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'

37. Chapter 37 - The End of an Era

Author's Note: Thank you for reading my story. Welcome back to another fun-filled Saturday with the Ouran gang.

Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.

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xXx

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Date Posted: 5/2/2020

Trigger Warnings: Language

The Next Phase - Chapter 37: The End of an Era

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Thursday, April 7:

Soundproof Room at the Host Club:

"No more orders? You're sure?"

"As sure as I can be, Senpai."

"Hn."

"Does that mean it's over?" Chika's voice was tight. I could tell he's trying to come to terms with what Kasanoda might have done. He didn't tell us anything definite.

"Based on what they said and how they said it, I'm convinced."

"Enough to bet Haruhi-senpai's life on it, Kasanoda-senpai?"

He looked both of us in the eye and said, "Yes."

"Then it's over." I crumbled back into my seat and put my hands over my face. "Finally."

"Yup. She'll still have the regular wackos and crazy fans, but this threat is over."

"I'll update Ootori," I said as I sat back up.

"No, Takashi. Let me. I need to talk to him about Haruhi-senpai's stock. I can tell him all this at the same time."

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xXx

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Nozuka Hospital:

"How are you feeling today, Haruhi?"

"Better," I answered, sitting down. Her office is actually calming. Guess it better be, considering what she does. "My physics final is over. That's the only one I was worried about. I only have English tomorrow."

"How do you think you did on your physics final?"

"I passed with a high score. All that studying with Gorou-senpai paid off." I told her about meeting him at the library and how he'd helped me over the past year.

"You hired his mother?"

"Yes." We talked about that for a while. How having my tutor's mother working under me is going. "She's an incredible asset. Couldn't ask for a better marketing manager."

"I'd like to talk about your debt to the Host Club. You were reluctant to discuss that last time."

"Would it be possible to wait? I have a final tomorrow and then a crazy weekend that includes graduation and two balls. Discussing that will take a long time depending on how much we get into, and I've been edgy since Monday just thinking about it."

She looked at me with soft eyes then wrote down some notes. "Sure. We can wait. Let's talk about some ways to help you with your anxiety."

"Thanks. I definitely need those."

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xXx

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Ootori CEO Office:

This time, Chika called ahead for an appointment, but I was surprised he was the only one to show up. "Where are Mori-senpai and Kasanoda?"

"I told them I'd handle this. I have an easy final tomorrow, and they need to study."

"Alright." I folded my hands in front of me and said, "What have you learned."

When he was done, I slumped in my seat. Very unOotori-like. "It's over?"

"Kasanoda-senpai's convinced."

"Good." I sat up straight again and tilted my head. "I know coming here is the last thing you want to do, so I want to be sure you realize how much I appreciate you doing so."

He borrowed a page from Mori-senpai, "Hn."

I stood and held out my hand to shake his, but he handed me an envelope instead. A Petto Chinmi envelope. "From Haruhi-senpai."

I opened it and a check fell out. "She doesn't want your charity. That's a check for market rate at close yesterday plus ten percent. That's what she's paid for all direct purchases."

Why is everything I do for Haru always wrong? Why do I always forget who she is? Of course, she'd want to pay me for the stock. Especially after blackmailing her with the debt.

I am an idiot.

"Thank you, Chika."

"Next time you want to get in touch with her, either go through her security, one of us, or her company. Don't send something directly to the estate." He pointed at the envelope. "You should have sent the stock directly to Petto Chinmi."

Without another word, he stormed out.

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xXx

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Dining Room, Shido Estate:

"Congratulations, Kyoya-senpai."

"Thank you, Yuki-chan. I'm expecting to have all the problems in your father's old company fixed by summer. It will be our flagship as we move into pharmaceuticals and supplements over the next five years."

The dinner was delicious, but I don't understand what's going on. I thought I wasn't going to see Akito-kun or Kyoya-senpai until next week.

Apparently, Fuyumi-san thought the same thing. "Alright, you two, what's going on. We didn't think you'd be around until finals and the weekend were over."

"That's what I'd originally intended, but with the sale complete and my graduation in two days, there are some loose ends to tie up." Kyoya-senpai turned to me with a gentle smile, "Now that the sale is final, your situation can be made as public or kept as private as you wish. I'm sure you'd like to tell your friends what's going on."

I did the best I could to keep from fidgeting. I'd told Naoko, but he couldn't know that. "Thank you. It will make things less awkward over the break and next school year."

"Fine. I think it's best to wait to go public until you two are ready to announce an engagement, if you decide to marry, that is. Reputations could be damaged with a premature announcement."

"Yuki-chan, you haven't seen the contract, so I want to make something crystal clear." Akito sounds nervous. Is it about us or what he's telling me? What's in the contract that I don't know? "Since your father hasn't mentioned it to Kyoya, we're assuming he didn't read your part of the contract carefully. Which makes him an idiot, by the way."

He's sitting next to me and reached out to take my hand in both of his. "No matter what you decide about marrying me, you never have to go back to your father's house."

"I don't understand."

