The sports carnival (the next year)
The sports carnival is Asurito's favourite day of the year. It was a day where he could finally relax and enjoy the ease of working together with his class as a part of a team. Each year, classes would compete in different types of games and events aiming to win the top prize. This was achieved by gradually building points from each win in every event. Asurito modestly knew that he would channel quite a few points into his classes total. But he rejoiced more in the fact that aside from his own victories he would be finally able to celebrate with his class as a whole rather as an individual victor. It feed his passion for sports and honestly gave him more satisfaction than any medal could bring him. He had discovered over the years that winning a game or race as a team was far more satisfying than ever winning it alone.
Asurito had approached his coach a couple of years ago to see if he could join a relay running team. His parents had heard and had flatly refused his request. His parents glaring eyes and disapproving tone was enough for him never to mention it again. So kept his head down and continued training on his own. Normally it didn't bother him so much, but every now and again when a moment of stress seemed to overwhelm him; he would think of that girl he had met in the park.
She had lost her mother at such a young age and yet she still had chosen such big dreams for herself. He knew that she would still be working just as hard as he was and it gave him the silent support he needed to get through. He always hoped that fate one day would bring them together when they finally achieved their goals.
A ghastly squawking suddenly echoed around Asurito. He turned to spot the leader of the host club Tamaki Suoh and his right hand man Kyoya Ootori being surrounded by a gaggle of young girls. They were all dressed in uniform with a brightly plaited headbands of their team colours made by their fans from their class. He still didn't understand how the club was still functioning and why Tamaki Suoh of all people was referred to as the 'Host king'. He guessed it was a mixture of his good looks and surely had something to do with his family's reputation.
The thought of Tamaki being glorified in such a way infuriated him to his very core. Tamaki had never, nor did Asurito believe would ever have to break a sweat for anything in his life.
Walking away from the irritatingly loud laughter that had risen and fallen like a incoming tidal wave had drove him into a frustrated stomp. He didn't need this, not today not with his race fast approaching. He decided it was best to avoid the cause of his impatience and find somewhere to cool his head.
He quickly made his way back towards the school block where he knew it would be mostly deserted. Closing his eyes he attempted to empty his mind of his worries and in particularly the image of Tamaki pulling his shirt up above his naval just moments before.
While Asurito's eyes were closed and focused, another student overloaded with sporting equipment came barreling round the corner and ran straight into him. The unfortunate student in question was Haruhi. A gruff sound of the wind being knocked from him gave way to the gym equipment falling quickly in the direction of his toes. Failing to control the fumbling equipment, Asurito fell over the other student taking them both to the ground. Lying on the ground stunned, his legs were sprouted out in the air and his arms spayed out amongst bits of wire, poles and net.
Ridiculous! I could have been seriously injured he fumed internally.
Already annoyed, his anger flared out of control. "Watch where you are going!" he shouted but immediately stopped short as he looked into a pair of equally shocked brown eyes.
It's her! The girl from the park the thought immediately flashed across his mind.
It was only when he looked down and noticed that 'she' must be a 'he' as the student was wearing a boys school uniform. His anger switched to confusion the longer he stared. He continued to look at the boys face trying to see the masculine features that should be starting back at him.
"I'm so sorry, I couldn't see where I was going. Are you hurt?" Haruhi asked concerned. Haruhi recognised the boy she had just fallen over as Asurito Kobayashi, the track superstar of Ouran. She had seen him run and claim victory in some of the junior professional games on television with her father.
Asurito was completely absorbed by the hypnotizing pull of this student's brown eyes. Words escaped him as he listened to the boy's soft voice talk slowly in a worrisome tone. He couldn't look away and with it came a flush of embarrassment for staring at a boy in such admiration. Looking down to avoid the other boy seeing him blush, he patted dirt off his shirt and then did the same to his pants.
"Do you have a sister by any chance?" he asked still fussing around.
"No. Only child." The boy said.
Maybe I am going insane?
Coughing loudly in attempt to cover his lapse in silence he started getting himself to his feet to look down at the boy still half lying in the dirt beneath them. "Why are you carrying all this stuff by yourself?" he spit out with more force than the question deserved.
