Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club. If I did, I'd be a character and marry Kyouya.
Chapter 15- The Truth
A/N: Hey guys! Long time no see! **dodges tomatoes and cabbages**… Okay, I kinda deserved that. So sorry for not updating in sooooo long! I have an excuse. You see, I started college and I barely have the time to do anything at all! **turkey leg comes flying over head** Okay, so that's a sad excuse. But it's winter break now, I finished the other story I was pre-occupied with so here it is!
Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran. If I did, I'd be a character and I'd marry Kyouya.
The students of Ouran Academy return to school from Spring Break. Haruhi's DNA results come back. Kaoru reveals something that could change the relationship between him and Yuri. And what was this? There are men following Yuri? And what is this Kyouya? You feel jealousy?
Monday
3:45 PM
Third Music Room
Welcome to the Host Club!
It was another normal day at Ouran Academy's Host Club. Tamaki was charming his customers with bright smiles and suave words. The twins were playing another round of the game "Which one is Hikaru?" Hunny was, as usual, stuffing himself with sweets with Mori hovering nearby, napkin ready for any stained cheeks. Haruhi was amiably conversing with her swooning customers. And of course, Kyouya was doing calculations of the club's funds as usual.
"How was your time in Romania, senpai?"
"Oh. It was wonderful, thank you. And how was Okinawa, Yuri-san?"
"Good. It was really fun. I sure wish you came."
This conversation continued on as Yuri poured tea for the black-clad president of the Black Magic Club. He was her only customer that day and although she spent majority of it on the piano, Tamaki decided to give her a break so she could sit and enjoy a proper conversation with her customer.
Meanwhile, the club's Vice President was less than thrilled at the interaction between the Black Magic Club's president and the Host Club's pianist. Kyouya didn't know why but Nekozawa's close proximity to Yuri was making his blood boil. A vein popped dangerously on the Shadow King's forehead but he did his best to ignore it. Instead, he focused his attention on his calculations. He didn't care at all. No, he did not. He had other pressing matters to attend to such as the props for this Friday's theme, the new order of pastries, more fish food for the fish, Yuri's delighted laughter…
SNAP!
Every person in the Third Music Room looked up as the Shadow King stared at his now broken clipboard. Kyouya blinked. Was he really holding it with that much force?
He heard Yuri excuse herself from Nekozawa and approach him. "Senpai? Are you okay?" she asked, concerned.
"I-I'm…" He cleared his throat. "I'm alright Yuri. My clipboard, however, is not." He flashed her a strained smile. "Will you throw it away for me please?"
She still looked worried but nevertheless held her hand out for the broken clipboard. He gave it to her, his fingers lingering on hers longer than necessary. A pink flush briefly appeared on her cheeks but without another word, she went inside the pantry to throw the debris away. As soon as she was out of sight, Kyouya breathed in relief and shook his head free of thoughts.
I should really get my bearings together, he thought as he urged everyone to return to their activities. I'm usually not like this.
It all began when she came into your life.
You again? Why can't you just leave me alone?
Because I'm your subconscious, baka! I'm the part of you that doesn't surface much. But I've been appearing quite often since Yuri arrived.
What the hell does that mean?
Exactly what it means. It's because of her that you're finally shedding that Shadow King exterior of yours.
Why you-
"Kyouya?" Tamaki's voice broke the dark-head's argument with his subconscious. "Are you alright, my friend?"
It took him a while to answer but the Shadow King eventually replied, "I'm fine Tamaki. Now please attend to your customers. I have more calculations to take care of."
Dang. I wonder what's the matter with Kyouya-senpai, Yuri thought as she dumped the broken piece of wood in the garbage. Did all that work finally catch up to him and he snapped? Literally?
The sixteen-year old sighed and leaned against the counter. Why am I even worried? It's not like he can't take care of himself.
"I'm an idiot," she said out loud.
Shaking her head free of thoughts, she went back out.
"I'm sorry about that senpai," Yuri apologized as she returned to her seat in front of Nekozawa. "Kyouya-senpai must be stressed. He's been working hard. Sometimes, I wish he'd take a break every now and then. He works too much."
A fond smile made its way to her lips, one that did not fail to go unnoticed by Nekozawa. And that was when the Black Magic practitioner knew that he had lost to someone who never even tried, someone who could make her smile the way she was now. Something that he could never do.
