Chapter 8: A New Normal
Monday was rough for the Host Club. Mitsukuni and Takashi returned to University and the others headed to Ouran. Between expressions of sympathy for the Hitachiins and declarations of disappointment about the cancelled Valentine party, the hosts were constantly being inundated by their classmates. Even though the club was closed until further notice, Kyoya, Tamaki, Haruhi, and the twins gathered in Music Room Three to support each other before separating for the evening.
Kyoya looked at his watch and sighed. "I hate to say it, but I have to get going. Tachibana took the heat for my 'emergency' last week, but I suspect my father's temper will still be rather volatile if I don't return to the Otori estate."
"Take care, mon ami," Tamaki said, patting him on the shoulder. "I'll be spending at least a week at Hinansho to help the twins get settled."
"Isn't that an unsettling thought?" Hikaru teased. Kaoru rolled his eyes at his twin's attempt at humor.
"I need to go home to check on Dad and do some chores," Haruhi explained. "I'll talk to him about spending a few days a week at Hinansho with you guys."
"Thanks, Haruhi," Kaoru responded. "That would mean a lot to us."
OHSHC
While the hosts were busy at school, Hinansho was abuzz with activity. The Shido family was moving into Fuyumi's office apartment and Mr. Naruse was meeting with Shima.
"Masaya and Hibiki, you need to stay out from under foot," Fuyumi declared, frowning at her children. "Either someone is going to trip over you or they're going to step on you. Either way, someone is going to get hurt."
"But there's nothing to do," Masaya whined. "All my toys and games are packed up."
Hibiki Ito walked up and tapped Fuyumi on the shoulder. "Would you like me to take them out to the gardens to play? I could even take them over to see Dai and Miku."
"Oh, that would be such a help," Fuyumi exclaimed. "Are you sure it's not too much trouble?"
"I wouldn't have offered if it was any trouble," Hibiki answered. "The only problem may be getting them back from Miku at the end of the day. You know how she loves kids."
"Masaya, Hibiki," Fuyumi called. "Mrs. Ito is going to take you over to the farm to visit."
"Yay," they yelled in unison and grabbed Mrs. Ito's hands. They chatted happily at her as they headed out the front door.
"Whew," Seiji sighed. "That will make things a whole lot easier."
As Seiji and Fuyumi walked out the front door to bring in anther load of boxes, they saw Mr. Naruse getting out of his car.
"Good morning," Fuyumi greeted.
"Good morning," Ryo replied. "Do you know where I can find Shima?"
Fuyumi thought for a moment. "I'm not sure where she is right now. The person manning the front desk can call her to come to the lobby for you."
"Thanks, I'll do that," Ryo replied as he headed in the door.
Shima was just coming from the direction of the kitchen when she saw Ryo enter the lobby. "Good morning," she called.
"Good morning," he replied. "I guess I won't have to have the front desk call you after all."
Shima chuckled. "I just finished my rounds and was going to call you to see what was taking so long."
"Then we're both right on time," Ryo teased.
"So, let's get down to business," Shima said. "My friend, Kyoko Enami, will be here at noon. I decided lunch, rather than tea, would be more conducive to our discussion."
"I agree," Ryo replied. "Thanks to your information, I was able to do some research that may prove very helpful."
Shima pointed to an alcove near the front desk. "We can work in there undisturbed and see Kyoko when she arrives."
The pair spent the next couple hours sorting through Ryo's research, piecing together the history of Rina Tsukuda.
Ryo commented, "I cannot believe how much she has been allowed to get away with. Selling off estate assets for paltry amounts to holding companies that she owned is nothing short of embezzlement."
Shaking her head, Shima said, "The research you have done is incredibly detailed. Rina was the government representative for not just Kami Tsuchiya, but also Toma Matsunaga and Suzume Ikuta."
Looking up, Ryo was about to comment when he noticed Rina Tsukuda and a police officer enter the lobby and head for the front desk. "What could she want?" he pondered aloud.
Shima turned around and saw the desk clerk pick up the phone and call someone. Minutes later, Tachibana arrived. They watched as the officer handed papers to Tachibana. He appeared to ask the desk clerk a question and the clerk pointed to the alcove.
Tachibana looked in their direction and motioned for them to join the group in the lobby. Shima left the alcove followed closely by Ryo.
Tachibana handed the paper to Ryo and asked tightly, "Does this give Ms. Tsukuda custody of Hikaru and Kaoru?"
"Who is he and what business is it of his?" Rina demanded.
Looking at her disdainfully, Tachibana replied, "This is a lawyer the Hinan family has on retainer."
Ryo took the offered paper and read it through carefully. After a few minutes, he folded it up and stated, "No, it does not. It does require that the Hinan family appear in court next week with the twins and proof that the affidavits are authentic."
Shima looked up to see her friend, Kyoko enter the lobby and look around. Seeing, Shima she hurried over and pulled her into a hug. "It's been too long," Kyoko murmured.
Noticing Rina, Kyoko stiffened. "What is that…person doing here?" she whispered to Shima, waving a hand in Rina's direction like she was shooing away a pesky fly.
"Trying to get her hands on the Hitachiin estate," Shima huffed.
"Again?" Kyoko asked.
"Don't worry," Shima assured her. "We have things handled."
Just then Rina noticed Kyoko. "What is she doing here?" Rina demanded.
Tachibana stepped between Rina and Kyoko. "That is none of your concern. Your papers have been served so you have no further business here. You should leave," he stated bluntly.
Rina looked around for the police officer to demand that he make them give her custody of the twins. However, he had left as soon as he served the papers to Tachibana because his job was complete.
"You can leave on your own or I can have security escort you from the premises," Tachibana warned.
Impotently, Rina huffed and left.
Kyoko muttered, "Good riddance to bad rubbish. Now let's go have lunch. I have so much to tell you."
OHSHC
On Wednesday, Fuyumi received notice that the new travel documents for Ageha and her nanny had been sent to London via diplomatic pouch.
Seiji said, "We should be settled here by Friday. Why don't we leave on Saturday to head to London?"
Fuyumi smiled. "That's a good idea. The hearing about the adoptions is next week. Do we want to be back for that? Or should we spend some time sightseeing so Ageha isn't here for all that drama?"
"Come to think of it, Rina has never once mentioned Ageha. I wonder if she even knows about her?" Seiji mused.
"Hmm, you're right. She never has. Let's do a ten-day sightseeing trip. The drama will be all over, but we'll still make it home in time for Mitsukuni's birthday at the end of the month," Fuyumi decided.
"We should probably inform the Host Club, so they know what's going on," Seiji suggested.
Fuyumi smiled and nodded. "You go grab Tamaki and the twins while I get the other four on a conference call."
