A.N/ Hi! I have been away for too long! I have finished most of my exams luckily! Thank you for your patience! Exams will be over next week so I shouldn't be losing too much writing time. Thank you to Chibisensei110787 and ChocolateChipsandBluebirds for your awesome reviews! They cheer me up when I am having writer's block! To ChocolateChipsandBluebirdsthis story will be completed one day but I still have a lot planned so it will be going on a good while! Mystery kisser will be revealed next chapter! Enough from me, please enjoy this very long chapter!
Chapter 15
Even at the announcement of the game's beginning, no one dared budged to make the first move. The first move is always the most crucial. What ever happens, we have to be prepared for the unexpected. However, our team doesn't seem that way.
Despite, the fact that Honey and Tamaki are keeping an eye on the enemy, waiting for them to make a move, I know Haruhi's team won't make the first move. Especially with Kyoya on their team. He is definitely a strategist. Since he is the Shadow king, he's bound to have something sinister up his sleeve.
" So are we going to make the first move?" Asked Hikaru.
" We don't have a choice. Knowing Kyoya-senpai, he is most likely to keep defensive and let us take the offense." I explained.
" So we are we going to do? Storm in with the water guns?" Hikaru grinned as he readied the pistol for action.
" Get the cake!" Honey exclaimed.
" What?" Me, Hikaru and Tamaki asked simultaneously.
" Senpai, we'll make sure you get cake later." I tried to encourage the blond boy but he completely ignored me as he looked on in awe.
" CAKE!" He shouted and he prepared to run but Hikaru quickly grabbed Honey. With great difficulty, Hikaru was managing well to hold him back and Tamaki started to help Hikaru.
" Honey-senpai, you have to remain strong! If we win, you can have all the cake you want!" Tamaki said in an attempt to console the cake lover.
Swiftly, I look where Honey's sights are set and on the other side of the border is a very suspiciously placed, rich chocolate cake. How did they managed to get a cake so fast?
No matter how much we tried to talk to Honey, his gaze was fixated on the sweet snack. But it was the final straw, as the boy's constant running had finally loosened Hikaru and Tamaki's grip on him. Breaking out in to a mad dash for the cake, Honey had left the safety of our side.
Immediately after, Tamaki ran after Honey trying to keep up but Honey had already reached to cake! Me and Hikaru were left behind to stare at the scene in wonder. Honey beamed at the dessert and almost looked like he was in heaven after that all important first bite. However, a silhouette loomed over the small boy. After spotting the shadow, Honey was no longer paying attention to the cake. Innocently, he looked up to spot Mori-senpai.
" Honey-senpai run!" Shouted Tamaki. Once the host club king got closer, obviously, he didn't realise that he was about to trigger a trap. As he was about to leap forward towards Honey, the bewildered host was lifted in the air and remained there as he was captured in a net.
We were barely five minutes into the game and two of our teammates had already been captured. Cheers came from the other side in triumph at the success of their plan.
" Hey! That isn't fair!" Bellowed Hikaru at the other team.
" But Hazel did say yesterday that I could use traps and toy with people." Kyoya said with a slight sadistic smirk.
That remark earned the shadow king a pair of glares. Why did I have to say that yesterday? I guess it's partly my fault the situation is like this. Then Hikaru turned his glare on me and I started to awkwardly laugh it off.
" You really got us in trouble didn't you?" He huffed.
" Well, I didn't know he was going to put out cakes and nets! I thought it would be less... extreme!"
" But this is Kyoya-senpai we are talking about. Of course he'll have something planned we won't know about!"
" I get it! I underestimated the Shadow king when I wasn't supposed to! Now, we have to stop arguing and figure out what to do!"
Sharply, Hikaru sighed. " I knew Honey-senpai was going to be hard to hold back but did the boss really have to go after him?"
" No not really."
" So now what do we do? We're down two members."
" We have no choice but to get them back. We have to run the risk of both of us going over to the other side. But we have one thing they shouldn't have."
Instantly, I smiled as I held up the water pistol in my hand. At the same time, Hikaru copied the same smirk as we both had the same intentions in mind.
" Let's get ready to strike!" I declared.
"GO!" Both of us shouted.