"Yuri-san?"
"Hai? More tea, senpai?"
The Black Magic Club President took her hand in his and pressed his lips onto it. Yuri blushed.
"S-Senpai, I-"
"I really like you, Yuri-san. And I always will. But now I know that I will never be enough for you. And it's alright. Your friendship is enough for me. Seeing you happy with the one who truly holds your heart is enough for me."
"S-Senpai…" Yuri bit her lip before smiling and placing a hand on top of his. "Thank you. And I hope you find someone who can give you the love that you deserve."
Nekozawa smiled. "Thank you."
Yuri smiled back before extracting her hand from his. She picked up the teapot. "Tea?"
He held his cup to her. "Yes, please."
5:20 PM
Third Music Room
The Host Club is now closed. Thank you for coming!
"Hey, Yuri, can I talk to you?" Kaoru asked, walking the club's servant/pianist.
Said girl looked up from clearing away half-eaten cakes from Haruhi's table. "Sure. What's up?"
The red-head placed an arm behind his head, turning away to look at the door. "Um… In private?"
"Oh. Well, give me fifteen minutes. You can wait for me outside. Or stay and help."
"I'll help," he replied, taking the rag from her hands.
Yuri smiled in gratitude before picking up the tray of dishes. "Thanks. Can you do Hunny-senpai's table next? I'll just take this to Haruhi."
"Sure."
She turned and left for the pantry. Kaoru smiled at her retreating back, longingly. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned his head to see his twin, grinning at him, mischievously.
Hikaru wiggled his eyebrows. "Today's the day, huh brother?"
Kaoru chuckled. "Yes. Today's the day…"
Meanwhile, inside the pantry, Yuri laid the tray of dishes next to another unclean stack.
Haruhi, who was doing the dishes, looked up briefly and sighed in annoyance. "Every single freakin' day, the plates and cups just pile up. Good thing there's a dishwasher," she mumbled, taking out the clean ones from said machine and re-filling it with the dirty ones. "I don't think I can finish all these by hand."
Yuri giggled, taking the clean dishes and putting them away in the cabinets. "Hey, they're rich. They can afford anything."
The other girl scoffed as she turned the dishwasher on. She turned around and leaned on the counter.
Suddenly looking at Yuri with a serious face, she said, "Hey, Yuri. Did you… um… you know…"
The pink-streaked girl immediately knew what the cross dresser was trying to say. She shook her head. "I didn't get the results back yet." She lowered her voice. "My team said that they'll have it in a few days or so. A week the most. I'll give it to you as soon as I get it."
Haruhi nodded. "Thanks." She breathed in deeply. "I just… I still can't believe it, you know?"
Yuri nodded. "It's a lot to take in, I know. I mean, it's not everyday you find out you're the long-lost niece of the Japanese ambassador."
Haruhi giggled. "And here I thought my mom's side of the family just doesn't care."
Yuri flashed her a gentle smile. "They do care. That's why they're so desperate to find you they had to enlist the help of the CIA for it."
"Yeah…" A gentle look came upon Haruhi's face.
They stayed in silence for a few minutes, each in her own thoughts. Yuri could see the wheels turning in Haruhi's brain. The girl was still severely confused but was beginning to accept the truth.
"Well, I better go help Kaoru with the tables," Yuri said, beginning to head out.
"Eh? I thought he already left?"
She shrugged. "He said he has something to talk to me about so he'd rather help clean than wait for me."
"That's weird. He doesn't even do that for me. Do you know why he wants to talk to you?"
"No clue. Guess I'll find out later."
Later on, Haruhi headed for the gates to wait for Yuri while the latter headed to the garden to meet Kaoru. She was really curious about what he wanted from her and why he must say it in private. Over the past couple of months, aside from Haruhi, Kaoru was the Host that she really became close with. He reminded her a little bit of Jake; mischievous but kind, a caring soul though he wouldn't admit it, and so much fun to be with. He was her best friend, like a brother.
Yuri sighed… Speaking of brothers… She kinda missed her step-brother. He must be in college now. Why her father wouldn't just give him her title as heir to the Inoue Technology Industries, she didn't know. As far as she was concerned, Hatori was perfectly capable of running the company. Then again, she recalled that Hatori was the heir to his own father's company. Despite the divorce between his mother and father, Hatori was still the first-born after all; he had every right to the company.