"Kyoya buried the language in the contract, but it's clear. After your father signed it, the Shido's became your legal guardians and all your care will be financed by the Ootori's. Technically, he's not your father anymore."

"But…I…" What are they saying? My head's spinning.

Fuyumi-san took my other hand. "I know we didn't ask your permission to transfer your guardianship, but we wanted to keep you safe."

"I don't understand. You're my parents now?"

"No, Yuki-chan. We're not adopting you. It's like Haruhi and the Morinozukas. We're your guardians, legally responsible for you."

"I don't have to see Father again?"

"Not unless you want to. He has no say in your life anymore. You don't even have to invite him to the wedding if there is one, of course."

In a clipped business tone, Kyoya-senpai said, "This is a lot to process. Take all the time you need. If you conclude that you'd like different guardians, that can be arranged. Naoko-chan's parents perhaps?"

"Kyoya! That's a terrible way to say that."

Fuyumi-san turned back to me and squeezed my hand. "We want to do this for you. We're happy to do this for you. Kyoya's," she jerked her head at him, "not trying to get you out of here. It's about your comfort level. I hope you're comfortable enough to stay with us. You haven't been here a week yet, but Sota and I would miss you. You already feel like a little sister to me."

Akito dropped my hand and put an arm around me. Is it too soon to think I feel safe around him?

"Yuki-chan, we've given you a lot to think about. If it takes days, weeks, months, that's fine."

Kyoya-senpai cleared his throat. "That's true. You have all the time you need. However, I do have a question I'll need an answer to very soon." We all looked at him, and I held by breath. What could this be now?

"Do all of you want to go to Hawaii with me on Saturday?"

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xXx

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Friday, April 8:

Late Afternoon/Early Evening, Ouran:

The ball starts in three hours. The setup is ready, we're waiting on the orchestra and photographer. Caterers and decorators have been working all day.

"Satoshi, is there anything I can help with?" Haruhi-senpai wasn't getting ready until the last minute, so she'd offered to be my assistant. Personally, I think she's trying to get away from the rest of the girls getting ready.

"Everything's looking good here. Why don't you check on the caterers? I'm sure you can find something to taste test."

"Sure!" She took off like a rocket to the kitchen. Didn't she just eat?

The decorators had gone all out for our last event. Cherry blossoms everywhere with topiaries and pots of flowers grouped strategically. Flower garland was woven through the staircase banister and railings and hung over the doors.

Haruhi-senpai came back with a full plate. "Everything tastes fine." Is that her second or third plate?

"Let's get back to the club room. Tamaki-senpai wants to walk us through the announcement."

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The girlfriends aren't happy, but Tamaki-senpai didn't want them to hear about the closing until everyone else did. They've been asked to wait in the soundproof room.

"Let's do this quickly. I don't want Renge-chan any angrier than she already is." Tamaki-senpai sat down next to me. "Haruhi, this probably wasn't the best idea, but I waited to tell you this until after all your finals were over." He took a deep breath and said, "Kyoya will be here tonight."

"Kyoya-senpai," I squeaked. "Is it getting hot in here?" Then they were all fanning me with papers, napkins, and their hands.

"Calm down. It will be fine."

"That's a hell of a way to tell her, Tamaki-senpai. Even I could have done it better." I heard Ritsu's voice from far away.

After ten deep breaths, I lifted my head up and asked, "Why?"

"He founded the club with me. No one outside this room knows everything that's happened, so they all think we're still friends. We pretend to be for our family's sake. It would look quite odd if he wasn't here."

I dug out my loud voice from somewhere. "Then let it look odd!"

"He won't be here the whole time. Only about half an hour. Just for the announcement and to dance with a few of his best designees. Then he's leaving. You won't even have to talk to him."

"Fine. I can do this." Everything about him is so raw after he's started to come up in therapy.

"Thank you, my darling friend. I appreciate it."

"Good. I'm doing it for you. Not for him."

"Of course."

Tamaki-senpai walked us through how the announcement would be done, where to stand, what he was going to say, and what we had to do. It won't be difficult, but the girls won't like it. We're saving it for near the end.

Renge poked her head out and called, "Are you guys done yet? We're bored in here."

"Come out, Darling. We're done scheming."

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We all came out and sat around the table with the guys. Naoko sat next to me for support as I told them about Akito-kun. It shouldn't be that bad, but I've felt that something was off about how the club feels about Kyoya-senpai since he left. If there's anything behind that feeling, I'll probably never be told.

"I'd like to tell you all some good news." I straighten my shoulders and started. "As you all know, my father wants to arrange a marriage for me. What you don't know is that he submitted a proposal for that marriage to be with Kyoya-senpai."

Haruhi gasped and turned white as a sheet. Kasanoda turned red, and I watched his fists clench. Shinobu grabbed one of them and held him back. Hikaru was holding back a tirade. Renge huffed and I heard her say, "Over my dead body," under her breath.

I continued on. I need to get this out and finished. "Last Thursday, my father and I met with Kyoya-senpai and his brother Akito-kun. Father and I thought Kyoya-senpai accepted our proposal, but it turns out we were wrong."

