"Oi, Chi! Wake up," a voice called out. I was shaken by the person, and I groaned loudly in response. I tugged my comforter higher over my head, but it got ripped away, leaving my body to curl in tighter to retain heat. I reluctantly cracked open one bleary eye to see my mother's impatient face standing above my bed.

"Wha', Ma'?" I yawned and stretched out. My spine cracked all the way down and my toes curled – my body was waking up, but my brain was trying to shut down. I could barely get a word out through all the yawns I couldn't contain. "Is like six, Ma'. Go to shle–" I covered my mouth with one hand and stretched out my other grab the comforter back. Within the next seconds, I was lying prone on my bedroom's freezing floor, face in contact with the freezing wood and the lukewarm sheets were strewn around me. A cross between a groan and whine escaped me. "Ma'!"

She held out a roughened hand to help me up. "Did you forget what day it is today?" She asked me with an eyebrow quirked.

"Um, it's Saturday, meaning it's 'sleep in til 4 pm' for me." I gripped her hand and let her drag me into a sitting position. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes I stumbled to my feet and started for the connected bathroom. My mom followed behind me and only then did I notice she was dressed in business casual and already primed for the day.

"You did not get that stubborn attitude from me," she muttered. "And you're wrong. Today is when Mrs. Hitachiin asked you to come in to the studio."

I rolled my eyes and shooed her out so I could shower. I stood underneath the stream as the water began to boil, steam enveloping the room and loosening my muscles by the second. I pressed my hands against my face and counted to ten, taking a deep breath and exhaling softly. Nearly two weeks had passed since the twins "fought" and the Host Club had returned to normal and life went on, but somehow that meant they found pleasure in annoying Haruhi and I even more. They hadn't stopped bugging Haruhi to visit her and had started wondering where I lived, insisting the whole club visit as well. I'm assuming Tamaki was also curious because he started declaring it was necessary to meet my family and present themselves as "gentlemen" and my "knights in shining armor". Hunny and Mori were unbothered because they dropped me off before, and Kyoya I'm sure already knows where I live, so he hadn't bothered to even glance at his best friend.

My arms and chest were red and raw, the water too hot to handle. I dialed down the heat and kept dozing off, absently washing my hair. My mind kept drifting off to Hikaru and Kaoru laughing off their stint. They never mentioned their accusations again – Haruhi probably forgot what Kaoru exposed, but my mind was focused on what Hikaru told us all. I hadn't confronted Kaoru about it and that's how it would remain. The lid has been shut.

I stepped out of the shower with the water dripping into my eyes and wrapped myself in a towel. Walking back into my room, I noticed my mom still there. She beckoned me forward to where she stood next to my bed and I recognized the clothes on my bed: they were designs she was working on to get back into the groove. They were summery and casual, nothing like the new line she wanted to promote yet; she wanted that to be a surprise to me.

"Here, try these on." Mom tossed me a loose pair of flower-printed slacks and a tight-fitting pastel green top. "I'm not having my daughter show up to the Hitachiin estate in something other than my work."

"Sure I didn't get the stubbornness from you, Mom?" I asked in passing, opening my drawers for a bra and underwear, picking up the clothes on the way back to the bathroom. Her light laughter made the day seem better already – it always had that effect on me. This was why I loved when she was home.

I came out of the bathroom, mockingly modeling for her as she sat on my bed, nodding approvingly with a beaming smile. She reached under her and pulled out brown heels she decided I should wear. According to her, if I want to be a fashion designer, heels are key.

As I bent down to adjust the straps, she casually mentioned one last detail.

"Chi, I forgot to tell you, but Hikaru and Kaoru will be coming with us today, too."

I stumbled standing back up. Her expression was full of mischief and wonder, baiting me to react. My face was bordering on terrified and embarrassed, then choosing to just hurry out of the house and into the car, hoping my blush went by unseen. I needed to learn how to keep my emotions more hidden if I wanted this to stay a secret, or at least not blatantly obvious.

Less than half an hour later, we came to a stop in front of the huge mansion I've become familiar with. Mrs. Hitachiin stood waiting for us near the entrance of the home, her two sons at either side of her and her husband behind them nearer to the door. The two adults had come to enjoy my presence whenever I came by to help with the Host Club costumes. I'm slightly terrified that their mother has practically adopted me as a daughter. Their son is way too cute – there is no possible way that I'd want to be their sister instead. The thought of being related to them fried my brain and I was short-circuiting. My mom abandoned me, going on ahead to talk to Mrs. Hitachiin, her husband coming down the short staircase to join them.

