Just Be Friends
Chapter 4: Crazy Tea Party
You woke up from the sudden feeling of coldness invading the atmosphere. To your surprise, you weren't in your bedroom but… a blanket of snow? Snow dominated the land. It made you question on how on earth did you get there? But you stopped questioning as you noticed a park. A park that has every spot in there covered with that white coating called snow.
You then decided to wander around the park. Seemingly, you noticed that the park was empty and yet you still decided to walk around even though you felt the cold wind getting colder and colder every step you take. As you continue, there you spotted two boys both holding their hands with the similar characteristics: short auburn hair and topaz eyes.
Then you realized who these little boys are: The Hitachiin Twins. Knowing that you wanted to stay away from them, they seemed to notice you right before you decided to leave.
"What are you doing here?" asks the one on the left.
"Didn't we tell you not to show yourself to us anymore?" asks the one on the right.
It didn't surprise you for you already know that they were going to treat you like this. You didn't respond. Since you only remained quiet, the twins continued.
"Do you really want us to ruin your reputation after all?" asks the one on the right.
"We warned you twice right? You really are a troublesome girl," the one on the left said.
Knowing that you'd get to hear their complaints, you decided to just look down and remain quiet. They kept rambling until it died down slowly. This then made you question: why did they stop? Hesitantly, you decided to look up and to your surprise, the twins are not young anymore; they changed as the twins you presently know them for.
"Hikaru? Kaoru?"
They both stared at you with the same blank expression before they decided to stand up; to the point you noticed the few inch height difference between you and them. The silence killed the moment. You started to feel awkward as the dead silence continued on but it stopped as they spoke.
"You know, (Your first name), we still haven't forgotten about you," says Kaoru.
"Huh? What do you mean?" you responded quite nervously.
"Don't act dumb, (Your first name)-chan. We know who you really are," says Hikaru.
"Wh-what are you talking about?"
"You were that girl we met ten years ago, correct?" asks Kaoru.
You couldn't believe what you were hearing. After ten years of isolation and negativity, they were able to figure out who you were in the first place. Nervousness suddenly hit you as their words repeated. 'What should I do? Should I tell them the truth? I thought I didn't have to face this event with them again…'
"Cat got your tongue, (Your first name)-chan? There's no escaping from us you know. We know that you're lying if you said you aren't her," Hikaru says.
This point in time you couldn't sputter a word to them. It was if you were situated from how you and the twins first met. There was no other choice but to tell the truth. The truth that would lead back to your painful past that would bring back all the suffering and hate. The new chapter of your life quickly shattered as you remained cornered with the twins confirming who you really are.
Leading you with no choice, you gulped and cleared your throat.
"Yes… I guess you can say it is me," you replied, showing a hint of nervousness.
"I told you she was familiar, Hikaru," says Kaoru.
"You're right. I can't believe we reunited with the girl who tried to come in our life," Hikaru replied as he looked at you from head to toe.
It hurt witnessing this at the present state; you didn't expect that the twins would hate you still even after ten years passed. You even had the slightest hope that you'd get the chance to be in good terms with the auburn-haired twins. Or the least you could expect to it. Though even with this situation, you still have hope left in you, 'Maybe if I can convince them, we'd be good friends then.'
"Uhm… Hikaru, Kaoru, can I have a moment?" you said as you looked them both in the eye, confidence shining in your eyes.
"What?" both responded in unison.
"Can't we forget about the past? Can't we forget about all the bad memories we all had to experience ten years ago? Well, mostly in my part but I know you two have your reasons. We can all start anew and forget all the things we had to do back then. Here, I start," you stretched your right hand as a sign for a handshake, "My name is (Your last name) (Your first name). Nice to meet you two.
As you ended your greeting, you flashed a big smile, hoping that you'd get a positive response. The twins then looked at each other and back at you with the same blank expressions they wore ever since you met them as kids.
"We don't want to be friends with you. You'll never be part of our life," the twins responded, saying it in such monotone voice.
Your chest tightened as you heard those words. 'Isn't my words convincing? I thought it would work…' As you continue to think about how it didn't turn out so well, the twins continued with their negative remarks.
"You really think we'd change after ten years just to be friends with you?"
"What's the point of befriending you when you didn't change at all."
