Kyoya and Hikaru faced each other at one of the dark-stained wood tables in Music Room #3. They were silent, so quiet with a shared glare of contempt one might have thought they were in an intense staring contest. Having Hikaru as his assistant was perhaps the most annoying idea Tamaki had come up with for him. Hikaru was, as Kaoru put it a while back, 'a pain in the ass and hard to get along with.' He hit the head of the nail on that one. In fact, Kyoya didn't remember a time when Hikaru was more rude.
It also didn't help that Kyoya didn't know what to do with him. Kyoya was self-sufficient and liked working alone. He didn't need any help with the club's funds or planning. So, it wasn't clear what kind of work Kyoya should be giving Hikaru. Technically, Hikaru was overqualified to be his assistant. Hikaru had valuable skills that wouldn't be best utilized as Kyoya's underling. Of course, Kyoya would never say that to Hikaru's face, it sounded too much like a compliment. Upon retrospection, Kyoya realized that Hikaru would probably be best at managing the club's social media accounts (given it could be proven that he was responsible and mature enough to do it). He probably could build a great website for the club outside of the social media platforms, better than the one Kyoya had been paying for through a third party service. Unfortunately, he would have to wait until later to proposition Hikaru.
"Hikaru, would you—?" Kyoya began.
"No."
Kyoya took a steadying breath. Hikaru really shouldn't be able to rouse such an extreme response out of him, yet he somehow knew where all of Kyoya's exposed nerves were. Kyoya somehow got his face to give one of his best derisive grins and gritted, "Would you be a dear and bring me a cup of coffee?"
"Why? We have Haruhi for that." Hikaru crossed his arms over his chest.
"Haruhi is busy. You're my assistant and good assistant's bring coffee when it's needed. Now, go ."
Hikaru got up abruptly causing the chair the screech across the floor. Several of the girls jumped at the sound it made. He very quickly sauntered off into the side room where all the food and drink was kept for the club. Kyoya pinched the bridge of his nose. It was the first day that the twins' were starting as 'assistants' and Kyoya wanted it to be over with already. Kyoya glanced to where Kaoru was sitting with Tamaki and his entourage of girls. Kaoru seemed content, sitting quietly while making sketches for the upcoming host club event. Tamaki was also quite pleased, often looking over Kaoru's shoulder and giving positive comments with a big smile. At least, one of us is enjoying their assistant.
Hikaru came back with a teacup and saucer, slamming it onto the table. "Here you go, sir."
Kyoya frowned. It wasn't normal coffee. He could tell something was off by how dark and flat its presentation was. There was no steam, no aroma of coffee, and Hikaru came back way too fast for it to be what he wanted. He picked up the cup, which was only supposed to be used for tea, and took a sip. It was cold brew. He slammed the cup of coffee onto the saucer. He liked cold brew well enough, however it was about 6.5 degrees outside and he was cold. Not to mention, Hikaru only brought it out since he didn't want to make a fresh brew of coffee, instead opting for the pre-made cold brew that Hani-senpai and Haurhi liked to drink no matter how cold it was outside.
"I want hot, fresh coffee. Try again."
"I don't know how to make it."
"Well, it seems like there's a search engine for all the questions you might have about performing an action. Maybe you should Google it."
Hikaru was pissed. It looked like he was about to simply go off on Kyoya when a pale hand grabbed his. Kyoya observed as Kaoru diffused the situation expertly. He whispered into Hikaru's ear, covering his mouth so no one could see what he was saying. All the while, he kept his hand on Hikaru's. Behind the twins, Tamaki and his clients observed. Tamaki seemed concerned and disappointed, though he didn't interrupt the twins.
Kyoya was impressed. How did Kaoru know Hikaru was upset? Kyoya had the amusing thought that it must have been twin telepathy floating around in the back of his mind. Though, it did beg the question of how. Kyoya was sure Kaoru wasn't looking over to him and Hikaru, but he couldn't say for certain.
"Okay?" Kaoru asked, no longer whispering.
Hikaru nodded and left to the side room again. Kaoru turned to Kyoya clearly angry.
"Don't worry, I'm irritated at both you." He said and then followed Hikaru.
