The Next Phase

by MollyMuffinHead

Sequel to 'The Learning Curve'. Through a series of events, each host undergoes a major life change. Some bad, some good. Everyone's participation in the world is expanded through business, charity, tragedy, love, friendship, and luck (good and bad). Rated for Language and Smooching. Sequel up: 'The Way Forward'

26. Chapter 26 - Haruhi's New Fame

Author's Note: Happy Leap Day! Welcome back to another chapter of The Next Phase. Drop me a review. Dad and I love them.

Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.

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xXx

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Date Posted: 2/29/2020

Trigger Warnings: Language and Smooching (May have come right up to the T/M line with what I implied may have happened.)

The Next Phase - Chapter 26: Haruhi's New Fame

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Dinner at the Diner:

After we'd all been seated and our orders taken, Haruhi pulled out a gift bag and asked me to hand it to Shinobu-san. "Thank you, Mori-senpai. Your arms are longer than mine."

"What's this?"

"I saw this at the dog show and knew Kasa would like it."

A little, black leather hat was pulled out of the bag. It had slots for the dog's ears.

"I love it, and Kasa will too. It matches the leather jacket I got for her a few weeks ago."

"You got that dog a leather jacket?"

"Yes, Ritsu. I wanted her to look the part if I ever took her out on the motorcycle."

Motorcycle? A dog? Surely, she's kidding.

"Whatever, Bu. Just be careful with her."

Bu?

"Duh, Asshole. Of course, I will."

Haruhi produced another gift bag, and I handed it to Tamaki.

"Oh, Antoinette will love this! Thank you so much, my darling friend."

"I saw her and thought of you, Senpai." It was a crown and royal robe. "She can be the unofficial queen of the host club."

"I'll dress her up tonight and send you a picture." Tamaki stood up and hugged Haruhi, being careful of her arm. At least he's learning.

Shinobu-san turned back to Haruhi and asked how the dog show went.

"Very well. I spoke with several breeders, dog accessory companies—one of which was the clothing company where I got the hat and crown—and representatives of kennel companies and dog parks. I also spent time in my booth talking with those interested in our food. Some wanted to feature our food in their stores, and others wanted us to carry their products in our stores."

"Sounds like it was a valuable experience," Chika said.

"It was. We're hoping to do at least one more, in not two, before the national show. We're already set as a sponsor there and will have a booth."

Haruhi took a deep breath and said, "Shinobu-san, one of the contacts I made was with a company that makes high-end grooming products for dogs. They suggested partnering and opening spas in my stores. Do you take Kasa out for grooming?"

"Hell yeah. Can you picture me washing a dog?"

She chuckled and said, "No, I suppose not."

"There's a dog groomer near our compound. She goes about once a month."

"May I tag along the next time she goes? Seeing the process will help me decide."

"Sure, I'll let you know."

There was a lull in conversation before Satoshi spoke up. "I had fun playing with some of the dogs and watching the competition. It was actually interesting. I thought I'd be bored to death."

Haruhi smirked at him and went on, "Naoto-san was very helpful. I would have been lost a sea without him."

"Naoto-san?" Tamaki asked.

"He's a dog breeder I met last year and has been helping me learn more about the business. I thought for sure I'd talked about him before."

"You did. I just didn't remember."

He definitely remembered. Some of us are more worried than others about their relationship.

The food came, and we all started eating.

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I'm going to regret this, but I need to know. "Kaoru, we were going to talk about that YouTube video tonight."

"Yeah. You sure you still want to?"

"Definitely not, but I need to."

"Alright."

He handed me his phone as soon as he found the video. It was as bad as I was hoping it wouldn't be.

There I am in Kaoru's ad next to a still from that local TV interview I gave. The newsman in front of the display went on and on about how the 'Hitachiin Commoner Model' had been identified as the owner and CEO of Petto Chinmi and didn't seen to be that common.

"Fuck," Ritsu said under his breath.

"I know. It's kinda a clusterfuck," Hikaru agreed.

"It's not that bad," Kaoru said. "The label has issued a statement clarifying Haruhi's a scholarship student at Ouran and went into considerable debt to purchase that company. We gave a small," he held up his hand with his fingers close together, "amount of background explaining her commoner roots."

"You did what?"

"Sorry, Haruhi. We needed to get it out fast, so I didn't have time to run it by you. It was approved by the Morinozuka public relations department."

"This is getting ugly and complicated, Kaoru."

"Yes and no. Yes, because you're new to all of this, and no because this is what happens. When I was getting the approval for the press release, the PR department suggested a meeting this weekend with everyone involved."

"Everyone? Who's everyone?"

"It's more than you think. Please don't freak out."

"I can't promise anything with that lead up."

Mori-senpai put his hand on my head and said, "It's OK. The family is here for you. Don't worry. We'll figure it out together."

I nodded my thanks as I looked up into his eyes. Dad chose my guardians well.

"Well, it will be me, you, the Morinozuka's, my mother, Hitachiin PR and lawyers, Morinozuka PR and lawyers, your security detail, and a PR representative from Petto Chinmi." He turned to Hikaru. "Did I miss anyone?"

"Your personal assistant and your line assistant, Mother's assistant, and me. I want to be there."

"Duh, Hika. I just forgot to list you."

"But that's over a dozen people! Why do we need so many because of a stupid video and a hashtag?"

"Legal issues, protecting all of our reputations, tighter security needed now, and to take as much burden off you as possible," Kaoru said.

"How much worse is this going to get?"

"We'll find out at the meeting."

"Great." What have I gotten myself into? Mom. Dad. Can you see all this? What would you want me to do?

