Chapter 49

After dropping Namiko off, Ritsu drove home. As he pulled into the driveway, his phone buzzed from inside his school bag. Pulling out his phone, he looked at the image attachment, only to see that the twins had sent him a picture they had secretly taken when Namiko posed for him. He gulped, shoving his phone back into his bag.

Pulling his car into the family garage, he sighed, his cheeks pink as he remembered today. Opening his door, he walked into his house, his clothes dripping on the floors.

"Ritsu?" He head his father call.

"Yes father?"

"Would you mind coming here for a moment?"

"Would you allow me to change first please?"

"Come here please." His father demanded.

Ritsu sighed and walked into the room, his father and Tetsuya standing there, their eyes wide as they saw Kasanoda soaked.

"What on god's earth happened to you?" His father asked.

"Well, the volunteers and I had a water fight after we got a good review from the former gardening president."

Mr. Kasanoda's eyes lit up curiously.

"A water fight huh? Sounds like fun. Please, do go change and then come back in to join Tetsuya and I for some hot tea."

Ritsu nodded and bowed. "Yes father."

Mr. Kasanoda sat in his chair, Tetsuya sitting on the other side of the table, an empty seat waiting for Ritsu. When Ritsu showed up, he was now in his white tanktop and baggy sweatpants as he sat across from his father. "How did the meeting with the arcade owner go?"

Ritsu sighed. "We had an issue in the gardening club, so I've rescheduled for tomorrow after classes are over. It's thursday so we won't have club that day."

Mr. Kasanoda nodded, sipping his tea. "So, you had a water fight you say? Was your girlfriend there too?"

Ritsu nodded, looking at Mr. Kasanoda. "Yes sir. We all enjoyed ourselves. She was laughing the entire time. It was nice to see a laugh after what happened previously."

Ritsu's father leaned forward. "You never did say what was the matter."

Ritsu sighed and took his tea cup. "Namiko met her biological mother for the first time and she was hurt so she ran to me."

Mr. Kasanoda's eyes widened, his expression awed. "Yes, she definitely sounds like she'd be a most befitting wife."

Ritsu coughed, choking on his tea. He looked at his father. "Why are you talking about that now? She's still only a freshman and I'm a second year."

His father nodded. "Yes, I am aware. I am just pointing out the obvious."

Ritsu nodded. "Perhaps we can bring it back up when the timing in more appropriate?" He asked.

Mr. Kasanoda. "Yes. It is time for dinner. Would you care to join me or eat alone?"

As Ritsu and his father ate together, it was in silence. In the silence, Ritsu couldn't help but to think of the idea of Namiko as a bride. I shook that out of his head as to make sure his father didn't notice. Quickly, he finished his meal and bid his father a good night before going to his room. On his way to the room, he came across Limber.

"Hello young master." she greeted, her smile sincere.

"Hello Limber. It's been a while. Are you going out?" Ritsu asked, noticing she was in an evening dress.

She nodded. "Yes, that nice Morinozuka is taking me out to dinner."

Ritsu smiled kindly. "Well do have a great time. Do say hello to Mori for me?"

Limber nodded. "Sure thing. Have a great night young lord."

Ritsu nodded as he continued to his room, walking in, he moved over to his desk to complete his schoolwork. Pulling out a book Namiko had given him, that he had asked for, to help him study. He worked for nearly a half hour before his phone began to ring.

He looked at the time, it was 10:30 at night, and the caller Id said it was Namiko. With haste, Ritsu picked it up. "Hello?"

"Hi baby. How are you?"

Ritsu gasped when he realized the call was a video call and he chuckled. "I'm well. I hope your fathers weren't too angry about the outfit?"

Namiko giggled. "They were at first, but then I explained its use... but that didn't help my defense much." She laughed. "But they are good now. From now on I'll just have to go to the school restroom and change out of those outfits before going home."

Ritsu nodded his head. "Might be a safer decision." He listened to her laugh as he continued to write an essay for his history class.

"So, what are you doing?"

"I'm actually using that notebook of notes you gave me to study. Thank you very much for that book."

"You're very welcome. I'm more than willing to help. Hey! Do you think we could study together? On days we don't have gardening club I can come there or vice versa. It could be fun." Namiko suggested.

Ritsu pursed his lips. "I like that idea."

"And that can give me an excuse for my fathers as to why you are at my house for dinner."