"Yuri! Over here!" Kaoru was waving at her from underneath a tree… the tree where the rescued that cat a couple of months ago… when Kyouya tried to catch her when she fell…
At the thought of Kyouya, Yuri's stomach gave a lurch but she ignored the feeling. Putting on a bright smile, she went over to the red-haired Hitachiin who was leaning against the tree.
"Hey," she said, lifting her hand in greeting. "Well, I'm here." She leaned against the tree's trunk next to him. "What do you have to talk to me about?"
Kaoru gazed at her for a moment before taking her hand. "We're friends, right Yuri?"
The girl's eyebrows furrowed. "Of course."
The twin's lips upturned into a gentle smile. "And sometimes, friends become… more. Right?"
At the statement, Yuri's heart began thumping hard against her chest. She knew where this was going. But she never thought that Kaoru… Well, she pretty much figured that Kaoru was a huge flirt but she always thought they were playful flirting. But now…
"K-Kaoru… I-I…"
"Shhh…" he placed a finger over her lips. "Let me finish." Gently, he ran his finger over her lips and rested his hand on her warm cheek. "I've never met anyone quite like you, Yuri. And I think…" He took both her hands in his and placed them over his chest. "I think I'm in love with you."
And to Yuri's shock, he leaned in and pressed his lips onto hers. Her eyes widened. She couldn't find words to speak. She loved Kaoru, she really did. But… not in that way. She didn't know what to say; she didn't want to hurt him after all. He was one of her best friends. How should she tell him that she didn't feel that way for him?
This kiss… it just didn't feel right… it didn't feel like…
It doesn't feel like Kyouya-senpai's kiss, she thought, guilt pricking her. She was comparing Kaoru's kiss to Kyouya's. Kaoru's wasn't imposed by a dare or just to prove that he never backed down from challenges. It was sincere and heartfelt. But how come it didn't feel right? How come she couldn't feel the same fireworks she felt when Kyouya kissed her? Why couldn't she feel the same way?
As quickly as it occurred, the kiss ended.
Kaoru waited for her reaction, his face expectant. "Well? Anything?"
Yuri bit her lip, nervously and turned her head away. "Kaoru, I…" She couldn't finish her sentence, the guilt pricking her. But she had to do this. He was her friend. He deserved to know the truth.
When she looked up at him, he simply smiled, sadly and nodded. "I understand."
Her eyes widened. "Kaoru…"
He shook his head. "It's okay, really Yuri." He grinned… a forced grin. "Guess my kiss didn't feel the same as Kyouya-senpai's, huh?"
Yuri's cheeks reddened. "I-It's… It's not like that."
But to her surprise, Kaoru laughed before reaching out to ruffle her pink-streaked hair. "It's okay, really. I just needed to get that off my chest, that's all. Besides, if things don't work out between you and senpai, you'll know I'm here."
Her blush deepened and she frowned. "It's not like that," she repeated. "I don't like him in that way!"
Kaoru chuckled and waved his hand, nonchalantly. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that. But I know a crush when I see it. You like him."
"I don't!" she insisted.
Kaoru cocked an eyebrow. "Really? Then who do you like?"
"No one!" she answered quickly.
But the red-head Hitachiin chuckled again. "Sure, sure."
"Kaoru!"
He grabbed her arm and began dragging her towards the entrance gates. "Come on. Hikaru's with Haruhi right now. We'll walk you both to the subway."
She gently released her arm from his hold. Flashing him a sad look, she said, "You know that I love you right? Like a brother?"
He nodded and beamed. "Yeah. But it's enough for now. I really don't mind. As long as you know how I feel, I'm alright with it."
Finally, Yuri smiled before slipping her hand into this. "Thanks, Kaoru."
Together, the two left the garden.
Friday
5:30 PM
Ouran Academy Entrance Gates
Kyouya frowned.
They're here again, he thought to himself, watching the two men loitering in front of the building opposite the school.
