Wow, thanks for all the reviews! Definitely wasn't expecting that many! I'm glad that people like my story! Anyway, you'll notice Sakura seems a bit more daring and bold in this chapter; this isn't a sudden change of character, it's just her showing her true self as she warms up to the Host Club. And kudos to those of you who figured out the true meaning of the story! Yes, this story IS mostly about the differences between the twins- but if you pay more attention, I wanted to show how Kyoya can really be a good person- at least to his family. And I added a little bit of how Haruhi has helped the Host Club a lot, since I firmly believe she was one of the best things that happened to them.

Note: I do NOT own Ouran High School Host Club or any of the characters I write about except Sakura.

Sakura hated the awkward confrontations with Kaoru- it was beginning to drive her crazy with worry that she'd run into him.

At the Host Club, Tamaki stood up to address everyone.

"May I please have your attention?" He called. The room was instantly silent. "As most of you know, our beach trip is this weekend so remember to pack your bathing suits and meet your favorites Hosts to bask in the sun, play volleyball, and simply relax and have fun!" He sat back down and the clients burst into wild cheering and applause.

A beach trip, huh? Sakura thought with surprise. She hadn't known about that; she admitted it sounded like fun, and it wasn't like she had any plans that weekend. She'd go- it was better then lounging around at home.

The day of the beach trip dawned bright and sunny. Sakura got up and dressed quickly, trying to remember her last trip to the beach.

She hurried downstairs and skipped breakfast, going straight to her limo. Kyoya had promised to meet her there; he had to go early to take care of a few things.

As she rode in the limo, she twiddled her thumbs and gave her mind free rein. Her mind wandered far away from the limo, mostly circling around the beach trip. She wondered if all the clients would be there, and what kind of things they'd do at the beach.

Before long, she finally arrived at the beach, and jumped out, hurrying over to where she found Kyoya standing nearby.

"OK where do I change?" She asked, trying to hide her excitement. He pointed to the nearby changing rooms and she walked over quickly and disappeared inside.

She emerged a few minutes later clad in a simple but cute one-piece, turquoise bathing suit.

"We could have gotten you something cuter." Hikaru said, somewhat rudely when she came out. She rolled her eyes. "I hate bikinis and this is my favorite color." She explained.

"I think she looks nice." Kaoru said carefully. They both turned to stare at him. "Thank you." Sakura said, somewhat surprised. Hikaru snickered as she walked away, heading towards the sandy area.

She didn't lay out a towel and simply lay down in the warm sand, closing her eyes and soaking in the luxury of being in the warm sunlight.

She opened an eye a slit to see what everyone else was doing- Tamaki was sitting on a rock overlooking the water a short distance away, entertaining a woman while a long line of girls waited behind her.

Mori, Hunny and Haruhi all gathered shells, while the twins played volleyball with a few girls.

That looks like fun. She decided, standing up and walking over.

"Can I join?" She asked, seeing the game was just ending.

"Sure. We're short a player." Hikaru shrugged. Sakura nodded and stood near the back, putting her hands together as she prepared to hit the ball if it should come her way.

"OK here it comes!" A girl called from the other side. The volleyball sailed over the net, and Hikaru bopped it back over. After a moment it came hurtling back, straight towards Sakura.

She dove forwards and hit it hard, sending it flying through the air and smashing into the sand on the other side.

"Nice hit Sakura-chan!" Kaoru called. Sakura blushed slightly, and wondered why he'd decided to talk to her today, but she didn't question it; she was too happy he was acting normal again.

A girl in front timidly asked if she and Sakura could switch- she didn't like being so close to the ball. Sakura happily agreed and moved to the front, waiting for the ball to be sent over.

When the ball finally bounced across the net towards her, she leaped into the air and spiked it, sending up a spray of sand as it crashed into the ground on the other side.

"Don't hurt anybody!" Hikaru teased from where he stood beside her. She flashed him a grin and then burst out laughing, for a ball had just bounced off his face.

"You OK?" Kaoru snickered, coming over. Hikaru rubbed his forehead. "I'm fine." He said, sending the ball back over.

Before long, Sakura and the twin's team had won the game- though Sakura suspected it was partially because the other team had let them win.

