"No way!" Hikaru slapped his leg multiple times as tears streamed down his face. "You really did that?!"
First, the entire ordeal with her and Kyoya being accidental wedding guests and now this? Most of them haven't even fully recovered from the fact that Kyoya had to slow dance with the mother of the groom. Chizuru covered her face to hide how red she was. It was too late for her to rectify this situation. Nanako Shouji was drunk and talking about their early Lobelia days. She never realized how absurd and dramatic their escapades were. Her stomach churned with how inane it was.
"Yeah, Seriously!" Nanako slammed her hand on the table. "Chizuru didn't care if he was a man of god. She confessed her sins daily to speak to him privately."
Chizuru sunk deeply into her chair. She drank some more wine and hid behind Benio. The Chizuru before the Zuka Club was entirely different from the version they knew.
"I-I need t-to see." Kaoru gripped his sides. His cheeks burning because of the stories. He knew that all girls schools were wild, but this was another level of madness.
"He's recently ordained as Monsignor." Chizuru showed Kaoru a photo as she watched him cover his mouth in awe.
He understood why anyone could have a crush on him. What a waste for such a man to have a vow of celibacy.
"I'd confess all my sins and dedicate my body and soul to him, alright." Kaoru shook his head slowly. It was tempting, but the thought of competing with the one above as an ex proved be a challenging thought.
"Father Stephan was transferred back to Vatican four years ago." She cleared her throat and kept her composure. "It's inappropriate to speak about the men of God as such."
"Inappropriate?" Nanako placed an arm over Chizuru's shoulder. Raising a brow at Chizuru's attempt in acting all coy. "You'd let him do all sorts of ungodly things to you."
"If he wants to renounce his calling, that's on him." She kept her tone formal and tucked her hair back.
"Oh, I'm sure." Nanako looked at Chizuru smugly. "You'd definitely kneel for him."
"Who wouldn't kneel for a man like this? I'd call him father any day." Matteo, Kaoru's partner, gushed. He's originally from Italy and attended Todai University as an international student for his masteral.
Tamaki smiled contently at the bustling sounds of their table. Things were going exactly as planned. Chizuru bought the excuse that everyone craved Tapas hence the impromptu Barcelona trip. She had no idea that a party will be thrown in her honor tomorrow. Haruhi was laughing along while having her sixth serving of tapas. Even Mori couldn't help but crack a smile as he listened. He glanced at Kyoya who looked engrossed as he listened to Nanako's re-telling of all the unfortunate adventures of Chizuru. How she went from the perfect model student to a creative spirit.
"Technically, I scouted her." Nanako pat Chizuru's back strongly with pride. "One of my best recruits."
Benio wrapped her arms around Chizuru. "No, I scouted her. She only entered the club after you graduated."
Chizuru smiled. This kind of argument was something that occurred on a regular basis. She looked at Hinako for help. She was the youngest amongst them, but was often the voice of reason.
"Come one guys. Benio, you know it was Nanako who discovered her from the Fencing Club." Hinako held Benio and Nanako by the ear. "Nanako-senpai, you know it was Benio who convinced her to join."
Tamaki's interest was piqued. It's the one sport he enjoyed as a child. "Milady, you fenced?"
"Briefly." Chizuru replied modestly.
"Briefly? Ha!" Benio snorted. "Tamaki, I convinced a national athlete to join our club. Just a few days before nationals, I told Chizuru to search into herself and find the thing that brought her the most passion."
Somehow, it felt like a familiar story. The Host Club members were also scouted by Tamaki on such a premise. There was no denying with how similar the Benio and Tamaki were. Even their preference for petite brown haired women as a romantic partner was the same.
Benio looked at her audience slowly, building up the tension and decided it was her turn to tell the story. Starting from the very beginning of Chizuru's entrance in St. Lobelia. How she was demure maiden who joined the fencing club.
Benio stood up "It's true." She took Chizuru's hand. "It cost the country it's defending championship status, but at least our maiden found her happiness."
Haruhi raised a brow and whispered to Kyoya. He was the only voice of rational thinking in the group. "Isn't that a bad thing?"
Kyoya shrugged and continue to listen to the story.
"How do you get scouted to sing and dance when you were into fencing?" Hikaru looked puzzled. The two activities didn't have much in common.
