Hikaru tilted his head. "I'm sorry, what?"

Kaoru gave a tight-lipped smile. "I'm going to be taking a break from the host club for a bit."

Hikaru's eyes widened as he stared at his brother. Kaoru put his hands in his blue pockets, before looking back up at Hikaru and giving a slight shrug. They were waiting for their private limo to pick them up and take them to Ouran Academy, standing at the bottom of steps to their mansion. It was a little bit windy today, Kaoru's hair blowing a little into his face, further obscuring his expression.

"I thought we made up," Hikaru finally muttered, brow furrowing. What was happening? Other than a little phase when Hikaru was figuring out his feelings for Haruhi, and their recent awkwardness based on the events with Airisu, the twins were always on the same page. Hikaru could always read his brother and knew his thoughts. He was excited to go back to doing so since they talked on the camping trip, relieved their relationship was back to the way it was. So why was he suddenly unable to read Kaoru?

Kaoru crossed his arms. "We have. I'm just not going to participate in the host club for a little bit. I just need the time to think."

"Think about what?"

Kaoru looked away. "Our ride is here. Let's look at Mom's new designs on our way."

Hikaru stayed in place for a moment, watching Kaoru enter the limo. They'd returned from the camping trip the night before, and he had slept so well. He'd made up with Airisu, and now he and Kaoru were talking again. Yet here was the gut-twisting feeling that he had somehow messed up his relationship with Kaoru again.

He shook himself, following Kaoru into the vehicle. As Kaoru mentioned, they glanced through their mother's latest designs, briefly discussing each one. It was a surface-level conversation, and not the one Hikaru felt like they needed to have. Yet he was afraid to push Kaoru so that it became uncomfortable again.

Was this level of discomfort in relationships the new normal for him?

When he arrived at school, he immediately noticed Airisu walking in, his heart fluttering at the sight of her. Since it was windy, her hair was ruffled, despite being in a half-up, half-down style.

"She should've just worn her hair up on a day like today," Hikaru chuckled under his breath.

Kaoru leaned in closer to Hikaru as they approached Airisu. "I'll catch you in classes later." The twins separated, Hikaru giving one last glance at his brother as his back turned to him.

"C-catch you later."

Hikaru turned back towards Airisu, picking up his pace to catch up with her. She clutched her science book, holding it to her chest. Her head was up higher than normal, her pace lighter. It occurred to him that Rentaro transferring must have given her an immense amount of relief.

He blushed, thinking about the last time he'd seen her, waking up to realize they'd slept while leaning on each other by the fire. Still, they had made up, and he wasn't about to let anything get in the way of their friendship. Even if it bothered him that he still didn't know what Rentaro was blackmailing her about. He felt his palms sweat.

"Airisu! Hey!" He smiled at her.

Airisu turned around, eyes slightly widening. He swore her cheeks grew a little pinker, perhaps also remembering their last encounter. "Hikaru. Hi. I was just heading to class. We're a little behind on our project, so I thought I could work on it before Sensei Raka starts class."

"Y-yeah. That's a great idea. Um, did you want to…" he paused, realizing he was running his mouth before thinking it through. "Since we're friends, is it alright if we hang out sometimes?"

Airisu narrowed her eyes. Hikaru's stomach dropped. Oh no, he shouldn't have asked her that. He'd messed up again!

Airisu said," No! Why would you think that?"

Hikaru winced. He opened his mouth, but Airisu continued, "We are so far behind on the project, how could we possibly have time to hang out? We only have two weeks before our full proposals and prototypes are due!"

Hikaru sighed in relief, then chuckled. So that's why she didn't like his question. What should he have expected? Airisu pressed her lips together at his laughter. She crossed her arms and glanced to the side. "It's not funny. This project is a big part of our grade…"

Her irritation suddenly made him feel bold, more like his impish, confident self. He just had to tease her. Hikaru put his arm around her, inching his face close to hers, then whispering in her ear.

"I know. Forget I mentioned it."

He dropped his arm, gently pried her textbook from her fingers, stepped back, then grinned.

