Chapter 2:
Sayuri didn't think much more on the subject of the Host Club until the school day had ended and she found that the hallways were mostly deserted, with the odd groups of girls filing around. She considered not showing up, but she had told Umiko that she would come, so Sayuri stood outside her homeroom as she spoke in calm tones into her cell phone.
"Yes, mother. Yes. Her name? Nekozawa Umiko. Well, she said that she wanted to show me a club that many of the girls here are interested in… Of course. Yes, mother. See you at home. Oh… I see. I will. Arigato."
Sayuri had murmured her goodbye just as Umiko approached her with a smile and a wave. Snapping her phone shut she greeted her blonde friend, "My mother said that it would be all right if I attend the club this afternoon. At least this once…"
"Great! Let's go then, its way up in Music Room 3. And it probably already started 15 minutes ago." She fretted and grabbed her blue eyed friend's hand, pulling her along none too harshly up the stairs.
They soon made their way to stand in front of the standard pink double doors and Sayuri asked Umiko in a confused voice, "Are they a type of music club?"
Umiko simply shook her head with a laugh and said, "Watch and be dazzled Nitta-san." With that she pushed the doors open and Sayuri squinted at the brilliant light coming out of the room before rose petals and a pleasant scent washed over her. Blinking a few times, the black haired girl stared at the scene before her. There were at least 40 girls in the unbelievably spacious room, and yet only eight men, made obvious by their blue jackets among the sea of yellow dresses.
A boy with black hair and a clipboard stepped up to them and smiled charmingly, his glasses glinting softly in the light off of the ceiling high windows behind him. "Welcome ladies. Oh, is this the new girl Umiko-san? Sayuri Nitta, correct? I hope you're feeling better after your illness my princess. Please let us at the Host Club help you recover fully. Would you like the Virgin Special? It's a discount on the usual price and you get extra time with the Host of your choosing, a onetime offer though I'm afraid."
Sayuri blinked in surprise that this boy knew her name and then her eyes widened as he mentioned her illness…and even called her princess. Blushing hotly and feeling rather like she had just entered a sauna, Sayuri could hardly believe what this man was saying to her. By the time he started talking about a special; she couldn't hear and was slowly trying to back away to avoid further embarrassment. But before she could escape, Umiko linked her arm in hers and replied enthusiastically, "She'll take it! You won't regret it Nitta-san, trust me!"
Kyoya simply smiled his cool smile and said, "Wonderful. Nitta-san, your card?" he prompted with outstretched hand.
Staring at the hand, but barely coming to her senses, Sayuri asked stupidly, "My ID card?"
"Ah, no your credit card silly!" Umiko told her.
"Oh…" The black haired girl ruffled through her bag to get her wallet before presenting the gold rectangular piece of plastic to Kyoya.
He swiped it and after the transaction was complete and Kanako did the same he bowed and said, "Pleasure doing business with you my dears. Umiko, will you be having your usual with Haruhi?"
"Um, no I think I better stick with Nitta-san. So, who do you want hmmm?"
"P-Pardon me?" Sayuri exclaimed with a blush. What were they doing, buying slaves?
Kyoya smiled patiently at her naiveté before explaining calmly, "Each Host has a certain 'type' that caters to the ladies here. Haruhi is the natural type, there's the Hitachiin twins who are more of the mischievous types, but go for the brotherly love act. Hunny-senpai is the loli shouta, while Mori-senpai is more of the strong silent type, though some say he's wild as he is a member of the Kendo Club as well. We have a new addition, Kasanoda-san who is the dangerous shy type. I myself as the Vice-President am classified as the cool, intellectual type. And last the President of the Host Club and self-proclaimed 'King', Tamaki."
Said 'King' popped up to the side and said with his almost constant smile, "Did I hear mommy calling for me~? Ah, wonderful to see you again Umiko-san! Oh and who's your friend?"
Kyoya straightened his glasses before replying for Umiko, "This is Nitta Sayuri, daughter and heir of the famed Nitta-sama who runs Nitta Multinational Corporation. She is new to Ouran Academy due to an illness preventing her from starting at the beginning of the school year."
Sayuri felt a chill run down her back as she suppressed a shiver at the how coolly Kyoya reviewed her 'resume' of sorts and yet couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, impressed in spite of the creepiness of his knowledge.
"Nitta Corp hm? That sounds familiar…" Tamaki mused thoughtfully.
Sayuri couldn't help but wonder how the heir of the Suoh family didn't even keep track of his family's dealings but murmured helpfully, "Suoh-sama recently made a contract with your hotel branch about incorporating some of our restaurants and teahouses in your facilities. I also believe we have some of Ootori-sama's police force as security." She nodded her head in respect toward Kyoya who nodded back in acknowledgement, regarding her in a more serious light now.
