You sit there in your heartache

Waiting on some beautiful boy to

To save you from your old ways

"Kyoya-senpai, do you mind if I sit with you today? I have a lot of history to catch up on," Missy pleaded, standing on her toes as she leaned forward to grab his attention.

The senior's gaze flickered from the model to the empty chair across from him. He nodded slightly, almost entirely indifferent to the girl's location as long as she was quiet.

"Thanks!" she replied cheerfully, slipping into the cushioned chair and setting her book bag next to her. She pulled out her laptop and History textbook, determined to get a head start on the next chapter's outline so that she would be prepared. Despite what most people, her classmates included, believed about model's never caring about school, Missy was surprisingly studious and wanted to earn her place into an ivy league school, not buy it or use her family's prestige.

Sitting by Kyoya was the perfect opportunity to spend some quiet time studying during club hours. After all, he certainly wasn't going to pester her about why she was studying because, frankly, he didn't care. The shadow king was known for his indifference when it came to the little things his friends chose to do with their time. Unless they were in peril or their reputation, and therefore, his reputation, was in danger, he left them to their own devices and was content to simply observe from a distance.

As Missy jotted down her notes for the end of the Edo period, she couldn't help but glance around the room periodically, distracted by the atmospheric hum of the host club.

Seated by the window, Satoshi was entertaining twin girls with identical pigtails. They both wore the middle school uniform, so they were probably in his class at school, and judging by their giggles, they were charmed by his easy boyish smile.

It was a rare day in the club. Because of Hani and Mori's university schedule, they were never there on the same day as their younger brothers. Fortunately, the upperclassmen had their afternoon classes canceled for the day, allowing for them to attend the host club and entertain a higher quantity of guests. Satoshi's personality was easy and carefree. Pair that with his athletic interests in kendo and he was a hit with girls his own age as well as some of the first year girls.

Yasuchika was an entirely different matter. A third year at the middle school, he was demanding and difficult, something that a surprising number of girls also found intriguing. Of course, being captain of the Karate club certainly helped.

Laughter and the smell of instant coffee filled the room as each guest was entertained. Missy could almost taste the confectionaries that were place around Hani, and the room felt lighter for the feeling.

Of course, she also noticed something else interesting as she observed the room.

The more she watched the hosts, the more she noticed that their gazes had a tendency to flicker frequently in the same direction.

Haruhi.

No matter which host it was, whenever the girl laughed or smiled brightly, someone's attention would drift to her for just a second.

Upon further inspection, Missy discovered that the amount each host looked varied.

For example, Hani would glance at the natural and smile softly before quickly returning to his guests and treats. Mori had a similar response, but he also seemed to look around the girl, as if searching for any impending threats.

Next, was Kyoya. The shadow king seemed to enjoy the sound of her laughter, as well as the profit it represented. On several occasions, he would make an involuntary noise of sorts in his throat, as if wanting to respond to her actions with one of his own. Naturally, he never verbalized anything to anyone about it.

The funniest reaction was always Tamaki's. The Princely character had a tendency to all but abandon his guests for a moment whenever Haruhi's eyes would light up. There was even a longing look in his violet eyes, and Missy couldn't help but wonder why he would always address Haruhi as his daughter when he was so clearly in love with her.

Satoshi and Yasuchika were wild cards. As far as Missy could tell, they looked at the girl in awe and respect whenever she did anything. No, they seemed to invested in having her as an older sister than being able to develop any sort of romantic attachment for Haruhi.

The twins were, by far, the most interesting to watch when it came to Haruhi related reactions. If the girl even spoke loudly, their attention would wander and their eyes would soften. The tight lines around Kaoru's mouth would turn upward in a subtle smile, and Hikaru's breath would always catch as if she was the only reminder he had to breathe.

From across the room, Haruhi released another gentle laugh, causing her guests to coo and sigh in her presence. They obviously considered the gesture to be attractive, causing the three girls to erupt into their own fit of giggles.

