After Host Club hours, Kyouya gathered the members for a briefing on Haruhi. This was for the benefit of the older members. Hani was a little concerned as he hugged Usa-chan.
"Kyou-chan, does that mean that Haru-chan would not be in the club for some time?"
"I'm afraid so, Hani-senpai. Her preparations for the trip, on top of the trip itself, would keep her busy for quite some time. But, during class hours, she'll be around." Of course, Kyouya had the sense not to elaborate further on what exactly the "preparations" were.
"Takashi, shall we visit Haru-chan during tommorrow's recess?"
"..Sure," came the monosyllabic reply.
"If there's nothing else, that's all I have." The rest of the Host Club turned to leave. However, Hikaru gave the vice-president a look of distrust. Kyouya merely smiled back. Once he was alone, he got to work, drafting an email to Ranka. After all, the father needed to be informed of the plan...
One week later...
"Excellent, otome, excellent," applauded Benio after Haruhi had finished her song. Even she herself couldn't believe the progress Haruhi had achieved. She was indeed a rough gem waiting to be polished. Chizuru and Hinako nodded approvingly.
On her part, Haruhi had tried her best for the past week. Her breaks at school had become unofficial gatherings for the host club as the others gathered at 1-A to chat with her. She managed to say that she was learning etiquette for the "exchange trip"; thanks to Kyouya's efforts, she need not elaborate further. She knew that if the twins or Tamaki knew that she was actually in St. Lobelia, there would be no end to the troubles.
"Take a break, otome," said Chizuru as she handed Haruhi a towel. Hinako already had a glass of iced spring water for the female host. Even after a week, Haruhi wasn't used to being treated like royalty. Then again, they were very strict when it came to the lessons. The girl never realised that being the "ideal" girl was this difficult.
"You've learnt much during your lessons with us, Haruhi. Would you agree to transfer to St. Lobelia this time?" Benio hazarded another try.
"I'm sorry, Amakusa-san. My answer's still no."
"Regardless, after your time with us, I hope you'll pay attention to your grooming. Much as I hate to admit it, that Suoh boy is right. Whether you're a man or a lady, personal grooming is of the utmost importance," stressed the president of the Zuka Club.
Haruhi thought about Benio's words. Perhaps, girls were indeed different from boys, thought Haruhi. Expectations of them were different, although she still couldn't fully understand why. She had seen men dressed like women (her father) and vice-versa (Benio, for one), and they were all happy in what they do. Well, thinking about all this wasn't going to help solve her love triangle problem.
"Shall we continue," asked Hinako. Haruhi nodded her agreement. For now, that problem could wait...
On the last day of her training, Kyouya took a little trip down to the Zuka Club to check on the final outcome. He was impressed. Barring unforseen circumstances, the plan would be a success. On the other hand, even he, the Shadow King, couldn't believe how lady-like the tomboy had become. Her singing, for one, could rival a professional's. He began to wonder how the heck the girl managed to fail her singing classes back in her earlier school days.
On the limo trip to Haruhi's apartment, Kyouya gave his final briefing.
"Haruhi, here's the plan: Tomorrow, you'll take the flight which the school had arranged for you. Once you reach there, my guys will help you with the makeover. After that, take this flight back to Narita Airport. Tamaki will be there to receive you." He handed a ticket over to Haruhi.
"Tamaki-senpai?" The girl had wanted to meet him only in the school compound, not before.
"He's, after all, the Chairman's son. Anyway, you can expect the rest of the Host Club to see you off."
"Oh, before you ask, your father knows what we're up to, and has given his consent." Haruhi suddenly realised why Ranka had stopped his campaign to get her to wear dresses this couple of weeks. She could only sigh.
"Cheer up. I really look forward to your performance in this show, Hisakawa Sayuri."
"...That's my alter-ego's name, right?" Kyouya nodded.
"Knowing your forgetfulness, my guys will brief you just before 'Sayuri'-chan visits Ouran."
Haruhi remained silent as she stared out of the window. Like it or not, her life's going to be changed once again.
Afterthoughts
-Please RnR!