Kaoru had gone upstairs with Hikaru after waking to the early afternoon sun shining through the windows. Of course, he and Hikaru had saw what their mother had posted and immediately retreated to their room for a pride repair session between twin brothers. Hikaru was absolutely mortified to be seen drooling such an obscene amount. Kaoru thought it was a bit cruel considering Haruhi was on their mother's Facebook page. He wasn't sure if Haruhi even got on Facebook enough to see the post or get the notification. Well, he guessed it didn't really matter now because what's on the internet stays on the internet forever. May close family and friends always remember that throw pillow. It had done its job for nothing in return providing comfort for all who sat on that sofa only to be drowned in Hikaru's spit. Rest in peace.
Though, Kaoru did lock himself in the en suite bathroom and to find Kyoya's message. The blood rushed to his cheeks and his ears. Of course, Kyoya, out of all times to actually check Facebook, he does it and sends Kaoru a screenshot of the post.
Kyoya: I didn't know a little devil could be this cute while sleeping
Kaoru: :( Everyone's seen it on Facebook. We're ruined.
He couldn't hold back the dramatics. It wasn't really affecting him (it was affecting Hikaru, though) but he liked to have his fun. He was more excited about where this conversation with Kyoya was going.
Kyoya: At least, I wasn't planning on selling it for club profits. I know many young ladies who would love to see the brothers snuggling on the sofa together.
The bastard! Even though Kyoya was almost always altruistic and benign towards Kaoru, it doesn't mean he wouldn't try to make a profit off him for the host club. Kaoru understood he was joking, yet he couldn't be too sure. He laughed and typed out his next message.
Kaoru: You. Wouldn't. Dare.
Kyoya: You know I would. But I won't since drooling is unattractive. Or getting a fly in your open mouth.
Kaoru: :,(
His pride was already hurt, he didn't have to put salt in the wound.
Kaoru: Kyoya, you're being very unkind. We have just been dealt a serious blow to our reputation and this is how you treat us? Also, no flies were harmed in the making of that post so suck it, Ootori!
Kyoya started texting again and Kaoru watched the little gray bubble with dots as Kyoya replied.
Kyoya: Regardless, I like the picture because you're in it.
Okay . . . Not what Kaoru was expecting but he'd take it. He got annoyed with how his blush intensified. Kyoya held so much power over his body, it wasn't funny. Not that Kaoru could control when and how much he blushed, but it was like Kyoya had a switch to Kaoru's body. Everytime Kyoya hit the switch, Kaoru's body went haywire completely out of Kaoru's control. Hell, Kyoya didn't have to be physically present to do it. He could send a somewhat suggestive text and Kaoru would be writhing on the floor in ecstasy.
Kaoru cringed. He thought as he continued his conversation with Kyoya that maybe he ran away with his thoughts too easily. He could be so overdramatic. Who the hell 'writhes on the floor in ecstacy?' Certainly not Kaoru.
Kaoru: as much as I like you sappy, the Shadow King cannot canonically give cheesy, half-assed compliments in my narrative.
Kaoru meant it. Kyoya had enough time and experience as a host to know better lines.
Kyoya: Oh, really? How about deep, passionate, intimate compliments? Does it suit your Shadow King better?
HOLY SHIT. HOLY SHIT. HOLY SHIT.
Kaoru's brain short-circuited. He did not read Kyoya's message correctly or something. Did Kyoya really say that?
While his brain went around in circles, his body sagged numbly onto the toilet seat he was sitting on. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He wanted Kyoya so bad, not just in the physical sense as some might assume, but the entirety of Kyoya. Kaoru wanted Kyoya's affection, his kisses and hugs, his hands, his smiles, and his kind and honest words he only used when the people he cared about were around. Kaoru wanted time and companionship. A best friend who was allowed to see him fully, one who could see past his facade he had to put up.
After the inner monologue, Kaoru had yet to send another message. So, he took a chance.
Kaoru: yes
Kaoru waited for Kyoya to respond. He was anxious and impatient. What exactly did Kyoya have in mind? Kaoru wished he could peek into Kyoya's mind, not to try to understand or read it. He wanted to watch the mastermind work. All the complexities, all the pieces as they moved as one.
