Sorry for the major emotional rollercoaster, but I don't think stuff is over yet. I'd also like to thank LoSt SaNiTy for sending me that link to Terrible things by Mayday parade. I can see why it kept popping up into your head while you were reading. XD Agh, now I'm crying. T-T

But I'm officially a Sophomore now, woo~! Also most likely ostracized out of everyone in my English Class because I got 6/6 on the the essay (which was supposed to have five paragraphs, but I put four. Oops) on the first try while lazying it. My teacher looked like she was about to wet herself when I showed her my score. (Sweatdrops and looks around nervously) "I'm sorry~!" According to my dad I'm way above my grade level in English and was actually college level, considering if "that's your lazy work, then I'm curious as to what you're serious work is". Well, this is my serious work, folks! :D

People keep looking at me like I'm an alien. I'm crazy, yes, but not an alien. I'm sorry for genuinely enjoying writing and drawing, okay? Oh, I need to get this story done so bad... why do I procrastinate all the time? Then again, I also had pretty bad writer's block. I couldn't figure out how I wanted Tamaki's and Kyoya's conversation to go, or if I wanted Hikaru/Kaoru or Haruhi to visit Akiko. Two more weeks until second tri... I'm gonna bomb math again; I know it. DX

I've also gotten obsessed with Kingdom Hearts again recently, so most of this is probably going to be really cheesy. God, I love Disney. XD WHEN WILL KH3 COME OUT GOD DANG IT! Just recently beat Dream Drop Distance and 358/2 Days.

"Look, Buzz! The release date for Kingdom Hearts III!"

"Where, Woody!?"

"BWAHAHAHAHA!"

...Stupid memes. I'm finally sixteen now! WOO! And I nearly got me and my dad blown up yesterday! I was trying to turn the key enough so I could see how much fuel there was, because he asked me to as he was pouring gas in, but I ended up turning on the car. I'm also really bad with keys,a nd it took me about two minutes before I managed to get the thing off-Dad yelled at me, I cried, he said that it was okay since I didn't know and explained HOW and WHY the car would of blown up, and I ended up hibernating in the bathroom today at school and crying again. ...Yay. He said that because he was filling in the gas, "fortunately" he said, he'd get hit first and I'd have a chance to get out of the car. THAT ISN'T FORTUNATELY! Then he admitted that he knew that he talks about terrifying stuff after saying that if he did get blown up, I'd hear him screaming until the ambulance would have arrived, and that he'd already be dead.

if he didn't get his surgeries he'd be dead. Anything could happen to anyone at any moment that could kill them. He constantly reminded me that he'd be dead, or would only live for this many amount of years, if he didn't get all three surgeries.

I'm a firm believer on Happy Endings, so you guys can rest assured that this story will end on a happy note. I don't think this chapter is very good, but I've been working on it for ages as I couldn't figure out how it should go. I reached the major plot point I wanted to get to.

"Sometimes the person who tries to keep everyone happy is the most lonely person."

December 19, 2014

Akiko fiddled with the book in her hands for a moment before letting it drop to her side, the girl falling back and lying on her bed with arms sprawled above her head. Everything had happened so fast... it was almost impossible to process. One minute she and Hikaru were in the church, waiting for the rain to stop. The next they were getting a call from Tamaki about how Alex somehow started getting better. It took a while before they were finally able to get a taxi, but when they did they rushed to the Inn as fast as they could. They were not expecting to see Kyoya cradling a crying Alex in his arms, the girl appearing perfectly healthy.

But that wasn't the bad part. The thing that horrified them most was how there was dead girl, one whom looked very much like Alex, lying on the couch. She looked Japanese, unlike Alex, but completely and totally... lifeless.

Neither protested as Kaoru ushered them out of the room quietly and into the kitchen, quickly explaining (or at least trying to from what he all understood) what happened. Not long after that Tamaki had rounded everyone up into the kitchen, leaving Alex to give a proper explanation as to everything that really happened. She didn't touch any of the food Misuzu made and placed in front of her, merely sitting there silently-even when the Police came to interrogate her.

