A/N: I've been so busy. School is my excuse and probably not the best one but it's my reason. Essay after essay. I just recently got a break because of the Chem exam I had to take and a few essays to prepare for next week. I made this chapter pretty long to hopefully make up for it. =) R&R!
Do you think I could scare Bisco Hatori in giving me OHSHC? Which I don't own…. T-T
The night sky twinkles brightly as I sit on the back patio of Grace's home. "You'd think being a teenager that you would be out partying to greet the New Year," Grace comments, rocking in her special chair and watching the sky. "Where are all of your friends? What about family?"
"Everyone had plans with their families and I didn't want to get in their way. My family doesn't celebrate New Year," I answer calmly, shaking off the disappointment. It's always been like this. I shouldn't hope for anything different.
Grace harrumphs loudly. "I doubt anyone would have minded. You just didn't want to have to ask." My chest twists slightly.
"So?" I don't want to talk about this.
"Don't get defensive dear," the missionary sighs, getting up and hugging me while I stay in the chair. "You are always welcome here and you know it. But it isn't a bad thing to ask our little family to get together on holidays when our actual family doesn't." Of course she sees right through me. I smile slightly at her reference to our close circle of friends-no family.
"You're right…" That doesn't change the fact that I don't want to have to ask. I want to go home and celebrate with my family. All of them. "Why did this happen to my family?" A harsh slap to the back of my head is my answer. "OW!" My hand goes to the spot where I know a bruise will form, glaring up at my friend. "What was that for?!"
Her stern look silences any other retorts I have. "Don't you dare think like that! I will not have friends of mine having a pity party for themselves! God will get us through it all so don't you worry."
Normally her faith in her religion makes me smile fondly but now a frown twists my features. "Why did he let it happen in the first place then?" Grace doesn't respond, staring at me. "If he's so great, why does anything bad happen to my family?!" Tears of frustration build up. "Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them." Psalm 91. Grace taught that to me just last week. "Why won't he answer me? I've been begging for help for years!"
My friend sits back in her rocking chair. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3." Her wise words don't affect me at all. "Do you help every animal who yowls for help on the streets?"
"No, what does tha-."
"Even though you have the power too?"
"You can't help-."
"But you have the power too, then you must, right? Isn't that what you're saying to God?"
"I'm not like God."
"But the animals see you like God. You are greater than them and have more power. You should save them then, shouldn't you?" I don't say anything now. "It is the same for God. He will give you salvation but he can't keep every little bad thing from happening to you."
"I guess…"
The old woman smiles at me and gets up, patting me on the shoulder. "Happy New Year, Akari."
If I were to say, 'God, why me?' about the bad things, then I should have said, 'God, why me?' about the good things that happened in my life.
-Arthur Ashe
"Kyoya-sempai~" I sing in greeting, eating breakfast in the kitchen.
A single tone sounds. I frown at my phone. His phone isn't working or he hung up on me….
He probably hung up on me but I should call again to make sure. I hit the redial button and wait impatiently as the phone rings. A grunt is the only greeting I get.
"Hey, Kyo-." That annoying single tone starts up again and I nod decisively. That's it. I'm going over to his house.
I to the familiar member of Kyoya-sempai's staff. "Tachibana [1]!" I greet cheerfully.
He bows in response. "Are you here to see Kyoya-sama? I'm afraid to inform you that he's currently asleep. It would not be smart to disturb him." It's ten o' clock…. Man that guy stays up way too late.
"Of course it isn't," I protest easily, knowing that the staff isn't able to refuse me easily. "Just let me in and I'll do the rest. I'll even feed the fish."
"That isn't necessary, Akari-sama, I just be-."
"Come on, Tachibana, it's New Year and I just want to spend the day with my friend. Pleeeeease," I please, looking up at the man dramatically.
The father falters. "I…uh…. fine." My features suddenly brighten up and I walk past the staff member smoothly.
"I knew you'd see my way!" Sucker.
