I was really happy to do this chapter since it's one of my favorites, so i hope you enjoy this chapter. especially since we're finally getting around to what Kohaku feels about the hosts. ^^

Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran or anything Ouran related, nor do I own "Rain" by Breaking Benjamin or "Crying Rain" by Girugamesh. I do own Kohaku and Fu-kun.

"The ocean?"

"Yeah, the ocean~"

I rolled my eyes at the twins speaking with Haruhi while I wiggled a foxtail for Fu-kun to play with. I was bored, really, but it seems things were about to get pretty interesting since the beach scene was coming up.

"As of today, all final exams are over! The only thing left to do is wait for summer vacation!"

I perked up suddenly, at the mention of final exams. I wonder what Haruhi got… So I scooped up Fu-kun and headed over, interrupting the twins as I snatched Haruhi's papers from her.

"Kohaku-kun, what are you doing?"

"What did you get on your final exams?"

"Huh? I got first. I have to, to keep my scholarship."

I nodded as the twins slung their arms over my shoulders and Fu-kun rolled around on Haruhi's books, despite her glaring at him.

"What did…"

"…you get…"

"…Kohaku-senpai?"

I opened my mouth to answer them, but Honey came over with a big grin on his face.

"He got first!"

The twins looked shocked. "Really?!"

"He beat you, Honey-senpai?!"

"Mhmm! Ko-kun's really smart! Right Takeshi?"

"Ah."

Mori ruffled my hair and I flushed a bit in embarrassment. "I-I'm not that smart."

"I disagree."

Kyoya, of all people, spoke up from his table. "You got full marks on all of them. As well as full marks in all of your classes. You seem to be quite intelligent."

"No way! Full marks in everything?!"

I sighed and dropped my head onto the table, which Fu-kun took advantage of and peeked at everyone through my hair. Then, I had an idea. Though Haruhi will hate me for it.

"So what were you two saying about the ocean?"

The twins suddenly stopped their barrage of questions and snatched Haruhi's papers again. She turned toward me and gave me a glare.

"Thanks a lot, Kohaku-kun."

"No problem." I muttered from the table.

"That's right, Haruhi! Would you prefer the Caribbean or Fiji?"

"I don't have money for that."

"I'll lend you some. Unlimited term with interest."

I lifted up my head and sweat dropped at Kyoya's response, nearly tossing Fu-kun down my back.

"Why unlimited? Wouldn't it be better to do a fixed term with interest? You'd definitely profit more if Haruhi decided to end the contract early."

He blinked at me and Haruhi face palmed.

"Are you trying to get me into more debt?"

I pretended to think about it for a moment before I nodded. "Yeah. The more debt you have the longer you stay in the host club, right? I wouldn't want you to leave before me."

I smiled innocently and she sighed, giving up just as Tamaki blew up at the twins.

"Are you sexually harassing my daughter bastards?! Mommy! Hikaru and Kaoru are saying nasty things about their little sister!"

"Is it my fate to be saddled with three kids at only seventeen?"

"Four kids!" I called out. "I'm their brother apparently."

He sighed and began shutting down his laptop. "Right…"

"So you're not going to the ocean?" The twins asked Tamaki.

"Who said I'm not going?"

They smirked devilishly. "It's settled then."

"I have no objections." Kyoya responded followed by Honey.

"Can I take Usa-chan too?"

I personally, shrugged. "I don't really care. I'll need a ride though."

Haruhi looked shocked. "W-Wait a minute, really?!"

I laughed and slung my arm across Haruhi's shoulders.

"Don't worry! It'll be fun!"

She bowed her head dejectedly and soon we were in two separate limos. Why two again? It's not like you guys couldn't have all fit in one. I picked up Fu-kun and held him in front of me.

"Are you kidding me?" I spun him around and held him out towards the leather interior of the limo we were in. "Look how amazingly quiet it is in here without the others!"

Kyoya sighed next to me and set down the book he was reading.

"It would be appreciated if you would keep your voice down, Kohaku-senpai. I only agreed to take you because you are calmer than the others and-"

"And you'd hate to let the rest know where I live, when you can keep it a secret and enjoy the shocked looks they give you when they find out you knew…Right?"

He seemed a bit surprised, but quickly composed himself and returned to his book.

"Correct. It seems you're even more intelligent that you let on."

I shook my head with a small smile. "Not really. It's more like I…have more years of experience."

Be careful of what you say, kid. I know. I know.

"Kohaku-senpai."

"Hm?" I turned my head around to find him peeking in from outside the limo.

"We're here."

I flushed slightly in embarrassment and climbed out of the car, pausing to turn back towards him.

"Are you, um, coming in? Or are you going to wait?"

He raised a brow with an evil smirk. "Are you sure you want to do that? Inviting me in? I may find out more about you thank you think."

Oh? A challenge. I like challenges. I smirked and turned around, with a wave over my shoulder. "Come in if you want. I've got nothing to hide."

"We'll see about that."

After quickly changing into a pair of swim trunks and putting a rash guard over my bandages in the bedroom, I headed towards the kitchen. Peeking into the living room where I left Kyoya, I smirked as he scanned the papers littered around with a frown.

"Not finding what you were looking for?"

He turned towards me, frustration clear on his face even as he pushed up his glasses.