"She has good sense of rhythm. That's why she's talented at fencing." Nanako snapped her finger as she sipped some wine. "Then I heard her sing in the locker rooms. She'd never sing if there were other people." she slapped Chizuru's arm lightly. "She'd always have a book in hand and was reserved at first. "
Chizuru nodded bashfully a few times. "I was."
Fencing was a sport her grandfather encouraged. It was a good way for her to sublimate her emotions. It required skill, reflexes, and wit. Reading the opponents movement without seeing their eyes or expressions. Most of the international students were there so she had people she could speak more comfortably too when she first started. Learning Japanese was initially difficult for her.
Benio recalled how Chizuru was the embodiment of maiden like grace and perfection. Being the first to stand up and help the teacher and classmates. Always reading highly intellectual books during breaktime.
"She even read The Age of Entanglement." Benio pat's Chizuru's head proudly. "Such an air of sophistication even as a teen. She's dedicated to learning that she even reads in between periods, when Mother Superior confiscated one of her books on…what title was that again?"
"A Brief History of Time." Hinako completed.
"Yes, that one." Benio replied with conviction. Kissing Hinako's forehead quickly to express her gratitude. "So Chizuru went to great lengths to steal it back from the convent that same night."
Kyoya suppressed a smile. To think the deception started at such an early age. He inadvertently browsed through her 'highly intellectual books' only to open something completely different. It wasn't something that can outwardly be brought into school, much less an all-girls Catholic school.
"Why would you bring such controversial materials to school?" Kyoya folded his arms. His eyes had a certain glint of teasing. He watched Chizuru turn slowly with a unnerving glance.
"There's never a limit for learning, Kyoya." She tried to steer the conversation to less incriminating topics. Mentally cursing him.
"Still. Bringing in such paraphernalia into the house of worship. Isn't it almost blasphemy?" He commented civilly.
Chizuru tucked her hair back and scrutinized her friend naively. 'Stop it.'
Kyoya drank his wine regally and glanced back. 'I'll think about it.'
"The sisters are supportive in our scientific endeavors. I do try to keep a well-rounded outlook on most things." Chizuru kept her tone demure as she smiled softly. "I'm sure you have your own guilty pleasures that keep you up at night."
He ignored the statement and simply shrugged it off. Knowing the lack of any reaction placed her on edge. He wasn't breaking their agreement and vow to their pact of secrecy, but taunting her was another thing. It happened around November last year. Bumping into each other at a convention by chance and saw through each other's 'undercover look'.
Kyoya was a closet gamer. Even having a separate laptop for his games. It was an effective way for him to release pent up emotions and stress without physically or mentally harming anyone. Grand Theft Auto was the best way to run over people without any legal consequence. Also, purposely playing the same games as Hikaru for the sole purpose of beating him was gratifying.
Chizuru was a hush-hush himejoshi and fujioshi. She read all sorts of books, manga, light novels, and occasionally indulge in a few movies or shows of any pairing of sorts. Assuming they came in pairs. Some of her books involved droves. A good number of material she read was practically pornography written poetically. Insisting she only read it for the plot.
The world was oblivious to their internal arrangement.
Nanako asked the question that's been in her mind. "Kyoya. Do you keep track of the stock market constantly or silently take over companies in your free time? You don't look like the type to have any hobbies besides earning money."
The Hitachiin Twins were the first to snicker. Doing everything in their power to hold back from erupting into full blown laughter.
"How rude." Kyoya raised a brow. "I see you haven't changed a bit. To think we assisted you in escaping a marriage with Akito-niisama."
Nanako rolled her eyes. "Your brother isn't my type. You Ootori brothers are good looking, but totally not my style. I'm not into the 'stick up the ass' kind of finance guy."
"To my knowledge Akito-niisama isn't too fond of shrews as well. At least the feeling is mutual. I'm relieved it didn't materialize. Having you as a sister in law is far too troublesome." He commented snidely.
Nanako raised her hand and asked the waiter for another round of drinks for everyone and more food. Ordering an exuberant amount for the table. "Make sure to bill everything to four eyes over there." She pointed at Kyoya. "Don't worry Kyoya-kun, the food here is cheap."
Kyoya quipped. "Please, Nanako-neesan. Concerning oneself with cost is mostly a concern of the poor. Surely, I can handle this much."