"Kyooooooooya-sempai." I have a death wish. I poke the lump under the blanket before backing away to the door quickly. Nothing. I go back next to his bedside, assessing his handsome features. Yeah, it's totally worth it. "Wake up!" I order him, shaking him slightly. "It's New Year's Eve and I want to spend time with you!" I chirp, shaking him more. "Waaaaaaaaake up, I want to experience the familial bonding experience that happens on holidays!" Kyoya-sempai stirs, looking at me out of the corner of his eye with a groggy expression on his features. I smile widely at him. "Wakey, wakey, eggs n bakey! Although, I don't have any breakfast for you but I'm sure your chef could do that easy." I love it when I purposely annoy him.
The beast rises slowly, giving me a look that promises death. I squeal in fright, flailing my limbs and falling backwards to cower. Okay, maybe it wasn't worth it. A menacing aura emits from my friend aimed at me. "I want to make one thing clear. You called me. Twice. And I hung up each time. That should have gotten a hint through your damn thick skull that I don't want to be disturbed." I shake in fear. He got even less sleep than usual. "I stayed up till six o'clock and how did you get in here? If you want some stupid family bonding go do it with your actual family!" The teen falls back into a sleeping position. Is it safe?
I get up from my spot on the floor and stare pensively at my older friend. Maybe I should leave him alone. Yeah, I'll just stay in the living room until he wakes up. He works a lot so he should get some rest. I'll just find something else to amuse me until then. Even with his late schedule we should make it in time.
I stop walking once I hear his phone ringing. Should I? The beast starts to stir again and I squeak in fear. Yes! I scramble to get to the phone, making more noise than I probably should have. "Hello?" I quietly ask into the phone, sitting on the edge of Kyoya-sempai's bed.
"Kyoya? Why do you sound like a girl? Are you sick? Do you need me to come over? That's it! I'm coming to save you!" a familiar voice calls, his voice growing more and more panicked. Tamaki-sempai is so dramatic….
"Actu-." That stupid tone sounds. I should call the teen back and tell him that Kyoya-sempai's sleeping but for some reason I doubt that's going to make a difference. I frown as the thought hits me. I won't be able to spend New Year with Kyoya-sempai alone. He was my friend first, I should get the right.
My frown deepens. No, I shouldn't think like this, this isn't how a friend would act. Kyoya-sempai made his own friends and they can come over whenever they want…. Why does it have to be today though?
Whatever, I'm sure that Tamaki-sempai will leave once he realizes that Kyoya-sempai is fine. Then I'll be able to spend the day with my friend. I just hope that Kyoya-sempai will be up to it. I'm still not quite sure how I stand with him after I apologized to him. Even the reason that he was upset at me is hazy but I'm nearly absolutely sure that it's because I didn't listen to him. He just didn't understand then though.
They know. They know. And they wouldn't pretend that they didn't. No, they had to shove it in my face. How could I not defend myself then? I look over at my friend, a pensive expression slackening my features. I don't understand him most of the time. But it's okay, because all I need to know is that he's my friend and he'll stick by me. "Get some rest…" I murmur, creeping out of the room quietly. I'm going to have to stop Tamaki-sempai once he gets here; there is no way that I'm going to let my friend get woken up after he undoubtedly worked until sunrise.
I settle down onto the couch, looking around even though I've seen it already just to curb my boredom for a little longer. The tropical fish bops his head above the water, sucking up the food that I had sprinkled into the tank.
"You don't understand, I have to make sure that Kyoya is okay! He sounded like a girl!" I make my way towards the sound, seeing Tachibana dealing with a worried Tamaki-sempai. He's so dramatic.
"Actually, Tama-Tamaki-sempai," I interrupt the exuberant blonde, watching as he perks his head up at me. "It wa-was me that you were talkin-talking to. Kyoya-sempai was st-still sleeping." Silence reigns after the simple explanation and I see Tachibana shake his head slightly. "I'll take ca-care of Tamaki-sempai, Ta-Tachibana; no need to w-worry." The staff member leaves and I look back at the flabbergasted teen. Did I say something weird?
