So sorry this took so long and i apologize ahead of time for any typos. I typed this out on my ipod and then copy-pasted it, so auto-correct may have screwed a few things up. i'll spell check it a bit later, but i didn't want you all to wait much longer for this. things have been a bit crazy lately with my work, so i haven't had much of a chance to write this, plus i've been trying to keep my Doctor Who story afloat. but here's the next chapter for you all, and i'll try to set some time aside every week to write the next chapter, and hopefully it will be done in less time than it took me to do this one. :/

sorry again though. please review and let me know what you think and if there's any typos you spot that i need to fix. i'll try to check it within this week, but i've got some other stuff that needs to be done as well (like finishing my Doctor Who chapter and starting a one-shot for that, as well as work and dealing with idiot family members who can't give me a break). i'll do everything i can though! let me know what you think about this one. i personally think Kohaku was a bit of a kick butt, bad arse at the end, but that could just be because i made her... ignore me. please read and review!

I smiled away pleasantly at my guests despite the uncomfortable chinoiserie outfits we were wearing and how exhausted I was. It was February and things were going good. Better than I expected, anyway. Kyoya and I were closer than ever, after what happened with my allergy attack, and graduation was approaching; hence why all of my guests had gathered and were bawling their eyes out. Add all of that to the fact that I had finished writing the movie scripts last week and auditions would be done this week, and I was in an overall pleasant mood.

That being said, I didn't expect the dozens of challenge letters in my kendo locker. My body is killing me. It's been a while since I've worked out that hard. I sighed wistfully, and shifted my gaze over to the others as my guests tried to stop crying long enough to speak. Honey's table was particularly teary-eyed as he pointed out various sweets to his guests.

"Doesn't it look delicious? This is osmanthus jelly! And there's sweet bean soup with lotus! Plus swallow's nest and mango milk with tapioca pearls!" Honey held up a tray with bunny-shaped treats on it. "I wanted to eat my favorite dim sum with everyone today, so I requested lots and lots! Let's have as much fun as we possibly can!"

Immediately, the guests burst into tears.

"Parting is just too painful!"

"Don't graduate, Honey-senpai!"

"To think we won't get to see your smiling face anymore!"

Honey, crying as well now, hurriedly waved Haruhi down; the designated towel and tissue holder for the day.

"Haru-chan, more towels!"

"Yes! Right here!" She called back, passing them out as I turned my attention to the twins to see how they were doing in all of this chaos.

"Kaoru, aren't you going to eat? You like this stuff, don't you?" Hikaru asked, seemingly innocent, though I knew better.

"But… I feel too choked up to eat. When I think that someday you and I might have to part ways like this too, I just..."

"Kaoru!" Hikaru pulled his teary-eyed brother to his chest. "Don't be ridiculous! Even if time should drag us away from each other, our souls will be joined for all eternity!"

"Hikaru!"

Huh, and I almost thought they were switching roles today. Guess not. Their guests also burst into tears and Haruhi was summoned before one of her own guests stopped her.

"Oh, Haruhi-kun, I'll miss you so." The third-year said, sadly. "Though we will be advancing to the university division one step ahead of you, we'll surely meet again, won't we?"

"Of course we will!" Haruhi reassured as a bawling Tamaki begged her for towels. "T-Tamaki, why are you..."

"B-But Mori, Honey, and Kohaku… graduating… You're sad too, aren't you?"

Haruhi passed over a towel and I sat up a bit straighter upon seeing her move to comfort Tamaki, but some guests came over and ruined the moment, making me click my tongue in disappointment. Nekozawa too, joined the fray then though, causing the chaos to only increase.

"K-Kohaku-kun." One of my guests said, tears still in her eyes. "D-Do you have to go?"

Aw. They're so cute. I mentally cooed, though I gave my guests a resigned, saddened smile.

"I-I really am sorry. I do wish I had more time to spend with you all. I-It was so much fun, and..." I felt myself getting a little choked up as well, the realization that I was graduating finally hitting me. "... Ah… I-I'm sorry. I-I-I guess it's only now sinking in. I-I'll really miss you."

They all started crying as I excused myself to nab some towels from Haruhi, who was speaking to Kyoya.

"For some reason, I feel as though we've spent several long years together already." Haruhi said, sounding confused by the time-line. "To bring up the whole graduation thing now… It's not sinking in. In the first place, if someone's about to graduate, wouldn't they be pretty busy preparing for the transition to university? Even if it is only to prepare for Ouran's affiliate university..." She deadpanned at Honey and Mori. "Those two don't appear to have done anything but play around as much as possible. Though I doubt Kohaku's any better."

Rude. I pouted along with Honey, who threw a fist up.

"We've been making all our preparations on our own time!"

I chose then to make my presence known and tapped Haruhi on the shoulder.

"C-Could I have some tissues? A-And my guests need some towels."

She raised a brow in surprise as she passed me some tissues. "You too?"

I nodded, pouting childishly. "I was fine until they started crying too. I-I'm not good with tears."

She stared for a moment. "Huh."

I frowned. "Don't give me that look! I-I'm allowed to cry!"

"I never said you weren't." She replied, though I wasn't convinced.

"Nu-uh! You're giving me the same look you gave me back when I got excited about the horses!"

She just hummed and I followed her with a whine.

"Haruhi! I'm allowed to have emotions, you know!"

"Sure you are."

I pouted yet again, but we were distracted by Mori as he spoke with a guest.

"Mori-kun, um… Since we'll be entering different university departments, we won't have much chance to meet anymore, so… please take care."

"Yeah." He grunted out, before promptly spilling his tea in his lap.

The twins hummed.

"That's right." Hikaru mused. "Even if most of us go to the same university..."

"...those who enter different departments won't really get to see one another much, huh?" Kaoru finished.

"Doesn't Mori-senpai seem a little unenergetic?" Haruhi asked as Kyoya nodded.

"Yes. I think Mori was tired out by the challenge letter rush."

"Challenge letter rush?"

Kyoya explained. "His juniors from the various martial arts clubs are all rushing desperately to get the chance to duel him once before he graduates."

"Ah! Does that mean Honey is also getting—"

"No. Since the challengers know Honey will likely not hold back at all in battle, he seems to be comparatively free these days."

"Ah… of course."

Haruhi turned to me then. "What about you, Kohaku? You seem a little… tense."

I raised a brow; rolling my shoulders which I hadn't realized had tensed.

"I've been getting all the leftovers. Once Takashi defeats them, they come to me. Either that, or they use me to see if they have a chance of beating him. I've gotten just as many challenge letters as him, though I'll admit, I have lost a few times." I said, shrugging off the twins' shocked looks. "I'm pretty decent at kendo, but kickboxing is more my thing."

"Right." The twins sweat dropped as Haruhi went to give Mori a towel to clean himself up after dropping his tea.

"Mori-senpai, is something the matter?"

"No." He lied as I joined the group and Nekozawa popped up behind me.

"Which department were you planning on entering, Haninozuka-kun? As for me, I will be in the literature department."

"I'm in engineering! Since I've always loved math, I decided to specialize in it!" Honey chirped, holding up his fist confidently. "And my ultimate aim is to someday use what I learn to begin development of cars and toys, and open new divisions of the Haninozuka enterprise!"

"Wow. So then Mori-senpai, you're also entering the engineering department?" Haruhi asked.

"Naturally!" The twins said. "You can't split up a duo like them."

"No." Mori spoke up. "I will be in the law department."

"Eh? You're kidding, right?"

Honey shook his head. "Nope, it's true. Starting April, Takashi and I will be in different departments."

There was a tense moment of silence, before the hosts promptly freaked out.

"Meaning the Mori-Honey combo will be no more?! Seriously?!"

"Seriously." Honey said, before turning to me in curiosity. "Neh, what department are you going to be in, Ko-kun?"

"Hm? Oh, foreign language." I said, rubbing my neck with a smile as all eyes turned to me in surprise. "I already know French, English, Japanese, Korean, and German, but I want to learn as many as I can now that my book is sold world-wide. My manager is already trying to schedule a debut tour, and it'd be nice to actually be able to speak to everyone in their native tongue."

The idiot trio stared at me with teary eyes before tackling me in a group hug, bawling their eyes out.

"Kohaku!"

"My darling son is growing up so fast!"

"I'm not a kid!" I shouted, trying and failing to get them off me. "I-It's not even that big a deal! I'll only be in school part-time for a while anyway! Learning languages isn't that difficult for me!"

"Only part-time?" Kyoya mused and I mentally cursed myself as I realized my mistake.

"Y-Yeah." I stuttered out, looking away nervously once I'd gotten out of the three idiots' grip. "I-I've got some work business that needs to be taken care of, so I won't be able to do full-time until..." I thought about it before realizing I wouldn't be able to pin an exact date to when the filming will be over, so I grimaced. "...a while?"

His eyes narrowed at me suspiciously and I mouthed that I'd tell him later, to which he begrudgingly agreed. Of course, he assumed later meant right after the club was over, and immediately stuck to my side like a leech, probably knowing that I would try to run off without telling him anything. Unable to escape, I reluctantly climbed into his limo so he could drop me off at home and I could explain what was going on. Though, I wasn't going to make it easy for him.

"So?" He said after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence.

"Hm?" I turned to him with a raised brow, playing innocent, though I couldn't help but be amused as his eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"Explain. Now."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, you're no fun. It's not even that big of a deal. You could just wait until it gets publicly announced, you know."

I struggled to keep a smirk off my face, knowing that I was teasing the hungry lion named Kyoya.

"Tell me, or I will pay off every store within a ten mile radius of your apartment to not allow you to buy your favorite soda." He threatened and I turned to him with my mouth open in shock.

"W-What?!"

He pushed his glassed up smugly. "Think of it as… an intervention."

"I'm not doing drugs, Kyoya!" I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "I can give up soda."

"Hm, really? You can give up your favorite soda for possibly months in order to keep a secret that—as you said—isn't even that big of a deal?" He asked and I could feel my resolve crumbling. "I might even pay them off until next year."

"Alright! Alright!" I groaned, slumping in my seat and letting my head flop back. "I give. I give."

Tachibana chuckled in the front seat and I peered an eye open to glare at the back of his head.

"And I'll pour my soda all over this nice leather interior if you don't stop laughing, Tachibana-san."

The man stiffened and quickly sobered up as I closed my eyes and spoke to Kyoya in a grumble.

"What do you want to know?"

He grinned, obviously pleased he'd won our little contest, removing his glasses to clean them with the underside of his shirt.

"Well, how about why you'll only be doing part-time school work."

"I'll be working." I muttered, still playing difficult as he replaced his glasses.

"On?"

"My novel."

He raised a brow. "I thought you finished."

"I did."

He remained silent and after a moment, I couldn't take it anymore and groaned loudly.

"Ugh, fine. It's being made into a movie, okay? I just finished the script this week and I need to be present for auditions next week before helping direct it for filming, which starts once I graduate. Hence why I'll only be in school part-time. Okay?"

He gave me a look. "How did you land a movie deal?"

I sighed, sitting up slightly as I pulled a hand through my hair. "My manager dragged me to an author's get-together and before I could leave, a movie director got a hold of me and wouldn't let go."

Kyoya smirked. "You don't sound too excited."

The limo pulled up to my apartment and I grabbed my bag.

"You wouldn't be either. Not only is it more work, but my manager's boss keeps joining us and he's as bad as Tamaki."

Kyoya hummed in understanding and cleared his throat as I started to leave the limo. I paused and turned back, only to see what he wanted. The look on his face told me enough and I rolled my eyes before leaning in and kissing him briefly.

"Needy." I commented with a smirk as I pulled away and he smirked back.

"Says you."

I knew he was right and headed off to my apartment rather happily, despite knowing about the troubles that would occur within the next couple of days.

(No one's POV)

"Next, second year Kitamizawa-san." Mori said, and a young student stood up.

"Thank you for the match!"

On the opposite end of the dojo, Kohaku pulled a hand through her hair tiredly.

"Uh, first year Takayoshi-san?"

"Here!" Another student called out, standing. "Thank you for the match!"

The four faced off on either side of the room and as quickly as the two matches started, Mori's ended.

"Wow! In one hit!" Haruhi gaped as the rest of the hosts watched in awe. "I guess even Mori-senpai shouts in kendo."

