Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High school Host Club. If I did, I would be a character and I would marry Kyouya.
Plot Summary: Katherine Yuri Inoue is your typical, average, half-Japanese, half-Spanish fifteen year old living in America. Except… She is secretly a Junior CIA agent, in training to become a full-fledged CIA agent. When she disobeys an order from her superior in order to save some people's lives from impending danger, she is sent to Japan on an individual assignment as a "punishment". Her mission: to find the Japanese ambassador's long lost niece. In Japan, she goes undercover as an Ouran Academy High school student. Kathy, who now goes by her Japanese middle name, Yuri, plans to find the ambassador's niece and return to America as soon as possible. However, she did not plan on finding herself with a group of new (and weird) friends, a club she has never heard of, a debt to pay, and… Love? Also, this secret agent not only has her identity and intentions to keep secret but a past as well that she doesn't want anybody to find out. Who is she really? And is only reason she doesn't want to stay in Japan because she was forced to? Or something else? And perhaps her newfound friends and a certain someone can change her mind…
_ _ _
Chapter 7- So It Begins…
Yuri soon gets used to the Host Club antics and finds herself enjoying their activities though she would not admit it to anyone. However, she gets frustrated since it seems that her search for the ambassador's niece is often hindered by the fact that she has school and Host Club that takes up most of her time. The Hosts also discover a hidden love and talent of Yuri's which Kyouya decides to use to benefit the club.
Friday…
2:30 P.M.
"Come on Haruhi!" two voices said.
"No!"
"Please? See? We're using the magic word."
"Wow. That's a first. Let me think. No!"
"Stay away from my daughter you evil doppelgangers!"
"No way Tono!"
"I'm not your daughter Tamaki-senpai!"
"Yeah! She's our toy!"
"I'm not your toy either!"
"Come on Haruhi! For us?!"
"Leave me alone!"
"Haruhi! Daddy will save you!"
"You're not my father!"
This exchange went on and on. This is perfectly normal for the rest of the Host Club. Well… Almost all of the Host Club. The doors opened and closed as Yuri entered Music Room Number Three. The fifteen-year old froze in amusement at the door as she watched the scene before her. Haruhi is running around the room. The twins are chasing her, carrying a mannequin wearing a flower garland, a coconut bra, and a hula grass skirt. Their King is, meanwhile, waving a baseball bat and is running after the twins with an enraged look on his face. Yuri shook her head. She should be used to this by now.
"Hi Yu-chan!"
"Hey Hunny-senpai. Mori-senpai."
Haruhi ran past her.
"Hi Haruhi."
Then the twins.
"Hi guys."
Then Tamaki.
"Hi senpai."
As she watched their retreating backs, her eyes fell on the Shadow King who is busy writing on his black notebook. Then, she noticed Hawaiian shirts and flower necklaces strewn all over some of the couches. And where did the palm trees come from? Are those pineapples inside a barrel? What on Earth…?
"Uh… Senpai?" she said, as she approached Kyouya. "What is up with the trees? And the pineapples?"
"Today's cosplay is Hawaii."
She tilted her head to the side. "Cosplay?"
"Yes. The Host Club often has different themes and we cosplay those themes to bring excitement to our customers who will be able to experience different cultures and, frequently, fantasies about their favorite Host. Tamaki decided that since we have fish from Hawaii in our club room, we should do a Hawaiian theme to end the week."
"I see."
She looked at the twins still chasing Haruhi with the mannequin and Tamaki yelling insults at the twins.
"Is Haruhi supposed to wear that? Won't that give away the fact that she's a girl?"
"An excellent point. One that the twins seem to have forgotten."
"Aren't you going to do anything about it?"
He did not answer for a while. "Maybe a little longer for our amusement."
She raised her eyebrows. "Wow, you are evil."
"Thank you."
"Your welcome."
Yuri left him to put her school things inside the pantry. Making sure that no one is inside with her, she took out a list of names that she printed out of the school computers. It bears the name of fifty girls. Fifty possible candidates out of the previous three hundred girls to be the Japanese ambassador's niece. These girls were raised by either their father or a relative after their mother died approximately ten years ago. Twenty-five are in her year and the rest are second years. All she needs to do now is try to get to know these girls. She placed the list back inside her bag and began to prepare the tea.
