A.N/ I know it's late again. But school and my art exam have been hepatic. I barely have time to type but soon I hope I can update more as my art exam ends on Tuesday! Thank you for your patience. I plan to have more romantic development from here on. Here's the next chapter!
Chapter 13
Today is the start of the camping trip. It's barely 5 a.m in the morning but if we want to make it to the campsite on time we have to be up at ungodly hours in the morning. If we get going too late we will be stuck in traffic. Luckily, Tamaki had talked to the principle and he allowed us so that meant we could have a couple of days off. I have been waiting for Nanami for a good half an hour to be ready but she said that it was important what outfit she chose. Despite, my warning her about needing any old clothes she could use from her closet, she insisted she must look her best at all times as that what any Tokinawa woman would do.
Currently, I was waiting patiently in the hallway in an old red checkered shirt with worn jeans and a pair of study hiking boots on my feet. Hibiki and Ren came back earlier to wish me luck on the trip as they supplied me with various materials for the duration of my stay in the dense woodland. I've been through all my stuff at least five times to make sure I have everything. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but it's better to check and check again.
" Hazel, I'm ready to go!" Called Nanami excitedly. Immediately after she called, she walked down the stairs elegantly. However, she was wearing a pair of pastel pink heels matched with a pleated black shirt and a baby pink vest top. I thought I had told her to cover up more.
" Um.. Tokinawa-sama, I don't mean to offend you in any way but are you sure that you be wearing clothes like that for camping?" " Yes, you told me it was going to be warm and to dress lightly."
Unsure, she frowned at me. " Well, the problem is if you expose an area of skin, you'll be a likely target for bug bites."
" That's what spray is for! They keep bugs away. I have spent to long deciding on what to wear to turn my back on this decision now. Get the driver, we are leaving now."
Firmly she spoke and took off toward the door. I sighed. At least, I tried to warn her. Before hand, just in case she acted like she just did, I had some of the maids make sure some suitable clothes were packed. With great difficulty, I tugged my overly packed back pack onto my shoulders and followed in her footsteps. Kindly, Sakura - who had been waiting outside handling the luggage- opened the limo's bottomless truck so I could shove the bag away. She smiled at me encouragingly, wishing me luck on the long trip ahead. Instantly, I smiled back and wave as I climbed in the car. Once the car had set off, hesitantly I turned to look at Nanami. Her arm was resting against the window as a blasé expression was apparent on her face.
Nervously, I spoke, " Tokinawa-sama, you may struggle in your current shoes to walk across some areas in the campsite so if you want you could borrow a pair of hiking boots I have."
Bitterly, she replied," I'll be fine. Besides your boots won't go well with this skirt."
"Alright. They are always here in case you change your mind."
Honestly, she doesn't have to be so defensive about her clothes. I was only warning her for her own wellbeing but at least I have a first aid kit at my disposal. One of my fears from earlier this morning came true, as the car slowly rolled to a standstill and I glance to see rows and rows of cars trailing behind each other, all of them wanting to move forward. Since Nanami was so untalkative, I tried to pass the time, doodling on a small sheet of paper. I started to draw the host club in chibi form, Tamaki was hugging Haruhi with a beaming smile on his face in contrast to her annoyed look. Hikaru and Kaoru were leaning on each other with their devilish smirks, while Honey had his mouth stuffed with cake, sat at a table with a satisfied grin and Mori watched over him with a gentle the other side, I made sure that Kyoya had a slight smirk on his face as he stared at his work. Just as my drawing time was coming to a close...
" What do you mean we'll have to walk from here?!" Furiously, Nanami raised her voice.
" I'm sorry, Miss but your father needs this car specifically this afternoon. The road up ahead is too unsteady to make it by limo and we need this car to be spotless." The driver stated dutifully.
" Tell him to use the other one!"
" I'm afraid not Miss. Your mother needs the other limo later on in the day for an important meeting."
" Fine! But expect a complaint about you to my mother!" Annoyed she got out and slammed the door. Sometimes Nanami is too over the top. It's hardly the driver's fault as he was just following orders. As I stepped out after her, I thanked the driver and started to gather all of our supplies. With a brimming backpack on my back, a suitcase in tow and a fairly large bag in hand I was ready to set off but Nanami looked less than prepared. Dolefully, she looked at her feet as they were covered with a smutch of mud.