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It had taken both Satoshi and me to convince Haruhi to alternate paying among the five of us: Satoshi, Chika, Mitsukuni, Haruhi, and me. Satoshi's paying tonight.

As he handed back the signed receipt and the tip, he also handed our usual server a piece of paper. I'll have to talk to him later about that.

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xXx

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Thursday, March 10:

Zuka Sporting Goods Board Meeting:

"Thank you all for coming."

Mori-senpai looked sharp today in his blue pin-stripe suit. There wasn't anything on the agenda about charitable donations, so I'm going to listen and take notes. Being at a large board meeting like this will help me manage my own better.

"The first item on the agenda today is to welcome our new board member, Ayaka Kikuchi. Ayaka-san won gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics for speed skating. As the company expands and our board is redefined, having a female athlete sit on our board made perfect sense." (1)

I tuned Mori-senpai out and looked at Ayaka-san. I knew very little about her. She spoke in detail about her training and competition results but didn't touch on her personal life. She shouldn't need to, as it has nothing to do with her qualifications to sit on this board.

Mori-senpai moved onto the discussion of rebranding and expansion, and my mind drifted. So many things have happened in just a couple weeks, and I can hardly get my mind around them.

I'm an internet star with my own Twitter and Instagram accounts. Jarou-san may have a son my age or older. My cast is coming off on Monday. Those etiquette books have taught me some rich bastard stuff. I have more money than I'll ever be able to spend in a lifetime. There's a credit card in my purse that doesn't have a limit, and I'm being encouraged to use.

And Dad's gone. Jarou-san's gone. Mitsui-san's gone.

And I'm on anti-anxiety medication.

And my grades are suffering. If I continue to struggle like this, I may have to leave the Host Club next year.

There just aren't enough hours in the day.

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xXx

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Ootori CEO Office:

"Kyoya, you wanted to see me?"

"Akito, please come in and have a seat."

I feel like I've been summoned to the principal's office.

"I spoke with Yuuichi yesterday about his future plans and wanted to talk to you about yours."

"My future plans?"

"Yes. Since Sunday night, I've been doing quite a bit of thinking, and in an effort to not be a dick like Yoshio, I want to help you with your plans. What do you want to do?"

I definitely knew what I wanted to do about my career. "I want to change my specialty from pediatrics to psychology. I've already changed my residency applications, but it looks like I'll need to stay in school another year to catch up on those classes."

"Alright. Sign up for your classes, and the Ootori estate will continue to pay for your tuition."

Damn, that was easy. "Just like that?" I asked, snapping my fingers.

"Yes. Yoshio wanted you and Yuuichi to represent the family in a way that would help the business. I don't believe that's necessary as long as you don't embarrassment the family name. Yuuichi is quitting the hospital and moving to Switzerland to rest and think about what he wants to do. He's also putting off getting married and doesn't want my help finding a bride."

Yuuichi told me all this last night, but I had a hard time believing it. It's the complete opposite of what Yoshio wanted us to do.

"And my bride?"

Kyoya leaned back and smiled. "If you want my help finding one, I'll help. If not, you can decide on your own. I will not be selecting anyone and demanding you marry her. It will be your choice."

I took a deep breath and blew it out. Was I sure about what I wanted?

"Right now, I'm not sure, but the idea of being married while being an intern seems like a good one. I've never had a close relationship—I've always been so busy with classes—and I don't know any girl I'd want to get close to. I'll want your help, but I want to think about it first."

"That's fine." He pointed to a table across the room. "See that stack? Those are the marriage contract proposals I've received this week. They're obviously all for me, but it could be a starting point."

That's a huge stack, and that's only this week? "How many have you received?"

"To date, hundreds. Most were obviously not appropriate. A few I considered briefly, but I'm not ready to get married. I'm only going to be graduating from high school in a month."

He pulled a folder out of his desk and handed it to me. "Here's a summary of each one I've received so far. Most have been declined. Start here. Read the summaries and let me know if you'd like me to set up an omiai with any of them. Any of them that you pick will be appropriate. They are all from acceptable families."

I flipped through the papers. He's right, there are hundreds.

"Akito, I also want to make clear that when you are ready to intern, you'll be interning here in Tokyo in any Ootori facility you request. I will not hold that over you."

"You really are trying to not be like him."

"Yes. It's harder than I thought, but it's something I need to do. It's almost a relief knowing I won't have to fight either of you on all this."

"Thank you, Kyoya. I'm not sure you know how much this means to me."

"Maybe not, but realizing I have the freedom to run my life and the business the way I want to can't be too much different."

I stood up to go, but he motioned me to sit back down.

"Sunday night we completely destroyed the Ootori mansion lounge. I found it quite liberating. Do you plan to keep living there?"

"For the foreseeable future. Maybe not after marriage."

"After breaking all of Yoshio's things, I realized that if I ever want to return to the estate, the mansion needs a complete remodel. Since you'll be living there, I need to know if you'd like to be involved."

"You mean like picking out rugs and furniture?"

"Yes, but the entire process. I want to knock down walls and redesign the floorplans, especially the master wing. I could never stay there as it is, knowing what that pig did to Mother.

"If you're going to live there after marriage, you'll want your wing redesigned in a more family friendly configuration."

"I don't know if I have strong enough opinions to be involved, but I'd like to be consulted."

"Alright. I'll be interviewing architects and designers over the week or so. You might see us at the mansion depending on the time of day. I'll let you know when I've settled on one and you can be in the preliminary meetings and decide how involved you want to be."

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I was happier than I'd been in a long time as I walked out of the Ootori building and got in my limo. I can change my specialty, take more classes, intern where I want, stay at the estate, and pick my bride.