"C'mon, let's go to class!

Airisu's face was red at this point. She opened her mouth as if she were going to say something, but instead huffed and followed him to class. Hikaru was beaming as they walked into their classroom, heart palpitating sporadically. But his smile diminished at the sight of Kaoru, sitting by himself in the back, since Haruhi wasn't there yet.

Airisu said, "Are you alright?"

He turned to her, realizing that she must've been watching him. "Y-yeah. Kaoru and I made up, so…"

Airisu bit her lip. "I'm sorry if you two fought because of the situation with–"

"No, it wasn't because of that. And like I said, we made up. Kaoru insisted everything was fine."

"But you're worried about him?"

"He said he was going to take a break from the host club."

Airisu raised her eyebrows. "You're going to host by yourself? Have you ever done that before? Will you be alright?"

"Y-yes! I'll be fine. Do you not think I can do it?"

"I'm only concerned," she said.

Hikaru clenched his jaw. "Yeah? Well, you don't need to be."

He was irritated that she didn't seem to have confidence in him. Well, maybe not irritated at her as much as himself. Thinking of his actions, he had shown her his selfish, jerkish sides over and over again. He'd barely been able to control his temper in all kinds of circumstances. Even her family didn't approve of him since he flipped out at Hiroto while pretending to be her boyfriend. To be honest, he really hadn't proved himself on his own without Kaoru. He swallowed.

"I was hoping we could work on our project a little bit while you were hosting, but it sounds like it'll have to wait."

Hikaru sighed. "Yeah, you're right."

At that moment, Haruhi came in. "Hi, Hikaru, Airisu." She continued and sat next to Kaoru. Hikaru followed them, staring at his brother. Kaoru smiled at Haruhi, seeming like his polite self. But Hikaru could tell he was forcing himself.

If Kaoru wanted to take a break from the host club, it had to be a deeper issue than just the recent events with Airisu. He'd have found a way to avoid science class if that was the case. He wouldn't be talking with Hikaru if it was just about Airisu. Hikaru studied his brother's robotic movements with Haruhi. How did Kaoru feel about Haruhi? Hikaru had assumed, like him, he'd slowly moved on. But was that really the case? He bit his lip.

Airisu was working on a computer chip that would be installed in the center of their mannequin. Actually, at the moment, they were working on a smaller version of it that could demonstrate using doll clothes. The idea was that it could change its own clothes and store other designs, a perfect tool for presenting or showing off new designs in a non-formal setting. For instance, if Hikaru took a friend to see his mother's designs, he could use one of these mannequins without requiring a model or taking up too much space. It was a project turning out to be a little more complicated than initially thought, which was part of the reason they were behind.

"Hikaru…"

He glanced up at Airisu, realizing he'd just been zoning out. "Oh, sorry. I'll get to work."

"I don't think we can finish this. At least not just in class. And you can't work on it during club time today; I think we should work on it outside of school."

"You can come over to my house this Saturday," Hikaru said instantly. He wondered if he was being too forward.

"Ah, yes. Alright. I just have to ask my dad if it's alright."

"Hm, normally Kaoru and I ask our mom if we want to go somewhere. Or we just go; both her and Dad travel a lot so we don't see them all the time."

Airisu looked interested that he was talking about himself. "That must be why you and Kaoru are so close. Do you have any other siblings? I never asked."

"No! Just us. I can't imagine having a little brother or sister. You're an only child, right?"

"Yeah, just me. And my parents."

"So your dad is the one you go to for permission? Does your mom not let you do much?"

"No, um. She would let me do just about anything. My dad is the one who makes better decisions."

Hikaru briefly remembered the few times he'd met Airisu's mother. The first time, he blushed remembering, he'd landed on top of her at the VR exhibit, certainly in a compromising position. To think of it, her mother wasn't upset, and almost seemed to be encouraging Airisu. At the dinner with Hiroto, her mother seemed very friendly and talkative. Not much like Airisu at all.

