Kiss
Chapter Four: Big Changes
The next time that Haruhi challenges Kyoya is a year later. In terms of his relationship with Haruhi, time has been kind to him. Parties almost every week and a mutual need to get away from work/studying has led them to spending a lot more time together, more than he ever dreamed, and still he wants more time with her.
By contrast, his experiences at work have gotten worse. Yuuichi subtly tries to one-up him at every turn while Akito doesn't even try to hide his digs and maneuvers in order to keep Kyoya in his place as the third son. No one on the board openly supports him, and his father hasn't given him another chance to prove himself. The only area in which he has had any success is in talking to those below him so that he knows what they like and want. After much time listening to the workers and customers via surveys, among other ways, Kyoya is ready when at last his father asks him to propose a solution to a problem plaguing the zaibatsu.
As soon as he leaves his father's office, he checks the time and calls Haruhi, knowing she isn't in class yet. "My time has come. I know the right solution this time," he declares, earning a word of encouragement from Haruhi. "Thanks. I'll explain more over dinner."
Everything is lining up. The workers and customers both want the same thing and trust him. The company has the money available to support the solution. He's been given a chance without any interference from his brothers so he can take all the credit. For a few days, he researches and writes up his elegant solution, explaining the only real way to solve this problem to Haruhi along the way.
"I think this is what will finally convince my father to give me the leadership role I deserve and clinch my position as head of the company," he says confidently at breakfast the day he presents to everyone.
"I hope so. Your father would be a fool to ignore you and everyone else; it'll only spell disaster for the zaibatsu," states Haruhi as she gathers her food for the day.
"I agree. Our opinion in polls has already gone down, as have our numbers; our path forward here is critical. Father can't say no when I have the backing and trust of so many employees below me; they'd do whatever I suggest," says Kyoya from the doorway. "Now I will show just how well I've cultivated and gotten to know our customers."
When he presents his solution, he is proud of his work. It is cutting edge, but still maintains the spirit of what they do so the more conservative members can't complain. After finishing his presentation, he turns to his father, eager to receive praise and the acknowledgement that he has done well.
His idea is rejected outright. Heartbroken, he hangs on by a thread as he tries to understand, white knuckling the table and seething as he looks at his smug brothers. "Why wouldn't this work?" he asks, maintaining his composure. "So many people want this. They've asked for this. This makes everyone happy. How can we say we listen to the people if we don't do this?"
"This is not a good business choice. You don't understand this company and its needs," states his father, and other reasons are given, all of which make him want to explode.
He barely escapes the boardroom after stating that he's taking the next day off before he texts Haruhi to tell her not to bother cooking. He's ordering his favorite takeout, and her response is that she's heading home early.
When he gets back to the apartment, she is there by some miracle, the anger radiating off of her giving way to compassion in her eyes when she first sees him. "Give me your phone and tablet," she demands as soon as he closes the door. "I don't want you to look at them."
She knows him too well by now. His brothers will probably gloat soon, and he will want to compulsively check his emails, which he shouldn't be in this state.
After turning them off, he hands them to her. "Thank you."
While she hides the electronics, he ditches his business clothes and puts on lounging clothes. No one's going to see him besides Haruhi, and she's seen him in just about every state but completely naked. She's never cared, and based on how upset she is, she probably wouldn't even notice if he went shirtless.
When they meet in the living room, she lifts an arm to him in invitation. Normally when she comforts him, there is hugging involved, but on a day like this, he isn't quite ready yet for that, so he swallows her outstretched hand in his, squeezing tightly.
"Thanks. I feel so…I don't even know," he states, letting go so he can pace.
"You have every reason to be angry," she replies, making him face her once more.
"I'm angry, but it's more than that," he explains, removing his glasses. "I'm disappointed that this didn't work, and in my father."
"You're never going to make him happy; you need to accept that," she says, approaching him slowly. "The sooner you do, the better. He's proving it now more than ever."
He never wanted to believe it, but he feels as though he has no choice now. Nothing will be good enough for his father, and this way was most obvious. As it truly hits him for the first time, he slumps into a chair, shaking at the implications for his life and career, and he hates what he sees.
Haruhi is next to him in a moment, taking his hand with a death grip. It grounds him, and she gives him the quiet he needs to process.
"I know it now. Even if he doesn't want to make me the next head, he should have taken my solution and given me another challenge. It doesn't make any sense what he is doing right now. This company is dooming itself to failure. I feel lost, not only with my family but also with regard to the company," he whispers, lowering his gaze. "This is not the right decision or direction. I can't let it go on or condone it."