"You guys keep playing." Sakura panted, sweaty and out of breath. "I'll be back later." She lifted a hand in farewell and jogged off, her eyes focused on one point as she headed along.

She couldn't believe she was going to do this.

As she stared down the side of the cliff she grinned, knowing fully well she was going to do this. It seemed too much fun to pass up.

It wasn't a far drop anyway- not even fifty feet up. Besides the waters were calm and deep- she'd checked herself before climbing up here. She backed away, intending on a running start. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, praying she wouldn't hurt herself for this reckless fun.

Her eyes opened and she took off running, throwing herself off the cliff with a wild exhilarated scream. She plummeted through the air, barely remembering to close her eyes and dive before she hit the water.

That was amazing. She thought as she swam back to the surface, eager to do it again and maybe convince someone to join her. Instead, when she got on the beach she found Kyoya waiting for her, his arms crossed and foot tapping. He rarely showed his annoyance; Sakura knew he must be furious.

"Come with me." He said icily, stalking away. Sakura glanced around at the gathering crowd before hurrying after him, wondering how much trouble she was in.

"Look, I know that was stupid but…" Kyoya interrupted her protests.

"What you did was stupid and reckless." He snarled viciously. "Everyone thought you had fallen off the cliff- I barely stopped the rest of the Club from diving after you!" He looked livid.

"I'm sorry." Sakura said meekly. "You should be." Kyoya retorted, storming off. Sakura stared after him, wondering what was going on through his mind.

That stupid girl! Does she think she's immortal?! Kyoya was still fuming. He'd heard her scream and had thought his heart would stop when he saw her jump off the cliff. The truth was, he hadn't even considered she had been pushed; he'd thought she had jumped.

But not for fun. I really thought she was going to kill herself on purpose. He felt a little guilty for expecting the worse from his cousin, but given her history it wouldn't have been too shocking if she'd tried to commit suicide. He turned around to see her staring out at the ocean waves. The only sign that she'd been upset for him getting angry with her was her tense shoulders. He felt a wave of guilt for upsetting her, but she had really scared him; if she did that it again, he didn't know what he would do.

Sakura sighed softly from where she sat on a boulder that stretched out over the water. She was dressed in clean clothes and had dried her hair off, but she wasn't ready to go home yet.

I could watch that sunset forever. She thought, staring at the beautiful colors in front of her. She heard the noise of someone climbing up the rock and tensed, expecting it to be Kyoya. But when she turned, she saw a familiar face she hadn't been expecting.

"Kaoru-san?" She asked, confused. He sat down beside her and didn't reply, his eyes fixed on the sunset ahead.

"What were you thinking?" He said abruptly. Sakura blinked. He had to have been talking about the jump.

"I wasn't." She admitted. "It just looked like fun." She shrugged. Kaoru glared at her. "You scared us all half to death." He said. Sakura grimaced. "Sorry. Kyoya already told me about that." She felt bad about worrying them- but she had to admit, it felt nice to have someone worry over her.

"Don't do something stupid like that again, OK?" He asked. Sakura nodded. "OK." She replied. He jumped down and offered his hand up.

"Come on. We're all going to spend the night at Kyoya's." He explained. Sakura nodded and took his hand, feeling safe in his strong grip as he gently helped lower her down.

She didn't let go of his hand when they got down and simply walked off, her heart pounding at the boldness of her move.

What am I doing?! I don't want him to think I'm too interested- he might shoot me down before we have a chance. She thought worriedly. She started to move away but Kaoru squeezed her hand gently and walked beside her. He was blushing slightly; Sakura smiled at that and looked away, towards the limos that were parked and ready to take them all home.

"Why don't you ride with me?" Kaoru suggested. "I think Kyoya might bite my head off if I get in there." Sakura glanced worriedly at the limo Kyoya was sitting in. Kaoru shrugged and smiled. "Sure. We all get scared of Kyoya when he's angry." He added seriously, leading the way to his limo.

He opened the door and she slid in, next to Hikaru. He looked at her in surprise.

"Kaoru said I could come." She explained, scooting over. Kaoru sat down beside her. Hikaru flashed his twin a knowing grin at Kaoru and turned towards the window, pretending not to see either of them.

Sakura was trying to control her rapid heartbeat as she sat beside Kaoru. She really wanted him; desperately, with ever fiber of her being. But now that her heart was in his hands, he held all the power; he could either heal her every scar or break her completely. It was all up to Kaoru now.

