BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
I threw the covers of my bed off of me and sat up quickly when the clock rang the fourth time. I looked over at Mika and saw that she was still sleeping. At the foot of the bed, I saw Caesar waking up, doing the adorable puppy yawn that was so cute. I don't think I ever thanked Kyo-Hyung for the present. Mentally, yeah, but physically and stuff, not really. I rose from the warm bed and passed the clock that said 7:30 and went to the bathroom to do the great daily routine that is my life style.
Wait…
Walking back out from the bathroom, I looked at the clock and it said 7:30…7:31….
HOLY SH*T! I'M LATE FOR SCHOOL!
"GET UP MIKA! WE'RE LATE FOR SCHOOL!" I yelled, flipping her off her bed and onto the floor. I went over to the Ouran uniform and quickly put in on, passing by my mom's bedroom and ran downstairs and out the house, not even bothering to cook breakfast for everyone because we had a long night last night. I'm going to be telling it anyways because the guys will make me tell them. First of all, the three of us reported to the hospital because there was some tests that they wanted to run on mom. She obliged and we sort of stayed at the hospital all night until two o'clock in the morning, eating breakfast at this pancake place because I was too tired to even want to cook at the house. How the three of us got home, I have no clue about. All I cared about is that I have a note saying I have excuse for being late and I have ten minutes left before class began!
I ran as fast as my legs could go and started panting heavily when I reached the subway. I won't bother taking the subway since it's only about six blocks or so away from the house. Just when I was about to give up and drop down on the floor, I spotted the gates of my beloved Ouran Academy and sprinting in, not really noticing the golden gates in front of the other gates and sprinted past students that looked at me weirdly when I ran into the school. I ran in the hallways and then forcefully opened the door to my classroom.
"I'M SO SORRY I'M LATE!" I yelled, "I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MY MOM TO RUN TESTS – DOCTORS ORDERS! WE ALSO HAD SOME MIDNIGHT BREAKFASTS WHEN WE CAME HOME! I HAVE A NOTE-!" Before I continued more, I looked at the classroom and there was nothing, but empty chairs and sunlight shining through the windows.
MAO IS PROCESSING
MAO IS PROCESSING
MAO IS PROCESSING
MAO IS PROCESSING
MAO IS PROCESSING
MAO IS PROCESSING
MAO IS PROCESSING
Guys, todays the Ouran Fair. *Facepalm*
~/+/~
Today is the start of the 43rd Ouran School Fair. Every student around here is preparing for the fair and right now it's the morning before the fair. The fair goes on for two days – today and tomorrow. Everyone, not including students were carrying things and preparing for the opening ceremony, which will be no doubt, spectacular.
I ran towards where most of the students were at and luckily for me, I found where Haruhi and Kyo-Hyung were at – who was, as always, on his notebook. I stopped and dropped on my knees when I was in front of the two, inhaling and exhaling all the air that I needed or didn't need.
"Mao, are you alright?" Haruhi asked, bending down to my height. Sweat was all around my face and my cheeks were a bright red.
"I'm…*huff* fine. *Huff* I just…ran six blocks from my house…because my alarm woke me up late…*huff* Ah~!" I said, deciding to lay down on the ground because even on my knees, I still felt my energy being drained away.
"Geez Mao, didn't you know today was the Ouran fair?" Haruhi asked me again. I looked at her and pouted. "If I remembered about it as soon as I woke up, I wouldn't have ran here a panting mess would I?" I asked, feeling my strength and breathe coming back to me now. To help me out here, there was a bottle of water in front of me and I simply took it, gulping it down and wiped the excess water that dripped out of the corners of my mouth.
"Thanks Haruhi." I said, smiling and my breathing becoming a bit stable now.
"Uh…That wasn't me, that was Kyoya-senpai." She said, pointing to the raven haired "megane" who had a smile on his face. The heat on my cheeks from before started to come back; it was probably from my heart that still wouldn't stop beating even after I finished running. Yeah, keep telling yourself that Mao.
"T-thanks Kyo-Hyung." I finished, getting up and dusting myself and decided to stand next to Haruhi and look at where they were looking at. But at the corner of my eye, I watched over at Kyo-Hyung and when he caught me eying him you could say, I watched what was in front of me, leaving him with the question as to why I was looking at him. Damn rich bastard….
He has to look so cool looking doesn't he?
"Uh, aren't school fairs meant to be, I don't now, more about students proudly showcasing unique things they made by hand?" Haruhi asked to Kyo-Hyung, who was writing on his notebook now.
