Author's Note: There's definitely a lot of moving parts to this story! Lots of conflicting emotions happening for sure. Thanks to all who left positive reviews. It warms my heart to see that people actually read this and like it! Reviews also definitely inspire me to keep writing. And thanks to all for reading. I hope you enjoy Hikaru and Airisu's mess of a date!
As the sun was beginning to rise, Airisu came downstairs for breakfast, already wearing her outfit for the exposition later today. She wore a simple pink dress that came to her knees, the sleeves coming slightly off her shoulders. She'd gone back and forth a thousand times on what to wear, almost positive that Hikaru would have something to criticize about it. She entered the grand dining hall, Victorian-esque chairs lining a redwood table, her father's unique style of decorating. Her mind was racing as she sat down on one of the rosey chairs.
"Good morning, Airisu. Did you sleep well?" Touma Nomura, Airisu's father, looked up from his newspaper to smile at her. As always, he wore a professional, black suit.
"I had a little trouble falling asleep, if I'm being honest."
Touma simply said, "You must be anticipating a busy day."
Airisu looked down at her glass as a servant filled it with sparkling water. "Yes, that must be it."
In reality, just as the bubbles floated around her glass, emotions were bubbling up inside Airisu. She was both excited and concerned about spending time with Hikaru. Her endless thoughts about him seemed to be out of her control, as if she had become intoxicated. These new feelings scared her. Hikaru had proven himself to be insensitive and impulsive, someone that she was certain her father wouldn't ever approve of. Yet, the way she forgot all her worries when she was connecting with him and the way her heart soared when they made eye contact made her, against her better judgment, tingle with anticipation at the thought of seeing him again.
In addition to her conflicting feelings about Hikaru, Airisu was also extremely worried about Rentaro. He still hadn't texted her what he wanted her to give him so he'd keep her secret. Even worse, she knew that Rentaro would be at the exposition. She had no idea how he would react to her spending the day with Hikaru Hitachiin, but was dreading the encounter. Subconsciously, she felt her wrist, thinking of Rentaro's warning that his next request would be personal.
Touma continued to speak with her. "The head of the Shimomura family will be at the exposition today. You must meet him, and, if possible, the heir to their family's company, a boy named Daiki. Their family is extremely traditional, and a good impression of my only daughter will help guide them in their decision to merge with Nomura Electronics."
Airisu's mind was buzzing. Her father had dropped hints before about her meeting Daiki Shimomura, but this was the closest he had gotten to an explicit order. For years, her father had been eyeing a merger with the Shimomura's technology company, a family of bluebloods who'd used their fortune to obtain success. Traditional meant that a merger was a family affair. Traditional meant combining the companies through marriage.
"I will gladly introduce myself to Daiki if he is indeed present."
At that moment, Sachie Nomura, Airisu's mother, joined her husband and daughter. Sachie, dressed in an exquisite green dress, was always ready to flaunt the wealth her husband had worked so hard to earn.
Sachie smiled. "Is Touma badgering you about Daiki Shimomura again? Don't let him talk you into marrying the boy if that's not what you want."
Airisu winced, looking extremely uncomfortable. "There's no harm in meeting him."
Sachie shook her head. "Listen to how you feel, Airisu. If you don't want to meet him, then don't do it. Let yourself be ruled by whims sometimes."
Airisu merely stared at her plate, ignoring her mother's words. If her father wanted her to meet Daiki, she would do it. She'd do anything to please her father. Unlike her mother…
Their breakfast was interrupted by a servant. "Excuse me, but there appears to be a delivery for Airisu."
Touma waved his hand. "You can bring it in here."
To their surprise, servant after servant came into the room, each holding a dozen roses. Airisu's heart skipped a beat. Were these from Hikaru?
The last servant handed her the bouquet and a card. She opened it and read:
Thank you for yesterday.
Regards from the Host Club.
Airisu's mother immediately stood up, dress flowing, to look at the extravagant card. She grinned at her daughter before her heels clicked as she walked closer to her.
"A host club? I had no idea you would be interested in something like that, my dear." Sachie placed her palms on Airisu's shoulders.
Airisu felt heat come to her cheeks. "I'm not. My partner for the science fair project just happens to be one of the hosts."
The disapproval on Touma's face was evident. "You never told us about your partner before."
Airisu looked down. "I apologize, father. My partner is Hikaru Hitachiin."
What else could she say about him? Her father would hate to hear about Hikaru's overly emotional nature. And to talk about Hikaru's good traits might accidentally reveal that she felt more than she should toward the twin.
Touma simply replied, "Ah yes, their father, Hayato Hitachiin, is a brilliant software designer. I think his wife overshadows him, but his work is outstanding in his field. Perhaps getting to know Hikaru could open some doors for us."
And that was that. Airisu breathed a sigh of relief.
Sometimes Airisu wished that she could go through life without all the extra pressure from her family. Her parents often gave conflicting advice. Her father was easily disappointed, yet her mother was often irrational. Airisu wanted to please both of them, but she knew that, as much as she could, she had to choose to obey her father's wishes. She couldn't bear to disappoint him for any reason. That was how she got caught up in Rentaro Sato's blackmail scheme in the first place. That was why she would drop everything to meet and attempt to impress Daiki Shimomura.
That was why her budding feelings for Hikaru Hitachiin only complicated matters.
So, as always, Airisu's thoughts raced as she found herself in the limo on the way to the exposition. Her parents, as typical, sat in silence, a side effect of having a purely symbolic marriage. Her parents were only together for the sake of the company, and for the sake of Airisu.
Nothing more.
