A/N: Thank you for all the reviews! I really appreciate it. And sorry for all the shortness in the chapters.
ch18: business proposition
When Haruhi gets into her apartment, she immediately flops angrily on the couch. Good thing her father was it work, or else he would be pestering her until she told him what happened. She growls in disbelief. "How could he ask me to not be friends with them? I mean, they are a big pain in the butt. But I love them. They're like my family," she says aloud to herself.
She then gets up to do some chores, instead of dwelling on her and Kyoya's argument. 'Might as well get some work done before dad gets home.'
Meanwhile, at the Ootori estate, Kyoya knocks at his father's office door. His clothing is straight; looking flawless, and he has his professional expression on. His glasses are fixed straight, not crooked, at the top of his nose. Even though he looks calm on the outside, his palms are sweating; not knowing what to expect from his father.
"You may enter,Kyoya," his father's voice reaches through the door.
Kyoya does not hesitate to open the door; that would show a sign of weakness. Ootori's are not allowed to have weaknesses. He walks with a purpose to his father's desk, not taking a seat in the chair in front of him.
Yoshio Ootori is sitting at his desk. His hands are clasped together on top of the desk. His posture somewhat resembles a manican, perfect, yet so stiff that if you push him he might fall down. "Son, I have observed your improvement with the Fujioka girl," he states.
"Yes father, I have improved greatly. But I have taken I minor step backwards," Kyoya replies.
Yoshio thinks for a moment. "I have noticed that you, an Ootori, has fallen in love with the girl. You very well know that Ootori's don't fall in love. We marry for business," he reinforms in a stern tone. "You know that ball we held a while ago? Well, the hospital has been built. I want you to leave for Africa within three days, to supervise it."
Kyoya is stunned! He would never have thought that his father would actually pick him instead of either of his older brothers. "Yes, sir. But may I ask why you did not pick one of the others?" Kyoya questions.
"I thought it was quite obvious," Yoshio pauses. " You are more compatible for this particular job, rather than your brothers. You have proven to me that you have earned it. Well done, son," he answers, dismissing Kyoya.
Kyoya bows in respect for his elder. "Thank you, father," he then walks out of the office.
Kyoya saunters to his room. Once he closes the door, he leans against it. After a moment of leaning, he slides down into a sitting position. His elbows are on his knees, and his hands are knotted in his hair. 'What should I do? That damn commoner has made me fall for her. Everything is getting so complicated now, and it is all her fault. I just want numbers to be important to me; I'm good at numbers. But now She is important to me, and father want me to have nothing to do with her now. Ugh!' he quietly thinks to himself.
After a while of contemplating, Kyoya decides to get off the floor, and go meet Haruhi, possibly for the last time.