I promise this will be relevant later! Thank you for reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own OHHC


Haruhi walked around the humongous building until she approached the designated room.

When she opened the door a blast of chattering met her ears. There were people everywhere!

She stepped back out, double checking the room number. 450? Yes it was 450. She glanced around. How did so many people fit in a room that looked so small from the outside?

She shook her head and stepped into the room again. Why couldn't her co worker be present today? What was the point of holding separate meetings when it would be easier for both of them to go at once?

She approached a man that was standing in the corner, observing the crowd.

He spoke before she had a chance to open her mouth. "Chaotic isn't it?"

"Definitely. What is going on?"

"Haven't you heard? One of the wealthiest companies in the world asked the top 100 firms in Japan to send two representatives." Haruhi nodded along. How long had it been? Her boss told her about it months ago but it was only recently that they received news.

"Actually, that's all I heard, but what I don't understand is why."

The man let out a low whistle. "Apparently, the company suspected an infiltration in their legal team so they're starting from scratch."

"That's no better than simply firing the suspects."

The man shook his head. "That's why they're keeping their name a secret. Word is the current legal team hasn't actually been fired yet so nobody knows what company is doing this."

"I assume that the first test is to stay even without knowing the company's name?"

"Probably. They're going to interview every single attorney here. Based on what happened yesterday, there are about fifty attorneys here and only ten will be chosen today."

"What?" Haruhi balked. "That's insane!" Her eyes widened as she realized her words had not exactly been formal.

The man either overlooked or didn't notice her tone. Haruhi was relieved when he began to speak informally ."Goes to show how serious they are."

"If that is the case, they most likely made sure yesterday's attorneys wouldn't say anything. So they'll probably make us sign something as well to avoid any leaks for the next two groups."

"I guess so."

Her co worker's words made a lot more sense now. 'All I can say is good luck. Hell knows I barely survived.'

"And is the company each attorney is representing withheld from the judges? There's no point in pretending to be unbiased if that basic precaution isn't taken."

The man turned to look at her fully for the first time. Haruhi realized he was about a year or two older than her. He had light brown eyes and unusual wavy black hair. He tilted his head. "You're very perceptive, aren't you?"

"It depends on who you ask," she answered in an almost comical tone.

The man smiled slightly. Was she implying that she has been told the opposite? He couldn't see it.

"Wait a minute," Haruhi inspected him. He had an expensive looking navy blue suit. His hair was perfectly combed and he wore a silver watch. "Who are you?"

"I'm Riku Kobayashi, a contestant like you." He held out his hand for a handshake.

She took it, shaking firmly.

Contestant? Haruhi's lip twitched as she fought the urge to smile. " Mr. Kobayashi, how did you know about all of this if not one attorney was allowed to enter on both days? There's no way you're an assistant either." She pointedly looked at his watch.

The man raised an eyebrow. "As I said, perceptive. What's your name?"

"Haruhi Fujioka."

"Fujioka." He repeated the name as if to help him remember it. "The interviews are starting. I look forward to hearing all about you."

Haruhi stared after him. What did he mean by that? Before she could ponder any more an assistant rushed over to her. He handed her a number. 50. Haruhi sighed. Of course she was last.

Haruhi looked around. There only seemed to be one interview room.

"Excuse me," she asked the assistant. "How long is each interview?"

"About ten minutes."

Haruhi plopped down on a nearby chair.

500 minutes of interviews, including hers.

The assistant smiled at her with pity. He could leave as soon as his shift was over but she would have to stay to look serious about the job. "Please, feel free to enjoy the food and entertainment. There are charging ports throughout the room and if you need a nap I'm sure accomodations can be made."

Haruhi nodded, thanking the man. It was eleven in the morning. All she could think was 'You've got to be kidding me."


"I'm not kidding! It's true!" Hikaru wiped tears from his eyes as he recounted his story.

The hosts all laughed along joyfully. Haruhi wasn't at the meeting because of some sort of top secret lawyer thing but everybody was in a fairly happy mood.

Except for Tamaki.

That guy could sulk like no other.

"Guys-"

Kaoru groaned. "We know! Kyoya is supposed to show up at any moment. You told us like a thousand times."

"I'm serious. He is trying to change."

