Chapter 6: Renge The Host Club Manager
Looking down at his notebook as he wrote Kyoya stopped when he looked back up
"Is that all the information you have?", he looked at the underclassmen in front of him, the boy looked nervous.
"Yeah, thats all I know" he said making Kyoya frown a bit.
"Very well then, thank you for your help" Kyoya snapped his notebook shut as he turned around and began walking to the Host Club. He had been asking around the student body to see what the Host Club's missing customers were doing in particular. From what he gathered the girls were simply spending their time together drinking and eating and "enjoying the scenery" as one student had put it. So he had to wonder, what was so great about this location they spent all their time at, that they stopped coming to the Host Club?
—
-Host Club-
Haruhi watched as Hikaru and Kaoru acted out yet another scene of their brotherly love.
"You know the only one who will be undressing you is me, Kaoru" Hikaru whispered out loud,
"Hikaru, your embarrassing me in front of everybody" Kaoru replied looking away from his brother. Both boys were wearing matching garments and were holding each other
"Agh~~!" the girls on the couch began to scream.
"They're up to that nonsense again" Haruhi sweat dropped at the spectacle the twins made.
"Could you guys keep it down!", a black head of hair popped out behind one of the screens, which was quickly revealed to be Kagome as she glared down at the twins.
"When the hell did you get here" They asked the boy. She just raised a eyebrow at them,
"I got hear a while ago, Haruhi was busy with customers, so I sat with Mori and Honey"
"You mean you were eating" they sent knowing smirks at Kagome.
"Tch" she looked away at their comment.
"I started to doze off after a while, but then you two idiots woke me up before I could fall asleep" she said while rubbing an eye with her fist.
'He didn't deny it', the three thought before Hikaru and Kaoru yelled at Kagome for calling them "Idiots" but suddenly two of Haruhi's customers appeared
"Haruhi you look so cute in that kimono" one girl said blushing.
"Almost like a girl!", Kagome laughed to herself at the comment as she walked up to stand beside Haruhi.
"Haruhi, you booked another appointment, it seems you've had a pretty steady flow of new customers lately." Kyoya suddenly interrupted.
"Keep up the good work" he continued, not bothering to look up from his writing. "Im not going to charge you interest on your debt like I normally would, so keep this up and you should be able to pay it off". Kyoya smiled at Haruhi
"Although the rental fee on that kimono your wearing is nothing to sneeze at". Kagome patted Haruhi's shoulder awkwardly to try to comfort the girl due to Kyoya's cruelty.
"Im surprised your here Kagome", said girl looked up at Kyoya surprised he was talking to her, "with the amount of time you spend with us its a wonder your able to keep your scholarship" Kyoya said with an innocent smile. Not taking the bait she just smirked at Kyoya
"Eh not really, Mori still participates in the Kendo Club without it interfering with his host duties. I'm also technically one of Haruhi's customers so its expected that I come and visit her, right?~". Kyoya frowned at her
'He probably just angry that I eat so many of their snacks without paying' she sniggered to herself. It worked out so well being friends with Honey, who shared his free food with her.
"Haru-Chan, Kagome-Chan" They both turned at Honey's call
"I don't know how but I lost one of my sandals" said Honey, as he started to cry. Seeing the crying blond Kagome leaned down and cupped his cheeks with both of her hands and used her thumbs to wipe away his tears.
"Theres no need to cry Honey" she grabbed his hand holding it in her own, she smiled softly at Honey.
"Lets go look for your sandal ok" Honey looked up at her and nodded looking happy at having his hand held by his friend.
"Mitsukuni" a deep voice said, calling the duo's attention. They looked to see Mori carrying a sandal.
"Takashi?" Honey said as his cousin put the missing sandal on his foot. Kagome kept her grip on Honey's hand, helping him balance, but she watched Mori. The whole scene reminded her of the times she played with the village children while traveling in the past or when she took care of Shippo.
'Those were such peaceful and nice times' she thought before turning her attention back to the Honey and Mori.
