I did it you guys! -wipes sweat off of brow- I finally finished this chapter! ^^ took me a few days to type it up, but it's done. hopefully everyone's in character still, the ending got a little sketchy, but i'm sure you'll guys love it ;) so please review!

"I've Got A Dark Alleyway And A Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth"
By Fall Out Boy

"And the record won't stop skipping
And the lies just won't stop slipping
And besides my reputation's on the line
We can fake it for the airwaves
Force our smiles, baby, half dead
From comparing myself to everyone else around me"

"The Only Exception"
By Paramore

"Maybe I know somewhere deep in my soul
That love never lasts.
And we've got to find other ways to make it alone.
Or keep a straight face.
And I've always lived like this
Keeping a comfortable distance.
And up until now I have sworn to myself
That I'm content with loneliness.
Because none of it was ever worth the risk.
Well you are the only exception."

"Ko-chan!~ Wakey, wakey!"

A rather heavy weight settled itself over my shoulder and legs, pressing my face into something and practically smothering me as I tried to sleep.

"Get off…Sleepy…" I growled out, trying to shove whatever it was out of my face.

"Ko-chan! You said you'd come shopping with me today! I even brought you breakfast!"

My eyes reluctantly opened and I glanced up to see that my face had been shoved into Shindo's chest. He's far too happy this morning, but he got me breakfast so I might as well get up. I sighed, closing my eyes for a moment before unenthusiastically detangling myself from his form and sitting up with a yawn.

"It's too early for this. Couldn't you have come later?" I muttered, rubbing my eyes when a sudden thought came to me, making me glare at him half-heartedly. "And how did you get in here anyway?"

Shindo laughed, standing up and heading towards my bedroom door. "I was wondering when you were going to ask me that. Haruhi let me in. Seems she was heading out this morning too. What do you want to drink with breakfast?"

I closed my eyes, falling back onto my futon with furrowed brows. "Hm, hot chocolate. The mix is in the top cupboard on the far left and drop a peppermint in it. Third cupboard on the right."

He gave me a closed-eye smile. "Alright, but no sleeping, Ko-chan!"

He wagged his finger at me and I gave him a lazy mock salute.

"Aye, aye, Capitan."

He walked out, closing the sliding door behind him as I got up and drug my body over to the closet. I pulled on a pair of black jeans that looked like they were rusted, with red and brown coloration, and two belts strapped to the upper part of the left pant leg. A bit rebellious for me, but it wasn't like I was hosting, so why not? I grabbed a grey t-shirt and a set of dog tags, before heading into the kitchen in my socks a yawning Fu-kun on my shoulder.

"So what'd you bring me?" I asked, coming up behind Shindo and reaching around him to grab my hot chocolate.

"Donuts and-Oh! Going punk today, Ko-chan?" Shindo commented, looking me over as I went to the table. "I like it."

I rolled my eyes as he brought the pastries over. "Of course you do."

Needless to say, I'm a bit apathetic in the morning.

He chuckled and sat down himself with some water as he grabbed a jelly-filled donut. "Well, you're going to get even more rebellious today, right?"

I raised a brow in confusion and he waved his donut at me.

"The bet, Ko-chan! You can't tell me you forgot!"

I groaned, putting a hand to my face. "That's today?"

He chuckled. "Yup! You remember the conditions, right?"

I nodded reluctantly. You see, Shindo and I made a bet the other day while I was at the gym. There were two guys about evenly matched having a fight in the ring. It was the last round and they were tied, so I decided to bet on one of the guys. Shindo bet on the other, but instead of betting money, we bet that whoever won would have to do something of the other's choosing.

Unlucky little me, lost and Shindo gave me a choice. I either get a piercing or a tattoo. I really didn't want a piercing because the only place I could get it without Kyoya or the hosts finding out, was my belly button and there was no way I was doing that-as much as Shindo would get a kick out of it. So I decided the tattoo would be better. Now, don't go thinking that I was being forced into this. We both agreed on the punishment and, as shy as I appear, I wouldn't mind getting a tattoo. It wouldn't effect my current work and wouldn't even effect the Host Club; if it was in an area that was covered. Piercing though, that's another story. Luckily for us though, Shindo had a friend in the tattoo industry so getting one at my age would be no issue.

"So are we doing it before or after your shopping spree?" I grumbled, finishing off my food.

Shindo grinned. "Let's do it first! Maybe it'll wake you up a bit."

I sighed, standing and cleaning off the table before grabbing my dark blue parka and leaving with Shindo; Fu-kun staying behind today.

"Do you know what you're getting yet?" He asked as we walked.

I nodded. "Yeah. Nothing special. I was thinking about getting a mongoose on my shoulder blade."

"That's cool, Ko-chan!" Shindo said, hugging me from the side and pressing his nose to my head.

"You think so?" I said, leaning into him a bit as I yawned.

Shindo pulled his head away. "It's that ferret thing that fights cobras, right?"

"Yeah. I was reading up on them online. Turns out they're shy, but are willing to fight for those they care about."

Shindo smiled. "Sounds like you."

"That's the point." I said with a smile. "I was going to get it fighting a cobra."

Shindo's smile grew. "That sounds really cool!"

I laughed at his enthusiasm as we entered the mall. I hadn't forgotten the plot, mind you. I knew today was the day Kyoya got left behind in this mall, but I was determined to enjoy myself today without the hosts interfering and would do my best to avoid them.

"Here we are!~" Shindo said, leading me into the tattoo parlor.

I took a deep breath to relax, nervous and excited all at the same time, and followed him; still feeling a little less than pleased about the upcoming pain involved. Let's hope the hosts don't see this.

(No one's POV)

Kyoya sighed, relaxing on a chair and eating his burger, glad at his good fortune. Although he was still very upset with Tamaki and the others-not only for leaving him here, but for also waking him so early-he had calmed down from his initial rage upon running into Haruhi. Though running into Kohaku might have been better. E has a phone at least. Kyoya sipped his drink, but felt eyes on him and gave Haruhi a look.

"What?"

"Nothing. I just don't think I've ever actually seen you eat before. I just expected you'd be a little more refined and I'm surprised food like this even appeals to you." She said, curiously.

"It doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. No doubt you'll say I'm callous for admitting it, since you bought this tripe."

Haruhi averted her eyes. "No…" I will think it though.

"There's an understanding between makers of food like this and those that eat it." Kyoya clarified. "Quality takes a backseat to convenience. Refinement isn't a part of the equation. It's meant to be eaten quickly. Besides, no one of consequence is here to witness my momentary lapse of manners."

Haruhi took a bite out of her burger. He is a third son, isn't he? I guess there are pressures like that in the world of rich people. The way he said it though, reminded me of Kohaku…"Like I care about what others think. There no one to impress here."

"Look." Kyoya interrupted her thoughts. "All I'm saying is there's no benefit for acting classy on a place like this."

Haruhi deadpanned, closing her eyes with a sigh. I should've known. Just then, a group of chattering young girls came over, obviously cooing over Kyoya. He's popular everywhere he goes though, no doubt about that.

"Um, excuse me? I'm so sorry to interrupt. I was wondering is you're not using this chair, could my friends and I borrow it?"

"Go ahead." Kyoya said dully.

"Thank you very much!"

"Whatever."

Haruhi gave him a look. He's utterly detached when there's nothing to benefit him. He's so different from Tamaki. I wonder what makes them such good friends?

"Tamaki and I have nothing in common."

"Eh?!" He's psychic too?!

Kyoya rolled his eyes. She's too easy to read. "But if you're wondering why we're friends, the answer is simple." Kyoya leaned forward with a devilish smirk. "There's mutual benefit in our acquaintance. Nothing else would motivate me."

Haruhi frowned. "Tamaki-senpai would be devastated to hear that."

"On the contrary." Kyoya stated calmly, sipping his drink. "He understood our arrangement since the beginning. We all knew it when we teamed up. Hikaru, Kaoru, Honey-senpai, Mori-senpai. The glue that holds the Host Club together is our mutual egocentricity. It's the principle that drives the alliance between our families and ensures each of our futures. Though…well, let's just say there's still quite a bit you don't understand about that. Although Tamaki is a fool and self-sacrifice comes naturally of him. So I guess the point to this is we are very different creatures."

Somehow… Haruhi thought, finishing up her food. My head hurts. Makes me wonder how Kohaku handles all of this. She practically lives on the border of this rich-poor thing. Haruhi sighed, throwing away her trash. Though knowing her, she's probably still sleeping the day away unless Shindo woke her up. Hm…I wonder what he went over there for anyway. Hopefully not to do something stupid.

(Kohaku's POV)

"Ho

w are you feeling?" Shindo asked with a grin as I came out of the tattooing area. "I didn't hear any screaming."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Do I look like a screamer to you? And it went fine. It looks good and doesn't hurt too bad."

I shrugged with a small wince and Shindo's grin grew as he started walking around the mall with me.

"Well then, macho woman, how about we grab something to snack on and then you can help me go shopping!~"

I snickered. "What are you shopping for, dresses?"

Shindo put a hand to his chest in fake hurt. "Ah! That hurts, Ko-chan!"

I laughed as he walked further ahead, swaying his hips and handing an ice cream seller his cash rather flamboyantly. He took the ice cream cones from the man and sashayed his way over to me as I covered my mouth to hide my laughter. When I went to take my ice cream though, he pulled his hand back and pouted.

"Ah, I wonder who I should give this to. Certainly not the person who asked if I was shopping for dresses."

"Ahaha! Alright! Alright! I'm sorry! C-Can I have my ice cream now, Shindo-sama?" I said between laughs.

Shindo grinned, leaning close. "Oh~ I like the sound of that! Shindo-sama."

"Oh come on! Let me have my ice cream!" I whined with a grin.

"Oh alright. Since you asked so politely." he said, sneaking a peck on my cheek before handing me my ice cream.

I let him get away with it, but only because he was treating me to ice cream. That reminds me…

"Oh hey, Shindo?"

Shindo turned, licking his ice cream. "Hm?"

"Remind me to get something for Fu-kun since I left him home today."

He nodded. "Alright. I'll help you pick something out for him later."

I nodded with a grin and soon we both finished our snacks and stopped by some of the clothing stores. I'm not normally one for shopping but I was in a good mood and Shindo's goofing off had me really enjoying myself. I wish I could have fun like this everyday. With the Host Club, I kind of do, but something tells me fun like this won't last very long. Something flicked me in the forehead and I looked up to see Shindo standing before me wearing only swimming trunks, making my face flush.

"Hey, no depressing thoughts." He scolded. "We're here to have fun, remember?"

I nodded, but couldn't help my eyes racking his form, surprised at how physically fit he was.

"Like the view?" He snickered, wiggling his eyebrows and snapping me out of my trance.

"I-I-I, uh…S-Shut up!" I stuttered out, punching him playfully in the shoulder as I turned to hide my red face.

"Oh? So you like it then, huh? Who knew you'd be so perverted, Ko-chan~" he joked, hugging himself like someone who had been exposed.

"W-Where else was I supposed t-to look?!"

He just laughed and turned to go back into the changing room, when I spotted something black on his calf that traveled up and over his hip, across his lower back.

"W-Wait!" I said, standing and kneeling down behind him once he'd stopped; pointing at his calf curiously as I looked up at him. "What's this?"

He blinked before a grin formed on his face.

"That's right! I never showed this to you, did I?"

I shook my head, eyes tracing the black dragon tattoo up his leg

"I got that about a year ago. I had a cousin who I looked up to, die in a car accident. The guy was obsessed with these things." He half-chuckled and I looked down at the floor, hands on my knees in a crouch.

"Sorry." I muttered, before feeling a hand ruffle my hair, causing me to look up.

Shindo smiled. "It's fine. Now we're even!"

I blinked up at him in confusion as he turned to go back to the changing rooms.

"You know about my cousin and I know about your love life~"

"W-Wha?!" I shouted, standing up in surprise as he laughed his way into the changing room, leaving me embarrassed and red faced.

I groaned and dropped my head in my hands. Since when is that an equal trade?! And what love life is he talking about?! Between him, Mori, and Kyoya…I don't even know what to do! I looked up at the ceiling lights with a sigh, leaning back on my hands. Let's just hope no one I know sees us like this. God knows I have enough problems already. I don't need another jealous Kyoya or Mori to deal with.

(No one's POV)

Kyoya sneezed suddenly, rubbing his nose afterwards with a slight scowl. Some idiot must be talking about me…Speaking of idiots…

"I'm surprised you're not with Kohaku." Kyoya pushed up his glasses as Haruhi looked up ay him. "You two are usually together on these types of excursions."

Haruhi rolled her eyes. "He probably would've gone if it wasn't so early in the morning. It's a pain getting him up before noon on the weekends. Makes me wonder what he does all night."

Kyoya smirked s bit. "Being a novelist, you wouldn't expect him to be doing much job wise."

Haruhi shook her head. "That's not true, senpai. Kohaku's told me before about how wealthy people view his job, but you haven't seen him."

Kyoya gave her an odd look. 'Seen him'? What does she mean? I've seen Kohaku before a deadline. He practically works himself into the ground. I don't see how it could be considered a decent job just because of that.

Haruhi, oblivious to Kyoya's inner thoughts, smiled softly. "When Kohaku's working on his manuscript, just the way he looks, the way he gets so absorbed in his work…It's as though there's nothing that could tear him down." Haruhi glanced up at Kyoya. "Isn't that what a job should be all about? Being happy and enjoying yourself while doing something you love? Because that's what I think. Kohaku too, probably. It doesn't matter if it makes a lot of money; if it's running a business, writing, or setting up a chain of hotels. As long as it's something you want to do."

Kyoya frowned in contemplation. "That's…an interesting notion, in it's own way."

Perhaps I should invest in looking into Kohaku's novels. They might turn out to be something worth reading and may give me insight as to what is going on in that head of his. Authors are known to write pieces of themselves within their works, or so I've been told. Kyoya spotted something on a nearby stand and headed over, looking closely at a set of pearls.

"Uh, Kyoya-senpai? I thought you were going to take a cab home."

