xChapter 7x
The Shadow King isn't oblivious. He knows when something is going to happen. At the present moment, he already knows who and the people involved in this person's plot, but he had little evidence to show or convict this person. His best strategy is to lay low and merely allow this person's dealings to continue, but still keep within watching distance and observe the plot. When the time comes, only then will he reveal himself.
He smiled to himself. I'll definitely figure it out Hikaru-kun.
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Day three.
Haruhi trudged up the steps towards the hallway leading her to the Host Club. As she walked, she thought of all the strategies that would eventually get the client's attention, but to no avail. Unfortunately, they were overwhelmed with the four-week news that Tamaki left the country without any knowledge and as to when he'll return. This further upset her more. If this reaction continues to occur, there's no way she'll be able to leave the club at the expected time. She hesitated at the door before slowly opening it.
What surprised her was not the lack of rose petals flying her way, but the lack of any commotion inside. The twins, usually bothering one of the members, as of late Hunny-senpai, with their frivolous antics and Hunny-senpai constantly being guarded by Mori-senpai, was separated. Hikaru is looking out of the window while his brother works on a school assignment, no doubt due the following morning. As for Hunny-senpai, he was sound asleep and Mori quietly sipping tea and watching the sleeping form of his cousin. Kyouya, which seemed the strangest of them all, is no where to be seen. Given the time and date correct, it's extremely unusual for the habitually punctual Shadow King. She sighed. I at least get to have a breather until he shows up.
She lays her books down near one of the couches and walked past the sleeping form of the senior loli-shota, and into the space they use to keep the tea and snacks. She walked to the mini burner, took out a cup and poured in some of the hot water. She quickly took out the instant coffee and continued to add heaps into her cup.
"Leaving the container empty will cost you."
"It wouldn't matter Kyoya-senpai. These things cost far less than anything here. In addition, there are cupboards full of this drink." She stirred her drink until it dissolved. After adding a little cream, she continues to walk past the tall figure of the Shadow King.
"Having a little difficulty with the clients still?"
"It's fine. There's no need for you to intervene."
"I suggest you get their ratings of you higher or else I'll have to intervene." He heads towards the door. "Oh, and if that happens, the projected income I calculated from Tamaki's clients will be added to you debt, so I suggest you try a little harder." He left shortly afterwards.
Harsh. Haruhi sighed and drank her coffee in one large gulp. I need another one. She turned on her heels and headed towards the cupboard, upset and completely exhausted.
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Hikaru, keeping mental note on how Haruhi has been performing lately, grinned. This was all going according to plan. All he had to do was wait a few more days and hopefully the next step will proceed. He really needs to thank Kyoya for giving her a hard time. The more he pushes, the more his plan will work. Unfortunately, this was a double-edged sword for him. Her suffering furthers his need to comfort her, but in doing so, his plan will be in crumble. Or maybe not.
He walked towards the brunette and seated himself between two other ladies. His presence didn't go unnoticed.
"Hikaru, what brings you here?" Haruhi asked, a little surprised.
He mouthed, "Thought you might need a little help."
She flushed a little bit. Guilt racked her face. She quickly turned around to see if the Shadow King was anywhere in sight. She caught sight of him, catering to a crowd of senior and junior ladies. She breathed a deep sigh. Good. He's not taking note. "Thank you," she replied back to the red head.
The job became much easier and some of the ladies liked the combination of the "Natural" and the "Devil." In fact, they wished to designate the both of them the following day and requested this at the end of the Host Club session.
After the last customer left, Haruhi proceeded to bring the tea materials into their "little kitchen." Hikaru followed her suit and began picking up tea cups at the same table as her. Haruhi was astonished by his sudden action, but didn't mind. After all, the designations put on her had took its toll. She picked up the tray and continued into the kitchen, with Hikaru following behind. As she closed the door she thanked him and put the delicate tea cups into the dishwasher.
"Does it still bother you?"
"What do you mean?" she asked as she turned on the machine.
"The fact Kyoya-senpai put forty percent to your designations?"
She let out a sigh. "But it really can't be helped. I have to –"
"You don't have to. You could quit if you like," he interrupted, concern filled in his voice.
"But I need to clear my debt. The only way to pay it all back is to have this many designations."
"You don't have to overexert yourself for the sake of paying off what you owe. How about this, I'll pay a small amount for you."
"It's kind of you Hikaru, but I don't want or need any help from anyone. I can handle this on my own."
"Like you'll handle the rift between you and Tamaki?" At this question she froze. "I guessed correctly right?"
She pulled out the extra pastries and saved some for her father. "That's not fair, Hikaru."
"Listen, I don't want you to stress out. You've been barely handling yourself in the classroom and the extensive designations are overwhelming. All I'm asking is for you to take a little breather."
Haruhi looked sincerely up at her friend and smiled. "I thank you for your concern, but I can handle it." She walked over to him and pecked his cheek. "Don't worry anymore." And she exited the room.
Hikaru stood stunned. He moved his hand to the place she kissed him. Damn. I really want her. And I'll do anything for her. The only way for that to happen to completely sever her ties. He smiled. And I know how it'll happen.