"I noticed that you dropped it" Mori spoke again
"Takashi!" Honey launched himself at Mori pulling her with him in his surprisingly strong grip. She stood awkwardly right next to the the two as they hugged, still holding Honey's hand.
"How sweet!" one of the many girls said clutching her hands together while blushing.
"Isn't it though. They look like a family!" Another customer said making Mori blush
"Looks like the tears are popular with the ladies today, but how are they able to cry so easily" Kagome heard Haruhi's question over the chattering of the girls. Looking at Honey as he finally let go of his cousin, he smiled up at Mori before latching onto Kagome's waist surprising her and Mori
"Thanks for helping me Kagome-Chan!" he said to her, flowers appearing around him. She rubbed the back of her neck out of embarrassment
"Your welcome but I didn't really do much" sighing she draped her arms around the blond still attached to her. She briefly pondered something before voicing the thought.
"Hey Honey… why don't you call me by a nickname like you do with everyone else?". The boy blinked at her, confused, so she continued.
"Well you call everyone by a nickname like how you call Haruhi Haru-Chan, Tamaki Tama-Chan, and Kyoya Kyo-Chan", she paused for a second "Well except for Mori" she waited briefly before continuing
"But you call me by my first name 'Kagome' even though you use Chan."
she waited for him to reply to her question but she was surprised when he gave her a big smile and he giggled to himself
"Thats because you and Takashi are special to me". She gave him a shocked look wondering what he meant by "special", as she looked down at him, not noticing how it had suddenly gone quiet.
Honey looked around unsure why everyone had stopped talking. He watched as his silent cousin, who had been looking at the two of them, blushed before averting his eyes. Honey turned back around when he felt Kagome move and noticed the change in his demeanor.
"why are you sad!" He asked seeing the upset look in boys eyes as he seemed lost in thought. Coming out of her stupor she smiled down at the boy.
"Its nothing Honey, your words just reminded me of a very painful and happy part of my life" waiting for her words to sink in she began to talk again
"But your words alone make me very happy". Ignoring the whispering around her, Kagome played with the boys hair in her usual way, earning a a relieved smile from Honey.
"I have an idea, lets go get some cake Honey~" Kagome said to the boy.
"Ok!" Honey responded quickly flowers appearing around him at her suggestion
"How admirable of you!~" Turning slightly at the abrupt outburst to catch a glimpse of what was transpiring, she saw Tamaki making a scene as he talked to Haruhi, catching the attention of everyone in the vicinity.
"Such devotion to your mother's memory" Tamaki got extremely close to Haruhi causing the girl to look uncomfortable.
"Please Haruhi take as many as you like" he began piling boxes of sweets in her hands while he teared up. The Host Club and the guests clapped at Tamaki's "kindness" which Tamaki seemed to revel in.
"Don't encourage the fool" she muttered, but her warning fell on deaf ears.
"Let me guess the tears are fake". Tamaki's eyes widened at Haruhi's words before he turned away in pain.
"How could you!" he said looking off into the distance.
"Whats he looking at?" she leaned over and whispered to Mori unknowingly making him blush, while she stared at Tamaki.
"My tears are always genuine Haruhi" Tamaki closed his eyes letting a lone tear fall
"Being able to cry without the use of eye drops is the mark of a true host" he turned around to look at Haruhi
"Tell me do I impress you? Have you fallen for me yet"
"you wish" Haruhi immediately said while the rest of the host club seemed to ignore Tamaki's obnoxious behavior.
"Haruhi be careful, your IQ may drop if you stand to close to him" Kagome whispered to Haruhi as Tamaki muttered to himself, asking why she wasn't responding to his advances.
"Hmh?" Haruhi let out the sound directing the attention of the Hosts to a girl hiding behind a pillar.
"Looks like the Host Club has a brand new guest" the twins said upon noticing the girl.
"Come on in, what are you waiting for?" Kaoru said when he suddenly appeared before the girl holding up a red rose
"Watching from afar is no fun" Hikaru added appearing like his brother.
"Please miss" they said together
"Stop that, how many times do I have to tell you boys to be more courteous to our first time guests" Tamaki said interrupting the twins.