Fifteen minutes later they were discussing the trip and where Ageha might like to go.
Hikaru stated, "Given what just happened to our parents, I'd avoid the fashion hot spots like Paris, Milan, and New York."
"Definitely," Fuyumi agreed.
"Hey, I have an idea. Ageha mentioned around Christmas time that she'd like to visit America sometime. Maybe Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld in Florida?" Kaoru suggested.
Seiji and Fuyumi looked at one another and smiled. "Hibiki and Masaya have been wanting to go to those places as well," Seiji said.
"Don't forget Knott's Berry Farm in California," Fuyumi added. "Hey, Kyoya, you still have properties in Florida and California, don't you?"
"Yes," he replied. "And yes, you may use them for your trip. I will inform the staff at both properties to expect you."
"Thanks, little brother," Fuyumi teased in a sing-song voice.
Haruhi laughed. "That would make it a round-the-world tour. From here to London to Florida to California and then back here."
"That sounds like fun," Tamaki commented. "Maybe we should do that as a family sometime."
"Another time, Tamaki," Kyoya said. "We have school to worry about right now."
"So that settles it for our trip, and we'll leave on Saturday," Fuyumi stated.
There was a chorus of agreement.
Kyoya interrupted. "On a related note, I was notified that the judge entered a summary judgement against Komitsuzawa because he refused to appear in court."
"So, now we own a newspaper," Mitsukuni stated, rubbing his hands together with glee. "I'll talk to the Journalism professor tomorrow."
"If that's everything, I suggest we call it a night," Haruhi said. "I have to study for a test tomorrow."
"Just one more note," Kyoya interjected. "I sent messages to the Hitachiin grandparent's drop boxes informing them of the date of the hearing. I don't know if they'll receive the messages in time but at least they have been informed."
Seiji responded, "The trip's all we had. We'll see you all when we get back."
"Good night all," Tamaki announced as Fuyumi ended the conference call.
OHSHC
First thing Tuesday morning, Mr. Naruse accompanied the Host Club to the courtroom where the Hitachiins' custody hearing was being held. Ms. Ueno, Judge Ryuzaki's clerk, was already there. She was summoned as a witness because she was the notary for Yuzuha, Akihiro, and Kazuha Hitachiin's affidavits.
Judge Ryuzaki was also in the gallery as a character witness. He had to recuse himself from the case because he had accepted the affidavits and approved the adoptions.
Hikaru and Kaoru took seats at the defendants table with Mr. Naruse. The rest of the Host Club sat directly behind them to provide moral support.
"We still have half an hour before court is scheduled to start. Do any of you have any questions?" Mr. Naruse asked.
Haruhi leaned forward and the twins turned their chairs to grasp her hands like lifelines. She asked, "Have you heard from Kyoko? Was she able to locate everyone?"
Mr. Naruse nodded. "She contacted me this morning. Atsuhiro will make sure they are here in plenty of time for the hearing."
"Sorry," Haruhi said. "I trust you. I guess I'm just nervous."
"No problem," he replied. "I know you're worried about your friends. Just trust me." He patted his briefcase. "I have everything we need right here—and then some. Kyoya and Tachibana are quite the investigators."
She sighed and smiled at Kyoya. "Yeah. Never go in against his information network. You would have already lost before you even knew there was a battle going on."
"Hopefully it will be enough," Hikaru murmured. The other members of the Host Club gathered around, wrapping their arms around Haruhi and the twins. Haruhi reached up to pull Hikaru and Kaoru's heads down in turn, giving them each a kiss on the cheek.
They all settled back into their seats as other people started to enter the courtroom and take seats.
Five minutes before the hearing was scheduled to start, Rina entered wearing a self-satisfied smirk. Accompanying her was a harried looking attorney, cringing away from Rina.
Haruhi scowled, contemplating what Rina must have done to make him look so fearful. Then her face lit up as Tachibana and Atsuhiro escorted Shima, Kyoko, and four people Haruhi didn't recognize in and helped them get settled in the back row.
Kyoya smirked and thought, "All the pieces are here. This is going to be interesting."
The bailiff entered through the door at the front of the courtroom and announced, "All rise. The honorable Judge Hatori presiding."
The judge took her seat at the bench and called the session to order. "In the matter of the custody of Hikaru and Kaoru, are the defendants present?"
"Yes, your honor," Mr. Naruse rose briefly and replied simply,
"Is the plaintiff present?" the judge asked.
Rina's lawyer said nervously, "Yes, your honor."
"Please call your first witness, Mr. Yabu," Judge Hatori directed.
"I call Rina Tsukuda to the stand," the lawyer stated timidly.
Rina strode arrogantly up to the witness stand and took her seat like a queen conferring the gift of her presence and expecting tribute.
The bailiff administered the oath and then stepped back to his place by the bench.
Clearing his throat noisily, Mr. Yabu stepped forward and said, "Please state your name, occupation, and reason for this hearing."
Smirking, Rina declared, "My name is Rina Tsukuda. I am the duly appointed government orphanage representative assigned to help elite minors who have no adult relatives. I was informed by my contact at the courthouse that Yuzuha and Akihiro Hitachiin were killed in a bombing in London earlier this month, leaving Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin orphans. There are living grandparents, but they travel extensively in areas that challenge prompt communication. I have been unable to locate them to inform them of the status of their grandsons, so I tried to take custody of the twins and inventory the estate."
"You say you tried," Mr. Yabu confirmed.
"I immediately went to the Hitachiin estate but was informed by the butler that Hikaru and Kaoru were at Hinansho, their new home. Since I was unable to take custody of the twins at that time, I determined that I should complete the inventory. However, the butler refused to allow me access. He said that a protection order had been placed on the property allowing only Kazuha Hitachiin to access it without a court order," she huffed.
"If you went directly to the estate after being notified, how had the twins been taken and the protection order placed?" the lawyer asked.
Rina snorted. "I called my contact at the courthouse and found out that the Hinan family was behind it all. Their lackey showed up first thing in the morning at the courthouse with adoption papers and forged affidavits before anyone even knew the Hitachiins were dead. They must have had a hand in the deaths."
Mr. Naruse rose to his feet and said, "I object, Your Honor. Speculation." To himself, he added, "Not to mention slander."
The judge addressed the witness sternly, "Ms. Tsukuda, please refrain from making wild accusations and stick to the facts."
Livid at being chastised, Rina scowled. "What was I to think? My contact was on duty when adoption papers were brought in for Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin. Because there was no official notice of the Hitachiins' death, he could not accept them. The person who tried to file them was a lackey for the Hinan family.