"Not quite. Are you finished?"

"Just about." I picked up Fu-kun from the floor and smiled, holding him up to show Kyoya. "Isn't he just ridiculous?"

Fu-kun was wearing his own little swim trunks and had a small pair of sunglasses on his face. Kyoya looked at him and did something…unexpected.

"Pft."

He covered his mouth with his fist, a smile just barely evident on the corner of his lips. Well, I'll be… I think I broke him…

"I suppose 'ridiculous' is an accurate description."

"R-Right…"

I slowly set Fu-kun down and backed up into the kitchen, keeping my eyes on Kyoya until I closed the sliding door quickly. Turning away from the door, I squatted down on the ground and grabbed at my hair. What just happened?! He laughed! Actually laughed! Well, not full on, gut busting laughter, but still! …Oh man, this isn't good. I thought as my heart thumped erratically in my chest.

In the other room, Kyoya was having the same dilemma. He'd seen how shocked Kohaku was when she shut herself in the kitchen, for whatever reason, and he was positive he'd lost control for just a second. But it was enough. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he sat down on a, rather ornate, red velvet chair.

Fu-kun clambered up on the arm and Kyoya glanced at him as he lowered his hand. What was it that I found so amusing? It's just a ferret in miniature clothes. Perhaps, it wasn't me that you found amusing, but Kohaku. Kyoya's eyes widened as he locked eyes with the snow colored rodent, who tilted its head with what looked like a smirk on its face. Emotions are complicated things, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them.

The ferret jumped off the arm of the chair and hurried towards the sliding door of the kitchen, leaving Kyoya sitting in shock. Was that…No. Impossible. I've been around the hosts so much I'm imagining voices now. He sighed again and leaned back in the chair as the sliding door to the kitchen opened and Kohaku came out like nothing was wrong.

"You like the chair?"

"Surprisingly, yes. Although, I question how you could afford it with this apartment."

Kohaku picked up Fu-kun by his scruff and pointed at him.

"Fu-kun has a habit of purchasing things online when I leave my laptop out. Screws up my whole entire financial system."

Kohaku glared at the ferret but placed him on her shoulder.

"We better hurry. Haru-chan just texted me in a plea for help. The twins are trying to get her in a two-piece and I believe that we're hosting today."

"How did you know that?"

She smirked back at him over her shoulder. "I have my sources."

"Beautiful…It's like a dream, seeing the ocean together like this alone with Tamaki."

"It's not a dream…but I pray that you can see me in your dreams tonight." Tamaki replied huskily.

"Tamaki-sama.~"

I spotted Haruhi with a deadpan expression, and patted her on the shoulder in comfort.

"It's okay, Haruhi-kun. It could be worse."

She glared at me. "Oh yeah? How."

I opened my mouth to answer when something big and white hit me in the face. The volleyball bounced away while the twins laughed out apologies. As I lie down on the sand, a shadow blocked my view of the sky. It was Haruhi.

"You okay?"

I nodded as she helped me sit back up, rubbing my face to rid it of the burning sensation.

"And, Kohaku-kun."

"Yeah?"

"You were right. It could be worse."

I frowned as she laughed at me, tossing a handful of sand at her. We laughed together for a moment when a group of swimsuit clad ladies came over.

"Haruhi-kun, Kohaku-kun, you're not going to swim?"

"Ah, I like watching more." Haruhi spoke.

"Then do you want to watch together?"

"Why? Go take a dip. You're all wearing cute swimsuits, too!"

They blushed and I mentally chuckled. Heh, she probably doesn't even know how she looks in the eyes of these girls.

"W-What about you, Kohaku-kun?"

I blinked at them for a second, before standing up and dusting myself off with a slight smile. I'm still a bit uncomfortable with the guests, but Kyoya says it's good for business so my nervousness towards them goes unnoticed.

"S-Sure. I-I'll join you ladies. Haruhi-kun, can you watch Fu-kun for me?"

I pointed at Fu-kun as he sunbathed, Haruhi giving him a funny look.

"Uh, sure. Go have fun. You too, ladies!"

She waved and we headed off, playing in the water for a while before the girls grew weary and decided to head back up on the sand. I, on the other hand, wasn't very tired at all and decided that now would be a good time to think over what I should do with the plot today; or if I should do anything at all.

I sighed and stretched out on my back in the calm water. So, after the whole game that the twins come up with, she'll attack the drunks up on the cliff before being pushed off. Should I warn everyone before hand?…No, that'd ruin Tamaki and Haruhi's little moment later on. Should I be up there with her though or go up with the others? I know a bit of martial arts, so I can rough them up a bit but…I want to do something more. I rolled over and swam to the beach just as Haruhi called out to Tamaki with a wave with Fu-kun on Honey's shoulder next to her.

"Senpai! Dinner tonight's going to be huge!"

Crap. Forgot about that too…I hate seafood…

"What do you think, Haruhi? Do you like giant crabs?"

I walked over as she smiled brightly and the other guests came over to see what was going on.

"I do!"

Tamaki's face flushed a bit as he thought about how cute she was, when I noticed a centipede crawling over the crab. The guests freaked, along with the twins, and they all ran off screaming while Tamaki, Haruhi, and I just stood there. Looking back at the crab, noticing Tamaki was actually in shock, I picked up the centipede and let it crawl around my hand for a moment before I held it out towards Haruhi.

