"So, you're telling me that Suzushima-Kun and Kasugazaki-Chan are engaged to be married?" I asked Haruhi as we danced together in music room number three, practicing for a big party the host club was throwing later that same week. Haruhi nodded at my statement, sighing as he stepped on my foot again. I bit my lip, partially from the pain, and partially because I couldn't help but feel bad for the boy being forced to learn ballroom dancing. I didn't know it well either, so I offered to practice with him in order for us both to be prepared, as Tamaki wanted me to join the festivities of the ball as well.
"Yeah. And now Tamaki-Senpai and the twins have something planned. They wrote a fake love letter to him from me, and they'll dress me up as a girl and send me to meet him. There, I suppose, I'll get him to admit his love for Kasugazaki and Tamaki will take it from there." He explained the plan to me as he twirled me around, albeit, both of us doing so rather lazily.
"I see. Well, best of luck with your shenanigans, then, Haru-Kun. I best get going, got a lot of stuff I have to buy for the party. Kyoya already gave me his shopping list." I told her as we both let go of each other, and I showed him the long, rolled up list I had stuck in the pocket of a pair of jeans I brought with me to change into. "Thanks for the dance, I'll see you later!"
"Bye!" He said as I grabbed my things and headed out. As I walked through the maze of a school, I couldn't help but admire the architecture. Although everything seemed to be pink, the paintings and turrets and beautifully detailed accents were just gorgeous to me. Maybe I would do well with an art dealing company.
I ended up calling Miyogi-Sama, my dad's personal driver, and asking him if he'd be willing to drive me around for a while. I loved all of my dad's staff; they were like a whole other family. The head of the maids was an elderly woman named Natsuko-Sama, and she was just like a grandmother. Of course, at first, I figured they'd all be cold and distant because maybe my father treated them like I figured any millionaire business man would. Yet, they all had kind things to say and all had wonderful stories to tell about my father. Miyogi-Sama in particular had a great story, as he and my dad were best friends since they both went to Ouran Academy.
As soon as Miyogi-Sama came around, I showed him my grocery list, and we both sat for a moment, willing ourselves to be lazy before we had to go to a million and one shops for Kyoya. However, we got everything done in a couple hours, and I had bags upon bags of food, decorations, as well as other miscellaneous things.
"Are you some errand boy for this club, Orie?"
I laughed, nodding my head. "Something of that nature. I don't really mind, though."
"Oh? Aren't you afraid they're just using you?"
I considered this for a moment. But, then I remembered Tamaki, and the way he always called me his niece, and Honey always offering me some of his cake; or how Kyoya purposely got around a money payment. I shook my head to Miyogi this time. "They did it because they wanted me around more, I just know it."
In the next couple of frustrating days spent with the wacky Host Club, we prepared for the ball on Friday. Tamaki and the twins schemed with an unwilling Haruhi, Kyoya budgeted, Honey ate cake, and Mori and I watched the events unfold from afar. Friday night came soon, and Kyoya informed me that there was a dress I could wear in the back room of the music room if I had nothing else to wear, which I thanked him for, as I really didn't.
I stopped into the music room to change an hour before the ball was to begin in Ouran's largest hall. The gown in which Kyoya spoke of was a gorgeous forest green color, and had just enough netting underneath to make it a bit poofy. It was strapless, and had black flats placed next to it. I thanked Kyoya silently, knowing that with heels I would have inadvertently killed myself tonight. I quickly changed, leaving my clothes in the changing room, and began my journey to the hall.
Tamaki insisted that as family I should be standing up with all the other hosts on the staircase, to which Kyoya only shrugged. I was placed just above Mori, and as I fidgeted nervously, Tamaki announced the beginning of the ball. I, along with all the other girls, watched in amazement as the hall was lit up with beautiful chandeliers, and the orchestra began playing. My eyes couldn't help but scan everything- there was so much to look at. These boys definitely know how to throw a party…
Kyoya, with a charming smile and outstretched arms, stole the attention of the crowd quickly. "As always, ladies, the Host Club members are here for your entertainment, so we invite you to dance until your heart's content. Based on her dancing skills, one lucky young lady will be chosen as tonight's queen. The queen's reward will be a passionate kiss on the cheek from our king." Kyoya finished up as Tamaki took over, wishing the girls good luck. I rolled my eyes, but was still flabbergasted by everything. I've never been to anything so classy and fancy before…
I caught myself staring at Mori and Honey as the latter was placed on the taller boy's shoulders. While Honey's suit was white, Mori wore a navy blue tuxedo, and I began observing the detail of everyone else's clothing items as well. That is, until Tamaki flipped himself over the railing above us and landed before Kyoya and Haruhi. Something about fancy tuna.
