Kyoya walked down the steps and towards the car waiting for him when a voice stopped him in his tracks. It was his father. "Kyoya, may I speak to you for a moment?"

Nodding his head, he knew didn't want to waste this wonderful opportunity. "Of course father. What is it?"

His father lifted a set of files off the desk before handing them to his boy. "I've spoken to Miss Lightwood about the deal and she has suggested that I allow you to handle this one. I only agreed because you attend the same school and know her previously, correct? She seems to trust you."

Kyoya's eyes widened and recalled Renette words to him a couple days ago. Had she really convinced his father to let him take on such an important responsibility? It was shocking to say the least. "Father, if I may ask, why allow me?"

Watching him, his father chuckled under his breath. "Even if her prospects are impressive, she is still just a child. Working with her may bring an advance to us though in the long run. I want you to find out everything about her, anything you can dig up that we can use."

Suddenly, it clicked. The only reason his father allowed this outrageous offer to go through was because he wanted to control the Lightwood Group. Along with Renette being so young, father thought her incapable of standing her ground. He wanted her to be his puppet.

Kyoya bowed, understanding what had to be done. "I will do anything I can."

The man seemed to be happy at his. "Good. Let us show Miss Lightwood just what the business world is really like, Hm?"

Stuffing the file in his bag, Kyoya nodded and headed back towards the car. Renette didn't stand a chance now that his father was hunting her. It was only a matter of time before everything fell through.

The host club was open for business as per usual and today everyone was dressed in traditional japanese clothing. Heck, even Renette got involved today for some reason.

Speaking of which, there was something about the girl that was strangely odd since the week before, when they visited Haruhi. She seemed less grumpy and more open to things like this. The twins didn't bother questioning it as this was good for her.

The hosts were busy doing their own routines well Renette placed a plate of food on the table. It was almost time for her set time afterall.

Kyoya saw her from the corner of his eye and remembered his father's wishes. She wasn't going to be easy, but he could pry her open. "Renette, how exactly did you get my father to agree to your terms?"

She heard his voice and couldn't help but smirk. "I told you I'd take care of it, wouldn't I? Have I earned your trust now, Kyoya?"

But that didn't answer his question in the slightest, which made him uneasy. "I'm serious."

Turning towards him, she just shrugged. "It wasn't anything, really. I just told him everything he wanted to hear. I assume he asked you to dig up some dirt on me so that I could be bound by him in the future, correct?"

Not expecting this, Kyoya froze. How had she figured out his father's plan so quickly? "How did you..?"

But Renette just smiled. "Oh come on Kyoya, it's rule number one. The strong tend to pray on the weak and given my age, it's almost a given he'd want to use me to gain control of my father's company."

The boy was once again shocked by her overwhelming discovery. She seemed to be versed in the art of manipulation, trained even. It was something both inspiring and yet terrifying.

A voice called out to them which made Renette stop, turning to find Souh racing towards her. "Hey Renette, Kyoya! Come on, we are playing keamari."

The air grew a bit lighter as Kyoya watched her put her hands out and laugh slightly. "Okay okay I'm coming. Hold your horses."

That was certainly odd. She seemed more relaxed around the host king. He would have to write that down.

They kicked the ball a couple times but Tamaki ended up falling on his butt so much that Renette and the twins couldn't stop laughing. "Who knew you'd be so bad at keamari?"

Tamaki flushed with anger and put the ball down, a determined look on his face. "You think so, well check this out! Starlight kick!"

In one motion, the King kicked the ball, sending it flying towards the school at a rapid rate. They had to admit, it was pretty impressive.

Of course it didn't last long, as the ball broke one of the windows and seeming hit someone inside on the head.

Renette saw this and put her hands up immediately. "Great job, now we are liabilities."

Although Renette wanted to run, Tamaki convinced her and the rest of the club to go and apologize to the victim of the accident. It turned out to be the president of the newspaper club, much to everyone's dismay. "We are so terribly sorry about this."

But the president only waved them off, smiling at the bruise. "Oh, it was nothing. Don't worry about it. In fact, I'm thankful for this bruise because now I get the chance to talk to you Souh."

Everyone seemed confused so the president just continued. "You see, this newspaper club has been in my family for generations. And it seems, if we don't sell enough copies soon, the entire system we build will be crumbled to the ground."

He dramatically flopped his head on the desk and Renette could smell something fishy right away. This boy reminded her of someone, and it wasn't anyone good.

Tamaki of course, took the bait like candy. "Oh, that's terrible!"