"You just popped up in our life with no particular reason, is there even a benefit from that?"
"We don't want you in our life so stop trying hard in convincing us to become friends with you."
"You don't belong here."
"You're a loser and a crybaby."
"You're worthless."
"Useless."
"Pathetic."
You couldn't handle their insults anymore. Even from the number of times they've insulted you, you still remain standing on the same spot, sobbing as every comment they muster shatters your heart into pieces.
'I can't believe this… Even after ten years of my life not seeing them, they'd still continue to hate on me even after I promised them that I'd never see them in the next few years of my life. I guess I don't have any hope of having a new chance to be in good terms with them.'
'No change at all… In the end, I'd always be hated by my first "friends". Oh right… They don't consider me as their friend. How stupid of me...'
'All I want is that I'll never wake up again. Let me just take my eternal slumber…'
You woke up as the rays of the sun shine on your eyes. Tears continued to make a river as it goes down your cheek. You never would have thought you'd experience such a nightmare after that incident of the twins tainted in your memories forever.
"It was all just a dream…" you muttered as you wiped the corners of your eyes. It hasn't been a week since you last saw the Hitachiin Twins but instead of having to experience good memories with them, your dreams says the opposite.
You decided to just prepare for school. Even after waking up from such a dream, you always remembered to stay positive even from the littlest of things. Maybe if you continue to stay happy you'd forget all about the nightmare you had that day.
Your morning routine went well for you. Although you were bombarded with so many questions from your Mother and Father on how you are feeling since you didn't look that fine, you told them off that you were just sleepy and continued eating breakfast. After breakfast, you and your twin brothers then headed off to the family limo so that you can be at school by then.
The ride wasn't quiet as your brothers Len and Ren continued to tell stories about the past two days of their experiences in school. You only nodded and assured with a bright smile so they wouldn't suspect anything about what is bothering you, which pretty much worked since they're gullible.
You arrived at school and left the limo. Walking along with your brothers, the three of you still couldn't get use to how huge your school's campus is. With a little more chit-chat, your brothers then talked about their new friends and what classes they were having for today. Soon enough, you three have to part ways since you were from a different unit.
You gave each other farewell hugs and left bidding 'see you later' as the three of you parted ways. As you headed to your building, your nightmare came back to bother your thoughts once more. Although it was only a dream, you can't help but feel worried of what may happen if you did continue to hang out with The Hitachiin Twins.
'I never thought this would bother me so, so much… Like seriously! I'm afraid that they'll go back to their old ways… But, it doesn't look like they'll be able to do that. I mean, look at them. They're completely different. Compared to before, they completely ignore me as if I'm nothing but now both of their attentions are focused on me. Somehow I'm not used to it yet but I'm happy that I get to bond with the twins.'
Your nightmare may have bothered you so much but somehow it changed your mind and decided to continue to stay positive. This feeling relaxed you a bit. Considering you shrugged the thought off, your mind was focused to stay attentive in today's classes. You headed to your classroom and as you entered, the sound of chattering filled the room.
You headed to your seat and placed your things down. Sitting down with elegance and poise, you decided to take out your notes and study for today's lessons in some of your classes. Surprisingly, even if you were homeschooled, you wouldn't believe that you're an intelligent person. Meaning to say, you exceed academic standards, aiming for the top as you can say.
You were really focused in understanding your notes when you didn't notice the familiar auburn-hair duo standing in-front of you. They were both eyeing you curiously as if you have done something unfamiliar to them. As much as they wanted to stand there looking at you, it would end up being a boring event if they continued that way.
"(Your first name)-chan, are you seriously going to ignore us~?" asks Hikaru.
"You know, you have all the time studying when you get back home. How about you try to socialize with everyone?" Kaoru suggested.
You still didn't notice them as if you were in your little own world: a world where you didn't want others to enter, just like the twins who did the same back in the past. Though it wasn't a world as complicated as them. It was quite more confusing since it tackled the studies of History, English, Language, Mathematics, Arts and Music. It would have been understandable for the rest but they aren't as responsible as you are.
No matter how much the twins tried, you still weren't paying attention to them. They couldn't handle it much longer so they decided to just snatch your notes away from your hands. To your surprise, you faced your head towards the people who took your delicate notes.
