An awkward silence filled the room seeming to suffocate the small girl before Mori. She still stood, bent at the waist, bowing in front of him, callused hands firmly by her side, most likely from kyudo Mori thought to himself. Taking this moment, he observed her. Dark hair hung around her slight frame, covering everything but her ears which he could only assume were flush from embarrassment. She was dressed in casual clothes today, a soft dress and oversized cardigan clung to her frame. It suits her, he thought to himself.
An awkward chuckle sounded out breaking the tension, as a small hand lightly slapped Asami's back, pulling Mori from his thoughts.
"What are you talking about, Asami?" The confused short haired brunette questioned lightheartedly beside her. If he remembered correctly, she was a guest of the host club, Hina Kondo maybe?
"The opening ceremony…" The mysterious archer began to respond, shifting her eyes up slowly. Mori's amused gaze met hers. Before she finally returned to a standing position before him. He hadn't taken any offense to her words that day, if anything he was curious. Mori paused, amused at her spontaneity, but unsure of how to respond to the sudden apology. Mori became more distressed at how to alleviate the situation.
Honey glanced up and quickly caught the amusement and distress in his cousin's eyes. Realization quickly struck Honey. The opening ceremony was the same day his stoic cousin couldn't seem to focus. A mischievous smirk covered Honey's face before he quickly covered it with a cheerful laugh. Smiling, he turned to Asami.
"It's alright! Right Takashi?" Honey questioned, turning to his cousin with a prankish smile. Takashi glanced down in appreciation; his stoic expression having returned.
"Yes," came Mori's deep reply. Before returning his gaze to the charming archer before him. She focused her gaze on the ground in front of her feet, before quickly glancing to meet his eyes again.
Hina peeked over at the pair, a soft sympathetic smile settling on her face. She was still confused but whatever had happened, Asami was obviously uncomfortable. Placing her hand gently on Asami's elbow Hina began the introductions hoping to relieve some tension.
"Mori-senpai, Honey-senpai, this is my friend Asami Kazama. We're both in class 2-B together." Came Hina's cheerful proclamation. Mori watched as Hina gently nudged her friend into action.
"It's nice to meet you." Asami stated shyly, bowing again before the two seniors.
He finally knew her name. Asami Kazama, morning beauty, how ironic Mori mused. Lost in thought, Honey's request for the girls to join them for cake at the Host Club, and their responses evaded him. He couldn't seem to not notice her, the soft way she held her hands together, thumb running over the small diamond encrusted gold watch that adorned her wrist. Or how the corner of her mouth lifted into a subtle smile at his cousin's chipper behavior. Her eyes briefly met his before returning to her shoes.
A small hand tugged on his sleeve, returning him to the present. Looking down at his smaller companion, Honey's other hand still gripped the now seemingly half empty box of sweets. He'll have to brush his teeth. Mori reminded himself.
"Ne, ready Takashi?" Honey questioned merrily.
"Mm," Mori grunted in agreement. Glancing at his cousin stoically.
"Bye-bye Ladies," Honey parted enthusiastically, tugging Mori out the door by his sleeve.
The weekend passed by seemingly normal for the two seniors: an assortment of sweets, martial arts, and homework.
Mori had realized over the course of the weekend he would need reference material for a paper in his Japanese History course. Standing outside the door of the western library, he understood why Haruhi had stumbled into the club room that day. The obnoxious chatter of the other students already filled his ears. He had thought all the libraries would have carried the same books; this was Ouran Academy after all. But upon checking the eastern library he realized the majority of historical poetry was kept in the western library.
Opening the door, Mori stepped in slowly, hoping to avoid unnecessary attention. Although he loved the host club, the fan girls tended to go overboard, and creating a scene in the library was less than ideal. He paused at the top of the steps with appreciation, hands resting on the railing as he watched over the library. Even with all the noise the library was still full of knowledge. Taking a deep inhale the smell of old books filled his senses. Satisfied, Mori quietly made his way down the stairs and through the rows of books. Historical Japanese Poetry only took up a small portion of Ouran's collection. He'd have to be careful not to miss it.
After wandering the library isles for a few minutes. Mori finally found the book he was looking for. Pulling it off the shelf, he brushed the dust off the cover tenderly. Shifting slightly a stray ray of sun reflected off something in the distance. Momentarily blinded, he blinked before shifting his gaze over to the source of light. Then he saw her...
Asami stood on her tip-toes reaching up as high as possible, one hand outstretched above her reaching for a book on the top shelf, index finger barely brushing the bottom corner of the novel's spine. The gold watch on her wrist continued to glisten in the ray of light coming through the stained glass window above. Asami's other hand supported her body against the bookshelf.
She'll tip over the bookshelf at this rate, Mori worried. He only stood a half second longer before walking over to her silently. Looming momentarily, Mori softly reached over her, pulling the book down. He gazed down at her, gently with mild concern.
What had she been thinking? She could have hurt herself. Mori ruminated, a subtle frown finding its way onto his face. She settled to her feet facing the bookshelf, before delicately turning around.
"Thank you," Asami muttered quietly, her gaze lifted only to be met with smoky eyes.
They stood in silence gazing into each other's eyes. Sun drawing their silhouettes onto the marble floor. The dark shadow mirrored Mori's actions as he gently motioned the book towards her. He watched her ears grow flushed, as she tenderly took the book from him. Their hands lightly brushing together. Mori watched her eyebrows disappear behind her bangs, ears turning bright red in the process. She immediately broke away from his gaze, turning quickly on her heels. Mori watched her rush out of the library with urgency. Gaze falling to the floor dejectedly.
Did I do something wrong? He thought.