A.N: Hey everyone! Thank you for the encouraging reviews. Clockwork's Apprentice, I love your review as I haven't made people cry with my writing before and it made me really happy! GIR3c, I'm glad you liked the chapter. Thank to happy birthday 31301 for your review and xxrxuxsxtxyx, I'm glad to see your review! It's fine that it's late because my life is hectic as well. By the way I might not be able to update for a while I'm doing a lot of mock exams! I had a lot of fun writing this chapter so I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 8

In this game, every second counts. I can not afford to lose anytime. My home life and privacy depend on it. I'm not going to be beaten by them. Luck is on my side today. If I can beat a patissiere then surely I can win a simple game of hide and seek.

Hastily, I ran down the corridors narrowly avoiding a collision with a maid. Where would be a good place to hide? This house is enormous so time is on my side. Maybe it would be good to hide in a place they would expect because they means they wouldn't spend long looking in there. I reached a dead end and I chose the door on the right.

As I opened the door, I gaped at the extremely intricate decoration around the room. The study had a flawless design as it has engraved designs to represent leaves and flowers on the desk and it had a heavy aroma of old books. Suddenly, I heard a light shuffle. Had someone found me already?

On instinct, I dive under the desk to see a pair of feet which had black, traditional shoes at the doorway. I can't go down without a fight. It's barely been five minutes since the game started. Lightly, the door shut with a faint click. Had the person already left? Cautiously, I crawl out from under the desk to look around. I was stopped in my tracks as I spotted someone. Quickly, I tried to hold my voice back from yelping. A pair of shushes warned me not to speak. Behind a thin frame of a lamp, I spotted Mori and Honey hiding with their fingers to their lips. Honey was clinging like a koala onto Mori. I rolled my eyes at the two of them. They should know that they will get easily spotted there. At least they won't get my keys. My cakes are safe!

I walk out the room as I don't want to be found easily. I look out of the high arched windows and look out to see a wonderful, picturesque rose garden. That would be a good place to hide! Eager, I picked up the pace to go down the stairs to see Tamaki tugging Haruhi to go into a cupboard.

" For the last time senpai I won't hide in a cupboard with you!"

" Aww, but Haruhi it would be such a good place to hide!"

" Have you seen how small it is inside? There's no way both of us would be able to fit inside!"

" Sure we can!"

" No, stop senpai!" Desperately, Haruhi tried to escape from his grip but he was too strong. Quickly, I dash for the front door hoping to avoid Tamaki. I mentally apologise to Haruhi. Unfortunately, I don't have time to try and help him. The stakes are high in this game for me. Tamaki and Haruhi seem inseparable. I wonder how come they're always together.

A warm breeze hits my face as I walk out the door. It was nice to be outside after being cooped up for so long. After spotting a passageway, I head down there to discover the colourful rose garden. Quickly, I duck behind a hedge of roses and carefully lie the flowing dress around me so I didn't get the material dirty. I plucked one of the roses of the hedge admiring the layers of petals wrapped around inside. The colour of the rose was a vibrant orange which reminded me of a certain twin. I think Kaoru has the orange rose. Suddenly, my face heated up and my heart started to race. Why do I get like this when I think about him?

Surely, I don't love him. Or do I? In frustration, I plucked of the petals one by one as they gently drifted to the floor.

" I love him. I love him not. I love him." Why am I even doing this? I haven't done this since I was eight years old! Anyway, I continued the chant under neath my breath.

" What are you doing?"

Immediately, I hid the half picked rose behind my back and jump out of my skin. My startled, wide eyes stare at the figure before me. My heart was racing away yet again as a certain twin appeared.

" Nothing!" Loudly, I shrieked. I spoke too quickly. I know this as Kaoru's face lit up with a smirk.

" Oh really?" He spoke in his usual teasing tone. Slowly, he knelt down on one knee next to me and his mischievous, amber eyes bored into mine. If I wasn't blushing enough already I definitely was now! His face was steadily getting closer to mine. Straight away, I started to panic and closed my eyes tightly. I screw up my eyes even more, unsure what to do. There was nothing happening. Reluctantly, I opened an eye to see his smirk had grown. I blink shocked as I spotted a familiar coloured petal sitting in his hand.

" Why did you start picking at the rose? He looked at me with a questioning gaze.

" How did you know?" I asked wondering.

" It was in your hair."

" Oh." I replied in a disappointed tone as my gaze shifted down to the rocky ground. Wait, why am I disappointed? What was I expecting anyway?

" Flower petals shouldn't be picked. It's best as a whole flower." Shifting his position, he moved to pick a rose from the hedge. What was he going to do with the flower? Curious, I watched him in wonder and his hand with the rose, moved towards me. Lightly, his hand brushed against my hair, tucking it behind my ear. I felt a light prod in the head as the stem touched the back of my head.

" There. That looks better." He smiled proudly as he admired the flower.

Embarrassed, I nervously fiddled with the hem of the dress.