They arrived at the exposition hall as the different representatives of the companies were setting up their various displays. Airisu couldn't help but be impressed with the bright colors of the walls around her, also lined with glass windows, creating a feeling that she had somehow walked outside Nomura's company was hosting the convention, yet they had no displays of their own. Airisu knew that her father specialized in cutting edge technology, so innovative that displaying their research would put them at risk of having their ideas stolen. Her father was an extremely intelligent businessman. This convention was created for him to view his competitors and scout out his next target for buyout.
For now, Airisu's job would be to greet the various companies, making the best impression possible of Nomura Electronics, in addition to inquiring after any needs each representative might have. Both of her parents parted ways, intent on doing the same so that each individual display was attended to at least once throughout the day. Touma always had an efficient plan.
As Airisu moved from representative to representative, she couldn't help but think about her role in her father's success. Even though it was unspoken, she was fully aware that part of the reason why her father wanted her involved in greeting the companies was to show off his single, unmarried daughter. Her father certainly valued her more than that, but that didn't mean he would ignore a possible advantage in wooing companies to join with his own.
As she finished up with the last representative, she looked across the room. Airisu locked eyes with Hikaru Hitachiin. Her heart skipped a beat, but she couldn't help but smile at him as he tentatively waved to her. She crossed the room to greet him.
"Hikaru! You're early." She noticed his unique outfit first-a blue tank ripped at the sides overtop striped pants. He also wore chain earrings with stars on the end in both ears. Despite his fashion-forward style, his warm smile stood out to her the most.
"Yeah, I hope you don't mind." Hikaru scratched the back of his head as he took a step slightly closer to her, his cheeks a little red as if he'd just been out of breath. "You look nice."
Airisu felt her own face warm at the compliment. Wait, he actually complimented her? "Thanks. You do as well."
"Well, I am a Hitachiin," he muttered.
Airisu watched as he paused, as if he were looking past her. Almost like he was listening to an announcement over the loudspeaker, but there was nothing there. She cocked her head slightly. "Is everything alright?"
She watched as Hikaru suddenly focused on her. "Uh, yeah. Um, come this way, maiden of beauty."
Airisu stopped dead in her tracks. "You sound just like Tamaki-senpai."
She watched as Hikaru turned beet red, tapping his left earring.
A few hours earlier….
Hitachiin Mansion
Hikaru came out of his room, dressed in his mother's latest designs for his date with Airisu. Kaoru, dressed simply in a t-shirt and jeans, grinned at him. "I have just the thing to top it off. Look at these earrings!"
He held a chain earring with a star at the bottom out for his brother to take.
Hikaru glanced at it. "I'm not sure that's the look I'm going for."
"You don't have a choice! This is equipped with some software Dad's been working on. It's actually an earpiece and microphone!"
"An earpiece? For what?"
"For your date! The host club will be there. Out of sight, of course. And we'll tell you what to say through this earpiece! It's the perfect plan! I'm already half in my disguise!"
Hikaru frowned. "So you don't think I can do this on my own."
Kaoru patted his brother's arm. "Can you blame me? This is only your second time escorting someone! And it's not like it went well the first time. You need all the help you can get."
"You don't have to be so brutally honest," Hikaru grumbled, taking the earrings and putting them on.
Hikaru knew his brother was right. He had no idea what he would even do with Airisu at the exposition. If he was going to be escorting her, he was basically doomed. But, he really needed to get to know her. He needed to connect with her so she would disclose her situation with Rentaro to him. So the host club can help her.
More so than just helping her with that situation, Hikaru found himself thinking about her more and more frequently. The way she had saved Haruhi on the cruise was so brave. Airisu was nice to talk to, and certainly intelligent. In the corners of his mind, he couldn't forget the first day she'd visited the host club, when Airisu fell on top of him when the door gave out, he couldn't forget brushing her dress as he measured her for their project, and he couldn't push away the image of her in the towel when they were on the cruise. The fact was, he was positive that he had feelings for Airisu. He wasn't sure if he was in love yet, but he certainly seemed to be getting there.
If only he still didn't have feelings for Haruhi. As soon as the storm began on the cruise, Tamaki and him tore off to look for her. Hikaru knew how scared she must be. And when he heard Haruhi had fallen overboard, it was almost too much for him to handle. He was so relieved that she was safe. Yet, Tamaki was the one to comfort her. Hikaru still felt uncomfortable whenever he saw them together. He must still be jealous.
Could it be possible that he had feelings for both Haruhi and Airisu?
Kaoru, however, was bursting with excitement. "This time it's going to go great! Even Haruhi is going to be disguised with us!"
"How did you pull that off?"
"I have my ways," Kaoru said mischievously.
Hikaru wasn't sure he wanted Haruhi there. Certainly her advice would be helpful, but he couldn't help but think that he would be more embarrassed knowing that she may be around watching. Could he forget about her to focus on Airisu?
As Kaoru and Hikaru rode in the limo to the exposition hall to meet with the host club, Hikaru felt like his heart was beating a mile a minute. Kaoru was giving him directions.
"When you see Airisu, compliment her. Don't say anything bad about her outfit or hair, even if you don't like it. And don't lose your temper!"
Hikaru grimaced. "It's not like I try to lose my temper, it just happens."
"Regardless, even if you lose it, you can't run off and leave her. No matter what! You've gotten into a bad habit of doing that when you get upset. You have to tell her how you feel, not just run off. You got it?"
"Yes," Hikaru said, looking down.
That would be the most difficult part for him. The truth was, he was still extremely guarded by what he felt. He would tell Kaoru his feelings, and had begun to open up to the host club, but was still terrified at the thought of opening up to Airisu. Their first day working on their project, he'd burst out his desperate feelings to Airisu about Tamaki and Haruhi, yet he'd only felt embarrassed by the outburst. Could he tell her his emotions without sounding desperate, without overwhelming her? He wasn't sure he really could.
