Author note(s): A hundred apologies and one 'I'm sorry' I have finished this chapter. Beta is Aihara Awayuki, however she has changed her username... Also, I graduated about three months ago...
Story fact(s): This is last filler chapter, but I guess it has a little plot point or two. It's Sakura's and the Mock Trial with 6,580 words...
Disclaimer: See chapter 1.
Episode VI: The Host Club Faces the Mock Trial
~OHSHC; Music Room #3~
Soon, another day at the Host Club went by without a hitch. Haruhi noticed this especially, but an incident had occurred earlier.
Flashback
A first year female in the B class with innocent dark eyes and curly blonde hair. This girl went around the room, hopping different hosts. Kyoya had noticed this event and kindly asked the girl to choose the host today.
In the end, she chose Tamaki. She had asked him a question. A question that the Hosts has heard a thousand times from their guest.
'Will you date me?'
"Why, Princess, I would love to date you, but that wouldn't be fair to the other beautiful princesses. I'm sorry." Tamaki had replied.
"I'm sorry but my heart belongs another: my brother. But, would you mind dating the both of us?" the Hitachiins had responded, getting intimately close to her.
"I would date you, but I have this cake to eat."
"..." Mori stayed silent, but he shook his head.
"You're a nice girl and all, but I just think we should stay friends." Haruhi.
"I'm sorry, my dear, but our rules strongly suggest against relationships of that nature with guests." Finally, Kyoya explained the number one rule.
From then on, the girl had blank look on her face until the end of club. She was the last to leave, but not before this came from her mouth.
"For once in my life, I had experience dissatisfaction. I was really unhappy with the responses I received while the Host Club's motto is to make your guests happy. The Host Club is a disgrace to Ouran Academy, and shouldn't be allowed. Just you wait, Hosts, I will have the Host Club abolished."
Flashback
"You think she meant it, Haru-chan?" Hani asked, pouting with cake on his cheeks.
"I don't know, senpai," Haruhi replied, thinking back to the first year.
"She could be all talk and no action," Hikaru shrugged, playing a game.
"Who was she, anyway?" Kaoru asked, scratching his head.
"Chieko Umeda," Kyoya explained, writing in his notebook. "A 1-B student, aged 15, daughter of the owner of an office supply manufacturing company near Tokyo. That's all I could find on her. They keep their family life a secret from the media." ...and my connections… He added in his mind.
"As it should be," Haruhi commented, crossing her arms.
The door opened and a couple of voices chorus in unison. "Hello, regular rich people. Your favorite famous acting duo is here." The voice turned out to be Mayumi and Naomi. Their hair was in a thick braid, hanging off their respective lateral shoulder. A ribbon depicted which twin was which: Mayumi with a pink one and Naomi with a purple one. They walked closer to the group, stopping to pose innocently
"May-chan! Nao-chan!" Hani exclaimed, beaming at the two.
The Hitachiin twins came up to the Akiyama twins. "But girls, we already here…"
"You wish," the Akiyama twins scoffed, before sticking their tongues out at them.
"Hello, everyone," the door opened to reveal Ukemo and Karai. "Sorry, we're late, but Karai had a small meeting with Judo club."
"Ukemo," Hani waved from his couch. "Have some cake with me."
"Maybe later," Ukemo replied, walking closer to the group. "We still have to clean up…"
The Akiyama twins huffed, crossing their arms. "Yeah, after you guys!"
"Well, there's not that much to clean up anyways…" Hikaru huffed, turning away from the gaze of the Akiyama twins.
"Yeah, poor girls…" Kaoru followed his brother's example.
Haruhi noticed a certain light to the Hosts, more specifically the twins, Hani and Mori. It was like they looked forward to the girls' arrival to clean the Hosts' room. They were growing more out of their shell to interact with other girls other than her. The whole "contract" event has changed not only the Hosts, but the girls that had signed the contract as well.
Tamaki had yet to say a thing since the ending of the Host meeting. Probably thinking about Chieko's statement to abolish the Host Club, Haruhi thought, looking at the silent Host Club's King.
The door opened to be reveal Sakura and another figure.
"Untaki, what is your boyfriend doing here?" Kyoya asked, looking up from his notebook.
"Hello to you, Kyoya Ootori," Tenchi smirked at the bespectacled Vice President.
"He's with me because he's my date for a dinner party that I'm attending this evening with my father," Sakura explained, gesturing to her boyfriend. "He was curious and followed me here."