"You wanna take it?"

She shrugged, but took it and tossed it over to some rocks. The twins came over and placed their arms on both of our shoulders with odd looks.

"Hey, Haruhi…"

"We'll step back and assume you're a kind, bug-loving girl…"

"…But can't you at least throw the bug away more gently?"

"And we never thought you'd…""…Like bugs too…"

"Kohaku-senpai."

"It won't die from a throw like that." Haruhi said.

"She's right and I don't like bugs, but I don't hate them either. Now reptiles, those are just freakin' cool."

I grinned and they all gave me a look like I was insane as the girls returned.

"Haruhi-kun is so manly."

"And Kohaku-kun was really brave even though he's so shy."

Haruhi and I were instantly surrounded as I spotted Tamaki and the twins talking further off. Probably about the game to find Haruhi's weakness. I continued watching them as Kyoya came over and held out pictures, making everyone want to join in when I spotted him give me a smirk. Oh crap. He's planning something.

He said something to the others and they gave him confused looks, glancing between him and I every once in a while. Kyoya said something else and whatever it was seemed to have gotten them to agree. Great. He's even got the twins smirking at me. This can't be good. Oh well, I'll find out sooner or later.

And man did I find out. Somehow, I got dragged along with the twins and their little group into the cave nearby. I rolled my eyes, already knowing what was going to happen. I don't get scared easily anyway. They'll be disappointed.

"This place is actually the haunted spot where even the locals don't dare to come to."

"This cave doesn't show itself except for when the tide is out."

"Despite this, there have been many people who have drowned here and apparently, their grudges drag people that pass by into the darkness."

"What's that?!" Kaoru shouted.

I ignored him, seeing how he didn't look very convincing to begin with, but the other girls weren't as observant and were shivering and cuddling each other in fear before they screamed. A hand landed on Haruhi's shoulder and another grabbed my ankle, but I remained unresponsive, other than turning around to look at Kaoru who had a flashlight shining on his face.

"What is this? Some kind of fear trial?" Haruhi asked.

"Not very scary if you ask me." I responded.

"You two aren't scared of ghosts at all?" Hikaru said as he moved the fake ghost puppet he had.

"Well, I've never actually seen one and I had a feeling you two were up to something like this."

"What about…"

"…you, Kohaku-senpai?"

I turned back around as were we walking out of the cave, facing Haruhi and the twins.

"I've actually seen ghosts so this doesn't scare me. My grandparents' place was haunted. Had the previous owner still hanging around…Quite literally."

I trialed off and left the cave, leaving the three hosts shivering in shock and fear. It was a true story too. And a disturbing one at that. I had nightmares for months after that.

"Ko-chan! Haru-chan! This way! This way!"

She was confused by the huge truck Honey was standing in, but I climbed in with him and sat in the back corner of the truck as he called down to Kyoya's private police force.

"Well then, everyone in the private police, please."

"Yes, sir!" They saluted us as I mock saluted back, and closed the door to the vehicle.

3...2...1...

"It's scary; it's dark; it's cramped in here!"

Honey continued to yell and shout, repeating his fears as he grew more and more panicked, before I finally got up and knocked on the truck door to alert the police that we were finished. They opened the door and we all jumped out, Honey jumping into my open arms to cry about what had just occurred. Turning around, I froze and blinked at the harpoon that was pointed in my direction.

"This is a harpoon, isn't it, Mori-senpai?" Haruhi said.

"Ah."

Mori deadpanned and I took the weapon from him, handing it off to one of the police nearby after I handed Honey back. Then, I spotted the twins over by one of the small buildings and headed over towards them where I leaned on the wall they were sitting on.

"Ah, she's so fearless. Doesn't that disqualify her as the heroine?"

I smirked, but when I heard Tamaki shout, I was over the wall in an instant. In his hands, was a bucket full of snakes.

"I've got green snakes here. It should look disgusting when I've gathered this much."

"Anyone would feel disgusted at that." Hikaru mumbled.

"Oh!" I hurried over, much to the surprise of the three hosts, and picked up one of the snakes out of the bucket gently. "So cool!"

"Are you serious?" Kaoru said.

"You're even more fearless than Haruhi, Kohaku-senpai."

I nodded, replacing the snake and glancing up at the cliff where I saw Haruhi heading. I started walking off, but then I thought I should mention something to the three guys.

"Ah, and those aren't green snakes, Tamaki. They're pit vipers."

With that, I ran up towards the cliff as they ran off screaming. I met up with Haruhi just as she threw her bucket of shells at one of the guys.

"Let her go. She doesn't like it."

"Yeah." I growled. "Leave them alone."

"Damn brats!"

The three guys let the girls go and they ran off to go get help, while Haruhi and I were confronted by the guys. The leader of the group reached out to grab Haruhi, but I grabbed his wrist in a painful grip. I was glad the girls were gone, because I'd rather they didn't see this side of me.

"Hey. I thought we said to piss off."

"Why you-"

He swung a punch at me, but I dodged and threw him to the ground, surprising him and his groupies. I raised my own fist to punch him, but a hand grabbed mine and I turned to see Haruhi shaking her head.

"Don't, Kohaku-kun. It's not worth it."