A few minutes later, she heard the twins call her name. She put the kettle down and went out to see what they want. As soon as they saw her, they smiled at her mischievously. She suddenly got nervous as she realized that they are still holding the mannequin and that Haruhi is now wearing one of the Hawaiian shirts, a yellow one. In fact, all of them are wearing Hawaiian shirts, khaki shorts, flip flops, and the flower necklaces. Tamaki is wearing a red shirt, Kyouya a dark blue, the twins light and dark green, Mori a purple, and Hunny a light blue.
"Why are you two looking at me like that?"
"Well…" Hikaru began. (Haruhi told her how to tell them apart so both of them know which twin is which.)
"You see…" Kaoru continued after his brother.
"Haruhi couldn't wear her cosplay outfit…"
"'Cause it will reveal that she's a girl…"
"So…"
"We were thinking…"
"Maybe…"
Together, they said, "You should wear it!"
Yuri stared at them blankly. Then she smiled, sweetly. They looked at her hopefully.
"No!" she said, perkily, still smiling.
Their faces fell and they sunk in Tamaki's corner of woe, the mannequin abandoned in front of her.
"Sorry guys. But I don't wear this kind of stuff." She fingered the hula skirt. "Besides, this skirt is way to short for my taste."
Suddenly, they were out of the corner.
"We have a back-up outfit!" they chorused, happily.
The young girl looked pleadingly at Tamaki but he was too busy making sure that Haruhi will wear the Hawaiian shirt and not some "perverted, innocence-tainting clothes." Haruhi looked at her sadly and mouthed, "I tried." So, she looked at Kyouya, hoping he would object. But he merely nodded in approval. Yuri now feels betrayed.
"Listen, you guys. I don't wear-."
But before she can finish her sentence, she is dragged to one of the dressing rooms with an outfit thrown at her by the twins. They covered the room with a curtain. Before she can even look at the outfit, Kaoru called her name.
"What?"
"Need help?"
"Aw… That's so sweet. No!"
_ _ _
"Tamaki, can you come over here a minute?"
Tamaki looked up from convincing Haruhi to at least wear a hula skirt to which she replied, "I'd rather throw my books in the fountain than wear that."
"What is it Kyouya?"
His best friend motioned for him to come closer so he had no choice but to leave his "darling but rebellious daughter's" side. He took the chair in front of Kyouya. The Shadow King closed his note book to look at him.
"I did research on Yuri Inoue's background," he said.
"Oh goodness. You didn't have to do that Kyouya," Tamaki answered, sincerely. "She seems like a nice girl."
"You know me Tamaki. I do research on everybody. But, that is not what I'm going to talk to you about."
"Then what is it?"
Kyouya took off his glasses and wiped his eyes before putting them back on. He looked towards the direction of the Dressing Rooms before continuing. "It is very strange. I can't find anything about her."
"Huh? Why not?" Tamaki asked, looking startled. No matter who they are, Kyouya always manages to access someone's background. He has never failed. Until now. "How about her school files?"
"The files don't provide any other background info except for address, telephone number, and guardian's name. I regret to admit that I don't know anything about her."
He looked troubled now. He has never backed down from a challenge before. He did all the research on her. But he found absolutely nothing. He could try to have a private investigator follow her but where's the fun in that? He does these things himself.
"Yuri's background is indeed a mystery," he added, distractedly.
"Eh? No it isn't," two voices said.
Both boys looked up to see that the twins have just emerged from the Dressing Rooms, both of them looking at their senpais with a face that says "We-know-something-you-don't."
"If you know something about Miss Inoue, just come out and say it," Kyouya said. He opened his laptop then smiled at them. "Or do you want me to go through more drastic measure so that you'll speak?"
The twins looked at each other and shivered.
"Fine," Hikaru said.
"We'll tell you," Kaoru agreed.
Tamaki and Kyouya waited.
"Well?" Kyouya is beginning to get impatient.
Hikaru and Kaoru looked behind them towards the Dressing Room before answering.
"She lived in America with her half-Japanese, half-Spanish mom," Kaoru explained. "You see, her mom's this magazine writer and she travels a lot. This time, she doesn't want to leave Yuri alone and also because Yuri got into some serious trouble that's why her mom sent her here to live with her cousin since it might do her some good."
"So now," Hikaru continued. "She lives alone with her cousin whose husband is out of town. Her cousin had connections to the government, that's why she got them to sponsor her."
"And what about her father?" Kyouya asked, typing the information down.
"Eh? She didn't really mention him," Hikaru replied.
Kyouya fixed his glasses. "I see."
Then, suddenly, Tamaki jumped up. "Has it been almost thirty minutes already? The customers will be here any minute! Everyone in position!"
