Idk where I'm going with this story yet (o wel)
I sat at my desk, scheduling and arranging appointments to see the hosts. It was like this everyday, as I was the only person capable of keeping up with all of this information, and the club would fail without any form of organization. I kept general records on money the club spent, fees, and every student who'd ever walked the academy's halls for the last decade. All in all, I knew way more than would ever be necessary, but you never know when simple background knowledge will come in handy.
"Kyoya-senpai! Kyoya-senpai!" Ami Yukio smiled, walking towards me with two other girls. I recognized them as Mao Shimada and Shiori Katsuhida, both students currently in my second year class. Well, what do we have here? It seems that Ms. Katsuhida decided to join her friends this time- how peculiar. She must have some reasoning behind this visit, and I have a feeling it's something more than the desire to hang out with her friends. "I'm here to schedule our appointments!"
"Good afternoon, Ms. Yukio. I expect you and Ms. Shimada want the usual?" I inquired nonchalantly, not looking up from my notes.
"Yep, I can't wait to talk to Tamaki-senpai. He looks so cute in his outfit!" She squealed happily, and I made sure to take a note: the girls seem to enjoy it when the hosts dress in darker clothing. I then checked out the next time available to be hosted by Tamaki and handed it to the young girl, making sure to smile at her as I did. A host should always be perfect definition of manners.
"And for you, Ms. Shimada." I signed out an appointment for Haruhi and gave it to the brunette. "I hope you two enjoy your afternoon with us, and feel free to partake in the food we have set out. Today we have tiramisu straight from Italy."
"Hey senpai you forgot about Shio-Chan!" Ami jumped up and down enthusiastically, grabbing her friend's hand. "Who do you want to host you, Shio? I don't know you're type, since you've never seemed to be interested in anything like this."
"I don't really think I want to be hosted, Ami. I'd rather just watch you guys." The ginger stated while smoothing out her skirt, even though there wasn't a single wrinkle in the yellow dress. It was expected of her not to have a single fault in her uniform, as she was a very neat, clean-cut girl. Her red hair was always pulled back into a tight bun, and every aspect of her appearance seemed be very carefully manicured. All in all, she was more professional looking than attractive, but you could tell that there was a wild spirit waiting to freed underneath that perfect facade. I found myself imagining her with that long hair cascading down her back, curls framing that freckled face and bringing out those bright green eyes. Now that would be truly beautiful.
"I'm afraid that you can only stay here if you have an appointment, Ms. Katsuhida." I said, staring at her very serious face. I wonder how she'll respond this time...
"Fine," She replied, "I'd like to set up a meeting with you, Ootori-San, unless that's a problem."
I have to admit she took me by surprise, as I wasn't used to people wanting me to host. It wasn't due to the fact that I was undesirable, but rather that I was always busy working, and didn't have time to properly host any girls. The most I'd do was give them information on the club theme for that day and maybe throw them a few compliments (IE you're a very intelligent young woman, you're eyes are beautiful, etc.) I couldn't help but to wonder what she was playing at though. She could just fine me attractive, but I doubt it. I'd gone to school with Katsuhida-San long enough to know that she didn't just do things because she wanted to, but rather had some sort of plan for everything. I'd been watching her closely since grade school, as she was a very bright student, and was constantly scoring second in the nation- only a few points behind me. I couldn't let her win.
"Hmm..." I thought for a moment, wondering if I would comply to the girl's request. It would help me become better acquainted with the Katsuhida family, and if I remember correctly, they supply the packing peanuts for all of our shipping requirements. Father would be happy that I'd furthered a business relationship. "I don't see why not."
"Good," She said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I don't think I could handle any of the other hosts, with the exception of Mori-senpai, and Mao would have my head if I left the club all together."
"Well, I wouldn't want a beauty such as yourself to be decapitated." I smiled at her in an attempt to be charming. In all honesty, I just wanted to see how she'd react.