"I don't like to ride in strange vehicles right after eating." Kyoya muttered, placing a hand to his chin as he eyed the pearls. "Hm, black pearls from Ishigaki Island. Odd to find them here, considering how much they go for."

"Wow. You know the value off-hand? I'm impressed."

"I am the product of excellent breeding."

Haruhi glanced up at Kyoya silently. I've always felt that there's a huge wall between me and them. A barrier I could never understand…nor would I want to. Kohaku though…she tries really hard to understand everything. Even at the festival, when everyone looked down at her and degraded her, she just took it and stayed polite. For some reason, even though she's psychic or whatever, I wonder how much she actually knows and if what she does is based on that or if it's actually her connecting the dots. She doesn't tell me much about herself, actually. Never mentions her family or siblings either. I wonder if they're like her…Kyoya does the same. I hardly know anything about him.

"Kyoya-senpai, you have two older brothers, right? What are they like?"

Kyoya picked up a free sample from a nearby stand and thought for a moment. Haruhi could tell he was thinking easily. He makes a similar face to Kohaku…

"They are rather exceptional." Kyoya finally said. "Enough so that my father puts a lot of stock in them. That's why he expects so much more from his third son."

"I didn't realize there was so much pressure on you to succeed." Haruhi said with a slight frown.

"Pressure?"

That caught her attention, and she was surprised by the smirk on Kyoya's face.

"Oh no, Haruhi. I can think of nothing more fun than this."

Lately, she thought, I can't help thinking about it. Even considering only Tamaki-senpai and Kyoya…There's more than one wall between me and them. These walls might be bigger and colder than I could ever imagine. Do I want to know? No…Once I get inside, there may be no return. Haruhi stopped suddenly, getting sidetracked by a vase.

"This vase…Wow, it's awfully expensive."

Kyoya backtracked, coming up beside her. "You know porcelain well?"

Haruhi pointed towards it. "No, but there's a similar one at my dad's bar-"

"Excuse me! Hands off, girl!" The salesman shouted, waving Haruhi away. "This isn't a plaything. It's too valuable for a kid to touch. Honestly, if I had a hundred yen for every ignorant window-shopper who pawed at my merchandise…"

"O-Oh. I'm sorry." Haruhi said, surprised. What's his problem?

An elder woman approached his stand then, looking over some of his pottery in excitement.

"Oh my. Is this Shouin Komatsu's work? How odd to see them here."

"What good eyes you have, madam!" The seller boasted, attracting a crowd and blocking Haruhi and Kyoya's view of the woman. "As a matter of fact, they are too high quality for a venue such as this. They're so valuable that the Komatsu family kept them out of the public eye for generations!"

Kyoya headed over then, shocking Haruhi as he picked up the bowl and looked it over.

"With all due respect, these are fake."

"W-What did you say?!" The seller shouted, breaking out in a cold sweat.

"The shade of blue is strongly reminiscent of Shouin's work, but looking closely around the base, you'll notice the color graduation isn't quite dark enough to be authentic. That, and the lacquer is too clean." Kyoya turned the bowl over and his smirk grew. "Ah, as I thought. The brushstrokes on this seal are uncharacteristically broad as well. If this one is genuine, surely you have a certificate. Shall I get someone to verify its authenticity?"

Kyoya set the bowl back down as the seller panicked.

"I…W-Well…The certificates are all kept back at the store."

"Fair enough. If that's the case, my family has known the Komatsu family for years. If you don't mind, I'll put in a call and have my men look into it right away."

Needless to say, the seller was taken away by security and the elder woman thanked Kyoya. However, Haruhi felt something was up and confronted Kyoya.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't do anything unless you could benefit from it?"

Kyoya smirked evilly. "Oh, I guess you don't know. That lady is wife to the chairman of a large electronics firm."

Haruhi's world seemed to crumble around her as Kyoya went on.

"I'd never met her before, but by her kimono and ring, I figured she must belong to a reasonably good family. So it turned out all right."

Haruhi went off in her own little depression as Kyoya was once again thanked by the elder woman, when Haruhi had a sudden thought. Wait. Hold of. The kimono and ring? But he couldn't have seen that because of the…crowd…Haruhi quickly caught up to Kyoya and caught his attention.

"Kyoya-senpai! So what do you mean by 'benefit'? Money and fame? Because from where you stood, you wouldn't have seen her ring or kimono. Could it be you stepped in because that man was being rude to me? The actual benefit you seek from Tamaki-senpai and the other club members, maybe it's not something tangible. Maybe it's something else."

"That's…an interesting notion, in it's own way." Kyoya quoted from earlier, walking a bit further with Haruhi only to stop at a food stand and pick up a box in confusion, causing Haruhi to run into his back.

"Ow…What-"

"Haruhi, were you aware that yubari melon was so popular among snack manufacturers?"

Haruhi blinked in confusion as he continued.

"I'd never heard of this before. Melon-flavored chocolate, maybe, but snacks? Is it worth making snacks out of it? Do they sell them because commoners can't afford real melons?"

"Pft!"

Kyoya turned to Haruhi, lost. "What's so funny?"

"I-It's just that you say you have nothing in common, but then why do you sound so much like Tamaki-senpai?"

Kyoya smiled slightly as Haruhi went on laughing. "I see. Tamaki and the twins would love this junk. I should buy some." he then held out his hand towards Haruhi. "Give me some money."

She sighed, having overcome her laughter, but gave him what he asked for as he mentioned making Tamaki pay her back three times over. Once that was taken care of, they began wandering the mall and checking out what stores had to offer. As they were looking at a stall though, Haruhi spotted someone she didn't expect to see.

"Is that… Kohaku?"

Kyoya turned and pushed up his glasses with a frown. Not far from them, Kohaku was walking with Shindo, laughing and enjoying herself as they too wandered the mall.

"He seems to be enjoying himself." Kyoya grumbled, glaring at the two from behind his lenses.

Haruhi smiled a bit. "It's nice to see him laughing again though. He's been really stressed out ever since the festival."

Kyoya suddenly grabbed Haruhi's arm and began tugging her along, ignoring her protests.

"K-Kyoya! What are you-Let go!"

Kyoya let her pull away, but raised a brow. "Surely you're interested in what they are doing."

Haruhi sighed. "Sure, but that doesn't mean we should be following them. Don't we do enough stalking with the Host Club?"

Kyoya pushed up his glasses once more with a smirk. "Yes, however, aren't you curious as to what he does when you're not around to baby-sit him?"

"I don't baby-sit him…" Haruhi grumbled.

Kyoya simply raised a brow before continuing to walk a ways behind Kohaku and Shindo. Seeing no way to get out of this, Haruhi sighed and followed.

"I don't see the point in doing this." She muttered.

"Perhaps we'll learn something new about our ever illustrious senpai."

"What more is there to know?" Haruhi retorted. "He's shy, a commoner, writes novels, has a soda addiction, is smart, strong, and has no family. Haven't you meddled enough?"

Kyoya scowled. "He's also annoying, has a temper, knows far more than he should, and hides far more than we think."

Haruhi frowned in curiosity and slight anger. "What are you talking about? What more could he be hiding?"

"Haven't you noticed? We know he has no family, but not how they died. There is no information about him or his mysterious family anywhere on record. He aces all his classes as though he's taken the courses before. He changes personalities depending on the situation and the people involved…And I still have no knowledge about him."

Haruhi blinked a few times, surprised at Kyoya's rant and just how much it bothered him. His hands were now clenched at his sides as his jaw worked back and forth, and not even the light glaring off his glasses hid is frustration. I've never seen him like this. Haruhi thought, a slight smirk making it's way onto her face. You've really messed him up, Kohaku.

"And that pest beside him acts as though he knows everything." Kyoya growled out, openly glaring at Shindo as he and Kohaku laughed.

"Uh, Kyoya-senpai?" Haruhi questioned. "Is it possible that the reason we're following Kohaku is…because you're jealous?"

Kyoya stopped walking and gave Haruhi the most wicked glare she had ever seen.

"I am not jealous." He spat out. "I don't know what I have done to put it in your and Tamaki's head, but I am not jealous over Shindo-san and I will never like Kohaku. Is that understood?"

Haruhi swallowed thickly and nodded, them continuing to follow Kohaku and Shindo quietly. Don't know why he's so against it…I wonder how he'll react when he finds out she's a girl.

"Tell me, Haruhi. What do you know about those two?" Kyoya asked, eyeing the two ahead of them.

Haruhi looked at them with a small smile. "Not much. Kohaku hasn't known Shindo-kun for very long and only meets up with him on occasion. Seems he's the only one Kohaku knows outside of the Host Club and…they seem to really understand each other."

"And we don't?" Kyoya questioned, not sure why Kohaku and Shindo were so close despite the fact that they were rarely together.

Haruhi brought a hand to her chin in thought. "It's not that we don't, it's just that those two seem to be…the same, almost. They have similar problems and know what to do to help each other out. I don't know what those problems are, exactly, but those two are really close despite the short amount of time they've known one another."

"Hm." Kyoya hummed, a foreign feeling in his stomach growing stronger. "And what does Kohaku feel for this…person? It's obvious he has feelings for Kohaku, however I have not seen such a response from out senpai."

Haruhi had to struggle to keep from laughing at Kyoya's question. He really has no idea what he's saying, does he? "I-I, uh, don't really know how Kohaku feels, but from what I see, he's happy with Shindo-kun. And I think that's all he wants, is someone who makes him happy."

Kyoya frowned slightly, disliking the churning in his stomach when he suddenly remembered something. "Haruhi."

"Hm?"

"Does Kohaku have any scars?"

Haruhi scrunched up her brows, lost. "Not that I know of."

"Any burns, birthmarks, deformities, tattoos?"

"No." Haruhi turned to him. "What are you getting at, senpai?"

Kyoya glanced at her out of the corner of his eye before looking ahead once more. "When I wrapped his ribs not long ago, I saw something…curious."

"Something…curious?" Haruhi repeated, silently wondering what Kyoya was talking about.

"I saw, what appeared to be, bandages covering his chest area."

Haruhi paled as Kyoya went on.

"I simply assumed he was trying to hide something incriminating that he didn't want me knowing about."

Haruhi swallowed thickly, sweat forming on her forehead as she tried to think about how to respond. I-I can't tell him she's a girl. Kohaku would kill me! But what am I supposed to say? I can just take back what I said, but will I be able to pull it off?

"O-O-Oh, that?!" Haruhi laughed nervously. "I-I completely forgot about that. He, uh…has a tattoo. Yeah! That's it! He has a tattoo on his back and keeps it covered up because of school and the club. Got it because of a, uh, bet. Eheh."

Kyoya raised a brow at Haruhi's odd behavior but hummed quietly. "I see. I'll have to scold him about that later then."

Whoops. Haruhi thought. Looks like I got you in trouble again, Kohaku. I'll be lucky if you don't kill me later…That is, if you're still alive after Kyoya's scolding. Let's just hope he doesn't check, or we'll both be in big trouble.

(Kohaku's POV)

I stopped walking as a sudden pain erupted in my stomach. I was worried, exceedingly so, but for what reason I wasn't sure. And the pain that was coupled with that worry was not something I usually experienced.

"Hey, are you okay, Ko-chan?" Shindo asked, leaning over to look up at me.

"Y-Yeah. I'm fine. My stomach just-"

Ding dong!

"Attention customers, there is a lost child. Please be on the lookout for Kyoya Ootori from Tokyo. I repeat, the missing child is Kyoya Ootori." The announcer said over the intercom, distracting me from the ache in my stomach as Shindo made the connection.

"Isn't that Glasses' name?" He glanced at me for confirmation and once I nodded, he burst out laughing. "Pft, haha! No way! Seriously?! Him?! A lost child?!"

I chuckled too, but that feeling was still there and I nudged Shindo wit my elbow to get his attention.

"-Hey, uh, I'm not feeling too well. Is it okay if we head home now?"

He sobered up and gave me a concerned look. "You sure? I thought you would've wanted to see your friends now that we know they're here."

I shook my head, a hand cradling my stomach. "No. I have a bad feeling about something."

He blinked, as though contemplating what I had said, before nodding and leading me out of the mall. He was staying at my house tonight, since it was closer to the mall than his house but the whole way home, I was worried about this odd feeling. Eventually though, it was forgotten, but it wouldn't be long before it returned. After all, I had school tomorrow and there would be no way to avoid the Host Club there.

School the next day went on as normal. At least, that's what I'd like to sat. I actually got to school on time, thanks to Shindo, but got detention for falling asleep in class. It's to be expected though, what with the teacher hating me and me getting little to no sleep the night before due to the pain in my stomach. I was lucky I didn't wake up Shindo in the other room.

Perhaps I should tell Haruhi about it. For all I know, it could be something serious. I thought, staring out of the window during club hours; a sword leaning against my shoulder. Detention had ended in time for me to get to the club with a decent hour left to waste, and the moment I walked in, I was rushed into our latest cosplay. The shinsengumi. It's great to know that Kasanoda will be showing up, but I kind of feel bad for what the three idiots are going to do. I'll have to remember to start bringing spare clothes with me if I'm going to get dragged into his bullying thing…Does it even count as bullying? If I remember right, those guys don't even go to our school…

"He's so cool!"

"Right! That calm expression on his face as he stares out the window. It's as though he's thinking about a lost comrade!"

"Or maybe a long lost love! Someone he had to leave behind to serve in the war!"

"Kyah! So moe!"

I turned my head towards the girls huddled not far from me who were gossiping rather loudly, and stood, heading over with a small smile. Girls and their stories. So cute.

"Were you ladies speaking a-about me?" I asked, watching as their faces turned red and they began fidgeting.

"S-Sorry."

"We didn't mean to, Kohaku-kun!"

"You just looked so…calm and peaceful!"

I shook my head with a warm smile. "It's okay. I l-like hearing what you have to say."

Fu-kun hurried up to my shoulder then, and I pat his head.

"Fu-kun too."

