Chapter 14 - "I think she's a suspect."

Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club.

"Kaoruuuu…"

"Hm?"

Kaoru ambled over towards his brother, who sat at a desk, leaning back in his chair as he stared up at the ceiling, twirling a pencil in one hand. Kaoru peered over his brother's shoulder, letting his chin rest on top, as he stared down at the pad of paper Hikaru had been sketching on.

"Help me…" Hikaru whined, "I'm stuuuuuuck…"

Kaoru chuckled at the sight of his brother, ruffling his hair which earned him a pout. "Try listening to music while you sketch designs," Kaoru advised, "then when you're done, show them to Mom."

Placing his pencil down on the desk, Hikaru sighed as he swivelled around in his chair. Facing his brother who was now sitting on the closest bed, he roughly rubbed his eyes then slowly dragged his hands down his face, earning a few chuckles from the youngest twin. "I think I need a break…" He placed his hands behind his head, stretching back in his seat.

"Well, there's a few things we need to talk about. We can do that now then."

"If it's about Haruhi…"

"No, not directly about her. It's about, eh, the girls… Y'know the names that Kyoya gave us?"

Stretching his arms behind his back, a few cracks were heard before a contented sigh escaped Hikaru's mouth. He ambled towards his bedroom door, resting a hand on the handle as he waited for his brother to follow him. Once Kaoru walked over, a few strides behind his brother as they made their way down the halls, and into the library they had built on down from their room.

Hikaru smiled, running his hand along the few bookcases they had lined against the wall in the small room. Books weren't really his thing, but Kaoru quite fancied reading from time to time but before Haruhi's memory loss, she would be forced to come over and spend time with them, often finding sanctuary in the small library of theirs. Another reason that Hikaru had came here, was to talk quietly with his brother, seeing that the twin maids of their were always around the corner, always watching. They knew not to come in here, as it was a private room.

Hikaru, already seated on one of the few arm chairs, faced his brother with his head in his hand. Kaoru walked over, taking a seat in silence as he leaned back, appreciating the soft feel of the armchair against his back.

"So…" The elder twin started, unsure on how to continue. "What does the Gato girl tell you?"

Kaoru relaxed back in his seat, his face serious as he thought about the small blonde. In his own opinion, the girl seemed not even capable of even hurting a fly - she was just too kind. Kaoru had even spoken to the girl, seeing as they're classmates and all, but the girl showed no hatred towards Haruhi when he asked about the said girl. She just smiled and said Haruhi was a great classmate, kind and considerate and super smart. Kaoru was certain that Kazumi wasn't the culprit. "I don't think it's her. Kazumi's just too nice of a person to do anything mean to Haruhi."

Hikaru, intrigued by this response, lifted up an eyebrow. "How do you mean?"

"Well, you know the horrible girls in our class? The group of three that are always seen together and practically inseperable? Well a girl in a few classes down was being teased about her face or something, and Kazumi stepped in and all."

"But she could still be able to do it."

Kaoru shook his head. "You know how Kazumi is. She thinks of everyone else before herself. She just couldn't bring herself to harm anyone."

Hikaru slowly nodded, agreeing to what Kaoru said. Besides, they were all classmates and Hikaru knew the girl. They weren't great friends, but the twins were very observant. As Kaoru said, Kazumi was too nice of a person to harm anyone.

"What about Aya?" Kaoru questioned, shifting slightly so he could sit more comfortably. Hikaru hummed as he knitted his brows together, unsure of how to answer. There was something about the Kimura girl. He couldn't place his finger on it, but there was something definitely off about her. It could be the fact that she always tries to hide her deep, dark brown eyes behind her massive glasses. Hikaru frowned, thinking about the girl's face. She was pretty, and she shouldn't hide her eyes. They were beautiful. They shone, leaving you speechless when the light hit them correctly, and they always had a gentle express-

"Hikaru?"

Hikaru shook his head, trying to get rid of the thoughts that filled his mind. What exactly was he thinking about? Aya? Aya was just a classmate, nothing more nothing less. An interesting classmate, so to speak.

"What?"

"You've sat there with a goofy look on your face for a minute or two now."

Hikaru puffed out his cheeks, staring at the corner of the small room than at the face of his brother. Kaoru grinned at him, beckoning him to tell him what was on his mind but in response Hikaru just puffed out his cheeks more, a light pink barely dusting his cheeks.

