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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 050: Takashi Morinozuka & Kyouya Ootori

Sequel to: "Chapter 19: Takashi Morinozuka" & "Chapter45: Kyouya Ootori"

Anime: Ouran High School Host Club

Prompt: Bake Sale

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note:

*Special Shout Out to: Minty, fallingyuki, 4get Me Not, and Thisgirlreadswords

KH*TM*KO

Midnight Craving Bakery

Kagome paused, her cup of sweetened coffee frozen inches away from her lips. Widened amethyst eyes gazed at the individual across from her, surprised. "A bake sale?" she questioned.

Kyouya politely wiped his mouth, his favorite cappuccino cake halfway finished in front of him. When he smiled at the raven haired beauty, it was both charming and calculative. The way his glasses reflected the bakery's light added an almost sinister quality to his otherwise handsome appearance.

"Yes," he replied, "a bake sale. With your exceptional baking skills and keen sense of customer preference, I believe this will help boost your sales and further expand your business. With my assistance, Kagome, I'm positive you'll be an even greater success."

Releasing a tinkling laugh, she waved away his words with a hand. "With the way Mitsukuni is always ordering cakes and pastries, I'm not worried about going out of business anytime soon." Her smile turned teasing as she gazed meaningfully at the Cool-type Host. "Not to mention, you and your sister stop by weekly. A bake sale is too much for me to handle on my own right now."

"If it is supplies that you are worried about, I'll take care of it," Kyouya offered smoothly. "The bake sale will be a Host Club event. Any expenses will be paid back with double the interest. All of your time and work will also be compensated."

"Money isn't the issue," she said. "But I am curious as to why you're hiring me when there are much more qualified bakers out there?"

His smile was genuine, the most honest he could be with another human being. "Why shouldn't it be you?" was all he said in response. His expression unknowingly softened as he continued to stare at the young woman.

Kagome couldn't help how her cheeks heated the slightest bit. Ever since meeting the glasses-wearing Host, she could admit to enjoying his company. Their conversations were intellectual, whether it was about business strategies or the current stock market. She also enjoyed matching wits with him. He was mentally sharp and always had a comeback.

Taking a sip of her coffee, hoping her flushed cheeks weren't too noticeable, she acquiesced, "Okay. I'll do the bake sale. When did you need everything done by?"

Kyouya smirked, pleased that things were falling into his favor. "Excellent. I'll call you with the details once everything is settled on my end." He held out his hand. "I'm looking forward to working with you, Kagome."

Beaming, she shook his hand. "Same. I'm looking forward to working with you, too, Kyouya."

And if he held her hand longer than strictly necessary, he didn't mention it and neither did she.

KH*TM*KO

A Few Days Later – Midnight Craving Bakery

Mori took a subtle deep breath before pushing the door open. His senses were immediately assaulted with the warm, welcoming aroma that always greeted him when he entered the charming bakery. It was the same every time, like coming home after being away for a long time. His usual stoicism melted, becoming softer and affectionate.

When his dark grey eyes landed on Kagome, his expression became even softer if possible. The warmth that filled his chest was no longer foreign but familiar and comforting.

"Takashi," Kagome greeted, smiling sweetly. She straightened away from the notepad she'd been pouring all of her attention into, her attention solely on the tall third-year.

"Kagome," he greeted back, voice low and rumbling.

"Did you just finish school and your club activities?"

Mori nodded as his only response.

The raven haired beauty hummed, used to his quietness and silent ways of communication. Her thoughts always filled with tenderness and affection whenever Mori came into her bakery. His calm aura and subtle confidence soothed her, making her feel sheltered and somehow protected without words needing to be exchanged. And as he continued to stare at her with heated eyes, Kagome could feel her cheeks becoming flushed and her heart beating a little bit faster.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she smiled at the Wild-type Host. "Mitsukuni didn't order any cakes today."

"He didn't," Mori agreed.

Kagome tilted her head to the side, like a curious puppy. "What brings you here then?" She playfully winked. "Not that I'm complaining. I do enjoy your company, Takashi." When he blushed, she released a soft chuckle. "Did you wish to order something?"

"I did."

She eagerly leaned closer, beaming. "What would you like?" Mori didn't usually order anything, so now that he wanted to place an order, she was more than willing to hear what he had to say. His personality had always struck her as the type who would put others before himself. While that was sweet, she worried about what he wanted.

He suddenly found it hard to look into her mesmerizing amethyst orbs. "… Your spice cake."

"Really?" she happily chirped. "Give me a few minutes. I'll be right back." With an obvious skip in her step, she went into the back where all of the baking and decorating took place. Mori couldn't help but watch her retreating figure with adoring eyes. Kagome really was too cute for her own good, he thought.

While he waited for the raven haired beauty to return, the tall third-year glanced around the bakery. It was unusually empty but he was grateful for the quiet. Spending these types of moments with Kagome was something he deeply treasured.

