Tuesday Day 2 – Operation Fluster Kyoya
Haruhi's Monday night was nothing too crazy. For most of the night, she was alone until her father came home. They had dinner. She cleaned the uniform and picked up another dress from Momoka when she offered to take Haruhi home.
She expected nothing to come from the first day as she assumed the boys were still in shock over the events of the day. For the most part, she was correct. However, her father did reveal that he received a phone call from Kyoya.
Thankfully, her dad was clueless to the prank, and he just assumed, as Haruhi hoped, that she genuinely did out herself.
Today's mission was based solely on that particular host. Kyoya may be the puppeteer of the group. The one behind the scenes subliminally suggesting ideas to the "Host King." The one who blatantly uses the group to further the finances of the club, by selling their items, their photos or even their sessions. It seems like he thrives on controlling the club members.
He was dubbed the "cool" type and today was the test. How long would it take before Haruhi was able to penetrate that cool demeanor and fluster him? The only one who had ever been able to rattle Kyoya, as far as anyone knew, was Tamaki.
Tamaki's no boundaries policy just might work. If only Haruhi weren't intimidated by the Shadow King. She just couldn't see pressing her body up against him as a tangible possibility. She couldn't see pressing her body against anybody, ever.
No, the best way to get through to him was going to be manipulation. She just needed to think it through, and possibly ask the other students for help on this one.
Classes went like they had yesterday. The twins were prepared today and did their best not to make much of Haruhi's new outfit. They were still not in the mood to tease her.
Every now and then she would throw them a charming smile and watch as their faces burned. Hikaru still looked ready to deck someone hard, and Kaoru was no longer as despondent at the day before. He blushed far more often than his brother did and she wondered why.
Before the afternoon break, Haruhi had taken the opportunity to follow them to them to the restroom. She reached out for the door to the males' bathroom and as if on cue Kaoru sputtered.
"Haruhi, um... that's the men's room." He looked shocked for a moment.
Here goes nothing, Haruhi thought. "Oh, sorry about that. I'm just so used to following you boys into the bathroom it never occurred to me."
The students surrounding them all stopped and watched. They all overheard, and many were blushing madly at Haruhi's intentions. Was 'he' really going to go into the girls' restroom? Was 'he' going to go into the men's room just to toy with the twins?
Hikaru noticed the people watching them and bristled. "Go to the private restroom" he pointed down the hall.
Renge pulled a random boy over to her side out of Hitachiin eyesight. The boy nodded fervently and headed right over to the trio.
"Hey Haruhi, let me walk with you. I've wanted to get to talk with you since you decided to come out and all." He smirked at her.
Twin sets of eyes threw daggers at the poor boy who didn't seem fazed one bit. Haruhi sensing the tension took a few steps towards the boy but felt the two beside her firmly grab ahold of her arms.
They didn't give her a chance to think about a response because they tugged her with them. Forgetting that they were the ones who needed to use the restroom.
"I can't take this anymore," Hikaru grumbled. "There has to be something we can do to get these vultures out of the way."
"I agree, Hikaru, but what can we do." He glared down at Haruhi. "If anyone lays a hand on you, you better tell us."
"Okay," She began, "Right now both of you have your hands on me."
As if they realized they were holding a moray eel, they quickly snatched their hands away from her. Both of them were surprised by her quick wit and cool, seductive voice.
"I didn't say you had to let go." She added. Knowing full well that those words were just way too inappropriate for her to be using.
Hikaru huffed out and pushed Haruhi towards the doors to the private restroom. "Oh right, Guys I didn't have to go. I was serious when I said I was just following you."
Kaoru choked on his intake of breath and looked around to see if anyone heard her. This couldn't be Haruhi. She was just not acting right, and he was, for the second day in a row, terrified.
Hikaru pushed right past her and ran into the bathroom by himself, unable to hide the burning red blush from blazing across his face. He didn't want anyone else to know how her words had affected him and quickly shut the door behind him, locking his twin out there with the suddenly bold Haruhi.
She was baffled at how terrible the boys were taking their own medicine. She had to endure much worse from them and never once did she run off like this. Not when they hugged her, nuzzled her, said completely inappropriate things or even when they manhandled her into various elaborate outfits.