"My contact was suspicious of the lackey's behavior, so he followed him to Judge Ryuzaki's office. There he heard the judge call Scotland Yard in England to confirm that the Hitachiins had been killed in a terrorist bombing. If the Hinan family was not involved in the deaths, how did they find out before official notification?"
Judge Hatori addressed Mr. Naruse, "Counselor, I would like to speak to a member of the Hinan family to clear up the notification timing."
"Your Honor," Mr. Naruse replied, "could we take this matter into your chambers? There are some facts that you as the judge will need that should not be bandied about in public."
The judge considered the request for a moment. "Very well. Court is in recess for fifteen minutes while I speak to the counselors in my chambers."
Mr. Naruse and Mr. Yabu rose to follow the judge through the door at the front of the courtroom. When Rina tried to follow, the bailiff blocked her path.
"Get out of my way," Rina snarled. "I should be included in the conference."
The bailiff looked at her disdainfully and replied, "If the judge wants you, she will send for you."
In the judge's chambers, she said," Okay, Mr. Naruse, please explain the reason for such confidentiality."
Ryo chuckled. "The Hinan family is the creation of a small group of elite minors to provide a refuge in the unlikely instance that one or more of them was orphaned. Most of them knew a girl named Kami Tsuchiya who was orphaned almost four years ago. In the space of a year, her estate was embezzled and she vanished."
Mr. Yabu interrupted, "That doesn't explain how they knew about the Hitachiins' deaths."
"I was getting to that," Mr. Naruse responded impatiently. "Even though they are minors, they are elites and have international investments. One of the members was checking the London markets and saw the news reports about the bombings in the fashion district. He knew that the Hitachiins were in London because the twins are friends of his. He informed the group and they followed contingency plans they had created for just such a circumstance."
The judge pondered Mr. Naruse's explanation. "That explains a lot. It actually makes this case unnecessary. I'm willing to rule in the Hinan family's favor right now."
"Actually, Your Honor," Ryo interrupted, "we'd like to continue-if that's agreeable with you."
"May I ask why?" Judge Hatori inquired.
Ryo took a deep breath and replied, "Justice."
Judge Hatori turned to Mr. Yabu and asked, "Do you have any objections?"
He shrugged and answered, "How can anyone object to justice?"
"Well, our fifteen minutes is up. Let's head back to the courtroom," the judge instructed.
Back in the courtroom everyone was settling down after the recess. When the judge called court back to order, she asked, "Mr. Naruse, do you wish to cross-examine Ms. Tsukuda?"
"Yes, Your Honor, I most certainly do," he replied.
Rina reluctantly returned to the witness stand with a scowl on her face.
Judge Hatori stated, "Remember, you are still under oath."
Mr. Naruse asked, "Why did you assume the affidavits were forgeries? Did you actually examine them?"
"They would have to be fake. One was supposed to be signed by Kazuha Hitachiin. She hasn't been in Japan since last year," Rina protested.
"Did you even bother looking at the affidavits before declaring them forgeries?" Ryo inquired.
Rina snorted. "Why waste my time? Like I said, there's no way they could be authentic."
Ryo shook his head. "I don't think I'm going to get anywhere with her right now." Turning to the judge, he said, "I have no more questions at this time, but I reserve the right to recall this witness."
"Very well," Judge Hatori agreed. "Mr. Yabu, please call your next witness."
Mr. Yabu replied, "I have no other witness."
"Mr. Naruse, please call your first witness," the judge stated.
"I call Sae Ueno," Mr. Naruse said.
She took her place in the witness box and the bailiff swore her in.
Ryo asked, "Please state your name, occupation, and your relationship to this case."
Ms. Ueno said, "My name is Sae Ueno and I am Judge Ryuzaki's clerk. I was the notary who authenticated the affidavits for the Hitachiins last summer."
"And can you confirm, to the best of your knowledge, that Yuzuha, Akihiro, and Kazuha Hitachiin were the ones who signed those affidavits?" Mr. Naruse prompted.
Ms. Ueno answered primly, "As part of the notary process, I am required to examine an official photo identification to confirm that the person signing is who they say they are. Aside from that, they are very high profile individuals who are well recognized."
"Thank you. You are excused. Next, I call Hikaru Hinan," Ryo stated.
"I object," Mr. Yabu declared. "That is Hikaru Hitachiin, not Hinan."
"Overruled," Judge Hatori said. "Unless this case proves otherwise, the adoption and name change are legally binding."
During the wrangling, Hikaru was sworn in and took his seat in the witness box.
Mr. Naruse directed, "Please explain, to the best of your knowledge, why your parents and grandmother signed these affidavits and…"
"I can explain that for myself," Kazuha declared as she walked confidently through the doors at the back of the courtroom.
"You may step down, Mr. Hinan," Judge Hatori said. "Mrs. Hitachiin, please take the stand."
The bailiff administered the oath and she settled in.
"Mrs. Hitachiin, please explain why you, your daughter, and son-in-law signed the affidavits last summer," Ryo asked.
"Last year, my grandsons made the acquaintance of the Hinan family through contacts at Ouran where they attend high school. For several years, Yuzuha and I have been looking for an acceptable family to act as guardians in the event something happened to Yuzuha and her husband. My husband and I travel so much to such exotic locations that we cannot always be reached easily if there is an emergency.
"We both thought it was fortuitous that Hinan means refuge. That was exactly what we were looking for, a refuge for the children if case of catastrophe. Hikaru and Kaoru actually approached us about the adoption idea before we could pursue the idea of guardianship. Given certain past…events, the twins explained how an adoption could offer more protection than a guardianship.
"We agreed and the papers were drawn up. Judge Ryuzaki and his clerk were instrumental in helping us get everything documented, notarized, and filed. Last week we were notified of the death of my daughter and her husband, so my husband and I made arrangements to come home a be sure the children were settling in well with the Hinan family. Imagine my shock to arrive home late yesterday evening and be informed that there was a court case challenging the adoption."
Mr. Naruse inquired, "You mention past events. Would you elaborate on that statement?"
Kazuha looked right at Kami sitting in the gallery, smiled, and said, "Oh, I would be happy to elaborate. About four years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Tsuchiya were killed in a plane crash. Their only surviving relative was their daughter, Kami. Kami was just barely eleven years old. As a minor with no living relatives, the government stepped in and placed her in the orphanage system.
"Quite frankly, nothing the government representative did made any sense. Kami's tuition to Ouran was paid through the end of the school year but the representative pulled her out and sent her to an orphanage in Osaka. Within three months, the representative sold the Tsuchiya fragrance company, claiming that the funds were needed to pay the upkeep of Kami. It was sold for a pittance. Within six months, all the personal property and real estate was sold, once again with the claim it was to pay for Kami's upkeep.