The girls sighed with hearts in their eyes and I chuckled before waving goodbye to them and heading over to where Honey and Mori were. Maybe I can keep Mori from nearly impaling Kasanoda…and get some cake too. Mm, that sounds good.I nodded to Fu-kun, but froze before I reached Honey and Mori's couch. Oh man. What? I haven't given him an answer to his confession yet. Well, do you have an answer? I could feel myself paling and I took a step back, placing a hand over my stomach as that pain showed it's ugly head again. N-No. I don't even know what to think. I jumped as a hand touched the crook of my elbow and I turned to see Haruhi standing there with a tray of tea and giving me a concerned look.

"Something wrong, Kohaku? You got really pale all of a sudden."

I chuckled nervously. "I-I just, uh, have a bad feeling about the next couple of days."

"Oh." She relaxed slightly before looking around suspiciously and pulling my arm down to whisper to me. "Is it one of your vision things?"

I nodded, also looking out for people listening in, though mentally chuckling at how silly I felt. "Partially, but there's a few other things I'm worried about too. Has, uh…Has Kyoya mentioned anything?"

Haruhi suddenly pulled back. "W-What?! No! I-I mean…how would I know? I-I haven't seen him since last week." She said, turning her head away.

I raised a brow at her sudden nervousness. "Haruhi, you saw him at the mall yesterday."

Her head snapped back around as she looked at me in surprise. "W-Wha-How do you-"

I tapped my temple and she face palmed.

"Right. Your psychic thing…" She dropped her hand and sighed. "We didn't talk about much though. You were only brought up…once…"

She obviously doesn't want to tell me something. I narrowed my eyes at her and leaned in menacingly. "What did you do."

She looked frantic and stepped back, but before she could respond, a loud commotion came from behind us. That didn't let her off the hook though.

"We'll talk about this later." I said, before waving over my shoulder and changing out of my cosplay, joining the group as they were introduced to Kasanoda.

"Ritsu Kasanoda, Class D, first year. He's the son and successor of the third boss of the Kasanoda family, the most powerful Yakuza family in Tokyo." Kyoya announced after everyone had changed and the guests were sent off. "He entered Ouran in high school. Physical features include long red hair and an evil face. He is silent and friendless. Look him in the eyes and you'll have nightmares for three months. Bump his shoulder and you'll be sent to the hospital. Talk back to him and you'll go straight to the grave. His classmates fear him. He's a human blizzard."

Some of those facts sound like rumors to me. No kidding. I sighed and unconsciously found myself standing next to Mori, making me nervous, so I focused on Tamaki as he questioned Kasanoda.

"So…why does a human blizzard like you want to be Mori and Kohaku's apprentice?" Tamaki asked bluntly.

Why to break the ice, Tama-Wait…Did he say my apprentice?! I stiffened beside Mori and looked up at him in a panic. T-They're kidding, right? I silently asked him and, judging by his pitying expression, they weren't kidding. Heh, good luck with that. Fu-kun said, just as Kasanoda shouted at the twins.

"I said Kasanoda! You wanna die?!"

Everyone scooted away to comfort Tamaki, who had been frightened by his shout, but I was still frozen in place trying to figure out how I had been dragged into this, while Kasanoda bent himself up over what he had unconsciously done.

"No…I didn't mean to…I just…" He frowned. "Actually, I like kittens. I like to read and write and hate anything painful…I'm a shy guy at heart. At this point, I have no idea how to communicate so I…" He turned away in frustration, though Kyoya and the twins were already uninterested. "What I really want is to hang out with my friends and play kick the can by the river or play tag at the beach."

"We're thirsty." The twins said, getting tea and completely ignoring Kasanoda's struggle.

Kyoya mentioned something also, but I was forced to ignore it as Kasanoda set his sights on Mori and I.

"Morinozuka-san! Please tell me! How did you get to be the way you are? That tough look in your eyes, expressionless silent and uncommunicative. With an expression like Cerberus!"

Mori stiffened beside me and I did the same as Kasanoda turned to me.

"And you, Nishimura-san! With your bleached white hair and constantly bored expression and distant look in your eyes, but with the hidden strength of a demon from hell! How can you both be so well-liked? Please teach me your secret!" Kasanoda shouted, bowing formally.

I felt a bit bad for Mori as Kasanoda's words speared him in the chest, but I was more worried about how Kasanoda knew about my strength. Where could he find out?! The only ones who know are the hosts and Shindo, who have seen me at the gym…That's it! Some of his subordinates must go to the gym! Oh man. This isn't good. I don't need info like that getting out and…did he say my hair was bleached? I frowned, swallowing thickly and holding my aching stomach as my mind got back on track about trying to find a way to keep Kasanoda from spilling my information. Thankfully, my phone went off then and I chuckled nervously before turning away and pulling my phone out, checking the caller ID. That can't be good.I silently agreed as I answered the phone and Fu-kun ran off.

"Nishimura." I grumbled. Do I really look bored all the time?…

"H-hello, Nishimura-sensei. I-It's Kintaro."

"You better not have moved up my deadline again, Kintaro-kun." I said, passing a hand through my hair and feeling the eyes of the hosts and Kasanoda on my back. My hair can't look that bad…

"N-No. B-B-But, uh, it's not good news."

Those words snapped me out of my thoughts and I must have shown how angry I was, because I could hear everyone in the room take a step back.

"Tell me." I growled.

"Y-Your sales d-d-dropped 70%!" He squeaked out and suddenly, the world turned black and white.

Everything moved slowly and all I could hear was my heart pumping faster and faster as my stomach clenched in pain. Haruhi had stepped forward and her mouth was moving, but I couldn't hear what she was saying. I place a hand over my stomach, gripping my shirt tightly, as I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Think. Calm down and think. What could have caused this? Snapping my eyes open, I turned and started to pace as the world began moving again, far faster than it should; my hand running shakily through my hair in a panic.

"How? Give me details, now." I snarled.

"Y-Yes!" Kintaro squealed, voice cracking as I heard him shuffling through papers and typing frantically on the other end.

As I paced, I could vaguely hear the others talking quietly over the thudding of my pulse in my ears.

"Is he okay?"

"I'm with Casanova."

"Kasanoda."

"Yeah. Something's up."

"He best not break anything this time around. The table he destroyed before was hard to replace."

"Is Ko-kun going to be scary again, Takashi?"

"Maybe."

"Haruhi, you're his friend! Do something!"

"Thanks a lot, senpai, but last I checked you're his friend too."

I heard a sigh and then felt a tap on my arm, turning to meet Haruhi's concerned look.

"Are you alright, Kohaku? What's going on?"

Knowing better than to take my frustration out on Haruhi, I calmed myself before I spoke.

"I'll let you know as soon as I do." I grumbled, turning back to my phone. "Anything?"

"I-I can't figure it out!" Kintaro wailed. "The places where sales dropped are scattered and I can't find any connection! T-There's virtually no explanation for your sales to have dropped so low!"

"Agh!" I shouted in frustration, dropping into a couch and putting a hand to my face, elbows on my knees. "Gather any information you have and meet me at the usual spot in a few hours. We'll discuss it there."

"A-Alright. By-"

I hung up before he could finish and tossed my phone onto the table, dropping my head into my hands. The room was dead quiet and my arms shook as my frustration grew. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and slammed my palm down onto the table.

"God dammit!"

I stood up, grabbing my cell and stuffing it back into my pocket angrily before picking up my bag and heading towards the door. Once Fu-kun had scrambled up to my shoulders, I glanced back at the others with a tired expression.

"Sorry guys. I've got some stuff to deal with so just…" I sighed and turned away, speaking over my shoulder. "…try not to embarrass Kasanoda-san too much."

The door clicked shut behind me and the moment it did, I grit my teeth and slammed my fist into the wall.

"Ootori."

It has to be him. He's the only one who would do this. The paperwork proves it. Sales only dropped in areas with his influence. I clenched my fist over my stomach again, glaring at the math book on the desk before me. I wasn't paying attention. Class or not, I had bigger problems at hand other than another detention.

After I had left the Host Club yesterday, I had gone to the gym to vent my frustrations before meeting up with Kintaro and going over what information he could gather about my sales. I wasn't too surprised it had been Kyoya's father who was behind it. What I was surprised about, was that he had enough influence to mess with my sales so greatly, when he had absolutely nothing to do with the book industry. I mean, really. This is just ridiculous. For being the head of the Ootori foundation, he sure is acting childish. Says the one who punched a wall.

"Che. At least I'm not the one who's using his power to get back at a kid." I muttered quietly, brushing my thumb over the bandaged knuckles of my right hand.

The bell rang then, signaling the end of school, and I gratefully packed up my things as my thoughts continued. The damage is already done, but I need to find a way to fix things and if that's not possible, then I need to at least make sure he doesn't do this again. And how are you going to pull that off?Fu-kun asked, climbing out of my bag and up my arm to my shoulders. That's the problem. I have nothing to offer him as far as money or influence, but perhaps I could- My thoughts were cut off when a little blonde blur tackled me from behind, arms wrapped around my waist as he peeked up at me with teary eyes.

"Why are you leaving without us, Ko-kun?"

I cringed upon seeing his tears, and scratched my cheek with a nervous chuckle. "S-Sorry, Honey. I was a bit absorbed in my own thoughts is all."

I noticed him glance at my bandaged hand for a moment before he looked back at me with a big grin; previous tears forgotten.

"That's okay, Ko-kun! Takashi and I were just worried. Neh, Takashi?" Honey turned to Mori as he came up next to us.

"Ah."

There was something about the way that he looked at me though, that told me he wanted to talk. Probably about what happened…and my answer too…Before anything could happen however, Kasanoda made his presence known, him having waited for us after class. To others it probably looked as though he was glaring as he asked to carry our bags, but he appeared more 'tired' to me. Most likely, he ran up here the moment his class got out to meet us.

"Allow me." Kasanoda said and Mori looked desperately at me, but I just took Mori's bag with mine and handed both of them to Kasanoda.

"Thanks, Kasanoda-san." I said with a small smile.

He slowly nodded, taking the bags, when I remembered something.

"Oh! Can you get me the soda out of there though?"

He opened my bag and handed me the drink, to which I thanked him and drank greedily. Man, I needed this. You should really find something else to eat or drink when you're stressed. You're going to die of heart failure. thanks, Fu-kun, for that uplifting notion. I rolled my eyes, following Mori, Honey, and Kasanoda into the third music room. Haruhi was the first to approach me though, eyeing the soda in my hand.

"Did everything turn out okay? You didn't come back until late and my dad said you were up most of the night."

I sighed. "Not exactly. I figured out what the issue was, but it's going to be harder to fix than I thought."

She raised a brow sending a quick glance at my injured hand. "Is it really that bad?"

I scratched the back of my head. "Mm, it could be. I mean, my sales dropped 70%."

"What?!" She shouted, catching the attention of the other hosts.

I blinked in shock, holding my hands up defensively. "N-No need to yell."

"But what could cause that?! And why are you so calm?! That's a really big issue!"

"Believe me, Haruhi, I'm anything but calm." I chuckled nervously. "I may have found the problem, but like I said, fixing it is going to be an issue. I have to talk to someone I'd rather avoid."

I frowned, shifting my gaze to Kyoya for a moment, before turning back to Haruhi with a fake smile and placing my hand on her shoulder.

"Well, don't expect me home for dinner for a few days. Can't let the stress build up, you know?"

She frowned, throwing my hand another glance. "Alright, but don't go hurting yourself more than you already are. You remember what happened last time."

I chuckled a bit, rubbing my hand as Kyoya announced that it was time to open the club. "I'll do my best."

Once the initial flood of girls came in, I couldn't help but feel nervous. I was paired up with Honey and Mori, for obvious reasons, but with the awkwardness between Mori and I still going on and Kasanoda sitting nearby watching our every move, it was easy to see why I was nervous. And my stomach pain is getting worse too. I thought, bringing a hand over my abdomen unnoticed. Why don't you ask Glasses about it? You need to talk to him anyway. I suppose. Ill ask him later though. Now's not the time.

"U-Uh, Kohaku-kun?" One of my guests asked. "You look a little pale. Is your hand bothering you?"

I smiled falsely. "Ah, sorry. I-I've just been a little stressed lately. My hand's fine."

"I heard you and Mori-kun took on an apprentice but…" Another girl gave Kasanoda a glance. "Are you sure he's not out to kill you?"

Mori didn't reply, so I did. "T-That's not true! Kasanoda-san just doesn't know how to express himself."

The girls perked up a bit at that. "You're always so kind, Kohaku-kun. You too, Mori-kun."

Suddenly, Kasanoda came up behind us, causing the girls to cringe back in fear.

"There was lint on your shoulder." Kasanoda said, plucking the small lint-ball off of Mori.

The girls couldn't take it though, and ran off frightened. "P-Please excuse us!"

Kasanoda fell to his knees in apology and Mori tried to comfort him, however it wasn't working and he turned his desperate plea to me. The guests were gone at that point as well, so I didn't need to put on my shy Host Club act. Besides…I know how he feels.

"Neh, Kasanoda-san, you don't need to apologize." I said, crouching down with a warm smile.

"B-But I scared your customers away!"

I blinked at him and tilted my head to the side. "So?"

"I-I should be punished! I-It's my fault they ran off!"

"That's true." I said, shocking him. "But it's partially their fault too for not taking the time to understand you, don't you think?"

I smiled again, failing to notice the light blush on his cheeks, when Tamaki suddenly bounded over, striking a pose.

"Of course, if Mori-senpai insists…I, Tamaki Suoh, will try my best to help!"

I stood up, trying to stop him and save everyone a lot of trouble. "Ah, Tamaki, you don't have to-"

Of course, stopping Tamaki is easier said than done.

"Bossa Nova, you may call me 'king' for now. All right? You, Kohaku, and Mori-senpai are very much alike, but there is one thing you are definitely missing."

"Tamaki, he doesn't-"

"A lovely item!"

I threw up my hands in silent defeat and turned away with a roll of my eyes. The man just doesn't listen, does he?

"What I'm going to introduce now is the lovely item, Mitsukuni-senpai!" Tamaki said, acting like some commercial announcer. "His energy source is ten pieces of cake per day! He comes with 100 Honey flowers for a limited time only!"

I groaned, face palming. He's been watching too many commoner commercials.

