Sakura's POV:

The day ended quickly, and it was time for club activities.

I inhaled deeply to get the nervousness out of me. After the moment I enter this room, I will be officially a part of the Ouran host club.

Earlier, right after class dismissal, Kyoya and Tamaki raced out of the room, the latter throwing reminders that sounded like, "We're going to have a jungle party today, Haruno-san!" But I'm not so sure I was hearing right at that time. I was confused, too.

Then, without further ado, I held out my hand and pushed open the door to the 3rd Music Room. The moment I entered though, it felt like I was whisked away into a real jungle - everything was green and full of . . . were those flowers even found in Japan?

As I stood baffled and lost by the open doorway of the (most probably) artificial (but looks really real) forest, a rustle came from the (should be) artifical shrubbery a few steps on my left. I turned in the direction of the sound and was thankful that I was able to evade the sudden figure who shot past me.

Was that a person? . . . or an animal?

I don't know.

I waited for the mysterious creature to pass again but it didn't come after a few minutes. Sighing in relief, I decided to walk into the forest. 'This should still be the 3rd Music Room,' I thought with conviction.

Or it might not be.

Stop giving me any negative thoughts, Inner. Now, where are those guys?

You hear that?

I stopped and listened. But there was nothing suspicious sounding from around me, and how did Inner even hear something when she's just inside my head? So I shook my head and continued walking.

You're making things up, aren't you?

Huh? I wasn't! I did hear something!

Then, wasn't that you just being paranoid. This is my mind space you are living in and you shouldn't be able to hear whatever is far from me or whatever it is that I can't hear.

Inner made a shrugging action and kept quiet in that moment. She was probably miffed by my last thought. I smiled, a little bit relieved despite my confusing situation, and I don't know why.

But my sense of ease was crashed when blaring music resounded through my ears. I looked around, trying to find the source of that somewhat peaceful but loud instrumental, yet found nothing that could be it. I walked farther into the flora then suddenly arrived in a tiled clearing.

"What . . . is this?"

My eyes widened from what I saw in that clearing. It finally occured to me that the school was for a rich school and my doubts on how the 3rd Music Room came to be a jungle was washed away by my annoyance.

This is a bit overkill for a jungle party.

True that.

And the main host of the party chose that moment to appear within my sight, together with a bunch of girls crowding behind him. Tamaki Suou. He was wearing what I considered to be a mediterranean pirate costume, complete with a pirate sword (Is that gold on the handle?!), fluffy ruffles on the collar and wrists, a feathered captain hat, and sideburns - it's a surprise he didn't turn out bad with those. When the girls saw me, they immediately began squealing 'Kyaa!'s and 'Waah!'s. My eyes immediately raised in confusion as I watched Tamaki use his princely wiles on them. "Girls, girls! Calm yourselves! It was only a matter of time for our little transferee to decide on dedicating his beauty and charms for you!" At the end of his speech, he took a girl's hand and twirled her making her swoon when he supported her back.

I huffed, a little bit tired of his prince acting, and crossing my arms, I asked, "So . . . what am I supposed to do, Suou-san?"

He let go of the blushing girl and turned to me, all smiles. "Kaoru! Hikaru! Show our newbie to the dressing room!" And that's when the devil twins appeared suddenly on my right and left. Since their leader was wearing a pirate costume, it is expected that they wore the same, both having twin pirate costumes only with simple differentiating touches. Kaoru had leaf designs on his pirate coat that fade and reappear when seen from different angles, a scarf wrapped around his waist, and his boots seemed to be longer than Hikaru's whose design was of quirky vines curling around the edges of his coat and cuffs, and he wore a similar scarf around his neck. With mirrored grins, they carried me away from the frolicking group of girls and Tamaki Suou.

"Let me go! I can walk by myself, thank you!"

I struggled (though not that much) and managed to get out of their hands. With sheepish, mischievous smiles, they said together, "This way please." I followed after them carefully through greenery that (shouldn't have) looked and felt real.

