Author's Note: Readers…I know you're out there. Please drop me a review.
Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.
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Date Posted: 12/15/2018
Trigger Warnings: Language and lots of smooching. Small amount of implied violence.
The Learning Curve - Chapter 10: Fangirls and Restrooms and Sex, Oh My!
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Wednesday:
The ride to school was quiet; Yasuchika and Satoshi were giving me distance. Host Club will be a nightmare today. I have to stand up there and tell everyone why and apologize. At least I'll be supported by all the guys. I wrote it all for the paper – why isn't that enough?
"Haruhi-senpai, we're here."
I shook myself out of my stupor, opened the door, and headed to class. We all agreed that I would leave the limo from the opposite side than the guys and the twins would be waiting to take me to class. We wanted absolutely no suspicion attached to me and the younger brothers.
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Her locker was a mess again. Did these crazy girls buy up all the newspapers just so they could paper her locker with the pictures and nasty words. Haruhi is my best friend after Hikaru. The idea that these words would apply to her is ludicrous. 'Whore.' 'Slut.' 'Bitch.' 'Liar.' 'Fake.' She's the sweetest girl I know.
Surprisingly, she turned to Hikaru and buried her face in his chest. His shocked face looked at me over her head and he mouthed, "What the Fuck?"
I shrugged, and he pulled her into a hug. Several emotions ran across his face, but I worried about the one that stayed at the end. Satisfaction. Almost like now he's getting his turn. Glad he has a Doc appointment tonight.
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Suddenly, breaking through the quiet of our class, everyone's text alarm went off. Tamaki looked at me with dread as he pulled out his phone.
A picture of Haruhi being held by a twin with her locker in the background popped up with the text, 'Poor Haruhi. Can't take the heat. What a girl.'
"Kyoya, what do we do?" Tamaki asked, sorrow in his voice.
Shit. We must get out of town next week. I can't comfort her here. None of us thought it would be this bad. A miscalculation on my part, but I was expecting to reveal it on our terms.
"Ride it out and protect her in any way we can."
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xXx
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"Everyone is staring at us. Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"We have to come back to the dining hall sometime, Satoshi. The sooner the better. Shows we don't have anything to hide."
Kyoya-senpai turned to me and confirmed, "Exactly, Yasuchika. Nothing to fear and nothing to hide."
Haruhi's reviewing physics. Bending over I spoke softly in her ear, "Haruhi-senpai, how are you doing? Can I do anything to help?"
"Right now, I need to be ready for the quiz in physics next class. I'm doing my best to close out the voices. Can you all talk about anything else? I need different background noise." She didn't look up, but her voice cracked.
Tamaki-senpai came to the rescue, "We need to decide on a cosplay for the week we come back from summer break. Any ideas?"
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"Fujioka-san? May I speak with you?"
Now what? I'll fail this physics quiz if I don't get some peace and quiet. Looking up, the new editor was standing there shifting from foot to foot. Why is he nervous? I'm the one being targeted.
"What can I do for you, Sakyo-senpai?"
"I wanted to apologize. I had nothing to do with that story and told Komatsuzawa he shouldn't publish that. It was a gossip trash piece and had no business being published in that form."
"In that form?" Kyoya used his coldest voice.
"Yes. The basic fact of Fujioka-san's gender is news, but the actual story was a disgrace." I was impressed the way he stood up to Kyoya.
Turning back to me, he handed me a newspaper, "I also wanted you to have the special edition first copy. These will be dispersed throughout the afternoon. I hope it helps." He handed Yasuchika a stack for the Hosts and turned to pass them around the dining hall.
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xXx
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That physics quiz was killer. Maybe I should study with Maki-san over summer break. Some of the newer concepts are confusing.
Oh no. That's my text message tone and everyone else's. Can we get these stupid things banned from class?
Picture of Haruhi going into the girl's restroom with text: Did she use the boy's restroom for the last year and a half?
Of course, I did. I was dressed as a boy! I used the single-person facilities as much as possible, but sometimes you really have to go and that wasn't practical. I used a stall. I didn't look at anyone in there. I waited until everyone was gone before I came out – sometimes being late for class. It was the best I could do under the circumstances. That was during the school day. All the facilities in the Host Club are single-person.
There's nothing I can do about this now. Just need to make it through Friday. All of this craziness should calm down over summer break.
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xXx
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Host Club:
"Before the guests start to arrive, we need a quick meeting," Kyoya-senpai called out as we entered the room.
"First, the newspaper has been purchased by our investment group. Our first action was to fire Komatsuzawa-sama and bring in a new CEO. I brought in the son of an Ootori business partner. He has the needed experience.
"Tamaki, I'm placing you on the BOD. You will attend meetings and learn the business. It doesn't matter that the Suoh's don't have any media companies in their portfolio, your experience there will be invaluable in helping with your grandmother and being named heir.
"Any one of you can attend BOD meetings and meet with the CEO if you wish. Any action you wish to go to the BOD will go through Tamaki."
He looked around the table, "Questions?"
"Thank you, Kyoya. I'll make you proud and learn everything I can."
"I know you will."
Kyoya-senpai checked off an item on his list and moved to the next, "The Ball is this Friday. We will decide to cancel or not after Club today. Check with your dates and guests and see what they think." He looked over to me, "Satoshi, you need to be ready to cancel all contracts if necessary and arrange payment of any penalties.
"Next, our apologies. Renge, you have the floor."
"I've heard positive things regarding the stories in the paper today. We will need to reiterate and reinforce those positions today during Club.
"I know what most of these girls want. They want us to listen to their complaints and concerns, to answer questions, and to reassure them that the club will continue. No matter what, do not get upset. Even if the same girl asks you the same question ten times in a row. Do not get upset. Be patient and host as usual.
