Author's Note: While rewatching Ouran High School Host Club recently, I couldn't help but feel for poor Hikaru and his unrequited love for Haruhi. So, in a sense, this is a pity fanfiction for that particular Hitachiin brother. I'm totally writing this for me, but I figure hey, if I'm enjoying myself, maybe someone else will enjoy reading it, too! It's been a long time since I've published something I haven't finished writing, but I figured, why not? I have an idea of where I want this story to go, but if you have any fun, romantic situation ideas feel free to review and let me know! While this fanfic is a bit of a side project, I'm still open to constructive criticism. My fatal flaw? Not adding enough detail and description. So if there's something you would like to see me expand on, don't be afraid to let me know. Who knows? It might be expanded next time I update! So sit back, relax, and forget your troubles as you visit Ouran High School Host Club! :)

Hikaru Hitachiin was slouching during science class, finding it extremely hard to focus on what was going on around him. The other students, boys in their blue suits and girls in their yellow dresses, sat up straighter than him as they listened to Sensei Raka speaking. As Hikaru absent-mindedly tapped his gold-plated pencil, he thought about how well Tamaki Suou and Haruhi Fujioka's first date from three days ago had gone, and it was all thanks to the host club. He should've been happy for the two of them. After all, they were both his good friends that he really cared about. So why did his heart feel heavy all the time?

"Oh, I guess I've gotta find a partner for the project, so I'll see you guys later," Haruhi said from her seat between Hikaru and Kaoru, the other Hitachiin twin.

"Why don't you work with me?" Kaoru asked her, smiling.

Hikaru glanced up. What was this about finding partners?

Haruhi tapped her finger to her lips. "Well, I thought you two would want to work together. After all, you live in the same house. It'll make the project easier for you that way."

Hikaru couldn't help but think how cute she looked when she said it. He pushed the thought away, but was unable to come up with a response. Kaoru, however, was totally with it. "Nah, I'll work with you, Haruhi. I can't spend all my time with Hikaru, after all."

"Well, alright, I guess," Haruhi said, giving a quick glance at Hikaru. As much as Hikaru had wanted everything to be the same between him and Haruhi, he couldn't help but notice that it was awkward between them. It was like Haruhi was walking on glass around him.

Hikaru waved his hand, finally responding. "We can all work together, it's fine."

"Um, Hikaru, we can only work in groups of two," Kaoru said, smiling apologetically.

Hikaru sat up straight. "So you two are going to leave me out!?"

Haruhi stood up, "It's fine, Kaoru, really, I can find another group."

Kaoru grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. "No way! Work with me. Hikaru can work with someone else, there's an even number of people in this class. He'll just have to figure out who still needs a partner."

Hikaru's mouth dropped. They were really going to abandon him like this? He knew he'd made it too awkward between him and Haruhi, that she didn't even want to work with him.

"I don't want to work with you anyway!" he shouted suddenly. Glancing at the faces of the startled students around him, he immediately sank down in his seat, embarrassed that he wasn't controlling his temper.

Haruhi, however, calmly replied, "We're not abandoning you, we're just working together on one project. I'd have worked with you if you'd asked me first, it's nothing personal." She smiled at him, causing him to blush a little bit and just feel more uncomfortable.

Kaoru leaned over towards his brother. "Yeah, c'mon, stop being such a baby. Everyone's partnering up quick, go ask someone to work with you."

Hikaru sighed, and reluctantly glanced around the room. Seeing Kazukiyo Soga, the class rep, sitting alone, he got up out of his seat and walked up to him.
"Do you need a partner?" Hikaru slowly said, as if it were the most boring phrase to possibly come out of his mouth.

Kazukiyo quickly glanced up at him, squinting as if Hikaru had grown another head. "Oh, I actually have a partner. Momoka Kurakano went to get her science book so she could sit with me."

Hikaru shoved his hands in his pockets, looking down as he felt his face get warm. "Whatever," he muttered.

Ignoring the flustered apology from Kazukiyo, he returned back to Haruhi and Kaoru, who appeared to already be discussing the project, but was blocked by Kaoru when he went to slump back in his seat.

Kaoru wagged his finger. "No way are you getting out that easily! Someone out there needs a partner."

Hikaru slammed his hand on his desk. "This is stupid! We should be allowed to work in groups of three." At Haruhi's concerned look, he felt his cheeks get warm again. Why did he always have to embarrass himself in front of her? It was like he couldn't control himself.