"Perhaps for a mere average school – yes." He said. And what's that supposed to mean?! For your information, my school hired workers for us to display fireworks and pyro-dynamics or to help us arrange for the fair! IN YOUR FACE RICH SCHOOL!
Kyo-Hyung stopped writing and closed up his notebook. "But at Ouran, emphasis on planning leadership skills." He said, "Keep in mind, most of our students are being groomed in positions of leadership. So they're required to showcase proper mobility not arts and crafts." WHAT'S WRONG WITH ARTS AND CRAFTS?! Just yesterday, I made a snowman and named it Olaf. Yeah, Mika and I are getting ready for winter and already watching Disney movies.
"Oh." Haruhi only said. I dead panned and looked around the whole area to see the whole display. If there's a food display, I'm going to sample everything and or take it home with me to eat it all by myself.
Out of nowhere, there was a horse whine and some kind of carriage stopping. Haruhi and I looked to our right and there it was.
"Whoa~!" Hikaru said, holding the rails so the horses wouldn't go too crazy. Mori-Oppa was sitting next to him on the front.
"Nicely done. You handled the reigns like a pro." He said. And that concludes Mori-Oppa's weekly sentence of five words or more.
That wasn't the only surprise though. The background suddenly turned pink and there were flowers floating in the air. That could only mean one thing, Honey-Oppa was about to speak.
"Haru-chan! Mao-chan!" He called us out, holding his Usa-chan. He stepped back and in came Tama-Hyung.
"Climb onboard." Tama-Hyung said, holding his hand out, "We're rehearsing for the Ouran Fair parade!" I think of all the four of them on that black and red carriage, Honey-Oppa and Tama-Hyung were the excited ones. Between Haruhi and I as we were sweat dropping and stuff, there was a sign saying "horse-drawn carriage?"
"Oh wow! It's right out of a fairy tale!" One girl said blushing and fangirling. Well, make that all the girls were blushing and fangirling once the carriage came out of nowhere. Two other girls had hearts in their eyes.
"How romantic!" They said. If the guys wanted romantic, they should have at least gotten a white and light pink carriage and decorate it with flowers. Well, this is coming from a non-pro of romance, but I think riding in a carriage with just another person is already romantic enough. It's peaceful.
Rose petals flew in the air and Hikaru started driving as soon as we got on the carriage.
"Hey, you know, you gotten pretty good at this!" Kaoru said to his brother. Hikaru turned to face his brother saying, "There's nothing to it. You should have practiced with me earlier."
"Well, just because we're twins doesn't mean both of us good drivers." So, in the rich world, you can get carriage drivers licenses? The CMV?
"It's kind of neat having all of us together like this for a carriage ride, huh?" Honey-Oppa said.
"Yeah, whatever." Haruhi said.
"Well, it is relaxing a bit. No wonder Disney and Europe have tourist attractions…That's actually a good idea, I gotta make a note to that." I said, taking out my pen and wrote on my hand. I don't have paper and I'm kind of scared to ask Kyo-Hyung.
"Oh and for the actual parade tomorrow, we'll all be in 18th century French costumes." Tama-Hyung said. Wait, what?
"Your outfits will be especially opulent Haruhi, Mao."
"Oh, wonderful."
"Fantastic. So long it's not matching." I said. Not long after that, the bell tower started ringing. It's now eleven o'clock in the morning. I've only been awake for four hours? Dang, I guess the saying, time flies by is true.
"Ah. The fairs opening ceremony has started." Tama-Hyung said, looking at Haruhi and I, "Let's make this fair, the best one yet." He finished, a very light blush appeared on his cheeks. Haruhi took one minute before she finally smiled back at Tama-Hyung and agreed. It took me a little while longer to think about it, I had to even look at the sky to think what I was going to say.
"Sounds good to me."
"Mao?"
I glanced back at Tama-Hyung and smiled one of my rare genuine smiles that I usually give out at my friends or at work.
"Dad always said to enjoy life to the fullest." I said, turning my attention to the sky again.
He also said…to keep an open heart…
~/+/~
Everything at the Ouran Fair was starting out great. Music was playing and it was the opening ceremony – people were dancing and all dressed up. Somewhere in the crowd, there was a certain couple that wouldn't be happy today if it weren't for our meddling host club, Suzushima and Kanako-Noona. They were dancing together, smiling at each other like the lovey dovey idiots they were. There was also the class rep. with a flustered face, looking away from Kurakano-Noona, yet, I never seen such a goofy and perfect couple. I SHIP IT!