The festivities commenced, and I watched from a pillar I was leaning on soundly. All of the Host Club members were dancing with the guests, and they switched partners periodically, making sure everyone got a turn. Well, at least they're fair. I watched as Kasugazaki-Chan chatted with Haruhi, and admired all of the boys from afar. One of them kept standing out in particular, and I couldn't, for the life of me, understand why.
It was true that his untamed and unruly black hair and tanned skin went well with the navy blue tux he wore. His dancing skills were surprisingly up to date and good, and every girl that danced with him fell in hopeless love with the silent Host. I chuckled at myself. The last thing you need, Orie, is to like someone off-limits. Closing my eyes, I settled with fantasizing about dancing with him, instead of actually doing so.
I reopened my eyes as I felt the quick breeze of people passing my by on my face, and just caught a glimpse of Mori and Honey dragging Haruhi with them to go get her ready. Their planned was commenced, and Tamaki strutted up to me as I laughed at Haruhi's echoing pleas to be put down as they disappeared.
"They'll be in the changing room, let's go." He said, holding out his arm for me to take. He escorted me to the room, but I could tell that he was excited to see Haruhi. Either he's gay, or Haruhi's definitely a girl. I'll go with the latter.
Tamaki opened the doors to the room, shouting at the Host Club for the rudeness of leaving the party, when he saw Haruhi with a wig on and a dress. My jaw dropped open as well, and it was settled. Definitely a girl. All the guys watched with pleased looks on their faces as Tamaki tried to hold in his cries of joy, and Haruhi walked towards us awkwardly in her pink heels.
"That dress is almost as bad as my uniform." I told them, smirking and crossing my arms as the Hitachiin brothers glowered at me. "But, you do look nice, Haruhi. Even for a boy." I went on, dropping a wink. She rolled her eyes and nodded, understanding that I knew what was up. Even if all those boys were dense, I felt as though Haruhi and I could get along on a girl to girl level.
Haruhi left to go meet Suzushami-Kun in the classroom, and all the Host members dispersed to go back to entertaining their party guests. Honey clasped his hand around mine and dragged me out to the dance floor, twirling me around and around for a grand total of five minutes. He laughed loudly once we stopped, and twirled me in someone else's direction. I landed with one of the twins, and I assumed him to be Kaoru.
We danced for a few moments before I was twirled once again into someone else's arms, this being the other twin. I laughed as I recognized what they were doing, and laughed even harder when which ever twin I was with leaned down and whispered, "But, really, Gia?" The same event happened, although, this time I was caught in larger, stronger arms. My eyes widened and I looked down to hide a growing blush as Mori moved me in his arms so I would be facing him. He must have noticed my peculiar shade of fire truck red, because he let me go and bowed before holding out his hand respectfully.
"May I have this dance?" He asked, the corners of his lips slightly turned up. I nodded quickly and placed my hand in his, and was suddenly whisked away into the dance. I laughed as I tried to keep up; he was a much better dancer than I was.
He and I danced the longest, and it was occasionally filled with phases of making awkward eye contact, or awkwardly looking anywhere but each other. He had gorgeous eyes, really. As we made our way around the dance floor, I caught glimpses of Kyoya writing furiously in his little black book of doom, and I was curious when he glanced our way and offered a sick smile. I trembled nervously in Mori's arms, trying to rid my head of the mental picture of that insanely evil smile.
"Do you want to stop?" Mori asked, marking the second time he talked to me tonight. I smiled at him and nodded.
"Thank you for the lovely dance, Mori." I replied, giving his large hand a simple squeeze. Kyoya began ushering the guests out onto the patios outside, where huge floodlights were centered on a couple. After Mori located Honey, he looked down at me and asked with his eyes if I'd like to go outside. I simply nodded back to him, and we started forth.
It was announced that Kanako was the queen of the ball, but that her kiss was to be given by Haruhi, who was back to being dressed as boy now, rather than Tamaki. As she started to walk forward to give Kanako that kiss, Tamaki flew forward, trying to stop Haruhi, when really, he pushed them together. Haruhi's lips pressed to Kanako's suddenly, and everyone gasped. Mori and I slowly glanced at each other with alarmed expressions. The night ended on a good note as everyone walked out, talking hurriedly about all the great fun they had. Even Haruhi had fun, which I laughed at.