Tears start flowing and panic rises in me. What did I do? "MOMMY HAS BEEN KEEPING SECRETS!" What? Who the hell is that? Tamaki-sempai charges pass and I stare at his back. Wait, where's he going?
"Wa-wait, Tamaki-sempai!"
"I HAVE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS!"
"Yo-you can't g-go into Ky-Kyoya-sempai's ro-r-room, he's sleep-sleeping!"
"HOW COULD HE KEEP SOMETHING LIKE THIS FROM ME!?" Kyoya-sempai is 'mommy'?
"Tam-Tamaki-sempai, just ca-c-calm down!"
"IT'S OUTRAGEOUS!"
"Bu-but he's slee-sleeping!"
"Will you two shut the hell up?" We both freeze, looking over at Kyoya-sempai, who's glaring at us angrily. I squeak bravely. Tamaki-sempai jumps forward and wraps his arms around his friend, sobbing.
"Mommmmmmmmy, why didn't you tell me?"
Kyoya-sempai's expression doesn't change as he shoves the blonde away. "I don't know what you're talking about but it's probably idiotic and not worth my time. Who let you in here?"
"A-ah, I tried to sto-stop him from botheri-bothering you…" I explain, faltering as my grumpy friend aims his expression towards me. Scary.
"You were the one who bothered me in the first place." Obviously shouldn't have spoken up.
Tachibana comes in at this moment, bowing to his employer. "Kyoya-sama, you have more guests." His expression becomes even more irritated as the tired teen glares at his best friend.
"You didn't invite everyone over for the stupid thought that I sounded like a girl did you?" Kyoya-sempai's calm tone only made the threat even more tangible.
Tamaki laughs sheepishly, "And if I did?" I slap the palm of my hand to my forehead. Dear God help him.
"Leave."
"Kyoya, come on!"
"Boss! Has Kyoya-sempai finally killed you? Boss!" My expression falls into coldness and I doubt that either of my friends has not noticed the change.
"Hikaru, Mommy has been keeping secrets from us!" Tamaki-sempai calls back, going back to crying on my older friend's shoulder. What is he talking about? All I said was that Kyoya-sempai was sleeping. Did they think he was a morning person or something? Even the idea makes me want to laugh.
"Tama-chan~!" A small form flies through here, latching onto the blonde easily. "Why'd we need to come over here? Is Kyo-chan okay?" The child-like teen peers curiously at the manager of the Host Club. My eyebrow twitches. Am I invisible?
Kyoya straightens his clothes absent mindedly. "I'm fine, Honey-sempai. Tamaki was just being an idiot." I ignore Tamaki-sempai throwing a fit in favor of going closer to my friend and fixing his hair.
I smile as I do my self-appointed task. "It's weird seeing you so disheveled, Kyoya-sempai. I'm sorry for waking you up early."
He just grunts and bats my hand away, fixing his hair himself. "SEEEE!" A blonde blur attacks me and I squeak in fear. Oh my God. Oh my God. The world spins as Tamaki-sempai whirls me around. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?! DO YOU NOT TRUST ME?!"
I open my mouth to respond but I can't get any words out. Oh my God. He's spinning me and the world shouldn't be spinning. "Tamaki, put her down before she passes out." The world slows down but doesn't stop its sluggish spinning.
My hands grasp my head as I shakily ask, "Wh-what are y-y-you talki-talking about Ta-T-Tamaki-sempai?"
"YOU AND KYOYA!" My face immediately reddens. Does he mean me and Kyoya-sempai together? Gross! He's my brother!
"I can't say I approve, Kyoya-sempai," a smooth voice points in.
"Yeah," another chimes in. "You could do a lot better."
"You can't approve of something that doesn't exist," Kyoya-sempai smartly points out to the Hitachiins, shooting them a chiding expression.
I see Fujioka-san enter the room now, sighing in annoyance. "I told you all that it wasn't true." My face reddens even more at the thought and I sink to the floor.
