After two weeks of obligatory Christmas parties, holiday galas, and social gatherings, Yorihisa Haninozuka was glad to get back to his comfortable routine. He had risen at five o'clock for meditation. Afterwards, feeling more focused, he headed to the dojo to work out. Then he returned to the house to shower and dress for the day.
Reaching the dining room, a sense of contentment washed over him when he saw once again his usual breakfast rather than the holiday specialties. Humming in appreciation, he savored the simple meal of rice, mackerel, rolled omlette, and miso soup. They were perfectly complimented by the jasmine tea.
After finishing his breakfast, Yorihisa remained at the table enjoying a second cup of tea while he read an assortment of newspapers.
First, he checked the results of the recent karate, judo, and kendo competitions. He smiled proudly as he saw Yasuchika's photograph included with the article on the recent karate championship. "Hmm, Takashi Hinan won the kendo tournament. Good to see he hasn't abandoned his training. I see Satoshi placed second."
Next, he checked the financial news and stock market prices. "Interesting. Shido Medical Equipment has increased in value significantly and this article hints at expansion in the near future. I may have to look into investing in a few hundred shares."
Finally, he picked up Shinbun, Komitsuzawa's newspaper. "This certainly has changed a lot in the past three years. Intriguing how it switched from a sensationalist gossip rag to a timely and informative newspaper with relevant social and political insights."
As he unfolded the paper and looked at the front page, his hands froze in surprise. He couldn't believe his eyes. "It can't be. It must be some trick. That cannot possibly be Mitsukuni!" It had been two and a half years since he had seen his eldest son and now, here he was on the front page of Shinbun.
"MITUSUKUNI HINAN TO WED REIKO KANAZUKI"
The Hinan family and the Nekozawa clan proudly announce the engagement of Mitsukuni Hinan to his long-time significant other, Reiko Kanazuki. The couple met while attending the prestigious Ouran High School where he was a member of the popular Host Club and she was Vice President of the mysterious Black Magic Club.
Currently, they are attending Tokyo University where Mitsukuni is completing his degree in physical therapy and will begin his residency at the Hinan Hospital in September. Reiko is completing her dual degree in Biochemistry and Botany. She will continue her studies as she pursues research into naturopathic pharmaceuticals.
They are planning a June wedding at the beautiful Hinansho. Other members of the Hinan family have enthusiastically welcomed Miss Kanazuki into the fold.
Rising from obscurity four years ago, the Hinan family has become a financial and social powerhouse. Holdings include clinics, hospitals, apartment complexes, publishing companies, sports fields, resorts, and farms, as well as several prestigious partnerships. They are also key sponsors to a number of charitable organizations addressing such social issues as human trafficking, orphans, and single parenting.
The family also has ties to the Hitachiin, Shido, Matsunaga, …
Yorihisa stopped reading and returned to the photograph below the headline. He pulled out his phone, but before he had a chance to dial a number, it rang, and the caller ID showed 'Akira.'
"Yes, Akira?" he answered, wondering if Akira had been reading his mind.
"Have you seen the Shinbun?" Akira Morinozuka asked.
"I was just reading the article that accompanied the photo. I almost couldn't believe it was Mitsukuni. I remember when he and Reiko were together in high school. Then she was at least two inches taller than him. Now he towers more than six inches over her," Yorihisa responded, shaking his head even though Akira couldn't see him.
"So, it really is him?" Not someone pretending to be him?" Akira asked, seeking confirmation.
Yorihisa's voice was heavy as he admitted, "It's definitely him. I think I made a big mistake two and a half years ago, opposing the surgery. Can you come over so we can talk?"
"We're on our way already," Akira assured him.
"How soon can you get here?" Yorihisa asked, pushing his chair away from the table.
"We just pulled through the front gate. I brought Asami with me because I think we're going to need to discuss what to do now." Akira sounded tired even though it was not even nine o'clock in the morning.