A hand landed on his head, forcefully. The blonde-haired boy staggered from the impact.
"Relax Tamaki. We're not starting for another three minutes. We have enough time to get everyone ready. Now, where is Yuri?"
One of the twins, Kaoru, went to check on her. He left the door to the Dressing Rooms open so everyone can hear when he called out her name and ask her if she's done. They heard what sounds like a struggle, a thump, and a loud 'omph'.
"Eh? Yuri? You okay in there?" he asked.
"Ugh… No!... Get… Haruhi… In here!"
"Do you want me to help you?"
"Get me Haruhi you pervert!"
Kaoru smirked and said seductively, "Are you sure you're not just playing hard to get? 'Cause I don't mind."
Yuri stuck her head out from behind the curtain, the rest of her body still covered. She glared at him. "Do you want to die at fifteen years old Kaoru?"
"Hehe…" Kaoru laughed nervously then backed away from the room. "Haruhi! She wants you!"
Meanwhile, Haruhi shook her head then pulled Kaoru out of the room and shut the door.
_ _ _
Ten Minutes Later…
"Oh, Haruhi-kun," a girl with blonde hair in pigtails said, worriedly. "We were wondering where you went off to."
"What happened?" another girl asked.
"Oh, I just went and helped Yuri with something," Haruhi answered, laying the tray of tea and slices of pineapple upside-down cake on the table. When she saw the jealous looks, she quickly added, "But I left her so I can greet you. She seems to be handling things on her own pretty well now. Besides, I can't afford to miss your company today."
"Kyaa! Arigatou Haruhi-kun!"
Haruhi sweatdropped, laughed nervously then offered them the flower necklaces and bracelets. That was close. I hope Yuri is alright. She didn't seem too happy about her outfit.
Meanwhile…
You have got to be kidding me… Yuri thought as she looked at herself in the mirror. I'm a girl whose fashion life evolves around jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, and denim knee length-skirts. Why on Earth am I wearing this? Well, at least it's better than that ridiculous coconut bra and hula skirt. Those twins may be evil but they are evil fashion geniuses. Camille would love them.
She thought of her fashionista teammate back in America and her heart begins to ache for home. Sighing, she got out of the Dressing Rooms. Everybody is already busy.
"Oh Yuri." Tamaki walked up to her, his eyes shining. "You look very cute! That's it! I'm officially naming you my second daughter!"
"Uh… Okay?"
"Excellent!" He looked happy and dreamy in a dramatic pose for ten seconds before realizing that he has to tell her something. "Oh, yes. I almost forgot. There are pineapple and coconut juices in the refrigerator. Take them out and offer them to the customers please."
"Oh. Sure."
He smiled at her once more then went to rejoin his customers who are waiting for him anticipating. Yuri shook her head and entered the pantry again. She took out the pineapple and coconut juices (which are actual pineapples and coconuts cut in half with small umbrellas and straws), put some on a tray, and exited the pantry with them.
She offered them to the customers like Tamaki asked. They stared admiringly at her outfit and the twins boasted of their design. Finally, no one seems to pay any more attention to her so she decided to refill her tray. As she headed towards the pantry, she heard Kyouya call her name.
"Can you bring me some tea please?" he said, not looking up from his notebook.
"Okay senpai."
She did as he requested and came back with his tea. As she placed the tray on the table, he looked up to thank her. But, his gratitude froze on his lips.
Kyouya never thought that she would be the type to wear such an outfit. The twins really outdid themselves with her, even fixing her hair. Or maybe Haruhi did that. He doesn't know. But the blue, white-flower patterned midriff top that crisscrossed at her chest and tied at her back by a thick strap, matching knee-length sarong skirt, and delicate flip flops does suit her. Her shoulders are left bare, revealing her natural light tan skin. She is also wearing a necklace and bracelet of white flowers. There is a single white flower tucked behind her right ear. Her wavy, pink-streaked hair is expertly curled. In short, she looks… Exotic.
"Here's your tea Kyouya-senpai," she said, placing the cup on the table. "Would you like a slice of cake?"
"Umm… No." He cleared his throat. "Thank you Yuri."
"No problem senpai." She looked at him curiously. "Do you have a fever senpai? You're looking a little red."
Kyouya cleared his throat again. "I'm alright. Go back to your duties Yuri."
"Okay then. If you're sure."
She picked up her tray and walked away. For some reason, he doesn't know why, but his eyes followed her until she disappeared among the twins' customers who are still admiring her clothes.
