Author's Note: Thanks to all who followed, favorited, and reviewed!

"So, what kind of swimsuit do you think Airisu will wear?"

Kaoru looked expectantly at Hikaru, who'd been staring at the window of their limo for most of the ride to the dock. The Ootori family was allowing the host club to spend the day on their private cruise ship, of course for a small percentage of earnings the club made from their guests. Despite having to host, the outing was sure to be fun. In a sense, Kaoru was glad that the girls were allowed on the trip. If it were just the host club, Tamaki would likely spend all his time with Haruhi, reviving the disappointed feelings brewing inside Hikaru. But with the girls along, Tamaki would have to spend plenty of time pleasing them and not focus all his attention on Haruhi.

Hikaru glanced at his brother. "I'm not sure. She definitely doesn't have good taste."

"But she does have a nice figure, doesn't she?" Kaoru smiled.

Alright, so Kaoru wasn't being subtle. But Hikaru kept mentioning Airisu all the time the past few days, worrying over how he would get her to explain the exchange with Rentaro. In some ways it was a refreshing change from his pining after Haruhi and grieving losing her to the boss. But, if Kaoru was being honest, the quick way Hikaru began to focus on Airisu really alarmed him. He knew his brother was emotional and at times impulsive, but he hadn't expected Hikaru to develop feelings for someone else so quickly. Hikaru wasn't aware of it himself yet, but Kaoru was positive that he was infatuated. He supposed that his only choice now was to help Hikaru realize how he felt toward Airisu, despite the way his heart seemed to drop whenever he considered his brother's feelings.

Kaoru watched as Hikaru's cheeks began to color. "Yeah. She does."

"So she'd look good in a bikini, right? Do you think that's what she'll wear?"

Hikaru's blush deepened. "She would. She'd look good in something low-cut…"

"That's right, you know her exact measurements, don't you? I bet you could design something for her if you wanted to."

"83 centimeters." Hikaru muttered wistfully.

Kaoru raised an eyebrow. Could Hikaru figure out his feelings on his own? It might not be a full blown crush, but the attraction that he felt towards the girl was becoming really obvious. The past few days in class, Hikaru and Airisu had really been getting along. Kaoru had noticed the way Hikaru would inch closer towards her while working on their project. And lately he'd been quiet, like he's deep in thought. With Haruhi, Hikaru had been open with Kaoru about what he was feeling, even if he wasn't interpreting it correctly. With Airisu, Hikaru didn't say much at all.

Kaoru felt the familiar pang in his chest. This was tough. More tough than it'd been with Haruhi. In fact, he was positive he wasn't ready for Hikaru and Airisu to move to the next step, because that meant Kaoru would be left behind.

"Hey, Hikaru, why don't we play a game with Airisu when we see her?" Kaoru smiled widely, despite the tight feeling that had emerged in his throat.

"Um, I guess we could."

"Let's play the 'which one is Hikaru?' game!"

Kaoru watched as Hikaru's brows furrowed. "Airisu already knows us apart, what would be the point in playing?"

"Well, she said that she could tell us apart by our voices. So we should do it without talking! If she really wanted to get to know us, she should be able to tell us apart by now!" Kaoru forced a smile again, but he felt sweat appearing on his forehead.

Hikaru nodded. "Alright, let's play it."

Kaoru turned away, not able to keep up the act if he met Hikaru's eyes. What was he doing? He was acting so selfishly! He knew what would happen: Airisu wouldn't be able to tell them apart just from looking, Hikaru would be hurt, and Kaoru would have more time as Hikaru's number one. It was such a manipulative plan.

And yet Kaoru's fear of losing Hikaru stopped him from telling the truth. He couldn't lose his brother, not now. And not to a stranger! He remembered a conversation he'd had with Honey once, where Honey asked Kaoru to not consider Hikaru or Haruhi, but to consider his own feelings. That was simply what Kaoru was finally doing. That was all.

But why did he feel so guilty? Was this really the right thing?

Kaoru stared out the window as they approached the enormous cruise ship. The white vessel, with more windows than he could count, towered over the ant-like people boarding. He noticed two waterslides on the main deck, both painted blue, yet with very different designs. He glanced at Hikaru, his guilt beginning to get to him.

Fortunately, they arrived, and the moment to take back his suggestion had passed. The two made their way up the gangway and onto the Ootori family's vessel. The guests were making their way onboard as well, many of the girls already wearing bikinis in anticipation of spending time at the pool on the main deck, and likely also to get more attention from the various hosts.