She shook her head at Kaoru before saying, "I am going to head to the cafeteria. See you there later?"
He gulped and nodded, then watched as Haruhi in her yellow dress walked away. He had never been this flustered over a girl before, and he prayed it would never happen again.
Entering the cafeteria, without either twin, she meandered in no particular direction hoping that one of the other hosts would catch her. As luck would have it, she locked eyes with Kyoya as had his gaze was fixated on the door in case she dared to show.
Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, he excused himself from the table. Tamaki had his back to the door, so he hadn't noticed her enter until Kyoya made his excuse. The host king was about to get up but held his seat when he realized he was frozen in awe at how adorable Haruhi looked that day.
Her hair was not in berets but had a braided headband. She also appeared to be wearing light makeup. Unfortunately, her eyes were glued to Kyoya and knowing the mood his best friend was in, now was not the time to jump into the conversation.
Instead, he found himself in a fantasy of Haruhi waltzing up to him, and into his arms while he wooed her. The words from yesterday "now we can be lovers" repeated over and over in his mind.
Kyoya stood before her firmly, unwavering in his resolve. "I don't know how long you plan on wearing this uniform. Girl or boy, you are still indebted to us." He kept his tone even, "Yesterday was a fluke. Your usual guests would, of course, flock to you, but as you have no romantic appeal to them, it will not last long."
"Romantic appeal. I thought we were supposed to entertain them." She countered just as evenly.
Bemused, he waved a hand, "You know full well that the guests arrive to flirt and be flirted with. As the natural, you are not aware of how well you can flirt but believe me when I say the ladies will not stay interested for very long."
"What about boys?" She asked in an attempt, but he expected this remark.
"Besides Kasanoda, how many boys would willingly walk into the third music room?" Kyoya smirked. Thinking he won this round.
"With a female host, I am sure others would be curious. I was nearly asked out not long ago, and if it hadn't been for Hikaru and Kaoru dragging me to the restroom I am sure he would have..."
"That's beside the point." Kyoya cut her off. "The fact of the matter is that you are no longer going to be hosting as you are."
"So I will be your errand boy, er, girl." She prompted.
Frowning but still in complete composure, "Call it what you may, but in true form, yes, you are once again the Host Clubs dog."
"Whatever senpai, I am going to sit with Kurakano and the rest of the girls. If you don't need me.." She trailed off. A little disappointed in the lack of reaction and was about to walk towards the group of female friends when her eyes locked onto the boy who attempted flirting with her earlier.
Amused as he was with the whole "Dude looks like a lady" prank, he was going to just sit back and watch the show. However, the look Fujioka sent his way brought him to terms with his role in the game. After all, it was fun to piss off those pretty boys.
"Long time no see, Fujioka." He teased. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything." He lied as he looked between Haruhi and the Ootori guy.
Haruhi may not know this boy, but Kyoya did, and he was not pleased. The boy was one of Kuze's lackeys, and that above all else was not something he was going to put up with.
"Indeed you are interrupting," Kyoya replied.
He brushed off the comment and plundered forward. "So as I was trying to ask you earlier." He faced Haruhi, not caring that this whole thing felt weird. Fujioka really did look like a girl, and it was kind of disturbing. "Would you like to go out with me tonight?"
Before Haruhi could answer, Kyoya stepped up. "No, Haruhi has to join us for Host Club this evening." His eyes leered at the boy, and a glare of light reflected off the lenses of his glasses.
"I wasn't asking you." The boy retorted. Even though he had no intention of going out with a guy, he was thoroughly enjoying the prank.
Kyoya placed his hand on her shoulder pulling her back from the intruding interloper. "Believe what you wish. Haruhi may have revealed herself to be a girl, but she does not date. Nor does she intend to in the near future."
"So you speak for her, then?" He challenged.
"I speak on behalf of her father who I can call this very minute should you wish." Kyoya reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone.
A devilish smirk appeared across the boys face as he took the two of them into consideration. Kyoya Ootori, protecting a little boy in drag. That was rich. "Well, it looks like Ootori has staked a claim on you, Fujioka." He chuckled before shrugging his shoulders. "Wouldn't want to get in the way of true love."
