Later that day in the library Haruhi was concentrating hard on studying. One could hardly see the desk anymore as both Haruhi and Hideaki had all their books and notebooks as piles on it. It was quite silent, the only noises being when one of them turned a page of a book. Brown haired girl really enjoyed these moments. Hideaki was a lot like her. He was rational and loved reading as much as Haruhi which made it easy for her to be comfortable around him. Hideaki was slightly more outgoing and social but still calm enough to be pleasant company for a person like Haruhi. She considered herself lucky for finding such good company for studying. Today Hideaki was nervous though. His hands were fidgeting, and cheeks had an unusual hue of red on them.
''Fujioka-san'', he almost whispered, ''may I ask you something?''
Haruhi raised her gaze from a particularly thick book and waited for Hideaki to continue.
''As you know, Halloween ball for 3rd-year and graduated students is in a few days. If you haven't already promised someone else, could I possibly have the honour of accompanying you to the ball?''
Small blush crept on Haruhi's face. She hadn't been expecting this at all. Hideaki was flustered but tried to keep it from showing. He was scratching the silk covering of his chair while waiting for Haruhi to reply.
''I would like that'', Haruhi answered slowly making the man's face light up.
''It's settled then'', he beamed.
There didn't seem to be much studying after that, so they decided to just talk for some time. Haruhi would always leave early on Wednesdays anyway because the Host club members had a get-together then. Now that most of the hosts had graduated it didn't make much sense to keep the club officially running. They still decided to meet weekly, so they wouldn't lose contact with each other. Today hosts had agreed on meeting at Kyoya's apartment.
At half past three Haruhi excused herself so she could take the ride with twins to Kyoya's. Kaoru strategically pushed Hikaru to sit next to Haruhi in the car. He had to admit he found his flustered brother amusing.
It wasn't a long ride and soon the driver parked the car in front of a heavy iron gate. Through the bars Haruhi could see a stone path leading towards a big white house. Gigantic trees made beautiful shadow patterns on the ground and the woman could hear water splashing.
''It's probably a fountain'', Haruhi thought to herself. Kyoya had just moved to this house so Tamaki was the only host who had visited already. Hikaru wasn't interested in the scenery. He had his eyes fixed on the lady next to him. Red headed man would often find himself looking at her. He couldn't figure out why. He never found any other people worth this much attention, if one didn't count his twin. With every step towards having friendships and opening up to other people, Haruhi seemed to be there for him and Kaoru.
''Such an odd feeling. Almost bittersweet'', Hikaru thought with a small smile on his face. He was soon returned back to reality when the gates in front of them opened. Haruhi could see Honey waving at her from the porch. She chuckled lightly when they entered the house. It looked exactly how she had imagined it. Modern overall look was complimented by some antique furniture in a beautiful balance. Everything was practical but cozy. Kyoya smiled devilishly when Haruhi told him she found the house to be his style. Tamaki acted his usual self. He had become even more like a lost puppy around Haruhi now that he didn't see her so often.
''Tama-chan, you need to let us cuddle Haru-chan too'', Honey pouted when Tamaki had been cradling Haruhi for too long. She was grateful for the rescue. Tamaki could often be slightly suffocating even if meant well. Mori had a tender smile on his face as he patted Haruhi on the head. Aside from looking a couple of years older the personalities of the hosts hadn't changed much. Kyoya was in top university trying to gain a place in his father's company. Tamaki was still overly dramatic and childish but had become a bit more responsible. He was now learning to lead the family company while studying in the university with Kyoya.
''Nonsense Honey-senpai! No one should cuddle my adorable daughter except for me. Her princess like purity must be protected from the gaze and touch of vile men! Daddy won't allow her to become so sinful'', Tamaki proclaimed while moving his arms dramatically. With an unimpressed expression on her face Haruhi escaped his touch by moving next to the twins.
Soon they were all sitting in the living room chatting. Haruhi had promised to cook dinner for them today. Even though Kyoya had staff to do that, all hosts loved having Haruhi's homemade food. It didn't take long for the topic of Halloween ball to come up. Apparently, all except the twins and Tamaki had partners to go with. Even Mori had asked a woman from the Honey's dojo to accompany him. Kyoya was taking the daughter of the CEO of a rival company of course.