Kaoru and Hikaru were both wearing blue Hawaiin shirts, matching the rest of the host club. As always, Tamaki had a costume for everything. Walking onboard, Kaoru scanned the crowd for Airisu, ready to get the "which one is Hikaru?" game over with. Instead, Tamaki, grinning like an idiot, ran up to the Hitachiin brothers.

"Hikaru! Kaoru! I'm so glad you're here! Airisu didn't arrive yet, but I came up with the perfect way to save her! Kyoya will act like a thug, then Hikaru will save her, then she'll tell you everything! It's foolproof!" Tamaki jumped up and down and clapped his hands, bursting with excitement.

Kaoru sighed, but couldn't help but smile. "That plan's never gonna work, boss."

Tamaki immediately retreated to a corner of the room, a dark shadow overtop of him. In some ways, Kaoru thought it was sweet that the boss was so concerned about Airisu, someone he barely knew. That was kind of Tamaki's thing, doing his best to make anyone and everyone happy.

"There is something you can help us with, though," Hikaru said.

Kaoru looked at his brother, surprised. Tamaki's depression, as quickly as it appeared, disappeared without a trace.

"I'll be glad to help!" their boss exclaimed.

Although Tamaki was always enthusiastic, Kaoru couldn't help but notice the slight desperate nature of his willingness to help out. The boss had been ecstatic since finally dating Haruhi, but it was clear he felt guilty whenever he was around Hikaru. Since the other day when Hikaru snapped at Tamaki, the boss had been practically walking on glass around the older twin. Like the rest of the host club, Kaoru knew thatTamaki wanted everyone to just be happy again, despite the transition to him dating Haruhi. And, being as impulsive and emotional as he was, he'd do just about anything for Hikaru right now.

Hikaru shrugged. "We want to play the 'which one is Hikaru?' game with Airisu when she arrives, but we want to do a silent version. We just need you to ask the question. And tell her I won't work on our project today if she refuses to play." He gave a devilish grin at the last comment.

Kaoru stared at the ground. He could tell by the way Hikaru explained the game that it was clear he was excited for Airisu to win it. Maybe she would, and Kaoru wouldn't have to feel guilty anymore, but the truth was Kaoru wanted her to get it wrong. He supposed he'd just have to see how it played out.

Tamaki, however, put a finger to his lips, likely sensing the potential for the game to go terribly wrong. "Can't she already tell you apart?"

Kaoru replied, "Apparently just by our voices."

Tamaki frowned, thinking about it more. "I guess it won't hurt for me to do it."

Kaoru knew that Tamaki was likely doing it against his better judgment and because he wanted to make Hikaru happy. Really, Tamaki was the perfect person to ask this of. If they asked someone like Haruhi, for instance, she would certainly catch on and berate them for bugging Airisu again. The other hosts either wouldn't be interested or would discourage them from playing. Or, in the case of Mori, didn't speak anyway.

Kaoru saw movement in the corner of his eye, and turned to see that Airisu had just made her way on board. Her hair up in a messy bun, she smiled and waved at the Hitachiin brothers. Kaoru and Hikaru simultaneously waved back, with Kaoru noticing that she looked back and forth between them. It was clear that she couldn't tell which was which already.

He was surprised that, instead of a swimsuit, she had on a white tank dress covered in sunflowers. It was pretty tacky, to be honest, but he glanced at his brother, knowing that Hikaru's real disappointment wasn't in the badly styled dress, but the fact that she wasn't wearing a revealing swimsuit. Or, if she was, it was hidden under the dress.

Tamaki threw his arm around her as she came up. "Hello, beautiful. This is your first time on a trip with the host club, correct? We hope you enjoy yourself and if you need anything, feel free to contact me personally."

Kaoru noticed Airisu's blush and the way Hikaru crossed his arms at the sight, Kaoru copying the movement. Airisu said, "Thank you."

Tamaki continued. "Also, we're going to start off with a game! You're going to play 'which one is Hikaru?', at the request of the Hitachiin brothers. So which one is Hikaru?"

Airisu's eyes widened. "Oh, um, I would rather not play, if that's alright."

Neither Hikaru or Kaoru said a word. Tamaki shrugged. "Hikaru insisted that he wouldn't work on your project if you don't play."

Airisu's face fell. "Alright, I'll play." She looked back and forth between the two, putting her hand to her chin. Unlike when the guests played the game with them, there were no smiles from Airisu. She maintained an even expression, when she finally pointed to Kaoru and said, "Is that Hikaru?"