"Haruhi, be ready for anything and everything. Some could yell, some will ignore you and go straight to another host, and some will want an explanation. Your apology in the paper was excellent. Just reiterate it and today should go fine." She turned back to Kyoya and nodded.
"I will not be hosting today. Renge and I will be going from group to group answering questions and gathering reactions. This will inform how we move forward."
He closed the meeting, and Tamaki-senpai, in his best princely voice, told us to take our places.
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"I don't understand, Haruhi. How could you sit there and lie to all of us for a year and a half? We trusted you and now we find out you aren't who we thought you were." She looked crushed. I knew this would be bad, but when she puts it that way, I did do a terrible thing.
"I am so sorry this all happened. This was a terrible way to find out. I wanted to pay the Host Club back for the vase I broke, and this is what the guys came up with. I had to work to pay it back; my father and I have no money in savings. His annual salary is less than half the cost of that vase. My only choice was to work, so I worked as a Host." My eyes started to tear up. "I wanted to take responsibility for my debt and not worry my father."
My explanations and apologies are never going to satisfy everyone. Looking around the room, half of my designees are with other hosts. I'm not sure they will be coming back to me.
"My personality, the stories I shared, my opinions, my desire to share happiness – those are all genuine. I didn't take on a persona. You know the real me, just as a different gender. Now that you know I'm a girl, nothing else about me changes."
"But, Haruhi, I was in love with you!" another girl cried.
"I apologize for that. It was never my intention. The guys set me up as a Host, I played along, and somehow got caught up in the role. I truly apologize."
She was in tears. It didn't surprise me at all when she stood up and walked out of the room. We all had to be prepared for that.
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Haruhi-kun is having a hard time. She's crying as much as some of her designees. My sweet Tamaki-kun is charming the anger away from his girls. They shouldn't be a problem.
Some of Haruhi's guests have moved to other hosts. Some will probably stay there. I hope most will eventually forgive her.
"Everything seems to be going as well as we could ask for," Kyoya-senpai murmured in my ear. He sure can sneak up on people.
"Some are taking it very hard. Some will probably not come back to the Club."
"Unavoidable. That will be balanced by new guests and new events." He turned to look at Haruhi-kun, "We did not want it to come out this way, but it did. Now we have to ride it out."
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"Haruhi-kun…Haruhi-chan, what about our dinner and the Ball?"
"The Host Club will be deciding today if we will hold the Ball. What would you like to happen, Honda-chan?" My date doesn't seem to be that angry.
"I enjoy your company and always saw you as a friend. I have a boyfriend, so I never saw you in that role. Now that I know you are a girl, I hope we can become close friends.
"As for the Ball, I think it should be held. I'm sure it will be beautiful and fun. I have a ticket for my boyfriend, but I think he should take my place for dinner."
What? "I'm sorry, Honda-chan. You want me to take your boyfriend on our date? Why?"
"Yes. It's a great idea. If we're going to be friends, you should be friends with Eito-kun as well. I'm sure he will enjoy getting to know you."
This boyfriend is the same guy that came in to stop me from stealing his girlfriend. Now that he knows I'm a girl, that suspicion is gone. "I don't see a problem, Honda-chan. I'd be happy to escort your boyfriend to the Ball, and the Host Club will refund you the cost of his ticket."
"Thank you, Haruhi-chan. I'm sure the two of you will be friends, just like we are."
This is going to be weird.
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xXx
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"Club's over. Let's figure out the Ball," Tamaki-senpai called us all over to the table. "Satoshi-kun?" He handed the meeting off to me.
"Go around the table and tell us what you heard. I'll start.
"I didn't have a date, but my guests want to have the ball. A couple expressed interest in seeing Haruhi-senpai in a ballgown. I only had one, a designee of Haruhi-senpai, state that she didn't want her there. Chika?"
"My date still wants to go. She's a first year and never sat with Haruhi-senpai. She said the story didn't affect her. The only negative I heard was the same girl as Satoshi."
"Hikaru-senpai?"
"My date can't wait. She's so happy I'm back and she doesn't care about the whole Haruhi thing. She did mention the deception made several of her friends angry, but they don't come to the Host Club."
"Kaoru-senpai?"
"Same thing. My date wants the dinner, the first dance, and the Ball. Didn't say anything about Haruhi. The rest of the group was more hesitant. We had a couple of Haruhi's guests at our table. They ranged from sad to angry. One did say that if Haruhi was going to the Ball, she wouldn't. Just one isn't a reason to cancel."
"Haruhi-senpai, what did your date say?"
"Honda-san wasn't that upset about me being a girl. She asked if I could take her boyfriend, Kondo Eito, to dinner instead."
Kyoya-senpai's head turned in shock, "Why would she suggest that?"
"She sees me as a friend, not romantically at all. Now that she knows I'm a girl, she wants to become closer friends. If we become friends, she wants me to be friends with her boyfriend too. That's it."
That's strange. I understand that she wouldn't want her boyfriend to hate her friends, but that seems like it's stretching it.
"Wasn't he the guy that came in and designated you a while back?" Kaoru asked.
"Yes. He came in because Honda-san knew me."
Kyoya-senpai caught her eyes, "What did he want when he came in?"
"Just to talk. It was a slow start, and I offered to tutor him in Trig. He never took me up on that offer. He left because his embarrassment caught up to him."
I could tell Kyoya-senpai was not satisfied with that answer. Neither was Hikaru-senpai.
I decided to move the conversation along before we got stuck here. They could talk about it more in depth later. "What about your other designees, Haruhi-senpai?"