When all the guests were gone and it was just those of the elite Host Club, I thanked Kyoya for the stunning dress. He smiled warmly, "It was nothing, feel free to keep it." I thanked him, and then proceeded to begin to walk outside so that I could call Miyogi. Honey stopped me, throwing his arms around me.
"Orie-Chan, you can ride with Takashi and me!" He shouted happily, his large brown eyes being much too irresistible.
I ruffled his hair and smiled back. "Oh, alright, if it's not too much trouble." Honey cheered as Mori and I followed him outside. A black limousine waited for them, their driver standing outside an opened door.
"We're dropping off Orie-Chan at her house, okay?" Honey told him, and after I gave him an address to go to, I slid into the car, bunched in between the two boys. Honey was glancing back and forth between Mori and me, his legs kicking and bouncing. "Did you guys enjoy dancing together?"
Mori's eyes flickered from me to Mitsukuni. "Yeah." He answered, slowly nodding his head.
"Y-yeah. It was lots of fun, Honey."
Honey just smiled back at us both, and no one spoke for the rest of the ride there. They dropped me off, Mori sliding out of the car and offering me his help. I got out and thanked him for the dance and the ride, and he simply gave me that squeeze of the hand back. "You looked lovely tonight, Orie." He said, and then slid back into the limousine. I waved them goodbye, went inside, and immediately threw myself in bed, deciding I'd take care of everything else tomorrow morning.
The next week of school came all too quickly, and the Host Club was up to their usual shenanigans. Today was one of their themed days, where we were dressed to the nines in waiter outfits, while Haruhi, Honey, and Mori were dressed in traditional wear. I wore a traditional outfit as well as I catered to the Host's tables, bringing out tea and snacks periodically, sometimes staying to chat with the guests. Most had gotten used to seeing me around the club now; finally deciding that jealousy wasn't worth it, as I was just a simple waitress like member, not quite posing a threat.
The courtyard we were in was littered with blossom trees, and created quite a tranquil setting for the afternoon's events. I sighed as I brought out more tea to the Hitachiin table, shaking my head at Kyoya's sales of the picture books I caught him working on just a couple days ago. Two guests jumped at the idea, quickly buying up two sets.
"I've got to wonder…" One twin started.
"When did he have time to take pictures of us?" The other finished, both shrugging their shoulders. I laughed, picking up my tray and walking back to the table I had set up with supplies to keep the Hosting tables replenished with snacks. My mouth watered at the sight of angel cake, my absolute favorite. I was saving it for Honey, though, knowing that he just had to taste it.
I placed it onto the tray as well as another pot of tea and began making my way to the mats that Mori, Honey, Haruhi, and two guests sat on. As I quietly walked up, no one sensed my presence, save for, most likely, Mori. Everyone was watching as Honey stirred the tea furiously, not letting up until Mori finally said something to him. I cringed.
"Mitsukuni." Mori addressed him, his deep voice rumbling as he leaned forward. "You over did it." The three girls at the end looked surprised, but the two guests compensated for it, as they assured Honey that he did a fine job.
I laughed, placing a pot of tea down in front of them, as well as some dessert plates and forks, finally finishing it off with the actual dessert. Honey's eyes widened as he saw it, and he licked his lips, instinctively reaching for the fork. "Now, Honey." I said sweetly, getting his attention.
"Yes, Orie-Chan?"
"This is my favorite kind of cake, and I want everyone to get a piece, okay?" Honey bobbed his head up and down as I handed Mori the knife to cut the cake. He nodded at me as I pushed it towards him and smiled, standing back up to leave.
"Where are you going, Orie-Chan? Takashi will cut you a slice, too! It's your favorite cake, after all!" Honey offered, grinning when I sat down next to Mori. He handed me a plate with a larger piece on it than even Honey's, and I chuckled at him.
"Thank you, Mori. And thank you, too, Honey." I replied to them as I began eating my piece of cake. Ah, man. I should eat cake more often. I looked down at my stomach, which was flat, if I'm being honest, but still always felt huge after I ate almost anything. Maybe not. I looked back up to notice Mori staring at me, and as soon as I made eye contact with him, he dropped his eyes down to his own small slice of cake. We all ate in silence, except for Honey, who made sure that everyone knew he enjoyed the cake a lot.