" Hazel, can you give me a piggyback to the campsite?"
" No can do I'm afraid. I'm occupied with bags. But you could borrow my hiking boots if you wanted."
Begrudged, she said, " I'll survive in these. My shoes are already wreaked anyway."
Slightly, offended I frowned as she trudged through some mud. What's wrong with borrowing a pair of hiking boots? They're fairly new and it's better for them to be used. I suppose it's her lose. The atmosphere didn't seem to get any better along the way. Clearly Nanami was silently seething as I trailed behind not wanting to get in her way. Suddenly, an alarming yelp came ahead. Worried, I ran forward to see Nanami was struggling to stand as she was balancing on one foot with one of her shoes resting in a mushy pool of mud.
Reluctantly, I asked, " Do you want to borrow my boots?" Immediately, she shot me with a glare saying ' you knew this was coming didn't you'. Awkwardly she hopped to the side to lean against a tree.
" Well hand them over!" She snapped holding her hand out.
Quickly I place one of the bags on top of the suitcase as I fumbled with the zip and through all the supplies reaching the umber coloured boots. The moment I pulled them out of the bag, her face scrunched up in disgust.
" I know they don't suit your outfit but they are sturdy and you'll get through the mud without wreaking any more shoes. I asked one of the maids to pack socks for you as well so you should be fine." Like a stubborn child, she snatched the items out of my hand. After a few minutes slowing us down, she managed to put on the shoes. Once she started to walk, she muttered continuous complaints about the shoes being hideous and how they were slipping off her feet. Not long after another scream was heard up ahead as Nanami was encaged in a swarm of midges.
" Hazel! Get these bugs away from me! Get the spray!" Not bothering to get out the spray, I rolled my eyes as I walked over and grabbed her wrist to lead her away from the menacing biters.
" Ow! I think one bit me!"
" Just hang on until we get to camp. I will properly check all the bites then." As soon as we were in a midges free area, I let go of her wrist. Then she didn't move as her eyes were wide as she spotted an eight legged fiend.
" G-G-Get it away from me!" Yet again, I had to drag her away from another bug infested area. Honestly, I don't get why she put herself through this even though I tried to warn her before hand. Currently, my patience is being pushed to its limits. After being on the road stuck in traffic for several hours, after setting off late and the sun beating down its bright rays and unbearable heat, I felt exhausted. Luckily, the campsite wasn't that far ahead as I saw Nanami run off in the direction of the host club.
" Hey Haz-chan is here!" Exclaimed Honey.
" My daughter I was so worried about you!" Tamaki shouted.
" Sorry that we're l..."
Before I could finish my sentence, Nanami interrupted, " Sorry we're late. We had a terrible time getting here. I just hope you're not mad."
Charmingly, Tamaki took on his host role. " Don't worry, fair maiden. It isn't like gentlemen to hold grudges against a beautiful woman like you."
" Tamaki you really know how to flatter a lady." She giggled flirtatiously. Wow, she sure is quick to recover considering she was a quivering mess earlier. Deeply, I take a breath in an attempt to calm down my irritation.
" Wow, Hazel you're certainly prepared with all that stuff." The twins noticed.
" I just wanted to make sure that we..."
" Of course we are! The Tokinawas always make sure we are prepared!" Once again, Nanami interrupted.
That is such a lie! Calm down, I can't get worked up so easily. After all I still have to have four days in the wild with her. Also, her father did talk to her about getting to know the host club so that they can get more connections. That's right it's only for business.
" So prepared that you're wearing a skirt and your legs are covered in bug bites?" Questioned Hikaru in a teasing tone. For a moment shock was clear on her face, she almost look angry.
Before a fight could occur I spoke, " We have some bug spray and a first aid kid in case anything happened. We should start setting up camp soon."
" What do you mean set up camp?" Nanami looked confused.
" We have to pitch the tents before it gets dark." I explained.
" I'm not setting up camp." Her voice sounded defiant.
" What do you mean?"
" I've booked a tent." She stated in a matter of fact tone.
In disbelief, I spoke my thoughts out loud. " You've booked a tent?"
" Yes." Last time I checked you can't book tents! It's not some hotel in the great outdoors! " I'm staying over there." Her finger pointed in the direction of a colossal, luxurious tent with the pure white contrasting the greenery and earthy colours in the surrounding area.