"They were upset. I continued to explain and apologize, but two of them did leave in the middle of the Club in tears. One was upset because she said she loved me, and the other was upset I lied to her. Neither wanted me to come to the Ball. The rest wanted the Ball and probably won't be talking to me there."
There were tears in her eyes as she leaned over onto Kyoya-senpai's shoulder. His arm came up around her and he kissed the top of her head. She doesn't look like she's been sleeping well.
"Kyoya-senpai?"
"I walked around the club and heard a little of everything. Everyone I heard wants the Ball to be held. A couple of Haruhi's guests don't want her there. One told me that they would ignore her if she was there. Another said it wouldn't matter since they wouldn't be dancing with her anyway." He gave her shoulders a squeeze and she sighed. I saw a tear land on his lapel.
"Renge-senpai?"
"As an auction winner, I obviously want the Ball to be held. I tried to talk to as many girls as I could and got the same results as Kyoya-senpai."
"Tamaki-senpai?"
"All my princesses want the Ball, and none seemed to care about Haruhi being a girl. They are solely focused on me."
"Kasanoda-senpai?"
"My date couldn't care less about Haruhi. She just wants to go to make my night miserable. As for the rest, they were upset, but also said it wouldn't matter because they wouldn't be dancing with her."
"That's everyone. Sounds like we're having a Ball!"
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"All right then. Satoshi, what's next."
He's doing a great job organizing this. I picked the right person to pass this to.
Satoshi looked at his list and started handing out assignments, "Hikaru and Kaoru, continue fittings. Don't need to worry about Haruhi-senpai's tux anymore. Find a tie that matches her dress in case Kondo-senpai wishes to wear it. I assume you were designing a dress for the party after?"
Both twins nodded. "It will be beautiful."
"Kaoru, we don't want it to outshine the guests. Maybe you should tone it down."
"I'm not putting you in rags, Haruhi. It's not my fault you're the best-looking girl in school."
"Just make sure it's not the best dress there." Kaoru nodded.
I spoke up, "She's right, Kaoru. If she outshines everyone there it will make everything worse."
"OK. But I don't like it."
"You don't have to, Kaoru-senpai.
"Next, everyone keep up with your individual tasks. All the decorations, music, food, and flowers are all ready to go. We just need last minute confirmations."
"Satoshi-kun, can I interrupt?"
He nodded at Haruhi, "What does the Club do with the left-over food and with the flowers?"
"I'm not sure what you mean. The caterers take away the extra food and I don't know what the clean-up crew does with the flowers."
Haruhi sat up straight and continued, "How much money is being spent on flowers?"
"1.5 million yen."
"And the food? How much is left over and what did it cost?"
I took that answer. "Based on past events, about 4-million-yen worth of overage."
"That's disgusting.
"That is a tremendous amount of money that is just wasted. And it's not just the money. Think of the resources that were used to grow those flowers and raise the plants and animals for that food. It's a huge waste."
"That happens at all our events, Haruhi," Kaoru said.
"Well, not this one. Do you have any idea how much good that left-over food and those flowers could do?"
The looks she got showed that we'd never thought of that.
"Here's what's going to happen. I will find a low-income hospital to donate the flowers to. The food will be given to a food-bank to feed those without the resources to feed themselves. You don't live in my world. I've seen parents go without food so their kids could eat. When my mom was sick, I saw patients that never had visitors or flowers.
"There's nothing wrong with having a wonderful Ball, but there's no reason for any waste after. There are always people less fortunate. There are always people that need help. There's no reason we can't be that help."
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I looked around to see surprise and confusion. Do these Rich Bastards really not realize how the real-world works? Well, it's about time I make them grow up.
"That's a great idea, Haruhi. I see it in the restaurant's neighborhood. That's why the prices are so cheap there. We also help those that need it in the areas we control. We don't throw fancy Balls, so we don't have left-overs from those to think of, but we donate other things. Just because we are yakuza doesn't mean we rob everyone."
"Ritsu, I knew if anyone understood it would be you," I smiled.
"I'll help you find the hospital and food-bank."
"Thanks."
"Is there anything else we need to discuss about the Ball?" Satoshi-kun asked.
Most of us shook our heads. I couldn't think of anything. I'm just upset with the lack of response to my donation idea. Rich Bastards.
"OK, let's go home. See everyone tomorrow."
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xXx
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On our drive home, I thought about what Haruhi-senpai said. The Haninozuka's are privileged. We are one of the most elite houses in Japan. That doesn't mean we should live with our heads in the sand.
She's right. There are always those less fortunate and those that need help. Why should our status prevent us from seeing that? What in our background makes it OK to ignore the needs of the average people in Japan?
"Haruhi-senpai?"
"Yes, Chika-kun?"
"I would also like to help you find the hospital and food-bank." She looked at me with questions in her eyes. "Everything you said is correct. My privileged status should not set me apart from the people of Japan but should be used to help those less fortunate."
"I'm glad you feel that way. I'd welcome your help." She hit me with that smile. It lit up her eyes and showed her pride in me. She is someone to look up to. "Let's get started tonight after my study group."
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xXx
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That evening, after dinner, Renge and Momoka-chan came over to work on our literature project. The Haninozuka library seemed the best place.
After about an hour, Momoka slammed her book shut, looked up at me, and hissed, "I can't be quiet anymore. How dare you lie to me and lead me on?"
This is the first time she's talked to me since my gender came out. I knew she'd be hurt. "I didn't lead you on, Momoka-chan," I calmly said.
"That's not true, and you know it. You always flirted with me; made me think you liked me. You'd smile and wanted to know what was going on in my life.
"I was starting to wonder when I found that tampon, but it just couldn't be real. My Haruhi-kun would never lie to me. Would never pretend to be something 'HE' was not. The Haruhi I knew was an honest and beautiful person. But, that's not what you turned out to be."
