Chapter 27: Jealousy Rears Its Ugly Head

Haruhi returned to her dorm room the day before classes started following Winter Break. Shiori was lounging on her bed idly flipping through a fashion magazine. "How was your break?" Haruhi asked.

Shiori tossed her magazine to the side. "It was all 'Akina this' and 'Akina that'. The only bright spot was our brother, Wataru, returned from America where he was attending university."

"It's always good when family comes home." Haruhi hung her satchel on the back of her chair before sitting cross-legged on the bed. "We missed you at the Open House."

"Akina wanted to stay in Sydney for the New Year's celebration, so we didn't get back until January 3rd." Shiori's phone rang. When she looked at the caller, she said, "I need some privacy for this call."

"No problem. I feel the need to take a walk anyway. See you later."

Haruhi was feeling restless. She'd had fun during break, but she was ready to get back into classes. Since there was no one around, she decided to run through her karate forms. Mitsukuni and Takashi had expressed their disappointment during break when they found out she had not been keeping up with practicing regularly.

She was almost done when a rough hand grabbed her arm. She responded instinctively, flipping the person attached to the hand onto the ground and kneeling on his sternum. Recognizing an upperclassman who had started making indecent advances to her during the Halloween party, she flipped him on his face. Leveraging one of his arms to hold him in place, she planted her foot in the middle of his back and pulled out her phone to call the campus police.

Minutes later the security team from the dorm and the campus police arrive from different directions. When the officers arrived, they were puzzled by the tableau before them. A petite brunette had a man twice her size immobilized on the ground. "You called for campus police?" one officer asked.

"Get this maniac off me," the man yelled. "I didn't do anything. She just attacked me out of nowhere."

Ignoring his rants, Haruhi calmly answered the officer, "I was working through my karate forms when he grabbed me. I reacted on instinct."

"Was he threatening in any way?" the officer inquired.

"I didn't do anything wrong," the man protested. "I just wanted to ask her out on a date. She studies all the time so I figured she didn't have any friends."

The taller woman of the security team snorted with laughter. "How drunk were you on Halloween? I happen to know that every one of the Hinan brothers as well as all four of the men on our security team each had a private discussion with you."

"I thought they were just blowing smoke because they wanted to get into her pants too," he whined.

It took all of Haruhi's control not to wrench his arm. "You are very lucky you didn't say that to Kyoya."

"How do you know I didn't?" the man sneered.

"Because you haven't disappeared," Haruhi said through clenched teeth.

The campus officers decided that it was time to step in. "That's enough. We'll need you both to come back to the office to give statements."

With a nod from one of the security team, Haruhi reluctantly released him. Security immediately took up station on either side of her. "Forgive us for being late coming to your aid, Fujioka-san."

Haruhi gave her a look and she corrected herself, "Forgive us for being late coming to your aid, Haruhi." To that, Haruhi smiled and nodded.

The campus police officers helped the man to his feet. His glare at Haruhi was a mixture of rage and lust, rubbing his shoulder. Reluctantly he followed the officers back to their office.

When they reached their destination, the campus officers were surprised that the security team had come as well. "You can go. We'll take care of this matter."

"We are here to give our statements as well," said the shorter woman on Haruhi's security team.

"What statement? You arrived the same time we did."

She stood up to her full height of five foot and said authoritatively, "We were watching from a distance and saw the whole scene. It only took us so long to arrive because we were searching the area for his four friends that are usually with him."

"See, they were stalking me," the young man accused as he rubbed his sore shoulder.

Before the accusations could continue, one of the campus officers said, "Let's just write this off as a misunderstanding and leave here as friends."

Haruhi's expression was hard as she looked the officer in the eye. "Attempted sexual assault is no 'misunderstanding.' It is a crime and I demand that you treat it as such."

"Just because he wanted to ask you for a date doesn't…"

Haruhi didn't let him finish his sentence. "I reported the Halloween incident as well as several subsequent encounters that occurred while I was moving between classes on campus. All of them have been indecent proposals with threats. If you refuse to take this seriously, I will be forced to file suit against the university, and the campus police in particular. I have put up with this for three months. Nothing has been done and here you are dismissing—no, condoning his behavior."

The campus officer held up his hands in a placating gesture. "There's no need to blow this out of proportion."

Haruhi turned to the taller of her security team. "Please repeat what you learned in your criminal justice class the week before Winter Break."

