Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews, favs, and follows. I can't believe we're at chapter 36 with 173 Followers and 264 reviews. When I started this, I had no idea it would go this far. Hope you like this one – it's a little different.
Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.
Kyoya: I can't believe you let Kasanoda hit me
Author: You freaking deserved it!
Kyoya: He broke my nose
Author: Karma's a bitch
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Date Posted: 3/14/2018
Chapter 36: Auction
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Breakfast with Mori was quiet, with both of them reviewing notes for quizzes.
The ride in, however, was full of discussion.
"Mori-senpai, what is the Host Club going to do about Kyoya-senpai?"
"I'm not sure what the Club will end up doing, but I want to kick him out. What he did was unforgivable and does not, in any way, represent what the Host Club is about."
"Will he be coming on Saturday for our swimming and movies?"
"Absolutely Not! No matter what the Club ends up doing, he is no longer welcome in my house. I'll make sure he knows that." He glanced at her through the corners of his eyes, "If I had my way, he'd never get near you again."
Haruhi softly blushed and thought how nice it was to have someone so protective in her life.
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xXx
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Lunch was tense. Tamaki had told Kyoya that he was not welcome. He sat by himself on the other side of the dining hall, rapidly typing on his laptop.
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I'm not surprised they don't want me sitting with them. It's to be expected. It shouldn't be too long before they welcome me back. They'll realize I was right about Kasanoda and my plan worked. They rely on me to do the dirty work, and this is one of the rare times they found out how.
Because this happened sooner than expected, I'm adjusting my plans accordingly. I'll be back in Haruhi's good graces soon and everything will be back on track. No more of this Mori crap.
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"Today is the auction. Everyone needs to be there and be excited." Tamaki was bouncing like a little boy anticipating a treat. "The princesses will be so thrilled.
"As for tomorrow, Mori has informed me that Kyoya is no longer welcome in his house. He has let Kyoya know this." He sorrowfully gazed around the table, "While tomorrow will not include everyone from our happy family, after yesterday's revelations, none of us should be surprised."
"I agree with Mori, he shouldn't be there," Kaoru spoke up. "I'm not sure I ever want to talk to him again."
"Tama-chan, I understand why he won't be there tomorrow, but he was at Host Club yesterday and will be today. He's needed to run the auction. How can the Club continue if he's not welcome when we start up again in two weeks?"
"We'll be discussing that over the next two weeks, Honey-senpai. What we do next will set the stage for the future of the Club. We can't rush into anything."
"Haruhi, are you going to stay at Mori-senpai's house again tonight?" Hikaru wasn't sure he wanted the answer to that, but she was his and had no business staying with anyone but him.
"No. I have too many chores to do tomorrow morning and need to cook dinner for my Dad tonight before he leaves for work." She smiled at Mori, "He will be driving me home after Club. I still don't want to walk home by myself."
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The library is quiet today. Looks like all the girls are at the auction. I'm sitting at one of the tables in the big open area by the doors. I don't think anyone would try anything in such a public place. Ritsu was going to study with me, but I didn't want him skipping the gardening club and it would give another opportunity for pictures.
Mori-senpai's security told us that the threat level of the texts was minimal. After hearing that, I felt a lot better.
I turned in my history report today. It's good to feel completely satisfied with a homework assignment. Having all this time to study is less stressful – now that I'm relaxed about having enough time, I seem to be getting it done faster. Odd.
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xXx
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Meanwhile, the Club was anything but quiet:
"This is so exciting! I hope I win!"
"No way, I want Tamaki-kun"
"I can outbid both of you. I'm going on that date!"
"Ladies…Ladies please don't fight. I know everyone wants to win and I'd love for all of you to, but only one lucky princess will have the highest bid. Don't fret. If this is successful we might do it again." Tamaki tried oiling the troubled waters…he was worried the auction would collapse into a vicious fight.
"Princesses…those bidding please gather around the stage and we'll go over the rules." Kyoya wasn't about to let this become some commoner meat-market auction. "You all have been assigned a number and a paddle. Bidding will be orderly and congenial. Any person disrupting the proceedings will be asked to leave the Host Club and be designated as ineligible for any and all further auctions: Hosts, memorabilia, spots in events, etc." He glared around the room and saw many girls chagrined. No one wanted to be banned from the auctions.