"What did you do the last time that you didn't agree with a decision?" she asks, making him glance up to give her a knowing look.
She knows very well what he did; he has discussed that time with her at length after the Akito situation in college.
"I bought up the company and saved it. Are you suggesting I buy control again?" he asks seriously.
"No. I don't think that will help you here, or is possible because of the different circumstances." She places her other hand on top of their joined ones. "But you should save the company somehow, and if nothing else, save yourself so you do something that you can live with on your conscience."
Shaking his head, he sighs. "It's not that easy. This won't affect only me. There are countless people who trust me and depend on me to do the right thing. And now that I've spent enough time around you, I think about them as well."
Had Haruhi not become such a big influence on his life, he's sure that he would have still cared about these employees simply because of all the work he's done with them and come to respect them. They're hard workers, and he values their time and devotion. But thanks to Haruhi, he thinks much more about how his actions affect others. She has reminded him of his little bubble of a rich life one too many times now because of the big difference between him and a commoner like her, and now that he knows what kind of disaster is coming for the company, he's worried.
"I'm glad you are," she says, giving him another squeeze. "I'm proud of you."
"I know I have to do something, but I'm not sure what," he says, eyes focused on the opposite side of the room.
He faces her when she lets go of him completely to fold her hands in front of her. She has something to say based on how serious she looks, but based on the apprehension in her eyes, she realizes this will be hard for him to hear. At this point, he's just glad that she knows him well enough that she won't just blurt something out loud. All through high school, he was amused by how she managed to cut down the twins and Tamaki with what she said without any compunction, sometimes just oblivious that she was even hurting them. Now, she has more awareness, but it doesn't stop her from speaking her mind.
"I know you won't like hearing this, but this seems like the best solution. Have you ever considered just going out on your own and starting your own company?" she challenges, and she almost breaks him.
He sits there, hearing but not comprehending. He hates everything about the idea. It's not something he ever considered before, and still doesn't want to. It's crazy. Impossible.
"There's no way that could work," he says, his tone dismissive.
That doesn't dissuade her in the slightest, and he's grateful that she isn't afraid of him. She pushes on, heedless of his feelings because she wants to do right by him, even if it hurts.
"With that attitude, it won't, but look at what you've accomplished so far. Tamaki and the Ouran High School Host Club proved that. Are you going to stay within those confines you've set up, and let your father and brothers win?" she asks, making him pause.
"How can this possibly work?" he returns, bringing a curious hand under his chin.
He doesn't see a solution, but Haruhi clearly does. She doesn't have the experience and familial expectations he does, so she can see beyond what he does. Right now, he values her outsider perspective all the more and how she continues to push him just as Tamaki does.
"You already know what people want and have loyal employees. You have the money to finance such an endeavor, and you don't have to have a big business. It could be small and focused, doing what you know best," she says, blowing his mind as he envisions what she proposes.
"That has more merit than I expected," he allows, growing quiet as he thinks. When he is ready, he adds, "You're suggesting I steal the loyal employees so they're saved and can do the right work with me. There would have to be a lot of discussion with them, and the timing would have to be perfect, if soon. I'd have to find backers and talk to people to find customers, but that should be easy. The core group of workers has a specialty that has a wide market audience, and it synergizes with my expertise…but what about my family?" he asks aloud, growing worried. "I'd destroy what little family ties and approval I have."
"The only family you care about is Fuyuumi, and she'll love you no matter what," reminds Haruhi, waving off his concerns. "Your father never will approve of you, so he doesn't matter." He grimaces at her blunt dismissal, even if it is accurate. "If anything, I would think he'd appreciate you going out on your own, once he got over you stealing his employees. Your brothers will probably be happy to not have to compete with you."
Despite not liking the idea at first, he finds himself nodding at her assessment of the situation. He never thought he would ever leave the zaibatsu, but now he is entertaining the idea.
"You may be right," he says, and she rolls her eyes.
"We both know I am, but you need time to think. How about we end the discussion here and discuss something else?"
"I would prefer that," he agrees, getting up to pour a drink for himself.
While he's in the kitchen, their dinner arrives, and Haruhi sets it up on the sofa, each of them taking their designated spot.