Suddenly, we sprung into action, running forth with all our might. Instantly, we were spotted by the other team.
" The others are running over!" Haruhi shouted.
To intercept us, Kaoru and Mori ran towards us. Simultaneously me and Hikaru were prepared to fire. As soon as we fired the bursts if water, it was only then did they realise that we were armed. Mori subtly dodged the first fires from the pistols however Hikaru was well prepare. When he fired the next shot, he mildly surprised Mori, who looked slightly dazed. Not wanting to get wet, Kaoru darted behind Mori, using him a shield to prevent any attacks reaching him.
With them distracted, Hikaru and I ran forward. Tamaki looked as if he was brimming with eagerness at the sight of us. While Honey happily finished off the cake slice he had been given. But one thing struck me as odd. Neither Kyoya or Haruhi were nearby. They must be guarding the flag or setting up more traps.
The moment when Tamaki and Honey had been tagged we all started the desperate dash to the other side. I take off in the lead. Reluctantly, I glance over my shoulder. My eyes widened at the sight of Mori and Kaoru closing the distance between us at a fast pace.
" Boss hurry up already! They're gaining on us!" Hikaru shouted.
" Yeah! Hurry Tama-chan!" Honey joined in.
Mori was almost as swift as a ninja at the rate he was running at. Unexpectedly, a loud thud could be heard behind me. Yet again, I glance to see Tamaki ended up slipping and falling over a wet patch of mud. Instantly, I paused and tried to accurately position the water gun. However, it didn't work as well the second time. Nimbly, Mori dodge and Kaoru was too far away to be aimed at.
" Of all times, you had to be clumsy now!" Hikaru scolded Tamaki.
Taking quick action, Hikaru grabbed Tamaki under his arms and Honey helped by grabbing the fallen host's legs. Shell shocked, I just observed them as they ran past me.
" Don't stop Haz-chan! Takashi's catching up."
After Honey's reminder, I sprint to catch up. The others were already safely over the border. I can make it! I'm nearly there! Before I knew, my weight shifted from underneath me and I started to slide along the slippery surface. Miraculously, I somehow made it safely. To avoid tripping, Mori leaped over my body, right on our side of the border. The odds are in our favour. I smile as I grab hold of his foot.
With a questioning expression, he gazed down at me.
" Caught you, Mori-senpai!" I shouted triumphantly.
For a moment, he looked shocked but then smiled slightly. Kindly, he offered a hand to help me up. I accepted and brushed off any excess dirt. I was greeted by my teammates wholeheartedly, as they celebrated our first capture.
" Well done Haz-chan!"
" It was a fortunate incident. Did you enjoy your cake, Honey-senpai?"
" It was banana flavoured and tasty!"
I smile at him. A thump on the back nearly knocked the wind out of me. I glance to see Hikaru stood next to me. Much to my own surprise, he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. He grinned at me a winning smile. I wasn't just surprised by his arm wrapped around me, but that carefree smile that anyone would rarely see.
" Are you alright? You took a hard fall earlier." Tamaki asked.
" I could say the same to you!"
" You know what they say like father, like daughter!" He exclaimed as he went to hug me, pushing Hikaru away slightly.
" I think you have that saying wrong."
But the happy blond ignored me. I tried to pry him off me, but I had very little success.
" We can't celebrate too early. Remember we have only taken down one person."
" She's right. We can't have any more problem happen, especially with the boss around." Hikaru added.
" What's that supposed to mean?!" Tamaki questioned loudly.
" You aren't the easiest person to 're hardly light. You were lucky that Honey-senpai was there."
Immediately, I interrupt the pair. " Stop arguing! If you haven't noticed, the other team is making a move!"
We all directed our gaze to the border. Haruhi stood at the borderline, not even inching forward to our side. Knowing the other team, it would be another trap. We won't fall for the same trick twice.
As soon as I thought that, the host cub king was about to prove me wrong.
" HARUHI!" He shouted joyfully as he raced over to tag his little girl. However, before any of us could run to stop him, he clutched his daughter in an impenetrable hold. " I've caught my little girl!"
" Um... senpai. I think you'll find that I've caught you." Haruhi spoke in one tone.