Tamaki paced across the room. Sitting on the couch near the veranda then moving to the chair facing the television. He pouted and felt a pang of regret with his decision. He placed his ear against the wall as an attempt to eavesdrop, but to no avail. Why did he include an 'all-girls' sleepover in the surprise program? He should have made it an 'all-girls' sleepover with Tamaki instead.
"You'll ruin the carpet at the rate you're going." Kyoya commented blankly as he continued reading his book. He opened his laptop and refreshed his email and still no news.
He applied for an accelerated business start-up program next semester. The Carnegie Foundation and Larry Page funded this. It was a special type of application where the selection process was completely blinded. Their only basis was a business proposal sent under a pseudo name. It was a new concept that let students regardless of degree and background all over the country to collaborate.
A place for him to test his skills and expand his circle.
The results of this application would greatly affect his choices. Delaying his graduation by a year since he'll be taking less subjects during the program, if he's accepted. Initially, his five year plan didn't involve this, but this program would change the trajectory everything. He's not one to bet on a situation where he couldn't predict his chances of succeeding or making a profit.
He would never admit that he felt nervous, but this was the kind of situation that fueled him and placed him in best light.
Hikaru groaned out of frustration. Slamming the video game controller on the couch. "Who the fuck is MirroredPhoenix?! I swear I'm going to strangle this person."
"Hikaru, you shouldn't let it get to you." Kaoru let out a resigned sigh. Was he truly the younger twin? Hikaru hated losing so he's developed a healthy number online rivals.
"This person beat my record in Call of Duty and my rank in League of Legends. When I play co-op on Left 4 Dead, this guy waits for me to spawn and kills me each time! He only kills me! He's doing this on purpose!"
"Mori-senpai, please." Kaoru's voice laced with concern as he gazed at Mori.
Mori sat beside Hikaru and placed a hand on his shoulders. "Concentrate on your breath." Mori instructed calmly. "Remember what I taught you?"
Kyoya had a brief self-satisfied smirk on his face as he continued listening to them. Mori taught the age old Morinozuka style of breathing to Hikaru as a means of controlling his emotions. He continued reading his book. Ignoring the urge to refresh his email once more.
"What are you thinking about, Kyoya?" Tamaki waned as he plopped himself beside Hikaru. His concern was ignored. Defeat was closing in. He could hear a muffled sound of laughter. He placed his ear on the door again. He wanted to play games too like truth or dare, watch movies together, but Hikaru played his games. Kyoya was reading a book. Kaoru and Matteo have been whispering sweetly to each other. Mori was meditating. Honey-senpai was given the privilege to join to keep Reiko company.
'You really did that, Haru-chan?!'
'How romantic!'
Tamaki pouted and curled in defeat as heard the laughter and squealing. Their 'All-boys' sleepover was lackluster compared to the other room. Until suddenly, a bright idea hit him. Tamaki clutched his chest.
"My loyal subjects, we need to regroup!"
There was an ungodly amount of cushions, pillows, and snacks everywhere. Reiko finished the tarot card and palm readings. Now, an on-call makeover session ensued. Only the best team from Harajuku could be trusted for their nails while aestheticians from Rio Grand Hotel applied their facial masks.
If Hikaru were to be honest, he had a feeling it was Tamaki who wanted to be part of the 'all-girls' sleepover. Haruhi was simply an excuse. He continued playing games on his laptop while Kyoya was reading some book. He usually didn't mind these things, but the topics of choice weren't interesting. He looked at Kaoru who was listening intently about their classmate from Ouran who eloped with her father's assistant.
Tamaki gasped audibly. "No, she didn't. How did you know?"
"Tamaki, do you doubt our grapevine of knowledge?" Benio moved her bangs out of her face. "Don't move your face too much. The face mask won't settle right."
"Of course not!" He clutched the imaginary pearls on his neck. Remembering to tone done his facial expressions. "How sure are you about this?"
Chizuru raised her hand. "I'm sure. You know Ayanokoji-san? I found out from her cousin's friend's sister who went to Cornell. I had my doubts too until Kyoya and I saw them near Market Street, isn't that right, Kyoya?"
Kyoya paused from reading his book upon hearing his name and looked at them.
"Remember the girl you saw at Market Street?"
He took a quick second to recall. "Ah, Ayanokoji-san's second cousin's friend's sister." He clarified which dispelled any doubts. Everybody knew the information was from a credible source and the story continued on.
"Hikaru, Kyoya-senpai, are you sure you guys don't want a facial or your nails done?" Kaoru called out from the other side of the room.