She stood up and walked over to me. "You are a liar and a horrible person," she yelled. Before I even saw what happened, my face was stinging, and she was running from the room in tears. She had slapped me.
"Haruhi? Are you OK? Haruhi?"
Renge was trying to get my attention, but I was shocked. Momoka had just slapped me. Slapped me because I lied to her. I did lie to her. I lied to her and the rest of the school. I deserved the slap and her anger.
"Haruhi?" Renge was shaking my shoulders.
"I'm fine," I lied. "Can you get her things together and take them to her. She's probably waiting for her car."
"Sure, and I'm going to give her a piece of my mind too."
"Don't," I begged as I reached out and grabbed her arm. "She's hurting and has every right to be angry. Let her be."
"I don't think that's a good idea, but I'll do it." She packed up Momoka's bag and headed out the door.
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I watched quietly from the hall as Haruhi-senpai dropped her head to her arms on the desk and sobbed.
She should have never lied to the student body, but she didn't deserve this. As I've gotten to know her over these last few months, I've realized she is one of the most honest and forthright people I know. She has more honor in her actions than I do sometimes.
She was put in an impossible situation by those guys and this is what they came up with. I still don't understand why they didn't anticipate this backlash.
I stepped away from the door as Renge-senpai came back. She gave me a sorrowful look and went in to comfort Haruhi-senpai.
I pulled out my phone to text Satoshi:
Yasuchika: You need to come over. Can you stay the night?
Satoshi: Yes. What's wrong?
Yasuchika: I'll explain when you get here.
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xXx
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As Chika and I walked up the stairs to his room, we passed Renge-senpai coming down.
"How's Haruhi-senpai?" he asked.
"I put her to bed. She's exhausted, and Momoka just made it worse." She continued down the stairs, "I'll see you both tomorrow at lunch." She looked so sad.
As soon as we got to Chika's room, I turned to him, "What the hell happened?"
My stomach turned as he explained. This was getting out of hand. "We should all do something fun over summer break. Get away and help her relax."
"I've already talked to Kyoya-senpai and Tamaki-senpai. They've got a plan. We'll discuss it on Saturday. Right now, we just need to get through the Ball."
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xXx
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"Fujioka! You BITCH! Come out and face me like the man you pretended to be!"
I was beating and kicking on her apartment door. I wanted to kill her. That bitch ruined my life. She and her gang of assholes stole my family's newspaper and practically bankrupted my father. I'll show her. She'll pay for what she did!
"Get out here! NOW! I'll kill you!"
Hands reached out and grabbed me from behind. My wrists were cuffed, and I was spun around to see armed men dressed in black.
"Who the fuck are you?!"
"Ootori security. You're coming with us."
"NO! Get that Fujioka bitch out here now!"
"Not happening." They dragged me down the stairs and shoved me into a waiting SUV.
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"What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Ootori, you assholes and that bitch ruined my family! Where is she? She needs to get what's coming to her!"
I looked Komatsuzawa over with disgust. "You brought this on yourself. I offered you the chance to apologize and you declined. I warned you we'd ruin you and your family. I always follow through on my threats."
"Bastard! If you think you've seen the last of me, you're crazy!"
We were in an interrogation room at The Black Onion Squad Headquarters. When I got the call from security, I dressed in a suit and came down to question him. Sitting casually at the table, I could see the anger radiating off him. He was cuffed to the table and had been changed into an orange jumpsuit. Psychological warfare.
"If you think I'll let you within Haruhi's sight, you're crazier than you appear." I smirked and said, "I think you need to be committed until you can be evaluated."
"You can't do that! You have no authority!" he yelled, spit flying from his lips. Fortunately, I was far enough away to avoid it. Disgusting.
"You are here in my private police force's headquarters. No one knows where you are. I believe that gives me full authority to do with you as I wish."
"You won't!"
I stood and leaned over to face him, "Try me," and I walked out of the room to the sounds of him pulling on his cuffs.
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"What should we do with him, Ootori-sama?"
Just then thunder boomed through the room. Shit. I ripped out my phone and called Yasuchika.
Yasuchika: "Hello?"
Kyoya: "Chika! Is it thundering where you are?" Then I heard another boom through the phone.
Yasuchika: "Yes."
Kyoya: "Get to Haruhi. She's terrified of thunder. She's either in her closet or under her bed. Keep her safe."
Yasuchika: "Right away," and he hung up the phone.
He didn't question or hesitate. He'll be able to help her. It's not right that I can't. I can't be seen going over there this late at night. There has to be something we can do about this. I haven't kissed her or been alone with her all week.
"Sir?"
Fuck. I'd forgotten about that little shit Komatsuzawa. I turned to my security officer, "Recommendations?" I knew what I wanted to do, but I'm full of vengeance now and need a clearer head to determine my choices.
"Call his father in and threaten prosecution if he's not brought under control. He should also be kept overnight as a demonstration of your resolve."
That's a realistic first chance. There won't be a second one.
"Get him in here immediately. Send a car and two officers for him. I'll deal with the two of them when he gets here."
"Yes, sir."
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xXx
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"Haruhi-senpai?" Satoshi and I knocked on her door. No response.
"Should we just go in?"
"Yes. Kyoya-senpai said she might be hiding. She probably didn't hear us knocking."
We opened the door and Satoshi called, "Haruhi-senpai, it's me and Chika. We're coming in."
Walking in, we didn't see her. The lights were off and the blankets on the bed were a mess. Suddenly, the room filled with light and then a large boom rattled the windows. We heard a squeak from under the bed.