"You're right. I'll get Izumi and we'll meet in the library…no wait, the study would be better." Yorihisa ended the call and just stared at the phone for a minute. Then he roused himself from his reverie, grabbed the newspaper from where it had slipped from his hands, and headed upstairs to tell his wife a serious family conversation was in order.
OHSHC
Kyoya and Haruhi walked around the grounds of Hinansho so they could talk privately. Her arm was wrapped around his waist and his was draped across her shoulders. He kissed her temple and said softly, "Penny for your thoughts?"
She looked up at the sky and hummed. "I think I'd like to have otoro for lunch." Then she held out her hand, wiggling her fingers.
He stared at her hand quizzically and raised an eyebrow.
"You said, 'Penny for your thoughts' and I told you I was thinking about having otoro for lunch. Where's my penny?" Haruhi said mischievously.
Kyoya stopped and pulled her around to face him. "That was a figure of speech. I don't have a penny on me. I might have one that Fuyumi brought me from their trip to America. Or maybe I have one left from our trip to England."
"I guess that means you are in debt to me now." Haruhi grinned and then pulled his head down to kiss him soundly.
Savoring the kiss, Kyoya thought, "I'm glad she's feeling better. Those months she spent trying to please her father during the grief counseling were grueling…for all of us."
Breathlessly, they drew apart. Hesitantly, Haruhi said, "Can we go to the center of the hedge maze to talk?"
"Of course," he replied, offering her his arm.
Soon they were seated in the gazebo, Haruhi leaned her back against Kyoya's chest and he wrapped his arms around her waist.
Sensing that Haruhi was gathering her thoughts, Kyoya waited for her to speak first.
Finally, she said, "These past few months were really hard on me—and I don't mean the kidnapping and run-in with the Sendo syndicate. Those were child's play compared to the episode with Dad. There were too many times when Dad's rules and demands reminded me of how Yoshio treated you. Now I understand on a deeper level how much you were trying to please him because he was your father."
"There was one major difference though," Kyoya mused. "You knew your father loved you and had your best interests at heart. Not so with Yoshio. I always doubted whether he loved me and with him, it was all about strict obedience and fitting into the mold he created for me."
"In a way, Dad was like that for those few months. He was afraid of losing me, so he held on more tightly. When I blew up during the family counseling session, he realized that he might still lose me if he tried to control me." Haruhi took a deep breath and looked out at the sky. "He told me this morning that I don't have to live with him anymore, but I can stay if I want to."
"Does that mean you're looking for a new place?" Kyoya murmured, nuzzling her ear. "You could always move in with Rene and me."
"I don't think so," Haruhi responded with a smile. "Dad would object strenuously and demand that I move back in with him. I already called the university, but there are no dorm rooms available."
"Do you really want to take your chances with a roommate in the dorms again?" Kyoya asked seriously. "Even though the last one passed a thorough background check, she still turned out to be a threat, though in the end nothing could be proven."
"Point taken." She looked down at the ring on her finger, then closed her eyes, and just relaxed into the strong arms of the young man holding her, reveling in his warmth.
Kyoya thought for a moment. "You know, there is an unoccupied apartment in the building where the rest of us live."
"I couldn't afford that on my own and we already talked about the issue of a roommate," Haruhi answered. "Though I suppose I could always have one of my security detail as a roommate."
"Actually, between your salary from the Hinan management team and your paralegal work, you probably could afford an apartment on your own, but I know how thrifty you are. The one I'm talking about is a studio apartment that only accommodates one person. It's available because it's tucked back in the corner behind security so it doesn't have a very good view and most people would consider it too cramped. The rent is cheap for those very reasons," Kyoya said.
Pondering for a few minutes and enjoying the companionable silence, Haruhi finally said, "I'll take a look at it when we return to university next week. If it doesn't work out, I can always ask Reiko and Chiharu or Estee and Coco if I can crash on their sofa for a day or two until I can find something."
