Chapter Two

Ella looked around the Host Club in awe. She wouldn't have minded looking around the school by herself, but Takashi was afraid she would get lost. And so, he decided to show her the club he belonged to. Ella watched in pure amazement at the way Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Saku were hosting. Instead of sitting with the trio, she sat with Kyoya and Lina. She didn't want to disturb the trio with her presence when they were charming the girls. But of course, even though she didn't request anyone, she still paid for staying in the Host Club since she felt it was right and fair to do so. Her eyes trailed off to look at Haruhi and smiled at the natural rookie working her charms then to Tamaki and then on to the twins before settling to watch Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Saku again.

"I'm so glad NiNi and ShiShi made many friends," Ella said while Lina listened.

"Is it that strange?" Lina asked, looking over at the trio.

Ella smiled and said, "They seem happier and more open."

"What do you mean by that?" Lina questioned, more curious now. Ella smiled once more and looked over at her childhood friends. Her eyes softened when she saw Takashi having a good time hosting.

"Even though we were childhood friends, I went to a different elementary and middle school than they did. Since NiNi was quite popular in middle school, one would think he would make many close friends and so would ShiShi. But as nice and gentle as they were, they kept some distance away from everyone. They seemed fine with the three of us as friends, but I was worried about them. They were very reserved in their own way. NiNi would hide his real self and become someone he's not while ShiShi would bottle up his feelings and only think of NiNi's well-being. I know very well NiNi could break through and become a happier person like he is now, but the one person I worry most is ShiShi. He is usually shy and works very hard. When he feels responsible for something terrible that happened, even if it wasn't necessarily his fault, he would blame himself and felt the need to be punished. But seeing him now, he's changed for the better. I'm glad he's showing his emotions through his expression. That change is the most important," Ella explained. Lina and Kyoya listened silently to her explanation. Lina then nodded in understanding and patted Ella's shoulder as if comforting her. Ella looked over to her and smiled once again though it wasn't as joyous as it usually is.

"I see. Are you sad about not being able to change with them?" Lina questioned once more. Ella's smile faltered, and she looked up at the ceiling for a moment and turned back her attention to Lina.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't," Ella answered truthfully. Kyoya pushed up his glasses and continued to type in his laptop, pretending he did not hear anything.

Meanwhile, Takashi took a glimpse at Ella. He tensed when Ella looked rather sad. There, somewhere in his stomach, churned unhappily. Mitsukuni noticed and grabbed his sleeve and started yanking lightly. Takashi looked down over at Mitsukuni's questioning glance.

"What is wrong, Takashi?" Mitsukuni asked quietly. Takashi let out a breath and looked over at Ella. Mitsukuni understood and looked over to where he was looking at. He saw how Ella's smile seemed sad. Nodding in understanding, he patted Takashi's back reassuringly.

"Why don't you go to her?" Mitsukuni asked him. Takashi looked reluctant but Mitsukuni gave him one of those nudging smiles. Takashi sighed as he knew he couldn't go against that.

He stood up and started walking towards Ella. The girls and Saku wondered where he was going, but Mitsukuni just gave them a reassuring smile. And so, Saku and Mitsukuni continued to host without Takashi. Mitsukuni wished him luck in his thoughts.

When Takashi was near, Lina scooted to give him space so he could sit near Ella. Takashi didn't sit though; he was too nervous. Takashi started to open his mouth but immediately closed it. Ella tilted her head to the side and looked at Takashi questioningly. He gulped nervously, but he wasn't going to let his nerves get to him.

"Is there something wrong, Ella?" He asked as calmly as he could. Lina sighed at how nervous Takashi was and started to take a nap, pretending she didn't see or hear anything.

"Of course not, ShiShi," Ella replied, "Why do you ask?"

"You were frowning. Why?" Takashi sat next to her, founding himself calm enough to sit. He then regretted in doing so because he was now close to her. Ella pulled him gently so he could lean over. She patted his head and Takashi looked over at her worriedly, his nerves now gone.

"We haven't spent time together for two years, and you and NiNi have changed without me. I'm just sad I couldn't be there to change with you," Ella said truthfully, "But I'm glad you both are doing well."

Takashi's eyes widened for a few seconds before he let out a warm smile. He felt the need to comfort Ella, and so he ruffled her hair affectionately. Ella blushed as he did so, making Takashi feel uncomfortable once again. Meanwhile, the girls present in the club squealed at the affectionate gesture. He stopped after a few seconds and just stared at Ella. Ella looked up at him and smiled. His heart started beating harder, and he wondered if he was having a heart attack. Ella looked at him questioningly and wondered if he was okay.

"ShiShi?" Ella called out. Takashi slowly pulled his hand back and started backing away from her. Ella noticed and smiled sadly. "ShiShi, after the club, I want to talk to you privately. Is that okay?"

Takashi slowly nodded before going back to sitting with Saku, Mitsukuni, and the girls. Lina peeked with one eye and looked at Ella. She noticed Ella's shoulders slumped and sighed. She pretended to not see and went back to her nap. Mitsukuni noticed as well in the corner of his eyes. Mitsukuni then looked over at Takashi, who was busy listening to the girls. He shook his head in disappointment and sighed.

After the hosting was finished, Takashi walked towards the meeting place with Ella. He hoped she didn't get lost when he was there. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw Ella got to their destination safely. He smiled but then frowned when he saw Ella's head lowered in sadness. He ran towards her and lowered himself to her height. He placed a finger under her chin and lightly lifted her chin, startling Ella. He saw tears starting to form in her eyes, causing Takashi to feel pain in his heart.

"Ella-" Takashi started but Ella pushed him away gently.

"Tell me the truth, ShiShi. Do I make you feel uncomfortable?" Ella asked with a straight face. Takashi was rather surprised. He rarely ever saw her get serious. He happened to only seen it once, and it was when he was injured during his training in kendo.

"I-" He started, but he couldn't finish. Ella frowned before she cupped both of Mori's cheeks as she leaned over, so both of their foreheads would touch. Takashi froze at their closeness, and he felt too uncomfortable once again.

"I was so happy to have met you again," Ella said before smiling sadly, "So happy."

She backed away but still held Takashi's face.

"You do not need to answer anymore ShiShi. I know your answer," Ella said quietly before she let go of him. She turned away, making Takashi feel pain in his chest. He was confused and didn't know what to do.

"ShiShi, I love you very much," she started. Takashi's eyes widened at her sudden confession. He then noticed Ella was clenching her fist with some force since she was shaking. "So this Ella will no longer inconvenience you."

She soon ran away. Takashi stood frozen in wonder, not being able to register at the sudden statements she made. By that time, Mitsukuni and Sakuno came out of their hiding. Both looked at him with worried expressions. Mitsukuni held onto his shoulder before Takashi looked up at him.

"Why aren't you running after her?" Mitsukuni whispered. Takashi clutched the shirt on his chest.

"I... can't," Takashi told him.

"Why not, Mori?" Sakuno questioned. She kneeled next to Takashi and wiped his tears that he unknowingly shed. And even then, he did not notice. His mind replayed the pain in Ella's eyes and the way she ran away from him.

"I do not want to make her misunderstand," Takashi answered though he felt the words were not what he wanted to say.

Mitsukuni sighed and shook his head. Sakuno looked over at him and then at Takashi again before helping him up to stand. She could see his legs were unsteady and wondered if he did not notice his feelings. There, she found an expression that further surprised her. He looked happy?