I ran over and pulled the blinds and the blackout curtains while Satoshi looked under the bed, "Haruhi-senpai?"
He turned to me, "She's not responding. She's curled up with a blanket over her head."
"Let's get under there. Kyoya-senpai was specific; we need to keep her safe."
We crawled under the bed, one of us on each side of her. She was shaking in terror and didn't even acknowledge us. I'd never seen someone so petrified before.
Not really knowing what to do, we put our arms around her and pressed ourselves to her sides, creating a box around her to cut out the storm. We were just going to have to ride it out.
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xXx
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"What is the meaning of this, Ootori? First you take my newspaper then my son?"
Komatsuzawa-sama was livid. I didn't blame him; he had no idea what provoked our takeover. His son hadn't told him a thing.
"Sit down Komatsuzawa-sama and I'll explain."
We weren't in an interrogation room, but in a lounge with windows. I wasn't angry with him.
I handed him the newspaper. "Your son published an incendiary story about a friend of mine and the members of the Host Club. He not only insinuated but accused her of 'dating' the entire Club and lying to the student body.
"While I will agree that the underlying information is newsworthy, the language and pictures used in the published story are nothing short of a gossip rag."
"That doesn't explain why you now own my paper and my son is in your security cell," he snapped.
I leaned forward, put my elbows on the table and rested my chin on my interlaced fingers. "Your son was given the chance to apologize to the school for the manner in which he published the story. I warned him that not doing so would result in the ruin of his family. He refused my request."
"Let me get this straight. Because my son is an idiot, our newspaper was victim to a hostile takeover?"
"Yes. He was warned."
"That's insane!"
"That's the way the Ootori's play. Everyone should think twice before targeting someone close to me. I do not play nice."
"And what of my son? Why is he here?"
Looking at the father wanting to both punish and protect his son, I realized that this father felt more for his son than mine ever did. Even if he still thought his son was an idiot.
"He was caught trying to break into Fujioka's apartment, threatening to kill her."
"Shit."
"Yes."
Komatsuzawa-sama stood and paced the room twice, then stared out the window. After gathering his thoughts, he turned to me and asked, "Now what?"
"I'm sure you understand that I cannot ignore his behavior tonight."
"No, you won't."
"I propose the following, he will stay here overnight as a demonstration of my resolve. Tomorrow he will be returned to you. You will withdraw him from Ouran and register him in an out-of-town school of your choice. He will not return, and he will not contact anyone from the Host Club ever again.
"If you both follow these requirements, our dealings are over. If not…remember, I don't play nice."
I could see him turning the offer over in his mind. I had him well and truly trapped, and he could see it.
"We'll accept your proposal. Have him delivered to our estate tomorrow morning." He left the room, slamming the door after him.
That should be the end of the Komatsuzawa family in Haruhi's life.
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xXx
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Thursday:
Where am I? Why is it so hot?
I heard a mumble and looked to my left, "Yasuchika-kun?"
"Good morning, Haruhi-senpai."
"Yeah, good morning."
I turned to the right, "Satoshi-kun? The last thing I remember was the thunder storm."
"Kyoya-senpai told us to make sure you were safe. We found you under the bed and joined you. Are you OK?"
"Yes. Thanks, you guys. I'm fine." These guys are so sweet. Just like their older brothers.
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xXx
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Everyone's phone went off between the first and second classes. "Shit. Are they ever going to leave you alone?" Hikaru asked me.
"It's only the fourth day. I hope it calms down after summer break."
Picture of Haruhi sitting at her desk with text: Now that we know she's a girl, why is she still wearing the boy's uniform?
I looked over at the guys, "It's the only one I have. Plus, I wouldn't be caught dead in a yellow puffball."
Kaoru smiled, "Yeah, you'd look terrible in yellow."
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xXx
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"Where are Haruhi-senpai and Kyoya-senpai?"
"They are eating lunch together in the Club room but keep that to yourself."
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In one of the dressing rooms…
"Mmmmmm…Kyoya…"
I was attacking her neck, trying so hard not to leave marks. She felt so good, tasted so good; it had been so long. That story killed our together time and we both missed it. I could feel her breasts pressing against my chest. Shit.
"Ahhhh…There…right there…"
I found a sweet spot just behind her earlobe. Licking and nibbling caused some highly erotic moans. The things this girl made me think of.
"Haruhi," I panted. "Haruhi," I moaned.
Shocked, I felt her hands slide over my chest and her fingers start to work on the buttons. Oh Shit. "Mmmm…"
Finally, enough buttons were undone for her to slip her hands into my shirt and stroke up and down my sides. I shivered. She has no idea what she's doing to me. My pants are so tight.
With a quick tug, I got her shirt out of her pants and my hands claimed her back. Her hot skin burned my fingertips.
When I looked down at her, she mashed her lips to mine and all thought disappeared.
.
I want him. I want him so bad. I want him to make everything disappear. I want him to keep me safe. If that means I need to go further, then I will. I need this. I need him. I need him to protect me. He's the only one who can.
.
"Haruhi," I panted, "we have to stop." I have to make myself stop. "We can't miss class. We can't stay here." I brought my hands down to her hips and pushed her back.
She was breathless, pink, and her hair was disheveled. She was perfect.
"Kyoya…please…I don't want to stop. I want to be safe."
Safe? This is what I planned. This is what I wanted from the beginning. To get her by showing her only I could keep her safe. I made it! I'm at my goal. Once I take her, she's mine. I'll never let her go.
She lunged at my lips and I met her halfway. Oh…my body's on fire. We can miss our next class. Her birth control is effective by now. It would be so easy. She wants it. She wants to be safe.
Safe? Not loved, but safe. How do you build a marriage on safe? How do raise kids on safe? How does she trust me for a lifetime on safe?
