Almost a month has passed since our first date, and actually I haven't been this happy in years. We made it official after our third date, but we still kept our relationship on the down-low for many reasons. The main reason was privacy, we didn't want people bombarding us with questions about our dating lives because it would obviously be a shock to everyone to see the notorious bad boy of Ouran Academy was dating the scholarship student. The other reason was so that Haruhi wouldn't receive hate from the other girls chasing after me. They were aggressive and hateful towards her already for just being associated with me. I can't imagine what they'd do once they find out we're dating.

And last but not least, my mom. If mom found out I was dating someone other than Mari she would lose it. She has already drawn out the rest of my life with the Yoshido's without my consent and when I tried to talk mom out of it she just smacked me and called me ungrateful before grounding me for almost the whole month. I had to sneak out to go on my dates with Haruhi, but they were worth it.

Just being able to call her my girlfriend brought me great joy that I've never felt before and I wasn't going to lose her because she didn't fit into mom's stupid plan. I'd rather be disowned than lose Haruhi, and I know that's a lot to say, especially we've only just started dating, but how she makes me feel, even when I'm just thinking about her I just couldn't lose her.

I straightened my tie before pushing my bangs out of my face as I looked over my outfit for the day. Today was the Ouran festival and our class was doing a murder mystery this year. We all had to dress semi-formal to fit the theme, but also to impress the wealthy families of the students that were visiting our school. I decided to just wear a white shirt with a black vest, pants, and tie. So I wasn't overdressed, but I also didn't look like a slob.

Speaking of family, I made sure to not tell mom about the festival. I knew that if mom knew about it she would show up to school drunk as a sailor and embarrass me or would watch me like a hawk to make sure I kept up the image of being her "perfect" son she bragged to everyone about. It's not like I didn't want her to go, I would love if mom came but that alcoholic was not my mother.

Since the festival was being set up, school started a few hours later today. Which meant I thought I could sleep in for once but of course mom had to wake me up at six in the morning to just drunkenly yell at me for no reason and when I refused to get up she got one of Isao's belts and whipped me on my back and wouldn't stop until I got up. Then as if a magical switch was flipped, mom turned into sweet and made breakfast for all three of us. The meal was ok, it was just pancakes and eggs that were silently overcooked, but all I wanted to do was go back to sleep since I stayed up till two in the morning talking to Kaoru, and of course, I still wasn't free after breakfast because I had to clean up everything as a "thank you" for mom and Isao making breakfast and the kitchen was a complete mess that it took over an hour to clean, and it didn't help that my back still stung from being whipped with the belt.

Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. Making sure to not step on any of the steps that creaked. If they saw me they would question why I was so dressed up. Isao has never been to an Ouran festival before, so he most likely would just be confused by my attire, but mom has gone every year when she was sober. So she might catch on.

I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my keys from the cupboard, but as I reached the door,

"Where are you going so dressed up?" Isao asked.

"Shit." I hissed before turning to see him and mom watching me from the kitchen table. A suspicious glare on her face.

What the hell was I going to tell her? It was almost a lose-lose situation. If I told her about the festival she would go ballistic because I didn't tell her about it sooner, or if I lied to her and said it was a date or something she would be living that it wasn't with Mari...Wait Mari!

"Mari wanted me to go with her to lunch. She told me it was a formal place so I made sure to follow the dress code I was given."

Mom's face suddenly lit up and she made her way over to me. "I'm so proud of you honey." She praised me as she gave me a big hug. A type of hug I haven't felt in a long time, but I knew that there was no love in the hug, just praise. As if I was just some fucking animal…

She separated from me, her smile brightening. "Hopefully this is the start of a relationship between you two."

"Yeah, I hope so too…"

Once I got to school, I met up with Haruhi as usual and we walked to class together. Since we couldn't act like a couple during the school day that much we would sometimes sneak off during lunch or break and act more "coupley" as I would call it. We didn't do too much since we still were in the beginning of our relationship but knew that if a random person was just walking by they could easily tell that we had feelings for each other. However, sadly, since we had the festival today we didn't have time to hang before like we usually do, but we did have a date planned after to make up for it.