"Amazing as usual, Mori-senpai!" Kaoru cheered as Hikaru watched Kohaku's match for a little bit before turning to Kyoya.

"Where's Honey?"

"He went to the dining hall to eat cake since it appears this will take a while."

"Next, first year Okubo-san." Mori called out, standing beside a box of challenge letters.

"Ah, this will take some time." The twins sweat-dropped as Tamaki sobbed into a towel.

"Never again will we be able to witness Mori's gallantry in the kendo hall."

"Oh, yeah. Don't worry about me." Kohaku drawled as she headed over, wiping her sweaty face with a towel around her neck; a water bottle in her other hand. "Sorry I'm not gallant enough for you."

Tamaki wailed louder as he clung to her waist. "Wah! I'm sorry, Ko-kun!"

"Milord, how long are you going to cry?" Hikaru asked him as Kohaku tried to pry the blonde off her.

"But I can't stop. It's all too sad! It's bad enough Mori, Honey, and Kohaku will graduate. They're going to be torn apart too!"

Hikaru couldn't argue that. "It is pretty surprising…"

"I never imagined Mori-senpai would ever leave Honey's side. Though somehow, they both seem okay with it."

Just as Kaoru said that though, Mori fell to the ground, having tripped over his own two feet.

"Or maybe not."

"Of course he's not okay!" A new voice called out and the group turned to the two standing in the doorway.

"Satoshi-san, Chika-san."

"The decision about which department he'd enter was made by a council of our relatives without Taka's input. Naturally, Taka wouldn't want to leave Mitsukuni-kun's side." Satoshi explained, before getting more dramatic. "If you want proof, do you know what he did at dinner last night?!"

"...Ate?" Kohaku said sarcastically, still trying to get Tamaki off her.

"He put a whole grilled fish, natto, and boiled greens into his miso soup and ate it!" Satoshi wailed, ignoring Kohaku's comment. "He also came out to morning practice a few days ago with the most ridiculous bed-head ever!"

"Wish I'd seen that." Kohaku snorted with a chuckle, now freed from Tamaki's grasp; though Kyoya glared at her in jealousy as Satoshi went on.

"And he does things like accidentally hang Pome up to dry with his freshly washed practice clothes. Or searches frantically for his glasses when he already has them on his face!"

"This is serious…" The twins muttered.

"I'm sure Taka doesn't really want this at all!" Satoshi exclaimed. "That's why—"

He was cut short as a bamboo sword smacked him on the head.

"Satoshi, don't go around chattering about serious matters." Mori said, taking a break and accepting the water bottle Kohaku passed him. "I've considered my future on my own and decided this. Don't draw your own conclusions."

"Taka!" Satoshi shouted in disbelief as Mori headed off. "When I go to university, I would never even consider letting Yasuchika out of my sight!"

Yasuchika scoffed. "I, on the other hand, would be thrilled to part ways with you right now."

"What did you say?!"

Satoshi chased Yasuchika out of the dojo as Kohaku sighed and went back to continue dealing with the challengers. Kyoya watched her go with his own sigh, speaking his thoughts about Honey and Mori's situation out loud.

"Well, it is an appropriate decision."

"Kyoya-senpai?"

He explained. "The Haninozuka and Morinozuka families are both powerful enterprises on their own, but they have many joint ventures and share a relationship that is very deeply intertwined. Mori-senpai will someday stand as the head of his family as well, and is likely aiming to ensure that he will be a good business partner for Honey-senpai." Kyoya eyed Kohaku as she fought another first year. "In that case, I can certainly see how he would decide they should specialize in different fields in university. Having a thorough grasp of law is an important asset to anyone entering business. If Honey-senpai intends to go into research and development, knowing law will be especially helpful when it comes to creating patients and the like. Perhaps Satoshi-san and Yasuchika-san aren't able to understand that, but I would've expected you to be able to, Tamaki."

Haruhi turned to the blonde who was pouting on the floor, and reached towards him in worry.

"Tamaki?"

"I do understand." Tamaki said, making Haruhi pause as he stood up and wiped his eyes. "Of course I do. And I also understand that if Mori himself says he's decided this, we have no right to stand in his way." He spotted Haruhi's outstretched hand and blinked. "Hm? What is it, Haruhi? Ah! Could it be you were reaching out to comfort me?"

Panicking, Haruhi quickly spouted the first thing that came to her mind.

"I would never do that." She said bluntly, and Tamaki quickly went back to pouting in a corner.

Kyoya rolled his eyes and checked the time before calling it to Tamaki.

"Tamaki, it's time."

Tamaki got up, waving at the others as he quickly recovered and explained.

"Oh! I'm supposed to be observing a meeting at headquarters today. See you tomorrow!"

Haruhi wanted to say something, feeling guilty for lying to him, but she lowered her hand and went quiet; not seeing the look Hikaru gave her. While the three of them went to see what Honey had to say about all this, Tamaki confronted Kyoya on the way to the limo.

"So?"

"What?"

Tamaki smirked. "What do you think about Kohaku's choice of study?"

Kyoya shrugged. "What does it matter? She'll choose whatever she wishes. My opinion is irrelevant."

Tamaki chuckled. "She is rather set on making her own decisions."

"Hm." Kyoya hummed, though a fond smile brushed over his face.

"But you're dating, are you not?" Tamaki's blurted out, shocking Kyoya at his directness. "Don't you think she considered this before deciding?"

"What makes you think we're dating?"

"Oh, mon ami! You cannot plainly think I have missed the subtle glances you both exchange daily."

Kyoya sighed and pushed up his glasses. "You are the last person I expected to find out about us." He grumbled as Tamaki beamed. "And I doubt Kohaku would consider such a thing. She has already stated that she chose the foreign language department for her work."

"Ah, then perhaps I shouldn't tell you." Tamaki hummed out. "Especially if you do not believe in her."

"Tell me what, Tamaki?" Kyoya said with a little bite, annoyed at the blonde's teasing.

"Tell you the real reason she chose that department." Tamaki grinned.

"And what would you know about that?" Kyoya asked, curious but also rather angry that Kohaku hadn't informed him of the truth.

"She asked me for advice." Tamaki said with a smug pose and Kyoya stared at him with a blank expression.

"I highly doubt anyone would ever come to you for advice, Tamaki."

Tamaki pouted and pulled out his phone. "I'll prove it. See?"

He shoved the device in Kyoya's face, a text on the screen from about a month ago.

Tamaki? Could you help

me with something?

I need some advice.

-Kohaku

Kyoya frowned and pushed it away from him. "And why not ask me?"

"Mon ami, she did it for you." Tamaki explained. "She texted me for advice on what department to choose that would be most beneficial for you."

Kyoya furrowed his brows on confusion. "Why? She should choose whatever she wants. And why not tell me?"

Tamaki sighed. "She loves you, mon ami. She wishes to be useful to you while also doing what she wants to do. And it's possible that the reason she kept silent about her decision, is because she is nervous and embarrassed."

"About what?" Kyoya questioned, confused.

"She is as new to these feelings as you, Kyoya." Tamaki replied. "You cannot tell me that you are entirely comfortable doing some things with her."

Kyoya cleared his throat, cheeks pink, as he looked away; remembering the churning feeling in his stomach whenever Kohaku and him held hands, cuddled, or kissed. Even the smallest of kind acts he does for her always manage to make him feel a little uncomfortable. Tamaki chuckled at his friend's expression.

"Mon ami, you two are made for each other."

Kyoya frowned, taking a page from Kohaku's book as he spoke. "Shut it."

(Kohaku's POV)

"Wah, I'm exhausted." I panted, flopping back onto the dojo floor, trying to ease up the atmosphere a little.

After all, Mori had just lost a match and had canceled all other matches today. Honey and the other hosts showing up though, did nothing but add to the tense atmosphere.

"Well, well. Takashi, you lost." Honey chirped. "What's up? Was your tummy hurting?"

While it might seem an innocent question to most, I knew better. Ooh, he's trying to egg him into a fight. He might as well be laughing at Mori for such a lame reason.

"No." Mori replied, not taking the bait. "There was a gap in my guard."

"Hm. Well, this really is a problem for you, isn't it?" Honey mused. "If you go and lose like that, people will think the Haninozuka's are weak. Plus, Ko-kun will end up with even more fights because of this."

"Mitsukuni-kun! How could you say that?!" Satoshi shouted, but I silenced him with a stern look.

"Stay out of it, Satoshi-san. Honey is right. This really could reflect badly on both their families and it's not something for you to meddle in."

He looked stunned that I would talk to him that way, and went to argue the point, but Mori shot him a stern look.

"Satoshi."

Satoshi begrudgingly bowed his head at Mori's silent order, and went quiet as Honey brought all attention back to him; staring at Mori with an uncharacteristic frown.

"I've tried staying silent and just observing, but now you've ended up making all the juniors worry. What do you think you're doing?" He demanded to know. "If there's something you want to say to me, Takashi, just say it."

"...Then, with your permission, I will." Mori said, standing up and facing him seriously. "But before that, fight me, Mitsukuni. I want to challenge you to a duel."

Honey smirked. "Alright. We'll do it the day before graduation." He turned to me then, and I stiffened at the look in his eyes as he smiled innocently. "And Ko-kun can be our warm-up!"

I deadpanned at the grinning blonde. "Demon."

(No one's POV)

"Wow. Now they've done it." The twins commented, looking over one of the many newspapers being handed out. "Talk about a big fuss."

"The school paper's editor-in-chief looks pretty thrilled to have such juicy news to dish out just before he graduates." Kaoru commented.

Haruhi wasn't nearly as thrilled. "Everyone at this school seems to continue their club activities right up until graduation, huh?"

Kaoru sighed, giving the paper a look. "But. Why did they put off the duel until the day before graduation? If they're going to do it, they may as well hurry up and get it over with."

"You three are nearly second year students, and you can't fathom why?" Kyoya asked, wondering just how thick they were as he smiled. "The longer you draw out anticipation over an event like this, the more you can milk it."

All eyes went to Tamaki though, as he let out a choked sob.

"You're all so cruel. Gathering around and finding amusement in something so grave. You're even placing bets on the outcome!"

"Let's old like our resident bleeding heart has resurfaced." Hikaru said, annoyed.

"They asked you to serve as referee for the matches, right? You'd better toughen up." Kaoru replied, sweatdropping at Tamaki's antics.

"I-I'll try my hardest! Though my heart is breaking."

Hikaru frowned slightly. "But, as we're on the topic of Honey and Mori, it seems they haven't said word to each other since Mori issued his challenge."

Kyoya spoke up then. "Kohaku is being the mediator between the two. According to Satoshi-san though, Mori has been continuing his daily training late into the night. But—perhaps to hone his mental concentration—it seems he has also started practicing Chinese calligraphy."

"What?!" Kaoru gaped in shock. "Is he transcribing Buddhist sutras or something?"

"Kohaku says it's for something stupid." Kyoya continued. "Her words, not mine. From Honey's camp, Chika-san told me that he's been hearing the sound of knives being sharpened in Honey's room late into the night."

Even Haruhi panicked with the others, before Kaoru sobered up.

"Honestly though, I don't think Mori will win against Honey in the end."

"Kaoru?"

Kaoru brought a hand to his mouth in worry. "Don't you think? Six-foot-three Mori sending a four-foot-ten Honey flying or putting him in a judo hold…"

A bully! He'd look like a total bully! Haruhi and Hikaru realized.

"So, l put you down for one wager on Honey, right Kaoru?" Kyoya smiled, happy to be in charge of the betting.

"Hey! No fair!" Hikaru complained. "Put me down for Honey too!"

"How can you take sides like that?!" Tamaki wailed. "Think of poor Mori! Fine! Then I'll place ten wages on Mori!"

"Calm down." Haruhi grumbled.

He's taking sides too. She thought of something fun and turned to Kyoya as the other three bickered.

"Has Kohaku placed any bets?"

Kyoya nodded. "Twenty wages on Mori. She we rather confident in her decision."

Haruhi nodded. "Then put me down for five on Mori-senpai."

He gave her a surprised look, but nodded, marking her bet down as Haruhi thought of how much she would be able to get with whatever money she won. I feel bad for taking advantage of Kohaku's foresight like that, but she's doing it too and I could use the extra money. Haruhi smiled, not knowing that Kohaku had sneezed upon walking into her class where Honey and Mori were.

"You okay, Ko-chan?" Honey asked, sitting with Usa-chan in the window sill. "You're not getting sick, are you?"