Safe? This isn't love. This isn't even lust. This is desperation.
Safe? I pushed her away from me again. "Haruhi, we don't have to have sex for me to keep you safe." Fuck! I can't believe I just said that. What the fuck is wrong with me?
"I need you. I need you to make it all go away." She tried to lunge and take my lips again, but I held her away from me. "Please, Kyoya."
She could bring a man back from the dead with that plea. "Haruhi, stop it. I'll keep you safe. It doesn't matter if we are friends or dating, physical or not. I will protect you." I saw tears in her eyes, it was like a splash of cold water. "You aren't ready. I'm not asking for anything to keep you safe. I will not push you."
We do this now and she'll resent me. Nothing but hate can be built on resentment.
Her head dropped to my shoulder, "Thank you, Kyoya. Thank you. I couldn't get through this without you."
.
I'm so glad he stopped me. What was I thinking? I was about to…just to be safe? That doesn't equal safe. He's right, I'm not ready. Obviously, if I think I need that for safety, I'm not ready. It needs to be for love. But, do I love Kyoya?
.
xXx
.
In between two classes in the afternoon, I needed to use the restroom. The twins walked with me and waited outside.
When I left the stall and went to the sink, there were two girls already washing their hands, leaving only the middle sink empty.
As I started to wash my hands, they both turned to me. The one on the right grabbed my hair and pulled my head back.
"What are you doing? Stop!" I tried to step on her foot but couldn't find it. Then the second one started tugging.
They kept tugging on my hair. All of a sudden, they both let go. "You want to be a boy? Now you look the part!" I heard giggles and a whispered, "Did you get the picture?" and then they were gone.
Everything came crashing down on me when I looked in the mirror and realized they had chopped chunks out of my hair. It was a wreck. "Why?" I mumbled and then the tears started. I couldn't stop them; the stress had caught up to me again. The pictures on my locker, the texts, my designees, Momoka, Kyoya, and now this. Is what I did that bad?
"Haruhi? Are you OK? The bell is about to ring!"
"Just a minute, Hikaru."
I splashed water on my face and pulled myself together. I just had to make it through the rest of today, tomorrow, and the Ball. Then it would be summer break and I could forget about this for a week.
.
"Shit, Haruhi. What the fuck happened to your hair?" I yelled.
"Keep your voice down. Nothing happened, I just got gum stuck in it again and had to cut it out."
Kaoru jumped in before I could call bullshit. "You got so much gum in your hair that you had to cut half of it off? In the restroom? Really?" His tone called bullshit too.
"Yes," she turned and started walking down the hall, "let's get to class before we're late."
I turned to my brother, "You realize that's total bullshit, right?"
"Oh yeah. Good thing this is the last class."
.
xXx
.
I was just about to text Kyoya-senpai when it arrived.
Picture of Haruhi from the back, showing her chopped hair and her face in the mirror. Text: She wanted to be a boy. Now she looks the part.
I turned to Hikaru and warned him to calm down. We'll deal with this later.
Oh, shit! She's got her internship today!
.
xXx
.
"Where's Haruhi?" Tamaki asked. Everyone was in the Club room except for her and the twins.
"I just got a text from Kaoru. They are waiting for the halls to clear before bringing her. She has also called into her internship and told them she was ill. She already has next week off because of the school holiday so she won't have to go back until the week after that."
"Do you know what happened?"
"No more than the rest of you. All I've seen is the text. They'll tell us when they get here." Once again, I had to rely on those twins to protect my girlfriend. It's too early to go public. The Corporation will be unstable for a while after my father leaving.
We got the tea and cakes ready for our guests while we waited. About 15 minutes later the three of them walked in.
I didn't want to jump down her throat, but I did want to know what the hell happened. "Haruhi?"
She walked right up to me and into my arms. With her face in my chest she mumbled, "I got gum in my hair and had to cut it out."
"That's bullshit, Kyoya-senpai."
I looked up at what had to be Hikaru. "I agree."
I pulled her away from my chest and looked into her eyes, "Haruhi, what really happened?"
She looked down at her feet and mumbled, "Gum."
Before I could say something I'd regret, Renge came over and pulled her from my arms. "Come on, Haruhi-kun. Let's sit and talk about this."
The girls went off to a loveseat and the guys crowded around me.
"Obviously, someone did that to her."
"We were waiting outside the restroom for her. Two giggling girls came out before she did. I'm sure it was them. I didn't recognize either one."
"What are we going to do about her hair? It looks terrible and the Ball is tomorrow."
"Be quiet, Satoshi. She'll hear you." Kaoru looked over at the girls. They hadn't looked up. "I can fix it. I'll take the chop out and give her a pixie. It's not the best look for her, but it's the best I can do with what's left. She can decide if she wants to wear a wig tomorrow night."
"What are we going to do about those two bitches that chopped her hair? They need to pay!"
"Don't worry, Kasanoda. They will." I sat down at my laptop and continued, "First, we need to identify them. I'll check the cameras."
.
"Haruhi-kun, we both know you didn't get gum in your hair."
"No, I didn't."
"Tell me what happened. Maybe I can help."
Through tears of frustration, she told me about the scene in the restroom.
"I can't believe they did that. How horrible and scary for you." I put my arms around her and let her cry. She was so worn out.
"Yasuchika," I called softly. He came over and I asked, "Can you call her a car. She shouldn't be here, and she really needs to get some sleep."
"And eat," he suggested. "I've only seen her pick at her food since Monday." Looking down at Haruhi-kun, he pulled out his phone, "I'll get her a car."
"Thanks. I'll ride with her and call my own when I'm ready to leave."
.
xXx
.