Then, Tamaki pulled back a little but still didn't let go of Haruhi as he looked behind him. He noticed that she was right. Tamaki was on the opposite side of the border. He still wore a dumbfounded expression. How could he rush forward like that without thinking?!
" Tamaki-senpai, you idiot!" Bellowed Hikaru.
Once again, Tamaki resumed his place on the other side of the border looking dejected. Just when we thought we had the upper hand, Tamaki had to go and get caught! With the odds level again, we would have to plan out a new strategy. In a circle, the three of us were crouched down -in the dense greenery- with the same serious expressions on our faces.
In one hand I held the water pistol and in the other, I was using a stick to draw the layout of the battlefield.
" I think we shouldn't go after Tamaki-senpai." Hikaru broke the tense silence.
" Why not, Hika-chan? I bet Tama-chan is lonely on the other side." Honey looked innocently.
" I'm afraid he's right. We need to focus on find and grabbing the flag while we have enough people on this side." I explained.
" I think Honey-senpai should use the trees as a cover to get to the other side." Hikaru suggested.
" Is Honey-senpai really good at climbing trees or something?" I asked confused.
" Yeah! I can move really quick!" Honey beamed.
" I think one of us should stay here and guard the flag." I suggested.
" Which one of us should go?" Hikaru wondered.
" I think we should use rock, paper, scissors to decide and whoever loses should stay."
" Really? Well if it works." He shrugged.
With intense stares, we started the game.
" Rock. Paper. Scissors!" We both shout.
Both of our hands made the same shape. Rock. On the next attempt, I should go with paper one of us is bound to mess up.
" Rock. Paper. Scissors!"
Annoyingly, yet again we both made the same sign. With increasing frustration, we tried again. But again, we both choose paper.
" You better stop copying me!" He argued.
" Do you think I'm doing it intentionally?!" I fought back. " Right, this time. We should be different."
" Rock. Paper. Scissors!"
Honey laughed loudly as Hikaru and I groaned. How long will this take?
" I think Hika-chan should stay behind. He should be good at defending. He's got fast reactions." Honey told us.
Hikaru sighed. " Couldn't you have said that sooner?"
Another childlike giggle escaped from the boy as he sprung into action making his way around the trees.
" Come on! Let's get that flag!" He shouted before disappearing.
" I am going to run straight for it. Wish me luck."
Immediately, I jetted forward and quickly ran to the other side. In the distance I saw a sharp gleam. If I am right, that should be Kyoya-senpai's glasses. He should have the flag near him. To the left, Haruhi was standing guard of Tamaki. The question was where is Kaoru?
A voice nearby said, " Looking for me?"
A few feet behind me, stood the very person I was thinking about. Instantly, I flinched and took off away from me. If I don't run I will most likely be cornered.
" Tag! Let's go Tama-chan!" Honey declared which caused Kaoru and the others to stare at the boy in wonder. Wow, he definitely moves fast. The trees weren't a bad idea after all. It was the element of surprise! I felt more relived and took off into the greenery while they were distracted. My heart thumped quickly in excitement. This is definitely the most intense game of capture the flag I had ever played!
Luckily, a red spot could be seen from the corner of my eye. That must be the flag. I need to act quickly. The last thing I want is to be caught now. Carefully, I scaled up into the tree's branches and fumbled as I tried to untie the knot.
" Now I believe that is our flag. It would be nice if you handed it back." The voice of the shadow king called out to me.
Where is he? After looking around, he spot that he was directly beneath me.
" The object of the game is to capture the flag and that is what I'm doing."
" You currently have no way of getting down so I suggest you give up now."
" I won't give up now. Especially when I am so close to stopping you from working the holiday away."
A demonic aura surrounded the charcoal haired boy. I may have pushed him a little too far.
" It's inevitable. You will surrender that flag."
The branch doesn't look to far from the ground, maybe...
" Think again, Kyoya-senpai." I grin and I leap out of the tree, jumping as far as I could. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my arm as it hits the tree on the way down.
Due to the shadow king's shock, I ran seizing the opportunity to run away.
" Kaoru! Get Hazel! She has the flag!" Kyoya shouted as he tried to catch up.
" Hey, Haz-chan pass it here!" Honey called out.