"Sure, Mori-senpai looks mean and frosty at first sight, but put Mitsukuni-senpai on his shoulders and now he looks like a gentle bear beloved by small forest animals! This item even goes well with Mori-senpai's silent nature! Mori-senpai doesn't even have to talk. Just put Mitsukuni-kun by his side and Mori-senpai seems open hearted. Instead of seeming incommunicative, he's seen in a positive light. He now looks modest. It's all according to plan! It's no exaggeration to say Mori-senpai's charm starts with Mitsukuni-senpai!"

I couldn't help but sigh as the other hosts actually considered this and I felt pretty bad for Mori when Honey went over and made it worse. Though I'm pretty sure he's just teasing…maybe…

"Takashi…you've been using me?" Honey said with teary eyes, making Mori panic.

"But Mitsukuni-senpai has already signed a long-term contract with Mori-senpai…"

"Is he renting me out?!" Honey wailed, but Tamaki turned his sights to me, heading over and snatching Fu-kun off my shoulders by the scruff of his neck.

Hey! Put me down, blondie! Tamaki ignored Fu-kun's struggling and instead shoved him towards Kasanoda.

"Now let me present lovely item number two, Kohaku's pet ferret, Fu-kun!"

I couldn't help but stand there in shock for a moment, watching fu-kun try to bite Tamaki unsuccessfully, before I had a thought. Maybe I should do something…No shit, Sherlock! Fu-kun wailed, making me frown. Now I don't know if I want to help. What with you being so rude. Fu-kun suddenly stopped struggling and turned towards me in Tamaki's grip. Seriously? I smiled innocently and he immediately began struggling again. Gah! Fine! Help me! 'Help me' what? I teased, enjoying the moment while it lasted. Help me or I'll eat the buttons off your favorite shirt! Now that's not very nice. Please! I smiled. Now that's better.

"Uh, Tamaki?" I said, tapping his shoulder and getting him an overly sweet smile. "Don't blame me if Fu-kun bites off your finger."

Tamaki glanced down at the angry rodent in his hand and chuckled nervously before handing him over.

"Heh, right." Tamaki then looked back over at Kasanoda and struck a pose. "As I was saying! Fu-kun serves the same purpose as Honey-senpai! With his naturally white hair and quiet demeanor, Kohaku could come off as a delinquent. However, when coupled with Fu-kun, he becomes a shy, animal-loving host. Accompany that with how they treat one another, be it teasing or playful, and you see the happy, pleasant side that Kohaku hides behind his strong outer appearance. Thus, Kohaku is a coin with two sides! And Fu-kun is the apparatus that brings out his good side!"

I winced, some of what Tamaki said having rang painfully true, but Fu-kun snuggling against my cheek had me smiling a bit. Thanks Fu-kun.

"But Fu-kun also has a long-term contract with Kohaku, so we'll have to come up with a substitute." Tamaki said, snapping his fingers to call the twins over. "Next we have to fix your vintage yankee fashion. Hitachiin brothers!"

"Yes, milord!" they said, saluting and settling Kasanoda in a chair.

"Well, he has sharp features, so we need something catchy." Hikaru said, a hand on his chin.

"Uh?!"

"We should make use of your nickname as Bossa Nova and give you a samba feel."

"Uh?!"

"Being untidy is not the same as dressing in a relaxed fashion."

"We can even use something fancy like character goods."

I sighed and attempted to stop them. "You guys, I really don't think it's necessary for you to do this."

"It's alright, Kohaku." Kaoru said, already turning Kasanoda's long red hair into dreadlocks.

"Yeah. We know what we're doing." Hikaru replied curtly, sticking a bright pink band-aid on Kasanoda's cheek.

I felt like a bird who just had it's feathers ruffled and puffed up indignantly, before throwing my hands up and turning away.

"It's like nobody listens anymore!"

I need a soda…I dropped my hands and grumbled incoherently as I walked back to my bag and dug through it in search of the drink. Finding it, I finished it with a sigh of satisfaction when a tall shadow hovered over me.

"Kohaku."

I raised a brow as I turned and faced Mori, that painful churning of my stomach returning when I was the way he looked at me. He wants to talk now?! Heh, I'll leave you to it then. Fu-kun snickered and ran off towards the hosts and I gulped.

"Y-Yeah?"

"Can I talk to you?"

I nodded hesitantly and followed him to the back room. I suddenly felt trapped as the door shut behind me and my hand unconsciously touched my stomach.

"Kohaku."

"Yes?" I snapped my eyes away from the door and stared back at Mori.

I was tense, but Mori just gave me a small smile and placed his hand on my head, slowly ruffling my hair. That simple motion spread warmth through me and I closed my eyes with a sigh as I calmed down. My shoulders relaxed and the pain in my abdomen subsided, as I opened my eyes and gave Mori a small smile in return.

"Thank you, Takashi."

"Ah." He said, lowering his hand. "You're too tense. What happened?"

He pointed at my bandaged hand and I frowned slightly, brushing my fingers across my knuckled.

"I-I…punched a wall. M-My sales dropped 70% and…" I left the rest unsaid, but Mori understood and nodded, surprisingly taking my bandaged hand in his own large hand.

"You shouldn't do this to yourself."

I nodded, bowing my head in shame. "I-I know."

"I can help."

I looked up at him, surprised and confused. "How?"

"Kendo."

Furrowing my brows, I frowned curiously. "It would help?"

Mori nodded. "I can start the day after tomorrow, before school."

"A-Alright. That would help a lot." Although that's really early. I smiled a bit, rubbing the back of my head. "The gym doesn't seem to be helping as much lately."

He hummed quietly and reached forward, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face and adding a pink tint to my cheeks.

"Have you thought about what I said?"

The red in my face grew darker as my mind was sent into a panic, and I struggled to come up with a response, as my stomach began to hurt again. What am I supposed to tell him? I don't really know what I feel about him. Shindo said I like all three of them, but Mori wants an answer. I-I just don't…

"T-Takashi?"

He watched me quietly, but even in his silence, I could tell he was just as worried and nervous as I was. I calmed down, took a deep breath, and faced Mori with as much courage as I could muster.

"Listen, I, uh…" Come on, just say it! "I-I don't know if I really like you the way you like me." I paused, thinking over what I had just said and realizing how bad it sounded and brought a hand to my forehead in frustration as Mori's expression saddened. "T-T-That was worded wrong…W-What I mean is, I don't really know how I feel about any of this. About you, or Shindo, or Kyoya. I don't know if what I feel is friendship o-or brotherly feeling or if it's something more. I have nothing to compare these feelings to a-a-and every time I think about it I get really confused." I placed a hand on my stomach, clenching the fabric of my clothes tightly as the pain grew, even worse than before. "So, I…d-don't exactly know how to answer you, Takashi. I'm really sorry."

I grit my teeth and swallowed against the wave of tears that were threatening to bubble up, feeling stupid for letting my emotions try and get the better of me. This is why I can't do this. I can't c-confess, let alone reject someone without feeling like a blubbering fool. I don't even know if what I'm saying even makes any sense! And look at what I did…I glanced up at Mori, trying to read his expression, but understanding nothing. I wouldn't be surprised if we stopped being friends…

"Kohaku." Mori said, looking down at me as I fidgeted, before kneeling down and giving me a small smile. "It's okay."

I was surprised and stared back in shock. "Y-You're not mad?"

He shook his head and stood, placing a reassuring hand on my head and ruffling my hair once more. "No…You are confused. I will not force you to answer definitely if you are not ready."

I bowed my head, embarrassed. "O-Okay…"

"Don't think about it too hard." He said, removing his hand and leaving the room.

Once he left, I sank heavily into a nearby chair, hunched over with my face on the table; teeth clenched and a hand fisted around my shirt as my stomach throbbed painfully. It's getting worse.

"Kohaku?"

"Mmn." I grumbled, face pressed into the cold wood of the table as Haruhi sighed.

"You know I can't understand you when you mumble like that."

I turned my head and closed my eyes as I whined childishly. "Haruhi! My stomach hurts."

She rolled her eyes as she went over to the cupboards, getting out things to make tea. "It's probably from all that junk you've been eating."

"Hm." I hummed. Maybe she's right. I should probably cut back on the junk food.

"Here." Haruhi set a cup in front of me. "Drink it. It should help."

I sat up and took a sip, only to choke on it. "Gah! What is this?! It tastes like vinegar and dirty gym socks!"

Haruhi smirked as she began washing the dishes. "It's my mom's recipe that cures stomach aches. You don't have to drink it if you don't want to, but it always helped me."

I swallowed thickly and stared down at the drink before taking a deep breath and chugging it down. I hurried over to the sink and refilled the cup with water, chugging that as well to get rid of the disgusting taste, while Haruhi laughed. Once I finished, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and glared at her.

"This better help."

"Heh, heh. I-It should." She chuckled.

I rolled my eyes at her and then remembered our previous unfinished discussion. "So what did you talk about with Kyoya at the mall that could possibly be detrimental to my health, Haruhi?"

She paled like she had when I first asked the question and turned her head away. "N-Nothing."

"You're a horrible liar." I said, eyes practically staring through the side of her head. "Don't make me ask Kyoya."

She glanced at me out of the corner or her eye and upon realizing I was serious, she sighed. "I told him that you had a tattoo on your back that you were hiding with bandages. Apparently, he saw some of your chest bandages when he wrapped your ribs that one time. I knew you wouldn't want me to tell him the truth, so that was the first thing I came up with."

I blinked at her, before shrugging, palms up. "There's no problem then."

"Huh?"

"Luckily for you, I didn't just go to the mall to got shopping with Shindo." I said, pulling my shirt collar to the side to reveal the edge of the tattoo on my shoulder.

"You didn't…"

I sighed. "It was a bet…Though it looks pretty neat."

She sighed as well, shaking her head. "Just…don't let Tamaki-senpai see that. He'll throw a fit."

I chuckled, giving her a mock salute. "Sure thing~"

I turned and headed out then in the hope that Kasanoda's torture was over. I was right, but the result was more shocking than I imagined. With his bright red hair put in dreadlocks, he actually looked okay. It wasn't really his style, but he could pull it off. It was the other accessories that had me wincing in pity. Poor Kasanoda. I thought, taking in the purple tinted sunglasses, yellow bandana, pink band-aid, and Tamaki's bear tucked under his arm. He really doesn't need to change.

"Hm, he's still missing something." Tamaki muttered, as the twins burst through the music room doors.

"Tono! Look who we found!"

"Hey! Let me go, you red-headed devils!" Shiro yelled as they pulled him into the room.

"Perfect!" Tamaki shouted. "Shiro-kun, you shall accompany Kasanoda-kun to his home in order to complete his new nice-guy transformation!"

Shiro raised a brow and folded his arms over his chest. "And what do I get out of this?"

As Tamaki bartered with Shiro, I sighed and leaned towards Haruhi now that she had come out of the back room.

"Hey, is it okay if I walk Kasanoda-san home today? I kind of feel bad for him." I said quietly.

Haruhi nodded. "I know what you mean…I'm okay with it, but how are you going to get away with it without the hosts knowing? I doubt the three idiots would be okay with you ruining their 'operation'."

I shrugged. "I'll just leave after him and catch up with him before he leaves the campus. I normally leave right about now to head to the gym anyway. Are you just going to walk home then?"

"I guess. Can't tell Tamaki-senpai that though."

I chuckled. "Right. Wouldn't want you worrying him."

She scoffed. "No kidding. He worries way too much."

I spotted Kasanoda leaving and took that as my cue to get my things together. We leaving? Fu-kun asked, climbing up to my shoulder and I nodded, grabbing my bag as Kasanoda left with Shiro. I wasn't going to be able to leave without being spotted though, and Honey seemed to be the first to do so.

"Aw, are you leaving, Ko-kun?"

Nodding, I gave him a small smile. "Sorry, Honey-kun. I need to drop by the gym and then I have some business with my work to take care of."

"Oh…" He sounded disappointed, but quickly cheered up. "Okay! I'll see you tomorrow then, Ko-kun!"

"Aright. I'll see you guys later." I waved over my shoulder at the others and the moment the door closed, I hurried off to catch up with Kasanoda.

I found him with Shiro not far from the school gates, and called out to stop them.

"W-Wait, Kasanoda-san!" I stopped beside them, a bit out of breath from taking the stairs two at a time, and pointed to Shiro. "C-Can I borrow him for a moment?"

"S-Sure."

Shiro rolled his eyes and we stepped a ways away before he folded his arms. "What do you want?"

I rolled my eyes, already annoyed. "What would it take to get you to go home and not mention this to Tamaki?"

"Depends. What are you offering?"

God, I hate this kid. "Look. I know you want to go home and have nothing to do with this, but I also know you want whatever Tamaki offered you. So, go ahead and go home and as long as none of us say anything, you'll get what you want without having to do anything."

"Hm. Okay, but I want 2000 yen."

My eyebrow twitched. "You think I'm made out of money? 1000 yen."

"1500."

I frowned. "1000 yen, and I'll try not to pants you where you're standing."

He paled and reluctantly nodded. "F-Fine."

I handed him the cash and he left as I went back to Kasanoda with a small, nervous smile; mentally remembering to mark down the 1000 yen I gave to Shiro.

"Sorry about that." Huh, no stuttering…Guess as long as I'm not at the Host Club, I'm okay…maybe…

"I-It's okay. But, uh, where's he going?"

"Home. I told him I'd take you back."

"O-Oh…Okay…"

We started walking, but I couldn't take the silence for too much longer. It wasn't like with Mori, where I was okay with it. No. This was that intense silence where you know the other party wants to say something, but won't.

"Neh, Kasanoda-san?"

"Y-Yeah?" He said, jumping, obviously nervous.

"I know you have had a hard time making friends and all, but do you really think that by listening to Tamaki and the twins and dressing up like this will really help? Perhaps there's something else you can try."

He sighed quietly. "I do feel ridiculous, but I'm not really good at this kind of thing and I'm willing to trust them."

Seeing his conviction, I nodded. "Alright, but I want you to know that I'm not as good at making friends as you think." I chuckled anxiously, scratching my cheek. "I actually suck at it."