Kaoru collapsed into his bed beside Hikaru at Kyoya's mansion later that night, tired from the busy day.

"So? What happened?" Hikaru demanded as soon as they were both settled. Kaoru shrugged. "She made the first move." He admitted. Hikaru grinned. "Guess you win the game." Kaoru blinked in surprise. He hadn't thought about the game for a long time- he'd forgotten completely about it.

"I guess I did." He admitted. Hikaru suddenly looked thoughtful. He looked at his twin, his eyes probing.

"You really like her, don't you?" He asked quietly. Kaoru hesitated then nodded tensely. Hikaru laughed and punched his shoulder. "Good for you man. Best of luck to the two of you." He grinned, rolling over and turning off the light. Kaoru closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, a smile still on his face.

Kyoya watched his cousin get into the limo, a happy smile on her face as she waved goodbye to Kaoru, who waved back before Hikaru dragged him into the limo.

Kyoya's lips pressed together in a tight line. He wasn't sure he liked this development. Kaoru wasn't exactly known for his commitment- he was more known for his jokes and pranks.

Sakura doesn't need a good laugh- she needs a loyal, dependable man in her life. And if Kaoru isn't that for her I'll break his neck.

Hikaru wasn't sure he liked how this was going so far. He could barely speak to his twin without him bringing up something about Sakura.

Even at the Host Club, when they were supposed to be doing their act, he was far more interested in sitting and talking to Sakura, much to the displeasure of their customers. It was beginning to drive him a bit crazy.

Who does that girl think she is? He thought bitterly. She walks in here and steals my brother away just like that. From where he sat beside his brother in class, he could easily see him sneaking glimpses over his shoulder. Every time he did this, Hikaru would roll his eyes and scowl.

What happened to their games? Why didn't he like to throw paper balls at people and tease Haruhi anymore? Haruhi seemed happy by this change in events, but Hikaru hated it.

I've got to get my brother back!

Sakura was happy that Kaoru finally seemed to accept her, but there was always that nagging suspicion in the back of her mind. Every time he touched her hand, every time he looked at her or spoke… her guard would leap up again and she'd have to fight it back down before he noticed.

He always did seem to notice though- if she jumped when he touched her shoulder he'd pull back immediately. But he never asked. He never asked why she was afraid of him, or why she would get a haunted look in her eyes occasionally. No, he didn't pry- at least, not yet.

Kaoru and Sakura lounged together on the couch after the Host Club had ended a week after the beach trip. Hikaru sat across from them, looking disinterestedly at the cup of tea he held in his hand. Sakura sat with her head on Kaoru's shoulder; Kaoru was pleased she finally trusted him enough to do little things like that without hesitation.

"So, Kaoru." Hikaru said suddenly, sitting up straight. Kaoru looked up at his brother expectantly. He felt a chill go up his spine at the look in Hikaru's eyes.

"Does Sakura know how you really got together?" He asked, setting his cup down on the table. Kaoru stiffened and Sakura raised her head, looking between the two of them warily.

"What's he talking about Kaoru-chan?" Sakura asked suspiciously. "Nothing. Nothing at all." He shot a warning glance at Hikaru but his lips turned up slightly at the edges.

"So he didn't tell you about the game?" Hikaru asked curiously. Sakura blinked. "What game?" She asked. Kaoru fought the urge to jump on his brother and attack him, if only to shut him up. He stared at him pleadingly but Hikaru ignored him and Kaoru prayed to God that Sakura would forgive him.

Sakura felt suspicion creeping up her spine as she looked at Hikaru.

"Kaoru and I had a game." Hikaru said, looking like the cat that had swallowed the canary.

"A game?" Sakura echoed. Hikaru nodded solemnly.

"When you first arrived, we decided to play a game; to see which one of us could get you to fall in love with us." He explained. Sakura's heart sank and she turned slowly to Kaoru.

"You mean… this is all a lie? You're just playing a game?" She asked slowly. Kaoru shook his head violently. "No, Sakura-chan let me explain! Yes, it was a game in the beginning but I forgot all about it!" He cried, trying to calm her down. Something in Sakura snapped and she leaped to her feet.