He turned away from the two host club members and scanned the class again. Man, everyone here was paired up with someone! He glanced at the various groups and the excitement in their eyes on the projects, stomach twisting in a knot. As he turned to sit back down, he noticed a single student out of the corner of his eye.

Airisu Nomura, the girl who normally worked with Momoka Kurakano, was sitting by herself, opening her science textbook. He took in a breath, and walked back to her, glancing around the room again to be certain that there wasn't anybody left to partner up with her. He was already sheepish from the denial from Kaoru and Kazukiyo. He met her hazel eyes.

"Um, do you have a partner?"

Airisu's mouth slightly opened, before she responded, "No, actually. Momoka decided to work with Kazukiyo this time around. I guess you and I are the only two left." She gave him a hesitant smile.

"Fine," Hikaru muttered, turning around to get his notebook from his desk to move next to Airisu. He froze when he saw Kaoru and Haruhi laughing, clenching his fist. They were purposely leaving him out!

In a huff, he flopped into the seat next to Airisu, noticing her adjusting the white cuffs on her uniform and tucking some of her stray, brown hair behind her ear. "That's not going to help, you know," he said to her.

"Excuse me?" she politely asked, head slightly cocking, eyes clear.

"Your hair's already a mess in that bun, tucking a little behind your ear isn't going to help."

Airisu's jaw dropped. She didn't say a word in reply, turning aside and looking down. She put down her pencil and let out a breath.

Hikaru groaned, slumping further into his desk, a heavy feeling developing in his chest when he looked at Airisu's stunned expression. He looked again at Haruhi and Kaoru, watching their smiles widen as they conversed. What were they talking about? And why did he have to be stuck back here?"

Airisu took in a breath. "So, uh, what's your name?"

Hikaru turned his irritated gaze back to her. "We're in the same class, stupid, how could you not know?" He wasn't in the mood for putting up with a girl that didn't care about him.

"Hitachiin," she said, "But Kaoru or Hikaru?"

"If you don't know, I'm not going to tell you," he said, through gritted teeth.

Haruhi and Kaoru laughed from across the room. "C'mon Kaoru, that's ridiculous!" Haruhi said, just audible enough for Hikaru and Airisu to catch. Hikaru loudly sighed, putting his hand on his forehead. What horrible timing!

"Oh, so you're Hikaru," Airisu said, looking him over again, as if she were memorizing his features. When she got to his eyes, Hikaru immediately looked away. Airisu added, "I'm sorry I couldn't tell."

Glancing at his hands, Hikaru blinked and saw mittens on them. He was remembering that day in the snow with the little girl asking Kaoru and him to play with her. She had also apologized for guessing the wrong twin. He had felt tears in his eyes that day when she guessed wrong. Were his emotions that obvious today? If only this day couldn't get any worse.

Airisu glanced at the clock, then back to Hikaru, stopping his memories. "Well, anyway, we need to get started on this project. Do you have any ideas?"

The last thing he felt like doing was working on this stupid project, or with this stupid girl. "What, you expect me to do all the work for you?" he growled.

Airisu dropped her pencil again. "No, I don't. This is a partner project. We're supposed to work together! Have you ever worked with someone besides your brother on anything?"

Hikaru stood up, shouting. "That's none of your business! This whole thing is a waste of time. Work on the project yourself!"

Ignoring the surprised looks of everyone around him, he rushed out of the room into the hall, taking a moment to catch his breath. He wiped his nose with his sleeve and took in a deep breath, leaning against the wall by the door. What was wrong with him? A moment later, he heard the door open, and out came Kaoru and Haruhi. Kaoru put his arm around his brother. "Hey, what's up with that?"

Hikaru wiped his eyes when he realized they were moist, hoping that Haruhi wouldn't notice. "That girl's a real piece of work."

Haruhi frowned. "Airisu Nomura? I don't know her too well, but I've never seen her act unkind. I think she was in charge of a donation campaign to the local homeless shelter earlier this month. What did she do?"

Hikaru opened his mouth, attempting to recall all the actions of his partner: Adjusting her poorly arranged hair, being unable to identify which twin he was on her own, and then angrily asking if he'd ever worked with anyone before. There was a part of him that realized that she hadn't actually done anything unreasonable, but his already foul mood had made him more sensitive to the things she did say. But his wild running emotions just made him angry overall. "She acted like I was stupid and never worked with anyone on a partner project before besides Kaoru."