One of them was tall and thin while the other was short and pudgy. They both wore khaki trench coats and dark sunglasses. The second year valedictorian first saw them on Monday. He paid them no mind the first time. He saw them again on Tuesday. Again he paid them no mind. But he grew suspicious when he saw them following the two female members of the Host Club to the subway on Wednesday and yet again yesterday. And today, they were here again.
Kyouya's eyes narrowed as he watched them eye the two girls who just exited the gates with the twins who were begging the two to allow their limo to take them home.
"Sorry, guys. But I have to run an errand for my Dad," Haruhi said.
"And I have to run to the grocery store," Yuri added.
"Aww… Come one!" the twins pleaded.
"Sorry," the girls chorused.
Defeated, the red-heads said their good-byes and headed to their waiting limousine. Meanwhile, Haruhi waved her hand in farewell before heading for a different direction. Left alone with Yuri, Kyouya turned to her.
"Do you want a ride to the grocery store?" he asked, watching the two men across the street from the corner of his eye.
Yuri shook her head. "I'm fine, senpai. I'll see you on Monday."
She began to walk towards the subway. The two men moved. Fast as lightning, Kyouya rushed over to her and grabbed her arm, gently.
"I insist," he said. "You might need some help bringing home those groceries."
Yuri rolled her eyes as she retrieved her arm from his grasp. "I've done this a number of times. I'll be fine."
She began to move away again but Kyouya quickly moved in front of her.
"Please, Yuri," he almost begged. Almost. "Allow me to accompany you."
Raising an eyebrow, Yuri stared at him. "You're… quite persistent aren't you?"
He didn't answer. She sighed and tilted her head. "Fine. I could always use an extra hand. Where's your limo?"
Smiling, Kyouya stepped back and bowed, gesturing with his arm the direction of their ride. Yuri only giggled before heading in that general direction, the Shadow King following behind her. From the corner of his eye, he watched as the two men retreat back to their original position. They must have decided to leave Yuri alone. They couldn't follow her anymore.
He inwardly smirked. Not under my watch, he thought.
At the grocery store, people stared as the limo pulled up in front of the place and two students, from a prestigious school based on their primp uniforms, filed out. The girl headed straight inside, the boy following behind her. She grabbed a basket and was about to begin her grocery shopping when he took it from her hands. She looked ready to protest but decided not to. Instead, she walked towards the fruit aisle while he faithfully followed behind her.
"So what were you making again?" Kyouya asked.
"Cinnamon apple pie," Yuri answered as she grabbed a bag and began picking apples. "Kaori's been craving it since this morning so I might as well." She placed the bag inside the basket.
"Ah. I would love to try some, if you don't mind."
Yuri paused and turned to him, her eyes soft. "Really?"
Kyouya nodded. "Of course."
Yuri smiled. "Thanks. So, uh, I need cinnamon."
He followed her as she headed towards the aisle of spices.
A few minutes later, they had everything Yuri needed. They never thought it was possible to have fun while grocery shopping. They conversed about the most random things: Kyouya's favorite flavor of pie, the compositions that Yuri recently learned because of requests, Tamaki's ideas of Host themes, Kaori's cravings, the new substitute teacher for physics. Yuri had never smiled so much in her life that her face was hurting. But she didn't care. Being with Kyouya… it made her happy.
Soon enough, the basket was almost full to the brim with a bag of apples, a tin of cinnamon, and a bag of flour and a bag of baking powder. In addition, she also bought two bags of chips, a tin of chocolate chip cookies, and a tin of butter cookies.
"Kaori eats a lot these days," she said, trying to decide between Cheetos or Ruffles. In the end, she chose the Cheetos. "I wish she wouldn't eat too much junk food though." She looked thoughtfully at the basket. "Maybe we should go back to the fruit aisle."
Kyouya only chuckled. "Lead the way."
They passed the melons and oranges and were making their way to the pineapples when a sales girl handing out some type of dessert waved them over. The two approached and the girl stiffened at the sight of Kyouya. Her face went bright red and she fluttered her eyelashes as she began to rapidly talk about the dessert. Yuri caught the words "sweet," "chocolate," and "try it."
Yuri took one. But before Kyouya could do the same, the salesgirl raised the pastry to his lips. Kyouya blinked in surprise. Meanwhile, Yuri's eyes narrowed as she felt herself go cold. Before she or Kyouya knew what she was doing, she grabbed the pastry from the girl's hand.