Kyoya remained by her side the whole time. The only time they were separated was when Kyoya had to be questioned, which left Alex with his sister, Fuyumi.

So she's like me... Their situations were just a little different however. Unlike Alex who was taken from her home, her dimension, as a teenager, Akiko was taken when she was just a small child. She was lost in the streets, wandering and crying for her parents, before realizing that she was completely alone in a different place in Japan, in a whole other world. Akiko, after a month or so, came to realize that she would die if she didn't start to fight for her survival. So she started to steal, running for her life and staying in different parts of town so she wouldn't be caught. It was only a few years later that a boy named Touma found her and gave her food and shelter.

She didn't know how cruel people could be until that point in time. She only knew how to manipulate people into caring for her before Akiko ran away. So when Touma tried to molest her, she didn't know what to do other than scream. Luckily the man who adopted her, Michiru Urushihara, had been visiting the boy's farm that day and heard her screams. Akiko had no idea how she could repay him for saving her, so she accepted his offer of adoption and played the part of the Urushihara Heir, learning how to be a proper lady and how to dress for certain occasions, figuring out how to do the tea ceremony properly and how to speak like a noble woman. She was an "orphan" after all, and Mrs. Urushihara was completely barren, unable to have children.

Akiko was taught to be modest, kind, and gentle. It was because of those lessons she was made to learn that her split-personality had formed. She sometimes reverted from her usual self, blunt and hotheaded, to a shy and introverted girl who stuttered a lot. She had became this total fraud after a few years of pretend and she was stuck being her lady self. That was, until Alex came. She changed her back; Alex changed her back into who she really was. She learned Haruhi's secret and because of that she made two really great friends, later Akiko actually getting close to the Host Club.

She still wasn't too big a fan of Tamaki, but his heart was in the right place despite his idiocy at times. Kyoya was frightening every now and then, probably the embodiment or host of Lucifer, but Mitsukuni and Takashi were pretty cool. Kaoru was really nice to talk to, but Hikaru was so much like her at times that they practically repelled each other, fighting as neither refused to back down due to stubborness and pride.

However they were all friends now. Everyone in the Host Club are friends, no- family, and to think that Alex's small lie could drive them all apart... Akiko wouldn't stand for it. Alex was her friend no matter what. Though if I think about it, I'm probably only accepting of it because we're in similar situations... But she couldn't process why that girl would have sacrificed herself like that. The only reason I can think of is that she loves Alex, but... they don't really know each other, do they? She hoped Alex was doing alright, but as long as Kyoya and Fuyumi stay with her... she should be fine. Alex always has been one to touch other's hearts without even trying... just a single smile from her makes you feel warm. Her chest hurt, thinking about how her best friend could be aching right now-under the belief that everyone hates her. She's such a goofball... I'm really glad Kyoya-Sempai is looking after her.

Akiko let out a long and tired sigh before sitting up, hanging her head as stress lines formed. "Why did everything turn so dramatic?" It was like those TV shows where the protagonist goes through a lot of pain and misery, dies multiple times but still comes back. Oh, wait, that's Buffy the Vampire Slayer. "My bad..." That was when there was a knock on the door. She paused, surprised, before lifting her head and looking at it. There was more knocking and a few moments she called, "Who is it!?"

She honestly wasn't expecting the person who came through the door.

Alex hugged her knees to her chest as the hot water splashed against her skin, her brown her sticking to her face half-washed. She just seemed to lack the energy to finish rinsing the shampoo out and merely sat down, going over the events in her head. She remembered how she first appeared in this world... how she met everyone and became friends, how she gained a real family and... Kyoya. He's always there for her...

How come I can never be there for him? She tried to comfort him many times, but the time when he really needed it she could do nothing. Alex was only able to lay there in bed, sick, and ask Haruhi for help when she needed to go to the bathroom. How humiliating and degrading that is on someone... I'm always causing trouble. I try to help others and yet I only hurt them and become a burden to them... Akari shouldn't have sacrificed herself.

