Hikaru and Karou awoke from their sleep to find Renette groaning in distress next to them, her brow covered with sweat and worry.

They shared a look between each other, turning on the light to reveal her tossing and turning absentmindedly, Karou seemingly concerned. "Nightmares again?"

Hikaru placed a hand on her sweaty brow, frowning. "I hate this. She's torturing herself."

Renette groaned again, pushing her hands in a random motion before muttering "Stop. Stop it."

Karou watched his friend in distress, agreeing with his brother. "What are we supposed to do Hikaru? You know why they started again.."

Nodding her head, Hikaru gritted his teeth. "Yeah, and I want nothing more than to fix it but she told us not to."

Karou turned his head in disbelief. "When has that stopped you before?"

But his brother only looked saddened. "Because we need her to trust us Karou. If we go behind her back then it would show her nothing has changed."

Karou knew that Hikaru was right but hated it either way. Renette was suffering at it killed them not to be able to do anything right now. She was pushing herself so hard and what were they doing, nothing."

Her breath became more shallow and the boys knew they needed to wake her, Karou shaking lightly. "Renette? Come on, wake up. It's just a nightmare."

She bolted out of bed, gasping for air and shaking beside them. "Don't touch me!"

Slapping their hands away, Hikaru softened and pushed her body into his. Taking one hand he began running his fingers through her hair. "Shh it's okay. It's just us."

Renette seemed to register his presence and wrapped her arms around him tightly, afraid to let go. This broke the boys hearts.

Karou snaked closer to her carefully, not wanting to frighten her and wrapped his arms around his brother so she was in the middle of their embraces. "We're here. It's okay."

She grew more calm, hearing the sound of their own breath and pulled away, fully understanding the situation. "I'm fine boys. Sorry for scaring you."

But the boys didn't detach their arms. "Renette.."

Yet she just sighed, pushing them to separate, slightly embarrassed about what they had scene. "Just drop it, okay? I don't wanna talk about it. I'm fine."

But the twins knew she was far from fine, in fact they were afraid she was falling apart at the seams.

Renette settled into her seat, waiting for class to start impatiently. It seemed like that's all she was all morning, impatient.

A nervous tick bounced her leg, looking around and noticing the coast was clear from the boy she hated the most.

Suddenly, hot breath blew into her ear which made her jump about five feet. "What the hell?!"

Laughter erupted next to her in a playful mood. "Oh, I'm sorry Renette. I didn't mean to frighten you. You just look kind off today. I was worried."

She turned to the stranger and narrowed her eyes, realizing who it was. "Julien, I see you didn't take my advice to stay the hell away?"

Julien frowned, not understanding her words. "Aww come on. I told you, I just want to be friends with you again. Look, I know we started out on the wrong foot before. I didn't mean for you to quit the host club. Please tell me you aren't."

Crossing her arms, Renette muttered back darkly. "I don't think it's any of your damn business what I do."

Putting his hands out in defensive, the boy backtracked. "You're right. I just wanted to apologize nonetheless."

He sat down in the seat next to her, which made her point towards him. "What are you doing? Your seat is over there, away from me."

Nodding his head, Julien pulled out a small piece of paper. "I know, but when I told our classmates about our situation, one of them agreed to switch seats with them. How kind are they? I just wanna talk with you, that's all."

Renette gritted her teeth in anger. First this boy had pushed his way into her life, then into the Host Club, and now she had to sit with him? It was unbelievable. Trying not to punch him in the face would be even tougher now.

He noticed her anger and decided to change the subject, hoping that it would lighten the mood. "I have to say though, you've changed a lot since France Renette. I was really surprised."

She decided ignoring him was the best policy now, focusing her attention on her books instead.

But Julien kept talking. "I was wondering, what made you change so much. It was that Souh boy, wasn't it?"

Renette paused her hand, the boy continuing on, a slight cockiness in his voice now, as if he realized something. "Oh, I see. You like him don't you? Is it because he looks like me?"

At the mention of Tamaki, Renette self control had gone out of the window. In one motion she stood from her seat, slamming her hands on his desk and hissed. "Listen, I don't care what you do to me, but leave him out of it. Understand?"