Hunny was skeptical but supportive of this new Kyoya. "We should give him a chance. He might be able to reconcile with Haruhi-chan."

Hikaru frowned. 'That's hard to believe when he has spoken to everyone but Haruhi."

Kaoru disagreed. "Not everyone. He hasn't spoken to us."

"Because he knows we'll beat the crap out of him." Hikaru stated, as if it was the obvious answer.

Mori agreed with Hunny and Tamaki. "They'll work through it."

Suddenly, Hikaru nudged Kaoru's abdomen when he saw the person walking towards the table.

Kaoru glared, rubbing the surely bruising spot. "What the hell, Hikaru!"

Hikaru shushed him. "That guy is a suspicious look alike of Kyoya."

Tamaki turned to look. "That's because it is Kyoya." HIs expression clearly proved that although he tried to believe in Kyoya, he was surprised his best friend actually showed up.

Mori nodded. "We told you guys."

Kaoru rolled his eyes. "Where we expected to believe it?"

Hikaru followed Kyoya's movements until he was sitting across from him. "So to what do we owe this visit?"

Kyoya crossed his arms. "To the fact that I missed you guys."

Kaoru laughed. "Hey, he's better at telling jokes than you Hikaru."

Kyoya ignored them. "So," he turned to Hunny. "What do you usually do at these meetings?"

Hunny brightened up. "Well we talk about anything and everything! We catch up on recent events, gossip, plan things and occasionally we go out afterward. "

"Really?" He looked around. He had noticed it as soon as he entered the cafe but was restraining himself from asking. It had been long enough. "It seems that a member is missing."

"How many times did Haruhi say that?" Hikaru pretended to think about it.

"I think it would be easier to count the times she didn't say that." Kaoru responded.

"I'm trying to make up for lost time." Kyoya said with some annoyance.

"Oh, in that case-"

"-You're going to have to stay here forever." The twins deadpanned.

Kyoy snapped. "I just learned I lost a child I never knew about. Can you two cut me some slack?"

The twins' eyes widened. They didn't forgive him but his exhaustion did earn some pity from them so they hushed.

The rest of the hour went as smoothly as could be expected. Jabs were still thrown and a tense awkwardness was forever present but there were no arguments and no physical fights. As far as Kyoya was concerned, it was a success! Except for the fact that Haruhi wasn't there, progresd had been made. He wondered what it was that made her miss one of her treasured moments.

A couple of minutes before they went their separate ways, Mori held out elegant envelopes. "These are invitations to my wedding. It's going to be in three months. The day of our anniversary."

The hosts were elated, each reacting the way only best friends could.

Hunny jumped up and down with pure excitement. Tamaki embraced Mori, congratulating him. The twins followed, patting Mori's back in the process. Kyoya silently stood to the side. How could he hug a man, old friend or not, that he had barely spoken to in years? In the end, Kyoya shook Mori's hand.

"You are the first group to officially receive an invitation from me. Hana and I look forward to seeing all of you there."

"We should go out to celebrate!' Hunny suggested.

"Without Haruhi?" Kaoru asked.

Hikaru swatted him. "It can be a warm up for the bachelor party. What do you think Mori-senpai?"

Mori smiled, agreeing to it. "Where to?"

Hunny raised his hand. "I've got it! A candy store!"

Hikaru facepalmed. "It has to be a place that we can all have fun at. More importantly, Mori senpai should enjoy it."

"So basically, Takashi has to choose."

They all turned to Mori expectantly.

After a short pause Mori slowly said, "The dojo."

The hosts stared for a long time. Finally Hunny said, "That's a great idea Takashi!"

The twins shrugged, "Could be worse. "

Tamaki nodded in agreement. "It'll be fun. We can order food if we get hungry. "

"There's a kitchen in a separate building next to the dojo. After all, we practice all day and need to eat."

The hosts turned to Kyoya.

Kyoya looked at his watch. "I have a meeting in an hour."

The hosts all shrugged, used to getting their invitations rejected by him.

Kyoya tilted his head. "I can still go out with you guys."

Everybody had the same facial expression at that moment. Shock. Pure and utter shock.

Kyoya didn't let his expression fall. "Let's just get the car."