Yes, Alex didn't want to die, but she wasn't going to let someone kill themselves for her. She tried to stop her, she tried to keep her alive, but Akari resisted and... she's dead now.

Alex's eyes moved to her hand, looking at the odd healthiness of it. It had once been so pale-nearly blue, and so thin you could almost see her bones due to all the weight she had lost. It's unnatural... so unnatural... I don't like this. It wasn't normal. It's not me. It's not me! Alex scratched at her hand furiously, curling her lips back as she ground her teeth together. My arm's not even mine... she's taken it all. It all belongs to her! First her world, then her arm, now her life...

Alex let out a whimper, bringing her hands to her head. She could no longer tell if she was crying or if it was just the water from the shower head. No... no, stop that. Stop thinking. You tried to save her. Her thoughts were going against her. Just when Alex was beginning to think that she was getting over it, when she was accepting Akari's death, her mind was taking over and having a mental breakdown.

She suddenly couldn't breathe. It was like walls were closing in on her-suffocating her. She choked, sobbing, and clawed at her throat and chest trying to get oxygen. A sudden rush of panic rushed through her and black dots started to dance in her vision, and it almost didn't register to her that she was having an anxiety attack. She was hyperventilating. Alex tried to even her breathing, attempting to calm herself as she watched her hands shake. She was trembling and the once warm water now felt cold.

W-Wake up, Alex... you're fine. You're not a murderer. She saved you, you should be grateful.

Alex couldn't prevent her from killing herself.

You should have tried harder to stop her.

It was Akari's decision.

There was nothing you could do.

Who is the one to blame really?

You... or her?

No; it was the one who sent her here. Truth. It was all it's fault...

Everything is it's fault... Alex found herself able to breathe normally, no longer trembling. Instead of panic or fear or guilt, she just felt angry. Angry at God. Angry at the world. It's all Truth's fault... God is to blame. He shouldn't even exist. But if he didn't... if he didn't exist or bring her here...

Alex felt completely hopeless again and leaned her back against the wall, whimpering as the water hit her face. She just couldn't find herself able to stay angry and she hated it. For if it wasn't for Truth, the real God, then she would have never met anyone. She'd have never met the twins or Kyoya. She wouldn't have a real family... a family that cares. Friends so kind... And according to Akari's memories, she'd still be sitting inside an empty white space surrounded by doors, watching as Truth played his cruel games.

"He's such a bastard..." She muttered, curling her lips back. A single tear fell down her cheek. But if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have met anyone. She wouldn't of had another chance at life. I would have died a long time ago. At the very beginning, where it all began, if Truth hadn't made that switch and deal with Akari, Alex would have died in the crash-struck by a normal car. Or, perhaps, she wouldn't have been hit by a car at all and would have, instead, been shot by the madman.

No one would have been there to save her. Nobody would have called the police and carried her to the hospital. She would be dead, buried in the ground.

"I-I just can't be angry..." She shakily admitted to herself, unable to understand why. She should be angry, but at the same time she just couldn't be. Another thought came to her and she hugged herself again, lowering her head as she silently cried. "...but everyone's so angry at me." Alex had no idea how she was going to get out of this one. There was absolutely no reason why anyone should forgive her for this.

She lied. She told such a big lie... I forgot to ask how Akiko was doing. She still didn't know if Akiko actually encountered the bad man or not. She hoped she didn't.

"Kyoya..." The spectacles-wearing male slowly lifted his head from the carrot he was currently chopping up. Despite popular belief, Kyoya did have some skills in cooking. He had to do some research in the past due to Tamaki's stupid and idiotic schemes and it was a class he took up in order to try to surpass his older brothers. He had to beat them in everything after all, culinary skills included. The reason he is currently cooking now, as you might of guessed, is because he wanted to make sure Alex is eating properly.

