Chapter Thirty One
Kana
Truthfully, I had never really considered how others viewed me based on my appearance. I barely even looked at myself in the mirror-I wasn't the type to check my hair or clothes throughout the day. Thanks to Hikaru and Kaoru showing me the forum post where other students were speculating about who I was, I found myself constantly glancing at my reflection as I walked through campus, wondering what it was that other people saw. It was as if some sort of hyper-awareness had come over me. I knew people were watching.
I had learned to never truly trust the intentions of others. If Amelia had taught me anything, it was that. Everyone had their own agenda, it was a matter of figuring out what they were after. No one would ever truly be interested in me; they were interested in Inao Industries, or my family's money. Everything was a political move in our world.
I don't know what I had been expecting when I decided to post all of that data online. I just knew that someone would have to listen to me once I had been caught. I made it easy for them, really. I didn't disguise my IP address or go through any hoops to remove my own digital footprints. For a brief moment, the look on my father's face had made everything I had gone through up to that point worth it. Did he expect his quiet, reclusive daughter to threaten his entire empire? Certainly not, no matter how many times I'd tried to prove that he didn't need to marry me off to find a suitable heir.
There was talk of how I would be reprimanded for my actions. Cyber crimes had advanced further than what the law could keep up with, so no one knew exactly what kind of time I would be facing. It would've been nearly impossible to calculate the amount of damage I might've potentially caused. Then Ootori-sama contacted my father with a deal, one that meant I had to spend many hours reversing the damage, and meant that I would be shipped to Japan to earn a degree while the dust settled. My class standing, my online activity, and any spending I might be doing would be tracked to ensure that I wasn't doing any other illegal activity.
Despite being back under Amelia's eye, it was the most freedom I had ever experienced in my life.
Everything was strictly regimented when I lived in America. I spoke to no one without approval. When I attended formals, I danced with a cousin. I spent my free time with my computer, learning everything I could under the radar until I had enough.
Do I regret any of it, even knowing that there was certain danger ahead? No. Yakuza and my mother be damned, I finally felt a shred of happiness while living in Japan. I had made up my mind that nothing was going to send me back to America before I had held up my end of the bargain with Ootori-sama. Sure, I was still terrified of what and who was after me, but I wouldn't be stopped.
Besides, I had six beautifully dangerous men behind me. I knew they had motives of their own for keeping me around. Kyoya's was the most noticeable, naturally. The rest I had yet to figure out.
Except, maybe Tamaki. In my mind, I knew he was more genuine than the rest. That's probably why he scared me as much as he did. Genuine people don't exist in this world.
To my little surprise, there wasn't much information to be found on 'Yakuza syndicates that attack Ouran University students'. Either everything had been redacted, or Ouran truly was a magical safe place for rich college kids. All I needed was a name, then I could find out more.
I couldn't concentrate on much else. I could hear the quiet murmurs of conversation going on just outside of the small side room connected to Lounge Room 3. Mori-senpai, under Kyoya's orders no doubt, had brought me there immediately after my last class of the day. I would have a chance to speak to Honey and Mori again that night to see if they had heard anything else from Kasanoda.
It wasn't long before I heard the door creak open. I knew it was Kyoya even before I looked up-his distinct cologne filled the space the moment he entered. I wondered if he wore it to impress the clients. I couldn't quite figure out the exact scent; there was a clever blend of spice and musk, with the smallest hint of citrus.
"A word, Kanami." There was an edge to his cool tone. I heard him lock the door once it was closed.
I quickly snapped my laptop shut. "And hello to you."
There was a certain tension between us. I stood up, allowing myself to meet his gaze. His grey eyes held a guarded expression, one that I knew would be reflected in my own. It was a dance we had both rehearsed all our lives, figuring out what parts of ourselves we would let the other see.
"Was there a reason for your phone calls?" He crossed his arms over his chest.
"There was." But not one I could tell him, anyway. In all honesty I was fortunate that he hadn't answered last night. I could only vaguely remember having a moment of weakness in my inebriated state. Oddly enough, I had wanted to talk to him about the apparent threat I was facing. Somewhere deep in my mind I wanted to run into his arms, but I wasn't allowing myself. "I wanted to talk to you."
"About what?" His eyes narrowed. "Did something happen?"
"Nothing worth noting."
"Can I assume that I was on your mind, pet?"
"Depends." I gave him a mischievous smile. "Was I on yours, Sir?"
"Games will only get you in trouble, you know." He stepped closer to me and took my wrists in his hands.
"I might've thought of you a time or two." I knew better than to get under Kyoya's skin but I almost couldn't help myself. I considered him my equal in intelligence, yet he was more powerful than I in so many ways.
"I might've thought of you as well." His lips twitched into a hint of a smirk. "Everything has been sorted for your locks to be replaced. I'll be working with a few members of my family's police force tomorrow."
"Do I want to know how you managed to convince them to rekey someone else's property?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I simply had to mention that my own security would be compromised."
"So you told your family's employees that you'd be spending time there with me."
"I'm assuming you see my reasoning." Kyoya was certainly clever. There were no secrets when it came to the employees of a powerful family. Some of my earliest memories involved hearing the maids whispering about my parents' relationship.
"Should I also assume that I'll be seeing you there tomorrow once I'm done with class?"
"Naturally, we've much to discuss." He dropped his chin, bringing his lips close to my ear. "If my pet is ready to learn more."
"I've given it some thought, and I would like to discuss this further." While the thought of diving deeper into Kyoya's world was somewhat scary, I couldn't deny my own curiosity. I couldn't quite explain the release that came with the pain he brought upon me. I didn't understand why I craved the sting of his belt, or the bruises that came from his teeth.
"Then we shall." His breath tickled my ear. "For now, however, can you be a good girl and come to the main room with me? Honey-senpai is insisting that you join him for tea."
"With your clients?" My breath hitched.
"You've nothing to worry about. Won't you let him entertain you for a bit before he takes you home for the evening?" Kyoya's lips pressed against my jawline, sending shivers down my spine.
He had me and he knew it. "I'll be a model guest for you, Sir."
Honey was waiting for me once I had followed Kyoya into the candle lit lounge room. He was quick to bring me into a tight hug, a gesture I was slowly getting used to from the hosts.
"Kana-chan! You've got to try the cake we have today!" He exclaimed. He lowered his voice to a soft whisper. "Takashi would prefer it if you were close, I hope you don't mind."
I gave him a small wink, signalling that I understood. "I'd love to try it."
"Good. Today, you're our guest Kana-chan." Honey grabbed my hand and led me to the couch where Mori-senpai was waiting. The couch across from him was occupied by a few other women who were eying me warily. My attention however, was on the table between the two couches. It held quite the assortment of sweets and a gorgeous teapot.
My sweet tooth was calling. I could put up with the other guests if it meant I could indulge myself a bit. I could only picture Amelia's face if she knew what I was eating.
I braced myself and put on my brave face. It was time to see what the Host Club was truly all about.
