Chapter 11: Operation Bring Kagome Back!
It turned out that Operation Bring Kagome Back would be significantly more difficult than initially thought. Tamaki Suoh was nothing if not determined, but he did have his limits.
Tamaki watched his female classmate with a despairing expression. All he could see was the back of her head, but he could easily imagine the concentrated look on her face as she took notes.
It had been a whole week since she returned to school without sparing even a moment to say hello. That and the Host Club's initiatives to bring the girl back were swiftly interrupted by the upcoming dance party. Balancing the weight of the event and bringing the stubborn girl back into the Host Club proved an arduous effort.
Sighing dejectedly, the blonde readjusted his posture in his seat. It would be a shame for Kagome to miss such an exciting party, especially with the flowers about to bloom. Tamaki dared to hope that the event would be enough to entice the raven-haired girl back to the Host Club. If not for him, then for his moody friend.
Sneaking a look at his bespectacled buddy, the blonde wanted nothing more than to bring him happiness. He was no fool, Tamaki knew the extent of Kyoya's feelings. Even if the stubborn Shadow King refused to let himself express it. Knowing how stubborn both boy and girl were, the Host Club President had his work cut out for him. The easiest route to bringing them together would be enticing Kagome back to the Host Club.
But what could be the hook that brings Kagome back?
"Suoh, if you could read the passage out loud instead of daydreaming," cut in Mr. Yamada's voice.
The snickers of his classmates were poorly covered as Tamaki was called out by their teacher. Blushing, Tamaki stood up and read from the book.
Tamaki pouted in a corner of Music Room 3, slurping loudly on ramen noodles. As if his day couldn't have gotten worse, one of his clients ditched him for Haruhi!
"Boss, would you quit eating commoner's ramen? It's unbecoming of you," said Kaoru.
"He's is only jealous because she left him for Haruhi," Hikaru stated to his twin. They snickered derisively earning a weak glare from the blonde host.
"Shut up!" Tamaki cried. He began to slurp away at his noodles even louder.
Glancing over his shoulder, the blonde watched enviously as Kanako Kasugazaki cooed over something Haruhi had said.
"She already likes Haruhi better than you, boss." The twins sang, the synchronous duo poking Tamaki on the cheek.
The president returned to his depressed stupor until his guests came to him. The girls immediately noticed and inquired worriedly over his condition. Tamaki easily played it off with a gentle touch on the cheek and a sensual whisper in the ears of the girls, but the rejection hung over him like a cloud.
"Tamaki, I want to ask you something." One of his frequent clients, Shiori Igawa, softly whispered.
"Ask and I shall do everything in my power to deliver, Princess."
Tamaki cupped her cheek, bringing her downcast eyes to meet his. Her face flushed a lovely shade of red, but her lips were pulled by a frown.
"Is… Is there any way you could invite Higurashi to the dance party?" Igawa asked tentatively. Her words were soft and quiet, nervous of what the other girls might hear or say in return.
For a moment, Tamaki was stunned by the request. It was highly unexpected and he didn't know what to say. Then the others spoke up.
"Yeah! Higurashi used to be here all the time and ever since she got back, none of us have seen her." Another one of his guests chimed in. A chorus of agreement backed up her statement.
"Is Higurashi coming to the dance party?" Ayumi Munakata's voice excitedly joined in. The conversation could apparently be heard from Honey and Mori's stations.
Murmurs of excitement over the prospect of Higurashi's return spread like wildfire. Tamaki was at a complete loss for words as his mind worked through a decision.
Glancing over to the Club's vice president, Tamaki noticed that he was not moving. He had ceased writing in his notebook, hands completely still. The anticipation for the president's decision brought even the Shadow King to the edge of anticipation.
"If it would make my princesses happy, then I shall invite Kagome Higurashi to the party!" Tamaki declared.
After his decision was finalized, the Host Club was filled with the din of excited whispers and anticipatory comments for the party. Even Haruhi looked a tad bit happier at the news.
At the conclusion of the host Club's hours, Tamaki gathered his small group to discuss a plan.
"Gentlemen! Operation Bring Kagome Back has officially begun! We must discuss strategy." said Tamaki.
"So we send her an invite to the party, what if she says no?" asked the twins.
"With my plan, there will be no way she'd say no!" Tamaki stated confidently.
Attempt #1: Old Friend Invitation
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to go." Kagome tried to make the rejection as kindly and smoothly as possible.
The weight of thousands of disappointments and tragedy crashed upon Tamaki. He had not anticipated in the slightest that she would say no to the invitation.
"But why not? You're still a valuable member of the Host Club!" cried the blonde. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he begged for her to attend even if she stayed for a little bit.
"I don't even have a dress, Tamaki. Besides, I think everyone in the Host Club has moved on from me by now." Kagome replied. She turned away from him to hide the wetness that glistened in her eyes.
Before Tamaki could convince her otherwise, the raven-haired girl excused herself and ran off.
Attempt #1: FAIL!
Attempt #2: Sweets
"But Gome-chan, there will be so many sweets for you to try! There's even a special pastry that Tama-chan's family baker is making for it, you can't miss it!" Honey cried when Kagome rejected him.
"I'm sorry, Mistu but I can't make it. Maybe we can try treats another time?" Kagome offered with a weak smile.
"Taka-chan, you have to convince Gome-chan to come!" Honey turned to his stoic cousin for support. Nodding, Mori looked at Kagome with a determined sheen in his grey eyes.
"Please."
Honey and Kagome stared at the gentle giant, neither able to say anything at the pitiful attempt at convincing her.
"Maybe another time. Listen, I have to go to class. See you guys around!"