While Yoshio was alive, I never dreamed about doing any of those, except staying at the estate where I could be monitored. Kyoya must have been more affected by our Sunday discussion than I thought.

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xXx

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Date Night, Friday, March 11:

Noguchi Gallery:

"That was a beautiful exhibit, Tamaki-kun."

"I knew you'd like it. The wood carvings are so intricate, so lifelike. When I first saw the artist's work, I just had to have him here."

I took his arm as he guided me to the limo. We'd spent the last few hours hosting the exhibit, and he's taking me out for a late dinner.

"The one you chose for the Host Club room is exquisite. A cherry blossom tree in full bloom. It was so real I could almost smell the flowers."

He pulled my hand up and kissed my knuckles. "Which was your favorite, Renge-Chan?"

"The white stork in flight. I loved it, but it was already sold."

He cupped my face in his hands and whispered, "Of course it was. I bought it for you."

"Oh, Tama…" His lips met mine in the sweetest kiss.

As our lips moved together, his arms left my face and wrapped around me, one behind my head, and the other around my waist. I lost my train of thought. I lost my ability to speak. I lost myself in his arms.

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"MMmmmmmm," Renge-chan moaned into my mouth. I pulled her onto my lap and crushed my lips harder to hers. My tongue played with her bottom lip and hers joined mine in a dance.

My head nearly exploded as her hands came under my suit jacket and around my back. Those beautiful fingernails of hers started gently scratching up and down, giving me chills that I know she could feel.

"Oh, Tamaki," she said breathlessly as she started kissing my jaw. I couldn't stop my hand from fisting in her hair and pulling her head closer to me.

"What?" I gasped as she pulled away and looked at me. Her eyes were huge, and her panting was so distracting.

"Hold that thought."

She flipped on the microphone and told the driver to skip the restaurant and drive around.

"Now we have all the time in the world," she said and kissed me again.

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xXx

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Kasanoda Syndicate Compound:

"Thank you for dinner, Kasanoda-sama."

"Please, Shinobu, you can call me Ryuu."

I smiled at Ritsu's father and said, "Well, Ryuu-sama, thank you for dinner."

"I'm happy to have you anytime. If Ritsu is taking too long to remember, please invite yourself over."

I bowed as we left the dining room. Ryuu-sama is a paradox. His reputation is dangerous. One of the most ruthless bosses out there. But he treats his son with such closeness and affection. I assume that came from losing his wife, Ritsu's mom, so early. It made them closer.

"Thought we'd go shoot some shit up."

"For real or a game?"

"Real. Your perfume goes great with gunpowder."

"That's why I picked it, Asshole," I laughed.

He put his arm around me and led me to the firing range. "I reserved it for just us tonight," he said and kissed my temple as he opened the door.

We stumbled in and went to the gun locker. Here's where we both become serious. Fucking around with guns isn't done. Treat them with respect and they won't let you down. Mine is at the security check-in, so I'm going to try several different ones here. Being able to pick up anything and hit a target is a necessary skill for any yakuza.

"What the absolute fuck?" I asked.

He gave me the biggest shit-eating grin I've ever seen. "Like it?" he asked as he shook his hair at me.

"That's my hair clip! I wondered where that was."

OK, not really. I left it here to see what he'd do. I thought maybe he'd give it back, but I finally gave up and figured he didn't find it.

"It's mine now. Perfect for holding my hair back while I shoot. You want it back you'll have to give me my hoodie back."

"No way in fucking hell. Keep it. Looks good on you."

He smirked as we hung up the targets and started shooting.

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xXx

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Hitachiin Mansion:

Naoko and I were invited over for dinner with the twins and their parents. Hikaru said they wanted to get to know Naoko better and thought she'd be more comfortable if I came too. I figured why not. Just because Hikaru and I aren't a couple and I might be marrying Kyoya-senpai, doesn't mean I can't be friends with the twins.

Dinner went well, I thought. We discussed Kaoru's new line and Haruhi as a model. Although we all still have another year at Ouran, they asked about college. Naoko wants to study marketing while I won't know until my father finalizes my marriage contract. Their mother obviously didn't approve of the idea but held her tongue. Tradition holds tight in some families.

"I'm not sure about going into fashion as a primary career," Hikaru said. "The more time I spend at Dad's company, the more I want to merge technology and fashion. I just haven't figured out how yet."

I snapped my fingers as I thought of something. "What about with all the new CGI in movies and VR in gaming? You could do the fashion for those."

"Not a bad idea. I'd thought of the gaming, but not the movie stuff. There's a lot of that on TV too." His eyes glazed over as his mind took off.

Kaoru laughed, "Well, we've lost him for the rest of the discussion."

Dinner continued and was quite enjoyable. Naoko didn't seem flustered and made a good impression.

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xXx

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Temari no Oshiro Cat Café:

"I'm so excited, Honey-kun. Another animal café!"

"And this time, cats, Cho-chan. Aren't they so cute?"

She was taking pictures with several cats and posting to her Instagram account before she settled down and we ordered.

After dinner first with my parents and then with hers, I knew we needed to do something cute and fun. I wanted to see the bunnies again, but thought the menu was better here. More cake options.

"You know what our parents are doing, don't you Honey-kun?"

I looked over at my beautiful girlfriend and smiled. She's holding a pure white cat that's licking her ear. "Yes. What do you think?"

"About an arranged marriage with you?"

I nodded and held my breath.

"I'm definitely not opposed."

My heart stopped as she blushed a deep pink. Darker than Usa-chan.

"I'm not either." I moved to sit by her side and took her hand. "I'm very happy about it."

