It was a typical Mid-March morning. The Sakura trees have only started budding and a few have already gone in full bloom. It was an occasion that was bittersweet. It marked the ending of youth. Lobelia Girls' Academy was the top private school for girls located in Bunkyō, Tokyo. Known for their inclination to the arts, literature, science, and philosophy. A paradise made by women for women. There was this unique, special, and almost delicate experience being surrounded by such strong women. They all grew up together, made mistakes, and changed. She couldn't explain it, but there was this camaraderie that can only be seen with girls. They've had people who transferred from other co-ed schools who couldn't also explain this sense of companionship or sisterhood.

The first time she learned how to twirl properly during her first ballet class.

The first time she performed her first song for a talent show.

The first time she saw her passion in life.

The first song she wrote.

The first time she had her period.

The first time she fell in love in middle school.

The first time she had her heart broken in high school.

There were plenty of firsts in this place. It's been home for Chizuru since her elementary days and somehow all the memories here, both good and bad, replayed. She walked around the halls one last time as a student. She waved at her juniors who were crying. They all said that the school wouldn't be the same without them. She saw her classmates were already bawling even before the graduation march. All the friends she's made along the way. She stopped several times to take photos with her classmates. How they all had tears in their eyes.

She could remember her classmates screaming asking for a pad or a tampon.

She could remember how they would all braid each other's hair in a circle.

She could remember all the times they cried and squealed because their favorite actor had a kissing scene in their favorite drama.

She could remember how everyone gushing about their first loves, first kisses, and first dates.

She could remember the times they all had to cram papers and homework last minute.

"Suzuran-neesan! Let's take a picture!" Hinako waved with her classmates. If Benibara was the one girls had a crush on, Chizuru was the type of girl everyone admired. She continued to express her sincere gratitude to her juniors as she hugged them one by one. They all expressed their gratitude for her contribution to the school and the Zuka Club.

She wore her Lobelia uniform for one last time.

She walked down the school hallways one last time.

She knew that this was the last time she could truly be carefree.

"Maihara-san, congratulations again for graduating at the top of your class." One of the school officials commended.

The headmaster presented the graduating class to the parents and the rest of the students. Chizuru Maihara stood in front and bowed deeply. The usual graduation speeches given by the principal and chosen alumnae were given. Everyone clapped their hands on queue.

"May we call on the class valedictorian, Maihara Chizuru to present the closing speech for the graduating class." The principal called.

Chizuru took a deep breath. She walked up the podium. She could see her grandmother and aunt in the audience. Of course, she didn't expect her father or mother to be there. She shook off the momentary disappointment. This wasn't just about what she's done in her last 10 years in Lobelia. It was about all the memories they've all made together.

"Good morning, I'd like to reintroduce myself. I'm Maihara, Chizuru." She said with a polite bow to the audience then to the school administrators to the side. "I'm afraid simply making a speech won't properly convey my feelings. I apologize if I didn't give a heads up that I didn't prepare a speech…so I'll do it in a way someone from this institution could."

Chizuru waved at one of her juniors who brought her guitar to the side of the stage. She had this nostalgic smile on her face. If there was something Chizuru could do without end, it was writing stories, poems, and songs. It felt like something was tugging her chest. She's performed on this stage so many times she's already lost count, but now it will be her last time. Last time singing as Chizuru "Suzuran" Maihara.

She fixed the microphone set on stage and plugged her guitar. This was who she was. Although she performed Broadway numbers and musicals with the Zuka Club, simply performing with a piano or guitar made her feel more like her element. She knew that when she wrote songs, she literally placed a part of her soul in it. It was her hobby, talent, and catharsis all in one.

She started to position her fingers to make the g chord. Then she let the rest flow.

"I remember this special moment vividly, It's etched in my memory, When we stood together, nervous but excited,"

She wrote the song two days ago. She wanted something that celebrates friendship, triumph, and resilience. A nostalgic way to look back on memories and shared experiences when faced with challenges and adversity. The bonds made with friends. It was a song of gratitude and goodbye.