"Aww, you promised that you wouldn't be mad," Tenchi pouted at his girlfriend, who glared fiercely at him. He quit pouting at her, narrowing his eyes. "Besides, you complained about this whole issue since it started and I wanted to know what the big deal about it was."
"Yes, but I didn't expect you to follow me," Sakura propped her hands on her hips. "Did you follow me the last few weeks, too?"
"No, just today," Tenchi replied, crossing his arms.
Sakura sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Just sit down somewhere while I do my job."
Tenchi did so as the other girls started cleaning the room. The room grew silent and awkward as the Hosts couldn't do their crazy antics with Tenchi in the room. However, only Kyoya settled with glaring at Tenchi through his work. As the girls were finishing up with cleaning, Tenchi's phone went off.
"Excuse me, Sakura," Tenchi stated, gaining Sakura's attention. "I have to take this." He walked out of the room, allowing the Hosts and girls breathe a sigh of relief.
"Geez, I don't like that guy," Hikaru commented.
"Hikaru!" Haruhi scolded, staring sternly. "He's dating Sakura!"
"Then she must have patience with him," Kaoru stated nonchalantly. "I don't like him either."
"Same," the Akiyama twins nodded in unison.
"Sakura, I don't see how you handle him," Mayumi told the girl.
"But we applaud you for doing so," Naomi explained, clapping her hands for emphasis.
"How I handle him is none of your business," Sakura groaned, face palming her forehead. "But thank you for your commentary, you four." She finished her task and gathered her bags. "Now, if you guys excuse me, I have to leave for a dinner party." She left, shutting the door behind her.
"You're welcome," the Akiyama twins called to the door.
"You know, I don't think she heard you," the Hitachiin twins teased, smirking. The girl twins proceed to stick their tongues at them once again. "Oh, how mature..." The Hitachiin twins chided, before doing the action themselves.
"That's enough, you four," Tamaki finally spoke, shaking his head. "Mayumi, Naomi..."
"Hm?" said twins looked in his direction.
"Before you were transferred to the A class, do you remember a girl named Chieko Umeda?"
"No," the Akiyama twins shook their head. "Why?"
Tamaki chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Nothing, just wondering..."
~OHSHC; Music Room #3~
"You must at least listen to me."
"I must see to the clubs of Ouran Academy at all times, and that includes any complaint of them. Your son's club is no exception."
"But, the girl that complained is just one girl. Not an army of girls. I think we should wait until a few more girls complain about the club."
"Your son's "purpose" is to leave every guest that walks through the door happy with their service."
The doors opened to the Hosts and their guests. The opened doors reveal to be two men. A man in his late thirties looked around the now silent rooms with a sympathetic light in his brown eyes. He had light brown hair and wore a light colored business suit. His companion was shorter than him with a gray slick back and navy suit. His expression was straight faced with his dark eyes narrowed on the Hosts.
"Chairman, what are you doing here?" Tamaki asked, standing up. "If you don't mind me asking, that is..."
Chairman Yuzuru Suoh shook his head before his companion spoke up, "Attention, students of Ouran Academy, my name is Iwao Fujino, head of any and all club activities of this establishment. Recently, a female student complained that she left the Host Club unhappy, which, according to the application that you sent in to my office, is strictly against what you promise in the motive of the club."
Kyoya came up to the two men, his Host smile on his face. "But that's something Tamaki keep up with when he came up with the idea of the club."
"I do believe that, but both of your signatures on the applications, Mr. Ootori," Mr. Fujino explained, causing Kyoya's smile to falter. "Since he is the President and you are the Vice President of this club. Nevertheless, I have the means to shut down the Host Club."
Gasps and worried murmurs filled the room as both Tamaki and Kyoya try to convince Mr. Fujino not to shut the club. Yuzuru watched the ordeal from a few paces behind Mr. Fujino, guilt filling up his heart at the thought that he couldn't do anything.
"What about proving the student wrong?"
That one question sent the room silent with the occupants of the room, looking in the direction of Haruhi who had asked said question.
"I have a feeling of who is the female student, but if we can prove that the Host Club makes a difference at Ouran, then we don't have to shut it down," Haruhi explained, calmly.
"And how are you supposed to do so?" Mr. Fujino asked, crossing his arms.