Hunny awkwardly put another sweet potato chip into his mouth. Even he couldn't break the ice.

The hosts were sitting in a circle on the floor. Mori, Hunny, Hikaru, Kaoru, Tamaki and Kyoya. The only one that was unaffected by the thick atmosphere was Mori.

Tamaki cleared his throat. "Why don't we play a game?"

Hikaru's expression became devilish. "Why not truth or dare? If you refuse to answer a question or complete a dare you receive a punishment."

Tamaki nervously shot the idea down. "Anything but that…" However, to his dismay his friends agreed.

"Don't they understand how dangerous it is to play truth or dare right now?" He muttered.

Kaoru quickly found a discarded bottle. "Okay. So who wants to spin it to start?"

Hunny volunteered Mori. "We're celebrating his marriage after all."

The hosts whooped (except Kyoya).

Mori spun the bottle. It slowly stopped in front of Hunny.

Hunny thought for a split second before proclaiming he would go for a dare.

"Don't eat sweets for the rest of the day."

Hunny's bottom lip quivered. He slowly and quietly set down the sugar cookie he was holding.

After he recovered from his depression, Hunny turned to Kaoru.

"Kao-chan, truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"Ummmm….I dare you to...hug Kyo-chan!" Both Kaoru and Kyoya wrinkled their noses, blanching at the thought of it.

"I would rather eat a slug."

"Luckily we have slugs at hand!" A bowl of dead slugs was suddenly next to Hunny. Hunny held it up innocently. "So, are you sure you want the punishment?"

Kaoru gagged but took the bowl. He picked up a stone to smash the dead slug. When it was done he carefully sloshed the gooey, mucus-like substance in front of him. He brought it up to his mouth with trembling arms. Finally, he set it back down and lunged towards Kyoya, embracing the shadow king tightly. He shuddered at the thought of feeling the sticky muck slide down his throat. He hated Kyoya but who would eat a slug when they could simply hug one?

Hunny and Tamaki cheered. Mori nodded proudly. Hikaru couldn't decide if he was relieved or disgusted.

Kaoru cleared his throat to settle down the hosts. "Hikaru, truth or dare?"

"Dare." Hikaru replied easily.

"I dare you to wear jeans under a skirt and a fur boa every day for the rest of the week."

Hikaru cringed at the thought. What a fashion atrocity! "I thought we were brothers, Kaoru…"

"You know the rules."

The older twin huffed. "Deal."

"Great! Go change!" Kaoru pulled a wrinkle free outfit out from the bag behind him.

Hikaru practically growled angrily as he snatched the outfit and headed to the restroom.

Kaoru silently wiped the tears of laughter away.

"Well since Hika-chan is changing let's spin the bottle again to see who goes next." Hunny spun the bottle. It stopped in front of Mori. "Looks like it's your turn again, Takashi."

"Kyoya. Truth or Dare?"

"Truth." Kyoya responded without hesitation.

"If you could marry any host who would it be?"

Everyone coughed at the sudden silly question but they looked at Kyoya with curiosity.

Kyoya thought about it. Mori was quiet and not at all clingy but he was too serious.

Hunny was a nice guy but so childlike it was creepy.

Tamaki was honest and transparent but way too kind and gullible.

Kaoru was tolerable but easily influenced.

"Hikaru."

The dojo erupted with the incredulous laughter of his friends, including Mori.

"He's the most like me."

Kaoru clutched his stomach. "In what aspect? You two would never get along if you were married."

Hikaru emerged from the restroom, provoking another round of laughter - both from his outfit and the thought of his marriage to Kyoya.

Tamaki stopped laughing first. Wasn't Haruhi a host? Why hadn't Kyoya thought of her?

"What? I know it's bad guys but there's no need to laugh so much."

He gloomily sat down on the floor. "Isn't it my turn to ask a question?"

"Go ahead." Kaoru snickered at Hikaru's annoyed face.

"Kyoya."

A set of hushed giggles followed. Hikaru glared at them.

"Truth or Dare?"

"Truth." Kyoya said, again without hesitation.

"Would you be willing to marry Haruhi again?"

Kyoya blinked. Everyone instantly quieted. "Of course." He replied quietly.