He turned to me in surprise. "B-But you have the Host Club and all the girls a-and at the gym!"

"Well, the guys at the gym I guess could be called friends, but we just have mutual respect for one another. The girls at school are more like fans and I only know them through the Host Club. And I wasn't really the on who made friends with them. It's more like they made friends with me. I don't really go out of my way to try and make friends since I'm pretty shy and don't really like people or crowds."

"But you have lots of friends!"

I shook my head. "Not really. I have the Host Club, sure, but outside of school, I only have one friend and he found me, not the other way around.

"Don't you get lonely outside of school though?" He asked, not trying to be mean or anything, but genuinely curious.

"Sometimes…but I have Fu-kun and Haruhi and the hosts. And I'm sure you have people around you that care too, Kasanoda-san. You just haven't realized it yet."

I smiled, mentally hoping that my words wouldn't change the plot too bad, before I realized we were at Kasanoda's home; not seeing that he was about to say something.

"Kohaku-san, w-would you like to sta-"

"Oh! Looks like you're home, Kasanoda-san. I need to get going, so I'll see you later. And, uh, is it okay if I call you Kasanoda-kun?"

He nodded slowly and I waved my goodbye before heading home, not knowing that I had just caused myself a lot of trouble with everything I had said. I'd find out soon enough though, but right now I had other things to take care of. Now to deal with Mr. Pain-in-the-ass. I took out my phone and found the contact I ad looked up last night, dialing and waiting impatiently for someone to pick up.

"Hello, Mr. Ootori's office, this is his secretary speaking. What can I help you with?"

"This is Kohaku Nishimura and I would like to set up an appointment to meet with Mr. Ootori sometime this week to discuss a certain aspect of my business that he has influenced." I stated calmly.

"Let me check his schedule, Nishimura-san." She said, flipping through a planner, most likely. "It seems this week is filled, but I may be able to-Sir? Oh, hold on a moment, Nishimura-san."

I frowned, confused as to what or who could've cut her off, and listened to the other line; only hearing incomprehensible mumbles. Finally, I heard the tell tale clicking of the secretary picking up the phone and waited to hear what she had to say.

"My apologies, Nishimura-san, but it appears there is an opening for dinner tonight at seven. Is that acceptable?"

That rat bastard. I grit my teeth, but calmed down to give her my reply.

"That will do nicely. May I know where the venue is?"

"At his home, sir, and he has offered to send a vehicle to your residence tonight as well."

"Very well. I will be ready by then. Thank you." I hung up, putting my phone away and shouting in frustration.

"Agh! That childish little ass!"

Is, uh, everything alright, kid?

"No, everything's not alright. He's toying with me!"

How so?

"The way he suddenly made a spot for me tonight of all nights, giving me no time to prepare. Plus the fact that it is at his home, which means it's his territory and his family will no doubt be there. Thus, Kyoya will be there and his father will most likely humiliate me in front of him, which will cause even more problems. Not only that, but he's sending a car to pick me up! That's like saying 'Oh hey! I know you're dirt poor, so let me flaunt my wealth in your face!'"

Are you sure you're not just over thinking all of this? I mean, it's not like he thinks you're some helpless girl.

I paled suddenly, stomach sending agonizing waves of pain so bad that I had to place a hand on a nearby wall and double over.

"No, no, no, no, no! What if he knows a-and he tells Kyoya?! O-Or asks why I'm lying and spills it during dinner?! H-He could be planning to use it as blackmail even! He could get me expelled!"

Hey! Calm down! Your stomach already hurts, panicking is only going to make it worse! he's right. I need to calm down. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out and finishing my walk to my apartment, telling myself to stay calm and-believe it or not-act like Kyoya. He wouldn't be panicking. He'd take it in stride. Hell, he'd probably be excited for the challenge. He'd also be coming up with a plan.

Sighing quietly, I unlocked my door and went about putting on some nice clothes for the torture session happening in about an hour. Thankfully, the twins let me keep that suit from the sleepover. Once I was ready, I said goodbye to Fu-kun and headed outside to wait for my ride. I was hardly surprised when a limo showed up not fifteen minutes later, and climbed in the back without a word.

The whole trip to the Ootori household was spent in silence while I psychologically steadied myself in preparation for the mental beating I was about to get.

"Sir, we're here."

I nodded and thanked the driver, exiting and swallowing at the sight of Kyoya's house. L-Looks better in real life, that's for sure. Makes my place look like a mess. Taking another deep breath, I rang the bell and was greeted by a maid who bowed and led me to the dinning room doors. I felt nervousness creep up on me again, but shoved it aside as I focused on the reason I was here. I need to get my sales back up. The maid opened the door with another low bow and Yoshio smirked at my presence, standing up.

"Looks like our guest has arrived. Please, Nishimura-san, sit." He said, gesturing to an empty chair on his right.

Seems the whole family minus his mother is here. I mused, going to take my seat. I could feel Kyoya's eyes digging holes in me as I passed, but I didn't even glance at him. This is about me and his father. There's no need for me to drag him into this…I just hope he understands that.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Ootori-san." I said, a fake Host Club smile on my face.

"Of course. I assumed the matter you wish to speak about was urgent and cleared a space in my schedule right away."

I could practically hear the other occupants at the table questioning who I was and how I could cause their father to open up a space in his schedule to meet with him.

"Ah, that reminds me. Let me introduce you to my family." Yoshio said. "This is my oldest son, Yuuichi, who works with me at the hospital."

I nodded to the man, who nodded in return.

"Beside him is Akito, my second son, who is currently finishing medical school."

I nodded to him as well, but he just glared slightly as his father went on.

"Then Fuyumi, my daughter, who was recently married."

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Fuyumi." I said with a genuine smile. I always liked her.

"And you as well, Nishimura-san." She said, smiling in return.

"And you already know my third son, Kyoya, from school."

I gave Kyoya a small smile as well. "Nice to see you again."

He nodded, pushing up his glasses. "You as well. I certainly did not expect this when you mentioned having business with your work to take care of."

Oh…he's not happy. I thought, when the food was served and my gaze shifted to that. I'm suddenly glad Tamaki pushed etiquette onto Haruhi and I, or I'd be screwed right now. I ate some of the food and nearly died right there on the table, struggling to keep face and not plow through my food. It's so good!

"Is the food up to par?" Yoshio asked, a smirk evident on his face.

I'm not hiding it well enough. I cleared my throat and nodded. "It's excellent, Ootori-san."

"Please, call me Yoshio. There's far too many Ootori's here for you to call me by my surname."

"Of course, Yoshio-san."

"Father." Yuuichi suddenly said from beside me, holding up his phone. "I apologize for interrupting, but it appears I must go. It was nice meeting you, Nishimura-san."

I nodded, standing and shaking hands with him. "You as well, Yuuichi-san."

Once he left and dinner was finished, Yoshio sipped at his wine and sat it down, folding his hands under his chin with a smirk.

"Shall we get to business then, Nishimura-san? What is it that you wish to ask me?"

Jerk. He's going to make me say it, but I can't just blatantly accuse him. "As you may or may not know, my sales in the book industry have dropped 70% this past week."

"A devastating blow, I'm sure, but my business is in the medical industry. I have little to no influence in your area of expertise."

Like I thought. He's going to try and deny it, asking for further proof to try and make me accuse him. Too bad I thought of this already. "While that may be true, upon further inspection of the areas where my sales have decreased, I have discovered that it is my wealthier clientele who have ceased purchase of my series. And while you are not influential in the book industry, it is common knowledge that you are a fairly popular person in the upper-class. Therefore, your opinion on my series could have a great effect on my sales." I said as calmly as I could, hiding my accusation behind facts.

Akito seemed to notice though, and spoke out. "Are you accusing my father of ruining your sales on some book?"

I gave him a bored, annoyed expression. "I believe I said no such thing. I was simply expressing my thoughts on Yoshio-san's influence within the upper-class."

"Father!" Akito said loudly, shocked at my words and the fact that Yoshio was doing nothing.

"Enough, Akito." Yoshio said sternly, though I had the feeling he was secretly amused at what had just occurred. "What is it you are proposing, Nishimura-san?"

"I merely wish to ask for you to help me in spreading a good word about my series." As much as I know that you yourself are behind my sales dropping in the first place. "I'm assuming you've read it?"

He nodded. "I have, but what exactly are you offering in exchange for this, might I ask?"

Here comes the fun part. I looked at him seriously, trying to keep from showing the slightest amount of amusement at what I was about to say.

"Nothing."

Everyone remaining at the table turned to me in shock. Even Yoshio was surprised, if the rising of his brows was anything to go by.

"Nothing?"

I nodded, picking up my glass of champagne and swirling the liquid boredly. "There is nothing I can offer. I have no influence in the upper-class, no money to offer other than my meager salary from selling books, and no way to possibly pay you back for this…currently."

That, seemed to have intrigued him and I struggled to keep my smirk hidden as he fell for my trap.

"Currently? Are you planning to repay me sometime in the future?"

"Yes, actually." I said, allowing a grin to spread across my face. "I plan on providing you with some entertainment in the near future."

Yoshio began to smirk once more, attention focused solely on what I was offering. "And what sort of entertainment could you possible provide me, Nishimura-san?"

It was my turn to smirk now as I set down my glass and folded my own hands under my chin. "I plan on becoming a better person than you could ever be in the business world."

The room went dead quiet, before Yoshio let out a scoff that slowly turned to low chuckles.

"You're right. That would certainly prove to be quite entertaining!"

"Father! You can't be serious!" Akito shouted, actually standing up in outrage as his father's laughter died off.

"I am very serious, Akito, and I believe you do not have any say in how I run things in my personal business deals." Yoshiro said harshly, before standing from the table and turning to me as I did the same. "I will do what I can to spread a good word, Nishimura-san. And I look forward to this…entertainment."

I nodded, shaking his hand firmly before he asked Kyoya and Fuyumi to show me out. The moment he and Akito were out of earshot, I let out a long shaky breath.

"H-Holy crap, he's intimidating."

Kyoya sighed, dragging a hand through his hair as Fuyumi chuckled.

"I'm surprised. Kyoya has mentioned you before, but that was unexpected."

I chuckled nervously, hand rubbing the back of my neck. "I-I thought it was a bit too much."

Fuyumi immediately shook her head, hands up. "Oh no! You did great! I've never seen Akito so flustered! Or my father more impressed." She said with a wink, easing my tenseness a bit.

I looked over at Kyoya though, and winced at the glare he was giving me, not quite hidden behind the light reflecting off his glasses.

"Quite the opposite." He said, almost growling. "I believe Nishimura-san has only succeeded in becoming more idiotic by gaining our father's attention and possibly ruining any chance he has of selling another novel."

He's using my surname…he's angry but you know what? I think I did pretty good, considering the circumstances and I'm tired of him doubting me. I frowned. "Really? Ootori-san? You don't think I can do what I said?"

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "Not in the slightest. You asking for an audience with my father was the signing of a death sentence in the business world."

"Oh? So you have no chance either then, is that what you're saying? You have, after all, caught your father's attention far before I have."

Kyoya grit his teeth as I glared at him, Fuyumi looking between the two of us in worry and also vague curiosity.

"You might as well have accused my father of ruining your business. It's a far faster way of getting his attention." Kyoya growled.

"Weren't you listening?" I snapped back. "I did accuse him. Even Akito-san realized that. Or were you too busy being angry with me about not telling you I was coming to dinner?"

"A heads up would've been appreciated." He retaliated.

"And I would've told you if your father didn't decide to make my appointment with him only a few hours after I called!"

"Which is ample enough time to contact me!"

"I needed to prepare! You can't just confront someone like your father without a contingency plan!"

"And I bet you took a taxi to get here too!"

"Nope! Your father was too busy flaunting his wealth in my face and sent a limo!"

"Maybe he just didn't want you to be late!"

"Or maybe he was showing off! He purposely asked me how the food was!"

"You were the one making a face like you ate the best thing in the world!"

I opened my mouth to argue more, but before I could say anything, Fuyumi burst out laughing; causing Kyoya and I to turn to her in confusion.

"Haha, s-sorry! It's just…you two are fighting like an old married couple."

Kyoya and I looked at each other before we turned away quickly; my cheeks tinted red in embarrassment. Kyoya though, appeared unfazed as he pushed up his glasses with a sigh-though if one looked closely, they could see a slight pink shade on his cheeks.

"Nee-san, I doubt you even understand that saying, seeing as you're too busy over here rearranging my clothes to argue with your husband."

Fuyumi grinned. "Just goes to show how much you two like each other."

Kyoya rolled his eyes and turned to me, making me tense, expecting him to continue our argument. Thankfully though, Fuyumi seemed to have calmed him down…for now.

"Come on, Kohaku-kun. I'll escort you home."

I hesitantly nodded and went to follow him, but Fuyumi stopped me.

"Ah, actually, can I talk to him for a moment, Kyoya?"

"Fine." He replied, walking to the limo at the end of the drive.

My stomach twisted uncomfortably as I faced Fuyumi, who gave me a mischievous look.

"So when are you going to tell him?"

She knows…I swallowed thickly, stomach pain getting worse by the second the more nervous I became. But Fuyumi has always been an observant character. There's no way playing dumb or lying will fool her. She lives with Kyoya after all.

"I-I, um…don't plan on telling him."

She gave me a curious look. "You don't?"

I glanced over at Kyoya as he climbed into the limo to wait for me. "No. I want him to figure it out for himself."

"You're an interesting person, Kohaku-chan." Fuyumi said with a smile.

I stared back, confused. "U-Um…okay."

She chuckled as I flushed in embarrassment once more. "Heh, well, I'll be sure to keep it a secret. My father already has, after all. So don't worry. Now go on. Don't keep him waiting."

I nodded, heading towards the limo, when she called out from behind me.

"And Kohaku-kun?"

I glanced back at her grinning face.

"I approve!~"

I don't think my face could've gotten any redder by the time I ducked into the limo beside Kyoya, who gave me an odd look as I buried my face in my hands.

"What did she tell you?"