Kaoru glanced at Hikaru, whose fist immediately clenched. Kaoru looked at his designer sandals, his throat tightening even more. She guessed wrong, and now Hikaru was upset, just as Kaoru planned. Yet he felt like he'd been punched in the stomach. Why couldn't she have gotten it right? At least then he wouldn't feel so bad about it.

Tamaki's eyes were averted. "No, that's Kaoru."

Airisu's features were tight, but she took a step towards Hikaru, who was now quivering. "I'm so sorry, Hikaru. I told you I couldn't tell by looks…"

"You're so stupid!" Hikaru shouted. "We've been working together all week-you should know by now!" He was breathing heavily, staring her directly in the eye.

Airisu paled at his words, but she didn't say anything else. Kaoru couldn't blame her. What could she say? Hikaru was inconsolable when he was like this, and it wasn't like she could take back what happened.

Hikaru, who must have realized Airisu wasn't going to respond, darkly said, "I have some guests to entertain, excuse me."

"What about our project?" Airisu demanded.

Hikaru took a step towards her and leaned in so that he towered over her. "We're on a cruise. Why would we work on the project? You really are an idiot. We only invited you to be nice, not because anyone actually wants you here. I can't believe you came." He practically spat the last words, then he sprinted off in another direction, not looking Airisu in the eye.

Kaoru glanced at Tamaki and Airisu then said, "I'm gonna go after him."

Kaoru was beginning to feel sick. Hikaru had put so much effort into controlling his temper when he was trying to win Haruhi, and he'd been honestly getting better. When Kaoru had partnered with Haruhi on their science project, he was convinced that his brother would be able to befriend someone else outside of the host club, passing the true test of his new social skills. And, with the realization that Airisu was in deep trouble with blackmail, Hikaru would emerge as the logical choice to try to convince her to confide in him. So what went wrong?

With a sinking feeling, Kaoru realized the answer. He'd manipulated the situation to delay Hikaru's independence from him. He was the reason for Hikaru's setback. And, worst of all, he was the reason why Hikaru was so unhappy. Not to mention he may have messed up the host club's ability to truly help Airisu and her blackmail problem.

Airisu hugged herself as she watched the Hitachiin brothers disappear. She really shouldn't let Hikaru get to her, after all he was such an emotional and cranky person, but she also couldn't ignore the way her heart sank. She couldn't forget the expression on his face as soon as she guessed wrong, looking as if she'd just slapped him. The fact was, at some point during the course of this week, Airisu had begun to care about Hikaru. And she was positive that he'd also bonded with her. If he hadn't, it wouldn't have mattered to him at all that she'd guessed wrong. But it did.

Tamaki, who'd placed his arm on the back of his neck, quietly said, "Sorry about that." His eyes were averted downward.

Airisu shrugged. "It's not your fault. Why does he get upset so easily? Is he always like this?"

"Not until the past year or so, when the Hitachiin brothers began to show people besides each other their true emotions."

Airisu was surprised to see such a serious side from Tamaki. The intensity in his expression showed a deep care for the two brothers. It made sense that the hosts would be close. She thought again about what Tamaki said about them opening up. Did that mean they really didn't have friends outside of the host club? She felt like her heart had moved to her throat. She should've paid more attention to their physical differences! Then Hikaru wouldn't be so upset right now. She always messed everything up! That was the entire reason she was in this situation with Rentaro...

Airisu closed her eyes for a second, then shook her head. She couldn't let her exchanges with Rentaro distract her. It was out of her control, anyway. She pushed the sense of foreboding about Rentaro's next request to the back of her mind.

"Airisu!"

Airisu turned to see Haruhi quickly walking up to her and Tamaki.

Haruhi's huge eyes met Airisu's hazel ones. "I just saw Hikaru and Kaoru run up to the main deck. They both looked upset. Did something happen?"

Airisu sighed. "Well, they played that game where they ask which is which, and I guessed wrong."

Haruhi kept her gaze even. "I thought you could tell them apart."

"Well, by their personality and voices. They didn't talk this time."

Haruhi's hand went to her chin. "How did you play a silent version?"

Tamaki suddenly interrupted. "Oh, uh, Haruhi, I'm so glad you're here. You can comfort Airisu with your girl talk! Cheer her up!"

Airisu couldn't help but shake her head. Tamaki clearly didn't want Haruhi to know his involvement in the game. "I'm fine, really. The Hitachiin brothers are the ones upset, not me."