"H-Hey! Give it ba-" you stopped as you made eye contact with the mischievous twins, who were grinning at you from ear to ear.
"You finally noticed us!" exclaimed Kaoru.
"Finally, you stopped reading. We've been trying to get your attention," Hikaru said as examines your reaction.
"A-Ah… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you two. I got so caught up into reading that I didn't realize you two were here."
"Reading?" Kaoru questioned as he checked your notes, "You mean to tell us you have been studying all this time?"
"Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm just really not used to have people interrupt me when I study. I mean this is a first after all…" You sighed as you looked away.
"We didn't know. We're sorry. But you know it's best to explore school other than to sit here and study, you know? And besides, Hikaru and I are here to accompany you," Kaoru said with a smile of reassurance.
Hikaru was unusually quiet. He has never seen Kaoru acting like this to someone else, more importantly to a girl they considered as their new "toy". As the eldest among the twins, he speculates that Kaoru may have developed feelings for the (Your hair color)-haired girl. But it was too early to prove that he did
"Kaoru~ I've never would have thought you've grown attached to (Your first name)-chan. Since when were you so interested in her?" Hikaru teased as he turned to observe the younger twin's reaction.
"Wh-what do you mean, Hikaru? (Your first name)-chan and I are just friends. I just want her to feel comfortable since this is her first time and all," Kaoru replied, laughing a bit bashfully.
He then turned to look at (Your first name) as he wanted to know how she would respond. To his surprise, she looked flustered. Her cheeks were of a tint of pink. Meaning to say that she feels the same way? Or was she just embarrassed that he was teasing both her and his twin? Well, he'll find out soon enough.
"I'm kidding. Anyways, how about we do something fun, (Your first name)-chan~?" Hikaru chirped, as he stared at the sitting girl.
"Fun? What do you mean?"
"You know it's pretty boring to just sit down there and study for your academics."
"But I want to study."
"Why's that, (Your first name)-chan?" Kaoru questioned.
"Well, I exceed academic standards. So needless to say, I'm aiming to become a top student."
"That sure is awesome of you, (Your first name)-chan! I'm sure you can do it." Kaoru encouraged.
Hikaru was at lost. He was so confused to the point that he felt left out. It was if his brother and you are the only ones interacting with each other. But he wouldn't be discouraged.
"Kaoru, you know we can't just let (Your first name)-chan study the rest of the year. She should at least experience great adventures while she's here. I mean, we should add some excitement in her life!"
"You do have a point, Hikaru," Kaoru agreed as he looked at you, "So what do you say, (Your first name)-chan? You do have the time in the world to study some other time. At least start the day with a new experience."
As he finished his sentence with a heart-melting smile, you blushed, a tint of pinkness conquering your cheeks. Realizing that the twins were in fact correct about what they have observed from you, you decided to follow their advice.
"Well, I guess you two are right. After all, I've been studying all my life so maybe a change would lighten me up today," you said smiling.
The twins cheered in delight as they got to convince you to have fun with them. Though you may have thought the twins indeed want to hang out with you, they basically considered you as their new "toy". Like you'd even know what they're planning to do with you, you gave them a chance even if they did hurt you ten years ago.
"So, as for today, we're inviting you to go visit the Host Club again, okay?" Hikaru said.
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"Well it's a good opportunity to experience today's theme," added Kaoru.
"Today's theme? You mean to say the Host Club launches different sets of themes?"
"You're right. Since you're so new to this, how about you visit us later? We'll gladly be your hosts later afternoon," Hikaru says as he looked at you with a grin.
"Today's theme would be a tropical paradise so it would be great to see you relax and enjoy yourself later," Kaoru added.
"Well, I'll look forward to it," you smiled and giggled to yourself.
The twins looked at you with mischievous smile though it wasn't that evident. Surely, the twins would have a fun time with you later.
"Anyways, we'll be heading out for now. We'll just stop by the Host Club to know what's going to happen for later. Don't you forget to stop by, (Your first name)-chan~ Or else we'd give you a punishment," Hikaru says as he gives you a wink and heads for the door.
"I'll look forward for your visit later, (Your first name)-chan. I hope we won't fail your expectations as your hosts for later," Kaoru says.