Kyoya pursed his lips. Well, then . He returned to typing on his laptop setting aside thoughts surrounding Kaoru. Afterall, essays weren't going to write themselves, especially English essays. Resolution of the tension would have to wait until later when they could text or call one another. Kyoya felt a small tug of glee in his chest at the thought. Texting Kaoru at the end of the day was something he looked forward to. While the circumstances that time were not as desirable, he still enjoyed communicating with Kaoru.
It wasn't too long after that the wonderful smell of coffee began to fill Music Room #3. A lot of the girls, Kyoya overheard, were giggling as they spoke of Hikaru and Kaoru. All of them wanted to try the coffee the two made, insisting that based on the smell it had to be absolutely divine. It struck an idea in Kyoya's mind. Perhaps, he had found another way to generate revenue for the club.
Kaoru snuck out of the side room alone and found his way back to Tamaki. He sat down and started sketching again. Tamaki clapped his shoulder, welcoming him back and jumping back into wherever they left off. Kyoya took another unneeded glance to the two after finishing another paragraph. He couldn't help the warmth flooding his chest from his two favorite people in the world getting along so well. He hadn't expected how fond he would feel at the thought. It was admittedly out of character for him. Yet, he let Kaoru in and brought him very close. Of course, Kaoru would be one of the few people in the world who could elicit that kind of response out of Kyoya.
Eventually, Hikaru came out with an actually mug filled with steaming coffee. Hikaru sat it gently on the table and clutched the back of his neck.
"I'm sorry for getting angry . . . and not doing what you said."
Kyoya was pleasantly surprised, he took a sip of the coffee and hummed in satisfaction. The hot liquid warmed him up.
"I accept your apology." Kyoya gave a glance, knowing some of the club's clients were watching. "I'm quite impressed."
Kyoya wasn't sure if the small blush that dusted Hikaru's cheeks was due to the unexpected praise, embarrassment, anger, or because he realized that Kyoya complimented him to rile the girls up. Nevertheless, the girls in their vicinity gasped with delight, gushing at a possible new 'bromance.' Certainly, it was an unexpected friendship to say the least, considering that Kyoya and Hikaru's types usually didn't mix very well.
Kyoya saw that Kaoru was both entertained and disbelieving. It was also pretty amusing to Kyoya that the girls had begun 'shipping' him with Hikaru before even realizing that Kyoya and Kaoru were in a much closer than friendly relationship themselves. He curled his lips at the irony.
"I think you've had enough punishment for one day after all," Kyoya announced and stood, coffee in hand. He saddled up closed to Hikaru and said very clearly, "Your brew is lovely. Well done."
There was a round of screeching and laughter from the girls.
Kyoya got closer, inwardly enjoying how uncomfortable Hikaru was, and whispered, "I'm only playing nice for Kaoru's sake. If you don't do as I say again, I will end you."
Hikaru instantly paled and Kyoya put on a flirtatious grin to hide the murderous one that threaten to break the surface. He continued in his low tone, "Play along."
Kyoya then grabbed Hikaru's chin bring his face up. Kyoya enjoyed the redder blush and green, sickly tint that colored his skin. He held the pose for a beat to allow the girls to gush some more. "I'm looking forward to more cups of your coffee."
Within seconds, a pair of arms wrapped around Hikaru's chest and drew him away from Kyoya. From behind Hikaru's shoulder, Kyoya saw Kaoru grinning mischievously. Hikaru gratefully melted into his brother's embrace, quickly covering up his distress from Kyoya being so close and playing along as Kyoya said.
"He's mine, you know?" Kaoru sounded properly angry, yet there was that small lilt in his voice that signified playfulness. "Coffee and all."
"I wouldn't question it." Kyoya responded and crossed his arms. "I was only complimenting his coffee. It was his first brew."
Kaoru held Hikaru closer, tucking his head into Hikaru's neck and posing in a signature Hitachiin 'Brotherly Love' display. "Maybe I wanted to have his first brew? Sharing is all I'm willing to allow when comes to Hikaru."
Hikaru quietly groaned and gritted, "Can you please keep me out of your guys' weird foreplay?"
Kyoya rose an eyebrow. It was enough of a response for Hikaru to fix his attitude and begin playing along.
"Kaoru? I was only doing what was asked?" Hikaru fluttered his eyelashes.