''What about you, Kao-chan and Hika-chan'', Honey asked with wide eyes, ''will you ask someone from Ouran?''
Hikaru scoffed not knowing what to answer but Kaoru said he'd like to ask the class 2-A president.
''She seems like a lot of fun'', younger twin said with a smirk, ''and how about you, Lord?''
''Haruhi, of course! As her daddy I have the responsibility to look after her! Don't worry, my sweet daughter. I shall protect your warm gaze even if it's the la…''
''I already have a partner'', Haruhi interrupted with a bored look on her face, not knowing the impact it would have on other hosts. Kyoya was the only one to remain calm after such news. Honey leaned in with his mouth hanging open and Tamaki seemed to have had a shock.
''Eeeh Haru-chan, who is it? Do you have a boyfriend'', Honey asked. Kaoru had a sudden bad feeling about the answer and turned to look at his brother. Hikaru's hands were trembling on his lap with emotion.
''Ah no, it's my classmate Hideaki Mori-san. We have been studying together a lot.''
Hikaru jumped up from the sofa and startled the others. His face was covered by his hair and the hand he was holding up. Without a warning the auburn haired older twin stormed out of the room and punched the carved white wooden door open on the way. Kaoru called after him and tried to catch up with him after apologizing quickly to the others. Haruhi was shocked by his behavior. She couldn't figure out why he was acting like that but clearly, they needed to talk. The woman got up without explaining and ran after the twins.
Outside the house Kaoru was trying to talk to Hikaru when Haruhi arrived. Hikaru had his back turned on the other two and his fists were clenched tightly on his sides. Wind blew and tousled their hairs. It was surprisingly warm for autumn.
''Hikaru, what was that about'', Haruhi asked, ''I don't understand why you reacted like that.''
''Don't understand, huh? Well you should. It's not my job to tell you'', Hikaru spat out. Haruhi felt anger claim her body. She certainly didn't feel like she deserved such a cold attitude from her friend.
''If this is about Mori-san, I don't see the problem. He is a nice man who likes studying just like me. He's a great friend.''
Finally, Hikaru turned to face Haruhi. He looked more like a young boy than he had looked for ages. Amber eyes had tears of frustration in them and Hikaru's mouth was a tight line. He was trembling as he started to yell: ''If he's so perfect, then why do you even bother with us at all? If he's such a great friend, then what do you do with us? He's just trying to use you to get to the university anyway!''
Haruhi completely lost her temper then.
''Do I have to remind you of when you had this problem about Arai-kun? I have the right to take whoever I want to that ball and I most certainly have the right to have as many other friends as I want! You're not my superior!''
''Well clearly, we're not friends when you choose him over all of us! You're always spending time with him and don't even sit next to us as much anymore!''
''I am studying with him! Some of us can't buy our way to university!''
''He sure as hell wants to do more than studying! Stupid, lying…''
Haruhi stepped forward and pushed Hikaru. Embarrassing tear was sliding down her cheek. Hikaru could feel the anger fade away when he looked at her eyes. She seemed so upset. Angry too but mostly she just seemed hurt. Hikaru wasn't the type to feel regret but if he would, now would have been the time. Slowly he lifted his pale hand towards the woman's shoulder. But before he could touch her, Haruhi had backed off and formed a cold and emotionless expression on her face.
''We should go back inside'', Haruhi muttered coldly, ''I need to make preparations for dinner.''
Without saying anything else she stomped back inside. Kaoru was left to look at his emotional older twin alone. Hikaru was avoiding looking at his other half. It was painfully silent, the only noise being the fountain making little twirls and waves on the surface of the water.
''You know, Hikaru. If it makes you feel that awful, maybe you should try expressing your feelings in a nicer way.''
The older twin buried his face on his hands and said in a low toned voice: ''I don't know how. I don't even know what I feel.''
Kaoru smiled a little. His brother had a long way to go if he wanted to start treating Haruhi right.
Maybe it's time I give him a nudge. He is never going to figure this out on his own.