"Cut the crap, you don't have to give me false compliments. I just want to have a simple discussion, nothing else." She stated plainly, not even the faintest blush on her cheeks. She doesn't seem to be even vaguely attracted to anyone here. Either she was telling the truth about not being interested in romance, or she's a lesbian. Images of Beni-Bara, the Lobelia ring leader, appeared in my mind. No, that's not right. Maybe she's had a bad experience with love. I should look into it a bit more.
"What would you like to discuss?" I asked, looking into those emerald eyes. From the background check I'd run on her I'd discovered that her mom was pure Irish, and could only assume that was where she'd gotten her looks.
"Why is Fujioka-san dressing as a guy?" It was now her turn to stare at me, and for a second I was caught off guard. I should have expected her to pick up on Haruhi's gender, judging on how she was the second highest testing student in the nation, and her intelligence was not to be underestimated. Luckily, Shiori didn't seem like the kind of girl who would gossip, but you could never be to careful- I couldn't let the truth about Haruhi get out. The club would lose a lot of profit... (note: still thinking about money, aren't ya Kyoya? :D)
"Why do you think that Mr. Fujioka is female, if you don't mind me asking?" I questioned her, carefully watching as she chuckled dryly and straightened the ribbon on the front of her dress (which was perfectly even, might I add.)
"It's very obvious to a keen eye, actually." She turned her attention over to Haruhi, seemingly watching the girl's movements closely. "She may have a very underdeveloped body, which causes her to look more boyish, but there's something about the way she carries herself that is distinctly female."
"You're a very interesting person, Ms. Katsuhida." I mused, causing the redhead to look surprised.
"Not really, just observant" She brushed off the compliment casually, as though I'd said nothing at all. "and please, just call me Shiori."
"If that's what you wish, then so be it... Shiori." The name felt strange rolling off my tongue;
"By the way, I'm not going to tell anyone about Haruhi." She looked at me, and I could hear the sincerity in her voice. "That's her business and not mine. Besides, I wouldn't gain anything from it."
"Thank you, that is quite an honorable trait." I complimented again, this time as a test to see how she'd react.
"It's nothing, I just treat people the way I'd like to be treated."
As expected, she seems to have a problem with accepting praise. I added this down to the list of noted I'd taken on her.
Name: Shiori Katsuhida
Relatives: Mitsuko Katsuhida (17), Matsuda Katsuhida (45), and Riannon Katsuhida-O'conner (deceased at 33)
Friends: Ami Yukio (15, nearly 16), Mao Shimada (16)
Appearance: Pale skin, freckles, curly red-hair (generally pulled back into a neat bun), green eyes
Age: 16, 17 in october
Ranking: Second in the grade, behind Kyoya Ootori (myself)
Personality Traits: Insecure, Independent, Strong, Perfectionist, Modest, Workaholic, Ambitious
Business Standing: Heir to Katsuhida's Packing Peanut incorporated, which is odd, due to the fact that she is female. Regardless of her gender, she is strong willed and is a force to be reckoned with.
Merits on getting to know her: It is highly likely that she will be the next owner of her family business, which provides all of the shipping material to the Ootori Group. Acquainting myself with her would only further strengthen our two family's bonds.
"Would you please stop taking notes on me while I'm present." She sighed, signaling my notebook. "I know you have some obsession with information, but it's a little creepy knowing that you're analyzing my every move."
"I apologize, I'll stop." I smiled, though I was a tad aggravated. Who was she to tell me what I could and couldn't do? She was just the heir to a packing peanut company- how terrifying. I should be the one telling her what to do.
"And stop fake smiling. If you're annoyed, just say something." She rolled her eyes. Is she trying to pick a fight?
"Ms. Katsuhida-" I started, but was cut off by the girl.
"Shiori." She corrected, looking me straight in the eyes as though she were testing me. I think she was trying to break my facade. That's when I realized that she was bothering me on purpose, so that she could judge me reactions. Just like I had been complimenting her to see how she would respond, she was messing with me in an attempt to find my breaking point.