"Sounds like a plan," Kyoya responded, pushing Haruhi gently, though reluctantly, away from his chest. "Let's go get you some otoro for lunch…and your penny."
"But it's barely nine o'clock," Haruhi protested.
"Then we'll just have to take the scenic route," Kyoya purred as he draped his arm over her shoulders.
Their laughter rang out through the clear morning air.
OHSHC
Yorihisa and Izumi sat together on one loveseat while Akira and Asami sat facing them on another. Between the couples was a low table with a tea service, the Shinbun newspaper, and several folders of medical files.
Yorihisa stared down at his hand linked to Izumi's and murmured, "It was all there in his medical records. Ever since that fall from a tree back in elementary school. I just refused to see it."
Akira's expression was thoughtful as he said, "We were all just so thankful that he was not seriously injured or killed in that fall. I know Takashi took it very hard, punishing himself for failing to look after his cousin."
"But after that," Yorihisa stated. "All the signs were there that something was wrong. His temper, lack of growth, and immaturity. I dismissed them all as character flaws and for years Mitsukuni tried to fit the mold I set for him…until the Suoh boy convinced him that his greatest strength was to be himself." He unconsciously rubbed his ribs as he continued, "I still wince thinking of some of the blows he landed during the bout he won against me in order to be allowed to be involved in the Host Club."
"Ah, yes. That was the bout that alarmed the committee so much they voted to disqualify him from competing in future karate and judo tournaments so no one would get hurt," Akira acknowledged.
Izumi and Asami exchanged looks and Izumi asked tentatively, "Does that mean we're going to try contacting them—Mitsukuni and Takashi?" She bowed her head respectfully, awaiting her husband's answer. "My heart yearns to be reunited with my son," she contemplated. "And I'm sure Asami feels the same way."
Yorihisa took a deep breath and responded, "The only honorable course of action is to approach the Hinan family and request the opportunity to apologize to Mitsukuni and Takashi."
Akira bowed his head. "I have to admit that after Takashi declared that our behavior was not worthy of respect, I wanted to dismiss his allegations. However, the more I thought about it, the more ashamed I was of my attitude. Especially after an article I read in Shinbun the October after the drama with Mitsukuni and Takashi."
"What article was that?" Yorihisa asked.
"It was titled 'Children as Chattel: Status Quo of Elite Families' and it decried the practice of the elite families of using their children as bargaining chips in business deals. The author of the piece referred to it as treating children as assets rather than people, thereby assuaging the parents' consciences about buying, selling, and trading their offspring like commodities on the stock exchange. It condemned such practices as arranged marriages of girls to men twice their age so her family could get a better position in a business deal. Or consummating a merger by having the son of one family marry the daughter of the other." Akira paused for a moment.
"I'm glad our great-grandparents eliminated that practice from the Haninozuka and Morinozuka families," Yorihisa commented.
"True, but the commentary went on to question the advisability of expecting children to fit the mold the parents want them in, rather than nurturing the child's own talents, hopes, and dreams. It also doubted the wisdom of pitting siblings against each other in the name of 'selecting the best heir' or 'fostering the spirit of competition.' There were a number of studies cited regarding the potential damage to the social and psychological health of those involved." Akira's voice was pained as he considered how he had treated his own sons.
Yorihisa bowed his head as he admitted, "I was guilty of that with Mitsukuni and Yasuchika, insisting that they fight whenever they encountered each other on the pretense of improving their skills. All it really accomplished was making them resent one another and ultimately got Yasuchika injured."
Izumi laid her hand on his knee is a gesture of comfort. "The past is the past and we cannot change it. What we can change is how we will move forward from this point."
Waving a hand at the medical reports and newspaper on the table between them, Asami said quietly, "Hindsight is 20/20. Now we must deal with the here and now to find a better path moving forward."
"What if they are still angry and don't want to see us?" Yorihisa asked circumspectly.
