Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran High School Host Club or any of the intellectual property of King Princess.

Don't forget to favourite/follow/review if you like the story!


Third POV

Another Thursday saw a large group of young adults seated around a table in one of two Ouran University libraries. They seemed to alternate between studying diligently and bursting into chatter, one particular member often seen moving away to huddle in a corner, which would mysteriously be filled with mushrooms upon his departure. They did sometimes become noisy but this went unnoticed in the library that regularly defied the universal expectation for silence.

Now this library had witnessed a lot in its years. Students stressed to their breaking points by upcoming exams, quarreling friends, and even illicit affairs. So it wasn't out of the ordinary to see a young blonde man glancing surreptitiously at the bronze-skinned young woman across from him, or to see that same young woman glance back at him when he wasn't looking. This was quite a typical sight.

What was unusual, though only a little, was the sight of two ginger-haired twins eyeing the blonde man and then exchanging knowing glances filled with excitement at the prospect of breaking the constant monotony of everyday life.


Honey POV

I huffed, staring at the textbook before me without taking in any of the words, though this had to be my fifth time trying to read the sentence. I just couldn't help it! How was anyone supposed to focus when the woman they liked was so close by? I kept alternating between glancing at her every few seconds and determinedly staring at my book.

To make matters worse, I still hadn't gotten up the courage to tell her how I felt. I just didn't know how to go about it, so I kept finding myself distracted trying to come up with ideas. Maybe I could bring her chocolate and then the chocolate wrapper will ask her out? No, no, that's too cheesy. That's like something Tama-chan would do! Besides, it would probably seem completely out of the blue to her!

This was worse than trying to study while knowing there was a big triple chocolate cake waiting for me. Though Emi-chan also looked yummy, in a very different way...

Nope, nope, now's not the time for that Mitsukuni! Focus, read the words.

Before I could actually follow my own orders I was startled by a pair of hands slamming down on the table in front of me.

"Earth to Honey~!" the twins chorused, smirking down at me with ominously glinting amber eyes.

"Huh? Kao-chan, Hika-chan?" I questioned, leaning back in my seat to see them fully, "What're you doing?"

"Wow, you were pretty far gone, huh?" Hika-chan stated more than asked, only confusing me further.

"You didn't even notice that everyone left, did you?" Kao-chan added, glancing at his brother in amusement.

What?

I looked around in surprise, and saw that they were right. We were the only ones left at our table. Everyone else had left and I wasn't even sure how long they'd been gone! Even my cousin had left!

"Eh? Takashi left?!"

"Yeah, he had class remember? He did tell you, you know," Hika-chan drawled, quirking a ginger eyebrow.

"…Ah! Right, I forgot!" I answered, nodding rapidly as I began packing up my bag to leave and ignoring the twins' insistent stares. Being on the receiving end of the double stare could be a bit intimidating, but thankfully, I wasn't easily cowed. It was still unnerving though, especially since I didn't know what my two younger friends wanted.

Finally, Kao-chan broke the silence. "So, you finally figured out your feelings for Emi, huh?"

I whipped my head up, dumbfounded at how they could have possibly known. Was it that obvious?! I quickly glanced around the library, making sure that all our friends really had left and that nobody else was nearby to hear. It wasn't that I was ashamed of my feelings for Emi-chan, not at all! But I definitely didn't want her to hear about it from anyone but me. Plus, our fans could be a bit… scary.

"Waah! H-How did you guys know?!" I whisper-wailed, once I saw that our section of the library seemed to be nearly deserted.

"Meh, we were bored, so naturally we were looking for anything more interesting than our studies," Hika-chan started, looking at his fingernails with faux disinterest.

"And we couldn't help but notice the way a certain blonde kept stealing glances at a certain curly-haired woman," Kao-chan added.

I felt an itchy heat creep up my neck. I hadn't thought I'd been obvious but apparently two of the biggest trouble makers I knew had taken notice. Uh oh…

"O-oh, right…"

"Soo?" the twins demanded, looking at me expectantly.

"Hm? So what?" I questioned, tilting my head and glancing between the two devil types.

"So are you gonna tell her or are you just gonna keep staring at her?" Hika-chan demanded abrasively.

I gaped, somewhat taken aback, though I shouldn't have been surprised really. "U-uh, I'm gonna tell her…at some point."