Kaoru twirled Hikaru around and held him close. Time within the room seemed to slow to a stop. This was a popular move of the twins; Hikaru doing something troublesome, Kaoru feeling put out, and then a dramatic climax where they make up. Kyoya could see the play in his head, unfolding as it had thousands of times before. Kyoya once wondered, after the first few months of starting the club, why the girls kept coming back. There was always a predictability in what the hosts would do. Even if you were a girl that would intermingle among the boys, it was still the same set of personalities. After a while, everything had already been done before, multiple times. While he did enjoy being a host and being able to mess around with his friends in a semi-productive manner, it seemed boring to Kyoya if he were to come here as a guest. Perhaps that's why he strived to make the club as diverse in activities as possible.
"You never do what I ask," Kaoru whined, "Even when I ask so nicely. Sometimes I think you do it just to be mean."
Hikaru cradled Kaoru's face in his hands, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. Will you forgive me?"
Kaoru bowed his head and brought the crook of a finger to his eye. From Kyoya's angle, he could see the small droplet bottle used to fake tears in the palm of Kaoru's hand, hidden from the rest of the club.
Kaoru sniffed, "I already have."
They shared a tight hug while the rest of the Hitachiin fangirls almost brought down the room with their noise alone. Tamaki's group which sat on the loveseats and chairs chatting, only giggled with their hands covering their mouths. Hani and Mori's girls seemed unfazed and continued to talk excitedly with Hani about different sweets they've tried.
Kyoya pushed his glasses up, hoping they would cover the eye roll with the glare from the lights. "You can have your brother. I'm done with him . . . for now."
Kyoya turned and walked to the back room, ready to work on his next project for the club. He could find some peace and quiet back there.
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Kaoru changed into his casual clothes from his uniform in the changing room with Hikaru. He had black skinny jeans, an orange tank layered underneath a long-sleeved white button-up, and a black trench coat to keep warm. He had on some simple jewelry; small silver chains, a couple of rings, and earrings. Hikaru matched him except he had on baggy, back sweat pants, and a long-sleeved red crewneck.
They were relatively quiet. Hikaru was on his phone looking on Twitter for anything new; specifically new video games, music, TV shows, and movies. Kaoru was tinkering with his bracelet which was not clasping like it was supposed to. He needed to send it to the jewelers to make sure it wasn't broken. For a brief second, he paused his infuriating battle with his bracelet and looked up to Hikaru who still had his eyes glued to the screen. Kaoru rolled his eyes and continued fumbling.
"Alright, out you two!" Tamaki called with Kyoya in tow.
Kaoru looked up to see his senpais in casual clothing as well. Tamaki had his hands on his hips and was leaning into the room expectantly.
Hikaru grunted, "Why?"
"Mommy and Daddy are having a meeting." Tamaki explained.
"Oh, you have to use this specific room out of all the other rooms you could use?" Hikaru pointed out.
Kaoru added, "And we can't be present while this meeting occurs?"
Kyoya went around Tamaki, arms crossed. "Please, we're going to discuss finances for the club and family matters. I would appreciate if you did leave, but I won't force you."
It piqued Kaoru's interest. Even with the growing curiosity, he needed to respect their privacy. Hikaru seemed to share the same thoughts. He often furrowed his brow in a way that knit them together while raising one up, it was a dead give away that his attention was narrowed on something.
"Alright. Come on, Kaoru." He pulled himself off the table he was sitting on. Sitting on the tables was something that Tamaki yelled at him for, yet the bad habit stayed.
Kaoru flashed a tiny smile at Kyoya before leaving. He couldn't stay mad with him. Kyoya was Kaoru's biggest soft spots. As much as he wanted to stay angry, he found a lot of the anger had boiled off into the lowest simmer possible. He was annoyed, yes, and he had really been quite angry with Kyoya and Hikaru for not trying to meet each other in the middle despite their differences. But, he told himself that it was going to take time before they could at least be indifferent towards each other in this new relationship.
Kyoya's mouth turned up at the corner. It was like Kaoru's smile, it came easily and sometimes unexpectedly. Kyoya hadn't meant to emote. Kaoru knew Kyoya was expecting him to be angry for a longer period of time. Kaoru's forgiveness must have surprised a smirk out of Kyoya.