"He has hands, thank you very much," she snapped, before grabbing Kyouya's arm and pulling him away. She never saw the smirk that formed on the Shadow King's lips. "Ugh… Some girls!"
To her surprise, the Shadow King chuckled.
Yuri furrowed her eyebrows at him. "What?"
He shook his head. "You're cute when you're jealous."
Yuri's jaw dropped. "Am not!"
"Yes you are."
"No, I am not!"
"Really? Then why are you still holding my arm so protectively as if someone was going to take me away?"
Yuri blushed and released his arm. "Let's just get the pineapple," she muttered, making her way toward the said fruit.
Smirking, Kyouya followed her faithfully, secretly pleased at the effect he had on her. As she examined the pineapples, he couldn't help but watch her. The way she bit her lip and furrowed her eyebrows in concentration as her fingers ran over the fruit, testing its firmness. He could feel that strange feeling inside him again… The happy, contented feeling he would have whenever he was with her.
Yuri finally made her choice and dumped it into the basket he was holding. "Hmm… I think that's enough food for now. Do you think so?"
He nodded.
"Alrighty, let's check out."
She led the way to the register and stood waiting in line. He stood next to her, faithfully.
While they waited, Kyouya casually said, "I noticed that Nekozawa hasn't visited the club since Monday."
Yuri raised an eyebrow at him. "You're not gonna increase my debt because of that are you?"
Kyouya flashed her a surprised look. "Why would I do that?"
"You mean you're not going to?"
"I have no reason to."
Now Yuri looked surprised. She quickly brought a hand to his forehead. "Are you sick or something, senpai?"
Feeling a blush coming, Kyouya removed her hand from his forehead. He could also feel a prick of guilt. "Am I… Am I really that inconsiderate?"
"What? No! I mean… Well…"
Yuri bit her lip and refused to speak any more and turned her head away to see if the line was moving faster. But her mind wasn't on it. She didn't want to hurt his feelings. As far as she knew, he really did mean well. It was just… he was always much too concerned about gaining more money for the club rather than consider her or Haruhi's feelings on it.
He touched her arm. "Tell me," he insisted, curious now.
Yuri hesitated,
"Come on, Yuri. I'm a good sport."
She looked up at him. "It's just that… Well… You seem to be more concerned with gaining more money for the club. For someone like me and Haruhi, money is not easily accessible unlike for you rich people. And… Haruhi and I would appreciate it if you could cut us some slack sometimes."
She turned away to avoid seeing his reaction. Meanwhile, Kyouya felt funny. He knew that he tended to exaggerate when it came to Yuri or Haruhi's debts. But he never felt guilty about it before. Of course, he wouldn't know what it was like to not have money. Then again, he never did take time to see things from a commoner's perspective…
"Anyway, the reason why Nekozawa-senpai hasn't been visiting is that he decided to return to managing the Black Magic Club. He realized that he's been neglecting it for a while."
"Oh. I see. Does he…" Kyouya cleared his throat. "Does he no longer hold affection for you?"
He watched as Yuri broke into a small smile. "He still does."
His heart almost sank until she said, "But he told me that he was letting me go."
"Letting you go?"
"Yeah. He said something about wanting to see me happy with the one I really love."
"Oh. I see."
A thoughtful look grazed her face. "In a way, I'm glad for it. I know he's probably hurting every time he's with me, always knowing that I can't return his feelings." She sighed a little sadly. "I have to say the same with Kaoru too."
At this statement, Kyouya turned to her in surprise. "Kaoru?"
"Oh, I wasn't supposed to say that." Yuri shook her head. "It's nothing. Just…"
"Just what?" he asked, curious now.
She took a deep breath as a light blush appeared on her cheeks. "On Monday… Well, to get straight to the point, Kaoru told me that he was in love with me."
"Oh. I… I see." Kyouya didn't know why but he suddenly felt himself go cold. It was the exact same feeling when Nekozawa blurted out to the whole music room that he loved Yuri.
"Kyouya-senpai? You okay?" Yuri touched his shoulder, suddenly concerned why he suddenly went quiet.
He cleared his throat. "Um… I'm alright."
She looked at him suspiciously before it dawned on her. She grinned at little too wickedly. "Hmm… If I didn't know any better senpai, I'd say you were jealous," she said, nonchalantly.
