"Faster. You're slowing down." Kyoya wiped the sweat off his forehead and took a deep breath. He left button of his shirt undone because of the heat.

"Sorry. I didn't notice." Chizuru adjusted. This was more physically taxing than expected. "Am I doing it right?" she confirmed as was about to look the other way.

He saw she was having difficulty keeping up with everything that's happening. "Eyes forward. I'll help." He guided her hand and placed where it needed to be.

"Ah, there." She had a triumphant smile.

"Good." Kyoya crossed his arms and leaned against his seat. "You know what to do from here, right?

"Mm-hmm." Chizuru gripped the gear shift. "Wait, what do I do again?"

"Clutch then change to first gear." He instructed as they slowed down. "The engine will die—"

The car came to a sudden stop. Jolting them forward forcibly. He took a sharp inhale. "—again if you don't have the right timing."

They went to Spain ahead of Tamaki's schedule, just because. Booking the first flight out of Boston. Chizuru said it felt like a forbidden tryst of sorts. Kyoya couldn't imagine he was here on a school day. He's only skipped class once his entire life. This was the second time he almost skipped class.

"It's funny. When you call in sick, the professor decides to cancel class last minute." Chizuru chuckled as she started the engine. She never thought she would teach him how to act sick on the phone. Complete with the theatrics of coughing sounds and a raspy voice.

"The one time I try to act rebellious, the situation legitimizes itself." His voice dripping with sarcasm as he kept his attention on their surroundings.

Kyoya secured himself as he held onto the door and seatbelt firmly. Questioning his life decisions up to this point. He skipped class to teach Chizuru how to drive a stick shift. Being the frivolous person she was, it had to be a vintage convertible that matched her outfit in the Spanish countryside less than an hour from Barcelona. They went through the countryside. Passing one vineyard after another until they reached the next town.

He cursed himself for not preparing a helmet in advanced. In any case, he upgraded his insurance plan last minute.

"Just step on the clutch and break lightly this time." He gently reminded.

The car started moving as flawlessly as a novice driver could achieve. She finally got the rhythm and timing with the clutch and gas pedal. They went down the winding road that carved the rolling hills they slowly traversed. It offered a spectacular view of the vineyards in the area. Veridian green fields clashing with the deep blue hue of the ocean visible on the horizon. They went to another smaller town with narrow cobblestone streets that lead them to another maze of vineyards.

"Turn left. Don't forget to use the signal light." Fighting the urge to hold the steering wheel. His expression was calm, yet his fists remained clenched as his toes curled with several close calls. "You're on the wrong side of the road again."

This was an accident waiting to happen.

"Right. Got it." She flicked one of the levers behind the steering wheel so she could signal her intention to change lanes.

"Those are the wipers." Kyoya massaged his temples.

At least, the ordeal was almost over. They were lucky to book a family owned vineyard that had a villa last minute. It came with access to the vineyard and winery.

"We're turning right over there." Kyoya pointed to the road down the street.

"Yeah, I remember. Relax." Chizuru wanted to glare at Kyoya. He's done nothing but nag the past three hours. An autocrat who needed supreme control over everything. He sounded unbothered but his demeanor was enough to combat the warmth of the Spanish heat.

"You're turning. Slow down." There was speedbump that she missed and she took a much sharper turn than expected. He tried to stay composed until he reached his limit. "Step on fucking breaks! Signal to the right. We're turning right! Don't signal to the left."

"I'm trying!" Chizuru bit her lip and told herself she wasn't going to cry. Fear was just in her mind. It was a construct she can ignore.

Kyoya's glare was terrifying. The devil reincarnate was here. No, even the devil himself would be scared of him. She panicked while looking for the right lever. Why did she bring this upon herself?

"That's the wiper!" He ran his hands through his hair and took a deep breath to appease himself. "It's fine. We're almost back."

She wasn't sure if the reassurance was for her or him. Her fear dissipated as she saw group of young Spanish men loading crates of grapes into their truck. Chizuru's focus shifted as they went past such a glorious scene. Their tanned skin, muscled physique, and the lack of a shirt demanded her undivided attention.

"Eyes on the damn road!" Kyoya gripped the steering wheel. He wasn't sure if he was going to make it by the end of the day.