" So.. how come you're not with Hikaru?" I attempted to change the topic in hopes of hiding my embarrassment.

" If we spilt up we are more likely to win your key." He stated. If the twins got the key, that would be a disaster! They would set up pranks all the time! I just know they will!

" T-there's no way you will get my house key!" I stuttered in determination.

His next move surprised me. He touch my hair gently and move his face near my ear. Gradually, my face was turning into a tomato as I could feel him breathing on my neck softly.

" Don't be so sure about that." He said flirtatiously. Casually, he move his face away and grinned his teasing smile as he got the full view of my red face. After pulling away, he bolted away waving around the corner.

" Wait!" I shouted.

"Found you." A calm collected voice announced behind me.

I pivoted on the heels of my feet to see the smirking face of Kyoya Ootari as he looked amused at my bewilderment. I look left and right in search of the orange haired twin with no success.

Hopelessly, I said " He's gone."

Those twins! I should never trust them for a second! I though Hikaru was bad but Kaoru is just as bad!

" Those tricksters! They are as bad as each other." I huffed annoyed.

" Once you've calmed down, go to the library. The others, that I've found, are there." Kyoya instructed as he turned to continue his search.

" How am I supposed to find my way there?" I asked, remembering my journey this morning.

" There's a maid in the hall who can take you there."

Depressed, I wander back to the house. I won't have a moment of privacy again. I would rather have Haruhi win my key as he would most likely give it back. Yes! I still have a small glimmer of hope. Once I opened the doors, I see the maid Kyoya was talking about was Misaki. I greeted her and she guided me to the library.

As the door opened to reveal the library I gaze in awe of the sheer amount of books in there. There must be hundreds! If not thousands! They couldn't be all medical books. That means I can pass the time by quite nicely. There were numerous of shelves which reached as high as the ceiling. This library was amazing! The glorious sunset could be seen as the day was nearing its end. There were several couches which were a shockingly dynamic red which stood out in the room. On the couches I saw Mori reading a hardback book with Honey sleeping peacefully next to him with his pink bunny by his side. On the other side, Tamaki sat next to Haruhi talking happily with each other as if they were in their own little world. But there was no sign of either of the twins.

Instantly, I knew what this meant. They are going to get my key! I launch myself onto the couch with a gloomy look on my face. Tamaki soon spotted me.

" Hazel! Welcome back!" He greeted me cheerfully before noticing the look on my face. " What's wrong?

" Those doppelgängers are going to get my key! I won't be able to live in peace ever again!"

" Don't you worry! As your father it is my duty to protect you! I will sort out those shady twins!" He declared.

Happily, I smile as I have hope again. " Really?"

" Of course! A father will do anything for his daughter."

A click from the door echoed, as I anxiously glance at the door. Both of the twins smirked, as their victory had been assured, as they entered the room with Kyoya trailing behind them. Kaoru was twirling the key around his finger.

Tamaki marched up towards the troublemakers and demanded, " As the host club's King, I demand you give me that key, this instance. I don't want you terrorising my daughter!"

The twins' smirks faded as they glared at the King. " But Boss, we won fair and square." Hikaru defended.

" Yeah, so we are keeping it." Kaoru added.

" How about I challenge you to another game?" Tamaki challenge.

" You don't know when to give up, do you Boss?" Hikaru said fed up.

" Well, we're bored of playing games and we aren't going to give it up." The determined twins announced.

" Just admit defeat Boss. You're not getting that key." Hikaru finished and Tamaki turned his head in my direction reluctantly, with his face showing bitter defeat.

"Thanks for trying Tamaki-senpai. I will figure something out." I smiled to reassure him. Oh well at least he tried. I wonder if I have enough money to change the locks. Oh wait I haven't paid the rent yet! I will just have to change them when I get more money.

To everyone's surprise, the room was launched into darkness.

" What's going on?" I shout as I started to worry. I hated the fact that I could see nor feel anyone near me.

" Who turned out the lights?" Hikaru spoke.

" Don't panic. It's just a power cut. The staff will come in here and light some candles soon. Just be patient and wait." Kyoya's authoritative voice echoed through the room.

Slowly, I breathed in and out trying to calm myself down until I felt something warm on my hand. Gently, another hand squeezed mine reassuring me. Then another hand caressed my face, much to my own shock. I parted my lips to let out a gasp. Before I knew it, a pair of lips crashed down onto my own. At first, it was strange. I almost felt like I was melting from the person's warmth. Then the next kiss was soft and subtle. I felt a smile sweep across the mysterious person's face. There was one short, last chaste kiss on my cheek before the warmth left me. My cheek began to tingle from the contact of the person's lips. There was one last squeeze of my hand before the warm hand left. Immediately after I lost contact, I tried to reach out for the person but I felt nothing except the cool air wrapping itself around my empty hand.

Dazed, I lift my hands to my lips, I was unsure of how I should felt. There was a mysterious feeling dwelling inside me. It's not like I hated it. I never imagined this was how my first kiss would be.