"In a trial," Haruhi replied bluntly, "How else do you prove if someone is innocent or not? You have a trial with arguments and evidence to back up the arguments."
Mr. Fujino thought about the idea and then nodded. "Very well, but we'll use students as lawyers, instead of wasting time with real lawyers. We'll call it a Mock trial of the court. The plaintiff will be the girl who had complained while the defendant will the President and the Vice President of the Host Club." Mr. Fujino got out his phone and tapped a few buttons before continuing, "I'll be the judge. I will decide that if the Host Club stays or not."
"Who will be the lawyers?" Tamaki asked, looking curious.
Mr. Fujino closed his phone. "They are on their way. Now, if you Hosts don't mind, I want you to dismiss your guests for today."
The Hosts did so, sending the guests away with an apology and a soft smile. A few minutes later, a familiar male President walked in with his club behind.
"Hello, Mr. Fujino," the male greeted, bowing with his club.
Mr. Fujino bowed back before explained. "Mr. Fukui, I emailed you to see if you can be the plaintiff of the first Mock Trial that Ouran has ever had."
Tenchi looked shocked for a second, before smirking, "Why, I would be honored. But may I ask, what is mock trial for?"
Mr. Fujino gave a quick summary of how the Mock trial came to be. "And I was wondering if one of the other Debate members could defend the Host Club..."
Tenchi nodded before smirking. "Well, I don't know who would want to go up against me so I can assure that-"
"I will defend the Host Club," a familiar voice spoke up, surprising everyone in the room.
Tenchi turned to his girlfriend, eyes wide. "Sakura?"
"Miss Untaki, are you sure?" Mr. Fujino asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, Mr. Fujino," Sakura nodded, shutting her eye for a second. "I am sure."
"Very well then. Now that's settled. The trial will take place a week from this Friday which let the lawyers to gather evidence to back up each side's arguments," Mr. Fujino declared, turning to exit the room. "I'll take my leave." He shut the door behind him.
The Chairman broke the silence, "I'm sorry, boys, but I do hope that you'll be able to continue the Host Club." He bowed slightly, before straightening up and walking toward the door. He paused, turning to Sakura. "No pressure, Ms. Untaki." He left the room.
Most of the Debate Club, minus Tenchi and Sakura, followed his example. Tenchi just blinked in shock, not moving a muscle. He hasn't moved a muscle since his girlfriend announced that she would defend the Host Club.
"Tenchi..." her voice brought him out of his reverie.
He turned to her animatedly. "How could you say that?" The volume of his voice surprised most of the people in the room. "'I will defend the Host Club.' Is this payback for not going to that dinner last night with you? I told you I had a family emergency."
"No, it's not about that," Sakura calmly replied, narrowing her eyes at him. "I have an obligation with the Host Club."
"What obligation?" Tenchi exclaimed, clinching his hands at his sides. "You have been complaining about the Host Club since this whole contract deal had started, which I don't see nothing that could be worth a secret from the world!" He indicated to the Hosts, before clutching his head in frustration. "Why? Why defend them?"
"I told you my reason," Sakura nearly snarled, before calming replying, "Now, if you're going to continue to act like an idiot," She pushed her glasses, taking on her father's stance as a lawyer, "I need for you to leave so I can speak with my clients. Something that you should be doing." She glared at him fiercely while saying the last statement.
"This isn't over," Tenchi huffed, crossing his arms. "However, it's useless for me whenever you're in Debate mode. Or in this case, Lawyer mode. Farewell." He walked toward the door, which opened to reveal the other four girls, looking surprised at his appearance. "Hello, ladies. I'm sorry, but I must leave."
The Akiyama twins, Ukemo, and Karai entered the room just as Tenchi left the room, the slamming of the door echoed throughout the room. Then, silence.
"What did we miss?"
They were informed by Haruhi and the Hitachiins of the events that had occurred.
"WHAT?!"
They were speechless.
~OHSHC; Music Room #3~
The next day, there was no Host Club, just a meeting. Sakura skipped Debate Club practice to talk to the Hosts with the information about the files she received on the girl who complained.
"So it was her," Haruhi concluded, finding out the girl was Chieko Umeda.
"Yes, who is she?" Sakura nodded, looking to the Host Club.
"She's some girl who declared to abolish the Host Club," Hikaru explained, crossing his arms.
"Who knew she was serious?" Kaoru remarked, shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, she was," Sakura sighed, tucking in a lock of black hair behind her ear. "Now, we have to prove that the Host Club makes a difference at Ouran..."