"Have fun in your 'meeting.'" Kaoru and Hikaru cheered in unison and left Music Room #3.
Out in the hallway, Kaoru adjusted his bag nervously, "Do you think we should be worried?"
The two dodged the quick-paced students milling about in the hallway. The school was probably getting ready for another big event. Kaoru and Hikaru both didn't try to keep track, not because it was difficult but because they often didn't enjoy the events unless they were with the host club.
Hikaru had his arms crossed above his head. He obviously wasn't too concerned, "No."
Kaoru sighed, but remained silent. They'll probably get wind of it eventually. It was most likely more plans for the club to try and get money by the way Kyoya put it, finances and family matters . Suoh-san might be putting money in or taking money out of the club's funds. Kaoru hoped it was the former. It wasn't like Suoh-san had that sort of power as he was a chairman, not the treasure or apart of the treasury department. However, his ability to persuade people and get on their good side was well known. Tamaki did inherit to an extent that trait of being awfully charming from his father. Though, Suoh-san was way more grounded than Tamaki.
The two slowly made their way to the pick-up exit where the family car would be waiting. The area was mostly empty as anyone who left immediately after school had already been picked up about two hours ago. The only students who hung around the lobby waiting for their rides were those who just left their respective clubs and those who stayed after school to study. Though, there was a level of chattering in the room. Kaoru quickly fell into pace with Hikaru to speak lowly.
"What are we doing tonight?"
"I have homework. You?"
"I always have homework. I'm not really in the mood to do it."
Hikaru snorted, "You? Skipping homework?"
"I want to do something fun tonight."
Hikaru stopped which left Kaoru continuing on at a very brisk pace. Kaoru hopped between feet a few times to slow his momentum. "Are you serious?"
"What?" Kaoru feigned innocence.
Hikaru quirked an eyebrow up. It painfully reminded Kaoru of Kyoya. "What do you suppose we do?"
"I don't know."
Hikaru rolled his eyes and continued walking. Kaoru followed.
The black SUV waited at the curve of the pick-up area. The family driver was amiable as ever, even when neither twin wanted to speak. Hikaru pulled out his sketchbook and began making doodles with a mechanical pencil. Kaoru watched Hikaru's drawing take shape out of the corner of his eye. However, his eyes kept roaming to other places. The back of the driver's head, the window, and Hikaru himself.
Kaoru had a plan forming in his mind. There was a place that Hikaru and Kaoru had been a few times before called Pink. It was a small club on the other side of Tokyo, a good forty-five minute drive. It had a separate lounge from the main dance floor and seating area that a lot of the Ouran students tended to hang out in. It was a nightclub for lack of a better word, yet it was much more like a Karaoke lounge than anything. Despite it being more laid back and safer than a nightclub, Kaoru felt a drop in his stomach. Their parents didn't mind them going to places like that on the weekends, but on a Monday night? It wasn't going to be a huge issue to sneak out. Hikaru and Kaoru had done it many times before and whether or not their parents knew was still debated. They never said anything to the twins even if they did know.
He looked to his own window, watching the lines on the road slip pass the car. It would be best to stay in and do homework. However, Kaoru was feeling restless. Maybe it was the stagnant mood, the fact that nothing interesting had come up in the past few days. Maybe Kaoru was feeling this way because of their so called 'punishment.' Working with Tamaki wasn't all bad. However, seeing Kyoya working with Hiakru made Kaoru frustrated, having conflicted feelings about it. He wanted to be other there himself working with Kyoya as they had done before. He enjoyed sitting quietly, not speaking but enjoying Kyoya's company nevertheless. Yet, he wanted Hikaru to be around Kyoya and have them get along, possibly learn about each other.
Kaoru thought about Hikaru's stance on his and Kyoya's relationship. Kaoru wasn't sure if Hikaru approved as he wanted him to. Hikaru didn't dislike Kyoya. The host club was a giant family ultimately. However, Kyoya's and Hikaru's personalities didn't mix well. Kaoru wasn't sure that they would be friends if the host club didn't exist. It was something about the group's chemistry as a whole that allowed for the unlikely pairings. It all tied back to Tamaki being the glue that held them all together. He had a knack for seeking out personality traits, even the most hidden and repressed. He was able to form the club and be able to fill it with unique characters. All the hosts filled a niche and it just worked. It was miraculous, really.