"I spoke to the airline. They'll deliver my luggage first thing tomorrow." Chizuru groaned as she sat beside Kyoya. They accidentally off loaded her suitcase at another destination. At least he had an extra button-down shirt for her to sleep in. "Thanks for lending me your shirt."

"It's nothing." He replied out of habit as he looked at the scenery from the terrace.

The house had a view of the vineyard. They watched the local haciendero have drinks with the locals. One middle aged man was scolding his son. A musician playing guitar by the fountain to serenade them all. The theatric gestures and expressiveness of their culture was entertaining. They ordered room service since they were too tired to go out. The driving lesson drained Kyoya's life force.

Chizuru ate slowly as she savored the food. There was nothing like a 2010 vintage Rioja with Jamon Iberico, cheese, and gambas. The pairing of the wine and tapas was to die for.

"Don't forget we have to wake up early. We should be in front of Sagrada Familia tomorrow morning." He reminded.

"Yup. I already set my alarm."

Kyoya seemed restless. Well, as restless as an Ootori would show. It took skill and exposure to notice such subtleties. They've been friends for some time, but he always kept his cards hidden even from her.

It started a week before Reiko arrived in Boston. He usually drank a glass of whiskey or a bottle of beer before going to bed, but lately he's been drinking more. In the plane, he had several glasses champagne. The flight attendant left the entire bottle for him. He was probably in his fifth glass of wine or was it the sixth?

"Are you okay?" she tilted her head to the side.

"Just remembered something." Kyoya aerated his wine to better appreciate the cherry and vanilla tasting notes.

Barcelona was memorable place for him. The supposed omiai between his brother, Akito, and Nanako Shouji. Plan Don Quixote still fresh in his memory. It was also the first time that happened. He wasn't sure if he wanted to recall that.

"Are you having an existential crisis?" Chizuru examined Kyoya's expression as he was contemplating something of grave importance.

"How..." Kyoya eye's moved from the wine glass on the table to the children playing by the fountain. "How did you know you weren't like…most people?"

She had a short list of topics that Kyoya was contemplating on, but this kind of talk wasn't it. She drank the contents of her wine glass and gathered her thoughts.

"Like most people? As in how I knew was bisexual?" she made sure to spell out her assumptions to ensure they were on the same page.

He nodded before drinking the contents of his glass and pouring himself another.

"I didn't just wake up one day and knew, you get me? I was like most girls who played with dolls and dreamt I'd be a princess who'd marry a prince. That's what we're all taught." She paused and glanced at Kyoya who took another sip of his wine.

She moved her chair closer to him and facing the view instead. He wouldn't be comfortable with her staring at him with this conversation. Their families, the standards they have for themselves, sense of duty, their need for approval and reassurance. They were similar in that sense. They had expectations and roles to fulfill.

"At first, I thought it was normal to find everyone attractive. I didn't think much about it. You know Satoru Kenji?" She continued.

"Yes, he's an upperclassman from Ouran."

"He was my first kiss. I was fourteen. Just an innocent peck on the lips. It was a typical childhood crush. We didn't go beyond that." Chizuru recalled fondly. She never thought he'd have this talk with Kyoya Ootori of all people. "In the same year, Benio became my classmate. I thought it was normal to want to hold your friend's hand or to keep them close. I felt jealous when she'd go out with her other friends. Benio was sure about her sexual orientation at an early age. She helped me figure things out."

"How?"

"She kissed me." Chizuru answered frankly. "I enjoyed it more than I expected."

"You kissed your friend?" Trying to put the information given in a way he could comprehend.

"That's when I knew I liked both girls and boys." She looked at Kyoya's unnaturally poker faced reaction. It was astonishing how he kept his guard up even when he was awfully tipsy.

"I hated myself. I thought it was wrong or I was…weird. Like damaged goods. I was ashamed and terrified. What would happen if my family found out? I even avoided Benio for months."

Kyoya poured himself another glass of wine and had more tapas. The patatas bravas were divine. The furrow between his brows still present.

Chizuru was paradox.

That made her intriguing which piqued his interest. She more layers than she let on, but made no effort in hiding it.