_ _ _
I. Am. Bored.
Yuri blew a piece of stray hair away from her face. She is leaning against a corner of the music room. No one is requesting tea, or cake, or pineapple juice, or coconut juice anymore. The Hosts, specifically Tamaki, Hikaru, and Kaoru, are attempting to teach the customers the Hawaiian Dance. She held back laughter and giggles. She's never been to Hawaii but she's certain the dance is not the hilarious dance the hosts are showing.
Looking around, she is surprised to see an open door.
Funny. Never noticed that before.
Since no one seems to be looking, she tip-toed towards the room. She peeked in and gasped. It's the most beautiful and most welcoming sight ever: a grand white piano.
Happily, she entered and stood in front of the grand instrument. She ran her hands all over its surface, feeling the smooth texture. She tested the keys. It let out a clear note. Before she knew it, Yuri is seated and is beginning to play a tune, a song that she knows by heart since it's the most beautiful piece she has ever heard in her life: Yiruma's River Flows In You.
She played… … Letting her fingers fly over the keys… Her heart is pumping hard now… She's never felt such peace since she arrived in Japan… The kind of peace that only music can give her. Her mother is an excellent pianist. Through her, music became a huge part of Yuri's life. It is the only thing that could calm her on stormy nights, give her company on lonely days, and comfort during times when she feels that she can't go on. Yes. Music is a part of her.
She struck the last chord and smiled.
That felt good…
The poor girl almost got a heart attack when she heard thunderous applause coming from outside.
Crap! I forgot to close the door! They heard that? They weren't supposed to hear it! Good Lord! I hope not all of them heard it!
Slowly, she turned around. Yep. Everyone heard it.
_ _ _
5:00 P.M.
The Host Club is Now Closed. Come Again Soon!
She sat in front of the Shadow King, not sure what she's doing there. He's calculating something. The others are cleaning up the mess. There were a lot of leftover pineapples and coconuts so Haruhi and Yuri decided to take some home. However, Yuri is waiting for Kyouya to finally tell her what's going on. Finally, he stopped and Yuri braced herself.
"You never informed us that you play piano," he said, calmly.
"Um... I didn't think it was necessary."
He adjusted his glasses before smiling. "I have a new proposition for you."
She tilted her head to the side. "Okay?"
"I will decrease your debt by 10% instead of 5% each day if you do one more thing for the Host Club aside from being our servant."
"And that is…?"
"You will be the Host Club's entertainer. After doing your servant duties, you will play the piano as background music while the Hosts do their work. If a customer wants to request a song, you will play it. For each song request, I will decrease an extra 2% from your debt." He paused, letting this sink in. "Do we have an agreement?"
Yuri considered this. It would make her debt disappear faster. But what if she already paid all her debt but still have not found the ambassador's niece? It's a fifty-fifty and she's not sure if she should risk it. But, then again, she can ask to stay at the Host Club even after her debt is paid. Maybe she can come to an agreement with Kyouya. If not, maybe she'll just break something.
Making her decision, she nodded. "I'll do it."
He smirked. "Good. Now, do you have your own compositions or do we have to provide it?"
"I have my own, thank you."
"Good." He got up and told her to start cleaning as he began to walk away.
Then, Yuri remembered something that he mentioned. "Wait, senpai. What if the customer requests a song that I can't play?"
He turned to look at her, still smirking. "That you have to figure out on your own."
He continued to walk away. Yuri furrowed her eyebrows in irritation. Evil much?!
_ _ _
Chapter 8- Getting to Know Yuri Inoue
A/N: (Phone Conversation)
It is now the first week of March…
Tuesday
8:00 P.M.
Akiyama Household
"So, this is it then? This is the final list?"
"Yup, those fifteen girls are the only likely candidates," Camille answered. " They most fit the information the ambassador was able to remember: Father is a commoner, Mother used to be involved in politics, currently living with either the Father or the Father's relatives, approximately sixteen years old, goes to Ouran Academy on a merit scholarship. You said so yourself, only the rich and important can go to Ouran unless there is a scholarship or financial aid involved."
Yuri nodded even though her teammates, who have her on loudspeaker so they can talk to her together, can't see her. She switched the phone from her left hand to her right hand as she picked up the newly printed list.
"Right. I know some of these girls. Three are in my class, two are in my year but not in my class, and the others are second years, I think."
"That's great. Interview them as soon as you can," Jake said. "You'll be back home in no time."
Yuri giggled, happily. "Hope so. Anyway, thanks for the info guys. Deeply appreciate it." She placed the list inside one of her folders then plopped down on her bed. "So, the assignment aside, how are things there?"