" Hey Nana-chan can we look inside?" Honey's eyes lit up in wonder and curiosity similar to the look of a child discovering something new.
" Of course! All of you can!" She was clearly proud of her forward thinking.
Excitedly, Tamaki, Honey and the twins ran ahead to look inside the accommodation. As the rest of us caught up, we gapped in wonder at the sheer size of the tent. It even had a double bed inside! The camping industry has certainly expanded since I last went camping.
" It is definitely an interesting business. I wonder how much it would cost?" Kyoya mentioned. From the tone of his voice, it seemed like he was a little surprised himself.
" These rich people and their money." Haruhi murmured under her breath.
Instantly, I agreed with her, " I know what you mean."
Mori was keeping his watchful eye over Honey as he was running around and Tamaki was admiring everything he found and the twins were gazing around in awe.
" Tokinawa-sama I think I should treat your bug bites now. If we leave it any longer they could become infected."
" Fine. Do what you need to." Gracefully, she placed herself on the edge of the bed and I knelt down on the floor taking out all the essentials. Thoroughly, I cleaned the wounds, before applying the cream.
" I'm going to put the cream on it may sting." I warned and as the coolness of the cream touched the bite she hissed.
" I think we should start setting up camp soon knowing Tamaki-senpai it would take him a while." Haruhi spoke as I started to pack again.
" Yeah. I'm sorry, Tokinawa-sama but me and Haruhi have to leave to set up the tents." I announced.
" That's fine." She waved us off after she took the suitcase off my hands.
" You're doing the jobs all by yourselves?" Shouted Tamaki.
" Well, someone has to start something otherwise we won't get anything done." I replied.
" We can't let women do such a job alone. We wouldn't be gentlemen and we wouldn't be able to call ourselves hosts!"
" Hey Boss, I bet we could pitch a tent quicker than you." Hikaru challenged.
" What makes you think that? Have you even pitched a tent before?" Tamaki questioned.
" No but it's two against one." Kaoru said. " That's not fair. In that case, I'll get my little girl to help me!" He grabbed an unsuspecting Haruhi by her arm as he held onto her tightly.
" That's fine with us. The first to get their tent to be set up without it falling is the winner." The twins spoke and they took off into the woods.
" That's cheating! You should wait! Come on Haruhi let's go!"Urgently, he spoke and ran off with Haruhi being dragged against her will behind him.
" Hey Haz-chan! Where has Tama-chan, Hika-chan, Kao-chan and Haru-chan gone?" Honey asked as he ran up to me.
" They are having a contest to see who can pitch a tent the fastest." His eyes glowed at the thought of joining in.
" Wow! That sounds like a lot of fun! Hey Takashi let's go to!" Mori gave his usual sound of agreement as Honey jogged on slightly further ahead, I strolled along with Mori, as we were enjoying the quiet until we reach the camp.
" Hey Haruhi, come and help me with this while I figure out where this piece goes!" Tamaki called.
" Senpai, just use the instructions. They're are there for a reason!"
" But that's cheating!"
" Instructions are included for a reason! Hikaru and Kaoru are using them!"
On their side, all the parts were scatter with Tamaki struggling to hold the frame together. Meanwhile, on Hikaru and kaoru's side they had put most of their pieces together.
" We are definitely going to win!" Hikaru shouted in triumph.
" Hikaru don't let go...!" Kaoru tried to warn him but the frame collapsed and they were back to where they started. Honey dragged Mori away to a different are to set up their tent leaving me to cope on my though, I haven't set up a tent on my own before I can't complain so I may as well get the job done. I lay the instructions on the ground and found some rocks to stop it from flying away. Piece by piece I started to construct the frame following the guide step by step. Everything seemed to slot together nicely and as I started to finish off...
" Haruhi grab the instructions!" Tamaki shouted. Hopelessly Tamaki jumped as the instructions fluttered away on the breeze. Haruhi sighed as she was ready to give up on the host club king. I added the finishing touches on the tent and rolled out my sleeping bag and I stood back as I admired my handy work.
Excitedly, Honey exclaimed, " Yay! We did it!" A perfect pitch tent stood before him with Mori smiling happily beside him. It's funny that we arrived late yet we were the first to successfully pitched the tents.
" I don't understand how this works!" Tamaki complained. I turn to still see the tent in loads of different pieces.
" Let me help." I knelt down beside him, taking some of the pieces into my hands and slotting them together.