Kohaku shook her head, hopping up to sit on a desk nearby. "Nah. Probably just someone talking about me."

Honey glanced outside where students were gossiping about the upcoming fights. "Everyone is making such a fuss. Have you noticed, Takashi?"

"Yeah." Mori grunted, ruffling Kohaku's hair with a small smile as he stood beside her.

"Now that it's become such a big deal, I may have to fight you without holding back." Honey hummed. "Will you be okay? You may end up too injured to attend the ceremony and parties afterward. Maybe I should reserve a room in the hospital ahead of time."

"I hope you're talking to Takashi." Kohaku said with a shiver, turning to Mori with a nervous smile. "No offense."

Mori smiled a little, not taking offense as Honey smiled innocently.

"But I need to go all-out against you in my warm-up, Ko-chan."

She frowned slightly. "The warm-up won't last long then." She sighed. "I'm gonna get creamed."

Mori pat her back in reassure end as she moped. "You should be more confident in yourself."

She pouted, frowning at him. "Says you. You're not going to go easy on me either."

He chuckled, knowing that what she said was true, and the trio soon lulled into silence before Honey let out a sigh.

"Ah, we'll be graduating soon…"

"It was fun though, yeah?" Kohaku smiled fondly, the other two following her lead as they too grinned and looked down at all the people they were leaving behind.

(Kohaku's POV)

I took a deep breath, crossing my arm over my chest as I stretched, both hands wrapped and dressed in the typical white judo pants and gi; a form-fitting black tank-top under that.

"So you remember the rules?" I asked; Mori stretching across from me.

"Ah." He nodded, though I repeated them anyway.

"One three minute round. Kicks, punches, sweeps, throws, and pins are allowed. No weapons, below the belt hits or grappling. Winner is determined when the round ends, an opponent is pinned for ten seconds, or gives up by tapping out. "

He nodded again and slipped into the usual judo starting stance as I brought my left foot forward and my hands up to my face with a smirk.

"Try not to lose before your match, Takashi."

He smirked back. "No holding back."

Tamaki looked between us nervously as the other hosts and students watched excitedly.

"T-Then, if you're both ready. On my signal." Tamaki paused. "Round… start!"

I quickly closed the distance between us, knowing that Mori wouldn't be the first to move on the offensive, and I threw a jab to his face. He went to counter with a body shot to the ribs, but I bent my elbow and dropped it harshly onto his extended arm before retaliating with a kick. He rolled out of the way as I grinned at his surprised expression.

"What's wrong, Takashi? What happened to no holding back?"

Of course, it only took him a few moments before he'd adjusted to the style and speed of my fighting and promptly threw me over his shoulder. Before he could pin me down though, I rolled aside and tripped him, not giving him a chance before I pinned him. He struggled and nearly threw me off him more than once, but Tamaki's count reached ten and I released my hold on Mori's neck with a sigh of relief as I flopped back onto the ground; cheers ringing up from the crowd as I was announce the winner. He was a good sport about it, helping me up and thanking me for the match with a ruffle of my hair, before it was Honey's turn for a warm up. And let me tell you now, the little bugger was fast. I only managed to clip his shoulder with one of my punches before I was forced to take the defensive. It was only after he kicked me hard in the stomach and ribs that I gave in and he won the match.

"Y-You… meant it… when you said… you wouldn't hold back." I panted out, having a hard time catching my breath, even after Honey pulled me up.

"Hehe, sorry, Ko-kun. I just thought it would be rude to you if I held back." He smiled and I gave him a look as I held my arm around my stomach.

"If it saved me from bruised ribs, then I'd rather have rudeness."

He chuckled as I moved off the field and over towards Kyoya; waving as the guests watching cheered despite me losing. Kyoya, of course, was less than amused and promptly began checking my ribs for breaks.

"I'm fine, you know." I lightly complained, wincing slightly when he pressed on my ribs. "They're just a little bruised and he knocked the air out of me."

He gave me a look. "And you expect me to believe that?" He asked, continuing to prod me in the ribs. "You are more than accident-prone, Kohaku."

I pouted childishly. "It's not my fault Honey's a monster."

He sighed, but gave me a clean bill of health with the order that I needed to ice my ribs later. It was then, that Tamaki spoke up.

"The duel between Takashi Morinozuka and Mitsukuni Haninozuka shall now commence. This match shall be conducted in the Haninozuka style." He announced, moving on to the rules of the match. "If either combatant's shoulder touches the ground for longer than twenty seconds, if he steps out of the ring, or if he is unable to go to continue fighting, victory shall go to his opponent. Is that clear?"

Neither responded, so Tamaki assumed they did and took a deep breath.

"Begin!"

I watched as Honey quickly jumped in with a shout as I rolled my eyes. "Idiot. He's wide open."

Sure enough, Mori grabbed his gi and then kicked him across the ring; stunning Haruhi and the twins. Honey landed on his feet, but Mori was already charging over and grabbed his gi again.

"Mitsukuni! Prepare yourself!"

I sighed with a frown, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning against Kyoya.

"I'm starting to think these two went all out against me and are just goofing off now. Who tells their opponent that they're planning something?"

It was then that Honey flipped Mori, but Mori managed to land on his feet. As they charged at each other again, girls went crazy behind us at their close proximity, before Honey pulled out a metal bō. Mori did the same and blocked Honey's attack.

"Bunny shuriken!" Honey shouted, throwing a number of sharp shuriken with bunny tops at Mori.

He blocked it with the bō, but it shattered and in his shock, Honey charged in with a kick.

"You're wide open!"

Mori skid across the ground and Honey immediately jumped in for the final kick.

"It's the end, Takashi! Bunny—"

He was cut off as Mori suddenly grabbed him and placed him down on the ground.

"It's the end for you, Mitsukuni."

"Huh?" Honey looked down and realization dawned on him. "Oh."

"He's out of the ring." Tamaki gaped. "The match goes to Mori!"

Cheers rang out as Mori stood and pulled out a letter; opening it and reading.

"Mitsukuni… One, even when you start university, you will not forget to brush your teeth daily." He said, shocking the hosts, though I just chuckled. "Two, in order to prevent various illnesses, you will reduce the amount of cake you eat by ninety percent. And lastly, three. Mitsukuni, you are now eighteen years old. You will stop bringing that rabbit with you to school."

"Never!" Honey shouted and Mori glared, grabbing him by the head.

"You will stop bringing that rabbit."

Honey pouted. "I will only bring him once every three days."

Mori smiled, willing to accept that, and he pat Honey's head. "Good man."

Honey turned around then, happily running over and grabbing me around the waist as he smiled at Kyoya.

"Kyoya! Kyoya! Did our matches bring in some profit?"

"Yes. We generated quite a bit of revenue for the club thanks to you." He replied as Honey and I turned to the other hosts.

"How about you all? Did you find our matches exciting?"

"You even had milord wishing on falling stars for you three." The twins said, still looking rather confused at all of this.

I glanced over at the excited guests though. "They sure looked like they had fun."

Honey nodded happily and the twins' mouths fell open.

"Wait! You mean you three faked all of this?!"

I gave them a look. "No way! I was fighting for my life back there!" I turned to Honey frowning. "Though you two left a lot of openings for your so-called serious fight."

Honey pouted up at me. "That's not true, Ko-kun! The duel was completely real. I sort of guessed what Takashi's demands were going to be, so I really didn't want to lose!"

"Sure you did." I grumbled, as Honey explained to the twins.

"I'd noticed that all the times he appeared to be looking at me, he was actually glaring at Usa-chan."

"Wow!" They exclaimed. "That was really what it was all about?!"

Honey let me go and took Usa-chan from Haruhi as Mori came up to stand beside me.

"Actually, the two of us have always known that someday we'd have to walk different paths." Honey chirped. "We'd already prepared ourselves for it. Though we never imagined our three years of high school to be this much fun. But because Tama-chan invited us to join the Host Club, we were able to spend every day with you, eat lots of cake, and have lots of fun!" He smiled, climbing up to Mori's shoulders. "Thanks to you all, we really enjoyed ourselves! That's why we wanted to do something fun for everyone!"

"Honey! Mori!" They cried, hugging them before the twins turned to me.

"What about you, Kohaku?"

"Did you fight to make us have fun too?"

I raised a brow. "What? No way. I was just dragged into this mess." I replied bluntly, and the twins looked at each other before attacking me with hugs.

"Aw! Don't worry, Kohaku!"

"Yeah! We understand!"

"You're just too shy to admit it!"

"Am not!" I argued, trying to pull away from them. "Let me go!"

"Never!" They chimed together, and even Kyoya left me on my own to fend them off.

Graduation happened quickly after that. Everyone came to support one another, which I was glad for. I'd gotten a little depressed during the opening ceremonies upon realizing that I wouldn't have any family there, but when my name had been called, I was stunned by the numerous cheers that rang out. All of the hosts were there and a bunch of the guests were too, and I was pleasantly surprised to see Ranka there cheering me on as well. And I'd never felt more at home than I did in that one moment.

"Ta-da!" Honey chirped, drawing me from my reverie as he showed off his diploma.

"So he has proof he's a high school graduate." Hikaru said, looking over the paper excitedly.

"Tamaki, your face." Kyoya commented. "You're a mess."

"These are humble tears of joy celebrating their graduation!" He cried, wiping his face repeatedly with a handkerchief as I rolled my eyes and loosened the tie around my neck.

Wait until they find out we'll still be hosting.

Kaoru was tearing up now, too. "I feel like crying too. I know we'll still be able to see each other, but when I think about how we'll never see you three in Music Room 3 ever again..."

"Huh?" Honey said in confusion, before holding up a finger. "Even though we've graduated, we still plan to show up at the Host Club like always, you know. We may not be able to make every day, but the three of us plan to come over from the University Division when we can. Right Takashi? Kohaku?"

Mori nodded silently, but I rubbed the back of my neck nervously.

"A-Actually, I don't know how often I'll be able to come. Now that I've graduated, my work has quadrupled, but I'll do what I can." I smiled. "You won't be able to get rid of me that easily."

"Wait. So then… what was that goodbye speech you gave, Honey?"

"Well, it's true our time as high school students is at an end, isn't it?"

I looked around, distracted. "Hey, where's Haruhi?"

"Hm?" Honey hummed. "Is she still in Cooking Room 1?"

Honey was grabbed in another hug by Tamaki, explaining to the twins about how he wanted her to make him cookies. I was then tackled by a weepy and overly cheerful Ranka, before I managed to escape into an empty part of the school; leaning back against the wall with a sigh.

"Host Club or not, I don't think I'll ever get used to that amount of crazy." I grumbled, pulling out my phone and wincing as I checked my schedule for the next few weeks.

God, it's a mess. I mentally complained. I'll be lucky if I get any sleep. And I'll need to go to the gym more regularly too to relieve all the stress that will build up because of this.

"Especially with that hailstorm heading our way." I murmured sadly, thinking about the mess Tamaki was about to get dragged into.

"And what 'hailstorm' would that be?"

I jumped, wincing when I dropped my phone and the battery popped out, frowning at Kyoya for startling me. Muttering a curse under my breath, I picked up what I'd dropped and tucked it away as he spoke up again.

"I don't remember hearing about a storm in the weather report this morning."

I sighed, pulling a hand through my hair. "It's not that kind of storm."

"Hm." He hummed, moving closer and fixing my ruffled tie. "And what would this storm entail, might I ask?"

"Can't really say." I said tiredly, catching the scowl he sent my way. "Oh, don't give me that. I may be a little psychic, but that doesn't mean I'm going to risk telling you and screwing up..." I trailed off upon spotting his wide eyes. "...and I'm guessing this is the first time you've heard any of this. Great."

"You're… psychic."

"Yeah, a bit. Only certain things and only about the hosts and events involving you guys. Couldn't tell you anything about my part in things or stock market prices or anything."

"That actually… explains quite a bit." He muttered, pushing up his glasses. "However, I do not appreciate not being told sooner."

I snorted indignantly. "Oh, right. 'Cause you would've believed me if I told you sooner?"

"Perhaps."

"Yeah, no. Doubt it." I sighed tiredly. "No hints though. I don't go around telling people what's going to happen, since it could mess things up and my 'predictions' would become useless."

"And I'm assuming Haruhi already knows?"