"Before the one-year anniversary of the Tsuchiyas' death, word made it back to the elite families that Kami had disappeared from the orphanage in Osaka. The government representative dismissed it as Kami running off with some man because she had run through the family assets and was looking for a sugar daddy."
"How did you know the detail of that case?" Ryo asked.
"My daughter partnered with the Tsuchiya on several occasions when Yuzuha wanted a specific fragrance to enhance a fashion line. In fact, the last collaboration featured a fragrance designed by Kami when she was just ten years old. That girl has some real talent. Her disappearance was quite tragic." Once again, she looked directly at Kami and smiled. This time Kami smiled back timidly.
"Was this the only past event?" Ryo prompted.
"HA! Not at all. Six years ago, Toma Matsunaga was orphaned at sixteen and the Matsunaga venue empire met the same fate as the Tsuchiya fragrance company. Eight years ago, Suzume Ikuta was orphaned just weeks short of her eighteenth birthday but the government orphanage representative still stepped in claiming she was a minor and had to submit to the government's authority. The Ikuta housing conglomerate suffered the same fate.
"When Hikaru and Kaoru talked to us about the Hinan family and we thought about these three instances, it struck us that it was a shichi-go-san pattern—seven-five-three. Somehow the thought that there could be another elite orphan soon just lent urgency to the need," Kazuha finished.
Mr. Naruse asked, "Would you happen to know the name of the government representatives in those three cases?"
Mrs. Hitachiin chuckled. "No," she replied. "But you could ask Kami, Toma, and Suzume. I'm sure they would remember."
Ryo appeared confused. "How can we ask them? Didn't they all disappear?"
"Be that as it may," she responded. "They are all sitting right there in the gallery." She pointed to the group sitting in the back row of the gallery.
Rina's head whipped around, and she was shocked to see Suzume, Toma, and Kami stand up as the judge gestured for them to come forward.
Taking a hint from Kazuha's testimony, Judge Hatori said gently, "Would you three please approach the bench?"
Suzume wrapped a protective arm around Kami's shoulders as the trio made their way to the front of the courtroom. As they passed the plaintiff's table, Rina started to lunge at them but was stopped by the heavy hand of the bailiff on her shoulder. Toma scowled at Rina and placed himself between her and the others.
The judge noted Ms. Tsukuda's attempt to attack the three young people she called forward. She nodded her approval to the bailiff, and he understood that he was to remain by the plaintiff's table to subdue Rina if necessary.
Leaning forward, Judge Hatori asked, "Kami, do you remember the name of the government representative?"
She nodded timidly and whispered, "Rina Tsukuda." She also turned slightly and pointed to where Rina sat seething impotently.
"How about you, Toma?" the judge inquired.
He growled, "Rina Tsukuda is the thief who stole my family's legacy." Toma glared at Rina and stepped to block her view of Kami.
The judge turned her attention to Suzume. "The same for you?"
"Yes, Your Honor," she stated clearly. "She used her position as a government official to cut me off from my friends and plunder my family's estate."
"That's not true!" Rina shrieked. She tried to get to her feet, but the bailiff held her in her chair.
"If I may, Your Honor?" Mr. Naruse interrupted, pulling thick files out of his briefcase.
"What have you?" Judge Hatori questioned.
Placing the files on the bench for the judge, Ryo explained, "This is the information in public records regarding the cases of Ms. Ikuta, Mr. Matsunaga, and Miss Tsuchiya. It is evidence to support their claims against Rina Tsukuda."
He turned and looked Rina in the eye. "The top document in each file is a copy of the lawsuit I have filed on behalf of each of them to recover as much of their family properties as is legally possible."
Kazuha cleared her throat daintily and the judge looked in her direction. "Oh, I apologize, Mrs. Hitachiin. I completely forgot you were still waiting in the witness box. You may step down."
"Actually, I have a bit more information relevant to this case—well, these cases, Your Honor," she said seriously.
"If you think that it's relevant, please proceed," Judge Hatori allowed.
"It began twelve years ago when Tao Tsukuda and her boyfriend/lead model, Sho Tenma, were killed in a car accident. Tao was the creative genius behind Tsukuda Fashions, and she planned for the eventuality of something happening by leaving three years of designs. She figured that would be enough time for her family to transition to some other industry if they couldn't find any design-talented individual to take her place.
"Instead, they chose to steal unreleased designs by Yuzuha Hitachiin. Tao and Yuzuha had not been rivals because they had very different styles and market niches. The Tsukudas subverted the Danno trucking family to get the location of the Hitachiin warehouses. Hitachiin security caught them in the act and Yuzuha had them charged with theft.
"Before they could go to trial, both couples—the Tsukudas and the Dannos- disappeared. There were rumors that they committed ritual suicide or moved to America and changed their names. Whatever became of the parents, they left their heirs with nothing. Both Rina and Masaki were away at University when the attempted theft took place.
Because neither of them could be involved, it was decided to give them government jobs so they could support themselves. Rina was made the government orphanage representative specializing in elite families because she had lived that life. Masaki chose to become a courthouse clerk," Kazuha finished.
"See, it's all their fault," Rina shrieked, pointing to Hikaru and Kaoru. "If it hadn't been for them charging my family with theft, my parents wouldn't have disappeared, and our estate would not have been confiscated. The clothes were unreleased. You didn't want or need them anyway."
"Bailiff, please remove Ms. Tsukuda from the courtroom and remand her into custody for contempt of court," Judge Hatori ordered.
After Rina was led away, still shrieking and hurling accusations, the judge declared, "It is the decision of this court to accept the affidavits and the adoption papers for Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin to become Hikaru and Kaoru Hinan." Judge Hatori banged the gavel and said, "Case dismissed."
The Host Club jumped to their feet and wrapped the twins in a group hug.
Kazuha finally stepped down from the witness box and led Suzume, Toma, and Kami over to the defendants table.
When Hikaru and Kaoru were released by the Host Club, they turned around to find their grandmother smiling at them. "I see you boys have been busy. Do we have time to get together and catch up?"
Haruhi said, "Excuse me."
The twins pulled Kazuha over to where Haruhi was standing. "What do you need?" Hikaru asked.
"Well, I was just going to suggest that we all head to Hinansho and celebrate," Haruhi answered. When Suzume, Toma, and Kami started to move away, she continued, "You all are invited, too. In fact, arrangements have been made for you to stay at Hinansho for a few days."
As their spokesman, Suzume responded, "That's very generous of you, but you don't have to…"
Haruhi interrupted her. "It's no trouble and we actually would like to talk each of you about your cases."
Hikaru and Kaoru looked at Kami with puppy eyes. "Please come, Kami," Kaoru pleaded.