"Two years in the Host Club and you still can't tie a ribbon?"

Haruhi rolled her eyes as I moved her hands away from the ribbon around her neck so I could take over.

"I don't get why I have to wear this stupid ribbon while you get to wear a tie."

"Well, it's because you're a girl."

"Don't you think I already know that?" Haruhi huffed. "I just don't understand why we have to wear more difficult and uncomfortable outfits."

"Well, a quote that my mom always says," I started as I finished tying her bow, "beauty is pain."

"No offense, but I don't really trust what your mother says."

I let out a soft chuckle as I began straightening her vest. "You're a smart girl. No wonder I like you." Once I finished touching up her appearance I placed my hands on her shoulders as I gave her a soft smile. "There, now you look good enough to go out with me."

"Oh thank God. I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't match your beauty." Haruhi playfully scoffed.

I hooked my finger under her chin as I gave her a cocky smirk. "You're getting there. Just make sure you stay at least ten feet away from me in public."

"Oh shut up." She snorted.

I let out a small chuckle before lowering my lips to hers. Yes, we were keeping our relationship a secret for a while, but just because the Ouran festival was today didn't mean I won't take every opportunity I could to steal Haruhi away for a few minutes. Haruhi and I were done with our preparations so I literally dragged her out of the classroom when I saw her having trouble tying her bow to hide away in the hall under a staircase to help her. Also to have a little couple time since we couldn't go to our usual spot in the hedge maze.

I felt Haruhi wrap her arms around my neck as I had moved my arms around her waist to bring her closer. We weren't very physical yet in our relationship. Which I didn't mind at all. She wanted to take things slow, ease into the new relationship and even though we hooked up before, drunkenly I remind you, I was fine with waiting as long as she wanted to.

The most we ever did was kiss, at first just a few quick pecks to now actually kissing. I'll even admit that we made out once or twice, but we stopped before anything got too heated.

"Attention students," Mr. Suoh said over the speakers. Making Haruhi and I separate to listen. "The Ouran festival will be beginning in five minutes. Please go to your classrooms for last-minute preparations before the parents are let in. Thank you."

"I guess we should head back," Haruhi said as she unwrapped her arms from my neck so her hands were holding onto my shoulders. "You're positive that your mother isn't coming?"

"Yep, I made sure to not bring up and hide anything related to the festival. I also overheard her talking to Isoa about her being busy all week so there's no way she's coming."

"I'm just a bit worried that she might find out later. I don't want to even imagine what she'll do to you if she finds out about the festival next week or even a month from now."

"Neither do I." I wasn't going to lie. I was also nervous that mom might find out about the festival in the near future. She'll be livid, thinking that I'm embarrassed to have her as a mom to invite her. But I kind of was. Well, I was embarrassed by my drunk mom. She was good at hiding that she was drunk, but it was also obvious that she wasn't acting differently. When Kaoru and I were in middle school, mom showed up to the festival and even though she was on her best behavior, most of our classmates knew something was up. Some teachers even asked if our mom was alright because she was acting odd. Then when people began asking her if she was feeling all right she thought we were spreading rumors about her and then punished us when we got home, even though we had nothing to do with anyone asking.

With mom not coming at all, I don't even want to think of what her punishment would be.

I gave Haruhi a smile, trying not to show her the fear I was feeling. "Come on, let's get back before the festival starts."

An hour into the festival, I was actually having a lot more fun than I thought I was going to have. The festival before was so boring and I would hide away so none of the parents would talk to me, but now that I'm engaged in this year's theme, and maybe because I get along with most of my classmates now, or well, they aren't as afraid of me.

I really wish I was partnered up with Haruhi, she was my girlfriend and it would be a lot more fun, but since she was the top of the class she had to help anyone who was having trouble with the mystery.