While my thoughts ran wild and my blush went on strong, I didn't notice the two figures creeping from behind me. If there was ever a time when my squeals/yelps/screams – whatever that cacophony was – caused the most laughter, it was then.

I scowled at the two gingers as they bent over from their raucous laughter; they showed zero shame. As the adults kept on talking about whatever they discuss, I turned around to the idiots I call friends.

"Think that was funny, don't you?" I stared them down with my hands on my hips and pretended I was taller than I was at that moment for some semblance of intimidation.

Of course, all I received was another round of snickering from the buffoons. I huffed and pivoted away to walk inside the estate, trusting myself to know the way.

Finding the studio was easy, working in the presence of the two annoying brothers was the difficult part. I couldn't get through one seam without those two criticizing another aspect or suggesting another dynamic. Oh, but it didn't stop there. Their conversations ranged from what the next cosplay should be to how obvious Tamaki's crush on Haru was. It goes without saying that I was unrestrained on that topic.

"I'm just saying that Haru definitely is too oblivious for her own good," I exclaimed, trying to be heard over the back and forth bickering.

That shut them up. They leant forward and their hands could've been the literal grip of death from how tight they were grasping my shoulders.

"The question is, though, does Haruhi like Tamaki?"

My eyes shifted between the two gossiping hags in front of me and pursed my lips. No way. Not selling out my best friend's feelings. I turned my face away from them, focusing instead on the corkboard to my right. "Sorry, boys, you're not getting anything out of me." I raised my hands in surrender and mock apology. They frowned and let go of me, letting me get back to the dress. That fashion show was in a few hours and I'll be damned if I didn't finish in time.

Around one week ago, Mrs. Hitachiin and my mother agreed to have a small-scale showcase for a few benefactors and investors who could be interested in the new fashion line emphasizing sustainability. Today was supposed to be the fashion show, and of course, nothing was ready. At least, my things weren't ready. The two women had given me the opportunity to make one gown out of recyclable materials. If the dress was good enough, they said they'd consider featuring it. This chance alone made me squirm – Mom had her breakout at nineteen, but gave it up a few years later in favor of continuing college and putting sustainable development on the map. If I somehow managed this feat, this could jumpstart my future.

It was around one already and the gown was nearing completion; my fingers were starting to burn from the pricks, my foot was losing sensation from the pedal, and my brain was fogging up with sleep. Everyone had gone to eat lunch while I had declined. Despite Kaoru's concerned expression he went on. Hikaru lingered back. He'd stared me down and crossed his arms, expectantly tapping his foot against the marble floor, waiting for me to address him. I'd pushed the sewing machine away for a minute, deciding the short break could be good for me.

"Yes? I had asked him, noticing the tinge on his neck.

"Why aren't you coming down for lunch? Working yourself to the bone won't help anyone."

I sighed, resting my head on a palm. "You know the show is tonight, Hikaru, I need to finish this. Midterms are approaching and I need to start studying more, so that means less time for designing, much less an occasion like this. I can't be frivolous with my time." My lips curved into a small smile, sure the dark circles were obvious. "Please? Just let me do this today? I'll something quick once I'm done."

Hikaru watched me get back to work after that for a few moments before gruffly stating he'd bring me lunch once they were done. His childish temper made me chuckle silently as i started to finish up the elaborate train. He meant well. is chis

I could vaguely hear a knock somewhere around me. My body was sore and tense; I could feel the cricks in my neck. I blinked quickly to try and wake up. I saw my mom and Mrs. Hitachiin walk into the large studio. I waved at them as I covered my mouth with the other, yawning loudly. They regarded me with amusement as they noticed me only now waking up. They made their way over to the massive table while I glanced over to the clock – it was nearly three. I noticed the plate with various fruit and bread at the corner of the table. Hikaru must have kept his word.

"Sweetheart? We came to check on you," my mother said, while running a hand through my now tangled hair. "How's it go–"

I twisted my body around in my chair, confused by her pause. She and the twins' mother were staring at something to the right of me and it took me a few seconds before I realized that they were studying my gown. It was dark green in color made out of bamboo and had a few layers of bunches and gatherings down the back, twisting into a long train. It had a halter neck and backless, showcasing every single elegant stich. I finished around thirty minutes ago? My body had collapsed onto the desk in front of me. I was still disoriented, yet even a fool could note the shock and pride in both mothers' eyes.

"Chi," Mom began, "you really made this yourself?" No, I locked myself in this room and took a nap, while my little elf friends sewed what could very well be my best piece. I was still sleepy and in a bad mood from lack of sleep. Despite this, I looked up at her hopefully. "It's gorgeous, darling."