Quickly, he ran up to meet me with Haruhi behind him. We were nearly there and just as I was running along side Honey, I tried to hand him the flag but... Suddenly, a weight rammed onto my back, knocking me towards the ground. I glance up to see Honey running away. Fortunately in his hand was the flag we were desperate to keep. Haruhi had no chance of catching up as Honey had just stepped over the border.
" Everyone, I got the flag. Now I can have more cake with Usa-chan and everyone! We can have strawberry, chocolate, banana, vanilla..." He trailed off, listing more cake flavours.
" Honey's team are the winners!" Announced Nanami from the sidelines.
Weakly, I cheered. I wonder who tackled me but the person doesn't seem to be moving. I couldn't even glance over my shoulder. A soft groan could be hear behind me. Finally, I felt a whole lot lighter as the person shifted to the side. Awkwardly I turn onto my side. The auburn haired twin stretched.
" So that was quite the impact wasn't it? Was it really necessary to tackle me?" I asked.
" Desperate times call for desperate measures. Come on let me help you up." He offered.
" Thank you." I murmured quietly.
Hesitantly, I took his hand as I tried to compose myself to stop revealing any feelings I have for him. If Nanami saw anything going on between me and Kaoru, it would mean trouble. Especially since she told me to stay away from them after the break is over. We wandered over to a expressionless Kyoya, who was most likely plotting his revenge, and a very happy cake lover.
" I was wondering but where's Tamaki-senpai?" Questioned Haruhi.
" I haven't seen Tama-chan since I landed on him." Honey said innocently.
" You landed on him!" She cried out in surprise.
" He should have got up. I didn't land on him very hard."
Quickly, we all ran to survey the area where Tamaki was last seen. There was a soft groan near the brushes. We all look through the gaps between the leaves to see the blond lying on the ground, struggling to get up.
" Senpai, are you ok?" Haruhi asked in a concerned tone.
Putting up a brave front, Tamaki attempted to stand up.
" Don't worry, I'll be jus-" However it was clear that he was far from alright as the pain he was under was clear as the expression on his face.
" You look far from it." The twins commented.
" He clearly can't walk. So who's carrying him back to camp?" Nanami asked.
" Well, we're not carrying him." They replied.
" Besides I've already carried him once." Hikaru said.
" Mori-senpai is carrying Honey-senpai so he can't." Haruhi said.
" Haruhi, Nanami and Hazel can't all carry him. We're far away so it would be too far. So that means..." Kaoru concluded.
At that moment, a very disapproving look was shot in our direction by Kyoya.
Then he sighed, " I guess that I have no choice in the matter."
" Mommy's going to help Daddy! Yay Kyoya!"
" You owe me, dear."
Tamaki was lifted onto Kyoya's back and he pointed forward saying, " Let's go!"
After collecting the other flag and other items we head back to the campsite. Once we had settled down, Kyoya inspected the extent of Tamaki's injury.
" Well, it could possibly be a sprain so that means you shouldn't do any more physical activity for the next 48-72 hours."
" So I can't play kick the can?" Tamaki spoke in a disappointed tone. Kyoya shook his head as he started to treat the wound.
" Don't worry, senpai. We can always play at school." Haruhi tried to console him and he looked up to Haruhi with tears in the corner of his eyes.
" Haruhi." He whined.
The twins then sneaked up to Kyoya and standing on both sides." Hey Kyoya-senpai."
" When are you..." Started Hikaru.
Then, Kaoru finished," Handing over your notebooks?"
" I will hand them over, just not to the two of you. Who knows what you will do with those notes if you got them?" He replied. Then the twins shared an identical smirk which would make anyone feel uncomfortable. The twins dropped the topic and went off in search for something to keep them entertained.
After Kyoya was done attending to Tamaki, much to my surprise he willingly surrendered several of his notebooks. Just as I was about to take them off his hand, he lifted them up out of my reach.
" No matter what the circumstances, do not allow the anyone to see these notes, especially the twins or Tamaki." He instructed. When he lifted them down to my level, I attempted to grab them again but he yanked them away again. " If you let anyone see these, your personal secrets will be revealed. I know everything about your family's history and even secrets you don't want to share. Especially about a certain auburn twin. " His face seemed to darken so he told me.
" Don't worry. You have my word. No one will get this notebook especially the twins and Tamaki."