He still wasn't sure what to make of the feeling in his chest sometimes, or the twist in his gut that ranged from happiness to fear, but he was more worried than ever. She was sure to be very unstable after everything, despite the apparent "front" she put up after she came to the realization that Akari would not wish to be forgotten. He was currently cooking chicken fried rice.

The male who approached took a seat at the bar, watching curiously and confusedly as the older teen cooked. "What are you doing...?"

"Making lunch." Kyoya responded calmly before sliding the carrots off the cutting board with the knife and into a bowl with sliced onion. He didn't even bother lifting his head as he asked, "What do you want, Hikaru?" He had a suspicion he knew what the Hitachiin boy wanted. No doubt he wanted to talk about a certain brunette. "I'm rather busy making sure your sister doesn't starve herself at the moment." Rather cruel thing to say, he knew, but he needed Hikaru to feel guilty in order for him to speak to Alexandria.

Hikaru was stubborn and prideful as an ox, so unless he felt so bad about his behavior he'd refuse to approach and apologize. Kyoya needed to manipulate him for things to go well, and judging by Hikaru's flinch at his words everything will end just fine. "She... she's not stupid enough to not eat."

"Are you certain? She can get quite depressed at times, Hikaru. Do you not know your sister as well as you thought you did?"

"Alex doesn't get depressed!" Hikaru retorted, slamming his hands on the bar countertop. Hikaru had seen Alex in one of her worst times, seen her beat herself up over a lot of things, but she didn't get depressed. It just wasn't her. Kyoya paused and locked eyes, onyx meeting caramel. Hikaru faltered a little, seeing the cold look. "She... doesn't... right?"

"Perhaps she doesn't in your eyes," Kyoya began slowly, voice low, "but more often than not I find her crying over something. I find her hiding and I ask what's wrong. Do you even realize where the scars on her hands are from? She once cut herself on rose thorns. She's self-harming, Hikaru; you should know this."

Hikaru paled a little. Sure he knew Alex overthought things and blamed herself a lot for the smallest of things, but she wouldn't actually hurt herself would she? She's stupid at times, often risking her life for people she either does or doesn't know, but she wouldn't try to... kill herself because of him ignoring her, right? Alex wouldn't... she's not that reckless. Kyoya knew her the best out of anyone in the Host Club though, so surely what he said is true... No. But... He wasn't sure anymore. His gut twisted painfully in worry. Alex is fine. She's perfectly fine. She wouldn't... do anything that stupid.

An image of her lifeless form reappeared in his head and he went completely still, breath hitching in his throat.

Kyoya wouldn't lie to him. Not about Alex. Not about... his little sister...

"That's why I'm keeping an eye on her-even now. I'm bringing her meals and comforting her whenever needed. Though with the way she's thinking right now, even if you visit... she's sure to think you hate her even now." Kyoya knew that was what Alex was currently thinking; he was able to read her like a book. Alex was going to doubt and hurt until the people she was crying over told her how they felt.

"But I don't!" He snapped, finally breaking. He created a small dent on the counter when he punched it. "I don't hate her!" Hikaru was holding back tears, grounding his teeth together as his lips curled back.

"Then tell her that instead of complaining to me. I'm busy, Hikaru. Or maybe you really do hate her-you haven't bothered to talk to her at all since yesterday. Are you scared to face her now that she told the truth of her origin? Or are you under the impression that she's not even human-"

Everyone in the Inn stopped what they were doing as they heard the sound of Kyoya's glasses hitting the floor, Hikaru's fist slamming into Kyoya's face.

"Why don't you just shut the hell up!?" Hikaru demanded, before turning around and storming off. Kyoya calmly knelt down and picked up his glasses, inspecting them for any cracks before putting them back on. He casually went back to what he was doing, unaffected by what just happened if not for the stinging pain in his left cheek.

Tamaki stood at the kitchen entrance in shock, unable to believe what just happened. He felt anger towards Hikaru for a moment, but worry for Kyoya took over and he quickly made his way over to his friend, fussing over him despite Kyoya's calm protests.