"Shiori," I grinned widely, not allowing her to win. I'd dealt with Tamaki for so long that it was nearly impossible for me to snap anymore; she'd have to do a lot more than just correcting me if she wanted to get me really angry. "you of all people should understand how important appearances are."
"Fair point." She nodded absently, probably disappointed in my response. I watched as she diverted her attention towards her friends, who were finishing up their appointments. Ami was blushing like crazy as Tamaki took her hand and kissed it gently, bidding her a good night. I must admit, she was a beautiful young women, with long black hair and eyes, but she was just like any other girl at Ouran. Mao, on the other hand, was about half as good looking as Yukio-san. She was pretty, but not in the same way. Her tall, willowy stature made her appear elegant, and her shoulder length brown hair framed her face nicely. All in all, both girls appearances made Shiori look dull in comparison.
"Shio-chan, how was your time?" Ami laughed cutely, tossing her raven colored hair over her shoulder.
"It was, decent." The ginger replied casually before turning towards me. "Thanks you for spending this time talking to me, Ootori-san-"
"It's Kyoya." I cut her off, smirking at the way she narrowed her eyes at me afterwards.
"Thank you, Kyoya. Have a nice afternoon." She smiled through gritted teeth, before following her friends out the door.
Shiori's POV:
"So how'd you like Kyoya-senpai?" Ami asked me, a look of curiosity in those big, grey eyes.
"He was ok, I guess." I sighed, recalling my previous conversation with the so called 'shadow king'. He didn't seem like the person I'd generally want to be friends with, with his big ego and stupid black notebook, but I'd promised father that I would become friends with the boy.
"Just ok?" Mao raised her eyebrows, a smirk gracing his features. "I don't know, you two seemed to hit off pretty well. Are you sure you aren't secretly in love with him?"
"Now that I think about it, Shio-chan and Kyo-kun would make a really cute couple." Ami giggled. "Don't you agree Mao-chan?"
"Definitely! They'd be scary though, with their cold glares and scary intelligence." The brunette chimed in, only adding to my annoyance. Will they shut up already?
"They'd probably spend more time working than actually talking. I can just imagine Kyoya on his laptop while they're doing it-"
"Stop!" I cut my friends off, my face bright red. Why couldn't they just be quiet? They knew I didn't date anymore after what happened with Hideki, so why did they always have to pester me about boys? "You know I'm not interested in relationships, so stop talking about it. Got it?!" I glared at them, my emerald eyes flashing dangerously.
"S-shio-chan is scary when she's angry." Ami shivered, looking terrified. That's when I realized that I'd just snapped in public. I scanned the hallways, checking if anyone had heard my outburst, and sighed in relief when I saw that no one else was there. Everyone had gone home already.
"Damn, Shiori. We'll stop talking about it, ok? But you shouldn't let the past bother you so much." Mao said, looking at me with a worrisome expression. "You can't control the past, but you can control the future."
"I know, I know. I just don't think that I'm ready to move on yet. Sorry for being so rude, it was very unprofessional." I apologized, trying to look sincere. In all honesty, I wasn't really sorry, because those two needed to be scolded every once in a while- I just didn't want any cracks to form in my perfect appearance.
"There she goes again with that whole 'professional' crap', thinking that we can't see past her fake apologies." Mao rolled her eyes, and I felt a smirk appear on my face. "You don't have to pretend with us, and you know that. We've been by your side since the beginning, even before..." She stopped herself, realizing that she was about to march into sensitive territory.
"...my mom died and Mitsuko went full rebel, making me the family heir?" I finished her sentence, speaking with an even tone. Talking about my mom had stopped bothering me years ago, but Mao and Ami still remembered the days where I would sob every time someone her up. Since then they've been very careful in addressing the subject. I do admit, there are times when I completely lose it and end up crying myself to sleep thinking about her, but most of the time I manage composure.