"Well, the Host Club makes our guests happy," Tamaki explained, shining his 'princely' aura around him.
"That's what got the Host Club in trouble in the first place," Sakura bluntly remarked, sending Tamaki into his woe corner. "Besides, if we use your opinions, then our evidence will be irrelevant since it'll be bias."
"Wait," Hani piped up, thinking of an idea. "What about the time when we helped Kanako and Tohru get together?"
"Yeah, and the time with Shiro and him impressing that girl?" Haruhi imputed, catching on to what Hani was saying.
"Oh," Tamaki also caught on when he jumped from his corner of woe, "Nekozawa and his sister, Kirimi."
"And Bossa-nova," the twins chimed in unison.
"Are you going to explain what's going on or leave me to find out for myself?" Sakura huffed, pushing up her glasses in frustration.
"All of these people were guests of the Host Club," Tamaki explained, plopping beside Kyoya.
"And none of them walked away unhappy," Kyoya finished, smirking slightly.
"Hmm..." Sakura hummed, tapping her chin with her pen.
~OHSHC; Ouran Court Room~
The day of the mock trial came sooner than anyone had expected. Sakura had been preparing for the court, gathering witnesses for the trial. She had only briefed Tamaki and Kyoya, not Haruhi and the others.
Since it was a mock trial, both sides had dressed up. Tenchi, hair slick back, donned a black suit with blue plaid tie and black oxfords while his client, Chieko Umeda, wore a knee-length purple, sleeveless dress with a sloop neckline and black heels. Chieko's hair was in large, controlled curls. Both Tamaki and Kyoya wore black suits and oxfords with ties in their "rose" color and their hair combed. Sakura wore a little black dress that was calf-length under a matching blazer and black wedged-heels. She wore her hair in a professional bun, held together by a purple rose barrette. Like Tamaki and Kyoya, the Hosts wore black suits and black oxfords with ties in their "rose" color and their hair combed. The various others in the court wore business-like clothes: suits for men and dresses for women.
A female "court clerk" cleared her throat before exclaiming, "All rise for Iwao Fujino!" The court did as Mr. Fujino, donned in a suit, entered the room.
"You all may sit," Mr. Fujino nodded to the court as he settled behind a podium like desk. "The court..." He raised a gavel,"...is now in session." He pounded the gavel twice. "Mr. Fukui, you may begin."
Tenchi opened his statement with what everyone already knew: Chieko had entered the Host Club and was left unhappy at the end of the day. It went against what the Host Club was founded for, according to what Tamaki had stated in the application. Tenchi had dragged the simple concept on before saying that the Host Club should be abolished from Ouran.
It was Sakura's turn to counter Tenchi's opening, "Well, Tenchi has stated the truth. Ms. Umeda was left unhappy that one day in the Host Club. Yes, it does against what the Host Club was founded for, but did she really give the Host Club a chance? The Host Club shouldn't be abolished because the Host Club makes a difference at Ouran. Thank you."
The time had come to bring out witnesses to the stand that was beside Mr. Fujino. Chieko was the first and only witness for the plaintiff, and Tenchi interviewed her and she told her story. When Tenchi was finished, he glanced at Sakura, who was making her way to the stand, with a look that said your turn.
"Ms. Umeda, was the day in question the first time you visited the Host Club?" Sakura asked, a calculating look in her eyes.
"Yes."
"Why didn't you visited the Host Club before?"
"I was never interested..."
"So why come on the day in question?"
"I heard that the Host Club can make anyone happy."
"While that is true, I have interviewed the Host Club members of the events on the day in question. Ms. Umeda, I believe you're leaving out a few details on the day in question. What exactly did you do in the Host Club on the day in question?"
"Uh...just snacked on cakes and drunk tea like the other guests..." Chieko was showing signs of being nervous.
"Really? Interesting," Sakura nodded, grabbing a folder from her table. "According to my notes and the Hosts, you did that, but it wasn't just that. Before I ask you this question, I must remind you that you are on oath. Is it true that you had difficult time choosing a Host?"
"Y-yes..."
"Mm-hm, and is it true that you asked each Host to "date you"?" This raised some murmurs in the courtroom, causing Chieko to not answer. "Ms. Umeda, I asked you a question. Please answer yes or no. Is it true that you asked out all the Hosts?" Sakura narrowed her eyes at Chieko coolly.