I leaned forward and gently kissed her lips. It was quick and sugary. We both had been eating cake.

"Oh, Honey-kun," she whispered in my ear as I slowly backed away. That was our first real kiss. One we were both expecting. I felt like I could jump to the moon.

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xXx

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Suoh Limo:

"Renge-chan," Tamaki-kun said against my lips

I held tighter and kissed harder.

"Renge-chan," he mumbled against my lips again.

I managed to get his shirt untucked and my hands up on his bare skin. "Stop talking," I said.

"But…"

There was something in that tone. I pulled back and looked at him, raising my eyebrow in uncertainty.

"This isn't proper. We aren't married yet."

"Oh, Tamaki-kun," I sighed and smiled. "It's sweet that you want to protect me, but we aren't doing anything to be ashamed of."

And we aren't. We're enjoying a heavy make-out session like most teenagers do. It's not like we have our clothes off. My hands up the back of his shirt is as far as we've gotten.

"But shouldn't we be saving this for our wedding night?"

I know he's concerned about the same thing happening to us that happened to his parents, but it won't.

I cupped his face in my hands and asked, "Are you planning on making love to me tonight?"

He blushed violently, and I worried that his face would turn dark purple and he'd have a heart attack.

"Absolutely Not! We will not do that until our wedding night. How could you think that of me?"

"Tamaki-kun, please calm down." I was stroking my fingers through his hair and hoping I didn't go too far with that comment.

"I agree. Enjoying each other like that is to be saved for after the wedding, but we aren't talking about that tonight." I kissed him and continued, "We've been enjoying each other with kisses tonight. I don't think there's anything wrong with that before the wedding."

The look of concern on his face was so serious. "I'm not sure I think there is either, but I'm worried."

He's worried about my reputation and his. He's worried about his grandmother. He's worried about ruining our chances.

I can understand that.

I kissed him gently after that and moved back to the limo seat. "It's alright, Tamaki-kun. We can wait. We can go as fast or as slow as both of us are ready to do. I don't want you to be uncomfortable with me."

"I'm never uncomfortable with you, Princess. Never. I want us to be together forever and know we might need to wait before we can do certain things."

"I understand. I want to do what's right for us as much as you do."

He smiled and squeezed my hand. "We've missed our reservations and dinner. Are you hungry?"

I nodded.

"Let's find a commoner noodle restaurant."

"Yes, let's."

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xXx

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Joypolis Arcade:

"There he is!"

"Yeah, over there by the racetrack games."

I heard the girls coming from across the room despite the loud noises of the video games. When I was at the club last weekend, I mentioned I'd be here tonight. Wasn't sure any of them would show up, but they did. I recognize at least five from the dance club.

"Satoshi, I'm happy you're here!"

"Me too!"

"Welcome ladies. Would you like something to drink?" I'd basically hired one of their waitstaff to be with me all night. Nothing alcoholic but give them anything else to drink that they asked for. My card was running a tab. Mother and Father knew I was out most weekends but haven't said anything about the charges. Rather than an allowance, Taka and I pay for our dates through the family account. It's easier. Not that Taka goes out on any dates.

For the next couple of hours, we played video games, rode the roller coasters, shot at each other in a VR game, drank lots of water, soda, and tea, and basically had a blast. It's like hosting without the restrictions. Any topic is wide open, it's much more casual, and I'm meeting girls from all different backgrounds.

It's great to be me.

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xXx

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Shooting Range, Kasanoda Syndicate Compound:

We pulled the targets back and he laughed. "I won, Bu. Pay up."

"Whatever," I mumbled as I handed him the hairclip I was wearing. Fuck. I wanted that hoodie he's wearing. Going to have to practice more at home. Can't have Asshole outshoot me like that.

"Hey." He came up to me and put his hands on my hips. "Stop pouting unless you want me to do something about it."

"Like what?" I smirked. Like he could do anything.

"Like this," he said as he grabbed me and lifted me up on the counter. "Or this," he said as his lips crashed on mine. "Or this," he said as his hands got tangled in my hair that wasn't being held back by a clip anymore.

I felt his hands move from my hips, down over my ass, and to my thighs. He pulled my legs up and I wrapped them around him.

"Or this," he whispered, and he moved to start kissing my neck. Then he was licking it. Then nibbling on my ear.

Then I was gone.

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This chick sets me on fire. The quiet moans, the little squeaks, the feel of her skin.

Her hands came up to my collar and slowly unzipped my hoodie. I felt the cool air on my chest before her hands covered it, her thumbs rubbing my nipples through my shirt. "Fuck, Bu."

"Shut up," she said and attacked my neck. That hickey better not show when I'm wearing my school uniform. Before I wouldn't have given a shit, but she's a girlfriend, not a conquest.

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I want this crazy guy, and I want him now. He was just wearing a t-shirt under his hoodie. I smirked at him and tore it in half.

"Shi…Ahhhh."

Then I attacked his chest with my lips. I'd left a hickey on his neck. How about one on his right nipple?

"Oh…don't fucking stop, Bu."

OK, I'm getting to like that nickname.

"You bet your ass I won't stop."

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xXx

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Game Room, Morinozuka Estate:

"You win this one, Mori-senpai."

I set my stone down and picked up a cookie. We ate dinner up here and have been playing GO for hours. I'm behind.

"Want to play another?" he asked, small smirk on his face. When did I get the idea we were equally matched?

"No. Seven to three is enough. Clearly, I need to learn more skills."

He started putting the game away and said, "What next?"

"Not sure," I mumbled as I looked at the games in the cabinet. Satoshi had some video games, but neither of us wanted to do that.