Kaoru wanted Hikaru and Kyoya to get along better outside the club. He wasn't hoping for perfect, but he couldn't imagine what it would be like if they had a falling out. Kaoru would have to choose between Kyoya and Hikaru essentially. What's worse was Kaoru knew Kyoya wouldn't make him choose like Hikaru would. Kyoya would just let Kaoru go as to not burden him with the decision. It upset Kaoru thinking about it. So he put his mental energy into something else: thinking about tonight.
"I have an idea." Kaoru murmured to Hikaru.
Hikaru didn't stop doodling, though he did nod his head.
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Kyoya kneeled at the coffee table in front of the couch in his room. It had been his spot to do homework ever since he had gotten homework. He worked quickly through his Advanced Physics, Calculus II, and Anatomy homework. When he received a text from Kaoru, he was finishing up his organic chemistry.
Kaoru: I want to talk.
Kyoya was about to type a response saying he was free to talk when Kaoru sent another message.
Kaoru: oops, that came out wrong. I didn't mean it like a serious talk!
Kyoya: I understood what you meant.
Kaoru: good
Kaoru sent Kyoya a gif of an animated bear character blowing a puff of air and wiping their brow.
Kaoru: can we facetime?
Kyoya gave the all clear and grabbed his earbuds connecting them to his phone. Kaoru was filling his screen with a mischievous smile.
"I think you're due for an apology from me," Kaoru began, "And I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologize."
"No, but I wanted to. I didn't think you two were going to be at such odd ends with each other."
Kyoya hummed, "You were right."
Kaoru's smile dulled, "I was hoping for too much. And I'm always right by the way, at least when it comes to Hikaru."
Kyoya wondered up the stairs to his bedroom. He flipped the lights off for the downstairs lights and turned on dimmed lights upstairs over his bed.
"He was a pain in the ass. However, that wasn't new. I've known you both long enough to know better. You two did cause a lot of grief when the club first started."
Kaoru grabbed his face dramatically and started longingly into the distance over the screen, "Ah, the nostalgia."
Kyoya remembered when he met the two. They were insufferable and all too nosey. Kyoya couldn't have anything personal within their proximity. They had a knack for finding things you didn't want them to find. Luckily, Kyoya never had anything physical with him that they could poke around in. Though, he could clearly envision the twins during the first meeting of the club. He stumbled upon them in one of the back rooms snooping around. Kyoya had approached the room quietly and leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. It hadn't taken long before the twins looked up and realized the amount of shit they were in. Of course, this was only a preview of what was to come. The twins were truly the devils of the club.
"I think we did some of our best work here in the club."
"And I had to pay for it," Kyoya pinched the bridge of his nose.
Kaoru had a bittersweet look. He looked down and adjusted his headphones, "I know."
Kyoya let the conversation lapse into silence, as their conversations often did. Kaoru had something on his mind and he was gathering his thoughts. Kyoya hoped it wasn't anymore news like their mother had thrown at them that past weekend. That was enough of a shock. Kyoya had never in his life felt the kind of surprise he had felt then. It was very unlike him to have reacted in such a way. It didn't help that Kaoru had purposely waited until he was taking a drink to drop the news.
"We're maybe going out tonight." Kaoru ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't think Hikaru wants to do anything and we might not go, but . . ."
Kyoya cocked his head. Despite sounding sure if himself, Kaoru had indecision written all over his face. Kyoya imagined Kaoru was experiencing conflicting forces, one pulling him to stay home and the other to go out.
"Regardless of what you decide to do, be safe."
Kaoru blushed at his words.
"I don't think I'd hear the end of it if Tamaki lost his assistant." Kyoya chirped breezily, enjoying the reaction from Kaoru.
A very deep frown settled on his face on Kyoya's phone. The bluish light from what Kyoya assumes to be Kaoru's laptop only accentuated the expression. There was a bit of humor, but Kyoya could tell that Kaoru was mostly annoyed.
"You were about this close," Kaoru held up his thumb and forefinger about a centimeter apart, "This close to being sweet and sentimental. But you ruined it."
"Where do you want to go tonight? Would I be correct in saying you were not planning on going to Le Chef's fine dining?"