"I'm alright, Tamaki; It's not like I didn't expect it." Tamaki faltered, staring at him with wide eyes, before his gaze softened sadly. He placed a hand on Kyoya's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze before releasing him, wishing he could give his friend another hug. The Kyoya now... it still resembled the destructive Kyoya Tamaki saw in the cottage, only tame. No longer broken, but still clearly hurting... Kyoya moved away to finish cooking, glasses covering his eyes from view.

Don't you dare do something you'll regret; I haven't even said anything to you yet. His gut twisted painfully at the thought of Alex crying alone again, knowing how she felt about crying in front of other people. So don't be a moron, moron...

Fuyumi smiled and hummed to herself as she picked out clothes for her future-sister-in-law to wear. She was already planning out what Alex and Kyoya's children were going to look like after they get married. Oh, what if it's a boy? I hope he doesn't turn out like that hard-head; Kyoya's as stubborn as a mule! However being stubborn can be a good trait, especially in business. Oh~ This is just so exciting, but... She frowned and looked down, deep in thought. How are they going to get through everything that just happened? She's clearly traumatized by all this... Fuyumi felt completely useless.

She came from a family of doctors and yet she has no idea of how to help. How to help Alex, how to help her little brother... She turned her head when she saw the bathroom door open, Alex walking out with her head held low, a towel wrapped loosely around her small body. Fuyumi quickly dropped the clothes she was holding onto the bed and moved over, alarmed when she saw the girl. "Alex!" She cupped the girl's cheeks, slowly lifting her head so Fuyumi could get a better look at her face. "You were..." Alex's eyes were red and puffy, tear stains partially washed away due to the shower water. Her hair was covered in soap buds. "You didn't finish washing your hair, silly," Fuyumi told her softly, before gently guiding her back to the bathroom. "You can't face my brother like that." Her voice was motherly, but not stern or harsh. It was soothing.

Alex didn't put up an argument, feeling rather numb as of the moment. Her brown eyes were half-lidded, the girl looking like she was going to fall asleep at any moment. She got in the tub but kept the towel wrapped around her body as Fuyumi took down the shower head and turned the water back on. The Ootori girl calmly washed the shampoo out of Alex's hair with a small sorrowful smile.

"I'm glad I finally got to meet you," Fuyumi said after a long silence, trying to strike up conversation to get the girl's mind off of whatever it was she was thinking about. "Kyoya didn't tell me much about you; he always liked to keep secrets. I never expected it to be a secret about a girl though!" She tried for a tiny giggle, "I heard him yelling to himself about someone who frustrated him, because he couldn't figure out what she was hiding. To see him so passionate about something... it's the first time in years since I've seen him so mad. Tamaki called him then-telling him about how Haruhi and a girl named "Alex" were kidnapped by gypsies." She laughed, remembering the moment. Kyoya had frozen up and went complete still, eyes narrowed when he heard about Alex being in Karuizawa as well. "I followed him here, without his knowledge, and that was when I saw him... leaning over your form, holding onto your hand so tightly as if scared you were going to vanish if he let go." She rinsed out the shampoo, smiling a little when saw Alex lift her head up, hearing the woman's words.

"Kyoya... did?" Her voice sounded scratchy. Fuyumi assumed it was because she was crying earlier. Alex's shoulders shook a little. Fuyumi reached over and grabbed the conditioner, pouring some into her hand before rubbing it into Alex's hair. She leaned into Fuyumi's touch just the slightest, briefly enjoying the feel of something washing her hair.

"I almost couldn't believe it... My stubborn, hard-headed, thick-skulled, all-knowing baby brother... fussing over a girl. I asked him what you were like, and you know what he told me?"

Alex was silent, before asking quietly, "What?" Fuyumi washed out of the conditioner, before turning off the water and grabbing the last towel hanging off of the rack and drying Alex's hair with it. The girl responded like a child as Fuyumi did so, and the woman couldn't stop the happy smile forming on her face.