Hunny smiled brightly. "It seems Kyo-chan is a bit pensive now so let's spin the bottle again and reset the game."

Kaoru fist bumped the air when the bottle pointed at him. "Tamaki. Truth or dare?"

Tamaki hesitantly said, "Truth. No, dare! Wait... Yes, truth. Or dare?"

Hikaru wagged his finger. "Nu-uh no changing. Whatever you say first is what goes."

Kaoru dismissed his brother's statement firmly. "No, no Hikaru. Let's give him a chance. Whatever he chooses next is what goes." He shot his brother a meaningful look. Hikaru looked annoyed but remained silent.

Tamaki shivered. Kaoru was the nicer one but his uneasiness intensified. "Dare." He declared with a triumphant smile. This devil wouldn't get any truth out of him!

"I dare you to answer these questions quickly. Ready Set…"

Tamaki panicked. Damn him! Pressure was his biggest weakness!

"Go! Who's the most arrogant host?"

"Um Kyoya!"

"Who's the strongest?"

"Mori?"

"Which twin has black hair?"

"Hikaru!"

The group watched in amusement as Kaoru shot question after question and Tamaki answered with the first thing that came to mind.

"Who loves sweets?"

"Hunny!"

"Who am I?"

"Kaoru."

"Who do you love most?"

"All of you."

"But if you had to pick the one person to spend the rest of your life with who would it be?"

"Haruhi!"

Silence again. Everybody froze.

When Tamaki realized what he had said he paled. "That's not what I meant."

"It's what you said." Hikaru deadpanned.

"No! I mean, yes, I said that but no it's not what I meant. I meant that I would spend the rest of my life with her as a friend."

"Tamaki. If you love Haruhi just say so. No twists or rambling." Kyoya said. He didn't sound angry or frustrated. He was just tired.

"I do. But as a friend only. You know I wouldn't live with myself if I loved the same woman as you. Any of you." Tamaki clarified.

"And what if I was out of the picture?"

Tamaki opened his mouth but no sound came out.

"Don't worry, Tamaki." Kyoya patted his best friend's shoulders and adjusted his glasses. "I'm not upset." Kyoya stood up. "It seems I've lost track of time. I'll see you all next month or maybe sooner."


Haruhi was still waiting seven hours later. She saw person after person stand up and exit the room. About half of them did not return. She paced back and forth next to her chair. Finally, she sat down. What if she couldn't make it? She would let down her boss, coworkers and herself. She nervously bounced her leg up and down. It was a good thing nobody else knew about this. They would probably be here cheering her on. They would all try to comfort her if she was rejected. That was something she could live without. Half an hour later they called her number. Haruhi took a deep breath, standing up.

Hair? Tidy. Pulled out of her face. Untangled. Pants? No lint. She felt a rush of gratitude. Black pants usually attracted the most dust. Shirt? Clean, unwrinkled. Dark colors as her boss recommended. Shoes? Polished and clean. Face? She hoped it looked presentable. Breath? She quickly checked. Fresh and minty. One step away from entering the room, her face slackened, displaying a serene expression miles away from her internal turmoil.

She walked in with as much confidence and poise as she could manage. A panel of five sat at a long table before her. It felt like a college entrance interview. She stopped at her designated chair and bowed to the judges. As she looked up she noticed a flash of navy blue.

Haruhi tried not to look stunned as Riku Kobayashi waved at her in a relaxed manner. The older woman (she guessed forty years old) next to him whispered something. He responded just as quietly. The woman nodded, looking over Haruhi with more stress than before.

The white haired lady in a dark pantsuit and red glasses at the center spoke loudly and clearly, ignoring the microphone in front of her.

"Introduce yourself."

Haruhi refrained from taking a deep breath and began.


Dozens of exhausted and nervous attorneys milled about the room. Haruhi looked at her watch. Nine hours. She had been here for nine long hours. Sighing, Haruhi walked to the bathroom.

Riku Kobayashi and the rest of the interviewers emerged from the interview room as Haruhi entered the restroom.

The lady that had been sitting next to Riku began to talk. "We would like to thank all of you for participating in the interview. Unfortunately, as some of you already know, we only have ten positions available today. If you do not hear your name, please head to room four-hundred fifty-one where further instructions will be given." She motioned for the short man next to her to begin calling the names.