"We conquered obstacles together, we shouted in joy, Recalling the joy reflected in our eyes, And we welcomed any challenges, knowing our story would live on"

She continued to sing from introduction, pre-chorus, chorus, to the bridge. She knew she conveyed and communicated most effectively through this manner. She glanced at the audience. Most, if not all, were crying silently. Some of her classmates and juniors held each other's hands. Even parents looked with a sense of nostalgia from their youth.

"Our triumphs will be forever remembered, I cherished every moment shared with you, So let us celebrate our victories together, we can always come back home."

The rest of the program went by quickly. She ran back to her classmates. She saw Benio and Hinako talking from the corner of her eye and their pinkies intertwined as they spoke. She was happy for them. She tried her best so no hint of jealousy with them being in a relationship can be felt. She is moving on from her first love slowly. She can only hope to be so lucky to have a similar relationship she can call her own.

She carefully made her way to her two closest friends. Vigilant enough not to ruin the intimate moment between them, but enough to make her presence known. "How are you guys planning your summer vacation? You guys have a month before Hinako's classes start again."

"You guys?" Benio raised a brow. Confused with the wording their friend gave. She gently pat her head as she always did. "What makes you think you're not coming?"

The guilt of hiding her plans from her friends suddenly hit her hard. "I'm leaving in four days."

"That's fine, Chizu-chan." Hinako looked at the calendar on her phone. "We can go next week instead."

"No, I can't." Chizuru looked at her feet. She couldn't face them. She's practiced this speech in her head several times. It was much easier in her head. "I…My application to study overseas got accepted. You know how I asked about application process for international students last year?"

Hinako and Benio nodded in understanding. Benio briefly glanced at Hinako and waited for her signal to continue before placing her hands on Chizuru's shoulder. "You don't have to hide it. We know you applied to Julliard. We saw the drafts and heard some of the songs you wrote."

"I'm not going to Julliard." Chizuru uncharacteristically scratched the back of her head. She did apply and got accepted to both Julliard and New York University. Breaking the news to them was harder than she initially thought.

"What?!" Benio couldn't be more confused. With Chizuru's skill and potential Julliard was the obvious option. "W-We were sure you were accepted. Sato-san even told us to congratulate you."

"I was, but I'm going to Harvard." Chizuru stated firmly before she bit the bottom of her lip and took a deep breath. "Family council orders. You know how it is…"

She forced a smile on her face to ease the worry of her friends. She forced herself in between the two and linked her arms with both of them. She started dragging them back to the festivities. "Don't worry, I'm not getting a degree accounting or business development or something that boring. We had a long discussion and they let me chose my major. I'll just have to take a few business courses in return." She reassured. "I'll be fine."


Kyoya felt lightheaded as he stood in a familiar room. Was he back home? This was his father's study. Just a few moments, he was sure he was somewhere else. It felt like a memory was being played back. He continued to watch his father read the newspaper until he spoke.

"Kyoya, as my youngest son I know you understand how equally challenging and favorable your position is." Yoshio put down the newspaper he was reading. He's made it clear before that he will name the next heir based on merit. "Your plan to study abroad is something I approve of." He knew that expanding Kyoya's knowledge and network overseas was something that would benefit the family.

"Thank you, otousama."

"Your mother and I've received a copy of your performance in school as well as your extracurricular efforts. Your academic performance for your first year in the university was expected, but it will require more than academic excellence to impress me."

Kyoya bowed once more.

"I see you've also made several connections with the Grey's and the Kaiser's. They did tell me about that when I met them during the one of our conferences last month."

Yoshio gestured for the maid and asked that Seizaburo Tachibana to enter the room. He handed several folders and bowed before shortly leaving. Yoshio started browsing through the report. "I don't usually allow such…urges for my children, but I'll make an exception for you since it is a completely different environment out there. Should there be any relationships, romantic or otherwise, not beneficial to the family I suggest you wrap everything up within your university years." He paused to make sure his son was still paying attention. "I assume you don't need to be reminded with regards to your responsibility in maintaining the Ootori name."

Kyoya bowed. "Yes, otousama."

Yoshio glanced through the list Tachibana had for most of his close contacts since he started at the university. Yoshio nodded in approval with a few. A number were the commonfolk who may prove to be useful in the future as possible employees or consultants, there was a significant number of possible allies and other business ventures, however one name struck Yoshio.