I tugged at my earring. They were all just staring at me, making me queasy.

"Kyoya-senpai counter-proposed a marriage between his brother and me. He said he wasn't ready to marry yet."

"Akito?" Haruhi mumbled. Does she know him?

"As it turns out, Kyoya-senpai had the contract with him. It included him buying my father's business. I'm sure you all saw the news yesterday. It also included time for Akito-kun and me to get to know each other and decide if marriage is what we want."

"You have a choice?" Haruhi asked.

"Yes, and if I say no, there aren't consequences in the contract." I took another deep breath. "I'm also not living at home anymore. Part of it gives my guardianship to his sister and brother-in-law, the Shido's. I moved in with them last Friday."

"Why?" Renge looks so confused. Sure she does. Her father loves her.

"It gives me time to get to know Akito-kun and plan the wedding. The Ootori's are planning and paying for it." I sighed and decided to tell them the rest. These are my good friends and deserve to know. "Those are valid reasons, but they're also the public story." I was still looking at Renge. "Your father loves you, but I was treated as property to be bartered and sold. My only role in the family was to advance Father's business through marriage. I never got my own choices, was always expected to do as father says. And he made sure of it. Kyoya-senpai and Akito-kun saved me from that."

.

She's marrying Akito? Kyoya-senpai's brother? He's not interested in marriage. Is that with anyone or with Yuki? Is he still holding out for me? He can't be that crazy. After everything he did, he must know I'll never marry him.

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Fucking Ootori. What the hell? Yuki's such a sweet girl. Yeah, we never got serious, but I did kiss her. When she told me there'd be an arranged marriage, I didn't think it'd be into that family. Can we stop her? Stop this bullshit?

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I've said it all along…we need to kill Ootori. I don't care how connected he is, I can do it, and no one will figure it out. No one will find the body. It will be in too many pieces to ever put back together again.

Shit, the fellas are dumping three right now. A fourth is no big deal.

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"It sounds like you made up your mind, Yuki-chan." Cho-senpai had a faraway look in her eyes. She's thinking about the Alien. Have our parents approached hers yet?

"I think I have. He's nice and respectful. I'll still get to know him better before I make a final decision."

"Congratulations, Yuki-chan," Mitsukuni said, standing up on his chair and jumping around. "We need some cake!"

Cake. Just wonderful. Always cake.

I'd been keeping quiet, watching everyone's reactions. No one seemed happy except the Alien, and I'm not sure if he's like that because he likes the idea or if he wants to make Yuki-senpai happy. She was starting to look a little sick when no one was saying anything.

"Yuki," Kaoru-senpai said, "How do you feel about all this?"

Her smile lit up the room. It reached her eyes, and they sparkled. "I feel really good. At first, when I thought it would be Kyoya-senpai, I wasn't sure. He seems cold and distant." I saw several guys holding back either a snort or an eyeroll. Haruhi-senpai blushed dark red.

"But Akito-kun's different. He's warm and kind. He told me I could study whatever I want at university, and we didn't need to have children right away. He's interested in my opinion and cares how I feel about things. I always expected to be married to someone who just wanted a link to my father and me to give him heirs. This is so much better."

She tossed her hair back over her shoulder and said, "Father told me I had to marry Akito, but Kyoya insists it's my decision. Akito's gentle. He'll never hurt me like my father did. The Ootori's saved me, and I'll forever be grateful. I'm a person with rights and opinions for the first time in my life."

"Then, I'm happy for you," Takashi said, giving her a shallow nod.

"Me too," Kaoru-senpai agreed.

Hikaru-senpai still looked angry, more than angry, but pulled it back and told her he was happy for her too. More of Haruhi-senpai's influence, and a lot of his doctor's.

The yakuza pair were having the hardest time with all this. As we all were eating cake, I heard Kasanoda-senpai whisper to Shinobu-senpai, "I'll vet this asshole personally. If there's even one hair out of place, he'll be sorry he ever met one of my friends. I won't let Yuki get hurt."

After the cake was gone, we started getting ready. It's a simple suit for me. Good thing, I'm tired of all the crazy outfits around here.

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Once Kaoru finished with my hair and makeup, I tracked Yuki down. I needed to know she's alright with this. That no one is forcing her to get married. That the contract isn't disgusting.

"Yuki, can I talk with you?"

She'd been adjusting her dress in the mirror and spun around. "Haruhi. What do you think? Like it?"

She looked beautiful. "Definitely. It looks familiar."

"We all decided to go vintage. This is one of Grace Kelly's iconic dresses. The flower patterns go so well. I had the sleeves and neck altered from the original design but kept the colors."

"Did Hikaru design it?"

"No. Naoko and I decided to have our own done. The twins had finals and all the suits, and your dress too."

Her dress was stunning. The white skirt was floor length with large, blue flowers as a pattern. The top had a high waistband with a short sleeve and v-neck shirt, all in a bright blue silk. Very Hollywood glam. I bet Kaoru would be shocked I know that term.

"What did you want to talk about?"