My face was flushed as I shrugged a shoulder, not sure how to handle the praise. It was even worse when Mrs. Hitachiin joined in on it.

She clapped her hands once before facing me. "You definitely came through, Chiyo, dear, it's beautiful." I was sputtering, trying to form a coherent sentence when she cut me off. "I'd love to have it there, Chiyo. A promise is a promise, and you delivered."

I don't know what it was. Maybe it's the fact that she said "love". Maybe it was because she's the mother of two close friends of mine. Maybe it's because she looked at me with such pride in her eyes, the same pride she shows her sons some days when she thinks no one is watching.

The stress before the fashion show was on the rise. With this came the need to get dressed and prepare for in the minute touch-ups and triple checking everyone knew what they were doing. That brought me to stand in front of twin maids who have that same creepy gleam in their eyes that Kyoya has. I won't lie, it was disconcerting, especially when I was entrusted to them to dress me for the fashion show. All in all, the experience wasn't one I never wanted to repeat.

Ever.

What I wouldn't mind repeating, though, was the moment when I came out and Hikaru and Kaoru were outside the dressing room. It's a dream come true to have not one, but two hot guys gawking at you in an evening gown with. But truthfully, I only peeked up to see Kaoru's expression. His mouth was agape, his eyebrows curved high in shock, and his eyes were looking right into me. The gold dazzled underneath the chandelier lighting, the small flecks of brown were aflame, the same blaze that drew me to them all the time.

"Chi, you look... Wow."

Yup, definite confidence booster.

I noticed Hikaru shifted his gaze away to instead examine the ceiling. He had roughly shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks while glowering. "Y-You... Screw it, never mind," he stammered, throwing his hands up in the air and turning around while grabbing onto his brother's arm. "We'll meet you at the front.

I snickered at how flustered Hikaru got because, let's face it, Kaoru has complimented me, sure, but Hikaru? It didn't happen every day. Kaoru was the sensitive and complimenting one, Hikaru was blunt and straightforward even about his lunch order. It was amusing to say the least.

The weird is that I could have sworn I heard something akin to a gasp not too far from me. I stopped in my footsteps and peered over at a hallway down to my right, but I couldn't make out any shape.

I hummed in consideration before beginning to walk downstairs again, hearing the twins calling out how bored they were.

Mom's been a designer since before I was born, albeit a little known one, yet I'd never been to a fashion show of this magnitude. The amount of famous individuals situated in one room was incredible. The flashes of different colors of satin, organza, and silk floating around in the air was gorgeous. I'm pretty sure I was slight – okay, very starstruck. Every time a famous designer passed by us, my eyes would pop out of my head. Hikaru was trying to muffle his laughter, meanwhile Kaoru did a better job of concealing it, only showing a sliver of a smile. In the end, we were a mess of sputtering, chuckles, and outright laughter.

When the lights started to dim we knew it was showtime. It was easy to tell that I was extremely antsy about having my gown showcased at the end. No matter what anyone told me, my design was not up to par with my mom's designs, much less a Hitachiin's creation, but just having them praise me alleviated a bit of that anxiety.

I was sitting front row in between Hikaru and Kaoru as the models strutted down the catwalk when I felt a nudge on my left side. Glancing over at the ginger, I quirked an eyebrow. "What's wrong?" I whispered, making sure I spoke low enough.

"Nothing," he said, "just making sure you weren't nervous." He proceeded to wrap his fingers around my own, squeezing softly.

I wasn't blushing. It was the lighting. It was red. Very red.

Facing away, cheeks now stained a deep crimson, I sucked in a breath when I saw my dress on the lanky model walking in front of me now. I was speechless. Regardless of what anyone says, having Host Cub members wear your outfits and having it featured as the finale piece on a runway show are two completely different things with completely different feelings of accomplishment.

The fabrics twirled and rustled, the lights reflected off of the bodice and skirt, the click-clack of the heels could be heard as she posed with a hand on her hip.

As she twisted back around so they could begin the last walk of the models on the strip, I felt one last tightening of his hold before he released my hand from his grip. It left my palm feeling cold and empty. I couldn't dwell too long on it because amongst all the applause my mom and Mrs. Hitachiin received, there was even more towards the end as they reached the final pieces. It sent my heart flying at how well received it was; who wouldn't be ecstatic? People actually applauding your work while it's worn on a model on a runway didn't happen every day. It felt pretty damn amazing.

