The dreaded weekend came sooner than expected and I was standing in my room filled with unease. Mother was rummaging through my closet looking for the perfect gown for the occasion. I told her I was requested to go out by the Host Club to help them with a fashion event, the reason why they would seek me out because of how I dress when I am not on campus. At first, she rejected the thought of me leaving the house especially with boys but she did some research on the Host club and found out they were the most popular guys at Ouran and the club was a major attraction for the students. If I was a part of their affairs, that would make me more special and it would bring more attention to my mother. She loved the idea after that and got excited about picking out my dress. She had to make sure I looked my best because I was going to be seen with Host members.
My hope for her to not let me go was squashed and even if I told her I was not interested anymore, she would shoot that idea down because this was an opportunity for her to grow into a better mother. So I was patiently waiting as she couldn't make up her mind. Even though the other day she bought me new dresses, she didn't think they were the 'ones' for this occasion. Gowns were littered all over my pink carpet as she was mumbling under her breath.
"All of these are not going to work!" She yelled out with frustration. In her hands was a yellow gown that poofed out too much for it to be considered comfortable, tossing it into the growing pile of colors, she growled. "You have to look perfect, this is a big deal."
"Mother, I am just helping a club. Any dress will do." I spoke flatly.
She snapped her fingers and pointed at my neck with her long nails, "Hmm."
This was one of her reminders to keep up my image, I cleared out my throat and tried once more. "Mother, I am honored you care this much in helping me. This is a big occasion." My voice came out foreign as it was much higher than normal.
She smiled as she was happy with that response, "It's no problem, dear. I gotta make sure my girl looks her best at all times. I was thinking of the color blue but we don't have much in here. Next time we go out shopping we'll need to get you more." She then pulled out a flat pale blue gown. It was long-sleeved and went down about knee length, the ends had white cuffs. The ends of the dress frilled a little with white lace. It was on the simpler side of what I am used to wearing. "This could work. We will use this to bring out more of your beauty."
She handed it to me and I went into the bathroom to change. When I came out she covered her mouth in glee, she immediately started fixing the gown making sure it fits in all the right places. Then she got to work on my hair as she rushed me to my seat in front of my vanity. Pulling out the straightener my eyes furrowed, Mother never straightened my hair unless it was something extremely important. She always preached how princesses had curly locks that bounced with every step. It clamped onto my hair and it sizzled as she slowly pulled down towards my ends. Once finished she put it across my shoulders so it was easier to separate the pieces. Seeing the straightened piece of hair surprised me as it was much longer than what I am used to. I couldn't remember the last time my hair was straight. I couldn't even recall what my natural hair looked like as it was always curled.
Mother hummed a tune as she finished up my hair. Seeing my reflection was strange as I looked like a different person. My blonde hair was smooth and long, it framed my face making me look much thinner. She looked through my vanity drawer, pushing past some things, and brought out my contact case. She slapped them in front of me, looking at me through the mirror. "Don't forget these. Cover up those ugly eyes."
"Yes, Mother." I nodded.
She seemed pleased, "Finish yourself up, add tones of eyeliner so your eyes pop along with your dress. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Once she was gone, I hit my head on the vanity desk and kept it there.
Today was already tiring.
I was waiting at the mall center near the fountain, texting Mother back as she kept blowing me up wondering when they were going to show. Before I decided to just call her so she would leave me alone I saw the two tall figures of Kyoya and Tamaki push through the crowd. Kyoya had his hair brushed neatly and was wearing casual black slacks and a black button-up to match it, but had his white undershirt showing near his collar. Tamaki was wearing much more comfortable clothes, he was sporting a blue t-shirt that fit his frame and dark grey jeans. It was refreshing to know I wasn't overly dressed and I wasn't going to look like a sore thumb walking around with them. I still looked too girly though.
"Hey, Yuki!" Tamaki waved, looking generally happy to see me.
Kyoya simply nodded at me, fixing his glasses. Which this didn't surprise me. I bet his joy was on the inside as he was going to use this opportunity to find out my secret. When they finally approached me, Tamaki blushed lightly as he saw my appearance.
"You look beautiful." He commented.
I smiled, "Thank you."
Kyoya didn't say anything as he looked around the area, what he was looking for I had no idea. Maybe, he just didn't want to look at me. It made me a little bitter, he is a part of a host club, what happened to acting like a gentleman?
"How about we start over there?" Kyoya spoke up and referenced the clothing store not far from us. We made our way and once inside I realized this was a store mainly for women. What were they needing here?
Tamaki floated towards the jewelry and instantly was lost in thought. The idea of staying near Kyoya disgusted me so I naturally followed him to the necklaces and jewels. Before us was a case full of diamonds that glittered like stars, I didn't want to know how much they would cost. Naturally, this wasn't something a host member would think about and Tamaki asked the worker politely if he could look at some of the necklaces. I dared not touch them as if I was to cause even a scratch, I didn't want to be responsible. Kyoya was beside me before I could blink but I tried to seem unfazed. He looked at the jewels with disinterest. While Tamaki gazed at them with wide eyes like a child with candy.
"You think she would like this?" Tamaki added, picking up a necklace for a closer look.
Kyoya fixed his glasses, "Jewelry might not be her first choice."
"This is for a girl?" I piped up. I didn't think Tamaki would pick out a present for a girl, he was surrounded by them every day. Who could it be to where he wanted to buy them something personal? Kyoya and Tamaki looked at one another, the latter looking worried.
"It is for my mother." Kyoya flatly responded.
Why would Tamaki be buying Kyoya's mother a present? Was it her birthday? My curiosity wanted to push more on the subject but I also didn't want to waste the energy trying to pry it from Kyoya's soulless lips. "That is very kind of you." I smiled towards Tamaki.
