Kaoru arrived at school early that morning, fully aware that the club was missing the day for their bonding camping trip. Still, he had some business to attend to before they departed. Besides, with the two hypotensive beasts (Kyoya and Honey), he doubted they would be departing very early. His shoes clicked in the empty halls, only the most academically motivated students beginning to arrive. The tall ceilings only seemed to have his feet echo more. He walked into the empty classroom, thinking how much more eerie it was to be here alone. He still wasn't used to being without Hikaru following, adding to his feelings of discomfort. He also briefly remembered their class' test of courage tournament for Halloween, realizing that it was the most likely reason for feeling a little bit spooked right now.

"Kaoru, you're here already!"

Kaoru jumped a little bit, turning to see Kurakano enter the classroom, followed closely by the class rep. Kurakano wore her hair in the typical way, with it half up in two buns and half down in the back, her warm smile painted on her face. Class Representative Soga pushed up his glasses and gulped. He glanced around the room, not making eye contact with Kaoru. Perhaps he was also thinking of the terrifying test of courage experience.

Kaoru flashed his host club grin at her, his fears subsiding. "Good to see you both! Sorry that we won't be hosting today."

"Oh, I understand that you all have a trip. So what is it you wanted to speak with me about? I was surprised you wanted to stop by here just to speak with me."

Soga interrupted and said, "Wait, are you Hikaru? Or Kaoru?"

"Kaoru," the twin replied politely.

Kaoru had texted her that morning about wanting to meet up briefly before school. "I just wanted to ask you about your friend Airisu."

Kurakano slightly tilted her head. "Oh?"

Kaoru chuckled. "I should probably explain. You see, the host club has taken on her friend Rentaro as a new member. I just wanted to know a little more about Airisu since she'll be helping out at club events. Not to mention she's Hikaru's partner for the science project. I guess I just want to see if she's someone, er, reliable."

Kurakano eagerly nodded. Kaoru felt briefly relieved that she was enamored by the host club–she'd much more willingly give information without a second thought. Besides, Hikaru and Kaoru both helped nudge Kurakano and Sago together, anyway, surely she was thankful for that.

She spoke excitedly. "I totally understand why you're coming to me! I've been friends with Airisu since elementary school. To be honest, though, I'm not sure how much help I'll be. She's never once confided her thoughts or feelings to me. There was a bit when I felt hurt by it, but the longer we've been friends, the more I think that that's just how she is. The only other person who may know something is your new host, Rentaro. I actually thought they were dating at one point and was upset that she didn't tell me, but I realized that I must've been mistaken."

"What made you think they were dating?"

"She just started meeting up with him a lot. They ate lunch together, too, for a bit, but then she suddenly seemed to break it off with him, or maybe he broke it off. I never really knew what happened. She doesn't really talk about it, and it's awkward asking."

Kaoru nodded, "Hm. Alright, I suppose this has been helpful."

Kurakano added, "Um, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Can you and the host club take good care of Airisu?She just…she's not close with many people. I know you're all able to help her, for sure." She smiled, her absolute trust in the host club shining through.

Kaoru turned his head so she wouldn't see his expression, nodding. He bid them goodbye, heading to meet up with the host club. His thoughts were in a whirl. Kurakano was a reliable and kind girl, so her high opinion of Airisu must mean something. Still, her comments about Airisu and Rentaro made him only more uncomfortable. What if the two were still scheming something together? What had happened between the two? And why was Airisu apparently not even close with her friends? What was she hiding? He set his jaw. This camping trip, he was determined to get to know Airisu, and decide if she was truly worthy of being Hikaru's friend.

If this is the first time that Hikaru's and my interests diverge…then I need to make sure that it's worth it.

The host club, dragging a ridiculous amount of equipment, entered the path leading to the private Morinozuka Woodlands. The sun shined through the leaves of the Japanese maple trees, casting odd shadows on the traveling group. These woodlands were somewhat wild, yet also somewhat cultivated by the Morinozuka family. Leaves of all colors stretched as far as the eye could see. Hikaru, carrying tent stakes, fire starters, and an ax, barely said a word to anyone else. His hands felt tight and pinched from the way he held the equipment. As soon as they arrived, he immediately dropped everything.

"What are you doing? You'll damage it!" Haruhi immediately scolded. Recently, she was the only one he was really hanging around with.

"Whatever," Hikaru said, unable to keep control of his temper.

All day long, he couldn't stop thinking about Airisu. How was he supposed to help Rentaro like she wanted? Even if he wanted to, what was she supposed to do? And why did he have to even prove anything to Airisu? He did so much to help her, to save her from that stupid blackmail situation. She would've been part of a major scandal right now if he hadn't interfered! She should be thanking him. He clenched his fists.

"Wait! We forgot firewood!" Tamaki interrupted his thoughts suddenly, grabbing roughly onto Haruhi's arm, wrinkling the designer hiking shirt Kaoru had designed for everyone to match.

"Calm down, we get firewood once we're here. Actually, you can work on collecting some. Mori-senpai, why don't you go with Tamaki-senpai to look for some?"