I shook my head. "You don't want to know."

The next day with Kasanoda passed by relatively without incident, though I found Kasanoda watching me a few times and quickly looking away. The hosts focused more on his smiling and keeping him away from Haruhi and I, than they did trying to dress him up in ridiculous outfits. I knew though, that the bullying was going to begin soon and vowed to keep an eye out for Kasanoda. Problem was, I had my own problems to deal with.

"Urg." I groaned, sweat dripping down my forehead as I laid in my futon, curled up tightly in a ball. It hurts…my stomach…I had been in this position for over an hour now, my stomach pain having grown to an unbearable amount, waking me up after a nightmare. Fu-kun had been nice enough to bring me a heat pack from the bathroom, but it wasn't helping very much and I actually considered skipping school today, only to remember Kasanoda. Slowly, I began trying to relax in the hopes that it might help and, after a while, I was able to get up and move again; my stomach having settled for now.

Don't you think you should let Haruhi or Glasses know about this? Fu-kun asked, climbing up to my shoulder as I lifted my shirt to put a new heat pack on my stomach. I doubt it's a simple stomachache anymore, kid. I sighed, coming out of the bathroom and grabbing a yakisoba bread from off the kitchen counter, as I picked up my school bag and locked my apartment.

"I'll be fine for the next few days. Kasanoda comes first."

Fu-kun sighed and we walked in comfortable silence as we headed to school. Once there, I was mildly surprised to see Mori and Honey waiting at the gates, both of them spotting me with different amounts of enthusiasm.

"Ko-kun!~" Honey called, waving excitedly as I approached.

"Hey. What are you guys doing here? School doesn't start for a while." I asked, knowing that I had left my place far earlier than usual due to what happened.

Honey tilted his head in confusion. "Don't you remember, Ko-kun? You and Takashi are doing kendo today."

I paled, having just remembered that I had told Mori I'd try it out. Looking up at him, I chuckled nervously, ignoring how my stomach sent a twinge of pain up my spine.

"S-Sorry, Takashi. I kind of forgot, but, uh…I guess it's good I decided to come early today, huh?"

"Ah." He said with a nod, thankfully not looking too angry about me forgetting.

I let out a sigh of relief, causing Honey to chuckle, and I walked with them to the dojo. Training with Mori wasn't too bad. I actually had fun learning the basics. It was after that though, that Mori turned into a Spartan teacher.

"Ahhh, my arms are so sore." I complained, walking with them to class now that we had finished.

"Hehe, just wait until you end up doing 200 swings, Ko-kun." Honey laughed.

"Aw." I groaned.

Only fifty of those swings and my arms feel like jelly.

"I do 500." Mori said, smirking down at me as I bowed my head with a sigh, a dark cloud hovering over me.

"Don't worry, Ko-kun!" Honey said, trying to cheer me up. "You'll get there."

"Let's hope so…" I muttered, lifting my head to give Mori a grin. "And maybe I'll even be able to beat you, Takashi."

He ruffled my hair with a grin of his own. "You can try."

"Hey!"

He laughed, a deep rumbling chuckle, as I puffed out my cheeks childishly; continuing to walk to class with the occasional 'hello' or 'good morning' to our Host Club guests, but I felt bad when we passed by where Kasanoda was walking to class. The students around him shied away and I noticed Mori watching him as well.

"You think he'll be okay? I asked, Honey bounding ahead of us, out of earshot.

Mori nodded. "He'll figure it out soon."

I gave Kasanoda another glance. "Yeah…I hope so."

Class seemed to go on for ages and I wasn't pleased with the large amount of homework they gave out. Seriously, who gives out a ten page worksheet for Japanese history? I'm going to be up all night trying to finish it. I stuffed the packet into my bag, thinking about possibly asking Mori to help me do it when the guests ran out of club today-which I was almost positive was going to happen again. Normally, I wouldn't have to worry about my homework, but Japanese history is a class I've never taken and due to my high scores in everything else, I had a reputation to keep up. As well as the fact that it gives me a challenge. It sucks though…repeating high school.

Once I had finished, I went to go with Honey and Mori to the club, but my phone went off. That's odd. Why would my manager be calling right now? I thought once I'd seen the caller ID, and I answered the phone.

"Nishimura."

"O-Oh thank God I got a hold of you." Kintaro replied from the other line.

I raised a brow, walking out of the classroom with Honey and Mori, who were eyeing me curiously.

"Something , uh, wrong? My sales should have gone back up."

"Oh, yes! Yes, they did, but…y-you see, um…"

I rolled my eyes. "Get on with it, Kintaro-kun."

"W-Well you see, t-t-there's a board meeting today."

I frowned a bit. "Okay, but what does that have to do with you calling me?"

"I-It's, not so much a meeting as it is a, um, get-together of the authors and their m-managers."

"And I don't go to these get-togethers for a reason, Kintaro-kun. I use a pseudonym for that same reason." I said, beginning to get frustrated now that I understood what he was trying to tell me.

"B-But my boss said you had to go!"

"Then why isn't he calling me?!" I growled out, stopping and waving Mori and Honey on; silently telling them to go ahead without me.

"Please, Nishimura-sensei! T-This could mean my job!"

"Ugh!" I groaned, throwing up my free hand. "I don't even know when this party is!"

The line went silent for a moment, until I heard Kintaro practically sobbing over the phone.

"O-Oh thank you! Thank you, Nishimura-sensei!"

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "The time, Kintaro-kun."

"Um…I-I tried to get them to change it, but it was too late! You have to believe me!"

Not good. "Kintaro-kun, When is it?"

"N-N-Now."

"You moron!" I shouted, catching the attention of a few passing students, forcing me to find somewhere else to scold him. "And what am I supposed to do about my club?" I hissed. "I can't just not go! They'll kill me!"

"S-S-Sorry! I-I tried! Really!"

I sighed, making my way towards the music room…to my doom.

"I'll see what I can do. Be at my place in an hour."

"Oh, thank you!"

"Don't go thanking me. You owe me a weeks worth of soda for this."

"A-A weeks worth?"

"Yes. Now excuse me as I solve this problem you've decided to throw at me." I grumbled, hanging up and rounding the corner to see a guy standing outside the music room, looking down at an umbrella in his hand.

I approached, recognizing his blonde ponytail and the thick camo-painted jacket he wore. Kasanoda's…subordinate? He's from another group, but I guess that's what he is. You think too hard, kid. Fu-kun said with a yawn, slinking out of my bag and onto my shoulder. He'd just woken up from a nap, it seems, but I shook my head to get focused and walked towards the 'subordinate'.

"Can I…help you?"

He jumped, surprised, and gave me a nervous smile. "Actually, I was looking for my master, Kasanoda-sama."

I nodded, grabbing the door handle. "He should be in here."

Once I opened the door though, I paused, the man coming in behind me. In front of us, stood Kasanoda in a frilly maid's outfit with black cat ears on his head.

"Gah! M-Master?!"

Kasanoda spotted us and turned a bright red-not out of anger like the man next to me believed, but out of pure embarrassment. "Uh?!"

"I-I'm sorry!" The man-Tetsuya, I remembered-shouted. "You're in the midst of your secret hobby-"

"This isn't my hobby!" Kasanoda shouted. "Why did you come here anyway?! Get out!"

"Gah! Please forgive me!" Tetsuya wailed, running out of the room as Haruhi tried to calm Kasanoda down.

Instead though, he slumped to the ground in defeat, removing his girly outfit.

"I did it again…I hid my embarrassment by…"

I sighed, heading over to where he was and kneeling down, poking him in the forehead, surprising him.

"Stop being so depressed about it. Even I get embarrassed and shout sometimes, and I'm sure Tetsuya-san won't take it to heart or anything. Just apologize when you get back, okay?" I smiled reassuringly, chuckling as his face grew redder. "And if you don't stop being embarrassed, you're face is going to turn into a tomato."

He proved he could get redder and Haruhi called out to me then.

"Kohaku, stop teasing him."

"Aw~" I joked, standing up and heading over to the others, feeling slightly in better spirits until I spotted Kyoya and remembered what I had to do.

Cautiously, I snuck my way next to him and leaned back and forth on my heels with my hands clasped behind my back, feeling a little childish today. Or maybe that's because of the painkillers I took this morning.

"You're not still mad at me about the whole thing with your father, are you?"

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye as he wrote something in his notebook. "Hardly. I have long since gotten over the fact that you did not contact me about meeting with my father."

"Well, that's good." I hummed.

"My sister asks that I bring you over again, however." He said, making me turn to him in surprise even though he wasn't looking at me anymore. "You seemed to have caught her attention as well."

"Oh, well…Just let me know beforehand. I wouldn't mind bothering you outside of the club." I said with a grin.

He rolled his eyes, snapping his notebook closed. "Now what is it you want. I doubt you came over here to make small talk."

I chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of my neck. "Heh. Well, I wanted to let you know I can't stay for club today."

"Alright." He replied, surprising me.

"T-That's it?"

He raised a brow, pushing his glasses up as they slipped down his nose. "Yes. Due to Kasanoda-san's situation, the customers have fled. Though I do wish to know why you need to skip what's left of our club activities."

I let out a sigh, pulling a hand through my hair. "My manager's boss decided that I have to attend an author's get-together and I only have a little under an hour before my manager picks me up at my place." I sighed even deeper. "It's such a pain."

"I'm sure." Kyoya said with another roll of his eyes.

"Thanks for letting me go."

"I'm not your mother." He said, making my heart pang for a split second, but I plastered on a fake smile.

"Yeah. I guess you're not."

"Wait. I didn't mean-" Kyoya cut himself off with a sigh, as I gave him a confused look. "Sorry. I…apologize. That was uncalled for."

I blinked. "I-It's, um, alright."

He…apologized…It's not too surprising, but…it felt truthful and sincere. No one told him to apologize either. Yeah…it's different…A warmth spread through my chest and I couldn't help but smile. It's…nice.

"Neh, Kyoya?"

Kyoya cleared his throat. "Yes?"

"Most people don't know this, but you're a really nice guy." I gave him a closed-eye smile. "And I really like that about you, Kyo-kun."

Unbeknownst to me, my words had a deep effect on Kyoya; his eyes widening and his cheeks dusting themselves a light shade of pink, his heart pounding in his ears.

"S-Shouldn't you be going, Kohaku? I doubt your manager wants to wait."

My eyes snapped open and I pulled out my phone to check the time; not noticing the dropping of a suffix to my name, nor the stutter. "Aw man! I need to go! Thanks, Kyoya!" I called out, waving before rushing out the door.

Looks like I'm running! Hang on, Fu-kun! Don't need to tell me twice! Fu-kun dove into my school jacket and I took off running. The moment I reached my apartment, panting and out of breath, I tossed off my school clothes and jumped in the shower. I came out wearing a white dress shirt, black vest, a skinny black tie, and a pair of distressed black jeans with hanging black and white suspenders. Nothing too fancy. I thought, putting a small gold ring through my right earlobe, silently thanking the twins for convincing me to get my ears pierced not too long ago.

I put on my shoes then and a black fedora, allowing Fu-kun to tag along and climb up to my shoulders, before heading out and waiting for Kintaro to show up. It took a while, but he soon showed up in a black car, opening the passenger door and letting me in.

"S-Sorry again, Nishimura-sensei." He said, looking upset.

I leaned back in my seat with a sigh, closing my eyes. "Yeah, well…it's not your fault. If it makes you feel better, I'll prank him."

Kintaro chuckled. "Haha, no. T-That's alright."

I hummed. "I don't know. I'm not too happy about this. I might just prank him as revenge for making me come to this stupid thing."

"D-Don't do that!" He whined. "I might lose my job."

I chuckled, only to groan when we finally reached the large hotel where the quote-on-quote 'get-together' was happening. Kintaro and I were led upstairs to where the party was being held and upon opening the doors, my face grew more sour.

"There's too many people." I complained, not wanting to walk any further into the room than I already was. "Can I leave yet?"

"D-Don't be like that, Nishimura-sensei. I-It's a party. Have fun." Kintaro said, looking down at me with a nervous grin.

Probably because of that pissed-off face you're making. Fu-kun commented with a snicker. Did I or did I not say that I didn't want to be here? Of course I'm going to be pissed.

"A-Ah! Boss!"

I looked over at the man heading towards us with a glare-something he either ignored or didn't notice since he had a large grin stretched over his face.

"Glad you could make it, Nishimura-sensei!" He said loudly, holding up a champagne glass. "I almost didn't think you'd come."

I frowned up at him, none too pleased with his cheery demeanor.

"I shouldn't have." I practically growled. "You know how I am about these socializing events."

He laughed, completely ignoring my rotten mood or completely ignorant about it. Hard to tell with him. I sometimes wonder if he's related to Tamaki with how thick his skull is.

"You writers need to get out more! Enjoy yourselves a little!"

"I'm seventeen. You really don't think I have better things to do?" I grumbled, accepting a champagne glass from a passing waiter.

He laughed some more, placing an arm around my shoulders-Fu-kun seeking refuge on the rim of my fedora-which brought me to the attention of the room.

"Of course you do! But if you didn't come, you would've missed out on an excellent opportunity!"

I frowned. "Socializing with other authors who are far older than me is hardly an 'excellent opportunity'."

"Perhaps not, but meeting with a movie director is certainly something to get excited about." He said, having leaned over with a smirk; eager to get me excited, it seems.

"A movie director?" I asked, leaning closer in-what appeared to be-excitement.

My boss nodded. "He's a friend of mine and when I told him you were coming, he was delighted."

"No way. So he came here for me?"

He nodded. "Incredible, right?"

I deadpanned suddenly. "No. I could care less."

I straightened up and slipped out of his grip, turning around to leave as my boss sank to the ground in a dark cloud of depression. Good job. He's as easy to disappoint as Tamaki. It doesn't take much to get either of them in a corner once you get them going. I can see that. I glanced at Kintaro's shocked expression as I passed by.

"You're welcome to stay, Kintaro-kun," I turned back around. "but I'm going to head home."

I passed a waiter my empty champagne glass and began walking towards the door once more.

"W-Wait!"