"My friends abandoned me" Haruhi huffed in frustration. Hikaru and Kaoru had told her they'd meet her ten minutes ago to move the equipment onto the field. They had been selected by a teacher walking past to bring it over but it seemed that Haruhi was the only one who had taken this order seriously.
The student pushed his hair off her face with a dismissive flick of his wrist, which only flopped, back over his forehead like a big fluffy ear, very similar to that of a bunny rabbit.
So cute. Asurito unconsciously reacted.
"Let me help you" he said and began picking up the equipment with fast hands.
"No please, don't tire yourself before your big race" Haruhi protested.
"Please this is a piece of cake. It will be faster with two people anyway." he said puffing out his chest.
Why am I trying to impress a guy? Asurito thought.
"I don't think I have seen you around here before" he said, then internally cringed at his choice of words. Next you'll be asking for his number.
Asurito was holding a large net which was falling over his arms as he tried to wrap it back into itself.
"I have just transferred this year. I am a scholarship student" Haruhi replied.
A scholarship student? I thought scholarships were only offered to sports people.
Asurito looked at him skeptically. He himself received a very small 'honorary' scholarship due to his track and field skills and of course because of whom his father was.
"Are you here on a sporting scholarship?" Asurito asked doubt creeping into his voice.
"Yes" Haruhi said seriously. The answer was so direct that Asurito almost dropped the net in surprise.
"RRRight…What sport do you play?" Asurito stammered gathering the net together once again.
The student laughed "I'm kidding. Do I look like an athlete? No it's an academic scholarship" he explained amused. At this comment Asurito eyes instinctively roamed over the boy's slender body and blushed at how thoroughly he had been checking out his classmate.
Kobayashi was so polite Haruhi couldn't help but to tease him. Maybe Hikaru and Karou have had a bad influence on her after all.
They fell into a comfortable silence, walking past one of the inner fields where the third years were competing. Students were cheering hysterically for Honey and Mori. Haruhi stopped to watch Honey perched on Mori's shoulders crouching in anticipation to knock opposing teams flagpole to the ground. Honey suddenly did a gravity defying flip kicking the other's team pole and flipped back as the pole fell to the ground. This happened so quickly that Haruhi wasn't sure if what she saw actually happened.
Their class cheered in triumph and the girls squealed in delight.
"Honey and Mori are such a good team." a boy said.
"Honey is just so adorable!" another girl gushed.
"Mori-kun is so tall and strong" her friend retorted.
Asurito rolled his eyes, which did not escape Haruhi's attention. "Is it like this every year?" she asked.
Asurito wishing to remain polite answered cautiously. "Haninozuka-san and Morinozuka-san are an amazing duo. They win the team competition's every year" he stated matter-of-factly. Although he hated how people gushed over them, he absolutely respected Haninozuka and Morinozuka's martial art skills.
Haruhi turned back to look at her senpai's from the host club. A hint of a smile crept into her features. They sure are a great team.
Asurito felt the silence between them drag on for too long as they continued on past the field of competing students.
Unsure of what to say next, he asked the only thing he could think of.
"Do you play any sports?"
Haven't we already covered this? I'm such an idiot?
"No. Besides not having any stamina I honestly don't have anytime. I have chores at home, homework, extra study and club activities. I barely have time to sleep" Haruhi explained not ashamed of her situation.
"Chores? As in you cook and clean for yourself?" Asurito responded stunned. His companion nodded. Asurito didn't know anybody at this school who knew how to cook toast let alone an entire meal for themselves.
"It's only an apartment so it doesn't take that long to clean" he replied.
Asurito felt a connection form between himself and this skinny boy. He'd finally found someone else in this school that understood that you needed to work hard in life to ultimately achieve your goals; not just pay your way through life with money or the use of a family name.
They finally arrived at the requested field to drop off the sports equipment to the teacher who practically yanked the equipment out of their arms. "Thanks Fujioka-kun, Kobayashi-kun" sensei said.
Haruhi wiped sweat off her forehead. She really was not one for physical exercise.
"Well thank you so much. Good luck with your race" Haruhi smiled warmly and turned around beginning to walk away in the direction they'd come from.
At the sight of the boy's turned back Asurito had to resist the urge to reach out and grab onto his arm."Wait, Fujioka-kun will you watch my race?" he'd shouted the request and the resounding silence to his question made him blush bright red.