Mori nodded, heading over to Tamaki.

Tamaki said, "What if we don't find any wood?"

"We're in the woods!" Haruhi said, voice raising a little bit. She took in a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. "Ask Mori-senpai for help if you need."

Hikaru briefly thought Haruhi looked a little paler than normal.

Rentaro smiled at the exchange. "He sounds like me the first time our families went camping, right, Airisu?"

Airisu smiled, although it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes."

Hikaru glared at the tall boy. Why in the world was Rentaro even allowed to be here after what he did? Hikaru glanced at the tall boy, who stood next to Airisu, chatting away. Couldn't he tell that Airisu wasn't comfortable around him? Airisu's crossed arms and slight step backward made it obvious.

No matter how angry he was with Airisu, he realized that he still clung onto the idea of being friends with her. And right now, Rentaro was in the way of their friendship.

Hikaru came up to them, purposely bumping into Rentaro. Rentaro dropped the equipment in his arms, alarmed.

Hikaru said, "Oh, sorry." He turned to see Airisu, but deflated when he saw her glaring at him, quivering.

Rentaro sighed. "It's alright. Accidents happen."

Hikaru winced at the nonchalant reply from Rentaro. Great, now he looked like a jerk to both of them. "It wasn't an accident!" he burst out suddenly.

Both Rentaro and Airisu just stared at him, eyes wide. Hikaru's face turned hot, and he put his hand on his head. That was probably the worst possible thing he could've said. So pathetic! He turned away suddenly, leaving them behind, taking a few steps into the woods. He put his headphones on, playing some music to try to calm himself down, sitting down under one of the trees.

"Hika-chan?"

He opened his eyes. Wait…did he fall asleep? He put his headphones around his neck. Honey-senpai smiled down at him, holding Usa-chan tightly, blonde hair shining in the sunlight. If he wasn't so grumpy, he might appreciate how angelic his friend looked in this lighting. Even the headlamp Honey wore looked a bit like a halo. But Hikaru was annoyed to be disturbed. He groaned. "What is it?"

"You disappeared! We were worried about you. Airisu told us you ran into the woods by yourself."

"Airisu said something?"

Honey-senpai sat down next to him, looking up at the trees. "When you didn't return, she told Tama-chan where you went when he came back with his one stick. Takashi and I came to find you."

Hikaru winced at the explanation of events. "How long have I been gone?"

"Only a few minutes. Hika-chan, are you alright?"

Hikaru looked into Honey's wide eyes. "Of course I'm–" a tear dripped down his cheek suddenly. "Huh?"

Honey immediately sat next to him, thrusting his stuffed bunny into Hikaru's lap. "Usa-chan will comfort you!"

"T-there's no reason for him to comfort me! Take that thing away!" Hikaru said gruffly.

The two sat in silence for a moment, Hikaru throwing his head in his hands. He could hear the wind fluttering the leaves, cooling off his heated cheeks. Finally, Honey said, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I just—Airisu," Hikaru felt his head throbbing. "And Kaoru. Everything is just a mess. I can't–I don't know how it got to be like this."

"Hika-chan. You seem to really care about Airi-chan. If that's the case, maybe you should tell her about it. 'Kay?"

"N-no! I couldn't possibly. She's furious with me right now, anyway. And I can't seem to control my emotions whenever I'm around her! She must think I'm so childish. And she never trusted me…"

"I think Airi-chan would hear you out if this is what you wanted to talk to her about," Honey urged again.

Hikaru sighed. "I'm just embarrassed that I'm like this."

"Let's go back to the campsite! Haru-chan is teaching us how to pitch tents. Isn't that fun? C'mon Usa-chan!"

Hikaru trailed behind Honey, roughly wiping his eyes in an attempt to hide his emotions. He took a deep breath. He just needed to keep it all in and it would be fine. He would just count to ten if he got upset, like Kaoru used to try to train him to do to control his jealousy over Haruhi. There was no way Airisu would speak with him if he continued to snap at everyone around him. He had to get it together!

When he arrived, Haruhi was standing in front of a little one-person tent, hand on her stomach. She'd paled even more from earlier. Kaoru was next to her, putting his hand on her forehead as if he were taking her temperature.

Tamaki rushed over, all kinds of twigs stuck in his hair. "Mommy says you're sick!"

Hm, it's been a while since he'd heard Tamaki referring to the host club as a family like this. Did it even feel like a family anymore?

Haruhi sighed. "I'm not feeling well, so I'm just going to lay down in the tent. You all watched me put it up, so you'll be fine."

"I'll come with you!"

"No. That would be bothersome to me."

"How can you be so cruel!?"

Hikaru was suddenly distracted by the appearance of Airisu, wiping the dirt off her hands, likely curious about Haruhi not feeling well. He felt frozen in place as she made eye contact with him. He should go over to her, but couldn't find the willpower. How pathetic was he?

By this point, Haruhi had retired to the tent, Tamaki still making a fuss outside.

Rentaro said, "Wait, if Haruhi is sick, then who's going to help us with the tents? I didn't pay attention that well, I'll admit. I had servants put them up the one time I went camping."