Kyoya smirked and willingly handed over the notebooks. He wandered off and proceeded towards his tent, to get away from the noisiness of the camp as Tamaki was making a ruckus over the twins. I took the opportunity to sneak away to hide the notebook inside my tent. The twins shouldn't even considered going through my bag now that would be and invasion of privacy.
Next, I get out the supplies for the meal. Everyone was bound to be hungry since we did so much exercise. At first I struggle to get out of the tent considering how my hands were full. Once I walked out, I was shocked to see that Nanami had to decided to stay with us for so long. I thought she would prefer the quiet and tranquility of her own tent instead of listening the hosts' antics. She and Haruhi were gathered near the fire to start cooking.
" You guys lit the fire." I said shocked.
" I did offer to help this morning and since the losing team needs to help out I thought I could start by helping you cook. Nanami has helped out by lighting the fire. I was amazed we managed to do it from scratch. " Haruhi smiled kindly.
" I did things like this on a survival course." Nanami announced proudly.
" Thank you and it's great you were able to do that but if you had waited, it might have been easier to light it with matches. I have a pack with me."
" Oh." They both said.
" It doesn't matter you helped and that's all that counts. I didn't even manage to gather sticks yet so did you collect them?" I wondered.
" No. Mori-senpai is did and he's gone getting some more." Haruhi informed me.
I didn't expect such a immediate response to the wager. Even Kyoya was cooperative. Who would have thought he would surrender the books so easily? Right on cue, Mori walked with several sticks in his hands and Honey skipped beside him, carefree. Once he stop, he set the sticks down gently in a pile.
Happily, I said, " Thank you, Mori-senpai."
He responded with a tender smile. Haruhi took some of the things off my hands and set the pan down.
Then she asked, " What am I going to be cooking?"
" Rice and beans. It isn't exciting but it's about time everyone had a decent meal."
She nodded and proceeded by pouring the oil, running it around the pan. There was clear confidence in her cooking ability. Her movements were strong and not one of them was careless. She never asked for help and the concentration was visible as her eyes were fixed on the dancing flames and the sizzling rice in the pan.
" Hazel do you have another pan for the beans?" She spoke.
" Oh! Let me go and get one!"
I dash towards the tent. Trust me to be forgetful! However, I heard a couple of voices whispering and fighting nearby. Slowly, I paced to my tent and peek through the gap. I knew it. The pair of auburn haired individuals were currently sat inside. There was no doubt in my mind as to what they were doing inside there. They wanted those notebooks. I burst which caused the twins to turn around to see who had appeared. Instantly, I snatched the book out of Hikaru's hand and close it firmly.
Angrily, I shouted, " What on earth do you think you are doing going through my possessions to find the notebooks?!"
" We didn't look through anything they were lying around out of your bag." Hikaru stated in a matter of fact tone.
My temper flared. " Even if it was easy to see, what gives you the right to go into someone's tent uninvited and start looking through other people's possessions?!"
" We were just curious. What's wrong with that?" Hikaru voice had a sharp edge to it. It was easy to tell he was starting to get frustrated.
" Both of you need to calm down, before things get out of hand." Kaoru cut through the argument and placed a hand on Hikaru's shoulder.
" Ask people beforehand and they might let you know. It's unfair to do things without persmission." I sighed in order to try and calm down. " What do you want his notebook for anyway?" I wondered.
"Haven't you always wondered what secrets Kyoya-senpai stores in his book?" Hikaru said. " We found out the price of all the snacks Honey-senpai has."
Before I could stop him, he snatched the book and flicked through the pages stopping on the wanted page. He placed it back in my hand pointing to the total sum. Instantly, my jaw dropped. How many zeros?! I knew he ate a lot but this... This is unbelievable! I have to admit that Kyoya's writing is the fanciest I have ever seen! If he wasn't in the host club they would dissolve due to bankruptcy! Once I look up, the shock wore off as the twins took possession of yet another but this time it was something more personal. As soon as I saw my image on the bag.
" Don't look!" I shouted. Immediately, I went into action and snatched the book. The picture wasn't the thing that bothered me. It's what Kyoya said earlier. If he wrote down that I like Kaoru, then that will cause a whole heap of trouble.