Hikaru wasn't really sure what to say in response. At that moment, Sensei Raka began class, going over a few reminders for the project before giving them more time to work. The rest of class was uneventful, the only conversation between him and Airisu about the logistics of their project. He still glanced at Kaoru periodically, more and more convinced he'd again been oblivious to his brother's feelings up until now.

Later in the day, Hikaru walked into Music Room #3. There was no cosplay today, the club appearing to be business as usual. They would probably have a new costume to wear tomorrow. Tamaki ran over to him, hugging him, and jerking him out of his thoughts.

"Hikaru, I heard the news. I'm so sorry about Kaoru."

Haruhi, approaching from behind Tamaki, raised an eyebrow. "You're acting like Kaoru died or something. He just said he's taking a break from the club," she narrowed her eyes, "and can you really blame him?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tamaki demanded.

Hikaru pulled away. "Buzz off, boss."

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "We are going to have to break it to our guests that we have no brotherly love package."

Hikaru shook his head. "No, I can do it."

"Well, by definition, brotherly love involves brothers, and you are by yourself, so…"

"That's the angle! Kaoru is gone, and I'm heartbroken. Still all about brotherly love, but I can do it on my own!"

Kyoya glanced up for a second. "Hm, that would cause a lot of sympathy from your customers. I think it would be worth a try."

"Are you going to be alright on your own, Hikaru?" Haruhi asked him.

Hikaru gritted his jaw. "Yes. I can do this."

The other hosts glanced at each other, but nobody said anything. Hikaru sighed, knowing that they were doubting him. He really couldn't blame them, it wasn't like he was that confident in himself. Still, he owed it to them to try.

Soon, the host club was open for business. The typical guests filtered into the club, visiting their respective favorites. Two of the girls who frequented the twins immediately sat down at the table with Hikaru. He smiled at the regulars.

"Where's Kaoru?" the one girl asked.

Hikaru took in a breath. This was his chance to prove himself. "Oh, Kaoru hasn't been feeling well."

"Is he sick?" the other girl questioned, leaning forward.

"No, just down in the dumps. He wanted to take a break from hosting for a bit. I guess it was just too much for him," Hikaru shed a fake tear.

"Hikaru, how are you doing?" both girls asked.

"I can't help but think about heading back home to lay in bed with Kaoru, but I decided I must push through to see our guests. That way Kaoru can't be too upset that you are all unattended. I must carry on for his sake." Hikaru took a sip of tea as the girls squealed.

He glanced to the side, then choked on his tea. He caught a glimpse of Airisu, sitting next to Kurakano at Haruhi's table. What was she doing here?

"Um, excuse me for a second, ladies."

He walked over quickly to Airisu. "Hey, uh. I thought we weren't going to work on our project today."

Kurakano said, "Don't be silly, Hikaru! I finally convinced her to come see Haruhi with me. She's about to fall in love!"

Hikaru smiled politely. "Ah, of course." But his mind was scrambling to put thoughts together. Was she really just here to see Haruhi?

Haruhi glanced at Hikaru. "Don't you have guests to attend to? Especially since Kaoru isn't here."

"Uh, yeah," Hikaru said, glancing again at Airisu. He turned to go, but was surprised at Airisu grabbing the corner of his sleeve.

He leaned down and she whispered. "You're doing a great job!"

He nodded, feeling his face grow hot, then went straight back to his guests. He chatted to them, but kept staring at Airisu. She had come here to support him, since this was his first time hosting without Kaoru. His first time being a host on his own.

After a few more moments, he was able to take a break, the girls he was with both leaving early to work on homework. Tamaki came up to him. "Airisu came here for you, didn't she? She's in looooove!"

"Shhh," Hikaru said, glancing down.

"Aw, my dear Hikaru, you are blushing," Tamaki said.

"Shut up! Look, I don't think it's like that."

"Oh, contraire, my poor lonely twin. I'm an expert on the affections of women. After all, I've won the heart of one."

Hikaru scoffed. "Then let's have a competition."

Tamaki grinned. "I can prove that Airisu has feelings for you. Let's watch her with each host, and you'll see it's true."