Hikaru bristled at Rentaro's words. "Put it together yourself."

Kyoya's glasses flashed. "Actually, there are no more single tents. So everyone here will have a partner or group to put their tent together. Surely more heads are better than one."

"Um…"

The hosts turned to look at Airisu. Her face had turned red. Was she uncomfortable speaking in front of all of them? She continued, "W-who am I staying with, then, if Haruhi is sick in the single tent?"

Hikaru felt warmth in his cheeks immediately, a contrast to the cool breeze that began to pick up as the sun started to set. They had brought all double tents save the one single to accommodate their group of nine. Haruhi and Airisu were supposed to share–now Airisu had to stay with one of the boys?

Rentaro calmly said, "You can stay with me."

"NO!"

Hikaru was trembling, everyone's eyes turning on him because of his sudden outburst. He wanted to tell Airisu to stay with him, but his breath was caught in his throat. He couldn't get the words out, freezing again when she made eye contact with him.

Kaoru smiled, then said, "Er, maybe Rentaro may not be the best considering…um, anyway. Perhaps Airisu should stay with someone she is familiar with, though," he said.

Hikaru's heart felt like it would burst. Was Kaoru helping him, suggesting that Airisu and Hikaru should stay in the same tent? He'd have a chance to apologize again and talk to her. Maybe he could finally salvage whatever was left of their friendship. Not to mention he may lose his mind at the idea of her spending all night alone with a boy in a tent.

Kaoru continued, "I'll stay with her."

Without missing a beat, Kyoya calmly said, "That will work out fine. I'll stay with Tamaki, Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai can stay together, and Hikaru will stay with Rentaro."

Hikaru was stunned. Airisu and Kaoru…? His thoughts never quite finished, mouth gaping. Huh?

He stared at Airisu, who shockingly made eye contact back with him. She cocked her head, as if she wanted to ask him something, as if for a split second she forgot about their strained relationship.

The moment was interrupted by Kaoru, who put his arm around her. "Hey, let's put our tent together. Don't worry, we'll have separate sleeping bags and plenty of space apart."

Airisu blushed and nodded, "Um, sure."

Hikaru blankly stared at the two. There was no way she was that comfortable with Kaoru, but he was afraid that an argument would somehow lead to her being alone with Rentaro instead. He quivered at the thought.

Oh right. He had to stay with Rentaro.

"So, guess we're roommates. Tent mates?"

Hikaru jumped as Rentaro came up behind him with a smile. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Airisu and Kaoru staring at him. He gritted his teeth. "Guess so."

"Well, let's pitch the tent. Shall we?"

The two went to their area of the camp, separating the tent stakes. Hikaru was doing his best to put the tent stakes up, Rentaro helping pull the tent together, but the tent collapsed again. They were both lost putting it together, but since Haruhi was sick there was nobody to help.

Airisu used to be a commoner, right? Maybe he could ask her. Hikaru started shaking. Why did she have to stay with Kaoru? And he was stuck with this loser?

Rentaro sighed. "Guess we're not good at it."

"SHUT UP," Hikaru yelled, losing control. If he heard Rentaro's deep voice one more time he was going to punch him. He threw a tent stake to the ground, denting it slightly. "I'm done! I'm not sharing a tent with you. This whole trip is stupid. I'm done. I'm leaving!"

Rentaro raised his hands like he was dealing with an escaped zoo animal. "Whoa there, let's take it down a level…"

"Don't you dare ask anything of me. G-get away!"

Hikaru turned from him, walking towards the campfire. The host club members who were still around, Kyoya, Mori, Kaoru, and then Airisu were watching the interaction. Hikaru stalked up to Kaoru and Airisu, turning to Airisu and ignoring his brother.

"Can we talk? Please?"

Airisu paused, glancing down at the dirt, then back up to Hikaru. She let out a sigh. "I guess."

Hikaru led Airisu away from the rest of the host club, scratching the back of his head as he stopped, standing across from her.

Airisu sighed. "Look, what is it? I don't see you making any effort…"

"I won't. Airisu, I can't! Tell Rentaro to leave!"

"Excuse me?"

"You look so uncomfortable around him! I've seen you tremble when he suggests spending alone time with you. He doesn't deserve to spend time with you, or any of us! Send him away!"

Airisu glared at him. "How is this any different than you interfering, no, meddling with Rentaro from before? I didn't ask for your help! The only thing I asked you to do now is to help him, but you can't even do that. Instead you try to tell me what to do! You don't respect my wishes…none of this is your place!"

"It is my place!"

"Why? Why would you think that?" Airisu held her head high, eyes boring into his.

"B..b..because! How can I sit back and watch someone I love keep getting hurt?" Hikaru blinked back tears.

For a moment, both of them froze, staring at each other, the wind blowing through the leaves and the crickets chirping around them.

A moment later, Airisu let out a breath, eyes meeting Hikaru's, her expression unreadable. "Love?"

Hikaru's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat, taking a slight step backward as he desperately floundered for a response…

To be continued…