She lived on emotion with no restrain yet contained it with grace. She took effort to get to know others beyond the usual pleasantries. To the point she had difficulty setting boundaries with those around her. Often finding ways to accommodate everyone's needs even at her expense. How she could be highly attuned with others yet find it easy to let go?

Detached empathy was the best way to describe it. He didn't think it was possible for such a conflicting trait to exist.

Chizuru leaned on the table and glanced at him. "Why the sudden question?"

"Nothing really." He took out his lighter and lit a cigarette.

He couldn't disclose the issue regarding Yuuichi-niisama and his high school best friend. The sleepovers, stolen glances, and subtle signs of affection Yuuichi had with his friend came to mind. That was partly why he didn't question Tamaki's touchiness. He thought it was normal for close friends to act as such to a certain degree even if he felt uneasy with it. Fuyumi called him a week ago saying that Yuuichi-niisama's best friend was diagnosed with cancer and mentioned how their brother hasn't been himself lately.

Chizuru sipped her wine and raised a brow. She had an idea what was bothering him, but confronting him directly wouldn't do the trick. "Theoretically speaking, let's say a guy confesses to you."

He took a long drag of his cigarette. "Theoretically speaking…regardless if the man is the sovereign or the prime minister, my family—No, society wouldn't easily accept such a relationship for someone of my position. That wouldn't bring merit to me or my family. If I were a commoner with little influence, anonymity might make it possible."

Chizuru was amazed with how Kyoya always kept both feet on the ground. He's wired to separate emotions from circumstance. It was ironic how people thought that those in their place could do whatever they wanted. Their position in society was restrictive. Not all families were like this, but both their families were.

"Realistically, I'd have to hide our relationship. Assuming my partner was fine with such an arrangement, he'd have no legal claim to my assets. Even if stipulated in my will, it can easily be overruled by our current laws which favors a conservative approach."

He leaned against his chair. Analyzing the theoretical situation to the last detail. "Should I have a direct biological heir we'd raise together, legally he wouldn't be considered as the child's parent. No say in any medical decisions should any emergency happen to me or our child… To have no say or control over what happens to the one you value the most? I wouldn't want my partner to be subjected to that."

The best case scenario was a marriage of convenience with a woman to maintain societal expectations while his partner stayed hidden. This was Yuuichi-niisama's reality. He wasn't close to his brothers, but he'd never wish them ill. They are still family and another Ootori value was that no relationship takes precedence over blood.

Chizuru had to take a deep breath. All the years of keeping oneself in a box making sure all expectations were met took a toll on anyone. She forgot how much introspection Kyoya did for all his decisions. He always dealt with things calmly and rationally. She wondered how he did it. On the other hand, all she had were her emotions. That was what drove her to whatever decision she made.

She held Kyoya's hand. "It must have been difficult for you."

He then noticed the words that came out of Chizuru's mouth. They weren't on the same page. "This isn't about me."

"Wait, this isn't your coming out story?" Chizuru crossed her arms and gave him a side eye. "I thought maybe a guy confessed to you."

When Kyoya dropped vital information, he did so relentlessly. "Kaoru did. Around three years ago."

Chizuru crossed her arms and sat more comfortably. She knew Kaoru was like her. They developed a radar for those like them. It was the perfect time to probe. Kyoya was getting a bit talkative. The wine was working against him now.

"Did you know he was gay?" she leaned on the table as took another bite of cheese.

"I had an inkling during my second year of high school. "

Kyoya ate some more cold cuts to lessen the buzz in his head. "He called me cute." He added dryly.

"And?"

"And? Naturally, I rejected him." Kyoya nonchalantly replied.

The wording was so cold, Chizuru felt like she was stabbed in the chest with rejection. She made a mental note to take Kaoru out for a drink.

"I never thought of pursuing a romantic relationship with him. On any person, really. Regardless of their gender or sexuality. They won't be my priority in life."

"I'm amazed how you're able to keep your libido in check." She laughed a bit. "Haven't you ever almost lost control? I've seen girls and boys throw themselves at you, but you never gave in."

"Handling a Host Club as an extracurricular activity would make you numb to all sorts of flirtation. I've grown used to it."

Chizuru snickered. He was probably mulling over his thoughts obsessively.