The two boys glanced quickly at each other and refused. They're just there because Tamaki forced them.
Kaoru shrugged. "Suit yourselves."
Haruhi didn't engage in these discussions like her fiancé, but the detail to all the information being laid out could rival the National Police Intelligence. "Chizuru, how do you know all of this?"
"She keeps all her secrets in her hair. That's why it's so long and wavy." Hinako teased.
Chizuru giggled as she scrunched her nose. "It's a team effort." She looked around and whispered a secret. "Just between you and me, Kyoya prefers to have his afternoon coffee with a side of gossip."
As they finished their makeover session, they watched a late night documentary 'Serial Killers: A Memoir'. Chizuru went to the back of the room and sat beside Kyoya. The only single ones in the room were herself, Kyoya, Hikaru, and Nanako. Nanako was fast asleep considering the amount of wine she consumed. Hikaru tried to beat the stupid high score his nemesis set. He wasn't going to bed anytime soon.
"Why are you sitting back here?" Kyoya was surprised she left the group and sat beside him.
"They're all cuddling or holding hands with each other under the covers. I don't want to subject myself to being the 9th wheel." Chizuru gesturing to look at the scene in front of them.
"You'll get used to that sort of thing."
"Oh, can you get the ring in my pocket? My nails might get ruined." She leaned to her left and pointed to the pocket closer to him.
Kyoya reached into her cardigan. He saw a simple silver ring with a blue stone. Probably an Alexandrite. He held Chizuru's left hand lightly and placed it on carefully.
Chizuru was taken aback with the gesture. She was going to ask him to hold onto it instead. She usually wore this ring on her middle finger, but it was the first time someone placed a ring on her hand. She looked at her ring finger. The room was dark and silent as everyone was cowering in fear or watching intently. Her heart was probably beating out of adrenaline. Knowing where the psycho killer placed the bodies and how the police was tracking was enthralling. They were so close to catching him.
Kyoya reached over to his side and took one of the blankets and placed it on her lap. He's learned to read Chizuru's cues.
"I can do it myself."
"Your nails are still wet, right?" he rationalized and focused back on the show. Trying to predict the killer's next move.
"Ah, right." She bit her lip.
"He should have left the body there. The further attempt to hide it would incriminated him further." Kyoya whispered.
He hasn't seen this episode so he was curious with the ending. He glanced at Chizuru who continued to bite her lower lip as she watched. It means she was engrossed with whatever was happening.
"Personally, I'd pin it on the neighbor. He's just a suspicious." She offered an alternative. Pinning the blame on others wasn't ideal, but sometimes necessary for survival.
Kyoya glanced at clock on the wall and whispered once more. "Happy Birthday."
"Thank you." Chizuru placed her head on his shoulder.
"What did want for your birthday?"
"A Distraction." She replied lightly.
Kyoya didn't comment further. Nadine mentioned in passing how she'd have to wake up occasionally Chizuru from her nightmares since they became roommates as freshmen. Chizuru revealed she had regular episodes of sleep paralysis and bouts of insomnia during summer. She often overworked herself and took all sorts of summer classes. He thought it was simply a coincidence until Hinako asked him if she was sleeping well. Partly a reason why he offered the unit across so he could occasionally check in on her for their sake.
There was no need to question why.
Chizuru's grandfather passed away around her birthday. Her mother too. June didn't leave much pleasant memories for her. Based on her stories, she was extremely close to her grandfather. He was the one who kept her company when she first got to the Japan. The closest she had to a father figure. Assimilating her into the culture and their family. The love for reading and even her music taste was highly influenced by him. If memory served him right, even playing the piano and guitar was his doing. He brought up a formidable young lady for high society. His only flaw in her upbringing was how he spoiled her.
He couldn't blame him as well. Chizuru filled void with material things. That momentary hit of dopamine was all she had.
According to his sources, Maihara family didn't involve her in their annual celebrations for the departed as well. He was certain no official yearly memorial service for her birthmother was made. He also wasn't entirely sure when Chizuru's mother died. None of the records provided such information.
"I saw the announcement already. Congratulations." She uttered softly.
"Thank you." He gave a short regal nod and placed a box on her lap. "You can open it once your nails dry up."