We walked over to a window to get some privacy and I said, "I'm still new to all this elite marriage stuff." Maybe by acting completely naive, I can get answers without her realizing why I'm asking. "Is this something you want? I mean, you're not being forced into it, are you?"

"Oh, Haruhi. You're so sweet to worry." She gave me a quick hug and pulled back to catch my eyes. "I'm not being forced. I always thought I wouldn't have a choice, but I do. I do have a choice." Her face was glowing, and she was practically bouncing. "I can choose to marry Akito-kun or not. I can choose to go to university and study what I want. I can choose when to have children. It's like a dream. Don't pinch me. I don't want to wake up."

I couldn't stop myself from smiling back. It's contagious. "I'm happy you're so happy."

"I'm walking on clouds," she laughed, grabbing my hands and spinning us. "Never did I think it would be this good."

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Renge-chan and I'd been listening to Haruhi and Yuki. We had the same fear. After what Kyoya had done to Haruhi with the marriage contract and blackmail, we wanted to be sure he wasn't doing it again. If everything Yuki's saying is true, something happened to make Kyoya change. For the better.

"What do you think?"

"I need to find out what's going on, but it sounds nothing like what he did before."

"I know. Look how happy Yuki is." Renge-chan's voice turned cautious. "You don't think Kyoya-senpai turned Yuki down because he still wants to marry Haruhi, do you?"

"Kyoya can be an idiot, but he's not stupid. He can't still believe that."

I'll talk to him tonight and find out for sure. I won't let him hurt Yuki the way he hurt Haruhi.

.

"Stop drooling, Asshole, or I'll make you mop it up."

"Damn, Bu. You sure that isn't illegal?"

"Who the fuck is going to arrest me?"

"Where are you hiding your gun?"

She smirked at me and spun around. Can I go back and take another shower?

I can't even describe what I'm seeing. I guess the shape reminds me of an American movie from the 50's or something. It's tight around her stomach, waist, and hips, then it puffs out and goes down to the floor. The back's longer than the front. Weird. Like a wedding dress maybe, but no one would ever wear that thing to a wedding. Covering up those amazing breasts is a shield kinda thing, just goes up and wraps a little, but I bet I can see straight down the front. The thing is, I won't need to.

While the shape is nice, the material could stop a gang of yakuza in their tracks. It's a light green, but the whole fucking thing is see-through with green leaves in the right places. No wonder I couldn't leave any marks, there isn't much you can't see. Somehow, she doesn't make it look trashy. It suits her without degrading her.

Doesn't matter. I still need a shower.

"See what I meant about the marks?"

I nodded. I couldn't choke out any words. She swayed up to me and whispered in my ear, "You can leave all the marks you want on the way home."

Fuck…

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xXx

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Ouran Ballroom:

I heard a gasp behind me. "It's enchanting, Satoshi." Keiko-senpai came with me for a final check of the ballroom. Everything was set. The orchestra had tuned up and were playing.

"What's all that?" she asked, pointing to the area cordoned off for the photographer. We wanted everyone to have a chance for pictures with their favorite host or whoever.

"Those are the sets for the photographer we hired. He and his three assistants will be photographing the entire ball, and the pictures will go up on a website where everyone can choose and have digital downloads or prints made."

"Sets?" We walked over together and looked them over. "Oh, I see. That one's like a garden. You pose on the bench for the picture. Or you could stand in front of all the cherry blossoms."

"Or," I pointed, "you can stand on the balcony and have the Ouran gardens lit up in the background."

"What a wonderful idea. What made you think of it?"

"Tamaki-senpai did some research on American proms, their end of year dances. It was one of the more reasonable ideas he had."

"I can imagine." I could hear the smile in her voice. She grabbed my hand, "Let's try out the dance floor. You'll be so busy tonight running things, and this might be my only chance."

I dropped my clipboard and spun her into a waltz.

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Satoshi and Keiko-senpai were dancing when Tamaki-kun and I walked into the ballroom. "Keiko-senpai looks like Audrey Hepburn."

I squeezed his arm. "Good eye. That's one of her iconic dresses." White with purple flowers, the design didn't have to be changed at all for the theme, but she decided to switch from white elbow gloves to matching purple. It does give it a modern punch.

"She and Satoshi look good together."

"They do move gracefully." I held out my hand, "Shall we join them?"

"Definitely, Princess."

He spun me into a waltz and whispered, "She looks good in her dress, but you will eclipse everyone here."

I tried to keep the blush off my cheeks with a deep breath, but I know it didn't work. Finding my gown took much longer than I wished. My designer and I finally agreed on a 1956 Givenchy. The base being a pinkish gray with pink roses around the skirt and on the bodice. My heels match the gray, and my gloves are short and see-through.

I'll be wearing something more formal and befitting the future Mrs. Suoh tomorrow night.

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Music Room #3:

"Kaoru, are you sure this is right?"

What has he dressed me in now? At least it had a back this time.

"It's beautiful, Haruhi, and it hangs just right." He still pulled a little at the waist. "Renge told me the girls were all going vintage tonight, so I did yours right out of the 50's."