Kyoya: I find you adorable in your mother's picture. And you might have interpreted my comment as cheesy and half-assed. However, I truly meant it. As someone I know who can be so very vexatious and maddening, you look like a cherub among angels. A jarring innocence compared to the titillating behavior you have used on me. I suppose you are the deceptive one.
Kaoru was red all over. He imagined steam billowing out his ears from the way his brain exploded. He brought up his hands to cover his face. He didn't know why he was hiding, there was no one but him in the bathroom. No one could see the tomato red he became from Kyoya's words.
Kaoru waited for more, but nothing came. He then realized Kyoya was waiting for his permission to continue.
Kaoru: go on . . .
Kyoya: The devilish cherub is an oxymoron. Yet, the petal pink lips that have said such vulgar things and the fanning eyelashes that frame flirtatious eyes tell me my conclusions are correct. To have something so wild and ribald be so precious to me, simply has me unbelieving.
Kaoru was moved to gush to Kyoya that he could have him all. Being Kyoya's and calling Kaoru precious. The wording was too much.
Kaoru: precious?
Kyoya: You are precious.
Kaoru: And you have me?
Kyoya: As I've told you before, only if you're willing.
Kaoru: I am.
A loud knock at the door made Kaoru jump. His phone slipped out of his hands and thankfully, his fumbling allowed him to catch it before it landed.
"Hurry up! I have to go!" Hikaru yelled muffed behind the door.
Kaoru had a wave of annoyance wash over him. There were plenty of bathrooms in the Hitachiin household, why couldn't piss off and find one of them.
"Why don't you go to another bathroom?" Kaoru shouted. He flinched at the way his voice bounced off the hard surfaces of the bathroom and assaulted his ears.
"Why don't you talk to Kyoya somewhere else?"
Kaoru groaned. He unlocked the door trading places with Hikaru. Once Hikaru had shut the door, Kaoru snuck out of their room and slipped into the guest bedroom across the hall. He locked himself into the bathroom there and went back to Kyoya's messages on his phone.
Kyoya sent a short message, nothing more while Kaoru dealt with Hikaru.
Kyoya: I'm honored.
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Friday came sooner than expected. The Host Club packed into the side rooms of Music Room #3 to get ready. Haruhi and Renge dressed in their own room while the rest of the boys tackled the admittedly complex clothing together. Tamaki said historical accuracy and that's what Kyoya paid for. Kyoya wore tan, puffy trousers that rolled at the knee with long white socks made to look like the undergarments as well as a billowing white shirt underneath with what looked like a corset that fastened with silver clips at the front. The corset-like thing was quite beautifully embroidered with leafy designs. However, another article of clothing was placed on top, a long and heavy jacket-like thing (Kyoya hadn't bothered to remember the names) that covered half of his arms and went down to the start of his thigh. A tight collar-like piece that covered his entire neck was added for effect. The whole costume was finished with a large robe-like coat that reached his knees done in black and silver and a flat,wide hat with a feather on the side.
The rest of the club members had other ridiculous amounts of clothing articles as well. The twins Spanish and Porteguese outfits were extremely similar to Kyoya's but with larger collars and without the robe-like coat Not to mention different color combinations. Tamaki's French outfit was a mitch-match of designs on the pant with some ruffles ending in a shoe that Kyoya was sure he knew the name off, but regardless was atrociously ugly with how long and pointed they were. Mori and Hani-senpai's outfits were much more long and flowing than the other's (looking straight up like layers of robes)with capes and pointy shoes as well, though Mori-senpai's Hunagrian outfit was way more decorated in the notable Hungarian style. Renge wore an elegant but extravagant gown that was emerald and a strange head piece that was tied to a small hat over her braided updo and hung a white cloth just under her chin. Haruhi's outfit was the most simple of them all. Black pants, boots, two shirts and a red decorated coat topped with a fur-lined hat. Of course, everyone had to add the jewelry and other accessories like small purses to be completely finished.
After everyone was done, they were sweaty and exhausted. Especially Renge who, when prompted to tell how many layers she had on, gritted out 'don't ask.'
