Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction ❯ Love Lost in Time ❯ Chapter Three ( Chapter 3 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: vampyremiyu 
The contest for Haruhi's heart really begins.
Anime/Manga: Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.01.2009 | Updated On: 01.02.2009 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 478 | Status: Work In Progress
The contest for Haruhi's heart really begins.
Anime/Manga: Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.01.2009 | Updated On: 01.02.2009 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 478 | Status: Work In Progress
LOVE LOST IN TIME
An Ouran High School Host Club AU fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES: A big thanks to Nightfall2525 for the idea and encouragement for this piece. I hope it will be to your liking. Not sure how long or involved this will be. Could be another short "epic" for me, so say a prayer for my muses. Alternate Universe with some of the actual events (anime and manga) being referenced. Kyoya x Haruhi centric. Possible spoilers for those unfamiliar with chapter 60 and higher of the manga. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter. Comments and further encouragement are always welcome.
CHAPTER THREE
"So?"
"So...what?"
"How'd it go?! Did you confess your undying love?"
"Or tell her that it was fate? That you had to have her?"
"You're both daft."
Kyoya Ohtori rolled his eyes. He'd barely gotten his coat off when his brothers started asking questions. Idiot questions, he thought to himself. As if he could win her heart in a few hours.
Granted, that's how it happened originally.
But those days had been much simpler. In those days, one usually made a confession and found themselves in a relationship quickly. Sure there was a proper courting ritual, but it was reserved more for the reigning nobility rather than the common folk. Many in the small villages, such as the one they lived in, rarely followed it.
It had been one such rare occasion that brought Kyoya and Haruhi together. He had walked into the village pub, practically starving. He had refused to feed as a rebellious act against his father. Three very long days without a drop of blood. But it was taking a toll, and he had hoped to find someone at the pub to quickly ease his growing thirst. There were plenty of drunkards -- men and women -- to choose from.
Yet he was uncontrollably drawn to a young woman in a corner. She sat like a noble, her hair done up much like a proper lady. Even her clothes were better kept than the rest of the lot. She was simple, yet beautiful, sitting in the shadows and reading a book. Without thinking, he walked over to where she sat, and sat in a chair across from her.
"Good evening."
"Hello."
They conversed as if they'd known each other all their lives. Of course, she had looked familair to him, but he just couldn't place her. Even when she began talking about her family. They had many similar interests and she had recently returned from schooling in one of the larger villages. That triggered a memory in Kyoya. He'd had a friend that left the village to go to school. The elder's daughter. But this couldn't be her, he thought. She was too...proper. Too lady-like.
"You really don't remember me, do you," she asked.
He blinked at her, confused. "You look familiar but...."
"It's me, Kyoya. Haruhi."
He blinked again, this time in recognition. "It...so it is."
"Five years isn't to long, is it?"
"Apparently, it is."
They continued to converse, now catching up on old times. He was shocked to see her as she was, the woman she was becoming. But even for his calm demeanor, he couldn't keep a smile off of his face.
Not until his hunger started getting the better of him.
For over an hour his hunger had been forgotten. Then his thirst was too much to bear, and he couldn't bring himself to feed on her. Never her.
"You need to feed, don't you?"
"How.... How did you know?"
"Your eyes." A simple statement.
"My eyes?"
"They're turning red."
"Sh--!"
But when she offered her wrist to him with a simple command, “Drink," how could he refuse?
He took only the smallest amount, enough to sate himself until he could find better prey. She said nothing to him, showed no fear as his fangs elongated, sinking into her flesh. She watched with mild curiosity for those few moments. And the distinct hitch in her breath as he licked the wound he created made him equally curious.
They had been inseparable ever since.
But that was then.
"You kissed her at the very least, right?"
"Right?"
This new era -- the twenty-first century -- complicated everything.
"What's the rush," he said to his brothers, walking into the house. He moved down a long hallway and stopped at the doorway to the family living quarters. "Did you not enjoy playing with Fuyumi tonight?"
"What? They said they did!"
Fuyumi was in the room, cleaning up what was left of family game night. She looked up from the table, glaring at the doorway.
"I'm sure they did, dear," mother said. She was kneeling next to Fuyumi, helping to clear the mess. "He's only teasing."
"So how did it go, Kyoya," Yoshiro asked. He sat in a large cushioned chair, the dark red material blending with his black shirt and pants. "Did you kiss her?"
"Yoshi!"
He chuckled, knowing his wife was only defending her baby boy. He was going to apologize when Kyoya finally spoke up.
"It was a good beginning," he said. "And no, I didn't kiss her."
"Wuss," both of his brothers hissed from the hall.
"The two of you are single for a reason," Fuyumi stated.
"And you're married now," her father said. "Yet you keep coming home."
"Only because I love you," she replied. Moving away from the table, she leaned over her father's chair and kissed his cheek. "I'm turning in. Good night."
"I'm turning in, too," Kyoya said with a nod to his father. Fuyumi grabbed his arm as she passed through the doorway. "Good night, father. Mother."
"Good night, dear," his mother replied.
"We'll talk more tomorrow, Kyoya."