"No, I wanted to go to Pink." Kaoru explained. "Though, I think I might change my mind."
Kyoya's stomach turned unpleasantly. He wanted to tell Kaoru to stay in for that night. However, he knew it was overstepping. Kaoru was free to go wherever he pleased and Kyoya wouldn't tell him otherwise. However, there was something fishy about Pink. It was rather a dull place in Kyoya's opinion, however there were particularly nasty rumors about that place. It was, at face value, an unsuspecting place and fairly safe for a club. Now, Kyoya didn't take much stock in rumors but he had his hand in enough to know that place spelled trouble for those not paying attention. And while Kaoru could hold his own, Kyoya didn't want him to risk his safety for anything.
"I think you should take a night to relax, if anything." Kyoya suggested. "I wouldn't be opposed to chatting with you for a while."
Kaoru looked unhappy. His eyebrows were knit together and his mouth tight. He had his head bowed from Kyoya's point of view. To be honest, to Kyoya, Kaoru in that moment looked beautiful. Kyoya could see his eyelashes, the odd ends of his hair over his forehead, his upturned nose and pointed chin. It soaked into Kyoya's mind quickly like water seeping through sand and spreading. He had a hidden notebook underneath the side table next to his bed. It was one of the things Kyoya kept hidden from most anybody, not even the host club knew. Though, right then he wanted to grab the notebook so badly. He could see the details, the lines flowing through his mind and the colors absorbing on white pages.
Kyoya crushed the desire. There were too many reasons why that would be a bad idea. Besides, he didn't think he was even ready to show Kaoru.
Kaoru looked up. Kyoya took in the amber eyes falling onto the screen.
"I'm feeling restless. I feel like I'm reaching for something elusive. It's winding me up tighter and tighter like time is running out for me to catch it."
Kyoya was hesitant. He was having a rare moment where he was unsure of how to respond. He understood what Kaoru was saying, he understood the feeling. Yet, he didn't understand why Kaoru was in this state of mind. To think that Kaoru wanted to go to Pink, an uncharacteristic move for him, and probably get into things he shouldn't be getting into. It was a destination on the path to self-destruction. Kyoya wondered if having their relationship, as it was then, was placing too much stress on Kaoru. He was coping unhealthily as Kyoya had suspected and Kyoya only hoped that he wasn't in too deep .
"I think . . . I'm going to go out."
Kyoya noticeably frowned, "Kaoru-"
Kaoru only gave a cheeky grin, "I'll text you later."
The call was dropped. Kyoya stared at his screen which showed all the apps he had open before Kaoru filled it. Kyoya had ever been so disgruntled by him.
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Kaoru sat absolutely still as Hikaru carefully applied the brush onto his skin. The twins had a knack for a lot things and make-up was another talent they seemed to excel at naturally. And while they wore it in their mother's designs to straight up cross-dressing, Kaoru thought as he waited for Hikaru to finish that maybe he was pushing it too much. They were both dressed in a balance of casual and formal wear and both decided that sneaking into their mother's make-up collection wouldn't be a bad idea. At the time, it was a great idea in Kaoru's head. There was no doubt that it would be great and look great as well. However, Kaoru was suddenly hit with the fact that they were going out in public with make-up on. While Tokyo had its fair share of fashion subcultures where a guy wearing making wouldn't cause anyone to blink an eye, they had switched gears and decided on a new location. They were headed to a karaoke lounge and cafe that's open late on weekdays. It's location was what had Kaoru reeling to change his mind. It was in one of the business districts where they were probably going to be recognized and under high scrutiny.
It also didn't help that Kaoru wasn't wearing basic level make-up so often seen on male celebrities. It wasn't a foundation and some contour to accentuate male features. It was much more flamboyant. Honestly, Kaoru wouldn't be surprised if Hikaru had done it on purpose.
"Black or brown mascara?"
Kaoru sighed, "Brown."
"Are you sure? This look would be fucking killer with black mascara."
"Hikaru," Kaoru growled. He wasn't happy with how heavy the make-up felt on his face. He wasn't in the mood to be dolled up and yet, Hikaru didn't listen to him through most of the make-up applying process.
"Alright, alright." Hikaru laughed. "Brown it is."