I raised a brow. "Yeah. H-How did—" My mouth dropped open in realization. "Oh, the bet. She bet on Takashi once she heard I did, didn't she?"

Kyoya nodded, before placing his hands on my waist and stepping closer. "Anyone else?"

"A-Anyone else what?" I stuttered out, cheeks already turning red as my eyes scanned the halls for people.

Or an escape. He's jealous, after all, and he always acts strangely clingy when he's jealous.

"Who else knows, Kohaku?"

"J-Just, um… Tamaki, the twins, a-and possibly Honey and Takashi? I-I can't remember if I told them or not, b-but I might have… in passing?"

"Hm, I see." He hummed, eyes shining mischievously as his nose brushed mine. "You don't trust me."

"T-That's not true!" I exclaimed, before lowering my voice as my face grew even more flushed. "I-I-I just didn't know how t-to tell you. People don't usually believe that sort of thing. E-Especially not someone who's all about facts and logic."

"And you didn't think to try?"

I groaned. "Kyoya! Why do you have to make this so difficult?!"

He chuckled. "Because it's amusing to watch you fumble around for an answer."

I went to argue, but he took that chance to press his lips to mine, deepening the kiss until he pulled away; leaving me a little breathless. He hardly seemed bothered though, and brushed a stray hair from my face; ignoring how red I knew my face was.

"Do you trust me, Kohaku?" He asked and I knew my answer right away.

"Yeah. Yeah, I do." I smiled, kissing him back while I had the chance.

After all, things weren't going to be this peaceful for a long while.

(No one's POV)

Kyoya pushed up his glasses tiredly, checking his phone and finding a multitude of messages from Tamaki at an ungodly time for morning. I question why he thinks I'd be awake at that time. The moron. Calling since the crack of dawn. What is that idiot up to now? Guess it can't be helped. He mentally sighed. I better call him back. Just as he went to press the button, he was startled by the voice beside him.

"Ah! You're awake. I can't believe you slept so long. I'm starving! It's already lunch time."

Kyoya turned to see Kaoru spread out on his bed beside him, reading Kohaku's book.

"Kaoru, how long have you..."

"Hm, about two hours now." He hummed, not nearly as bothered as Kyoya was about this. "I wanted to make sure to leave the house while Hikaru was still asleep, so I got here early. I figured you'd still be asleep, so I was planning to wait in the foyer until you woke up. But then Akito-san almost caught me, so I snuck in here."

"Ah… I see. My brother must have only afternoon classes today." Kyoya muttered, checking his phone as it went off; expecting another text from Tamaki, only to be surprised by one from Kohaku instead.

I comg ovr. Hpe

u don mind.

-K

He rolled his eyes at her tired, half-asleep texting and texted back, saying that was fine, before tuning back into what Kaoru was saying.

"I don't really like being around him." He said, speaking of Akito. "He makes me feel tense. Whenever I come over, he always gives me a disapproving look. And he always asks me things like what your school life is like and how popular you are. Why does he do that? It's as if he's trying to monitor your activities to keep you in check or something."

Kyoya sighed, getting up and moving downstairs towards the closet to change out of his pajamas; Kaoru following.

"Kaoru, don't speak ill of my brother. Akito forewent club activities to focus on his studies during high school. He's just irritated because it appears I'm not taking my high school career seriously."

Kaoru frowned, upset. "But even when you're busy with club activities, you've always kept up your grades!"

"Perhaps, but my older brothers are far ahead of me. They've gone on to achieve great things." Kyoya replied, picking out something to wear. "Until I graduate from university and can stand on equal ground with them, I have no right to say anything against them."

"But that's—"

Kyoya cut Kaoru off with a smirk as he removed his pajama top.

"Which is to say, that when that time finally comes, it will be my turn to shine at last."

"Oh!" Kaoru brought a hand up to cover his mouth as he snickered. "You were really cool just now. Milord is rubbing off on you."

Kyoya pulled on his shirt and went over to grind his knuckles into Kaoru's temples.

"Well? What was so important you felt the urge to sneak into a sleeping person's bedroom uninvited, my ill-mannered underclassman?"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Kaoru wailed under the tired glare of the shadow king.

Said man went and pulled on the rest of his clothes before calling up a butler as Kaoru rubbed his head and explained.

"Of course, I'm here to continue the conversation we were having! Why is that lawyer, Kosaka-san, meeting with the director of the board and keeping it a secret from the chairman? And just what are your dark suspicions about the chairman? And does he know that Kosaka-san is an old acquaintance of Haruhi's parents?"

"Have a seat." Kyoya said, gesturing to the table as the butler set up some snacks to eat. "I don't know whether the chairman knows about Kosaka-san's connection to Haruhi's parents, but I told you before that the director had ordered Kosaka-san to tail Tamaki and research his acquaintances, right?"

"Yeah, about that..." Kaoru muttered. "Why would the director ask a lawyer to tail someone? And why would Kosaka-san agree to a shady job?"

"Because she's greedy." A tired, blunt voice responded, making Kyoya and Kaoru turn to Kohaku as she took a seat with them and took a long sip of the soda she'd brought with her. "That, and she's got a grudge against Ranka, I think… or was it Kotoko-san?" She laid her chin on her arms folded on the table with a sigh, waving a hand nonchalantly. "Ah, whatever. I'll remember eventually. It's too early to think too hard."

Kaoru sweat-dropped at that, but Kyoya wasn't bothered; already knowing how Kohaku was when she'd just woken up.

"Whatever the reason..." He said, getting the conversation back on track. "We need to figure out the chairman's intentions. I'm sure he hasn't been unaware of Kosaka-san's shady coming and goings."

"He's ignoring it." Kohaku spoke up, snatching a snack off the tray in front of her and eating it idly. "He's got his own plan in the works and what the director's doing isn't hurting that. It's actually helping."

Kyoya gave her a look. "You know everything that's going on, don't you?"

She hummed. "I can't tell you everything or it will all change and things could get ruined, instead of getting better. But I know the gist of what's going on and I'll help where I can." She sighed then, pulling a hand through her hair and looking more tired than before. "Just don't get angry with me when something happens that I didn't tell you about, okay? If there's something I can change, I'll do it, but sometimes it's better to just let things run their course."

"Then tell me this." Kyoya said, making her turn to him. "Does the chairman truly love his son?"

Kohaku sighed and Kyoya couldn't help but think she suddenly looked far older than she was in that moment.

"Sometimes, in order to protect those we love most, we have to do things they don't like. Things that might end up hurting them, but in the long run we did what was best for them, in order for them to be happy." She said, surprising the two who were listening to her wise words. "The chairman believes he is doing that for Tamaki."

"'Believes'?" Kaoru questioned and Kohaku nodded.

"What we believe is best sometimes overshadows other possibilities. The chairman is missing the obvious way of fixing things, and is instead inadvertently causing more harm than good."

The two of them seemed to accept that answer well enough, and it wasn't long before the conversation between the trio lapsed into something more casual, before slowly coming to a close. Kaoru offered to escort Kohaku home so Kyoya wouldn't have to, and once they were gone, Kyoya realized he'd left his noisy phone upstairs and went to fetch it. Oddly enough, there was only one voice-mail from Tamaki, though what it said made Kyoya's blood run cold.

"Kyoya?! Come on! You can't still be sleeping!" Tamaki's voice rang out joyously before he dumped the bombshell. "Listen, I've got some big news, so prepare yourself! I'm moving into the main mansion! In fact, I'm heading over there right now to greet my grandmother. I guess the power of my charm finally won her over, huh? Okay, I'll call you again later!"

Kyoya hung up, the message playing through his mind over and over as his heart pounded in his ears. I have a bad feeling about this.

(Kohaku's POV)

I sighed quietly, chewing idly on the instant ramen I'd made up for my hour lunch break between dealing with audition judging, script edits, calendar planning with my manager, and working on my online coursework and attending night classes. Lately though, something seemed off. I was busy almost all the time, so I'd yet to be able to join the hosts; but that wasn't it. I thought it might be because of what was going on with Tamaki, but even that didn't seem to bother me as much as it probably should. I suppose that's because I know the end result, but it doesn't explain this listless feeling.

I frowned unconsciously. All in all, everything's going fine. Work's going great. Auditions are interesting. Kyoya and I have sort of slipped into an odd idle moment; moving neither forward nor backward in our relationship. And other than the mishap that's going to happen with the Host Club, there shouldn't be a problem. So why do I feel just… empty… Like there's something missing or that I forgot about something? I was jostled out of my thoughts as the chime of my phone went off and one of my coworkers called out to me.

"Five minutes, Kohaku-sensei!"

"Okay! Thanks!" I called back with a wave as I threw away my empty ramen cup and checked the message on my phone; one that made me halt in my steps.

Hey, do you think you

can meet with us for

your birthday tomorrow?

We're having lunch in the garden.

-Haruhi

I couldn't move as my mind slipped into memories of previous birthdays at home with my family. Siblings running around throwing up decorations and wishing me a happy birthday every five minutes while asking when we can cut the cake. Parents joking and passing presents in the wrapping paper far too flashy for its own good. Wiping frosting off my nose, blowing out candles to a chorus of 'Happy Birthday' with added endings of Scooby-doo and big fat ladies on various channels. And suddenly, I realized what that empty feeling was. I was homesick.

When I first popped up here, it was understandable, but it had been so long and I had friends to fill the void left behind by the family I'd lost. I just didn't expect that feeling of sadness and lonely emptiness to return, because I was happy. I had a life here, almost more of one than what I'd had in my old world. I had a good job, a boyfriend, friends close enough to be calls family; and for these feelings to come back so suddenly… I honestly had no clue what to do. Nor the time to deal with it.

"Kohaku-sensei! It's time!"

I nodded absentmindedly, as I tucked my phone away after sending a quick message back to Haruhi about joining them; returning to the audition room with a heavy heart.

(No one's POV)

The Host Club awed at the spread Haruhi had prepared in the garden for their lunch. Most of the food was favoring a couple of the hosts' tastes; in particular, Tamaki's and Kohaku's. With Kohaku's birthday being that day, the hosts were more than excited to finally be having some time to themselves; away from the gaggle of girls that had been following them ever since the announcement of the Host Club going on hiatus.

"Good thinking, Haruhi!" Hikaru grinned, grabbing some food. "Most of the students don't bring their lunch, so doing this gives us a good excuse for declining to eat with them."

Honey laughed. "I heard all about it! You guys are getting mobbed by the girls every day, huh?"

Kaoru called out then, excitedly. "Ooh! Look at these cool shapes!"

Kyoya hummed, taking some food himself, though he eyed Kohaku with a slight frown. "Our club chef doesn't usually get this extravagant, does she?"

"Hardy, har, har." Haruhi drawled with a roll of her eyes. "Be warned, I'm charging you all for the ingredients." She turned to Kohaku then, who was eating with a far off look on her face. "You okay, Kohaku? Is the food alright?"

Kohaku blinked, before plastering on a smile. "Oh, it's fine. Great! Thanks a ton, Haruhi."

Haruhi still eyed her, suspicious. "You sure you're alright? You're pretty quiet."

"Fine, fine. Totally fine." Kohaku waved off. "Just a bit… distracted. Lots of things on my mind."

Haruhi didn't look convinced, but dropped the matter as Hikaru and Kaoru brought something up.

"Honey, Mori, Kohaku. Are alums allowed to visit the high school during school hours?"

"But if we came after school, Tama-chan would already have gone home, wouldn't he?" Honey argued. "I'm also a bit worried about Chika. He's probably being bullied."

Kohaku snorted as the twins laughed.

"No one would bully that hoity-toity megane boy!"

"What are you saying?" Honey huffed as Tamaki started laughing. "Even you're laughing at him, Tama-chan?"

"No. I'm sorry. I was just thinking how long it's been. Thank you, Haruhi. The rolled eggs and hamburger steak are delicious!"

"T-Thanks." Haruhi stuttered out, cheeks a little pink.

Tamaki's eyes softened then, making Kohaku eye him. "I'm truly glad I was able to be here with you all like this. And happy birthday, Kohaku." He smiled at her as she bobbed her head in thanks at the small gift he handed over. "I wasn't sure when I'd be able to give it to you, so I assumed this would be my chance."

Kohaku opened it to see an expensive silver watch and gave Tamaki a soft smile for the gift.

"What do you mean, Tono?" The twins asked though, curious as to what Tamaki had meant.

