Chapter Thirty Five
Kana
The strange texts hadn't stopped coming. The second one came shortly after Kyoya had left my house on Thursday:
Did you think blocking my number would deter me, Princess?
Part of me knew I should've blocked the number again, or asked one of the guys to track the number for me so I wouldn't be marked with suspicious activity on my own computer. Instead, I simply ignored the text.
Until two more appeared on Friday, one in the morning, and another in the evening:
I look forward to seeing you gracing the halls of Ouran today.
Your guard dog can do little to stop me, Princess. You should remember that even the strongest of men have weaknesses. I hope for your sake that his isn't revealed.
Friday's evening text, as threatening as it was, had made me laugh. I knew whoever was texting me had spotted me with Mori. I knew my safety was guaranteed if they thought they would be able to get through him.
It was probably just some Ouran student who didn't like that I was spending time with the Host Club, I had decided. It was nothing.
/
"Inao-san, look at me!"
"Kanami Inao, who are you wearing?"
I forced myself to smile. Kyoya had done little to explain exactly how large the Ootori's event would be. I should've assumed it was more of a spectacle than I had originally thought, given the gown Hikaru and Kaoru had designed for me. Still, I would've never expected to find myself stepping out of a limo and into a large crowd of what I learned to be Japan's version of paparazzi-media reporters who were more than eager to catch a glimpse of society's finest before they entered the Ootori mansion.
"Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin created and designed this gown." I willed myself to say to the closest reporter. This sent a flurry of activity through the group. I could barely keep their questions straight as their voices overlapped with each other.
Much to my relief, Kyoya appeared at my side seemingly out of nowhere. I felt his hand press on my lower back, his palm warming my bare skin. He purposefully pulled me close to him, allowing several photographs to be snapped before he led me into the larger-than-life mansion that loomed in front of us.
I tried not to think about the implications of the two of us appearing in photos together.
"Enjoying the attention?" Kyoya asked as we walked. His hand remained on my back, guiding me forward.
"Not in the slightest." I allowed myself to glance at him, a blush immediately appearing on my face as I did. Kyoya was always remarkably put together, but seeing him in a tailored black tuxedo was an entirely different experience. I couldn't help but notice that his tie and cumberbund were a rich burgundy, coordinating with my own gown.
The inside of the Ootori mansion was a spectacle. I found myself standing in a large foyer, with marble flooring and two ornate staircases leading to the second floor. The decor was remarkably spotless and well-maintained, even with using eggshell white and black decor. A large chandelier dangled from the ceiling. There were several guests within the foyer, all making their way through a large set of doors that appeared to lead into a ballroom. I could faintly hear string music over the multiple voices circling around.
"Might I take your things, Inao-san?" A butler had approached us while I struggled to take in the scene around me. He patiently held his hand toward my small clutch, where I had stored my phone, credit cards, and cigarettes.
"Please." I murmured, handing the clutch to him. He left with a small nod, disappearing into a hallway.
Kyoya's hand moved to my wrist, tugging me gently until I faced him. I watched as his eyes travelled across me, studying the stylist's work. My hair was pulled half-back and styled in large, loose curls. I had convinced her to use a lighter hand at applying makeup, not wanting to stray too far from my typical natural look. Still, she managed to highlight my large eyes with a shimmering gold eyeshadow and painted my lips with a deep red. His eyes didn't stop at my face, rather, I could feel his gaze travel over my curves almost hungrily.
"You're just missing one thing." He reached inside his coat and pulled out a small black box. He released his hold on my wrist to open it, revealing an ornate rose-gold, five band bangle. The design was immediately recognizable as one belonging to a rather famous American designer, with four intricate overlapping bands surrounding a single diamond band. "Would you wear it for me?"
My breath hitched in my throat. "Of course."
He effortlessly slid the bangle onto my wrist before bringing it to his lips. My heart involuntarily fluttered as he pressed his lips just beneath my palm, his eyes never leaving mine. "You look absolutely ravishing, Kanami."
"Thank you, Kyoya." A smile curved on my lips. "You look quite incredible yourself, if I may say so."
"Glad to have your approval." Kyoya smirked. Before I could react, he started leading me into the ballroom, his hand returning to the small of my back.
The ballroom was much larger than what I expected. There were at least a few dozen guests milling around, some already waltzing around the designated dance floor, others socializing around the several tall tables that had been placed around the room. There were plenty of servers around, passing out small hors d'oeuvres and glasses of sparkling champagne. It didn't take me long to spot Tamaki, who appeared to be in the middle of an animated conversation with a young lady I didn't recognize.
"This is quite the showing." I observed, taking a glass of champagne from a server's tray as they passed by. I needed something to calm the nerves that threatened to overpower me.
"Only one of those until I've seen you eat something." Kyoya's voice was low. Despite my insistence that he treat me as his equal, I could sense the dominant tone in his voice as he spoke.
"Afraid I'll have too much fun?" I took a long sip, letting the bubbles play over my tongue before I swallowed.
His eyes met mine. I could see the warning in his gaze. My mind immediately went back to being laid across his lap, remembering the feeling of his hand spanking my ass until it turned red…
God.
I gave him a small wink before I defiantly drained the rest of the glass.
We were approached by a few of the guests before he could react. I watched with mild amusement as Kyoya put on a remarkably charming performance, addressing each of them by name before introducing me as his date. I quickly tuned into his act, letting myself fall back on the impeccable manners I had learned growing up. We continued this routine for longer than either of us were happy about-I could feel Kyoya's growing tension with each person that passed.
It probably didn't help that I had not-so-subtly exchanged my empty glass for a full one.