As we walked, I could only impress myself with the surroundings that were epically made as if a natural, living forest were the actual 3rd Music Room. Kaoru (it was easy to tell because of the aura, don't ask how I did it) must have noticed the awed expression that fell openly onto my face because he said, "The principal allowed this kind of thing to happen, and since it is a private school for the rich, richer and richest, you are bound to expect enormous and quick changes like this. Especially," he looked at me with a mischievous glint, "in the Ouran Highschool Host Club that the king has created." Beside him, Hikaru nodded proudly with the same sparkle in his eyes.

"Hmm," I responded softly, looking more around me with a little less interest now.

So this is what they're using their money for.

How useless, Inner and I ended up thinking with disdain.

"Here we are, Haruno-san~!" Hikaru's playful voice caught me offguard and I almost jumped out of my skin. His lips were so close to my ear that it was disturbing and it gave an effect of a magnified voice. I took quick steps away from him and into the free dressing stall. And what I saw made me gape open-mouthed.

"What am I supposed to be seeing right now?"

The curtain separating me from the outside shifted a little and let in a Hitachiin head. It was Hikaru, making a face as if he was looking at a distasteful specimen. "You're supposed to wear that, Haruno-san," he said. But suddenly, a look of comprehension dawned on his face and he said with a grin, "Do you want us to help you out?"

Glaring, I said to him, "No. I was just curious as to why I'm supposed to wear this," I motioned to the piece of grament, "this thing. It has nothing to cover my torso!" There was only a pair of slacks visible as a piece of clothing in the dressing room together with a white navy coat, but I doubt the coat was meant to be the only thing to act as the top, its collar was way too big and half my chest would show.

Kaoru's head appeared on the other side of the curtain. The twins looked at each other and spoke through their minds about something. They nodded then disappeared, leaving a helpful, "Please wait here, Haruno-san," as their farewell.

I crossed my arms with a frown as I waited for the smartest member of the host club.

Uhh. . .

Inner, not now.

But, look at it, Sakura! I mean, we can just put on a shirt over it to cover the top. And anyways, there isn't anything revealing with the costume. Except for the top because there isn't a top at all.

I thought about Inner's idea.

But then, I think Tamaki's going to just tell me the t-shirt wouldn't match with the setting.

Mmm. Good point. But, what's the setting about anyway?

I don't know about that. . . I thought it would be a pirate setting but this costume made me reconsider.

There was silence in my head before we finally thought the same thing.

Whatever.

"Haruno-san," I heard Kyoya's voice from outside the dressing stall. "Kyoya-san," I responded, "I have a problem with the costume you are trying to make me wear."

"Yes, the twins have informed me of your distress. But I assure you, Haruno-san, that your costume has a top. The twins have made sure of it."

My eyebrows connected in confusion. "What do you mean by that, Kyoya-san? The moment I stepped into this stall, I remember, there was only the bottom garment that was present and the coat, which can't completely cover up all of my chest part," I said. There was a short moment of silence after my statement before Kyoya spoke again, "May I enter? I would like to check for myself."

I agreed and the curtain was fully pulled open, revealing a cool-headed Kyoya wearing a vintage three-piece suit with a naval officer's dress tailcoat instead of a blazer under a clean white captain-looking coat (Must be hot in there, eh? Shh.), and the twins right behind him. I caught the look they gave each other when Kyoya inspected the small space of my stall. There really wasn't a top anymore to match the pieces of garment. So, with a sigh and an adjustment of his glasses, Kyoya looked toward his co-members (the twins) and said with cool authority, "Get the substitute costume. Now."

Kaoru and Hikaru gave a stiff salute before simultaneously turning around and walking away. This left me together with the glasses-wearing vice president of the club who, by the way, was staring at the lone pieces of garment with his chin on a hand. Curious, I asked about his thoughts.

"It seems that the top of your costume was taken, Haruno-san," he answered me.

My eyebrows raised and my eyes widened a bit. "What do you mean, Kyoya-san?" I asked him again.