Just like how I ship Nakatsu with Mizuki in Hana-Kimi, they're so perfect! But then again, I also ship her with her idol.
There was also Kasanoda being surrounded with girls and behind the bushes were his followers now happy and crap that he's getting attention from the opposite gender.
All around these dancing and socializing fools were rose petals flying alongside the wind around the whole grounds. What a waste of perfectly good rose hip tea and rose inspired cakes because rose hips are good for your health.
Speaking of food, here I am in the Central Building Salon with a cart full of sweets of all kinds. The Host Club is now open to the general public, well, at least for these two days. I didn't mind as long as Tama-Hyung wasn't getting carried away with all of the stuff. Before the opening, I spent some time with the Culinary Arts Club preparing some sweets. I'm especially proud of this Ptichye Moloko Cake, translated, Birds Milk Cake. Haruhi and I were in charge of giving out cakes to our guests and we were also dressed up for the occasion. No more blue uniform, just black button-up shirt with a cream waistcoat, black slacks and an awesome red ribbon. I wanted a bow tie. Curse you Tama-Hyung!
"Now remember, the host club will be open to parents and visitors for the next two days, which means we'll need to be even more charming than usual. Let's get out there and show our honored guests the time of their lives." I heard Tama-Hyung say to me in my head. Everyone was out there talking to parents. Tama-Hyung was surrounded by the parents, the twins had their hair down – which was weird – and charming up the moms, Kyo-Hyung was out at the roulette table and Honey and Mori Oppa's were chatting with some older women, probably the moms of some of our guests.
As for me, I had my own bid which I win over the parents taste buds with my culinary gift. I spotted this girl out of the corner of my eye talking about the Host Club with her mom, at first she didn't seem to be one bit interested in us until Tama-Hyung went over and used her French charm.
WARNING: Every time Tama-Hyung charms a woman, there will always be sparkles!
Before you know it, it was a mother-daughter fangirl act.
Looking over at another direction, Mori-Oppa was rebuttoning up Honey-Oppa's vest or waistcoat. Aww, even if they're not siblings, they act like they do. That won the hearts of many mothers or so. I mean seriously, a mother could dream about doting siblings.
Don't even get me started on the twins, they got the women by using the "parents abandoned us, so we play by ourselves" story. I know that story because Mika and I used that trick a lot.
Lastly, Kyo-Hyung was using the smart approach. The adults around him were impressed at how accurate he wanted the club to be on our costumes. It sounds like he wants to impress the adults that own museums or something.
All this is really quite impressive. I mean, everything here just seems so expensive. I wonder how Kyo-Hyung is dealing with all of that, I mean, have you seen him act depressed when we put sweets back on the menu after Honey-Oppa's cavity was fixed? It was scary seeing him smile like that, but I guess what makes you happy at least counts.
"This is way too much, even for our standards. You could buy a whole country with all the money we're wasting." Haruhi said.
"Or donate to find a cure for cancer or diabetes. Maybe try to sponsor a poor fellow who just wants to go to college." I said and Tama-Hyung just appeared out of nowhere. He was going on about how happiness is about any price tag or something until Haruhi pinched him on his hand. Ha!
"No, Haruhi and Mao are right. You have overshot the budget." Kyo-Hyung said, still typing on his Pineapple laptop. Haruhi and I were kind of surprised that he told us we were right. Oh my god, I'm right for a change!
Seeing Tama-Hyung and Kyo-Hyung fight like this amuses me, there was one time I even got a chair and popcorn to watch the fun unfold. I didn't get a chance to do that because I felt someone jump at my back, making me fall down on the ground. This person's arms were wrapped around my shoulders and her voice just echoed near my ears.
"MAO-KUN! YOU LOOK SO HANDSOME!" She said, her caramel colored hair was just getting in front of my view.
"M-Mika-Noona?!" I yelled, looking back at my older sister, I repeat, older sister. What she was even wearing wasn't even what I had expected either. Her hair was curled up in loose curls; she wore some pearl earrings and a necklace. Her dress was also pretty because it was a sleeveless knee-length white dress with a shawl and sliver fastenings. If I didn't know any better, I would say she was just a random stranger.
"W-w-what are you wearing!?" I said, shoving her off of me and sort of causing a scene because I felt all eyes were on me, looking at this beautiful girl that the famous Mao Kurosaki must know.
"Aww! You're flustered because your big sister is here right? The shy little brother who would always cling onto me so I wouldn't leave the room has now become a Host. How perfectly novel." Mika announced with a smile.