"Certainly," she acquiesced. "We were discussing the double standard that currently exists in the justice system. Sexual assault was one of the glaring examples. The professor asked that everyone be honest in their responses and assured us that she was available to anyone that needed to talk after class.

"She asked if anyone knew the crime statistics for the campus for the prior year. One of the men in the class said there had been some petty thefts and vandalism, but nothing else. While she waited to see if anyone wanted to add anything, she pulled up the actual statistics on the computer. The data showed the petty crimes mentioned, but the majority of the reported crimes were sexual assaults

"Next the professor turned to the class and stated, 'I emphasize reported crimes for a reason. There are a lot of sexual assaults that are not reported. Why? There are several reasons victims don't report the assaults—they get blamed, threatened, or shamed. By far the most common reason the assaults go unreported is because people in authority refuse to believe it's happening. They dismiss it as 'boys-will-be-boys' or 'just a misunderstanding,' leaving the person victimized twice.'

"Then she asked the hardest question. 'How many of you have been the victim of an assault, reported or otherwise?' It was eye-opening when half the class raised their hands, including two of the men. That was probably even more surprising than the sheer number. And I was one of those who raised my hand. My assault was not reported because the perpetrators threatened to do the same to my six and nine year old sisters if I said anything.

"It's ironic that my unreported assault is actually the reason I am part of Haruhi's security team here at university. After the assault that I couldn't tell anyone about, I enrolled in a course at the Haninozuka Dojo. Not long after I finished my training, I was contacted about a job as a maid at Hinansho. Apparently, the Hinan family had connections with the Haninozukas and wanted all their personnel to have security training.

"Last year, I expressed an interest in getting my degree in Law Enforcement. The Hinan family took that desire seriously and made arrangements for me to get my degree while also providing security for the significant other of one of the Hinan sons."

The men just sat there with their mouths hanging open, listening to the confident young woman who said she'd been the victim of an assault. Finally, one of the campus officers said, "That has no bearing on this…"

Haruhi interrupted again. "It is precisely what this is about. Either you take this complaint seriously, or I will call Inspector Yoshinaga of the Tokyo police to take custody of the perpetrator. Then I will prefer criminal charges against him and file the lawsuit against the school."

"But it's just…" the officer started to say again. He paled as Haruhi pulled out her phone and started to scroll through her contacts. "You have the Inspector's number?"

"That I do, because of another matter this past summer."

The two campus officers exchanged a glance and then the one in charge finally said, "Would you please call him to come here? We've never handled anything like this before." The other officer proceeded to place zip ties on the hands of the perpetrator who whined that it wasn't fair.

Haruhi smiled at the two campus police officers. "If you are willing to learn, I'm sure the Inspector can help you or assign one of his men." Stepping as far away as possible, she tapped on Inspector Yoshinaga's phone number and waited for him to answer.

After a brief conversation, she moved closer to the group again. "He and two officers will be here in about five minutes to take statements, brief you, and take custody of the prisoner."

Although restrained, the man tried to lunge at Haruhi, growling "You can't do this! You have no right!"

"I have every right to defend myself," Haruhi said coldly as she turned her back to ignore him.

After the Inspector and his officers arrived, they took charge, and everything was settled in short order. One of the officers would be left to help the campus police update their procedures for dealing with these types of situations.

Before she and the security team left, Haruhi told the campus police officers, "I'm glad I didn't need to file a lawsuit for this. I'm busy enough as it is. If the administration gives you any problems, please let me know."

"Shall we escort you back to the dorm?" the taller of the security team asked.

Haruhi shook her head. "We need to head to the apartments. You'll need to report this to your supervisor and I need to tell Kyoya. You know how he can be if I don't inform him of incidents like this right away."

As the three young women walked across campus, they were ambushed by the four friends of the man who had just been arrested. After the men were subdued, the shorter security officer asked gleefully, "May I call campus police? This should give them practice with their new procedures."

"Go ahead. I doubt they have those new procedures ready, but there's no time like the present," Haruhi agreed.

A few minutes later Inspector Yoshinaga arrived with the two campus officers. They took custody of the four men who were protesting loudly that they were innocent and the three women had attacked them.

As the perpetrators were led away, the shorter security officer mused, "Well, I guess we have more to report to our supervisor."

Haruhi chuckled. "And I have more to tell Kyoya. It's probably a good thing he doesn't have access to the Otori Black Onion Squad anymore. Otherwise, those five would disappear in the next twenty-four hours never to be heard from again."