Kyoya had walked over. "Well, I don't see the harm in a friendly competition. I am quite interested in seeing where her interests lie. After all, her family's company recently started supplying some of our medical technology. Nomura Electronics stocks have shot up in the recent months. My father has certainly taken an interest in their company, and the fact that they have a single daughter who attends the same school as I do. I would be thrilled to go first."

Hikaru's jaw dropped at Kyoya's explanation. Wait, what? Before he could say anything, Kyoya walked up to Airisu, tapping her on the shoulder. She followed him over to one of the pink sofas, putting her hands gently on her lap as Kyoya talked.

Tamaki said, "Let's watch to see her reaction. Then you'll see that she favors you, you'll fall in love, and–"

Haruhi had wandered over to the two of them and said, "I don't think doing some weird test is going to show–"

"That's a great idea. I can see what she's really feeling." Hikaru was completely won over by Tamaki's explanation. He was positive of his feelings, but wasn't sure at all where Airisu stood. Did he even have a chance? The only indication that he may have had was Rentaro mentioning he thought Airisu liked him once. But could he even trust Rentaro? Certainly not his judgment.

Haruhi narrowed her eyes. "Whatever, I need to go back to my guests."

"No, Haruhi, stay with us. We need to see how she reacts to your hosting. You can go after Kyoya!"

"She knows I'm a girl so I don't think it really matters if I participate or not."

Tamaki stared at her with puppy dog eyes. "But Haruhiiiiiii. Our love is so strong, that we can use its power to–"

"Oh, put a sock in it. Someone has to do their job around here."

Hikaru turned his attention away from the couple's bickering, instead crawling on the floor to get closer to Kyoya and Airisu. He finally stopped at the next sofa over from them, close enough to hear their conversation. He strained his ears.

"Ah, yes. I have heard of the Shimomura family. We also utilize their technology, especially in the cancer treatment centers."

Airisu said, "They are our biggest competitor and our best interest to merge with."

Kyoya smiled. "Of course, the Shimomuras are extremely traditional. They certainly wouldn't agree to a merger unless through marriage…"

Hikaru frowned. What were they talking about? Something about some companies combining through marriage? Was this Kyoya's best attempt at flirtation?

Airisu sighed. "I am fully aware."

Kyoya smiled, "Well, this has been an enlightening conversation."

The shadow king stood up, glancing directly at Hikaru and smiling. What was that about? Before Airisu could stand up, Tamaki sat down next to her. He procured a pink rose from his sleeve and grinned. Hikaru remained in his hiding spot, analyzing her expressions.

Tamaki said, "Airisu, my angel, you are quite beautiful."

Airisu didn't seem very affected by this. Perhaps she was used to Tamaki's antics by now. But he still didn't like the two of them together like this. Perhaps, irrationally, he was concerned that since Haruhi chose Tamaki over him that it would happen again. The boss was uncommonly handsome, kind, and certainly knew how to charm a woman. Not to mention that he still felt a little sad over Tamaki and Haruhi together, even if the feeling was now only dull.

Airisu, however, stared at the rose. "Um, thank you? Is this some promotion or something?"

Tamaki grinned, inching closer to her on the couch. "No, no. I was just captivated by your beauty. Your dainty features are so refreshing…"

She crossed her arms. "Um, thanks. Don't you have your own guests waiting for you? I didn't come here to see–"

"Oh, but you will! I can see it now, your love for me secretly locked away deep within your heart. You wish to come to me when you visit the host club, not some mischievous Hitachiin brother."

What was he even saying? Before Hikaru could hear more, he turned to see Kyoya, Honey, and Mori had all joined him, the group awkwardly huddled behind the couch and out of sight of Airisu.

"Ooh, me next! Me next!" Honey said.

"Wait your turn," Mori gently ordered the little host.

Hikaru quickly turned his attention back to Airisu and Tamaki. To his relief, she still had an expression of confusion, certainly not being easily won over by the boss' efforts. In fact, Tamaki looked a little teary.

"But you would choose to come to see me as a host at least once, right?"

"Well, not really. To be honest, I don't think I would've come here at all if I didn't have to track down Hikaru to work on the science project. I kind of thought that the host club was stupid before that."