Akira considered for a moment. "I would hope not. But that being said, I see now that I acted very disrespectfully and dishonorably toward Takashi in our last exchange. He showed far more maturity and discretion than I did."
Yorihisa said, "I acted dishonorably toward Mitsukuni as well. Expecting him to assert self-control over a medical condition. What arrogance on my part!" He paused to ponder. "Perhaps we should find an intermediary to make the initial contact with the Hinan family for us?"
"Who would you recommend?" Izumi inquired.
Asami offered, "Why not Haruhi Fujioka? Takashi always spoke very highly of her. And she was in the same class as the twins who were adopted by the Hinan family. Her involvement might be able to smooth the way."
Akira smiled at his wife. "An excellent suggestion. Hopefully she has kept in touch with them."
Yorihisa said, "Mitsukuni spoke very highly of her as well. Even Yasuchika mentioned her on occasion. I concur that, if she is willing, Haruhi would be an excellent emissary for us."
"Perhaps Yasuchika has her phone number or knows how to contact her, even though she graduated a year and a half ago," Izumi offered.
"Well, they were close enough that Yasuchika and Satoshi attended her graduation party. All we can do is ask." Yorihisa picked up the receiver of the house phone and pressed a button. The call was quickly connected, and he said, "Yasuchika, would you please come to the study?"
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the study door before it opened and Yasuchika stepped into the room. He stopped in surprise as he saw his aunt and uncle as well as his parents waiting for him. "You wished to see me, Father?"
"Congratulations on your win at the tournament. I saw your photograph in this morning's sports paper," his father commented. "However, the reason I called for you is to ask whether you still have contact information for Haruhi Fujioka?"
Uncertain how to respond to the congratulations followed by an odd inquiry when the adults in the room wore such serious expressions, he replied, "Well, I have the phone number for the apartment she shared with her father. I'm not sure if she still lives there since she's at university now. I also have a cell phone number from high school, but I'm not sure if it's still active."
"Those will at least give us a place to start," Yorihisa replied, satisfied that they didn't need to begin their search from scratch.
Chika pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts list. "Here they are," he said as he texted the information to his father. "Do you need anything else?"
"Have you seen today's papers yet?" Yorihisa asked.
"No, not yet. It was pretty late when I got home from the tournament last night. I was just getting ready for breakfast when you called." Yasuchika was perplexed by the entire conversation. "Why do you ask?"
Picking up the folded newspaper off the low table, Yorihisa handed it to his son. "You may find the photograph on the front page of this newspaper interesting."
Taking the paper, he slipped it under his arm. "Okay, I'll check it out during breakfast."
OHSHC
Mitsukuni and Reiko sat on the bench overlooking the meditation garden. "Can we really get everything ready for a wedding in less than six months?" he asked.
Reiko looked at him seriously. "Well, we already have the venue. The twins have already designed the wedding clothes. Momo is ecstatic about doing the flowers. Kairi has been considering menus and drafting designs for the cake."
Sighing, Mitsukuni replied, "You're right. The pieces that need the most lead time are already covered. That leaves the guest list, the invitations, the officiant, attendants, and our vows. Did I forget anything?"
"Just the honeymoon," she purred in his ear, delighting as he blushed.
For a few minutes they just sat in silence enjoying one another's company. "I wish…" Mitsukuni started before his voice tapered off.
"What do you wish?" Reiko prompted, puzzled at his wistful tone.
"I wish Takashi and I didn't have the rift with our families. I know I made the right decision, but that doesn't mean I don't miss my parents, Yasuchika, Satoshi, and my aunt and uncle," he admitted.
Reiko rubbed his back in gentle circles to sooth him. "Maybe we could figure out a way to offer an overture of reconciliation," she murmured.
He slowly turned his head to look at her. "That is a splendid idea. I'll have to give it some thought. I should probably talk to Takashi about it as well."