"M-Mika-Noona!" I yelled, blushing at the embarrassment.
"Look over there."
"Who could that girl be?"
"Girls check it out, it's Mao-kun's older sister!"
"Older sister? I didn't know he had a sister."
"His sister is awfully beautiful. I can't wait to see the parents."
"Wow! He has a beautiful sister!"
"Do you think he gets a bit over protective?"
"You should have been here when she visited, Mao-kun became over protective!"
That's all that I heard and it plain annoyed me. Not only that, but Mika was all alone and without an escort! Where is Hatori!?
"Where's Hatori Mika?" I asked very seriously.
"He's checking out the photography club." She said.
"And where's mom?" I asked, getting more worried than how I usually am. Mika just kept on smiling.
"She's here! Last time I saw her, she was right behind me!"
…
…
….
…
"SO SHE'S IN THE SCHOOL HALLWAYS ALL BY HERSELF!? NOT ONLY THAT, SHE CAME ALONG!?" I yelled, shaking her shoulders. Just as I said that, I heard Tama-Hyung say,
"Father!"
At the entrance, there was a man in a white suit with a woman in blue standing there. The man was someone as old as my Mom, but still had some youth in her, and he also had like some kind of chestnut brown hair I think. I like his tie, it's purple and yellow, but I think it would have been better if he had a red or black tie because it would have said, "Look at me! I'm professional! Listen to me and you'll be fine!"
"Do not refer as father." He said, "The term is far too familiar." As he was speaking, the sign appeared again, saying "School Board Chairman, Yuzuru Suoh" and then switched again to "Tamaki's father". I didn't know Tama-Hyungs dad was this serious. Well, if you have your assistant standing next to you, you must be serious.
"You will address me properly as Chairman." He finished and Tama-Hyung just pouted.
"Also, this young woman is looking for her two children." The chairman stepped aside and there in the middle was my Mom, dressed up nicely in her green party dress and her hair was nicely groomed and she also wore make-up to hide the bags under her eyes and her paleness. I'm going to have to thank Hana's mom later.
"Mom!" Mika yelled and ran up to her in an embrace.
"Mika!" Mom yelled back, hugging Mika like she hasn't seen her in year when in reality, she only saw her this morning I suspect. As that lovely welcoming was happening, Kyo-Hyung walked up with a smile and showed the Chairman to his table. I sweat dropped at how foolishly my family was acting.
"And won't you lovely women accompany me? I'm sure your son will come along soon." The Chairman said, making Mom and Mika follow him. They agreed and I just kept some distance, going back to serving some sweets and drinks to our guests while Tama-Hyung was hiding up in the ceiling chandelier. I saw Kyo-Hyung listening to the Chairman's request and then stand up. Mom and Mika were sitting perfectly still and smiling like the sweet angels they were. NOT!
They're evil…..
"Haruhi, Mao. You're needed." Kyo-Hyung said and Tama-Hyung just dropped on the floor in surprise. I looked toward their direction and smiled nervously.
"Ah, Okay." I said.
~/+/~
"So you're Haruhi Fujioka and Mao Kurosaki." The chairman said, "Come sit with us." He said – a crap load of roses and sparkles were in the background. What is it with this school and their roses and sparkles?
"Okay." Haruhi and I said at the same time, sitting just as how the chairman requested. What the hell does he want with us?
"Nice to meet you Chairman. I was just thinking earlier that I ought to have paid my respects to you a long time ago." Haruhi said.
"And I'm sorry if my mother was a hassle. She's at a very delicate state right now and should have not gotten out of bed." I said, mentioning my mom in a way that sounded like Kyo-Hyung. I gotta stop talking and hanging around him. Mom simply laughed and Mika joined in.
"Its fine Mao, she was no trouble at all. I find it amazing that your mother would do come to anything and support you. As for you, Fujioka, chairman is so dry, why don't you call me…Yes," What the hell was happening?
In front of Haruhi and I were two roses and then my whole vision was filled with sparkles.
"Call me your uncle." The chairman said, "It would please me." He finished.
…
…..
I guess he isn't serious as I claimed him to be….
"Mao…if you're are in ever need of help, don't hesitate to come to your uncle for anything." He said.
Does that make him my Suoh-Aujjushi?
"Okay..?"
"Father~!" Tama-Hyung said. The chairman looked back and then had that look…
"That's chairman to you." He said.