Kaoru's POV:

"Kaoru~"

"Yeah, Hikaru?"

"Do you like Haruno-san?"

My pace was not deterred by the question that my brother asked me, however I was still surprised. It came out so suddenly.

"Hmm. Yep!" I looked at him enthusiastically, not bothering to lie about my feelings. I know he had already found out about it. It's the twin thing.

Then, I saw Hikaru's cheshire grin. Immediately understanding what he means by it, I mirror his grin, too. "Are you serious?" I asked with abated breath. He nodded as he stared at me with competition in his eyes.

Closing my eyes, I said, "Hmph. Be prepared. I will not let go of something that interests me so easily to you anymore."

Hikaru snickered as I did and said, "This time, there will be no sharing."

"Of course." I agreed happily. After that conversation, we continued to walk rambunctiously in search for Haruno-san's spare costume. All the while, though, there were girls requesting for our presence and the persistence of the king telling us to go to them made us have a little detour. Now, the first competition would be on who gets to finish serving guests and reach Haruno's spare.

Kyoya's POV:

This happening has turned out to become rather interesting.

I bent down over a small piece of evidence, a very small piece of it, and have started thinking of the possibilities of the culprit who took the Hitachiin's expensive top. 'Tsk. If we don't find it, there will be useless spending of club money,' I thought unhappily.

"Kyoya-san. If possible, would you tell me what you found there?"

At the sound of Haruno's voice, I turned to see her, her face immediately obscuring my vision and my lenses. I adjusted them out of habit as I gave her a blank expression. She must have noticed the small distance between us and she immediately backed away some. Though never am I to admit it, I felt a little disappointed she backed away, but whatever.

"Have you seen something, Kyoya-san?" She asked as she tried to look at the ground behind me.

I nodded silently before turning back to the evidence I have found out of coincidence. Picking it up, I placed it on my handkerchief and folded the soft cotton before putting back the piece of cloth in my pocket. I made sure that Haruno did not see it for she will see until after the club activities have finished.

She frowned. 'Probably from not being able to see it,' I thought critically.

"Haruno-san, please wait here for the Hitachiin twins. They will give you your costume. And when you're done changing, please go to me so I can deliver you to your first customer," I told her strictly.

The girl just nodded at me and I nodded in return. Then, as I walked toward the entrance of the changing room, I said to her, "I shall wait eagerly for the outcome of your new look."

After walking out of the changing room, I found myself crowded by a group of girls who wished to see the host-magazines I have made effort to create for more profit. "Yes, yes. This way then, young ladies. Thank you for your patronage," I said politely as I handed them the picture collection. As I did this, a certain girl asked while looking around, "Um, Kyoya-sama? Is Saku-kun not going to join the club activities today?"

I smiled at her, causing her to blush profusely. "Oh yes, she will. She is just being reminded of what to do before she starts," I said.

Immediately, the girls who heard my reply squealed with delight. They asked more about Haruno, my head beginning to calculate the possible customers that she might be taking today. With a smirk, I continued to hand out the magazines and receive their payments.

Not longer than an hour later, Haruno finally appeared and the girls started swooning from the sight of her handsome cosplay. Placing a hand under my chin, I criticized her from head to toe. The shoes are perfect and shiny, the long air of slacks looks wonderful, the ruffled-collar suit shirt under a navy blue capatin coat is a perfect match with the rest, and Haruno's pink hair was bound under her sailor captain's hat. Complete with her sharp look and smart posture, she looked like a real sailor captain. With a smile, I stepped toward her, "Hello, Haruno-san. Glad that you have graced us with your presence even if it is late." I held a little bit of venom as I said those words and I was satisfied when she paled a little.

Turning to the girls, I told them I must deliver Haruno to her first customer of the day. Immediately, the girls rallied in order to let me take them as Haruno's first customer. "I'm sorry to say, miladies, that Haruno-san has been requested by someone from the start. And there are a few more to come after the first," I told them apologetically.