A finger pokes at my check as Haninozuka-sempai asks cutely, "Are you broken Ri-chan?"
Tamaki-sempai, for his part, looks flabbergasted. "You mean…. That you aren't with Akari?" I don't see my friend's expression but I doubt it's pleased.
"Of course not, it's idiotic of you to even think of such a thing." I hear the twins snicker in the background.
Everyone continues to chatter on as I try to calm myself down, my hands on my reddened cheeks. It's just weird to have friends assume that you're with someone that you see as your brother. I used to have a crush on Kyoya-sempai when we had first met, a little girl being so in awe of someone that they couldn't help but I like them. That faded quickly though. "Oita-san, are you okay?" a kind voice asks and I look up to see Fujioka-san staring at me with concern. "You aren't sick are you?" I blink up at the boy. That's a really dense thing to say. I chuckle slightly and get up, finally gaining back my composure.
"I-I'm fine Fuj-Fujioka-san, just…uh, emba-embarrassed," I answer, looking towards the ground abashedly.
The teen tilts his head but doesn't say anything else on the matter, thankfully. Instead, he asks, "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here so early on New Year's?" I straighten up as my original objective was brought up. That's right; I still haven't talked to Kyoya-sempai about it.
"Spe-speaking of," I mutter, turning towards my friend. "Kyoya-sempai?" My friend turns towards me, the remains of an irritated expression still upon his features. That doesn't stop me though; I know that he isn't really angry now. We would have been kicked out a long time ago if that was the case. "Do yo-you w-want to go se-see the firewo-fireworks with me?" I question. "I wa-was g-going to go by myse-myself but then I ge-get bored easil-easily and I know tha-that you don't do much for New Year's." I thought it was a perfect idea. Kyoya-sempai and I get to hang out like we used to and I get to see the fireworks.
Kyoya-sempai sighs in resignation and I grin widely at him. I know that I've already won. "I don't have much of a choice now," he answers.
"Awesome!" I cheer. "We can take my limo." I turn back to Fujioka-san, finally noticing his commoner clothes. He's dressed so plainly. It's odd. The rest of the Host Club is decked out stylishly of course, looking fetchingly handsome. Fujioka-san still manages to look cute though. "That's wh-w-why I wanted to c-come over to Kyoya-sempai's house. I called a fe-few times but he hung up on me each ti-time." The brunette sweat drops.
"Doesn't that mean that he doesn't want to talk to you?"
I tilt my head at the blunt question. "But I wanted to talk to Kyoya-sempai." The commoner face palms, making confusion arise in me. Was it something I said?
"That's a wonderful idea! Seeing the fireworks and experiencing some family bonding!" Tamaki-sempai's exclamation makes me turn to look at him. He's staring at me. Why is he staring at me? "Naturally, the whole family will come. You've come up with a great idea as the newest member of the family!" Everyone (Fujioka-san) groans in exasperation, muttering about stupid rich bastards.
My expression contorts as I grasp what the blonde is getting at. Everyone? Newest member? Kyoya-sempai was my family long before he was his! "D-do you mea-mean…. tog-together?" He can't right? Everyone else's family must be spending New Year's together. Please tell me they are.
The King of the Host Club smiles charmingly at me, flourishing his hand dramatically. "Well of course! What else is a better time to experience the common tradition of family bonding over the beauty and ingenuity of fireworks?"
The words fly out of my mouth before I stop them. "I'm not pa-part of your fam-family." It's true. I hate two of them and barely know the rest except for Kyoya-sempai. Tamaki-sempai blinks at me as if confused. He opens his mouth to say something.
"Of course you aren't." The words are dripping derision and I tense up, looking at the twin who aimed the comment at me. And I used to think that Kaoru-san was the nice twin.
Hikaru-san sniffs to add, "You aren't good enough to be in it."
I bristle, glaring at the Hitachiins now. How dare they? "Oh, you call them your family?" I question, stepping forward aggressively. A sneer curls my lips unappealingly. "What do you know of something like that?"
