My father is no fool. He likes to believe a firm grip on my life, but deep down he knows I ultimately go out and do whatever I please. My judgement's a little more clear, to be fair. He lets me handle things on my own- well, actually, I do things myself and don't tell him. He's a busy man. Take my entrance forms for Ouran Academy, for example. Practically done by yours truly.

This, however, does not apply in all situations.

"So," he says nonchalantly behind a magazine, "you've been spending a lot of time with that Morinozuka fellow lately. You know, the tall one. It's been a week and I haven't said more than two words to the young man. It seems like you're keeping us from meeting each other."

I don't bother to look up from my laptop. "Yeah, I am."

"Why not? Let me meet him! Oh, please, Haruhi. I'll be good," my dad runs to my side and forces eye contact, inches away from my face. I notice the light shadow of stubble on his cheek. "I promise! He'll just love me."

"What's the sudden interest for?"

He sinks. "I see it in your face. You're flushed whenever you walk in the door, honey."

'Maybe it's just hot in this house. Or maybe I'm sunburnt." I check the time on my laptop and groan. "I'm gonna be late, dad. Hikaru, Kaoru, and I are supposed to meet up in 15 minutes, so I've gotta go. I'll see you later." I grab my backpack from the couch, pull on some sneakers, and run out the front door.

"Dear god, Haruhi, what are you wearing? We're in public." Hikaru says to me. Kaoru subtly punches him for the rude comment and apologizes to me.

He smiles sheepishly. "Sorry, Haruhi. Still haven't full trained the lil pup quite yet. Once they meet strangers, it's hard to keep them under control."

Hikaru rubs where he was hit, then quickly says, "Just kidding. I see you're going for that 'just rolled out of bed' look. Nice, nice. The sweatpants are an excellent touch."

I look down at my outfit. "Shut up, Hikaru. They're comfortable. Besides, I came here to share a cup of coffee with you two, not to get insulted."

Kaoru grabs my hand and pulls me into the cafe. "Come on, then. In we go. My treat, of course."

The waitress comes back ten minutes after we order. She places Hikaru's decaf blonde roast, Kaoru's Americano, and my plain black (two sugars) roast on our table, drops a check, then leaves quietly.

We sit and idly chat for a few minutes about school and things of the like. Soon, the younger twin has a grin across his face.

He wraps his fingers around his steaming porcelain mug and says, "So, how was your date? Or should I say dates? It seems you've got Mori in the palm of your hand. How many has it been so far? 6? 7?"

Hikaru's eyes widen. "Dates? What dates? Since when are you dating, Haruhi?"

"Okay, one, they're not dates. And two, not that it's any of your business, but we're not dating. We're just hanging out. Calm down, you two."

The twins look at each other suspiciously then nod. They look at me and chime, "You like him, don't you?"

I almost choke on my coffee. "Definitely not." This is ridiculous. What are we, giggling schoolgirls at a sleepover?

"Oh, come on," Kaoru says, "you know you do. I think he likes you, too. He was telling me about the last couple times you were together. Why don't you just jump the gun and make it official?"

"I don't see that happening." I reply nonchalantly, then take a sip from my cup. They look at me, intrigued, and I shrug. "We're not a very likely couple."

Kaoru rolls his eyes. "Sure, but it's not like that's a reason you shouldn't at least try. I bet Mori's crazy about you."

"He probably is, Haruhi. What a cute couple you'd make. Lovely." Hikaru says flatly. I can't help but notice how uninterested he suddenly looks.

"Uh, thanks, guys," I say, eyeing Hikaru, but return to the coffee in my hands, "but I can't stress it enough: I don't think I'd stand a chance, if there even was one."

"Then let's find out. I hate playing the waiting game." Kaoru pulls out his phone and dials a number. He winks at me while waiting for the receiver to pick up. Seconds later, he smiles. "Hello there, Mori-senpai. How are you this fine morning?"

Instant panic settles in. My eyes widen and I instantly try to snatch the phone out of his hands. He dodges my advances, holds up a finger at me, and sticks his tongue out. I look at Hikaru desperately, but he looks away.

You're so dead. I mouth at Kaoru. He makes a face at me, then refocuses on the phone call.

"Kendo? That's wonderful. So, I was just wondering, what do you think of Haruhi? I'm gonna need you to really spell it out for me, big guy."

I stare at Hikaru, defeated, and he returns the glazed over look. "Your brother will be the death of me." He rolls his eyes in agreement, and we share a small laugh.

Kaoru excitedly slaps my arm and gestures at his phone. "So you like her, is what I'm gathering here? That's perfect, big guy, because I'll have you know, Haruhi has the hots for you, too. Now, as your counselor, I advise you go ahead and set things straight- pronto. I'm talking boyfriend-girlfriend stuff here, senpai. Got it?" After a resounding humph, Kaoru hangs up the phone and smiles triumphantly.

"I can't believe you just did that. You're lucky I don't strangle you."

"Save the dramatics for later. You owe me your life now!"

Hikaru nods. "True. So, Haruhi, what's your game plan? Things seem to be falling into place." I notice the younger twin steal a concerned glance at his counterpart.

"Not sure. I should probably tell my dad, before he finds out himself."

"Oh, this is just wonderful!"

Flowers. Flowers everywhere. Confetti, too. Imagine the sketchbook of a five year old girl (think princesses, rainbows, unicorns, etc) and multiply that by ten. That is my father's reaction.

He is more than thrilled. Once I tell him, he takes me in his arms and hugs me, then proceeds to jump up and down. It was as if he'd just won the lottery. In the midst of his excitement, he notices my lack thereof.

"What's wrong, dear?"

I shrug. "I don't know what to do from here."

He laughs lightly, then grabs my shoulders. "If I've learned one thing about you, Haruhi," he says, "it's that you figure things out. Let things run its course. Soon enough you'll understand. It's what you do best."

When I shrug again, he rolls his eyes and pushes me towards my bedroom. He tells me to take a break for once.

My hands reach for my planner filled with due dates, reminders, appointments. So much to do, so little time.

"Break" is not in my vocabulary.