Julien stared at her for a moment before leaning back in his seat, visually afraid. "Yes, I understand. I didn't mean to strike a nerve. I was just curious, that's all!"

That when the other students circled around her, not looking very happy. "Hey, leave Julien alone! Stop bullying him already, will you?"

The words the girls used seemed funny to Renette but Julien spoke for her. "No, it's quite alright. Renette is just sensitive and I stepped on her toes a bit. It's my fault, really. Please don't speak so harshly about her."

At those words, the girls melted into his world. "Oh Julien, you are so sweet and understanding. I heard you were joining the Host Club, is that true?"

Glancing at Renette, he sighed. "I'm not sure. It seems I created some discord between Renette and the other club members. She doesn't want me to join and I don't want to make her uncomfortable in anyway."

The girls then immediately turned to Renette, clearly angry and her choice. "Renette, why won't you let him join the Host Club? He's only trying to be nice to you."

She blinked at the girls and smirked, laughing bitterly at what they were saying. "Yeah, okay. He can do what he wants. I don't care."

Lighting up with excitement, the girls returned to the boy happily. "You hear that? Now you can join the Host Club. Oh, I'm going to request you right away!"

Julien smiled at the ladies in return. "Thank you. I suppose I will await your call then. Renette, are you going to request me?"

The girls swooned but Rentte just scoffed, turning to walk out the door. "No way in hell."

Stomping their feet, the ladies huffed. "Ugh she's so rude. I'm glad you are the one joining the Host Club and not her. She was just irritating."

But Julien just out his hand up. "Ladies, please don't say those things. Regardless of Renette wants I still hope to be friends with her. I don't want you talking about her so rudely."

They nodded at Julien couldn't help but feel something starting at him. He turned slightly to find the twins cold glare.

Realizing this, he called out to them. "Is there something wrong? Hikaru, Karou was it?"

But the boys just stared, not uttering a word until the bell rang which caused them to move towards the door.

Julien moved forward, speaking out. "Excuse me. I really hope I haven't offended you in anyway."

The twins stopped, their back arched as Hikaru spoke. "You're lucky."

Blinking in surprise, the boy turned his head. "I'm sorry? I don't understand what you're saying."

Karou grabbed his bag carefully, huffing. "Oh course you don't. Watch yourself."

Then, he left the confused boy, wondering just what they meant by their warnings.

It was after club time and Renette had not shown up at all, making Tamaki extremely uneasy. She couldn't have been serious about quitting the host club, right?

He tried asking Hikaru and Karou but they blew him off as well, seeming angry at him for some reason. It felt like he was missing a huge piece of the puzzle.

Tamaki didn't understand but not having Renette there felt odd, like something was misplaced and not quite right. He missed her.

Although it seemed like he's prayers were answered as the very person he wanted to see walked by him, carrying a large stack of papers. "Renette, what are you doing?"

She paused for a moment, took one look at him, and kept walking without stopping. This got him panicked, running towards her. "Hey, Renette. Hold on."

Renette grunted in annoyance and turned her back to shout. "Leave me alone Tamaki."

But in doing so, Tamaki wasn't looking where he was going and bumped right into the girl, causing her papers and herself to tumble down to the ground.

Groaning, she found the boy draped across her and frowned. "Great, now this gonna take forever to clean up. Thanks."

Tamaki blinked to refocus himself and noticed her trying to move away so he grabbed her hand in one quick motion. "Hold on. Are you angry with me?"

Pulling her back down to the ground, Renette looked at his hold and frowned. "What do you think, stupid?"

But his hold only tightened. "Is it really true you are quitting the host club?"

This time, she looked him in the eye for the answer. "Is Julien still joining the club?"

Thinking for a moment, he nodded his head. "Well, yes. I invited him after all."

He response caused her to rip her hand away, standing back up. "Then yeah, I'm quitting. I already told you I'm not going to be in the same room as him. I already wanna punch him so badly. I don't think I can handle myself in the same club as him."

Not understanding, Tamaki stood as well. "Why do you hate him so much? He didn't seem that bad to me."

Shaking her head, Renette just shrugged. "Don't worry about it."