I felt his body heat as he leaned over me and put the box away. "How about a puzzle?"

"I haven't done one of those since I was a kid," I said, thinking of Dad. We'd do one every once in a while.

He pulled out a couple. "New York skyline or Amazon forest?"

"Forest."

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I like this. I like being together with her, just the two of us, doing something quiet and talking. I'd much rather do this than go out.

"What classes are you taking next semester?" she asked.

"Global economics," I said as I placed a corner piece, "business accounting II, Japanese history. I need two more but haven't decided yet. Waiting for Mitsukuni to figure his new major out so we can take some of the same ones."

"Sounds interesting. I know how much you love Japanese history."

"Hn."

We were still sorting the edges out when I remembered about the club I was going to join. "There's an English club that meets once a week that I'd like to join. It's really not an official club, just a group that gets together at the student union and speaks English. I feel like I've taken enough classes but can always learn more."

"What a great idea. I wish there was something like that at Ouran. I know I'll be taking English again next year but sitting with a group of people with different levels of understanding is a great way to broaden your knowledge. Especially when some of them are above your level."

Should I invite her? Is it just for university students? I'll find out.

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xXx

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Movie Theater, Hitachiin Mansion:

"Night Hika. Night Yuki."

"Good night, you guys. See you tomorrow."

I watched my brother and Yuki leave the room and sighed, "I thought they'd never go."

Naoko smiled and straddled my lap. "I know. Why'd we pick such a long movie?"

After dinner with Mom and Dad, the four of us decided to watch a movie…a long movie. Naoko and I kept teasing each other and giggling at completely wrong times during that horror flick. Fortunately, Hika and Yuki took the hint and left as soon as the credits started.

Naoko leaned in and kissed me hard, and I kissed back harder. I was practically attacking her, mapping her mouth with my tongue, running my hands up and down her sides, pulling her as close as I could so she could feel how much I wanted her.

I pulled her head back by her hair and ravaged her neck.

"Kaoru," she snapped, pushing me back by my shoulders, "no marks!"

I leaned back and gently kissed when I'd been sucking. "I'm sorry, Naoko. I got carried away."

"Carried away is great, just not where anyone can see." Then she attacked my neck. I know she left a mark just below where my collar was. I groaned. There's something about pleasure and pain together.

.

He's so aggressive tonight. I love it.

Kaoru's hands untucked my shirt from my jeans, and his hands slipped up my stomach and skimmed over my breasts.

"Shit," I hissed as I pushed my chest into his hands and rocked my hips. That got a filthy moan from him.

Just how far are we going to go tonight? I don't have condoms in my purse.

.

Her nipples hardened and I pinched, getting a soft scream in my ear. When she moved on my lap, I nearly lost it.

What was I doing? Where was I taking this? I don't have condoms in my wallet.

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xXx

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Kiddy Land Toy Store:

"I've never seen so many 'Hello Kitty' things in one place, Honey-kun."

My eyes were everywhere as I spun around trying to take everything in. We'd come to the biggest toy store in Tokyo. It's not that I'm still a child playing with toys, it's that I never saw these toys when I was a child. These are all commoner toys, and so many.

"Where do you want to start, Cho-chan?"

"I have no idea," I said, still in awe at the size and variety.

"Let's get a basket and just wander around."

Stickers, pens and pencils, little stuffed animals to clip to your school bag, bigger ones to cuddle with. They all ended up in our basket.

Honey-kun took it up front for them to hold and brought back another one for each of us.

"Look, Cho-chan, bento boxes."

I've always brought my Tuesday lunch in a carved, wooden bento box that looks very formal. What a great idea to use a Snoopy one.

"This one has a bunny," he exclaimed as it went into the basket.

"Oh, look. Washi tape."

I hurried over and was shocked at the variety. "I have to get this one, and this one, and this one, and this one." I tossed them all in my basket and then squealed. "This one has puppies! It's perfect for Haruhi-chan." Before I knew it, I'd grabbed her puppies, flowers, and strawberry washi tape. "We should bring her here."

"Great idea, Cho-chan!"

.

Her eyes are so big and bright. This was the perfect way to end the date. Something fun with no pressure. Where we can be ourselves.

"What's paper soap?" she asked, holding up a package.

"I have no idea."

"I'll just have to try it."

And we kept going. I'd never been in a commoner store like this one. Closest was the 100-yen store Haru-chan took us to.

"Honey-kun," I heard my name called from another aisle.

When I caught up to her, she was holding doll clothes on hangers. "I think these would fit Usa-chan, don't you?"

"She'll be the best dressed bunny in Tokyo."

Flower print dresses, cowboy vest, jeans, and boots, two different kimonos, a Sailor Moon costume, footie pajamas all went into my third basket.

Then I turned around and saw an entire display of socks. Socks with every different anime character I could think of. Socks with pandas, elephants, hedgehogs, and pigs. Socks with sushi, doughnuts, ice cream, and CAKE! I stuffed them in with the doll clothes. Amazing! They had baby socks too. I'm sure they'll fit Usa-chan.

.

I followed young master Mitsukuni-sama and Cho-sama through the store after deploying the security detail.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the years I've guarded Mitsukuni-sama. He gives the impression of a child sometimes, but he's an adult with an adult mind capable of anything he wants to do. He's never given us trouble about how we deploy or what we insist would be best for his security.

Since he started seeing Cho-sama, I've watched him mature in ways I never thought I would. Sure, we ate dinner with cats and were running around a toy store now, but that's what he likes. It doesn't define him.

He's shown more interest in the world outside of his class. It started with Haruhi-sama and has continued with Cho-sama. His studies have become a greater focus and he's reading more business and economic periodicals.