Haruhi face burned. She wasn't supposed to blush, but the idea of her and Kyoya as true loves didn't cross her mind. It was as unnerving as it was intriguing. Deep down, Haruhi knew that even if her older classmate had even the slightest romantic inklings for her, he wouldn't display them. Nor would he act upon them. To him, she served no gains.
It irked her though that the remark her unknown accomplice had tossed their way fell onto a stoic facade. If the accusation did have an effect on Kyoya, he didn't show it. He was cold and firm in his resolve to protect her from anyone who would do her harm even if it meant pulling the Ranka card.
"Kyoya senpai, there is no need to bring my father into this." Haruhi protested but not in an unkind tone. She sounded pleading, and that sound alone was enough to chip away at the frost between the two boys.
"I was only proving my point. Haruhi Fujioka is available to seek male attention. Your father made that clear when you signed up for the Host Club. After all Haruhi, you are still a member."
He is contradicting himself today. First I am not allowed to be a host, I'm an errand runner. Now I am a full member of the club again. Indecisive. But that's probably the best I am going to get out of him. She paused in her mental babble. Then again...
In an act of boldness, she took her senpai's arm into her hands and sliding up to his side in a brash moment of insanity. Being this close to him was unthinkable, and the entire student body that was present sputtered in their shock.
Even the boy across from her was caught off guard. "I'm so sorry. I have to decline. It looks like Kyoya needs my full attention for the time being."
Unable to hide the embarrassment at her phrase, Kyoya cleared his throat and broke eye contact with his opponent. In an attempt to keep his cool illusion he placed the opposing hand across the small hands Haruhi had exposed while her arms were hooked onto his right.
Together they left behind a stunned teen and an even more stunned room of gawking students.
"If you are going to be in the public refectory, you would do well to sit with us," Kyoya remarked coolly. "And don't think I don't know what you are trying to do."
Haruhi gulped. Had he figured it out already? "What do you mean, Kyoya senpai?"
A frown appeared on his face, but he remained silent while they approached Tamaki who was now in an in-depth discussion with the twins. They stopped when they noticed the two approaching with their arms linked. Indignant expressions crossed over Tamaki and Hikaru. Both feeling jealousy bubble up from deep within them.
Sensing that she might have taken a step too far, too soon, she let go of Kyoya's arm and casually settled herself in a chair beside Tamaki. She glanced out of the corner of her eye and delivered a well-executed girlish simper.
The effect was instantaneous. Tamaki looked away as quickly as possible, cover his mouth with his hand. There was no way he could look at her when she dressed as she did.
The boys were all perplexed by the game she was playing. They knew she was a natural when it came to ladies, they knew that as a boy she would have the girls tittering all over and blushing. As a girl, they didn't expect her to be just as tempting. As a girl, they couldn't fathom how she was driving them all mad. All except Honey and Mori who were able to keep a calm composure.
What was she up to? By revealing herself, she had effectively destroyed their little family, their band of brothers. She was tying them in knots emotionally, mentally and damn it all.. physically. They couldn't help the blushes that rose on their faces at her antics. They couldn't control the twinges and butterflies that tumbled around in their stomachs. All they knew what that Haruhi, as a girl, was breaking them down.
Clearing his throat and mentally preparing himself for the response to come, Kyoya asked, "Might I ask how you intended on paying for your lunch today?"
Blinking in response to this, Haruhi fumbled for the right words. It was part of the plan not to bring her lunch to school since the girls who helped her insisted that it would drive the Hosts nuts if someone else bought her food. She had refused to do it more than just the first day. She was ready to bring it with her when her phone had rung, and Kurakano told her that she and Sakurazuka had planned for a friend of theirs to interrupt the group with a "surprise lunch."
Whoever it was, had not arrived and Haruhi blushed in embarrassment. She felt as if she finally had been caught in the act. She was sure her game was blown when all the eyes looked her way. They waited on baited breath for what felt like an eternity but was no more than a 15-second lull.
Hikaru grunted in frustration with her lack of response and pushed his tray over to her. "Here, eat this before some loser tries to buy you lunch."