But he couldn't live with that answer. "Renette, come on. Maybe if you just talked things could…"

Stopping him mid sentence, she only laughed. "Things could what, work out? Oh please. You have got to be kidding me. The last thing I want is to be friends with him. It's never going to happen. This is your problem Tamaki, you think everything is going to work out if we just have a little sharing circle and talk about our feelings but guess what? It doesn't work like that."

She seemed angry, really angry and Tamaki didn't know why. But he did know that he himself was getting annoyed by her childish behavior. "Maybe it's because you are too stubborn to even give him a chance."

His words sounded funny to her. "Give him a chance? Right, okay. How about this, never gonna happen. I'll give you my resignation letter tomorrow."

She turned to leave but Tamaki couldn't accept that, grabbing her hand once more. "Renette, I didn't want us to fight.. I just…"

Renette stood still, thinking about his words before turning back and staring at his eyes. Why was she blowing up at him this much? Why was she so concerned about him? It didn't make any sense.

Then Julien's words echoed back in her ear and she didn't want to believe it. Was he right? Did she like him?

Sighing heavily, she turned to him, bringing her hand up to cup his face lightly. "I get it. This is just who you are. You are too unbelievably kind Tamaki."

She knew he didn't mean his words, even if they did sting. He was only trying to help her, as blind as it may have been, always trying to find the good in everyone. That's who he was.

Tamaki didn't know how to respond with her hand on his cheek, a heavy blush spreading across his cheeks. "R-Renette?"

She blinked a couple times, realizing what she was doing and immediately put her hand down. Oh no, it seemed Julien was right. She did like this idiot.

Coughing as if to brush it off, she picked up the rest of the papers on the floor. "Sorry, that was weird."

But the kind just stood there, his heart beating rapidly in his chest and his cheeks unbelievably warm from where she had touched him.

When she was gone from his sight, Tamaki still had seemingly remained frozen in the same spot, trying to process what had just happened. One minute she was angry and the next she made his heart skip at an intense pace.

Suddenly, a voice echoed from the right, causing him to turn his head. "Souh? Are you alright?"

Julien walked up to the king, silently concerned but Tamaki reassured him right away. "Yeah, I was just talking to Renette."

Looking in the direction where she went, Julien smiled. "I just wanted to thank you again for letting me join the host club and everything. I really appreciate it."

Tamaki just nodded his head. "Not at all. It seems your a natural, just like Haruhi."

Julien blushed a bit at this, shaking his head. "Oh no, not at all. In fact it's a little odd to be doing these kinds of things but I have to admit it is fun. I'm just worried about Renette though. Did she say anything?"

Looking at the blonde haired boy, Tamaki couldn't understand why she was so bothered by him. He looked normal enough. "Not really. I guess she's really not coming back to the host club though."

His head fell in sadness and Julien frowned. "Oh no. That's terrible."

Bringing his hand up, Tamaki looked at it for a moment before closing it. The place he had touched her hand was still warm. "Yeah, I miss her."

Julien noticed this and took a step closer. "Forgive me if I'm intruding in anyway but it seems to me that you like her."

Tamaki seemed confused by the idea. "What?"

Taking a step even closer, Julien spoke evenly. "I couldn't help but overhear your little conversation and that's what it seems like to me. Although, please correct me if I'm wrong."

The very idea was something that Tamaki hadn't thought about before. Yes, he cared about Renette and was concerned for her but did that actually mean he liked her? Was that why his heart was still beating out of his chest? "I like Renette?"

Nodding his head, Julien smiled. "Mhmm and from the looks of it, it seems like she does as well. Trust me, I know these things"

His words coursed through the host king and he couldn't believe it, saying the words over and over again on his tongue. He didn't know why, but they sounded right. "I like Renette?"

After about the twentieth time saying it, Julien was getting a bit impatient until it felt like a light bulb clicked in his head. "Of course...of course! How could I not have noticed it before? I like Renette!"

Sighing heavily, Julien smiled again. "See? I told you."

Tamaki began jumping around like a puppy, realizing the feelings he had been ignoring for so long. It felt so good to finally say it. "Oh! I have to go tell her!"

He began to run away but Julien pulled him back by his collar. "Hold it. You can't just go in unprepared like that. A confession, it's special."