"More than you do." I surprisingly don't flinch at the retort they both sent at me. I know that they're right for the most part. "Why don't you know when you're not wanted?" They look smug, like that's something that they've wanted to say for a long time.
I can't even bring myself to say something back. What would I say? What can I say against them? I just find myself staring at them, not quite knowing what my expression looking like, a wave of exhaustion cascading over me. I'm tired of this. I'm tired of being so angry that I shake. Of wishing that I never knew them. Of having them hate me when I had tried so hard to get them to let me in. Of hating them when I had hoped for so much. I'm done. I mutter an excuse, breaking the stare and walking to my limo. Oikanawa doesn't say anything as I settle down, waiting for me to do something patiently.
I don't know what to do anymore. Kyoya-sempai is friends with them and it doesn't seem like that is going to change anytime soon. They always butt their heads into his business too, so we never get to hang out like we used to. I unclench my fists and relax back into the seat. I feel the thrum of anger pulse through me, joined with annoyance and frustration. What am I supposed to do?! Where is it supposed to go now? Is it just going to stay like this? These tense atmospheres and biting words are just going to linger? They should just apologize and everything would be fine. Maybe even I should just apologize for some reason and things would be fine.
But we all know that that won't happen. But I don't know if I can take this anymore, not when they're so close.
My head is saying no
But my heart keeps giving in
So hard to let it go
When it's there under my skin
-Anybody There by the Script
(Haruhi P.O.V.)
Kyoya-sempai adjusts, fixing the twins with a glare. "Hikaru. Kaoru." His tone brooked business and the twins knew not to say anything. "Your intolerance to my close business partner is annoying at best. Fix it before I feel the need to step in." Is that the only reason that Kyoya-sempai is protecting her? It's odd if that was the only reason. Why do they seem so close? The twins blanch, whining about the Evil King. I walk over to Tamaki-sempai, my curiosity getting the best of me.
"Tamaki-sempai." The blonde looks over at me, a considering look simmering in his eyes. Maybe he isn't only an idiot like I originally thought. "Why are the twins acting like this? Why does Oita-san act the way she does around them?" More questions rose up on my tongue but I swallow them back. I'll have to be satisfied with this.
The dramatic man for once only sighs and stares at the two who are now bothering Honey-sempai and Mori-sempai. "I don't know, Haruhi," he finally answers. "Kyoya never talked about her much and she never mentioned the twins the few times that I met her." A look sparks in his eyes, a matching smile curving his lips. One that I'm beginning to get familiar with and it means nothing good. I'm yanked forward and I grunt in annoyance. Great, now I'm getting dragged into this. I should have never asked him anything. "Kyoya," he whispers urgently, gaining the attention of the manager. "I have a plan."
(Akari P.O.V.)
Kyoya-sempai comes into the limo, an annoyed look contorting his features. "Let's go before they decide to follow us," he grunts and I giggle at his grumpiness. He's probably still upset that he was woken up early. It's great that he convinced them not to come. My best friend is awesome!
"Good morning, Kyoya-sama, it has been a while since I last saw you," Oikanawa smiles in the mirror, his eyes twinkling fondly. The teen doesn't respond but I'm sure that Oikanawa doesn't take offence. My chauffer had started telling me stories and I found my mood lightened. I don't care about the twins anymore; I decided that a long time ago. It's about time that I finally implemented that thought. I love my staff.
"What happened." It wasn't phrased like a question; my friend was demanding an answer. My muscles clench up, and I crane my neck to look at my friend. He continues to tap away at his laptop that he had brought with him, not at all realizing just what he is asking for me to reveal. Maybe he does know. No, knowing my friend, he definitely knows. Kyoya-sempai just feels that he needs to know.
I swallow thickly, "Why do you need to know?" Just because I don't care about them anymore doesn't mean that what happened still doesn't hurt. It hurts, more than I would ever like it to.