Hikaru and Kaoru arrived about an hour early to the exposition hall. Honey, Mori, Tamaki, Haruhi, and Kyoya were all waiting inside. Honey and Mori were dressed as older men, looking as if they might be some of the chairman putting their companies on display. Tamaki and Haruhi were dressed as janitors, baseball caps pulled down low. Kyoya was, boringly, dressed as Kyoya.
"No disguise?" Kaoru asked the Shadow King.
"My father has an interest in many of these companies, so I'm here to scout out some innovative products that could be utilized in the healthcare system. Not to worry, I will keep my distance from the happy couple."
Hikaru couldn't help but feel the warmth in his face when Kyoya called him and Airisu a couple. His heart pattered as he anticipated Airisu's arrival. "So what's the plan?" Hikaru asked.
Tamaki jumped up and down, unable to contain himself. "We'll be following the two of you around all day. Through your earrings, we'll tell you what to say to her! Nothing could possibly go wrong!"
Haruhi added, "I'm still not sure this is the best idea…"
Kaoru, however, pulled Haruhi toward him and whispered something in her ear. Haruhi sat up straighter, then looked back to Hikaru, as if Kaoru's words had changed her mind. "Nevermind."
What did Kaoru say to her? Before they could go into more depth, Mori said, "She's here."
The host club bolted in different directions, doing their best to blend into the developing crowd. Hikaru, suddenly by himself, felt like he might pass out as he saw Airisu talking to one of the company chairmen. She was wearing a pink dress that happily exposed her shoulders. Hikaru forced himself to take a deep breath. Somehow, even though her style was rather plain, her looks rather excited him.
A second later she made eye contact with him, and immediately crossed the room to greet him.
The Present
Hatori Exposition Hall
Hikaru, after being told he sounded like Tamaki, felt his knees wobble at Airisu's confused expression. He tapped his earpiece desperately, listening to the advice of the host club.
Through his earring, Hikaru heard Haruhi cut in. "Tell Airisu that you're acting like a host. And Tamaki, stop telling him to say over-the-top things."
Tamaki said, "But that's what I would say on a date!"
Hikaru turned back to Airisu, trying to ignore the bickering couple on the microphone, and bowed slightly. "S-sorry. I'm simply acting as a host."
"I suppose that makes sense," Airisu said. "Um, is there a display you would like to see first? There's one on moldable silicone and its effect on software. It has all kinds of uses."
"That sounds so boring," Hikaru said without a thought.
Through the earpiece, he heard Tamaki say, "Don't insult her! Go with her wherever she wants to go!"
"Um, we could go if you wanted to, though," Hikaru quickly added.
Airisu shrugged. "We'll skip it if it's boring to you. Here, why don't we look at the map on the wall to decide where we want to go."
Hikaru, hands in his pockets, followed her over to the map, looking it over. After a moment he finally said, "I'm not really interested in anything they have. This isn't really my thing. It's pretty lame, if you ask me."
He heard Tamaki say, "You idiot! Don't tell her that!" And Hikaru shrunk down a little bit.
Airisu turned to him. "Why did you come, then?"
Now Hikaru was put on the spot. "Um…" He remembered Kaoru urging him to tell others how he felt. "I just wanted to spend time with you."
He watched as Airisu blushed. "That's very sweet."
"Nailed it!" Kaoru said to Hikaru through the earpiece. Hikaru sighed in relief.
Inwardly, he was a mess of emotions. Not only was he embarrassed that he was messing up the other hosts' advice, but he felt like time was somehow running out for Airisu to tell him about Rentaro. When was he supposed to bring that up? Or should he just let her bring it up? Should he tell her he was full of conflicting emotions and had no idea what he was doing? No, that would probably be stupid.
Airisu continued, "I guess I'll choose where we go, then. There's new virtual reality technology being displayed in the East Wing. You might enjoy that. Come on."
Hikaru followed Airisu, shoving his hands back into his pockets. He wasn't really interested in virtual reality technology, but he bit his tongue since he apparently wasn't supposed to tell that to Airisu. Why couldn't he just say exactly what he was thinking? It was much easier. He was also at a loss for words as they walked. He should probably talk to her, but he wasn't sure about what. He also couldn't stop staring at her bare shoulders.
On the way, Airisu suddenly stopped at a different display. "Look, they're playing on their own."
Hikaru paused, staring at a few violins bowing themselves, playing some sort of classical tune. Um, whatever? It was just some robotics technology, it wasn't that impressive. Hikaru almost said so, then paused as he looked at Airisu's face. She looked so happy to see them, just like Haruhi seeing fancy tuna or Honey eating cake. He couldn't help but smile at her.
"You like this sort of thing?"
Airisu nodded. "Yeah. I play the violin in the school orchestra, you know."
Hikaru glanced at her. "I wasn't aware."
"We have a concert next weekend, actually. You should come."
An orchestra concert? Boring! But Hikaru suddenly smiled devilishly. "I will come. I'll bring Kaoru along, too."
Through the earpiece he heard, "What? Don't drag me into this!"
"I'll see you both there, then," Airisu said, grinning up at him. She suddenly dropped her smile. "I'm sorry, I should've asked you earlier, but do you miss Kaoru? Are you alright without him?"
"What's that supposed to mean? I can't function on my own?"
Airisu shrunk back. "No, no ,please don't misunderstand me. I know that you get nervous without Kaoru. I just wanted to say you have nothing to worry about."
"I do n-" Hikaru was about to deny what she said, before thinking about his own behavior. The truth was, Airisu was completely correct. Working separately from Kaoru on their science project was extremely stressful for him. Even now, when he should be on a date by himself, he still had Kaoru listening in through his earpiece. How pathetic was he?
Airisu lightly brushed his arm. "Let's go check out this virtual reality display before it gets too crowded."