"Don't worry, Kaoru. I'm sure you'd do your best. I can't wait to experience this later. I guess I'll see you," you gave him a bright smile. You didn't notice how Kaoru looked away with a slight blush in his cheeks. He gave back your notes and bid farewell heading to the door where the eldest twin was waiting for him.
'Well, I guess this is a good start. God, please do guide me. I know that we'll all be good friends as time goes by. Hopefully, nothing bad will happen… right?'
~At the hallways~
As I left the classroom, I can't help but think about her. She was too nice. Too kind. Too pure for this world. The feeling when I'm close to her makes my heart flutter. What is that weird feeling? And when she's around, she makes me happy.
Her smile.
Her smile gave me a fuzzy feeling. It was so sincere and heart-warming. I guess you could say I have developed a small crush on her? But it can't be. It's been a few days since we met, I'm sure this is nothing.
On the side note, we'd get to hang out with her. I'm happy that she agreed; it made me nervous all of a sudden. It got me so conscious now.
"Don't worry, Kaoru. I'm sure you'd do your best. I can't wait to experience this later. I guess I'll see you."
God… Why are you suddenly thinking about this? It's as if (Your first name) won't leave my mind in one bit. But even with these feelings, I can't help but think about her last name.
(Your last name).
It has been bothering me on how familiar this name was but I can't remember at all, neither does Hikaru. I just wish I'd remember because-
"Kaoru, are you okay?"
"Huh? What do you mean, Hikaru?"
"You've been spacing out for the past few minutes now. Is something bothering you?" Hikaru actually noticed. Well, this train of thoughts sure did invade my mind. I guess you can say it distracted me a lot.
"No, I'm fine, don't worry. I was just thinking about how (Your first name)-chan is going to feel this afternoon."
"Oh? Don't tell me, Kaoru, you've developed a crush on (Your first name)-chan?" Hikaru looked at me with a teasing grin.
"I don't really know, Hikaru."
"What do you mean you don't know? Just by seeing you act like that towards her make it so evident that you like her, Kaoru."
"Act like that? What are you talking about, Hikaru?"
"Don't play dumb with me, Kaoru. I see how you act towards her; when you become nice to her and always giving her a smile. I'm not expecting you to be like this but you do remember she's our new toy."
"Sigh… Fine."
"But, you know I'll support you in whatever you want to do," Hikaru says as he placed an arm around my shoulder. And as we continued walking, the thoughts from earlier never left me.
'But what am I really feeling towards her? Do I really like her?'
~The Same Day, After Class~
Classes just ended and students left here and there. As you stood up from your seat, you noticed that the twins weren't in the room anymore. Maybe they went ahead to prepare for today's theme? Well, you will never know. You kept all your things and placed them neatly in your bag. Checking your area to see if you forgot something, with a look of approval, you then left the classroom to head to Music Room #3.
You wandered to lots of hallways until you reached the designated place. There you meet the huge door that blocks you to the room where the Host Club is. You reached out to the golden door and twisted it, opening the door slowly. The moment you get a better view inside, you see palm trees and many wild plants surrounding the whole room. You also noticed wild animals like a chameleon and a toucan staying at plants like normal animals cope up with in that kind of habitat.
'So when they say tropical paradise they mean it literally?' You thought as a non-existent sweat drop probably appeared.
Though as you continue scanning, you stopped as you see the Host Club members, gathered all together dressed as Balinese royalty. You're probably hallucinating as you see sparkles surrounding them.
"Welcome!" the boys of the Host Club greeted. Though this wasn't what you were expecting but this was something you should probably get used to if you start visiting the Host Club regularly.
"Oh, it's (Your first name)-chan. She finally came," the twins said at the same time.
"Hi. So uhm… I'm just wondering why you chose this theme in the first place?" you asked curiously. You heard a light chuckle from Tamaki, who is probably dressed as a Balinese king.
"Huddling under a kotatsu table, fearing the cold would be nonsense!" He started saying as he made elegant actions while doing so, "Why else do we have the perfect heating and cooling system?"
"Huh?"
"Fine men do not bundle up in bulky clothing. It may be a chilling early spring out in the world, but in our club, we welcome our chilly little kittens to a warm, south tropical aura!" As he said that, Mori while carrying Honey, was running around the room; the twins were also having this brotherly love moment which you find weird. Kyoya was only standing at the same place holding his clipboard and Haruhi watched Tamaki with a weird-ed out expression.