"Who wants to go get icecream?" Ami cut through the tension with a forced smile, obviously trying to make the situation a little less awkward.
"That sound great, Ami-chan." I smiled back. "I didn't eat anything at the host club and was too busy studying to eat lunch, so I'm famished."
"Classic Shiori: worrying more about work than her own health." Mao sighed, staring at me with those amber eyes. "I'm making sure you eat as much icecream as we can stuff into that little ginger mouth of yours."
20 minutes Later
"Ughh..." Mao groaned as we walked down the street in the blistering heat. "why couldn't we have driven here? Last time I checked, we all have our own private chauffeurs."
"Because Keki-San would be intimidated by our limousines!" Ami said enthusiastically, no ounce of tiredness in her voice. "Remember, she's only commoner."
"You are forgetting that Keki-San is well aware that we are filthy rich, and probably wouldn't be surprised if we showed up in a nice car." I replied, slightly ticked off. I was carrying an umbrella, as to make sure the sun didn't touch my pale skin, which burnt after only a few minutes outside.
We were heading towards a popular commoner's bakery called "Ohtba's Sweets"- the same one we went to when we had any sort of craving. We were good friend the owner (Keki), so she'd usually make us whatever we'd ask for: yakisoba, onigiri, you name it. You see, she was my family's private chef before my mother's passing 10 years ago. Right after my mom died, Keki realized that she needed to go out and chase her dreams, because life was too short to sit around making dinner for some rich people. She then started her bakery, which became an instant success. Basically- she loved my friends and I, and still saw me as a little kid.
When we made it the familiar pink door Mao happily pushed it open and yelled "Air Conditioning!"
"Hey girls! How are you today?" Keki grinned widely, a spatula in one hand and her ruffly apron covered in flower. "You look awfully tired."
"This genius thought that walking was a good idea." Mao grumbled, wiping sweat off of her brow.
"Aww you poor little idiots! I love you guys, but you aren't always the brightest." Keki laughed, but then turned her attention towards me. "Other than our little Shi-chan, of course! She's so smart, and always has been. She's just like her father. Though I think she should let down that pretty red hair of hers- it's so adorable."
"You know I always chose functionality over appearance, Keki-san." I smiled politely at her.
"Yeah yeah yeah, sounds like something your Dad would say. You used to be such a free spirit, before..." She drifted into thought and her eyebrows furrowed. "Anyways, you should know better than to be so formal. Just call me Keki."
"You know Shio-chan is always so polite, she'll never let those manners falter." Ami beamed, and I realized how similar her and Keki were. They we both pretty, boy obsessed optimists who can brighten any room they walked into. No wonder they get along so well, they might as well be twins. My thoughts turned toward the Hitachiins, and I shuddered. I was glad that dad didn't want me to talk with them- they were nothing but trouble.
"Always looking so neat and orderly." Keki replied.
"She doesn't know how to have fun." Mao added. What is this, a roasting?
"And don't forget the music she listens to!" Ami laughed.
"Ok, my music is great. You're just uncultured." I sighed, crossing my arms. "Besides, today isn't international judge Shiori day. We actually came in here to get some icecream."
"Icecream?! Definitely!" Keki squealed, walking towards the back of the store. For a 28 year old woman, she sure did act like a teenager; in fact, the seemed younger than I did. "I'll be right back with the usual. A scoop of strawberry for Ami, rocky road for Mao, chocolate for myself, and butter pecan for Shiori!"
"I love that woman." Mao smiled, slumping into one of the red chairs across from Ami.
"So do I, she's always so bubbly and enthusiastic! Hey Shio-chan..." Ami giggled, playing with a lock of raven hair and looking at me in the way she does when she wants something.
"What do you want, Ami-chan?" I sighed, knowing that I was going to end up doing whatever it is was that she wanted- she always got her way. She was just too cute to deny.
"Umm... if it isn't too much trouble..." She looked down at the ground, trying to play shy. She does this every flipping time. "could you take your hair down? It's so curly and fun to play with!"