Sniffling a couple times, the president sighed. "Yes, that's why I wanted to ask if the club could do a feature on the host club to boost our sales and keep our family together!"

Immediately feeling the sorrow for this man, the King made his decision right away. "Don't worry! I'll make sure that your family stays together. We will…."

But it seemed the other hosts weren't feeling it and starting to walk away. "You can count us out boss. It's obvious this guy is up to something shady."

Even Renette wasn't assumed. "I don't have time for this, I could be studying."

And Kyoya as well. "Yes, it seems we are going to have to turn down your offer. Goodbye."

The president seemed devastated by the news, flopping down at his desk in depression. "No, it's alright. I understand. I guess I can never erase the sins of the past! No one will ever give me an opportunity to redeem myself now!"

Everyone pushed Tamaki out of the door but he could only hear the soft echoes of the presidents broken heart in the corner. He couldn't just leave him alone like that.

When they returned to the club room, Tamaki's whining and pleading started almost immediately. "Come on guys! We gotta help them. Their family is breaking up!"

Although it seemed no one wanted to give in, Renette speaking first. "Isn't that club the one that writes trashy gossip columns about people? Not that I care about that kind of thing, but I'd rather not be part of it."

The twins nodded their heads, stepping closer to her so she could lean her arm on their shoulders. "Yeah, it just seemed like more trouble than it's worth. Count us out."

Tamaki gasped and retreated to the corner, heartbroken. "But their family is breaking up...we have to help them…"

Shaking their heads, Haruhi appeared behind them. "Listen, not that I'm agreeing with him or anything but would it be so bad to help them out? They did say they were going to write respectful articles now."

Although Kyoya didn't seem pleased. "Yes but their words aren't enough to go by. I will not allow this club to be the cause of some petty gossip."

Haruhi supposed she understood but couldn't help but think of something else. "I'm just saying that any minute now he's going to look over here with those puppy dog eyes and none of us are going to resist."

Just like on que, Souh looked over to them with the eyes they dreaded and pouted his lips in a beg.

Everyone sat there in silence under a loud groan was heard behind them. "Fine. I'm in I guess. Just stop making that face please."

They turned to find Renette grumbling to herself. They never expected her to cave that easily.

Soon everyone melted at his puppy eyes and it was decided that they were going to help out the newspaper club, regardless of their intentions.

As everyone was talking, Renette snaked next to Kyoya in a whisper. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

One looked exchanged with each other and the boy understood exactly why she had agreed. This could be fun. "Oh yes, I believe I am."

When Kyoya entered the newspaper room and told the boys about the deal, they were overjoyed. "Oh, thank you so much! We are forever in your debt."

Nodding his head, Kyoya then pulled out a box before placing it on the table. "Also, as a sign of apology, I've brought over a first aid kit made by my family. Please, enjoy."

He opened it slightly to show the contents and the president seemed thrilled, "Thank you so much, that was a very kind gesture."

Kyoya then turned towards the door even another topic of conversation started. "I'm so happy we will be working together. Did you know that my father is also a president, like yours."

Now knowing where this was going, he turned. "Yes, of the Komatsuzawa publishing firm. I am well aware of that fact. So, is running the newspaper club in preparation to run the company?"

This seemed to have struck a nerve with the boy, biting his nails in anger. "It should be, yes. But my father wants to make my brother to head of the company. So you see, Kyoya. I can not let this club fail, do you understand me?"

Knowing perfectly well what he had meant, Kyoya just turned around and headed towards the door. "I would be careful if I were you and tread is someone you really don't want to upset. Now, if you would excuse me.

Shutting the door behind him, the president just grumbled in anger. "What was that supposed to be, a threat? Well it isn't going to work. I will have all the popularity just like I did before Souh and those other host came along! It's all his fault. I will burn him to the ground and then Kyoya and all of his underlings will work for me!"

Placing his hands in front of him, he smiled. "Now, I just have to find his dark side."

The other members of the club poked him slightly, trying to remind him of something. "But president how are you going to do that? The host members all seem pretty loyal to Souh."

That's when the president started laughing, placing a file on his desk and laughing. "You may think that, but I have the perfect pawn. Someone that will betray Souh if the right buttons are pushed, the dark horse of the group."

He began laughing maniacally as the wind blew the file open to reveal just who he was talking about, Renette Lightwood.

The next day approached and the president was ready to expose Souh for everything while on the way to the host club.

But it seemed there was a problem. There was nothing to expose. All they were doing was playing some stupid child's game. It wasn't helpful at all. Souh must've planned this.

