No matter what anyone says, I know Haruhi is a girl. How could one overlook that fact? Her mannerisms, her speech, her slight flush under Tamaki's gaze. Too, Tamaki's obsession with her is obvious. But the Host Club is trying to hide it. Why?
I say no more about the incident and, thankfully, no one else does either. I sit with Mori and Hunny, honorifics being dismissed the moment I utter one, chatting, listening, watching.
A clock strikes the hour, five, and the girls depart. I follow, though at the end of the gaggle. I am about to exit, but the door slams in front of me. Hikaru's arm guards it, barring my way. He grabs my arm and pulls me into a side room, dark and secluded. Just us two. And no hope if he wants to hurt me. I am strong, but he is stronger. I stand no chance, and I am afraid to resist when he forces me onto a settee. I am frightened by his actions, and even more by his expression. His green eyes display a mosaic of emotion: anger, annoyance, coldness, and a spark that could easily be kindled into hatred.
My mouth is dry. I cannot understand why he is doing this. I don't even know him. "Why?" I whisper.
He ignores my question. Instead he glares at me, "Who do you think you are, coming in here and almost revealing Haruhi's secret?" The venom in his voice poisons the atmosphere, but his words leave me feeling slightly, perversely triumphant. I knew I wasn't wrong about her! But the triumph is fleeting, leaving me desperately groping for something – anything – to say. He grabs my arm, and twists it, hissing a staccato "Huh?" "Huh?" "Huh?"
"I – I didn't mean –" I am cut off as the door opens. Kyoya and the other hosts, surrounded by rays of light, like angels, come to save me.
"Let her go." Kyoya's voice is so cold, it is almost unrecognizable. Hikaru releases his hold, and my other hand rubs the reddened skin, turning purple, blue, trying to massage the pain away. Haruhi slaps Hikaru's face.
"You bastard!" she hits him again. Kaoru restrains her, but his glare at his twin is more fiery than Hell.
Kyoya seats himself next to me, and gently asks to examine my arm. I don't reply; I know it's not a question. His hands are strong yet soft. His fingers, running along my arm, are gentle, but I still wince at the pain the slight touches cause.
"Mori," Mori looks up from comforting the crying Hunny, "Bring some ice and the first aid kit." Mori nods, lifts Hunny, and departs.
Tamaki has been uncharacteristically quiet. During my short time at the academy I have only seen him as a charismatic, talkative flirt, but now he is silent and serious.
"Hikaru!" Tamaki's voice, tinged with the remnants of a French accent, rings out.
Hikaru juts his chin, defiant, "I was just trying to protect Haruhi."
"Do I look like I need your protection?"
"I didn't want everyone to know you are a girl! This…chit! almost ruined you!"
"But she didn't" Haruhi is exasperated, "And yet, you hurt her!"
"Like I said," Hikaru's voice is strained, ready to break under the load of emotion which it carries, "to protect you!"
He cups her face into his hand and presses his mouth against hers, harshly, but all in one fluid motion. It stops almost as soon as it starts, and Hikaru pushes Haruhi away, then leaves, quickly. For a moment, everyone is in shock and no one tries to stop him. Then Kaoru's voice breaks the spell, as he calls for his brother, and leaves to chase after him.
Haruhi's eyes are wide, but Tamaki's are wider. He pulls her out of the room, and then it is just Kyoya and me.
I don't realize that I am crying until Kyoya wipes the tears off my cheek. His hand frames my cheek, while his thumb collects the salty drops.
"I'm sorry," he whispers.