Kaoru tapped his cheek. "In her defense, you haven't ever worked with anyone else before."

"I've never had to! Why can't I work with you two?" Hikaru asked weakly, glancing between the two.

Haruhi sighed. "You'll have to ask Sensei Raku. I think Airisu was talking to him about changing partners, anyway." She was? Hikaru clenched his fist again.

The three were interrupted with the bell ringing, indicating the end of class. They re-entered the room to gather their things. Hikaru turned around to see that Airisu had already left without a word to him, unsure of when she passed them. He rubbed his hair and groaned, before continuing on his day with Kaoru and Haruhi, just as depressed as ever. It was so unfair that Tamaki and Haruhi could be so happy, and he felt so down.

Airisu stared at the sign on the door, reading "Music Room #3". This was it, the way to get to the infamous host club. A lot of girls in her class spent their time here, apparently entertained by the male students in the club. Most of her close friends in the classical music club had no interest in spending time here, thinking it frivolous. There were fun events put on by the host club that she has attended, such as dances or fairs, but other than that she really didn't understand the appeal. The hosts were supposedly incredibly charming, but after her interaction with Hikaru Hitachiin this morning she had to wonder if the entire host club was full of jerks. She let out a sigh, then opened the door, unconsciously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear again.

"Welcome, beautiful princess," a blonde-haired host greeted her, holding out a rose, his eyes sparkling. This had to be Tamaki Suou, the leader of the host club she heard girls talking about all the time. She had to admit, being this close to him, was pretty intimidating. After all, he was very handsome with his indigo eyes.

"Oh, uh, thanks," she said, taking the offered rose. She glanced around, scanning the room for Hikaru.

"You're new around here, aren't you?" A gentleman in glasses approached them, smiling politely.

"Um, yeah, to the host club I guess. Who are you?" She looked around again, seeing many ladies sitting around at different settings, fawning over the hosts. But where was…?

He pushed his glasses up his nose. "I'm Kyoya Ootori, son of the head of the Ootori family. Looking for someone?"

Airisu looked up in surprise. Kyoya was infamous as well, not only for his good looks, but for his apparently brilliant mind. Before she could respond, however, Tamaki jumped in.

"You are allowed to choose any host you like, my dear, whoever suits your fancy. You'll get to have intimate, personalized time with your choice. Of course, as the king, I'm requested the most. But I'd be glad to make time for you, beautiful."

"Oh, uh, no, thanks," Airisu stated, stepping back a little awkwardly. Wow, he was really good at flattery. Her knees felt a little weak, but she didn't need to get distracted right now. "So, I can request anyone?"

She was surprised to see Tamaki change moods completely, drooping like a lost puppy and retreating to a corner. "Oh, I meant no offense," she added, helplessly.

"Don't worry about him," Kyoya said. "Anyway, you must have someone in mind."

Airisu sighed. "Yeah, is Hikaru Hitachiin here?"

"Ah, yes, our popular brotherly love package. If you wait five minutes, Hikaru and Kaoru will be totally available for a private session."

Airisu tapped her chin. So he was working here. What was the best way for her to drop the bomb that their science teacher insisted that there was no way to change partners on the project? She'd seen the twins in action many times before, torturing her classmates with petty jokes, always together. No, she had to get Hikaru alone, or else she'd just be wasting her time.

"Um, is it possible for me just to meet with Hikaru?"

Tamaki suddenly jumped up, the raincloud over his head apparently disappearing. "You're just requesting Hikaru? Has that ever happened before?"

Kyoya had finally looked up from the notebook he'd been writing in the whole time. "No, it hasn't. But I don't see any reason why she couldn't meet with him by himself. After all, it's our job to make every girl happy."

"Airisu?"

Airisu turned to see Haruhi Fujioka approaching them, a perplexed look on the boy's face. Airisu smiled. "Hi, Haruhi. You know, I almost forgot that you were also a host. I guess that explains why you hang out with the Hitachiin brothers."

So not all the hosts were horrible to be around. Haruhi was a very considerate boy, even if he was rather reserved. Haruhi responded, "Yeah, I guess we've gotten pretty close in this club. I'm actually surprised to see you here, you've never seemed interested in the host club before."