Ritsu laughed. "I'd like that."


Namiko and Ritsu's phone conversation lasted until late. So late that they were both laying in bed and Namiko began to hear him snore.

She looked at the screen, seeing Ritsu's eyes closed as his expression was peaceful as he hugged his pillow to him. "Ritsu?" She whispered, smiling. There was no answer, but the peaceful sound of his snores.

Namiko smiled and turned her phone on speakerphone, placing the phone on the dresser so she could watch him sleep and if he woke hope, so could he. She blushed at the idea, but she liked watching him sleep instead of hanging up the phone and laid back, smiling at the sweet sound soon lulled her to sleep.

"Namiko!" Kyo called, opening her door gently to see Namiko asleep. Kyo was about to close the door when he heard an odd sound. He walked closer to see her phone on. When he looked over at the phone, he could see the Kasanoda boy sleeping and snoring as was Namiko. Kyo straightened up when he heard his husband come in quietly.

"Is she asleep?" He whispered.

Kyo nodded and pointed at the phone.

Nobu furrowed his eyebrows in confusion until he saw the Kasanoda boy sleeping on the other side of the call. Nobu looked at Kyo to see he started to get watery eyes. He smiled kindly and led his husband out of the room and into their bedroom. "Shhhh... Shhhhh... why are you so upset by that? We used to do that with phone calls."

Kyo nodded. "For some reason, just seeing her grow up so fast, it's... it's..."

Nobu nodded and caressed his husband's face, leaning in and pressing his lips to Kyo's. Kyo let out an audible breath as he wrapped his arms around Nobu's neck. They caressed each other as they shared their passionate kiss. Nobu slowly pulled away for a moment. "It's okay. We always knew it would happen. But soon we'll have another little one to watch grow up too." He said, smiling, rubbing his thumb back and forward on Kyo's cheek.

"I... I suppose you're right. I just..."

Nobu, nodded as he and Kyo laid down in bed. "I understand baby. I truly do, but someday we'd have to let her grow up. Just imagine what it will be like when she gets married someday."

Kyo gasped and shook his head. "No. No. No!" Kyo laughed, moving closer and hugging Nobu, burying his head into Nobu's chest, placing one gentle kiss there before placing one more on his husband's lips. "I love you Nobu."

Nobu nodded and pet Kyo's hair soothing him to sleep. "I love you too. Sweet dreams." He whispered as he too fell asleep.


The next morning, Ritsu heard an alarm. Opening his eyes groggily, he looked at his clock, realizing it was his. He sighed and sat up, hitting the off button when he looked to see his phone was still on. He looked at it, seeing Namiko was asleep.

He gasped and smiled before ending the call and texting her.

Namiko, good morning. I hope you slept well. I am going to speak with my father this morning. I am meeting with the arcade owner until 4:30pm. I would like to start our study sessions. I will see you when I pick you up. Love, Ritsu

Ritsu nodded and pressed send as he got up and went to his home dojo. He would get up at 5:30 am and work out for an hour, shower, and then leave for school. He was lifting weights when Tetsuya came in to greet Ritsu.

"Young master, your breakfast is nearly ready."

Ritsu nodded as he got up. "Thank you Tetsuya." Ritsu began wiping off the weight handles and the bench before getting into this shower, washing away the sweat from his early morning workout. Stepping out, he dried off, put on his school uniform and made his way to the dining room where his father was present.

"Good morning father."

Mr. Kasanoda nodded. "Good Morning. I trust you slept well."

"Yes sir." Ritsu said, taking his seat. "Thanks for the food." He said before he began eating. "Father?"

Mr. Kasanoda looked at him over the morning paper. "Yes?"

"Namiko, her and I are beginning study sessions. I wanted to see of you would mind her joining me here to study?"

Mr. Kasanoda smiled sleepily. "What's the big study session for?" He asked curiously.

"Big state exams are coming up. I would like to get a good score this year." Ritsu said respectfully.

Mr. Kasanoda nodded. "I have no qualms with it. Shall I take it she might be staying for dinner?"

Ritsu nodded. "She might."

Mr. Kasanoda nodded. "I'll mention that to our cooks. Let me know as soon as possible."


Kyoya patted his hands on his knees as his limo driver went towards Hanako's home. Despite Hanako's pleading, Kyoya insisted on giving her a lift to school. Kyoya looked at his blank notebook, switching over the to do list from Tamaki's text onto his schedule book.