My girlfriend, it was still weird to call her that, but it felt so right. I wouldn't say that all the other girls I went out with were considered "girlfriends", more like short small flings. So Haruhi was my first official girlfriend. I may not be her first boyfriend, but hopefully, she thinks I'm a better boyfriend, especially since I won't ever cheat on her, unlike someone else.

"Hikaru," The class vice president Momoka came up to me as I finished with some guests. "Didn't you say that your parents couldn't make it today?"

"Yeah, they both were too busy with work. Why do you-"

"Hikaru?"

My heart almost stopped as I heard their voices and I slowly turned my head to look over my shoulder to see mom walking towards me in her work attire with Isao following close behind her. She had this bright smile on her face as if she was excited to be here, but I could see deep in her eyes that she was livid. How the hell did she know about the festival today? I made sure to hide all the information about the festival from her. I went as far as even logging into her email at home to make sure all the emails for it was deleted. So there was no way she could've known about it. So, why the fuck was she here?!

"M-Mom?" I choked out, trying my best to hide my fear.

"This looks fun." Isao complimented as he scanned the room. "Is this some type of mystery or something?"

"Y-Yeah." I cleared my throat. "It's a mur-murder mystery."

"A murder mystery," mom said as if she was pretending to be excited. "I wonder if we'll figure out why he got murdered? I bet he did something behind someone's back without telling them. Someone he shouldn't have crossed." I could literally feel my body grow cold as I saw her eyes land on me as she said that. I hugged the stack of pamphlets I had in my arms to my chest as I tried to remain calm. "Well, this looks fun. Would you like to try it, Isao?"

"Yeah, I've always been a fan over murder mysteries."

Mom gave me another sickenly fake smile that sent shivers down my spine. "So, where do we start?"

Shit, by looking at how all the other tour guides were busy with other parents. That meant I would have to help guide them through the mystery. I couldn't get through a full sentence, let alone an entire fucking monologue. There was no way I could do this, but I had no choice. If I didn't help them then I would fail for being "uncooperative", then that would gid me into a bigger grave than I already was in.

"I...um...I…"

"Hikaru," I jumped at the sound of Mr. Hirota's voice as he approached behind me. "I need you for something real quick. Momoka, could you please escort Hikaru's parents through the mystery please?"

"Sure thing." She smiled at my parents. "Follow me please."

Mom and Isao followed Momoka towards the first clue, but as they turned, I couldn't help but notice mom's fake smile had fallen for that moment and scowled at me before turning to follow my classmate. I let out a small sigh of relief. I may not be out of hot water fully yet, but I was at least safe for now.

"Just go help Ms. Fujioka with some of the other guests for a while." Mr. Hirota said. "Even though we made some of the hints obvious, some of these people have too thick of skulls to get them."

I let out a small chuckle and agreed with him. Most of the parents might be successful business people, but that didn't make them very smart. I knew my mom was actually pretty smart, but hopefully, the riddles would stump her drunk brain as well.

…

For the next hour or so, I helped Haruhi and Kazukiyo with anything they needed. Haruhi was first a bit confused as to why I was there, but once I motioned my head to where my mom was standing with Isao as Momoka was helping them. I could tell that she was just as panicked as I was, but did her best to hide it to not draw attention to us. Since Haruhi knew I was shitty at explaining things to people, she decided it would be the best thing for everyone if I wasn't one of the people to help the troubled guests. So, I kind of became the errand boy. It wasn't as fun as the other job I had before, but at least I knew that I was safe from mom's clutches for the time being.

I pressed the copy button on the copying machine and waited for the machine to start up. Since our class theme was far more popular with the parents than we thought, we didn't have enough pamphlets to give everyone who wanted to join, so they sent me to print some more copies. A lot more. I knew this was going to be popular, but shit. By how many people are coming I might have to make even more by the next hour or so.

I watched as the copier scanned the paper and began printing each sheet. It took quite a bit since I had to print out two sheets front to back then staple them together, so at the very least it would take me an hour to complete. As I stapled the last pamphlet for the first stack, I decided to bring them back to class while the others were still printing so my class at least had them just in case they were about to run out soon. I grabbed the stack and left the copier room to make my way back to class. It was pretty quiet in these parts of the halls because there were no classrooms being used by any of the students for the festival. It was a little by it being so quiet since the halls were always so loud by the other students whenever I passed here, but it was also quite nice since literally no one was around. It made me kind of wish we always had something similar to this so I could enjoy having parts of the school empty.