"S-stupid?" Tamaki's lip was trembling.

"Er, no offense?" Airisu looked a little guilty at Tamaki's troubled expression.

"Hm, someone should probably step in right about now," Kyoya commented. He smiled. "You're up, Hikaru."

He pushed the Hitachiin twin out from behind the couch. Hikaru quickly stood up, doing his best to seem like he wasn't just hiding and spying on the two of them. He walked over to the couch, pulling Tamaki up and away from Airisu.

"Well, that's more than enough, boss. I need to, uh, talk with Airisu about our project."

He pushed Tamaki in the direction of Kyoya, hearing one last whimper of, "Mommy!" as the boss left the two of them.

Hikaru turned back to Airisu, to see her staring up at him. He awkwardly cleared his throat before sitting down next to her.

Airisu said, "Everyone is acting so strange today. And I thought you were attending your guests?"

"Ah, the usuals left a little early today," Hikaru admitted. "I suppose you're not used to talking to Tamaki-senpai and Kyoya-senpai like this, are you?"

"No, not at all. Although I'm not surprised by Tamaki-senpai's behavior, he's always acting strange. But Kyoya-senpai…"

Hikaru shot his head up. He could feel his heart beating at being so close to her on the couch. But what was she about to say about Kyoya? And why was it bothering him so much? He'd seen their unusual conversation. It wasn't like she had feelings for the shadow king.

"What about Kyoya?" Hikaru muttered.

"He has a similar personality to Kaoru, doesn't he?"

Hikaru was taken aback by the observation. "Um, I suppose a bit. Why do you say that? What did Kyoya-senpai and you talk about?"

"Well, we just talked about our parents' companies, at least on the surface. But it seemed like…" she trailed off, putting a finger to her cheek. "It seemed like he had some other motive. Like he didn't really mean what he was saying. And that's the same impression I get when I speak with your brother."

"Well, what impression do you get of me?" Hikaru watched her lips part slightly in surprise at his question. He could feel his cheeks warm, suddenly finding it difficult to make eye contact with her. He looked down, afraid of what she might say.

"You're kind of irritating," she replied. Hikaru winced, but to his surprise she continued. "You're fashionable, you like to compete. You can be alarmingly blunt with your opinion. And I'm really glad that we made up and became friends again."

Hikaru couldn't hold back anymore. He threw his arms around her in a tight hug, breathing in her fruity scent. "I'm really glad we're friends again, too."

He pulled back suddenly, terrified that she was going to feel the way that his heart was speeding along like a racecar. "I, uh, I have to go."

"I thought you had to ask me something about the project…"

He left her sitting on the couch, not daring to even glance her way as he left. He went back to the hiding spot, sitting on the ground and putting his head in his hands. He felt like water was dripping from his palms; he was so sweaty.

Honey left to go sit with Airisu, thrilled to take his turn with her. Hikaru looked up at Mori, Kyoya, and Tamaki. Tamaki, recovered from Airisu's comments, threw his arms around Hikaru. "That was beautiful!"

"Oh, lay off me, boss," Hikaru muttered. It was so humiliating that they had seen that awkward moment.

"Hikaru is so mean!" Tamaki cried to Kyoya.

Kyoya smiled, pushing his glasses up. "My, my. It seems we learned a lot about your feelings, Hikaru. Although we have yet to shed light on Airisu's. Of course, you never gave her a chance to."

Hikaru knew his face was bright red. "S-shut up!"

Kyoya shrugged, completely ignoring Hikaru's orders. "I don't know if you heard our conversation, but we talked quite a bit about the link between Nomura Electronics and Shimomura Incorporated. It's no secret that her father wants to overtake Shimomura Inc. However, the Shimomura family is highly traditional. If her father is successful, it will likely be because his only daughter will be betrothed to Daiki Shimomura."

"What?" Hikaru asked suddenly. Hm, he had heard the name Daiki before at some point. He remembered Rentaro warning him about not letting Airisu meet someone. He must've been talking about Daiki.