"You know I don't like it down in public." I replied instantly. This time I would try to hold my ground, even if it was Ami who I was talking to. "Maybe I will if we go back to my house later, but I really don't want to do it here."
"That's a shame." She stood up, frowning. A sudden wave of fear washed over me as she walked towards me, an eery smile gracing that perfect face. Quickly, as though she were a tiger hunting it's prey, she pounced onto me and yanked on the rubber band holding my hair in place. "OOPS!"
"GET OFF ME AMI! I SWEAR TO GOD I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" I yelled over Mao's roaring laughter and the evil chuckling of Ami as she tore the ponytail holder out of my wild locks. I felt the curls cascade around my shoulders, falling into my eyes and annoying the piss out of me.
"You look so cute!" The black haired girl grinned happily, and I could see Mao doubled over with laughter in the background.
"If there was someone else in the store right now, I would murder the both of you, but since it's only us-" I started, but was cut off by the tingling of the door being opened. My eyes widened with shock, and I suddenly became twice as aware of how I was on the floor, being pinned down by one of my best friends and my hair a hot mess. No no no this can't be happening, dad will kill me if he finds out about this.
"Mao-san? What are you doing here, I wouldn't expect you to come here." An oddly familiar voice said from the doorway, but I couldn't quite tell who it was. "You too Ami-San and Shiori-San?"
"Haruhi! We're close friends of Keki, we come her all of the time!" I heard Mao stand up and run towards Haruhi, glomping her in a hug. Oh god, I should have expected this. I didn't think anyone from Ouran would come here, since it's a commoner's store, but I completely forgot about Haruhi. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying tune out the world around me. Please make it stop.
"Hey, it's that redhead Kyoya was talking to earlier! But why is she on the floor, and why is her hair everywhere? I don't think I've ever seen it down before. Weird..." Two voices said in unison, and I instantly recognized it as the Hitachiin devils.
"Hey Haru-chan, I thought this was a commoner's bakery" The sweet voice of Mitsukune Haninozuka said. "so why are Ouran students here?"
"We're friends with Keki! We come here at least three times of week to talk with her and eat yummy cake." Ami smiled. "And OH MY GOD TAMAKI-SENPAI! YOU'RE HERE TOO?"
"Who are these guys? Girls, you didn't tell me we have guests! And they're hot!" Keki came out from the back with our icecream in her hand, and I let an annoyed groan escape my lips. "Hey Shio-chan, why are you laying on the floor, ya big goof? And you took your hair out! It looks so kawaii! Are you trying to impress one of these boys?!"
"Could someone help me up?!" I growled, wondering how this moment could get any worse. The entire host club had now seen me looking like a complete and utter mess, all of them who would one day be important business partners, and there was no way to revive my appearance.
I felt a hand reach down to help me. Looking up, I realized that it belonged to none other than Kyoya Ootori. Are you freaking kidding me?! Why him, of all people? If dad finds out about this, he'll kill me. Scratch that- he'll give me that signature "Dad Death Glare" that he does when he's extremely disappointed. What if Ootori tells his parents about this... what if his parents tell my dad... oh god, this is gonna be horrible. Might as well runaway to another country; at least that'll better than having to face father when he's angry.
"Making ourselves quite the spectacle, aren't we, Shiori?" He smirked, his tone laced with mild amusement. "I'll take it that your friends had a part in this, considering that this sort of behavior is atypical of you."
"Don't even go there. I just want to go home and study." I sighed, standing up and making an attempt to flatten any wrinkles out of my yellow uniform. I then reached up to feel my hair. Yup, it's everywhere. There's no way that I'm gonna manage to keep this mane down, unless I find another rubberband. I turned my attention towards Ami, who was oggling and flirting with Tamaki, and saw my brown ponytail holder on her wrist.
Did you like it? Please give me feedback and I'll take it into account along with any suggestions :)
PS I'll try and update this at least once a week