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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 045: Kyouya Ootori

Anime: Ouran High School Host Club

Prompt: Cappuccino

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note: prequel to "Chapter 19: Takashi Morinozuka"

KH*KO*KH*KO

Kyouya pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with one finger, his cool, grey eyes locked on the welcoming establishment he stood in front of. Midnight Craving Bakery. When Honey-senpai had started talking about it nonstop, the Shadow King had decided to investigate. It had also peaked his curiosity when Mori-senpai showed a keen interest. The Wild Type host didn't normally show interest in anything, except when it came to his small, blonde cousin or Kendo, so Kyouya definitely noticed a change in Mori-senpai's behavior when the bakery was mentioned.

From what Kyouya had gathered, the bakery was owned and run by a young woman named Kagome Higurashi. She was twenty-three years old, had an above-average education, and came from a respected family that ran a local shrine. She lived in an apartment not far from her business, but always journeyed back home to visit her mother, grandfather, and younger brother.

Most intriguing, in his opinion, was that nothing and no one had anything negative to say about Kagome.

It made him infinitely curious. And a little more than suspicious. From his experience, everyone had secrets. Deep, dark secrets that made skeletons in closets look like Halloween jokes. And he made it his personal mission to find them and expose it to his benefit.

Personally meeting Kagome Higurashi was just the first step to figuring her out.

Kyouya confidently walked in, his Host Club-smile in place.

Instantly, his nose was assaulted with the warm scent of coffee, steamed milk, and fresh, baked goods that made his mouth water even though he didn't normally enjoy sweets. His shoulders and stance loosened, though he had no idea when it had tensed. His mental calculator automatically crunched numbers in his head, knowing a good business strategy when he saw one – or, in this case, smelled one.

The furniture and display case was strategically placed within the establishment with care and consideration to customers. The open floor plan made it spacious and homey, welcoming people to come in and take their time to browse or hang out at one of the tables. Kyouya mentally nodded at the color scheme as well. It was bright, cheerful, and instilled a sense of comfort. Whoever had decorated did an amazing job.

But it was the warm, feminine voice that tied everything together to make the impact complete – and devastating to the human senses.

"Welcome! My name is Kagome. How can I help you?"

Kyouya felt his eyes widen upon seeing the raven haired beauty, and his mouth suddenly felt dry. Ouran Academy was full of heiresses and other high-bred ladies, and all of them beautiful in their own way, but none could compare to the young bakery owner.

She was truly breathtaking, especially when he gazed into her unique, amethyst eyes. She didn't look older than he, easily passing for a high school student, with pale, smooth skin and a toned figure. He could honestly see why Mori-senpai was drawn to her when the normally stoic male held little interest in anything. Kagome Higurashi definitely knew how to capture a person's attention – and keep it – without trying.

Before Kyouya could respond, Kagome tilted her head to the side cutely. "Ah, I recognize that school uniform." Her smile widened. "Do you perhaps know Mitsukuni and Takashi? They're third-years at Ouran Academy."

The Shadow King fixed his glasses on the bridge of his nose with a finger, trying to find his usual calm and cool. "Yes," he answered. "We are in the same club together."

"The Host Club, right? They've told me so much about the adventures you guys have been through." She released a light laugh, the sound like tinkling bells. "It sounds like a lot of fun."

Only when their foolish Club President didn't end up spending an extravagant amount of money, yes, Kyouya supposed, it was fun. Tamaki was just lucky Kyouya found his antics amusing – most of the time.

"It's not boring," he agreed with a small smirk.

Kagome gave him an assessing look, almost like she was sizing up an opponent. "Judging from what Mitsukuni has told me, you must be Kyouya Ootori." The bubbly blonde had certainly described him perfectly, she thought. Behind his polite and charming smile, Kyouya was the type to be calculative, cunning, and – if the occasion called for it – merciless.

But Takashi had also pegged him correctly.

Kyouya Ootori was one very curious individual.

Although the stoic male had labeled it a fatal flaw, Kagome couldn't help but mentally laugh. She was, after all, a very curious individual herself. She supposed that was something she and Kyouya had in common.

"That's correct. My name is Kyouya Ootori." He gave a respectful bow. "I must admit, I was curious about your shop when Honey-senpai mentioned it. He said the desserts here are the best he's ever had." High praise from the expert of consuming all things sugary and sweet.

"That's sweet of him to say. He stops by almost every day to pick up cakes and other pastries."

He wasn't surprised by the news. "What would you recommend to someone who doesn't particularly like sweet things?" It was a test, and they both knew it. He wanted to see how she would respond. There were many options she could choose from, but knowing your customers' taste was integral for success.

But he had the feeling that Kagome was one who wouldn't be intimidated easily.

Kagome smiled. "I do bake and serve savory options for people who don't have a sweet tooth. But for you…" Grabbing a pair of clean tongs, she selected a piece of cake that was simply yet elegantly decorated. "I would recommend this."

He observed as she placed it on a small plate and brought it over to one of the nearby tables. Taking the hint, he walked over and sat down. He blinked. "A chocolate cake?" he questioned, brows furrowing in confusion.

Like it was a natural, everyday occurrence, the raven haired beauty took the seat opposite the Shadow King. She winked in a teasing manner. "Just trust me, okay? I'm sure you'll like it."

Kyouya picked up a fork, peeled off a section, and placed the morsel in his mouth. His grey eyes widened, pleasantly surprised by the flavor that exploded on his tongue. The cake was definitely not chocolate. It was slightly bitter, light, with a hint of sweetness that could become addicting.

"It's cappuccino," Kagome said, answering his unasked question. Grey connected with amethyst. "The flavor of the cake. It's cappuccino. I thought it fit your personality perfectly. Was I right?" By her tone, she knew she was, but she wanted him to say it out loud.

Swallowing the bite, he couldn't help but softly chuckle under his breath. Matching wits with the raven haired beauty was certainly entertaining.

"Yes. It would seem as though you understand me quite well, Higurashi-san."

"You can call me Kagome," she said, smiling brightly. "I have a feeling I'll be seeing you more often."

Kyouya felt his lips curve the slightest bit. "I believe you may be right… Kagome." There was definitely a special something when it came to the raven haired beauty.

And he couldn't wait to find out what it was… and expose it to his benefit.