"Oh, everything's okay," Mandy answered. "But we still miss you."
"Yeah," David added. "Things here are pretty different. I think even the Commander misses you though he won't admit it."
"Haha Dave."
"Serioulsy though, we miss you," Dylan said.
"Yeah," Jake agreed. "So, you better wrap it up there 'cause we want you back."
"Especially Jake," Camille interceded. "He misses you A LOT!"
"Cami!"
"What? Only telling the truth here."
"Shut it."
The girl giggled at her teammates, shaking her head. Despite her being halfway around the world, some things remain the same. Even Jake's little crush on her.
As she listened to their bickering, her eyes wandered to their picture, taken a month before they were given the assignment that separated her from the only friends she has ever known. Her eyes landed on Jake who has an arm draped across her shoulders. She tried to like him in that way, she really did. They even tried dating a few times but that feeling just doesn't come. Jake is a really nice guy, very gentlemanly, very determined, a little bit of a pushover but really sweet. But, all she ever sees in him is a friend and a brother. And Jake knows it but he never gives up, giving her presents for no apparent reason, making her laugh in the darkest of days, threatening boys who dare come near her, he's just really nice. Too good to be true actually. And Yuri knows that she doesn't deserve him. He deserves someone far better than her.
"Hey guys, as much fun as talking to all of you is, I got to go. School you know. And the Host Club takes up most of my time nowadays."
"Oh sure," they replied, sounding disappointed.
"Guys, come on."
"We're fine."
"Thanks for the info. I'll call you as soon as I get new updates."
"Anytime Kath, we miss you!"
"Miss you guys too!"
She heard the button being pressed, indicating that the loudspeaker is now off. Before she can hang up, she heard Jake call her name.
"Yes?"
"Hey Listen, I know we've gone over this millions of times but I thought I'd just take the chance."
Yuri sighed. "Jake, I'm sorry. But, no, it's just not there. Even if I'm halfway around the world, I do miss you but I miss you the same way I miss everybody else. Can we not go over this now? "
"Okay, okay, sorry." He chuckled. But, hey, if you fall in love with a Japanese dude, let me know. I'll make sure he really does deserve you."
She giggled. "I highly doubt that I'd fall in love with some stuck up rich dude but thanks."
"Bye Kath."
"Bye Jake."
She pressed the "Off" button on the cordless phone and sighed before throwing herself across her bed. Ugh. Host Club. They have been so busy lately that she keeps forgetting to ask Kyouya about her debt's progress. She'll ask him tomorrow before Kaori picks her up from school. Her older cousin managed to convince her old boss to let Yuri use their computers to help in her search. So, tomorrow, they are going to the Japanese Secret Service Headquarters.
Breathing deeply, she proceeded to finish her homework.
_ _ _
Wednesday
Third Music Room
Ouran Academy
2:45 P.M.
Another perfectly normal day for Ouran Academy's students. The sun is shining brightly and the weather keeps getting warmer so the students are okay with a simple sweater over their uniform instead of a coat. Spring is on its way!
At the Host Club, everything is set up for that day's Victorian Age theme. Yuri got there early that afternoon so she was able to get into her costume early. The tea is ready as well so now, she can relax before they open in fifteen minutes. The twins made her wear a simple, floor-length burgundy dress with golden sequins and a modest square neckline. On her feet are delicate looking ballet slippers (Funny, she never knew flats are so comfortable). Her hair is in a bun at the back of her head, a white flower pinned on it. Haruhi is wearing a similar dress, a baby pink one with blue embroidery. She is also wearing a wig with the same hair color as her natural hair with a pink ribbon. When both girls asked why they are making Haruhi dress as a girl, despite her being a girl already, they replied that some fans requested to see Haruhi cosplayed as a girl and they thought this was a perfect opportunity to have her do so. Haruhi merely shrugged and said, "Whatever."
So now, here she is sitting at a table beside Haruhi who is doing her homework. Meanwhile, Yuri is reading Pride and Prejudice. For a few minutes now, she can feel eyes staring at her. Finally, unable to take the discomfort that someone is watching her read, she looked up. The twins are watching her from another table, quizzically.
"What?"
"Ne, Yuri?" Kaoru said. "You've never read Pride and Prejudice?"
"Actually, I've read it before."
"Why are you reading it again?" Hikaru asked.
"This copy is written in kanji. I want to get used to reading Kanji."
"Oh…" they both said, nodding.
"Have you guys read it?"