While the guests left and I began to clean up, I heard Tamaki begin to shout at Haruhi about revealing that she's a girl. However, the pesky twins stopped him in the middle of his rant, reminding him of the physical examinations we had coming up the day after tomorrow. I rolled my eyes as Tamaki repeated the words brokenly. Haruhi didn't seem too upset about everyone finding out that she was a girl the whole time, but I felt my heart break at the notion. She was part of the family, too.
Other than the schemes of the Host Club, my days started with extreme Kendo club practicing. I enjoyed Kendo a lot, for it was a perfect distraction. While relieving myself of frustration through physical exercise, I also could refocus all of my energy to this one thing. It felt nice, instead of feeling scatter-brained like most days.
Mori and I often sparred, although he was much more powerful than I. He always gave me technique tips, and helped me improve my form. Most days Honey watched, and once Kendo was over, Honey took about a half hour before classes began to show me some karate moves to add to my repertoire. Both boys were always helpful when it came to martial arts.
And flattering, too. There weren't many girls in Kendo club, but everyone was seemingly supportive of my strengths in the form. All of them acknowledged my talent for it, and again, it was like another family.
So, the next day consisted of Kendo club and sparring with Mori and Honey, to classes, which had gotten easier for me thanks to the two boys, and Host Club, where we thought up inventive ways to conceal Haruhi's actual gender. While Tamaki and the twins argued with Haruhi over the matter, Mori and I sat on one of the couches, sharing history notes to make sure we had the full lecture down.
"Tamaki," I called out rather suddenly, interrupting the argument between 'main character' and 'homosexual supporting cast'.
"Yes, niece?" He replied, looking over the twin's shoulders at me.
I didn't bother looking up as I wrote down a fact on my timeline of Japanese history. "You know that if Haruhi's gender gets out, she won't be in the Host Club anymore, right? And you won't get to see her during the day at all."
Tamaki's face paled and the twins laughed. "I bet Haruhi had a lot of boys falling for her."
Kyoya opened his book up, adding: "According to my investigative reports, a boy would proclaim his undying love for her almost every month."
I shook my head and laughed as Mori copied down something I wrote on my timeline. He pointed at a word, his tan hand suddenly blocking my view of the paper. I looked up at him, blinking, then looked back down at what he was pointing at. "It says 'their military'. Sorry it's so sloppy." I muttered, looking down in order to hide a blush.
He patted my head, and stood up to join the conversation once Haruhi poked her head into the room. I joined them, sliding in my normal place in between Mori and Honey, and listened as Haruhi laughed about their plan.
"The subject is not motivated!" Kaoru, I think, whispered to Tamaki. "How can we motivate her?"
All were silent until Mori looked at Haruhi and stated: "Fancy tuna." I smiled devilishly as her eyes widened at the mention of the food. She finally cracked and agreed after the twins and Honey made some off-handed comments.
The next day were physical examinations, and it was interesting, to say the least.
The day started out with the twins and Haruhi coming in the exam. Honey and Mori, dressed as doctors, stood near me. When Haruhi spotted us, I merely shrugged, not entirely sure what the plan entailed today. I had dozed off during that meeting.
Kyoya quickly strode up to Haruhi, explaining simply that Mori and Honey were for back up. "They're just here to set the mood. Disguises make our missions feel like real espionage." At this, Haruhi raised her eyebrows and sighed. As Haruhi was led down to her respective changing room, a doctor ran into Kyoya, and by the look of it, Kyoya was suspicious of him. I decided I might as well have some fun, seeing as though my own examination wouldn't be for a while. I waved goodbye to Honey and Mori as I followed the man that ran into Kyoya as he left the examinations and began running down the halls. I made sure to keep my distance from him, but I curiously kept him in my eye sight at all times.
He wasn't a doctor- that much was for sure. As we stalked down another hallway, he quickly grabbed the shoulder of a girl, hurriedly asking her something that was drowned out by her screams. He quickly began running faster down another hall, and without wasting time, I followed him, not caring anymore if he knew I was there. I didn't know what he wanted, or if he was trying to attack the girl, but maybe I could stop him before doing something serious.
As he turned a corner, I followed him, but stopped, because he was gone. What room would he have gone in? As I began frantically reading the room signs, my name was shouted out from the other end of the hall, and the gang of boys headed towards me.