The Host Club was abuzz with gossip.
"Did you see what happened to her hair?"
"Do you know who did it?"
"She looked terrible. She didn't deserve that!"
"I think that's the least of what some people want to do."
"It's petty. I don't like what she did, but I'd never do something like that."
.
"What do you think she'll do for the Ball?"
"A wig?"
"I wouldn't show up after that."
"I would. I'd show everyone that it didn't hurt me."
.
"What's going to happen to the girls that did it?"
"I don't know. I hope they are punished. It wasn't right."
.
"She got what she deserved."
"Really? Can I chop your hair off?"
"I didn't do anything."
"Yeah, but if you did, would you think you deserved it?"
.
"Kaoru-senpai, is Haruhi OK?"
"Yes, she's fine. You'll see her in school tomorrow. She's not the girl to let small-minded people bring her down."
"Good. I want to see her at the Ball."
.
"Satoshi-kun, will Haruhi be at the Ball tomorrow?"
"Of course."
"I can't believe she'd dare show her face after that. Wasn't that enough for her to realize what she's done? Does anything else have to happen for her to get the point?"
"What are you saying?"
"She lied to the student body. She lied to her guests. She deserved to be taught a lesson."
"I'm going to have to ask you to leave and not come back to the Host Club. You'll be receiving a life-long ban." And I escorted her out.
.
xXx
.
"That was ugly."
"I'd say about 25% thought she had it coming, or had something coming," Kyoya-senpai calculated. "But, a large portion of the rest were on her side or were disgusted with the whole thing."
"It might actually turn into a good thing."
"Yasuchika! How can you say that?" I yelled.
"Easy, Kasanoda-senpai. We heard it today. When Haruhi-senpai was turned into a victim, opinions came to her side. Some said she didn't deserve that. Some came to her defense. The tide is turning."
He looked at the twins and said, "The design of her dress is crucial. Yes, it needs to look good, but it also needs to project humility. She can't outshine anyone. She can't wear a wig. They need to feel sorry for her. They need to sympathize with her. It's how we turn this to our advantage and move through it."
"Exactly. That's exactly what's needed," Kyoya-senpai confirmed. "Can you design a dress for that? Can the one you've done be altered?"
"Yes, we can. I don't like designing a boring dress, but I understand where you are coming from. I think we'll have to start with a different dress and go from there. Her current one is vibrant red. That won't work."
"No. That won't."
"Chika, can we go home with you? I'll bring the hair kit I've got here and give her that pixie. She'll feel better after it's fixed."
"Sure. No problem."
.
Kyoya-senpai, Tamaki-senpai, and I stayed after to plan. I don't think they wanted to include me, but there was no way I was leaving. I wanted to know what those guys were going to do with Haruhi. She's so vulnerable now.
"The twins will come up with the right dress. They don't want to do it, but they get what we need."
"I think it's stupid. She ought to show up in that flaming red dress as a big 'fuck you' to all those chicks."
"And that's why you aren't in charge, Kasanoda. We don't want to antagonize them. We want them on her side and this is how it's done."
Kyoya-senpai is so full of himself. He thinks he's always right. "I want to know how your father got this information to that fucker Komatsuzawa in the first place. Where are you on that?"
"My father is in isolation and will stay there as long as I want him to. Right now, I don't care if he rots in that cell." There was a truly evil glint in his eyes as he continued, "I've confiscated everything he owns, and security is going through it with a microscope. Everyone he's talked to in the last six months is being questioned, although some delicately. I will find the leak and I will destroy it."
I almost shivered at that tone. He sounded like pops when he had been double-crossed that one time. That ended in a private blood-bath.
"Kyoya, must this all be so cut-throat? Surely there is a more diplomatic way through this?"
"No, Tamaki, there isn't. He's done too much. He's ruined too much. I have to fight fire with fire. I'm trying to not go nuclear."
"And having him rot in a cell isn't nuclear?"
"He's been there for four days. He's not rotting yet. I have plenty of time to decide what to do. I need some distance from this. Summer break will help."
"We need to get her away next week."
"I've got a plan. We'll discuss it on Saturday."
That bastard has always got a plan.
.
xXx
.
"Kaoru did a good job on your hair."
"Thanks," I mumbled. They wouldn't let me sleep through to tomorrow. Satoshi got me up and told me that Kyoya was coming over for dinner, just the two of us. I want to go back to bed.
"The flowering shrubs and rose garden are beautiful, aren't they?"
"Yes," I mumbled. I didn't even pull my head up and look. We're sitting out on the veranda, or back porch if you aren't snooty, for dinner. I'm not hungry.
"Haruhi," Kyoya reached over and took my hand. "Everything will be fine. All you have to do is outlast the critics. There were less of them in Club today. Show up tomorrow and have a good time. We'll all be there for you."
I jerked my head up and stared at him. "You still think I should go to the Ball? After that?" I was shocked. Really? The Ball?
"Yes. The twins have a great gown, and your date is expecting you. Nothing's going to happen there. You'll be safe."
"Well, I guess I can take anything for a few hours." I looked up at the gardens. The flowers are pretty.
"Kasanoda, Chika-kun, and I have found the hospital and food bank. The pickup for the flowers and food has been arranged and will happen after the guests leave but before we do," I told him.
"Fine."
"You don't think it's a good idea?"
"It's fine. I'm glad you thought of it."
We ate peacefully for the rest of dinner, that is until dessert arrived.
"Haruhi, I've identified the two girls responsible for your hair."
"OK." Why was he telling me this? "What's going to happen now?"
"They will be expelled."
"Isn't that a little harsh?"
"Haruhi, they assaulted you. They deserve that and more. I've been reviewing the state of their family companies to determine how fast a hostile takeover could be done."