"Maihara, Chizuru? Is she your friend?"

"We're well-acquainted. We have several classes together and we live in the same housing." Kyoya kept his explanation brief.

"You're aware with the history our family has with theirs, correct?"

"Yes, otousama." Kyoya did recall briefly. Like with other families they have business with, they were both rivals and partners in various industries. However, the distance the head of the Maihara family kept from theirs was an isolated one in their family spoke of what happened. No one talks about these things. He just knew it was related to his late uncle and Chizuru's late aunt a few years before he was born. The Ootori Group still had a few joint ventures with the branch families of the Maihara Clan, but the main family themselves have opted to keep to themselves. It was more of a silent war of sorts. Their families have often found themselves on opposing sides of business and history.

There was this long silence. It started to make Kyoya suspicious with what his father was thinking.

"Very well. I have no further objections with this." Yoshio stood up and lit his cigar.

Kyoya's been acquainted with Chizuru for some time, but like most people he knew she was replaceable. However some unknown reason, he felt a sense of relief when there wasn't any objections regarding this relationship of his. He couldn't understand why he was feeling worried, but in a single breath he cast all emotions out.

Yoshio looked out the window of his study. He watched the house staff prepare for the reports of possible snowfall in the coming days." She may prove to be a useful in the future. Remember what I taught you?"

"Yes, otousama." Kyoya knew what he meant. He didn't need to repeat the speech he's heard since he was a child. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

"Watch over her like a hawk. It's prudent to understand her strengths and weaknesses." Yoshio looked at Kyoya. He gestured for him to leave.

Kyoya knew that expression. Sometimes, he saw it in himself as well. His father was planning something. He wasn't sure what it was yet but he was going to figure it out.


A splitting headache was enough to wake Kyoya up from his sleep. His dream was unusually vivid. He was too disoriented to figure out where he was. The room he was in was seemingly unfamiliar, yet he felt like he's been here before. He tried to sit up and felt a sharp pain on his head. Someone handed him his glasses and he blinked a few times until he realized he was in a hospital room.

"Are you okay? You passed out earlier." Raj sat beside the bed and looked at him with concern. "Do you want me to call the doctor?"

Kyoya waved his hand and winced. He didn't realize there was an IV line in place and sighed. "No need."

He tried to recall the events as it unfolded. He was in a business conference with a few classmates for spring break. It became a class requirement to either write a 3 part paper or to attend the conference being held in Florida. Fuyumi called him two days ago saying she accompanied her husband as well as their father to the same event. Then he recalled how his niece Kyoko wanted to go to Disney world so he asked Tachibana, Ajima, and Hotta to bring her there instead. Then he remembered was how Raj saying that they could just walk from one convention center to the next since it was just a 10 minute walk.

What he didn't take into account was Raj was born and raised in India. A freak of nature 39 degree heatwave in Florida during April didn't feel like much for him. Next thing he could remember was that Andrew collapsed and how Raj and Richard were carrying him as they were looking for the nearest hospital. Then everything went blank.

"You also hit your head on one of the nearby benches so they had to suture it." Raj explained. He showed the photo of the crime scene. There was a bit of blood on the arm rest of the bench near the bus stop.

"How did I get here?" Kyoya felt a bandage on the side of his forehead.

"Ah, about that…" Raj had a nervous look on his face. He was subtly scared of Kyoya, but no amount of intimidation could stop a small smile from appearing. "I think it's better if I just show you." He took out his phone and explained. "Nadine took the video for insurance purposes. She said she was going to send it to their family lawyer since the venue didn't even have a medic nearby. Don't worry. We're not sending it to anyone else."

The chaotic audio and unstable video done by Nadine was initially of no help. He could clearly hear the panic in their voices.

"Kyoya passed out too!" Chizuru exclaimed.

"What do you mean passed- Oh my god!" Nadine gasped. "Oh my god! He's bleeding."

He could hear Chizuru repeatedly calling his name trying to wake him up while Nadine kept on summoning the gods to help them. The video wasn't helping but the recording of their voices was more than enough to give the clear image of pure panic.

