quietly "That's just a test. Surely you know how to do a urine test, yes?"
The dark-haired girl's face colored. She excused herself and fled the room.
Dr. Murasaki turned his attention to Kyouya. His expression was very grave. When he spoke, his voice was low. "Ohtori-kun, I hope if you don't mind if I asked. Is she your girlfriend?"
"No," Kyouya replied calmly. He didn't like that look. "She is not."
"Are you sure?" The doctor pressed on.
"Positive," he said firmly.
Dr. Murasaki looked as if he didn't believe him but didn't say anything else. Wise, Kyouya thought wryly. He wasn't being paid to ask questions after all.
There was a knock on the door. Haruhi reentered the room while carrying a small rectangular-shaped item in one hand. She looked calmer as she set it down in front of Dr. Murasaki.
"What's that supposed to be?" Kyouya asked when his curiosity won. Haruhi squirmed beside him.
"Just wait," the doctor replied. His expression grew graver as he saw two blue lines appear. He looked up and said cheerfully, "Congratulations. You're pregnant, Fujioka-san."
It took a whole minute for them to absorb the information.
Haruhi's eyes grew as big as saucers. Her voice was trembling. "I-I can't be! There's got to be some mistake…"
"Positive," Dr. Murasaki confirmed. "It's about eight weeks old. To have a good pregnancy, I suggest that you eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Drink plenty of milk and take some folic acid. Don't stress too much because it's bad for you and your baby. Also, I think it would be better if you engage in moderate exercise."
She nodded numbly. The information went right over her head. She didn't realize that she was pregnant. She didn't think that she was.
Kyouya sensed her shock. He listened to Dr. Murasaki's advices and tips before he excused himself and Haruhi. The doctor gave him a roguish wink as he shook hands with him. He had the sickening feeling that the doctor thought he was the father of the unborn child inside Haruhi.
So he let her out first before turning to Dr. Murasaki. "Do not report this to my father. She is my friend and I am helping her."
He noticed the pregnancy test and picked it up. The doctor watched as he pocketed it. With that, he left the office.
Haruhi was sitting on one of the rows of chairs that lined the hallway. He offered his arm and she took it. They both wanted to leave the hospital immediately.
oOoOoOo
Tsuzuku…
oOoOoOo