In Kyoya's opinion, the event went off without a hitch, even with the rough start. The host club saw more attendees than usual and some boys as well. A lot of Ouran's populace had shown interest and they turned out. The club was positively making a profit and Kyoya couldn't help but feel great. It was a return investment that could quite possibly give three times the amount back. The infographics weren't necessarily the attraction but the hosts themselves. Many students gravitated towards the more interesting costumes like Tamak's or beautiful like Renge's. The one group who didn't follow the pattern was the Hitachiins who's infographics were at a whole different level when it came to design. A lot of students clustered around their posters admiring the paintings the twins choose to use as well as the symbols and designs. Overall, the twins used less words and more pictures to convey the culture and society of Spain and Portugal during the 1400 and 1500's.
Haruhi's was also a popular poster as Russia didn't necessarily get to participate in the Renaissance because of extreme distance, however the architecture was notable. Haruhi did a collage of photos of Russian buildings built in the specific style as well as included poems (in the original Russian as well as the translated Japanese) that spawned from the time period. It was simple yet effective.
The host club socialized with the students for about forty-five minutes. As everyone finished their rounds looking at the posters, Kyoya and Tamaki announced the commencement of the second part of the event. The food was brought from the kitchens by the staff Kyoya hired for the event. The trays were placed on long tables covered by white table clothes. The food inspired by historical meals had small placards naming and describing the food. The other platters were more modern dishes or common Japanese foods. The guest formed a line wrapping around both sides of the stables. The Hosts dug in trying all the foods they never had before. Tamaki however had seen some of the dishes in French restaurants and spent a lot of time speaking instead of eating.
By the time seven o'clock rolled around, the after party dance commenced. The rest of the dance is left up to your imagination as Kyoya wasn't paying as much attention to the club and their guests. He only had eyes for Kaoru. He was enjoying himself and it made Kyoya weirdly happy. Kaoru was the only person in Kyoya's life that could make him happy just by being happy. Kyoya watched him dance with some girls and entertain them with Hikaru by his side. Kyoya danced with some of the girls who he hosted before. Many of whom kept great conversation, he made it so. Whenever someone new came to the club, they would have to make through a conversation without being persuaded to visit another host. The clients who visited on occasion, not like the other guests did, had either kept the conversation going without being persuaded or saw right through the ruse. Those who stayed became a part of Kyoya's clientele while those who left were none the wiser to what had occurred. Those who left would usually be better off as Kyoya wasn't the right fit.
Kyoya didn't mind dancing with the girls. They kept his mind occupied. Otherwise, he'd stand in the shadows staring at Kaoru the whole time. Though, when he had bowed to a girl seeing her off as the song ended, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Kyoya turned to find Hikaru as the source.
"Hey, can we talk?"
Kyoya cocked his head. Hikaru and Kaoru always seemed to have excellent timing and he said that sarcastically. He began to wonder why Hikaru would wait until the event to say something to Kyoya. Either way, Kyoya nodded because no girls had gotten to him for the next song. He followed Hikaru out into the hallway and into one of the smaller stairwells at Ouran. There on the landing between floors did Hikaru stop to address Kyoya.
"I don't have the full picture of you and Kaoru," Hikaru leveled his voice, "And I don't want it. It's private. But, I want to know how serious you are with Kaoru."
Kyoya didn't answer instead he took the time (a long time) to formulate an answer. He could see it irritated the older Hitachiin. However, Hikaru kept himself calm.
"I haven't seen Kaoru like this." Hikaru said to fill the space. "Like ever . He's always texting you and smiling. When it's not the host club or school, he's talking about you. Whenever we aren't together, nine times out of ten, he's with you."
"I'm sorry if it makes you angry," Kyoya apologized.
"Don't say sorry. I'm not asking for 'sorry.'" Hikaru waved his hands in front of him and shook his head. When Hikaru looked up at Kyoya, there was a smile on his face. "Kaoru's been like this for a while and since you have opened up the possibility for you two to be together, he's been happier."
Kyoya felt the melting feeling again.
Hikaru rubbed the back of his neck underneath the ridiculous collar. "I'm the one who should apologize. I . . . I've said pretty nasty things to Kaoru about his relationship with you. I had said it wasn't fair for him to have Haruhi if he had you, you know?"
Kyoya nodded and turned to lean against the wall.
"He won't let me apologize since he thinks it's his fault."