"...yes..." Chieko answered in a small voice.
"While their answers were no, you have to understand that it's against their policy to date a guest."
"But they made me, a guest, unhappy with their service!" Chieko remarked, glaring sharply at Sakura.
Sakura was unfazed by the glare. "That maybe so, but you went to the Host Club on that one day and threatened them after one day of visiting them. And now? Here we are in a trial to prove their worth to Ouran just because you didn't give them a chance. No more questions."
The whole court was up in murmurs as Chieko walked back to her seat in a daze. Tenchi whispered to her as Mr. Fujino asked Sakura to call her first witness.
"I would like to call Ms. Kanako Kasugazaki to the stand," Sakura replied, surprising the rest of the Host Club.
A young woman walked up to the stand. This woman had short brown hair and honey brown eyes. Like the other known women in the room, she wore a business-like dress.
"Ms. Kasugazaki, can you describe what the Host Club did for you?" Sakura asked, pacing in front of the stand.
"Yes," Kanako nodded, then went on explaining that the Host Club help reunite her and Tohru together. Sakura explained that Tohru was Kanako's fiancé to the court.
"All in all, did the Host Club make you happy?"
"Yes, very much so. I'm grateful to them for that."
"What would happen if the Host Club was abolished? How would you feel?"
"Well, I would think that their current guests would be unhappy that there wasn't a Host Club anymore. Even if I'm not a guest anymore, I would also become unhappy."
"Do you believe that the Host Club makes a difference to Ouran Academy?"
"Yes, I believe they do."
"No more questions," Sakura told the court as she walked back to her seat.
Tenchi stood and walked to the stand.
"Ms. Kasugazaki, did you for a time couldn't decide on which Host to request?"
"Objection," Sakura called from her spot. "Relevance?"
"Ms. Kasugazaki has every right to explain if she was unhappy in the Host Club at any time," Mr. Fujino explained, making Kanako frown.
"Overrule, Ms. Untaki," Mr. Fujino sighed, before looking at Kanako. "Answer the question, Ms. Kasugazaki."
"Yes."
"Why was that?"
"..."
"Ms. Kasugazaki?"
"...to get the attention of my fiancé..."
"I see, and did it work?"
"...no..." Kanako seemed less confident at this point.
"So the Host Club had made you unhappy at one point..."
"...yes..."
"No more questions," Tenchi remarked, smirking while going back to his seat.
Time to get her confidence back... Sakura thought as she stood up. "Redirect, Mr. Fujino."
"Proceed," said man replied.
"Ms. Kasugazaki, while the attempts of attracting attention from your fiancé didn't work, did the Host Club notice?"
"...yes..."
"And when did you and Tohru reconciled?"
"Almost immediately," Kanako replied, slowly getting her confidence back.
"So, the Host Club noticed that you weren't happy and decided to help fix what was broken?"
"Like a broken teacup."
"No more questions." Sakura sat back while Mr. Fujino dismissed Kanako from the stand.
Soon, Shiro Takaoji was then called to the stand, and, like the males, was dressed in a suit and tie. His brown hair was combed and his blue eyes shone with nervousness.
"Mr. Takaoji, can you explain what the Host Club did for you?" Sakura asked, noting that the young boy seemed to shrink under her passive gaze.
Shiro nodded hastily, before explaining that his story. Every now and then, Shiro would be blunt and explain rather harshly.
"...while they may be weird and all, the Hosts really can make anyone happy, even if they want it or not," Shiro concluded, smiling softly.
"Does that include yourself?"
"Yes."
"How would you feel if the Host Club was abolished?"
"Whoever would actually do that is a big idiot."
"Chuckle. Do you believe that the Host Club makes a difference at Ouran?"
"Yes."
Sakura nodded, before walking back to her seat. "No more questions."
Tenchi approached the young boy at the stand. "Mr. Takaoji, what year are you?"
"I'm a 5th year elementary student."
"Too young to be a guests of the Host Club, wouldn't you say?"
"I came to them for help, not the other way around."
"So you basically ran off when they tried to help you. Why?"
"Because their methods weren't going to work."
"Well, you weren't clear with what you wanted to do. And you become unhappy with the Host Club."