"Please you don't have to be afraid my princess", getting close to the girl he grabbed her chin "I welcome you to the Ouran Host Club" seeing her lips move Tamaki leaned a little closer
"Yes" he whispered with half lidded eyes
"No" she suddenly slapped him sending him back "Don't touch me, your phony!" The whole groups eyes widened in shock, but Kagome turned her head a little after getting over her surprise to let out a small laugh.
"What do you mean, I'm phony?!" Tamaki said clutching his aching face
"Just what I said, your phony!" she pointed at Tamaki
"I find it hard to believe that someone like you is the prince character of this Host Club!" Tamaki stumbled back further at the girls words crying out as if her words physically pained him.
"You shouldn't go spreading around your love like that you stupid!", suddenly and arrow labeled "stupid" shot out of nowhere and hit Tamaki in the back.
"You must be a dimwitted narcissist!" another arrow shot out and hit Tamaki in the chest making him spin around by the force of the impact.
"You're incompetent" another arrow came and hit him,
You're a commoner!" the arrow hit him so hard he flew up a foot into the air,
"You're disgusting!" one last arrow shot out before he was hit with a bolt of lightning
Kagome upon witnessing the first arrow had begun to laugh at Tamaki but now she was barely able to stand from laughing so hard. She internally thanked Mori as he wrapped a arm around her waist to help keep her standing. She clutched at his jacket to help herself keep watching the scene that was unfolding before her.
"I don't suppose you are?" Kyoya said
"Its you! Kyoya!" she ran towards Kyoya purposefully stepping on Tamaki along the way "How I've longed to meet you, my one and only prince charming".
—
"Your Fiancee-" Hikaru said surprised
"-Kyoya Sempai!" Kaoru finishe shocked by the news
"Of course. My name is Renge Houshakuji and I'm transferring into Ouran Academy's first year class A" she said cheerfully as she sat alone on one of the plush couches.
"Why is he sulking?" Kauro asked as the whole group turned around to watch Tamaki as he sat facing a wall across the room, his usual dark depressing aura about him.
"Because mommy was keeping a secret from daddy" Hikaru replied to the question with levity.
"Whatever, why does everyone insist on referring to us as husband and wife?" Kyoya said aloud keeping his eyes on the pouting blond in the corner of the room.
"You can't complain, you went along with it until now" Kagome told Kyoya which caused a unnoticeable vein to pop out on his head.
"Ours is a story of love at first sight" Renge interrupted as she blushed and closed her eyes. As she began to retell the story of how she and Kyoya met and "fell in love".
'That sounds nothing like him' Kagome thought frozen in place with a raised eyebrow as Renge went on "describing" Kyoya, all the while the Host club seemed to be freaking out at the inaccurate description.
'She must be talking about a different person' Kagome thought as Renge finally finished telling her story
"He looks like the star of the popular dating sim 'Uki-Doki Memorial' " Renge said excitedly before pointing at Kyoya.
'And that explains it' Kagome thought
"Your my real life Ichijo Miyabi!" she said causing causing everyone to turn stark white.
"Uki?" Haruhi said
"Doki?" Honey finished for Haruhi.
…
"Otaku"!" Tamaki and Hikaru screamed
"I've never seen one!" Karou screeched taking a step back.
"I get it know, your in love with that character" Kyoya said as he sat on a couch ignoring Renge as she ran about the room yelling about her Miyabi. "Your projecting that love onto me and somehow deluded yourself into thinking we are engaged" he said calmly as ever
"I assume this Miyabi character wears glasses as well" Kyoya push his glasses up as he finished talking.
"So she made it up? Your not really her fiancee right?" Tamaki asked as he peeked over the couch looking at Kyoya
"well no, I don't ever remember asking for her hand in marriage" Kyoya replied
"Beside this is the first time I've ever met the woman" Kyoya's words caused everyones eyes to go blank.
'You could have said so sooner' was the unanimous thought among the group. Getting curious Kagome couldn't help but ask Renge the sudden thought that struck her.
"Do you have a picture of this Ichijo Miyabi?" She waited for the girl's reply as she came out of her mad ravings about her beloved.