Kyoya's glasses flashed with the small but quick head movement. He had a feeling that Kaoru didn't have any coping mechanisms without Hikaru. Kyoya saw the two pushing through obstacles in the past because they could rely on each other and could knew what the other was feeling. The problem was Kaoru's sexuality was a burden on Kaoru alone. Hikaru could offer comfort, but he could never really feel how Kaoru did nor could he understand what it was like. It created a never before seen conflict between the twins. On top of that, they weren't able to work through things as a duo. Now Kaoru had no one, or so he believed. It was likely, Kyoya thought, Kaoru had subconsciously sought out Kyoya to talk to the evening the twins argued after the Renaissance meeting. Kaoru needed another person to talk to since he was used to having Hikaru. He couldn't deal with what he was feeling alone. Kaoru must have been desperate because it was shot in the dark. If Kyoya hadn't been able to talk to Kaoru and understand, who knows how that night would have ended.
"I don't want my brother to be heartbroken, that's all." Hikaru admitted. "I'm surprised it was you, don't get me wrong. Though, I'm glad it wasn't someone else."
Kyoya cocked his head, "What do you mean?"
Hikaru looked embarrassed, "Kaoru could fall for anybody. An asshole like you or someone way worse. He could have his heart shattered by a stranger. With you, despite who you are, it's different. You're our friend and best of all, you have a good understanding of us. I also know you keep your promises."
Kyoya wanted to be contrary and argue that Hiakru didn't really know him as well as he thought. Afterall, Kyoya had never promised Hikaru anything. Though, Kyoya thought it best to stay silent.
"What I'm trying to say is," Hikaru reddened even further and struggled to carry on after Kyoya's elected silence, "I trust you."
"You're giving me your blessings?" Kyoya let his lips curl into a small grin. He had to poke fun at the Hitachiin when he got the chance.
Hikaru went from embarrassment to anger, "Of course, you'd think of it that way! You're such an Oootori!"
Kyoya hummed, "I thank you for at least talking to me."
Hikaru crossed his arms over his chest, "I do want to be clear: if you break his heart, I'll break your neck."
Kyoya turned to walk away, back to the party. "Death threats, already? We aren't even dating yet. Not to mention, I've already received blessings from Yuzuha-san."
Kyoya wished he had stayed longer to see Hikaru's face. Kyoya was picturing it in his head as Hikaru screamed.
"WHAAAT?!"
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.
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Kaoru had finished out the song with a girl in a beautiful blue dress while Kyoya and Hikaru were gone. He bowed to her and wished her a good evening. She gushed a bit before wandering off to her group of friends. The friends cheered her on as she returned to the ranks. Kaoru was left standing alone among the throngs of people. He looked for Hikaru but found he wasn't anywhere near him like he usually was. Kaoru felt a twinge of panic, but he soothed it out with reasoning. Hikaru probably went to the bathroom or something. It annoyed him how easily his mind jumped into panic mode when Hikaru wasn't around. He was old enough to not feel stressed out everytime he and his twin were separated. It wasn't like they were kids anymore.
The next person he searched for was Kyoya. Kaoru walked around the perimeter of the room since Kyoya could be hiding somewhere in the recesses of the crowd. Kyoya was someone who hid in plain sight which meant Kaoru had to be vigilant and double check every spot. He was almost through his first lap around the room when Hikaru grabbed his shoulder.
Kaoru whipped around, "Where were you?"
Hikaru shrugged. Kaoru could see he was debating what to say; to be honest or to lie. "I went to talk with Kyoya."
Kaoru felt his frame sag, "Why?"
"I don't know." He was sheepish. "I wanted to hear what he had to say."
Kaoru rolled his eyes. "About us? Well, knock it off."
Hikaru stuttered as he tried to find a response to Kaoru. "I-I . . . W-Well, you know?"
Kaoru grabbed Hikaru's hand and pulled him back into the fray. He was simultaneously embarrassed and happy. He wished Hikaru would ask him things directly instead of going behind his back and making a fool out of himself. However, Kaoru could only assume that maybe Hikaru swallowed his pride and had a conversation with Kyoya. Especially since he was acting sheepish, it was not how he normally was. Because of that thought, Kaoru felt extremely happy.