"Yes, sir."
Arm in arm with his sister, Kyoya walked upstairs. It was a bit odd for her to cling to him as she was doing, but his absence tonight -- despite her permission -- probably made her do such a silly thing. He hardly minded as it got him away from the all too hopeful glares of his brothers.
"So did it really go well?"
The young man nodded. "Well enough for a first date."
Fuyumi smiled, patting his arm. "I don't know what they're all expecting. Of course, to those two brute, if they don't get laid on the first date probably consider it a terrible night." She sighed, shaking her head. "Sometimes I wonder how I'm related to them."
"True." Kyoya chuckled. Some days, he wondered that, too. No matter what the century, they were always annoying. And still competitive. They always wanted him to join in their little game of conquests, yet he never took the bait. Didn't they remember he had a job to do? "But I'm not rushing this. Haruhi is...very important to me."
They stopped by the door to his room and Fuyumi kissed his cheek. She really must have missed him if she did that. Her smile was somewhat sad as she looked at him. Was she thinking about him, or her own marriage?
"Just keep at it. I'm sure she'll come around." Fuyumi winked, disengaging herself. Her smile turned bright as she waved to him, continuing down the hallway. "Good night."
Kyoya turned to his door, but paused. His head turned, his eyes seeking out his sister. But the hallway was already empty. Shaking his head, he turned back to his door. With a smile, he muttered.
"Good night.... Fuyumi."
*=*=*
"Yay! Cupcakes!"
"They're delicious."
"What bakery slaved over these? I must know!"
Haruhi tried not to choke on her tea as she overheard all the comments. They had been such a hit three weeks ago when Kyoya first brought them in that they had become a week ending tradition for the Host Club.
So had Thursday evening dinner with Kyoya.
The very idea of him coming into her neighborhood and buying cupcakes at the tiny market she frequented was still odd. He appeared so out of place, despite the change in his appearance from school uniform to casual clothes. But the shopkeeper so enjoyed seeing him enter the store. And dinner just didn't feel like a real meal without his presence. She began looking forward to her usual Thursday routine. More so than normal.
And her dreams.... While they hadn't gone away, they had become somewhat bearable. Last week she remembered a night in a pub, reading a book and drinking tea while conversing with the faceless man. Five nights ago, she recalled an argument, between an older man and a young gentleman. A blond with piercing blue eyes.
The older man's face she could see clearly and he appeared to be an aged version of her father. Only much more masculine, with a square jaw and white hair. The blond was a young man, possibly a few years older than herself.
Herself? It was accurate, as she always felt as if she was there, living it rather than simply seeing it happen. The experience felt real. Like a past life coming back to haunt her.
'I really need to lay off the caffeine,' she told herself.
But there was no mistaking the young man in her dream. He looked like one of her schoolmates. A bit rougher around the edges, scruffy looking stubble surrounded his lips and chin. And his skin was a shade darker. A tan? Or maybe his face was just dirty? In either case, it was a face much more recognizable than the dark haired man with no face.
"Haruhi! Father saved you a special cupcake!"
The young woman tried not to flinch when she heard Tamaki call her name. She wished he'd drop the silly game of Father and daughter. It was quite ridiculous. And it made her feel like a fool in front of her guests.
"Wow!"
"A Special cake?"
"Will you share, Haruhi?"
But her customers appeared to be unfazed. In fact, they were delighted as Tamaki kneeled next to the table, placing the tiny plate and its contents on the top.
"It's a special cake, just for you, Haruhi," he said.
Her customers clasped their hands and squealed. It was almost disgusting. Haruhi managed a smile, nodding to Tamaki. "Thank you. But Hunny-sempai already gave me one."
Tamaki immediately pouted. His typical reaction if he believed Haruhi didn't like something. But this one was a bit more dramatic. Just for the guests.
"You don't like it?"
"Fine." Taking out a knife, she cut the cupcake into four parts. "But I can't eat in front of my guests without sharing."
"How thoughtful."
"Thank you, Haruhi."
"It's so delicious."
"Did you see that? Mother, she accepted my gift!"
"I see."
"We need more tea, Mother! More tea!"
Haruhi cracked a smile at Kyoya's disdain. How the young man could put up with Tamaki's behavior was beyond her. But his impatient look was belied by his usual cool body language.
He disappeared for a moment, reappearing with a tray and two warm pots of tea. He carried them to the table, setting one kettle on the top. With one hand he held up the tray and with the other held the second pot. Leaning over, he carefully poured the tea for each of the guests. Then for Tamaki, Haruhi, and finally a cup for himself. The tray disappeared as he sat with the group, his own customers joining them.
By the time the tea party ended, all of the hosts and their guests had conglomerated into a large circle. Everyone was laughing, joking and having a wonderful time.
But no one was happier to see it end than Kyoya.
Tamaki's behavior had been extremely reckless throughout the course of the evening. And he tried, much harder than usual, to monopolize Haruhi's attention. It was a miracle his own customers didn't simply walk out. Perhaps they all believed it part of the "play". All the hosts did it. But his acting went way beyond the norm, his grandiose actions causing the vice president serious concern.
