Emi POV
It had turned out that supper actually wasn't awkward. Honey was his usual self and I could almost believe that nothing had happened and I had just had a particularly vivid (and somewhat erotic) dream. But even my imagination wouldn't have come up with Honey comparing me to a divine being.
Over the next few days, I fought to keep my mind from wandering back to those moments in Kyoya's guest bedroom. If he could act like nothing had happened, then so could I. Besides, all that had really happened was a friend reassuring another friend. Right?
But it was kind of sexual for simple reassurance…
I shook my head, trying to shake the conflicting thoughts out of my head. He had probably just been trying to make a point. Like he had in the limo the night he crashed my date with Aiki.
Just then I heard my phone beep, and quickly pulled it out of my pocket. I was surprised to find that I had a message from Tamaki, asking me to meet him and the other hosts at the club room after club hours had ended. Curious, I agreed, wondering why he wanted me to meet them.
After getting some studying done at the library, I packed my bag and made my way to the club room. Entering, I immediately noticed the tense atmosphere. I could have almost sworn that there were a few dark rain clouds gathering by the ceiling.
"Uh.. Hey everyone, what's up?" I asked, looking at each of them in turn. Kyoya was typing on his laptop, but more seriously. Hikaru was staring out a window moodily, and Kaoru was sitting on the floor next to him, frowning at his sketchbook. Tamaki was actually sitting still, and Haruhi appeared pensive. Mori's usual stoic expression was now one of concern as he paced. But what was most noticeable was that Honey was nowhere to be found.
Mori turned to look at me. "Mitsukuni," he said gravely, before returning to his pacing, eyebrows furrowed.
I felt a knot form in my stomach, "I-Is Honey okay? Did something happen?"
It was Tamaki who answered, speaking in a sombre voice that was completely opposite to his usual way of speaking, "Honey's parents have set him up with a woman."
I stared, confused. I also felt the knot in my stomach tighten for some reason. "I… get that it's probably annoying for him to have his parents butt into his love life but can a blind date really be that bad?"
Kaoru shook his head, amber eyes distant, "The problem isn't necessarily with the blind date, it's more that the girls his parents pick are usually looking for a very specific type of future husband."
I couldn't help but to grimace at the idea of going into a first date with the pressure of knowing the whole purpose was to get married. Sure, I had always sought a serious long-term partner when dating but not in the sense that I expected to get married as soon as possible…
Hikaru continued where his brother had left off, muttering darkly, "And that type of husband they're looking for… Well so far it hasn't gone well. They usually either fetishize the boy-lolita side of him or try to get rid of it. That's if it even goes beyond the first date."
The sting of my nails digging into my palms clued me into the fact that I was clenching my hands and I had to make a conscious effort to relax my muscles.
"That- That's disgusting! Why can't they just accept him as he is?" I asked, now understanding exactly why the hosts appeared so morose and upset. Personally, I had a hard time understanding how anyone could dislike Honey the way he was. He was so kind, and always gave off an almost contagious positivity. Yes, he was cute, but he was also thoughtful and mischievous and... sexy. The idea that someone might go on a date with him and not immediately want to go on a second date was mind boggling.
Jeez, if he can't find a significant other, how the hell am I supposed to stand a chance? ... Though, I guess it helps that I'm not trying to date these super rich snobby women.
"The fact is, that in our upper class society, there are certain expectations that come with being the next head of the family. And very few people believe that those expectations can be met by someone they see as childish," Kyoya explained coldly, only the slight downturn of his lips giving away his feelings on the matter.
I frowned, "So, does Honey have any choice in the matter?"
"The deal he made with his parents is that he has to go on at least one date with whomever they choose. After that, he can turn them down if he wants," Mori explained lowly, moving to slouch on a sofa.
I nodded slowly, trying to process what it would be like to have that sort of arrangement, "I see. Well… At least he's not forced to marry them or something, I guess."