Tamaki saddened. "There's something I need to tell everyone. I'm… quitting the Host Club."

The group looked completely stunned—aside from Kyoya and Kohaku, who knew already.

"You're quitting the Host Club?"

"Yes."

"Why?! Did that old shrew order you to?!" Hikaru exclaimed angrily.

"My grandmother did make the request, but the decision is mine alone." Tamaki replied, shocking the group into silence as he explained. "When I entered the main mansion, I began to learn what is required to run the Suoh group. To be honest, my hands are full with that alone right now. But I really am enjoying myself. Every day I feel my vision of what I want to do with the Suoh group become clearer. That's why—"

The twins cut him off. "Even so, you don't have to quit the Host Club!"

Honey agreed. "They're right, Tama-chan! You can just come when you have time, the way Takashi, Kohaku, and I do."

"But I don't want to do anything in half measures." Tamaki went on. "Especially as it was I who invited you all to join. I truly apologize for leaving you like this and on Kohaku's birthday, no less."

Kohaku ignore his comment, idly poking at her food with her chopsticks.

"I have no qualms leaving everything in Kyoya's hands so the Host Club can continue on, except for one thing." He turned to Haruhi with a soft smile. "Haruhi, it's fine if you quit the Host Club."

"Huh?"

"Milord!" Kaoru shouted, shocked.

"I more or less forced Haruhi to join in the first place. This applies to Kohaku as well. I'll pay both remaining balances on their debts."

"Tama-chan?!" Honey called out in shock as well.

"Haruhi, Kohaku." Tamaki got up and pat the two on the head. "Thank you both for staying with us for so long. You've done a great job. Your debt to the Host Club is paid in full."

"Milord!" The twins yelled, Hikaru getting angrier with every word.

"We've been trying to hold our tongues and that you know what you're doing, but—"

Tamaki waved, ignoring his words as he started to walk off. "Thank you for lunch. The bell should ring soon, so I'm going on ahead."

"Tama-chan…"

Haruhi had had enough though, and stood up. "I… I don't understand. Explain yourself to us properly!"

Tamaki turned, looking surprised as Haruhi desperately tried to get some answers.

"It was my own fault that I broke that vase. And Kohaku was never staying because of her debt that she could have paid off on her own ages ago. There's no reason for you to pay our debts for us. You… still haven't told us what's going on. What did the director say to you? If you can't tell us what she said, tell us why you're unable to. Don't you trust us enough to say whatever is on your mind?!"

"The reason I can't say…" Tamaki spoke coldly. "...is because it has nothing to do with you, Haruhi. The problems I'm facing now don't concern you in the least. And I don't have a desire to explain myself so you can understand. That's all there is to it."

He started walking away, ignoring the twins calling out as well as Haruhi grabbing her things and running away, while everyone but Kyoya and Kohaku chased after her. Said leftover hosts went over to where Tamaki had disappeared to, only to find him in a puddle of tears on the ground.

"If you're going to collapse into a sniveling mess after saying something like that, then you shouldn't have said it to begin with." Kyoya said bluntly, stepping on him. "Moreover, the more forcefully you declare it has nothing to do with Haruhi, the more obvious it is that she's at the center of it. Come on, what exactly did the director say?"

"B-But I can't tell you!" Tamaki wailed. "I want to tell you so badly I can smell it, but…"

"I believe you meant 'want it so badly you can taste it' but that's wrong regardless. I'm guessing the director threatened Haruhi in some way, correct? Sounds like something she'd do." Kyoya grumbled as Tamaki went on; Kohaku surprisingly quiet throughout the conversation.

"Don't speak ill of my grandmother. In the first place, everything my grandmother said was true. I really can't tell you in detail but… I couldn't defend myself against a single thing my grandmother said. As I am now, there's nothing else I can do."

"Then you intend to continue obeying your grandmother without question and give up everything important to you?" Kyoya continued.

"Kyoya... it's not like that. It's not, Kyoya… I want my grandmother to understand me no matter what it takes. I know my grandmother is trying to do the right thing, but in the end, I… I can't believe that it's wrong for people of different social standings to come together."

"Kyoya." Kohaku finally spoke up, not glancing his way as she stared down Tamaki. "Could you give us a minute? Tamaki will see you in class."

Kyoya hesitated, but nodded; knowing Kohaku knew more than any of them on this matter and might be able to talk some sense not him.

"Very well. Try not to maim him while I'm gone."

"No promises." She snipped, fists shaking at her sides and making Kyoya worry what she would do to Tamaki exactly; though he left anyway, assuming that whatever it was, he'd deserve it.

(Kohaku's POV)

"Get up." I ordered and Tamaki gulped as he stood.

"Kohaku, I promise there's a good explana—"

He as cut off as I punched him harshly in the stomach, causing him to double over in pain, gasping to try and catch his breath.

"That is for hurting Haruhi and assuming that we're not good enough for an explanation." I spat as Tamaki tried to stand upright.

"I-I already told you… I-I can't."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "What? You think that none of us would understand that your grandmother is using Haruhi and the Host Club as blackmail and bargaining chips in order to get you to do as she pleases?"

Tamaki glared at me as he clutched his stomach, uncharacteristically angry. "Don't talk about my grandmother that way. That's not what's going on."

"Then what is she doing? Because as caring and kind as you are, she's not telling you to do these things to keep Haruhi and the rest of us safe, like you are. And yeah, she's right. All of us are in danger because you're the Suoh heir, but we knew what we were getting into when we became your friends!"

He shook his head. "You don't understand, Kohaku."

"What? I don't understand because I'm some poor college author? Because I'm like Haruhi and have never lived in the world of the rich? That little ol' us with our commoner minds would even consider the fact that we could be kidnapped because we're friends with you? Or that you have to tell lies to people in order to keep business partners? Or, I know! Being in any sort of relation with a commoner is taboo in your world because your integrity will drop?! We're not stupid, Tamaki! I'm Kyoya's girlfriend and you honestly think that I've never considered the sort of problems that would cause?! That I wouldn't understand what sort of complicated issues you're going through?! I'm not an idiot! Haruhi's not an idiot! And if we weren't in some way willing to deal with whatever stupid 'rich people problems' that came up while being friends with you, then we wouldn't have become your friends in the first place! God! How many times am I going to have to pound that into your thick skull?!"

I huffed and muttered complaints under my breath as I pulled my hand through my—already tousled—hair, awaiting Tamaki's response to my little scolding.

"Kohaku… how much do you know?" He asked instead and I have him an annoyed look.

"I'm psychic. How much do you think I know?"

He winced. "So you know everything that's going on?"

I scoffed. "Believe me, Tamaki, I know a lot about your family drama and the whole thing is rather stupid and easily avoidable. Your grandmother is trying to run the family business as best she can. Your dad is the absolute biggest idiot this world has ever created and goes about things as crazy and complicated as possible. And you think you're doing what's best for everyone, when in reality you're just becoming as big an idiot as your father. If it was my choice, I'd lock the three of you in a room together to fix this whole mess yourselves instead of dragging the rest of us into it."

We lapsed into silence for a moment before I sighed; all previous anger forgotten.

"Look. I'm not saying you have to tell everyone what's going on, but there's no need to keep shutting everyone out, much less like you just did with Haruhi who only wanted to help."

"I just don't know if there's anything you can do. It's safer if you just don't get involved."

I rolled my eyes. "There you go again. Seriously, Tamaki, it's our own choice to get involved or not. And even if there's nothing we can do, at least we can share that burden with you."

Tamaki paused, blinking at me. "How old are you?"

I gag him a deadpan expression. "Just turned twenty three, but I died in my world and popped up in this one as a seventeen year old who just turned eighteen, and I'm only psychic because all of this was a manga I read when I was younger."

"You're… kidding, right?" Tamaki said slowly, and I forced a smile on my face.

"Course! Like that's even possible." I laughed, though it sounded hollow to even my own ears.

The lunch bell rang then, so I nodded down the hall.

"Better go. Sounds like lunch is over. And make sure you think about what I said. There's a lot more trouble headed your way and I don't want you to deal with it on your own." I rattled off, waving over my shoulder as I made to leave. "And make sure you ice that later!"

"What about you?" He asked, making me stop.

I turned towards him slowly. "W-What?"

He took a step forward. "There's something wrong, isn't there?"

"Why do you say that?" I asked, trying to keep the emotion out of my voice and failing.

"You're sad. You hide things like Kyoya, so that's maybe how I know, but…" He placed a hand on my shoulder. "But not once have you truly smiled today. It's your birthday and you should be celebrating, but you're just so… solemn. There's something bothering you too, Kohaku."

I let out a shaky sigh, pulling a hand through my hair and giving Tamaki a sad look.

"Make sure you keep that spare cell phone I gave you on silent and out of sight at the main mansion. I'll... text you."

He nodded and let me go as I walked off and called Shindo; in need of someone to just hang out and talk with. And hopefully the others can deal without me today.

(No one's POV)

"Wow, sounds like you lot are up to your ears in trouble." Shindo hummed as I let out a sigh and leaned back against his shoulder.

"You're telling me."

"Why tell me though? Not that I don't enjoy our nice little set-up here, but don't you think your cute boyfriend will be upset you're not sharing with him? I'm sure he'd enjoy a bit of cuddling."

I scoffed. "Yeah, sure he would. There's just one problem. I can't tell him any of this because he doesn't know yet. And he wouldn't cuddle." I pouted. "He'd just sit there and type on his laptop while I leaned on him."

Shindo chuckled. "Sounds like you're both pretty busy. What're you going to do about blondie?"

I groaned, draping a hand over my eyes. "I honestly don't know. For the most part, he works things out on his own. I suppose since we're both after the same things, I should try to help him out, but—"

"What do you mean?"

I peered up at him tiredly. "I'm trying to do the same thing he is. He's trying to show his grandmother that being with the lower class isn't detrimental. I'm trying to do that with Kyoya's father. I'm hoping this movie I'm working on will help with that. The books already brings rich and poor together. When it's time for the movie premiere, I plan on inviting both and hopefully they'll all get along with a common interest."

Shindo raised a brow. "And if they don't?"

I groaned. "Then it will be one awkward premiere that I will have to break the ice on."

He smiled. "Sounds fun. How are you doing, though? I saw you texting blondie earlier and you had this look I didn't like."

I hesitated, then decided 'what the heck'.

"Shindo, if I told you that I died in another world at twenty-two and woke up in the body of a seventeen year old, and all of this mess with the Host Club is from a manga I read back home, would you believe me?"

I waited, expecting laughter or some question about whether I was joking or not, but what he said surprised me.

"Sure. Why not?"

I sat up abruptly, looking at him with wide eyes. "W-What?"

He raised a brow at me. "I believe you."

"B-But why? How?"

"You called it home."

I blinked, confused. "Huh?"

He sat up a bit straighter. "You said you read this as a manga at 'home'. I don't think I've heard you once call your apartment 'home'. So what you just said actually explains a lot."

I couldn't say anything. I just sat there with my mouth sort of hanging open as he gave me a worried look.

"Kohaku?"

"Y-You believe me…" I muttered and he sort of smiled a bit.

"Yeah. I think that's what I said." He suddenly stared at me in shock. "Wait a minute. Am I the first person you told this to?"

I shook my head, but still had that stunned look on my face. "I-I've told Tamaki and s-someone else, but… t-they thought I was joking."

Shindo gave me a worried look. "But you're not, right? It's kind of weird to know that you're actually twenty-three now, but it really explains a lot. You're technically living a whole portion of your life over again." He paused then, growing even more concerned. "A-And your family… You're homesick, aren't you? My God. Kohaku, that's just… That's horrible."

He grabbed me in a hug and for a second, I didn't know what to do. How to react. I didn't expect him to believe me, much less react this way once he knew. But after a moment or two, it was as though some large burden I had on my shoulders fell away. I felt lighter, after telling him the truth and having him believe me. And along with that, came the sudden rush of emotions I had unconsciously been holding back, and I began to cry. It wasn't until I'd significantly calmed down and the sound of thunder rattled the windows, that I realized I'd forgotten something.

"Haruhi…" I breathed out, scrambling up from my place in front of the TV with some horror game we'd been playing to help calm me down; and grabbed my school bag.

"Kohaku? Oi! It's pouring out there!"