"So that's it?! It was just a game to you, wasn't it?! Every thing you said, everything you did… all for a stupid game." She turned and raced away, ignoring Kaoru as he called after her.

"Sakura!" Kyoya stood up and called after his cousin, but she didn't seem to hear him and burst out the door. Kyoya whirled to stare at Kaoru with eyes blazing with fury. In a flash, he had Kaoru pinned against the wall, his hand closed around his throat.

"What did you do to her?!" He demanded, tightening his hold. "Nothing! Hikaru was the one who upset her!" He gasped, struggling to get free. "Let me go! I have to go after her!" Kyoya hesitated then decided he wasn't the one to blame and let him go. Kaoru took off running but stopped beside Hikaru and stared at him, betrayal and anger in his eyes.

"You're no better then you used to be." He spat before running out the door, still calling Sakura's name. Kyoya turned slowly towards Hikaru, clenching his fists. Hikaru's eyes widened in terror as Kyoya came steadily closer, screaming insults at the one who may have destroyed Sakura permanently.

Sakura raced blindly outside, ignoring the fact that it was raining. She ran on and on, desperate to be as far away from the school as she could.

"Sakura-chan! Please, come back!" She heard Kaoru's voice and didn't slow down and kept going, only stopping when she'd reached a busy highway and couldn't cross. Kaoru finally caught up to her, and placed a hand on her shoulder to turn her around. She whirled to face him, her eyes blazing. She was grateful for the rain- that way, he couldn't see her tears.

"How could you?" She demanded, backing away from him. "I'm so, so sorry Sakura-chan." Kaoru panted, still catching his breath. "No you're not! You're just sorry you got caught." She spat, fury blazing within her.

"No! That's not it at all! I'm sorry Hikaru and I started the stupid game!" He protested, taking a cautious step closer. Sakura took two backwards, shaking her head.

"I don't believe you!" She sobbed. "I trusted you, I loved you and this was all just a game to you!" She shrieked. Kaoru's eyes widened when she said "loved" and for a moment they just stared at each other.

"I can't do this anymore." Sakura whispered, backing away. She whirled and ran straight into the road.

"Sakura!" Kaoru didn't even add the "chan"- it all happened so quickly. Sakura turned to the truck coming at her, closing her eyes and spreading her arms. She just wanted it too end. The pain, the fear, the constant anguish that had torn her soul apart.

The truck's tires squealed as it tried to avoid her, but the road was too slick and it merely went faster, unable to stop.

Just as the truck hit her, she felt a warm, protective body cover hers and shove her roughly out of the way, though they were both struck.

Sakura went flying to the side of the road and rolled through the mud, trying to figure out why she hadn't died instantly. She opened her eyes and there was Kaoru, lying beside her.

"Kaoru?" She whispered, trying to pull herself up. Kaoru's eyes opened. "I'm sorry." He said. Sakura sighed. She just wanted this to be over.

"I know." She murmured, edging closer. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this." She replied. Kaoru blinked slowly, his eyelids drooping. "I'm sorry Sakura… I can't stay awake…" His eyes closed and he let out a long sigh.

"Kaoru!" She shrieked, shaking him roughly but he did not stir. He lay perfectly still, a peaceful expression on his face. Sakura stared at him, the last pieces of her heart crumbling to dust. Slowly, she lay her head down beside his and closed her eyes, sinking into the warm peace that welcomed her with open arms.

Sakura opened her eyes to blinding whiteness. She closed them again immediately, aware of the numbness of her entire body.

Am I in Heaven? She wondered, opening her eyes a slit to see only the whiteness again. She shut them again.

Kaoru, are you here? She didn't dare open her eyes; what if she did, and found that she was alone? She kept her eyes closed and drifted back to the warm blackness, where she constantly called for Kaoru to come save her from this never-ending nightmare.

A while later, she awoke again but still did not open her eyes. She wasn't willing to wake up yet; she was too terrified of opening her eyes to find that Kaoru had left her forever.

I killed him… God forgive me, I killed him. She thought repeatedly. But if he was dead, wouldn't he be here too, in this blinding whiteness?

Slowly, timidly, she opened her eyes and stared up at the whiteness. She blinked a few times, trying to see clearly. But as her sight cleared, shapes began to take form; a ceiling, four walls, a window, and many, many flowers.