He did cheer up though when the president noticed Renette reading off in the corner, not participating in the activities. This was perfect.

Moving closer to the tree she was perched on, the president smiled. "What are you reading there, anything interesting?"

Renette turned to the boy, only to look disgusted. "Why, do you care?"

He knew she was a little rough around the edges but it seemed her aura just screamed leave me alone. Too bad he didn't give up. "Why, yes actually. I suppose I'm just trying to make conversation. I've always wanted to speak with you, Renette."

She just stared at him blankly, closing her book in annoyance. "Funny, cause I've never wanted to speak to you. Now go away, I'm studying."

The president felt a little off guard at her obvious disinterest and didn't know where to take the conversation. Renette was a strange girl, only caring about helping herself. He would have to use that. "Aww come on, don't be like that. I just wanted to ask some questions about the Host Club."

She raised an eyebrow at this. "Then why are you asking me? I'm barely a part of the club. I'm only here to waste some time. Go ask someone else."

This brought a spark in his chest. "So you don't like the club?"

Shaking her head, Renette sighed. "It's not about like or don't like, I was just bored at home and thought that this would be more interesting. Honestly I could care less about them. Whatever they do doesn't matter to me."

Hearing Tamaki's yells in the corner, Renette couldn't help but rolls her eyes, the president now focusing on a new topic. "Renette, how do you feel about Souh?"

His question made her laugh to herself, half focusing on her book. "He's annoying as hell."

This response made the president extremely happy. He knew he choose right. I see, what if I told you I had a way of knocking Souh down a few pegs?"

He watched as her eyes lit up suddenly interested in what he was saying. "I'm listening…"

Knowing he had got her, the president smiled. "Meet me in my office in a couple minutes and we can discuss how to dethrone the king."

She closed the book, gaining him even more attention. Anytime she was able to mess with Souh was a good day. "I like where this is going. Alright, you have a deal. I guess I can slip away from these idiots for awhile."

The president tried to remain calm but couldn't help but grin internally. That's it, he had her right where he wanted her. Now, there was no way Renette could say no.

Renette followed the president into his office silently before he shut the door behind them. This was it. He was so close to exposing Souh, it's as if he could practically taste it.

The girl walked closer into the room, noticing various old articles the club had written and smirked. "Wow, were these your stories before? I can tell why no one reads your terrible papers now."

The president seethed but tried to cover it up quickly. This annoying girl was hard to handle. "Yes, well, that's why we have changed directions. That's where you can help."

But she didn't listen to his words, instead moving past him to sit at his desk, claiming it as her own. Brining her feet up to rest them on the wooden surface, she sighed. "Right, so what's this grand plan of yours to humiliate Souh? It better be good."

Ticking her brow in annoyance, he couldn't help but notice and mud gathering on his desk because of the shoes. "Umm, if you would kindly take you're..umm.."

Yet Renette just shrugged. "What?"

This caused the president to give up. He had more important matters on his hands then her terrible manners. "Never mind. I called you because I need your help on something."

He opened a file next to her and pushed it for Renette to read. It was information about Souh, with a school picture of himself paperclipped to the front. It seems the president was gathering information. "Souh needs to be taught a lesson. He thinks he can act all high and mighty because of who his family is. I need you to tell me his weakness, his dark side so that I can finally win and be respected by my father."

Glancing at the photo, Renette just yawned, as if seeming uninterested. "So you want to spread some gossip about him in a news column? Sounds boring."

She put her foot down and moved to leave when the president raced forward. "Wait, that's not all! With Souh gone it would benefit you as well. Watching him suffering would bring wonderful entertainment to you and I could offer you just as much as that halfer if you worked for me instead. Together we can put an end to him."

Renette just stared at him blankly, picking up Tamaki's photo in her fingers. "I would like to see him struggle a little. That could be assuming. But, I'm just not interested. Sorry. I could be doing better things with my time then work under you."

It seems the president had expected this, pulling out another file and placing it on her desk. "Well, if you say no then I'll have to run with this story instead. Wouldn't it be interesting to know that Renette Lightwood was really such a psychopath, beating up a defenseless boy. How terrible. .

He watched her back tense and knew he had her. She opened up the file and eyed things she wished she never saw again. "So, it's blackmail, huh?"

Clapping his hands at this, the president smirked and stepped closer. His hot breath echoed in her ear. "I wouldn't call it that, just insurance that you do your job. It's either him or you,and I think we both know who you will choose so go ahead, tell me all about his secrets before I accidentally leak this information to the entire school."