"Well, not to worry, she hasn't even met the boy yet. Which means you still have a chance to win her affections without having to worry about a rival."

Hikaru sighed, glancing back at Honey feeding four different flavored cakes to Airisu. As with the other hosts, she seemed a little confused, especially since Honey was doing most of the eating himself, but she wasn't flustered. Maybe he really did stand a chance, especially if she had no interest in anybody else.

"Thanks, senpai," he muttered to Kyoya.

Tamaki said, "Mori-senpai, you're the only one left! It's your turn!"

Mori didn't say anything, instead heading over to where Honey and Airisu were sitting. Hikaru listened to Mori calmly telling Honey that Airisu has had enough cake.

Airisu blushed as soon as Mori sat down.

"Would you like some tea?" Mori 's deep voice questioned.

"Ah, um, y-yes. T-thank you."

Mori nodded, gently pouring the tea for Airisu. He sat next to her as she sipped it. Hikaru's jaw dropped as her face was still red. It was as if she were flustered…

"Airisu is in love with Mori-senpai!" Tamaki exclaimed. "Just look at her! It's written all over her face!"

"Hm, she does seem more reactive to him than any of us," Kyoya commented.

"Wow, Takashi is really winning her over," Honey said.

Hikaru felt like the Earth had just swallowed him whole. Was…was Airisu in love with Mori?

Kaoru glanced up from the magazine he'd been flipping through as Hikaru walked through the door of Hitachiin Mansion. It'd been surprisingly peaceful here since both of their parents were out on separate business trips. Kaoru had been home early since he'd decided to skip club activities. He stared at Hikaru's gloomy expression.

"Hey, are you alright? There's a dark cloud following you," Kaoru immediately said to his brother, pointing out one of the special effects from the anime that apparently found its way into this fanfiction.

Hikaru put one of his hands on his head. "I…I messed up with Airisu."

Kaoru smiled. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"N-no. I mean, yes. Kaoru…" Hikaru's eyes were teary.

"What happened?"

"She's in love with Mori-senpai!" He sobbed.

Kaoru squinted. "What? I don't think…"

"She was a guest for every host today. And she blushed for Mori-senpai! Everyone else she acted like was just nonchalant with, but Mori-senpai…" Hikaru's eyes continued to fill with tears.

"How did she react to you? What did you even do without me as a host?"

"I, uh, I hugged her. And then I ran away. I didn't know what to do!"

"Wait, what? You're not making much sense. Sounds like you must really need me there."

Kaoru felt a little guilty for letting Hikaru alone to host, but he didn't see another way around it. He'd had the afternoon to contemplate his own feelings for a bit. Ultimately, he'd come to the conclusion that it wasn't Hikaru and Airisu that bothered him so much, even if he did have doubts about Airisu. Tamaki and Haruhi were the ones who were really getting to him. He'd had feelings for Haruhi just as Hikaru did, though not quite as strong, but for some reason he was taken by surprise by how much Tamaki's dating her would bother him. Maybe his feelings for Haruhi were stronger than he initially thought.

"I do need you."

Hikaru put his arms around Kaoru, and the brothers hugged for a moment. Kaoru murmured, "Sorry I can't be there. I just need some time to clear my head, you know? But I still want you to come talk to me about these things. Why don't you explain the whole thing to me from the beginning?"

Hikaru explained their competition, how Airisu didn't pay much attention at all to Tamaki and Kyoya. "And with me…um. She was talking about Kyoya. And then you."

"She talked about me?"

"Saying that you and Kyoya-senpai were alike, at least the way she saw it. But I…I couldn't help but ask what she thought of me."

"What did she say?"

"She called me irritating..and then competitive. Um, but she said she was glad we were friends. And I just…I couldn't help but hug her; I was so happy."

"And then…?"

"Nothing! I got up and left. I didn't even say anything else to her. I was just so afraid to see her reaction."

Kaoru burst out laughing. "You're really helpless without me, aren't you?"

"H-hey!"

"Look, I don't think you have to worry too much. You've flipped out at Airisu a few times and she's still happy to be friends with you. Now what happened with Mori-senpai?"