I readjusted the stack in my hand as I continued walking past the staircase, but as I passed it I felt something as if a hand grabbed my arm and yanked me back. I looked behind me and literally felt my body grow cold as I was met by the face of my furious mother.

"Come with me." She snarled.

Before I could protest she began dragging me by the arm down the hall, making me drop the pamphlets in my arms all over the floor.

"Wait mom please, I have to take those back to class."

"I don't give a shit what you have to do. You're coming with me right now!"

I continued to protest as mom led me outside into the courtyard to a place with no one around. I was terrified. I had no idea what mom was going to do to me. Yes, we were at school, but I don't know how far she would go here. Hell, when I was in middle school she literally slapped me so hard in the middle of the grocery store that her ring cut my cheek so deep that it wouldn't stop bleeding for over an hour. But with us being at school, I knew that she wouldn't beat me to the brink of death, but I knew that since no one was around she would take advantage of it.

"Mom, please can we-"

Before I could finish my let go of my arm and grabbed my neck as she shoved me up against the brick wall. I gasped out in pain as she tightened my grip around my neck.

"Do you know how fucking embarrassing it is to find out that your own kid didn't invite you to their school festival?"

"Ho-How?"

"The Yoshido's came over to ask if we wanted to accompany them to dinner after the school's festival." Her grip tightened even more around my throat, making it difficult to breathe. "Do you understand the embarrassment I fucking felt when I had no idea what they were talking about?!"

"I'm sorry mom…" I choked out. "I...I just thought since you've been busy for the past few weeks...you didn't want to be bothered with something else taking up your time."

"Well, instead of helping me as you claim, you instead made me look like a horrible mother. Why can't you be like Mari? She couldn't wait to have her parents see what her class has been working so hard on!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you, mom. That was never my intention."

I could hear laughter in the distance, which meant people were making their way towards this direction. I couldn't risk them seeing mom abusing me. Especially if they are staff or parents.

"Mom...please stop…" I strained as I tried to use my hands to loosen her grip around my neck. "People are coming...they might see-"

"They might see a mother reprimanding her worthless son!" The chatter grew louder and mom seemed to finally take notice of how close they actually were and how high of the risk of getting caught was that she threw me down on the ground. I coughed as I tried to regain my breath. Rubbing the part of my neck where mom held me.

"We'll finish this discussion at home." Mom spat. "As of now I want nothing to do with you until tomorrow, you got that? Or your punishment will be far worse than I already have planned."

I flinched as I heard mom take a step towards me, preparing myself to get hit, but all I heard was mom grumble under her breath that I wasn't worth it before walking off.

…

I don't know how long I sat there, but going back to the festival was the last thing on my mind. I was still a nervous wreck from the encounter with mom that if I went back up to class they would know something was up.

I bit the nails of my shaking as I had my back up against the wall as I tried to calm myself. All I wanted to do right now was to go home, but I also didn't because I knew mom would most likely be there when I got there, and also if I left I would get a failing grade for the festival, which would only anger mom even more.

"Hikaru?" I jumped at the sound of my name and turned to see Haruhi standing there, concerned. Just the sight of her made me feel a bit better. "Are you alright?"

"I…" I let out a sigh before slumping back on the wall. There was no point in lying. "No, no I'm not."

She walked up and sat beside me. I felt her fingers brush up against my neck where mom had restrained me. I felt my body stiffen a bit automatically. Not from her touch directly, but because it was just in the same place where mom had hurt me not too long ago.

"God, how the hell did she find about the festival?"

"Mari's parents," I answered. "They wanted to go together and then go out for dinner afterward, but mom had no idea what they were talking about. So I guess that's when it all clicked for her."