Smiling, she stood up and pulled him to his feet. "Well, we've had a productive morning. We still have a few hours before they come looking for us for lunch. Why don't we go decide where we want to have the ceremony in the formal garden?"
"You mean you don't want to hold the ceremony in the dojo?" Mitsukuni teased.
Laughing, Reiko pulled Mitsukuni to his feet and they headed off in the direction of the formal gardens.
OHSHC
After finishing a simple breakfast, Yasuchika still sat at the table even though it had been cleared by the maid. He stared at the newspaper his father had handed him earlier. "I can't believe how much he has grown since Haruhi, Hikaru, and Kaoru's graduation party," he kept repeating in his head.
Unlike his father, he had turned to the second page of the paper to continue reading the article and found the engagement photographs and announcements for Takashi and Chiharu, Hikaru and Estee, Kaoru and Coco, as well as Kyoya and Haruhi. "Except for Rene, the whole Host Club is now engaged," he thought incredulously.
Shaking himself out of his reverie, he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Haruhi.
***Congratulations on your engagement. By the way, my father asked for your phone number but he didn't tell me why he wanted it.***
"It's just after nine, I think I'll head over to see Satoshi and congratulate him on second place." He took the paper with him and headed for the front door. "I think he'll be interested in this article. Too bad we can't figure out a way to reconcile our parents and our brothers."
OHSHC
Takashi and Chiharu were relaxing in the barn at the Oota farm, petting the cats and enjoying some time alone together. She watched him from under her eyelashes as he picked up the smallest kitten and gently stroked its head with his fingertip. The kitten batted at his hand playfully and Chiharu heard a rumbling chuckle. "He's so gentle and loving. I'm so glad we reconnected at university."
Fully aware that he was being watched by his lovely fiancée, he noticed that she appeared to be more relaxed here in the barn with just the cats as observers. Placing the kitten back in the straw with its littermates, Takashi reached to draw Chiharu into his arms.
She was a little surprised as he lifted her up and kissed her, gently at first and then with more passion as she responded. Somehow during the kiss, Chiharu knocked him off-balance and they tumbled into a pile of hay. Giggling, she straddled his waist, placed her hands on his shoulders, and said coyly, "Now I have you right where I want you."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," he replied huskily, watching her blush.
OHSHC
Yorihisa tried the apartment phone number first. "I'm sorry. The number you have dialed is no longer in service. If you believe you have received this message in error, please hang up and try again."
Sighing, he shook his head and announced, "Well, the apartment number is a dead end. It's no longer in service."
Akira, Izumi, and Asami watched quietly as Yorihisa tried the other phone number. After three rings, the phone was answered.
"This is Haruhi Fujioka," she stated, wondering who was calling her.
"Good morning, Miss Fujioka. This is Yorihisa Haninozuka, Mitsukuni and Yasuchika's father," he said.
Haruhi's eyebrows rose in surprise. She looked at Kyoya and mouthed, "Yorihisa Haninozuka." Taking a deep breath, she asked, "How may I help you, Mr. Haninozuka?"
Kyoya looked at Haruhi in confusion. "What could he want with Haruhi?" he contemplated.
There was a slight pause before he replied, "Akira and Asami Morinozuka, my wife, and I would like to meet with you whenever it's convenient for you."
"Why, if I may ask?" Haruhi questioned with some trepidation in her voice.
Yorihisa took a deep breath and said, "We regret the way we treated Mitsukuni and Takashi when Mitsukuni was ill. We would like you to help us arrange a meeting with the Hinan family so we can offer formal apologies for our behavior."
"Is this because of their engagements?" Haruhi demanded bluntly.
"It is not," Yorihisa responded indignantly. Reconsidering, he softened his voice as he continued, "That's not quite true. The photograph of Mitsukuni and Reiko on the front page of the Shinbun paper drove home the fact that the surgery was necessary, and I was wrong to oppose it." Yorihisa sighed. "Will you help us? We all realize we were wrong, but we don't know how to make it right."