Oh no. I'm alive? She thought in horror, realizing that "Heaven" was actually just a hospital room. She shook her head, hoping this was a nightmare.

"You're awake." She turned her head slowly; barely recognize the relieved, joyful voice that spoke from beside her bed. It was Kyoya; and he looked like he hadn't slept for days.

"Are you OK? Does it hurt anywhere?" He asked anxiously, leaning in closer. She shook her head and he sighed with relief.

"You really scared us all. Sakura, we only know what the truck driver told us… did you really run out in front of the truck?" He asked gently. Sakura swallowed hard, tears springing to her eyes.

"I just wanted the pain to go away." She whimpered, trying hard not to cry. To her surprise, Kyoya and stood up and leaned down, wrapping his arms around her as best he could. She buried her face in his shoulder and let the tears flow, glad that someone was here to hold her.

"Wait… what about Kaoru?" She asked, pulling away from him. "I need to know what happened to Kaoru." She said firmly, trying to look brave. A true look of pain crossed Kyoya's face.

"Sakura… I'm so sorry, but we still don't know if Kaoru's going to make it. He took most of the blow; he only got out of surgery yesterday." Kyoya said gently. Sakura swallowed hard.

"When can I see him?" She asked anxiously. "When you're well enough to walk." Kyoya said. "And when will that be?" Kyoya hesitated. "You broke your leg and a few ribs; you got off easy, compared to Kaoru. But the doctors said you'll be able to use a wheelchair within a day or two." Sakura sighed with relief. Just one more day until she could be sure Kaoru was all right. Just one more day…

Her thoughts grew cloudy and her eyelids drooped. "Your pain meds should be kicking in." Kyoya said, sitting back down. "Don't worry; I'll be here when you wake up." He promised. That was the last thing Sakura heard before she sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Sakura awoke the next and sat up immediately, then winced at the pain in her sides.

"Don't sit up so fast." Kyoya scolded. "Can I get in the wheelchair now?" She asked eagerly. Kyoya sighed. "Well, you're just going to walk out of here by yourself if I don't get one." He mused, hitting the nurse button by the bed. A nurse poked her head in.

"Could you bring us a wheelchair, please?" Kyoya asked. The nurse bowed and left, returning a few minutes later with the promised wheelchair.

The nurse helped Sakura into it and asked where she wanted to go. "Hitachin Kaoru's room." She said promptly. The nurse nodded and wheeled her out of the room. Kyoya stayed behind, sitting back down in his laptop. Sakura felt a rush of gratitude he wouldn't be there to see her when she saw Kaoru; she didn't know if she would break down, and she couldn't bear it if he saw her that way.

When the nurse brought her into the room, she almost thought they were in the wrong room. She didn't even recognize the figure in the bed; it couldn't be Kaoru, it simply couldn't.

But when the nurse bowed and left her, and she looked closely at the face, she knew it was him.

"Oh Kaoru," She breathed, placing her hand on his. "What have I done to you?" She whispered in horror.

"You mean what have I done to both of you?" Sakura turned so far her sides hurt when she heard the voice. Hikaru was leaning against the wall opposite her, staring at his twin and Sakura.

"I shouldn't have said that. I might as well have pushed you both in front of that truck." He said bitterly. "It wasn't your fault, Hikaru-chan." Sakura said quietly. Hikaru's eyes flashed. "Yes it was! I was jealous of the attention he was giving you, so I decided the best way to fix that was by hurting both of you instead of just talking to him!" He paced the floor, his face a mask of pain and guilt.

"Kaoru loves you; he really, really loves you and I just couldn't take it." He spat, stalking the room like a trapped panther.

Sakura's heart beat faster. "He did?" She asked in wonder, turning back to Kaoru. "Of course!" Hikaru snorted. "He jumped in front of that truck for you, didn't he?" Sakura flinched, the scene replaying in her mind.

"He's going to be fine." Hikaru said, more gently. "I just know it; he isn't ready to die yet." He declared, coming to a halt beside Sakura. He stared down at his twin. "He's not going to die." He said softly. "He can't."

Oh no, poor Kaoru! What has happened to our dear, kind-hearted friend?! I know I left you with a cliff-hanger but you'll have to wait for the next chapter to find out what happens next!

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