The taller security officer said tentatively, "Hey, Haruhi. Could I use that tactical analysis of the campus that Hotta did before your high school graduation?"

"Sure. I think it's in my security box back in my room. Any particular reason?"

"I have a project coming up in one of my classes. It requires preparing security recommendations for a vulnerable location. The spot those four just attacked us was one of the four ambush points Hotta marked on the campus map. I want to create recommendations for making the campus safer, including more lighting and security camera placements. Hopefully, it will be good enough to present to the administration to get some of these problems addressed."

Patting her shoulder, Haruhi replied, "That is an excellent idea. I'll give you Hotta's report when we get back to the dorm. First, we have to face your supervisor and my significant other."

OHSHC

After Shiori finished her phone call with her brother, she flopped back on her bed to continue perusing the fashion magazine. She was interrupted by a knock on the door. She answered it to find one of the most popular junior men. "Can I help you?" she practically purred.

"Is Haruhi here? I know classes don't start until tomorrow, but I have some questions about the assignment in the law class we have together."

Shiori huffed. "She went out for a walk and hasn't returned yet."

"Okay, thanks. I'll try to catch her later."

Shiori leaned on the door frame and watched as he walked away, not closing the door until he was out of sight. "Why does she get all the attention? There are always people coming to ask her about classes or assignments. And most of them are cute guys who won't give me the time of day."

She'd barely gotten settled when there was another knock. When she opened the door this time, it was the center for the university's men's basketball team. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" she simpered, looking him up and down appreciatively.

He blushed at her forward tone and stare. "Usually I find Haruhi in the library, but it's closed today. Is she here?" he asked almost timidly.

"She's not here right now. Would you like to come in and wait for her?" Shiori purred.

"No thanks," he replied hurriedly, backing away with his hands in front of him. "I'll just see her in class tomorrow." Then he turned and ran out of the dorm.

"Life is sooo unfair," she whined to herself as she settled comfortably on her bed again. "She's not all that attractive, but she has the gorgeous boyfriend, all of his brothers, and so many of the handsome men on campus vying for her attention. I'm prettier than she is…and a lot more fun. Why aren't they fawning over me instead of her?"

OHSHC

"Let's report the incidents to your supervisor first," Haruhi suggested as they approached the apartment building.

"Delaying tactic to postpone telling Kyoya what happened?" the shorter security officer teased.

Haruhi blushed slightly. "No, not really. It only makes sense to start there because he is on the first floor. Kyoya is on the second."

Haruhi's part in the briefing for the supervisor took less than ten minutes. He would contact the inspector later for a copy of the police report for his files.

Taking a deep breath, Haruhi climbed the stairs and headed to Kyoya and Rene's apartment. She knocked softly.

Kyoya opened the door. "What a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting to see you again until tomorrow. Just couldn't stay away?" he teased.

He led her to the living room and they sat down on the sofa. She was quiet for a moment before she said, "There was a little incident, and I knew you would want to hear about it right away."

"Are you okay? What kind of incident?" Kyoya asked anxiously.

She proceeded to explain about her roommate wanting privacy for a phone call and all that followed. "I'm okay and the security team is fine. Most importantly, five dangerous men are behind bars and the campus police should take the reports more seriously now."

Kyoya pulled her into his lap and hugged her fiercely. "I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you."

"Well, that is the reason I have had Mitsukuni and Takashi training me in martial arts. It was kind of funny that the guy grabbed me when I was just about finished with my karate forms. They are clearly recognizable so he should have known I could defend myself." She stroked his cheek as she kissed him gently.

He returned her kiss and then leaned his forehead against hers. They were interrupted by a knock at the door. When Kyoya opened it, Haruhi's security team was waiting.

"If you're ready to return to the dorm, Haruhi, we have completed our report."

Reluctantly, Kyoya kissed her goodbye. "I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good evening."

When they finally reached the dorm and Haruhi went to her room, Shiori was out. She unlocked her security case and found the map with Hotta's notes on it. "Here you are. I hope it's useful to you."

"Do you want it back when I'm done?"

"No. I've memorized all his warnings and trouble spots."

"Thanks. Have a good night."

"You too." After Haruhi closed the door, she leaned against it. "It's been a busy day. I think I'll put things away and then get ready for bed."