Thinking about it, the king nodded his head. "You're right. I have to do something for her. Maybe take her out to a commoners market or something. Yes…"

Shaking his head, Julien pulled Tamaki out of his thoughts. "No no, she wouldn't like that. Renette is very picky about these kinds of things. She'll outright reject you if you do that. For someone like her, it has to be extravagant and grand."

Kind of understanding what if was saying, Tamaki muttered. "Extravagant and grand…"

Julien nodded in reply. "Yes, a grand public gesture of romance. That's what you need to win her heart. Trust me, we were friends. I know exactly what she likes."

Tamaki answered back in question. "What do you suggest then?"

Bringing his arm across the king's shoulder, Julien whispered in his ear carefully, a smirk plastered upon his face. "Oh, I have a few ideas."

The next day came sooner than expected and Hikaru and Karou walked into the music room for their lunch break, hoping to get away from everything for a little while.

They placed their trays on the table and noticed the absence of a couple of the members. They knew that Renette wouldn't be there with the whole club strike thing but it seemed like Tamaki was absent as well.

Looking around the room, they turned to Hunni and Mori who were already digging into their food. "Hey, where's the boss?"

But all Hunni did was giggle slightly, taking another bite of his cake. "Tama-chan and Ren-chan are eating lunch together."

This was a new development to them. They hadn't heard anything about Renette eating with him. Must of been kind of last minute. "Oh, she never told us."

Hunni giggled again which was odd, Hikaru picking up on it. "Okay, what are you hiding from us? You seem a little too excited."

But the boy shook his head. "No, I'm not supposed to tell Tama-chans surprise."

His words only put them more on edge, Karou knowing exactly what to do. "Hunni, if you tell us then we'll give you unlimited cake for a year."

Hunni looked distraught at this, wavering back and forth until he caved. "Alright alright, I give up. Tama-chan is planning to confess to Ren-chan in front of the whole school! Isn't that romantic?!"

The twins froze at the boys words, a ring a terror going through them. Slamming their hands on the table, Hikaru looked desperate. "Hunni, where?"

He didn't answer which resulted in another slam of the table, this time it being Karou. "Hunni, this is where important. Where is he planning on confessing?"

Not fully understanding, Hunni told them the truth. "The cafeteria. But why do look so afraid Hika-chan, Kao-chan?"

Running his fingers through his hair in anxiety, Hikaru shouted. "Because that is literally the worst thing he ever could have done!"

Looking towards his brother, Karou spoke. "Hikaru, we need to stop this, before it's too late."

Nodding his head, without another word, they dashed out of the music room and towards the cafeteria.

The boss had no idea what he was doing right now. They couldn't let this happen. It would destroy her all over again.

Renette sat across from Tamaki, wondering why she was here in the first place. When he showed up this morning and asked to have lunch she couldn't help but agree. Although, this awkwardness was making her rethink saying yes. "Uhh Tamaki? Did you wanna talk about something?"

He placed his hands in front of him, just smiling at her presence. "What are you talking about? I just wanted to see your beautiful face."

This made her cringe. "Okay, what is wrong with you?"

Shaking his head, he reached forward and grabbed the hand that was holding her fork. "Renette, I found something out yesterday. Something that I've been completely blind to till now."

Looking down at his hand, Renette just narrowed her eyes. "What, personal space? Cause yeah I noticed that."

But he only laughed joyfully. "Oh you are so funny. No, what I want to tell you something that's been on my mind since the moment we met, and I finally figured it out."

Renette just looked even more confused, especially when he rose out of his seat and shouted to the entire room. "Everyone! If I may get your attention please. There is something I would like to say."

The whole room quieted down which was making her slightly uncomfortable. "Tamaki, what are you doing?"

But he only smiled, jumping onto one of the lunch tables so everyone could see. "Thank you. Now, I have something to say to this lovely lady standing next to me. Renette please stand."

Yet Renette did not stand, only looking confused and a bit more panicked. "What the hell are you doing? Get down."

Though once again,he paid no mind, instead reaching down and pushing her up to meet him. "Now, don't be shy. It's alright. I want everyone to hear what I'm about to say."