When they were finished, it took two cashiers almost a half an hour to ring up their nine baskets. It didn't all fit in the trunk, so they had some bags with them inside the limo.

We drove Cho-sama home. Fortunately, their bags were separate so unloading was easy.

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xXx

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Game Room, Morinozuka Estate:

"Are you worried about tomorrow?"

"Haruhi?"

She jerked back to the present and said, "I'm sorry, Mori-senpai. My mind wandered."

"It's fine. I was asking if you're worried about tomorrow."

"The PR meeting? Not really." She sighed and stood up. "There's nothing I can do about it."

I watched her walk over to the window and stare out at the gardens. I'm looking forward to spring when we can take walks through them.

"I'll have to accept what I've gotten myself into. The Hitachiin Model. Internet sensation." She turned to me and gave a pained smile. "I joined Twitter and Instagram under a fake nickname and started following the hashtags. I probably shouldn't have done that but wanted to know if there was something horrible out there. So far, only idiots saying stupid things and admirers being silly."

"I've been watching too and haven't been concerned by anything yet."

"What a mess."

"The upside of joining is you can follow your friends now."

"Who? You have a Twitter account?"

"I think we all do. Some use their real names and some, like you, can't be identified."

I helped her find and follow everyone. "Look, Cho-senpai and Honey-senpai are eating dinner with cats."

"Do you want to post a picture of our puzzle?"

The look I got was priceless. "Why would I want to do that? Who would care?"

I patted her head and said, "Maybe your friends? You thought the cat café was interesting."

"Whatever." She took a picture and posted it on Instagram. "There. I've posted a picture. I'll never have to again."

She yawned and stood up. "I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is a big day."

"I'll walk you up. I'm tired too."

.

xXx

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Himura (Shinobu) Limo Returning to Compound:

Ritsu managed to sneak me out without his dad seeing us. There's probably a video…shit. Now I have to get into my house without my parents noticing. They should be in bed by now.

We went further than I thought we would, and my bra is in my pocket, my hair is a mess with no clip, and I'm snuggled down into his hoodie. He had to walk me to the door in a torn t-shirt.

I can still feel his burning lips on me, on my lips, my neck, and…elsewhere.

Damn. We've got to talk to our fathers soon.

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xXx

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Movie Theater, Hitachiin Estate:

"Hey, Kaoru," I called from outside. I've been back from taking Yuki home for a while and I know he and Naoko are still in there.

What could they be doing?

I knocked again. I'm not walking in there. No way.

"What!?" Kaoru growled as he threw open the door. His hair was mussed, his shirt off, and the button of his jeans was undone, but not the zipper. I couldn't see Naoko.

"I dropped Yuki off about an hour ago. Did you lose track of time? Or something else?"

"Shut up, Hika," and he slammed the door in my face.

.

Kaoru walked back to me and sat down on the couch. "I should probably take you home, though all I want to do is curl up with you all night."

I reached up and cupped his cheek. "It's OK. I need to get home before my parents get upset."

I sat up and started putting my clothes back on.

Kaoru handed me my bra and said, "Next time I'll have condoms."

"I will too."

.

xXx

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Satoshi's Room, Morinozuka Estate:

"Shit!"

"Quiet," I snapped at him.

"What are you doing in my room, Chika. You scared the shit out of me."

It was funny. I flipped the light on as he walked in and he jumped at least half a meter in the air.

"Did you have fun tonight?"

"Duh," he said as he tossed his jacket in his closet. "How can I not have fun at an arcade with a dozen girls."

"I watched your name trend on Twitter. Lots of pictures."

"So. None of them were risqué. None of them cause problems for the Morinozuka name. I played video games, rode rollercoasters, and drank non-alcoholic drinks with girls. There are no pictures of me kissing any of them, because I didn't. I had my arms around a couple, but that's it."

"You're not worried about your reputation?"

"What reputation? That I like to play videogames and spend time with girls? Who doesn't? Besides, I'm not the heir. No one cares what I do."

I walked out the door, but before I closed it behind me, I said, "Just be careful."

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xXx

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Chika's Room, Morinozuka Estate:

What an idiot. He goes out and plays around all night and I stay home training. He'll never beat Takashi that way.

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xXx

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Saturday, March 12:

Security Briefing Room, Morinozuka Estate:

(Too many people to keep track of with dialogue tags)

Morinozuka Akira (Father): "This meeting is to discuss Fujioka Haruhi's new-found fame." I watched her turn red and slump in her seat. I know she thinks this is ridiculous, but it's necessary.

"After her father's death, she became a ward of the Morinozuka family. Shortly after, her debut was made as the model for Hitachiin Kaoru's newest fashion line. This brought her to the attention of the public. The main issues are legal, public relations, and security. We'll be going through the packet in front of you throughout the meeting.

"To that end, I'll go around the room and introduce everyone before we start the discussion."

At twenty-two, this group is larger than most of my meetings and even the dojo Board of Advisors. Most probably won't speak except to acknowledge finalized plans. I'll keep a tight reign.

"Starting to my left is Morinozuka Umeko, my wife, then Aoi, her personal assistant, Fujioka Haruhi, our two sons Takashi and Satoshi, Hara Hiroe, the head of Morinozuka Public Relations, Endo Chie, Fujioka-san's newly assigned Morinozuka PR contact. To my right are Ishida Shinzo, the Morinozuka head lawyer, Okamoto Seiji, Fujioka-san's newly assigned personal lawyer, Eiji-san, Fujioka-san's personal security head, and Oshiro, the Morinozuka security head.