OHSHC

Classes resumed and so did their routine, until February. Rene, Hikaru, Kaoru, Estee, and Coco were all having trouble concentrating in class and didn't feel like doing anything in the evenings. Kyoya, Haruhi, Reiko, and Chiharu gathered in Mitsukuni and Takashi's apartment.

Haruhi sighed, "It's hard seeing them like this. I know it's because the anniversary of their parents' death is approaching. I still feel a little like that around the anniversary of my mother's death, and she's been gone for fourteen years. It's still fresh and raw for them."

"We need to spend the weekend at Hinansho," Takashi stated.

"He's right," Mitsukuni agreed. "We need to spend the time together, especially sleeping together. Kyoya, would you check with Fuyumi to see what Ageha's grief counselor would say about her joining us this year."

Reiko looked thoughtful. Finally she said, "Do you have any idea what they might think about setting up a memorial at Hinansho? That way they wouldn't have to travel all the way to London and Paris to pay their respects."

"We should ask them," Chiharu commented. "I think it's a good idea."

Kyoya nodded in agreement. "Let's wait and ask them during Friday night dinner at Hinansho."

"All our classes on Friday finish by one o'clock, right?" Haruhi confirmed, looking around for nods.

Takashi spoke up, "I'll make arrangements for Atsuhiro to pick us up and let Kairi know we'll be there for dinner."

"Sounds like we have a plan," Mitsukuni stated. "Now let's eat."

OHSHC

The group gathered in Rene's apartment at Hinansho. "Thank you all for suggesting this weekend. I didn't realize how hard the anniversary of my mother's death was going to be on me."

"Thanks for letting me come too," Ageha piped up. She was curled up between Hikaru and Kaoru who were holding hands with Estee and Coco.

Haruhi said softly, "We're all here for you guys. My experience gives me an idea of what you all are going through."

Kyoya stepped up behind Haruhi and wrapped his arms around her waist. "The six of us have something we'd like to discuss with the six of you."

"Is something wrong?" Rene asked timidly.

Takashi assured him, "There's nothing wrong. We wanted to ask you if you would like to have a memorial marker erected here at Hinansho to commemorate your parents so you don't have to travel all the way to London and Paris."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Ageha said excitedly, jumping up and dancing around the room. "That would be perfect."

The other five were so stunned that they could just nod their heads with tears running down their faces. Estee buried her face in Hikaru's chest and he buried his face in her hair. Kaoru drew Coco into a hug and rubbed gentle circles on her back.

Ageha ran to Rene, grabbed his hand, and shouted, "Come on, Milord. Let's go find the perfect place for it."

Her actions snapped Rene out of his stupor. "Well, it's a little dark and dinner will be here soon. Why don't we save that adventure for tomorrow after breakfast. That way we have all day to explore Hinansho to find the perfect spot."

"Okay," she agreed, throwing her arms around his waist and giving him a big hug.

"I think they like the idea," Reiko murmured with a smile.

OHSHC

The group returned to campus early Monday morning because they wanted to spend Sunday night together just like they had Friday and Saturday. Ageha had a fun weekend with them, but she was ready to go back to hanging out with people her own age.

When Atsuhiro dropped them off at the apartment building, Kyoya said, "I'm going to walk Haruhi to her dorm."

"I want to come too," Rene insisted. The others expressed their desire to accompany them as well.

Haruhi huffed. "Okay, you can all come. Just remember to be quiet. There are probably a lot of people still sleeping."

The group enjoyed a pleasant stroll. Takashi commented, "This path is much improved. They've pruned the shrubs to eliminate hiding places, as well as added lights and security cameras."

"I am so glad the university took the recommendations from one of my security team. She received top marks on that assignment." Haruhi said proudly.

When they reached the dorm, Kyoya insisted that the others wait outside. "People are sleeping and the more of us trooping around in there, the noisier it will be. I'll be right back."

Kyoya walked Haruhi to her door and waited for her to unlock it. Before she went in, he pulled her into a hug and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Have a good day. I'll see you in the library this afternoon."

"Bye," she whispered, kissing him on the cheek before slipping into her room and closing the door.

She was quietly unpacking her overnight bag when she was startled by Shiori's voice demanding accusingly, "Where were you all weekend?"

Unperturbed, Haruhi continued to unpack as she replied, "I left you a note. We went to Hinansho. The twins wanted to see their sister since it was the anniversary of their parents' death."

"What does that have to do with you?" her roommate sniped.

Turning to face Shiori, Haruhi tilted her head, confused by the animosity from her roommate. She answered, "They are my friends and I was there to support them…we all went."