That explains it. I felt like someone out of an old movie. Red with white flowers as the pattern, thin straps, and the long skirt drapes and is pulled across the front to create what I would guess should be a bow, but it's a big flower. At least the heels were short.

"Stop fidgeting. You look great." He turned me to face the door and gave me a small push. "Mori-senpai has a surprise for you."

"What?"

"It's a surprise, silly. Go ask him."

"Whatever," I mumbled and left the dressing room.

There he was, and he's handsome tonight. Kaoru did all the guy's tuxedos in shades of green. Mori-senpai's was so dark it's almost black. The cut was old-fashioned. The bright, white shirt had green buttons like some kind of stone with matching cufflinks. Are those emeralds? If they are, they aren't fake.

"Haruhi."

I'd been staring and didn't notice him turn towards me. My face flushed, and I smiled. "You look handsome tonight, Mori-senpai."

"You're beautiful." He walked towards me, tilting his head and smiling. "Kaoru told me about your dress, and I found the perfect thing to complement it." He handed me a velvet covered box.

"Whatever is in here, I'm sure it's too expensive for me." I opened it and found a necklace of white flowers with what has to be ruby centers. "This is too much."

He took it from my hands and walked around me. I felt the cool metal slide against my skin as he put it on. "It complements you well. Don't deny me this please. I found it at a commoner jewelry store, so it's not as much as you think."

"Thank you, Mori-senpai."

A small smile appeared, and he said, "Takashi."

"What?"

"You've been living in my family home for two months and will continue for years if you stay there through university. It's time you called me Takashi."

I felt my face heat up again. It's quite an honor. "Thank you, Takashi-senpai."

He ruffled my hair and said, "I prefer just Takashi, but senpai if you must."

"Without the senpai it feels too informal. I'll try it one step at a time."

"Good. Are you ready?" He held out his arm and I took it. Then, my stomach rumbled.

"Glutton," he laughed.

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Ouran Ballroom:

The twinkle lights lit up the room like it was full of stars. My friends and I were looking everywhere for our favorite hosts. It will be weeks before we'll see them again.

"There's Honey-senpai." My friend took off, practically running. "I want a dance before he spends the whole night with Cho-senpai."

As always, Honey-senpai looked cute. His soft, light green tux paired with his baby pink shirt fit him perfectly and showed off his blond hair. Usa-chan was dressed in a miniature version with the colors reversed. Within minutes, he was spinning her around the dancefloor.

My other friends scattered, looking for their dancing partners while I continued roaming around until I saw Haruhi. I'd designated her when we all thought she was a boy and stayed with her when she started hosting boys. I'd had my suspicions for a while and didn't mind that she'd tricked us. Life is full of tough choices.

There she is. "Haruhi, I know this is strange, but may I have this dance?"

She hit me with that smile, and I knew that's why we stayed friends. She's one of the most genuine people I know. "Of course. Are you leading, or shall I?"

.

I'd assigned Eiji to her. I knew he'd want in on this. He came up and whispered in my ear, "Yasuchika-sama, there are five. They've been disabled."

"Thank you." I crossed my arms over my chest. The bait is set. "Give me the signal when she pulls out her phone, then escort her out. I'll meet you in the designated classroom"

"Yes, Sir."

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"Ladies, gentlemen, if you'll scoot closer on the sides please." I adjusted my focus and reframed them. "Big smiles."

This will be one of my most profitable jobs ever. When I got the call asking if I'd photograph a ball at Ouran High School, I thought they were joking. It sounded like a kid on the phone. Turns out, it was, and he was in charge of setting this whole thing up. We came up with some ideas for photo sets and here I am. He even paid double my flat rate on top of the percentage I'd get for each picture sold.

All three of my sons are here as my assistants. Once I heard the scope of this event, I knew I couldn't do it alone. They're all apprenticing me to join the business. My youngest is eighteen. He must think I haven't noticed him taking many pictures of that girl in the green, shear dress with the embroidered leaves. She's beautiful, but that dress is inappropriate for a teen.

My middle son is in charge of the dancefloor, making sure he gets good pictures of every couple out there. Even those two girls dancing, and when those twin boys were too. Didn't take me long to figure out this is a strange group of kids. Is it this group in particular or all elite kids?

"May we have our picture taken on the garden bench?" a beautiful young lady asked. Dressed in a pink tulle and lace gown with what I'm assuming are supposed to be petals forming the skirt, she's darling. The boy she's with must be her younger brother. It's odd to bring a middle school kid here. I'll have to show his picture to my granddaughter. She'll like his bunny dressed in a tux.

"Sit next to me, Cho-chan. Do you want to hold Usa-chan?"

.

"You are gorgeous, Naoko. That dress is perfect for you."

She pressed harder against me as I spun us around. "Thank you, Kaoru. I'm glad you like it."

Boy, did I ever. Renge told us they were going vintage, but I wasn't expecting them to go as all-out as they did. Naoko was wearing a classic American style from the 50s. Sleeveless, tight waist, small flair for her hips and then straight down with an overlap for a slit. Then a second skirt that is open in the front and shaped like a bell. It was done in dark gold with sprays of purple flowers, and a purple ribbon for a belt.