"These are not the Hitachiin twins that I remember, but I'd like to get to know them," Kami thought. She looked at Toma and then Suzume. Both nodded in response to her unasked question. "Sure, we'll come," Kami answered with a shy smile.
OHSHC
The group from the courthouse was in the small dining room at Hinansho enjoying their lunch and chatting amicably. Suzume, Toma, and Kami sat together with Kami in the middle. Hikaru and Kaoru sat across from them so they could talk to Kami. The twins' grandparents sat next to them, silently watching the boys teasing smiles out of Kami.
Although Haruhi would have preferred to be with the legal professionals sitting in the corner deep in conversation, she was seated next to Suzume. "So how long have you three known each other?" Haruhi inquired politely, trying to start a conversation.
Suzume chuckled. "You wouldn't know it to look at us, but we met less than twenty-four hours ago," she replied.
"Really?" Haruhi said in amazement.
"Yeah, really," Suzume answered. "I met Toma when he and Atsuhiro picked me up in Kyoto. I guess Atsuhiro picked him up first because he was the farthest one away, in Kobe. We talked about what it was like to adjust after Rina basically cut us off and stole everything. We finished the swearing part of the conversation before we picked up Kami in Osaka. We didn't want to traumatizer her any more than she already had been."
Haruhi laughed. "I can imagine you did have some choice…adjectives for Rina and all she put you through. Maybe later, if you guys are comfortable, you could tell us your stories—without expletives or colorful metaphors."
Suzume smiled at Haruhi. "I'll think about it. Kami and Toma will have to decide for themselves."
On the other side of Kami, Toma was talking to Kyoya. "Is it possible that there is anything left of my family's venue holdings?" Toma asked dejectedly.
Kyoya nodded and explained, "I helped Tachibana with the research and analysis on all three of your families' assets. For the most part, they were held intact in holding companies owned by Rina. The suits that Mr. Naruse filed on your behalf froze her assets until everything is sorted out and your assets are returned to you."
"You mean there is actually something left? Even after all these years?" Toma inquired.
"None of the properties were sold after she purchased them with her holding companies. However, Rina did very little upkeep on them so some have been closed due to maintenance issues. That includes a luxury hotel not far from here," Kyoya responded.
Toma laughed mirthlessly. "So I may get the assets back but there will be no cash to make repairs so they can start generating revenues again."
"Actually," Kyoya commented, "I have a proposal that would help you and it relates to the nearby hotel."
"What's that?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow in interest.
"The Hinan family wants to purchase that property—at top market value—to remodel it into a hospital. They purchased the clinic from the Otori Group last fall when they wanted to shut it down because it wasn't making enough money to suit them. However, the nearest hospital is still twenty-kilometers away," Kyoya expounded.
"They would really do that—buy it at top market value—even though it's fallen into disrepair and been closed?" Toma asked incredulously.
Kyoya assured him, "The Hinan family wants a hospital, but building from the ground up would take a long time. A more efficient method would be to retrofit an existing building. Your hotel happens to be less than a block from the clinic, making it the perfect location. It may be in disrepair, but the structure is still sound."
Toma responded, "That would definitely provide me with cash to start renovating other properties so they could start generating revenue. We can work out the details after all the legal wrangling is done and I have clear title again."
At the opposite end of the table from the legal professionals, Tamaki sat listening enraptured to Shima chatting happily with her old friend Kyoko and Kyoko's sister, Sachiko. Apparently they had been high school friends, getting together regularly until Sachiko got married and moved to Osaka. Shima told her friends stories about the Host Club and Tamaki joined in with the stories and laughter.
As soon as he finished eating, Tachibana excused himself. "I have to finish approving vacation requests so I can fill in the duty roster and get it posted."
Just as he was about to open the door, Haruhi said, "Thank you for all of your hard work, Tachibana. I don't know what we would do without you."
Tachibana gave her a smile and nod to assure her he had heard her.
Mitsukuni and Takashi sat quietly at the end of the table nearest the door. Mitsukuni was rubbing his forehead with one hand and pushing his lunch around the plate with his utensil in the other. Next to him, Takashi was picking at his lunch and casting worried glances at his cousin.
Setting down his utensil, Mitsukuni sighed. "I guess I just have too much on my mind right now. I have a huge chemistry test tomorrow. Takashi, could we head back to the apartment?"
"Okay, Mitsukuni," Takashi answered.
As they rose to leave, the other Host Club members called out their goodbyes. Haruhi stood up and said to Suzume, "I'll be right back." She walked over to Mitsukuni and caressed his cheek. "You take care of yourself and don't study too hard." Then she kissed his forehead.
Haruhi turned to Takashi and the exchanged a silent conversation about Mitsukuni. They were both very worried. The headaches had been increasing and nothing seemed to help. She said, "You two will be joining us for dinner tomorrow night at the restaurant near your apartment, right?"
The cousins nodded in response.
Tamaki called out, "Remember, we'll be at your apartment next weekend to celebrate your birthday, Mitsukuni."
Mitsukuni smiled weakly and waved to acknowledge Tamaki's comment as he opened the door and he and Takashi left.
OHSHC
Wednesday night at the restaurant, Shima, Kyoko, and Sachiko sat watching the Host Club, Kami, Toma, and Suzume indulgently. Sachiko said, "This is the happiest I have even seen Kami in the three years she's been living with me."
"I'm glad," Kyoko replied. "Thank you for recognizing her and taking her in. I'd hate to think what would have happened to her otherwise." She looked over to see Hikaru and Kaoru standing on either side of Kami with their arms wrapped around her, nuzzling her like a couple cats demanding attention. Kami was giggling and ruffling their hair.
As they were all relaxing around the table, Haruhi asked, "Hey, Suzume, would you be willing to tell us your story?"
Suzume looked thoughtful. "I suppose I could. It's not a big deal.
"What do you mean 'not a big deal'?" Tamaki demanded dramatically. "Orphaned, left destitute, force to fend for yourself in a cold, cruel world."
"Is he always like this?" Suzume leaned over and asked Haruhi.
"Oh, this is nothing. He used to be sooo much more dramatic. And his mood changes could give you whiplash," Haruhi offered with a smirk at Tamaki.
"Okay, okay," Suzume said, relenting. "My father was significantly older than my mother and he died when I was seven. My mother used to tell me stories about him, especially about their courtship. She was the first woman who was strong enough to stand up to him and still gentle enough to fall in love with him. That strength was how she survived when he died of a heart attack and the vultures started circling. It was disgusting how many elite families were trying to coerce her into a marriage so they could take over the company.
"She got the last laugh on them. Not only was she able to keep the company running, she expanded it internationally. By the time she died in a freak elevator accident, she tripled the value of the company. During those eleven years, she trained me in every facet of the business. Each year she allowed me to choose a property that she would signed over me. Ten of the properties Rina stole were mine. I earned them!"