"Okay, whatever." She threw on her bathrobe, grabbed her bathroom bag, and stomped out of the room.

Haruhi shrugged and laid out her outfit for the day, checked to be sure all her textbooks and notes were in her satchel, and then gathered her bathroom necessities. Just as she was about to open the door, Shiori returned.

"Look, sorry I was so grouchy. There was a constant stream of guys knocking on the door looking for you this weekend."

"I wonder why. I told all my study groups that I would be away from campus all weekend."

"Maybe it has something to do with Valentine's Day this week. What will we be doing?"

Haruhi gathered her things to head to the bathroom. "You could probably go to one of the campus mixers or something," she offered. "We haven't planned anything because switching from mourning to romance in such a short period of time is just too hard for us right now."

"Oh, okay," Shiori said offhandedly.

OHSHC

"I'm headed out to the mixer, Haruhi," Shiori called as she checked her hair and makeup in the mirror. "Are you sure you don't want to come too?"

"Thanks, but I have dinner plans with Reiko and Chiharu," Haruhi replied. "Anyway, Kyoya is out with his brothers and the Beringar sisters."

Shiori sounded confused when she asked, "Your significant other is out with someone else on Valentine's Day and you're okay with that?"

"The Beringars, the twins, and Rene are interviewing a number of designers, artists, and stone masons about a memorial to their parents to be placed at Hinansho. Kyoya, Mitsukuni, and Takashi have the contacts, so they went along to do the introductions."

"Well, I probably won't get back until late, so don't wait up," Shiori said in a singsong voice as she slipped into a long coat and headed out the door.

Haruhi pulled on her heavy coat and grabbed her satchel to head across campus to the apartments. "I'm glad Reiko and Chiharu invited me over to study and have dinner with them. I dread thinking about how many guys might show up at my door tonight. Kyoya and I have not made a secret of our relationship and I keep telling people I have a significant other, but they just won't listen."

She took a deep breath and enjoyed the brisk chill in the air. Then she started her walk across campus. By the time she reached the apartment building, she had been stopped six times by guys wanting her to go out with them. Each time, she turned them down politely by stating she already had a significant other.

Just before she opened the front door of the apartment building, the pitcher for the university baseball team grabbed her arm and said, "I'm taking you out to dinner and then we'll go back to my place for some fun."

Growling in frustration, she grabbed his hand, twisted his arm around and held it in the middle of his back while pushing his chest up against the wall. "I have had it with you guys who think they can just order women around. I've told you 'No' before, but you don't seem to want to take that for an answer."

Two of the security team from the apartment building appeared at her elbow. One said, "We'll take it from here. What are your orders?"

She glared at him for phrasing it that way and he just smirked at her. Shaking her head at the teasing, she stated, "Contact the police and have him charged with attempted sexual assault. I will be with Reiko and Chiharu if they need my statement."

"No need. We will just give them a copy of the security footage. His intent and threat were clear. He's been waiting here for at least fifteen minutes muttering about, 'She said she'd be here. I don't have all night' as he paced back and forth."

Relaxing slightly, she smiled her thanks, commenting, "That explains how you got out here so fast without my having to call. Thanks."

"Not that you really needed our help. Mitsukuni and Takashi would be proud of you. Very nice technique."

"Okay, now you're just being silly. If you have a chance, see if you can impress upon him the need for manners. I know you're not miracle workers but give it a try." She gave the security officer a smile and patted his arm.

The young man paled as the security personnel looked at him with matching feral grins. "We'll give him a lesson in etiquette while we wait for the police to arrive. Don't you worry."

Haruhi laughed. "Just remember to play nice. I'll let you know when I want an escort home."

"Have a good evening."

A few minutes later, Reiko opened the door to the apartment she shared with Chiharu. "Well, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence instead of chatting with security," she teased.

When Haruhi looked puzzled, Chiharu clarified, "We saw the whole thing from the window. You were taking so long we decided to see if we could locate you coming across campus. Quite the flock of admirers you have."

Haruhi groaned. "You saw all of those? Did you see the idiot at the door downstairs?"

"Oh, yes. It was fun watching you deflate his ego. I'm sure he didn't expect to spend his Valentine's Day getting beaten up by a girl and spending the night in jail," Reiko said. "Serves him right."

"Now let's forget about all that. Dinner is ready. Then I have questions about some legal issues in one of my management class assignments."