This time, it was Kaoru's turn to be distracted. From where Missy sat, she couldn't make out when he was saying, but she saw his attention wander for a moment, even while his lips continued moving. Hikaru covered for him, finishing his brother's sentence so their guests remained unaware. It was apparent that this had been a problem for awhile.

As she watched his amber eyes flicker and soften, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. Kaoru's entire body turned a fraction of an inch, angling him towards Haruhi as he continued to entertain his guests. Did he even know he was doing it?

It was commendable, really, that Haruhi could have such a wide effect on so many people. The honor student probably didn't even know that most of her club doted on her, not because she was their 'secret commoner princess' but because she was simply 'theirs.' She belonged to all of them, and they all loved her for it. Certainly, the love ranged and varied, but it hung in the air.

She didn't even know that they were all wrapped around her finger.

Missy needed a distraction from this revelation. As intriguing as it was, it as just as unsettling because it imposed further introspection.

Why was she jealous of their love for Haruhi?

After all, it certainly made sense that they cared. She had been with them for over a year, and in that time she had introduced them to a world and a way of understanding they had scarcely been aware of. They were all better for it.

Missy knew she would never have that effect on them. It just wasn't in her to inspire that sort of growth in others. After all, how could one light a fire in someone else without a match? Her own hearth was cold and empty, even if she was the only one that knew it.

Just another pretty face.

A distraction, she berated herself, turning her attention back to her textbook.

The Edo period lasted from 1603-1868.

Characterized by

Economic growth

Strict social order

Isolationist foreign policies

Stable population

Enjoyment of arts and cu-

She was distracted again by the sudden change in the room.

Really, thought, it was a change a few feet away.

Kyoya sat quietly, his entire body tense as his fingers were placed on his keyboard, completely still. The methodical clicking of keys was eerily silent. Missy's attention shifted in interest as she watched him gaze unabashedly across the room, his focus on Haruhi.

His body was wound tightly, intently rigid, while long lashes fluttered over an uncommonly peaceful gaze. It was like watching the eye of a storm, completely calm and silent. He was fixated on Haruhi without remorse.

Oh that definitely looks interesting.

Missy cleared her throat, causing Kyoya to shift his attention to the model across from him. He raised his eyebrow at her, acting as though she had not just caught him staring forlornly at her classmate.

She grinned at him impishly, sliding her elbows across the tables. "So, how long have you been in love with Haruhi?"

Much to her surprise, Kyoya's expression did not even flicker. "I would hardly consider myself 'in love' with her," he chided, condescension dripping from his words.

"Really? Because you just stared at her for an alarming amount of time for someone that 'isn't in love with her'," Missy mused with a chuckle. "It's okay if you are, you're in good company."

Kyoya stared at Missy levely, his expression unchanging. Finally, he released his breath and leaned back into his seat. "I suppose you could say that, though the quantity of company does fluctuate too frequently for my taste."

"Are you almost ready, Missy?"

The model looked up from her laptop, surprised to see Kaoru fidgeting with his book bag while Hikaru stood beside him.

"Is it time to leave already?" she asked, looking around the now empty club room. She had spent the last twenty minutes completely absorbed in her notes in an attempt to finish her outline and review before the end of club activities.

Kaoru rolled his eyes and took her bag from the back of her chair and started piling her books into it neatly. "Yes. Yes it is, you airhead. Now hurry up," he prodded as he shut the lid on her laptop. "We need to get to the shelter before it closes."

Missy gasped. "That's today?!"

Now it was Hikaru's turn to roll his eyes. "Yes, Missy, that's today. You know, if I didn't know any better, and you weren't absolutely schooling me in Literature, I'd say you were an airhead, too."

The model responded with a sharp elbow to the older twin's ribs after she practically jumped out of her seat. "Come on then, let's go guys!"

"So what are you going to name him?"