Renette couldn't help but notice the hundreds of eyes on her, staring at her from the top floor to those next to her. Unpleasant memories swooped in and she tried to will them away. No, this wasn't the same. He wouldn't do that to her.

Tamami reached forward and grabbed her hand, staring at her intently. "Renette Lightwood, I Tamaki Souh, would like to confess that I am in fact, infatuated with you."

The crowd around them gasped, obviously shocked and unhappy that their favorite host had fallen in love with another. "No Tamaki, say it isn't so!"

But he just sighed. "Alas, it's true. I find myself thinking about her day and night."

Just then, Hikaru and Karou burst into the room, only to find that they were too late. The boss was already standing on top of the tables. Oh no. Please no.

Mummering started around her and Renette felt her breathing picked up at a rapid pacing, muttering to the king harshly. "Tamaki, stop."

But he didn't stop, he just kept speaking. "No, I shall not hold my tongue any longer. No more Renette. I want to show you how I feel!"

Not enjoying all the eyes on her, she backed away slowly, hoping to get rid of their wandering and stares. It was making her more and more uncomfortable.

Suddenly, Renette felt herself pelted with a white powdery substance, coating her body from head to toe. She stood there frozen, looking down at the sight to find flour. Someone must have dumped it onto her

The room was quiet for a moment, before erupting into a hard laughter at the sight before them.

Renette circled the room, feeling that strong sense of deja vu around her. Her breathing picked up even more, recognizing the situation. No, it couldn't be. Tamaki wasn't like that. He wouldn't have played around with her like that, right? But from the confession and the flour, a sudden realization crashed upon her. He wanted to show her how he felt, and this was it.

It was just the same as that day. She had let the same thing happen all over again,like an idiot. She let her guard down with him and looked what happened? How stupid had she been.

Tamaki's eyes widened at the girl coated in flour and reached out to her, wondering who could have done such a thing. "Renette…."

The room became silent as Renette started laughing, it was low and dark, filling up the entire room. "Oh, I see now. Good one Souh. I have to admit, you really got me."

He blinked in confusion, watching her demeter change, slapping his hand away from her. Had she just called him by his last name again? "I should have known better. I should have known that you were like all the others. Just making fun of me behind my back, right?"

Taking a step back, she smiled twistedly. All emotion was completely gone from her face, only leaving an amused mask. "And you really had me, taking me in, making me feel safe just so you could rip that rug from right under me. It was clever, you're little game."

Tamaki noticed her stance and realized maybe she misunderstood something. He never thought of her like that. "Game?"

But she only laughed again, throwing her arms out. "Of course, it's always a game, isn't it? Who you can manipulate, who you can break first? I can't believe I trusted you for a minute, thought of you as a friend. It's comical really."

Then she pointed towards the other students. "And this, this confession was your big finale, right? Just so you could make me a laughing stalk of the entire school. Oh, look at poor little Renette, such a foolish idiot, right? That's what you wanted all along."

She clapped her hands together, mocking him. Although, he could hardly ignore the tears pouring down her face as she smiled. This was the first time he saw her cry. "Well, congratulations,You did it. You made me believe that for just a second, that maybe I was worth something. Maybe I could trust again and let go of this crippling guilt and pain I keep inside, but no. You disappointed me Souh. Turns out you're just like all the rest."

Turning to leave, Tamaki raced forward, not understanding what was happening but wanting to help. "Renette, that's not it..I…"

But she just slapped his hand away, glaring at him with eyes he'd never seen before and crack in her voice like she was about to break at any second. "Don't touch me."

He let go and Renette turned to the audience one last time. "Alright, shows over. You all can leave now."

Passing Hikaru and Karou, they tried to reach out for her as well. "Renette…"

But she only moved past them, wiping her tears in the process. In her eyes, they had failed her again.

Then, she left him alone, hearing the strange whispers and mutters explaining what happened around them. He didn't know what happened, but he knew he had made a mistake.

Tamaki had tried calling and texting Renette after school to apologize for the incident but he never got a response. Even after trying the twins they didn't answer as well. Something was definitely wrong.

He had no idea she would react that way or who had decided to dump that flour on her. That wasn't part of the plan at all and it just seemed to make her misunderstand more. He only wanted to tell her how he felt.