She crumbled the file in her hands and he knew he had won. Renette was annoying but she was a simple minded person, always thinking about herself first. Once he knew that, she was putty in his hands forever. "What do you want to know?"

He took a step back and crossed his arms triumphantly. "I want to know what I can post to make his reputation tumble."

The president waited for Renette to spill his secrets, to gut him like a fish for her own safety, but something happened that he least expected. She laughed.

It started off a low and quiet chuckle but slowly grew into something more sinister, like she knew something that he didn't. "Ahh how boring. And here I thought you would be different from all the others but sadly, you disappointed me."

Her speech pattern had changed and that scared little girl in front of him was no more. This made him confused. "What are you talking about? Just tell me Souh's darkside already!"

Shaking her head, Renette showed the president Tamaki's school photo. "Of I wish I could tell you, I really do. But the short answer is that he doesn't have one. And oh believe me, I've been searching for his alternative motives since the day we met but recently It seems I realized something. He's just an idiot. "

The boy couldn't believe what he was hearing. He must of had a darkside, how else would he be able to get such influential people by his side. "That's impossible, everyone has a darkside!"

She turned the photo to look at and nodded her head at his statement. "That's what I thought also. You see, everyone I've met in my life has always wanted something from me. Whether it be, money, power, position, social stating or favors, it seemed that everyone's smile hides something, and it was my game to figure out which one they wanted. No one approaches me without a reason. That's always how it's been."

Renette stood up from her seat at his desk, walking over to him in a calm, calculating line. The president didn't know why, but he felt kind of afraid of this girl. "Whaa are you doing?"

But she just continued. "So when I meant Souh, I tried to figure out what he wanted. I spend days and nights trying to decipher what was in his head, what his game was but you know what I found, nothing. For the first time in my life, I met someone that didn't want anything from me, didn't want to manipulate me, all he wanted was to be my friend and for the first time, I found a smile that held absolutely nothing underneath it.."

She was now in his face, the picture dangling in front of his eyes. He couldn't help but feel a cold chill in the air. This girl, she was different now then at school. Here, she was kind of terrifying.

Locking eyes, he couldn't help but noticed hers looked sharp and angry. "And after I found that, I promised myself that I would protect him from everything I could. Even if he was too stupid and kind to understand your underhanded schemes, I will stop at nothing to keep him from getting hurt. So, may I say, you invited the wrong person to be your lacky, Mr. President."

The boy shook underneath her gazes, still trying to get the upper hand. "You can't defy me! I'll leak that article to the whole school if you don't do as I say!"

This only caused her to laugh, a voice entering from behind the two of them. "Oh, I don't think that's necessary."

He turned around shakily, only to find Kyoya staring back at him. Behind him were the twins, Hunni and Mori, all looking especially peeved.

Moving up to his desk, Kyoya pushed a button on his first aid kit and a tiny disk popped out for him to grab. "With this information we recorded, I don't think you'll be writing anymore disrespectful articles anytime soon."

The president's eyes widened, realizing he was fooled. Then he turned to Renette and knew he was played. It was her fault. "You, this is your fault! I knew I shouldn't have asked a delinquent psychopath in the first place! You're insane!"

The twins growled in anger, stepping forward to protect her, when she just put her hand up, causing them to stop. "Possibly, too bad you did anyways though."

Kyoya pushed his glasses up and held the disk in the air carefully. "I know I shouldn't have to tell you this but both my families company and the Hittachins are enough power to pull your father from his position, although we would never do such a thing. We are not like you."

The president gasped, pointed an accusatory finger at the club. "You would do that because of him? Souh has really used his power to control you that much?"

With the boy frozen, Renette closed her eyes in anger, at his comment turning around before grabbing his collar. "They may not be like you, but I am, and if I ever hear you insult Tamaki again I will personally take you and your father off of the publishing firm myself. Do I make myself clear?"

Trying to move back from the girl, her comment didn't make any sense. "B-but you can't do that…"

Smirking darkly, she only brought her hand up to bring him closer. "You wanna try me?"

He knew it was impossible but something about this girl wasn't right and he knew to fold.

Shaking his head, Renette tightened her hold. "Now, promise me."

The twins looked at the display nervously as the boy nodded his head, practically in tears. "I promise, I promise! Just please don't hurt me like that other boy! I don't want to go to the hospital!"

Renette paused for a moment before letting him go, muttering under her breath. "You aren't even worth my time."

He dropped to the floor and took that moment to race out of the room as quickly as possible, trying to get away from Renette.