"Well, it's not really my scene," glancing at Tamaki's wide-eyed expression, Airisu tread carefully. She didn't want to offend the club's founder, after all. "But it seems like it's pretty nice here. Everyone looks happy."

Tamaki squealed, grabbing her hand. "Yes! We absolutely are! And we hope to make you the happiest girl in the world!"

Haruhi pulled Airisu back from the leader. "Ignore him. Anyway, did you have a host in mind?"

"Yeah, I asked for Hikaru," she said, wearily looking at Tamaki, afraid of another outburst.

Haruhi snapped his fingers. "Oh, the science project. I'm guessing Sensei Rika didn't let you change partners?"

Tamaki interrupted. "Science project? What science project? Who are you working with, Haruhi?"

"Kaoru," Haruhi waved his hand at Tamaki, then looked to Airisu for her response.

"No, Sensei Rika wouldn't let us switch. I have to tell the news to Hikaru, unfortunately. I'm not sure how well he'll take it after this morning."

Kyoya adjusted his glasses. "Ah, that explains the singular request. This might be truly unconventional, but I don't see the harm in it."

Tamaki frowned. "What happened this morning with Hikaru?"

Airisu slightly cocked her head at his tone of voice. It seemed like he was masking concern, or like he was trying to get something specific out of her. It really felt like something else was going on here, that somehow involved Tamaki and Hikaru, but she had no idea what. She was a little put off by it, so didn't respond, but thankfully Haruhi jumped in. "Oh, well, we had to choose a partner for our big science fair projects. Kaoru asked me to work with him, but Hikaru was upset that he was left out. He had to work with Airisu, but I think he just sulked the whole time and didn't do any work."

Airisu blinked. So that was why he was acting like such a jerk; he'd wanted to work with his friend and brother but was snubbed by them. She understood, having wanted to work with her friend Momoka, but was left out because of Momoka's new crush on the class rep. Still, that didn't excuse his behavior.

Tamaki sat down suddenly in a velvet chair pulled up by Takashi Morinozuka with a Mitsukuni Haninozuka hanging around his neck. Airisu had heard about their accomplishments in martial arts many times before, despite never having made their acquaintances. It seemed that the host club was made up of boys from the most prominent families. Her heart fluttered, suddenly feeling even more uncomfortable. After all, her family had only recently gained their wealth from success in buying out smaller electronics companies.

Tamaki pointed at Airisu suddenly, causing her to step back. "So Hikaru shirked his duties in class?"

She was felt sweat on her brow. "Um, yeah, I guess."

"Then he isn't fit to be a proper host! Shall we hold a trial?" Tamaki demanded.

Airisu blushed, flustered at all the attention. At this point, every host besides the Hitachiin brothers was standing over was totally why she never showed up to this club, she was so awkward in situations surrounded by people she wasn't close with.

She took a step backwards. "Please, I don't want any trouble. I just want to go forward with my request to meet with Hikaru, that's all. It's not a big deal."

Haruhi hit Tamaki on the head and flatly said, "Don't scare her."

"What's happening, boss?"

Airisu turned to see both the Hitachiin twins approaching them. She sighed in slight relief that the attention would certainly be turned on them instead of her.

Kyoya grinned. "Hikaru, it appears that you have a request to host by yourself."

Both twins turned their attention to Airisu, one of them notably deflating.

"Oh, it's her," Hikaru said, crossing his arms. "Sorry, but you'll have to meet with both Kaoru and I. We are a package deal around here."

Airisu turned her attention to Kaoru when he snapped his fingers. "Oh, it's that girl from science class."

Tamaki jumped in front of him. "She requests to meet only with Hikaru for her project, so you have to comply! After all, she is a guest here."

Airisu watched Hikaru tense up and say, "No way!"

To her surprise, Kaoru rose up on his toes next to Hikaru and whispered something in his brother's ear. The twins surrounded her, touching their cheeks to hers, putting their arms around her and holding her tight. Airisu immediately tensed and attempted to move her arms.

"Alright…"

"We'll oblige…"

They simultaneously said, "Have a seat on the couch and your request will be met."

The Hitachiin brothers released Airisu, and she immediately wiped both cheeks where they'd been touching. She stepped back, uncomfortable with their flirtatious behavior, knowing that nothing good was about to happen. Still, she had to get this project done, so she headed to the pink couch and sat down.

To her surprise, one of the twins, it must be Hikaru, sat down on the couch across from her. Maybe they were playing nice today.