Kaoru raised his eyebrows and let Hikaru brush the wand against his eyelashes, then looking up so he could do the bottom lashes. The look was done.
Hikaru took a step back from his twin brother looking over his work. "I'm a miracle worker."
Kaoru rolled his eyes, "You're next."
Hikaru shook his head, "Nope, just you this time."
Kaoru frowned. Why wasn't Hikaru being poked and prodded like Kaoru had? Why wasn't he joining in on the 'fun' as he had put it before he started. Kaoru stood from the stool and and crossed his arms.
"Why?"
Hikaru shrugged, "You look better in it."
"We look the same except for our hair."
Hikaru shook his head, "You suit it more. Besides, you'll thank me later."
God, Hikaru could be arrogant as hell.
"I'm just wondering why I'm so dressed up just to go to a boring Karaoke lounge."
Hikaru shook his head again, but smiling. "It's not just any boring karaoke lounge. I texted the entire host club to come along. Everyone agreed on coming."
Kaoru wasn't mad at the sudden group outing. In fact, it comforted Kaoru in a way he hadn't expected. It was almost like everyone else had the same pent up energy they needed to release. Besides, he wouldn't mind seeing Tono at the mic once more. Everyone in the club knew just how fun it was to be there when Tamaki let loose. Also the twins would get to know how good of a singer Haruhi was . . . or wasn't.
"Is Kyoya coming?" Kaoru hesitated to ask because he didn't want Hikaru to make fun of him.
Hikaru nodded slowly, a devilish smirk on his face. "He's coming."
Kaoru didn't like the tone of voice Hikaru used. This was most certainly going to be interesting to see unfold, whatever Hikaru's plans were. As an Hitachiin himself, Kaoru knew he needed to hold on tightly and wait this one out. This was the calm before the storm.
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Kyoya had begun undressing himself to get ready for bed. He wasn't actually going to sleep, but to browse around, digging up dirt for the hell of it. It wasn't like he could sleep, being the insomniac he was. The closet on the upper level contained his personal items, as well as storage for his daily routine. Extra bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and linens like his bed sheets were all there in neat rows. He supposed it was a bit of a design flaw in his opinion to have so much of his storage space and living areas on the lower level of his bedroom. It was also annoying climbing up the stairs to bed, though he was never say that to anyone. It would sound like he was lazy.
Regardless, he asked for a large closet to be built on the upper level of his bedroom so that if necessary, he could have stuff in reach in case of an emergency. There have been plenty of mornings were he had unwittingly hit snooze in his half-asleep daze, often angrily dismissing the calls on his phone from his guards trying fruitlessly to help him even when it wasn't their job to do so. It was a cluster after waking up realizing he only had five minutes to be seated in front of his father at the table for breakfast. He hated trying to rush through all the drawers to get his entire outfit ready. By having his school uniform right beside his bed, it made it easier to yank it off the hanger and throw it on.
The personal care items were a new addition. He liked being able to grab extras on his own and not have to worry about getting them from a staff member. It may sound stupid, but maybe Haruhi's independence was rubbing off on him.
He was pulling his pajamas off the hanger when his buzzed in his pocket. Kyoya pulled it out and saw a message from Hikaru. He debated whether or not to open it. However, another notification popped up, that time an image from Hikaru. Kyoya thought he didn't have anything better to do so he unlocked his phone to look.
The Other Hitachiin: Kaoru's going out looking great for someone special ;P
The picture showed Hikaru in a mirror, an array of makeup on the counter in front of him. Kyoya felt a twinge in his chest and an unpleasant nauseousness in his stomach at the sight. Kyoya's mind scrambled to clamp down on the rush of emotions. It was much too extreme. Kyoya hadn't ever felt an emotional reaction as strong as the one he had then. It was giving his logical side whiplash. He was angry, more so surprised and distressed. It was the first time Kyoya had experienced jealousy in that capacity.
Kyoya: I don't see how this has anything to do with me?
The Other Hitachiin: I thought you'd like to know. Kaoru's going to the karaoke place we went to with Renge last month.
Kyoya fought the urge to run out to stop Kaoru. He gritted his teeth. It was bait and Kyoya was determined not to take it. At least, that's what he had thought when he had realized he had already put his coat and shoes back on, phone in hand to call for the car.