"Nah… Too sappy for us," Kaoru replied.
"Okay then."
Shrugging, she returned to her book. A few minutes later, Haruhi put her pencil down then stretched her arms.
"I'm finished," she said, relieved.
Yuri looked up from her book. "Wow. That was fast."
"It wasn't much."
"Haruhi!"
They looked up to see Tamaki standing before them, red in the face. He is wearing a white shirt, light purple tie, a purple waistcoat, and a black jacket with matching pants and a pair of leather shoes. The other Hosts are wearing similar clothes: Kyouya is wearing dark blue, Hikaru and Kaoru are both wearing red, Hunny is wearing yellow, and Mori is wearing orange.
"Yes senpai?" Haruhi tilted her head to the side
"Y-You… I-I mean…"
Yuri giggled. For the few weeks she's been here, she can tell that Tamaki has a crush on Haruhi though the blonde seems to think that it's fatherly love.
Well, hope he figures it out soon 'cause they are really cute together, she thought, placing a bookmark on her page. She closed the book and stood up, made an excuse and left Tamaki stammering in front of a confused Haruhi.
The girl approached the grand white piano, which was taken out of the other room and is now set up near the window. She sat on the seat and began to play a random tune.
Ahhh… What blissful solitude… What amazing peace… What-
"Yuri!"
-annoying twins.
Kaoru and Hikaru settled themselves on either side of her.
"We're bored!" they said.
She sighed. So much for a few minutes of peace. "And how may I help with this tragedy?"
They grinned hopefully at her. "Teach us a song!"
"Say what?"
"Teach us how to play something," Hikaru said. "Please?"
"Pretty please?" Kaoru said.
Both give her puppy dog eyes. She sighed and played a few keys.
"Try those."
They did. They messed up. She repeated. They mimicked her again. This went on and on until five minutes before the club begins. Finally, they got it. The twins high-fived each other, happily as if they've accomplished something really big.
"That was great!" they told her as she got up to check on the tea.
"I feel so proud of you guys," Yuri said, amused but they don't seem to notice.
She reached the pantry door. She is about to enter when they called her again.
"Yes?"
"What did we just play?"
She smiled before answering. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
Then she entered the pantry and shut the door behind her.
_ _ _
3:15 P.M.
Music Room Number Three
The Host Club is currently in session.
All the customers are delighted with the day's theme. They especially admired Haruhi in her dress who "amazingly looks like a real girl."
"That's all for now Yuri," Kyouya said, as the girl placed a teapot beside the cup and saucer.
"Okay senpai."
After placing the tray at an empty table, the Host Club servant/entertainer began to untie her apron as she headed towards the piano to start entertaining. But, a knock on the door stopped her in her tracks. Late customers? she thought as she changed her course, tying her apron back on. She opened the door and found a guy wearing a long black cape. The puzzled girl sweatdropped. He seems a little surprised to see her but shrugged it off.
"Um… May I help you?" she asked.
"Yes," he said. Then, he held up a cat puppet. "Belzenef and I are here to see Ootori-kun. We are discussing the possible joining of the Host Club and the Black Magic Club."
"Oh. Okay." She sweatdropped again.
The Host Club is joining with the Black Magic Club? Since when? And how come their "beloved" Vice President failed to inform them of this?
"Come in then."
She let him in and led him towards Kyouya. Then, she headed towards the pantry to get some tea for their guest. From the corner of her eye, she saw that Tamaki seems to have frozen in the middle of a passionate soliloquy. Meanwhile, the Shadow King looked up from his laptop.
"Nekozawa-senpai? To what do we owe the pleasure?" he asked, a little surprised.
"We wish to discuss the joining of our clubs Ootori-kun."
Kyouya adjusted his glasses. "I see." Then, he turned his head towards their President. "Tamaki, Nekozawa-senpai wishes to discuss something about the club and it is only right that you are here."
Tamaki swallowed, nervously. "E-Excuse me, l-ladies." He looked around for Yuri until he found her come out from the pantry, a tray of tea and cake in her hands. "Y-Yuri, my darling daughter! Entertain your father's guests for him please. Play them any song they like."
Yuri paused in her step, breathed deeply, then said, "Okay senpai. Hold on."
She approached Nekozawa and Kyouya, placed the tea in front their black-clad guest and proceeded to the piano. As she passed a shaking Tamaki, he grabbed her and wrapped "protective" arms around her.