Hikaru snapped out of his self-deprecating thoughts, forced to focus as they found the display. This stand had enormous curtains behind it, blocking the participants in the game from the rest of the exposition. Airisu and Hikaru followed the representative, a man from the Bisco company, behind the curtains into the dark room. On the wall, various virtual reality headsets hung on the wall.
The man explained, "We're displaying our new virtual reality software. Instead of a simple game format, you are able to create your own world using your thoughts. It also incorporates the thoughts of previous users, so you may enter a world created by someone earlier today! Put them on."
Hikaru glanced at Airisu. "Are we actually doing this?"
"It'll be fun!" Airisu insisted, smiling.
Hikaru shrugged. "If you say so."
As soon as Airisu put the headset over her face, Hikaru laughed. "You look so stupid."
Airisu lifted it up again, glaring at him. "Stop worrying about me and put yours on!"
Hikaru, ignoring the scolding from Kaoru and Tamaki through his earrings, grudgingly put on the headset.
Immediately he glanced around. "Airisu!"
"I'm here," she said, although he didn't see her.
He supposed that they must be in their own individual worlds. Looking around, all he saw was pink rabbit wallpaper everywhere. He began to walk, admiring the cute scenery before coming face-to-face with a pink door. He walked over, opened it, and entered another pink room. This room had thousands of cakes in it, filling each table to the brim. Hikaru paled. Uh-oh, Honey had definitely been here. Would Airisu notice and suspect something? Hikaru's palms began to sweat. He should find her!
Hikaru bolted forward, tripping on something and falling to the ground. The pink room around him disappeared entirely, going black. He had landed on something kind of soft, but looking down he also saw black. Did he break the headset? He quickly took it off, and gasped as he looked down.
He had landed on top of a startled Airisu, who also lifted her headset off. Hikaru's face was so close to hers, he couldn't bring himself to change positions. Not to mention heat began to course through him everywhere. He noticed Airisu's face turn redder than he'd ever seen it.
"Airisu?" Hikaru and Airisu turned to see who had said her name.
"Mother," Airisu said.
Hikaru pushed up immediately, sitting up, but was unable to stand because he was so mortified at the situation. He glanced at the woman, wearing an extravagant, fashion-forward dress, with matching jewelry and a pleasant smile that resembled Airisu's. This woman was certainly related to his science project partner. Hikaru felt like he couldn't breathe as she raised an eyebrow at him.
"Airisu, I'm so glad to see you finally doing something impulsive. Is this that Hitachiin boy you told us about?"
Airisu's features tightened. "It's not like that. We simply ran into each other because the headsets blocked our view. We tripped."
Airisu's mother turned to Hikaru. "I'm Sachie Nomura. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm quite fond of your mother's designs, and was thrilled to hear my daughter was spending time with you. Perhaps she could glean some fashion sense from you, since she unfortunately takes after her father in that aspect."
Hikaru was completely taken aback. She wasn't upset that she had just walked in on some boy straddling her daughter? He stood up, shaking her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, madam."
Airisu stood up, crossing her arms and refusing to look Sachie or Hikaru in the eye. Sachie simply smiled at her daughter. "Don't look so embarrassed! You can tell me everything later." And she winked at her, before turning back to Hikaru. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
Sachie Nomura waved her hand and exited the room. Hikaru's mind was swirling. What an unusual woman! "She's not like you at all," Hikaru finally said.
Airisu's face still looked like she'd been sunburned. "They say I take after my father in disposition," she finally managed.
Hikaru was at a loss. He was still humiliated at the compromising position he'd met Airisu's mother in, and yet was perplexed at her easy acceptance of it. Was Mrs. Nomura just trying to save face? He also felt like he should say something to Airisu about it, but he didn't know what.
Hikaru tapped his earring as Kaoru talked through it, "Ask her about her family! You need to ask her questions to get to know her."
Hikaru nodded, blushed when he realized he nodded at nothing, then burst out to Airisu. "How's your family?"
Airisu raised an eyebrow. "How are they? I guess they're fine."
Hikaru's stomach was filled with butterflies.
"Don't just stand there! Take her into your arms to make her forget your mistake!" Tamaki screamed through the earring.
Hikaru, quivering, held out a hand to Airisu, putting it on her arm. How did he even take her in his arms? Pull her over? Or just put his arms around her? He felt like he was forgetting everything.
Airisu raised an eyebrow at his hand. "Um, Hikaru?"
Through the earring, Tamaki said, "Not like that!"
Kaoru interrupted, "Take your hand off her. Suggest stepping outside of the virtual reality area.
Hikaru dropped his hand. "Why don't you go outside?"
"Aren't you going to come?"
Hikaru's face turned more red. "Um, yes. Of course."
Hikaru trailed Airisu back out of the virtual reality display, positive that the rest of today was only going to be a disaster. It had already gone horribly so far! He had no idea what to say to her! He'd tried to be considerate, but still honest, and all he'd found is himself at a loss. Getting to know Haruhi hadn't been this difficult, although he supposed that they were friends for a while before he even realized that he'd developed feelings for her. Even with the host club's help, he was pathetically fumbling over everything.
"Hold her hand!" Tamaki hissed into the earring.
Hikaru's heart skipped a beat at his instruction. How did he hold her hand? Did he ask her? Or should he just grab it? He walked a little bit quicker to catch up to Airisu and to get within reaching distance of her hand.
Airisu stopped suddenly. "We should go to the robotics displays on the second floor. We may be able to get some ideas for our own project from up there!"
Is that what she was thinking about? Did she really only think of him as just her science project partner, nothing more? He was such an idiot! Of course she thought that about him; he'd given her no reason to think differently. Feeling the bubbling of anger emerge in his stomach, he began to count, forcing himself to focus on the present, and not allowing himself to run off to deal with his wild emotions.