" What's wrong? We only want to know more about you." Kaoru said.
" I'd rather you ask me personally than resort to other methods. Everyone has things that they don't want to share."
A part of me was worried he had decided to write something personal about me or some of the other members of the club that they don't want anyone to know about. Then again, it makes me wonder what he writes inside it all the time.
" Oh, are you afraid Kyoya-senpai has a secret you don't want anyone to know about?" Hikaru responded.
My eyes widen but before I could mask my expression, Hikaru noticed and grinned in a cunning way.
" So I was right." He seemed astonished at first then he smirked. " Come on what's wrong that got you so riled up?"
The pressure I was under cause me to crack and I screamed at them, " Why do I have to reveal things when it's you two who aren't completely honest?!"
Once I said that there was no going back. In front of me, both of them shared the same stunned expression. Panic rose through me. An uneasiness started to form in the pit of my stomach. I clapped my hands over my mouth, once I realised I was thinking about the kiss in the dark. My face turned scarlet as the heat rose from embarrassment.
" What do you mean?" Kaoru spoke quietly and his eyes looked at me in concern.
" I-I... It's just... Forget it." I couldn't make eye-contact with either of them and fumbled around looking for the pan I originally came for. As soon as I had hold of the item, I held the notebooks close. I turned to hide my face and just as I was about to go a hand grasped my wrist.
" Hazel..." Kaoru whispered.
In a pitiful attempt to ease the situation, I laughed. It was so false I didn't almost recognise it as my own. " Just forget it. Don't be so concerned! I was being silly. I better get going dinner needs to be cooked."
To his surprise, I turn at him with a wide grin and he loosen his grip and I pulled back to make my escape. As soon as I exited the tent, my grin fell and I opted to use a light smile to get by.
" What took you so long? The rice is nearly done!" Nanami said in a bitter tone.
" Sorry, Tokinawa-sama. The pan wasn't where I thought it was. Here you go." I held it out to Haruhi, who thanked me politely. Then I chose to keep Tamaki company as the blond was still unable to move from his position.
" Ah Hazel! Have you come to see how Daddy's doing?" He greeted positively.
" Yeah. I bet it must have hurt when Honey landed on you." I said keeping my voice steady.
" It was definitely surprising! But we won!" The host club king replied optimistically. Then he look slightly surprise as he looked at my hands. " So Kyoya actually handed over his notebooks." He said with amusement in his voice.
" I know! I'm still shocked myself that he cooperated straight away!" I commented.
" Kyoya is full of surprises! He's always had one since we first met!" Tamaki talked fondly, reminiscing about his time with Kyoya.
" How did you and Kyoya first meet?" I asked curiously. " Wait, you don't have to say anything!"
" I don't mind. It started in middle school when I transferred from France..."
" France? So you're originally French?" I interrupted.
" I'm actually half French, half Japanese." He informed me.
In awe, I widen my eyes. " That's amazing! So you're from the country of romance!"
" Of course! France is a wonderful place. I grew up there until middle school." A nostalgic smile appeared on his face.
" I've always wanted to go. It looks amazing! Traveling is an ambition of mine. I do hope I can go France one day and Italy as well! Sorry I interrupted again! "
He chuckled and told me, " It doesn't matter! Anyway I met Kyoya for the first time in class.."
The host continued to talk fondly of his best friend. It was honestly fascinating how such opposite people became such good friends. We continued the conversion until the meal was ready. Gratefully, I accept the meal as my stomach growl as soon as I spotted the food. Even when the twins reappeared, I stayed close to Tamaki, not wanting to interact with them after earlier. Often Kyoya sent me a look which suggested he knew something had gone on earlier. After I had eaten, I stood up, holding the notebooks tightly and started to walk towards my tent.
" If you don't mind I'm going to sleep I'm exhausted." I told them.
" We'll be fine. Go and get some rest." Haruhi assured me.
" Thank you. See you tomorrow." I said as I retired to the tent.
As soon as I was changed, I climbed in the sleeping bag, waiting for sleep to consume me. But once it did, it didn't last long. I forced my eyes open as I could drift off again. I was disappointed as it was clearly dark and Haruhi was next to me, with her chest rising and falling slowly. Feeling frustrated that I was awake, I decide to get out and go for a walk. Once my shoes had been slipped on, I stand, stretching.