I sighed, but let go of the guy's shirt and turned around to head back to the beach with Haruhi.

"I guess you're right. Let's head back so the others don't worr-"

Wham!

My words were cut off as something hard hit me in the back of the head, causing my vision to spin and make me fall to the ground. I groaned as Haruhi started yelling at me, her voice mixing with the guys' shouting.

"Kohaku-kun!"

"Dude! You trying to kill him?!"

"What the hell, man?!"

"Shut up! I-I just-He pissed me off!"

I felt Haruhi being pulled away from me and I struggled, but managed to stand; swaying a bit as I held my head. I felt one of the other guys grab my arms and pull me back. In my fogged vision, I saw the leader holding Haruhi close to the edge and something in me snapped.

I got out of the guy's hold and kicked him hard across the face, knocking him into his buddy, before I ran over and clobbered the leader in the face; forcing him to release Haruhi. He started to get up and I turned to Haruhi quickly.

"Go!"

"B-But Ko-"

She was cut off as the guy came back up and hit me good across the jaw. I fell to the ground again, dangerously close to the edge seeing how my head was hanging over the side.

"Kohaku-kun!"

I coughed as a foot hit me in the stomach, but had enough energy to glare as the leader who was holding Haruhi hostage once again.

"Damn brats. Kids like you two should just go bathe in the sea!"

"Haruhi!"

I heard Tamaki's shout just as the guy pushed both Haruhi and I off the cliff. As I hit the water, Tamaki had as well and I saw him grab Haruhi so I started swimming to the surface. I knew she was safe now and, although I was exhausted and hurt, I doubted the others would have seen me fall into the ocean as well. I grabbed onto a rock nearby and coughed a bit, before swimming to shore. When I was able to, I stood up and walked noticing a little white Fu-kun running in my direction as the others noticed me.

"Kohaku-kun!"

"Ko-kun!"

I scooped up Fu-kun and placed him on my shoulder, where he licked my bruised jaw and wandered towards Haruhi and the others. After Haruhi was placed on the ground, she hurried towards me concerned.

"Are you okay, Kohaku-kun?"

I gave her a smile, but winced as pain shot up my jaw. "I've been better."

"I've already called for a doctor, so one should be here soon." Kyoya said.

I nodded and rubbed the back of my head gently, bringing my hand back to find some blood on it. I frowned with a sigh when I noticed Honey's eyes go wide. Oh crap. He saw.

"Ko-kun! You're bleeding!"

That caught everyone's attention and Kyoya was glaring at me.

"I-I'm fine, Honey-kun. Besides, Kyoya already called a doctor so it'll be better in no time."

I could still see the worry in Honey-kun's eyes and something inside me felt…angry. Honey knows I'm a girl and he's treating me like I'm some fragile doll when I'm not. I'm nowhere close to that. I mentally sighed, knowing that I shouldn't be getting angry with Honey over some stupid stereotypical thought most guys have about girls. There was just no point. Just then, I heard Tamaki going at it with Haruhi.

"You…Are you a martial arts expert like Honey-senpai or won any diving competitions?!"

She seemed a bit confused as Tamaki grabbed her shoulders.

"Why do you think one girl like you can take on guys?"

She looked determined as she spoke. "This has nothing to do with being a guy or a girl. When you're put into a situation like that, you didn't have time to think about things like that and Kohaku-kun was-"

"Still think about it, stupid! You're still a girl!"

Haruhi glared and I felt like I should do something. Not only because I felt she was right, but also because it wasn't entirely true that she was taking those guys on herself.

"I apologize for causing trouble, but I don't understand why I need to get scolded for something more than that. I didn't do anything wrong!"

"Oh yeah? Then do whatever you want." Tamaki let her go and started walking away from her. "I won't talk to you until you accept the fact that you were wrong."

I looked between the two before sighing and heading towards the mansion next to Haruhi. I seem to be doing a lot of sighing today, but I should still apologize.

"I'm sorry." I said.

"What are you talking about?" She gave me a confused look.

"Tamaki's angry with you when it's my fault. I should have paid more attention."

She glared and stopped walking, alerting the other hosts and they turned around to watch.

"Stop it."

"Stop what?"

I was confused. I couldn't fathom at the moment why she was angry with me and my new headache wasn't helping.

"Stop blaming yourself, Kohaku-kun. You couldn't have stopped what happened."

"Yes I could've!" Haruhi and the others were shocked that I raised my voice at her, but I kept going. "I could've stopped it. I could've prevented everything…No…I couldn't have. It would ruin it…all of it…"

My head was pounding, drowning out everything as I felt everything just give way. My knees crumpled, hitting the sand, before I feel forward and my world went blank.

"The weather really changed…"

"I wanted to play with the fireworks." Honey pouted.

"Yeah, me too. Haruhi, it's your turn."

Haruhi wasn't in the room, so Hikaru rolled the dice for the board game they had discovered in Nekozawa's mansion.

"4...5...6...7. 'Five years later, suffers an automobile accident and fractures the left wrist' what the hell?"

Kyoya sighed. "12 years later, company goes bankrupt. Reduced to working as a janitor at a department store'. It's not even funny."

"I'm '10 years later, your height will decrease by 2 cm'." Honey pouted.