"Hey, I'm sorry about all that. I was just having a bad day this morning, that's all," he smiled at her. "I am a host, after all, so I shouldn't have acted that way. Do you have your science stuff with you?"

Airisu frowned, rubbing her arm with her opposite hand. Something was off here, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She stared at the Hitachiin brother in front of her, looking him over. No, there was no way she could tell, they looked identical. She thought about what he said just now, then snapped her fingers.

"You're Kaoru, aren't you?"

She swore she heard gasping in the background (were the other hosts spying on them?), but focused her attention on the boy in front of her.

He waved his hand. "No, of course not."

She shifted uncomfortably. Was she wrong? She didn't know either brother very well and certainly couldn't tell them apart this morning. But no, the boy sitting in front of her certainly wasn't the one who'd made her blood boil earlier.

"I think you're lying," Airisu said. "Look, you're being very polite to me. I'm sorry, but your brother is ruder and way more emotional. If it was really him here, I think he'd be much more reluctant to apologize. And I'm not surprised he's trying to avoid working on the project again, yeah, it makes sense for him to send you in instead."

Kaoru burst out laughing, tears coming to his eyes. "You're right!" he said, wiping his eyes. He continued to laugh as the other host club members, who were not so subtle in watching them, surrounded the couch.

"Wow, Airi-chan, you can tell them apart!" Haninozuka said, smiling up at her, hugging his pink, toy rabbit.

"Yeah," Morinozuka added.

Kyoya turned his head to the side. "It seems that this is quite the unusual situation. Instead of telling the Hitachiin brothers apart because of affection or desire to befriend them, her dislike of Hikaru fueled her discerning ability."

Haruhi, Tamaki, Honey, and Mori burst out laughing at Kyoya's comment, much to Airisu's dismay. She glanced over at the other couches and the other female students. Shouldn't the host club be attending to their other guests? She didn't like being the center of attention like this.

Hikaru, standing at the edge of the group, crossed his arms. "I don't see what's so funny." Airisu was sure he was trembling a little bit.

His comment only caused louder laughs from the other hosts, and soon they were gasping for air. Kaoru, wheezing next to her, patted her arm. Between laughs, he managed, "Alright, you can work with Hikaru the rest of the club time today. I'll tend to our other guests."

"I'm not doing it," Hikaru said.

Kaoru shrugged. "She passed our test. It's only fair."

"I can do whatever I want," Hikaru replied, crossing his arms.

Airisu lowered in her seat, pretending that she didn't exist for a moment. Why couldn't Sensei Raka tell her that she could just work by herself? This project was proving to be way more trouble than it was worth. She had other work to do and needed to practice her violin, she couldn't spend all her time here. And all the hosts were so eccentric, too! There was nothing conducive about this study environment.

Tamaki, however, grabbed Hikaru. "You can't possibly let a guest down like this! It's unmanly!"

"Lay off," Hikaru said.

Haruhi, whose cheeks were still rosey from laughter, sighed. "You have to do your project Hikaru, it's not like you can fail science. I really don't understand why you're acting so childish."

"I'm the childish one?" Hikaru demanded, his voice raising. "Is that how you can tell Kaoru and I apart?" His voice faltered at the last part.

Oh, that's why he was upset. It wasn't because he had to work with Airisu per say, but her blunt explanation as to how she knew the difference between the two. Airisu wondered if she should apologize, but ran through what she would say in her head. Her statement had been true, and she really didn't know Kaoru and Hikaru well enough to provide an alternative or a compliment to Hikaru. So far, he'd just acted selfishly and rudely to her. What was she supposed to say?

Haruhi softened a little. "Hey, calm down. You're my friend and I care about you, so that's how I can tell."

Honey stepped between Haruhi and Haruki. "How about some cake?" he asked, blinking lovingly at the two, only to have Mori pick him up to return to the guests they were entertaining.

Hikaru was still quivering, but Airisu watched him take a deep breath. "Fine."

To her surprise, he sat next to her on the couch, not looking her in the eye. His arm stretched over the back of the couch behind her. She glanced back at the other host club members, who were staring at the two. Airisu sighed, feeling uncomfortable, and pulled her science notebook out of her bag. She then took out the rough sketches she had made during study hall that day, and held it out for Hikaru.

Hikaru grabbed it, apparently still irritated with the whole situation, and looked at it. "What is this?"

Airisu sighed. "It's a blueprint of a digital clock that changes colors."

