Not me updating this story 4 years later. Hi, hello, and welcome (back?) to Noticed by You. Nothing like a pandemic to take you back to your high school days. This story has always been really special to me and I told myself I'd just go ahead and finish it. I'm a much different person now, so I hope the story isn't too different. I really do hope you enjoy. And if you're one of the people who has read this story and has stuck with me...what's wrong with you? JK. ILYVM.

The Dark Prince stands in front of me. I was expecting him, but nothing prepares me for his presence. Why would he come visit me?

"Kyouya Senpai," I say meekly, pushing myself up in bed, slightly wincing at the pain in my broken arm.

He turns on the light in my bedroom, the light more shocking to my system than even his presence.

Of course, the Dark Prince doesn't care too much about how I feel.

"What are you...wait a minute, are you playing hookie?!" This must be a record for the number of times being surprised by one person in a span of a minute.

Kyouya walks toward me, taking a seat in the chair Hikaru has set up next to my bed. He crosses his legs and pushes up his glasses.

"Don't be silly, Kaoru. Some close family friends are visiting from Paris today. We're showing them around the city. Before I meet with them, I need to take care of some business-for the Host Club of course."

Finally, something not surprising. It seems obvious now that Kyouya would only visit me for business and not out of concern.

"Oh...uhh, ok." I must sound like an idiot. I must admit that I'm a little annoyed he is bothering me for business. "Listen, I'll be back in school soon, ok? I'm sorry we're probably losing money but-"

"That's not why I'm here. Although I want you to know that you're cast will get us quite a bit of sympathy from our clientele. You'll understand that I expect you to be back by tomorrow to make up for lost time." He dismissively waves a hand at me and I know that I can't fight.

I nod shortly.

But if that's not the business he's talking about, then why is he here?

"I've come to understand that you and Tamaki have entered into a romantic relationship, is this right?" he asks.

Did Tamaki tell him about our relationship? No, I doubt he would. He probably figured it out before we even did.

I stare at him, my mouth hanging wide open. Damn. Why am I acting like such an idiot right now?

He continues without an answer, "You're having quite an effect on the Host Club, Kaoru. Tamaki has been growing mushrooms since you started ignoring him. Haruhi and Hikaru have broken up and Hikaru has been in quite a sour mood. Even Honey Senpai has become depressed."

I feel a red hot anger swell in my chest.

I want to say to him that it's not me who has turned the club into depression central. I want to tell him that it's not my fault Hikaru broke up with his beloved commoner. I want to kick him out of my room and tell him that it's not me who is making everything so difficult.

But as soon as the anger ignited, it burns out, replaced by the icy cold numbness that has now become so familiar, even comfortable.

I sink lower into my bed, "Ok." I respond curtly.

"I don't think that it is. I understand that you have entered into somewhat of a depression." He pushes up his glasses and looks around my room, which hasn't been properly cleaned since I stopped letting the maids in for more than 5 minutes at a time.

"You need to understand that no one likes seeing you this way. No one likes seeing the club this way. Our guests have become quite blue since you and Hikaru's fight the other day. You understand why this is important to me. Our club is a place of refuge from the troubles of everyday life. Our girls should leave happy and satisfied. That's obviously not happening." he finishes.

I cross my arms and shrug my shoulders, "So what do you want me to do? Act like nothing ever happened?"

God, how I wish I could act like nothing had ever happened.

Even though Hikaru and I's relationship has gotten better since he's been taking care of me, when I close my eyes at night, I see the hurt and anger in his eyes as he asks me how he can see me as his brother. His twin.

I just can't pretend. I can't. And I can't get over the small amount of guilt I have that my brother broke up with Haruhi, someone who made him so happy, and I still can't pretend even after that.

Kyouya interrupts my thoughts, "You don't need to pretend. But you need to come back. And your act needs to change. Your act with the girls that is. You and Hikaru are obviously going through something. I won't force you to interact. It won't be genuine, anyways. From now on, you and Tamaki will be performing together."

I can't decide if I need to sink lower in bed or shoot out of it. No act with Hikaru? No, I don't think I like that. Even if I am mad at him. Even if he is mad at me. Kyouya can't just separate us like that. Who gave him the right?

"But-"

Kyouya lifts a hand and stands up from his chair, "That's the end of it. Until you and Hikaru have sincerely worked this out, the club just can't have that negativity. You will need to talk to Tamaki, of course. The room is getting too full of mushrooms and I'm tired of looking at his puppy dog eyes. Stop ignoring him, will you?" Even though he phrases it as a question, I know it's an order.

I sit silently. As Kyouya reaches for the handle, he stops, and says, almost as an afterthought, "Besides, the girls like a little bit of jealousy. That's what you want from Hikaru, isn't it?"

With that, he leaves, not bothering to turn off the light. I sink down into bed and hide under the covers. My heart is racing, and not in a good way. Not at all.

I know I have no choice now but to read the 14 text messages from Tamaki I've let sit in my inbox.

I don't want to. I know that I've hurt him. I said I would be his boyfriend and then went radio silent.

My heart pangs, making me gasp for air. Am I really a terrible person? Have I really hurt everyone at the Host Club, like Kyouya said? Am I the bad guy?

My breathing quickens. I feel like I'm drowning in quicksand, but there's no one who I can reach out to. No one who can pull me out.

I begin to cry uncontrollably.

I honestly don't think I can say I've ever left a conversation with the Dark Prince feeling good.

Wow, it feels good to write again! Interested to see what happens next chapter? Will Kaoru and Tamaki make up? And what the hell does Haruhi have to talk about?

Thanks for those who have stuck with me. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, reach out to a friend or family member. Even me, I'd love to chat! Don't suffer in silence. You are important.