KYOYA's POV

I knew I'd been flirting with a tricky situation. Would I give in to the impulses that grew stronger every day, or continue to suppress my feelings for the sake of my best friend?

Now more than ever I was aware that Haruhi was a perfect fit for me. Being with her was so easy. The laughter, the teasing, but also the way she kept up with my train of thought and made insightful suggestions. And then there was her ability to see past the veneer I show to the world and perceive things about me and in me that others don't. She saw through me, just as Tamaki had.

Oh, how I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her senseless. Her smiles called me to kiss her for joy. Her tears inspired me to wrap her in a cocoon of warmth and kiss every inch of her delicate face.

I watched her through my window as Tamaki chatted exuberantly and she bestowed her smiles upon him. She didn't quite know what to make of my attention, but she responded easily to Tamaki.

I started the engine and left them behind, my thoughts wandering as I followed the dark country lane. I would remember today as a dream. The one time I claimed her for me alone and allowed myself to imagine a future with her.

But at the end of the day, she chose Tamaki. He might not know exactly what he felt for her, but he felt something-that was obvious to everyone. And Haruhi responded naturally to it.

I wouldn't be at breakfast tomorrow. Oh, I should be, or the change in routine would raise questions I didn't want to answer. But I wanted just a little more time to treasure what we almost had before I would push her into Tamaki's arms.

The next few days dragged. I indulged myself by sleeping in—a luxury I wouldn't be afforded in a few years—and threw myself into managing my business ventures. I'd been toying with investments for awhile but my acquisitions were expanding. It came naturally to me, and without my family scrutinizing my every move I was able to enjoy it and even excel at it.

It was hard to be objective about the property I'd visited with Haruhi, but I tried to do due diligence in estimating costs and income and growth potential—without picturing a lost-looking 5 year old at her mother's bedside. I determined not to act on it hastily.

I checked in on Ranka once more, and he was well enough to be released any day. He planned to return home ahead of Haruhi to be sure all appeared normal there.

There were still two weeks left to term, and it was time I made an appearance at the Pension. I wanted to make sure Haruhi would be too busy serving breakfast to spend much time with me when I arrived, so I dragged myself from bed earlier than usual. It was difficult, since my subconscious tormented me during the night with images of Haruhi that I suppressed in waking moments.

Arriving at the hour I had chosen, I took a moment to compose myself as I crunched up the pebbled drive to the double doors. Despite my convictions, excitement fluttered in my chest even as I tried to squash it.

The breakfast room was nearly full. Couples on holiday made eager plans for the day. Young women picked at their food while blatantly admiring the handsome twins putting their heads together at the bar. I felt appreciative eyes on me as well when I strode up to join them.

"We've been thinking," Kaoru said without preamble. Hikaru continued for him. "It's been dull around here lately…."

"So how about we make some fun?" Kaoru finished.

I sensed her behind me. My whole body was attuned to her, even though I hadn't seen her approach.

"Usually your idea of fun means my life is about to get wretched," Haruhi informed them drily.

I steeled myself and didn't turn to acknowledge her. I had to put distance between us.

"Kyoya-sempai," she addressed my back. "It's nice to see you here again." There was a question behind her words, I knew. I didn't respond and she went on after an awkward moment. "Can I get you something?"

"Green tea," I said in a condescending tone. I continued to stare out the windows before me.

"Ooo-kay," she said, clearly perturbed by my coolness. She moved off.

"What's up with you today?" Kaoru asked.

"I'm not sure what you mean," I replied haughtily.

"Why were you so cold to Haruhi?" Hikaru growled.

"I wasn't. She's here to serve customers and I am a customer," I sneered. "Before they could pursue it further I asked, "Where's Tamaki anyway?"

"I think he's in the kitchen again," one of them replied. I kept my gaze on the cloud-covered sky outside.

I felt Haruhi come up beside me. Her milky white shoulder brushed my arm as she laid out the tea service on the counter in front of me. Today she wore another sundress with cropped pants underneath, and of course the hideous apron over all. It was a crime to put something so garish on the delicate beauty of Haruhi. Not that I had noticed.

I forced my eyes to stay glued to the place setting before me, resisting the urge to turn just a bit and bring my face close to hers.

Geez, it's not that big of a deal. Get over it!

I spared her a common courtesy. "Thank you, Haruhi." Why did her name on my lips feel so intimate? I took a cleansing breath and poured out my tea. I felt her eyes on me as she lingered a few moments. "You're welcome," she said with a trace of chiding in her tone, turning her back swiftly to go wait on another table.

During our interchange, the twins had begun a secretive dialogue on my other side.

Tamaki bounced up, displaying a covered platter with a flourish. "I have here a selection of the finest local fruit and cheeses from the region for your dining pleasure, " He set the tray down and took the seat beside me. "And for mine," he said as he removed the cover and began picking at the grapes.

"So," he tried to act disinterested. "You took out Haruhi."

"What?" The twins chorused, their attention arrested.

"Yes." I feigned indifference. "I did it as a favor for Misuzu-chi. He asked me to get her out of here for a day. It was no big deal."

The strained silence that followed alerted me that something was wrong.

I sensed her behind me a second before I heard her voice. She sounded slightly shaky. "That's right. We mostly drove around and then got caught in that thunderstorm. Nothing exciting. Well…" She struggled to be honest. I recalled her face as it lit up atop the ferris wheel. "Like he said, no big deal, so you guys can back off. I can handle myself."

She was hurt. I guess she had expected more of a relationship after our…camaraderie…the other day.

"Maybe Tamaki can take you out on your next day off," I suggested blandly, overruling the part of me that rebelled. There, I'd done my part.

He looked like I'd handed him a Christmas present in a big red bow.

His hopes were crushed just as quickly. Haruhi gritted her teeth. "No, thank you." She was seething now at being handed around like a toy. "I said I can take care of myself."

"But Haruhi…" Tamaki whined as he followed her retreating form.

He returned after awhile to slump at the bar. "It's not fair," he said, poking at the cheese. "Hikaru took her out and you took her out. How come I can't?"

"She's just angry right now." The truth slipped out.

"Why?" Tamaki was perplexed and I wasn't about to tell him the truth—that something did happen and she deserved more than the coolness I was showing her today.

"Who knows?" I said lightly. "Maybe she's jealous that all of you got to visit France while she had to work."

"Oh, mon pauvre, Cherie!" Tamaki moaned. "We have to get her a passport!"

"Hey Boss," the twins leaned around me to catch his eye. "We just thought of a new game."

Hikaru explained. "It's called the Who-Can-Get-The-Best-Photo-Of-Haruhi contest."

Tamaki whimpered at the prospect.

Kaoru continued, "When we were at the show in Paris, we picked up a 35mm camera."

His brother finished, "Like the fashion photographers were using."

"We even bought a telephoto lens."

"But you two'll have to use your cell phones."

"And then we'll use one of the pictures to get her a passport."

"And keep the rest."

Seconds passed as I stared into my tea. Looking up I saw the twins were watching me pointedly. "What?" I demanded.

"Isn't this where you say we should auction off the extras instead?"

I collected myself, pushing my glasses up my nose. "Well, I suppose that might lend some usefulness to the foolish exercise."

Kaoru continued. "Of course, she can't know that we're taking pictures of her."

"Yeah, she'd have our heads."

"I think it's a great idea!" Tamaki enthused. "Oh, but Kyoya, you'll have to show me how to use the camera on my phone."

I closed my eyes and sighed.