Haruhi turned around in surprise to face him. There was something familiar about his expression Haruhi thought. He seemed fearful and a little desperate all at once, where had she seen that before? "Of course. Your race is the most anticipated of the day. And since we have officially met now I will be cheering for you on the side lines." she meant this as a friendly gesture and gave him a thumbs up.
Haruhi didn't notice him turning a shade of darker red.
"OK" he managed to cough out.
A familiar yell of her name had her turning around again in acknowledgement; she could hear the twins calling out to her in the distance. "I have to go but good luck with your race." she waved then and walked off toward the crowded field.
Asurito weakly waved and smiled back as he watched the boy walk further away from him.
His smile of farewell instantly twisted into a bitter frown as he watched Fujioka greet the vivacious Hitachiin brothers. He really disliked those guys. Fujioka looked like he was agitated at them, when he didn't return the high five one of the twins offered him. They both just grinned at his reaction and finished the high five with each other. That seemed to annoy Fujioka too when they draped their arms over each other's shoulders and leaned down into his face.
Asurito's feet took flight before he could think but was immediately pulled up short when the alarm went off on his watch reminding him that his race was due to start in 10 minutes. He looked back at Fujioka and the twins one last time, Fujioka and the twins headed toward the stadium. Asurito also jogged off to the stadium. He needed to get his head back in the game; he had a race to win for his class.
At the starting line, for the first time in years he felt completely focused. Instead of looking down the starting line, at the familiar faces of his regular competitors he began to search the crowd for Fujioka. He was standing with the twins on the far left hand side of the stadium. Asurito's eyes meet his remarkably over the growing crowd and he waved automatically in response. Fujioka waved back and Asurito swelled with happiness.
"How do you know Asurito Kobayashi?" Hikaru asked, jealously creeping into his question. "He helped me carry the sports equipment that you guys were suppose to help me with." she answered casually with just a hint of malice in the accusation. Hikaru and Karou dismissed her accusation without an answer and turned to regard Asurito. His large smile and eager wave were obvious enough, but the twins also recognized the look he gave Haruhi. A look she received way too often to their liking. The brother's locked eyes as they shared a look of distaste.
Asurito jumped up and down a few times on the spot, flexing his arms loosening his toned muscles. Hikaru snickered at the action and slammed his feet up onto the seat in front of him, the poor girl in the seat almost jumped out of in fright.
Placing his feet into the starting blocks Asurito leaned done and got into position. He concentrated on the countdown. His breathing slowed, controlling his heart rate. He was going to make this the fastest race the school had ever seen.
On your mark. Get set. BANG.
The gunshot vibrated in his ears as he leapt through the air. His feet barely hit the ground as he flew across the stadium. He couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed the burn racing through his muscles as he pushed himself to his absolute physical limit. Sweat gushed down his back causing his shirt to stick to his skin. The roar of his hammering heart drowned the cheering of the crowd yet his eyes remained focused on the yellow ribbon indicating the finish line.
And just like that it was over. He turned around seeing his competitors just reaching the finish line though his eyes did not focus on them for long. They we firmly set on the stand behind his right shoulder where he knew Fujioka was sitting. Asurito briefly saw him in the distance being swallowed up by the masses of students that swarmed the grounds toward him. He finally lost sight of Fujioka when people starting clapping him on the back and shaking his shoulders in congratulations. Giving up for the moment to find Fujioka he let the crowd drag him towards the medals podium where a teacher offered him a cup of cold water and a seat up the front.
Sitting down was a luxury his legs were thankful for. He could not remember the last time he had felt this tired or sore after a race. Years it seemed. He felt like he had as a child when he started out in the inner city competitions. He could remember the strain of his legs after they would routinely lock up after a race and how he used to have to trim his nails down to short blunt stubs so he wouldn't draw blood when his hands would clench into fists due to his nerves.
But now he felt good. Good to feel his heart burning in his chest like it had been set a flame. Good to feel his lungs contracting for oxygen. Good to feel his legs shake beneath him. Ultimately he realised good to feel.
Asurito was eventually dragged up onto to the podium where his class received some medals and the he himself won the overall sportsman of the day award. Stepping down into the dispersing crowd he frantically made his way through the lingering students in the hope of catching Fujioka before he left to go home. But after fruitless searching he gave up and went to retrieve his things.