"I'm well aware that marriage is in my future, but I have my eyes fixed on my goals." He pushed his glasses up and lit another cigarette. "I simply can't dabble on cliché notions like love. I cannot afford any distractions."

"You've never had the urge to kiss anyone? Even Haruhi?" she teased.

"I'm not as emotionless as you paint me to be." Kyoya raised a brow. He was still human. He blinked his eyes a few times. Finally, his thoughts slowed down. It's been on overdrive lately. The issue with Yuuto, Chizuru's surprise birthday, meeting Kaoru with his new partner, Fuyumi calling him about Yuuichi, and his plans plagued his thoughts.

"Riiiight." Chizuru sipped her wine as she rolled her eyes.

"It's true. When I threatened Haruhi and pinned her down on the bed—"

Chizuru spat out the wine in her mouth. She found herself in a coughing fit and tried to catch her breath. "When you what?!"

She didn't know how to feel. Was he joking? She stared at Kyoya and realized why he was speaking too freely. The man was drunk. She's never seen him like this. Sure, he's been tipsy a once or twice in private, but this was drunk talk.

Kyoya told her about the everything that happened on that eventful day in Okinawa. He was practically a teenager with no proper way of conveying fear. He's never felt helpless with little control. The fact that he couldn't prevent someone he cared for getting hurt? Unacceptable.

He let out a self-deprecating sigh. "I told her she could pay me with her body. When she said that I was playing the bad guy to get Tamaki's point across, I knew she didn't see me that way. Until now, she's probably the closest I have to any romantic feeling of sorts. I'm relieved I've gone past that."

"So you didn't kiss her?"

He shook his head slowly as he slumped in his seat. Judgement partially clouded by the alcohol. An unrequited high school crush and being confessed to by another friend in less than two years was more emotional drama than he would permit.

"Theoretically speaking and without any consequences, if Haruhi kissed you at that moment, would you dislike it?"

"No. I would have probably done more than a kiss." He closed his eyes momentarily. "I'm relieved I didn't act on impulse. It wouldn't have worked for the both us."

Chizuru drank some more to process all of that. Far too many bombs were dropped in a single evening. She looked at the empty wine bottles beside Kyoya. He must have been desperate for silence.

"I'm…just...concerned. Yuuichi-niisama and Kaoru...They're the same. I'm bothered…they'll get…" His eyes started to feel heavy and his speech slurred.

The alcohol made it difficult for him to coherently form his sentences. He knew he couldn't face this situation sober. He knew Kaoru moved on, but he still felt guilty. It was his nature to be manipulative, somewhat ruthless, and cunning. He valued only a handful of people, but he wouldn't intentionally or willingly betray or hurt them.

Chizuru smiled and looked at Kyoya fast asleep. She took off his glasses and pat his head slowly. She studying all of his features. His face void of worry. Though they're always together, he rarely, no, he's never disclosed intimate thoughts and deeply personal sentiments. It took time but he was comfortable enough to permit her to see him in such a state.

"It's about time…You've finally let me understand you." She said softly. She had more puzzle pieces to work with to get a better idea of who he actually was.

For all the fronts he kept up, he always meant well. He'd rather be damned than to openly admit it even to those closest to him. Now she understood why he restrained himself. It was because he was too passionate. If he gave in to his feelings, he wouldn't be able to cope. He needed to insulate his feelings to carry out the ambitions he had for himself.

The aspirations he for himself had were so clear, she wanted to see him bask in its full glory, but the pursuit for success was a lonely one.

"Don't worry." She let out a long sigh as she glanced at her companion sleeping soundly. "I'll keep you company as you make your way to the summit."

She stood up and left. There were other pressing matters that needed her immediate attention.


"That was the logical solution you came up with?" Kyoya wondered how she thought that was the best course of action.

Chizuru stretched her arms and back. She looked at her sallow her skin on the mirror. It's been a long night. At least, her suitcase arrived on schedule and she could rectify the situation with the power of cosmetics.

"Don't patronize me." Chizuru fixed her make up as she spoke. Carefully applying some blush. "I may be reckless, but I value my life."