After I had been introduced to more people than I had ever met in my life, Tamaki finally approached us, his date's arm linked around his. She seemed to be right at home in the situation. Her gown was a cream color, understated while still being elegant. She had long blonde hair that was piled on top of her head, and her bright blue eyes were sparkling almost mischievously.
"Kyoya-kun, you didn't tell me you had such a lovely lady in your life." The woman's Japanese was accented, even more than my own. "My Tama-chan said you were being someone special."
"Always quite the pleasure, Margaux-chan." Kyoya leaned in and gave Margaux a quick, chaste kiss on the cheek. "Margaux, meet Kanami Inao. Kanami, this is Margaux de Grantaine, Tamaki's first cousin."
My eyes widened a bit. The familial resemblance between the two was striking, and it somewhat explained Kyoya's familiarity. "It's so nice to meet you, Margaux-san."
"You're so cute! Please don't use -san with me." Margaux unlinked her arm from Tamaki's and pulled me forward, kissing both of my cheeks with a flourish. "Do you go to Ouran too?"
"That's where I met these two." I gave her a shaky smile. She unnerved me almost as much as Tamaki did.
"Then you'll be my Senpai next year!" Margaux squealed. "Tama-chan thought it would be good for me to come to Japan and study."
"Kana-senpai does have a ring to it." Tamaki winked at me. He gently took my free hand and brought my fingers to his lips. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Princess. Would you share a dance with me?"
"Now, now Tamaki. I haven't gotten the chance to dance with her yet." Kyoya's arm wrapped around my waist almost possessively, a gesture that both excited and infuriated me. "Perhaps after, if Kanami agrees."
"I'd love to, Suoh-san." I polished off my second glass of champagne, ignoring the way Kyoya tensed as I did. I handed the empty glass to a nearby server and allowed Kyoya to lead me to the dance floor.
He was surprisingly quiet as we danced a slow waltz. He held me close to his chest, with one arm dangerously low around my waist. My face was even with his chest. I could smell his cologne, as if he had intentionally applied it to the areas he knew I'd be closest to.
"Margaux seems sweet." I said, attempting conversation.
"She's young." Kyoya half-shrugged. I couldn't help but notice that his dancing was almost as calculated as he was, while still appearing effortless. It was obvious that this was something he did because he had to.
I tilted my head up, "Would it make you happy if I ate something after this?"
"It would."
"Then I will."
I felt his fingers stroke my spine gently. "Good girl."
"Should I expect to meet your father soon?" I asked, trying to ignore the heat that rose to my face.
"Not for a while yet." Kyoya's expression darkened for a brief moment.
I hummed quietly, letting my fingers reach up just enough to brush the tips of his hair, the most affectionate gesture I dared to attempt given our current situation. His eyes softened a bit at my efforts. I continued to let him lead us through the dance, my eyes not quite willing to leave his face.
Kyoya was the most gorgeous man I knew, but I still couldn't quite grasp my feelings for him. Or maybe I simply couldn't let myself fall for a man that terrified me as much as he excited me.
Kyoya gave me a small bow as the song ended. I could hear the other couples shuffle around us, some leaving the floor, others switching partners or readjusting for the next dance. Kyoya took my arm and led me to one of the tables, where we found Tamaki, Margaux, Hikaru, and Kaoru talking amongst themselves. I immediately noticed how Margaux seemed to be fixated on Hikaru, her eyes glued to him as he spoke.
"Kana-chan, Margaux-chan is insisting that Kaoru and I design her wardrobe for her first semester at Ouran." Hikaru rolled his eyes at me, but the tone of his voice told me how much he was adoring the attention.
"I can give you a glowing recommendation." I smirked. My eyes shifted to Kaoru. I found that he was staring back at me with an expression that I could only interpret as infatuation. "This gown certainly speaks for itself."
"We had an excellent muse." Kaoru's eyes darted to Kyoya before returning to my own. I gave him a small smile, letting him know that the subtle flirtation hadn't escaped me.
I settled into Kyoya's side, listening as our friends carried conversation around us. I made a point to take a skewer of grilled squid from one of the servers as they passed by, earning me an approving smile from Kyoya. It wasn't long before Mori and Honey joined us. Honey greeted me with his usual enthusiasm, while Mori flashed me a rare smile upon seeing my appearance.
I felt strangely at home, even with the formal event going on around us. Kyoya's previous tension had melted away now that we were with our group. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something big was looming in the distance.
"I'm stealing your date, Kyoya." Kaoru's voice cut through my reverie. "I need my nicotine partner before she goes off dancing again."
"Use the side entrance." Kyoya gave my hand a small squeeze before he released me.
I followed Kaoru out of the ballroom. My eyes were drawn to the exceptional tailoring work of his tuxedo jacket, noting how it came in perfectly at the waist to accentuate his thinner frame. He seemed to know the Ootori mansion well. Eventually we wound up just outside the side entrance. I let out a long sigh, enjoying the sudden quietness of our surroundings.
"Kyoya doesn't see me as a threat." Kaoru mused as he handed me a cigarette from his own pack.
"Does that bother you?" I leaned close to him, letting him light my cigarette with a flick of his lighter.
"Nah. It means I can steal you away easier." Kaoru's eyes glinted.
"You're not stealing me from anyone, seeing as I don't belong to him." I chuckled. "I'm not a possession, Kaoru."
"I'd never treat you like one." Kaoru draped his arm over my shoulders. He took a hit off his cigarette before continuing, "My judgement was right, by the way."
"What judgement?" I asked, already dreading his answer.
"Adding that extra bit of lift was an amazing idea."