In an attempt to lighten the atmosphere, Kyoya murmured, "That is impressive. Ten properties before you were eighteen."
Suzume looked at him and smiled. "Thanks for pulling me out of that tailspin. Anyway, when my mother died, Rina stepped in and took control of everything, even though she had no idea what she was doing. Claiming there was no room in the orphanages here in Tokyo, she shipped me off to Kyoto even though I was already aged-out of the orphanage system. Apparently she didn't know that the Kyoto complex was one of mine.
"When Rina sold everything claiming it was for my upkeep and I got nothing, the manager took me on as assistant manager. He helped me work out how to finish my classes at Ouran so I could get my diploma. I was able to get a scholarship to University and earn my business degree. Then the manager that helped me retired and I became manager.
"Imagine my surprise when I was contacted about Rina and the theft of my family business. Even if all I could do was face Rina and show her she couldn't break me. That would be reason enough to come."
"We're glad you did," the twins chorused. "And thank you for looking out for Kami."
"Toma, would you be willing to tell your story?" Takashi asked. "I remember staying in one of your family's convention centers during a martial arts exhibition that was too large for any of our dojos."
"Sure, why not," Toma replied, shrugging. "My parents and two older siblings were in Hong Kong finalizing the purchase of a conference center. I didn't accompany them because I was in the middle of finals. The investigation was inconclusive, but food poisoning was suspected. Rina showed up, shipped me off to Kobe.
"The orphanage didn't have room for me but I knew the manager of my family's baseball stadium. I spent a summer working there and he liked me. He took me in and gave me a place to stay and a part-time job. It wasn't easy, but I kept my head down in public school and graduated. I still work at the stadium.
"Just like Suzume, I was surprised to be contacted about Rina and the theft. I figured that my family's holdings were all gone and I just needed to move forward with my life."
"Rina's actions were just plain criminal," Mitsukuni stated. "Sending you away from your friends to places that had no room and then stealing everything from you."
Kyoko spoke up, "Especially in Miss Tsuchiya's case. You two at least were old enough to be on your own and take care of yourselves with a little help. She was just eleven and that's an age when classmates can be very cruel."
Kami walked over and hugged Kyoko. "It's okay. At least the orphanage in Osaka had room for me. Yes, my classmates and the others at the orphanage were mean. But at least you found me and took me to your sister."
Next, Kami walked over and hugged Sachiko. "Thank you for taking care of me. Living with you has been a lot of fun. You taught me so many things I don't think I would have learned otherwise."
She giggled. "Of course, the funny thing is what Rina tried to steal from my family did her no good. The fragrance formulas kept in the safe were all missing a key ingredient. You had to know the code to make the fragrances right. That's why they were available but they didn't smell quite right. I have copies of all of them and I have the code so I'll be able to start the company again."
"Clever," Hikaru and Kaoru said in unison.
Kyoya said, "Suzume, when you get your properties returned, would you be willing to sell the one near the Hinan clinic to the Hinan family?"
Looking puzzled, she replied, "I suppose so. May I ask why?"
"I've talked to Toma about buying the hotel near the clinic to convert to a hospital," Kyoya explained. "It would be prudent to have nearby housing for the hospital staff. It would also provide you with available cash to renovate other properties."
"Sounds good. I'd be happy to, given all that the Hinan family has done for me…for us." Suzume smiled and looked around the room.
"Well, it's getting late and some of you have classes tomorrow," Shima announced.
OHSHC
Late Friday afternoon, Mr. Naruse arrived at Hinansho with a big smile on his face and a heavy briefcase in his hand. "Hibiki, could you call Kami, Toma, and Suzume down?"
She smiled back as she picked up the phone. "Good news, I take it?"
Looking like the cat that ate the canary, he simply said, "I'm waiting until they get here. I want them to be the first to hear."
A few minutes later, the trio arrived accompanied by Hikaru, Kaoru, and Tamaki. Suzume stepped forward as the spokesperson. "You have news for us?" she asked.
Mr. Naruse set his briefcase on the desk by Hibiki and opened it. He pulled out three thick folders and looked at the tabs. "This one is yours," he said, handing one to Suzume.
As she flipped through the folder, her eyes grew wider and wider. Suzume looked at Ryo in shock and asked, "Is this really all mine?" She looked through a few more pages and stopped. "Even the summer cottage? She didn't sell it?" Closing the folder and clutching it to her chest, she covered her mouth this one hand and tried hard not to cry.
Tamaki stepped forward. "Suzume, please let me take you somewhere private so you can look through that. You can take your time."
"Toma, this one is yours," Mr. Naruse said, grinning.
He flipped it open and saw the list. "Yes! The property the Hinan family wants is here. This will be great. I can rebuild my family's legacy." Toma walked away, mesmerized by the documents in the folder.
"And this one belongs to you," Ryo said, handing the final, and smallest, folder to Kami, smiling gently.
She looked back and forth between Hikaru and Kaoru before she reached out for the folder. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do with this. I was only eleven when Mom and Dad died."
Wrapping an arm around her from each side, the twins said in unison, "You don't have to make any decisions right now. Kyoya will be here for dinner. He should be able to give you some good advice."
Kaoru turned to Mr. Naruse. "You will be staying for dinner, right?"
"I'll be at dinner tonight, but I can't stay right now. I have to get back to the office. Haruhi will be coming with me after her internship today," Ryo replied, closing his briefcase and latching it. "See you in a few hours."
OHSHC
That weekend, Atsuhiro drove Sachiko and Kami back to Osaka, Suzume back to Kyoto, and Toma back to Kobe. In the files they each received from Mr. Naruse, there was a list of lawyers and financial advisors that he had vetted as honest and reliable. They would help complete the sales of the hotel and apartment complex to the Hinan family so Suzume and Toma could start renovating their re-acquired properties.
The twins spent the weekend getting ready for Ageha and the Shido family to return on Tuesday.
Kyoya and Haruhi were finishing up final assignments for their online classes.
Mitsukuni and Takashi had family obligations.
Tamaki spent it with Dai and Miku learning about farming, much to Dai's chagrin.
OHSHC
On Tuesday, Tamaki, Kyoya, and Haruhi rode to Hinansho with the twins so they would be on hand to welcome Ageha and the Shido family home from their trip. They sat together doing homework at a table in the lobby that gave them a clear view of the driveway.
As soon as they saw the car coming, they abandoned their homework and rushed out to greet the returning travelers.
Ageha was the first one out of the car and she ran straight past her brothers to Tamaki squealing, "Milord!"
Hikaru and Kaoru just stood there with bemused looks on their faces as they shrugged at each other.