OHSHC

It was barely nine o'clock when Shiori returned to the dorm room. She was livid about what happened at the mixer. "I cannot believe that I spend the whole time answering questions about Akina and Haruhi. Nobody cared about me. I'm just as beautiful as Akina and much prettier than Haruhi. No one would dance with me except that sleazy jerk and his friends who only did it because they had a bet who could get their hand the farthest up my skirt."

She threw her coat haphazardly across the desk and kicked her shoes off hard enough to hit the wall on the other side of the room. In her fit of anger, she tore her dress as she pulled it off. "That's just great," she growled to herself.

After changing into her pajamas and grabbing a bathrobe, Shiori headed to the bathroom to remove her makeup and get ready for bed.

When she returned to the room, she tried to get comfortable in bed. "After all the time we spent together, I had hoped Rene would confess to me today. Even though Haruhi is dating his brother, Rene pays more attention to her than he does to me. It's just not fair." She finally drifted off with the thought "It's all Haruhi's fault" running through her head.

OHSHC

Chiharu, Reiko, and Haruhi were so engrossed in their homework that they were startled when there was a knock on the door. Chiharu looked at the time and exclaimed, "Oh my, it's already ten o'clock. That must be security coming to walk Haruhi home."

Reiko answered the door while Haruhi packed her books and papers back into her satchel. "Thanks for inviting me over for dinner and homework. It was a lot of fun."

"We'll have to do it again sometime," Chiharu agreed.

"Oh, Kyoya. We were expecting security was ready to walk Haruhi home," Reiko stammered.

"I'm not security, but I will be walking her home," Kyoya smirked. "What have you three been up to?"

"Just dinner and studying," Haruhi answered as she gave Chiharu and Reiko each a quick hug.

"Oh, really?" he drawled. "That's not what security told me."

"In all fairness," Haruhi commented, "that incident happened before I entered the apartment building. Chiharu and Reiko had nothing to do with that."

"Except watching out the window and laughing," Chiharu teased.

Haruhi shook her head and rolled her eyes. "It must be getting late and we're tired. We're all acting a little silly."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Reiko interjected.

"Have a good evening, ladies," Kyoya intoned as he offered Haruhi his arm. "Time to get you home for your beauty sleep."

OHSHC

Shiori found it ironic that she saw more of Haruhi during the gatherings than she did in the dorm room. She had squashed down her resentment of Haruhi until it started festering into hatred. Just before Spring Break, she decided to confront Haruhi about the fact she was only in the dorm to sleep. Haruhi had finally come back to the room because the library had closed.

"Why are you never home?" Shiori accused. "Are you and Kyoya 'playing house' at his apartment all day?"

Haruhi looked at her quizzically as she stowed her satchel next to her trunk. "No. I have classes in the morning and afternoon, then I have an internship three days a week. Otherwise, a lot of my time is spent in the library. I only see Kyoya when he drives me to and from my internship. Occasionally he studies with me in the library."

"Why aren't you in any of the freshman classes? I thought those were mandatory for all majors," Shiori demanded.

Shrugging, Haruhi replied, "Actually, my class standing is junior. After I finished Winter Term, I had earned enough credits to advance from sophomore to junior."

"How is that possible?! You're the same age as me and you started in Fall Term just like I did." She waved her arms wildly as she stomped around the room.

"I took challenge tests and online courses while I was still in high school. For personal reasons, I needed to take a finance course, but it had several prerequisites. The tests worked out so well that I just kept taking them." Haruhi laid out her pajamas and grabbed her bathroom bag to head down the hall to brush her teeth before bed. "I want to be a lawyer like my mother and I'm willing to put in the hard work to achieve my goal."

"Isn't Kyoya intimidated by you being ahead of him in university even though he is older?" Shiori sniped.

"Actually, Kyoya is a senior and set to graduate at the end of Spring Term. Then he'll start his MBA program," Haruhi replied offhandedly as she headed for the bathroom.

Watching the door close behind Haruhi, Shiori seethed. "She's just like Akina—the perfect little scholar with all the right friends."

Shiori was in bed and pretending to sleep when Haruhi returned from the bathroom. "I wonder why she's feeling like this all of a sudden. Could it be she was really disappointed about Valentine's Day? Maybe we can make it up to her with a picnic or something when the weather gets warmer, before Spring Break."