Chizuru knew Kyoya appeared flawless in his endeavors was because he placed more effort than most. It was a conscious choice to make things look easy, but the sleepless nights, market research, and papers he prepared was far from that. His ability to adapt and resourcefulness was astounding. Most people would have given up midway. She knew how much this opportunity meant for him. Seeing him one step closer to achieving that dream was just as fulfilling.
The show ended and everyone cuddled along with their pair as they slept. Kyoya stood and made his way back to his bedroom. Chizuru also stood up shortly after him, but got her bag and a jacket.
"Where are you going?"
"It's my mother's death anniversary. I should go hold a memorial service for her." She showed a small bag with the materials needed for a Buddhist styled memorial service
"I thought you were Catholic?" Kyoya raised a brow. Surprised the death anniversary happened on her birthday.
"Yes, but Okaasan isn't. You'd be surprised how many religions we observe in our family. Some are Catholic, Protestant, Shinto, Buddhist, even Beelzenefian. Just imagine our family reunions."
Kyoya stopped himself from letting out a small laugh and cleared his throat. He could imagine the discourse already. He didn't think Beelzenef was an established religion. He waved his hand out of apology. "I apologize. That was rude."
"Don't be. I think it helped me deal with Benio's chaotic whims." Chizuru noticed that Kyoya also placed his jacket and shoes on quietly so as not to wake up the rest who were sleeping. "You don't have to accompany me."
"And let you roam around the city unchaperoned at this hour?" He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. Staring at her momentarily for a hint of commonsense. " Do you want Tamaki to scold me?"
"Since when were you worried about that?" she counterattacked.
"Ever since he's learned to become an even more insufferable prick who offers unsolicited advice on my love life."
Presence is felt most keenly during absence. A lesson Chizuru learned throughout the years. The lack of permanence and the transience of it all. Appreciating the present as is and nothing more. This manner of thinking kept her sane considering how she's had to grieve to those closest to her.
Being well versed in conducting a memorial service wasn't something most people are proud of at a young age. She's done it for thirteen years but it was the first time someone kept her company.
She just continued to stare at the faint glow of the city while sitting on the ledge of Montjuïc Castle. Only the Stars and the lone lamp post nearby illuminated the area. There were no tourists around, but there was a film crew by the gardens filming a movie. She continued to watch from a distance as it unfolded. Spanish media was truly heavy on love and passion as the two actors professed their love for one another.
Kyoya lit a cigarette and placed on hand in his pocket. He usually smoked to clear his mind and to get his thoughts in order. She wondered what thoughts plagued his mind at this hour.
"Does it really help?" she tilted her head to the side as she swayed her legs that dangled off the ledge.
"Does what help?" Kyoya took a short puff.
"Smoking."
Kyoya handed his cigarette. He couldn't say. The best way for her to find out was through experience. She glanced at him questioningly but held it in one hand.
"So I just take a deep breath in?"
He gave a short nod and watched her place the cigarette in between her lips. Taking a deep breath in until she started coughing like an old man with Tuberculosis. There was this burning sensation in her lungs and throat. Disgust evident on her face. She handed it back quickly and watched Kyoya's entertained expression as he continued smoking the rest of the cigarette.
"How do you stand that?!" Chizuru coughed again and took a deep breath. She didn't think Kyoya suffocated himself on purpose. "No— How did you get used to that?"
He shrugged and threw the cigarette butt away then stood beside her. He made it a point to maintain his distance from his non-smoking peers when he had to get some nicotine in his system. Secondhand smoke wasn't something he'd like to pass on.
"Are you feeling lightheaded?"
"A bit." She still tried to clear her throat and stopped herself from vomiting. Now she's certain smoking wasn't a vice she was going to have a problem with. She just appreciated how still time felt. The actors were filming a slow dance. The band started playing a song. Plenty of extras were scattered around acting like it was a party of sorts.
'Eres tú… Eres tú'
She didn't understand the language, but she could tell the song playing in the background was a love song.
"Do you understand Spanish?" she asked out of curiosity.
"Yes, but I don't speak it well." He admitted. He couldn't enunciate flawlessly, but he could read and understand with ease.
'Quiero contemplarte sin contar el tiempo. Dibujarte con mis puros recuerdos.'
"I want to contemplate you without counting the time that goes by. Draw you with just my memories." He drawled.