Kyoya didn't grow up eating on couches, so Haruhi was the first to show him the revolutionary idea back when she first started eating dinner at his apartment. Back then, it was a rare treat, so he didn't worry about getting food on the leather, and now they reserve dinner on the sofa for stressful or joyful occasions.
Right now, he needs comfort. He starts the meal folded up, body full of stress, and the more stories Haruhi tells of rich law students who don't understand commoners' needs when it comes to the law, the more he laughs and stretches out. It also helps that the saki goes straight to his head, and his body is warm all over thanks to Haruhi's smile and the drink. Once his legs are flat on the couch, she lays out her legs and sticks her feet in between his. Her bare skin rests gently against his, and this little touch is exactly what he needs, that simple confirmation that he is seen and wanted.
As touch-starved as he was growing up, he quickly discovered in his early relationships that he wanted physical touch. The problem was that Tamaki gave too much, and the girls before Haruhi didn't have the warmth that Haruhi does.
Here, sitting on the couch, everything feels just right. Her character warmth and simple gesture of affection help the last of his stress dissipate, and when he closes his eyes to enjoy the moment, she falls silent, content to be with him and provide the reassurance that he isn't alone amid all this.
After a long time sitting like that, he opens his eyes and scoots until his bent knees touch her feet. Now and only now is he ready to tell her all the details of the day, and he leans in, enjoying every look of horror she wears in response.
"That's when I texted you," he says, ending his story. "Now I'm disgusted."
"So am I," she responds, moving in to hug him. "I'm sorry. They don't deserve you."
There is no pity in her gaze, only genuine concern, and as she opens her arms, he embraces her first, grateful to have her. He envelops her tightly against him, and it feels like he's home at last.
The smell of strawberry wafts through his nose, and he is lost. More of her rough skin brushes against him, and he is addicted now, craving each hit. Despite the fact that he knows that he is hopelessly gone for her, he doesn't feel powerless. He feels free, even powerful, all because he knows he has her no matter what. This is the life he always wants.
They don't do anything else that night, and eventually he falls asleep there. The only reason he knows he is sleeping is because of a dream he has involving her.
"Kyoya, get up. You need to go to sleep in your bed, where it's more comfortable."
"But it doesn't have you," he grumbles.
"If you promise to get up, it will this one time," she assures him, lifting his hands. "Come on."
"It better."
In the dream, he stands on wobbly legs, before clutching her, and she groans under his weight as she helps him to his bed.
"Is it entirely necessary to hold me so tightly?" she asks as they walk.
"Yes. I might lose you."
"You won't. I promise you never will," she vows as he lays back in bed. When he refuses to let go of her, she climbs into bed beside him. "I didn't realize you cared so much about me."
"I do. I always have."
"So do I. Good night, Kyoya."
He'd never admit that out loud except in a dream, so that's why he thinks it's a dream…at least until he wakes up. Suddenly, reality hits him like a caffeinated Tamaki ready for a trip or to use a kotatsu.
Haruhi is in bed…with him. Her small body is flush against his and fits so well there. They're both wearing their clothes from last night, and after the initial shock wears off, he deludes himself into thinking that this is merely a coincidence. He has no desire to think about the possibility that his dream was real, nor of the time when she will have to leave his side, so he buries his nose in her hair and falls back asleep. He's too tired and grumpy to do more than seek comfort and rest; he will face the real world soon enough.
The next time he wakes up, Haruhi is shaking him. As long as she touches him, though, the savage beast within is pacified.
"It's almost noon. We should get up now, Kyoya. Come on."
As soon as he lets go of her, she escapes the bed, and he is suddenly back to being the low pressure demon lord, now that she has been ripped from his grasp.
Sitting up, he glares at her. "I'm not working today; leave me alone. You can do whatever you want," he growls before hiding under the covers.
And with that, they separate. Sleep comes to him easily, and when he finally wakes up naturally, he's pleased that she left him alone. It gives him time to think, even if his first thoughts all center around how they managed to avoid the awkwardness of waking up together and discussing it. They may still have to, but he has much more pressing issues.
He still has no desire to leave the family zaibatsu; it's all he knows. It's what he loves. He wants to protect it, not abandon it.
When he checks his phone, he realizes that someone put it on the charger for him, so it is fully charged. As he checks his notifications, he ignores calls from Tamaki and texts from the other Hosts, focusing on the decision made by his father and the board, and the fact that it is almost the opposite of what he suggested makes his skin crawl and insides twist.
The family business is going to be ruined, and as he sits up and reads the news further, he blurts in realization, "I can't stop them. They think I don't understand the customer and needs."