"I'm so sorry Hikaru. I knew how much you were hoping to avoid your mother today. I just wish that I saw her leave. Maybe I could've stopped her."

"She would've found a way to get me. So, there would've been nothing you could have done. But thank you."

"Would you like to be left alone?"

I shook my head and gave her a small smirk. "No, I guess that you're here now I'll just put up with you."

She let out a soft chuckle before scooting closer to me and laid her head down on my shoulder. I responded by placing a light kiss on her head before laying mine on top of hers.

For about ten minutes or so, Haruhi just talked to me about whatever was on her mind to keep my mind off my mom. She usually did this whenever I was distressed and it helped me immensely. If I didn't have her for times like this, I don't know how bad my mental health would be without her. As she talked about how the parents were doing in the murder mystery and while she talked I just look down at our intertwined hands. Running my thumb along her soft knuckles.

Who knew a single girl could make me feel this way. To break through the protective wall I had up for years. I almost thought relationships were just a sham. With my dad disappearing after seeming to be in a happy relationship, and also how much I hated Isao's and mom's relationship, but I'm glad that I didn't allow that to change my perspective on it.

After about ten minutes, which only felt like a couple, Haruhi had to get back to class. I knew I had to go back too, but Haruhi suggested I stay here for a few minutes longer to gather myself before heading back. She gave me a light kiss before leaving, which I couldn't help the smile forming on my lips. For the remainder of the time I was out there, I cleaned myself up so there would be no evidence that I was attacked. As I was using my phone to fix my hair I noticed bright red markings around my neck where mom had held me.

"Shit…" I grumbled as I tried to lift my collar higher and tighten my tie to try and hide them.

"Hikaru?"

I looked up from my phone to see Kyoya walking up to me. His expression seemed to be a mixture of emotions. "Yeah?"

"What were you and Haruhi doing out here? Aren't you two supposed to be with your class for the festival?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

He didn't seem to find my little quip that funny and just stared at me for a few moments in silence as if he were analyzing me. "Did your mother show up today?"

"Yeah, but I already dealt with her, but thanks for your concern."

Kyoya just nodded and he shoved his hands in his pockets as he began circling around me. Like he was a lion taunting his prey. It was actually kinda nerve-racking.

"You and Haruhi have been looking quite...cozy together recently."

"Uh...yeah, I guess you can say that." I quirked an eyebrow at him. "Where is this conversation going?"

He remained silent for a bit longer until he circled back in front of me, and by his expression hardening, I knew he was angry.

"I thought I told you all those months ago that if you tried to make any advances on Haruhi we would have a problem?"

I groaned and rolled my eyes. "Oh God, nothing is going on between us Kyoya I swear. We're just friends."

I had the hold back the wince of calling Haruhi a friend, but I couldn't risk our relationship going public yet. Not even to Kyoya. I loved him like a brother, but I also know that he was best friends with Tamaki, who still hasn't gotten it through his fucking skull that he and Haruhi are done.

"You two seemed a little too friendly right before I saw her leave." He crossed his arms over his chest as he glared at me. "Haruhi is 'Tamaki's' girlfriend. I don't care how much you dislike him, but he is very committed to Haruhi and-"

"Oh yeah right." I snarled before Kyoya could finish. "If Tamaki was as faithful as you're stating then he would've never cheated on Haruhi."

Kyoya blinked a few times in confusion. "Cheated? What are you talking about?"

"You wanted to know the reason why Haruhi has been avoiding Tamaki for these past months. It's because she caught that jackass kissing another girl."

Kyoya furrowed his eyebrows, still seeming confused as he asked his next questions. "Did Haruhi see him kiss the girl at my birthday party by any chance?"

"Uh...yeah," I replied, a bit shocked that was the first place he thought of.

"I see." He said as he cupped his chin in thought for a few moments. "Tamaki didn't cheat on Haruhi."

Now it was my turn to be confused. "Huh?"

"Tamaki didn't cheat on Haruhi."

"What do you mean? Haruhi and I literally saw him kissing Asami out in your garden."