She smiled at him when she noticed that he had already exceeded his max color. His hair had a rival when it came to hue.
The others seemed satisfied with this, but all knew that Tamaki was mentally kicking himself for not jumping to that solution first. He would do it too, and possibly still would if she didn't bring her lunch the next day.
Haruhi was about to thank her friend when Mori and Honey showed up at their table. The group had continued to ignore the proverbial elephant in the room and began to discuss the next club cosplay.
She was out of ideas. Kyoya Ootori is tough to crack, and she knew it would be a challenge. What would it take for him to lose his composure? What would it look like when he did?
Outward displays of emotion were just not something he ever expressed. His defense at the lunch hour was more than Haruhi expected, but still, after all the debt and irritation he caused, it wasn't enough. There had to be something more.
The accomplice of her two guests never showed up for lunch. Kurakano had apologized for the mix up as it wasn't supposed to happen until Thursday, the day before she revealed she was just messing around. Knowing this, gave Haruhi the courage to bring her bento the next day and to use the suggestion Ruri had given her about 'sharing' with her target for that day.
Haruhi had not yet chosen her main target for the next day as she was entirely focusing her attention on Kyoya.
This was a tight spot she was stuck in and only knew two people who could help her with this problem. Kyoya's own Host Club guests, Yuriko Aika, and Azusa Suwaki.
During class, the teacher announced their study hour and left them to their work. Haruhi used that moment to go her desk, baffling the twins who observed her. She approached her professor and asked "Would it be alright if I took my studies to the library. I wanted to ask a couple of second years tutors to help me out with a problem."
The teacher looked up at her from where he was sitting "Oh and what might this problem be?" He was never skeptical of the honor student but knowing that she was the central point of some sort of prank he was hesitant to let her leave without supervision. Or a good excuse.
"It's a social and biological study of the psychological mindset. I wanted to prepare and since I don't currently attend any classes of this nature." She paused, "It's to help my financial status here at Ouran."
She tried her best not to lie to her teacher. Indeed this was going to help her financial standings at Ouran, if only for the club debt. And her description of her study on Kyoya was vague and elaborate, but she couldn't very well say, 'Oh I'm just going to crack into the teenage mind of Kyoya Ootori to see what makes him tick.' No, that was something Renge would have said.
He scrutinized the student before him before nodding his head. Agreeing that such a smart student really couldn't be up to no good. At that thought, his eyes locked onto the twins who, luckily were still in their seats watching the teen he was addressing.
"Be sure to be back in your seat when the hour is up. I am holding you to your standard as an honor student Fujioka." He left off the Mr. as he would feel odd referring to a student dressing in female clothing as such.
Bowing, Haruhi muttered her thanks and left the classroom with her phone in the pocket of her yellow dress.
Once outside she searched the contents of her contact list. She had been tutored once upon a time by Ayame, and she still held onto that number. Once selected she texted, "Library for study hour, need help. Need Akia and Suwaki."
She sent and waited for the response which arrived moments later. "I will come also."
Haruhi sighed and using her hands pressed them into her face. She rubbed her eyes careful to avoid moving her contact lenses too much. With a huff to release her pent up tension she found herself heading off to the library.
Once she reached the rendezvous point, she unconsciously smoothed her skirt before grabbing the handle, turning it and stepping inside. She expected the room to be empty, which it was but noticed the table nearest the entrance to host the three 2nd year students. Each of them regarded her with humor and curiosity when she approached them.
The two girls both had short brown hair but where Yuriko had her hair curled under, Azusa had her hair curved outward in a reminder of a 1950's American teen style.
They giggled and grinned when she approached. Azusa laughed "Haruhi, you look adorable!"
Yuriko, who still sported a grin, covered her mouth to suppress a giggle, "I can't believe how well you pull off looking like a girl. It's just too bad; you don't dress this way more often."
Haruhi shrugged, and Ayame looked down to her with approval and humor. "You did pull off a successful prank." She brushed back her straightened hair, which she did from time to time as even after Tamaki confessed she looked beautiful with her natural curls.
"It's not over yet." Haruhi droned. "I hate to admit this, but I am having trouble with Kyoya."