The sinking feeling in her stomach indicated otherwise, but Airisu simply swallowed in hopes it would vanish. She forced a smile. "In fact, my only concern is that I can't work on my project now. I guess I can just sit in here until the cruise is over."

"Absolutely not!" Tamaki threw his arms around her in a hug. "Forget what Hikaru said, you're more than welcome here! In fact, why not spend the entire day with me? I am the king of the hosts, after all!"

Airisu's cheeks turned pink as she thought about spending the whole day with the handsome host, but, to be honest, he was a little too much for her to handle. She'd just be awkward the entire time. However, she couldn't think of a way out of it without offending his massive ego.

"Um…"

Haruhi smiled at her. "If you want, you could spend the day with me and my guests. We're going to be hanging around the buffet and trying different types of food."

Airisu did her best to hide her sigh of relief. "I would love that."

Haruhi, ignoring the rain cloud appearing above Tamaki's head, led Airisu away towards the dining area. As they walked, Haruhi asked. "What did Hikaru say to you? Tamaki mentioned something about it."

Airisu felt the heat on her face as she remembered. "Um, just that it was stupid I came. He said I was only invited because they were being nice, and that I shouldn't have accepted the invitation."

Haruhi's brows furrowed. "Why would he say something so cruel? Especially when he doesn't mean it."

"He doesn't mean it? Are you sure?"

Haruhi nodded, but seemed to think carefully about her words, giving Airisu the impression that the crossdressing host didn't want to talk too much about her friend behind his back. "Hikaru talks about working on your project a lot at the club, and I think mentioned yesterday he was glad you were coming on the cruise."

Hikaru talked about her? Airisu couldn't ignore the way Haruhi's words cheered her up. Still, he was upset with her right now, simply because she wasn't able to tell the twins apart. The sinking feeling came back almost as quickly as it had disappeared.

Haruhi, meeting Airisu's eyes, offered a smile. "It'll be alright. I'm sure Hikaru just needs some time to cool off, and then you can talk about it yourself."

Airisu couldn't help but smile back at Haruhi's calm nature. "Thank you."

It was like Haruhi had a way of sensing exactly what was wrong with Airisu, and knowing the right words to say to make it better. No wonder Hikaru was in love with the girl. Airisu's heart skipped a little at the thought, but she again ignored the sensation. It wasn't like it mattered, Haruhi was dating Tamaki anyway.

Airisu stopped suddenly.

Haruhi glanced back at her. "What is it?"

"You're dating Tamaki, right?"

Haruhi's face colored. "Yes."

"But you're so different! Tamaki is so eccentric and wild, yet you're so calm!"

Haruhi merely cocked her head. "Hm, I suppose. I guess we complement each other, at least in that way."

By this point, they had arrived into the dining area with the other girls, meaning Airisu needed to drop any conversation about Haruhi and Tamaki being an item. She was surprised, however, to see Haruhi's mouth completely drop at the display of food. Airisu glanced around at the fancy seafood dishes, endless desserts, and unique appetizers filling the room. The host club had really gone all out for the cruise experience!

Airisu swore she'd never seen Haruhi look so pleased in her life.

"Fancy tuna!" the host exclaimed, making her way towards the dish.

The guests eagerly followed Haruhi.

"Wow, Haruhi looks so cute!"

"Look how happy he looks!"

Haruhi picked some up and began to eat, grinning at the girls. "Here, do you guys want some?"

The girls' eyes bulged out of their head. "Yes! So kind!"

Airisu couldn't help but chuckle, but she quickly joined in on the taste testing. This was kind of fun, actually. Before she knew it, she became focused on the moment with Haruhi and the other guests, enjoying all the exquisite dishes available. Haruhi definitely had a point about the wonderful fancy tuna. Feeling quite bloated, she smiled at Haruhi.

"Thanks for inviting me."

Haruhi simply smiled in return. "My pleasure. It was fun to have you."

Suddenly, an announcement came on the loudspeaker. "The host club invites you to the main deck for our host swimsuit modelling competition. Please come and vote for the best swimsuit!"

Squeals came out of the girls. One asked, "Are you participating, Haruhi?"

Haruhi smiled, in a way that Airisu sensed she was trying her best to be nonchalant. "No, I'm not into that sort of thing. But the other hosts are! You should go watch. I'm sure you girls would have a great time."

"Are you sure?" another girl asked Haruhi.

"Positive. Have fun!"

The girls practically ran out of the room. Airisu stayed with Haruhi, while slightly interested in seeing the Hitachiin brothers and Tamaki modelling swimsuits, wanted to avoid the awkwardness of a possible encounter with Hikaru.