"Mao, I didn't know you had such a caring chairman for your school. And my, he's such a charmer like Tamaki-kun." Mom said, giggling. Mika followed her example while I just glared at those two while Tama-Hyung and the Chairman were talking.
Out of nowhere, there was a loud clap echoing the room following by a loud Clank noise coming from something metallic. Where the sound came from, I saw Kyo-Hyung and a man that looked like him. Kyo-Hyung knelt to the ground to pick up his glasses while the man had his back turned. There were so many whispers and I stood on my feet, watching everything from where I was sitting. I can't tell you how much I wanted to hit that man.
Mika must have sensed it and held onto my shoulders tightly in case I decided to run over.
"Is this how my son has been wasting his time?" The man said. So, that was his dad.
What a horrible Dad.
"That's Kyo-chan's father isn't it?" Honey-Oppa said, looking at the same direction I was looking at.
"Yes." Mori-Oppa replied.
"Yoshio Ootori." Mika said softly without the bubbly voice that I've gotten used to.
"You are an embarrassment to the Ootori name." Ootori-san said, walking off toward Suoh-Aujjushi. When he did that, I saw my mom stiffen a bit, stayed where she sat since I sort of trust Suoh-Aujjushi. I saw some eye contact made with her and Ootori-san. I could have sworn I saw that man's eyes widen at the sight of my mom and my mom just looked away, not wanting to look at him or anything.
Did my mom know him or something?
"Kyoya, are you alright?" Tama-Hyung said.
"Kyo-Hyung," I said with a bit more worry than I intended for.
"Your dad is so mean." Hikaru said, holding onto Kaoru in that Brotherly love thing. Honey-Oppa popped out,
"You should never ever someone who's wearing glasses." He said and I couldn't help, but dead pan at that. He's just so cute even at the wrong times.
"Senpai, he wasn't upset with you because of the Host Club, was he?" Haruhi said, not really noticing Tama-Hyung thinking about something new. Great, Haruhi can be blunt, but in ways that she's blunt in the wrong moments.
"Don't worry about it," Kyo-Hyung said, pushing his way through between Tama-Hyung and Haruhi. I only got one glimpse of his face and it looked like he was in some kind of pain or so.
"It's not like I haven't been expecting this." He said, walking off like it was nothing and his back was turned so I wouldn't see his face.
"Because of the Host Club?" Tama-Hyung last said.
Everything….up until right now has done nothing, but piss me off, especially Kyo-Hyung's Dad slapping him across his face. That's not good parenting, that's just making sure your child is afraid of you.
A parent is supposed to support you no matter what; a parent is supposed to be proud of any accomplishments that you completed. What kind of parent slaps their child across the face in public?
I clenched my fists so tightly that I was pretty sure I must have dug my nails deeper into my skin and drew blood. I paid more attention to my hand that I didn't notice my mom walk up to me and smile sadly at me.
"Everything won't always have a happy ending Mao," She said, "Everything will always have a price and it's a price that we all have to pay."
Like Dad, Mom always had great sayings and advises that I was able to follow. I followed them and stayed out of trouble up until now. She was right about everything and I've been thinking about that ever since Dad died. I started to think that the happiness that I was having wasn't going to keeping being like that forever. To be happy, you have to….
"Make your own choices to be happy." I uttered, looking up and heard a satisfied chuckle from Mom.
"Only ones self can make themselves happy. Not money nor fame, Mao."
As I was thinking about this more, the doors creaked open and there was another figure that I'm going to have to memorize. It was an elderly woman with a kimono on. I stayed with the group and Haruhi came over with a smile on her face.
"Aw, that's so sweet. So that's Tamaki-senpai's grandmother?" She asked.
"I hate that woman." Honey-Oppa muttered loud enough for the host club, or what remained, to hear.
"Please come in, take a seat!" Tama-Hyung said, gesturing to the elderly woman.
"Don't patronize me," She said.
What?
"Filthy child."
What?
"Lady Éclair, please come over here please." The woman said in a louder voice. At that name, a girl with lighter hair than mine walked on over to Tama-Hyung and his grandmother. Haruhi mentioned, sort of, that she was talking to that girl earlier than before.
"Mao?" Mika called out my name as I kept looking towards this new world that just opened up to me. I didn't bother answering to anyone because I was watching this troubled world. A world that I once hated because of the stupid people….
"For the remainder of today and tomorrow, you will be Lady Éclair's personal escort." His grandmother said. This Éclair person walked up to Tama-Hyung and smiled at him, and then had a bunch of purple flowers and a blue-white background popped up.