"If one of you breaks these rules, Mori-senpai will escort you out. We will conduct this auction as proper ladies and gentlemen. No exceptions. Please take a seat."
Giggles and rustles of yellow puffy dresses were heard as dozens of girls found a seat and got their paddles ready.
"The prize we are auctioning off today is a date with Suoh Tamaki. This evening of romance will include an intimate dinner at a 5-star restaurant followed by an evening at the symphony in the Suoh's private box. Transportation will be in a super-stretch limousine, driving the couple throughout the evening. Dress is formal."
The excitement in the room was palpable. It was zinging around the room like electricity and making everyone even more hyper – a self-feeding loop.
"We'll start the bidding at 500,000 Yen." The estimated cost of the date. He'd kept the costs down by using Tamaki's own limo and the box at the symphony was season tickets that his father wasn't using. And, of course, Tamaki had his own tux.
As predicted, the girls bid fiercely. The date with Tamaki was won with a bid of 4,250,000 Yen. It took a lot of effort for Kyoya to keep from grinning. It was almost all profit. These girls had way too much extra time and money.
After the gavel banged and Kyoya yelled 'SOLD', Tamaki came to kneel before the winner, Ayame Jōnōchi, took her hand, kissed her knuckles, and congratulated her. "My princess, we will have the most romantic and lovely evening. I cannot wait for Tuesday to come." Many of the other girls were glaring daggers at the winner.
Kyoya decided to close early – it was almost time anyway. "Ladies, the Host Club will be closing in the next ten minutes. We will also be closed for the next two weeks, starting Monday. All the Hosts need to spend time planning new activities, new cosplays, and new ways to express our devotion to you. When we return, the Host Club will be revitalized and energized. We thank you for your understanding."
Many girls pouted and whined on their way out…
"Closed for two weeks! But I need to see the twins!"
"It's devastating to know I won't be able to eat cake with Honey for two weeks. He's so cute!"
"I wonder if Haruhi will be back when they reopen?"
"I hope so. I miss him so much. I didn't realize that no one in my life really listens to me until he stopped hosting."
"I hope Kyoya-kun hosts more when they come back. He's my favorite."
"Even with that broken nose?"
"Of course – it looks so manly."
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"Haruhi, are you ready to go?"
She smiled and looked up at me, "Yes, Mori-senpai. I managed to finish my Trig problem set and it's not due until Monday. It's so nice having the time I need to study."
"I'm glad to hear that. We all want you to succeed and fulfill your dreams." Where did that come from? Sounded corny.
"We need to stop by the Host Club before I take you home. We want to go over an additional plan to get the fangirls away from you." She's going to hate this.
"OK. Thanks for looking out for me."
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"What are Kyoya-senpai and Renge doing here?" I made no effort to keep the anger and disgust out of my voice.
The entire host club, plus Renge, watched us walk in and go over to the table to sit down.
"Haruhi, Renge and Kyoya have devised a plan to get you out of danger. Please let them explain…"
"Are you crazy, Mori-senpai? Has everyone lost their minds? It was their plan," I gestured angrily at them, "that got us into this mess! It was their plan that caused threating text messages and me looking over my shoulder all the time." I gaped at them. I could not believe what I was hearing. And, Mori-senpai agreed with them? "Has hell frozen over? The spider springs his trap and you are relying on him to undo it?" I was shouting at them by now. I could tell my face was flushed and I was panting. They managed to push all my buttons at once. They were all peering at me in embarrassment – well, all accept Kyoya-senpai. He had a strange look of satisfaction on his face. I really wanted to slap it off.
"I suppose now you are all going to tell me that I have to go along with whatever reprehensible plan they have come up with."
Tamaki stared at me and blurted, "No, my darling Haruhi. You misunderstand. We've discussed this plan and believe it could work, but you are under no obligation to go along with it." He was gazing at me with an emotion in his eyes that I couldn't place. "We can brainstorm another plan, or stay with just the Auction and see how next week goes. It's up to you."
That sounds good, but I wonder what would happen if I refused their plan. Would they really let me walk away from it? I guess I'll listen – what's the worst that could happen?
"OK, Shadow King, let's hear it." I cleared all emotion from my face and focused on him.