Haruhi smiled at Airisu. "Are you sure that you don't want to go?"

Airisu shrugged. "Yeah. I don't want to upset Hikaru any further."

"You know, it's funny, I'm not used to hearing someone speak about Hikaru without mentioning Kaoru," Haruhi observed.

"Oh, I didn't mean to leave Kaoru out. I don't wish to make him upset, either, but he also wasn't the one who snapped at me." Airisu didn't mention that her heart didn't flutter when she heard Kaoru speak the same way it did with Hikaru.

Haruhi looked over Airisu for a moment, as if she were deep in thought. A moment later, Haruhi opened her mouth as if she might suggest something, but suddenly froze, the blood draining from her face.

Airisu quickly said, "Haruhi, what's wrong?"

"Did you hear anything?" Haruhi asked, beginning to shake a little bit.

Huh? Airisu wasn't sure she'd ever seen Haruhi act this strangely before.

"Um, no?"

Suddenly, Airisu heard a rumble of thunder and calmly smiled. "Oh, that must be what you heard. I guess a storm's coming."

Haruhi's eyes widened and she ran out of the room without a word. Airisu followed her, suddenly worried about her classmate. "Haruhi!"

Airisu watched as Haruhi had run outside along the side of the ship, looking out at the storm. Haruhi said, "D-d-do you think we can make it back in time? We don't want to be out on a ship in a storm."

Airisu tried her best to be reassuring, "These types of ships are perfectly safe-
She was cut off by the simultaneous flash of lightning and crack of thunder that sent Haruhi running off like an animal escaping a forest fire.

"Haruhi!"

Airisu realized that the poor girl must be terrified of thunderstorms. Haruhi just needed to go back inside to wait it out, but Airisu realized that the host's movements in this situation were totally irrational. Rain had begun to pelt the side deck, likely completely ruining that swimsuit competition happening on the main deck, and causing Airisu to slip a little bit in her sandals. She threw them off in an attempt to keep up with Haruhi.

After another crack of thunder, Airisu glimpsed Haruhi jump for shelter in an orange lifeboat on the side of the ship. To her horror, the impact of Haruhi landing on the boat was just enough for it to be released, and she watched as Haruhi and the boat fell down into the water on their own.

"Haruhi!" Airisu screamed. She took a breath, realizing she needed to be calm in this situation. In theory, Haruhi would be safe on the lifeboat, especially if she was able to row it back to the very bottom of the ship where it would be able to reattach itself and unload any passengers. However, Airisu was concerned that, since Haruhi's mind appeared to be frozen in a state of hysteria, Haruhi wouldn't be able to rescue herself.

Someone had to go down there with her.

Airisu ripped off her soaked sundress so that she was only wearing her purple one-piece bathing suit, and she looked out over the balcony. If she jumped, she would land in the water, and she would hopefully reach the lifeboat. The water was rather rough at the moment, though, and she didn't want to risk being taken in by an undercurrent. Airisu glanced around, and noticed a life preserver attached to a rope, grabbed it, then jumped off the side of the cruise ship into the water below.

Thank goodness she had the life preserver! Airisu kicked as hard as she could to make it to the lifeboat, but was positive she'd be pulled underwater if not for the ring she was so desperately clinging to. She continued to swim towards the lifeboat, although she seemed to be making painfully slow progress. After her arms and legs began to feel like they would explode, she finally reached the orange vessel. She pulled herself up on it and looked around desperately for Haruhi.

Haruhi was sitting in the middle of the boat, holding her knees to her chest with her eyes closed, quivering as if she were freezing. Airisu carefully, afraid to stand up and cause the boat to capsize, pulled herself over to the host. Airisu placed the life preserver around Haruhi.

"It's gonna be alright."

Haruhi managed to whisper, "Thank you."

A loud crack of thunder and a flash of lightning occurred together again, this time causing even Airisu to jump. The last thing she needed was their boat to be struck by lightning. She needed to stay calm for both of their sakes.

She glanced around the lifeboat, seeing a set of oars and, to her surprise, what appeared to be a walkie talkie. Airisu grabbed it, pressed the button, then said, "Hello! Is someone there to help us!"

A moment later, the walkie talkie responded, "Are you on the boat that fell overboard?"

"Yes! There's two of us onboard. Please send help! I'm not sure if we can make it back on our own."