"Who's next?" Kaoru asked.

"Kohaku-kun." Mori said.

They rolled for the missing host and winced at what he landed on. "Uh, '8 years later, mugged on street corner and passes out in a gutter. Lose a turn'." Kaoru sighed and played for Tamaki since he was busy being depressed.

"Currently earned hatred from friend, massively depressed."

The gloom around him darkened and the twins began to tease him for a while, until the lights suddenly came on (frightening Nekozawa) and Haruhi and Kohaku came in through the door; Fu-kun on Kohaku's shoulder and bandages around Kohaku's head. The group was surprised, for more than one reason. First off, Kohaku and Haruhi entered together despite their previous argument, but more importantly, Haruhi was in a dress and a cute one at that.

"The main breaker was thrown, so I turned it back on." Haruhi said.

"I told her not to, for Nekozawa's sake, but…that obviously didn't work."

Kohaku grumbled as he went and sat down at the table, dropping his head on it and closing his eyes with a huff. Haruhi rolled her eyes as the hosts began asking about her clothes.

"Yeah, I think my dad repacked all my bags. He always wants me to wear this kind of thing."

"Haru-chan kawaii!"

"Are your wounds okay?"

Haruhi nodded at Kyoya before the twins started pampering her. She pretty much didn't care, having already gotten used to the twins, but she soon spotted Tamaki sporting an impressive nosebleed. After Honey unsuccessfully tried to stop it, everyone sat down at the table to eat and Kyoya, reluctantly, sat next to the half-conscious Kohaku.

"You should eat, senpai."

"Mhmmhm."

He wasn't quite sure what he had said, his voice being muffled by the table, and frowned at him.

"I cannot understand you with your face planted in the dining table."

Kohaku lifted his head and gave Kyoya a blank look.

"I don't like seafood."

"Should I ask the servants for something else?"

Kohaku raised a brow at him. "Shocking. Never knew you could be nice. I thought you hated me." He trailed off and plopped his head back on the table, turning it to the side so he could see the frustrated look now on Kyoya's face. "But, no. I'm not hungry. You should be more worried about those two."

His hand pointed at Tamaki and Haruhi, the former trying to steal crab while the latter stabbed at his hand with a crab claw. Kyoya wasn't surprised, but he subconsciously wondered why Kohaku was acting…different.

"Even Haruhi has a surprisingly immature side to her." Hikaru noticed.

"A commoner's obsession with food is at an almost frightening level." Kyoya said, having remembered how Kohaku acted when being woken up. Hm, quite similar to now, actually. Perhaps… Kyoya quickly got up and headed to the kitchen where he asked for something small and sweet.

Returning to the dining room, he placed the small pint of cherry cordial ice cream down in front of Kohaku with a spoon. He watched as Kohaku slowly seemed to notice something, turning his head to the side and sniffing the air. It was quite amusing, really, but Kyoya was sure to keep a straight face even as Kohaku dug into the ice cream with a smile on his face.

"Hey you! Are you the twins or something?!"

Kohaku and Kyoya were both unaffected by Tamaki's shout, but they turned to watch the scene unfold nonetheless.

"Didn't you say you weren't going to talk to me anymore? And besides, you're gonna burst my eardrums."

The room grew silent but tense before Tamaki finally seemed to have enough.

"It seems like you have no intentions of apologizing…Fine then! I'm going to bed!"

He turned towards the door and one of Nekozawa's servants offered to take him to his room, but one look at the hallway had Tamaki giving Kyoya the puppy dog eyes.

"Kyoya…"

With a sigh, Kyoya got up. "Everyone, please excuse me."

Kohaku stood up as well, surprising the others and followed them out, pausing at the door and turning around.

"I'm sorry if I worried you."

He bowed and left, and the hosts still in the room all turned to Haruhi as she paused in her excessive eating.

"Maybe I should learn karate or something."

The hosts sweat dropped with a sigh, thinking the same thing. She's clueless.

I walked down the hall next to Kyoya and Tamaki still munching on my ice cream.

"Neh, Kyoya-kun, how'd you know I liked this kind of ice cream?"

He glanced at me as I hummed and took another bite.

"You seemed angry earlier and I assumed you'd just woken up. As for the ice cream, I had no knowledge that it was something you liked."

"Oh…You wanna try some?"

I held out the container to him and he raised a brow in question while Tamaki chuckled.

"What, pray tell, is so funny, Tamaki?" Kyoya growled.

"I-It's just…I haven't seen you look so confused before!"

"I am not confused."

"Then why haven't you done anything?"

Kyoya paused and looked over at me as I gave a small smile, enjoying the situation before me. He frowned at me before grabbing the spoon in my hand and shoving it in his mouth. My face flushed a bit as he pulled away and glared at Tamaki.

"There."

He stopped and opened the door the servant pointed out for him before shutting it behind him a bit harshly. Tamaki laughed as we continued to follow the servant and I turned to him. Something just seemed odd about how he was acting.

"Tamaki-kun, what are you hiding?"

He paused in his laughing and turned towards me. "Hm?"

"Earlier, with Kyoya-kun…I-I haven't seen you act like that before."

He gave a soft smile. "Yeah, well, I haven't seen Kyoya like that either. You've changed him more than you think, Kohaku-senpai."