"Here's some free ice cream!"
To Hikaru's horror, Honey, dressed as an old man, handed Airisu some ice cream from behind one of the displays. Didn't he know that this was an exposition of various electronics companies? They wouldn't have ice cream!
Airisu smiled. "Thank you!"
Hikaru was frozen in place as Mori, also dressed as an old man, quickly ushered Honey away from Airisu and Hikaru.
Kaoru had come on through the earring. "Earth to Hikaru. You have to talk to her! Don't just give up at any small setback. Try your best."
Airisu sat down at a nearby bench to enjoy the ice cream cone, patting the seat next to her to indicate she wanted Hikaru to join her. Hikaru sat next to her, feeling even more nervous at her close presence, before taking a deep breath.
"You're like your father?"
Airisu glanced at him, as if she were surprised that he was asking her. "Yes, according to my mother and extended family. My father is very determined to meet his goals, and I suppose I'm the same way. We both don't care much for frivolity, I suppose you could say."
Hikaru glanced down. That appeared to fit Airisu's personality. "What's your mother like?"
Airisu blushed. "Well, you met her. She's...just like that. She has a lot of free time and a lot of money to spend."
Hikaru glanced down. "That's nice she has free time. Neither of my parents seem to have any of that. You're lucky that at least your mother does."
"Well, she has too much if you ask me," Airisu muttered. "So your parents are busy?"
Hikaru shrugged. "Yeah, they work a lot. Mom will be gone for days or weeks on end sometimes. Dad works late almost every day. Kaoru and I...we learned not to be lonely because we had each other. At least we had someone."
Airisu's gaze softened at his words. "That's why you two are so close. I-I'm sorry I couldn't tell you apart the other day. I should have paid more attention to your features. I'm trying my best to learn them now."
Hikaru felt like his heart might explode out of his chest as Airisu studied him, ice cream cone in hand. Suddenly, he smirked, leaned down, and took a bite out of the ice cream. Airisu's mouth dropped. "Hey!"
Hikaru grinned. "Not bad. How about we play a game?"
Airisu inched away from him on the bench, trying to eat the rest of her ice cream in peace. "Well, what game is it?"
"Let's see who can find the most ridiculous invention to incorporate into our science project. If I win, then I get to choose what you wear next time to the host club!"
Airisu shook her head. "No way am I agreeing to that! I'm just not up for being embarrassed."
"Come on, now," Hikaru said, gaining confidence as he reverted to his joking ways. "Are you afraid of losing?"
Airisu sighed. "No, I'm not. If it'll get you to stop, I'll play."
"Great! Let's go!"
"Hold on! If I win, what do I get?"
Hikaru glanced at her, then smiled. "I'll create a prototype of our invention for class Monday. You won't have to do any of the work for that! Whaddya say?"
Airisu shook her head. "No way am I trusting you with that!"
Hikaru sighed. "Then what do you want?"
Airisu looked down at the almost devoured ice cream cone. "What about, if I lose, I tell you something I've never told anyone before. And if you lose, you have to tell me something about yourself you've never told anyone before. And that includes Kaoru!"
Would he be able to hold up his end of the deal if he lost the game? What could he tell her that he hadn't told Kaoru? The only thing he hadn't told Kaoru so far was that he was positive that he was beginning to fall in love with Airisu. But he couldn't tell Airisu that this early! His knees shook at even the thought of it.
"Scared, Hikaru?" Airisu said, grinning mischievously.
"No! Alright, let's do it." Hikaru shrugged.
He would just have to make sure that he won the game. Really, it was the perfect plan. If he won, Airisu would certainly have to tell him about the situation with Rentaro, and then he could focus on helping her out of it. What could go wrong?
Kaoru, Tamaki, and Haruhi sat in the security area, watching the various cameras from throughout the Hatori Exposition Hall. All three were able to listen to all of Airisu and Hikaru's conversations, including the awkward one with Sachie Nomura. Right now, Kaoru couldn't help but wonder what Hikaru might possibly tell Airisu if he lost. Did Hikaru keep many secrets from him?
Still, he had to focus on the present. Kaoru pressed the button and spoke into the microphone to Hikaru, "Don't separate from her for your contest! Stay with her the whole time."
He unpressed the button, listening to Airisu's and Hikaru's conversation. Right now, they appeared to be bickering over who was most likely to win. Kaoru slouched in his chair, wanting to just sit back and relax as he watched, but unable to stop fidgeting and sweating. There was just so much that could go wrong! And Hikaru was such an idiot!
Tamaki was grinning. "It's going well, wouldn't you say?"
Kaoru put his hand to his forehead. "It's barely going! All he does is keep messing up!"
Haruhi, red baseball cap still casting a shadow over her face, put her hand to her mouth. "Hm. Airisu looks happy right now."
Tamaki and Kaoru glanced again at the camera, seeing Airisu's smiling face as she finished the ice cream and hopped up. Kaoru quickly said in the mic, "Hold her hand!"
Still, Hikaru only scratched the back of his head with his hand. Tamaki groaned. "Why won't he do it?"
Kaoru could easily read his brother. Hikaru was still very nervous and outside his comfort zone. Holding her hand would also change the feel of the date from platonic to romantic. In fact, Kaoru was only uncertain on this part. While he was positive that Hikaru wanted to be friends with Airisu, he was unsure if Hikaru wanted anything more. While Kaoru suspected Hikaru's feelings for the girl, he wasn't sure if Hikaru was even aware of it himself. He also didn't know if Hikaru had fully moved on from Haruhi.
So, holding the hand of another girl was a more complicated matter of the heart than Tamaki must realize. Kaoru replied to Tamaki, "It's his choice, I suppose."