Tamaki was busy with his epiphany though as he slapped his fist against his other hand and smiled, "Ah yes! I remember that. Mmm your tea houses are so nice! Haruhiiii~! We need to go to ooone! We can all go right mommy?" he pleaded with Kyoya, much to the confusion of Sayuri. Really, 'mommy'?
"We'll see." The Dark Lord replied simply before retreating to scribble on his clipboard, leaving Umiko and Sayuri on their own to deal with the over-exuberant President, who quickly turned to them.
"So, Kyoya says that you're new Sayuri-san? I'm overjoyed that you've graced us with your presence here at the Host Club my princess." He bowed and took her hand which he then kissed chastely.
His words and actions only made Sayuri turn into a living chili pepper, with all the redness and hotness. "U-uh-um, S-Suoh-senpai, you don't need to do that thank you…"
He straightened with a surprised look on his charming face and fretted, "But why ever not my princess? I'm only humbly trying to treat you as you properly should be! Perhaps I'm…what's the phrase… 'Coming on too strong' for you?" He questioned with a tilt of his blonde head, worry in his violet blue eyes.
Umiko stepped in for her thankfully and said, "Yes, well she is new to this Tamaki-san. I don't think she even knows what a Host Club is really. How about we go sit at a table, have some tea and help her into things?"
"Excellent idea my lady!" he then steered the two girls towards his private table and Haruhi soon brought a tray full of cakes and tea, smiling gently in greeting to Sayuri, who smiled weakly in response.
Once they were settled, Tamaki began. "Right Sayuri-san. As I'm sure Kyoya already explained all of the many…varying men we have available, I shall tell you our purpose here in the Host Club! The Host Club is where the Academy's handsomest boys with too much time on their hands entertain young ladies who also have way too much time on their hands. Just think of it as Ouran Academy's elegant playground for the super rich and beautiful!"
Sayuri simply blinked at the monologue and then asked tentatively, "Entertain how exactly Suoh-senpai?"
Tamaki flipped his hair casually and glanced to the side, his eyes half-lidded and responded with his usual sultry voice, "Entertain however our princesses see fit."
"Or using whatever scheme I mean event Kyoya has come up with." Haruhi interjected while filling everyone's teacups.
"Haruhiiii, don't ruin my dashing explanations!" Tamaki whined as the brunette simply rolled his eyes and walked away, much to the further dismay of his blonde friend.
The supposedly sultry glance to the side did nothing for Sayuri, but she smiled shyly at the President and brunette boy's banter. Umiko saw this and smiled before announcing, "I'm gonna go help Haruhi!"
Sayuri felt a stab of panic about being left by her first friend, but resorted to her habit of bringing her hand up to her mouth and chewing on her lip in mild nervousness. But then Tamaki took her other hand in his own and she stared wide eyed as he told her, "There's nothing to be worried about my princess. I won't bite~" He winked as he said this before taking her other hand away from her mouth and kissing her knuckles in a most gentlemanly manner. Blushing, Sayuri had to look away before she not-so-spontaneously combusted, only refraining from standing up abruptly because her common sense screamed at her that it would be rude and make a scene, something that would not do for a Nitta.
Simply chuckling, the King stood and drew the raven haired girl up with him as he said, "Why don't I introduce you to the other members of the club? And perhaps then we can get a better feel of your 'type' hehe." Tamaki linked her arm through his as he led her towards the sound of two very similar voices.
"Hahaha Hikaru, I can't believe you missed such an easy shot. I thought you were stronger than that~!" said what everyone assumed to be Kaoru.
The other twin frowned and crossed his arms in mild annoyance and snipped back, "Well I didn't see you making nearly as many goals Kaoru."
Kaoru blinked in realization before saying (not softly enough for their audience not to hear) to his brother, "I'm sorry Hikaru… I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
The older twin smiled wryly before relaxing and turning to face his brother and running the backs of his fingers softly across Kaoru's cheek saying tenderly, "As if I could stay mad at you Kaoru."
Kaoru's cheeks became slightly pink as he placed his hand over Hikaru's and the group of girl's surrounding their table exclaimed in unbelievable fits of squeals and hysterics.
Sayuri's eyebrow simply twitched as her expression seemed to be stuck somewhere between horror, disbelief, and laughter.
"Yes, sometimes it's hard to believe those two devils are so popular, but can't argue with proof sadly." Tamaki shrugged before two arms linked around his neck, pulling him down a little as the twins both said with grins, "Nope, ya can't boss! Hahaha!"
"Get off of me you demon doppelgangers!" The blonde cried, prying himself away. "Don't let their little act fool you Sayuri-san! They're pure evil!"
The twins immediately put on hurt pouty looks and looked up at the curly black haired girl in despair. "How can he say those nasty things about us? Did we do something wrong?"
"Uh…" Sayuri murmured unsurely, still kind of wary of the 'twincest'.
"Come on Sayuri! Let's move on…" Tamaki declared in a huff, dragging the poor girl along with him, leaving behind a slightly miffed pair of Hitachiins.