Shiro was fuming silent before speaking. "Listen here, bub! Yes, I wasn't clear with what I wanted, but they found out and called me out on it. Even when that happened, the Host Club helped me. I made her happy before she left, which in turn made me happy. You can complain about the Host Club all you want, but it doesn't escape from the truth is that they bring happiness to their guests." Shiro glared at Tenchi, huffing and puffing.
Tenchi sighed, "No more questions," before walking back to his seat. Shiro's little speech had shocked the Host Club and they smiled gratefully at Shiro as he left the stand. Nekozawa was then called to the stand. A figure in a black cloak sat in the stand as Sakura approached with no hesitation in her step.
"Mr. Nekozawa, can you tell of your experience with the Host Club?" Sakura asked.
"Why, certainly, my dear," Nekozawa smirked before going on his tale of the Host Club. The room remained tense as most of the patrons were nervous of the Dark Prince on the stand.
"How are you and your sister nowadays?"
"Kirimi and I play together as best we can, considering how my condition is. She's very happy."
"And are you happy with the way the Host Club has helped you?"
"Yes."
"How would you feel if the Host Club was abolished?"
"Why, I would feel very upset. So upset that I would place a curse on all who complained and the being that allowed it to happen."
"Mr. Nekozawa, do you believe that the Host Club makes a difference at Ouran?"
"Yes, my dear..."
"No more questions," Sakura stated before going back to her seat.
Tenchi stood up, but took his time going up to the stand. "Mr. Nekozawa, if this problem had been going on for years, why did it take the Host Club a mere few days to reunite you and your sister?"
"Well, Kirimi is five years old. I wouldn't say it has been going on for years."
"Yes, of course, but in the end, their methods weren't working in helping unite you and Kirimi. Why defend them if they weren't helpful?"
"...well, in the end, I was able to be with Kirimi, but it was only because the Host Club made me realize I must do what it takes to show that I care about her. After all that, Kirimi and I have never been happier with each other as brother and sister."
"No more questions," Tenchi slightly huffed, going back to his seat.
Nekozawa was excused from the stand, bowing to the Host Club as he walked by them. Soon, Sakura called her last witness: Ritsu Kasanoda. Kasanoda, red hair combed into a ponytail, wore a suit and tie. His brown eyes shone with determination as Sakura approached the stand.
"Mr. Kasanoda, can you explain what the Host Club for you to make you happy?"
"Yes." Kasanoda nodded, telling his tale of the Host Club.
"...and thanks to them, I have more friends who aren't afraid of me because of my background or my face."
"So are you happy?"
"Yes."
"How would you feel if the Host Club was abolished?"
"I would feel upset. Who wouldn't?"
I can think of a couple of people. "Does the Host Club make a difference at Ouran?"
"Yes, I believe so."
Satisfied, Sakura nodded, "No more questions." She went to sit down.
Tenchi approached the stand. "Mr. Kasanoda, did you say that the Host Club dressed in a maid-cat outfit?"
Blush. "Yes."
"And people saw you?"
"So?"
"The Host Club humiliated you."
"What's your point?"
"Even if they humiliated you, why bother with them again? Surely, your reputation as a yakuza son was destroyed."
"Because they saved me from a revenge plot and made me realize that I do have friends who aren't afraid of my face. With them, they also become my friends. That was what all I really wanted: friends."
Tenchi fumed in his head, gritted out, "No more questions." He headed back to his seat.
Kasanoda was excused from the stand, before Sakura stood up.
"The defense rests, Mr. Fujino."
"Very well," Mr. Fujino nodded. "Both sides have presented their witnesses and evidence. Now it's time for closing statements. Mr. Fukui, you may proceed."
Tenchi sighed, standing up. "Now, even if my opposing council has brought up a few good points and more witnesses, the facts still stands: the Host Club made Ms. Umeda unhappy with their service. Something that was against their establishing code. I close my argument with one question: what good is a club at Ouran if they keep their promises or their morals? Thank you."
Sakura sighed as Tenchi sat down. Then, she proceed with her closing statement.
"Mr. Fujino, what he said might true: they didn't Ms. Umedo happy. But should we abolish them because of that? She's just one girl who came only on the day in question. She didn't even give them a chance even before she came to the Host Club. Look, every club at Ouran Academy has a purpose in what makes in. The sport clubs brings in trophies and medals. The art clubs brings in culture and creativity. The Academic Clubs helps brings in the smart awards and credit to Ouran's academic scores. Even, the Special Interest Clubs like the Baking Club, brings in victory and expression. The Host Club brings in happiness. Seven boys joined together to make their guests happy, no matter the costs and no matter the age. These rich boys break the stereotype of rich boys. The Host Club may be ridiculous, but they're selfless, something that our society lacks today. And that's why I defended them. Don't abolish them because of one complaint, Mr. Fujino. Please."