Next to climb out were Hibiki and Masaya. They each grabbed one of Haruhi's hands and were chattering at her a mile-a-minute about the trip and everything they saw.
Finally, exhausted Seiji and Fuyumi slowly exited the vehicle. "Where do they get so much energy?" Seiji groaned. "If we could bottle some of that, we'd make a fortune."
Fuyumi replied, "No, we wouldn't. We'd have to use all of it ourselves to keep up with them."
Kyoya stepped forward and pulled his sister into a hug. Startled, but pleased, she hugged him back. "I am so glad you all have returned safely," he said, his voice choked slightly with feeling.
"It was fun, but I'm glad to be back," Fuyumi confessed.
Seiji patted his brother-in-law on the shoulder. "How did everything go here? I take it things worked out or you would have contacted us."
"Things worked out very well. In fact, I have a business proposition I would like to talk over with you during dinner, if you don't mind," Kyoya replied.
"Give us a chance to freshen up after that long flight and we'll meet you in the dining room," Seiji acknowledged.
Kyoya glanced at his watch. "Dinner should be ready in an hour and a half. You two take your time, we'll keep the kids occupied."
Seiji and Fuyumi smiled tiredly. "Thanks, we'll see you at dinner."
An hour and a half later, everyone gathered in the small dining room. Seiji and Fuyumi looked much more relaxed after their kid-free rest.
While Fuyumi and the children regaled the other with stories of their trip, Seiji and Kyoya quietly discussed business.
"The Hinan family has purchased a hotel and an apartment complex near the clinic. I want to remodel the hotel into a hospital and renovate the apartment complex for staff housing," Kyoya explained.
Seiji considered Kyoya's plan. "That make a lot of sense. Do you know what contractors you're going to use?"
"That's part of what I wanted to talk to you about. I figured that, since your family is in medical equipment, you may know of reputable firms that we could get bids from," Kyoya replied.
"I can do that, both for the hospital and the apartment complex," Seiji said.
"Good." Kyoya smiled, "I was also thinking about the Shido family's situation. A lot of their contracts have been cancelled and the Otori Group is insisting on re-negotiate their contracts. It would not surprise me if the Otori Group was behind the cancelled contracts."
Seiji huffed. "I wouldn't put it past them."
Kyoya grinned. "I think the Shido family should re-negotiate with the Otori Group, with conditions favorable to Shido. If the Otori Group won't agree to them, they can cancel the contracts."
"What good would that do?" Seiji asked worriedly. "That would just cancel the last of our business."
Kyoya smirked. "But if you are willing to look beyond the Otori Group, there are a lot of new contract waiting. The new hospital will need equipment and your family would be the best to supply that. Beyond that, I have personal holdings internationally that need upgraded equipment. That could be the first step in opening up the international markets and a greater customer base for the Shido family."
Seiji was stunned. "I don't know what to say. Why would you do this?"
"Because it's the right thing to do," Kyoya replied, clapping him on the shoulder.
OHSHC
"Tachibana, thanks for driving us to Mitsukuni and Takashi's apartment," Haruhi said.
"Not a problem," he replied. "What are the plans for the weekend?"
Haruhi frowned slightly. "Mitsukuni hasn't been feeling well lately so we decided to celebrate his birthday with a weekend of pajamas and movies."
"You're worried about him?" Tachibana asked, looking at her out of the corner of his eye while maneuvering the vehicle into the apartment complex parking lot.
"I am. He tries to tell us he's fine and he refuses to see a doctor, but his headaches are getting more frequent," Haruhi admitted.
As the rest of the Host Club grabbed the duffle bags and headed to the apartment, Tachibana grabbed four cake boxes and assured Haruhi, "Just do what you can and try not to worry."
"Thanks, Tachibana. I don't know what we would do without you," Haruhi said as she grabbed two more boxes and turned to follow the rest of the Host Club.
Mitsukuni flung open the door and exclaimed, "You're here! I can't wait to spend the weekend with you guys." He was about to hug Haruhi when he noticed the boxes she was holding. "Are those cakes for me?" he asked giddily.
"Yes, Kairi sent six different cakes because he couldn't decide which one would be best for your birthday," Haruhi replied, smiling softly.
Tachibana set the four cakes he was carrying on the kitchen counter and announced, "You guys have fun this weekend. I'll pick you up Sunday evening."
After Tachibana left, everyone helped re-arranged the living room to make plenty of space for everyone to watch movies.
Tamaki pulled out a stack of DVDs from his duffle bag. "Look, I brought Overdrive, Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light, and Tatakau! Shoten Girl," he babbled excitedly.
"Aren't those chick flicks?" Hikaru taunted.
"Yeah-well, technical two of those are series," Kaoru agreed.
Haruhi put a stop to the wrangling before it got out of hand. "Since it is Mitsukuni's birthday, he should pick the movie."
"Yay, then I want to watch Kaijuto no kessen: Gojira no musuko. Godzilla's son is so kawaii in that one," Mitsukuni said happily.
Haruhi smiled at Mitsukuni's enthusiasm. "He has not been this happy in months." "Takashi, has dinner already been ordered?" she asked.
"Yes. It should be here soon," he replied.
Haruhi headed for the kitchen. "I'll make tea and get dishes set out. Why don't you guys change into pajamas and pick out your spots in the living room."
Minutes later, there was knock at the door. Takashi answered it and took the food delivery into the kitchen.
"Okay, guys. Come grab dinner and we'll start the movie," Haruhi called.
After everyone was settled, they started the movie. The movie was cheesy and campy, but it made them laugh.
Giggling, Mitsukuni said, "This is my favorite part. Baby Godzilla is trying so hard, but instead of breathing fire, he can only blow smoke rings. He's so cute!"
After the movie ended, Haruhi collected the dishes and took them into the kitchen to wash them. Takashi followed her, to dry and put them away. When they finished, Haruhi kissed him gently on the cheek.
Together they returned to the living room to find the other hosts debating what movie to watch next.
"Let's watch Overdrive," Takashi suggested. "It looks interesting."
Everyone agreed and got comfortable. Kyoya was sitting with his back against the sofa, so Haruhi snuggled into his side and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Then Mitsukuni crawled into her lap and whispered, "My head is starting to hurt. Can I cuddle with you?"
Haruhi smiled and kissed the top of his head. "Get comfortable and sleep if you can. Remember, this is your birthday weekend."
Halfway through the movie, Takashi moved Mitsukuni to the sofa so Haruhi could get more comfortable.
By the end of the movie, Kyoya and Haruhi were asleep in one another's arms. The rest of them could barely keep their eyes open so they decided to call it a night.
The next morning, the guys woke up to the smell of fresh pancakes.