The only problem I had was figuring out how to get her out of it in the limo.

"What are you doing over the break, Kaoru. I know you have your fashion show, but will there be any time for just us?"

I leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "If we don't get some quality alone time, Naoko, the stress from the show will kill me."

I felt, rather than heard, her laugh, and the hand on my shoulder moved to my chest. Her thumb rubbed my left nipple, and I groaned. "Don't worry. We'll find the time."

"How do I get you out of that dress tonight without tearing it off?"

"I brought jeans and a t-shirt to change into before heading home. I don't care if you tear those."

"You're going to kill me."

"Yes, but won't it feel good?"

.

Half an hour later, I got the signal and left for the classroom. How I'm the only one to figure this out is beyond me. The rest of the hosts aren't stupid, and Hikaru-senpai and Kasanoda-senpai are sneaky enough to have realized this is what was happening.

When I walked in, she was sitting at a desk with Eiji and a female security guard flanking her. She straightened her shoulders and managed to look down on me from her seated position. "Do you know who I am?"

"I do, Ayanokoji Seika-senpai. You were kicked out of the Host Club two years ago, and now you're the person who's been terrorizing my friend, Haruhi-senpai. No one gets away with that."

I admire how she can just sit there, unmoving, not a reaction on her face. It's irrelevant, though.

I pulled up a chair and sat in front of her. "It backfired, you know. Your plan. It failed. We're closing the Host Club for good tonight, but it has nothing to do with you. In fact, you probably helped us."

Her eyes were narrowing, and her breathing coming faster. With a distinctively unattractive flushed face, she sat there staring at me.

"Closing the club was unanimous. We all have busy lives and need to move on. Your actions might have pushed us to the right decision." I nodded to Eiji, and he dumped a bag out in front of her. Five wireless speakers fell out. "As you see, your plans for tonight are ruined as well.

"The question is," I said, leaning back and crossing my legs, "what to do about you."

"I'm untouchable. You can't do anything. You're just a child."

My smirk said it all. "You have two choices. Leave right away with your fiancé and never cross paths with any host or friend of the club, or the club ruins your family. Pick."

.

"I like your suit, Kasanoda." She gripped my shoulder tighter. "All the girls are so taken with it, I thought I'd never get a dance."

"I wouldn't let you leave without a spin around the floor, Princess." I gave her a quick dip, just like Tamaki-senpai taught me. "Your dress is amazing."

It's a good thing Bu's here tonight. The look this chick is giving me could start trouble, and Bu can take care of that. Probably with just a glare.

"After this, can we get our picture taken on the balcony?"

"Definitely."

How is this one going to take it when we announce we're closing? I thought it was funny, but it is in bad taste – probably why I thought it was funny, when Hikaru wanted to take bets on how some of the girls would react to the closing. We kept it to the two of us and Satoshi. He figured Kaoru would tell Naoko, and that wouldn't be good. I didn't think Bu would care as long as she wasn't one of the ones we picked.

We'd picked about twenty of the long-time members to bet on. The one with the highest right guesses picks the place and the three of us are going out to do something stupid. Their version of stupid. They don't want to know what mine is.

She wasn't talking much, so my mind wandered. Still had that one guy locked up and wasn't sure what to do with him. His family's fine, and with the other three dead, is probably not in any danger. Mori-senpai talked me out of killing him because Haruhi wouldn't want that. She understood family.

I had the beginning of a plan and would talk to Pops about it tonight. If he approves, I'll swing by tomorrow before graduation and tell that idiot about the rest of his life. I think he'll go for it.

I heard her clearing her throat and realized the music had stopped. "Let's go get that picture."

.

In the end, Eiji and his team had to forcibly remove her and her fiancé from Ouran. They're both graduating tomorrow. I allowed them to attend the ceremony, but they'll be watched.

I'll let the Alien take her family's chain of bakeries. It's perfect for him. Or maybe I'll take it and sell it to him for a profit. I did do all the work, after all.

No one hurts Haruhi-senpai. No one.

.

I heard the swell of the music and the chatter of voices when I turned into the right hallway. As I got closer to the doors, I could smell the flowers mixed with dozens of expensive perfumes. The opulence of a Host Club ball.

But I didn't plan this one. Wasn't involved in the slightest. Didn't realize how much I missed these crazy guys and all the guests. Selling the photo albums and special events and keeping Tamaki on budget. And this was the last one ever.

I managed to locate almost all of the hosts from the door but couldn't find Haru. I want to see her, dammit. Tamaki warned me not to approach her, but I want to see her. I'm sure the dress Kaoru designed is amazing, and I want to see her in it.

I picked up a glass of punch on my way past the buffet. Fancy tuna. If I wait here, she'll show up. Then I heard her laughter coming from the balcony. I slipped up to the doorframe and took a quick look. Who is that? Whoever he is, he has his arm around her and they're looking into each other's eyes. A flash caught my attention, and I saw the photographer. Oh. Not a bad idea, Satoshi. That should earn some money.

"Kyoya."

I turned around. "Tamaki."

"I need to talk to you…alone."