Is he kidding? "Don't you dare!" I stood up and leaned over the table. "It was just my hair. They didn't do anything permanent. Expulsion is plenty."
.
I hope no one ever tells her that when she leans across a table like that, I can see right down her shirt. White lace. Practically see-through. Why did I stop myself at lunch?
I swallowed hard and continued, "They need to be made an example."
"NO! No retaliation from the Host Club or any of its individual members. Expulsion is enough." She sat down again, "If their punishment is too harsh it will look vindictive. That does not help our insistence that I'm not dating any of you.
"Turn them in to the Chairman and let the school handle it. That way it's on them how they are punished."
She's right. I did want to own that ski resort, but she's right. "Fine. I'll turn them over to Chairman Suoh. I'll tell the rest of the guys not to do anything."
"Thank you, Kyoya."
"You're welcome." I stood up and offered her my hand, "Let's take a walk in the gardens." We need to get back to that romance and away from the physical. Soon the first should lead to the second.
.
xXx
.
Thursday Evening:
"They chopped off her hair. Her hair! They weren't careful. They could have easily cut her! She looked terrible."
"What did you do?"
"She told us she got gum in her hair and she cut it out. Total BULLSHIT! We walked her back to class and then to the Host Club."
"And then?"
"She kept insisting it was gum, then she broke down. Renge took her back to Chika's house. I don't know what to do, Doc?"
"Remember what we discussed in therapy…"
.
"Honey, that's a beautiful dress."
"Thanks, mom. Too bad we can't use it. Guess we'll save it for later."
"Why not?"
"With all the crap that's been happening, we need a dress that doesn't outshine everyone else's. It needs to remind them she was the victim of an attack and gain sympathy."
"Well then, it should also make her seem fragile and vulnerable."
"Exactly. But what dress does all that?"
"Start out simple with a muted color. Do you know what colors the rest of the dates are wearing?"
"Pink, black, sparkly gold, royal blue, plum, and bright fuchsia."
"How about a chocolate brown? It will go with her eyes, her most expressive feature. If it's too bland, you could use small silver accents."
"That will work. What about the design?"
"Either a modified A-line or a sheath. She needs to look small. I'd go with a square neck-line. Simple and doesn't show off cleavage. She doesn't have much anyway and what she has shouldn't be on display."
"Sounds good. What else?"
"No or very small heels. Don't want to make her much taller than she is."
"Great. Do we have anything that I could alter?"
"No, sorry. It's too boring to have on a runway. The seamstresses can sew starting early in the morning. We should have fabric to use. Get the design done and we'll get it ready by tomorrow afternoon. You should have time for alterations."
"Thanks, mom. You're the best!"
"Yes, I am. Now get drawing!"
.
Satoshi: "Did you get the picture I texted?"
Honey (with Mori listening in): "Yes. My poor Haru-chan!"
Satoshi: "Kyoya-senpai identified the girls and will turn them in to the administration. I don't know if he plans anything else. I'd want to crush them."
Honey: "I'm sure they'll be expelled like the ones from last fall with the paint."
Satoshi: "Is expulsion enough? They assaulted her! They cut off her hair. Her chocolate brown hair!"
Mori: "Calm down, Satoshi. The administration will deal with it."
Satoshi: "I don't want to calm down, Taka. You saw what they did."
Mori: "The Host Club can't retaliate. It ruins the narrative you are presenting."
Honey: "He's right. Besides, I'm sure Haru-chan wants to put it behind her."
Satoshi: "Yeah, I guess."
.
"He was really upset."
"I know, but I can't think about it now. Kyoya and the rest will take care of it. She's not under my protection anymore."
"Are you going out with Catherine again?"
"Yes, dinner and a movie."
"We're only going to be here through Monday. She knows that, right?"
"Yes. We're just friends and are enjoying each other's company. That's all."
"Have fun! Eat some cake!"
.
Takashi is shutting out everything back home. He doesn't want to talk about the Host Club, our brothers, or anything that reminds him of Haru-chan.
With him starting USC next month and me going home, he'll be even more cut off. Will he push me away too?
He doesn't listen when I tell him it won't last with Kyo-chan. He'll either push her too far, or she'll realize he doesn't have the emotional commitment she's looking for. Takashi needs to be there when that happens. He needs to be there to comfort her. If Kasanoda helps her through that, who knows what the outcome will be.
I'm glad he's making new friends, but he shouldn't be letting his old ones go. He's acting childish and selfish, but I can't get that through to him. He hasn't done any growing up.
.
"She's crushed. She hasn't been eating or sleeping this week. I'm not sure how she's going to do on that English presentation tomorrow."
Tamaki-kun leaned over and kissed my temple. "Haruhi is strong. She'll get through this with all our help."
"She needs a break."
"We're all going away next week. That will help her relax."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise! You'll find out tomorrow at lunch!"
.
xXx
.
Author's Note: Damn, a lot happened in this chapter. 9k words. Do you guys like the long chapters? Or are they too much?
I'm having a hard time writing Kyoya now. I have to keep him on a tightrope – he wants her as his wife and is willing to do anything, but he wants her as his partner and needs her to want to be there. If he is swinging back and forth, it's because the romance/caring part is new to him. Hope I'm getting that across.
I don't think the hair chopping was too much. It's been a while, but I remember teen girls can be vicious and petty (Not all of them – don't flame me). I didn't want them to actually hurt her, but I wanted something that would change the perception. I think all the girls can relate to not wanting their hair chopped off.
Anything that I haven't tied off that you want me to? Something from previous chapters? Some things are deliberately dangling, so we'll see.
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Next Chapter:
The Ball!
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