The teen fixes his glasses before the clicking of typing continues. "It's detrimental that you three can't seem to get along and it's plainly an annoyance to me and everyone around you once you all start. Besides," Kyoya-sempai answers, his typing stopping completely. "You really suck at keeping thing on the inside. You'll eventually break down and I just want to avoid the incident before it happens." The onyx-haired teen delivers his answer in a detached tone, almost clinically. He just wants to 'avoid the incident'? Is that he sees it as? Does he not care at all how I'm feeling? Is this a chore for him?
A deep frown pulls my lips down. "I'm sorry that my problems cause incidents that you want to avoid," I snap sarcastically, closing in on myself. Why'd he have to say it like that?
"Don't be so dramatic, you know that I me-."
"Don't say it like that and maybe I won't be!" I interrupt. I stare out the window on my side, avoiding the face of my friend.
"Akari, I just want to help."
My features slacken, finally recognizing his true intention. Right, it's Kyoya-sempai; he has problems helping someone without making it seem like a business transaction. So I tell him everything that I can remember. I don't stop once and he doesn't comment at all. A weight seems to lift off my shoulders with each word and I find myself nearly yelling. All of the emotion that wells up whenever I think of the incident is released as I complain to my friend. And it feels great.
"The twins insulted my mother. I just- what right do they have? They don't understand anything!" My chest heaves once I finish and I end it with, "That's what happened. Do you see now why I hate them so much? They haven't even apologized for what they said to me or what they did!"
Kyoya-sempai stares at me for a moment and I can nearly hear the gears turning in his mind. "Don't be puerile," he finally admonishes, making me blink in confusion. I've never heard that word.
"What?"
"Stop being so childish." I bristle again but my friend doesn't stop this time for me. "The twins couldn't have known what was in that journal. The fact that you've blown this incident out of such proportion is ridiculous and I expect more from you." I probably look like a fish. Did he really just say that?
I finally snap my jaw shut but I open it a moment later. "What do you mean childish? I had every right! They should mind their own business and learn when to stop!"
"From what you said, they apologized. The twins back then, from what I know, don't apologize easily. Now, if you had stopped being such a self-centered brat and think this through, this wouldn't have happened. You did not have to stoop to such a low level and insult them like you did. The same goes for them. Nonetheless, you have to apologize to them first."
"What?! No, I deserve to be apologized to!" I snap back. What does he not get about this? They took my journal and snooped through it! Then, they had the audacity to insult me concerning my mother! I should never have to give them an apology.
"Akari, you're proving my point. They've already apologized. I don't know what more you think they can do. Now, stop being ridiculous and just apologize to them. This has to end," my friend closes his laptop with a click, sliding it into his bag. "I think that we're here." My eye twitches at his nonchalant statement. Really? He's the worst to bring on trips! I climb out the limo ungracefully, Oikanawa holding the door open for me.
"You don't think that I'm self-centered, do you?" I question my staff. Kyoya-sempai had already started walking off but I know that he won't go far.
The old man grins at me sheepishly as he answers, "I don't think that you want me to answer that. But, if it helps, you're close to my heart despite your faults." It doesn't help at all. It does prove Kyoya-sempai's point though. A heavy sigh whistles through my teeth as I momentarily mull over everything the onyx-haired teen had told me. If anything, I know that he wasn't sugarcoating it or lying. He's usually past that with me. Damnit, the stupid bastard is probably right.
Well, I did want this to be over. I didn't want to have to ask for their forgiveness though. I won't apologize.
"Okay, what should we do, Kyoya-sempai?" I stand next to the manager now, watching the people milling about like he is.
He pauses. "Wait. You dragged me out here and you don't even know what we're going to do?"
A sheepish smile spreads across my features. "We're going to…see the fireworks." I'm not going to mention the ten hour gap in between then and now.
"Ri-chan~!" Wait. They followed us didn't they? The teen skips closer, Morinozuka-sempai following close behind. That guy is like a shadow.
"Haninozuka-sempai…. Are yo-you all h-here?"