"What's wrong? I gave you on order." The grandmother said in a cold tone. Actually, her tone was not friendly at all from the moment she walked in except when calling out for Lady Éclair.
"Very well, Grandmother. I will do everything in my power to ensure her happiness. Just as you wish."
A beautiful and yet cruel world….
…A world that I have seen so many times before….
~/+/~
"Tama-chan isn't coming back is he?" Honey-Oppa asked while I just finished up with my dessert route. I sat down in front of Kyo-Hyung and decided to listen in on the conversation rather than be a part of it like Mika and Mom are.
"Does he really plan on spending the entire fair escorting some stranger?" The twins shared in that one sentence.
"I guess that's what family does for one another. Do whatever that family member wants, even if they don't want to right, Mom?" Mika asked, turning to mom's direction as she was drinking the especially made tea that I've been working on.
"That's true. Mao does cope with us especially when we ask for things while she's at the market."
Geez.
"Éclair, right?" Hikaru said, "Or something like that."
"Who is she to him, that's the mystery." Kaoru said. Kyo-Hyung kept typing on his laptop, not even bothering to lift up his head to look at me.
"I could tell you." A voice rose from the distance. Everyone, besides Kyo-Hyung turned to look at Renge, who was dressed up in a pink dress.
"Oh, Renge."
"Éclair Tonnerre. She's the youngest daughter of the renowned French Tonnerre family. A descendent from royalty." She said, not even sporting the excited voice that she always had around the host club. Is it just a coincidence or is today just not one of those days?
And descendent from royalty!? As in royalty like Prince William and Kate sort of deal or do they seem like royalty?
"Indeed. The family has quite a history. Their wealth is sort of a legend among financial heavyweights. In fact, just being associated with them makes your part of a very elite group." Kyo-Hyung said, finally looking up from his laptop. I think I know how he got those glasses because I'm pretty sure he wasn't just born with those. Also, something tells me that he wants to be a part of that financial group that the Tonnerre family is known for.
"They also own Grand Tonnerre. It's been buying up many businesses in Japan lately. Of course, that doesn't explain why Lady Éclair has come to visit Tamaki." He finished, going back to his typing on his laptop. Not far from where we were, I saw Haruhi standing by, quite like I was. It's a sight not normal, especially for me since I worry and act a lot, especially when Mom's around.
"Mao, you've been awfully quiet. Is something wrong?" I've been asked and I paid attention to Kyo-Hyung, who stopped typing and everyone else looked at me in worry. Yep, they're not used to a quiet Mao. A quiet Mao is a messed up Mao and they know it.
No matter how shocking and how dramatic all of this was, I lifted up my head, showing a smile to replace all that glum I was feeling from the leading guy.
"I'm fine. It's not like I haven't heard of this stuff before. They always show this type of stuff on Korean dramas. It's nothing new." I said. I think I might have fooled the guys, but I wasn't so sure about Mom or Mika since they went about with their worried looks. I got up from my chair and went into the kitchen to make some more cake for everyone and some drinks. Everyone loves non-alcoholic lemonade with paper umbrellas on them. I decided to make some while the guys take care of Mika and Mom.
"I'll be back, don't go wondering off, okay?" I asked Mika and Mom and went off.
"Of course, that doesn't explain why Lady Éclair has come to visit Tamaki." I heard Kyo-Hyung's voice ring in my head still as I was giving out drinks and sweets. Even when I tried thinking about something else that thought of Tama-Hyung hanging out with a girl his grandmother ordered to hang out with doesn't seem right to me.
It also didn't seem right that his grandmother was being so cold towards him. I thought grandmothers were supposed to be sweet and nurturing to the children of their children. That woman though it more different than others, especially mine.
And that woman, she had some girl to cling onto Tama-Hyung.
I've seen many girls cling onto him and it didn't bother me one bit and yet this one came into my life and immediately, it's been bothering me. Why?
Why is this bothering me?
Why is all of this bothering me so much!? Just because so much drama is happening, that doesn't mean it's a f**king drama! This is real life! There won't be a damn prince charming to make me fall in love with him! There won't be an evil stepmother who'll try to ruin my life! There won't be a way for my family to just suddenly appear right in front of me!
All these things bothering me….It's just….!
"PISSING ME OFF!" I yelled out loud and punched the window beside me. I didn't know I punched a window until I heard the shards of glass clatter on the floor and then I felt a sharp, stinging pain which resulted in a small cut line that I was going to have Mika or the nurse tend to it. Speaking of Mika, she came running towards my side and grabbed my hand to look at it.