Order More Snacks and sweets for next week - Sandwiches, Rice crackers, Cookies, Chocolate cakes, Vanilla cakes, Strawberry cakes, Double Chocolate cakes, Tiramisu cakes, and Carrot cakes, Black tea, Green tea, and Oolong tea.

Write total cost down

Remind Haruhi to get more commoner's coffee

Give money from club's money intake to Haruhi to get commoners coffee

Tamaki's guest - Mae Takahara

Kyoya - Requested no guests to allow him time to order all the snacks and sweets

Kaoru & Hikaru's guest - Misaki Sato

Mori & Hunny's guest - Taeko Aomori

Haruhi's guest - Madoka Suzuka

When his limo arrived at Hanako's, he called her cell. "Hello?" She answered sleepily.

"I am outside."

Hanako couldn't help but to smile as she hung up, got her bag and said she was going to school to her parents.

As she got outside, Kyoya stood, holding the door open for her. "Good Morning Miss Hanako." He said, showing a sincere smile.

Hanako nodded thankfully as she got in. "Good Morning Kyoya."

As Kyoya climbed in and sat next to Hanako, he leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I do trust you slept well?"

Hanako nodded. "Yes I did. Um... thank you for giving me a ride to school."

Kyoya nodded. "Pleasure is all mine."

On the ride to school, Kyoya was looking at his notebook over the host club schedule and to do list.

Hanako couldn't help her curiosity as she leaned in closer and looked at the list.

Kyoya looked over at her.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to read over your shoulder."

Kyoya shook his head and wrapped an arm around her shoulders silently and pulled her gently against him.

Hanako gasped and looked up at him through her lashes and blushed.

"It's quite alright. Thankfully today, the idiot hasn't got any over the top special event or excessive costume event planned for club today. That being said... How about a date?" Kyoya asked.

Hanako gasped. "Date?" She asked.

Kyoya nodded. "Yes, I would indeed like to take you out to shop and then go to dinner."

"Shop? I hope in no expensive district."

Kyoya smirked and Hanako sighed to herself, knowing that's exactly where we'd be going.

Hanako remembered back to the beach trip when Haruhi said, "He wouldn't buy you something unless he wanted to."

Hanako smiled and leaned back against his arm. "That sounds great. I would love to."

As the limo pulled up around the corner from Hanako's school, Kyoya smiled. "I figured this would be more comfortable for you."

Hanako nodded. "Yes. Thank you. What time should I be ready?"

Kyoya pursed his lips for a moment. "Let's say 5:30?"

Hanako nodded. "That sounds wonderful. I'll see you later then." She said as the limo driver opened the door for her.

Quickly, Kyoya grabbed her hand and pulled her to him, pressing a gentle quick kiss on her lips. "Have a good day."

Hanako blushed and nodded. "You too!" She said, bolting to the school.

As the limo pulled away and drove to Ouran, the driver spoke. "May I assume that it is dinner with your family, sir?"

Kyoya nodded. "Yes. Despite how I don't mind what she would wear, you know my father."

The man nodded. "My apologies sir. I didn't intend to pry."

Kyoya nodded as the rest of the ride to school was silent.


Hanako strode up to her school, actually feeling a little good about herself. She had a cute guy who seemed to like her. What were the odds she out of all people would would get a boy like Kyoya Ohtori interested in her?

"Did you just come to school in a limo?" she suddenly heard Tomomi ask as she stood in front of the school.

"Yeah, so what?" Hanako replied. She walked past Tomomi, barley glancing at her.

"Wait does this mean Namiko really managed to set you up with a rich guy from Ouran?!" Tomomi asked as hurried after her.

Hanako slowed her pace at Tomomi's comment." Maybe," she said slowly.

"Wow, who would have thought Namiko could come through after all," Tomomi said. Hanako had to sneer at that comment. "So what do I have to do to get me set up with one? I want a blond one! And not bleached either. Do they have natural blonds at Ouran?"

Hanako slowly turned her head, not quite sure what she was going to reply to that comment when suddenly she was saved by an interruption by Ami.

"Tomomi, what are you doing here?" she asked annoyed.

"Oh, I'm getting set up with a rich guy from Ouran like Hanako," said Tomomi.