Dark grey eyes landed on the notepad she'd been focusing on before he'd entered. At first glance, it looked like a list of ingredients. His brow rose, curious. Was she working on new recipes?

Taking a closer look, his brows furrowed. It was a list of ingredients, but the quantity was a lot larger than what the bakery could handle. He knew Kagome was gaining rapid success but it was still too much. There was no way she could generate this many confections in such a short amount of time without most of the stock expiring. So, what was she planning?

"Ah, you found my list of supplies," Kagome said, catching Mori's attention. He looked up, his gaze locking on the delicate plate with a piece of his ordered spice cake. His eyes traveled back to her angelic features when she spoke again. "It's actually good that you stopped by, Takashi. I was going to call Kyouya about the bake sale but, now that you're here, I'll ask you."

Bake sale? Eyes narrowing in suspicion, Mori only grunted in response. He vaguely remembered the Shadow King mentioning the upcoming event, but Mori hadn't anticipated the other Host involving Kagome. For what purpose? Mori had his suspicions – and they all revolved around said bakery owner. How close were the two? He hadn't suspected any growing connection between them, but he hadn't thought that Kyouya would be interested in anything except making the Host Club profitable.

He had clearly read the other male completely wrong. Kyouya was obviously interested in Kagome and was using the bake sale as an excuse to get closer to her.

Not a bad move, he silently admitted. However, Kyouya may have the business sense to help make Kagome successful, Mori had the skills necessary to help directly by her side. How much closer could an individual get than that?

"I was thinking of making bread as a part of the sale," Kagome went on, oblivious to his roiling revelations. "And I know cake will be a huge hit. Maybe some cupcakes and scones will be good, too. But what else should I make?"

"Sounds like a lot of work for you," he commented. Even if Kyouya hadn't been involved, Mori would have still volunteered his assistance for such a huge project. Any time spent with Kagome was worth it.

Kagome lightly laughed. "That's not true. I'm just making a little extra than what I normally sell here every day."

"I'll help you." The words were blunt and to-the-point.

Surprised, she blinked.

Mori kept his gaze steady.

She blinked again.

His determination was unwavering.

Finally, she asked, "Do you even know how to bake, Takashi?"

"No," he shamelessly answered.

"Well… Alright, then." And she released a tinkling laugh that had his cheeks heating all over again.

She really was too cute for her own good.

KH*TM*KO

Host Club Room – Bake Sale Day

Kyouya walked around the spacious room, clipboard in hand, as he scribbled notes and kept an eye on everything. He hadn't spared any expense for the event. He ordered the best equipment, though most of the products had been baked at Kagome's bakery. He had organized where the tables and decorations were to be set up, and he made sure Kagome's workstation was spotless and perfectly set up for the raven haired beauty. Like he said, he hadn't spared any expense. Everything needed to go perfectly – and he'd make sure of it.

The Cool-type Host paused as his eyes caught sight of Kagome. As he observed the way she smiled and happily helped the Ouran Academy students with their purchases, his gaze softened with the growing affection he felt for her. She truly looked happy and in her element at that moment.

And it was beautiful.

A few girlish squeals, however, caught Kyouya's attention and he reluctantly looked away to see what was causing the ruckus. He inwardly swore if it was Tamaki or the devilish twins acting up, he was going to personally see to their punishment. The way his glasses flashed in the light hid his darkening thoughts and sinister motives.

Cool, grey eyes widened slightly at the sight that greeted him.

Mori, dressed as a baking assistant, was expertly rolling and shaping dough. The young ladies of Ouran Academy were enjoying the show, hearts practically floating in midair as they watched the Wild-type Host and his confident movements.

Kyouya's attention was once again caught when he heard Kagome's voice.

"Good job, Takashi," she praised, beaming happily at the taller male. "The bread has been coming out perfectly. You're such a fast learner!"

With the slightest dusting of pink on his cheeks, Mori rumbled, "I have a good sensei."

"No way – I have an amazing student. I couldn't have done this without your help and hard work." Her glowing smile was enough to let anyone know how grateful she was, no words needed to be expressed in that instance.

And the way Mori's cheeks darkened further was proof enough that he understood, as well as the way his expression softened as he continued to gaze at the raven haired beauty. Anyone would be able to see how much the third-year adored her.

When those same eyes flickered towards Kyouya, the other male easily read the message in Mori's eyes:

I'm not giving her up to anyone.

Ah, I see, Kyouya realized. Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, the light's reflection shielding his own expression from view, his determination hardened.

Shoulders straightened, cool grey clashed with dark grey, the Shadow King made sure his own message was clearly issued:

I'm not giving her up to anyone either. Bring it on.

Mori gave a single nod, silently communicating his acceptance of the challenge. Kyouya returned the gesture with one of his own. Their eyes filled with their unwavering conviction, both knowing that only one could remain by Kagome's side.

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