"A clock? You've got to be kidding me, that's so boring."

Airisu deflated a little at the comment, but was interrupted before she could respond.

Tamaki Suou popped up from behind the sofa. "I think it looks great!" He took the drawing from Hikaru. "A rainbow clock? What a novel idea! It would look so pretty!"

Hikaru grabbed it back, ripping the paper slightly and causing Airisu to throw her face in her palms. "This isn't your project, boss."

"And you call yourself a host? You're being so unkind to this pretty girl."

Kaoru also popped up from behind the couch (how many people were back there?), grabbing Tamaki. "Let them work on their project. It's cheating if they have help, anyway."

So many interupptions! This was a horrible environment for focusing on school work. And Hikaru was being so difficult. Suddenly, Airisu felt very tired as she watched Tamaki and Kaoru bicker as the other Hitachiin brother pulled Tamaki back towards a group of girls, leaving her alone with Hikaru. Hikaru's hand was also on his face at this point, shoving the now beat-up drawing back to Airisu with his other one.

Airisu took the drawing back, took a deep breath. She just had to get through this. She said, "Well, what did you have in mind?"

"Hm, I don't know. Probably something to do with fashion."

Airisu frowned. "I don't know much about that."

"Clearly!" Hikaru said, looking her over.

Airisu crossed her arms. Seriously, he was insulting her again? There was only so much she could put up with. She took in another breath, then met Hikaru's gaze, firmly saying, "I'm sorry, but I can't do this. You've been nothing but rude to me. I have to get a good grade on my project and I don't have time to fight with you. I'm going to go now."

As she said it, she saw a slight flicker of disappointment in Hikaru's eyes, but he quickly changed to a hardened expression, clenching his jaw. "I never wanted to work with you on this stupid project anyway!" he yelled, "All your ideas are boring."

Airisu simply ignored him, grabbing her bag and heading to the exit. On the way out, she glanced at Haruhi, who simply shot her an apologetic look before walking towards Hikaru. Airisu just couldn't understand how Hikaru could be like this! Before today, the only thing she knew was that Hikaru would play pranks with his brother on other students, but to her knowledge they've only been harmless fun. She's not sure she's ever seen him be this cruel. He really must hate her, she mused, as she pushed the door open and left the music room with no intention of ever returning.

As the guests trickled out of the host club, Hikaru remained seated on the couch, staring at his hands. What was wrong with him? He was totally out of control, but he didn't get why. He just felt angry all the time, and hurt. Little things set him off. He touched his face, realizing that it was moist. In the background, he heard the footsteps of the other hosts moving towards him.

To his irritation, Tamaki sat next to him on the couch and hugged him tightly. "What's wrong, Hikaru?"

Haruhi sat on his other side, her eyes wide with concern. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kaoru standing next to Kyoya, both of them glancing at him in their conversation. His arms quivered with irritation and he saw red.

"Get off me!" he shouted at Tamaki, who shrank down immediately.

Haruhi sternly said, "There's no reason to be like this! What's going on, Hikaru? We're just trying to be here for you?"

Hikaru shot back, "Be here for me? Where were you earlier in class when I needed a partner? And all Tamaki did was interrupt when we were working on our project! It's his fault Airisu left!"

Now, Kaoru and Kyoya made their way over, their calm looks only making Hikaru more aware of his own emotional turmoil. Kaoru shook his head. "It's not Tamaki's fault, you must know that."

Hikaru shook with rage, then screamed. "It is! He took Haruhi from me!"

The other hosts stood there in shock as they registered Hikaru's admission. He burst into tears and threw his head into his hands. He'd thought he was okay with Haruhi and Tamaki dating, since it was what made them both happy, and they were his friends after all. That's how he should feel! But he didn't feel happy, not at all. Looking up, Haruhi reached out to touch his arm, but he swatted it away, standing up to rush out of the room. He just needed to get away from everyone. Especially from Haruhi.

Behind him, he heard Kaoru say to the others, "Give him some time to cool off before going after him. He has to deal with this himself."

Hikaru slumped on the floor in the empty, pink hallway, not having energy to go anywhere else. He allowed himself cried for a few moments before processing his thoughts again. Why was he so sad and angry? It must have been about Haruhi and Tamaki. Haruhi didn't love him, even though he had feelings for her. Even though he'd spent so much time trying to improve himself for her, it still wasn't good enough. The fact was, Haruhi was the only person besides Kaoru that he was able to get really close to, and yet she still rejected him. For years, Kaoru and him had built up a wall to protect themselves, and as soon as he let it down, he ended up hurt. He set his jaw. He'd just have to build it back up again.