The crew member on the other side simply said, "Follow our directions. You need to get the ship towards the latter on the starboard side of the ship. There will be crewmembers there to help you climb back onboard. You're going to have to row there. Do you see the oars?"

Airisu replied, "Yes, I do!"

She grabbed them, then began rowing, trying to figure out if they were on the port or starboard side of the ship. Examining the side of the vessel, she began to see the ladder along the side, with a few crewmembers waving at her from the top. Airisu rowed towards it as quickly as she possibly could. Once she arrived, she grabbed the ladder, catching the boat alongside it.

"Haruhi! You need to climb up the ladder! Now!" Airisu didn't mean to sound so harsh, but it wasn't like she was physically able to carry Haruhi up. The host needed to save herself. She sighed in relief as Haruhi, still clinging to the life preserver, grabbed onto the latter and desperately began climbing up.

As soon as Haruhi was almost at the top, Airisu pushed off the lifeboat, leaving it to float away on its own, and also began to climb the slick ladder. She prayed that she wouldn't fall into the stormy waves, positive that she wouldn't be able to save herself if that happened. She finally got up to the top, where a member of the crew offered a hand and pulled her up over the top. Airisu and Haruhi were quickly rushed into an inside room of the ship. They weren't there for more than thirty seconds before the host club burst into the room.

"Haruhi!"

Airisu watched as Tamaki and Hikaru simultaneously rushed towards the terrified host, pulling her into a hug. A second later, Honey and Kaoru joined the group hug, while Mori and Kyoya looked on. Airisu awkwardly stood there, shivering from the cold, before looking down at her bare feet. She also felt extremely embarrassed to only be in her swimsuit in front of all these guys. The whole point of wearing the sundress from earlier was so the Hitachiin brothers wouldn't make fun of her swimsuit since they are, after all, the sons of a famous designer. All she could do was hug herself, feeling extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed.

After a moment, Hikaru and Tamaki still fussing over Haruhi, Kyoya walked towards her and smiled. "The crew reported that you jumped in after Haruhi. I thank you for your service to the host club. Here's a key to room 102, where you can feel free to take a hot bath and relax. I'll have some dry clothes sent up to you."

Airisu muttered her thanks and briskly walked out to find the private room Kyoya had offered her. Once she found it, she entered and locked the door. She quickly found the bath he had talked about and began to run the hot water. Stripping out of her swimsuit, she settled into the tub, finally able to relax. For some reason, she felt bothered by the image of Hikaru hugging Haruhi, but she pushed it away. She just needed to relax, that was all. Before she knew it, she had fallen asleep in the hot water.

Hikaru watched as Tamaki led Haruhi to the couch in the corner of the ship, wrapping his arms and a towel around his girlfriend in an attempt to comfort her as thunder still rumbled. He felt the color come to his cheeks as he remembered awkwardly embracing Haruhi alongside her boyfriend, when he really should have just let Tamaki take care of it. He glanced around the room again, frowning as he didn't see Airisu anywhere.

To Kaoru, he asked, "Where's Airisu?"

Kaoru averted his eyes. "I think Kyoya sent her to a private room."

Hikaru rubbed the back of his head. "Oh."

To be honest, he was still very hurt that Airisu wasn't able to tell him apart from Kaoru, but when he had heard that Haruhi and her were in danger earlier, he'd nearly forgotten about his own feelings. All he could think about was the thunderstorm and how scared Haruhi must've been. But, it seemed that Airisu had also been in danger.

Kaoru added, "Kyoya said that the crew saw Airisu jump in after Haruhi. She was very brave, apparently."

Hikaru's face still felt hot. "Right."

Kaoru suddenly grabbed his hands. "Let's go up and see Airisu."

Hikaru stared into his brother's eyes. "What? After today?"

Kaoru glanced at their hands. "Hikaru...I…"

Hikaru shook his head. "What happened between me and Airisu today wasn't your fault, if that's what you were going to say, Kaoru."

Kaoru looked up suddenly. "You knew?"

Hikaru softly hit his brother on the top of his head. "I'm not stupid."

Kaoru sighed. "I'm sorry. The guilt has been eating at me all day. I-Hikaru... I didn't want to see you spending time with someone that I barely know." Kaoru closed his eyes.

Hikaru's eyes widened. That was why Kaoru had suggested they play the silent version of the game? He'd only figured Kaoru had felt bad because it went badly, not because he had manipulated the situation. So this was all...this was Kaoru? Part of him was furious that Kaoru had again messed with others' emotions, but he couldn't ignore what he felt overall.