"Sorry, but I have to go! Haruhi's afraid of thunder and she's all alone right now!" I called out, opening the door and wincing at the downpour I was about to run into. "Thanks though, Shindo! For everything!"

"Take this!" He called out, tossing a far-too-large hoodie at me. "Good luck!"

I pulled it on and waved before ducking out into the storm and running back to Haruhi's apartment, mentally scolding myself for forgetting about Haruhi and what she was having to go through right now. Once I got to the apartment, I was soaked to the bone and shivering as I pounded on Haruhi's door.

"Haruhi! Haruhi, are you alright?!"

There was no response and I cursed under my breath as I pulled out my spare key and went inside.

"Sorry, Haruhi, but your entryway is going to be a bit wet." I muttered quietly with a wince at another loud crack of thunder; Haruhi letting out a whimper from under the blanket in the living room.

I threw off the soaked hoodie and let out a curse at the rest of my damp clothes, but knew that Haruhi came first. I dug through my school bag and pulled out my headphones and iPod, rushing over to the cowering Haruhi and putting them on over her ears as she looked up at me with teary, fearful eyes. I let out a soft sigh, relaxing as Haruhi calmed down and I tugged her to my side; blanket and all.

"God, I'm so sorry, Haruhi. So, so sorry." I whispered as Haruhi slowly fell asleep with me; the two of us leaning up against the couch after an emotional day.

(No one's POV)

Haruhi woke up, dazed and confused as she tried to remember what happened the night before. Music still played from the headphones that had slipped down around her neck and she turned the iPod off, recognizing it as Kohaku's just as someone beside her let out a shaky breath and shivered. There, curled up in a ball, was a slightly damp Kohaku, and Haruhi immediately shook her awake in worry.

"Kohaku? Kohaku, wake up. You need to change out of those wet clothes. You're going to catch a cold."

Kohaku shifted with a grumble of complaint, peering her tired eyes open.

"Mum, trying to… sleep." Her eyes started to slip closed again, mouth turning down into a sad frown. "Mum…"

Haruhi's eyes softened, seeing the heart-sickening homesickness radiating off Kohaku, but tried again to wake her.

"Kohaku, you need to get up. Don't you have work today?"

Kohaku shot to her feet at those words, swaying slightly. "Work! Gotta go to… work."

She slumped back onto the couch with a groan as she held her head, but Haruhi nudged her slightly.

"Kohaku, you should really change. Your clothes are wet. You probably caught a cold too. Did you run here in the storm yesterday?"

Kohaku nodded, slowly getting up and hobbling to the bathroom. "I was at Shindo's, then remembered you'd be alone, and ran back."

Haruhi stopped, staring at Kohaku's back as the woman started to pull up her shirt; reaching the bathroom door.

"Y-You did that, for me?"

Kohaku stopped, navel showing as she gave Haruhi a look.

"Haruhi, honestly, I'd do almost anything to make you happy… Nothing gay though, sorry." She smiled a little before closing the door and calling out to Haruhi through it. "Could you grab me some jeans and my black long-sleeved shirt from my apartment and toss that hoodie by the door in the dryer?"

"Okay!" Haruhi called out, knowing she owed Kohaku at least that much for what she did the night before.

Once she'd done that though, Kohaku's cell phone went off and she went over to pick it up, assuming it was from her work. The text she received though, was not from work, but from Tamaki.

Thank you, Kohaku.

I think I know what I

need to do now. :)

-Tamaki

"W-What?"

"Haruhi!" Ranka called out, entering the apartment and glancing at the bathroom in confusion. "Is someone showering?"

Haruhi put Kohaku's phone in her pocket and nodded, many questions running through her head.

"Kohaku is. She, um, ran through the storm yesterday when she heard I'd be on my own."

Ranka immediately pulled Haruhi into a tight hug. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I wanted to come home so badly, but they wouldn't let me off! Thank goodness Kohaku was here. How dashing is she to have run through a storm for you? If she was a young man, I would so approve!"

Haruhi deadpanned. "I'm sure she'd love that."

Ranka smiled. "Wouldn't she just? Let me know when she's out. I need to remove my make-up."

"Okay." Haruhi hummed, heading into her own room and dressing for school, though she really didn't feel like going.

I just don't want dad to worry. I'll text the hosts though, so they know… I'm more interested in why Kohaku hasn't said anything about her staying in contact with Tamaki. Haruhi frowned slightly, putting Kohaku's phone back now that she was dressed in her school uniform. She had a quick breakfast and let Ranka know when Kohaku was out of the shower, before confronting her.

"Kohaku? How come you haven't told anyone you and Tamaki were texting?"

Kohaku stiffened, looking up from her bowl of cereal; cheeks full. She swallowed and gave Haruhi a look.

"You looked at my phone, didn't you?"

Haruhi's cheeks turned a little pink. "I-I thought it was your work texting you! A-And that doesn't answer the question."

Kohaku rolled her eyes, chugging down the last of the milk in her bowl, before answering.

"Honestly, even if I tell them, they'll do nothing but pester him. He's got enough on his plate as it is and I'm the only one he can really talk to about it because I know everything that's going on."

Haruhi frowned, looking down at her own breakfast with furrowed brows. "I just don't understand why he won't talk to us."

"Haruhi, he's just trying to protect us. Push us away so that we won't be stuck in the crossfire of what he's planning."

She looked up, hopeful. "And does it work? What he's planning, does it work?"

Kohaku smiled. "Yeah. Yeah, it does. It's tough and it takes a while, but with some help from you, everything turns out just fine."

Haruhi nodded, smiling a bit, finally seeing some hope as Kohaku stood.

"Well, I better head out. Their auditioning for the main character today, so auditions will take forever." She looked over her shoulder as she pulled on the hoodie from last night with a smile. "Have fun ditching school, again."

Haruhi flushed red in embarrassment, glancing at Ranka's bedroom door nervously.

"Sh!"

Kohaku chuckled and lifted a hand in a wave as she left, leaving Haruhi huffing.

"Psychic know-it-all."

(Kohaku's POV)

"Are you sure you want to do this, Haruhi?" I asked, seeing her all decked out in some hand-me-downs and glasses; looking like she did before she met the Host Club.

"Of course, I'm sure." She said confidently, eating her breakfast as I sniffled; still dealing with the cold I caught yesterday. "I've thought about what you said, and from what I can tell, this is what I believe I should do."

I smiled, rubbing my red nose. "That's good. Although, you should have probably given Ranka a heads up."

I tossed a thumb over my shoulder at the sniveling mess of her father, complaining about losing his beautiful daughter once more.

"He'll live." Haruhi replied nonchalantly, before giving me a look. "Though I'm not sure you will. I packed you a lunch, but are you sure you're alright to work today? You look completely wiped out."

I pulled a hand through my messy hair with a groan. "I feel completely wiped, but today's the final day for auditions and my opinion is apparently very valuable to the director, so I can't miss it. I'll probably skip class today though. I'm running on five sodas and two cups of coffee a day just to make it through."

Haruhi winced in disgust at that, but let it go; knowing just how worn out I was with everything that was going on.

"Kyoya's not complaining about you working? I figured he'd be all over you for not taking care of yourself."

I let out a bitter chuckle. "Him? With this mess with Tamaki going on? Pft, I'd be lucky if I could get him to answer the phone."

Haruhi gave me a look. "So, he doesn't know."

"God, no. As if I'd tell him." I complained, waving a sausage at her. "He's got enough stuff to worry about, so I'm not going to go and throw myself into it."

"Uh-huh. And I suppose you're not going to tell him about you meeting up with Tamaki's father and grandmother either, are you?"

I gapped at her in shock, the sausage I was about to eat falling back onto my plate. "H-H-How did you know about that?!"

"You really should stop leaving your bag out." She hummed, drinking her tea calmly.

I grabbed my bag and hugged it close. "W-Well, you should stop going through my things! And I can't tell him that! He'd kill me if he knew I was fraternizing with the enemy!"

"Really, Kohaku? 'Fraternizing with the enemy'?"

I huffed, stuffing the rest of my breakfast in my mouth. "You can't tell me he won't be angry about it."

"No, but I'm sure he'd much rather know beforehand instead of finding out from some other source."

I narrowed my eyes at her suspiciously. "You wouldn't."

She scoffed. "No. I'm not that mean, but you know he'll find out somehow."

I sighed, picking up my dishes. "Yeah, but only if he's not busy with Tamaki's problems."

"What are you seeing the chairman and Tamaki's grandmother for anyway?" She asked curiously.

"I'm actually meeting with them, Kyoya's father, the twins' parents, Honey and Mori's parents, and a number of others; both rich and not-so-much."

"Really? What for?"

"Movie premiere. Sort of. It's more of a promotion for the upcoming movie to get sponsors and get the word out there. But I'm hoping this will show Kyoya's father something about being a better person by showing him that all classes can come together and get along over something of mutual interest." I rattled off, tugging on Shindo's over-sized hoodie with a sniffle.

"You know, I sometimes forget you're only eighteen." Haruhi muttered and I grinned.

"With the mentality of a twenty-three years old experiencing life for the second time."

She rolled her eyes as I chuckled, not bothered at all that she didn't believe me, because someone did. And that's all that really mattered.

"Um, if you want, after work, we can celebrate your birthday." Haruhi offered suddenly and I raised a brow. "I mean we had that lunch in the garden yesterday, b-but it kind of got ruined and then you went to Shindo-kun's, a-and then caught a cold and… well, I-I just thought we could have more of a celebration today." She waved her hands at my expression. "I-I'm not saying we have to! I just thought… Well, I…" She turned red in embarrassment. "I-I bought a cake."

I struggled not to burst out laughing as she hid her face in her hands.

"Haruhi…" I went over and ruffled her hair with a smile, as she looked up at me in confusion. "All you had to say was 'cake'."

"Kohaku!" She whined as I laughed and waved over my shoulder as I headed out.

The auditions went better than expected and we finally had the main cast picked out and briefed, before scripts were handed out. Filming wouldn't start for another few weeks or so, since script reading needed to be done first as well as making sure we had locations picked out and reserved, had the right time period of costumes and other such things. The hardest part was done though, and after I opted out of the celebratory drinking party, I headed back to my apartment to shower and change before walking into Haruhi's only to find someone unexpected there.

"Oh, hey Kohaku. I was just about to finish dinner." Haruhi said, placing a plate of omurice in front of Mei as I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Hm." I grunted, acknowledging that I heard her as I sat down across from Mei; who was eyeing me distastefully as well.

"Hey. So I heard you're eighteen now."

I nodded. "Yeah. Turned eighteen yesterday."

"Congrats, I guess. You're another year closer to dying." She smirked as my eyebrow twitched.

"Hm, where have you been? A cave? You're awfully pale." I joked back, her complexion having lightened up more since the last time we met.

Her eye twitched in annoyance as well, lightning sparking between us. "I'm using a new skin-whitening agent, unlike you. You're pale as a ghost without such beauty products. Maybe I was wrong. You already died."

Haruhi walked in then with a groan at seeing the two of us glaring at one another.

"Really you two? Can you not throw around insults today? And Kohaku, wipe your nose."

I sniffed, grabbing a tissue from nearby and wiping at my runny nose with a grumble, as Haruhi placed a hot bowl of my favorite nabeyaki udon before me.

"I'll get you some cold medicine from the bathroom." Haruhi said to me and I nodded, immediately thanking her for the meal and digging in.

She rolled her eyes at me, but went off and got me the pills and some water, before Mei exploded.

"I can't take it anymore! W-What is up with that?!" She shouted, pointing crudely at Haruhi in her hoodie, messy hair, and glasses. "Are you seriously cool with this?! And just what is up with that outfit?! I went to the trouble of bringing you this adorable new dress I designed because I thought it would look cute on you!"

"Eh? Oh, I'll try it on for you. Thanks." Haruhi replied idly, going over to put the dress on over her clothes as I snickered at the look on Mei's face.

"Stop! I don't want you to wear it looking the way you do now!"

"How rude. That's mean." Haruhi pouted, making a face that sent me into full-out laughter. "Boo! Hiss! Boo!"

"O-Oh my gosh, Haruhi's extra blunt when not a host!" I laughed, before Mei eyed Haruhi; after we explained what was going on with Tamaki.

"So, how long will it take until Tamaki-kun fixes his family problems?"

"Dunno. Haven't a clue. Kohaku?"