Haruhi left the restroom as her name was called. She looked around the room, confused as the man continued to call names. When he finished, some attorneys looked devastated while others wore relieved expressions.

"Thank you for your time," the man continued. "Once again, if you did not hear your name please head to room 451."

Haruhi stayed at the edge of the room as attorneys left the room. Finally, she was left with nine other applicants and the judges.

Riku spoke up. "Congratulations!" The lady beside him subtly threw him a stern glare. Riku adjusted his overly cheerful tone. "You've been selected as finalists. You will be given detailed instructions in a few days but here is what you need to know now." He unfolded a fairly wrinkled paper carefully. The same lady turned her head. Haruhi was almost certain she facepalmed. "There will be mock trials held in two weeks. You will be randomly paired with another attorney. Eliminations will not be made based on who wins or loses the case. You will each be evaluated by the judge and the jury present. Any questions?"

A redhead in front of Haruhi raised her hand. "Will the case used be the same for all of us."

The judges looked at each other. Finally one of them said. "No. Each pair will receive a different case. You will receive the details of the case as soon as you are all paired. Also, please note that the information you receive will depend on whether you are representing the plaintiff or defendant. This will also be chosen randomly."

A man to the left of Haruhi asked, "Have the cases we will receive been resolved in court?"

"No. Each case is purely fictional."

"Can we decline after receiving the information?"

"No. This is purely for security reasons. If you wish to decline, it must be before receiving the information. We urge all of you to think seriously about this opportunity."

A black haired woman spoke up. "Why have you been chosen to evaluate us?"

The judges paused for a moment. Then the white haired lady spoke up. "If you must know, we will include it in one of the emails you will be receiving. However, I must warn you that it will be quite long. Any further questions?"

Haruhi winced at the irritation laced in her words but the woman who asked didn't seem the least bit bothered.

Riku spoke again. "We would like to thank you all once again. Before you leave we would like to remind you to sign the privacy notice given to you at the end of your interviews. Help yourselves to the left over food. I hope to see you all again soon."

Haruhi was the last person to exit the room, waiting for the others to leave first. She was waiting for the elevator when she heard her name called. Riku Kobayashi approached her, smiling. "Congrats Haruhi."

Haruhi returned the smile, with uncertainty. There was nobody else around since they had all either taken the stairs or the first elevator. "Thank you ."

"Would you like to go get coffee with me?"

Haruhi's eyes widened. "Um… I'm not so sure that is a good idea."

Riku scratched the back of his neck. Of course not. "I'm sorry . I guess I still forget I'm in Japan now. You must've been startled. I truly didn't mean anything bad by asking you to coffee."

Haruhi mentally breathed a sigh of relief. "I understand. It is just unusual for somebody to ask a person they barely know to go out." She stepped into the elevator. He followed, pressing the lobby button as he entered.

"Yes I forget people are a little more reserved here. You see, I lived in different parts of the Americas for half of my life and England for the other half."

"Ah of course. I lived in the United States for a year. I can understand why it is difficult to adapt here but I don't believe Japan and the US are too different."

"Of course not but it is still easy to forget I'm not there." The two stood in silence for a minute, watching the numbers on the elevator descend.

He spoke up again. "I apologize again if you were startled. I just wanted to clarify that I wanted it to be a sort of business meeting not a date type of thing."

Haruhi nodded. "I understand. However, I'm sorry but I'll have to reject your offer either way."

"And why is that?" Riku asked curiously. Haruhi wondered how he was so laid back yet so serious at the same time.

"Well, I would reject your invitation as a date because we barely know each other. A business meeting is inappropriate right now too. I'm willing to bet you're as cautious about sparking rumors about bias as I am."

"You bet correctly. But even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to give you a spot on the team." The elevator dinged and the doors opened. They walked out. "May I walk you to your car?"

Haruhi reluctantly agreed. Riku seemed like a good person. She highly doubted he was capable of attacking her in any way. And if he did, well there were cameras and she had a taser in her purse.

He noticed her internal debate but brushed it off. He liked that she wasn't swayed by his money, position or looks. The fact that she was willing to say no to him proved it. "As I was saying, since I was the youngest and least experienced in the panel I did not have a vote in the matter." He stopped near the door to the parking lot.