"Isn't there an uber available!?" Richard asked while practically screaming the whole time.

"No one's accepting the booking!" Nadine answered back followed by a short sob.

"Just call the nearest taxi!" Raj exclaimed.

"Hello? 911? We have two people who collapsed because of the heatwave." Richard groaned. "It'll take 20 minutes before someone gets here?! What do you mean the paramedics are overwhelmed?!" he shouted back. " They're swamped because of the heatwave." Richard hung up the phone.

"Did you google the nearest hospital yet?" Chizuru's anxiousness could be felt. " We have to hurry. I think Kyoya got a cut on his forehead." Chizuru sounded worried. "Oi, Kyoya, wake up."

"I'm sorry I didn't know they weren't heat resistant." Raj cried. "I'm sorry my delicate northern hemisphere boys."

Finally it looked like Nadine refocused the camera and Kyoya saw himself being lifted by Chizuru fireman carry style as they went to the nearest hospital. He felt mortified with the situation. Somewhat grateful, but traumatized and embarrassed were the prominent emotions he felt. He wasn't sure if he felt ashamed because he's never been in such a vulnerable state in front of anyone. It was disconcerting that he was being carried in such a manner.

Raj took his phone from Kyoya's hand. He had a guilty smile on his face. "We just called the emergency contact listed on your lock screen."

Before Kyoya could ask who spoke to his father and ask what in the world they told him, Chizuru entered the room. Her blouse had some blood stains on in. He assumed it was most likely his. "Kyoya, I spoke to your father over the phone. He said your sister is on the way here."

"Cheezy-chan, did you check on Andrew yet?" Raj said with a nickname he started for his Japanese friend. He actually made nicknames for Chizuru and Kyoya. Unfortunately 'Yo, Kyo' was a no go.

"Yup, he's awake too. His dad and sister are here already." Chizuru then looked around before speaking. "The rumors are true." She whispered.

Raj was a sucker for all sorts of gossip. "Those rumors?"

"Yeah, his sister is just…wow." Chizuru covered her face with her hands. Her entire face was flushed up to the tips of her ears.

"Correction—Step-sister." Raj pointed out as he waved a finger.

Chizuru shrugged her shoulders. "Doesn't matter. I'd collapse in front of her. She can hold me the whole day. I'd hold my breath if she'd give me CPR."

"Trade. Your turn to watch Kyo." Raj put his foot down and stood up. He felt scammed since he was in the room alone the entire time missing all the action. "That's why you kept making calls outside. You snake."

Chizuru laughed. Forming a heart with both of her hands. She flashed mischievous smile to Raj. "She's absolutely gorgeous. I can see why Andrew gets awkward around her."

"What do you mean?" Raj asked before leaving the room.

"I'd hate to be related to someone that stunning. It would be illegal to do anything then." She shrugged her shoulders and acted like she stating the obvious.

Raj rolled his eyes. He'll let himself be the judge of that. Chizuru was biased in picking girls. She found lots of women pretty, cute, or beautiful. So Raj had his doubts. Her definition of drop dead gorgeous might not be on the same level. Chizuru's standards for men though, that was an entirely different topic.

Chizuru's mischief melted away quickly and she watched Raj leave the room. Afterwards, she sat on the edge of the bed examined at Kyoya. "Are you feeling better?"

Kyoya tried to nod, but flinched at the sudden sharp pain he felt. "Yeah, somewhat."

"Don't move so much." She tried to hold back a giggle.

Chizuru was gentle as she reached out to fix Kyoya's hair. It was a mess since he fell asleep. Kyoya found himself startled with the sudden physical contact. He was slowly getting accustomed to Chizuru's actions. He didn't grow up in a household that outwardly expressed affection in any manner. This goes without saying that he wasn't the touchy type at all so it was somewhat difficult for him. The drunken hugs and usual taps on the shoulder or arm were tolerable, but he still wasn't used to walking around with someone as they linked their arms. He was most certainly not used to anyone fixing his hair. He even joked to himself that it was probably his fate to be saddled with touchy friends.

"Ah sorry, did that surprise you?" Chizuru quickly took back her hand upon noticing the discomfort. "I forget sometimes that you're a man. Sorry."