"Well, what's stopping you from just telling her?" Kao-chan asked, in a much more measured tone of voice than his older brother.

My shoulders slumped as I considered his question. I did want to tell her. I needed to tell her. I wanted to be able to ask her out and go on dates with her, and more!

But what if it ruins everything? What if I make her uncomfortable and she doesn't want to be my friend anymore? Or what if she's just not interested?

"What if she doesn't like me?" I blurted out, and winced at how childish I sounded.

"Aw c'mon Honey! Why wouldn't she like you? We've already established that you're her type," Kao-chan encouraged.

"Yeah, or at least one of her types," Hika-chan shrugged.

"But- But, she's never been with a guy! The odds are against me! And…," I trailed off, pulling Usa-chan to my chest as I considered one of my unspoken concerns, "What if… after being attacked, she's scared of men or- or she gets triggered?"

I gaped as Hika-chan snorted derisively and Kao-chan shook his head in disappointment. "Don't be stupid. She's been hanging out with all of us, hasn't she? And she's clearly not scared of you!" said the former.

"Yeah, besides anyone can get scared. If she gets triggered, you can deal with that then, but don't get ahead of yourself," said the latter, just a bit more gently.

"Hmm, I guess…," I murmured. I glanced at them pleadingly, rocking onto my toes and rubbing my chin against the top of Usa-chan's head, "So, what do I do then?"

Two sets of eyes rolled in exasperation. "C'mon Honey, don't act like you don't have game! We saw you when you were cosplaying as Meliodas!"

Kao-chan smirked, "And we saw the way you made her blush during Truth or Dare. We all know you're not all bunnies and innocence! It's time for you to let both sides of yourself shine. Just… be yourself and keep your eyes open for opportunities to show her how you feel. Then, when the moment's right… you tell her."

I raised one hand to scratch at the back of my head as I thought about their advice. Slowly, hope and excitement began to well up in my chest. It was true, Emi-chan had seemed to be affected by the less innocent side of my personality… in a positive way. And she didn't seem to be scared of me at all, not even the night of the attack.

"Mm, that won't be too forward?"

"Nah, things are done differently in North America. And it's not like she's traditional," Hika-chan was quick to dismiss that particular concern.

I nodded determinedly, "Ah, right… Okay then… I can do this!" I held out my bunny to stare into his eyes, "We can do this, ne Usa-chan?"

Usa-chan's long ears bent forward as if in agreement and the ginger twins high-fived in self-satisfaction.

I hope this works!


Emi POV

I grinned as I walked down the sidewalk, bright sun cutting through the chill of the autumn air. I was on my way home after meeting up with the band members from my sole music class. We had been practicing since the beginning of the term and soon our 'project' would be due. The project in question was actually pretty interesting. I wasn't surprised though, I had figured a class titled Gender and Sexuality in Music would be pretty engaging. For this project, the professor had asked us to perform a couple of songs, of our choosing, that were somehow related to gender or sexuality and then write a short analysis about the impact it could have on society.

I had lucked out, and ended up in a group with people who just so happened to be fans of King Princess. Unluckily, I was the only one who had ever taken any singing lessons so I had automatically been chosen as the vocalist. Singing in front of people was something that definitely made me nervous, so singing at a real bar, where real bands played was significantly increasing my anxiety. But, we had just had our last practice and I was actually feeling pretty good about the whole thing. I found that as long as I got myself into 'character', as someone who was actually confident, then I could do it.

Plus I had a strategy. I was going to invite Haruhi to come hang out before and after my band's set so that I wouldn't spend the time leading up to my performance overthinking and then after I could dance away any leftover nervous energy. Plus, Haruhi and I hadn't hung out in a while and I was pretty sure she would just study and work until the end of time if nobody encouraged her to get out and have fun.

As soon as I got home I changed into my biggest and softest sweatpants and then called up the only female Host.

"Hi Emi, what's up?" she answered after a few rings.

"Hey! Um, so remember when you asked me to do you that favour? With the cosplay?"

"…yes?" she drew out, clearly suspicious already.

"Well, I was wondering if I could call in that favour this weekend…"

A pause and then, "Alright. What is it?"

"I have a performance for my music class. It's at a bar so we could listen to the other bands, dance, chat… You know, just have fun. And then we can hang out some more after my set," I explained.

"Oh. Okay. But you didn't have to ask me as a favour you know. I would have done it regardless," she said bluntly.

