Author's Note: Thanks for reading! I apologize it took so long to update and that this is a shorter chapter, but I've had terrible writer's block! I rewrote this scene multiple times in the last few months before feeling somewhat satisfied with it. I was going to combine this clubroom scene with the events in the next chapter (still unwritten), but decided to post separately so you'd know I'm still writing this story. Thanks for sticking with me! :)

A few days later…

Today was the day Hikaru was going to make it right with Airisu again. He'd been avoiding club activities since Rentaro had been taken on. Airisu had been avoiding him during science class despite them being behind on their project. The image of Airisu flashed through his head, tears at the corners of her eyes, mouth agape and face red at his words that she was simply there because she wanted to pleasure Rentaro. He'd really, really hurt her. Why couldn't he have just kept his mouth shut?

He'd rehearsed his apology in his head over and over, worrying if he was going to say the right thing. If only he could consult with Kaoru! But his brother had, despite some polite interactions, also been avoiding him. His stomach sank again at the thought. What was so wrong with him that he'd been driving everyone away?

Hikaru set his jaw. No, he'd make it right today.

Despite being late, he entered the club room after classes. He took his usual spot next to Haruhi, who was studying for their upcoming literature exam. Despite her complete focus on her studies, she'd been sitting with him frequently during breaks, showing her quiet support of him. Her polite, cute smiles still meant a lot to him. At least Haruhi's friendship was one he didn't have to question. Hikaru sat next to her, hand on his chin, eyes slanted in a different direction.

Rentaro was still training to be a host, the tall boy's jaw set in determination. Hikaru watched as Kaoru began demonstrating tea pouring as Tamaki described it, Hikaru's stomach dropping. Kaoru was all smiles, his uniform perfectly pressed, not a single hair out of place.

Kaoru…

Haruhi glanced at her friend. "Did Kaoru talk to you about why he was supporting Rentaro as a host?"

Hikaru's mouth was dry. "No."

The morning after the host club's confrontation with Airisu and Rentaro, Hikaru awoke to a note left from Kaoru explaining he'd left early to visit Kyoya. The twins hadn't said anything to each other that night, Hikaru having turned in early from the stress of it all. He could barely process the fact that Airisu hated him now, but it was beyond him to imagine that somehow Kaoru did as well. Helping Rentaro was like the ultimate betrayal, and yet Kaoru was purposely avoiding Hikaru, refusing to sit with him during club breaks, taking separate transportation to school, and even rushing out of classes early so they wouldn't walk together.

Haruhi said, "Kyoya wouldn't have gone along with it if he didn't already imagine Kaoru's reasoning."

"But Kaoru hasn't told me!" Hikaru burst out, breathing labored.

Haruhi's wide eyes searched his for a moment. "Why don't you go talk to him, then?"

"It's not that easy! He's been avoiding me! He doesn't want me to talk to him! He knows I'm upset about Airisu but refuses to comfort me! Kaoru is so mean but I don't know why!"

"So then...why don't you speak with Airisu?"

Hikaru gulped, but his eyes narrowed. "That's not easy either…"

"Even if it's not easy, it's not impossible, right? You can accomplish it if you put your mind to it."

This girl… "You've been spending too much time with the boss," Hikaru muttered, thinking her optimism reminded her of a certain annoying someone.

It was the lightest thought he had, but to his surprise Haruhi looked down as if he'd said something depressing. "Sorry to make you think of that."

Oh, she thought he was hurt by the thought of her and Tamaki as a couple. Hikaru paused to gather his thoughts. Somehow, along the way, his feelings for Airisu had numbed his feelings to the situation with Haruhi and Tamaki. Not that he didn't sometimes feel butterflies around Haruhi, but it wasn't nearly as many as before. He wasn't sensitive to their relationship; he was over it. That, at least, he was sure of.

