"Right Here Waiting" Revised Edition 2013 © natsu_no_sora
Ouran High School Host Club 2002 © Hatori Bisco
I do not own anything. Support the mangaka by buying her works.
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Chapter 08: Light in the Shadows
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Haruhi despised herself. If only she'd paid more attention to her surrounding than indulging her mind in Kyouya's lingering image, then she wouldn't be in this situation. She could've noticed the gathering dark clouds and she could've gone home earlier.
As soon as the Harvard gate was in front of her, thunder boomed with such force she was momentarily stunned shock. Chills went down her spine and the overwhelming need to hide was almost unbearable. She didn't know how she managed to make her feet move (maybe it was the adrenaline) but she found herself under the shed outside the university where she usually wait for her ride.
Haruhi hadn't anticipated this. She didn't know Massachusetts have an awful lot of thunderstorms in early summer. And not to mention they're terribly loud. She sank on the bench with shaking legs, feeling like all her insides were melting. To make things worse, it started to drizzle and the bus was taking so freaking long to arrive.
Haruhi pulled up her knees and rested her head on it; feeling so weak and helpless as another set of thunders rumbled. At the time like this, she longed for Kyouya's comforting warmth which she gotten so used to in the past two years; back before they lost the things they've shared together. At times like this, she missed him so much she could only cry.
The thunderstorm raged on and the light drizzle was turning to a full-on rain. The wind picked up. Really, what a great weather to be outside.
Kyouya, please... please, make it stop, Haruhi thought desperately. She suppressed a sob as the sky rumbled on like angry roars. A whimper escaped her trembling lips.
Out of the blue, as if answering her silent pleas, a voice she'd known anywhere called out: "Haruhi."
She froze like a bucket of water in the dead of a chilly winter night. Did she hear it right or was it another illusion brought by fear? She willed her head to look up, to check if he was real. A part of her, probably her cruel, logical mind, was telling her that it was all in her messed up head, telling her that she was going nuts, telling her that Kyouya couldn't possibly be there. But given the current situation she was in, she didn't care anymore. She wanted him and she didn't give a damn if he was just part of her hallucinations or not.
Haruhi slowly lifted her blurry eyes to the source of the soft, cool voice. She was unconsciously holding her breath like she was waiting for a strong impact to hit her.
Her sight was obscured by tears but sure enough, he was Ootori Kyouya. Standing just an arm's length away from her under the raining sky of Cambridge with unfathomable expression, the guy she ever loved was really there.
"Kyouya..." Haruhi could barely whisper. And before the Shadow King could react, thunder clapped so hard she jumped in surprise.
Haruhi didn't mean to but she did what any rational creature would do: she bolted right into Kyouya and if it hadn't for his fast reflexes, they could've a nice roll over the wet road.
Kyouya clasped his arms around the crying girl and steadied himself. It took him about half a second before he realized that she was clinging to him fiercely. Instinctively, he tightened his hug on her, kissed her hair and inhaled his favorite scent in the world. He missed it. He missed her. He missed everything about her. And now she was here in his arms where she belonged, his heart felt like swelling and bursting with indescribable feelings.
"Sshh, it's okay. I'm here now. Everything's fine." Kyouya rubbed her back soothingly. He tried to pull her off his chest so he could see her face and wipe those tears but she wouldn't budge.
Haruhi was gripping the front of his white shirt as if her life depended on it. She could feel the frantic beating of his heart from his chest. She could feel the same calming warmth radiating off him. His voice, even his smell, it was all seemed so real. She closed her eyes tightly, praying that this dream would last forever.
"Please don't leave me," she begged in a small, miserable voice.
"No, I won't. I'll stay with you. I'll never leave you, I promise," Kyouya said sincerely with a kiss on top of her head.
Loud thunders continued on. Big raindrops started to pelt from the sunless sky and if they don't plan to move, they'll surely be doused in cold rain water in about two minutes.
Kyouya signaled something to Tachibana and his bodyguard quickly opened the passenger's door of the limo.
Kyouya cupped Haruhi's face and caressed her tear-streaked cheeks with his thumbs. She looked at him with scared and worried expressions, like she was dreading what he was about to say. Somehow, it made him smile; the kind of smile that would make Adonis jealous.