Based on this decision, he knows it is only a matter of time before things start to go downhill. He can already see how it will happen, and without power to influence his family and the board, he has to be realistic. He must leave. He must salvage some part of the family legacy he cherishes, taking the core of it with him. The people who are loyal to him will agree with him, and they will be just as eager to leave.
How did it become so easy to leave? This seems so drastic on the surface, and yet, as he reflects on how he has consistently followed his own path, starting with the Host Club and buying up the zaibatsu early on, he sees all of what he did in the past clearer. He eschewed his family's suggestions related to dating already; he might as well complete the circle with this new change.
Decision made, he gets up and dresses, needing to find Haruhi. Thankfully, she is not far away, seated at the kitchen table as she studies. As soon as she sees him, she puts away her books.
"You hungry?" she asks.
"Yes," he agrees, and he watches her prepare a simple lunch for him. As she does so silently, he remembers the night before and his dream. As much as he wants to pretend it didn't happen, he dreads the thought of her being upset more because he pushed too far. "Haruhi, I need to apologize about last night. I overstepped my boundaries by forcing you to sleep with me–"
"You did no such a thing," she interrupts, facing him with a smile. "I joined you willingly. I'm the one who suggested it, after all. Don't worry about it anymore."
Worry is different from thinking; he can do that. He'll think about her next to him constantly from now on, but she doesn't need to know that.
"Very well. I won't worry. Thank you," he says gratefully, stepping closer.
"Good. I'm not worried. I don't regret doing it, and I have a feeling you feel similarly," she says, smiling softly.
"You're right," he admits, taking yet another step toward her.
Her breath hitches as he nears her, and she whispers, "Thank you for showing me how much you care."
She turns back to the food quickly, and he uses that as his invitation to stand right behind her and wrap his arms around her midsection. If he speaks right now, he'd admit that he loves her, and he fears she isn't ready for it yet. Since he can't use words, he affirms her by keeping her close. As much as Haruhi doesn't like Tamaki's giant bear hugs, she's also used to receiving affection from her father, and Kyoya has noticed that she perks up more from signs of affection like this. This small token is not too much, as she doesn't care for overly effusive and large displays of affection. Just as he doesn't care for empty words, she doesn't want empty actions and words.
In time, their racing heartbeats slow and sync, and he remains there until the food is ready. This domestic peace is something he craves all the time with her, and it continues when they leave the stove. Lunch is quiet. When he finishes, he notices her looking between him and her books, uncertain what he wants.
"I've been thinking about your suggestion from last night," he comments, and she forgets all about her homework, heading to the sofa.
Following close behind, he sits near her, their knees touching barely. "I think you're onto something. I thought I could wait to decide, but after seeing the decision that my brothers shared with me, I have no choice. I have to act now."
"What did they do after you left?" she asks, looking apprehensive as she leans in.
"They're acting in the opposite way. I can't let my family destroy our business entirely like this." As he mentally reviews all that he would need to do and the people he would need, he is confident until he gets to one particular position. At that, he groans in disappointment. "I think your plan could work, except for one major thing: legal counsel," he says, looking at her with disappointment because of the knowledge they both know well. "I trust none of the lawyers at the company. They're not loyal to me; they won't act in my best interest. I need someone else."
He's not asking her to do it since she is in school still and has a job lined up after she finishes studying. He couldn't ask that of her; the times before this were different. Sure she hasn't passed the bar, but she knows the ins and outs of starting and running a business well enough that he'd give her the job now if she asks.
Exhaling slowly, she declares, "You have one…right in front of you."
He can't believe it. She's going to work for him. Willingly. It's a dream come true. As his mouth gapes, she smiles softly and lifts his jaw, keeping her hand against him. This is all too good to be true, but her calloused fingers ground him, reminding him that all of this is real. Her scent penetrates his senses, and her skin is hot, like she's just as excited and nervous about this as he is.
She is staying, and she doesn't seem the least bit afraid. In fact, her voice is strong. "If you're going to risk your life and livelihood based on my suggestion, I'll ensure you get set up and find someone to replace me before I go back to my current position. I know they'll hold it for me," she says with the surety that comes from working at the same place for several years. "I want you to succeed, for your sake and the people whose lives will be affected for the better by you. I haven't passed the bar–"
He leans forward, cupping her jaw in turn. "I don't care. You're the only one I trust. Thank you for offering. You know everything and already do better work than anyone else employed by me currently." His voice is lower and more fervent as he adds, "I'd work with you permanently if you'd ever consider it."