"He was the last one to go. And she was, well, blushing. She seemed flustered."

"A little like how she acted with you when she woke up next to you by the fire?"

Hikaru looked up at his brother. "Kaoru…"

"I've been watching Airisu very closely, maybe more closely than I've needed to. I don't see any reason why she wouldn't like you. She's never acted that way with Mori-senpai before, I highly doubt she has secret feelings for him. You're the one she came to see at the host club today, right? I don't see why she wouldn't have feelings for you, if she has feelings for anyone."

Kaoru watched Hikaru's relieved expression. Yeah, he had made the right decision. It was much easier hearing about the host club's antics from Hikaru than experiencing them for himself, at least for the time being.

Hikaru said, "You're right. If she's not in love with me, then who else?"

"Daiki Shimomura will be at the charity banquet next weekend." Touma Nomura, Airisu's father, looked expectantly at his daughter.

"I will be sure to attend," she said immediately, smiling reassuringly at him.

Airisu had come home after an unusual time at the host club, mind reeling. She never did figure out why they were all acting so weird. Why did each host come to her individually? To mess with her? To distract her from something? But from what? It wasn't like Haruhi and Kaoru were the type to sabotage her science project or anything.

She sat down for dinner with both of her parents as soon as she arrived home. Her heart twisted at the thought of watching the two of them together again. It always made her so uncomfortable.

Sachie Nomura, Airisu's mother, said, "You don't have to meet that boy, Airisu. I heard the Shimomuras are very traditional. Daiki is surely boring."

Touma replied, "And Airisu can make her own judgment on the situation."

"Own judgment! You know that she'll do whatever you tell her to do. Even if it means entering a loveless marriage! Excuse. Me." Sachie stood up, roughly pushing her chair back into place.

Touma rubbed his temples for a moment. "Airisu, I am sorry. Your mother has had a long day. I do want to clarify, I would never force you to be with someone. All I want is for you to become acquainted with him and form your own decision. Please do not feel like it has to lead to anything."

"I know, father," Airisu said, forcing another smile. But she wasn't really telling the truth. When she meets Daiki, she would give flirting with him her best shot. Nothing would make her father happier in the world right now than merging with Shimomura Incorporated. At the very least he would appreciate her efforts in helping him and she would do anything to please him. She had to.

For some reason, she thought of Hikaru's hug from today. It had been totally unexpected, oddly placed. And he'd acted so awkward afterwards, rushing off without another word. She smiled slightly, thinking of the way he'd asked her if they could still hang out earlier in the day. Why rush off if he wanted to be so friendly? He was so foolish…

"My, what has you in such a pleasant mood this evening?" Touma asked his daughter, breaking her of her thoughts. He smiled, looking genuinely happy to see his daughter happy.

Airisu snapped her head back up, feeling her cheeks heat. "Oh, um. N-nothing. I was just lost in thought."

"Oh, to be young again. You know, I remember when I first met your mother, I'd gaze off into space…"

Airisu dropped her fork, causing her father to pause his story. She felt sweat suddenly begin to bead at her forehead.

Touma immediately noticed the change. "Honey, are you alright?"

"I, uh, I…" Airisu could feel her heart start racing. "I feel sick suddenly."

She stood up and rushed to her bedroom, locking the door behind her. She turned on the light, illuminating the gold Victorian-style wallpaper. She wrapped herself in her lilac comforter, taking deep breaths, praying that her chest wouldn't start to hurt this time. She thought she was over this! But hearing her dad mention falling in love with her mom was just too much.

Airisu could feel hot tears trailing down her cheeks, in addition to a wave of disappointment. Since Rentaro had left her alone, she thought that she wouldn't have to worry anymore. She took in another breath. Her parents' marriage was still falling apart, no matter what strong front they put on in front of her. At least…her heart pounded in her chest. Did her father think it was falling apart? Surely he–

Ding!

Airisu was pulled out of her thoughts at the sound of her phone. She glanced down, seeing a text from Hikaru, asking about the times they'd meet up to work on their science project on Saturday. She stared at it, hesitating, then picked up her phone and hit the "call" button.