"Ayame," Kyoya corrected, "but it wasn't Tamaki who initiated the kiss. He was waiting for Haruhi so they could have some time away from the guests. You should know first hand how lustful Ayame is, and with her being intoxicated it only tripled it. She tried to get him to hook up with her but he denied her as politely as he could. Telling her he already had a girlfriend, and you know how bad Ayme takes rejection. So she kissed him to try and change his mind, but it didn't work obviously.

"How do you know this? You weren't there."

"Tamaki told me." I scoffed and rolled my eyes at Kyoya's response. "You can scoff all you want but I know my friend and I can tell when he's lying."

"What made you so sure he wasn't lying?"

"He was distraught, immediately came to me to explain what happened. Even though he wasn't the one who initiated the kiss, he felt like he betrayed Haruhi not stopping Ayame from kissing him. If he actually was cheating on Haruhi he never would've told me about the kiss in the first place. If we are going by common logic here, Haruhi is technically the one having an affair with you since she never officially broke up with him.

I just stared at him speechless. So, all these months of thinking Tamaki was this horrible person for cheating, he was actually innocent. I didn't want to believe it, but just like Kyoya said Ayme does flirt a lot and tries to make advances even is the other person doesn't want it.

What if Haruhi finds out? Would she go back to him? She really did like him and was a mess when she saw Tamaki kissing another girl. Knowing now that he was faithful this whole time, would she really leave me? We've been going out for about a month and before she and Tamaki had been going out for a year, so there was really a good chance that she...ugh, I think I'm going to be sick.

"You need to tell her the truth, Hikaru," Kyoya said. "I understand that's going to be hard for you since you're happy in your relationship with her but she needs to know the truth. If you're too upset to tell her I can-"

"I'll do it." I cut him off as I shoved my hands in my pockets. "I'll tell her."

Kyoya gave me a nod. "It's the right thing to do."

He gave me a pat on the shoulder before leaving me alone to take all this information. I didn't want to believe it. I wanted to believe that Tamaki was this worthless piece of shit, but hearing what Kyoya had said, and seeing how Tamaki treated Haruhi before this whole fiasco it was obvious it was the truth…

"Shit…" I palmed my face, trying to fight back all the emotions I was feeling at once.

After a few more minutes passed, I decided to take my time making my way back to class. Running through ways to tell Haruhi about all that Kyoya had told me.

'Hey Haruhi, remember that shitty boyfriend that you had before me? Well, turns out he actually didn't cheat on you and is still very much in love with you. But please stay with me because I really like you and think our relationship is going really well…'

Yeah, that doesn't sound desperate at all.

"Hikaru, there you are." I looked up to see Haruhi making her way over to me from the classroom. "You were taking a while and I was starting to get worried." She noticed my expression and tilted her head a bit to the side. "Are you sure you're alright? You still seem like something is bothering you. Is it still about your mom confronting you?"

"No, no it's not."

"Then what's the matter?"

I stared down into her warm chocolate eyes, my heart hurting. I knew I had to do the right thing. But as I stared at her, taking in all her beauty, I knew what I had to do at that very moment.

I gave her a small smile as I cupped her cheek. "Nothing is wrong. I'm just overthinking everything."

"Alright, if you say so. But remember that you can talk to me about anything, ok?"

"I know, that's one thing I really treasure about you." I wrapped my arms around her into a hug so her head was laying on my chest. "I'm so glad I have you."

I felt her arms wrap around my waist as she let out a peaceful sigh. "Me too."

I'm sorry, but I just can't lose her. Not when she's the person I need the most.

Hey guys, I'm really, really, really sorry for the very long wait. I had this chapter halfway done a few months ago but decided I hated it so I restarted. Then I had a lot of school and work that I was only able to update one of my stories a few times, but now since we are quarantined for the time being (even though I still have to go to work because my work is deemed essential) I can hopefully update ALL my stories.

Thank you all for being patient with me and I hope you all are being safe in a time like this. Hopefully, this will be all over soon and we can go back to living normal lives.

Please Review, Favorite, and Follow.-HH1957