Disheartened by his failed mission he turned toward the lockers to shower and get changed before heading home. He was tired and sweaty and was ready to leave Ouran. It was only as he was about to reach the locker room did he notice Fujioka calmly walking into one of the school buildings. "Fujioka-kun!" Asurito yelled excitedly. He was already running quickly over towards him, his fatigue already forgotten.
Haruhi stopped to regard him. "Hello Kobayashi-kun. Congratulations on your win's" he said down looking down at his chest covered in medals.
"It helped knowing you were there cheering for me. And please call me Asurito" he blurted out abruptly and blushed in kind.
"It was your hard efforts that helped you crossed the line. You should be proud of yourself" Haruhi replied. Asurito's objective reply was on his to tongue when he was interrupted.
"Haruhi introduce us to your new friend" Hikaru and Karou sauntered up from behind him.
Haruhi? Asurito thought surprised
The twins flanked Fujioka's side and each slung a protective arm around him, encircling him with their bodies. Hikaru gave him a challenging glare causing Asurito to frown.
"Hikaru, Karou this is Asurito Kobayashi, Asurito-kun, this is Hikaru and Karou Hitachiin" she gestured one hand back and forth to both parties. Dismissing her introduction he simply stared at he two boys in silence. The twins didn't say anything either which made Haruhi feel like she was missing some obvious basic rule of wealthy social edicate.
Haruhi would never understand why rich people had to be introduced to people they already knew before being able to speak to them.
"Are these your friends?" Asurito asked his fists clinching at his sides.
Why are they touching him so casually?
Before he could answer a shrilled voice cut through the peaceful afternoon air.
"HARUHI!" Tamaki crooned skipping toward them. He pushed the twins off Fujioka shoulders with a solid shove before speaking to him while completely ignoring Asurito.
"Tamaki-senpai did you compete in any races today?" Haruhi asked casually.
"Yes I was in the cosplay relay. I was voted the most fabulous racer of the event." He said flicking his hair.
"You were indeed something" Kyoya spoke wickedly from behind him.
Where do they keep coming from? Asurito thought to himself as more of the members of the host club joined their group.
"Did you compete in anything Haruhi?" Tamaki asked. Hikaru snorted. "Haruhi was in the three legged race. They were doing so well, but he managed to trip over the smallest pebble right the end of the race and lost" Hikaru and Karou started laughing at the memory.
"What? Are you injured?" Tamaki and Asurito asked simultaneously. Kyoya lifted an eyebrow intrigued at the boy's concern.
Tamaki lifted Fujioka into his arms princess style. He looked so small in Tamaki's arms.
"We are taking you to the hospital. Kyoya call you brother tell him we are on our way" Tamaki demanded.
"I'm on it" Kyoya replied phone already in hand.
"Stop! I'm fine put me down." Haruhi was already trying to worm his way out of Tamaki's arms.
Honey and Mori bounded out of no-where from behind him.
"Hi everyone. What happened to Haru-chan?" Honey enquired.
"Haruhi fell over during a race so we are taking her to the hospital" Tamaki declared dramatically as if he were suffering from severe internal bleeding.
"Is Haru-chan going to die?" Honey's eyes fill with tears.
"Kyoya do you need me to get a car" Mori spoke sternly.
"One is already on its way" Kyoya confirmed.
"Will you guys stop it, I am perfectly fine!" Haruhi yelled.
Asurito could do nothing but watch this spectacle unfold before him. Feeling like he was turning into a wall flower at a high school dance. He cleared his throat and spoke loudly over the bunch of mothering hens flocking around Fujioka.
"Fujioka-kun did you join the host club?" Asurito enquired. He couldn't believe someone as respectable and hard working as Fujioka, a man from humble beginnings would join such a disgraceful club. Tamaki finally looked toward Asurito and returned Fujioka to his feet.
"I wouldn't exactly say I signed up to join the club." Haruhi said looking at the ground. She may not be ashamed of her financial situation but she was ashamed of the debt she owed the club.
"Yes, Haruhi is a extremely respected host amongst our female patrons." Kyoya added helpfully.