"Hikaru."

He glanced up in surprise. Airisu was standing a few feet away, her brows knit together in confusion. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve, feeling a blush come to his cheeks. "What?" he snapped. Who cared what she thought of him?

Airisu's earlier irritated demeanor was gone, replaced with a look of concern. "I left my science notebook on the couch since I left in such a hurry. Um, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he said, through gritted teeth.

Airisu blinked, then, without a word, sat down next to him. Hikaru's head shot up. "What are you doing?"

She shrugged. "I'm not sure."

The two sat in silence and Hikaru tensed up at her presence. Wasn't he upset with her, too? But, when examining his thoughts, he realized that it wasn't really about Airisu at all. He'd been upset that he couldn't work with Haruhi in class earlier, like she was choosing his brother over him as the better twin. The only thing Airisu had done was remind him how socially awkward he was with someone new.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Airisu asked him after a few moments.

Did he? He didn't respond to her right away, instead choosing to look straightforward at the ornate music room door. Finally, he managed, "Um, no. Look, I'm sorry for how I acted earlier. I've just..I've had a lot on my mind lately."

Airisu pulled her knees forward. "Well, I think talking about it would help. And I don't mean tell me, either, since we're only acquaintances. Why don't you go inside and talk to your host friends?"

"Oh, I can't go back there!" Hikaru burst out, feeling the warmth returning to his face as he remembered the horrified look Haruhi and Tamaki had on their faces when he claimed Tamaki took Haruhi from him.

"Why not?"

Hikaru was sure that Airisu couldn't possibly understand, but his emotions were running wild. He just had to say it or he was going to explode! "Fine, I'll tell you! I'm still in love with Haruhi, even though she's dating Tamaki. And I just shouted at Tamaki, and acted like a child all day, and hurt the only people I care about!"

Airisu's eyes were wider than a pond as she soaked up his words. "Look, I'm not sure if I totally understand, but you can face them. They clearly care about you. They were spying on you the whole time you were with me. I think they're worried about you."

His eyebrows went up at her suggestion. Is that really what was happening? He recalled how the boss had seemed especially invested in his time with Airisu, and how he was the first to attempt to comfort Hikaru after Airisu stormed off. She was right, he did care! And Haruhi… he took in another tight breath.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" Airisu continued.

Hikaru shrugged, more focused on his own thoughts. Airisu continued, "Is Haruhi a girl?"

Hikaru stood up suddenly. Oh no, he just revealed Haruhi's secret! "Uh, sorry, I gotta go!"

He rushed back into the music room, totally flustered, breathing heavily as he leaned against the ornate door. He'd just told Airisu way, way too much. Not just Haruhi's secret, but too much about himself. He inwardly kicked himself, realizing that despite all his progress in attempting to pursue Haruhi, he was still lost when it came to making new friends. To his horror, the door behind him opened. Airisu had followed? The host club members, who'd been standing together talking, now stared in shock as Airisu and Hikaru both entered the room.

After an uncomfortable silence, Airisu rubbed her arm. "Sorry. I just forgot my notebook."

Heels tapping with each step, echoing through the silent room, Hikaru watched in horror as Airisu crossed to the sofa, grabbing her notebook from the coffee table. The other host club members also appeared frozen, with their only movement being looking back and forth between the two. Airisu recrossed the room, pausing and turning to the group of hosts before she got back to Hikaru.

"Haruhi, are you a girl?"

Tamaki immediately jumped up, waving his hands around. "No, no! She's super manly! I mean, just look at her in that suit!"

Kaoru jumped in on the antics as well, "Yeah, c'mon, you've known Haruhi all year! Why would he be a girl? She's so macho."

Airisu glanced back at Hikaru, then back at the group of boys. Hikaru braced himself for her reply, but was surprised that she just stood there, suddenly looking at her feet, probably unsure of what to say.

Haruhi looked at Hikaru then back at Airisu. "Did Hikaru tell you I was a girl?"

Airisu nodded, then added, "Not on purpose, though."

Tamaki was livid. "How does that accidentally come up in conversation?"