Hikaru took in a breath. "Kaoru.." and he hugged his twin brother tightly. "You're so stupid. Nothing is going to change our relationship, okay?"

He felt Kaoru nod and Hikaru took a step back. Kaoru said, "I need to make this right. Please, let's go see Airisu."

Hikaru glanced down. The last thing he wanted was to have another uncomfortable interaction with his lab partner. Still, he couldn't deny that he did want to see the girl, despite his irritation with her this morning. "Do you think I was too hard on her?"

Kaoru grinned. "Now who's the idiot? Of course you were. C'mon."

Hikaru grumbled something inaudible to Kaoru as his mind began to race. Why did Kaoru have to be so brutally honest with him? What was he supposed to say to Airisu when they saw her?

His thoughts were interrupted by Kyoya. "If you're going up to see Airisu, would you do me a favor and take this dress up to her?"

Kaoru grabbed the dress, purple with green palms all over it, and continued to drag Hikaru up towards Airisu's room. As they walked up, Kaoru asked him, "Do you remember the Halloween fright night?"

Hikaru nodded. "Of course. We spent all night with Haruhi and that chicken class rep. Um, why are you bringing that up now?"

"There was one point when you and Haruhi were separated from me and Kazukiyo. I remember you tore off after me, leaving Haruhi behind. I was thinking that day about how you wouldn't always run to me first. I suppose today when you ran to Haruhi instead of Airisu it reminded me of that."

Hikaru stopped dead. Thinking back on that fright night, he had been terribly worried about Kaoru. However, he was positive that he did have feelings for Haruhi then. If he had run to Kaoru despite his feelings for Haruhi, then running to Haruhi today might mean that with Airisu he….

Kaoru glanced back at him. "What is it?"

Hikaru shook his head. "Um, nevermind. Look, can you help me figure out what to say to Airisu?"

Kaoru frowned. "Well, you said something horrible to her so she probably hates you right now. I think you should start with apologizing."

Hikaru grimaced again at Kaoru's honesty, but said, "Okay."

Kaoru grinned a little mischievously. "And then you should ask her out on a date."

"What?" Hikaru demanded. Ask Airisu on a date? The thought made his knees feel weak. No, he couldn't possibly do something like that. Besides, she hated him, why would she even consider it? "No, absolutely not."

"You don't have to call it a date. Just invite her to spend the day with you Saturday to make up for what you said. It'll be a way to get to know her better. Besides, you need to make up for lost time. If you want her to talk to you about Rentaro blackmailing her, you're going to have to put in the time."

Hikaru, still terrified at the idea, realized that Kaoru wouldn't have suggested it if he didn't think it would work. "Fine, I'll do it."

When the two arrived at the door, Kaoru cheerfully knocked. "Airisu! It's the Hitachiin brothers!"

He moved aside, pushing Hikaru in front of the door so Airisu would see him as soon as it opened. It took a moment, but finally the door cracked open, Airisu peeking out at them. "Oh, um, hello."

Hikaru pushed the door wider. "Can we come in?"

Deep in thought, he pushed through without waiting for her to say anything, Kaoru handing her the dress delivery before following. Hikaru felt breathless as he sat on the little sofa in the corner of the room, Kaoru sitting down next to him. He glanced up at Airisu, who had a white towel wrapped around her. Why was she always covering her swimsuit like that?

Airisu was blushing at the two of them, but she sat down across from them on the king bed. "What is it?" She crossed her arms over her chest.

Kaoru elbowed Hikaru, who rubbed his arm, then said, "Um, sorry. For this morning."

Airisu met Hikaru's gaze, causing his breath to catch in his throat. She said, "Look, I've had a long day. I don't feel like playing these games right now."

Hikaru could feel his blood pressure rise. He took the time to apologize, and that's what she said? He gripped the green arm of the sofa. "It's not just a game!" he shouted.

"It's very vain if it's not just a game to you, then," Airisu pointed out.

Hikaru looked to Kaoru, whose arms and legs were now crossed, eyes narrowed. So she was making Kaoru upset too. "I don't even know why we came up here," Hikaru said, standing up. "We've leaving!"

Forget helping Airisu with Rentaro, she probably deserved to be blackmailed. Fuming, he headed to the door, but Airisu called after them, "I just don't understand why you care so much about the game from earlier. Why does it matter if I can't tell you apart just by looks? It's what on the inside that counts more, right? That's why I said it was vain."