Next the couple approached something that seemed fairly normal, Umiko and two other girls were sitting around a round table while Haruhi was telling a story while pouring them all tea. Laughing and simply having a pleasant time until the brunette just smiled in the cutest way that it made all of the girls near him squeal and blush much to his amusement and confusion. Sayuri had to admit, Haruhi seemed by far the most effective in 'entertaining' his young ladies. She herself wouldn't mind spending some time with him.
Looking aside at Tamaki, he seemed to have a wistful look in his eyes as he smiled softly at the scene. Staring at him in contemplation she started when he looked back and she quickly looked down. Laughing he simply led her to the next host. The boy was hard to miss with his menacing eyes and flaming red hair. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she couldn't help but feel a little wary of this boy. Until he accidentally spilled some tea one of his client's skirts and blushed and bowed, apologizing profusely as he dabbed at the stain at the same time as said girl simply shook her head and smiled sincerely at him, patting his head in kindness, saying that it was all right. All of the other girls around them cried about how she was so lucky and begged for "Casanova-san" to spill something on them too much to his embarrassment.
"Heh. Kasanoda is new to the Host Club, but he's taking to it well once we got the girls to stop being so afraid of him. He really just wants to make friends." The Club President explained with a kind expression.
Sayuri had to admit he was trying hard, though she wondered about his heritage… But she was taken from her thoughts as she was led away yet again to another group, a little larger than any of the others.
At first the raven haired first year was rather confused. He was the only boy in the area….but why would an elementary school student be in a host club? Weren't there laws against this sort of thing or something?
"Oh Honey-senpai we were so glad you could make it today! I wish I would have brought those cookies I made…"
"Daw, you can bring them next time! I'm sure they're really yummy hehe." Giggled the little blond boy as he took an abnormally large bite of cake while cuddling a well stuffed pink rabbit.
Girls around him squealed with joy and offered him more sweets and even little toys.
Seeing the absolutely horrified and confused expression on Sayuri's face, Tamaki quickly explained, "Honey-senpai actually graduated from the Academy last year but he still visits from Ouran University to help the club every now and then. Along with Mori-senpai of course. Speaking of which… Hey Honey, where is Mori?"
The little blond pouted slightly and replied, "Takashi's class goes later than mine but he said he would meet me here as soon as it was over."
Apparently that was the magical cue as then a rather tall dark male walked up behind the little bo-er University student and gently rested his hand on the blonde's head, saying simply, "Mitsukuni."
"Takashi!" Honey cried out with joy as he launched himself off of the couch and latched his little arms around his friend's neck. Holding him easily, Mori nodded greeting to his little cling-on and then to Tamaki, completely ignoring Sayuri, which annoyed her a little, but she really shouldn't have been surprised. She was just another yellow dress in the sea that was this room.
"Hey Mori, how are classes going?" Tamaki asked cheerfully.
"Good." Was the monosyllable reply of the tall university student.
"Ah, heh. Well I'm glad that you could spare some time out of your studies to come visit the club."
"Of course Tama-chan! Takashi and I miss the Club soo much it's almost unbearable!" The small male cried out in despair while his partner simply gave a nod of his head before standing again to do his usual silent rounds of the room to greet his friends.
Watching his back, Honey's smile flattened as he murmured to Tamaki, "He doesn't let it show much, but Takashi's really lonely without the Host Club."
Blinking in surprise at the glimpse of seriousness from the eldest club member, Sayuri couldn't help but glance at Morinozuka. His expression seemed so soft as he rubbed the head of Fujioka and listened to odd gossip from the twins and Kyoya. Maybe this club wasn't so bad… If it could bring such a feeling to this statue.
Then Sayuri became all too suddenly acutely aware of a presence staring at her to her left. Snapping her head in that direction she was nose to nose with Tamaki who was smirking smugly and asked, "Uh-oh. Which one of us are you falling for my dear~?" He asked coyly.
Blushing and pursing her lips Sayuri breathed in hotly and counted to ten before answering coolly and calmly, "I'm afraid that it will take more than a few simple cute gestures from pretty boys to catch my attention Suoh-senpai."
Said blonde blinked blankly before his smile returned and he bowed lowly, "Of course, princess."
Shaking her head in exasperation, the curly haired girl turned away only to have her eyes catch sight of the clock and more importantly, the time.
Biting her lip in nervousness she turned back to Tamaki who now had Kyoya standing beside him and bowed to them both. "I am sorry, but I must return home now. Thank you so much for your time and patience Suoh-senpai, Ootori-senpai. It was a pleasure and I hope to see you both again. Good afternoon."
Staring in mild surprise Tamaki simply waved and said, "Oh, alright then Sayuri-san. See you later."
Kyoya observed her smooth bow and departure speech coolly before smiling and bowing accordingly. "The same Sayuri-san. Until next time."
She managed to slip out of the room before Umiko could notice and hurried to the grounds where her driver then took her home.