Sakura sat down as Mr. Fujino cleared his throat. "You both present an interesting case, and one thing hasn't changed: Ms. Umeda was unhappy because of the Host Club, something their founding was against. By all means, I have every right to abolish the Host Club."
The Host Club and their supporters deflated at this news. Sakura inwardly growled, feeling like she had let down the Host Club.
"However..."
The Host Club, their supporters and Sakura perked up at Mr. Fujino.
"...based on what Ms. Untaki's evidence, her witnesses, and her conclusion, I do believe that the Host Club does make a difference at Ouran Academy. I have no doubt that they will make that one day up to Ms. Umeda. So with that, the Host Club stays. Case dismissed." The gavel came down and struck.
~OHSHC; Outside the court room~
"You did it, Sakura!"
"Thank you!"
"Saku-chan!"
Sakura was in the middle of a group hug from Tamaki, Hani, the Hitachiin twins and Haruhi while Kyoya and Mori stood off the side. Sakura accepted the hug, but made no move to hug back.
"Yes, yes," Sakura muttered, rolling her eyes. "You're welcome... But you should be thanking Ootori as well."
"What?!" The five exclaimed, letting Sakura go. They looked at Kyoya, who was rubbing his forehead.
"Yes, he was the one who wanted me to defend you," Sakura clarified, nodding.
"When?!"
"Well, it was at that dinner party. Tenchi had cancelled on me because of a family emergency so I was there with my father...
Flashback
Sakura held a champagne glass filled with cider in her hands as she watched her father converse with other business leaders. She wore contacts, instead of her glasses. Her outfit consisted a navy knee-length dress with a v-neckline and three inch straps, a ribbon tied around her waist, and black one-inch heeled wedges. Her makeup was light with her eye makeup emphasized her navy eyes. Her black hair was up in a fancy up do, which was curled.
"So, this is what you look like without glasses..."
Surprised to hear the voice, Sakura turned to see Kyoya, dressed in a suit and tie, standing beside her. He smirked, taking a sip from his glass.
"Ootori," Sakura hummed, narrowing his eyes at him. "What are you doing here? As far as I can tell, I believe that third sons weren't allowed to dining parties like these."
Kyoya chuckled darkly. "Funny, but I was invited by the head of the party himself, personally. My father couldn't refuse without ruining his reputation."
"Humph," Sakura huffed, taking a sip of cider.
"Honestly, I come with peaceful terms. Besides, I have something to ask of you," Kyoya explained, growing serious. "But not here where they are listeners."
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Where exactly do you expect us to meet with drawing attention?"
"You're smart, Untaki," Kyoya complimented. "Now, if you excuse me, I have some business to attend to." Kyoya walked off and disappeared into the crowd.
Getting the message, Sakura mingled and chatted with other business leaders. She left the large room in the same direction of Kyoya. She walked cautiously down a silent hall, before a door that was slightly opened. She walked to the door, and entered the room. The room looked to be a lounge, Sakura concluded, before hearing the door close.
The Untaki turned to see Kyoya walking toward her. She cleared her throat, taking a seat at a chair nearby.
"What was that you wanted to ask me?" Sakura asked, sipping her cider as Kyoya sat in a chair beside her.
"I need you to defend anyway you can in the future," Kyoya explained, adjusting his glasses. "I have a feeling that we'll need it."
Flashback
"...and I had agreed to do so," Sakura voiced, "However, interviewing the witnesses made me realize I had a duty to defend you guys, not because of Ootori." Sakura smiled, the first that the Host Club had seen of her, "All I said about defending you, the Host Club, was came from my heart."
The Hosts took this in, and smiled back at her.
"You know, Sakura," Tamaki spoke up, "your father would be proud if you saw your performance today."
"I am," a voice piped up from nearby.
"Father?" Sakura asked shock, her and the Hosts look to the voice's owner, Daichi Untaki. "What are you doing here?"
"Yuzuru let the parents involved with the trial of the case, and invited to watch," Daichi explained, surprising the Hosts with the news of their parents being there. "However, he and I were able to come. I heard others were too busy to come. I, well, wanted to see my daughter in her first trial."