"Haruhi…"

Hikaru was cut off as the club doors creaked, Airisu giving a slight wave to the club members, yet not even glancing in his direction. His breath caught in his throat as he examined her petite figure, subconsciously thinking about that time he'd walked in on her changing out of her robe. He quickly pushed away the thought, realizing it wasn't at all respectful.

"Are you alright? You're all red." Haruhi said.

"Er, yes." Hikaru muttered, unsure how to explain his sudden change in demeanor.

He was quickly struck with a sinking feeling in his stomach as he thought about all his recent interactions with his science project partner. The hurt in Airisu's eyes when he shouted about her pleasuring Rentaro, the hardened expression she had when she explained the situation, and the way she ignored him later all ran through his mind. He was such an idiot. He should go to her and apologize, but instead stared at his feet to examine them for the nails that were apparently holding his shoes to the ground.

Oh. There were none.

Airisu walked to Rentaro, speaking with him and flashing him an encouraging smile. Hikaru's sunken stomach began to boil. Rentaro blackmailed, threatened, and intimidated her, yet she was coming to see him? Hikaru was the one who saved her from the situation! He clenched his jaw.

Airisu's stomach was in knots as she entered the club room. Ultimately, she was still humiliated over all the blackmailing events, especially since the host club had interfered. She wasn't only upset over what Rentaro had asked her to do, but the fact that both Hitachiin brothers, then much of the host club walked in on her in such a compromising position. Hikaru had flat out stated that it looked like she had simply slipped away to pleasure Rentaro. The other host members surely thought the same! She could barely get out of bed in the morning, nonetheless show up to the host club.

But her desire to help Rentaro and keep good relations among their families was stronger than any embarrassment she felt. So despite her extreme discomfort, she had come to help him out. Certainly the stares of all the host members didn't help ease her situation, even though she was convinced by now that they all meant well.

Putting her hand on her arm, she approached Rentaro, not looking him in the eye. "How are things going?"

"Uh, fine."

Airisu glanced at Rentaro's face, noticed his blush, and looked down again, sure that she was also blushing. The memory of her changing into the pink robe and him adjusting it to reveal her shoulders disrupted all other thoughts. It was absolutely mortifying what he had made her do! Anger prickled in her chest, but she pushed it away.

She forced herself to be supportive, flashing a smile. "There'll be customers soon! I'm sure the other girls will be interested in a new host!"

Rentaro simply looked down. "I-perhaps."

Airisu knew that Rentaro was extremely awkward around girls. He certainly was with her when they first met, until they became more comfortable as their families grew closer. Perhaps hosting would make him more confident. She had to help him!

"I'll be your first customer," she said.

Tamaki, who was terrible at being quiet, spoke. "He'll be sure to get lots of customers, under my guidance! Our final step is figuring out which type he will be…"

Kaoru put his hand to his chin. "Perhaps he would fit a cool type?"

Suddenly, Airisu heard the sound of a powerful motor.

Renge, the host club's lady manager, arose from the ground. "Boring…boring…BORING! Kyoya-senpai is way cooler than Rentaro-senpai! The cool type won't work AND we already have that place filled! It should be clear what his type is!"

Kaoru, Tamaki, and Airisu all cocked their heads, ready to listen to Renge's suggestion. Rentaro was suddenly speechless in the presence of an unfamiliar girl, jaw dropping. Granted, Renge's ability to suddenly appear might put anybody off. At least she wasn't in cosplay this time!

Renge continued, "He's clearly a nervous type! Embarrassed by locking eyes with a girl! You need to play it up to the best of your ability!"

Airisu glanced at Rentaro, who seemed very interested in the floor at the moment. Renge had hit the nail on the head in her observations; Rentaro was extremely timid with girls he wasn't familiar with. Still, a sour taste was in Airisu's mouth, thinking about the confidence Rentaro had when intimidating and blackmailing her.