"Hm?" I hummed through a mouthful of noodles, before swallowing. "Oh, well, eleven days? Maybe two weeks? I don't know. Something like that. In a few days though, things get a bit crazy."

Haruhi sighed. "That's not good."

"It all works out in the end." I shrugged, tipping my bowl up to drink the soup.

Haruhi smiled a bit. "But I think this is what Tamaki has wanted for so long. We're all rooting for him."

"Oh, but if there's nothing you guys can do but wait for Tamaki-kun to convince his granny, why are you all meeting up at Kyoya-kun's tomorrow?" Mei asked and Haruhi turned to me once more.

Feeling a bit dramatic, I gathered my dishes and gave the two of them a look.

"Something sinister is afoot." I said mysteriously, but Mei ruined it with a raised brow.

"And how do you know all this?"

I smirked. "Oh, I know more than you think, Mei-chan~"

Haruhi smacked my leg. "Oh, stop it. Get the cake. It's in the fridge. I'll explain to Mei."

I nodded, heading into the kitchen and counting down under my breath.

"Three… two… one…"

"Psychic?!" Mei's voice rang out and I laughed loudly. "S-Shut up!"

I continued to chuckle as I pulled out the black forest cake and brought it to the table.

"There's no way." Mei muttered, gesturing at me with her fork as Haruhi cut us up some pieces. "Tell me something."

I rolled my eyes. "Doesn't work like that. I only know things involving the hosts and events surrounding them."

"So… you're a fake."

I deadpanned, making to take a bite of my cake. "I'm not a fake. I just only know specific things. I knew all about you and your father's fight. But other than that, I know nothing."

Except Kasanoda and you, but I'd rather not get into that. I mused before our talk drifted off into idle chitchat. Tomorrow would be a different story.

(No one's POV)

"And that's the entirety of what Kaoru and I have unearthed so far." Kyoya told the group of hosts before him—sans Tamaki. "Though it seems Tamaki was not informed, there is no doubt in my mind that his mother's illness is none other than Schislaisse Syndrome. Though I naturally assumed that the perfectly healthy Anne-Sophie Kohaku and I encountered in France five months ago was only experiencing a temporary remission of her symptoms, the fact that her physician—Dr. Alleman—is currently missing and the whereabouts of President Yuzuru's former right-hand man—Mr. Nakagaichi—is also unknown, there are simply too many suspicious events for everything to be on the up-and-up." He glanced at Kohaku, who was nodding off beside him. "Kohaku has confirmed as well, that things are not as they seem, though she will not reveal more in order to keep events on track and ensure a proper ending to all of this."

Kohaku lifted a hand lazily. "Sorry, but I have to if we want things to work out happily. I can't promise that if I told you all something I shouldn't."

Kyoya and Hikaru weren't pleased, but Honey nodded in agreement.

"Sounds logical enough."

"I will say this though…" She peered out at them all seriously. "Tomorrow morning is when things get hectic, so don't be surprised if I stay quiet about some things."

"Why can't you just tell us?" Hikaru snapped. "If you explain everything, then we can stop all this from happening and Tamaki can be happy now instead of going through this mess and getting hurt!"

"Not only will we ruin Tamaki's plan by interfering, but if we get involved too soon, we may destroy any possible chance of his family getting together and understanding anything." Kohaku said in return, voice eerily calm. "Now, if that's what you want—for Tamaki to suffer the rest of his life with a broken family—then I'll tell you everything. But I care a lot for Tamaki and I think it's better he gets slightly hurt and learns from his experience in the short run, than for him to forever live a horrible life due to me telling you things too soon."

She leaned back against the couch and crossed her arms over her chest as she closed her eyes; the whole room left in a tense silence until Kyoya cleared his throat.

"Kohaku, I do believe you left a soda in the fridge from the last time you were here."

"Oh, thank God." She groaned, getting up and heading to the kitchen, the rest of the group relaxing slightly.

"What's her problem?" Hikaru grumbled.

"Lack of sleep." Haruhi muttered, making everyone turn her way.

Kyoya though, sighed. "What disastrous mess has she gotten herself into now?"

"Well, after breakfast, she's been going to help with auditions for her book's upcoming movie, but I believe they just finished that, so she's been going down there to do script reading, choosing filming locations, and outfit checking; according to her."

Kaoru snapped his finger. "That must be who my mother's working with right now! She said she was sworn into silence about it, but I thought it was strange for her to be making Sengoku Period outfits."

Haruhi nodded. "Probably, but once Kohaku comes home from that, she does her online coursework then heads to her night classes. I think she's learning Chinese and Latin right now as well as some business management classes, so she's been really busy."

"She's ill as well, I've noticed." Kyoya commented, pushing up his glasses threateningly. "Though I'm curious as to why neither of you have mentioned it."

Haruhi fidgeted awkwardly. "I told her to tell you, but—"

"But I didn't want to bug you while you were busy." Kohaku said, drinking from her soda bottle as she came back into the room. "It's just a cold."

Kyoya frowned at her as she flopped down onto the sofa beside him, resting her head on his stiff shoulder.

"Even a minor cold can become pneumonia if it isn't taken care of properly."

"Yeah, well even a cranky Kyoya will be annoyed if I report every sniffle and cough." Kohaku countered. "Really, I'm fine. Shouldn't you finish your discussion?"

He rolled his eyes with a sigh and the twins snickered at their banter.

"Anyway… There are other questions to be answered as well. Why is President Yuzuru turning a blind eye to the activities of his subordinate Kosaka-san while she goes about doing the director's bidding?"

"Because it's helping his plan move along." Kohaku piped in, waving her hand nonchalantly. "Same with why he's ignoring the director's movements. He knows she's stubborn and won't listen to what he has to say about accepting Tamaki, so he's working around her on something else; which I can't tell you about, though I will definitely scold him later."

The group eyed her strangely at that last bit, wondering what made her think scolding someone far older than her would do, but they ignored it for now; chalking it up to her lack of sleep.

"Perhaps it wasn't just a temporary remission of the symptoms?" Haruhi blurted out suddenly. "What other reasons could there be?"

Kaoru gave her a look then. "Haruhi, do you have to dress like that when it's just the seven of us?" He asked, eyeing her glasses and sweater warily.

"Sorry, I didn't bring my contacts. You'll have to put up with it."

"And blunt Haruhi returns." Kohaku smirked, earning a dirty look from said host as Honey waved a hand excitedly; getting things back on topic.

"Kyoya! Maybe it was a miracle! Maybe her sickness miraculously went away! There have been cases in which cancerous tumors just vanished on their own, haven't there?"

"It's possible in cancer cases, but I doubt that happened here." Kyoya mused as Hikaru suddenly spoke up ominously.

"Human medical experiments?"

"Hikaru?"

Hikaru ignored his brother, chewing his thumb nail nervously. "What if Milord's mom was made into a human test subject? They might've taken that doctor captive and forced him to develop a new drug treatment." He immediately threw his hands up in a panic. "And the reason the chairman's movements have been so suspicious is because of this ultra-top-secret, super-duper, hush-hush plan!"

"Calm down, Hikaru!" Kaoru complained. "Geeze, you've been watching way too many sci-fi movies. Human medical experiments? As if that could really happen."

"It does." Kohaku and Kyoya said simultaneously, causing Kaoru to gap in shock.

"Eh?!"

"I'm sure the thought has crossed all our minds at some point." Kyoya went on. "If a cure for Tamaki's mother is indeed being developed, and if we suppose that she is involved in its creation, then most likely the drug must already be in the Phase II of clinical trials."

"Phase II of clinical trials?" Honey questioned and Kyoya went on to explain that Phase II was, what happen when doctors moved on from experimenting medicine on animal subjects, and worked with people who actually carried the disease.

"Clinical trials are usually announced publically. And for the trials to have progressed to Phase II without even a word of it leaking out is extremely odd."

"What do you get if you put a group of rich and powerful together?" Kohaku muttered with a yawn. "A lot of secrets and cover-ups."

Kyoya eyed her suspiciously. "You're suggesting that someone else is working closely with either the Suoh group or the Grantenue Corporations in order to prevent this information from slipping out into the media?"

"Uh, Kyoya?" Haruhi called out, pointing at Kohaku and making him get a better look at her only to find her asleep.

He sighed, shifting slightly and getting a maid to bring a blanket to cover her with; despite his frustration towards her lack of answers.

"Honestly." He drawled out with a small shake of his head, before Hikaru spoke up.

"And you're still denying that you two are together? It's pretty obvious."

Kyoya frowned, narrowing his eyes at them seriously. "If any of you let word of this get out, I will personally ensure you have a one-way trip out of the country."

A shiver went down the twins' spines as they hastily nodded and zipped their mouths shut. Kyoya, however, pushed up his glasses and got back on topic.

"Either way, if either of these corporations had managed to find a cure for Schislaisse Syndrome, it's nearly impossible for it to have happened without at least some word of it slipping out."

"That's our Kyoya, future pre-med student." Kaoru complimented. "You sure have done your research."

"I'm not going pre-med." Kyoya corrected him, surprising the group.

"Huh?! You're not?!" Honey exclaimed and Kyoya elaborated.

"Since both my older brothers are in the medical field, I thought I should study business and become a management expert. I was planning on studying in the US during university and continuing on at an American business school after graduation to get my MBA." He smirked, confidently. "My brothers, particularly Akito, seem to think I'm going to chase after them in their work, but I intend to overtake them using a different path."

"What about Kohaku? How does she feel about this?" Kaoru asked. "Or have you not told her?"

"Kohaku is actually the one who gave me the idea." He smiled. "She's doing something similar with my father."

"How so?"

"I do not know entirely what it is she's planning, but I do know that she is not going about proving herself to him through the usual means. Instead of fighting head-on with money and influence, she is using a more roundabout method. As such, we had a discussion around New Years, when she joined my sister and I for dinner, and she suggested that I use my strengths in other areas to overcome my brothers instead of…" He paused, thinking. "…'riding on their coattails', I believe was the phrase she used. And I quite whole-heartedly agreed. By all points of view, it would be the best way of doing things and getting back at my brothers in the process."

"Wow, Ko-chan's super smart to think of something like that." Honey commented as the others in the group nodded in awe.

Haruhi though, clogs turning, approached Kyoya.

"Um, may I borrow that list of recent clinical study announcements?"

Kyoya raised a brow. "Anyone can view it on the internet."

"Um, I don't own a computer. I'd ask Kohaku if I could borrow hers, but she started using it for work."

"If that's the problem, I can lend you a laptop, Haruhi." Hikaru spoke up, realizing that he should have just given it to her for her birthday instead of his other stupid gift.

"Oh! Is that really okay?"

"Sure. I had one custom-built for you a while back."

Of course, at that point they realized she would probably not know how to use it, so they threw their hands up in excitement.

"Alright! Let's all go to Haruhi's house for an official 'New Computer Launch' party and a 'Crash-Course in Laptop Usage' lesson!"

"Yay!" Honey cheered. "We finally get to eat Haru-chan's home cooking again!"

"Hold on. I didn't say I was feeding anybody." Haruhi panicked, but most of the group was already out the door.

Kohaku, however, had just woken up and rubbed her eyes, confused.

"What's going on?"

Kyoya helped her up, grabbing her soda and his laptop in the process. "It appears we're going to Haruhi's to show her how to use a laptop."

Kohaku furrowed her brows as Kyoya lightly pushed her out the door; her glancing over she shoulder at him.

"But she already knows how."

"Yes, well, we'll let them figure that out on their own, shall we?"

(Kohaku's POV)

"Agh! What do you think you're doing in here?! How dare you enter my teenage daughter's bedroom at this hour!" Ranka's voice shouted, startling me out of my slumber and making me bolt upright.

"I'm awake! Where's the fire?!" I blurted out, before Ranka let the strangled twins go and pat me on the head with a smile.

"Oh, I'm sorry to wake you, Ko-kun. Go ahead and go back to sleep. I was only scolding these unruly boys here, is all."

I rubbed my eye tiredly, using my other hand to tug the blanket tighter around my shoulders as I got up from the ground.

"Mm, I'm already up. Might as well stay up. I've got work in five hours."

He immediately grabbed me in a hug though, stopping my progress to the kitchen.

"Oh! You're so cute when you just wake up!"

I frowned, not appreciating the physical assault after I just woke up, but thankfully Ranka realized this and let me go with a smile and a gentle push to the kitchen.