Kyoya blinked a few times as he shook his head slowly. The drive back to Barcelona was a peaceful one. Like a scene straight out of a movie. They went through one of the most visually pleasing landscape known to man. The seaside highway was a longer route, but they had the luxury of time. Tamaki was having a logistical nightmare with the preparations. It was his job to delay their arrival.

"And setting up a makeshift tent in the terrace complete was the safest decision?" Kyoya raised a brow and switched lanes as he followed the instructions of the GPS. "You could just wake me up."

It would have taken her less than twenty minutes to wake him, yet she chose to spend three hours silently building a tent while he was in deep slumber.

She tucked a loose strand of hair that went astray because of the breeze then placed her hand gently on her chest. "And if I didn't make myself any clearer, I value my life."

Was the man oblivious with how terrifying he was when awaken from deep slumber? She shuddered at the sheer thought of it. Fear was a primitive emotion necessary for survival.

'Can you hear me calling out your name? You know I'm falling and I don't know what to say.'

Chizuru turned up the volume swaying to the beat. "I'm so glad you love Fleetwood Mac."

'You know I'm proud and I can't the words out…Oh, I want to be with you everywhere.'

She started singing along as she snapped her fingers. He continued driving down the seaside town. Taking a short detour to the nearest gasoline station that overlooked the coastline.

"Thank god. I have to use the toilet." She just felt relieved as Kyoya parked the car.

"You've been shifting in your seat the past twenty minutes. How could I not notice?" He checked his phone and while she tried to unbuckle her seatbelt.

It was stuck and Chizuru couldn't get out. She tapped her feet and rubbed her knees together to distract herself. Obviously struggling with the impending urge to urinate as she frantically tried to unlock her seatbelt.

"See what happens when you pick a car for the 'aesthetic'." Kyoya leaned over to her side and tried unlatch the seatbelt from its position. He flashed her his all-knowing 'I told you so' look. He clicked his tongue as he tried to fix the stock up mechanism.

Chizuru's never seen him this close. Even if Kyoya got little to no sleep, his skin was flawless. Not a single freckle nor imperfection. It had this unnatural suppleness to it that would put women to shame.

Unconsciously, she lightly touched the area behind his ear. "You have a small birthmark here."

Kyoya felt her breath on his neck. She smelled faintly of pears and freesias. He heard a click and found where the seatbelt was stuck and unlocked it with ease.

He glanced at her sideways and scoffed as he got off the car. "Are you done gawking? I should charge you by the minute if you stare any longer."

"I'm not staring at you." She replied defensively as she stood up. "It's weird to have a heart shaped birthmark."

He rolled his eyes. "Go do your business. I'll go over there and have a smoke."


Chizuru held two cups of coffee and sandwiches from the bistro nearby. She already gave "Team Kyoya" their share of snacks as they sat at the bench further back. She carefully made her way down to where Kyoya sat. It didn't help that she wore a long dress as she made her way to the steps. Holding the hem with one hand and food on the other.

"You're in luck. They had a ristretto on the menu. And I was told the serranitos here were to die for." Chizuru handed him the warm cup of coffee.

Kyoya bowed his head as a form of thanks as he took the cup from her hands. She started to partially unwrap the sandwich then handed it to him.

"You don't have to do that." He still bowed politely accepting the gesture. "I can do it myself."

"I know you can. I just want to do it." She blew on her coffee as they watched the sea from their seat.

They didn't speak for the rest of the time. Just taking in the scenery. The salty air, sound of the waves crashing onto the shoreline. The local kids that ran down the beach with their pet dog. An elderly couple walked down the beach holding each other's hand. They heard a crowd cheering right behind them which caught their attention.

There was a small church behind them that had a wedding. The guests of the bride and groom cheering as the couple entered. They continued to watch the celebration of holy matrimony as the priest stood solemnly at the side as the rest of the family expressed pure uninhibited joy. Their attention drifted back to the shoreline. The rhythmic sound of the waves lulled both their thoughts.

Kyoya leaned against the bench. Slouching a bit as he relaxed himself. "We'll have to kill another 2 hours. Did you want to go somewhere else?"

"No, I'm fine here." Chizuru crossed her legs and continued to watch the sea.