Kyoya raised a brow. He didn't even try to hide his confusion. "How did such a well-established fact escape you?"

The look on her face was frustratingly innocent like as if she genuinely forgot that detail. She averted his questioning gaze as she explained "When we went back home during the winter break I treated you exactly the same way I'd treat my close friends." She pouted and tried to stop herself from laughing. "Actually, Hinako noticed it. You know…most of my friends are women. For obvious reasons." Being in an all girl's school for her entire life need not be said that 90% of the time she was surrounded by women.

Chizuru continued to look at Kyoya's exasperated expression. She was glad that he didn't filter his reactions as much as before. She didn't have to guess what he was thinking all the time now. There was something she needed to explain the with dynamics of girlhood and girl friendships. She was thinking of the right words to say and didn't realize she was thinking out loud. "I guess it doesn't count since Haruhi was your closest 'girl friend'?"

The gears in Kyoya's mind just clicked. Sudden images of his female classmates walking with their arms linked together, hugging each other, fixing each other's hair, giving each other gifts, and even going to the restroom together. It started to make sense why he found himself subjected to such actions lately. "You actually forgot I was a man?"

Chizuru twirled a strand of her ochre colored hair out of habit and fidgeted in discomfort. She didn't mean for things to go this far. The last thing she wanted was for her friend to feel uncomfortable. "More like I forgot to adjust. If it annoys you, I promise to be a bit more mindful."

"I don –"

"Kyoya! Are you okay?" Fuyumi slammed the door open. It startled Chizuru so much she fell off the bed.

Kyoya looked at his frantic sister who was still out of breath. "I'm fine."

Fuyumi tucked her hair as she took a minute to catch her breath. "I'm glad. I was so worried."

Fuyumi being who she was practically smothered him with attention. Far too worried that her youngest brother didn't do well in the heat. He was bombarded with all sorts of questions "Are you still feeling faint? Do you still drink your sleeping pills? Did you take any supplements? Are you eating well? Did you exercise regularly?"

He didn't even have the time to answer or process each one and she would go on asking the next. She practically looked at his face and the small scratch on his cheek. She even lifted the blanket to make sure no other injuries were missed.

Kyoya sighed. He often wondered how someone so carefree came from their family. "Fuyumi-neesan, please don't forget your manners."

"Oh yes, forgive me." Fuyumi recalibrated herself. From her doting sister persona, she shifted on to her Ootori mode. She focused her attention to the younger woman in the room. "Thank you so much from bringing Kyo-chan – I mean Kyoya here."

Kyoya observed how his friend acted with his family. She was quick to regain her composure. If there was something that cannot be doubted, it was how Chizuru made sure she was a picture of a elegance and poise as a high society Japanese lady in a split second regardless of the circumstance. The duality of this person was beyond him sometimes.

"I would've done what anyone else would, Ootori-san." Chizuru bowed.

"You never said she's so charming, Kyo-chan…I haven't been called Ootori-san in years." Fuyumi beamed. She noticed Chizuru looked at her hand for a wedding band and bowed again to apologize. "I'm afraid we haven't been introduced. I'm Kyoya's sister. Shido, Fuyumi."

"Pleased to meet you, Shido-san." Chizuru bowed.

It was clear that Fuyumi was a doting sister. In one swift breath, Fuyumi sat down beside Chizuru and bombarded her with a barrage of questions. "Kyoya wasn't being too sarcastic or mean now? Does he go out with his friends? Does he like to go to those University house parties I see in movies? Is there someone he's seeing? He has a secret girlfriend, doesn't he? Did he pick up any new hobbies?"

Chizuru glanced at her friend and she never thought he could have such a childish expression on his face. His brows furrowed and he had a small pout on his face. She's never seen him so flustered. It was amusing, but she wasn't going to tell him that. Her poor friend has been through enough for a single day.

"I think it's better to ask Kyoya-san, right?" Chizuru deflected the questions carefully since she valued her life. Carefully adding the right honorifics to address Kyoya so Fuyumi didn't get the wrong idea. Something told her that she may misunderstand and blow things out of proportion.