She turned away suddenly, shocked as she bumped into Hikaru, who'd apparently approached the group without her knowledge. For a second they locked eyes before both looking away. Airisu stepped back and then turned around. She was still upset with what he said and did the day he'd caught her with Rentaro. More so, she could barely fathom facing him again. It was clear that she wasn't good enough to be his friend. She didn't want to speak with him.

She heard Hikaru's footsteps behind her and he stopped right next to her, arms crossed. Why did he have to follow her? She refused to even look in his direction, instead focusing on Renge's lengthy explanations on how to make Rentaro the most appealing nervous-type possible.

"Let's practice!" Renge said, seating herself opposite of Rentaro. "Pretend I've just requested you as a host."

Rentaro, whose cheeks had turned pink, simply nodded to her. He shakily picked up the teapot, ready to pour tea for her. His mouth twitched, making Airisu wonder if he was attempting to smile.

Renge rolled her eyes and loudly said, "You have to talk!"

Her exclamation caused Rentaro to spill some tea on the table as he placed the teapot in its proper place.

"Um, you look nice." Rentaro wouldn't look her in the eyes. Despite his height and normally intimidating presence, he somehow looked small.

Airisu suddenly felt sick. She quickly excused herself, stepping outside of the room, taking in deep breaths. Rentaro was cruel, manipulative, and untrustworthy. She'd lived in fear for months from his scheming, and yet now he was simply nervous at the concept of speaking with another girl? She felt moisture come to her eyes. There was a time when she found him really charming and adorkable, but now she knew the truth about him! How could she support this?

"Airisu."

She recognized Hikaru's voice without having to look up. Or maybe it was Kaoru. She glanced up, meeting his intense gaze. There was no doubt that he was Hikaru.

She wished she could confide in him, wished he could be a good friend to her. But the words he'd spat out at her the other day still stung too much. It was clear where she stood with him. Not to mention his meddling…Airisu quickly wiped her eyes and said, "I don't wish to speak with you."

The dejected look in Hikaru's eyes caused Airisu to look away, feeling guilty. Hikaru said, "Airisu, I'm sorry, for what I said. And how I went about all this. I should have spoken with you first…"

"You should have."

Hikaru nodded. Airisu reminded herself that Hikaru was too unpredictable for her to trust right now. Certainly she couldn't forgive him so easily.

Hikaru, however, continued. "I don't understand where you're coming from with Rentaro. Airisu, from what I've seen with you and him when you interacted, you taking up his side makes very little sense to me."

"I don't have to explain myself to you," Airisu coldly insisted. Don't trust him, Airisu. You can't. Not after what he said.

She could see Hikaru's anger brewing beneath the surface as she braced herself for him to lose his temper. Instead, she noticed he took in and out a few deep breaths. Was he controlling himself for once? Hikaru is just as manipulative as Rentaro…surely…

"You don't have to, but I would like you to," Hikaru weakly admitted.

"Then ask Kaoru why," Airisu said, purposely choosing words that she knew would make him more upset. The host club's guests had certainly noticed the distance between the two brothers, speaking about it when the Hitachiins weren't around. It must be a sore spot for Hikaru. Good…keep him at a distance. You can't make the same mistake again.

Hikaru, through clenched teeth, said, "He isn't speaking with me! Besides, I want to hear from you. Directly."

Hikaru was wearing her down. She'd expected his temper to burst by now, but instead he'd only taken measures to keep it in check. He'd only been showing her that he cares about her. Didn't this only prove that he really didn't think so terribly of her? Despite her best attempts to keep herself guarded, he was worming his way in again. By now, Airisu knew Hikaru quite well, and knew how hard it was for him to get close to somebody else without Kaoru. She knew it was hard for him to properly express his emotions and to not be selfish. So, despite the pathetic delivery, Airisu was fully aware that Hikaru was making his best effort right now to keep their friendship.