"It's very simple. We continue with Renge's plan. She believed that if she could drive you into her arms with the pictures, everyone would leave you alone." He scanned my face and found no reaction before continuing. "You and Renge start a relationship, just enough to convince everyone that you are with her and do not have your heart set on one of the Hosts. The relationship will be fake and only displayed on school grounds."
Hell has frozen over. "Me? In a relationship with Renge? After all those pictures? Really? That's your master plan?" My voice was dripping sarcasm. I just couldn't hold it in. What a stupid plan.
"And you all agreed to this? Are you NUTS?" They must be – there's no other explanation. "There is no way I'm going through with that. That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard come out of your mouth, Kyoya-senpai."
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I had no doubt that would be her reaction. Quite frankly, I couldn't come up with anything better. As an Ootori, it should have been a foolproof plan, but I've been having trouble with those lately – not that I'd actually admit that to anyone. Strange how my plans only seem to backfire when Haruhi is involved.
"Haruhi…"
"No. I think you've lost your rights to my first name. Fujioka-san, please."
Fujioka-san? Really? I tried to keep the frustration out of my voice, "Fujioka-san, this plan will work. The relationship does not have to continue for long, just enough to convince the fangirls and calm them down. Some cute texts, some flowers and notes, holding hands, and that would be enough. It would defuse this situation and you can get on with your life."
There was an odd sound and I realize she snorted at me – snorted at me?
"And does Renge agree with this plan? That the relationship will be fake?" She flashed a look of warning at Renge and then put her focus back on me. "She does realize that the relationship will never become real…Right? I never felt that way towards her before, but after the pictures, I don't want anything to do with her. Those actions were not those of a person that cares for another, but of a person that wants to possess another.
"And what about my designees? They aren't going to like that I'm in a relationship with someone."
I can't believe she's actually discussing this with us. Didn't she just say it was the dumbest thing I've ever come up with? "The relationship would not be displayed in the Host Club. Renge will no longer attend, therefore you can host your designees without distraction and they will be happy for you."
"I'm not coming back to the Host Club yet, remember?" Most of the hosts sighed and grumbled at that. "We haven't gotten past the original problems. Those still need to be worked out.
"The girls are really scaring me. The threating texts need to stop. Mori-senpai can't keep driving me to and from school." I saw a look of disappointment flash across Mori-senpai's face. He's getting worse at hiding his feelings for her. "Something has to be done. I need to think about this. I'll be back soon."
She got up and walked towards the door. I assume she's going to sit by the fountain – it's her favorite place and the weather is nice. Mori-senpai got up and followed her to the door. When she heard his footsteps, she turned around and raised a questioning eyebrow at him. "I want to make sure you are safe. I'll keep my distance."
"Thank you, Mori-senpai."
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I plopped down on the rim of the fountain and covered my face with my hands. What the hell am I going to do? I never mentioned it, but I always thought the auction wouldn't be enough. I've seen these girls in the Club for months. They can be out of control. The squealing, the glomming, and the MOE!
How would this even work? I'm a terrible actor. How could I play the boyfriend when I can't stand being around her? This really is a stupid plan. One that isn't even worthy of the Club.
I looked over to the far side of the courtyard and saw Mori-senpai leaning against a tree, watching me and the surroundings. They said the threat level was minimal – he doesn't need to be this cautious.
"Mori-senpai, can you come over here please?" I needed a second opinion from the least crazy of them. He walked over and I gestured to the rim, asking him to sit down, he did.
"Do you really think this idiotic plan can work?"
"Yes."
"But why? It doesn't make any sense."
"Haruhi, think of it this way…if you didn't know that Kyoya and Renge were behind the pictures, what would you think of the plan?"
If those two hadn't been exposed…I still wouldn't trust Kyoya-senpai. That debt revelation was so past the line. I guess I'd be inclined to believe Renge. She does have a knack for giving the girls what they want. But, why does it have to be her? There are any number of girls that are better choices. I guess it comes down to the fact that I can't come up with something better.
"I see your point, Mori-senpai. I don't like it at all, but I see it." A very small smile passed over his lips – not of amusement but of relief. "Why does it have to be her? I don't think I can pretend to even be civil with her."