"Well, don't let me hold you up. Go and get something to eat."

I grumbled something incomprehensible and did what he said, grabbing a cup of coffee—thanks to Haruhi always have the pot on for Ranka—and a bowl of cold rice from the night before. Haruhi caught sight of me and rolled her eyes before something drew her attention to her laptop and she called out to Kyoya.

"Kyoya."

"What is it?" He asked, giving me a disgusted look as I ate another spoonful of rice.

"Take a look at this. It looks like Anneau Laboratory was holding Phase II clinical trials three years ago for women with the same immune disorder as Tamaki's mother. However, the results of that study don't seem to be published anywhere."

"In some cases, results aren't published if the study was a failure." Kyoya countered, but Haruhi argue the point.

"But just last year, they went from being a research lab to an incorporated company."

This shocked Kyoya; myself eyeing the two of them cautiously.

"They in operated without publishing any research results? Anneau Pharmaceutical… I've never heard of them."

"Anneau." I spoke up, drawing their attention to me. "I means 'ring' or 'halo' in French."

Mori caught on. "Or 'Tamaki' in Japanese."

I nodded, gesturing to the laptop. "And check out the name. Take out the ending…"

"Milord's mother's name!"

"The chairman is backing the Grantenue family's development of this new drug? And the only way they could have started a new company is if the new drug is nearly ready to go to market…" Kyoya muttered, turning to me in shock. "Is my family involved in this too?"

"Don't look at me for answers. You're clever, figure it out." I said bluntly, though my expression gave away how nervous I was feeling about what would soon happen.

"If my father is involved, a cover-up would certainly be possible. My father would not hesitate to use any means necessary to keep it secret." Kyoya rattled off. "The owner of Anneau Pharmaceutical is most likely the Grantenue family. The chairman intends for the Grantenue family to receive the enormous profits from the sales of the new drug. If the Grantenue family became financially self-sufficient and no longer had to depend on Suoh's aid for medical expenses, they could finally rid themselves of the director's control. Tamaki and his mother would be free… That must have been the chairman's aim in all this. I'm sure he had another purpose for keeping this quiet."

I couldn't stand it any longer, very nearly biting my tongue when I snapped.

"He's a complete fool."

"Kohaku…" Haruhi breathed out as I went on.

"He's ruining everything Tamaki's trying to do by doing this. If he would just talk to his family, he would see how stupid this all is." I growled, standing and grabbing my dishes angrily. "I can't believe he would use his own son like this and treat his mother this way. The woman may be cold, but she's only doing what she can for her husband. The truly despicable one has always been the chairman."

I made for the door, but Kyoya grabbed my wrist and stopped me.

"What do you mean, Kohaku? What's going on?"

"Extra, extra. Read all about it." I snipped, pulling away from him and heading to my own apartment where a nice suit jacket and tie were hanging up. "Into battle."

I showed up at Suoh Corporation just in time to see Tamaki running out after the leaving ex-director.

"Grandmother!"

Kosaka was the first to approach him as Kintaro and I kept our distance.

"Excuse me."

Tamaki turned to her, surprised. "Kosaka."

"President Yuzuru is currently in a meeting. I'm afraid you can't see him right now."

"My grandmother, she's been—"

"Yes. I just heard the news as well." She nodded, though she didn't look pleased. "It seems her retirement was formally decided at his morning's board meeting. Not only did she lose her position as the chief executive of Suoh, she was removed from the executive board as well. It seems President Yuzuru had met and conferred with every board member and shareholder ahead of time to ensure their support."

I could see the devastation fall over Tamaki's face.

"That means father…"

"Your father conspired to leave your grandmother completely alone and without support while he publicly fired her!"

Tamaki was stunned into silence and I sighed quietly, turning to Kintaro.

"Could you go on ahead?"

"A-Are you sure? I really don't think w-we should get involved."

I narrowed my eyes at him in annoyance and he quickly nodded.

"Y-Yes, alright! I-I'll wait for you inside, Nishimura-sensei." He nervously rattled out, bowing a few times before heading into the building as I approached Tamaki worriedly; Kosaka having already taken her leave.

"Tamaki? You okay?"

He turned to me with tears in his eyes and a panicked look on his face.

"K-Kohaku?"

I gave him a sympathetic look and opens my arms, giving him a free invitation to hug me, which he gratefully accepted; crying onto my coat—which I had been smart enough to put on over my nice suit jacket.

"I-I just don't know w-what I should do, K-K-Kohaku! W-What my f-father did was just…"

I let out a soft breath, patting his back comfortingly; heart aching for the pain he was going through right now.

"Hey now. Hey. Don't cry, Tamaki. What would your grandmother say if she saw you like this? Outside of the company, at that."

He pulled away with a sniffle, wiping his nose with his jacket sleeve. "T-That it's unbecoming o-of the Suoh heir."

It wasn't the best thing to say to get him to stop crying, but it did the trick and I look at him seriously.

"Okay, Tamaki. Now I want you to listen to me, okay? I know your grandmother may have not been the best person, but you and I both know that she has her reasons and that she was very deeply hurt by what your idiot father just did. So what do you think you should do?"

"I-I don't—"

I cut him off, pointing at him seriously. "Don't you give me that. I can't give you all the answers to your problems and sooner or later, you're going to have to stand up on your own two feet, Tamaki. You're not some kid trying to make his own family anymore. You are Tamaki Suoh, heir to the Suoh Corporation and grandson to that amazing woman who's been running it all on her own. So I don't want you leaning on me for answers. I want to know what you are going to do."

Tamaki straightened up, getting serious and dropping that childish persona that he usually kept up around everyone.

"I'm going to support my grandmother."

I nodded. "Good. And how are you going to do that?"

He had to think about that for a second, but he soon answered.

"I'm going to do what I can to distract her from what happened and pick up her mood, even if it takes years." He said confidently.

"And what else are you going to do?" I asked, making him blink in confusion and tilt his head.

"W-What else?"

I stormed forward and flicked him harshly on the nose, making him yelp and cover it in pain.

"You're going to take care of yourself! You moron! You're going to eat three square meals a day and bathe properly and whatever other daily habits you do that I'm forgetting!" I scolded him, knowing that he didn't do any of those things in the manga and that this was the one thing I could change without consequence. "Because if I see you a skinny, disheveled, depressed lump of a person, I will climb over the fence at the main mansion, sneak past the guards and the dogs, jump through your window and force feed you! Because the Suoh heir should be able to take care of himself properly and my friend should know better than to make me and the other hosts worry. Got it?!"

He looked at me in stunned silence for a moment as I huffed and pulled a hand through my hair with a grumbled 'idiot', before a smile overcame his features and he pulled me into a hug.

"Thank you, Kohaku. You're a great friend."

I hugged him back, letting out a soft sigh. "I didn't hear an agreement."

He chuckled, pulling away. "I will properly take care of myself as you have suggested, while supporting my grandmother."

"You better." I muttered, waving my phone. "I expect a detailed report of all your meals and what you did every day, or I'll attack you at home when you least expect it."

He laughed again with a nod. "I wouldn't expect anything less." He paused though, finally getting a good look at me and what I was wearing. "Are you… going to meet with my father?"

I sighed. "Yes, to give him a stern talking to and inform him that I do not want his support for the movie if he isn't willing to sit down and listen to what others have to say before making drastic actions." I nodded, definitively, as Tamaki looked at me in worried shock.

"A-Are you really going to do that?! Don't you need his support?!"

"No, Tamaki. I was joking." I rolled my eyes, voice sarcastic. "Of course I'm going to do that! Your father is a complete moron and I don't want that kind of person supporting my book until he gets his act together. And I'm not doing this for you, so don't you tell me not to do this. I've been holding back this anger every time I've seen him and every second in between. Believe me when I say he needs a good talking to." I adjusted my coat then, calming down, though only slightly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a business meeting to get to." I gave him a look though, voice soft. "Take care of yourself. Your grandmother too."

He nodded with a small smile. "You too. And thank you again, Kohaku, for being such a good friend."

I smiled back, turning away and lifting up a hand in a silent goodbye as I headed off to scold the older Suoh.

Kintaro greeted me once I entered the building, but he immediately knew something was up.

"N-Nishimura-sensei? Why do I get the feeling you're going to do something I w-wouldn't approve of?"

"Because I'm going to do something you won't approve of." I smiled innocently at him as I folded my coat over my arm.

"W-What?!"

I ignored his panicked expression and smiled one of Kyoya's business smiles as the doors were opened and I greeted Yuzuru.

"Good morning, Suoh-san."

He grinned back, obviously pleased about what he had accomplished earlier this morning; which made me want to punch his face in, but I held back.

"Good morning, Kohaku-san. You can call me Yuzuru-san if you want. No need for such formalities." He chuckled, though I kept that same sickly sweet smile on my face.

"No, I don't think I will, Suoh-san."

Yuzuru looked at me in surprise as I walked past him, without shaking his hand, and sat down; hearing Kintaro groan softly behind me. Yuzuru, as business like as ever, brushed my rude words off and greeted Kintaro before closing the door and sitting behind his desk with an easy-going smile back on his face.

"Do either of you want anything to drink? Water? Coffee?"

Kintaro raised his hand, but I cut him off before he could get a word out.

"No, I'd rather get down to business."

"Very well." Yuzuru said warily, growing suspicious of my behavior, as he moved to take a seat across from me. "You mentioned over the phone that you wished to discuss my potential support towards an upcoming event related to your book?"

"Y-Yes." Kintaro spoke up, glancing between the two of us in worry. "Nishimura-sensei's novel has exceeded our expectations and has, most recently, caught the eye of a director who wishes to publicize it as a movie."

"And you wish for me to help with the funding?" Yuzuru concluded.

"W-Well, Nishimura-sensei mentioned you were a big fan of the novel, so—"

"No." I cut him short, picking at my fingernails and ignoring how Kintaro winced.

"Nishimura-sensei…"

Yuzuru raised a brow. "No?"

I nodded, glancing up at him. "That is what I said, Suoh-san."

He frowned. "I don't understand."

"I was going to ask if you would kindly support the upcoming movie for my novel, however, I changed my mind this morning."

"I'm sorry. This morning?"

I glared at the man across from me. "Yes, this morning. Because, you see, my novel—and subsequently, this movie—are my way of having people come together. A common piece of literature that the rich and poor can enjoy; this giving both sides the opportunity to mingle and learn about the other. Hopefully realizing that they are not so different, and that knowing either side could prove beneficial."

Yuzuru nodded, smiling. "Exactly!"

"However!" I said, raising my voice as some of my anger seeped out. "What you pulled today, with your own family, goes against everything I am hoping to accomplish with this movie's production and I do not want you to so much as donate one yen to its making."

"If this is because of Tamaki, I assure you—"

I cut him off with a glare. "Have I mentioned Tamaki at all?"

He opened his mouth to respond, but I didn't give him the opportunity.

"While Tamaki is a very close friend of mine, I know better than to drag my personal life into my business life, Suoh-san." I snipped, delivering the backhanded insult without hesitation. "Even so, your actions this morning have hurt more people than you think. And I hope you reflect on your actions and take the time to see just how poorly of a decision you have made, Suoh-san."

I stood, making for the door with Kintaro on my heels, but I paused and frowned over my shoulder at Yuzuru.

"You should do better than act on someone else's behalf without understanding what it is they're trying to accomplish. Good day."

And I stormed out, frustration boiling over and making the atmosphere tense enough that Kintaro remained silent as he drove me home. Once the car pulled up to my apartment though, my anger had dwindled down to a small, smoking ember.

"I'll find another way to get support." I told Kintaro, voice quiet. "I apologize for letting my emotions get in the way of this."

"Kohaku?"

I stopped, turning back to him I surprise at him using my first name; no honorific at all.

"It's fine." He said, seriously. "I understand. I'll talk to the boss about it and we'll figure something out."

I couldn't help but stare for a moment, but his serious expression shifted into his usual nervous one quickly.

"U-Um… yeah. So, um… I-I'll see you tomorrow, Nishimura-sensei." He stuttered out before quickly driving off, making me wonder if I'd just imagined the whole thing.

And it wasn't until I walked into my apartment and collapsed on my futon—clothes and all—that the reality of what had just happened sank in.

"I just told off the director of one of the biggest, most influential corporations in the world. My God, what have I done?"