She looked back at Kyoya who sighed in relief. They've learned to communicate without actually speaking. It was almost an art with how well they understood each other in that sense. Chizuru could feel the brief gratitude for addressing him as such. For ease of communication with their peers, they had to adjust to a more westernized way of addressing each other with their first names. They spoke in English most of the time since it was the polite and inclusive thing to do when they were surrounded by other people. However, it was far too intimate and inappropriate to address each other as such with people from back home. They were too aware of their position in society to let such things slide.

"Fuyumi-neesan, please stop overwhelming Chizuru-san with your questions. I already told you that I'm not interested in meeting anyone now."

Fuyumi pouted in a way only a doting sister can to force her way through her brother's heart. "I only wanted to make sure you're having fun. You're always working or thinking about the family, I just want you to do something fun."

Kyoya sighed again. There were a very few things that got to him, but Fuyumi's sulking and pouting were on the top of that list. "I'm doing fine, okay? What makes you think I'm not enjoying myself."

Chizuru looked at the brother and sister trying to outmaneuver each other in their own way. Kyoya constantly deflecting and using reason and Fuyumi just engulfing him with genuine fondness. She felt a bit jealous. She didn't have these experiences since she was an only child. She watched as they continued on discussing and airing out their grievances with each other.

"I'm not a child anymore."

"You'll always be my baby brother, Kyo-chan. I don't care if you're 20 or 50 years old."

"You always meddle too much with my affairs."

"That's what sisters do. I'm just watching over you. I don't want you getting hurt."

Kyoya may be the type to have his way with everything else, but his sister always got her point across. Even if he didn't like the methods, he knew that out of his entire family, Fuyumi was the only one who only cared about his genuine happiness.

Fuyumi sensed her victory and she squeezed her brother's hand. "Well, now that it's settled, would you humor me accompanying my friend's younger sister when you're feeling better?"

"I don't think I have a choice in this matter." Kyoya replied sarcastically.


Later that day, Chizuru realized why Kyoya didn't say anything about his affairs. In less than an hour,the 'friend of a younger sister' Fuyumi mentioned made herself known. It was no other than Sayuri Himemiya, A junior of his from Ouran. Kyoya's received several confession letters from her since middle school, but he turned her down gently since he knew that their family had several partnerships with the Ootori group.

Chizuru accompanied him to the cafeteria to get some food. They were on their way back to Kyoya's room and he pressed the elevator button several times hoping it would make it show up any faster. He was being observed for protocol reasons for at least 24 hours. It was an overkill, but usually for people of his status, this was the standard level of treatment.

"Did you go to the other conferences?" Kyoya asked. It was just ten in the evening, but it looked like as if Chizuru's been everywhere the entire day.

"Yeah. Nothing new really." Chizuru sighed and ignored her phone as the message notification rang several times. It was probably just Raj. She pressed the elevator button again multiple times. She'd miss seeing Andrew's sister at this rate. "Visiting hours are almost over so I'll just drop you off then I'll go back to the hotel."

Kyoya was replying to a few messages in the group chat. The rest of the Hosts already sent their calls, emails, messages, get well soon cards and even flowers. No doubt Fuyumi had role in this. He watched Chizuru as she shook her leg in annoyance. She felt so sticky with all the heat and humidity. All she wanted was a shower and something cold to drink.

"I just wish I could ask Harriet out for coffee." Chizuru pouted.

"You're gonna ask her out on a date?" Kyoya replied without moving his eyes from his phone. He did understand what the fuss was about. Andrew's sister was on an entirely different level of looks.

"No, no, no. I'm too shy. If you haven't realized I like looking at pretty people and collecting nice things. I'm superficial like that." She joked.

Kyoya rolled his eyes as he tried to suppress his laughter. She did have that frivolous side to her. At least she was self-aware with her vices since there was some truth to that sentiment.

Finally, after six long minutes the elevator doors opened. Chizuru went inside first and she turned around. She had no choice but to make a decision. Kyoya was about to step inside the elevator as he continued to look at his phone. But for some unknown reason, Chizuru gave him a 'gentle push' out of the elevator. He was too shocked with what just happened. No one has ever treated him with such impertinence.