There was a lot of disappointed groans but their enthusiasm came back when Haruno unexpectedly went and smiled at them with a courteous, "Do not worry, miladies. I shall wait for you after I am done with my chores."

I raised an eyebrow at the word 'chore' but the girls didn't seem to be bothered by it. Instead, they were rather happy.

"Kyoya-san, where is my first customer?"

Getting out of my reverie, I turned to her with a complacent smile and urged her to follow me. "Now, please remember, Haruno-san that this customer of yours has a habit. And it is your first homework to find out and understand what it is in order to make her satisfied. If you are able to finish up your time with her without a problem, then you will go on the next lady. Do you understand?"

She nodded. "Yes, I did. Thank you for explaining it to me, Kyoya-san," she said. "By the way, Kyoya-san," she added, "What is the theme about? I don't get the connection between the forest and pirates and navy officers."

"The theme has been chosen randomly by Tamaki. The setting and the costume were all of his doing. It seems he is trying to re-enact a battle fought between the navy and pirates on a land setting, and so the forest setting," I answered her.

"I see. How peculiar," she said. Although I think it was uttered only for her to hear, I heard it clearly. "What do you mean, Haruno-san?"

"Nothing. I just thought aloud," she replied tersely.

Narrowing my eyes at her curiously, we continued to walk in silence. After a while, we finally arrived at the set where we receive the guests. The table set on the farthest corner of the clearing was where Haruno was supposed to entertain her customer. I pointed it out to her and she complied, taking confident steps forward and passing the other hosts' booths to reach the girl sitting alone on the farthest corner.

I watched Haruno stop by the girl's side greeting her with a smile and probably a polite "Hello, miss" taking the girl by surprise. In actuality, I knew the guest was actually a spiteful and prideful princess, and it would be an interesting thing to watch how Haruno would react to this.

"Kyoya-sama, can I request you to be my entertainer once again today?"

I looked at a girl on my left. She was sitting alone and a peaceful smile graced her lips as she stared at me with expectant eyes. I returned her smile and took a seat beside her, offering her tea even though she had her full cup raised to her lips. "It will be a pleasure, princess."

Sakura's POV:

"Hello, miss. I'm sorry for taking so long. Can I take the seat by your side?" I asked the girl. She turned her head, showing a small smile - it looked sort of like a smirk, but I ignored it thinking that it was just my imagination.

She must be one of those types who look aloof but are actually really nice.

You really think so?

"Oh, are you the Haruno Saku in the rumors? Saying you're just good-looking doesn't cut the fact that you're even more handsome upclose," she said as I took the chair beside her.

"I am honored to hear your praise," I replied with a curt smile. "That you should, Haruno-kun," she said in an obviously pompous voice.

Ignore it.

"So, what would you like, miss? Do you take coffee or milk tea? Chamomile tea is a good recommendation for today, too, since it is such a charming weather outside and the surroundings make you feel a little bit too excited," I said, remembering what the twins told me to say first after the greetings.

She didn't hesitate with a "no". Instead, she asked me a bunch of questions. As she leaned in, she questioned me, "How is your first day as a part of the Ouran High School Hostclub, Haruno-kun? Are you nervous?"

Placing a hand on my nape, I rubbed it slightly while replying, "Yes. Just a bit. It is my first time to be a host, you know?"

She giggled pleasantly, her hands covering her mouth. "Oh. Of course, of course. Well," she started while taking her cup, "that's how everyone feels when they start on something new." She took a sip from her cup.

I noticed something change in her tone as she said the latter words and I got curious, a little concerned maybe. But since she didn't try to talk more about it, I tried to forget it. Anyways, this girl, I noticed she was more inclined to flirting than talking about anything else.

"Can I ask your name, miss?"