When he was gone, she just sighed and pointed to the box. "I told you that secret message thing was too much. What are you Kyoya, a spy?"

Kyoya just put the disk in his pocket. "There is nothing wrong with a little security. Did you really have to threaten him like that?"

She looked down at her hands and shrugged. "No, but he annoyed me."

Laughing half heartedly, she turned to the twins who were looking at her strangely. She noticed this and put her hands up in defense. "Sorry boys, I guess I went too far again. I'm okay, I promise. I was just having a little fun."

Kyoya noticed her change out of her business mannerisms for them and eyed their conversation with interest. She didn't want the twins finding out about her running the company, was that because they looked so afraid when she snapped into her heartless behavior like before?

Karou seemed to confirm his suspicions by taking a step closer. "You really didn't have to go that far Renette. It was like.."

He stopped speaking but it seemed like the three of them knew what he had meant, and they looked rather depressed because of it.

So much so, Renette tried to ease them. "Listen, I'm not that person anymore, don't worry about it, okay? I'm not gonna go back or anything."

It seemed they noticed that the others were still there because the conversation stopped after that, like it was too sensitive for the club to hear.

Walking over to the file on the desk, she picked it up before putting it in her bag and turned for the door. "Ah well, how long have we let Haruhi and Tamaki play hide and seek? I guess we should go save them. No doubt they are probably lost by now."

She threw her bag over her shoulder and stopped in the doorway, turning in question. "Well, are you coming or what?"

Everyone looked at each other and wondered why she had just called the boss by his first time, and why she had just done what she did.

It seemed that Renette was still a mystery, even to them.

Turning the corner to the rose maze, Renette found Haruhi and Tamaki sitting under a gazebo to the edge of the flowers. She smirked under her breath and shouted. "It seems I was right. I knew you two hopeless fools would've gotten lost. Everyone's been looking for you."

Haruhi and Tamaki's heads perked up at the noise. "Renette! You saved us!"

Running in for a hug, she blocked it quickly before helping Haruhi up. "Are you okay Haruhi? I can't believe you survived so long with Tamaki whining in your ear like that. You really are the hero."

Haruhi laughed and accepted her hand. "It was a struggle, but I managed."

Renette smiled at this and turned to Souh, putting a hand on her hips. "And you, I thought we were going to play kick the can but then you decided to get lost and have us put a search party out for you."

Tamaki stomped his foot in annoyance. "It's not my fault! This maze is huge."

Shaking her head, she reached her hand out so he could stand as well. "Well, it's lucky you have someone like you who's willing to save your sorry ass, right?"

He grasped her hand and lifted himself up. "I suppose so. Thanks."

Shrugging her shoulders, Rentte just smiled. "Don't worry, I'll always come for you."

The phrase caught him off guard for a moment, before she changed the subject. "Oh! Also we talked to the newspaper club and they said they didn't need our help anymore. Said they are gonna focus on writing respectful articles from now on."

Although that seemed out of left field, Souh brushed it off almost immediately. "That's good. Hopefully their paper can do better."

She nodded her head half heartedly at that. "Yeah, I think they'll be okay. It's hard to break up families, you know?"

Her words were so different than what she usually would have said and both Haruhi and Tamaki couldn't help but notice the change. It wasn't a bad change but it still felt weird. Maybe Karou was right, she seemed happier now for some reason.

Turning away from them, she heard the other host club members approaching and smiled. "Well, let's go back Tamaki."

She put her hand out and Souh couldn't help but look at it strangely. Something about this was odd. "You just called me by my first name again…"

Letting her hand fall slightly, she cast her eyes down. "Is that a problem?"

He noticed her sullen appearance and realized he had hurt her in same unknowing way. "No no not at all. I like it."

Renette heard those words and couldn't help but smile, pulling his arm towards the other members. "Good."

No one messes with Tamaki or else Renette's gonna come after you. It's important to know that Renette now calls Tamaki by his first name because she now recognizes him as a friend. That's her way of showing that she's accepted him into her life and trusts him. The transition is small and seemingly unimportant but it's to show that she values him now. She calls him Souh in the presence of the president though to try to trick him further into thinking she doesn't care for him, when it isn't the case at all.

A really love how Renette explains why she was so drawn to him in the first place. She put on this business woman exterior and expects everyone to want something from her because of it, everyone but Tamaki. He doesn't want anything from her which makes her feel safe.

Next chapter is gonna be the Lobelia one to fit the plot and then after that we are gonna be getitng into some hardcore Renette backstory and why she is the way she is.