"What the-" Kyoya's polite expression morphed into something dark. His eyes looked like he was ready to murder someone.

"Take the next one. You'll thank me later." Chizuru stated as she ignored her fear. It was worth the risk. She pressed the button that closed the elevator doors and placed the side of her hands forming a small circle on the door. She blew on the glass doors until a pocket of mist was formed and drew a heart. She smiled until her eyes disappeared.

Kyoya thought she must have lost her mind at this point. After shoving him out the elevator, she even had the nerve to wink and give him a flying kiss after drawing a heart? What the hell possessed her to do that?

"Kyoya-sama!" A woman with an unusually high-pitched voice greeted.

Kyoya turned around slowly and mentally cursed his situation. He placed on the infamous mask he kept and smiled politely at one of the girls Fuyumi was setting him up with. His spite suddenly grew and he added another event to his list. He was going to get his retribution and he knew exactly how. He was going to use all resources available. If it all worked in accordance to his plan, he'd be hitting two birds with one stone.


The rest of the spring break went on without any other untoward incidents. They finished the business convention in one piece. They were still booked at the Ritz-Cartlon and extended their stay to enjoy the rest of the spring break before going back to Boston. The breakfast area was a mixture of tourists and businessmen who each had their own agenda.

"Andrew, is Harriet still here?" Raj asked.

"Give it up, Raj. She's not interested." Andrew groaned. He didn't enjoy introducing his step-sister because of how people reacted when they saw her.

Raj and Chizuru looked at each other and continued to eat. Nadine and Richard have been exclusively dating so they were elsewhere. To be honest, Chizuru hasn't seen Nadine since yesterday afternoon. She had an idea what Nadine's plans were and it was on the mature side of things. A dainty set of lace underwear was involved after all.

Chizuru continued to eat her pancakes. She saw Kyoya from a distance and waved to get his attention. She made sure to save him a seat for breakfast service since he wasn't exactly an early riser. He made his way to his friends as he breezed through the morning rush of guests.

"Did I miss anything?" Kyoya sat down briefly asking for a cup of coffee afterwards.

"Not really. Unless you're talking about the flames of love that's recently manifested itself ." Andrew replied sarcastically as he chewed on his bacon.

"Ah, Richard and Nadine?" Kyoya clarified. "If I'm not mistaken Richard chartered a private yacht last night. We were checking out options for a last minute date." he recalled.

"And you didn't tell us about this because?" Raj asked as he added an ungodly amount of butter to his toast.

"Wasn't it obvious they were planning something?" Kyoya raised his brow. "Richard kept looking for express delivery flowers and even a string quartet yesterday during the conference. He was booking things last minute as always."

"That's why he's been so nervous lately." Andrew was still sleepy and he wasn't processing information as fast as he usually does. "Is he going to confess? He's been trying for months but he ends up chickening out last minute."

Kyoya shrugged. "No idea."

"On other news, is that girl your sister is trying to set you up with still here?" Andrew inquired.

"Yes."

"Are you interested?" Andrew continued asking his questions. He wasn't usually the talkative type so this was surprising to everyone.

"No."

"Good. Can you introduce me? I thought she's pretty cute." A soft blush formed on Andrew's cheeks.

Chizuru choked on her coffee. "I didn't take you for frilly princess type." Sometimes there was really no telling what people's tastes were. "Is that why you were asking me how to introduce yourself in Japanese?"

"Speak of the devil, Andrew. Your little princess is here." Raj suddenly had a grin plastered to his face.

Sayuri Himemiya bowed. She smiled to the rest of the men then casted a suspicious glance at Chizuru for a split second. "Good morning, Kyoya-sama."

The young woman wasn't too fond of her dream man easily warming up to other women. She didn't realize Chizuru shuddered at the thought. Chizuru knew that look and just no. She wanted to reassure the young woman she didn't think she saw Kyoya in that way. The two friends looked at each other briefly with their telepathic communication.

'Hey, your little girlfriend is already getting jealous.' Chizuru raised a brow.

'I have no idea what you're talking about.' Kyoya shrugged.

"I apologize, my English is not the best. Kyoya-sama, is it okay if you'll continue to translate for me?" Sayuri practically batted her eyelashes. It had no effect on her intended target, but it was enough to throw Andrew off. He definitely had a weakness for the cute type of woman.