Two arms were slung around my shoulders then and I don't think I've hugged any person as quickly and tightly as I hugged my twins in that moment. My heart was racing and awe coursed through my very bone marrow.

The crowd was thinning now as we walked toward the entrance, meeting up with our parents there. Attendants were praising them for their ingenuity and complimenting the overall show, wishing them luck on the launch. I hate to admit that I was still blushing from him holding my hand, seeing my dress up there, just everything from tonight, and the pounding music wasn't helping my state. I was stumbling a little in my heels as we were coming down to the round driveway lined with cars.

"Sweetie, you all right?" Mom came to step beside, brushing aside some hair to feel my forehead. "What's wro–" She started speaking before retracting her hand quickly. "Why didn't you tell us you had a fever, Chi?" She faced the five other worried people and spoke up. "I'm sending Chi home in another car, Yuzuha. You'll be late if I don't ."

My vision was blurring the longer I stood and my throat was tight. My forehead was starting to sweat and it was all I could do to stay upright now. I was leaning against one of the short pillars of the stairs, trying to keep my head up.

I saw my mom put a hand to her chin for a second, glancing at Mrs. Hitachiin, and noticing a minute nod. The ginger women turned to Hikaru and placed a decorated hand on his shoulder. "Actually, Kaoru, you wouldn't mind going with her and making sure she gets there fine, would you?"

I choked. Whether I couldn't breathe from the mother's confusion of the names or the weakness I felt in my lungs, I don't know. I physically choked on air and started coughing. My dad started patting my back. He gave me a handkerchief to blot the sweat. "I... wouldn't mind, I guess?" "I'm Hikaru, Mom," Hikaru spoke slowly, looking at Kaoru from his peripherals. Their mother waved the correction away and gently smiled at him in response. It didn't take a genius to see the discomfort and confusion on their faces. "What about Kaoru?"

"There are a few designers still lounging about I wanted him to meet. It's okay, the Naotosuta house isn't too far away."

None of us were able to give our two cents before she called a chauffeur over from the Hitachiin estate. None of the adults were listening and they whisked Kaoru away with them as if it was nothing.

You know, if I didn't have a headache the size of Russia right now, I'd be yelling so loudly.

Hikaru was just standing in front of the stone I leaned against, checking the road once the rest of the group disappeared down not five minutes ago with his brother. I could tell he was fuming inside; the twins weren't ever separated. He didn't seem bothered by his mom's mistake, though, which struck me as odd. Besides, even if I did try to comfort him, what would I say? "I'm sorry you were forced to ditch your twin for my company instead." I wrapped my arms around myself and kept quiet.

The car arrived soon enough, so I didn't have his fury unleashed on me. It was a little disheartening because he was the one that calmed me down during the show. and now that's probably up in smokes. He assisted me into the car, yeah, but he didn't speak until we were more than halfway there. That was a good ten minutes in a tense silence enveloping the car.

I slouched forward in defeat and let out a soft sigh. No point in trying I guess.

"Hey, Chi."

I lifted my head up to see his face only a few inches away from me. I'm sure that doesn't help my condition, but what do I know? My head was already foggy, how much worse could it get?

His brows furrowed as we sat in silence for a while, his eyes scanning my current state. "Come here." He raised his palm to my neck and then my forehead, a frown marring his face. "Why didn't you say anything during the show if it was that bad? You could've fainted," he scolded, his nose scrunching with mild irritation as he continued.

I slumped in my seat, my shoulders sagging. My elbows rested on my knees as I gave up on the illusion propriety. It was a 180 degree change from a minute ago, a good change, just sudden. It was late at night and I couldn't keep up with all the twists and turns coming my way. "Aren't... Aren't you still upset about Kaoru?" I timidly asked, not sure if he'd burst into a rage right then and there.

The car was enveloped in silence as Hikaru pondered his answer. "It's not that I'm not upset, Chi, but you have a fever, so I can't exactly go and make it worse." He huffed and sunk into his seat across from me. I studied his concerned face as his hands were clasped together. He might be considered the moodier twin, but he was still sweet. His foot was incessantly tapping the car floor; he probably wanted to get back to Kaoru already. He could have just said no.

"Thank you, Hikaru." He examined my face and gave me the softest smile I've ever seen on his face. It was different from how he smiled at Kaoru – those were enigmatic and knowing, full of secrets between twins. This could melt my heart.

More smiles were shared, laughter was abound, and I even snorted at some point from some story of the Host Club, causing another round of laughter to ensue. It was lighthearted and enjoyable, just like that moment in the runway show.