Kyoya took out his book and started to read and Chizuru did the same. The sound of the pages turning, sipping their coffee filled the air. Both were lost in their own world as time went by slowly. They both lived for slow moments such as this.

After some time, Chizuru placed her book down and walked to the shore. She took off her shoes and felt the cool sensation of the water on her feet. She looked back at Kyoya and waved. Signaling that the water wasn't too cold. He shook his head gestured for her to continue on without him.

He took his camera from his bag and documented of the scenery in front of him. The picture of the beach was almost perfect until he saw that a small part of Chizuru's dress made it to the frame. He didn't understand how her definition of a casual summer dress was a white off shoulder ruffled dress with a floral pattern that went just above her ankles.

The gust of wind was enough to show the varying length of the wispy layers on her dress. He took photo a few photos her lest she'd complain that he didn't even bother taking 'internet worthy' photos.

"Any news from them yet?" she asked as she walked back.

Kyoya checked his phone. The Host Club group chat was teeming with messages, but nothing of relevance was posted. Hikaru and Kaoru were messing with Tamaki. He looked up and noticed Chizuru taking candid photos of him.

"I don't need photos."

"Yes, but that outfit would be wasted. It fits the whole laid back European summer look."

He rolled his eyes. He wore his button down white linen shirt and light brown Bermuda shorts. He didn't understand what the fuss was all about. Chizuru went around with his camera taking photos. She went on with curating the perfect set of photos to post as a set on social media.

Most people just posted random photos online, but in true Chizuru Maihara fashion everything has to be curated to the last detail.

His thoughts went back to problems back home. There was a tilt in the balance of power and a political power struggle. It started with the Sendai family because of the lack of proper leadership. Chizuru's father became a major shareholder of Sendai General and that made both their families the new majority shareholders. It was an underhanded technique, but Chizuru's father wasn't known for his ethics. He also researched extensively on Maihara Holdings which had 5% of shares floating under a hidden investor. Chizuru's grandfather apparently hasn't redistributed his estate and shares despite his death almost 6 years ago.

He's also confirmed that Chizuru was purposely kept away from such matters. He's probed her a few times and saw that she was treated like a decorative element. She has a strained relationship with all of them. Her aunt and grandmother had an alliance of sorts. Another aunt and uncle of hers have their own agenda, and Chizuru's father was a loose canon. There were several factions within the family and no direct heir named for the next generation.

Chizuru's grandmother maintained a tight hold on everything.

He couldn't blame them. Though their political influence was not as strong, but in terms of wealth, the Maihara family was unprecedented. Even his father attested to that. They had more than enough for the next six to seven generations to live lavishly without working a single day.

Another thing that bothered him was how there was very little to almost no information on Chizuru's biological mother. Like she didn't exist. No records documenting her birth or death. All he had were anecdotes and stories from Chizuru. Was he overthinking this or did the Maihara family simply want to cover Chizuru's lineage? It didn't make sense. A lot of the families knew she was a child from a mistress but—

"Kyoya watch out!"

Chizuru almost tripped as she sprinted back to him. She lunged forward and had one arm on his shoulder to support her weight while the other caught something that was about to hit his head.

"Who in the right mind would throw a bouquet of flowers in public?" she examined what she was holding. It was a bunch of hydrangeas and white roses.

She didn't notice how she was almost practically on Kyoya's lap. "Did you break someone's heart they would throw a bouquet to your head?"

Kyoya couldn't even hide his confusion. Suddenly, they heard the cheering from behind. A group of people shouting in Spanish. A little girl wearing a white dress ran to them and pointed to the crowed asking them to come with her.

They both stared at each other. Realizing what just happened. Chizuru accidentally caught the wedding bouquet.


Thank you so much for all the views, comments, and favorites ! I hope this chapter finds you guys well and good.

As usual, I'd love to hear your thoughts etc...What did you like about this chapter/story? Is there anything you'd like to say?

To be honest, this may be an unpopular opinion, but my interpretation of Kyoya is someone who doesn't prioritize romance in his decisions. He's too level headed to let himself give in to such notions. So putting him in a fluff fic is just pure torture for the guy. Oh well. Anyways, the darker side of Chizuru's past is being laid out so I hope you'll stay and enjoy the ride.