When I was younger, I had childish fantasies of being swept away by my prince to a sunset and share our first kiss by the beach, hearing the soft crashes of waves and the smell of the salty air. Then his hand would perfectly intertwine with mine and he would tell me he loves me. I would have never imagined I would be kissed in the dark unable to see the person's face!

Then, much to my shock the lights flickered back on to reveal the figures agin. All the hosts looked like they were in the same positions as before. Who the hell kissed me?

Honey was still asleep and Mori was still loyally by his side. Tamaki was beside Haruhi on the couch. Kyoya was as expressionless as ever. The twins were still near the doorway. Who could have done it? During the time of the power cut, no one entered the room but there was enough time for someone to move around the room. It's a complete mystery!

My face was obviously red as it felt like my skin was burning. What if Kaoru had kissed me? Wait, why would I be thinking this? He wouldn't like me in that way. After all I'm a servant of someone in his class! As a servant I shouldn't expect anything like that! It's not like I love him. From my thoughts, my face was turning a vivid shade of red.

" Is everyone ok?" Tamaki shouted.

" Tamaki calm down. It was only a power cut."

Then, Honey woke up. He looked unhappy for a strange reason.

" Why are you all being so noisy?" He groaned in his groggy state with a glare which would scare even lions. Tamaki and the twins cowered behind the couch to hide from his intimidating glare.

" There was a power cut and everyone was just excited. You slept through it all." Mori spoke.

" Oh really! I bet it was really fun!" I stared astonished at the boy. Fun was the last word I would use to describe the incident. His mood completely changed. I have to remember to never wake up Honey. Who would have thought someone so cute and innocent could be such as bad waker upper?

" Haz-chan, why are you so red? Are you still ill?" He asked concerned.

" No! I'm fine! Completely fine! I'm just... a little warm, that's all!" I laughed trying to cover my tracks.

" Ok then. I'm hungry. Can we have dinner yet, Kyo-chan?"

" Yes, dinner will be ready shortly. So let's make our way to the dining room."

We all exited the library and carried onto the dining room. I dawdled at the back of the group, unable to get the kiss out of my head. Even when dinner was served and everyone was chatting the night away, I felt lost. I found myself unable to even look at Kaoru because I was so embarrassed about the incident in the rose garden.

" Are you alright?" A kind voice asked.

I glance in their direction to see it was Haruhi.

" Yeah. Just a bit stunned that's all."

" If you want to talk or anything, feel free to come and see me." He offered kindly.

" Thanks Haruhi."

Once dinner was over, even started to go to their rooms. I decided to go and see Haruhi to talk about what happened in the library. He seems like someone I can confine in. He's level headed and listens to people.

I asked the maid to take me to Haruhi's room. Politely, I knock on the door.

" Haruhi are you in there?"

I waited a few moments but I got no response.

Once more I knock on the door and open it, " Haruhi, I'm coming in."

I stop at the doorway, amazed by the sight before me. Haruhi was in his trousers and a vest. Wait a second!

" Haruhi are you a girl?!" I shouted loudly.

Startled, she turned around shocked taking in the awkwardness of the situation.

" Yeah I am."

" I'm so sorry! I should I noticed!"

" Don't worry. Tamaki-senpai didn't know at first."

The door slammed open.

" Haruhi are you ok? We heard a scream!" Tamaki asked panting from running.

All the hosts' eyes widened taking in the situation.

" You better come with us Hazel." Kyoya said seriously. I was taken to the living area and made to sit down. The atmosphere was tense as I had discover something I shouldn't have.

" I'm sure you are aware now that Haruhi is a girl." Kyoya stated. I nodded.

" We need you to keep this secret as Haruhi owes the host club a debt. If you mention anything to anyone about her secret, the Ootari family has a private police force which would take care of you." I could hear the threat in his voice.

" Kyoya, there is no need to be so harsh." Tamaki defended me.

" But you don't want Haruhi's secret to get out do you?" He questioned. Tamaki's face fell at his words.

" Don't worry. I won't say anything. I thought you might have trusted me more because I told you a lot of personal stuff about my life."

" It was just a precaution. We can't afford to let this information out." Kyoya explained.

A sigh of relief swept around the room.

" If you don't mind I need to sleep..."

" Yes, you can go." Kyoya dismissed me.

" Night, Haz-chan!" Honey said excitedly.

" Goodnight Honey. Goodnight, everyone." I waved at him.

" Goodnight, my daughter!" Tamaki shouted.

I chuckled lightly as I said, " Night Daddy."

" Aw, she's so cute!" Tamaki commented.

I left the room smiling. I take off the rose behind my ear. It was sweet of him to give me that flower. I would have to press it. It was too beautiful to let it go to waste.

Today had been a busy day. When I was supposed to be resting from my fever, I had to play hide and seek. Unfortunately, my key was gone and I would have to prank Hibiki later. I am shocked Haruhi is a girl but it's nice to have someone I can relate to now, considering we both have debts. But what I want to know most is, who kissed me?