"Yeah, here he is", Renge said happily handing the picture to Kagome as the club gathered behind her to look at the picture. Kyoya still sitting down said nothing as the group looked up at him and down at the picture, then repeated the process several times.
"Wow" The twins broke the deafening silence
"Its uncanny" Haruhi said.
"It's to bad though" Kagome suddenly said aloud. Seeing the hosts look at her she continued
"Kinda feels like we got the short end of the stick you know? Getting stuck with this version of Ichijo Miyabi" she pointed to Kyoya "then the one in Renge's video games". Multiple veins popped up on Kyoya's head at Kagome's words, all the while Hikaru and Kaoru just laughed. Haruhi snorted in amusement but Renge looked downright murderous
"Anyways I better go, Ive got things to do" Kagome said hoping to retreat before Renge attacked her. Turning to the door she leisurely walked to the entrance but paused to look back.
"See you guys later" she said and waved to the group, all the while ignoring the heated glare from Kyoya.
'It's just so much fun to mess with Kyoya' Kagome thought before closing the door
—
She looked at the ornate doors before her, wondering why she was told to report to the school office as soon as she was able. Quickly heading inside she was surprised when she was met with a cheery voice.
"Hello! You must be Higurashi Kagome" the woman waved her over to her desk which Kagome warily walked over to.
"May I ask why I was told to come here after class?" the woman seemed slightly surprised but it quickly passed.
"Don't worry your not in trouble. We just noticed there was a discrepancy in your file. We already fixed the mistake, we just need to give you a new student photo ID". The woman said in a rushed tone worried she had upset her. Kagome felt a wave of relief wash over her.
"Oh ok" she smiled at the woman as she started typing on her computer.
"May I have your current school ID?" the woman asked looking up from her computer. Quickly taking out her wallet she grabbed the pink plastic card and gave it to the woman. The woman gave a soft "thank you" before she reached into a drawer beside her.
"Here you go" she said handing Kagome her new blue photo ID.
"Thanks" Kagome said before stuffing the card into her wallet.
"Sorry to trouble you with this I…" the woman began
"Oh its no trouble at all" Kagome shook her head along with her words "Is that all?"
"Yes thats it! Have a good afternoon!" Kagome nodded her head to the woman before turning around, never bothering to look at her new ID which was the standard blue color used only for the male students at the school.
—
-Somewhere on School Grounds-
Kagome sighed as she found the Host Club room empty. She looked over at the empty seats and couches strewn about the area before turning and closing the door. With nothing else to do she might as well go home.
"I was hoping to get something to eat…" she thought sadly.
She walked down the hallways until she passed a window. She paused for a second and took a few steps back until she was able to get a clear view out the window.
"…!?" She watched as what seemed to be a film crew go about their business setting up equipment.
"Why would…" she began to say, but then out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of blond hair
"and of course" what other idiotic club would bring a film crew to school. The Host Club was certainly entertaining but they were inconsistent with their actions.
"Well except that they are consistently obnoxious" she smirked, her plan of going home gone from her mind as her feet began to lead her to a new destination. Walking some ways she was excited when she finally left the building and came upon the large group of workers. However mood quickly changed to worry at the sight of Honey crying into Haruhi's shoulder as Renge yelled at him.
"Whats wrong with you, you've got to stick to the script!" Kagome eyes widened at Renge, the girls hair had turned to snakes in her anger.
'Is she the one directing this… movie?' Kagome thought before turning her gaze to the crying blond
"But I can't!" Honey whined and started to sniffle. Kagome having seen enough walked up to Honey all the while digging through her school bag hoping to find what she was looking for.
"Its ok Honey. You don't have act if you don't want to". Honey looked up at the sound of Kagome's voice.
"Kagome-Chan…" Honey wiped his eyes as he looked at Kagome as she leaned down to look at him.
"Here I have something that might make you feel better" Kagome smiled at Honey as she pulled her arm out of her bag and produced a handful of candy.