"What?" Ami asked as she turned to look at Hanako.

"Oh yeah, Namiko already got Hanako set up and he dropped her off in a limo. So I want to go next, and I want him to be blond, a natural blond."

"So it is true, Namiko really set you up with a rich guy?" Ami asked.

"And if she did?" Hanako asked.

"Well... why just you?! And not us?!" Ami asked.

"Maybe because I wasn't ignoring her and still acting like a real friend despite everything," said Hanako, "and technically I wasn't set up. It was just I happened to meet him whenever I tried hanging out with Namiko and he happened to be a friend of hers."

"Oh so we have to pay kiss-ass to Namiko again?" Tomomi whined. She sighed with annoyance. "I don't know if I can do that and still pay dues to Hoshiko."

"We'll find a way!" Ami snapped as she came closer to Hanako, "so when are you going to see Namiko next? We'll go with you!"

"Why would I tell you that?" Hanako asked.

"Hey you already got your rich boyfriend. We want ones as well! If Namiko really does want us to stay her friends, she should deliver!" Ami said seriously, poking Hanako in the chest.

"Oh, do you know if any work with yachts. I'd love a guy who could but own fleet of yachts!" Tomomi said.

Hanako felt both angry and upset at the sudden new realization of people she thought she knew and considered her friends.

"If you want to meet up with Namiko and have her set you up with a rich guy, you figure it out on your own. Who knows, it might make you look better to her if you put some effort to kiss up to her," Hanako said with confidence before walking away.

"How are we going to figure out how to get to Namiko?" Tomomi asked.

"And why would you want to do that?" Hoshiko asked suddenly making a drastic entrance.

"Oh Hoshiko!" Ami panicked.

"Well the thing is, Namiko's officially set Hanako with a rich boyfriend and we want in on it," Tomomi started to say before Ami could slap her hand over her mouth.

Hoshiko raised an eyebrow. "You really think she can set you two up?" she asked.

"Uh sure and if we do, I'm sure they'll have other rich friends that they can set you up," said Ami.

"Yeah that's probably my best bet seeing as how Namiko would never have the heart to set me up. Do it, get to Namiko and get yourselves some rich boyfriends so I can get one too. And if you fail, I can make every boy in this school hate you! Remember that!"

"No problem!" Ami promised, "I-I-I'm sure we can get back on Namiko's good side again easily!"


"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you to meet the manager?" Namiko asked Ritsu after school and gardening club, her arms wrapped around his waist loosely.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," Ritsu assured her, "besides, I'll need you here keeping people in line."

"Oh please, I doubt I could keep these people in line as good as you or Tamaki-Senpai can," Namiko said.

"Don't sell yourself short," said Ritsu, smiling.

Namiko smiled and kissed him. "For good luck," she said kindly, patting his cheek.

"Thanks," Ritsu said as he left with a few of his men.

Namiko turned to everyone. "Okay! Let's get these weeds removed from the plots and then let's get these some water everyone! After that we can all head home."

Everyone nodded and went on their own way. As Haruhi came over to Namiko. "Hey Nami."

Haruhi smiled. "Hi Haru." She said as she dug in the dirt.

"I... I need to ask you something."

"What's up?" She asked, whispering now.

Haruhi bit her lip, her expression tense. "T-Tamaki asked me to the coming spring dance."

Namiko's eyes lit up. "Are you going to go?" Namiko asked, grabbing Haruhi's shoulders lightly. "Please tell me you said yes."

Haruhi's cheeks went pink. "Yes, I... I did."

"Tell me everything!" Namiko begged.

"Are you busy tonight? I could tell you then."

Namiko bit her lip. "I actually am having a study session at Ritsu's tonight... You could tell me on the bus ride home."

Haruhi nodded. "That's a better idea." Haruhi looked up. "Hanako? Why are you red and sweaty?"

Everyone looked over, Kyoya coming over, her expression concerned.

Namiko stood up and took Hanako's hands in hers. "What's wrong?"

"I'd watch out for Tomomi and Ami... they... are planning on trying to get rich men through you."

"What?" Namiko asked, her tone shocked.

"They saw Kyoya dropping me off and had it set in their minds you got Kyoya for me."

Namiko grimaced.

"I can't stay, I have to go with Kyoya somewhere, but I felt that you should know."

Namiko nodded and hugged Hanako. "Thank you so much."