Chizuru froze. Unsure where this was all coming from. Maybe Kyoya was just talking in his sleep. She continued to watch the actors being filmed dance together slowly by the fountain. The director sending the cue for the artificial rain to start as the song played. They went through another angle of the scene. It wouldn't be a Spanish film without a passionate kiss.
'Tenemos planes diferentes. Pero tú siempre en mi mente.'
"We have different plans, but you are always in my mind." He continued.
Chizuru felt her heart leap out of her chest. She looked at him cautiously. "What did you say?"
He pushed his glasses to hide the glint in his eyes. "The lyrics. I'm translating it for you."
Haruhi wasn't too sure if this was the perfect description of an intimate gathering. Chizuru's 21st birthday almost had a hundred guests. Tamaki and Benio got carried away with the guest-list. They even invited regular customers of the Host Club. There were more guests now since a number of Zuka Club Alumnae were also present. It's been awhile since they had an event like this.
Mori went back to the table to bring some hors d'oeuvres for his fiancé, Arisa Hasegawa. She was his senior by two years, but it was a good match. Her energy, compact size, and bubbly personality was an antithesis to his stoic samurai image. She just arrived that morning so it was her first time seeing the infamous 'Ouran Host Club' in action.
"Thank you, Taka-chan." She squeezed her fiancé's hand lightly.
"Don't have too much shrimp." He reminded. His fiancé blatantly ignored her mild shellfish allergy. He looked to his left and lightly tapped on Honey's shoulder. Reminding him to cut down on sweets.
"Don't worry Takashi. This is my last slice." Honey finished the remains of his cake and set a personal limit of one slice per meal. Since he didn't have any sweets for breakfast and lunch, he could have three for dinner.
"Arisa-neesan, I hope you're enjoying the food." Haruhi sat down beside her to catch her breath from the crowd. Recalling how Tamaki didn't stop adjusting the menu until it was deemed perfección.
"Yes! The seafood gambas is marvelous!" Arisa's well-modulated voice can be heard by the entire table. "Tamaki and Benio really went all out. Taka-chan told me all about their stressful preparations."
Haruhi had to take a moment to adjust herself to Arisa's energy level. She saw the pleasant smile on Mori's face. There's no denying that they both felt strongly for one another.
"No regulars have asked you to dance, Mori-senpai?"
He shook his head.
Hikaru draped an arm over Haruhi's shoulder. "Arisa is an 8th degree blackbelt in Aikido and a brown belt in jiujitsu. That's enough to send a message to everyone."
Matteo watched his love dance with a few women who claimed to be his regular customers. Admiring the exquisiteness Kaoru inherently possessed. Latin Dances are something Kaoru enjoyed and he wasn't going to keep his lover to himself. "Hikaru, you won't dance?"
"I will." He's been eyeing the girl Chizuru was talking to. Hoping to get her attention when the timing's right.
Mei Yasamura sat beside Haruhi and took a bite of the squiggly meat that was neatly placed on a cracker. She wasn't used to these rich people events. She left Ritsu to converse with the gardener about the local flora and fauna.
"Hey, man-whore. Who's your target for tonight?" She raised a brow at the dark haired Hitachiin.
Hikaru heard the song change. He winked at Mei as he stood up and excused himself. There was no better opportunity. His mischievous smile was enough proof he had ill intentions and left them.
They watched Hikaru smolder with appeal as he approached his target and brought her to the dance floor. Haruhi and Mei were shocked with how close some of the guests were dancing. How their hips were gyrating and moving in a way they didn't think was acceptable in public. A far cry from the neighborhood bon odori festival they were used to.
Matteo threw his head back and let out a laugh when he saw the culture shock on Haruhi and Mei's faces. "That's called a Bachata. It truly is a sensual dance. I can see why Hikaru waited for the right timing."
The night's festivities went on. Hikaru and his intended target were out of sight. Kaoru and Matteo were dancing salsa on the dance floor. Tamaki was all over the place dancing and entertaining guests. Honey and Reiko were discussing wedding plans because they had a dual ceremony. Haruhi and Mei went to the dessert table to get some more food.
Arisa cupped her face with both hands. "So basically with your group of friends, Hikaru is the only one that's single?"
"Kyoya is also single." Mori clarified.
"Really? I was under the impression he and Chizuru-san were dating." Arisa blinked slowly. She was sure she watched the two steal glances at each other from opposite sides of the room. As if they were conversing with just their eyes.