As she smiles happily, her grasp of his face becomes firmer. "Thank you. Your confidence in me means a lot. I don't think I could work under you permanently, but for a time, yes."
Oh, no no no, that isn't what he wants at all, and he rushes to fix that belief. "You wouldn't work under me. I'd make you my partner," he says, meaning it.
He can tell she believes him because she blushes a deep red instantly, and he doubts she has any idea how much he wants her as his partner: in work, life, and everything else. His heart is beating wildly, as much from the conversation as from being this close to her. His arms are slightly bent to reach her right now, and the distance between their faces keeps disappearing. It's that much easier to gaze into her big, brown eyes and see all the heartfelt emotions there.
Her voice is soft yet firm. "I don't doubt it, but running a business isn't what I want to do. I'll do everything I can to help you," she assures him, and he nods before leaning closer, his elbows drawing closer to his legs as he removes all distance between them.
"That's what I need. Thank you for listening so well and believing in me." Bringing his other hand to her jaw, he smiles as he states with finality and serenity, "I'm going to go off on my own. I never thought I'd do it, but now as I see what I've accomplished, it makes the most sense for me."
Each action of his and his family was coming together in his mind as they talked, melding into a story that spoke of the desire for more and to be different. He had thought for too long he had to play by the rules and do things a certain way for his family, when in fact his ability to think outside the box and be different was what made him unique. His family is in fact holding him back, not the other way around, and he wishes more than ever that he wasn't so desperate to have the approval of his father.
"You're constraining yourself with your family's outdated ways; you're doing the right thing," she says with certainty. The tone and feel between them changes as she leans in until he can feel her hot breath fan out on his face. "You should be proud of yourself; I am. Thank you for being open to such an idea."
He feels like preening at her praise. That sense dissipates as their physical proximity starts messing with his body. She's so close, so happy, and proving herself to be everything he needs and wants. He didn't think he could be more physically or mentally attracted to her, but she's proving him wrong.
"It wouldn't be possible without you," he says, feeling the urge to kiss her. "You're essential to me."
He glances down at her lips, and to his surprise, she wets them. Her little tongue sticking out does things to him, and tension rises within him as he resists the urge to act on his impulse.
His hair falls over his eyes, and she swipes it away, her thumb burning hot against his forehead as she lingers there. "We'll make it work, the two of us," she says hoarsely. "You'll see."
"I'm ready to commit," he rasps as her eyes soften.
When she nods encouragingly, he forgets for a second what they're talking about, thinking she's ready to commit to him. His bruised, broken heart works just fine now, and it feels whole when her other hand reaches under his jaw and gently pulls him forward.
This is it. She loves him, too, and she's showing it in how she's willing to help him. All he has to do is reach out and take what he wants. Just as he's about to kiss her, someone bangs on their door, making them both freeze.
"Mon ami! Why didn't you answer my calls last night and this morning? Are you alright? Does it have anything to do with what I heard on the news earlier about your company? It doesn't sound like the decision you planned for," asks Tamaki, and the magical moment is ruined as they blink and separate quickly.
As he rights himself and wills away any semblance of arousal, Haruhi answers the door.
"Hi, Tamaki. Yes, it has to do with that," she replies as he embraces her.
"Sorry," apologizes Kyoya, rising to hug his friend, glad that Tamaki understands how important this is to him. "I was upset, but I'm in a better place now. I've been developing a plan with Haruhi's help."
"That's great news! Tell me everything!" requests Tamaki, yanking Kyoya over to the sofa to talk.
The rest of the day, Haruhi and Kyoya keep a respectful distance from one another, mostly by her design, and he is secretly glad as it does not make Tamaki think anything is going on between them, as Tamaki has observed to him a couple times now that his relationship with Haruhi seems stronger.
Between Haruhi's good sense and perspective, Tamaki's creativity, and Kyoya's mind for plans, they plot and expand on the task of laying out the groundwork for his next steps to starting his own business. As a fully formed plan takes shape, Kyoya is in awe once more at what he has managed to do with the help of the two people closest to him.
He remembers his life and beliefs before Tamaki. What started out as a small, uncertain flower in his early days became a giant, beautiful blossom that expanded beyond the frame with Tamaki's encouragement. His view of himself and work changed because of Tamaki, and Kyoya regrets that he regressed in college. Once going to college, his family tried to put a neat fence around that one, persistent blossom of his, but now, Haruhi is helping him tear down that fence-turned-wall and letting the sunlight in so he can create not just one flower for himself, but a whole garden, bringing in many employees. This time, he will bloom and protect his freedom, playing only by his rules.
