Two a.m. in the Hitachiin mansion greets Kyoya Ootori with a glaring red error on his computer screen. Giving a slight groan of frustration, the Shadow King decides to take a break for a glass of water. He walks down the stairs quietly, only stopping when he hears his name called through an open door.
Peeking in, Kyoya sees Haruhi curled under a duvet, softly muttering in her sleep. He shrugs, making to leave when she says his name again.
"I think Kyoya-senpai is amazing. I love him!"
He flushes and turns to leave. Don't be stupid, Ootori. Sleep-talking isn't indicative of a person's true feelings; it's nothing to get worked up over. Despite repeating this in his thoughts, he uses refills his glass of water: one to quench his thirst, one he pours over his face to try and ease the heat.
After a buffet of crab and fancy tuna at a beachside restaurant, Kyoya is noticeably flustered. "Excuse me," he says, standing up. "I'm going to walk the beach to clear my head."
"Well that was weird..." Hikaru tilts his head, confused.
"Yeah, he's been off all day," Tamaki responds worriedly. "You think one of us should go talk to him?"
Haruhi walks down the steps leading to the beach. "I'll talk to him, I'm sure everything will be fine."
She doesn't expect him to start so intensely when she catches up to him. "Kyoya, are you okay?"
He adjusts his glasses. "I'm a bit... Confused, I guess, but otherwise no worse for the wear."
"Confused about what? Maybe I can help...?"
Kyoya looks at her nervously. "Haruhi, did you know that you talk in your sleep?"
"My dad's told me about it, why? Did I say something offensive?"
He laughs. "Not offensive, but... Personal. I only overheard you because I was getting water in the middle of the night."
Haruhi blushes, wondering what exactly she's said to get Kyoya, of all people, so worked up. She bites her lower lip, inwardly debating whether she should ask or not. On the one hand, if it didn't bother him he wouldn't be so flustered... On the other hand, I know he's not angry about whatever I - oh... her thoughts trail off as she recalls her dream. She rubs her head with a groan.
"Kyoya, did I happen to confess feelings for you when you overheard me?"
"Yes."
"And you've been so flustered - especially around me - because you don't know how to respond?"
"You could say that. I know sleep-talking isn't indicative of one's feelings, but when it's a love confession people's minds are prone to wonder."
Haruhi nods in understanding. "I can see how that can be a source of confusion, and I'm sorry. But I do..." she pauses, considering her words. Love isn't a word that she can use easily around Kyoya, so she expresses the sentiment in a different way. "...I do care deeply for you. Most ardently."
Kyoya smiles shyly and holds her hand. "And I care deeply for you, Haruhi."
When the new couple makes their way back to the restaurant, they make sure to walk apart and appear as though nothing has changed. Kyoya's a man of business and discretion, after all - he doesn't want any disruption among the Host Club members. Haruhi understands this and follows his lead.
It's only when they're seen holding hands on the beach at sunrise that anyone else figures it out... But Honey and Mori are good enough to not say anything, having suspected this development for months.