As he told me another story of the Host Club's first year, my mind wandered back to that moment in the showcase. I half expected Kaoru to be who supported me – hell, I wanted it to be him. But it was Hikaru who was there to comfort me. Who am I kidding? That was him making sure I wasn't about to sprint to the door and have an anxiety attack about the dress. He didn't mean anything serious by it. I'm really worried about Kaoru, though. How's he holding up? … crap! Nope! Stop thinking it, Chi, stop thinking it!

Maybe groaning and smashing the side of my face into the window wasn't my best idea, but it sure did make Hikaru laugh at my expense.

We were near my home when I realized so crucial that I can't believe I forgot in the first place. I lived in a small home. I shouted to the chauffeur to stop the car about a block away from my house, right before we got to the apartment complexes and small homes.

"Hikaru." He was already staring at me inquisitively when I gripped his suit's sleeve. "You can leave me here, it's fine. My house is just down the street," I explained, hoping me biting my lip went unnoticed. I hope he doesn't have them keep driving.

"If it's down the street, I can just take you home all the way. What's wrong with that?" I could tell he was getting frustrated with the lack of answers as my leg started to bounce. He stared at me until a look understanding passed through his faced, seemingly coming to his own realization. "I know why you don't want to take you home." A sly smirk made its way to his lips.

My eyes were shut tight, head tilted to the floor. It's gonna happen. He's going to make fun of me until the day I die, I know it.

"You're one of those types that doesn't like having guys over if they're not dating. That's why you were so against Kaoru and I wanting to go over to Haruhi's house." He chuckled lightly, apparently amused by his epiphany.

My eyes widened. I silently sighed in relief, the action going unnoticed by him. "Y-yeah, that's exactly why. Wow, am I that easy to read?" I think I was sweating bullets until now. Well, sweating that wasn't related to the fever.

"Sort of."

He knocked on the divider, letting the driver know to open the doors. He followed that up by sliding out of the car and holding out a hand for me.

"I don't care what you say," Hikaru said. "I'm walking you over at least to that lamp post there."

I didn't offer much resistance because arguing while seated is one thing, but walking when your vision is all blurry and you feel disoriented? Yeah. Not happening. I stumbled over my long dress, leaning on Hikaru as he helped me stand. I kept one arm wrapped around me to ward off some the night's chill. By the time we'd reached the post, I was seriously considering just letting him walk me all the way; I had no clue how I wouldn't end up dragging myself to my house. The only thing that made me reconsider was the fact that Hikaru had his brother to get back to soon, and there was no doubt that he'd speed over there quickly. Despite this, I tugged him forward when he came to a stop. Maybe it was the fever, but I felt nervous asking him for the favor.

"Walk me all the way?" I bit the inside of my cheek. "Please?"

Hikaru didn't say anything. He took off his blazer and draped it over my shoulders; he grabbed my hand and pulled me forward.

My house was all the way down the street and I knew I couldn't avoid telling him about my house anymore. I bunched the blazer up at my chest to fight the chill and cleared my throat, drawing his eyes to me.

"You should probably know before we get there, I don't live in a big house like you all." I let my gaze travel off and land on the bright sliver of a moon, seemingly worlds away. "It's a tiny home, it's not much, but it's home for me. I live across the street from Haru. I don't drive to school, I'm always walking home. It's…" I let my sentence trail off, thinking of the word to describe my home life before deciding on one. "It's ordinary."

"I know."

"Heh?" I looked to my right and found Hikaru watching my reaction intensely, smirking at the incredulous expression on my face at the moment.

"Come on, Chiyo, you can't think we're that dumb. You leave together every day and you had to have known each other from somewhere," he replied. "That and Kyoya kind of told us off the bat. It just made us want to come over even more."

We were just below the lamppost in front of my house when he stopped in his stride and rubbed the back of his neck, choosing to look away from me. "I should get going then. I'll see you on Monday, Chi." When he didn't move, I hesitantly put my hand on the small iron gate of my house. This caught his attention and he took it as his cue to head back to the car. He turned back around and left me under there. I didn't walk forward until I was positive that he was well on his way to the car.

I held the blazer closer to my body and dug my hand into my purse to find my keys, reflecting on the past night. It was all too much for me. It was outside my realm of ordinary.

Just as I stepped onto the small landing in front of my door, I heard the whistle of the gate swinging open again. In the glass of my door, I saw Hikaru's figure come racing back. I stuck the keys in the lock and turned around – just when I was about to open my mouth to ask him what he forgot, I got my answer.

Hikaru kissed me.

But wait there's more, readers.