"He has a natural charm with the ladies of Ouran that I had no choice but to recruit him as quickly as possible" Tamaki oozed describing his prodigy. Asurito watched stupified as Tamaki started reciting an openly dramatic monologue as if he were performing on stage. One hand lay over his heart while the other was raised victoriously into the air as if attempting to catch the afternoon's last rays of sunlight. Then he turned back toward him "Anyway, why not with those beautiful chestnut locks and big soft brown eyes he was made to be a host!"
Asurito had heard enough. "Fujioka-kun, this club is completely pointless and a waste of your precious time" he argued angrily.
Tamaki froze on the spot "Pointless?" The colour drained from his body and his skin turned to marble. He'd become a statue in a matter of moments. As the host club watched Tamaki's eyes glaze over, Haruhi just stared at Asurito with a slight pout that had him clenching his fists all over again.
"That's not true. This school is filled with the richest and most elite families in the country. Students are want of nothing, however, I believe they do lack something in their lives."
Haruhi knew about the boy's family pressures and she had witnessed the results when these expectations were not met. Kyoya and his oppressive father came to mind and she had to stop herself from looking over towards him. And she thought of Tamaki's continuous attempt's to be accepted by his grandmother.
"For their entire lives these students are weighed and measured not only by their families but by their very peers as well. By maintaining their family social status they maintain their lifestyle. I too never thought about the pressures of the rich and enjoyed watching them revel in the viper's nest that is their society. But I've made friends with these people and understand now that everyone has there own issues whether they have a hundred dollars to their name or a hundred million. So if by spending a few hours entertaining them allows them to relax even if for a little while from those obligations then I am more than happy to spend some of my time making others happy." Haruhi explained gently but firmly.
Kyoya couldn't help the smirk that spread across his face.
"Besides it means I can spend time with my friends" she concluded.
"I love you Haru-chan!" Honey leapt to hug her waist.
"We didn't know you cared so much for us" the twins sobbed into silken handkerchiefs.
"I didn't say I cared about you. I said I cared about the club" Haruhi huffed in jest her hands on her hips.
"How rude!" the twins replied making Haruhi laugh.
The light twinkling sound of his laughter danced across Asurito's skin.
Why am I so drawn to him? What is wrong with me?
They all seem so different and yet they act like they're a close-knit family.
"We seem to have kept you from freshening up Asurito-kun. Please let us not take up more of your time so you can go home and celebrate your victories." Mori said politely. But to Asurito it sounded like a dismissal. Asurito noticed the hosts had made a protective semi-circle around Fujioka. What the hell is going on?
"I am so sorry Asurito-kun, Mori-senpai's right, go and celebrate with your friends." Fujioka enthused. Saying his good byes he walked off into the school building he had been perusing before.
"Haruhi let me drive you home today" Tamaki shouted running after him.
"No way! That is our job" The twins interjected already falling in line behind Haruhi.
"It's a daddy's right to drive his daughter home!" Tamaki whined.
Daughter? What the hell is he talking about? Asurito eyes followed the group.
The group of boys seemed to banter all the way into the school building just beyond them and it was only when they finally went out of ear shot did Asurito notice that one of the hosts had remained behind. Kyoya Ootori. He stood there watching him for a moment, then took out a pen and wrote something down on a business card.
"Haruhi is available from 3:30-5:00pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Feel free to make an appointment at any time." Kyoya handed him the business card and turned to leave.
"Wait what? Why do I need this?" Asurito shouted after him confused.
"As you said, Haruhi does not have the luxury of time to waste, so if you wish to see him again, which I believe you do." Asurito scowled at the jab towards his obvious affections for Fujioka and started to retort when Kyoya spoke over the top of him in a straight dominant tone. "You will have to book in a time just like the rest of the students populace." Kyoya explained coldly.
"But I'm a guy? Isn't the host club aimed towards girls?" Asurito said, not even thinking about him openly expressing his interest in seeing Fujoka again.
Kyoya clapped him on the shoulder with a light pat causing Asurito to jump. "You're not the first or the last man to fall under Haruhi's charms" Kyoya whispered quirking the corner of his mouth up for a brief moment before turning and walking away for good.
Steam poured out of Asurito's ears. His hands pressed up to his heated face. His skin was scorching as if he had just run a marathon.
Fallen under his charms?