He probably just wants me away from Haruhi, so I followed him out a side door and down the hall.

"Yuki told us what's going on with Akito-san, and I have some questions."

"It's a personal matter, Tamaki. They haven't announced anything yet."

His body shook and his voice lowered in anger. "I don't care. Yuki is a friend of the Host Club and Haruhi. I don't want her hurt. Tell me that contract doesn't look anything like the one you gave Haruhi. Tell me."

I saw his fists clench and took a step back. "It doesn't. It's nothing like that revolting thing I tried to make Haru and Ranka sign. This is a fair contract that gives Yuki freedom of choice and financial support. I'll send you a copy if you wish. It's more favorable to her than Akito."

"Why?"

I glanced up the hallway to make sure no one was listening. "I'm not Yoshio, and I refuse to act like I am. It took me losing something more precious than air to realize how deep I'd fallen. I won't go there again. I won't do that to anyone ever again."

"Why didn't you marry her?"

"I'm not ready to get married. To anyone. Recent events have taught me that."

"And Haruhi? Are you still considering her for a bride?"

"No," I snorted. "I'd let her kill me before I put her through anything else. I've lost her and have no right to have her back in my life."

"Why not turn Ito-san down completely? Why Akito?"

"It's a long story, but it comes down to Akito wanting me to help him find a bride and me giving him the list of offers that I'd received. Yuki-chan was at the top of his list, and I wanted her father's company."

"You have the company now, and she said she didn't have to get married."

"That's true. Everything is her choice. As it should be."

"But…"

"Tamaki," I sighed, running a hand through my hair, "they haven't decided anything. They both need some time to get to know each other and see if they're compatible. If they aren't, there's no consequence. The Ootori family will keep quiet about the rejection and help her with her future. There's no pressure on her at all."

His shoulders relaxed, and I blew out a breath. "I'm taking Yuki, Akito, Fuyumi, her husband, and her son to Hawaii tomorrow after graduation. We'll be gone for a week. I won't be at your party."

"Thank you, Kyoya. I appreciate it." He looked at his watch. "It's time for the announcement. I want to see that contract."

"I'll have one sent to your estate."

"Send it to Suoh Mansion #1. I'm moving there Sunday."

"Congratulations."

We walked back down the hall together. He paused before opening the door. "Don't approach Haruhi. With Yuki's announcement, she's in a strange mood."

"I won't."

.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention please."

"It's about time," Naoko whispered at me.

"No kidding." Shinobu's voice carried softly.

The six of us, the 'girlfriends' were standing off to the side waiting on whatever announcement the Hosts had to make.

"Tamaki-kun wouldn't even give me a hint."

"Neither would Honey-kun."

"Why's Kyoya-senpai here?"

"Shh," I hissed. "Just listen."

"My dear Host Club guests, my fellow hosts and I have a big announcement for you all."

They were all standing on the steps of the main staircase in the room. Tamaki-kun in the middle and the others on either side. The twins were waiving at some of their designees. Chika looked bored. Satoshi and Kasanoda were whispering, Haruhi was trying hard not to look at Kyoya, and he was trying hard not to look at her. Why was he here? He was thrown out of the club.

"For the past three years, we have welcomed you into our hearts and club, bringing you joy and happiness. Through all the events, cosplays, balls, and cake, we've grown close to all of you and care for you greatly."

He took a step down and they closed in around him. "Please enjoy this spring ball to its fullest, as it will be our last."

"What?"

"Last one?"

"What does that mean?"

"Kyoya and I started this club because we, the boys of Ouran with too much time on our hands, wanted to entertain you, the girls of Ouran with too much time on your hands. And we did and enjoyed every minute of it. However, years have passed, and we've all grown. Some have graduated, some will tomorrow, some have started careers, and some have committed themselves to the pursuit of their Olympic dreams."

They all held their hands to their hearts. "We no longer have too much time on our hands. This ball is the last event of the Ouran High School Host Club. The Club disbands tonight, and we will all miss you greatly." They bowed low.

"WHAT!"

"NO!"

"That can't be."

"They waited this long to tell us?"

I heard screaming, crying, and whispers all around me. I wasn't surprised to see shock, but little disappointment on the faces of my fellow girlfriends. I think deep down, we expected this. With Tamaki-kun leaving for university, and no one new ready to take his place, it's time. Now Kyoya-senpai's presence makes sense.

I'm still angry Tamaki-kun didn't tell me before this.

"Ladies, please don't cry. Please don't be sad. Enjoy the rest of your night, and Haruhi, Hikaru, Kaoru, Kasanoda, Satoshi, and Chika will still be at Ouran next year. You'll see them at lunch and in your classes."

He had tears in his eyes. My heart broke when I realized this is just as hard for my Tamaki-kun.

"Now, who would like the next dance?"

As girls, and some boys for Haruhi, crowded the Hosts, Shinobu turned to the rest of us and said, "No more dances for us tonight. At least not while the guests are here. I think they'd kill us if we tried."

"I can picture that," Naoko said with a laugh.

"Let's go for a walk in the garden so the boys don't feel bad about ignoring us."