To her delight, Kyouya's cheeks reddened. "I'm… I'm not jealous."
She waved a hand. "Sure, sure you're not."
He frowned at her. "I'm not," he insisted, admitting that he somewhat sounded childish. "You… You were jealous earlier!"
It was Yuri's turn to blush. "Was not!"
"Yes, you were!"
"Yes, yes! We get it! You were both jealous," a different voice from behind them said.
They turned to see an old man and an old woman, his wife most likely, standing in line behind them. The old man was the one who spoke while his wife giggled next to him.
The two teenagers' blushes deepened as the old man continued, "You," he pointed at Yuri. "Were jealous of some girl and you," he pointed at Kyouya. "Were jealous of some guy. It's pretty normal in a relationship, you know. I mean, sometimes I still get jealous when Yuki here pays attention to another man. There's no need to fight about it."
"Oh honey, let these young people be. They'll figure it out eventually," his wife said. "But I must say that you two are an adorable couple!"
"Oh no, you're mistaken-" Kyouya began.
"We're not-" Yuri tried to explain.
"Next please!"
"Oh! Look at that, we're up!" Yuri quickly grabbed Kyouya's arm and pulled him away from the married couple before they thought anything else.
"Senpai, you don't have to do this."
"It's quite all right, Yuri. After all, can you really carry all these bags alone?"
"Hmm… Good point. Ah! Here we are." Yuri stopped by the front door and placed her grocery bags on the floor. She rummaged through her school bag for her keys and opened the door. "Come on in, senpai."
She grabbed her bags and entered the house. She paused briefly to leave her shoes by the door before leading the way to the kitchen. Kyouya, his hands full of the other bags, followed suit. He placed the bags next to the others on the counter and looked around.
It was a fairly decent-looking kitchen. Not as big nor as fancy as the one at his mansion but good anyhow. In fact, Kyouya realized that he liked it better than his own kitchen. It was small yet cozy. It looked… homey.
Yuri turned to him, smiling in gratitude. "Thank you for accompanying me home, senpai."
"You're welcome," he replied, smiling in return.
They stood in silence for a moment. Something was tugging at Yuri. She couldn't believe she was actually thinking of doing this. Biting her lip, she fiddled with her fingers. "Um… would you like to stay for dinner? I'm making pan friend noodles and that apple pie for dessert so-"
"I'd love to," he said.
Yuri blinked in surprise. He agreed? He agreed!
"Really?" she asked in disbelief but unable to stop her smile from widening in delight.
"Really," he assured her, his own smile still plastered on his lips. "I'll let my driver know to pick me up later. Then I'll help you with dinner."
Before she could tell him it was alright if he didn't help her cook, he was already out the door.
Silently, Yuri lifted a hand to her burning cheek. He's staying for dinner… Kyouya-senpai's staying for dinner!
She did not know why the hell she was so excited.
7 P.M.
Ootori Household
Yoshio Ootori sat down at the head of the dining table and looked at his children seated on either side of him. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
"And where is your younger brother?" he asked his only daughter, who was staying with them for a while.
Fuyumi pleasantly replied, "Oh, he's having dinner at a friend's house. Don't worry about him, father. I'm sure he's alright."
"Hmm… I don't recall Yuzuru informing me of a dinner."
"Oh, it's not at Tamaki-kun's place. It was a spontaneous invitation from a different friend."
"Which-"
"Now, father. Does it really matter where and with whom Kyouya has dinner with?" Fuyumi interrupted, her smile still present. "All of his friends are fine people, you know that. He's alright wherever he is."
Yoshio flashed his daughter a glare. Surrendering, Fuyumi sighed. "He's at Yuri san's house. And just in case you don't know, Yuri is a new member of the Host Club."
"Hmph." Yoshio turned away and picked up his fork and knife to begin eating. "Another one of those."
All Fuyumi could do was shake her head before beginning to eat, herself. But inside, she was quietly squealing in happiness for her brother.
"Thank your for the dinner, Kaori-san," Kyouya said, bowing. "It was delicious."
"Oh, Ootori-san, it was nothing," Kaori replied, bowing in return. "It was all Yuri-chan. Her cooking is simply delicious. Without my husband here, I would never have survived if she wasn't around."