"Wow, Haruhi, those smell great," Mitsukuni praised.
"They're ready so let's eat breakfast and decide what we're going to do today," she replied.
Finally, they decided to humor Tamaki and binge watch Tatakau! Shoten Girl.
Soon they were all caught up in the plot.
"Hey, guys," Hikaru commented, "doesn't the co-worker she has a crush on look a little like Mitsukuni?"
"Yeah," Kaoru responded, "he does. Not only that, the other young male co-worker looks a little like Kyoya without glasses."
"Wow, what a weird coincidence," Tamaki marveled.
Kyoya commented, "Intriguing how the women have such innovative ideas to try to save the bookstore, but they are being sabotaged by the men. For a fluff piece, it certain has underlying social commentary."
After the fifth episode, Takashi asked, "What should we have for lunch? If I call now, it should be here before we get too hungry."
Haruhi protested, "I can make lunch."
Mitsukuni interrupted, "It's my birthday weekend and I want pizza. Takashi, you know which one is my favorite."
Takashi ordered the pizza and it arrive before the episode ended. They ate pizza and finished the series.
Tamaki commented, "Kyoya's right. There was a lot of social commentary behind the plot. Like the way everybody was making assumptions."
Kyoya interjected, "There were some sound business ideas in there as well. The main characters use of her connections to set up publicity strategies was a stroke of genius."
"Well, I guess chick flicks aren't all bad," Haruhi said. "The way girls always gushed over them made me avoid them completely. I guess it depends on how you look at it. I'm sure most of our guests in the Host Club would only see the young man with a crush on the older woman and the young woman with a crush on the young man. They would be going all 'MOE' over the love triangle."
"Okay," Mitsukuni interrupted, "this is supposed to be a fun movie weekend, not a philosophical discussion of the subliminal social programing in chick flicks."
"So, let's get back to having fun," Tamaki announced.
OHSHC
The next month was full of school projects and research papers, not to mention the hospital remodel and apartment complex renovation. Kyoya hired a hospital administrator to begin recruiting doctors and staff for the new hospital. With a nearby apartment as part of the compensation package, the administrator could be selective in his hiring, accepting only the best fits for the positions.
Seiji agreed to act as point person for the Hinan family with the construction contractors so Kyoya could concentrate on his studies and graduation.
The twins and Ageha settled in to life as Hinans rather than Hitachiins. A month after the hearing, their grandparents took off on their next great adventure. They'd only stayed as long as they were needed to take care of all the legal paperwork for the Hitachiin name and fashion line. In honor of their mother, Kaoru and Hikaru decided to keep the Hitachiin name on the line even though they were now Hinans.
The month of March flew by and suddenly it was April. The Host Club announced at Ouran that they were closed permanently. The twins were still recovering from the shock of losing their parents. Along with that, Mitsukuni and Takashi were busy at University and Kyoya and Tamaki were about to graduate. The Host Club simply couldn't function the following year with just Haruhi, Hikaru, and Kaoru.
OHSHC
Kyoya and Haruhi stood at the door of Tamaki's apartment awaiting a response to their knock. Inside they could hear scuffling feet and quietly hissed exclamations. They looked at one another with puzzled expressions. Kyoya raise an eyebrow and Haruhi just shrugged.
Suddenly the door was yanked open by Tamaki. He bowed dramatically and said, "Please come in."
The twins were smirking at the new arrivals from the sofa where they were sprawled like a pair of Siamese cats. "Look who arrived together," Hikaru purred.
"Maybe they're up to something," Kaoru speculated in return.
"Knock it off, you two," Haruhi said. "Kyoya picked me up from my apartment because you guys were already here. It didn't make sense to have Atsuhiro come get me when Kyoya was headed here anyway."
"Have Mitsukuni and Takashi arrived yet?" Kyoya inquired.
Tamaki answered absently, "Yeah. They're dropping off their school satchels in their apartments. They'll be…" He was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Opening it, he said, "Now that Mitsukuni and Takashi are here, we can sit down at the table for dinner.
Once everyone was seated at the table, Tamaki announced, "Although I really wanted an elaborate costume ball for my birthday party, I decided to settle for a humble dinner with friends. We all have so much going on with final projects, exams, and graduation so let's just relax and spend time together. After dinner, we will go to the Shido's apartment for cake and presents."
The friends chatted amicably as they ate the fine dinner Kairi had prepared. Though Haruhi noticed that Mitsukuni rarely joined into the conversations.
After dinner, they all trooped across the hall to the Seiji and Fuyumi's apartment.
Tamaki was greeted by Ageha, Hibiki, and Masaya yelling, "Happy birthday!" Then they handed him a paper crown that they had made.
"Thank you so much," Tamaki replied, kneeling down to gather the three into a hug. "You've made my birthday very happy."
Fuyumi called out, "Stop blocking the door. Get in here so you can open your presents and we can have cake."
Much like Kyoya's birthday, most of the presents were investments. However, in Tamaki's case they were stock for companies like Disney and Lego.
Haruhi watched as he opened the present from her. "I hope he doesn't get upset that it's basically a gag gift."
Tamaki tore off the wrapping paper and eagerly opened the box. Inside was a jar of instant coffee, cup noodles, instant miso soup, oyakodon, pocky sticks, and rice crackers. Underneath all the food was a framed photo of the Host Club.
Hugging the box, Tamaki exclaimed, "It's perfect! Thank you, Haruhi."
"Now we can have cake," Ageha declared. Everyone laughed and gathered around.
Seiji pulled Kyoya aside. "I want to thank you for all that you've done for the Shido family. My father told me about his meeting with your father for the contract re-negotiations."
"How did they go?" Kyoya asked.
"About as well as you'd expect. My father presented him with reasonable contracts. Your father scoffed and presented his counter-offer contracts. The terms were insulting, at best. My father stood up, said, 'Unacceptable,' and walked out," Seiji related, chuckling.
"I wish I could have seen the look on my father's face, "Kyoya admitted.
"I thought you might say that." Seiji handed him what was obviously a print from a security camera.
Kyoya smirked at the photo in his hand. "I will have to get this framed and hang it in my apartment here at Hinansho."
"My father wanted me to pass along his thanks for all of your help. He's already been able to replace all the contracts we lost, even the Otori contracts," Seiji said. "Oh, the research and development group sends their thanks as well. Because of the international contracts, there have been requests for equipment to fit particular needs. When no such equipment exists, they get to think outside the box to create something new."
"A fortuitous side-effect of branching out," Kyoya replied.
Tamaki interrupted. "No more business talk. This is a birthday party," he said, handing each of them a piece of cake.
Kyoya smiled and shook his head in exasperation as he took a bite of the cake. "Sometimes it's hard to believe he's my best friend."