"Let's go home?" he asked in the way he would when talking to a child.
Haruhi's creased forehead relaxed a little and nodded. She didn't know what he meant by home but wherever that was; she didn't care as long as she was with him. Just this time, she thought. Just this time, she let herself succumbed to her "illusion".
Once inside the car, Kyouya plugged a pair of earphones to her cold ears like he used to. He patted her wet hair with the stored towel in the limo.
All the while, Haruhi was staring at him like he just dropped from the space. She still had Kyouya's shirt tightly fisted in her hand. He noticed it. He gently loosened her tensed hand and held it in his.
She watched his lips moved, saying, "I'm not going anywhere." Kyouya pulled her closer, his arms around her and let her head rest on his shoulder. Just like he always did back then.
The weather became more violent as the black limo diverted from its original route to Brattle Street, straight to Kyouya's apartment. Rains, thunders and lightning seemed to be competing among themselves.
But the ride was safe from the rages of nature outside; silent and comfortable. Much too comfortable for the couple sitting at the back that they both wished it will never end. But unfortunately for them, Tachibana was already parking the car.
Kyouya removed the earphones from Haruhi's ears and whispered, "We're here."
Haruhi reluctantly pulled away from his arms and looked at him like she was checking to see if he's still Kyouya.
He smiled. "Come on," he took her hand and helped her out the car. They dashed inside the condominium building. Haruhi didn't have time to look around the lobby as Tachibana pressed the elevator button and it immediately opened up. They went inside except for the bodyguard.
Now that she was alone with Kyouya and she couldn't hear the thunders anymore, Haruhi's brain started to clear up and everything was crashing down on her. He's here. He's actually here. Why did he come here? Why am I with him? Damn thunders! And why're we holding hands? Didn't he say we're done? He's already engaged...
Her breathing accelerated. Cold sweats beaded on her forehead. Why's and painful thoughts swirled in her head, making her dizzy. What's going on? What is he doing?
Kyouya seemed to notice her inner battles and tightened his hold on her hand. He knew she was thinking about him being there. He knew she was confused. And he knew she was hurting because of him.
Without any word, Kyouya pulled her in a fierce hug, much to Haruhi's surprise. He wanted to take all those pains he had caused her through his hug.
"K-Kyouya?" she choked, wondering what's going on with him. "I... can't breathe," she gasped.
He pulled back but held her close and stared into her eyes. "Haruhi, I'm-"
DING!
The elevator door opened, effectively cutting off whatever Kyouya has to say. Just like that time in his graduation party two months ago, when he'd lost her. But that will never happen again, he will make sure of that.
Kyouya sighed. He weaved his fingers through Haruhi's hand and led her to his unit. She followed robotically, confused as hell.
His unit was, as expected, spacious and luxurious. It had the most modern design a bachelor's pad could have. There was huge Samsung LED TV mounted on the wall with surround sound system in the living room. A dark brown couch and a low coffee table were located neatly in the center of the room. The whole interior was an elegant combination of dark wood panel and spotless white paint.
Rich bastard, Haruhi thought.
"Are you hungry?" Kyouya asked.
She shook her head and smiled weakly.
"I'll get you something to eat," he said anyway. "Go seat over there."
As bossy as ever, she scowled. She sat on the couch and roamed her eyes around the room. The occasional thunders could barely break through the thick walls.
Kyouya reappeared from the kitchen, carrying a cup of what smelled like hot chocolate and a jar of cookies. He laid it on the coffee table and sat beside her.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
Awkward silence stretched between them. Haruhi fiddled nervously with her fingers, not knowing what to do. And, damn, why did he have to stare at her like that?
"Your hair's longer," Kyouya said in a very unKyouya-like manner. Haruhi wanted to laugh, of all things to say, it had to be her hair. But she held her breath as he leaned closer and caressed her fringe.
"Uh, yeah," she muttered hesitantly and froze under his soft touch. He didn't say anything else which made her more anxious. Another long silence engulfed them as he continued to caress her hair. Finally, Haruhi could no longer take it, thinking that she might go crazy if this carried on.
"Kyouya..."