" I'm touched! My little girl is becoming so helpful!" He gushed.
" You would have been stuck here for a very long time if I didn't start to help. At least you've attempted it." I stated and Haruhi pitched in to help, speeding up the time-staking task.
" That's not fair! You're getting extra help!" Hikaru shouted.
" Fine, I'll help you as well." Immediately, I left my spot and walked over towards the pair of twins.
" Who said we need help?" He spoke defensively.
" Look, I have experience with camping before so accept my help." I suggested reasonably.
" I don't mind. Come on Hikaru we only need a little help and then she can go." Kaoru tried to reason with his brother.
Relucantly, he said, " I guess it's ok for a while."
" Right, how far are you?"
Kaoru instantly pointed to the instructions talking me through their accomplishments as Hikaru was trying to put a pair of rods together. I was glad to see they were further than Tamaki as it meant less work. After struggling for a while Hikaru tried another pair of rods. I went to grab the rods from him as my hand gently brushed his, he clearly flinched and dropped them onto the floor with a clatter.
" What... What are you doing?"
" I was just getting the rods. Did I scare you or something?" I teased him. Now this is unusual. He is the one normally teasing me.
" Of course not! I'm not that easily scared!"
" Right. You were nearly right you just had the rods the wrong way round. See." Holding my hand out, I offered him to attached rods. Seizing a chance, he snatched it away. Lightly, I chuckled to myself. He is really stubborn compared to his brother. I head off to take a break and I see Kyoya writing in his confidential notebook. He snapped it shut as he saw me walking towards him. Since he is always writing in it, it makes me wonder if he has more than one of those books.
" Why aren't you helping Tamaki? Aren't you meant to be sleeping in the same tent?"
" We're definitely not sleeping in the same tent. I'm not suffering with his overbearing eagerness first thing in the morning." He stated.
" When you put it like that, I can understand." From the stories, I've been hearing from the twins about Kyoya's demonic state in the morning and he sounds more terrifying than he does when he is after Haruhi's debt. " But aren't you going to set up your tent?"
He smirked his winning smile and instantly, I knew I had landed myself into a trap. " I'm glad you asked. Since, you were offering your help with the others, don't you think it's unfair to leave me out?"
Why does he have to guilt trip me? Then again he still hasn't fulfilled his side of the bargain. " But don't you think it's unfair that you have left me in the dark for so long considering you haven't shown me the photo?"
" That's true. How about if you set up the tent and I'll show you the photo?" He held a piece of paper in his hand. My eye widened at the sight.
" Fine, but you have to show it to me straight away."
" That's fine by me. You better get started when the others are still busy." He strolled away and left me with the equipment. What bugs me about him is that he's perfectly capable of doing something like this, yet he leaves this tedious task to me? After some frustration, I finally set the thing up. Even if at the end of the trip he asks me to take the tent down I will completely refuse. It's easier to take it down than set it up. No one should be this stressed out on their first day of a break. It's called a break for a reason. You're supposed to relax and have a stress free time but the stress seems to be building quite quickly at the moment.
" Hey Hazel. We still need your help!" Tamaki called. I sighed. To calm down my frustrations I take a few deeps breaths before I go towards him. Luckily, Haruhi helped a great deal so they were nearly done. I was glad to see that the twins were finished and they were relaxing inside their tent. Fortunately, we were done in five minutes and my stomach growled in hunger for food.
" Does anyone want any food?" I called out.
" Yes!" All the hosts called simultaneously. I grabbed a frying pan as well as the pancake mixture I had prepared earlier this morning. Everyone should like pancakes and they are quick and easy to make. Kindly, Honey and Mori came back with fire wood and as cute as Honey is, he handed me a single piece of wood. At first, it was a struggle to get the fire going but Mori aided in striking a successful match to start the fire.
" I hope some of you have brought food with you so I can cook meals as well as treats." I said as the pancakes started to cook.
" Who said to bring extra food?" Tamaki asked.
" Don't tell me that no one has brought food besides me?" I asked in disbelief.
" I've brought cake does that count?" Honey wondered.
" At least, you brought food but we can't live on cake unfortunately. At least we can have it as a snack or something."
" Don't worry I have enough food to last a few meals." Haruhi said.