"Call me Honey! Yeah, we all wanted to spend time with you and watch the fireworks, right Takashi?" the cute teen questions, looking up at the taller teen. I melt a little on the inside. He's just so cute! Morinozuka-sempai grunts an affirmative and I smile at the two. I guess it isn't too bad as long as I stick by Kyoya-sempai and the third-years. I'm sure that I'll have fun then.
"Pssst!" I turn towards the sound to see Tamaki-sempai peering around a corner along with everyone else. "Is it safe to come out?" I laugh loudly, he just looks so funny!
Haninozuka-sempai waves to the lower classmen excitedly. "It's safe, Tama-chan!"
My mind conjures myself saying that it isn't safe, that they aren't allowed to be here when it's supposed to be just Kyoya-sempai and I having fun. I open my mouth to say the words, preparing myself for the inevitable conversation. I don't want them here. Not when they're all close and laughing to one another. Not when they're acting like this. Especially when they have the Hitachiins with them. Not when they're the ones that got in when all I did was push myself farther away. I can't stand it. I don't even want to deal with them.
The words die on my tongue though as I see them together, joking and laughing. Tamaki-sempai badgers Kyoya-sempai, bouncing around him while my friend half-heartedly glares. Morinozuka-sempai has that curve to his lips that he usually reserves for solely Haninozuka-sempai. Fujioka-san says something to the twins and I see a light in their eyes that I hadn't ever seen before. A familiar churning feeling curls in my stomach, urging me to scream and snap. The jealousy rears roughly but I push it down just as harshly. They're acting just like the family that I left behind. I can't stand the sight of it but I can't help but stare. No, I can't tell them to go away. The pang of longing assures me of that. I miss them so much…. The closest I'm ever going to get to them is being near them though.
"We should explore the commoner's realm! This is just another chance for us to better understand our less fortunate member. Onward!"
And I followed with everyone else.
I stare in shock at the sight in front of me. This is amazing. "Who knew commoners had so many packaged things. It's so convenient," I comment, holding up a package of noodles.
"It's great for business," Kyoya-sempai assures me.
"Ri-chan! I'm riding the cart! This is so much fun!" Crash!
"Mitskuni…."
We all watch the performer on the street, their magic tricks making me clap. "This is so cool!" I gasp, not even really talking to anyone.
"I didn't know that you liked magic that much, Oita-san." I look over at the brunette, taking in his feminine and sincere demeanor.
"I didn't either!" Another gasp leaves me as the man performs yet another trick. "You can call me Akari." The boy seems slightly surprised before sending me a dazzling smile that I can't help but melt a little at.
"Call me Haruhi."
"What do you mean we're lost?" My voice had risen from its normal octave, nearly shrieking. I can be nice to them sure but I don't want to be lost with them, the fireworks are going to go off soon!
Hikaru-san and Kaoru-san wince at my voice but bristle at the same time. "Don't sound like it's our fault! You're the one who had to take your damn time in the store."
"I just wante-wanted to look at the necklace!"
"Well now you got us lost!" I glare at Hikaru-san, who does the same in return. Kyoya-sempai's words come to the forefront of my mind and I huff at the tight feeling in my chest.
"Whatever," I mutter, looking away from them. "Wh-what a-are we goi-g-goin to d-do no-now?"
"'We' aren't doing anything," Kaoru-san rebuts, making me deflate even more. "Kaoru and I are going to go back to the limo." They walk away as they talk, leaving me behind.
"Th-the one o-on the lef-left is Hika-Hikaru-san… the o-one on the ri-r-right is Kaoru-san." My words are timid, a quiet knock on a thick door. I avert my eyes to the shop I had just been in, jewelry shining in the lamplight.
"I think we know our own names."
"I… um… I kn-know you do."
"Idiot." I look back up tentatively at the forms that are now back in the spot nearby me. They both look nonchalantly annoyed, staring at me piercingly like they always have. For some reason, I relax slightly.
"I know…" The pitch of my voice is still unbearably soft, almost a whisper. "I'm goi-going to go to the sq-square to watch the fir-fireworks. Let the-them know if you se-s-see them."