"I think we should help this dance come to a close, no?" Kaoru looked back at Hikaru who was strung along by their connected hands.
Hikaru's face morphed into a wicked grin. "Something that'd give Tono a run for his money."
Kaoru nodded and mirrored the grin.
They broke through the line of people surrounding the dancing couples and pushed onto the dance floor. They easily took up a waltzing stance and began to glide across the floor. It amused the crowd around them and made some of the Hitachiin fangirls burst out screaming. Tamaki stopped dancing with on girl completely horrified.
"That's not a Renaissance dance!" He yelled. "It's three hundred years too late!"
"Sorry, Tono!" Hikaru called and spun Kaoru around.
"I don't think your dances were historically accurate anyways!" Kaoru added.
"Why should it matter?" Hikaru finished.
Tamaki shook his fist at the twins. The Hitachiins laughed and told him he looked like an old man. The rest of the guests watched entertained by the show.
Towards the back of the onlookers, Kyoya stood with his phone out. He watched as the twins danced around Tamaki. Kaoru saw him over the heads of the girls. For a brief moment, he shied away from Kyoya's gaze. He bent his head down to Hikaru's shoulders trying to hide the blush. When he looked up to Kyoya again, he saw Kyoya had his phone up in front of his face. Kaoru was confused for a split second and it wasn't until he realized Kyoya was taking a photo did the camera on his phone flash. Kaoru frowned, only an Ootori would want to monetize their pranks. This really didn't bother Hikaru as it did Kaoru as Hikaru hammed up the performance by dipping Kaoru down. Kaoru was a bit slow to the uptake almost forgetting to raise a leg to keep the balance.
"Do you realize how ridiculous we look in these outfits while waltzing?" Kaoru groaned into Hikaru's ear.
Hikaru chuckled, "Would you rather us do the tango instead?"
Kaoru pouted but didn't continue.
After the short banter, Hikaru let Kaoru take the lead. It was then that Tamaki decided to try to stop the duo by physical force. It led to a very amusing chase around the room. Kaoru was able to move through the crowd with Hikaru avoiding Tamaki. The twins taunted their club president and cracked jokes. The rest of the host club didn't bother to help either party. Though, Haruhi seemed very disappointed in both.
Eventually, the president tired while the twin hosts scurried off into one of the side rooms to hide. Kaoru and Hikaru quickly hid in the changing room for Haruhi knowing that no one would come in besides maybe her. However, the twins didn't care if she overheard anything.
"That was pretty good!" Hikaru laughed while clutching his stomach.
"It was!" Kaoru agreed. "Now what?"
Hikaru stopped laughing and a serious face replaced the one filled with mirth. His hand came up to touch his chin as he contemplated their next move. While he was waiting, Kaoru rocked back on his heels in his crouched position and thought of Haruhi. If she did come in here, what would happen? He doubted Haruhi wanting to be involved but that hasn't stopped him and Hikaru from including her before. It would make it more fun to have Haruhi ending the night with whatever Hikaru came up with.
However, Kaoru thought about how cute she looked in her costume. He didn't want to have her doing anything that might ruin it. Kaoru had Haruhi in his mind's eye and fawned over it. Kyoya really did a good job of finding an outfit that was small enough for her. He doubted it was easy. Though, Kyoya could have had something made for her specifically. Kaoru had the sudden urge to know Haruhi's exact measurements so he could get something from his mother's line for her or better yet, make something himself. He wanted to have his pencils and his drawing notebook in his hands. He had ideas for Haruhi already. Though, it would really depend on her whether the ideas he had were realized.
It felt weird knowing that he had this thing for fashion design. It wasn't like Hikaru wasn't talented in that aspect either. The difference was Hiakru wasn't interested in it as Kaoru was. Not to mention, his mother had already made both of them try working with different fabrics, materials, and the tools used to bring a new piece of clothing together. She wanted at least one of them to take up a career in the fashion industry. Though, the one day Hikaru did participate, he intentionally broke the fancy sewing machine their mother had. Kaoru didn't know how, but Hiakru had somehow made the thing smoke and catch fire. Their mother knew better, Hikaru tried to play innocent and it did not work out well. He ended up grounded and not allowed to play any games, have his phone, or even leave the house. Kaoru, of course, spent that time with Hikaru. Hikaru didn't seem bothered by the grounding. He actually was a bit happy because he knew his mother wouldn't try forcing him into sewing lessons again. He had made it clear to Yuzuha that he was NOT interested in fashion.