" Thank you! I have basic stuff like rice and I know you can hire fishing equipment nearby so we can have fish if we catch some." I'm so glad Haruhi is here. It's nice to have a fellow commoner to trust in!
" Right, Honey-senpai if you go into my bag you'll find some maple syrup, please can you get it?"
" Sure!" He rummaged through the whole bag and his face beamed in delight as he held the jar in his hand. After several minutes of cooking, I had managed to serve all the hosts and I had yet to make Nanami's and my pancakes.
" This is really good!" Honey complimented.
" Yay! I get my daughter's cooking!" Announced Tamaki.
" Yeah it's delicious." Kaoru commented. Lightly, I smiled as I heard Kaoru. It feels different when he compliments me. I feel overwhelmingly happy by something so simple. In high spirits, I walked over to Nanami's tent which was quite a way off from the rest of us. I made sure that I didn't disturb her as I called before I entered. On her permission, I entered.
" Here's your pancakes, Tokinawa-sama. I hope you enjoy your meal."
" Thanks." As I was about to leave I was stopped by her voice. " Hazel, something seems different about you."
From a moment, I was astonish and I turned around. " How am I different?"
Nanami didn't look directly at me as she started to mess around with the flowers in the vase. " You know they say when a girl is in love there is something different about them. By any chance, do you like any of the host club?"
Being caught off guard wasn't good, especially with Nanami. I thought about my answer before I spoke, " Everyone likes the host club. They're all very charismatic after all."
She didn't look satisfied by my answer at all." Yes, but you seem to be interested in them more than that."
" They have helped me often so I can't help being grateful to them. I still haven't repaid them for their kindness yet."
"You seem really interested in the Hitachiin twins, don't you?"
Slowly, she seemed to be breaking down my defenses. " I... Well.."
She wasn't finished as she cut me off, " Remember this well Hazel. No matter how much you like them you can't be with them. They aren't just there for you but all the women in Ouran Academy. One day, they will be married through arranged marriages, unable to choose who they will end up with. Someone like you, a commoner, a servant, can never end up with someone of our social standing."
Under the palm of her hand, she crushed one of the flowers and allowed its petals to slowly fall to the ground.
"Not only will you be looked down on, you will be outcasted. You better keep away from them after this trip, there's no way of knowing what other girls are capable of especially when you are near the hosts. The host club is not just you, but for everyone."
After her stern talk, she turned around with a small smile on her face. " I was only warning you for your own benefit. I care about my servants. You may leave now."
Taken back, I only respond with a nod. As soon as I exited the tent, I ran away. Why did she have to remind me of the harsh truth? Once I made it back, I felt the hosts stare at me.
" You have to eat before they get cold." Haruhi said as she was about to hand me the plate.
" You know what I'm not hungry anymore. I'm just really tired after all that cooking and preparing the tents. I'm just going to sit in my tent for a while. Someone else can finish them if they want." I brush past her with a bright smile. As soon as I was inside, I felt exhausted. Who knew keeping up appearances could be so tiring?
" You have to eat you know. We can't have our cook stave, can we?" His familiar, gentle voice spoke which brought me close to revealing my true feelings. Kaoru handed me the plate. I forced myself to smile as I took the plate. The taste was sickly sweet. I almost didn't want to eat it, but I knew how hungry I was.
" Don't force yourself to smile. You are allowed to show your emotions in front of us." He can always read me like a book. But Kaoru, what you don't know is that I can't easily show my love for you now, can I?
" It's nothing bad. I just was told off by Nanami that's all. Nothing major."
" Well, if you're sure. I can't force it out of you but we're all here if you need to talk." Encouragingly, he smiled his sweet, mature smile as he ruffled my hair before exiting the tent. His words stung as I know I can't reveal anything. Would it be easier if I kept my distance? But I can't avoid so easily when we are stuck on this trip for a few days. I leave the shelter that is my tent to be stopped by Kyoya.
" What is it?" I asked not trying to sound bitter.
" I guess you don't want to see the photo then. I can easily get rid..." Immediately, I grabbed his arm.
" You're finally showing it?" " Don't sound so shocked. I'm a man of my word." He handed the photo. At the sight of the photo, I started to tremble. From the faint light on the photo, I could tell it was one of the twins. What if it was Kaoru? I can't give myself false hope. There's no way that I can let him know. There's no way Hikaru would be interested in me anyway right? Why does my mind have to be so muddled up by them and the host club?