Chapter Three

"Sakura, do you think I would look better in lake-foam green or sea-foam green?" Maemi has this thing where she just randomly asks me these questions that I don't have a response to.

I blink a few times. "There's a difference?"

"There is actually a hue difference of about three percent."

WHY THE HELL MUST HE INVADE MY LIFE THIS WAY?

"I don't believe anyone asked you, Ohtori," I mutter.

Maemi gives me a look that basically says: Girl, what is wrong with you?

I respond with a shake of my head.

Let's pause for a second. remember what just happened? I shook my head, which was a signal for Maemi to shut her mouth. This is supposed to be a thing that we're able to do. Friend 1 gives Friend 2 a questioning look, usually asking permission to become a wingman and assist in relationship goals. But if Friend 2 shakes their head NO, that doesn't mean Friend 1 can go and say things such as:

"Hey, Ohtori-senpai, did you know that Sakura plays the violin?"

Somebody should really explain this to Maemi.

I cast a sideways glance at Kyoya, and I see him looking right back.

Crap.

"No, I didn't. How long have you played the violin, Sakura?"

DID HE JUST REFER TO ME ON A FIRST-NAME BASIS?!

The only reason I let it slide with Tamaki is because he's an idiot. But I AM NOT okay with Kyoya Ohtori acting as if we have known each other for years.

I mean, we actually have known each other for years. But can he name the last time we had a full on conversation that wasn't school related and was long than three sentences? No. No he can not. Also, is he seriously asking questions about my personal life? Is he really trying to get to know me, or is he just trying not to be rude.

Oh. Right. He asked me a question. I should probably respond. But for some totally BULLSHIT REASON, the second I look over at him again, my mouth goes dry and I can not talk.

Anxiety really is a bitch, isn't it?

I send a pleading look toward Maemi. I can feel my throat tightening, and I'm pretty sure I'm not breathing anymore.

"Blue?"

YEAH NO SHIT

is what would normally come out of my mouth at a time like this. Instead, I nod my head.

She grabs my arm and says to Kyoya, "Sorry, we have to go!" and pulls me away to the bathroom, muttering fuck repeatedly under her breath.

When we get to the bathroom, she tries putting water on my face, but I push her away.

"I'm fine…" I rasp out.

There is a certain look that Maemi has. It is a mix between concern and amusement. Do not ask me how the fuck that works. It just does. I swear, it is the weirdest thing.

"You sure?" she asks, giving me the Look.

I nod. "Yeah, let's just go to the stupid club. Then we can get out of here."

Her look goes from the Look to one of excitement. She grabs my arm- god damn it woman, stop grabbing my arm, I'm getting a bruise- and tugs me along.

"I thought you didn't like us, Sakura?" Tamaki says the second he sees me walk through the Club's doors.

"I came here to keep my friend, Maemi, company," I reply quietly, but with a tone of bitterness.

"Hey, Midori-senpai!" says Kaoru cheerfully as he and Hikaru sit down on either side of me. I self-consciously cross my arms over my stomach, ignoring the way their arms brush against mine in such a way that makes me uncomfortable yet warm at the same time.

"Don't you two have guests you should be entertaining?" I ask with an indifferent tone.

"We got a break, so we don't have to worry about them for another five minutes," Hikaru replies.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you all, we were going to be having a surprise ball tomorrow night," I hear Tamaki say.

WHAT?! HE DID NOT JUST FUCKING SAY THAT.

All of the girls in the room become even bubblier when this information is processed through their brains.

The short-notice bombshell of information makes me suspect that Tamaki was supposed to tell everyone a few days ago, but was most likely distracted by something extremely stupid. This is why you don't put Tamaki in charge of things.

"Will it be formal?" a girl asks the twins.

"Yes. In fact, we've reserved the school's finest ballroom for the occasion," Hikaru says. Then he pulls Kaoru to him in an embrace. "But I really wanted to spend some time with you, Kaoru."

Kaoru realizes that Hikaru means for them to engage in one of their random acts of twincest, then says with tears in his eyes, "Don't feel bad, Hikaru."

I swear they have this all scripted.

The fangirls sigh and scream all at once, and I distract myself from the horrible noise by shoving my nose in a book. My reading is cut short by Tamaki deciding that 'm the one person he really needs to talk to right now.

"Sakura, are you going to the party?" Tamaki asks me.

I don't mean to, but my gaze shifts to Kyoya. I see him looking back at me, and I blush. Hell, he's onto me.

I force myself to look away. "I suppose if Maemi goes, then I will."

"Yep. Now I'm totally going," Maemi says, plotting against me, as usual.

Crap.