"Mao, what did you do? Are you alright?!" She asked frantically. Mom came as quickly as she could and saw the broken glass around me. As Mika was about to pull me with her to her travel-size first aid kit, I pulled my hand back, shoving it in my pocket so I wouldn't have to show it to the others. My eyes widened at that pain and I gritted my teeth, which hurt a lot. However, it wasn't as painful as Tama-Hyung's grandmother forcefully making him hang out with Lady Éclair. It's not right!
"I said I'm fine! Stop worrying about me!" I said, walking past them and past the guys, who looked at me with the same look Mom and Mika gave me.
Why the hell is it bothering me this much!? It can't be…!
I'll protect you Mao.
Are you alright Mao?! You're not hurt are you?!
BA-BMP BA-BMP BA-BMP BA-BMP BA-BMP
No. It can't be because I like him. There has to be another reason! I already know that he likes me and so do the others, but the question that's still left unanswered, do I like them the way that I like them?
I don't know! All these noises in my head and chest, they hurt a lot when I think about this! It's probably because I'm going to have a heart attack.
I just…want to know why I'm so…so jealous of that French girl!
CLACK
"Who is it?" I heard Éclair say and I just opened the door, all dressed up in one of the outfits that Tama-Hyung has gotten for us.
"Mao, what are you doing?" He asked me, getting up from his seat.
"I just came here to get changed," I said, hiding my injured hand behind my back. "I mean, after all, you were the one that thought of the idea to have three outfits in one day." I chuckled lightly when in reality, I was pissed off.
"I'm pretty sure Haruhi-Noona said all that was needed to say so I won't say anything, got that?" I said and I almost wanted to laugh when I saw Tama-Hyung's shocked face.
"My apologizes, I'm afraid he belongs to me for the time being." Lady Éclair said, looking at me with her opera glasses. Is it weird that her name makes me think of chocolate éclair's and it's making me hungry?
"Forgive me asking, but do I detect a hint of jealously much like your friend from before?" She asked me. I was fazed on the inside, but I didn't react at all on the outside.
"Mao~! Is it true? You're jealous?!" Tama-Hyung said all enthusiastically and then I saw the familiar lightbulb from the beginning of the year appear and this one belonged to Lady Éclair.
Dammit, she figured it out!
"Why would I? Jealousy is irrational. Being jealous for a person hanging out with another person is stupid. Now, being jealous over a person making a better cake than you makes much more sense!" I said, turning around to make my back face them. "I'm going back since someone needs to bake the sweets at least." I finished, closing the door as I went out.
"Wait a second!" Tama-Hyung said after I walked out. I didn't stop, I just kept walking and tried to forget everything. I don't want to remember that or that girl.
"Oh!"
"So dashing!"
"Such a handsome face!" That's all I heard from all the ladies when I walked down the steps. I fixed up my hair a bit before I stepped out to the crowd and hid my wounded hand from everyone. Because if I showed it to others, they'll just start worrying and annoy me with questions.
"Mao-chan looks great!" Honey-Oppa said, flowers floating around hm.
"She does." Mori-Oppa replied. I didn't know if I should smile or blush. I went with a smile and still walked off to greet any new guests since I'm still trying to get my mind to forget it all. I spotted Kyo-Hyung still typing on his laptop, but I felt one more pair of eyes on me.
"Not bad." Hikaru said, "Where's the boss anyways?"
"Are you going to say the same thing Haruhi said?" Kaoru asked me and I turned to him.
"His highness is still showing Lady Éclair around. Honestly, I don't give rats ass about anything so long as it doesn't involve me." I said.
"Well, well well. Sounds like someone's a little jealous." The twins said. I haven't had a stronger urge to choke someone today until right now. It didn't help at all that Mori-Oppa and Honey-Oppa agreed with the gingers.
"What do you guys know about jealousy anyways? Jealousy is just an irrational emotion that isn't worth the time. He's being more….irresponsible more than usual."
How can I say something like that when I really do feel jealous? Me and my big mouth, I gotta start thinking about what I say.
"True, but he's only doing that under the word of his grandmother." Kyo-Hyung said and I froze, not daring to move when I remembered that woman acting so cold at her own family member.
Why did you have to marry her Masato?
She isn't worth your time. Look at her, she didn't even bare you any children. You two just adopted two girls whose family didn't even want them.