"She knows it isn't real, so she won't be hurt. Because of the pictures, we have leverage over her to keep her in line and quiet."
"We're not going to tell her I'm a girl, are we?"
"No – we don't have enough leverage for that and no one trusts her that much."
Nuts. All those arguments were valid. I turned back to him, "Mori-senpai, I need to keep thinking about this." That was all I needed to say. He stood up, ruffled my hair, and walked back the far side of the courtyard.
I was off in my own world thinking about scenarios and implications when I heard giggling. It was coming from one of the top floors of the closest building. I looked up and, before I could process what I was seeing, a girl yelled, "Stay away from Mori-senpai!" and threw something at me.
I sat there in shock with what must have been the dumbest look on my face, with my mouth open like a guppy. I heard another shout, "Leave My Tamaki Alone!" and another projectile was thrown on the heels of the first.
They both made contact, one with my head and the other with my leg. At that point, several things happened at once: more things were thrown at me, Mori-senpai was running towards me, and I looked down at my leg to try to understand what had been thrown. All I saw was red. Red all over my leg, dripping from my hair, running into my shoe. Two more hit me, right in my chest and another in my face.
I felt strong arms scoop me up and start running. I couldn't open my eyes, there was red everywhere. I started to struggle, "Don't worry, Haruhi. I've got you. You'll be OK."
"Mori-senpai!" That was all I could get out before the red ran into my mouth.
"Don't try to talk! Don't open your eyes! I'm taking you back to the Club and we'll fix it there." I could tell he was running up the stairs – taking them two or three at a time.
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The Club room door flew open and everyone's heads snapped up. Mori ran in carrying Haruhi. They were both covered in red.
Everyone reacted at once and in a panic.
"Ahhh! By beautiful Haruhi. What has happened? Call an ambulance!" Tamaki ran towards them, arms outstretched. He was stopped by Mori turning around and letting him run right into his back.
Hikaru jumped over the table and ran to his girl. "Haruhi! Haruhi! Haruhi!" He was chanting and crying, lost in his desperation to get to her. He should be the one taking care of her.
"Takashi! Haru-chan! Are you hurt?" A small blur went past Tamaki and Hikaru.
Well, everyone except Kyoya…he never panics on the outside.
"ENOUGH! FREEZE!" People didn't hear Kyoya yell very often, but when they did, it was deafening and commanding. "Mori-senpai, what happened?"
"It's paint. I'm not hurt, but Haruhi may be where the balloons struck him." By this time he was walking towards a couch to set her down on.
"NO. Don't put him there, we'll never get the paint out!" Ever practical and emotionless Kyoya. "Take him to the shower and we'll check him over there.
As Mori walked towards the bathroom, he declared, "We don't need everyone in there. Mitsukuni, Kaoru, come with me. The rest of you, stay out here and wait."
"But I want to help my Haruhi!"
"Tamaki, he's right. Sit down and we'll wait for an assessment." Kyoya flashed his glasses at Tamaki and Hikaru, and they trudged over to the table and sat down. Renge stayed in her seat. She'd been in shock since she saw all the red on Haruhi.
Mori took her to the bathroom and set her on the counter. "The first thing we need to do it make sure your eyes aren't hurt."
It took a while, but they managed to clean the paint off her face, and out of her eyes, mouth, and ears. After they determined she wasn't injured more than bruises, Kaoru brought her some clean clothes, and they left her to shower off the paint.
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When the guys reappeared in the main room, everyone wanted an explanation.
"What happened, Mori-senpai? Is Haruhi OK?" Tamaki choked out. He was still in shock from seeing all that 'blood'.
Mori took off his uniform jacket and tie, and in his calm, moderate voice, described the attack. Then he told them about the discussion he had with her prior.
"It seems we need this plan more than ever. Haruhi will have to agree now," Kyoya mused.
"Kyo-chan," Honey raised his voice to get Kyoya's attention. "I can't help but see that this is just what was needed to convince Haru-chan to go along with your plan." The look of malice and anger in Honey's eyes was unmistakable as he demanded, "You aren't behind this attack, are you?"
Heads turned to Kyoya. Before the pictures, a couple of them would have not thought it possible, but now, their perspective on Kyoya's lengths had changed.