"The next group to my right are the Hitachiin representatives. Hitachiin Yuzuha, head of the Hitachiin Fashions, her sons Hikaru and Kaoru, Kaoru's personal assistant Mao, Harada Mikio, head of security, Ota Okimoto, head lawyer, and Ando Nanase, their PR head.

"Next are the representatives from Petto Chinmi, Fujioka-san's Pet Food Company, Tanaki Gin, the Assistant Executive Director, Gorou Nobue, Director of Marketing and PR, and Kato Keigo in charge of their security."

"Fujioka-san, please ask questions as we go along. This meeting is for you, you need to understand everything here."

She nodded at me and gave me a small smile

I looked around the room. "Questions?"

When everyone sat there, I handed the meeting off.

"Hitachiin Kaoru lead most of the meeting and will start us off with background and how we got here. Kaoru?"

Kaoru: Talk about stepping in it. When I asked Haruhi to model, I had no idea I'd kick up such a shit-storm.

I led them through the idea for the line, how she inspired it, the charity tie-ins, how I debuted the line at Mom's fashion show, the ad campaign that launched two weeks ago, and the PR that's been done so far, including my two interviews. Those were then shown to the group.

"As soon as the ads came out, fan mail for the 'Hitachiin Model' started arriving at our offices. These were treated as any other fan mail. They were screened by security then processed by PR. Any threatening or stalking type letters will be analyzed by security and copies provided to Morinozuka security.

"At this point, Haruhi was infrequently recognized, and it wasn't something her security detail couldn't handle."

I took a deep breath and smiled apologetically at Haruhi. "Her name wasn't linked to the pictures until last weekend when she attended a dog show in Nagano. As the President and CEO of Petto Chinmi, she gave interviews to local newspapers and TV. The newspapers didn't have pictures, but when the reports aired on TV, she was IDed, and it went viral."

They played the YouTube video that linked her to both Petto Chinmi and Hitachiin Fashion, as well as Ouran.

"Twitter and Instagram also exploded with her hashtag #FujiokaHaruhi and #HitachiinModel. After this, I spoke with Hara-san at Morinozuka PR and drafted a press release. It's in your packets. After that, Hitachiin Fashions started both a Twitter and Instagram account for Haruhi, run by us."

Looking around the room, some were bored, some seemed concerned, and Haruhi was completely overwhelmed. She didn't know about the fan mail. She's going to find out other new things today as well. Hope she can hold on.

"That's where we are now. I'd like to turn it over to Ando-san, our head of PR."

I gestured to her as I picked up my pen to take notes.

Ando Nanase (Hitachiin Fashion's Head of Public Relations):

I gave Fujioka-san a small smile and said, "Fujioka-san, as all of this is new to you, please stop me if you have questions."

As she nodded, I realized just how perfect she was for the line. Too bad she's so short. She'd be great as a runway model.

"My PR department has been managing this from the beginning when Fujioka-san was named the model and the contract was signed.

"Fan mail before she was identified was mild and positive. After she was identified, some turned angry that she didn't seem to be an average Japanese citizen, but of the upper class because her guardians are the Morinozuka's, she owns her own company, and attends Ouran.

"The press release Kaoru-san referred to was to correct those misconceptions. It clarifies her scholarship status, her father's death which resulted in the guardianship, and that she borrowed the money needed to purchase the company. Since its release, those types of letters have slowed down.

"We'll be doing the posting to her social media accounts with preapproval of both Fujioka-san and the Morinozuka PR department."

I nodded back at Kaoru-san, indicating I was finished.

Kaoru: "Hara Hiroe, Morinozuka PR head, is best to continue."

Hara Hiroe, Morinozuka PR head: One of my stranger meetings. The Morinozuka's rarely do anything that required heavy PR work, and certainly not for their children. A press release here or there and that's it. Almost every one of them is sports related.

"As said before, I've been coordinating with Kaoru-san and Ando-san regarding Fujioka-san's PR. Since she was identified, fan mail has started coming to the Morinozuka estate. This will be discussed later by the head of her security detail.

"I've assigned Endo Chie as Fujioka-san's personal PR representative. She'll be the point-person for her here at the Morinozuka estate."

I looked over at Ando-san and Gorou-san and said, "I'm sure the three of you will be working closely as this moves forward."

Haruhi: "Excuse me. It was mentioned in the introductions, but I'd like to clarify. I have a personal PR contact now?"

Hara: "Yes, Fujioka-san. Endo-san will meet with you personally later today to create a process that you both are comfortable with."

Haruhi: "Thank you and thank you Endo-san. I appreciate your assistance."

Kaoru: "Gorou-san?"

Gorou Nobue (Petto Chinmi Marketing and PR Head):

"We've also received some fan mail, passed it to the Morinozuka PR department, and will continue to do so."

This is insane. I'm sure poor Fujioka-sama had no idea this would happen. She's needs a break after all this craziness. I'll invite her over to dinner one night this week.

Kaoru: "Tanaki-san, do you have anything to add regarding Petto Chinmi?"

Tanaki Gin (Assistant Executive Director, Petto Chinmi):

"Only that we've seen a spike in hits on our website and a smaller spike in sales. Because of the dog show, it's hard to attribute to either the show or the ads."

Kaoru: "Ota-san?"

Ota Okimoto (Hitachiin Fashion's Legal Counsel):

"I've spoken with Ishida-san, the Morinozuka family lawyer, and there are no current legal issues at this time."

Kaoru: "Thank you. That leaves security. I'll turn it over to Eiji-san, the head of Haruhi's personal security detail."