"Mmm, well I know how attached you can be to your studies so I didn't want to risk it," I laughed.

"Ha-ha," she answered sarcastically. "Anyway, just send me the details. It sounds fun."


Haruhi POV

I laughed, waving Emi off as she dashed to the washroom, staying behind to watch over our drinks. I was surprised to find that I was actually having a lot of fun. Emi hadn't been wrong when she'd pointed out that I didn't usually go out like this, preferring to focus on my studies…but, Emi was down to earth which made for a nice change from the very male and very obnoxious company I was used to, being in the Host Club and all. And it wasn't like some huge nightclub, so it was easy to chat between sets.

Can you believe it mom? Your daughter is actually having fun at a bar.

I sighed relaxedly, leaning back in my seat and sipping my drink. It sure is nice to have a girl's night. If the guys were here it would be a lot more chaotic.

Immediately, I regretted my thoughts and cursed myself as I heard the classical piano ringtone that indicated that the puppy that paraded around as my boyfriend was calling me. Don't get me wrong, I loved him, and the other guys, but I had been enjoying the girl time. Plus, I wasn't sure if Emi would really want them to be here to see her perform. But if I didn't answer there was a strong possibility that my face would be featured on a missing person's poster within minutes.

Fucking rich bastards with their private police forces and endless resources at their disposal, I grumbled internally.

With a long-suffering sigh, I picked up.

"Hi Tamaki."


Honey POV

I startled, eyes darting away from the homework I hadn't been doing and towards my phone, which was belting out Tama-chan's ringtone.

I wonder what he wants now? It's too late for a club activity isn't it?

I picked up, hearing an exasperated sigh that told me Kyo-chan had picked up the group call as well.

"Tama-chan? What's up?"

"Men! There's a performance happening that we must absolutely attend! My dear Haruhi is there with no protection from any unseemly ruffians that might wish to accost her!" the exuberant blonde bellowed down the line, clearly both excited and panicked.

"Huh? What kind of performance?" the twins chorused, sounding bored.

"Ne, Tama-chan, what kind of performance would be dangerous for Haru-chan?" I queried, patting Usa-chan's head as I pondered this question.

Kyo-chan was quick to intervene, "I believe it is the location, rather than the performance itself that has our King worried."

Tama-chan paused, "Oh, yes, there's nothing wrong with the performance! In fact, we HAVE to see this concert! After all, my darling daughter will be singing~"

I bolted upright as I processed what he'd just said. Emi-chan will be singing? On stage?

"Wait, since when is Emi in a band?" one of the twins asked, interest seemingly peaked.

"And what's wrong with the location?" added the other.

"Emi has been in a band since the beginning of the semester. This is actually a project for her music class, Gender and Sexuality in Music. As for the location, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. As the student bar, it's actually quite safe. Our King is just being an idiot," Kyo-chan explained bluntly. A wheezing sound, like a balloon deflating was heard in the background. It was probably Tama-chan, devastated at being called an idiot again.

I didn't even know Ouran had a class like that! It sounds interesting though, especially since it means Emi-chan is performing because of it! I've never heard her sing!

I bounced in my seat slightly, "I wanna go to the concert and see Emi-chan sing~!"

"Ah," my cousin spoke up for the first time.

"Yeah, we're pretty curious too," the twins stated blandly.

"Then it's settled! Prepare yourselves and meet at the student bar ASAP!" Tama-chan declared, eliciting a despairing sigh from Kyo-chan.

After hanging up, I suddenly found myself nervous and somewhat panicked. I looked down at what I was wearing and rushed to my closet. I can't wear bunny pyjamas to the student bar! What should I wear? This is my first chance to start flirting with Emi-chan!

Just then, my phone rang again and I snapped it to my ear without checking who was calling. "Stop whatever you're doing Honey. We'll be there in ten minutes to help you get ready," I heard one of the twins say before they hung up.

Eh? I guess they're even more invested in this than I thought. Well… I don't mind. They do know their fashion.

At almost ten minutes on the spot, there was a barrage of knocks on my front door and I hurried to let the rushed-looking twins in. They seemed to be ready for the bar already, wearing various denim, leather, and mesh articles.

"Okay, let's do this!" they exclaimed, cycling through a flurry of different pants, tops, and accessories that had me reeling. Thankfully, I was somewhat used to this, with all the Host Club cosplays we'd done over the years.