"Do not be afraid of Nekozawa-senpai Yuri," he said, hints of nervousness in his voice. "He may se scary-looking and creepy and weird and scary-looking and evil-like with his cursed doll, and scary-looking-."
"Tamaki-senpai, I get it." She pulled away from him, an wary eye on his customers. They could attack her at anytime for even touching the Host Prince. "Besides, he doesn't look that scary. You're the one who looks like you're going to die any second."
Tamaki's face turned white and he froze. Meanwhile, Kyouya shook his head, irritated. "Baka…" he said, getting up. He stood in front of his frozen best friend and placed a forceful blow on the side of Tamaki's head. "We have a business meeting to attend to. No slacking please." As Tamaki rubbed the spot where he was hit, Kyouya turned to Yuri. "Proceed to your duties Yuri."
The girlnodded. As soon as she had positioned herself at the piano, Tamaki's customers and the other Hosts' customers mobbed her with song request forms on their hands. The poor girl let out a squeak as what seems to be fifteen girls fighting to get their song request played first.
"Play this first Yuri-san-."
"No! This one is better!"
"No, this one!"
"This one Yuri-chan!"
The panicking girl turned to the other Hosts. Kyouya and Tamaki are busy (at least Kyouya is, Tamaki is mostly shaking.) Haruhi instantly came over and attempted to calm down the customers, encouraging them to "please form a single line". But unfortunately, she is unsuccessful and became lost amongst the crowd. Finally, aid came in the form of Mori, who left Hunny and his customers. He scooped up Haruhi from the crowd and placed her next to Yuri. He stood next to the two girls.
"Ladies, please form a single line so that Yuri-chan can fulfill your request," he said in a calm yet commanding voice.
Suddenly, the girls stopped demanding and formed a line, waiting eagerly.
"Thank you," Mori said.
Yuri breathed in relief. She looked up at Mori, smiling gratefully. "Thank you Mori-senpai."
Mori smiled back. "Your welcome."
He returned to Hunny and Haruhi, wishing Yuri good luck, returned to her customers.
Getting herself together, she turned to the first girl and took the request form. She looked at it briefly and sighed. She picked up a binder and began filing through it. When she couldn't fine the song, she turned to the laptop positioned next to the piano and in a matter of minutes, the printer had begun printing the notes to the song. The thing about these rich girls, they didn't grow up listening to music that "commoners" like her and Haruhi listen to. Not hip-hop, or rock, or pop, or even RnB. Nope. They listened to sonatas and symphonies and classical stuff. Not that Yuri doesn't like those. She has learned to play a couple by Bach and Mozart but seriously? She had no choice but appeal to Tamaki since Kyouya is not willing to help her out so their blond-haired president lent her copies of his classical music collection. Meanwhile, the songs that Tamaki doesn't have, Yuri can print out from his internet-connected laptop attached to his printer.
As she played the song request, Kyouya, Tamaki, and Nekozawa are discussing the Black Magic Club's request.
"… and your customers will receive free silk capes and Belzenef dolls with every purchase of the Black Magic Club's wares."
"I see. And what colors are these capes?" Kyouya asked.
"Black of course. But if they are uncomfortable with the color, they can request it in Grey."
"I see." Kyouya began typing on his laptop. "I have reviewed the potential benefits and I'm afraid that it's just not possible Nekozawa-senpai. The joining of our two clubs doesn't seem to be beneficial for either of our clubs and might even resort to us losing our customers. That is why we must decline your proposal."
"I see," Nekozawa answered, a little solmenly. "Well, we simply thought we'd see if we could. But I suppose not."
"We are truly sorry senpai."
"Do not worry about it Ootori-kun. Maybe not now but perhaps in the near future."
"I highly doubt that but we'll keep it in mind."
They stood up. Nekozawa offered his hand to Tamaki and he shook it, nervously. He did not speak for the whole meeting. Kyouya shook his hand afterwards and Nekozawa began to exit the club room. But, before he left, he looked back at the girl at the piano.
_ _ _
5:35 P.M.
Ouran Academy Entrance
Hunny and Mori's limo pulled away from the curve. Haruhi waved good-bye as she headed towards the subway. Yuri is, meanwhile, waiting for Kaori to pick her up. Her cousin had sent her a text message saying that she got stuck on traffic so here she is, sitting on the gravel sidewalk… Alone and without company. But not for long…
"Yuri?"
She looked up. "Hey Kyouya-senpai. I thought you already left. I mean, you were gone when Haruhi and I finished cleaning."
"I came back for my pen."
She giggled. "You came back for a pen? Don't you have, like, dozens?"