However, I pause as I realised that the night wasn't entirely pitch dark. A slow glow and a sharp crackle from a fire showed that someone was awake. My vision was slightly fuzzy but I could make out who it was. Kaoru was sat alone on a log, admiring the dancing embers as he poked the fire with a stick before throwing it in. The fire glow made his hair look a fiery orange which looked attractive along with his pale skin which had been illuminated by the fire's light. The way the fire seemed to reflect in his eyes made the amber orbs look warm, however there was a slightly lonely look in his eyes. His smile seemed bitter, almost regretful.
What am I doing admiring him?! I better go back in the tent! I shouldn't face him yet. Just as I was about to sling back in the shadows, his gaze left the flames and surveyed the area. Cautiously, he stood up.
Then he called out, at a decent volume as he trying not to wake the others, " I know someone's there. Who is it?"
Since I don't have much choice, I decide to face him and walk out into the light.
" Hazel." At first he was surprised but he smiled lightly in a welcome way. " Come on, sit down."
I nodded and he gestured for me to sit next to him. It seemed rude not to take his offer so I perched on the edge the log as he sat back down. Both of our eyes were focused on the flames. It seemed mutual that neither of us quite knew what to do in the situation.
" It's good to see that your hair isn't messy at the moment." He joked trying to break the silence.
" Just wait until the morning. You'll see." I replied but the conversation soon fell flat and we were back to square one.
" So about earlier..." We both said. Shocked, we both looked at each other.
" You first." Yet again, we both spoke.
" No you-" We both frowned at the routine which seemed to be continuing. Then I couldn't help but laugh and Kaoru joined in.
" This sounds like one of those stupid moments when people were trying to make up." I choked out.
" Yeah. Listen, I'm sorry what happened earlier. Me and Hikaru took it a bit too far this time. We didn't intend for you to get so frustrated." Kaoru said and he genuinely looked regretful.
I smiled and then I ambushed him by using my hands to mess up his hair. His hands touched mine trying to take them off.
" Hey! What was that for?" He asked puzzled.
" It's payback for laughing at my hair this morning and we're even. I don't worry I forgave you both a while ago. I just didn't know how to face you. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have snapped. But I stand by what I said. I'd rather you asked me if you want to know someone about me rather than look through Kyoya-senpai's notes." I confessed.
He smiled happily and spoke quietly, " I guess we're even."
His gaze went back to the fire and we fell into silence. But this time it was more comfortable. I was glad he didn't question me on what I was talk about earlier in the tent.
" You know you don't have to sit on the edge of the log. You're going to fall off if you aren't careful." He said.
I stare at him shock and I shuffle up a little bit with a large gap still between us. However, that didn't please him. Suddenly, something wrapped it's around my waist and I was pulled close towards his head hit his shoulder and there was no distance that separated us. When I realise that Kaoru had pulled me closer I panicked in happiness and in uncertainty. Awkwardly, I tried to get up but he held me tightly. He laughed at my desperate attempt to escape. Then for a moment, I relaxed in his grip to see if he would let his guard down. Unfortunately, he didn't so I gave up. Being so close to him, makes my heart pound quickly. It wasn't often I was this close to him.
" That's better, isn't it?" He chuckled as I didn't respond.
" Stop teasing." I spoke quietly.
His smile widen and he said, " Sit back and look at the sky."
I knew he was trying to change the topic but I still followed his instructions and gasped. I had never seen a sky like this before. Usually, in the city stars were minuscule and it would be a miracle even if you could spot one. Right now was a different story. The vast sky was fill of different mixtures of midnight blues and purples. Among the sapphire coloured sky, clusters of stars rested there, sparkling like diamonds. We were incredibly lucky to see a sky this clear especially after the storm last night. This moment almost seemed miraculous that I could be so close with someone who I secretly adore, seeing this sight right now.
" This is the kind of thing you see in images. It's amazing." I spoke, breath taken by the scene.
" Hazel." Kaoru whispered.
I hummed and turn my gaze back to him. His face was so close to mine. I was so shocked and tried to move. I couldn't move due to his tight grasp. Then the distance between us started to close even further...