"No, Honey-senpai, I am not responsible. This is a natural progression of the current situation and makes it even more imperative that we move into this new plan." Kyoya's eyes tracked to each club member and received nods back. However, there was still suspicion in Mori's, Honey's, and Kaoru's eyes.
"OK, guys, what do we do next?"
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Seven pairs of eyes snapped over to me as I walked back into the room. I had gotten most of the paint off my skin, but my hair was another story. "Tamaki-senpai, my clothes are totally ruined. I'll need an entire new uniform. I think Kyoya-senpai should pay for it, since this is his fault. He should also buy Mori-senpai a new jacket and anything else that has paint on it."
I looked over at Kyoya-senpai and gave him an evil grin. Whether or not he paid for it, it felt good to try to indebt him. He could probably buy a new uniform with the change in his sofa cushions – Damn Rich Bastard.
Tamaki turned to Kyoya and ordered, "Kyoya, get Haruhi and Mori-senpai new uniforms and have them delivered to Mori-senpai's house tomorrow afternoon."
"Haruhi, your hair…"
"Do you have any advice, Hikaru? I can't get it out."
"I'll tell you what to do after we finish." He smiled at me with charm and excitement, but I don't understand why.
"Kyoya-senpai, I heard you denying you are responsible." He nodded at me. I put my fists on the table and leaned toward him, "Let me be clear…if I find out you are lying, and you are in some way responsible for this attack, I will make you regret it – starting with an amended lawsuit."
Kyoya's turned his head so that the light wasn't flashing on his glasses and assured me, "Haruhi, I am not behind this attack and neither is Renge." I could see his eyes were reassuring me of the truth, but I suspect that he can show what emotion he wants in his eyes. Slippery Bastard!
"While this attack was meant more for humiliation and not injury, we need to move on the new plan. I am going along with this plan under protest. I still think it's stupid, but if Renge thinks it will satisfy the fangirls, then we'll try it. Some of the fangirls believe stupid things."
For the next hour we discussed my rules for this plan. They were specific, detailed, and had hard limits. We discussed how the PDA would work and how best to imply what we wished. Over the course of the meeting, I continually reminding Renge that this wasn't real and never would be. We decided how to end it and what would be the conditions for its end.
By the end, Mori-senpai, Hikaru, Tamaki-senpai, and I had received different texts with pictures of me covered in paint – some showing Mori-senpai carrying me and running. I knew we had to do this. This stupid plan.
"I hope this doesn't blow up in our faces," I deadpanned. "If we try this and the truth comes out, I will have to transfer." I held up my hand to stave off their crazy objections. "It just means that we will have to give it double effort and not mess it up.
"Now, I'm hungry, tired, and my hair feels weird." The paint had dried in my hair, making it stand up every which way and look bloody. I need to get out of here – I can't take these guys much longer. You would have thought I'd agreed to marry Renge the way Hikaru and Tamaki worried about the PDA. There's only so much I want to put up with in one day.
"Mori-senpai, can you please take me home. I still have to make dinner for my dad and try to get some studying done before tomorrow."
We said our goodbyes. Hikaru promised to call me later and tell me what to do about my hair.
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"Don't worry, Haru-chan. Everything will work out."
"Thank you, Honey-senpai. I appreciate all your help." I turned to Mori-senpai and told him, "Thank you again for saving me out there. I couldn't figure out what was going on and just sat there in shock. There's no telling how many balloons would have hit me."
"You're welcome, Haruhi," he responded and went to ruffle my hair, but stopped when he saw the paint.
When we got to my apartment, I invited them in for tea and asked if they wanted to stay for dinner. "Haru-chan! I have an idea! Why don't we order dinner in and you can relax? It's been an exhausting day."
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Later that night when everyone was headed for bed…
Haruhi: If Mori-senpai hadn't been there, I don't know what could have happened. He saved me. I'd have been totally covered in paint before it would have occurred to me to run, and they'd still have a good target – I'm so slow.
I hope this plan works – I still think it's stupid. After all the rumors, who's going to believe I all of a sudden went after Renge and got her? And now I have to do all those things to imply a relationship. Yuck. When the news came out about the pictures, I couldn't believe Renge was involved. Kyoya-senpai – yes, that wasn't a stretch, but Renge? I don't know how I'm going to stand even being around her.