The thing was, Kaoru felt guilty for Hikaru's grounding. He had the ability to work as his mother did and yet, she still had both of them doing it. Hikaru had said before that he would rather do something closer to what his father did in technology. However, Kaoru believed he wasn't talented enough to show his mother he should be the one instead of Hikaru. Kaoru couldn't perform well enough to allow Hikaru to follow his dreams and do what he wanted to do. He was adamant it wasn't his mother's fault, even if Hikaru might say so. She probably did what she did so that she didn't separate them. They, at the time, were still pretty intertwined and never did any activity alone. Not to mention, despite Hikaru's clear disinterest, Kaoru never really spoke up about his countless notebooks filled with pages of designs that his mother would sing at proudly. Kaoru knew he wouldn't have worked with his mother without Hikaru there beside him.
So, he blamed himself. Everything that went wrong could be traced back to Kaoru being afraid of separation. He knew Hikaru felt it too, yet Kaoru couldn't help but feel responsible for not being enough for both his mother and his brother. He and Hikaru had to stay together but they also had to go their own ways. It was a constant tug in opposite directions. One force of gravity between them, pulling them together, and another dragging them away. Kaoru felt like he was being torn down the middle. Maybe it was a good idea to be torn into two. One part could be with his brother while the other part with his future. He wouldn't have to worry about being in both places at once if there were enough parts of him to go around.
But, he couldn't do that. Not any sense, whether physical or metaphorical. He could give everyone a piece of him metaphorically and then there wouldn't be some Kaoru left for himself. Or he would have to start breaking the pieces down into smaller and smaller bits to make sure everyone who wanted one, had one. Then, at that point, having any bit of him would be worthless.
Kaoru shook his head. He needed to stop thinking like that. It wasn't good for his mental or emotional health.
"Hey, Kaoru," Hikaru broke Kaoru out of his trance, "How about . . . ? Are you okay?"
Hikaru could see Kaoru's pale face before him. His twin looked small and unhappy. It was a sudden change for Kaoru.
Though before Kaoru could respond, Haruhi pushed back the curtain they hid behind.
"There you two are." Haruhi huffed. "That wasn't very nice of you to interrupt the dance."
"Well, I thought it was boring." Hikaru remarked.
Haruhi frowned and drawled, "That's your opinion."
"Oh?" Hikaru caught on. "Were you enjoying yourself, Haruhi?"
Haruhi's frown deepened yet she didn't say anything.
Kaoru let them squabble. He didn't want to get in it. He stood there feeling out of place while Haruhi and Hikaru went back and forth, well it mostly one sided as Hikaru continued to poke fun at her while she stood her ground. Eventually, Tamaki and Kyoya rescued him from having to listen to Hikaru flirt with Haruhi in the most indirect way possible.
Tamaki nearly had a heart attack when he saw his precious daughter alone in the dressing room with two other boys. Kyoya stood behind passively watching the scene unfold.
"WHAT WERE YOU TWO DOING TO MY DEAR HARUHI?! If I find out one of you perverted idiots did something to her, I'll make you pay!" Tamaki grabbed Haruhi and spun her into his arms. He pointed a finger at the twins accusingly.
The twins spoke in unison, "Nothing happened."
The twins stretched and put their arms behind their heads synchronized. The two grinned like the Chesire cat from Alice in Wonderland and went around Haruhi and Tamaki. When they passed Kyoya, Kaoru stole a glance. Kyoya didn't look over but Kaoru had a feeling Kyoya was watching him from his peripheral.
"Whether or not they did something to Haruhi is none of my concern," Kyoya began while Haruhi muttered a sarcastic Thanks, good to know you care , "What you did tonight was great for business. A lot of the photos I took and posted to the club's website have already picked up a considerable amount of traffic."
"Great." Haruhi deadpanned still tucked in Tamaki's arms.
"However," Kyoya turned to the twins who waited for him to finish, "It was against club rules."