"Aw, c'mon!" Kaoru prodded, "Tell me what's on your mind."

The elder twin stuck his tongue out, shaking his head. "I was just thinking about Aya. Is it just me or is something off about her? She's always been a bit quiet and interesting, but recently if feels like she's hiding something. I know she's hiding something."

"Could be that she likes you." Kaoru winked, but his face was soon greeted with that of a small cushion that Hikaru was previously sitting on. "Okay, okay. Sheesh." Kaoru muttered, rolling his eyes and placing the thrown cushion behind his back.

"I think she's a suspect." Hikaru's gut instinct was telling him that she was a part of it, but a part of Hikaru's mind was screaming at him, telling him that he was wrong. But he ignored his mind, because he knew in situations like these, you should trust what your gut instinct was telling you.

"Kazumi is out of the picture, but we'll ask Kyoya to keep an eye on Aya or something." Hikaru said, slowly rising to his feet and heading to the door, as the clock in the library chimed midnight.

"But I still think she's hiding the fact that she likes you. You can so see it in her face every time she looks-"

"Shaddup!"

Kyoya stretched back in his seat, placing his phone on the desk beside his laptop. He had just received a text message from Hikaru, informing him that Kazumi Gato was out of the picture. Kyoya had assumed that she was, as he was reading about her on his laptop moments prior. But the dark-haired teen couldn't help thinking about what Hikaru had also typed. It said that he felt something was off about Aya Kimura and that she was a possible suspect. He had also had received a message from Mori, stating that the elder Kimura sister was a little 'off', but Mori couldn't place a finger on what he deemed to be wrong about the girl.

This had to be done. It was for Haruhi's sake. Kyoya didn't want to see her hurt. She was indeed a dear friend to all. So doing what the shadow king does best, he unlocked his laptop screen and started investigating the Kimura family. He opened up one of his many bookmarks, labelled Family Records and skimmed through the five names he had listed, the corners of his mouth tugging up when he came across Kimura.

X

Kimura Family Records.

Moderately well-known family in the fashion industry. A small business compared to that of the Hitachiin's or Suzomoto's, etc.

Kimura family consists of Robert Kimura - a novelist, Yukino Kimura - the head of Kimura Fashions, Izumi and Aya Kimura.

Robert Kimura - A quiet, passionate man. Cares deeply for his family. Not much has been said about the man - currently travelling the world for inspiration for a new novel. He took on his wife's maiden name, dropping 'Kikuchi'. Currently has two younger brother, as one died earlier this year, and an elder sister. Usually seen well dressed, full head of black hair and wears a pair of thick glasses.

Yukino Kimura - A properly brought up woman, usually seen wearing a plain kimono of sorts. Deemed kind and motherly by others, manages work with a smile. Loves her family greatly. The Kimura family is full of blondes, her husband being the only exception. Her parents died when she just left university so she is the head of the Kimura family. Has two younger sisters, each manager of their own boutique, owned by Yukino.

Izumi Kimura - She tends to Ouran Academy and is in class 3-A, classmates of Mitsukini Haninozuka and Takashi Morinozuka. Hard-working student who is always serious about her work. Is fond of books, like her father, and is in the Student Council.

Aya Kimura - She tends to Ouran Academy and is in class 1-A, classmates of Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin and Haruhi Fujioka. Quiet and hard-working. Is very fond of fashion.

Not much has been said about the Kimura family, and not many know what lies between the closed doors of the Kimura household. What has been reported above was taken from various interviews the Kimura family have been involved in.

X

The dark haired teen read and re-read the short passage that was inches away from his face. As he read it, for what seemed to be the fourth time, his wandering eyes stopped on the name Kikuchi. As he tapped his mouse slowly, exiting the Kimura family records and with his homepage staring at him in the face, he decided to type in Kikuchi into the search bar.

The first thing that had popped up, was a report on what appeared to be a man named Takao Kikuchi.

Kyoya clicked on the name, a document popping up across his screen. Kyoya skimmed through the report, eyes wide as he came across a name he knew all to well - Haruhi Fujioka.