"Me?" I gave him an odd look. "He hates me. He's always getting angry with me and glaring at me for no reason. I'm surprised he hasn't shipped me out of the country in a cardboard box."

I frowned and ate another bite of my ice cream a bit viciously. Tamaki just chuckling away next to me.

"I disagree. You seem to…provide a challenge for him. This is the first time I've seen him so determined to figure something out that doesn't have to do with his father."

I thought about that for a second and nodded. "I guess. He's a tough challenge for me too. It's…It's just hard to figure out what he's thinking sometimes."

"You should be grateful. Most of us can't even guess what he's thinking at all…But, try not to take what he says to heart. He may seem harsh, and rude, and evil, and-"

"And a lot of other things, but he's a nice guy deep down. I know that, Tamaki-kun. I just wish he'd show it more."

Tamaki stopped outside his door and grabbed me by the shoulders, looking in my eyes with a serious look.

"Kohaku-senpai…" He smiled. "I'm sure you are the only person who can make that happen."

I flushed as he stood back up and winked at me, causing my mind to go haywire. H-He knows?! B-B-But he's…he's Tamaki! He's supposed to be the densest one here! How did he figure it out?! You should know by know kid. Use that brain you're so proud of. I sighed and went into my own room, sending the servant off and starting up the shower. I needed to relax a bit especially with the new information Tamaki had given me.

I sighed and got in, letting the water drip off me as I thought. So, who knows so far…Honey, Mori, Haruhi, and now Tamaki. The twins still seem to think I'm gay and Kyoya…Why hasn't he figured it out? Is it just that uncommon? Haruhi should have clued him in somewhat. That's probably how Tamaki figured it out.

I turned off the water and got out, draping the towel over my head after I replaced my chest bandages and put on black pajama pants and a black sweater that stretched to my fingertips. I heard my stomach growl and guessed that the ice cream wasn't quite enough to satisfy me until morning so I headed towards the door; leaving the towel on a chair nearby.

"You staying here, Fu-kun? I'm going to get some food."

Yeah. I'll wait for you. Oh, oh! Bring me a banana!

I sniggered, knowing that a banana was his favorite treat and how excited he'd get when I'd buy some at the store for him.

"Sure thing. Behave."

He rolled his small violet eyes and relaxed on my bed as I grabbed my ipod and left the room. Soft guitar music played through my headphones and I smiled at the song as I saw rain patter down a window I passed and began to sing.

"Take a photograph,

It'll be the last,

Not a dollar or a crowd could ever keep me here,

I don't have a past

I just have a chance,

Not a family or honest plea remains to say,

Rain, rain go away,

Come again another day,

All the world is waiting for the sun.

Is it you I want or just the notion

Of a heart to wrap around so I can find my way around?

Safe to say from here,

You're getting closer now,

We are never sad 'cause we are not allowed to be

Rain, rain go away,

Come again another day,

All the world is waiting for the sun.

Rain, rain go away,

Come again another day,

All the world is waiting for the sun.

To lie here under you,

Is all that I could ever do,

To lie here under you is all,

To lie here under you is all that I could ever do,

To lie here under you is all,

Rain, rain go away,

Come again another day,

All the world is waiting for the sun.

Rain, rain go away,

Come again another day,

All the world is waiting for the sun,

All the world is waiting for the sun,

All the world is waiting for the sun."

As I finished, I noticed Tamaki giving me a small smile and clapping softly. I had been caught again and I blushed a bit, pausing my ipod and taking off my headphones.

"S-Sorry. I was just going to grab a bite to eat and I-I thought I was alone."

He shook his head. "It's okay. You really are a good singer though, Kohaku-senpai. You shouldn't be so embarrassed by it."

"R-Right. You heading over to Kyoya's room for lotion then?"

"Hm? Yeah. How'd you know?"

I froze a bit and mentally questioned myself. Should I tell him? Not the whole truth, just…that I know things. I mean, he's always shown as the most idiotic character and he's certainly proved that, but I actually know him now and…I think I can trust him. With this much, at least. I took a deep breath and started walking with him towards Kyoya's room as I spoke.

"I-I don't know how to say this without sounding w-weird, but I know things about you and the host club."

"What do you mean?"

"I know how you all met, how Honey-kun was going to be washed away in the jungle pool, how Haruhi-chan was going to be pushed off the cliff today, and even a bit about all of your families. I know what else is going to happen today and over summer break. I know about Kyoya's father and how Kyoya-kun is the third son who's fighting to become the heir and fighting to be respected. I know about your mother in France, Tamaki-kun, and about how your grandmother hates you." I looked upwards as I fiddled with the sleeves of my sweater. "I know more than anyone here should and it's hard trying not to change anything."

I glanced over at him as he held a hand to his chin in thought with his brows furrowed. It took him a moment, but he soon spoke up.

"So…you're like a psychic?"

"I guess you could call it that. The only difference is, I only know up to a certain point and I only know one side of the story. You were all just like characters in a story to me and I was just interfering with the plot."

"Do you still believe that?"

I snapped my head in his direction in shock. I hadn't expected that but, when I looked at him, at those violet eyes, all I saw was curiosity. He wasn't judging me because I thought of them as imaginary characters or because I knew things I shouldn't know or even because I hadn't saved Haruhi from being pushed. He just wanted to know what I thought now. Now was all that mattered. I gave a short chuckle and smiled at him.