Haruhi couldn't prevent the skeptical look she directed at him. "Were you only there to watch then?"

Riku blushed. "Let's just say they want me to observe this case before I'm actually trusted with these decisions."

Haruhi realized that his explanation actually made sense, as bizarre as it was. Riku was the only panel member mingling with the crowd. Looking back at it, he was the only one that took notes but didn't ask questions."

"Why did you take notes If your opinion wasn't taken into account?"

Riku and Haruhi were walking towards the parking lot at this point. "Well, I was allowed to voice my thoughts but it was only so that they could grade my skills. You know I'm being evaluated along with you all."

Haruhi bit her lip. "So you're an intern?"

"Something like that." Riku smiled as if it was a joke of some sort.

Haruhi sighed. "Well I'm sorry but I'm still unconvinced that neither of us will receive backlash for going to get coffee together. Frankly, I don't understand why you insist on it."

Riku shrugged. "I just think you're the type of person I could get along with. "

Haruhi stopped. She had reached her car. "Thank you for walking me to my car ."

'I guess," She added mentally.

"But my answer is still no," Haruhi concluded.

Riku shrugged to hide his disappointment. "I understand." He stuck his hand out for a handshake. Haruhi took it, shaking firmly and letting go.

Riku tucked his hand into his pocket. "But I hope we can go out for coffee someday. I truly wish for us to get to know each other better." He handed her a business card.

Haruhi tucked it into her wallet. "So do I. Just not at this moment." As she said the words it struck her that she was being sincere. He seemed to fall in the same personality category as most of her friends but going out with an almost stranger was a stupid move, especially since it was late.

She entered her car, watching him walk in the direction of the building. She felt apologetic for rejecting his invitation. "He seems like a good guy...He is rather eager to be friends though." She said to nobody as she turned her car on and headed out of the building.

When she got home she set her bag on her nightstand and plopped onto her bed. She stared at the ceiling for an eternity before digging her phone and wallet out of her purse. She carefully typed the number into the designated box.

'Hey' She quickly deleted that. Too friendly?

'Hello' She deleted that too. Maybe it was too formal?

She groaned, falling back into her fluffy pillow. What could she say to him that wouldn't sound weird? She just wanted to apologize. The guilt was killing her even though her sanity assured her that it shouldn't. 'Mr. Kobayashi…"

It would have to do. She continued to type. 'I think it was rather unfair of me to expect us to get to know each other without actually meeting up.' She read it over ten times before deleting the whole thing. It was best if she didn't text him at all.


NEXT DAY

Tamaki sat in front of his father in a brightly adorned office.

"My son-"

"I know." Tamaki's gaze drifted to the window, the door, the paperwork. He looked everywhere but at his father.

"You," Yuzuru cut himself off to correct himself. "WE have put this off long enough."

"I know." Tamaki repeated. He was still unwilling to meet his father's eyes.

"What are you thinking, Tamaki?"

"I haven't found what I promised you I would father."

"You mean what you agreed to with your grandmother," Yuzuru stated. "I don't want to pressure you but your grandmother will."

"Twelve months. That's one year," Tamaki said silently.

"Yes," Yuzuru hesitated. "I'm sorry I couldn't give you more time. You know how this works and your grandmother has already allowed you a considerable freedom. "

"Don't apologize father. it is my fault. I haven't been trying as hard as I should have." He chuckled but there was no real amusement in it. A storm of thoughts was obvious in his eyes. "It's been almost 7 years."

Yuzuru reluctantly stood up. Tamaki mirrored his action.

"Twelve months."

Tamaki nodded. "One year to find it. It I don't then…" Tamaki clenched his fists, positively angry at the stupid business world.

"Then your grandmother chooses your wife." Yuzuru finished. He grimaced.

Tamaki's face brightened for the sake of his father's brewing guilt. "I will get going then." Tamaki said cheerfully. He waited until he was fully seated in his car to sigh loudly. "Where the hell am I going to start?"

THUMP THUMP THUMP

"OW!" Tamaki rubbed his head as he glared at the person standing in front of the driver's side. He rolled down the window grumpily. "Why do you always bring me harm?!"