"Are you alright?" Tamaki asked me, gripping my shoulders. I ripped myself out of his grip, a bit worried by their expressions.
"Yeah, I'm fine. What's going,"
I was interrupted when the boys threw open the door to the Special Boys room, and I followed as they flung a changing room curtain out of the way. Tamaki threw himself at the man I had been following, who was holding his hand over Haruhi's mouth. The man crashed into the wall, and Tamaki planted his feet solidly back onto the ground, anger etched across his face.
"One: Good looks that attract the public eye." The twins said together, and I couldn't help but face palm at their over dramatics. I stood back, watching from the curtain.
"Two: More wealth than you can imagine." Kyoya added on, stepping out from the shadows. The Shadow King.
"Three," Came Mori's deep voice, "Chivalry that will never be able to overlook,"
"The hideous wickedness of this world." Honey finished the statement. As Tamaki dropped his shirt on Haruhi's head, he shouted proudly that these traits made up the Ouran High School Host Club, and I again pounded my head against my hand.
"We're here, watch out!" They all shouted together, and the man yelped out in fright. He began telling us his entire life story, about how his wife and daughter left him because of the little income he was making as a doctor in his own clinic. While I felt bad for him, I didn't understand how his daughter could possibly be going to this school if he had little money himself.
Kyoya voiced what I had been thinking. "Doctor Yabu, I think you may have the wrong place. Are you looking for Ouran Public High School?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"I figured that might be the case. This is Ouran Academy, a private institution. Your daughter doesn't go to school here."
Eventually, Tamaki had Kyoya compile a map of the public schools in the area, and we sent him on his way. "Are you sure about this?" A twin asked.
"After all, even if he does find his daughter, there's no guarantee that she'll want to speak to him." The other replied, bobbing his head up and down.
Tamaki's eyes widened. "Well then, that's something he'll have to find out for himself."
I lazily leaned on the window frame, watching as a kite drifted in the wind, rising higher and higher. Haruhi spoke up, "I'm sorry you guys, but, could you please leave." Everyone turned to look at her while I watched the kite with amusement.
I turned back to the group when Tamaki lunged at Haruhi, his eyes practically in the shape of hearts. "You're so cute!" He shouted, taking her up in a big hug and twirling her around.
"Looks like Tamaki-Senpai's the real pervert!" The twins shouted as Haruhi shooed us out of the changing room. While the boys went down to music room three, I stayed and got my own physical exam done, and met them some fifteen minutes later. Tamaki allowed everyone to go home, and so Mori and Honey dropped me off like they did the night of the ball.
Once I was at home, I greeted Miyogi-Sama and Natsuko-Sama, and went up to my room. It was simple, had the necessities. My club activities and school work had kept me from doing much with it decoratively speaking. I changed out of my uniform and lay on my bed for a while, listening to the pitter-patter of light rain drops on the roof.
I thought about the Host Club for a long time, and how they might have just changed my life, and how I was grateful to have such funny friends. Although Haruhi didn't enjoy their day-to-day schemes and jokes, it was always a good time with them. Tamaki made me feel a part of a real family. Kyoya always kept me on my toes. The twins were always up to something. Honey was adorable and always made me feel better. And, there was Mori. Simple, sweet Mori. I wanted to know so much more about him. His quietness was enjoyable, yes, but I still felt like there was another side to Mori. The side that tells people that they looked lovely after dancing with them. My face burned at the thought of it.
I sighed aloud just in time for Natsuko-Sama to hear it. She laughed, cracking my door open a bit more and peeking in. "Thinking about boys, are we?"
I bolted up. "Natsuko-Sama! Ah, no!" I shouted, trying to bring my heart rate down to a normal speed. The maid smiled knowingly.
"Whatever you say, Orie-Chan. Dinner is almost ready, if you'd like to come down. Your father won't be home in time, unfortunately."
"Oh, that's alright. I know he's busy." I waved it off, stretched, and followed her down to the dining room of the Hoshiyo mansion. While we walked, I could sense that she wanted to ask more about what I had been thinking about, but she waited until we were in the dining room.
"You should invite your friends over sometime, Orie-Chan. I think your father would like to see you with some friends."
I bowed my head, my face turning slightly pink. "Right, Natsuko-Sama."
She smiled knowingly at me, and left me in the dining room, pondering the notion.