Eiji: "Thank you, Hitachiin-sama. I've spoken with my head of security, Oshiro-san, Harada Mikio, the Hitachiin's head of security, and Kato Keigo, head of security at Petto Chinmi and we've decided the following:

"To date, fan mail has been received at Hitachiin Fashions, the Morinozuka estate, Ouran, Petto Chinmi, and the Morinozuka business offices. Moving forward, all of it will be picked up by Morinozuka security and screened. A database will be established and each piece scanned in. Everyone at this meeting and others as necessary will be given access."

Haruhi-sama had turned pale and was gripping Takashi-sama's hand like a lifeline. No one had mentioned fan mail to her yet. We all knew she wouldn't be interested, but she had to know. Seeing her face, I regret not telling her sooner.

"We've expanded her security detail to include an officer to oversee the fan mail, and officer to monitor social media, and an officer that will be stationed at Petto Chinmi full time."

Her head jerked toward me with that, and she almost broke in. I'll be expecting questions regarding that later.

"When in public, her detail will expand depending on the event.

"Morinozuka security will also expand Fujioka-sama's current online virtual security office to include Hitachiin Fashions. Hitachiin personal security and Petto Chinmi already have access. This site contains her schedule, current location, and other pertinent information.

"Harada-san, if we could meet later?"

Harada Mikio (Hitachiin Fashion's head of security):

I bowed my head and replied, "Of course."

Akira: "Unless anyone has anything further, I believe this meeting is finished. I don't anticipate this entire group needing to meet again.

"Everyone's contact information is in the packet along with their roles and which type of questions they will be responsible for. Also included are an anticipated schedule of ads and fashion shows, the details of the fan mail plan, and the background Kaoru-san explained.

"Thank you all for your attendance."

.

I sat speechless as the meeting broke up. All these people were here because of me. Because I wore some clothes and had my picture taken.

"Haruhi," Mori-senpai whispered in my ear, "relax. It will be fine."

That's when he moved his hand and I realized I had a death grip on it. "I'm sorry, Mori-senpai," I said as I relaxed my grip. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"You didn't. Don't worry." He smiled at me, and I couldn't make myself smile back.

In the far corner of the room, the lawyers were speaking. One of them said there were no legal issues right now, so they must be getting ready for what could come, whatever that could be.

Kaoru and his mother were with the PR representatives, including the one assigned to me. My own Public Relations contact. Is that like an agent? I'm done asking if my life could get stranger, because it always does after I ask.

"Haruhi." I jumped in my seat as two arms came around my neck and Hikaru spoke in my ear.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you."

I was taking deep breaths and counting when Mori-senpai said, "You snuck up on her. Please be more careful."

"Sorry, Mori-senpai," Hikaru said and hung his head.

But only for a minute. "You did great, Haruhi."

"I didn't do anything."

"And it was great!"

I huffed and rolled my eyes. That's when Kaoru walked up and sat down next to me.

I didn't give him a chance to speak. "Why didn't you tell me about the fan mail?"

"I know you, Haruhi. You wouldn't have wanted to see it."

"Yeah, but I could have helped with it or something. I didn't know it was such a big deal."

"You silly girl," he smiled and kissed my forehead. "It's only a big deal because you're not used to it."

"Yeah, Haruhi. Kaoru and I get ten times as much and it's no big deal. We let security and PR handle it. I never want to see it."

"Me either. Twitter and Instagram are enough, and I don't even look at all of those."

I felt Mori-senpai squeeze my hand and he said, "I don't read mine either."

"You get fan mail?" I asked, completely surprised.

"Of course, he does Haruhi-senpai. He's the current world champion in Kendo and is headed for the Olympics. You should see his Twitter feed," Satoshi said, walking up to us.

"You get some too, Satoshi," Mori-senpai said.

"I know. It's great. I always read mine."

"You're a minority. Mitsukuni and Chika don't read theirs."

"I know, Taka, but I'm special."

That did it. I burst out laughing.

"That's what we want to hear," Hikaru and Kaoru said. "That's our Haruhi."

"Whatever."

"Haruhi," Hitachiin Yuzuha said, "you and Kaoru should meet with all the PR representatives while they are all together."

"Of course, Hitachiin-sama."

I started to stand, but Hikaru broke in. "But first, you're invited over tonight for dinner and a sleepover. The three of us never do anything together anymore."

"Yeah, Haruhi. The triplets need some time."

"We'll eat fancy tuna, watch bad movies, and gossip about Kaoru and Naoko. It'll be fun."

"There's no way I can say no, is there?"

"No!" they chorused.

"Then I guess I'm stuck with you two tonight," I smiled at them. It's a welcome distraction.

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xXx

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Author's Note:

Lots of fluff and smooching in this one…thought we all needed some fun.

Akito this time. Kyoya is being very un-dick-like. Probably won't go into very much detail about the remodel. It isn't necessary for the story.

Date night…

Cats/Toys/and a gentle kiss for Honey and Cho. More for Kasanoda and Bu, Kaoru and Naoko, and Tamaki and Renge. Too fast, too slow, surprising? Wrong?

And Mori and Haruhi are playing games and doing puzzles

And Satoshi's becoming even more of a player, but a polite one.

Then the Haruhi's become famous meeting. One big meeting to get it all out of the way. Probably won't have this much detail about this subject again, but for me it was fascinating how her life is changing and I wanted to write it. We'll see where it takes me.

(1) Ayaka Kikuchi is a real athlete who did win the gold (Congratulations!). By using her name, I meant no disrespect and am earning no money (Same goes for using the word "Olympics".)

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Next Chapter:

Hitachiin sleepover and HUGE discussions between two of our couple and their parents…

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