Haruhi settled into bed. "I'd invite her to Hinansho for Spring Break but she sounded really excited about the plans she has with her brother, Wataru. Maybe the others will have some ideas," she contemplated as she drifted off to sleep.

OHSHC

There was a small street fair near the university the Wednesday before Spring Break and Rene insisted that they all go, including Shiori. "We've been studying hard for midterms. We need a break so we can come back to it fresh," he reasoned.

"As long as we limit it to two hours," Kyoya insisted.

"That should be plenty of time since it's a small street fair," Rene assured them.

They decided to go at dinner time so they could sample the available fare. Then they could look around and play games.

Haruhi had not mentioned the confrontation she and Shiori had the previous week to any of the group, not even Kyoya. "Maybe she was just stressed with midterms and projects. It looks like things are fine now," she pondered as she watched Rene win a small bear for Shiori at a game booth.

Chiharu mentioned, "Shiori has been a good addition to our group. I know Rene felt a little lonely at times."

"It's been good to have someone besides Estee and Coco who never knew the Host Club," Takashi offered.

"Yeah, fewer expectations on us. Especially since we've changed a lot," Mitsukuni agreed.

At the end of their two hours, they all headed back to the apartments for a group study session in Estee and Coco's apartment.

"It's only fair. You guys have been hosting the dinners and other parties. It's our turn," Estee insisted.

Reiko called, "Be sure to set an alarm for ten so we can walk Haruhi and Shiori back to the dorm."

"Done," Coco called back as they all settle down to study.

Time passed quickly and the alarm rang. "Wow, time flies when you're concentrating," Rene observed. "It's already time to walk Shiori and Haruhi back to the dorm."

On the walk across campus, Shiori said, "My brother, Wataru, will be here tomorrow. Do you think we could have dinner tomorrow or lunch on Friday before we all leave for Spring Break."

"Why not both?" Mitsukuni suggested. He looked to Takashi, who nodded in response. Then he continued, "We can have dinner tomorrow at our apartment and then lunch on Friday at the restaurant."

"I'll call tomorrow morning to make a reservation for the largest private dining room," Kyoya offered.

Coco clapped her hands and said, "Sounds like we have a plan."

Shiori smiled and said, "Thanks, guys. It means a lot that you want to meet my brother."

"Well, we're here," Rene announced.

Haruhi pulled out her key and opened the door. "See you all tomorrow. Good luck on your midterms."

OHSHC

Haruhi gasped as she saw the dinner spread out on the kitchen counter. "Mitsukuni and Takashi, you've outdone yourselves. Onigiri, tandoori, tamagoyaki, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables. They all look so wonderful."

The Hinan brothers exchanged grins, remembering how food conscious Haruhi was when they met her.

Mitsukuni spoke up, "Since this is Wataru's first time with us, he should select his food first. After that, it's fair game."

Once everyone filled their plate, they sat around the living room discussing Spring Break plans.

Wataru inserted, "After a day at home with the whole family, I'm taking Shiori to see my apartment in Okayama. I start my new job in two weeks, so I have time to show my favorite sister around during her Spring Break."

"It will be a seven to eight hour drive, but we have a lot to catch up on after his four years in America attending university," Shiori added.

"I hope you have a great Spring Break," Haruhi said.

Rene was wiggling with excitement. "The memorial marker will be installed during Spring Break."

"What did you five decide on?" Reiko asked with interest.

Estee started showing the estimated dimensions with her hands. "It's about this tall, on its pedestal. We chose a five-sided lantern with each of our parents' names on a side."

Chiharu inquired, "What material is it made out of?"

Coco sighed. "It's a beautiful rose quartz."

"It will be something to see, settled in the little hollow we found," Takashi commented.

"Hey, Kaoru, how is the Summer Line coming?" Estee asked. "Do you think your photographer would let me shadow him for the shoot?"

"Sorry, the shoot was last month. We used Mom's designs for the Summer Line because we were busy adjusting to university," Kaoru responded apologetically. "We will definitely take you along for the Fall Line shoot."

"Don't let him fool you with this 'we' stuff. They're his designs. I've been more focused on the cosplay division," Hikaru announced.

Before the conversation could continue, Wataru smothered a jaw-cracking yawn. "It's not that you all are boring, it's just that it's been a long day." He chuckled as he stood up to stretch.

"We probably should call it a night," Mitsukuni agreed. "We'll make sure Shiori gets back to the dorm safely."

"Don't forget lunch tomorrow. Noon at the restaurant. Just tell them you're with the Hinan party," Takashi added.

