With the rest of the host club at rehearsals of some sort, Kyoya was left to find some means to entertain himself. Deciding he would look around campus, he strolled, unknowingly into the dance building.
Through the dimly lit carpeted halls, Kyoya heard the soft, slow plinks of piano keys, a gracefully melody dancing to his ears. Deciding he liked the sound, the shadow king followed the melody into studio 9B. Mirrors paneled three walls, reflecting back white light from massive windows on the fourth wall. Light touched the oak bars gently, leaving shadows on the white wood. Opposite Kyoya, a full grand piano stood proudly, delicate notes pouring from the strings. The white light streamed on and off its glossy black lacquer.
Kyoya removed his shoes before stepping into the studio and took a few cautious steps into the magical lighting. When the raven haired boy neared the piano, he found, much to his surprise, no pianist behind it. Instead, a pair of white ballet slippers rested on the cushioned bench.
Overwhelmed by memories, Kyoya slipped on the shoes and moved into the center of the room. A solo from years back overwhelmed his thoughts, and the graceful boy began to dance.
His steps flowed gracefully as a swan, and having lost none of his flexibility, the shadow king could still recite his solo perfectly. As he moved across the room in a traveling step, he remembered recitals from years back. Fingers held elegantly, moving from toe to toe, slow and graceful turns, an arm extended to the side, obsidian eyes always following fingertips. From plié up to toe, onto one foot and then into several pirouettes, the host club's most elusive and heartless member glided across the wooden panels, painted silver in the light of the overcast sun.
From above on the balcony overlooking the studio, a silent audience marveled the pure grace and innocence in which the boys feet moved and the steady, balanced posture, that, though years had passed, the shadow king had not forgotten.
Kyoya glanced out the window at a storm brewing on the horizon. Black clouds skipped across the sun, leaving the studio cloaked in a dull grey shadow. Anguish creeping into his eyes, Kyoya remembered his past years of dance and the day that all his happiness had been stolen away. The shadow king's heart, like the rest of him, had always belonged to ballet and ballet alone.
Eleven years back, Kyoya began lessons, immediately excelling in the calm, graceful movements and balanced turns. With a pang, he remembered the day his father had discovered and forbidden his lessons.
When he had finished, Kyoya bowed slightly and moved to the bar at the window, where the sun broke the treacherous black clouds. Suddenly, a soft clapping reached his ears, and Kyoya whirled around to meet the approving look of his unknown audience.
"You dance as if no one in the world could see you, such confidence, such passion," Mister Cat remarked.
"You watched my solo?" Kyoya asked, though it was a ridiculous question. Of course the cat had seen his solo. Why else would he talk to the boy?
"You have quite impressed me. Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. I am Mister Cat. I teach ballet here at the academy." Then Mister Cat jumped over the railing, landing soundlessly upon his feet.
"My name is Kyoya Ootori. I attend school at Ouran High Accademy, but myself and several peers are visiting for a while.
"You have friends at the academy then?" The cat inquired.
"Yes, Ahiru and Fakir."
"Miss Ahiru?" The cat seemed to pout a moment.
"Yes, sir."
"Well, Mister Kyoya, I would be most delighted if you attended ballet classes for the duration of your stay."
"I was actually going to join the music department; I've played violin for twelve years," Kyoya replied.
"No ballet?" Mister Cat looked very rejected indeed. Sunlight crept to the boy's handsome features and illuminated his dark eyes, showing that they were indeed a very deep shade of brown rather than black.
"I'm afraid I'm four years out of practice, Mister Cat," Kyoya answered, a frown forming on his lips.
"Four years!" The cat exclaimed, "and you still dance like that? I'm sure you'd have no trouble falling back into practice." Kyoya began to refuse but stopped as the sun slipped into full view, casting a bright, direct light on the entire studio. He looked it over once, contemplating the idea of dancing again.
"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt to try," the shadow king replied.
"Excellent! If you wouldn't mind, I think I'd better put you in the intermediate class to start, though you'll probably move right into the advanced class. It's later in the day, so you can still play violin if you wish."
"Thank you, Mister Cat."
"No, it is I who should be thanking you. You'd better keep those shoes," he added. "You'll need them." Kyoya nodded. "Well, rehearsals are letting out now, so I'd better let you go locate your friends. I'll see you in class tomorrow, Mister Kyoya."
"Thank you again, Mister Cat," Kyoya smiled before exiting the studio. Retying his shoes, the shadow king tucked the white slippers into his messenger bag and headed to meet Ahiru and Haruhi where they would let out of practice.
"Kyoya-senpai, what are you doing in the dance building?" Haruhi asked when she caught sight of the tall, handsome brunette.
"Actually, I came to meet up with you two," he lied smoothly. Then Kyoya flashed a gorgeous smile, bringing his face into the white light.