"How so?" Hikaru snapped. "What we did was tame compared to some of the other things we've done. I wouldn't even consider it a prank!"
"Indeed." Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "However, a lot of those pranks were done outside of the club or outside of school. Hence, not within the sphere of authority for the host club's executive board, A.K.A Tamaki and me. What you did tonight was against the guidelines of this events; not only dancing an historically inaccurate dance, which I find unconcerning, but causing a chase in a very crowded room and leaving the party without permission barring bathroom breaks and emergencies."
"Oh c'mon, Kyoya." Kaoru pleaded. "It wouldn't have been a chase if Tamaki-senpai hadn't followed in pursuit."
Kyoya shook his head. "We're lucky you two didn't knock someone over."
"Hey, Kaoru's the best at avoidance," Hikaru joked. "You're not giving him enough credit, Kyoya-senpai."
"Gentlemen," Tamaki spoke, "I agree with Kyoya. Though, I'm not going to punish you."
Kaoru heard Hani-senpai gasp from the doorway behind them where both he and Mori-senpai lingered. Kyoya crossed his arms but his face was neutral, not letting anything show.
"At least, not in the traditional way of suspension. We need you two." Tamaki admitted letting Haruhi go. "Kyoya?"
Kyoya hummed as Tamaki called for his attention.
"I'll be thinking of some punishments for them, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter as well."
Kyoya nodded and let his gaze fall onto Kaoru for a split second before his glasses reflected the light in the room, covering his eyes.
"We'll have our decision by Monday." Tamaki ended the conversation. It was in moments like these when Tamaki was being serious that reminded Kaoru of Suoh-san. Suoh-san might be plenty charismatic and Tamaki definitely did get the charm from his father, but it was the straight-faced, business-only Tamaki that was a Suoh trait through and through.
Kaoru could tell Hikaru was upset. He stayed quiet as the rest of the host club filtered out of the room. Eventually, it was just the twins and Haruhi again. Hikaru remained silent with his head down. Again, Kaoru felt that guilty feeling pulling down on his rib cage and leaving a burnt taste in the back of his throat. He wanted to reach to Hikaru to apologize. He was going to, his hand raised to find Hikaru's shoulder, however he didn't get the chance as Haruhi wrapped her arms around him. It caught Kaoru (and Hikaru) off guard. It left Kaoru stuck in that position with his hand out waiting to see what would happen.
"I think they are being overdramatic." Haruhi said against Hikaru's chest. "However, we all know the host club king is actually a drama queen."
Hikaru lifted his head as Haruhi looked up to him. Kaoru could see the blush spreading on his cheeks. "I just don't think it's fair."
"Maybe not." Haruhi sighed. "I doubt it will be anything crazy. If I find it a little too harsh, I'll say something."
"Thanks, Haruhi." Kaoru finally unfroze from his surprise.
That's when Haruhi smiled and Kaoru's heart fluttered like it did when she looked cute. He instantly clamped down on the feeling and tried to swallow it down. He wasn't going to allow himself to continue his crush on Haruhi. It was for his sake as well as Hikaru's.
He remembered what Kyoya said the night he came out to Kyoya. He had said it was perfectly fine to be attracted to him as well as Haruhi. Again, Kaoru felt guilty and Hikaru's outburst pointing out that it wasn't fair for Kaoru to have both still weighed heavily on his mind. Whenever Hikaru acted out of anger, he would say things that he really didn't mean. Yet, Hikaru was unashamedly honest when he wanted to be and Kaoru was without a doubt that Hikaru meant what he said.
"I think you guys should go home and rest." Haruhi said pulling away from Hikaru. "I hope after Tamaki's slept on it, he will reverse his decision."
"I hope so too. Hopefully, he won't kick us out."
"He won't," Haruhi smiled.
"He said he needed us." Kaoru added.
"Besides, like you said, you guys really didn't do anything that bad." Haruhi chuckled. "You're going to have to do something a lot more extreme to be kicked out."
Kaoru and Hikaru glanced at each other.
"It wasn't an invitation to try either." Haruhi scolded.
"Yes, Haruhi. Of course!" The twins reassured in unison.
She shook her head and began pushing the two out the door. "I've got to change and so do you."