"Stop being so quiet, it's annoying," Hikaru-san grunts but neither of them moves as they exchange a glance.
Emotions tumble in my chest, making me feel fidgety and confused. I don't know how to react to this. A nod is the only reaction I give and I walk to the square that is down the street. I can hear them behind me, staring at my back momentarily before their eyes move to everything around us. I find a bench that isn't occupied and I sit on the edge of one side, looking up at the dark sky. Other people mill around, too many to see the rest of the Host Club if they are there. Hikaru-san sits slightly away from me while Kaoru-san stands next to him, placing themselves on the opposite side of the bench. If someone looked over, they would have thought that we were strangers. Honestly, we might as well be.
Some time passes in awkward silence but I can't bring myself to break it. What am I supposed to talk about? I shiver in the cool air; I should have brought a jacket. A countdown begins among the crowd and I find myself joining in, my back automatically straightening from my hunched position and watching the sky with avid anticipation. "Five… Four… Three…Two…One."
Lights burst across the sky as everyone cheers Happy New Year. A large awed smile surfaces on my features as I watch the show go on. The colors are dazzling and the sounds make me relax. Hmmm, what should my New Year's Resolution be?
I bow my head suddenly, clenching my hands together and wishing with all my heart. This year, I'll make my family proud.
I look up again, a little giggle escaping me. It doesn't even bother me that I'm alo- wait. I'm not alone. I look over at the Hitachiins to see them watching the fireworks too. Their features aren't tightened in anger like they usually are when I'm near them. They look even more handsome than usual like this.
"I'm sorry." I don't allow myself to look away, even though I really want to. They slowly move to look at me, their expressions not really changing. Neither of them says anything and I cringe inwardly. No, I have to do this. I can't back out of this now. "I… uh… I um I didn't think." Man, I'm intelligent. Still, all they do is stare at me. Hikaru-san doesn't even jump on the chance to make a joke about me. "I shou-shouldn't ha-have mad-made s-such a big de-d-deal over it… I-I'm sorry." My hands grab the wooden bench, waiting for their reaction. A small part of me still feels that I shouldn't apologize, that I deserve an apology and that I'm in the right. But after spending the whole day with the Host Club, I know that I wasn't. And that makes it even worse.
I didn't even plan on saying sorry to them. Maybe show them that I'm sorry but to have to taste the sour words on my tongue was something that I didn't want to experience. Still, here I am, letting the bitter taste wash over me in waves and brace myself for the comments they're going to throw back at me. Man, I hate it when I'm wrong.
Hikaru-san holds out his jacket to me, not looking at me anymore. Kaoru-san still stares at me expectantly, like I'm supposed to do something else. I pause, staring at the clothing in confusion. What is he doing? "What?" the rash twin snaps. "You're cold, aren't you? Take it. Don't be an idiot." A slightly smile lifts up my lips as I put on the jacket, warmth immediately enveloping me. I won't ask if he's cold, I really don't care that much now that I'm warm…
Kaoru-san sits in between his twin and me, looking up at the fireworks. I scoot closer, making the gap not so awkwardly large. "That one looks like a cat," he says, pointing up at the firework going off.
His brother immediately jumps in. "What are you talking about? It doesn't look like an animal."
"It's orange isn't it?" Another goes off and I gasp in awe.
"That one was a fountain!" The atmosphere suddenly felt a lot more comfortable.
"Where were you three? Daddy was so worried!" Tamaki-sempai simpers, hugging us all to him and making me squirm uncomfortably as the twins complain.
"C'mon Boss, let us go!"
The King continues to talk but thankfully releases us. I walk over to Kyoya-sempai, heaving a great sigh. "Are you happy now?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about. We're the fireworks nice from where you were?" he answers perfectly, giving a smirk in my direction.
I don't know what's going on but I'm sure that he had something to do with it. "Yeah… the fireworks were nice."
[1]- Tachibana is part of the Ootori staff Trio and the only one allowed on the main floor of Kyoya's rooms. I was reading through the extra chapters and decided I had to include him. Manga Ch35.5