"He told me, "You would like her"." Alex lifted her head, towel hanging off of her face, and the girl slowly reached up and grabbed it with one hand, pulling it off of her head. Her eyes seemed to have just a little bit more life in them, curiosity and love getting the better of her. She looked so innocent, so hopeful, yet so sad at the same time. It killed Fuyumi a little inside, her heart breaking just a little for the young girl. "And you know what?" She said with another smile, placing a hand under Alex's chin and lifting her head up so they were locking eyes, "I think he's right; I approve of you and Kyoya." Alex's eyes widened. Fuyumi grinned, "I look forward to you sharing our last name. Now, let's get you all dried up and dressed! I have just the outfit for you!"

Alex's lips twitched upwards into a tiny smile, the girl seeming to hold back a laugh.

Akiko blinked, staring dumbly at the boy standing in her doorway. Kaoru shifted awkwardly, not sure what to say. He had came all the way here, prepared to ask her for advice of what to do and how to approach Alex, but now that he was here he had no idea what to do. "I..." He began, having to force the words out of his mouth. He swallowed and looked down, before shaking his head and asking, "Can I come in?" Akiko had to bite back a sarcastic retort, holding her tongue and fighting against every inch of her mind that told her to sit up straight and lace her fingers together. To be the perfect daughter. There was also the part of her mind that was screaming at her to be sarcastic, but she knew shouldn't.

It wasn't right. "Yeah... sure. Take a seat, I guess." She patted the spot on the bed next to her.

"You are not allowed to be alone with a boy."

Her "father's" words echoed in her mind. Ignoring all those lessons she asked as he sat down awkwardly next to her, "What is it, Kaoru?" The male hesitated, shadows covering his eyes for a moment before he looked at her. His gaze was so intense it was near-impossible to look away. "K-Kaoru?" Her heart beat a little faster, and told herself to remain focused. She couldn't tell if she was scared or nervous. He and Hikaru keep giving her these reactions and emotions she couldn't identify right away and it was starting to bother her.

"Alex..." He took a deep breath and said, "When it was storming... and you were out with Hikaru... Alex walked down the stairs by herself into the lobby where we were all waiting for your return. She was talking about how this man was after you... she was scared for you." His voice seemed to crack a little, his fingers digging into the bed sheets. His chest tightened at the memory, remembering how sick she looked. "She was dying and... and she went through all that, pushing herself to the limit, j-just to..." He bit his trembling bottom lip, breathing shakily as he tried to control himself, "Just to warn Hikaru about you being in danger. And then... her heart stopped beating, just for a minute." Akiko inhaled sharply, stunned. "Kyoya-Sempai... he wanted to call an ambulance, but Tamaki-Sempai said not to... because she'd merely be going through more pain."

As he told the story of what happened, he found himself choking back sobs, hating himself for ever even doubting Alex's feelings for him and his brother. For the Host Club. For her family... friends... He was such a horrible big brother.

"Y-yet... even when-even when she was dying she still went through the pain of moving... of talking... just to warn us about the danger. She-She wanted to make sure you were safe, before anything else. Alex..." His head was held low, so it seemed almost as if he was bowing to her. Akiko frowned, blinking away her own tears, and thought for a moment of how to comfort him before hesitantly reaching forward and wrapping her fingers around his hand, his knuckles white from how tightly he was gripping the sheets. He started, looking at her with surprised and confused eyes.

She remembered Hikaru's words, and how he said that just by being able to cry... being able to admit you're scared in front of other people is what makes you truly strong. Smiling through the pain was tough, but that meant you were merely bottling all the feelings inside, ready to burst at any given moment. You're hiding behind walls. Giving in and crying... showing other people you're hurting and afraid... that's the true measure of strength. Everyone was so much stronger than her... Akiko leaned forward and closed her eyes, resting her forehead against Kaoru's shoulder. "That's just how she is, Kaoru..."