I thought Ritsu was going to order his 'fellas' after every girl in the high school when I told him what happened. He got a text of one of those pictures and called in a panic. He thinks the plan is stupid too, but said we needed to try something – it's getting out of hand.
I'm glad Mori-senpai and Honey-senpai stayed for dinner. That was sweet of them to buy it too. Having them there helped me explain it all to my Dad. I knew he would go through the roof, but his reaction was worse than I thought. He threatened to make me transfer. I know he could do it, but he doesn't really want to. He's giving us time to fix this. I need this stupid plan to work.
Ranka: Kyoya? That…that…that…Ugh – I can't think of a word bad enough. I'd have to string several of the worst ones together. Or, as Haruhi would say – that Rich Bastard!
I told her that he was no longer welcome in this house. That I never want to see him again. That I don't think I could control myself if I did. As for his stupid plan, I think it can work if done right. Poor Haruhi, she just doesn't get 'girls'. But, I do, and they can get very jealous, which goads them into doing some nasty things. Those paint balloons are just the beginning, if I'm reading the situation right. She's going to have to be extra careful keeping her real gender hidden. That Renge doesn't sound like she can keep a secret.
Forget all that for now – she's going over to Mori's house tomorrow for swimming and movies. She doesn't have to hide her gender there. I've got just the dress and swimsuit for her…
Ritsu: When I get my hands on those girls they are going to wish they were never born. I've got lots of ideas in my arsenal, and it doesn't matter if they are guys or chicks for them to work. I'll ruin them. I'll ruin their families. How are they going to cope being on every yakuza's bad list.
Haruhi begged me not to do anything. She says she understands why they did it. I offered her security, but she turned me down. She's so independent. I'm glad she's got Morinozuka-senpai and Haninozuka-senpai looking out for her. They can handle it.
Now they've got this ridiculous plan to defuse the situation. I don't want her hanging around Renge after all she's done to Haruhi. They're right though, it just might work – chicks are weird. The part I hate the most is she has to back away from me for this to work. I mean, we weren't getting any threats when pictures of us came out. Everyone thought it was 'cute'. Except my Pops… I'm laughing my ass off that the plan includes them backing off from her. And best of all, it's their plan – they are pushing her away on purpose. Yup – there are good things about this stupid plan.
Tamaki: My beautiful princess, my beautiful girlfriend…to be defiled like that is horrific. When Mori-senpai ran in with her, I thought she was dead and my heart stopped. The only one perfect for me, gone from my life. And, then I had an epiphany – life is short and I shouldn't wait to have what I need in my life. I have to tell her my feelings. I have to love and protect my girlfriend.
I need to talk to her tomorrow. It's strange that she hasn't called and told me she loves me. I thought the card that I gave her with the flowers expressed my feelings perfectly.
We'll use Renge to get those terribly jealous girls away from my Haruhi and then we can be open about our relationship – no more hiding it. Oh, my darling Haruhi, soon we'll be together and it will be beautiful.
Mori: I failed. I failed to protect Haruhi. She was hit by four projectiles before I got to her. What if they had been something else? What if they had been rocks? Or bullets? I could have lost her. Instead of driving her home tonight, I could be sitting in a hospital room watching her live or die. I was foolish to not be closer. I let her dictate my distance. A good protector protects no matter what they want. I failed.
I dressed down my head of security. Clearly the threat of attack was higher than they reported. We are going to have to increase our profile training. I can never let this happen again.
Haruhi is amazing. She didn't even blame me – just thanked me profusely. Ranka didn't blame me either. Strange. When someone gets attacked under a guard's watch, it's always the guard's fault. Why don't they see that? Maybe I can help her understand tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be amazing and relaxing. Haruhi wants to have some fun and kick back and relax. I've spoken to the staff and we are ready. Menus, pool, theater, gardens…everything will be perfect.
I wish she was coming over here without the rest of the guys. With any luck that will happen in the next two weeks. But, I'm getting something the rest of them aren't. I'm picking her up early and we're going shopping for a new laptop. I'll have lots of time to talk to her. And this time, I'll keep her safe.