With that, Kagome jogged down the hall toward her next class. Thoroughly disappointed, the two reported their failed attempt to the Host Club.
Upon hearing the news, Tamaki felt crushed with disappointment. The weight was significantly less than last time as it felt better that he wasn't the only one rejected by her. However, if they wanted success in this mission to bring Kagome to the party they'd need to bring in more power.
Attempt #2: FAIL!
Attempt #3: Double Trouble
Kagome was trying to eat her lunch in the shade of a tree when the twins cornered her. With a bored expression, she set aside her bento and crossed her arms.
"What do you want?"
"That's not very nice."
"What's with the sour tone?"
"You're not as pretty when you frown like that."
"We can help turn that frown–"
"Upside down."
"So come to the dance party!" The twins completed their schpeel in unison.
Kagome stared at them, feeling even more irked than when they interrupted her lunch. Standing up, she approached the twins. Though her face was dark with anger, the twins were not expecting to be intimidated by her diminutive size. Poking a finger in both their chests, she glared up at them furiously.
"If you think I'm going to that party after you insulted me, you're dead wrong," Kagome hissed, prodding harder with her fingers. With a huff, she settled back down to her spot under the tree and tried to resume eating her lunch.
"Oh come on, Higurashi."
"Quit playing hard to get."
"We know you miss us~!"
When the girl went silent, the twins silently congratulated themselves thinking they had won. However, they were sorely mistaken when a pair of flaming blue eyes stared into them.
"Go away," Kagome instructed. "Now."
Energized with terror under her scrutiny, the twins ran away.
Attempt #3: FAIL!
After three failed attempts, the Host Club was beginning to feel that their venture was hopeless. It left Tamaki feeling utterly defeated and endlessly frustrated. It didn't help that Haruhi was practicing a waltz with Kanako (and not him).
"Why is she being so stubborn!" Tamaki growled, grasping at his hair in agitation. "It was not this hard to bring her in the first time."
"I think you're missing the point, sempai," Haruhi said.
"What could I possibly be missing? We've tried everything," said Tamaki, grasping Haruhi's shoulders.
"I've known Kagome for only a little bit, but I don't think the angles you've chosen work for her," Haruhi stated, shoving the blonde off of her. This sparked the interest of the twins.
"What do you mean by that, Haruhi?" They asked.
"Well, I'm only guessing but, I think she feels like she doesn't have a place in the Host Club anymore. Sempai, you said so yourself that it's been this long since any of you have seen her. She probably feels like you moved on without her." Haruhi explained.
The other hosts were silent as Haruhi's words sank in. Realization pierced through them like an imaginary sword. It was true, none of them had contacted Kagome while she was gone and none of them had seen her much since she returned to Ouran.
"So what you're saying is, she won't come because… We- we're horrible friends?" Tamaki asked aloud.
"Does this mean Gome-chan doesn't like us anymore?" whimpered Honey, tears percolating in his eyes.
"I don't think it's that. She probably feels neglected and is too proud or embarrassed to say anything." Haruhi tried to soften her explanation but ended up adding another sword of realization. "If anything, you should probably make her feel wanted rather than just saying it."
"You certainly have a lot to say about Kagome, Haruhi." The twins were suddenly in her face. "Since when did you two become so buddy-buddy?"
"Back off! We ride the train together every day. So what if we're friends?"
Suddenly, the operative group to bring Kagome back had an idea. With glimmers of trouble glinting in their eyes, Haruhi took a step back. Before she could tell them to back off again, they sprung onto her with a brand new idea. After their plan was discussed, Haruhi grumbled about being a part of a shallow plan.
"If you're so annoyed by the idea, why bother help execute it?" Kyoya's cool voice cut through Haruhi's quiet complaints.
Facing the vice president of the Host Club, Haruhi stared at him.
"Well, maybe I want her to be here," admitted the girl. "Why? Are you trying to persuade me otherwise?"
"Of course not. I was merely asking a question." Kyoya replied. "Higurashi is a particularly stubborn woman. It may not be worth the effort."
Haruhi narrowed her eyes at him. Ever since the day Kagome entered Music Room 3, she had a sneaking suspicion of the Shadow King. Hearing his words now, a realization of her own came to light.
"You want her here too, don't you?" It wasn't exactly a question but an opportunity to admit the truth.
Kyoya met her eyes with an icy stare which confirmed her suspicion.
"I have no qualms with either decision. The fact of the situation is that Higurashi is fiercely stubborn, so this plan of yours may not work, " Kyoya replied.
Haruhi smiled at him then, a soft gesture that surprised him.
"Kyoya-sempai, I think you should be the one to invite her back," Haruhi said.
"An interesting idea, but hardly one to consider. Like I said, she is far too headstrong to–!" Kyoya stopped speaking when the door to the Host Club opened.
Kagome's head popped through the opening, her hand beckoning Haruhi to join her. Turning to the bespectacled host, the brunette smiled knowingly.
"I think you know it's the right choice, sempai. See you tomorrow."
And then they were gone.
Propping his chin on his palm, Kyoya considered Haruhi's words. As smart as her idea was, doing so would prove something that he did not want to prove. It was akin to admitting defeat after battling his feelings for so long. Yet, he wanted to do it. Despite himself, Kyoya desired it with his greedy, traitorous heart.
"Right choice, huh?"
A/N: hehehe. Thank you to everyone who has followed, favorited, or has been enjoying this humble little story. 3 Please leave a review to make my day? Haha. A note to the guest reviewer worried about the romance: don't worry, it's not gonna be angsty forever. Kagome and Kyoya are just stubborn lil buttheads and they write themselves as such here. xD As always though, thank you for reading!