"A-Airisu?" Hikaru answered, sounding a little flustered, as if maybe he wasn't sure if he was supposed to answer.

Airisu could already hear herself calm down at the sound of his voice. "I'm free all day this Saturday, so whatever time is most convenient for you and your staff is alright with me," she said to him. Her voice wavered a little.

"Um, Airisu, are you alright?" She could hear when Hikaru held his breath.

"Um, y-yeah. I, um. Er…" she could feel tears emerging again as she struggled to continue.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Airisu clutched the phone tightly. "I-it's my parents. They, um…" As she spoke, she couldn't help but think about the last time she'd confided in someone, Rentaro, and what had happened then. She bit her lip, then spoke again. "Er, nevermind."

Hikaru said, "Would you like to talk about something else to take your mind off of it?"

"You're right, we should work on our project anyway."

"Ha–" Hikaru cleared his throat, as if he were pretending as if he didn't just laugh. "You're very dedicated to your grades, aren't you?"

"I am the sole heir of Nomura Electronics, after all."

"If only you had the same dedication to your grades as you did to your outfits…"

"I dress the same as any other girl at school."

"Because it's a uniform! But outside of school…yeeesh."

Airisu smiled at their banter. "Then how would you suggest I dress?"

"How about I let you choose some of mom's designs on Saturday?" Hikaru suggested.

"Hm, I suppose I should dress better considering that our project is related to fashion."

"And there you go talking about the project again!"

As the two continued to chat, Airisu suddenly noticed her heart was beating at a normal rate. She was no longer drenched in sweat. She kicked her feet as she sat on the bed, listening to Hikaru discuss the latest fashion trends, as if she actually understood what he was talking about.

There was a knock at her door. She quickly said goodbye and hung up the phone, ignoring Hikaru's confused goodbye on the other end. She opened her door, smiling at the sight of her father. Touma politely smiled in return, emphasizing the dark circles under his eyes.

"Airisu, were you on the phone with someone?"

"Er, yes. My science project partner." She realized that she tried to hide the fact that she had just been talking to a boy on the phone.

"That Hitachiin boy?" Touma asked, smile dropping.

Oops, she forgot that her father knew Hikaru was her partner already. "Yes." There was no point in lying.

Her father's brow furrowed. Touma said, "Was he the boy you were thinking about earlier?"

She immediately blushed. "Oh, uh, I wasn't…"

"Airisu, if you don't want to meet Daiki, don't be afraid to tell me."

"I do want to meet him. You've misunderstood. Hikaru and I aren't like that. We're just friends, really."

Her father's eyes skimmed her face before he said, "We'll keep the meeting as scheduled, then. I just don't want to pressure you–"

"Don't worry about what mom said. I'm fine, really." Airisu felt her heart squeeze in her chest as she said it.

"Alright, honey. Have a good night." Airisu noticed he headed in the opposite direction of his and her mother's room.

She shut her door, sighing in relief. She returned to her bed, gazing at the chandelier on her ceiling. She'd just reassured her father that there was nothing between her and Hikaru, and there wasn't. They were just friends, like she had said. That's all they were.

Yet she couldn't help but replay the memory of them out in the woods, when Hikaru mentioned that he loved her, leaves swirling behind him. Even if it was an accident, it still made her heart flutter. His flustered explanation afterwards was so adorable. She blushed, realizing exactly where her thoughts were going.

She was in love with Hikaru. But there was nothing she could do about it. No, she would meet Daiki, and her feelings for Hikaru would fade. At least her father would be happy with her and proud of her.

Besides, Hikaru was still struggling to get over Haruhi. She wouldn't have to worry about his feelings. He admitted that using the word love was only meant as a friend, anyway. She curled up tighter in her bed, clutching her comforter in her fingers. All she had to do was forget the way her heart hurt when she thought about Hikaru only viewing her as a friend and nothing more. As long as she could hold out, everything would fall into place, with Daiki, with her father, and even with her science project. It had to.