The Shadow King paused, knowing what's coming next.
"What is the meaning of this?" she asked slowly.
Kyouya's hand slid down her neck, sending a trail of good bumps on her back. It stayed there as he searched her face like the way Haruhi remembered when he wanted to say something.
"What is it?" she urged gently.
"I don't know where to start," Kyouya whispered. For the very first time in his life, Ootori Kyouya, the Shadow King who knew everything, said those words in the same sentence.
Haruhi gingerly put her hand over the one resting on her neck, "Why don't you start at the beginning?"
Kyouya chuckled soundlessly. "I don't even know where's the beginning," he sighed and willed his eyes to meet her inquisitive look. "But all I know is that I owe you a lot of apologies."
"Why?" Haruhi honestly didn't know why he was apologizing. Was it because he felt obligate to do so? Or was it because he wanted her back? The thoughts scared her. What if he just came here to say sorry for everything and left her again? She couldn't take that heartache from him. Again. But what if he really wanted her back? That, she didn't have an answer and she didn't want to get her hopes up. Again.
"I'm not asking you to forgive me but I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you," he said. Those mysterious dark eyes smoldering as he stared deep into her. "I'm sorry for being a coward and I'm so sorry for everything. I love you, Haruhi. So much that it hurts."
Haruhi heard what he said as clear as crystal. But she couldn't understand it. So much for being a scholar student, she was dumbfounded. His every word hung heavily in her heart, making it impossible not to believe him.
Kyouya scooted closer to her and loosely wrapped his arms around her waist. He was relieved that Haruhi didn't pull away; she even seemed to relax a little. But the look on her face was like a complicated math problem. He suppressed a smile and asked, "You do know what I'm saying, don't you?"
"I do know what you're saying but honestly, I don't understand any of it," Haruhi admitted with her forehead scrunching up cutely. "I'm sorry and I love you don't mix together very well."
"Haruhi, there's something I've been meaning to tell you since that night at the graduation party," Kyouya paused when Haruhi dropped from his gaze.
She felt a stinging pain in her heart when she recalled the event. The moment Yoshio announced his engagement...
"Look at me, Haruhi," Kyouya said in that low, persuasive voice of his and nudged her gently. She reluctantly looked back at him.
"I want you to know that from the very beginning, and I'm talking about the two years we spent together, it never crossed my mind to break up with you," Kyouya continued. "Not even once. But my father..."
Haruhi perked up. What does Ootori Yoshio had to do with this?
"Somehow, he knew we were dating and he warned me about getting myself too involved to you. I didn't listen, of course. I ignored him until one day, he must be so fed up he dropped a nuclear bomb on me." Kyouya chuckled darkly.
Haruhi remained unmoving as she waited for him to continue.
"Do you know what he said?"
She shook her head.
"He said he's going to make your life a living hell."
"What?" she frowned. How did she get stuck in the middle of an Ootori equation?
"That old man..." he said through his gritted teeth. "He played dirty. He used you against me because he knows you're my weakness." Kyouya didn't say it like it was a bad thing, he said like it was a precious thing needed to be protected.
Despite the dark anger coming off him, Haruhi could finally see a bright light on that agonized shadow over his face. She felt relieved as if a ton of weight was lifted off her shoulder. Now she knew the real reason: he did it for her. Because he loved her.
I'm doing this for the both of us. For you, she remembered him saying. Why didn't she notice it before? She knew his father wasn't fond of her but why didn't she think about that possible reason? Haruhi felt a pang of guilt. Kyouya dealt with the whole situation alone. She should've been there for him. They should've faced it together. She could only imagine how hard it was for him. It wasn't just her who'd been suffering all these time; Kyouya was hurting, too. So much more than her.
For the second time that day, Haruhi threw herself at him. She encircled her slim arms around his neck and pulled him tighter.
Kyouya blinked then eased down under her bear hug. He unconsciously smiled as he hugged her back. At that moment, he knew she understood. He knew he had the second chance and that it wasn't too late for them to start again. There was still a lot of explaining to do for the both of them but for now, they would like to stay a little longer in each other's comfort.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Kyouya," Haruhi chanted over and over again.
"Why are you apoligizing?" Kyouya chuckled as he patted her back, feeling elated at the turn of the table.