This was about the man who hit Haruhi, who caused her memory loss. But this man had died, crashing his car into an electrical pole. Takao Kikuchi was Robert Kimura's brother… Takao was Aya's and Izumi's uncle… Were the Kimura sisters still grieving over the loss of their uncle? Did they feel that Haruhi was responsible? Haruhi had done nothing, but maybe they didn't see it that way. Kyoya felt like this was the reason strange happenings were occurring to Haruhi.

Picking his phone up, he scrolled the contacts he had, feeling the need to tell at least one of the hosts. But who? If he told Tamaki, he'd cause such a ruckus. Same goes for Hikaru and Honey… Haruhi was definitely not an option… There was Kaoru and Mori left… Kaoru would possibly end up telling Hikaru, causing an even greater problem to unfold. So that left Mori. But before he sent a message to his friend, he shut down his laptop, swivelling around in his chair and faced his bed.

Kyoya typed a message to the tallest host, informing him on what he had just discovered. It wasn't long until his phone quietly beeped, indicating that Mori had replied. Reading through Mori's quick reply, Kyoya frowned. It wasn't that he didn't agree with what Mori had said, it was just the idea of doing so. Knowing who the culprits were, especially that they were in the same classes as four of them, was just an oncoming headache for the teen as he thought about it. But it had to be done, but...it would be done tomorrow.

Yes, tomorrow. Most likely after Host Club. He had to make sure Haruhi didn't stick around afterwards, so maybe he should call in Natsumi? The two were close as two peas in a pod, and Natsumi, as bad as Kyoya and the others, all wanted Haruhi out of harm's away. Unlocking his phone yet again, he typed a quick message to Natsumi asking if she had any plans after school. Seeing as it just past midnight, the dark-haired teen wasn't sure if he would get an answer. Pushing his worries to the back of his mind, he offered a small smile when he heard his phone quietly beep.

~ Aww, is Specs finally asking me out on a little date? Hehe.

- No, I'm not. And please, refrain yourself from calling me Specs. Wouldn't my name suffice?

~ What about Kyo? Can I call you that instead? And no, I'm free tomorrow. Why do you ask?

- Kyo is much more suitable than 'Specs', so please call me Kyo then. I wanted to know as the hosts and myself are going to stay behind school tomorrow to discuss about the people targeting Haruhi. There's a big chance that Haruhi will stay behind tomorrow to study and I need her out of the school.

~ People? Then there's more than I thought. Do you know who they are?

- I have my suspicions but I will find out in due time. Now, would Haruhi be able to stay with you for awhile? Would you be able to hang out with her for the evening? The others and myself just need to discuss a few things.

~ Sure, sure. She can come round to mine. I think Haruhi will like that. So, yeah. I'll ask her tomorrow and if she declines, I'll just kidnap her! :D

- Dear lord, Tamaki is rubbing off on you. I'm worried about that.

~ Don't speak bad about Tamaki. I know you love him really. And we've been friends for what, ten years now? What would you expect? And you sir, have rubbed off on me too, so don't you be complaining. And hey, going back to topic… Soon Haruhi will figure out what you're doing, you know. She's sharp.

- Ten years too long that is. I better have rubbed off on you. If there were two Tamaki's running amuck, I don't know what I would do. Yes, I know that. But I hope to get a plan devised before she does. Now, I must leave Natsumi. It was good messaging you, so I'll see you tomorrow. Goodbye and goodnight.

~ By 'leaving' you mean, staying up for a few more hours on your laptop, right? Don't overwork yourself, Kyoya. Even the great Shadow King needs to rest sometime too, you know. Anyway, I have to go too. See you tomorrow!

With a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, Kyoya heaved himself up from his comfy chair and ambled over towards his wardrobe, quickly stripping his clothes and throwing on a pair of navy blue pyjama bottoms and a white tee. He wouldn't work on his laptop anymore for the night, as he was tired. The last few nights have taken its toll on the teen, and he was simply too exhausted to do any more. So, he crawled into his bed, placing his glasses on the bedside table beside him and snuggled further down into the covers.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow he would tell the others who he strongly believed the culprits were. Hopefully by the end of this week, as today was Monday, or Tuesday as it was already past midnight, this event will come to a stop.

And with that thought in his mind, Kyoya rolled over onto his side. Staring at the wall near his face, his eyes closed slowly and soon he succumbed to the gentle embrace of sleep, with tomorrow in his mind.

This chapter has been edited, and reposted.