She smiled teasingly, and I feel as if I was being mocked. "Oh, really. Haruno-kun! You really should know the names of your customers before hand! Were you not taught this by your host sempais?" I forced out a nervous laugh to make things a little safer, I wouldn't want my first customer to be strangled. I apologized softly and gave her an apologetic smile. I didn't think it would affect her in any way but it surprisingly did. She just suddenly stared for a while, speechless, and when she caught herself staring, she coughed and continued talking in her teasing, flirty tone. "Well, anyways. Since you're still new," she smoothly held my hand, "I would tell you my name."

Smiling humbly while thinking that it is better than flinching away, I said, "Thank you."

"Hmph. But only if you let me do whatever I want with you. Are you up for it?" She raised her eyebrow in challenge.

I continued smiling humbly even though it already hurts and said, "If it doesn't kill me or hurt my pride, then, please do." But before she could speak again, I added boldly while winking and placing a finger on her lips, "I would love to know your name and call you by it."

WHOOOO! Sakura you bold little pervert! Kyaaaa! I never knew you were like this!

Aaaarrggghh! Stop it! It's embarrassing enough saying those lines without you teasing me about it!

Ohhh-hohoho! I will never let you live this down! For as long as you liveeee! Wah-hahahaha!

Idiot! STOP! It's so embarrassing!

While I had another internal disaster with Inner in my head, I refused the urge shut my eyes and curl up in shame. I never knew saying such lines were so embarrassing until now.

I'm amazed those guys can actually live with these shameful lines in memory. Oh my God.

But, releasing me from my nightmarish reverie, the girl spoke. "H-hmph. Oh well, since you asked for it so handsomely, I shall tell you my name," she said.

Finally. Inner's and my thoughts were the same. It was taking a little too long just to say a name. But I noticed her characer changed.

"My name is Daijo Kirina," she said with a smile, the smile she used when she greeted me.

Her facade is back. I wonder if she's bipolar. She changes too quickly.

"Hello again, Kirina-san," I said, taking her hand and, while kneeling respectfully as if I was a knight in front of a queen, kissed it gently. I always saw this in movies and despite it being really embarrassing, I did it. When I looked up, I saw her face glowing red.

A bit pleased at getting such a reaction (I would have had that kind of reaction, too, if a boy did this to me), I went back to my seat. Now that I knew her name, it was time to ask why she came to this host club.

"If I may ask, Kirina-san," I started.

"Hmm?" She looked at me sideways as she blew on her cup, I still don't know what was in it and who filled it.

"Why have you come to the host club?"

"Well, of course it is to feel entertained! What else could there possibly be, Haruno-kun?" There was another teasing smile on her face as she asked a trick question.

"Well, from what I would like to believe," I said, getting ready for my next bold move, "you came here to forget your troubles. Or maybe, if there was a chance, tell it to your host personally and have them comfort you. . . Or something like that." I watched her movements, she stiffened, her cup still in front of her mouth which was blowing on it a moment earlier.

I also noticed another thing about her earlier as we spoke to each other. She gave off the feeling of someone trying to hide something behind a forced out facade. I was not surprised when she denied it smoothly. With a hurt expression, she replied, "Is that how you think, Haruno-kun? I would have to say you are wrong, then. I don't have any troubles to forget in coming here and I have no troubles to confess to my entertaining host. I am here simply to pass my free time with entertainment."

Well, I wouldn't suppose that she would warm up easily. I made a sideways glance at her sipping the drink from her cup. "If that is so, does that mean that you aren't new to this place, Kirina-san?"

"No. I always come here," she said, her smile coming back. But I heard her whisper softly to herself, "Just to pass the time, really." She giggled when she noticed me staring. I blushed from being caught. "Are you falling for me, Haruno-kun?"

I sighed internally. This is going to be a high wall and hosting is actually harder than I thought.

I know right? If hosts have to bear with annoying girls like these, I would be better off being a maid.

Ha! A maid . . . You, Inner? Really.

And what's that supposed to mean?

Nothing~

Oi! Sakura!

I silenced Inner's words in my head and continued with trying to climb this high wall I call Kirina-san. Boy, hosting really isn't the job for me.

~Chapter Seventeen ends here~