"Chizuru is a Cancer sun, Gemini moon, and Virgo rising." Reiko flipped through her astrology books. Hoping this would explain everything. "Kyoya-senpai is a Scorpio sun, Capricorn moon, and Virgo rising."
Arisa and Mori looked at each other. Not understanding the meaning behind her words.
Honey laughed sheepishly. He's learned to understand her throughout the years. "So you're saying Chizu-chan is naturally playful those close to her?"
"Yes." Reiko reviewed her notes. Kaoru gave her the complete details on Kyoya to create a comprehensive natal chart. She never asked the reason behind this inquiry of his, but delivered regardless. "Kyoya-senpai's nature is the opposite. He doesn't take anything face value."
As if having a sixth sense, Chizuru went to their table and sat down. "What's happening over here? You guys seem to be having an interesting discussion."
Arisa wouldn't dare tell the birthday celebrant she was talking about her. She quickly glanced at Mori, Honey, and Reiko. Sending telepathic signals not to say anything.
Unfortunately, the signal was lost with Reiko. "We were wondering why you've been stealing glances and covertly flirting with Kyoya-senpai."
Chizuru blinked a few times then started laughing so hard and she clapped her hands and slapped Reiko's shoulder humourously. She waved her hand to call out her 'flirtation partner' and gestured for him to come closer.
Kyoya was caught up in a conversation with Daito-san, a son of a business partner of his family, but gestured that he'd be there shortly. He ended the conversation as politely possible.
"Faster, Kyoya! I can wait a moment more." Chizuru called out with a wink and made a heart with both hands.
"Do you want me to tell you quando, quando, quando?" he rolled his eyes and bickered back as he sat down beside her.
Chizuru erupted in laughter again. Their similar humor formed the strong foundation for their relationship. Before they could continue on with the conversation, Benio called Chizuru to the stage. They were forming an impromptu band to play songs by Sergio Mendes. Chizuru took Reiko along. Unbeknownst to most people, she was a skilled with the trumpet. It started another round of dancing with the guests as veteran Zuka Club members performed. The energy was infectious even Arisa pulled Mori to the dancefloor.
Honey sat quietly and smiled at his kohai. "Kyo-chan, remember our conversation at our last masquerade ball?"
"Hmm…What about it?" Kyoya pushed his glasses up. It was the last official event of the Host Club, of course he would remember it.
"I've always thought you've been the most clueless about your feelings."
Despite Honey's Loli-shota exterior, he never missed a beat with any of the them. When Tamaki, Hikaru, Kaoru, and Kyoya fell in love with Haruhi at some point. He was first to notice these subtle developments.
"It would be nice if you fell in love against your calculations, Kyo-chan."
I apologize for the amount of time this chapter took. I was contemplating how to burn the slow burn, but at the same time I wanted to fan the flames a bit more. Also, I can see all you readers. The number of hits is so overwhelming. I'm glad there are people who enjoy reading this.
I wanted to keep the fluff right on point, but exploring the darker themes as well. It was difficult for me to balance the fluff, plot, and humor. I didn't want just two people hogging the dialogue all the time and that's what took so much effort on my part.
As you guys guessed it, MirroredPhoenix is Kyoya! It's based off his name in Kanji. Technically Kyoya uses 'Looking glass' but Mirror felt more natural to use. Phoenix is from his last name Ootori. Initially, I wrote this as a headcanon in my tumblr account and I realized I wanted to incorporate it into this chapter just because. Then for the natal chart of Chizuru and Kyoya...man, I think I overworked myself with research to convey the perfect combination that was logically possible for their birthdays.
For a bit of some definition of terms
himejoshi - a girl who reads yuri (girlxgirl)br /
fujioshi - a girl who read yaoi (malexmale)br /
Bachata - it's a kind of dance. Just watch it on tiktok or youtube. You'll get why Haruhi and Mei were shocked.
Then there were two songs mentioned in this chapter. If you caught it, you're a a real oldies lover. I don't own these songs so please. No copyright stuff etc...you get my point.
1. Eres Tu by Carla Morrison
2. Quando Quando Quando by Engelbert Humperdinck
Anyways, again if you have any thoughts, criticisms, comments, songs, words, gibberish you want to say go ahead and scream it out in the comments. It's fun to talk to other people so please indulge me. I see you guys when you read my chapters! I don't know who you guys are, but someone got 40 people to read I think it was Chapter 9 of this story. LOL.