"…Yay!" Honey yelled as he grabbed some from Kagome's hand and started unwrapping it, completely forgetting he was upset. Kagome smiled before she began doing the same, eating what was left over in her hand before digging into her bag again and producing more for her and Honey to share
Haruhi felt her eyebrow twitch, she looked over at the other Host Club members and saw they shared similar looks of surprise.
'Does he just carry around candy' Haruhi shook her head at her 'male' classmate before standing up and wiping her hands on her pants. Moving away from Honey and Kagome she made to pass Mori, but she halted briefly when she caught sight of the look on Mori's face. While his face was stoic as usual it seemed more relaxed and… peaceful? He was watching his cousin and Kagome as they chattered away about candy. Not thinking much of it she walked towards the camera crew and grabbed a towel to dry herself with. She looked back at the scene Honey and Kagome made which she had to admit was certainly heartwarming to see.
"Mori why don't you join us?" Kagome said looking up from conversation with Honey.
"…" Mori nodded and slowly made his way over to the two before sitting down as well. The conversation continued which mainly consisted of Honey talking about his favorite snacks which made Kagome chuckle. Noticing how quiet Mori was she discreetly watched as he said and ate nothing. She didn't mind his silence she just was worried that he thought he was unwelcome to eat along with them.
"Do you want any Mori?" Kagome finally asked but Mori just shook his head.
"Takashi does care much for these kinds of sweets" Honey answered Kagome's unasked question. Looking down at the pile which now mainly consisted of fruity flavored and sour candy,
"… Oh!" Kagome said to herself. Honey went back to eating while Mori dutifully watched over his cousin.
…
"Do you want a kiss Mori?" Mori froze and sat there registering what he heard before his eyes widened and his face turned red. His cousin had looked up when he heard the question but he seemed completely unconcerned about it. Mori clenched his hands and turned his head to Kagome… only to see him holding out a unmistakable foiled candy. His eyes went wide and his face got a little redder in embarrassment at the realization of his mistake.
"Something wrong Mori?" Kagome asked him. He shook his head vigorously but he stopped when he noticed the playful look in Kagome's eyes. The boy seemed to be trying his best to hide his amusement and look as innocent as possible. He narrowed his eyes and tried his best to calm down.
"Oh don't be that way it was just a joke" Kagome said aloud easily reading Mori's face and body language. Honey looked at the two of them wondering what was going on but gave up before returning to his stash of sweets before him. He was just happy his cousin and his friend were getting along so well.
"Ok Im sorry… do you forgive me" Kagome said aloud while laughing. Mori nodded, the corner of his lips upturning a bit due to the infectious enthusiasm and joy Kagome was displaying.
Kagome smiled some more and grabbed Mori's hand and placed the chocolate in his hand before turning her attention away from him.
"Can I have a kiss to Kagome!" Honey asked before he was quickly handed one by the girl.
Mori let out a breath before peering down at the chocolate in his hand. His cheeks once again turned slightly red. Suddenly he placed his hand on his stomach as he felt something off
"…?" he look down at his abdomen. Why did his stomach feel weird? His heart as well felt strange, it felt like it was beating louder and faster then usual. He looked over at Kagome who was laughing at something Mitskuni said,
'Is it because of him' Mori continued to look at black haired boy.
"Are you going to eat that Takashi?"
—
-The Next Day at the Host Club-
Its was another day in the Host Club and Kagome found herself spending time with Honey once again. Hearing commotion the customers were making Kagome stopped eating as she listened to the conversation
"That scene in the rain was just phenomenal!" one of the girls shouted a heavy blush on her face prompting other girls to chime in on what they thought about the film.
"I love the lonely prince!" one girl yelled
"And the loving relationship between Hikaru and Kaoru was so sweet!" another said
"Kyoya" Tamaki asked as looked on as the Host Club's customers began mass producing anime hearts.
"I may have broken the camera lens but the footage we'd already shot wasn't damaged, but naturally I cut out that one violent scene" Kyoya answered Tamaki's question while writing in his notebook.
"Sales have been pretty good so far. That Hollywood film crew did a fantastic job, but then I guess that's to be expected" Kyoya said looking up and over his shoulder at the group.