"I knew something was weird about it. I should've forced it out on you that night but I was just so hurt and I left and I didn't even tell you that I'm transferring here and-"
"I know, I know. It's not your fault, Haruhi." Kyouya pulled back and cupped her face. She had that cute crease between her eyebrows again and her lips were almost pouting.
"Why didn't you tell me in the first place?" she demanded.
"I didn't want to tell you because I know you're not going to let go without a fight and I don't want to ruin your dreams," he sighed. "If I had stayed with you and defied my father, you're probably in Japan right now, out in the street with no money, no job and no awesome scholarship in Harvard."
Haruhi grimaced. That's a very big possibility. "Damn, rich bastards," she muttered.
"Believe me, I know what he can do," Kyouya said seriously.
"Do you think you did the right decision? To follow what your father wanted, I mean."
"No," he admitted. "There is no such thing as right decision when you chose the "right" things over the things that will make you happy. Choose what you think is the best for yourself... then, that's the right decision."
Haruhi smiled, thinking about how true his words were. "You've just realized that now, haven't you?"
"I've already realized it the moment I said my very first I love you to you," Kyouya said. "But I was numbed by fear when my father threatened me. I couldn't stand it if he did something to you because of me, I-"
"Sshh," Haruhi put her index finger on his lips to silence him. "It's alright, I understand now. You did it for me and I am very grateful, thank you." As if she couldn't help herself, she pecked him on his cheek then smiled so innocently.
Kyouya gaped at her. He hadn't anticipated that kind of attack. He chuckled and shook his head in amazement. Really, she's the only one who could take him by surprise.
"I feel like I'm dreaming," he said. "And that I'm about to wake up because this is just so good to be true. I feel like when I open my eyes, I will lose you again."
Haruhi clapped her hand on his cheeks and pressed his face playfully. "Sorry to burst your dramatic bubble, but I'm absolutely real," she rolled her eyes and giggled like a two-year-old.
Kyouya looked at her like he was seeing the sun for the first time. He missed the lovely sound of her giggles and that faint blush across her cheeks. His thumb brushed her lower lip; how he missed kissing that.
The petite girl paused; her eyes softened at the puppy look of Kyouya's face. She still had her hands on his cheeks, caressing it with her thumbs, just like what he was doing.
"I'm not going to leave you ever again," he whispered.
"Hey, I'm the one who left," she pointed out.
"You know what I mean."
Haruhi sighed exasperatedly. "I know. I understand now and that's the end of it. I missed you, I love you, we're here together and that's all what matters. End of discussion."
Kyouya laughed. God, how he loved her so much. Once he sobered, the room was filled with comfortable silence. The calm mood changed into an active electromagnetic field as Kyouya leaned forward slowly, still holding on to Haruhi's wide-eyed gaze until he watched them fluttered close and his lips finally touched hers.
The kiss started out soft and slow, like they were relishing the moment. Then all the pent up emotions for the past two months turned the kiss into something much more powerful and passionate.
They kissed like they've never kissed before. Kyouya pulled Haruhi until she was sitting on his lap. His one hand stroke her back sensually; the other on her nape, keeping her close while Haruhi's hands were all tangled up in his hair.
And they pretty much spent the whole night making out on Kyouya's couch.
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02/10/13 OWARI
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SORA'S RAMBLING CORNER:
Okay, people! First of all, I am quite aware of the leaking OOCness, I'm terribly sorry about that. But man, how I wish I could fanfic the perfect guy for me, hahaha!
Yeah well, anyway, chapter eight is so done. It was... freaking cheesy. Haha! I've been known here for writing super cheesy scenes and lines that even I got nauseated by my own work, LOL!
But let me say, I imagined the whole scene in Kyouya's apartment under dim, romantic lights while they were talking. How about you? How did you imagine this chapter?
As always, thank you for reading Spring Petals! The reads, reviews, favorites and follows mean so much to me, thank you!
I hope you like my update despite the leaking OOCness. Tehee! Till next time, natsu_no_sora over and out.
PS: (I always forgot to put this note in my previous chapters.) I think Harvard University doesn't have a high school department. My story is purely fictional.