She really did hate to admit it, like she said. These girls knew him well. They knew his hosting style better than she did and willingly sought them out for their assistance.
"You all know how he is." She lifted a shoulder and let it drop back down.
"He uses that debt to control you." Ayame supplied.
"He uses his cool demeanor to get under your skin?" Yuriko suggested
"He pretends not to be affected emotionally no matter who it is." Completed Azusa.
Haruhi nodded, of course, they would understand. She was glad she was able to contact them. They were going to be a great source of ideas that are specific to Kyoya Ootori. Implementing them was probably something Haruhi was going to struggle with.
Haruhi hurried back to her classes after the meeting with the three girls. She was armed with some new ideas and with even more conviction she made an effort to leave class before even the twins at the end of the school session. They, of course, were not too happy with her running off where they couldn't keep an eye on her.
Hikaru huffed when he realized she left her textbook on the table. Kaoru picked it up and together they went to the class.
"I still don't get it," Kaoru mumbled. "Why would she break the secret?"
Hikaru shrugged, "If I have to hear another guy talk about going out with her, I'm gonna lose it."
"I know what you mean. It's annoying, and we both knew it would be but come on, it's not like Haru would date anyone anyway." Kaoru waved the hand that held Haruhi's textbook. "She has so much school work that I doubt she would have time for a boyfriend on top of homework and the club."
They both stopped and looked at each other. Would Haruhi stay in the club?
Kyoya left his class at the usual time. He didn't rush because nothing in Host Club ever began without him. Besides his mind was occupied with how to utilize Haruhi in the club activities. She did receive guests the day prior, and perhaps, with luck, that pattern would continue.
He never gave credence to the idea of a female host. Especially when the said female has been previously deemed a male.
He wants to be furious with her. He wants to feel something akin to dislike and disapproval. At first, this was true, but now that the initial shock has dispersed and reality has settled in, he felt a considerable amount of uncertainty. That alone was enough to make him edgy.
Not only that but with her new found ability to flirt. It's as if she teases by nature and has no inkling of what she is doing. If she did, he doubted she was alone since the boys all knew that she was unable to register romantic notions.
Not matter, he was able to keep composed. Haruhi would not get the better of him. He wouldn't allow it especially since he decided that the girl was not meant for him long ago. She would serve no significant purpose with him. She wouldn't bring any advancement to his family.
Haruhi Fujioka was off limits, and that was where she would stay.
He mentally prepared himself on the way to the music room that housed his clubs activities. He did not pay attention to the student around him, nor did his pay attention to the ramblings of his best friend beside him.
Tamaki patted him on the shoulder to gain his attention. "I am going to visit my father and see if he can do something about this."
Kyoya was somewhat perplexed as to why Tamaki would see out his father for the situation with Haruhi but waved off the thought as it was no doubt a futile attempt. The Headmaster of their school could hardly do anything to convince the student body that their initial lie was accurate and that this truth was the falsehood.
Upon entering the club room, he spied Haruhi sitting on one of the sofas alone with the tea sets before her on the table. She was preparing for her guest early. Commendable but still bothersome as she continued to wear that damned yellow dress.
"Senpai, you are early." She looked up and smiled at him.
"No, you are the one who is early." He said cooly taking his book bag to his usual seat at the table. He pulled out his laptop and set aside a notebook. Carefully out of the corner of his eye he watched her.
She quietly went back to preparing the tea set. She silently counted the cups and glanced in his direction with a smile.
Fearing Haruhi had noticed him staring at her; he averted his gaze and pulled up the host clubs financial spreadsheet on his laptop. He calculated the numbers quickly in his head give or take a few mistakes before reworking the spreadsheet to fix any mishaps caused by damaged property.
The previous week involved a great deal of destruction, and he, unfortunately, had to make up for the loses.
Kyoya pressed his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose and squeezed to release the pressure building from the oncoming headache. He heard rather than saw, due to his closed eyes, the clink of a cup next to him.
Surprised he opened his eyes to see Haruhi standing beside him. She had placed a cup of tea right beside his notebook.
He cleared his throat, "Thank you."
Haruhi didn't move away nor did she show any intention to return to her tea preparation. "Stress can not only lead to headaches but to elevated blood pressure, upset stomach, chest pains and even cause your sleep to become disturbed."