Suddenly, he heard a group of voices around the corner and couldn't help but listen into the conversation. "Good work girls. You have exceeded my expectations."

Tamaki knew the voice sounded familiar and without thinking, hid behind one of the pillars in the courtyard. The girl giggled with delight. "Oh, it was nothing. Anything to get her away from the Host Club."

Leaning forward, Tamaki gasped when he realized just who was talking. It seemed to be one of the girls that frequents the club and Julien. "Well, your service was greatly appreciated. I'll make sure to talk to my father about your mothers promotion. It's the least I can do."

The girl nodded happily and hurried on her way. Julien watched as she left when his phone began to ring, picking it up quickly. "Hey Louis, yeah it's been taken care of. You should of seen the look on her pathetic face. Oh it was priceless, our little Renette was so afraid."

Tamaki's eyes widened at Julien's ton, listening closer. "It was simple really. I just got the help of one of her idiot friends, stupid boy was so easy to manipulate. Can you believe she actually likes him? Her taste has really gone down hill. You wouldn't believe the face she made when I showed up to that little dinner last a couple nights ago."

Watching his every move, Julien then reached into his pocket and took out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, seemingly laughing at the response his friend gave. "Yeah well, she was getting too comfortable. I had to teach her a lesson. You know, like last time. She really is too naive, I was just doing her a favor."

He took a drag from the cigarette and Tamaki's memories flashed back to the day at the beach when he had seen a burn on her side, not wanting to speak about it for some reason. Julien, the cigarettes, the burn. It all made sense somehow. He didn't know why, but Tamaki knew that Julien was somewhat responsible for that scar.

So this is what Renette had been so angry about, it all made sense. He had taken this monsters side without even trusting her. He was so terrible, now realizing just how much he had actually hurt her. It was his fault.

Gritting his teeth, Tamaki felt a newfound rage he didn't know he had and raced forward, fully ready to punch the terrible man for causing her so much pain.

But that's when a hand stopped him, seemingly instead dragging him away from the man and into the next store music room.

Gazing into his captives eyes, Tamaki gasped. "Hikaru, Karou what are you doing? That man, he…"

But the twins just put their hands up, stopping him. "We know. And trust us, we want nothing more than to punch him as well but we can't. Renette told us not to."

Yet Tamaki was not happy with that. "You knew this whole time?"

To which they nodded their heads, Karou answering first. "Yeah, we knew, but we couldn't do anything about it. She said we had to be smart."

Ignoring the terrible man for now, he had more pressing matters to worry about. "Where's Renette? She didn't come to school today…"

The twins shared a look between them, now noticing the heavy bags around their eyes. "Boss, she's dropping out from Ouran. We tried to convince her not to but…"

Tamaki couldn't believe what he was hearing, Renette was leaving Ouran Academy because of what happened? He couldn't accept that. No, he wouldn't accept that. "What, why?"

They remained silent for a moment before taking a chair next to them and moving it toward, Karou pointing. "Boss, there is something we have to tell you."

Looking confused, he stepping forward. "What is it?"

Closing his eyes, as if in pain, Karou answered. "You deserve to know what happened all those years ago, for her sake at least."

Hikaru put his hands in his pockets, obviously uncomfortable about what he was going to say next. "Renette, she wasn't always like this. Back when we first met her she was nothing like she is now."

Tamaki couldn't even imagine the different side of her they were talking about. It seemed too strange. "What happened then?"

This time, it was Karou that spoke, his voice raw with emotion, cracking on each word. "We did. The way she is now, it's all our fault."

His words didn't make sense in the slightest. Her and the twins were inseparable since they were kids right? "What are you talking about? You three were childhood friends, right?"

They stared at the floor, as if remembering something unpleasant. "There is a lot you don't know boss, and it's time you hear about it."

Okay next chapter is Renette backstory. It's gonna take a little longer cause of how long it's gonna be but it will be worth it, I promise. It's time to find out why she's so scared. Also Julien is the worst. Now that we know he's bad news you can pick up on how he manipulates people. He basically drops clues in each sentence so that the conversation will go the way he wants to. So him saying "It's good to see you again." implies that Renette and him met before, therefore having the students talk about what he wants.

Next chapter: Tamaki finds out everything