In some ways, the date was going alright. If anything, Kaoru could see Hikaru was trying. He had asked Airisu questions. He went along wherever she wished to go, even if he made snide comments at times. And now playing a game with her gave Hikaru confidence, as if he were finally in control of the day.
"Kaoru…"
Kaoru turned to see Haruhi moving to the chair next to him. "Yes?" he immediately said, smiling at Haruhi.
"This can't be easy for you. I know that it's hard for you to see Hikaru spending time with someone without you," Haruhi said, huge eyes locking with Kaoru's.
Kaoru sighed. "You're right. But this is just the way it has to be."
Haruhi held eye contact. "Did you tell Hikaru how you feel?"
Kaoru shrunk back. "Not yet. I mean, I'm sure he senses it. But I can't tell him now, when it's still so early on. I've already meddled with him where Airisu is concerned and I promised myself I'm done. I'll talk to him about it once things really start moving with Airisu, so that he doesn't put a stop to it for my sake. Besides, I can tell my friends like you about my feelings, right?" Kaoru smiled again at Haruhi, whose brow only furrowed.
"Isn't that dishonest?"
Kaoru glanced down at his janitor's disguise. "No, I will tell him. Promise!"
Tamaki was oddly quiet, listening to Haruhi and Kaoru discuss the issue. Kaoru glanced at him, then back to the screen to see Hikaru and Airisu moving from display to display, sometimes pointing, picking things up, testing out various equipment. Honey and Mori, dressed as chairmen, trailed the two of them, ready to interfere on-the-ground if need be. Kyoya was in a different section of the hall entirely, happily introducing himself to all the chairmen.
Kaoru chuckled. "Even our Shadow King doesn't take a day off."
"It's like he becomes more powerful by the minute," Haruhi agreed.
Tamaki suddenly spoke up. "Do you think Hikaru will be happy again?"
Kaoru and Haruhi both turned to him, surprised at the question. Kaoru finally said, "Yes. I know he will."
He glanced to see Haruhi looking down, a slight blush gracing her features. Of course she would feel a little guilty, since she was the one who after all rejected him. Kaoru could't blame her. Hikaru was childish and emotional, and Haruhi had feelings for Tamaki. Her rejection simply couldn't be helped.
Kaoru glanced back at the cameras, watching Hikaru pick up a small robotic device. Suddenly, the device flashed, shining Airisu in the eyes, before she immediately began desperately rubbing them with her hands. Hikaru immediately dropped the device in a panic.
Kaoru burst out laughing. "He's blinded her!" And he continued to chortle for a few minutes as Hikaru waved his arms over Airisu as if that somehow helped her.
Tamaki spoke into the microphone. "Rub her back or her arm! Touch will provide a sensual experience…"
"Don't say it like that…" Haruhi scolded.
The three watched as Hikaru awkwardly patted Airsu's arm. Airisu finally looked up at him, telling him something about needing to see for her orchestra concert.
Kaoru simply stared at his brother, whose confidence interacting with Airisu had slipped away as quickly as it had come. Was Hikaru truly falling in love with her? Kaoru wasn't sure. He ignored the sinking feeling in his stomach and took in a breath. He had to help Hikaru figure out his feelings, whatever they may be.
Even if it meant leaving Kaoru behind.
Airisu was finally getting her sight back after Hikaru shined a laser in her eyes. She looked at Hikaru, seeing his horrified expression, then burst out laughing.
"You look like you've killed me!" she exclaimed, chuckling.
She could tell he was uncomfortable, as if he didn't know what to say, but she watched as he finally smiled and retorted, "Perhaps I should have, then I would have won the bet."
"You'd be disqualified!" Airisu insisted.
Hikaru put his arm around her, still chuckling. "Certainly not, you would be disqualified for quitting."
Airisu turned to reply again, suddenly realizing her face was inches close to Hikaru's. Their laughter dissolved as their eyes locked, before they both suddenly pulled apart. Airisu was suddenly out of breath.
"Airisu."
Still distracted, she turned to the new voice, not really looking up. "What is it?"
"What a surprise to see you here."
Rentaro Sato, dressed in a slim-fitting business suit, stared at her as he walked past Hikaru, moving uncomfortably close to her. Airisu felt sick, and she began to blink, terrified that tears might come to her eyes. She couldn't possibly give any signs that something was going on with her and Rentaro. Not in front of Hikaru, and certainly not out in public like this.
"Rentaro-senpai," she finally managed.
To her shock, Hikaru reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him. "We were just looking around the exposition," he said to Rentaro firmly.
What was Hikaru doing? Airisu was so surprised that she couldn't manage to say anything as she stared at Hikaru's hardened eyes. The hand Hikaru grabbed felt like sparks were flying from it.
Rentaro merely raised an eyebrow. "One of the Hitachiin twins? They don't seem like the company you usually keep, Airisu. Is your father trying to expand into the fashion business now?"
Airisu was absolutely mortified. Since he began blackmailing her, Rentaro had mostly kept his distance from her. In fact, that was one of the only reasons their exchanges were bearable. If he was going to begin to insert himself into her personal life, she had no choice but to allow it. Unable to contain herself, a few tears dripped down her cheeks.
Rentaro stepped closer, using his finger to wipe one off her face. "Be calm. I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings."
Hikaru forcefully stepped between the two of them, towering over Airisu and coming up to Rentaro's forehead. "Don't touch her."
Rentaro laughed. "What are you, her guard dog? Airisu, send him away. I need to talk to you privately."
Airisu paled. "Hikaru, please leave us for a moment."
Hikaru turned to face her, grasping her shoulders with his hands, looking deeply into her eyes. "What's going on?"
She looked away. "I'm sorry, Hikaru, but I need you to leave. Please."