He rubbed the back of his head," Just trying to show I care." However, he put the necklace down and sighed, "Kyoya, you're right. She doesn't seem like the person to wear things like this."
Kyoya and Tamaki started talking among themselves trying to figure something out. While they did that, I walked down the aisle of glass cases a little more and saw a set of earrings. They too looked very expensive but there was a variety of colors. From diamonds to vibrant red rubies. Something about these simple stones caught my eye and I wanted a closer look but refrained. Mother never made me wear earrings as she often forgets I have my ears pierced, which she forced me to do one day.
"Want me to take one out?" The worker asked me.
She caught me off guard and I blushed from it, "Oh no, I rather not."
"Yes," Kyoya butted in, pointing at a pair of sapphire earrings. The worker placed them in front of us. They were small round sapphires that were a brilliant shade of blue. Observing the color wasn't my favorite.
Kyoya grabbed the pair and was satisfied with the quality. "They look like your eyes." He commented, but in the corner of his own eyes, I could see he was looking for a certain reaction.
I tried my best to fake a smile, "They do, don't they? You're quite observant."
He wasn't satisfied with my response and had the earrings put back in the case. He instead pointed at a green pair that when looked at closer was emeralds. They were cut in the shape of a diamond and were incase in gold. They looked even more pricy than the last pair. He then looked at me and smirked, he got what he wanted. I didn't catch it myself but I was staring at them with want.
"I will have these, please." He said to the worker.
She smiled brightly, "Of course! Let me ring this up."
He went to pay for the jewelry as I stood there dumbfounded. I didn't even know Tamaki was behind me, equally in shock. "Is he getting you those?" He asked.
I remained silent as I didn't know the answer, but I hoped they were not. I didn't need anything from him, I didn't want to be reminded. "Surely not." I tried reassuring myself, waving it off.
Tamaki placed his finger under his chin, "It's not every day Kyoya buys a lady a gift." He then observed me, "The reason must good." His purple gaze made me nervous, causing me to fidget with my dress. I didn't need him looking at me so intently, what if he saw through me. Kyoya was already hot on my trail, I didn't need two host member's meddling in my life.
Kyoya returned with a small pink bag, inside were the earrings. Observing the bag made me shiver with disgust, he better not get his hopes up. I do not plan on wearing them. I'll shove them in a drawer as soon as I get home. The sooner I could put today behind me the better. Kyoya gave me a small smirk and presented the gift to me, his eyes locked on mine. I quickly looked away, my arms folded tightly to my frame.
Kyoya's smirked vanished, "I got you the earrings." He didn't look happy about the fact he had to vocalize his gesture, but keep his tone light as to not let Tamaki notice. He too had an appearance to keep.
Starting a fight in public wasn't the smartest move so I decided to give in and take the small bag from him, I didn't even bother looking in the pink container. Giving him the satisfaction made me want to vomit. "You're too kind." I smiled.
Tamaki was oblivious to the obvious atmosphere we were giving off. Anyone could tell we had something going on and it wasn't something to smile over. Which Tamaki was doing just that, he had a huge grin plastered across his face. He was enjoying the moment of his friend giving a gift to a pretty girl. I could tell this was something he rarely ever saw or if even at all. If only he knew that Kyoya was doing this to get under my skin.
"May I look at them!" Tamaki practically was sparking.
Kyoya chimed in, "why don't you try them on?"
It took every fiber of my being not to lash out at him, he was enjoying every moment of my annoyance. "I wouldn't want to ruin something so valuable and a gift no less. I will try them on when I am home."
"Come on, Yuki. I bet you look beautiful with them on." Tamaki said. Every second that passed I was getting closer and closer to slapping the blonde boy for making this situation even more unbearable. If it wasn't for my image I would have not even agreed to come on this little shopping spree with the two host members. Not wanting to seem defiant, I opened the bag and carefully pulled out a small black box. Opening it up revealed the small golden emerald earrings. Tamaki stared at them with wide eyes, admiring the jewels.
"They are beautiful," The words slipped from my mouth before I realized.
Kyoya shot me a triumphant stare which made me instantly regret what I had said. No matter, I will watch myself more closely from now on. He will not hear me utter those words ever again, in fact, he will never see me wear these earrings again after today. I gently put them on, having to move my long hair out of the way. Tamaki moved behind me when he noticed I had some issues putting them on.
"Let me help you," He breathed as his long fingers touched my ears. They were smooth and warm, sending a chill up my spine. With ease he put the first earring on, then he had to move my hair once more for my other ear. Again, his fingers brushed against me and I couldn't help but enjoy his soft touch. When he had finished, he tucked my blonde locks behind my ears to show off the emerald earrings. During this whole act of kindness, Kyoya was paying close attention to my reactions.
"You look stunning," Tamaki spoke up, moving away from me.
I recollected myself, cursing in my head on how much I focused on his touch. Every time I am around a host member they make me feel weird in some sort of way. I need to learn how to stay away from all of them. I sighed, "Thank you for helping me. I do not wear earrings very often." This was true as Mother often had me keep my hair down which covered my ears. I didn't see the reason for wearing jewelry especially if Mother didn't enforce it. She often forgets she made me get my ears pierced. It happened when we were shopping once and she saw a pair of small diamond earrings. She dragged me into a store to get pierced despite me being clearly uncomfortable about the idea.
"They are very nice on you," Kyoya spoke up after being suspiciously quiet.
I had enough of the two boys staring at me, "We are still looking for a gift for your mother right, Tamaki? Let's not waste any more time."
Being reminded of why we came to the mall in the first place, Tamaki looked embarrassed, quickly taking his eyes off me. "Of course! I didn't see anything here though. We will have to try another store."