Sakura shook off her surprise, clearing her throat. "Can you Hosts leave my father and me to talk privately?"
The Hosts nodded, going to talk with their witnesses. When they were gone, Daichi pulled his daughter into a fatherly embrace.
"I am really proud that you won the case," Daichi softly spoke, placing a kiss on Sakura's crown. "I think your closing statement got to Iwao. And to think, that you're under a contract by the Host Club."
Sakura pulled from her father's arms. "I'm surprised that Tenchi didn't bring that up. Being in a court room, it gives him every right to make me tell the truth and secret."
"Maybe he is not that smart to think of that," Daichi suggested, chuckling. "That boy seemed to think that he would win and have the Host Club abolish."
"He should have done his homework..." Sakura muttered, before placing a kiss on her father's cheek. "I know that you have to get back to work so I'll let you go."
"Alright, I understand," Daichi chuckled, placing a kiss on her forehead. "But we are celebrating your victory tonight for dinner. See you later."
"Bye, Father," Sakura nodded, waving to him as he left the area.
"Sakura!" a voice grabbed her attention. She saw Kanako walking over to her.
"Oh, hello Kanako-senpai," Sakura nodded, bowing.
"I just wanted to thank you for picking me up," Kanako explained, blushing. "I thought for sure that Mr. Fukui had me cornered."
"It's alright," Sakura replied, "I was just trying to help the Host Club."
"I also wanted to thank you for that, too," Kanako told her. "I mean, they make so many people, mainly girls, happy."
"That they do," Sakura agreed, nodding her head.
"Shame they don't have something like the Host Club for boys," Kanako commented, before giggling. "But that's silly having boy Hosts for boys. They would have girl Hosts or something."
You're not that far off. Haruhi is a girl Host, Sakura thought amusedly before thinking logically. But... Haruhi is a girl that is still growing. I grew in my bust and hips last physicals, according to the nurses and doctor. What would happen if Haruhi grew like that? She would have to leave the Host Club. There must be a solution to that...
"Oh, the female counterpart to a Host is a Hostess," Kanako stated, giggling. "Well, I'll see you around, Sakura." Kanako walked off, leaving Sakura to her thoughts.
Hostess? Hmm, I can work with this...
~OHSHC; Court room~
"I'm sorry, Tenchi..."
"Whatever, Cheiko. I still can't believe that didn't work."
"Well, it was your idea to abolish the Host Club. I did my part."
"Apparently, not well enough. Sakura is getting too close to the Host Club."
"Why don't you give up?"
"No, I've worked too hard to give up now."
"Cousin, you're just using her. You and uncle."
"My father and I will have that law firm, one way or another. Just you wait, all of you..."
~OHSHC; Music Room #3~
"Tell Sakura that we said thank you for saving the Host Club!"
"We will!"
With that, the Host Club ended for the day.
Hikaru and Kaoru slumped against their couch. "I can't believe that today's been busy."
"Well, it earns more money for the club," Kyoya hummed, writing down figures.
"How did you get Sakura to defend us, Kyoya?" Tamaki asked, hands on hips.
"Yeah, I'm wondering that myself," Haruhi asked, looking to the Ootori.
"Simply, I asked and she accepted. Anything else that had occurred is between me and her," Kyoya explained, earning two shrugs in response. "All that matters is that she helped us."
Flashback
"And what's in it for me?" Sakura asked, leaning forward.
"Nothing. If you haven't notice, Untaki, you owe me," Kyoya replied, leaning in.
"Excuse me? Who's the one with the secret?" Sakura asked, huffing.
"Are you willing to do that to Haruhi?" Kyoya asked, smirking when he saw Sakura tense.
"No," Sakura mumbled. "Alright, I'll do it."
"Good," Kyoya piped, standing up. "Glad that we have come to an agreement." He headed to the door. "Mind my curiosity, but where is that boyfriend of yours?"
"Family emergency, not that it's any of your business," Sakura snapped, glaring at his back.
"Shame," Kyoya mused, "He had to miss his beautiful girlfriend all dressed up tonight." He left the room, leaving behind a stumped Sakura behind.
Flashback
Shame indeed, Kyoya thought as the "clean-up" girls and came in groaned the mess they had to clean up.
And done!
End of chapter note(s): Thank you for reading and tell me what ya think...
Luv, Flutejrp