She could see the hurt register in Hikaru's eyes as he averted them. He let go of her and took a step back. Airisu felt like her heart was beating out of her chest as she stepped aside with Rentaro. Maybe she shouldn't have sent Hikaru away, but she had no idea what Rentaro would've done if she hadn't. No, her priority was ensuring that Rentaro kept her secret, no matter what it took.
Rentaro led her around a nearby corner, just out of sight of Hikaru. Airisu's palms began to sweat. Why did Rentaro want her alone like this?
"Airisu, our meeting on Wednesday will be a little bit different than the others. I want you to meet me in the fencing club's changing area. Once we're there, we are going to take some very special photographs together. You must follow all my directions exactly, otherwise the deal's off. Do you understand?"
Airisu's stomach flipped. "What kind of photographs? What do you mean?"
"You'll see on Wednesday. Don't be late."
Airisu couldn't help but cry, unable to contain herself. Would Rentaro have her take inappropriate pictures? Could she do it? But what would happen if she did? She noticed a flash of guilt in Rentaro's eyes.
Rentaro said, "Look, I'm just doing what I have to do. Alright?" He put his hand on her shoulder. "Please don't cry."
At that moment, Hikaru walked around the corner. "Airisu?"
She watched as the Hitachiin brother looked back and forth between the two, trying to figure out the situation, before stepping forward and pulling Rentaro's hand off her shoulder. Rentaro's eyes hardened as he met Hikaru's.
Hikaru warned, "I told you not to touch her."
Rentaro glared at him. "Stay out of this."
Before things got physical, suddenly someone else emerged from behind the two boys. Airisu was shocked to see a flash of light reflecting off a pair of glasses as Kyoya Ootori pleasantly smiled. He was here at this exposition?
"Excuse me, but are you Rentaro Sato?"
Rentaro, at the sight of the youngest Ootori, completely changed in disposition. "Kyoya Ootori. Yes, we are in the same class at Ouran Academy."
Kyoya pleasantly smiled. "Ah, yes. I actually have been meaning to talk to you. Your father has some experience with medical technology, correct?"
Rentaro nodded. "Yes."
Kyoya ushered Rentaro away, talking about robotics devices used in surgery. Airisu stood where she was, completely shell-shocked. She felt sick as more tears began to fall.
Alone, Hikaru grasped her shoulders again, turning Airisu to look him in the eye. "Please, Airisu, tell me what's going on."
Airisu felt like her heart was caught in her throat. Hikaru was so earnest, his eyes searching hers. In that moment, she almost told him everything, almost let go of her problems to allow someone else close to her heart.
But she didn't.
"Nothing's going on, really. Rentaro's an old friend."
"Why are you crying, then?"
Airisu looked down. "I'm sorry, Hikaru. It's nothing, really."
She wiped her eyes and forced a smile, hoping he wouldn't notice more tears slipping down her cheeks.
Hikaru let go of her shoulders and stepped back. "If you're in danger, Airisu…"
"I'm not. I promise. Let's go enjoy the exposition." But she stayed in place, beginning to shake.
Rentaro...he could do anything he wanted to her on Wednesday. And the special pictures...Airisu couldn't stop thinking about what Rentaro could possibly mean. Her breaths became short. Suddenly, she saw stars and everything went black.
A moment later she woke up in Hikaru's arms."Airisu can you hear me?!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with terror.
She sat up suddenly, realizing that he was squatting down. "Hikaru! I'm sorry!"
"I-it's fine. I'll call a doctor…"
"No-no. I believe I'm alright. Really."
Hikaru looked at her skeptically, then said, "Rest here for a minute."
Airisu leaned her head on Hikaru's chest, unable to help herself. She needed some relief from her worries about Rentaro. She heard Hikaru's heart beating very quickly. Was it because he had feelings for her? Or it was simply because he was worried. Anyone's heart would be beating that quickly if their friend had just passed out in front of them.
Friend…
"Hikaru," Airisu said, head still resting on his chest. "You're a good friend. Thank you for looking out for me today."
As she breathed in his cologne, she thought about her situation. To be honest, this had probably been one of the most awkward days she'd had hanging out with a friend. Hikaru had seemed so unsure today. She figured it might have something to do with the fact that he was out and about without Kaoru, since at school the two were inseparable. Still, despite his tactless comments, Airisu felt like Hikaru was trying to get to know her. Today, even in tense moments, Hikaru didn't run off suddenly. He didn't yell at her. He showed genuine interest in what she had to say.
She also couldn't deny the euphoria rushing through her system by simply being in Hikaru's arms like this. Airisu had feelings for Hikaru Hitachiin.
But nothing could come of it. Rentaro had her on a tight leash, and her father was interested in her meeting heirs to various companies as a business tactic. Airisu's only choice was to just enjoy this moment, likely the first and last time she would be in Hikaru's arms.
"Airisu," Hikaru said suddenly. "I would like to eat lunch with you this week."
"Sure. What day were you thinking?"
"Wednesday."
Airisu pulled her head up. "Oh, um, I'm actually practicing my violin during lunch Wednesday. You know, getting ready for the orchestra concert later in the week. What about Tuesday or Thursday?"
There was no way she could let Hikaru suspect that she was meeting with Rentaro on Wednesdays during lunch. She had to keep him out of this. Besides, if Hikaru knew the information that Rentaro did, he'd likely not want much to do with Airisu anyway.
Hikaru had deflated a little. "Um, I can't do those days. I can only do Wednesday this week. Hey, how about this: Why don't I eat lunch and listen to you play the violin?"
Airisu's eyes widened. She absolutely couldn't allow Hikaru to think she would meet with him that way, it was too dangerous. "Sorry, but I'm shy when I play by myself. We can eat lunch together the week after, then."