Sayuri continued to have a polite conversation with Kyoya and the rest of the members and she even mentioned that Fuyumi and her daughter were going back to Disney Land that day. She tried to control the conversation subtly. Keeping the topics on high school days and how Kyoya was as a student.

Raj continued asking about Sayuri and Japanese culture. His trail of thought suddenly ended and he quickly had bashful expression. "Harriet is here."

"Really?!" Chizuru suddenly fixed her hair and posture. She looked behind her and she felt her entire morning was going perfectly.

Harriet walked towards their table. Suddenly, a different person came alive. It was the infamous Cool type Host at work. Kyoya rarely had any purpose of using his charm to the fullest in school. There was little to almost no merit in using his techniques with his classmates, but desperate times required equally desperate measures. He called for the waiter's attention to have the advanced order he placed served.

"I had them prepare the pancakes in advance." he said as he smiled at the new addition to their breakfast table.

"Kyoya, you're so thoughtful. We're still having drinks later, right?" Harriet sat down right in between Kyoya and Sayuri Himemiya. Deliberately. As if waging a war of sorts.

Chizuru, Raj, and Andrew froze. What in the world was happening? Harriet wasn't the approachable type. That was exactly the main reason why Raj and Chizuru couldn't just befriend her so easily. They didn't have the right timing. Then suddenly out of nowhere it seems like she was under a spell casted by Kyoya Ootori himself. It was unfortunate the victor of this battle was painfully obvious. The meek and mild route Sayuri took was no match for the directness of Harriet.

"Of course, our conversation ended too early last night." Kyoya replied and he flashed a refreshing smile.

"I'm thinking of taking a dip at the jacuzzi later after lunch. I was thinking we can continue our conversation there."

"Are you sure you'd like to spend the entire afternoon with me? I wouldn't want to bore you."

Chizuru had to consciously stop herself for staring. She couldn't believe what was happening right in front of her. She was so jealous. She wanted to have drinks and coffee with Harriet too. Was this the Cool Host people spoke of? It's the first time she's seen it. It was painfully dangerous territory. She didn't even know that Kyoya and Harriet have been talking. She had plenty of questions that were answered with a single look.

Kyoya casted a smirk and a dark look that lasted only for a second. It was more than enough for him to get his message across. It was the first time Chizuru encountered it. The reason why the Hosts called him Shadow King.

'When did you plan all of this?' Chizuru blinked slowly.

'You should know better than to mess with me.' Kyoya suddenly flashed a dangerously refreshing smile again towards Chizuru. "Is there something wrong, Chizuru?"

Chizuru shook her head several times. Kyoya Ootori was definitely a dangerous guy. She never thought she'd see it with her own eyes. She knew he wasn't interested in any relationship, but to use her newfound happy crush against her and to blatantly reject Sayuri Himemiya without even saying a word? It was a carefully curated plan. It was almost pure evil. The poor woman Fuyumi had hoped would capture Kyoya's attention excused herself and forfeited from the match.

It proved Chizuru's latest theory. Kyoya works just as hard or probably even harder than the devil himself.


Hi guys,

So I actually enjoyed writing this chapter. I felt a bit bad for Kyoya since it must have been too mortifying for him to faint, but for some unknown reason he gave me the impression that he wasn't the type that did well in warm temperatures. To redeem himself though, it's nice to see his darker side. I know this fanfic so far has him on the 'nicer' scale so far?

Also, I hope you'll stay as I reveal further the history between our two friends and their families. I tried to leave a few crumbs in the previous chapter then I'm leaving a bit more.

Then as usual, I'm trying to work with how the dynamics of Kyoya and Chizuru as friends gradually builds up but with a twist. We all know that Kyoya is a tough nut to crack with plenty of walls and layers so hopefully you'll stay until the end.

I also want to redeem the all girls school image since the manga and anime did such a painfully bad job at it. Yes, I know. Lobelia would probably have radical feminists, but it's probably just my frustration but I've had friends who actually went to a private all girls school and I wanted to show that unique experience. Like how different life is from high school and college.