It was cold comfort, but it was something.
Haruhi nodded, then sighed, "The problem is that… Well, it's not really our place to tell you about it, but let's just say that Honey might be kinda upset after and he might act differently."
Could she be any more cryptic?
"…Right… Well, then… We'll just have to be extra supportive then!" I declared, determined to help the friend who had helped me several times in the short couple of months I'd known him.
Tamaki perked up, "That's it! We'll just have to do our best to cheer him up and make sure he knows he has us to lean on!"
This proclamation seemed to bolster the rest of the hosts, who immediately began brainstorming and running around in a frenzy. I couldn't help but chuckle at the drastic change in atmosphere.
They can be a little crazy but they sure do look out for each other.
Honey POV
I smiled politely at the young woman seated across the café table. Even if I hadn't known she was the daughter of a prominent businessman, her appearance would give her away. She sat perfectly straight, hands folded demurely in her lap, and chin raised haughtily. Her blonde hair was swept up in a classy updo and her fake nails tapped away at her arm.
It had only been a few minutes but already I felt my hosting skills wearing thin. These date setups never seemed to get more comfortable.
"Hmm, should we order something Sato-san?" I asked, tilting my head in question and letting flowers dance around my head.
"Yes, let's do that," she answered neutrally, daintily snapping her fingers at a nearby server without looking at them.
The server looked surprised but quickly rushed over and looked at Sato-san expectantly, "How can I help you miss?"
"I would like an espresso and a biscotti," she ordered, ice blue eyes still not looking at the server and instead looking at her nails.
"…Right," the server mumbled, and then turned to me with a forced smile, "And you sir?"
I beamed, hoping I could somewhat make up for my date's cold demeanor, "Ah! Could I have a hot chocolate and a slice of the strawberry cake please?"
"Absolutely sir," the server smiled, before rushing off to fill our orders.
I looked back to my date, keeping my smile in place despite the anxiety I felt creeping in. Often, ordering hot chocolate and cake was a good first test to determine whether my date would be judgemental of some of my habits.
Her expression was carefully blank, ever the polite socialite, but there was a slight tightness around her lips that gave away her disapproval.
"So, Sato-san," I started, "What is it that you're looking for in a partner?"
Without blinking, she answered, "Well, I'm looking for a husband who will provide for me and the children we'll eventually have. Someone who is very successful and whose success will either match or, even better, boost the success of my own family. And for yourself?"
Internally, I was disappointed though not surprised. This was a common answer on these dates. Still keeping my smile, I answered honestly, "Mmm, well I'm looking for a partner who is loving and open-minded. Someone I can enjoy spending time with. To me, it's important that we be able to support each other and make each other happy, even when times are tough."
By the end of my answer, Sato-san's expression was fairly dripping with disbelief and some disdain.
"I see… I'll speak plainly Haninozuka-san. I find your outlook extremely naïve. How can you hope to bring honour to your family while speaking only of love and nothing of success or business?" she said, lecturing me as if I was nothing more than a child who didn't understand the ways of the world.
She fluidly rose from her seat and bowed her head, "Thank you for this meeting, but I'm afraid this isn't going to work."
I stood also, inclining my head politely, "Thank you. Please have a safe trip home Sato-san!"
She turned to walk away, then turned back for a moment, "A word of advice. You won't find a woman worthy of being a Haninozuka as you are now. Women want real men, not boys."
With those damning words hanging in the air, she left.
The server arrived with our orders, looking surprised but relieved that Sato-san was gone. I turned, stomach churning.
I pulled some money out of my wallet and placed it on the table, "Actually, we won't be needing that after all. Please take them for yourself or give it to someone else. Thank you."
I stepped outside and into my waiting limo, glancing at Usa-chan where he sat on the seat next to me. With Sato-san's words echoing in my mind, I left him where he was, looking out the window and watching the scenery pass by for the rest of the ride home.
Maybe I am being naïve…
