Yuki's heart stopped. And it shattered into millions of pieces. Her worst fears have come true. Yuki looked at Karen's hand. There was the worlds biggest freaking rock on it. It was true. Yuki was too late. It's over for real now. All Yuki wanted to do is go crawl in Tamaki's corner and cry. Cry and cry and cry.

Yuki smiled broadly. She was suddenly shivering. "Congratulations! Oh, I'm so happy for you two!"

"Really? That's so sweet! Thank you! So, do you like the masquerade? It was my idea. Kyoya wasn't to big on it, but I persuaded him! Heehee."

"No, it's great." Yuki assured. "Wow. Engaged. Aren't you a little young?" She really shouldn't be talking. Tamaki was going to propose to Haruhi and Haruhi's nineteen.

"We're both adults. Yeah, it's younger than usual, but I think its great. Our families just love each other and our companies are going to join together! It's going to be great. Watch out, Hoshizora! You can't be on top forever!" Karen playfully punched Yuki and laughed. Yuki laughed with her. And "playfully" punched back. Karen winced in pain, but laughed with Yuki.

"We'll be on full alert. But I just thought I'd remind you that we don't need two combined companies to be on top. We're awesome on our own." Yuki winked. Her tone was playful, but Yuki felt smug. Her jaw dropped. Take that, bitch.

"Oh! I like you! You fight back well! We have to do breakfast! Or maybe lunch! Or dinner? Whatever works for you! You're in college right? So when are your classes? Or maybe you're on winter break by now! I just know this amazing breakfast place that I have to take you to! You're not like Grumpy over there in the mornings, are you?" Yuki giggled emptily.

"No. I'm not like that." She replied. Kyoya snorted. Before Karen could react, Yuki went on. "So, when's the date?"

"Actually, I was thinking about around this time next year! Like December 21st or something!" Why don't you just throw me off the balcony while you're at it? Yuki thought.

"I said no." Kyoya stated, his tone hard.

"Why not?" Yuki asked. "It's perfect. It's not too close to Christmas, but everyone will be together for the holidays. It's the shortest day of the year so you can get married under the stars. And there will be the beautiful Christmas decorations and the blankets of snow. It doesn't get any better than that."

"I know! I told you it was perfect, Kyoya! Just the perfect time of year! And then the companies will merge by New Years! So we can start a brand new life together and the companies have a fresh new start to take down you Hoshizora!" Karen chatted excitedly.

"Nothing special happens on December 21st anyway. I say go for it." Yuki hated Karen. Karen was everything she wanted to be. Karen was kind and playful, but at the same time, she babbled way too much. Yuki hated how attached she was to Kyoya. But Yuki was just as bad...but at least he was attached back!

Yuki had to get out of here. She doesn't know what's wrong with her. Why did she keep the conversation going? Why is her heart beating so fast after it shattered into so many tiny pieces? She was on the verge. Yuki was going to lose it. She had to get out. Why is Kyoya being so quiet? Is he just as uncomfortable? Does he not want to talk to her anymore?

"I hate to say it, but I have to go." Yuki choked out.

"Awww. Why? I just met you! The party's just begun! I wanted to get to know you better and spend some more time with you. And we have to set up a lunch date together." She babbled.

"I'm sorry. I forgot to feed my dog. And I have work early in the morning." Yuki lied. She was slipping. She was losing it. She was doing so well with masking her emotions! But now she was overwhelmed. It's taking everything Yuki has to not cry.

"Aww. Well, thanks for coming! I hope to see you again soon! And here's a little tip: don't wait for Nick to make a move. You're going to have to do it yourself! You know what I mean? He's just too shy. Ask him out! Good luck!" Yuki smiled, but it faltered. Yuki walked swiftly to the doors of the balcony. Don't look back. Her heels were killing her. She was finished. She had lost. She had tripped herself. She did this to herself. It was all her fault.

Yuki slipped off her heels before leaving. After walking a good distance and out of earshot, she whispered, "I still love you, Kyoya..."