Haruhi tipped her head back and closed her eyes. "I have time available next Wednesday evening at six o'clock. We can meet at the restaurant near the university with the private dining rooms. I can reserve the smaller one for the five of us to discuss your proposal. Is that acceptable?"
Yorihisa let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "That will be most acceptable. Thank you for the opportunity. We will see you Wednesday at six."
"Very well. Goodbye." Haruhi ended the call and slipped her phone back into her pocket.
Kyoya asked, "What was that all about?"
Smiling ruefully, Haruhi replied, "The Haninozukas and Morinozukas would like to meet with me to discuss arrangements for them to meet with the Hinan family. They want to formally apologize to Mitsukuni and Takashi about the tumor fiasco."
"Do you believe they are sincere?" Kyoya queried skeptically.
"I do. But I still want to meet with them in person first to be sure." Haruhi sighed. "I hope this is a good thing. I have heard Mitsukuni mention how much he misses his family, even though he loves the Hinan family just as much. Takashi has never mentioned his feelings on the matter."
Kyoya pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. "Shall we see if we can gather the Hinan family for lunch and inform them of the overture? Then we'll hear what they think of the idea."
"Definitely. After I'm done with you," she said with a smirk as she pulled his head down and kissed him soundly.
OHSHC
Akira asked impatiently, "Well?"
"She will meet us for dinner next Wednesday at the restaurant with the private dining rooms near the university," Yorihisa reported.
Izumi looked thoughtful. "Isn't that the restaurant where we had dinner the night Mitsukuni was in the hospital?"
"Yes, I believe it is," he replied.
"At least it will be familiar neutral ground," Asami commented. "Hopefully we can get this all worked out. I know Satoshi misses his brother." Under her breath, she muttered, "And I miss my son."
"I can't believe I've been such a fool to let this go on this long," Akira murmured, staring at his folded hands resting on his knees.
Yorihisa stood up and started to pace. "I cannot believe that I put my pride before my son, especially his health. What kind of father am I that I would do such a thing?"
Izumi stood up and put a hand on his arm. "We have all become complacent, thoughtlessly following the lead of the other elite families. We have been complicit in wrongs by not speaking out against them. This should be our wake-up call to regain our honor and take a stand for what is right."
Bowing his head in acknowledgement of her wisdom, he said, "Wife, your words contain much to contemplate."
Akira and Asami stood up and joined them. He suggested, "Perhaps between now and the meeting with Miss Fujioka, we should spend time in meditation and review all of our holdings, partnerships, and business practices. If complacency has crept into the sanctity of the family, our business dealings are likely rife with it as well."
"A sound suggestion, husband," Asami murmured. "I think we would do well to bring Yasuchika and Satoshi in on the discussions."
"Excellent ideas all the way around," Yorihisa replied. "I propose we spend the time together. Should it be here at the estate or at your compound?"
The quartet considered the choice for a few moments. Then Akira spoke up, "If I may be so bold, I think the compound may be better suited to our contemplations if we wish to reconnect to our heritage and honor."
"I agree. Since most of our business has been conducted here at the estate, most outside attention is directed here. The compound would be the best option," Yorihisa affirmed.
"Please allow us to make the necessary preparations for our absence from here. We will arrive in time for lunch," Izumi said softly.
"Then we shall take our leave," Akira responded.
OHSHC
Hikaru, Estee, Kaoru, and Coco stood in a circle holding hands around the memorial that had been erected in a lovely glade on the grounds of Hinansho. Each was lost in their own thoughts of their parents.
Estee whispered, "I know we still have two and a half years of school left, but when we do get married, I'd like to have the ceremony right here. It would make it feel like our parents are there, giving us their blessing."
Hikaru squeezed her hand. "I really like that idea. What about you two?" he asked, looking across to Kaoru and Coco.