Tamaki placed an arm around your shoulder while the other arm extended with a pose in presenting their paradise, "Yes! Today, this place is a supreme paradise, a hot, hot island of everlasting summer!"
"I see… Then I guess I should be enjoying today's session. Please do your best for today," you say to Tamaki with a small smile. Tamaki then blushed a bit but smiled back in return, giving you a pat on your head.
"Well, I hope you have fun today. I'd be glad to be your host now but seeing as there are a lot of girls waiting for me, you can have me again some other time."
"Thank you so much, Tamaki-senpai. I will look forward to it." He chuckled.
"Then go look for a table, someone would accommodate to you shortly." You waved a hand to him then looked for a table to stay at. When you found one, you settled yourself on a seat and sat down.
~The Host Club is now open for business~
From this point, many female students have entered the room. One table each was being accommodated by the hosts as to give their customers a good time. You observed as each host did their ways of entertaining their guests though until now you did not have a host to entertain you.
"I see that no one's accommodating you yet," a deep voice says. When you checked to see who it was, to your surprise, it was Kyoya.
"Yeah. I guess everyone's busy."
"Do you have plans in visiting the Host Club today?" Kyoya questioned as he looked at you.
"Well, I was invited by the twins today. They told me to experience something new."
"That is true, you haven't experience any of these moments yet. So, I guess it be a change to try out something unfamiliar to you."
"You're right. But seeing as everyone's busy, I can just wait," when you said that, Kyoya gave out a small chuckle.
"You have such patience, (Your first name)-san. I might as well accompany you once more."
"E-eh? But it's fine, Kyoya-senpai! I really do understand if everyone's busy."
"No, no. I'll accompany you. Seeing that a guest looks lonely is something the Host Club wouldn't want to see. We're here to serve young ladies and make them happy. And since you aren't accompanied by the twins, I'll be taking their place for now," he ended, smiling towards you. A small blush appeared from your cheeks.
"W-well, if you say so…"
"But seeing as I'm trying to convince you, you seemed entertained already," Kyoya smiled while bringing up a hand, pointing to his cheek. What did he mean by that? "You're turning into a strawberry, (Your first name)-san. It makes you look cuter," he chuckled after.
Your face turned even redder than before. You weren't expecting out of all people, he'd make you feel that way. It's not that you like him in that way but your heart proves you otherwise. Though surely you couldn't develop feelings for him that quickly, right?
"P-please don't do that, Kyoya-senpai."
"Alright, alright. But it is true (Your first name)-san."
"Th-thank you… I'll take it as a compliment.." You said as you looked away from him. Now it started to become awkward for you. You don't doubt he doesn't feel awkward since he did tease you with no hesitation. Trying to get it out of your thoughts, you glanced at where Tamaki is serving. The typical flirty personality he has that makes all girls swoon over him. You couldn't stop looking at him because of the words he just said:
"Oh yes, next week, Ouran Host Club will be sponsoring a dance party."
"A dance party?" you muttered. You then heard the voice of a girl.
"What will you be doing at this dance party?" a girl from the twins' table questioned.
"We're renting the large hall in the central building…" Hikaru started.
"…and throwing a big main event there." Kaoru finished. As that ended, Hikaru placed his right hand on Kaoru's cheek then went closer to his face.
"Although, I really wanted to spend the time alone with you, Kaoru."
"Don't say that, Hikaru. I'm the one who really wanted it…"
"Fantastic!"
"Brotherly love, with a south tropical flavor!"
"I don't see the point how the guests get excited over that," you suddenly questioned.
"A little moderate exposure is popular," Kyoya said while writing something in his clipboard.
"So uhm… What's this dance I've been hearing of?"
"Well, this would be most likely like the usual Host Club activities but as a party. You should come along, (Your first name)-san. I'm sure you won't regret it."
"I see… I'll think about. Thank you so much for the invitation, Kyoya-senpai."
"You're welcome. Please excuse me I have matters to attend to so I hope I get to see you there, (Your first name)-san," he smiled.
"A-ah of course…" you said as your cheeks turned pink. Kyoya then left. Your feelings suddenly confused you. Did you start having feelings for him? Your mind started forming a new train of thought as you thought about these debatable questions only for it to disappear as familiar voices spoke to you.