From the kitchen, Yuri let out an amused laugh. She later on appeared next to her cousin in the living room, a paper bag in her hands.
"Of course she won't survive without me here," she teased. "My cooking tastes better than hers. She almost burned the fish she was trying to cook once. Good thing I saved it."
Kaori flushed while Kyouya covered his chuckle with a cough. The older woman squeezed her cousin around the waist.
"Enough of that now. See Ootori-san to his car."
"Alright, alright."
Saying one last good-bye and good evening, Kyouya left the Akiyama household, walking side-by-side with Yuri to the black limousine that waited for him on the driveway.
The youngest Ootori decided that he not only liked the Akiyama Household's cozy kitchen but dinners. Yuri's cousin was most amiable and quite entertaining. She and Yuri bickered and teased each other at the table and there were no reprimanding words from anyone. Kaori was also quite sophisticated in her own way; then again, she was a teacher. She asked him various questions about school, his responsibilities at the Host Club, his plans for the future. She listened intently and offered advice and encouragement. Such a great change from the dinners he was used to at his own home. At home, it was quiet and formal, no one talked unless addressed by his father. At the Akiyama household, it was lively, full of smiles and laughter. He even had the chance to listen to them play a duet on the piano. Not to mention, Yuri's apple pie was the best he had tasted!
"I had a great time," Kyouya said, softly.
Yuri turned her head and beamed. "Really? I'm glad. I was worried for a sec. I wasn't sure if you liked pan fried noodles."
"I never knew you cooked. You're very good at it," Kyouya commented. "Ever thought of culinary school?"
Yuri laughed and smacked his arm, playfully. "Cooking's just a hobby. My mom loves to cook so she taught me a few recipes. I mean, there were times when I had to cook for my team back home so I taught myself to cook some of their favorites. Pan fried noodles is my friend Mandy's favorite."
Kyouya looked at her curiously. "Your team? Team of what?"
Yuri couldn't believe her slip of the tongue and her secret agent instinct took over. "Did I say team? I really mean my friends. I call them my team sometimes when we do volunteer work for this organization back home."
Not technically a lie, she thought.
Accepting the answer, Kyouya nodded. "I see. Then, what exactly are your plans for the future?"
To be a full agent, Yuri answered in her head. "Oh, I'm still looking. There are a great number of possibilities you know. But what I really want to do…" She watched her feet, thoughtfully. "I want to serve the people."
"Like politics?"
"Oh no. Not politics. I don't think I have a knack for that." She chuckled, nervously. "More like me doing something to protect the people, making sure that they're always safe."
Kyouya furrowed his eyebrows. "You want to be in the military?"
At this statement, Yuri couldn't help it. She laughed. "You know what? I'm not really thinking about it right now. But I'll let you know when I do, okay?"
Kyouya smiled, loving the sound of her laughter, and nodded. "Okay."
They reached the limo and Kyouya's driver opened the door for him. The Shadow King turned to look at his host for the night.
"Thank you for dinner. I really enjoyed it."
"You're welcome." She extended the paper bag to him. "Here. We had some pie left over. Thought you'd like to bring some home."
At first, Kyouya wasn't sure if he should take it. He loved her apple pie definitely and he wanted to take some home. But didn't she make it for her cousin?
"What about Kaori-san?" he asked. "Wasn't this for her?"
She shook her head. "I laid some aside for her too. I mean, you did say you liked it. So why not?" She waved the bag at him. "Come on, senpai. Take it."
Lifting a hand, Kyouya took the bag, allowing his hand to brush against hers. At that simple touch alone, he suddenly felt the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her. Her lips were right there, pink and soft to the touch. He remembered the fireworks he felt when he first kissed her, the feel of her against him...
The youngest Ootori shook his head free of the thoughts and tore his hand away from hers. "Thank you," he said, with a gentle smile. "I'll see you on Monday then?"
Returning the smile, Yuri nodded. "Monday. Good evening senpai."
With one last nod of his head, Kyouya entered the limo. Yuri stepped back to allow his driver to close the door. She lifted her hand in good-bye as the sleek, black vehicle pulled off the curb. She kept watching it until it disappeared around the corner. With a loud sigh, she made her way back to the house.
When she entered, Kaori was waiting for her with a grin. Yuri flashed her a questioning look.