.

Announcing the closing of the Host Club provoked varied reactions:

"I can't believe it. I'm not going to Todi. I'll never see Tamaki-senpai again."

"It's those bitches' fault—those girlfriends. They don't deserve them."

"How dare that Naoko take my Kaoru away."

"I think it's a good thing for Haruhi. I could tell she never enjoyed hosting boys."

"What do I do now? All my afternoons are empty."

"It makes sense, doesn't it? They've already lost four hosts."

"It's not the Host Club without Tamaki-senpai."

"Those crazy cosplays. I'll miss those."

And many girls were huddled together crying.

.

I was breathing hard when I left the dancefloor. That last one had a fast tempo. Those treadmill workouts are a good idea. I need to be ready for that 5k.

My throat's so dry from dancing and consoling our guests, that I headed straight for the drinks. I need a big glass of water. My feet had other ideas. They stopped moving when I saw Kyoya-senpai standing there.

What do I do? He hasn't seen me yet. I can walk away. No. I'm braver than that and I need to tell him something. This will probably be the last time I'll see him and have the opportunity.

"Kyoya-senpai?"

He turned and his eyes widened. He raked his hand through his hair. I've never seen him at a loss for words.

"Thank you for what you did for Yuki. She's happy."

He nodded at me, still not speaking, so I grabbed a glass of water and walked away.

.

Haru just thanked me. That will probably be the last time I speak with her and she thanked me. Did I apologize? No. I stood in front of her like a fucking idiot and said nothing.

Dammit.

Haru walked up to Mori-senpai, and he ruffled her hair. She's in good hands.

I twirled a couple more girls around the dancefloor and slipped out.

.

Once the final guest was escorted to her limo, we all collapsed in sofas and chairs around a low table. It's over. The Host Club is no more.

"Why the fuck didn't you tell us you were closing the club?"

"Calm down, you crazy chick. We wanted it to be a surprise."

"Are you implying that I can't keep a secret, Asshole?"

"Hell no. I'm not that stupid. We all decided to keep it from everyone, no exceptions."

"Get up and dance with me, and I'll decide if I'll forgive you or not."

"Yes, Sir."

"Smart Ass."

Satoshi scheduled the orchestra to stay for us after the ball ended. I smiled, watching Ritsu and Shinobu glide across the floor. The club taught him to dance. I wonder if he'll ever use it again.

It wasn't long before Tamaki-senpai and Renge joined them. Then Kaoru and Naoko.

"Honey-senpai, are you and Cho-senpai going to dance?" Hikaru asked.

"Once I'm done with this cake. With all the dancing tonight, this is only my fourth."

Hikaru held out his hand to Yuki, "Would you like to dance?" She smiled and took his hand.

"It shouldn't be a surprise to any of you, but I'm hungry. I hope they have some fancy tuna left."

"Glutton," Satoshi called after me as I picked up a plate.

We all ended up dancing and talking for hours. The sun was coming up when the Morinozuka limo pulled into the estate.

.

xXx

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Author's Note:

Definitely an end to an era. There are many reasons I chose to close the Host Club, including it being more and more difficult to write, wanting to get more into the lives of our hosts, and needing them to grow up a bit. I hope you don't mind.

I tied up another big thread for you…the loud noises and torturing Haruhi. One of you guessed right when you suggested it's that bitch from the first episode of the anime. The one who tossed Haruhi's bag out the window and then tried to make it look like Haruhi'd attacked her. Couldn't happen to a nicer girl.

As for the dresses, you can find them here…

Haruhi:

236x/fb/dc/f3/fbdcf3ecd72066cc032c6b468a24e60e . jpg

Or search for McCalls pattern 4425. I used the red, long one as the base, changing the pattern and adding the straps. Picture the bow as a flower

Yuki:

236x/30/e3/49/30e3493be1f7f359b174c6d83fed0e25 . jpg

Or search for Grace Kelly, blue dress and it should pop up somewhere

Renge:

236x/0a/cb/09/0acb097cd8807ba6169a182bd75a2480 . jpg

I think all I did was lengthen it

Shinobu:

I combined two dresses for her. The first one is the vintage style. This is what I'd've worn to my wedding if I'd had a decent body.

236x/66/9b/b6/669bb6d9299ceff54f10b72709599b40 . jpg

And this one is the inspiration for the material and leaves. Picture her a little more covered than this one. No wonder Kasanoda was drooling.

236x/83/ac/d3/83acd39f9410514f8c32abdb71c6d36e . jpg

Cho:

Obviously picture this in pink…

236x/d4/61/50/d4615071140bc210676f0906587fe238 .jpg

Keiko:

I only changed the gloves from white to purple. You can also search for Audrey Hepburn and find the white dress with purple flowers. It's iconic.

236x/b2/56/d6/b256d6f6c2acb03b42f466434c68cbf4 . jpg

Naoko:

I just liked this style and wanted one of them to wear it.

236x/b4/d6/be/b4d6be530df68b1af4b7e4a6008085f1 . jpg

.

Next Chapter:

The last chapter. See you next week.

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