"This pen in particular is 1,000 yen."
Her eyes widened. "You paid 1,000 yen for a pen?"
"To each his own Yuri."
She shrugged. "Okay. If you say so."
Silence.
"What are you still doing here Yuri? Don't you usually go home with Haruhi?"
"I have somewhere to go with my cousin today. But, she's running a little late. So, here I am waiting. Kinda lonely actually. But, oh well."
The next thing that happened surprised her. Her senpai placed his things next to hers and sat down on the gravel beside her.
"Uh… Not that I don't like your company senpai but what are you doing?"
"Ouran may be a respectable school but it can be dangerous for a girl such as yourself to be waiting alone" is what he simply said.
She gave him a look. "I can take care of myself."
"Of course you can."
He made no gesture to leave so Yuri just shrugged. They sat in silence for a few minutes.
"Um… Senpai?"
"Yes Yuri?"
"I almost forgot, how's my debt going? I mean, when do you think I'll be able to finish?"
With this question, he took out his notebook and flipped through it swiftly. "According to my calculations, you will be finished at least two weeks before finals."
"Oh. I see."
Silence again.
"Senpai?"
"Yes?"
"I'm just curious. Don't be offended okay? I'm just wondering how a guy like you ended up in a club such as the Host Club. You're probably more suited for, I don't know, the Math Club, the Business Club or something. Why the Host Club?"
Kyouya chuckled lightly then fixed his glasses. "You know, Haruhi asked me the same question once before. Why the Host Club indeed. Well, the fact that it was crazy is one."
And before they knew it, he is telling her about his life story. About who he was before the Host Club. About his father's expectations. About how much he strived to surpass his brothers to prove to his father that he is more than just the third son. About Tamaki's friendship.
Yuri watched him, listening and hanging on to his every word. Wow. She never thought that the Shadow King have gone through so much. Imagine him being nice to everybody just because they're teh son or daughter of his father's business partners. And it's amusing to hear about his first meeting with "the idiot." And she never knew he had a sister who cares a lot about him.
As he finished his story, there was silence. Then, she looked away and found herself talking. "You know senpai, you're lucky with your family. Even if you were pressured to be the best, at least you're all intact. Unlike my family."
"My parents got divorced when I was eight," she began, staring across the street. "My mom told me that she expected it. I was their only child so I was a daddy's girl. But the day my dad broke the news that he and mom were having a divorce was the day I stopped being his little princess. I was only eight years old and I didn't understand. All I knew was that he was leaving us, leaving me. Mom told me that my dad had a good reason for leaving but I didn't see it. I never did. Even now, I'm still bitter about it. Mom forgave him a long time ago. Though I know she's moved on, sometimes, I think the reason why she never dates anybody who asked her out was because she still has feelings for dad."
She paused. Kyouya stayed put. Not encouraging her but not discouraging either. Then, Yuri continued.
"My dad tries. I'll give him credit for that. But he just doesn't care enough. When I dyed parts of my hair pink, he didn't comment or anything. I like my hair after I dyed it, I really do. But, I was also hoping my dad would protest or even comment or say that it might lead to delinquency or something. Anything. Anything to show that he cares. But I got nothing. That's why, I don't talk to him that much. Hardly at all. I just… I just can't forgive him. Not yet."
The girl didn't even realize she was crying until she was handed a plain white handkerchief by Kyouya. She took it and wiped at her wet cheeks.
"Gomenasai," she said, embarrassed.
The older boy smiled at her, a real smile. "No harm done." He watched her intently. "You know what I think? I think your father does love you. You just have to give hima chance to show it. Maybe you're pushing him away everytime but you just don't notice. Talk to him Yuri."
She tilted her head to the side. "You know what Kyouya-senpai. Despite what you show to other people, despite what they say about you, you're a really nice guy."
As she smiled at him, Kyouya felt the heat rush to his cheeks. Fortunately, she had turned away and he was able to calm himself down. The next few minutes are silence. Then, they heard a car horn being sounded. They looked up.
"That's my cousin," Yuri said, picking up her things. She dropped Pride and Prejudice which he picked up for her. "Thanks senpai. And thank you for keeping me company."
"It was nothing Yuri."
She turned to go but paused to look at him. "Senpai, can we keep what I told you between us? I don't want the others to make a fuss of it, especially Tamaki-senpai."
He nodded. "Of course. Well, I'll be on my way as well."
Nodding, they turned away from each other and parted ways, Yuri to Kaori's car and Kyouya to his limousine.