Coco nodded with tears in her eyes and Kaoru said hoarsely, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
OHSHC
"Satoshi, would you and Yasuchika please join us for lunch in the dining room?" Asami asked.
"Yes, Mother. We'll be down in a few minutes." Satoshi looked puzzled as he hung up the house phone.
"What's up?" Yasuchika asked.
Shaking his head, Satoshi replied, "I'm not sure. We're supposed to join our parents in the dining room for lunch."
Yasuchika commented, "Maybe they'll tell us why they wanted Haruhi's contact information this morning." The cousins headed out of Satoshi's bedroom.
When Satoshi and Yasuchika walked into the dining room, their parents stood up and bowed to them respectfully. The young men froze in confusion.
Akira stepped toward them and said, "We owe both of you apologies for how we have treated you, expecting you to fit the molds we created for your lives."
Yorihisa continued, "It was dishonorable of us to force you to compete with your brothers."
Satoshi and Yasuchika exchanged a glance and then stared at their parents. Finally, Satoshi asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Yes," Akira replied. "We realized that we have not been the best parents and we ask your forgiveness."
Asami waved the young men to their places at the table. "Please, have a seat and we will explain."
OHSHC
On their walk back to the main house, Kyoya asked teasingly, "Where shall we have the lunch where you drop the bombshell about the apology?"
"I'll talk to Kairi about the small dining room. I'd cook myself but I would need time to gather and prepare everything, which would take too long," Haruhi admitted. "Oh, while I'm talking to him, would you ask Fuyumi if they can all join us since Ageha is part of the Hinan family."
"I will leave a message at the desk for the others on my way up," Kyoya replied, kissing her quickly before heading off to his errands.
Fifteen minutes later they were all seated in the small dining room, enjoying excellent food and casual conversation. Then Rene asked, "Okay, what's up with the last-minute request for the whole Hinan family to have lunch together?"
Haruhi stood up and said, "I'm sure you're wondering why I called you all here today?" She snickered and then continued, "Sorry, but I've always wanted to say that. Anyway, I received a phone call this morning that affects the Hinan family."
She paused to be sure she had everyone's attention. "The call was from Yorihisa Haninozuka. The Haninozukas and Morinozukas would like me to arrange a meeting between them and the Hinan family so they can formally apologize to Mitsukuni and Takashi."
The room went silent at her announcement.
Takashi's voice was tight with emotion as he asked, "Why? Why now?"
"They saw the picture of Mitsukuni and Reiko on the front page of Shinbun. The improvement in Mitsukuni drove home the fact that he was wrong to oppose the surgery," Haruhi answered.
Chiharu place a hand on Takashi's knee and squeezed slightly. He took a deep breath and stared at his hands that were clenched in fists in his lap. "Are they really sorry? Or is this just to assuage their guilt? Or are they looking for an alliance with the Hinan family because of their meteoric rise in prestige?"
Mitsukuni and Reiko exchanged a look that said, "Could this be a sign? Could we really reconcile our differences?"
"When?" Takashi ground out.
Mitsukuni watched his cousin/brother closely, noting the tension in his body and the waves of anger rolling off of him. "He's still very hurt about what happened. I need to speak to him about his feelings…and mine."
Haruhi realized that he was getting overwhelmed with memories and emotions. "I agreed to meet with them next Wednesday to discuss the possibility. I wanted to bring it to the Hinan family today so you can think about any questions you want me to ask them. If I think they are sincere, I will let you decide when, or if, you want to meet with them."
Kyoya stood up next to her. "I think that if we do meet with them, we should explain the origins of the Hinan family. That way they'll understand why the family consists of six young men, one young lady, and no older adults."
"We can talk about this again before we head back to university on Monday. I'm sure there's a lot of hurt and resentment that has festered during the past two and a half years that needs to be faced and dealt with. I know I have some," Haruhi admitted before she sat down and returned to her lunch.
14