"No…No, I guess I don't. I know that Kyoya's not the evil, shadow lord I thought he was. I know that Mori isn't actually quiet, and that Haruhi is possibly the greatest friend I've ever had. But most of all, I know that I'm not alone anymore and that you guys can't just be seen as characters anymore because you're all here for me…Whether I want you to be or not."

We both laughed a bit as we approached Kyoya's room and Tamaki opened the door.

"Kyoya, do you have any lotion? My sunburn is hurting like-"

He saw the scene in front of him and immediately came to his own conclusions, but Kyoya quickly dissolved them and shut the door behind him with a sigh. I snickered and he looked surprised to see me there.

"She got to you, didn't she?"

"Who?" Kyoya said with a scowl.

"Haruhi-chan. She said something like 'you were playing the villain to defend Tamaki', right?"

"How long have you been here?"

"I just bumped into Tamaki-kun on the way to get a snack. I haven't been here long."

"Then how-"

I smirked at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to figure that out? That's part of the game, isn't it?"

He snarled at me, something I didn't expect, but what I didn't expect more was him grabbing me and dragging me to Tamaki's abandoned room and holding me against the wall.

"Tell me, now."

I frowned. "Tell you what?"

"Tell. Me. Everything. You may know how to fool everyone else into thinking and doing what you want them to, but I know what's going on. Tell me what you're hiding."

"I'm hiding t-the same things you are."

I cursed my stutter at that moment. I was scared of this Kyoya. Frightened of what he was asking me and how he was asking me, but I didn't want to feel this way. I didn't want to feel fear and more importantly, I didn't want him to know I was feeling it. He smirked at me and I knew it was too late for that. He knew he was scaring me and he was glad he was.

"You're scared, aren't you? Frightened. Tell me what I want and I'll let you go."

I swallowed and tried to control the shaking of my limbs. I didn't want to tell him. I wanted him to figure it out, but my instincts were all telling me to say it and run. I was the prey in this situation and Kyoya was the starving lion, hungry for information.

"I-I…won't. I won't tell you."

I stared up at him defiantly and his gaze hardened as lightening flashed in the background and thunder rattled the windows. I suddenly felt myself being thrown to the ground as Kyoya straddled me, pinning me there. My head was ringing after it hit the ground, but I was more afraid of what was going to happen next.

"Tell me!" He shouted, his face full of pure unadulterated rage. "I've seen what you've done to us! How you twist us around your damn finger! And I'm not going to let you continue doing it! So you better tell me everything right now or I will personally throw you out of this country myself!"

"T-Then do it."

He seemed slightly surprised, but it was quickly masked with anger once more.

"I-I don't want to t-t-tell you. I'm just a-as much of a puzzle to you as y-you are to me. I…I want to see that look you get when you learn something new about me. I-I want you to figure me out a-and have that challenge t-t-that you've always wanted. Please. I j-just want to see you do something for yourself. I-I just want you to be happy!"

His eyes widened as I felt tears fall down the side of my face. I felt stupid for crying again but, for once, I felt it was okay this time, because I was crying for someone else. I was crying for Kyoya.

He released me as I cried and curled up into a ball on the floor in a sad attempt to hide my tears from him. I could feel bruises forming on my wrists from where he held me down but that didn't matter to me right now. What mattered most, were the two soft words Kyoya mumbled as he left the room.

"I'm sorry…"

The only sound left in the room were my quiet sobs after that, and I didn't want to move. I used my sleeves to wipe my tears, but they were just replaced by more and I soon gave up and cried. What was I supposed to do?! If I told him, he would know a-and I'd just end up being tossed to the side! I just didn't want that to happen again! A-All I want is to be wanted. Loved…But I can never get that, can I? No guy would want someone like me. To them…I'm just 'one of the guys'. And to him…I'm just a puzzle he can throw away like the others.

I curled up tighter at the thought and choked out a sob as I heard something. Music. I looked around with blurred vision and spotted my headphones lying discarded off to the side. They must have accidentally fallen off and started my ipod at some point. I grabbed them and shoved them over my ears, recognizing a familiar tune and singing along to the song as tears flowed even more.

"furidashita ame wa kawaita asufaruto ni tokete (The rain that started falling melts into the dry asphalt)

binetsu majiri no te tsumetaku tsutsumikonde yuku (I coldly wrap up this hand that is mixed with a slight fever)

namida misezu ni nani ka wo gizei ni shite aruku (Without seeing the tears, I walk turning something into the victim)

tatoe kekka kimi wo uragiru koto ni natte mo (As a result I even end up betraying you)

demo ne kawareru kibou wo sutete made kono mama (But you know, it can change. I remain like this until I will throw away my hope)

kimi to zutto onaji yume wo miyou to ... (Always with you, I want to see the same dream like you)

kurikaesu hibi ga bokura wo nurashite yuku (The repeating days are soaking us more and more)

ano hi egaita basho sae (Even that painted place of that day)

doshaburi no yoru wa zutto nariyamanai (The down pouring night is never stopping to cry)

yoru ga naku naku (The night is crying, crying)"

I was full on sobbing at this point and struggled to keep my voice as steady as I could to distract myself from the meaning behind the lyrics.