I turned with a frown, Kintaro having grabbed my wrist to stop me.

"S-Surely you could at least t-talk to him a little bit. It could be a good opportunity f-for you."

Boss suddenly showed up beside him, nodding his head eagerly. "He's right! You'll be able to make more money and your popularity will grow ten-fold!"

I glared, folding my arms over my chest. "You forget, Boss, Kintaro-kun. I'm a seventeen year old in high school, on my way to graduate, and in an after school club. When exactly am I going to have time to do this movie? Oh, better yet! What are the chances that he, or anyone else here, will take me seriously? Just because I act older than I am, doesn't mean that someone will respect what I do enough to give a seventeen year old a movie deal."

"On the contrary." A new voice said. "I find discriminating against the people I make contracts with, prove for less interesting films."

I fidgeted slightly, not comfortable with the sudden new comer, but his small smile set me at ease a bit and I mentally groaned when his words set in and I realized who he was. The movie director.

The man gave me a smile, holding out a hand for me to shake, which I nervously did. "Though I can't just go handing out movie deals to anyone…Daisuke Takashiro."

"Kohaku Nishimura." I introduced myself with a nod. "I, uh, go under the pseudonym, Hakusei Murasaki."

Takashiro's eyes widened, his handshake growing more excited. "The author of the samurai series! I would've never guessed!"

He had spoken loudly and I could already feel eyes on me from the other authors in the room. Needless to say, I ended up staying longer than planned, speaking to the movie director and a few other authors-some friendly, others not. The 'get-together' lasted far longer than I thought, and by the time I got home, I was thoroughly exhausted and a little tipsy from the numerous champagne glasses I had drank in my nervousness. My hair was messed up from me playing with my fedora a number of times and my shoulders sagged as I closed the door to my apartment behind me, leaning heavily against the door with a long sigh, tossing my hat on the small table by the door; Fu-kun all tuckered out on my shoulders as well.

"That was way more troublesome than I expected." I grumbled, getting off the door and heading to the kitchen and digging through the fridge for a soda.

But you might have gotten a movie deal out of it. Fu-kun commented, yawning and stretching as he followed me to the couch; myself dropping face first onto the cushions with a groan.

"But it's so much work." I whined, having turned my head to speak clearly. "Writing the script, finding actors, helping direct, finding time to help direct…add that to school, the Host Club, writing my books still, and having to prove myself to Kyoya's father."

I cringed, curling up as my stomach began to clench in pain once more. It had been doing this occasionally during the get-together, but this pain was more like this morning and I pressed my face into the couch once more. Looks like sleep won't be coming to me tonight. I thought with a groan, Fu-kun nuzzling close to me as I struggled to keep my stomach under control.

The next morning, kendo training with Mori was the only thing keeping me awake and moving. He probably noticed the dark rings under my eyes and that I was slightly hunched over due to my stomach, because I felt his eyes on me and had to reassure him I was fine numerous times. Honey realized this as well and was a lot calmer around me compared to his usual crazy self, but I was beginning to get annoyed by their tip-toeing around me like I was going to collapse any second. I would've stayed home, but today's the day Kasanoda gets attacked. I flexed my bandaged fingers, having taken out the glass in Kasanoda's locker earlier.

"Good morning, Morinozuka-kun, K-Kohaku-kun. Allow me to carry your bags."

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. I mused, holding out my bag to him as, surprisingly enough, Mori did the same.

"All right."

"Mine too!" Honey said, holding out his bag as well.

The twins and Haruhi were nearby as well and I sighed when Haruhi noticed my fingers.

"Kohaku…your hand."

I opened my mouth to answer her, but was instead surrounded by fans and even a few guys from class.

"Oh dear! Kohaku-san hurt his fingers?!"

"He cut his fingers accidentally on some glass." Honey replied, tears in his eyes as he covered for me. "It would've cut Takashi if he hadn't stopped him."

"Wow. That's pretty daring."

"Kind of unusual for Kohaku-kun though."

"Do you feel okay?"

"Is it deep?"

"It's fine." I muttered, feeling my head begin to pound and I headed towards the open window in the hopes that the cool air would help.

Kasanoda stood beside me, eyes in shock at Mori and myself. Mori glanced at us, him holding the fans back for now, before he suddenly hurried over and grabbed me; holding me to his chest and turning to block a bucket, that had flown up through the window, with his arm. My face turned a nice shade of red at his abrupt closeness and he glanced down at me, concerned.

"You okay?"

I nodded as we were surrounded by students asking me if I was alright.

"Why was a bucket flying at Mori-kin and Kohaku-kun?"

"Mori-kun, are you alright?"

"Are you hurt, Kohaku-kun?"

And so it begins. I spotted Kasanoda moving to the window and hurried over, closing it just as rotten eggs came flying at him.

"W-We should stay away from windows for now, Kasanoda-kun."

"A-Alright."

Needless to say, I wasn't surprised as Mori, Kasanoda, and I were forced to dodge various projectiles throughout the day. I mean, seriously? Where do they keep getting this stuff? A flower pot, an encyclopedia, a VCR tape, a roof tile… I sighed, leaning my head back while holding my stomach. It had steadily been getting worse during the course the day, but I kept pushing through thinking it might go away.

"Kohaku, are you alright?"

I peeked open an eye to see Tamaki leaning forward, looking at me worriedly with the others standing behind him.

"Y-Yeah."

"Anyone but Mori-senpai or Kohaku would've been seriously hurt." Kyoya commented, eyes scanning me.

"What'd you two do?"

"Yeah, did you step on Beleznoff or something?" The twins quipped.

"Are Takashi and Ko-kun cursed?"

I sighed, grabbing a couple of painkillers from my bag-silently glad I brought such a thing-and took them dry as Kasanoda caught everyone's attention.

"Uh! Hey! This is no time for fooling around! I saw all the incidents myself and they're definitely under attack!"

It was quiet for a moment, until the twins spoke.

"No way. Nobody can hate Mori-senpai. Kohaku though…he's another story."

"Hey!" I complained, earning chuckles from the two.

"Would you like me to introduce you to an exorcist?" Kyoya joked with a fake smile, joining in.

"An exorcism! An exorcism!" Honey cheered as my eye twitched.

"No, send for Nekozawa-senpai!"

Kasanoda suddenly ran from the room and I got up with yet another sigh, everyone too caught up in their own thing to notice his disappearance except Haruhi.

"I knew it." She said quietly, a small frown on her face. "I can't leave it alone like this."

"Then go after him." I said, rubbing the back of my neck with a yawn as she jumped.

"K-Kohaku?!"

I raised a brow. "Yes?"

"I-I…Wha.."

She couldn't seem to get a word out, so I spoke instead, rolling my eyes and pushing her towards the door.

"Come on. I'll even go with you."

"B-But what about the others?"

I smiled a cheesy grin. "Fu-kun's got it all taken care of."

Said rodent stood up on his hind legs on my shoulder and gave Haruhi a mock salute before dashing towards the hosts, leaving Haruhi to point after him in shock.

"D-Did he just-"

"Yes, yes, Haruhi." I interrupted, pushing her out the door. "Don't worry about him. We need to go knock some sense into Kasanoda-kun first."

"I hope you don't mean that literally." She said, shooting me a look over her shoulder.

I just smiled. "Only if it's necessary~"

She sighed as I chuckled lightly, before she brought up something I'd rather she didn't.

"So how's your stomach?"

I winced as my stomach clenched painfully at her words and I nervously chuckled.

"Heh, yeah…about that…"

"Kohaku."

Sighing, I lifted my shirt a bit, showing her the heat pack I had on. "I put a heat pack on it and have some painkillers in my bag. I've even been watching what I eat, but it's…gotten worse."

Haruhi eyed me, searching to make sure I was telling the truth. "How bad is it?"

"I, uh, haven't been sleeping much because of it." I murmured, wary of how her eyes narrowed at me. "A-And have woken up a few times…insomuchpainIcan'tmove." I spewed out quickly in the hopes that she wouldn't understand, but I was wrong.

"What?!" She shouted, eyes wide. "Kohaku! Why didn't you say anything?! You could seriously be sick!"

I winced, stuffing my hands in my pockets and looking at the ground in shame. "I'm going to ask Kyoya about it today but…can we help Kasanoda-kun first?"

Haruhi frowned at me, but let out a sigh. "Fine…but as soon as we're done, go talk to Kyoya-senpai."

I nodded and relaxed somewhat as we headed outside and spotted Kasanoda not too far off with a small basket. Haruhi raised a brow, giving me a look, but I just smiled and pushed her towards him. As we got closer, we saw that in the basket was a small bird.

"Oh, a sparrow." I commented.

"Is it hurt?"

Kasanoda jumped, startled by Haruhi and I.

"Uh?! W-Why…"

"There are sparrows in the yard by my apartment." Haruhi said. "I used to feed them rice. When you see them eating so whole-heartedly, don't you just want to catch them from behind with a basket?"

"No…Normal people don't…" Kasanoda glanced at me, but I was too busy looking at Haruhi, mouth gaping.

"Wow, Haruhi. I never expected you to be such a violent person."

Haruhi's eyes widened and she waved her hands about. "N-No! Not like that! I'd let them go! I was just…I was little, okay?!"

"Uh-huh. Sure~" I teased, before turning to Kasanoda who was looking at me in surprise. "So, what happened with the bird?"

"O-Oh, I-I found him wounded on the ground the other day. The vet told me that he should heal soon…Do you…have you always acted like that?"

I tilted my head, confused, when I realized what he was talking about. I guess I am acting different than how I usually act around him. "Ah, well, Haruhi seems to bring out my true self."

I shrugged and Haruhi scoffed. "You mean your inner child?"

I pouted. "I'm not that bad."

She rolled her eyes, before pointing at the sparrow. "Can I feed him?"

Kasanoda slowly nodded and passed her the bird and some rice. I smiled a bit as Haruhi fed the sparrow and I noticed Kasanoda watching her. Suddenly though, Haruhi looked up at me.

"Do you want to hold him, Kohaku?"

I blinked in surprise, glancing at Kasanoda before looking back at Haruhi and slowly nodding.

"S-Sure."

She passed me the sparrow and Kasanoda put some rice in my hands, leaving me to watch the bird eat while they spoke to one another. While I sat on the ground with the bird though, I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face.

"Y-You really like animals, don't you, Kohaku-kun?" Kasanoda said quietly.

I nodded, giving him a smile. "Always have. My family has had everything from cats and dogs, to rats and snakes."

He paled at the mention of the rats and snakes, but he nodded in understanding.

"I like animals too, but they always run away from me. The only animals who'll have anything to do with me are injured."

I set the sparrow back in the basket with a hum. "Hm, well the reason I like animals is because they don't judge you by the way you look. So, maybe the reason why they run away from you is because you're giving them the wrong message." I pet the sparrows head with my finger. "Perhaps if you have more confidence in yourself, then they'll treat you differently."

Haruhi nodded. "Kohaku's right. You don't have confidence in yourself, so you can't see it."

"Uh?!"

"When you lack confidence, you're oblivious to your surroundings."

I nodded again, stretching as Kasanoda questioned her, when I was suddenly hit in the back by something; red paint splashing over my uniform and onto Haruhi's as well.

"Aw man." I whined, picking at my dirtied uniform.

"It's red paint." Haruhi said as Kasanoda got angry.

"Uh?! Who the heck-"

He was cut off as people started shouting and Mori walked out with two guys who obviously weren't from this school. The school's security sucks, big time. We all watched as the twins tied up the two intruders and the other hosts came out as well, Fu-kun sticking to Kyoya's shoulders, oddly enough. Tamaki came over and began panicking over the two of us and I sighed, removing my ruined jacket and loosening my tie as the two intruders began yelling at Kasanoda.

"Hey! Kasanoda-san! You traitor!"

"You kidnapped our boss's son and then hired and then hired a bodyguard! You kidnapper! Give our boy back!"

"What are you talking about?!" Kasanoda shouted back, angry and confused.

"They must have been after you this whole time." Honey said. "We didn't want to tell you."

"What?!"

"Ko-kun found broken glass in your locker yesterday."

Kasanoda turned to me as I stood beside Mori, trying to pick the paint out of my hair.

"Why didn't you tell me? Instead you two helped me…"

Mori and I glanced at each other before Mori headed over and pat his head.

"I know a villain when I see one."

I grinned at him as well. "Like I said, just be yourself. People who understand you, are bound to show up sooner or later."

Mori nodded. "If you care a lot about your friends, they are sure to understand you. You should realize that."

He seemed shocked and as I heard Tetsuya show up, I made my way over to Haruhi as she was herded away to get changed.

"You're coming too?"

I rolled my eyes at her. "Duh. You're not the only one who got covered in paint."

I felt my stomach ache then, and cringed, placing a hand over it which caught Haruhi's attention.

"You okay?"

"Y-Yeah. For now anyway."

As we headed back up to the music room though, I could feel it steadily getting worse. By the time we reached the room, I was hunched over and Haruhi was helping me reach the back room so we could change..

"You can't postpone this anymore, Kohaku. Something is seriously wrong."

"I-I know. I'll tell K-Kyoya when they get here." I said, slumping down in a chair and gesturing to my bag. "P-Pass me my bag."

Haruhi nodded and hurriedly brought my bag over before I sent her off to change in the room next door. I took a few more painkillers and replaced the heat pack on my stomach, before attempting to change. I had just managed to get my new shirt over my shoulders and had been in the process of pulling on some pants over my boxer shorts, when the door opened and Kasanoda hurried in. he glanced at me and I just pointed over my shoulder at the wall behind me.

"Haruhi's in the next room over."

Kasanoda turned a bright red and shut the door, shouting apologies. "Sorry!"

I shook my head and finished pulling on my pants before attempting to button the buttons on my dress shirt, cheeks only slightly pink in embarrassment. Once that was done, I waited for some of the commotion outside to go down before trying to stand. N-Not good. My stomach pain flared and I had to use the wall to help me make it to the door; an arm wrapped tightly around my abdomen. I slowly opened the door, leaning against the door frame with sweat forming on my brow as I glanced around the room, slightly out of breath.