"The Hinan brothers can walk Haruhi and Shiori home," Reiko suggested. "I, for one, am ready to call it a night."

"I concur," Estee agreed, stifling a small yawn.

"Don't get us started. You know how contagious yawns are," Coco teased, swatting at her sister.

Everyone gathered their things and headed out the door amid calls of 'Good night' and 'See you tomorrow'.

OHSHC

After lunch the next day, Shiori settled into the passenger seat of Wataru's car. When Wataru slid into the driver's seat, he remarked, "Interesting group you've gotten involved with."

"We've done lots of fun stuff this year. I wasn't sure about being roommates when Haruhi contacted me last year. She said she attended Ouran. And you know how Akina goes on and on about Ouran, especially the Host Club. The funny thing was, the only Haruhi Fujioka Akina knew about was in the Host Club," Shiori commented.

"So, there were two Haruhi Fujioka's at Ouran?" he questioned.

"No, there was just one. It turned out that on her first day, she stumbled into the Host Club and broke a vase that was supposed to be auctioned off. She didn't care much about her appearance, so they thought she was a boy and pressed her into service in the Host Club to pay off the debt."

"They didn't realize she was a girl? Seriously?" Wataru wanted to look at his sister in disbelief but he was busy driving.

"Apparently, she had really short hair and was wearing men's clothes. They all figured out the truth of her gender but kept it as a secret from the rest of the school. Last year at Christmas time, everyone else at Ouran found out 'he' was a 'she'," Shiori replied with a shrug.

After a few minutes of silence, Wataru muttered, "The men in the group looked familiar. I just can't place them."

"Well, you probably saw Hikaru and Kaoru in Akina's fashion magazines. You may have even seen Estee and Coco in them as well. Apparently, they've worked with a top model in Paris," she said offhandedly.

"No. That doesn't seem right. I just can't place them right now."

"Maybe it's something from last year when the Hitachiins were adopted by the Hinan family. There was something in the paper."

Wataru pulled up in front of the Nanjo mansion. They both climbed out of the car and headed inside. They were met in the foyer by the butler. "Good afternoon young master and young miss. Your parents asked me to inform you that they are at Akina's photoshoot this afternoon. Afterwards they will be going out to dinner with Akina's agent."

"Thank you," Wataru said tightly.

"Figures. Akina gets all the attention again," Shiori muttered.

They went into the living room. Wataru sat down on the sofa and Shiori dropped into a chair. She huffed, "Oh, look. Akina left her Host Club photobooks laying all over the coffee table." She picked one up and started to flip through it. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"What's wrong?" Wataru asked, seeing his sister's expression.

"She lied to me. She lied to my face," she seethed. Shiori tossed the photobook to her brother.

"That's why the Hinan brothers looked familiar. They were the Host Club," Wataru mused.

Shiori stood up and started pacing the room, waving her arms wildly. "She said they were the Hinan brothers. They admitted that Hikaru and Kaoru were adopted, but only because the death of their parents was such a high-profile story."

"Why would she lie?" Wataru pondered.

She flopped back into the chair. "It was probably a big joke orchestrated by Akina. Remember, all she ever talked about was the Host Club. You know, even though Haruhi's the same age I am, she's a junior already—something about challenge tests and online courses. And she's never home except a few hours a night to sleep. You wouldn't believe the parade of men pounding on our door looking for her. It's like Akina all over again."

A heavy silence hung between the siblings.

Wataru reclined casually on the sofa and laid his arms along the back. "You know, Haruhi is kind of interesting. I wouldn't mind getting to know her."

"Not you too," Shiori grumbled.

"Not me too what?" he inquired with a smirk.

"Those six gorgeous men are already under her spell with more trying to add to their ranks every day. It's just not fair. Akina gets all the attention here and Haruhi gets all the attention at university." She stood up and started pacing again.

Leaning his head back and looking at the ceiling, Wataru contemplated the situation. After a few minutes, he snapped his fingers. "I've got an idea."

"What kind of idea?" Shiori said, pouting.

"What it Haruhi ran off with someone else? Where would that leave the Host Club? Who would help them pick up the pieces?" He looked at her deviously and winked.

Her brows were knit as she looked her brother. "What are you talking about? Why would she run off?"

Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, he started to outline his plan.

Half an hour later, they were both grinning evilly. Wataru said, "And the best part is we can blame it all on Akina."

19