There was an awkward silence after her remarks. Airisu suddenly stood up, Hikaru hopping up as well. Her arms still felt electrified from Hikaru's embrace.
"Don't just stand up so suddenly!" he scolded, gripping her upper arm again. "Remember, you just fainted!"
"I'm fine, really," Airisu tried to reassure him. She took in a breath. "I'm going to go home early, Hikaru. I feel a little light-headed. I'm sorry for troubling you."
The blush on his cheeks was unmistakable. "Already?"
The truth was, she didn't want to leave him this early. But she had to, or she would risk him prying more about Wednesday, or finding out more about Rentaro somehow. She simply had to keep her distance from him. This was just the way it had to be.
"Yes. I'm sorry." She ensured to keep her voice steady, trying her best to show that she would be alright and that she wouldn't pass out again. She pulled away from Hikaru further. "Well, I'm off to hail my driver. I'll see you around."
Hikaru quickly reached out, grabbing her hand. "Hey, wait a minute! At least let me see you off."
Airisu couldn't help but feel extremely pleased at his request, despite the forbidden nature of her feelings. "Alright."
Her hand felt like it was on fire as she realized Hikaru wasn't about to let go of it. What could he mean by this? Was he just holding it because he was worried she would faint again? Or was it because he wanted to hold her hand?
Airisu was a little perplexed by the nature of the day. Hikaru had requested the day to spend time with her, initially. She suspected it was somehow to make up for his cruel comments on the cruise, and to strengthen their friendship. Maybe it was just something he wanted to do to ensure working on their science project would go smoothly from now on. After all, he never called it a date.
But it really, really felt like one.
Hikaru continued to hold her hand up until her limo drove up. "Thanks again, Hikaru. I'll see you in school," she said to him, pulling her hand away to step into her limo.
"Yeah, I'll see you."
Airisu noticed Hikaru tap his earring again. He quickly added, "I enjoyed spending time with you today." She noticed his cheeks redden as he spoke, causing a smile to form on her own lips.
"I did as well," she said, as her chauffeur shut the door to her limo.
As soon as she was in motion, Airisu pondered her own feelings for Hikaru and wondered if the feeling was even remotely mutual. At the very least, she had made a good friend. Considering how horribly everything was going right now with Rentaro, distracting herself with friends was certainly something she needed right now.
As soon as Airisu pulled away, Hikaru put his palm to his forehead. He had no idea what she was thinking or feeling! Why couldn't she just tell him? It would be so much easier that way. He stood for a few moments, trying to figure out what she was thinking.
Airisu never told him what was really going on with Rentaro. There was a moment when he was sure she was about to tell him, but for some reason she held her tongue. Why? And how could he help her if she didn't confide in him?
Hikaru also couldn't ignore the way he felt breathless around her, the desire he had to protect her, and the way his body felt on fire when he held her in his arms after she passed out. Unlike the times he felt this way with Haruhi, he knew the reason behind these complicated feelings. He'd felt this way before.
But he didn't want to go there right now. He still was sorting through his complicated feelings for Haruhi, and adding another layer to it was just too much for him to work out. For now, he would focus on helping Airisu as a friend. Once he was sure he had no lingering feelings for Haruhi, then he would allow himself to truly consider his feelings for Airisu. It wouldn't be fair to Airisu otherwise.
"So, how do you think today went?" Kaoru emerged from the exposition hall, immediately resting his arm around his brother's neck.
"I have no idea."
Kaoru chuckled. "Airisu seems pretty complicated, if you ask me."
"I'll say."
Their conversation was cut short by Tamaki. "Hikaru!" He ran up to the host club member, as if he were a dog excited to see their owner at the end of the work day. "You were amazing! Taking her in your arms like that was brilliant! Certainly she is in love with you by now!"
Haruhi was trailing behind her boyfriend.
Hikaru felt heat come to his face. "Do you really think so?"
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Kaoru turn to look at him. Haruhi, before Tamaki said anything, replied, "I think it's actually too early to tell…"
"Didn't you see her blush? And the way she lay in Hikaru's arms for so long! It's love!"
Haruhi pointed out, "Well, she may have been gaining her color back since she was so pale from fainting. And she'd just passed out so of course she would stay in his arms until she could stand up on her own…"
Tamaki looked as if heart had just been ripped out. "But I was so sure...when you put it like that…"
Hikaru sighed at the lovers' exchange. He was also determined to not overthink Haruhi's analysis of the day. He waved his hand suddenly. "Well, I'm off. Give my thanks to Honey-senpai, Mori-senpai- and Kyoya-senpai. Come on, Kaoru."
Hikaru and Kaoru set foot into their own limousine, both ignoring Tamaki's vigorous protests. Hikaru sighed, feeling the leather of the seats. Once the door was shut and they'd begun driving, he began to talk to Kaoru.
"Why wouldn't she tell me what was going on with Rentaro?" Hikaru asked Kaoru desperately.
Kaoru gave his twin a sad smile. "We can't know for sure, Hikaru. This is different than with Haruhi; we don't know Airisu that well yet."
"But how am I supposed to know how to help her if she doesn't tell me! I played close attention to her, as best I could, to see if she dropped any subtle hints. But I couldn't find anything!"
"Picking up on signals the other person drops definitely isn't your strong suit. But no one in the host club could figure out where Airisu was coming from either. You were the one closest to her, so if someone can figure her out it's going to be you, Hikaru."
Hikaru threw his face in his hands. If that was the case, then Airisu was doomed. "What if she doesn't tell me before Wednesday? Then what? We let her meet with Rentaro again? Pretend like we don't know anything?"
Kaoru shook his head. "We'll have to have a Plan B."
"Which is…?"
Kaoru put his arm around his brother. "Let's just say, Kyoya-senpai and I have been having some very lengthy discussions…"