Airisu took a step back, her voice faltering a little bit. "Well, I've actually got a lot of other schoolwork to do, so I'm gonna get going. It was nice meeting you all."

Clearly nervous, she turned around to leave, but miscalculated her location, and crashed right into Hikaru, who was still leaning on the door. To his shock, the door gave out behind them, leaving Airisu landing on top of him, her notebook stuck between them. Looking up at her, he felt heat course through his body. For some reason, he had no desire to try to get up or change positions, instead watching as her cheeks colored.

"Oh, excuse me," she said, pushing herself up, "Sorry." She grabbed the notebook.

"Yeah, well, watch where you're going next time," he smartly replied from his position on the floor.

Propping himself up with his elbow, he watched her walk down the hallway, letting out a breath as she turned the corner. Sitting up, he jumped as Kaoru and Tamaki stood over him. Kaoru offered his hand, and Hikaru took it, relieved to be at his brother's side again. Kaoru put his arm around him. "You really messed up."

Hikaru looked down. "I know."

The two simultaneously re-entered Music Room #3, approaching the other hosts. Hikaru put his hand on the back of his head, not meeting them in the eyes. "Sorry," he managed.

Tamaki and Honey immediately pulled him into a hug. "It's alright, we forgive you!"

"Yeah," Mori muttered.

Kyoya glanced up. "Of course, we will have to use our influence to prevent Airisu from telling Haruhi's secret, but that must merely be a minor inconvenience."

Great, so Kyoya was irritated with him. Heart beating, he looked at Haruhi, who also came over to him, punching his arm. "Hey, don't worry about the girl thing. It's not like it's that big of a deal, I don't care either way."

Hikaru was suddenly very tired, after the day's events. He ignored Tamaki's protests and shock at hearing Haruhi again say she didn't care if anyone knew. He just wasn't in the mood for the host club's antics. And he knew if he stayed much longer they would inquire about his outburst earlier. With a sigh, he muttered, "I'm heading home," and left, not even bothering to wait for Kaoru.

Kaoru glanced up, "Hey, I'll catch up, alright?"

Hikaru waved his hand, deep in thought on the day's events.

As Tamaki and Haruhi argued and Mori and Honey ate cake, Kaoru turned back to Kyoya, who'd retreated to a corner of the room to do computer work. So Hikaru wasn't over Haruhi yet. Sighing, Kaoru walked back to the Shadow King.

"Looks like he's got a long way to go."

Kyoya politely looked up from his laptop. "Hikaru, you mean?"

Kaoru sat next to the club's vice president, resting his hands on the table. "Yeah. I thought he'd do better on his own today, you know?"

Kyoya continued typing. "Well, not everything turns out how we expect. By the way, what was your desired result?"

Kaoru shrugged. "Oh, I just thought Hikaru had been down lately because of Haruhi and Tamaki. He loves this club and his friends in it, but it occurred to me that he's not close with anyone outside of here. Sometimes having someone else to talk to might be exactly what he needs, especially given the current situation. When we had to choose science partners, it was like the perfect opportunity for him to branch out and get to know someone else for a change. I thought he'd get more depressed having to work with Haruhi, anyway. I guess I'd hope he'd make a friend."

Kyoya didn't look up. "Well, it appears that didn't work out."

"I don't know."

Kyoya paused from typing. "Oh?"

Kaoru studied the purple teapot on the table as he spoke. "Airisu is super nice. Like, one of the ones that we've never targeted with our pranks because it would feel too dirty. And I'm not sure what happened in the hallway, but you saw they entered the room together again. I wonder if they made up. Besides, she can tell us apart. I know he'll be thinking about her all night because of that."

Kyoya slightly smiled. "Hm. Well, I'll be sending her flowers on behalf of the host club due to the poor quality of her first session here. I suppose I can sign the card as Hikaru."

"Hey, that's a great idea!" Kaoru said, grinning. The thought of Hikaru potentially growing actual feelings for Airisu as a girl crossed his mind, causing his smile to diminish. Since it didn't work out with Haruhi, Kaoru figured he had quite a while before Hikaru ended up caring for someone else more than himself. To be honest, he wasn't sure if he was ready for Hikaru to become more independent, or even think about someone more constantly than his own twin. But, they weren't at that point yet. He just wanted Hikaru to make a friend, that was all. Yet it didn't shake the heavy feeling that arose in his stomach.

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "Penny for your thoughts?"

"I just hope I'm ready for this next step…"