"So is this what you meant by interesting" the twins said with blank faces while Kyoya gave a cool smile.
'He seems very pleased with himself' Kagome thought to herself
"Good day everyone" the group turned their heads at the sound of Renge's greeting.
"Renge?" Tamaki had a look of surprise on his face "But I thought you had gone back to France already"
"I cant believe I didn't realize this sooner. It was so chivalrous of you to risk your life to protect me. I could feel the love when you lectured me about judging people" Renge grabbed Haruhi's hand causing the girl to look at Renge with apprehension.
"When you said it was fun to get to know people little by little you were talking about me" Renge said while roses appeared around her and Haruhi.
"Ughhh" Tamaki shouted aloud and began freaking out but he went unnoticed by everyone as they watched Haruhi and Renge
"Yeah?…" Haruhi said unsure
"Come on Haruhi! Lets go to my house and play some games together" She grabbed Haruhi's arm and began dragging the girl towards the entrance to the club room. "I think it's time you got to know me better" Renge finished with a happy smile
"What!" Haruhi said aloud shocked by the the situation she was now in.
"Hey" the twins said together
"Kyoya Senpai" said Hikaru
"You ok with that?" Kaoru finished as the twins looked at Kyoya
"Why wouldn't I be. Everything Renge said is true" Kyoya calmly replied back seemingly completely unconcerned as his words suggested
"No it isn't!" Tamaki yelled out
"But I thought you were the one who wanted her to have a female friend in the first place" Kyoya said, amusement lacing his words
"Well yeah a female companion not a girlfriend!" Tamaki yelled back at Kyoya before turning back to Renge and Haruhi.
"Tamaki you've got know by now that I'm a… and he's not listening" Kagome sighed as Tamaki was to focused on the retreating forms of Renge and Haruhi.
"Come on Haruhi lets go play together!" Renge shouted as she laughed and pulled Haruhi along
"No wait don't take Haruhi from me!" Tamaki began chasing after the two girls in desperation.
'Ok is it just me or do these people just not want know my real gender' Kagome thought a vein popping out on her head
"Excuse me" a quiet voice asked breaking Kagome away from her angry thoughts. She turned around see a few girl standing behind her blushing.
"We just wanted to let you know we really like your part in the film" the girl said wringing her hands nervously.
"Thanks… but I wasn't even in the movie" Kagome replied to the girl wondering what she was talking about.
"Yeah but you were in extra scenes on the bonus edition DVD"
"Really?" Kagome tilted her head wondering when she had been filmed.
"Yeah! It was so sweet how you shared your snacks with Honey to make him feel better!" The girl said suddenly seeming to get over her nervousness.
"It moved me to tears" said one of the other girls as she wrapped her arms around herself in excitement.
"It was absolutely the best!" another girl shouted.
Surprised by the girls words all she could utter was a shocked "thanks" before the group moved on to talk amongst themselves.
Looking back at the Host club members she couldn't help but smile. especially when she saw Honey sit atop Mori's shoulders as he held Usa-Chan. They may be cousins but Mori acted like a doting protective older brother, which made her think about Souta and herself. It was especially nice that she had a 'snack buddy' as well now
'And such a cute one at that' she thought looking at Honey. Her eyes trailed down though to Mori.
'Mori's very handsome as well I guess' Kagome thought before shaking her head. Where did that come from?!
—
~Authors Note~
Sorry for the long wait! I've been busy with school and work so I haven't had time to even touch my computer for what seems like forever. I'll try to write a little bit everyday even if I'm busy so I can post more regularly. Also tell me if you would like me to maybe post temporary short excerpts/stories until I can integrate them into an actual chapter? That way you can kinda get a sneak peak of the next chapter or get a deeper view of my story. Let me know!
Also I've already started thinking about writing other stories perhaps after finishing this one or doing them along side each other. If your interested enough let me know and I will post my list of stories I want to write on this chapter. If not I'll probably just post it on the next chapter.
Don't be afraid to message me for anything!
Ok thanks and sorry for the long authors note! \_(-_-)_/