When Tamaki leaves, all gather into a group hug, and Kyoya feels much more confident than he ever felt possible.
Which is good, as the next two months are some of the hardest in his life. There's much to do since he is doing his normal job on top of building his own separate empire. Only the Hosts know what he is doing, and they are all sworn to secrecy. They are his port in the storm as he struggles with picking the right people and talking in secretive language to make sure no one's the wiser as to what he is doing. He could lose everything so quickly if just one wrong person found out, and he has never played such an involved game of subterfuge.
Thankfully, his instincts are good, as the majority of the people he approaches are eager to join him. His family continues to remind him of how much he doesn't understand the needs of the company, and he nods dutifully, trying to hide his secret glee at pulling the rug out from under them. The invisible chess game is afoot, and the stakes are high.
In this instance, he has never been so glad to have Haruhi on his side, as she proves herself by thinking of so many things he wouldn't have from a legal standpoint. She asks for a small salary, but he pays her double what she was making for the other company, regardless. Throughout the stress and sleepless nights, Haruhi is there with common sense, comfort on the worst days, and lots of coffee, making her invaluable.
If there is ever any chance or hope that he could keep her permanently, he will do everything in his power, just as he will to ensure that he is doing satisfactory work and taking care of his employees. Everyone was disappointed when his idea was rejected, and even when it becomes obvious throughout the company, the board and his family never once mention it. Instead they talk about their much better solution that is sure to cement the fact that they are out of touch. Kyoya works hard to make this new idea a reality, and he repeats to himself how he will show them all just how wrong they are.
By the time he is ready to open up his business, he is happy to leave. Everyone is committing to a bad decision, and he can't follow in those footsteps. His sense of loyalty to protect the business now is stronger than his sense of duty toward his family thanks to them all repeatedly ignoring and belittling him. Haruhi and Tamaki cheer him on leading up to the big moment, and when Kyoya wakes up the day of the big announcement, she is ready with a small, encouraging smile.
"This is your moment, Kyoya. Show them how to do it right," she states, hugging him tightly. For a long time, they don't let go, and he'd be content to never let go. Eventually she pulls away, giving him a large coffee cup. "I think you're ready. Good luck."
"If I have you, I have all the luck I need," he replies, taking his coffee. "I'll see you at the office."
Later that day, a large number of employees suddenly quit, and as shockwaves roll through the zaibatsu, Kyoya shares a rumor with a media friend of his who starts looking into the loss immediately, only to find the new company that has snatched up all the people. As soon as the information is made public, Kyoya is ready, having already moved his money into secure places and brought a certain number of the Black Onion Squad with him in case the family comes after him. Mori and Hunny both are also mobilized and ready to defend their two friends.
To Kyoya's surprise, his father doesn't cut him off. His brothers speak of him at a press conference as competition, but that's it. His father refuses to make a comment about it, and he can't decide if that is good or bad.
In the end, it doesn't matter, as he will never have his father's approval. Now, he must move beyond that and focus on doing the right thing for himself and his business.
On the bright side, within an hour of the announcement being made public, Ranka calls him. "Haruhi told me what you did, and I'm so proud of you! Don't you worry about having your father's approval; you have me now. I'll be your surrogate father and give you my hearty approval every single day!"
Kyoya can't help but smile slightly at Ranka's enthusiasm. Ranka more than makes up for any lack of warmth from his family, and Kyoya values this show of support. "You're very kind to do so. I appreciate it."
"I give you my approval for anything involving you starting a business or doing right by my Haruhi. I'd be very proud to call you my son-in-law," says Ranka before adding, "When you're ready, of course. No pressure. I know you have a new business you must get off the ground."
Ranka is a shameless matchmaker, just like Tamaki, and it amuses Kyoya. The two are very similar, and combined with having Ranka's approval for marrying Haruhi, Kyoya is already in a better mood.
"I will keep that in mind," states Kyoya, thanking Ranka afterwards so he can get back to work. "You may be assured that I have plans for Haruhi."
After all that Haruhi has done the last few months, he means it more than ever, and he hangs up as Ranka screeches joyfully into the phone, promising to say nothing.
Author's Notes: Thanks for reading!!