"What?"
Kaori just shook her head and smiled. "Nothing. By the way, you didn't check the mail did you?"
"Oh, shoot. I forgot. Sorry about that."
"It's okay. But I thought you should know, something came for you. From America."
At the news, Yuri's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. I put it in your room."
"Thanks Kaori."
Without another word, Yuri rushed upstairs to her room.
Kyouya couldn't help himself. As soon as he arrived at home, he immediately went to the kitchen and placed Yuri's apple pie on a plate. Then, he took it to his room where he ate two slices from the four she gave him. It really was delicious. Just the right blend of apple and cinnamon. Not too sweet but not bland either. It was the best he had ever tasted.
Just as he was getting started on the third piece, Fuyumi came in to say "good-night" but paused at the sight of her brother eating at his mini-living area.
"My, my, where did you get that?" she asked, sitting next to him.
"Yuri made it," he answered. "Want a taste?"
Fuyumi took the fork he offered her and took a bite.
She swooned at the taste. "This is delicious!" she praised, taking another bite. "You never told me she was a good cook!"
He shrugged. "I didn't know either."
He wanted more of the pie but Fuyumi was hogging the fork. Kyouya would go back down to the kitchen to get another one but he knew that by the time he got back, the pie would he gone so he settled for taking the fork when she went in for another bite.
"It was surprising, but she's a fairly good cook," he continued, smiling softly as he remembered the way she moved about the kitchen like she played the piano: familiar, happy, and content. "The man marrying here is going to be very lucky."
Fuyumi giggled. "Oh, little brother. Still in denial are we?"
Kyouya flushed but didn't reply. They continued to eat the pie slices in contented silence.
Later that evening, as Yuri brushed her hair before going to bed, she turned to the envelope her team sent her sitting on top of her dresser. Tentatively, she took it in her hands and flipped it over. She put her brush down and allowed her finger to linger above the seal. She was about to rip it off when…
BEEP! BEEP!
Her head turned to her cellphone; she just got a text message. Abandoning the envelope on her side drawer, she settled on top of her bed and flipped her phone open. A message from Kyouya. Yuri blushed.
Hi. Just want to say thank you again for the dinner. The pie was delicious. My nee-san loved it too. Sweet dreams and good night.
A smile found its way to Yuri's lips as she texted back.
You're welcome senpai. Glad you enjoyed the pie. I'll bake you one in the future. Good night senpai ! =)
After sending the message, she fell back against her pillows with a loud sigh. Then, she turned her head to the side. The envelope stared at her from her bedside table. She should have opened it, see the results. But for some reason, she didn't want to. She didn't want to see what was inside. She knew that if she did, it meant that her departure was getting closer. She should be happy that she could be close to getting home. But how come she wasn't? How come instead of feeling like she accomplished something, it felt like she was losing something?
Meanwhile, Kyouya just received a text message:
You're welcome senpai. Glad you enjoyed the pie. I'll bake you one in the future. Good night senpai ! =)
He chuckled at the smiling face at the end of her text. She truly was an adorable girl.
Adorable and beautiful, he thought, putting his phone aside. Kind and thoughtful. Strong and smart.
He laid back against his bedroom couch, his hand fiddling with the fork on the empty plate where moments ago, four pieces of apple pie had laid. He just couldn't get pictures of Yuri out of his mind… Yuri cooking, Yuri playing the piano, Yuri serving him tea and cakes, Yuri dancing, Yuri being concerned for him, Yuri smiling, Yuri laughing, Yuri listening to him…
Without thinking, he took out his laptop and turned it on. He went through his files and found them, his folder of Host Club pictures and among these were pictures of Yuri. They were all taken randomly during club activities, their outings, around Ouran. These were necessary for the website. But now, he thanked a higher being that the twins decided to include her in majority of the pictures. Then, he opened another folder and clicked on an item. A video of Yuri at the campfire in Okinawa popped out and he watched as she laughed as she danced with Hunny.
Kyouya's heart was pounding and he knew that he could no longer deny it… he couldn't ignore his feelings anymore.
"I'm in love with Yuri," he simply stated.
Yey! It's finished! Not as long as the other ones but it's the best I can do. Hope you guys liked it! And I'll do my best to update quicker next time!