"I sleep fine." Kyoya waved her descriptions of distress. "Stress has positive results as well."
"True. But I highly doubt that increased focus and motivation is worth the increased risk of Coronary Disease." She countered before settling down in the seat beside him.
A smile appeared across his face, it was faint, but it was there, and he regarded her with an appraisal. Sometimes it was refreshing to know at least one member of the club was smart enough to keep an interesting conversation.
Haruhi had noticed the slight crack and took advantage of it. "If you don't find a form of stress release soon, you may end up with a migraine before the day is out."
"Oh, and what do you recommend?" He smirked at her. But before she could answer him, the club door opened and the other hosts had arrived. They took in the sight of Kyoya and Haruhi at the table and with a frown on some, and smiles on others found their ways to their respective corners to await their guests.
Haruhi giggled using her hand to cover her mouth. "Maybe I will show you later."
If she knew what that phrase did to him, she didn't show it. Instead, she stood up and went back to her table to pick up her tea tray and carried it to her own hosting table. The cup beside Kyoya was still steaming, and the fragrance drew his attention.
She had given him his favorite tea.
"So what did they tell you at the library?" The girl is known as Natsu asked. "Kimiko told me that you went to meet them. Oh, I wish we had class together, it's such a disappointment not to see all the fun first hand."
Once Host Club activities started the three regular guests plus the two new girls were quick to jump to Haruhi's table. Only they were not expecting to see boys wondering outside the room to get a sharp peak inside.
Two had popped inside to be met with death glares from the Hitachiin twins, and emotional demands as to "what brought them there in the first place" by Tamaki. They bowed out soon after not even getting a chance to request an audience with Haruhi.
"It really wasn't much. We just discussed the different tactics to use on someone like Kyoya senpai." She said softly.
Haruhi had been sneaking glances periodically to her senpai while he hosted Yuriko and Azusa. He was charming with them and not at all cold. Haruhi was still baffled on how that person could be the same man as the one who could stare into the face of danger without flinching. How this sweet personality of his compared to the dominating figure of the time, he once held her captive on his bed...
Whoa... Where did that come from... She felt her face burn with the memory. How the hell did she fluster herself? Sadly it didn't go unnoticed.
"Oooooh, did you just come up with an idea?" Chizu asked with a giggle.
"You have to tell us!" Ruri cried before hushing her voice to avoid attention. "Please Haruhi."
The moment passed, and her brain kicked into high gear as an idea did begin to form. She bit her lip, then looked over in his direction. Her eyes locked with Azusa who smirked at her. With a nod and blink, she gave Haruhi a signal saying it was a good time to approach.
She nodded back and spoke to her guests. "Alright. I'm going in."
The girls were brimming with excitement. Their hands over their mouths as they watched Haruhi approached Kyoya with her skirt swaying up on each step. She stepped up behind him before placing a hand on his shoulder.
The action alone was enough to bring his attention to her. "Can I help you?"
"Senpai, I was wondering if I could talk with you..." she paused, glancing and making eye contact with both guests, "alone is possible?"
"I don't see why we would need to be alone, Haruhi." He stated coldly, not sure what game she was playing. He had noticed the way his guests were smiling, and it unnerved him. Perhaps there was a ploy in effect. What that ploy was precisely he could not place it.
"I guess it could wait." She shrugged. "After all, it would leave me vulnerable to you."
"Excuse me?" He frowned. Deep in the recess of his memories, he had used those words on her before. Only now it was being thrown back at him as a reminder of an intimate and yet compromising moment in their history.
Haruhi smiled at him with all the charm she could muster. "Then again, it wouldn't do you any good. There would be no merit."
He felt his heart skip a few beats and Haruhi giggled, "You are a very nice guy, Kyoya senpai. Would you like another cup of tea? For the stress, you know?"
Azusa and Yuriko were both holding back their laughter while they watched Kyoya fight for control of his facial expression. He did well, but they were able to catch a few startled blinks and the parting of his lips as he let out a breath. Cold as he is, he too was beginning to crumble under the flirtatious advances of the female Fujioka.
Who knew what the next day would bring?