"I'm still hurt," Airisu said. "The host club's meddling was a big shock, and I'm still processing it. I can't face that right now, Hikaru. I need to help Rentaro first before I can move on. So please, for now, leave me alone."

"But why help Rentaro if it hurts so much? Please, I want to help."

"Then help Rentaro," Airisu said.

That was it. If Hikaru wanted to prove that he cared, then, well, he'd have to do something he didn't want to do for her. She wasn't sure he was capable of even doing something so unselfish. No, of course he wasn't.

Airisu walked away from Hikaru, who had no response to her words, and entered the club room again, determined not to get into her head like she had before. She noticed the glances of the host club. Were they wondering what she had said to Hikaru? She took her place safely beside Mori, knowing full well that he wouldn't ask her, well, anything. Had she ever heard him talk?

Hikaru followed her into the room, Airisu unable to ignore his presence. Still, she did her best to focus on Rentaro's progress. She watched as he fumbled through telling her a story about himself. Kaoru did his best to ask clarifying questions, but that only seemed to put Rentaro even more off.

Renge insisted, "He's too awkward! Not just around the ladies, but around the other club members! There's only one solution! A club bonding trip! I'm out of town later this week, so you can take your trip then! We'll have to cancel normal club activities!"

Kaoru had moved next to Airisu and chuckled. "She's just concocted this plan so she won't be jealous of the other girls."

Tamaki's eyes were wide with excitement. He jumped up and down, clapping. "Yes! Renge, what a brilliant idea! Kyoya, let's take a trip!"

Airisu couldn't help but smile at the leader of the host club. How was he always this enthusiastic?

Kyoya said, "I admire your enthusiasm, but taking one on such sudden notice is hardly feasible."

Haruhi tapped her finger to her chin. Kyoya glanced at her. "Did the idea of a trip strike your interest, Haruhi?"

"Oh, sort of. It just made me think of when I was little, my dad would take me on impromptu camping trips. It was fun…"

Airisu's jaw dropped as all the boys in the host club began chattering away at once in a panic. She had to step out of the way to avoid being run over by Kaoru, and then Honey, rushing around the club room. Kyoya had taken his cell phone out, talking very seriously on it. Airisu listened to the club members in their excitement.

"Haruhi wants to go camping!"

"Kyoya! Order some tents!"

"Haru-chan is so cute, thinking of trips she took when she was little!"

"Yeah."

The only two who seemed quiet right now were Rentaro and Hikaru. Surely Rentaro must be nervous. Airisu couldn't help but glance at Hikaru again. His face was expressionless as the rest of the club made arrangements. Was he upset? She immediately put her hand to her head. Ugh, no, she was so stupid! She couldn't be worrying about Hikaru now.

She snapped out of it when hands appeared on her shoulders. Kaoru said to her, "Ah, let's have Airisu come with us. That way Haruhi won't be the only girl alone overnight. You'd like to come, right?" He smiled down at her.

Was she imagining it, or did Kaoru's smiles never reach his eyes?

"Um, sure."

"Great! I'll convince Kyoya, don't worry!" Kaoru winked at her.

Airisu felt unsettled by the interaction. Besides, did she even want to go? She'd agreed suddenly. It was silly; she wasn't even a host club member! Although if Renge as the manager couldn't go, she supposed it made sense for some girl to go along with Haruhi to make it more proper. But why would Kaoru of all people invite her?

She looked past Kaoru and locked gazes with Hikaru, noticing his fists clenched at his side. Why did he look as uncomfortable as she was feeling right now?

A few days later…

Morinozuka Private Woodlands

Hikaru was doing his best to put tent stakes up, scratching his head as the tent collapsed yet again. He sighed, realizing he must've gotten dirt in his hair from the action. He glanced at Rentaro who also seemed just as lost putting it together. Why did he have to spend the night with Rentaro? And Airisu…Hikaru set his jaw at the thought of who she was going to share a tent with, fuming. It was going to be a long night.

How did this even happen, anyway?