"I take it the l-level of crazy has gone down-" My voice cracked at the end as I let out a small groan; my body begging me to collapse on the ground in a fetal position.

"Ah! Kohaku!" Haruhi shouted, hurrying to my side and allowing me to lean on her as the other hosts came over as well.

"Ko-kun! Are you okay?!"

"You don't…"

"…look too good."

"Are you sick?"

"It was-ngh-just a stomach ache before." I said with a grimace as Haruhi brought me over to a couch.

"I don't think this is just a stomach ache, Kohaku." Tamaki said, having quickly gotten over his previous experience with Kasanoda, kneeling in front of me.

Though I doubt he's completely forgotten it. He placed a hand to my forehead, before turning and calling Kyoya over. Things were starting to get foggy for me at this point, and I could only vaguely hear Kyoya asking me questions and myself answering. I could care less about the light he shined in my face or when Mori suddenly picked me up and we all jumped in a limo. The pain was just too much and after a while, everything just went blank.

(No one's POV)

Kyoya sighed in frustration, head in his hands as he sat with the rest of the Host Club outside the operating room., where they had taken Kohaku after they arrived and explained what had happened. Tamaki sat beside him with his eyes cast down at his hands as he wrung them tightly, worried about the frail host. Just then, the light above the door to the operating room went off and all heads perked up as the doctor walked out with a sigh.

"H-How is sh-he?!" Haruhi asked, jumping out of her seat and nearly blowing Kohaku's cover.

The doctor cleared his throat. "He is going to be just fine."

The group let out a collective sigh as Kyoya spoke up.

"What happened?"

"It was a stomach ulcer eating at the lining of his stomach wall. Usually caused by stress, lack of sleep, malnutrition, and over-work among other things. Though it's odd, finding it in someone so young."

Kyoya nodded with a frown. "Please send the bill to me."

"There'll be no need for that." A new voice announced, Yoshio Ootori walking down the hall and sending the doctor off.

"What are you doing here, father?" Kyoya asked in shock.

"Checking in on Nishimura-san. After all, his hospitalization is partially my fault."

"What?!"

"Y-You caused this?" Haruhi stuttered out, eyes wide.

Yoshio glanced at her. "It was not my intention, but the stress I placed on him by effecting his sales may have attributed to his current condition."

"Why you-"

Tamaki held a hand out, stopping her before bowing to the man before them.

"Thank you for paying for our friend's hospital bill. However," Tamaki straightened up, looking none too pleased with the elder Ootori. "we would like a moment to see him, alone."

The older Ootori's smirk slipped into a small frown. "Very well. I will take my leave and make sure Nishimura-san is well taken care of during his stay here. Good evening."

Yoshio left and everyone moved down the hall to Kohaku's room in silence, though anyone entering the room would be able to feel the tension. It wasn't long though, before Hikaru snapped.

"Can you believe him?! What's his problem?!"

Haruhi clenched her fists tightly, head down and eyes shadowed by her bangs. "I can't believe he did that."

"Haruhi…" Tamaki said quietly.

"How could he do that to him?! Kohaku works so hard with school and writing, and he just went and messed up his sales?! And for what?!"

The room went quiet, until Kyoya spoke.

"Kohaku insulted him. Embarrassed him in front of colleagues and potential business partners at the festival."

"So?! That doesn't mean he has to go and ruin Kohaku's life!" Haruhi shouted, tears pricking the corner of her eyes as she pointed to the unconscious Kohaku. "And now he's in the hospital! How far is too far, Kyoya-senpai?!…Hasn't he got enough to deal with?" She said, voice falling into a whisper.

Kyoya dropped his head at her words, eyes fixed on Kohaku's still form beside him. After a while of silence, Tamaki herded the hosts out with a fake smile, promising to call them should anything happen. It was getting late, so they reluctantly left, but before Haruhi left, she looked over her shoulder at Kyoya.

"You know, he's really happy around you…but if all you're going to do is hurt him…then stay away from him."

She slammed the door shut behind her, leaving Tamaki and Kyoya to themselves with the sleeping white-haired host. Tamaki fully expected Kyoya to get angry about what Haruhi had said, but when Kyoya simply sighed and slumped into a chair, Tamaki was surprised.

"You're not…upset about what she said?"

Kyoya removed his glasses and massaged his temples with his free hand. "Why should I be? Everything she said is true. Even I can see what kind of effect I'm having on him."

"But Kyoya-"

"No 'buts' Tamaki!" Kyoya suddenly snapped. "Don't you see what's going on?! I'm the one who's causing this!"

He gestured to Kohaku and Tamaki was surprised by the expression on his friend's face. Tamaki was the only one Kyoya felt comfortable showing his true self to and right now, in that very moment, the amount of pain on his face was near impossible to describe. He's…scared…

"You're afraid for him." Tamaki said, watching his reaction.

Kyoya leaned forward, arm on his knee, glasses handing limply from his hand as he dragged his fingers through his hair.

"Of course I'm afraid for him." He admitted, though his voice trembled slightly; something Tamaki never heard coming from him before. "We make so many enemies, Tamaki. Our families make enemies. And I come to find out that my own father put him in the hospital…What am I supposed to do?"

Kyoya sounded almost hopeless and it broke Tamaki's heart to see him like this. To see the strong, always reliant Kyoya so lost, let alone afraid for the well-being of someone he claims to despise. These sort of feelings were something foreign to Kyoya and, as much as Tamaki wanted to help, he wasn't sure what to do this time around.

"The only thing I can do…" Kyoya said. "…is have him leave the Host Club."

Tamaki immediately gapped at him in shock. "Y-You can't do that! The club is everything to Kohaku!"

"Then what am I supposed to do?!" Kyoya shouted back. "The only way to keep this from happening again is for him to stay away from me! Away from us!"

"That's not true! Taking him away from us will only hurt him more!" Tamaki retorted, desperately grasping at straws to keep both, Kohaku and Kyoya, from getting hurt by his actions.

"What choice do I have?! I can't continue to allow him to get hurt because of me!"

Something clicked in Tamaki's head and he jumped on the idea.

"Why?!"

Kyoya stopped shouting and frowned, confused. "Why?"

Good. He's paying attention. Tamaki thought as he nodded quickly. "Why are you trying so hard to protect him?"

"Because he's in danger being around us!"

"So is Haruhi, but you haven't once mentioned her!" Tamaki shouted back. "Why are you so desperate to protect him?!"

"Because I love him!"

The room went dead silent at Kyoya's words; Tamaki staring at him in surprise, not expecting Kyoya to actually admit it.

"Are you happy now?" Kyoya said, taking his seat-having stood at some point in the argument.

"Kyoya…you-"

"Don't make me repeat it." Kyoya grumbled, making Tamaki smile.

"You finally admitted it."

He glared at Tamaki. "I said, don't make me repeat it."

"But Kyoya! You finally admitted it! Do you know what this means?!"

"It means nothing, Tamaki!" Kyoya snapped, before sighing at Tamaki's upset face. "I'm an Ootori and he's…just a commoner. A male commoner, at that. It would never work."

Tamaki quickly tried to think of something to bring up Kyoya's spirits and perhaps encourage him to continue trying for Kohaku's affections.

"What if he was a girl?"

Kyoya gave Tamaki a look. "We can't just change his gender, Tamaki."

Tamaki chuckled nervously. Kyoya, you're the smartest guy I know, but you can be so clueless sometimes. "Hypothetically, though. If Kohaku was a girl and you still felt this way, would you be willing to give up on her like you're doing now?"

Kyoya narrowed his eyes. "What are you getting at, Tamaki?"

Tamaki smiled. "Perhaps you shouldn't worry about his gender and fight for him anyway."

"And risk everything I ever worked for? It's not that easy, Tamaki."

"You and I both know, together, the two of you could achieve more than what you're doing now separately. He's already challenged your father, just as you have. You're both seeking the same thing: your father's recognition."

Kyoya reluctantly sighed, glancing at Kohaku sleeping calmly. "It won't change what society thinks."

Tamaki laughed. "And what do you care about society? 'They're persuadable if you have the right means', is something you would probably say, no?"

Kyoya chuckled as well. "You…Why are you so adamant about Kohaku and I?"

Tamaki bowed his head with a small smile. "Because when you are with him, you are the happiest I have ever seen you."

Kyoya scoffed. "You're such a pest."

"Is it so wrong to wish for my friend's happiness? Kohaku is far happier as well. But Kyoya, have you noticed? He's looking for your recognition too."

"Why would he care what I think?" Kyoya questioned.

"You'd be surprised." Tamaki said with a smug smile. "I would say he's trying to impress you."

"So he can get into the good books with my family?"

"Oh, no! Kohaku's not like that. I would say he's doing it because…" Tamaki placed a hand to his chin in thought, before snapping his fingers. "Because he sees you as a challenge!"

Kyoya rolled his eyes and stood, heading towards the door. "Of course he does. Come on, you big idiot. It's about time we head home too."

"But Kyoya~" Tamaki whined, following him out nonetheless, silently pondering if Kyoya's father had anything to do with the doctor calling Kohaku a male as well. If so, things will only prove to be more difficult for her. Let's hope that when Kyoya does find out, he won't act irrationally.

(Kohaku's POV)

I had woken up the next day and felt a lot better than before, though the hospital food could've been tastier. And I'm stuck on a soft diet that's easy on my stomach. This sucks. I want a soda…I wasn't bored though, and had plenty of time to write my manuscript while everyone was at school since they left my bag here. I suppose I shouldn't be so happy about what had happened, but it was nice to have a break away from everything. I hope Kasanoda's doing okay though. He probably tried to confess to Haruhi today and got friend-zoned…Poor guy.

It was a while later that the Host Club showed up, which wasn't surprising, and Haruhi was the first to scold me for over-working and ending up in the hospital. She wasn't too angry though, and appeared more relieved than anything, but kept sending Kyoya glares when she thought I wasn't looking. Wonder what their problem is… The others acted similarly; the twins playfully teasing me, though I could tell they were very worried. Tamaki expressed his relief by hugging me and bawling on my shoulder. Honey brought me a stuffed dog to 'keep me company' and Mori-who had been kind enough to take care of Fu-kun for me-brought me the school work I missed and ruffled my hair before telling me I was going to have to make up the kendo practice I missed.

Kyoya though, was awfully silent and hadn't said anything or done anything other than sit in a chair against the wall typing away on his laptop that he brought with him. His silence made me anxious and I found myself glancing his way a few times as I talked to the hosts about Kasanoda and what happened at school today and such. I think Tamaki spotted me though, because he nudged Kyoya quite roughly in the ribs and nodded his head my way. What is he doing? Kyoya reluctantly sighed and got up, putting his laptop down and approaching my hospital bed as he cleared his throat, making the others go silent.

"You should have told me sooner."

I chuckled nervously, not liking the atmosphere in the room at the moment. "Y-Yeah. I guess I should've, huh…"

"And I don't appreciate you getting that due to something as stupid as a bet." He said, pointing to my shoulder where the hospital gown and slid down a little, allowing my tattoo to peek out.

My face turned a bright red as the other hosts leaned over and spotted it despite my trying to cover it.

"Ko-kun! You have a tattoo?!"

"Whoa! That's pretty daring!"

"My darling son has a what?!"

"I-I, uh...H-How did you-" I stopped, suddenly remembering the conversation I had with Haruhi not long ago and turned to her narrowed eyes. "You."

Her eyes widened and she quickly lifted her hands, waving them back and forth quickly. "I-I didn't-I mean, I wouldn't have but…I had no choice!"

"No choice!" I said loudly. "Look what you did to Tamaki!"

I gestured to said host who, upon seeing my tattoo, was frozen in place slowly chipping into flakes of sand and piling up on the ground. Just then, a nurse poked her head in, the same nurse who seems to go out of her way to make my stay here miserable.

"Nishimura-san. I hope I don't have to remind you or your friends that they need to keep it down. Not only for the other patients, but for you as well. You're not allowed to get too excited or more stressed."

I groaned, dropping my face into my hand. "Yes. I know."

She nodded and left, leaving the twins to snicker and pop up on either side of me.

"Looks like you have a favorite nurse already, Ko-kun."

"No kidding. She may just be doing her job, but she could at least do it without the nagging."

"You need it, from what I see." Kyoya commented with a smirk, making my eye twitch.

"Oh, who asked you." I complained.

Things seemed to get better from that point on. Everyone eased up a bit-aside from Tamaki who was still in shock about my tattoo-and after while, everyone decided it was about time to head home. I called out to Honey and Mori though, hoping they could give me some information.

"What's wrong, Ko-chan?" Honey asked, switching to 'chan' since no one was around but us, and smiling from up on Mori's shoulders.

I gave them both a small smile. "I just wanted to know what you two thought about everything. You think any of them will figure out what they feel for one another?"

Honey hummed, placing a finger to his chin in thought. "Well, Hikaru-kun is being blind while Tama-chan obviously likes Haru-chan, but he's too foolish to know it, right?"

"Sounds about right." I said. "Though I don't think 'foolish' is the right word. He just wants to hold on to that 'family' feeling, I think."

He nodded when Mori spoke up.

"Kaoru-kun too."

"Hm…Do you think anything will happen before we all graduate?" I asked, curious.

"I don't know."

"Me neither." Honey chirped. "We'll tell you what happens while you're here though, Ko-chan."

"Alright. Thanks for the talk you guys. And for the dog too, Honey-kun." I said with a wave, not knowing that their conversation continued outside of my hospital room.

"You know, Takashi, she's really smart but her and Kyo-kun are almost as clueless as Tama-chan."

"Ah…but she's figured it out"

"Did she?"

Mori nodded. "She just doesn't know what to do."

Honey blinked. "She likes Kyo-kun, Shindo-san, and you?"

"Possibly."

"Woah…Ko-chan's gonna have a hard choice then, huh?"

"Ah."

The two of them left it at that and left the hospital, eagerly looking forward to all the craziness that was going to happen as their graduation grew closer and closer. The Host Club was full of clueless people, but that didn't necessarily mean that they wouldn't figure it out soon. And some would figure it out sooner than others.