Missy looked up abruptly from the bundle of fluff in her arms. The puppy wiggled in her arms, but she held him tightly to her chest, knowing that he would run free if he had the chance because of his excitement. Kaoru smiled at her from where he leaned against the counter.

The model grinned as she scratched her new puppy's ears. "I'm thinking 'Tilney'."

"Tilney?" Kaoru asked in surprise. Understanding then lit up his face and he rolled his eyes playfully. "You Brits and your adoration for all things 'Austen'."

The samoyed/husky mix barked softly at his name, sending Missy into a fit of giggles. "See? He knows he supposed to be named after a perfect gentleman, and there is no better Austen hero than Henry Tilney."

"So you're not a Darcy fan?" Hikaru asked, returning from looking at the kennels that held other dogs that had been rescued by the shelter. An energetic boxer puppy had caught his eyes, but he wasn't sure if he was ready for puppy parenthood and all that it entailed. "I would have pegged you for a Pride and Prejudice romantic."

Missy shrugged. "I like him, but he's a bit too brooding for my taste. Tilney? He's open and honest from the beginning. Very likable. And this little man is going to be just like that," she admitted, looking at her puppy tenderly. "Thank you for getting him for me, Kaoru. He'll make my apartment life much less lonely, and I'll feel better having a man in the house." She kissed the top of Tilney's head after he licked the bottom of her chin, sending her into another frenzy of giggles.

"Apartment life?" Hikaru and Kaoru both asked, dumbfounded.

"You mean you're really going to move out?" the younger twin asked. He was shocked at the idea of her living on her own, especially since he had grown so accustomed to having her in his home. He liked knowing she was dutifully practicing and stretching in the dance studio every night, he liked knowing that he could often find her on one of the stone garden benches (the one by the cala lilies), and he liked seeing her at meals. She always brightened the room up.

"Of course, did you think I was just looking for conversation when I asked Haruhi about that apartment?"

Kaoru and Hikaru exchanged a glance. "So you're moving into a commoner's apartment?"

Missy rolled her eyes. "Don't say it like it's a bad word, guys. It's not a bad place. Plus, I'll be on the same floor as Haruhi if I need anything."

That was part of the appeal, actually. Having Haruhi close meant having a friendly face nearby, as well as someone to walk to school with. She couldn't drive in Japan, something that bugged her after having the freedom to drive her Jeep whenever she wanted in the states. Walking to school was unappealing, but walking to school alone was even more unappealing. So, living near Haruhi seemed like the perfect solution.

Hikaru wrinkled his nose. "I still don't see why you would want to leave our estate, but it's your choice, I guess," he replied with a shrug. However, Kaoru remained quiet. His usually cheerful countenance was silent, as though he was considering what to say.

After a moment, he exhaled. "It's your decision. I know how much your independence means to you, but promise me you'll call us if you need anything."

Kaoru looked completely focused and sincere, and Missy believed him. She smiled slowly and stood up from her crouched position on the floor. "I pinky promise, Kaoru."

He broke into a wide grin. "That's my girl."

A/N: Shorter chapter, but it's been mostly done for awhile. I apologize for the hiatus. The Navy boyfriend finally came back from his last underway, so he needed all my attention. Fortunately, for you guys, he's underway (it means he's in the middle of the ocean to qualify for deployment) for a few more weeks again, so I should have fewer distractions. Thanks for all the love and support, guys! Also, to those who guessed, yes, every chapter is a song by The Killers (They're Missy's favorite band, and if you ever want to guess at some plot lines for this story, peruse through their greatest hits album).

Stories to check out if you're in the KaoruxOc fandom

Mirror shards by c-hanting

Taking Chances by iceicecream

Fountain Girl by SydFord1012

S'Wonderful by wealhtheow1

Looking through my favorited and followed stories if you're looking for more, these are just off the top of my head. We're not a huge fandom, so I thought these stories could use some love (Because they're amazing and way better at updating than me!)

-star