Hikaru smirked. "You're the one that jumped so high."

"Ugh," Tamaki began to roll the window up.

"Wait!" Hikaru exclaimed, startling Tamaki again.

"What?" The dirty blonde snapped.

The black haired twin grinned. "How do you feel about online dating?"


Haruhi paid for her order and sat at a table near the serving counter. It was a fairly relaxing morning. She wasn't due at work until noon and although she usually stayed home on days like this, she had a strange experience. For some reason she had an immense craving for coffee. As a person who preferred tea, she didn't find a trace of coffee in her apartment so she decided to go buy some.

'This is so strange,' she thought to herself. Why was she spending so much money for a cup of coffee? To treat herself? 'No. my gut just insisted that I come here. Maybe I should have just bought some instant coffee. But then it would only sit on the shelf.' The more she thought about it, the more she realized that Kyoya was the only reason coffee was at hand during their marriage. Haruhi occasionally drank some but she could live without it.

She was glad the cafe had a mini lounge where she could work in peace. If the former host club, for some reason, decided to show up at the cafe on a day other than their meeting day it was unlikely they would enter the lounge.

"Fujioka?" A worker called the name on the cup. Haruhi stood up to retrieve it.

As she was looking for a sugar packet, and a napkin another name was called. "Kobayashi?"

Haruhi almost dropped the coffee. 'No way...Kobayashi is a common name, right?'

She turned around, facing the door and surely enough Riku Kobayashi was standing next to her.

He seemed as surprised to see the person next to him as she felt.

"Oh, hello. It's nice bumping into you."

"Yeah," Haruhi agreed awkwardly.

"Do you want to…" He gestured at the entrance of the lounge.

Haruhi hesitated.

"Unless you're busy? It's totally fine if you are." Riku quickly added.

Haruhi internally sighed. She did still feel bad about rejecting him yesterday. He seemed like such a nice person. "I'm not busy. Let's sit."


Tamaki anxiously waited for Hikaru to explain but the twin was still "preparing a snack".

"Where's Kaoru?" Tamaki wondered out loud.

Hikaru kicked the door open gently. He set down the tray on the small table in his room. "Kaoru is following my mother's orders." He winced at the thought of it. "Lets just say we disagreed on a couple of matters so he left without me."

Tamaki caught a whiff of what was in the small pot on the tray. "Ramen?"

"That's what you like right?" Hikaru handed him a bowl and chopsticks before sitting down. "Listen boss, the truth is we all know what age we're at. What is an heir to a company expected to do? Create another heir as soon as possible."

Tamaki stuffed noodles into his mouth to avoid talking.

Hikaru continued, "And we all know that the person we were hoping for is never going to reciprocate." He shot Tamaki a meaningful look. They've both always only had one person in mind for marriage.

"I don't know why you're looking at me like that."

"Sure you don't. It's not like you declared your love for her yesterday or anything."

"I didn't!"

Hikaru interrupted him sharply. "Anyway, the next best thing is online dating."

"What about letting our parents set us up?"

Hikaru crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. "Oh please. At least with online dating we can meet somebody we might actually like and rule out all the Ranges."

"That's true I guess." Tamaki offered in a noncommittal tone.

"Great so you're on board!"

Tamaki shrugged. "It won't hurt to try."

"Awesome! I already set up your profile!"

"You better have used a good picture, Hikaru." Tamaki exclaimed.

Hikaru waved him away. "I already accepted a date for you. I have no idea what she looks like though."

"You did what? Hikaru, I need to time to prepare!"

"Relax, the date is…" Hikaru clicked on his phone's calendar. "Oh."

"What?"

"Umm...Your date is today at ten."

"And what time is it?"

Hikaru coughed. "Nine thirty."

Tamaki dropped his chopsticks. "Where exactly is this date?"

"The usual cafe…"

"Hikaru, thats twenty minutes away from here! A gentleman is always there first. There's no time to even freshen up or buy a present !"

"Sorry! We'll argue later, okay? Right now we have to hurry."

"We?" Tamaki flinched.

Hikaru laughed nervously. "Funny story…"

Tamaki groaned, pulling his keys out. "Tell me in the car."