"(Your first name)-chan! We're here to accommodate you," the twins said in unison.
"Ah! Hi Hikaru. Hi Kaoru. I was expecting that you two would take long in your first guests."
"Of course we won't. We did promise we'd be your hosts for today, right?" says Hikaru.
"We invited you as well, so please do enjoy yourself while you're here," says Kaoru.
"Thank you very much, you two. I am enjoying this so far."
"Well, it's not that fun since we haven't even started yet," Hikaru said as his lips formed a grin.
"What do you mean it's not that fun?"
"You'll see, (Your first name)-chan," Kaoru said as he smiled at you.
"First of all, we have a question for you!" Both said in unison, "What do you think of our costumes for today?" What did you think of their costumes? Well, it is after all Balinese clothing fit for the royalty but what makes it hard for you to answer since they were revealing their torsos.
"Uhm… You two look absolutely…" you paused. The twins then looked at you waiting for your answer, "Absolutely stunning." 'What? Why did I say that?! Oh my… That's just really embarrassing of you, (Your first name). Why did you have to be so straightforward?!"
" (Your first name)-chan thinks…" Kaoru started.
"…we're stunning?" Hikaru finishes.
The twins then looked at you as if they couldn't believe what you just told them. But as you thought they'd do something like pester you to keep telling them how they look, they both kneeled down and grabbed both of your hands.
"H-huh? Wh-what are you two doing?"
"Don't you want us to do this, princess?" Hikaru says.
"The cute princess should be treated with care and respect," Kaoru says.
"We won't ever leave your side," Hikaru said, as he kissed the back of your right hand.
"Because we promise you that we'll love you forever, princess," Kaoru said, as he kissed the back of your left hand. You could have sworn you were way redder than your moments with Kyoya earlier. It's as if destiny is trying to tease you so hard that you'd probably die from embarrassment.
'Oh my God… What is happening? Why is this suddenly happening to me? When they meant something new, was it the fact that they're making me blush as red as strawberry and making my heart beat rapidly the thing? Because right now, I am so confused! It's as if I have fallen for them… It can't be that these feelings trigger because of the twins? Because I am not expecting to fall in love so easily! And I can't imagine dating the twins mere alone, dating one of them. What is going on? God, please answer me. I wasn't expecting this. AT ALL. Save me right here, right now!'
"Kyahhh! The twins are being princes as anyone could ask for~"
"I'm so jealous! They both gave her a kiss on her hand."
"I want one too, Hikaru, Kaoru~ Kyahhh! Thinking about it makes my cheeks warm."
Those were at least all the comments you heard from the other guests accommodated by the other hosts of the club. Your face still gave off that you were still blushing from all that has happened. Better yet, all that happened today was definitely a new experience.
You looked at both of the twins to see if they'd get up from their knees but they haven't. As you made eye contact with both of them, your eyes said to them to probably quit the act but surely, it was serious even though they were just doing their job as hosts to entertain you.
You couldn't say a word because what happened just now was something new to you. And knowingly, you would have been okay with this if you three were alone in one room but the mere fact that this is the Host Club and they accommodate majority of the female students in this room makes it embarrassing for your part.
"H-Hikaru… K-Kaoru… Th-this is so unexpected… P-please don't do this out of the blue…"
"What do you mean? We weren't joking around, (Your first name)-chan," says Kaoru.
"What we said was all true and we're serious about it," says Hikaru.
You couldn't believe what they were trying to say. As you continued to look for signs that they were really just fooling with you, The Hitachiin Twins gave you a bright smile.
"We love you. Do you love us back too?"
AN: Okay so like, I am so sorry for not updating this fic for a long, long time now. I blame school for making me busy all the time. Like okay, I'm an art student but my classes give me so many plates to finish so I couldn't even have the time to finish and publish a chapter. So, I want to apologize especially to those who have been following and patiently waiting for the next update, I really appreciate the love and support for my story so thank you. I really want this fic to be finished but my time doesn't allow me to. Just this week, I've been motivated to write more for this series because I know I shouldn't leave my readers hanging. Once again, thank you for supporting this story and hope to see you till the very end~ -chibichoco o 3 o