Hikaru froze in his tracks, looking at Kaoru, who had followed him to the door. He remembered the funny feeling that had arisen in his stomach the first time Haruhi was able to tell him and Kaoru apart. That same feeling was back again at Airisu's words. "So you can tell us apart?"

"Hikaru, I know you. You're a lot angrier and impulsive than Kaoru."

Kaoru chuckled, then cleared his throat to pretend he wasn't amused by her words.

Hikaru bristled. "Alright, whatever." Clearly she hated him, great.

Airisu's eyes softened. "Can't you tell I'm only teasing you?"

Hikaru shoved his hands in his pockets, unable to come up with something to reply.

Airisu continued, "Kaoru is calmer and more friendly. But, Hikaru, you seem to care a lot and feel more deeply. I think it's really sweet."

Whatever lingering anger remained dissipated. Hikaru's heartbeat had quickened as he tried to stumble through a response. "Oh, um. Right."

Kaoru lightly tapped his brother's arm, returning to the couch across from Airisu. Hikaru followed his lead, suddenly feeling very flustered. Airisu thought he was sweet? And everything she said about the differences between the two was accurate. She could tell them apart and she still accepted him?

Kaoru spoke, "When you put it like that, Airisu, it does make our game seem kind of silly. Also, I'm not sure if anyone formally thanked you for saving Haruhi. The host club is in your debt."

Airisu looked down. "Oh, don't worry about that. I just happened to be there, that's all."

Hikaru shook his head. "Diving after her like that isn't something just anyone would do."

He noticed Airisu blush and look away again, definitely embarrassed. Kaoru kicked Hikaru's foot, and Hikaru floundered for words. "So, uh, Airisu, to make up for today. And um, to thank you. I think we could spend time together. I mean, like go out somewhere together."

Airisu looked up at him, surprised. "To work on our project?"

Of course she would say that. Hikaru almost agreed with her words as to not feel embarrassed, but swallowed instead. "Like, not on our project. Just so we can get to know each other. I was thinking Saturday."

"Oh, I actually have an exposition that I have to go to. My father's company is hosting it and he thinks it's important that I'm there."

"I could come with you," Hikaru said suddenly.

Airisu raised an eyebrow. "Really? It doesn't seem like something you would be into."

So she didn't want him to go? Hikaru was trying his best to pick up on any subtle hints she was dropping, but he just found himself more lost. The only thing he could manage to do was be honest. "I've never been to one."

Airisu smiled. "Well, if you want to try it, I won't stop you. It's at Hatori Exposition Hall. I'll be there around eight a.m., but you could come later if you wanted."

"Eight works for me," Hikaru muttered.

"Alright. Now, if you two don't mind, I would really like to get dressed," Airisu said.

Hikaru shrugged. "Alright."

Kaoru smiled at her, "Thanks, again, Airisu."

Hikaru glanced at Kaoru as soon as they exited her room, closing the door behind them. "Why does she always have to cover up her swimsuit? First the dress, then the towel."

Kaoru stopped. "Um, Hikaru…"

Hikaru glanced at him. "What?"

"I didn't want to say anything to embarrass her, or you, but her swimsuit was laying on a chair in the room. I don't think she was wearing anything under the towel. That's why she looked so embarrassed when you burst into her room."

Hikaru's face felt hot as he realized what he had just done. She was only wearing a towel? He suddenly couldn't get the memory of her in it out of his head. And the way he'd just pushed past her to talk. What must she think of him?

Kaoru continued. "She's really something, isn't she?"

Hikaru's train of thought stopped. Wait… "Kaoru...you don't...you don't like Airisu, do you?"

Kaoru shook his head. "I barely know her! I don't like her like a girl, if that's what you mean."

Hikaru sighed in relief. Wait, why would that bother him if Kaoru liked her? It wasn't like he himself liked her! Did he?

Kaoru chuckled, distracting Hikaru from analyzing his own feelings.

"What?"

"Looks like you get to go on your second date!"

Suddenly, Hikaru was terrified. The only other date he'd been on was with Haruhi, and that had gone horribly! He'd ended up abandoning the girl in a thunderstorm, having no idea that Haruhi was afraid despite the hints she'd been dropping all day. Not to mention he really had no idea where to take Haruhi or what to do. No wonder Haruhi had chosen Tamaki over him. If he went on a date with Airisu, he was sure it was going to go badly. What was he thinking?

Kaoru put his arm around his brother. "Don't worry! I have a plan. Saturday is going to go smoothly, thanks to the host club!"

For some reason, his brother's words didn't reassure Hikaru at all.