Honey: Dinner with Ranka went better than I thought. When we got him caught up on everything, he didn't completely explode. He's really mad at Kyo-chan. Kyo-chan used to be his favorite, but not anymore. He'll never be able to get back in his good graces. That makes me happy. Ranka will need a new favorite and it should be me. I'll start calling him with updates and take Kyo-chan's place before any of the others think about it.
This plan better work. Not sure how we are going to protect her, and Renge I guess. We can't be near them or we'll set off the girls. Why couldn't that picture of Tamaki been me instead. My designees would find it cute and encourage it. There would have been no problems. They could have picked me for the plan – I was pretty forceful in my suggestion. They were adamant that it had to be a girl and Renge was the best choice. We're stuck with it now, so we have to do everything we can to make it work.
Can't wait for tomorrow. Haru-chan will look cute in her swimsuit. We can swim, and play volleyball, and layout in the sun. She'll be so happy to relax with me.
Kaoru: Shit – what a stupid plan. Those crazy girls have already started attacking. How are we even going to introduce them to the Renge relationship before they attack again? I'm so glad she wasn't hurt. I think I forgot how to breathe when Mori-senpai ran in holding her covered in red. We all obviously need to do a better job of protecting her.
I can't wait for tomorrow. I've got my movies picked out and the perfect outfit and swim trunks. I'm hoping I get to talk to her alone.
Everyone better remember to not swarm her. We have to get consent before touching, before hugging, before nuzzling. We ruin that and we are back to square one.
Hikaru: Those girls were Tamaki-senpai's and Mori-senpai's. Both of them need to step up and ban them from the Host Club. I can't believe that happened – they had the nerve to attack my Haruhi! No one ever gets to touch her but me. I want those attackers expelled. That will set an example. That will get them to stop. That will save Haruhi.
She shouldn't be going anywhere without me. I'm perfect for her and I'll protect her. If I had been out there instead of Mori-senpai she wouldn't have been hit once. Because she's mine, I'm a better protector. She means everything to me and I'd do anything to ensure her safety.
I still don't understand why we can't have the party here. Our house is perfect. Our pool is better than Mori-senpai's. He doesn't have any slides or waterfalls. His is boring. Our chefs are better – I bet they don't even make her fancy tuna.
I've got to get her alone tomorrow. Maybe we can hide in one of the meditation rooms…
Kyoya: I could kill Renge, but that would be too good for her. Because of her going off script and sending out the Tamaki pictures, we are now in this mess. And, to make matters worse, we have to rely on her to get us out of it. When all this is over, I think I might just ruin her family. I could buy their businesses and gift them to Haruhi for our wedding. No…she'd hate that. I can hear it now, 'why would a lawyer want to run businesses?' I still might ruin Renge's family. That would be fun.
Now that I've been exposed, it's time for the next stage of the plan. I was counting on being able to go tomorrow, but they learned the truth too soon. I've adjusted and am ready for next week.
I've checked the security cameras and learned who the attackers were. I am definitely going to ruin them. It will be my pleasure. They'll be expelled and have nothing to go home to. No one hurts my Haruhi and gets away with it. I will use them to set such an extreme example that no one will ever touch my Haruhi again.
My stomach spun when Mori-senpai ran in with her. I quickly realized it wasn't blood. There was just too much. But, for a couple seconds there, I thought I'd lost her.
Now I have to buy Haruhi and Mori-senpai new uniforms. I guess I had that coming.
Renge: I never meant for Haruhi-kun to get hurt. It was never supposed to go this far. I thought pictures of that fake prince would make it happen faster. Now I have nothing. I'm banned from the Host Club. I've lost Haruhi-kun from my life. If all this gets out, I'll be a laughing stock. I won't be able to find a suitable husband.
And that host club is rubbing salt in my wounds by making me fake a relationship with Haruhi-kun. I've wanted this for so long, and now it will be fake. All acting. He hates me and I don't know what to do.
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Author's Note: Extra-long chapter this time. Couldn't figure out where to break it, but didn't want to anyway. I wanted the next chapter to be the weekend. Let me know if you don't like them this long…
It may seem like I went off the rails with this picture and rumor stuff, but it will be calming down soon (minus a couple more incidents) and we'll be able to focus on building the friendships.
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Next Chapter: Mori takes her laptop shopping and the rest find out. A relaxing day at Mori's is had by all. And some other stuff?
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