She tried not to stiffen when she felt him wrap an arm around her, pulling her closer to him as he squeezed her hand tightly. "Why did I ever...? I shouldn't have doubted her. H-How could I do that to her?" Big brothers are supposed to protect their little sisters, aren't they? But when Alex explained everything, how she came to be here, he just grew so scared. What if everything was a lie? What if she just fabricated their relationships so she'd have shelter and food? But now... now thinking back on it, he was being stupid. Alex would never lie to them; she's not that kind of person. She's too nice for her own good... until you make her angry.

Akiko pulled away slightly when she felt Kaoru's chest rumble as he chuckled.

"Remember... remember the time when Hikaru and I stole Alex's notebook and sold it online? Or when we-when we caught her and Kyoya-Sempai in a compromising position and made fun of her? How she was chasing us around angrily with a beet red face?" He and Hikaru had found Kyoya pinning her to the sink with her trying to do the dishes.

The girl frowned, thinking about it, before her eyes widened. She pulled away, smirking as she looked in his eyes, "Mrs. Ootori", you called her." That had been in a better time, before everything turned so haywire. If things just go back in time... if only there was a rewind button. "She was radiating pure evil."

He laughed, sniffling a little as he remembered running for his life alongside his brother, "The Shadow Queen!"

"Don't forget the time when you guys made fun of her and she tripped over a chair?"

"Or when she had Kyoya-Sempai threaten us?"

"When she tried to catch that monkey who throws the banana's everywhere!"

Kaoru laughed loudly, feeling so much better now. All the funny and happy memories played in his head as they spoke, and slowly he started to regain the confidence he had lost. "I still don't understand why she calls it her "nemesis"." Akiko shrugged.

"Well, she can't be a damsel in distress, can she?" She then smirked devilishly, elbowing Kaoru lightly and causing him to shoot her a curious look, before his eyes widened at her next words, "After all, that's your's and Hikaru's job; my cute little damsels needing me to save the day." He flinched, suddenly remember the flower pot incident. She blinked in surprise at his reaction.

"I'm... really sorry about that." He still felt completely horrible. No one was meant to get hurt in that prank. He hadn't even noticed the girls opening the window when Akiko suddenly tackled him out of the way, screaming when the pot hit her back. "How does it feel? Does it still hurt?" All that blood... the image of her back flashed flashed through his mind, remembering how he and his brother plucked out all the broken shards. There were definitely going to be a couple of scars. It was all their fault... it was even worse, because Kaoru was the one who planned for the pot to fall. Hikaru comes up with ideas, but Kaoru is the one who figured out how to carry them out. No one else was meant to get dragged into the prank.

Akiko shook her head, "Not really; it's a little sore, but I'm fine. My ankle hurts more than anything at the moment." She held her leg out for him to see the make-shift splint Kyoya made for her. "Kyoya really is from a family of Doctors." A small smile tugged on Kaoru's lips.

"Yeah... Akiko, thank you." She turned her head and looked at him, confused suddenly.

"What for?"

"For making me feel better and... everything else." She blinked, before her silver eyes widened. She shook her head, not sure where to look as she tried to divert her gaze.

"Y-Yeah, well, don't let it get to you." Akiko finally seemed to remember she was still holding Kaoru's hand. She released it as if it were on fire, face a dark red, "I-It's not like I like you or anything! I only said that stuff so you'd stop moping and making that annoying face! It's-It's as bad as Hikaru when he starts whining when he doesn't get his way. You two are more trouble than you're worth!"

"You know... Kyoya-Sempai said that to Alex a lot of times." It's hard to believe it's only been a year... Kaoru gave her a tender smile, caramel eyes filled with warmth. "Thank you... I think I can face her now." Before she could say anything else, he suddenly leaned forward and kissed her forehead. He stood and left, looking at her one more time and grinning at her stunned red face before quickly closing the door behind him before she could register what happened.

"G-GET BACK HERE!"

"Don't be afraid to show who you really are, because as long as you are happy with yourself, no one else's opinions really matter."