Be quiet uncle. Just because she couldn't bare me any of my own children doesn't mean I'll begin to hate her for that. Love accepts all perfections and flaws.
…The children better become successful like you have. Make them someone that I'll be proud of.
I can't do what you always say uncle…they're human begins and they'll do whatever that makes them happy…Have limitations, but still love what they do.
"His grandmother? That's the excuse? That still doesn't explain why she's so hostile towards him. Tama-Hyung's her grandson and should be helping him not be annoyed by anything that he does or will do for her!"
"You obviously don't know much do you?" Kaoru said, not purposely provoking me.
"Well, everyone else knows about it except you." Hikaru said, leaning his head on his hand.
"See, Tamaki-senpai is illegitimate."
You're not really your parent's kids, you're frauds.
Your real parents didn't even want you, what makes you think my son and his wife will love you?
"Twenty or so years ago, the Suoh family patriarch died at a young age. For political reasons, Chairman Yuzuru was rushed into a marriage in the behest of his mother to a woman of her choosing. That's how he became head of the family."
"But several years later, the chairman fell passionately in love with a beautiful young woman he met in Paris."
"Not long after, Tama-chan was born."
No mother! I'm leaving my wife! I'm going to marry her!
"The bosses' grandmother vehemently objected."
"Because of her poor health, living in Japan proved too difficult for senpai's mother. And so, she raised him in France until he was fourteen."
"His childhood seems to have been a happy one, but as time wore on, the family business on his mother's side went belly up and when they were forced into debt."
"The bosses' grandmother worried that there'd be no male heir to carry on the family name came up with a proposal."
I will provide you with the means to live comfortably for the rest of your days. In exchange, Tamaki's to come and live with me in Japan…without you. All contact between the two of you will be prohibited forever. These conditions are non-negotiable.
"The current patriarch maybe Chairman Yuzuru Suoh technically, but for the time being, all the family assets remain under the control of Tamaki's grandmother. What's more, with his mother's health being so frail, Tamaki understood the grim prospects facing her if she were left to live in debt. So…"
All that Tamaki was doing…everything he did from the moment he came to Japan; he was doing it for his mom who's just as frail mine.
I've decided to go to Japan. It's all for the best. Just promise me mom, promise me that you'll take care.
"Not long afterward, whether out of anguish or just plain guilt of having her bordered her son away for financial security; Tamaki's mother left France in shame and went into hiding. Her current whereabouts are unknown. To this day, he's never seen her again. Not once." Kyo-Hyung finished.
I hung my head in shame, remembering the day that I will never get to see my dad ever again. That day, they haven't even recovered to body.
At a windy and chill fall morning, all family members and friends gathered by the sea that lead to the Pacific. Why bother with a grave on land when there was no body? Why bother with spending that money for an empty tomb when all there was to that grave was that sea and that plane that crashed that day.
A young Mao and Mika held onto their mothers hands, who shed tears silently while watching everyone that were close to her husband light up candles or throw flowers into the ocean to be drifted away by the currents.
"We won't get to see Daddy again?" Mika and Mao said together which made their mom tighten her grip onto their small hands.
"What's wrong with me?" I finally said after such an amazing story that I was just being told to me. I find it hard to believe still that this was Tamaki's story.
Wait…
Did I just say…Tamaki?
Tamaki…Tamaki! Why didn't you tell me sooner you idiot!? I could have helped you out!
Don't ever mess with my family ever again!
They're idiots, but they're my idiots.
All I want for those people around me is to be happy. I just hope the things I do and make for them is suffice.
I may be an orphan but I'm the happiest orphan in this world. I got lucky and I'm going to make sure everyone else is just as lucky as I was.
"It's easy to feel sorry for him, but the hardships that he endured as a child help mold him into the person he is today. He'll be fine." Kyo-Hyung stood up and tried to get me to calm down. I think everyone was trying to do that since I punched a window earlier. "The Host Club is his refuge which means when all is said and done, he still has us."
The Host Club exists for a reason…To make people happy…
"Would you just stop with the Korean Drama crap? I was going to watch something like this once I got home and now you guys ruined the episode!" I laughed, smiling at them as they returned the smile.
Just when things were about to get better, I heard the doors open and saw Tamaki and Lady Éclair standing next to each other.
"Tama-chan!" Honey-Oppa said.
"Everyone I have an important announcement." He said, surprising everyone.
"As of today, Lady Éclair Tonnarre are officially engaged. Furthermore, the Host Club will be permanently dissolved after the Ouran fair. That is all."
What?
What?!
WHAT!?