"furidashita ame ga tsuchi no nioi wo kaze ni nosete (The rain that started to fall is taking in the smell of the Earth with the wind)

namanuruku tamaru mizutamari ni kao ga utsuru (Collected halfheartedly, my face is reflected in a puddle of water)

kore de ii no ka ? (Is it okay with that?)

kotae wa hitotsu shika nai kedo (There is only one answer)

kore ga nayami unda kekka mou kikanaide kure (This is the result born from agony. Please don't ask me anymore)

jibun semareba kimochi wa sukoshi raku ni nareru ? (If I blame my myself will my feelings become a little more comforting?)

hora ne itsumo higaisha no furi shite bakari (Listen, always I am only pretending to be the victim)

kireigoto narabe aruite waraiatte mo (I'm walking lining up my hypocrisies even if we laugh together)

ame ga subete wo nagashiteku (The rain is washing everything away)

wakare wo tsugeta hi hontou wa naite ita yo (The truth is that I was crying on the day you told me it was over)

uso no emi toke (My false smile is melting)

mayoi tsuzuke nayami tsuzuke (I keep doubting, I keep worrying)

tsuyoku natte ikeru to omou kara (Because I think I can live becoming strong)

mayoi tsuzuke nayami tsuzuke (I keep doubting, I keep worrying)

konna hibi wo warai aeru hi made (Until we can laugh about those days together)

sutekirenu omoi yukkuri iki wo tomete (The never ending memory, slowly cutting off my breathing)

hitomi tojite iki wo haki (I close my eyes and exhale)

ano hi omoidashite no hira tsuyoku nigiri (Remembering that day. I'm strongly grasping your hand)

asu ni negau (Wishing to tomorrow)

kurikaesu hibi ga bokura wo nurashite yuku (The repeating days are soaking us more and more)

ano hi egaita basho sae (Even that painted place of that day)

doshaburi no yoru wa zutto nariyamanai (The down pouring night is never stopping to cry)

yoru ga naku naku (The night is crying, crying)"

The song was finished and I had finally run out of tears. I got up off the floor, feeling ridiculous, especially since I was still in Tamaki's room. I wiped my eyes one final time and poked my head in the bathroom to see if I looked as bad as I felt. I was lucky I didn't, aside from a bit of redness around my eyes, and I took a few deep breaths to bring my breathing back down to a normal pace.

I left the room feeling more depressed than I wished I was and snuck off to the kitchen only to remember that I didn't know where it was. So instead, I wandered a bit until I heard voices and turned the corner to find Nekozawa being harassed by the other hosts. I didn't want to deal with them right now, but I felt bad for Nekozawa and I needed to at least get the banana for Fu-kun before I returned to my room. I walked over and pulled the twins off of him with a sigh.

"Hey!"

"Sorry, but I need him to show me where the kitchen is. Fu-kun wants a banana."

They gave me odd looks, but the twins shrugged and started leaving with the others in tow. That is, except for Mori.

"You okay?"

I looked up at him and knew just from the way he looked at me that he would know I wasn't no matter what I said. I sighed and rubbed my eyes again as I felt them itch with the possibility of more tears. I didn't bother to look back up at him, but I couldn't just leave without an answer.

"No…No, I'm not…But I'm strong, so…I'll patch myself up."

He was silent for a moment, so I gave him a weak attempt at a smile.

"Thank you, Mori-kun. Thank you for caring so much."

I gave him a hug, clutching at the back of his shirt and I felt his arms return the comfort. I needed this, I realized. I needed someone who would just be there for me; not having to say anything, but knowing just what I needed. I let him go and smiled painfully again before waving over my shoulder as I followed Nekozawa to the kitchen. Now to find Fu-kun's stupid banana.

I was woken up the next morning by Mori, the only one daring enough to try, feeling like I had been run over by a semi truck. I was thankful towards Fu-kun for not asking what happened last night when I came in still a bit upset, but the worried looks he kept sending me as I got dressed were starting to get on my nerves.

I'm fine. Stop looking at me like that. You just look…upset. Can't a ferret be worried? You can be worried all you want, just don't show me you're worried…Please. I heard him sigh, but he stopped giving me glances and I was outside with everyone in a few minutes. Unfortunately, 'everyone' included Kyoya and the moment I caught sight of him, I rubbed the bruises on my wrist unconsciously. A heavy hand landed on my shoulder and I looked up to find Mori giving him a look before glancing at me and squeezing comfortingly.

"Thanks." I mumbled to him and he gave a soft smile.

"Ah."

I stuck to Mori like glue after that as we went to go find Tamaki with Haruhi 'in bondage'. The twins teased him and Haruhi joined in, but I couldn't find any enjoyment in the situation at all as we all headed out to the limos.

"So~ Who's going with who?"

I flinched as the twins' eyes landed on me and Mori pulled me closer, an action that no one expected.

"He's going with us."

Was all he said, but when I glanced at everyone as they filed into their limos, my eyes caught Kyoya's again. His grey eyes searched mine briefly with what looked like hidden anger until he looked down and his eyes widened. I wondered what he was looking at when I remembered the bruises on my wrists. I pulled my sleeves down and allowed Mori to push me towards the limo in order for him to take me home. How am I going to fix this?