Thankfully, Haruhi didn't seem to notice.
They cleaned up, wishing their guests a good evening before saying their goodbyes to each other.
Haruhi was the first to excuse herself. She sucked in a deep breath as she walked outside. A clock in the school tower chimed the hour of eight. Still early in the evening, but the sun had already set. She gazed up at the darkened school building behind her. A lone light appeared in a second floor window. The music room. Hidden by shadows was a figure. Kyoya. She recognized the outline well. She gave a wave, receiving one in return. Startled, her heart skipped a beat.
'What was that,' she thought, making her way towards the school entrance.
"Haruhi!"
She turned to see Tamaki jogging to catch up with her. He looked tired, a rarity, but he had worked diligently that evening. He smiled as he approached, finally stopping to catch his breath.
"Do you need a ride home?"
"I...." She gazed up at the lit window, but the shadow was gone. Why she felt the need to look, she didn't know. Taking another deep breath, she told Tamaki, "I'd like that. Thanks."
The ride was smooth and their conversation pleasant. The talked about the night's events, their upcoming exams and about random television shows. Haruhi had never seen a single program Tamaki talked about, but she listened as he spoke so intensely on the subject.
And his inquisitive nature towards the lives of the common folk still dumbfounded her.
"Actually, Haruhi. There's something I wanted to talk to you about?"
She was genuinely surprised as the young man turned serious. His brow was furrowed in thought and he looked somewhat troubled. "Is something wrong?"
"No, not wrong...." He shook his head. He stared at a spot on the floor. His feet perhaps? "I don't think, anyway."
Haruhi's voice was filled with concern. "Then what is it?"
"It's just that.... I've been thinking. About you." He fidgeted in his seat a little, his eyes daring a look at her. "A lot." He looked away just as quickly. "Lately."
The face of the young man in her dream flashed in front of her eyes and Haruhi was taken aback. But by his words or the memory as unclear. In her own daze, the only response she could manage was a single syllable.
"Oh...."
"You've been a good friend. Truly. And I appreciate that." He relaxed a little, a smile tugging at his lips. "I'm not always that easy to get along with, I know. Sometimes I try too hard, but.... I don't know what else to do."
Shaking her head, she tried to discern his problem. Brooding wasn't necessarily something the young man did often, and right now, it appeared he had something he wanted to say, but had no idea how to say it.
"Tamaki, I...."
His smile grew, happy to hear her say his name without the honorific she so often attached to it. He held onto that moment, inhaling deeply to feel the warmth of her concern. Finally he turned to her, determined to say what was really on his mind.
"It's just that...." He wasn't quite sure how to say what he couldn't quite understand himself. "I worry about you. I...don't like to see you get hurt. But when you were kidnapped, it...it...." He sighed. "I'm not sure how to explain it."
"I think you just did."
He looked up at her hopefully. "I did?"
She nodded. "Yes." Haruhi remembered the incident well. It had been scary at first, but in the end, it had all worked out. And it was all thanks to Tamaki. "But you shouldn't think about that any more. It's in the past now."
"The past...."
Tamaki's face suddenly turned sour. Angry. His entire demeanor changed as he turned away from the young woman next to him. He didn't say a word, his eyes averted to the floor of the limo.
She had no idea what the young man was thinking, but Haruhi suddenly felt uncomfortable. She scooted as far over as she could just as the door opened. The driver had opened the door. They had reached her apartment.
As if snapping out of a dream, Tamaki turned towards her, a surprised look on his face. "Haruhi?"
"Thank you for the ride, sempai," she said as she crawled from the vehicle. She turned and offered a small smile. "I'll see you on Monday."
The door closed.
"Good night...Haruhi."
There was no reply.
Tamaki didn't see Haruhi run up the stairs to her apartment. He sighed, leaning back into the limo seat. That had not quite gone as he had hoped. But it was difficult to explain feelings that he couldn't place himself.
All he knew was that he had to have her heart.
'In the past,' he thought as the car drove away. 'Perhaps.'
And he would stop at nothing to get it.
~TO BE CONTINUED~
DISCLAIMER:
Ouran High School Host Club is a brilliant piece of work by creator Bisco Hatori. Originally published in 2003 by HAKUSENSHA, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, this masterpiece is being translated and published by VIZ Media for fans in America and Canada. I do not own a single piece of the characters used in this story. They were kidnapped and used here without permission.
An Ouran High School Host Club AU fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES: A big thanks to Nightfall2525 for the idea and encouragement for this piece. I hope it will be to your liking. Not sure how long or involved this will be. Could be another short "epic" for me, so say a prayer for my muses. Alternate Universe with some of the actual events (anime and manga) being referenced. Kyoya x Haruhi centric. Possible spoilers for those unfamiliar with chapter 60 and higher of the manga. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter. Comments and further encouragement are always welcome.
CHAPTER THREE
"So?"
"So...what?"
"How'd it go?! Did you confess your undying love?"
"Or tell her that it was fate? That you had to have her?"
"You're both daft."
Kyoya Ohtori rolled his eyes. He'd barely gotten his coat off when his brothers started asking questions. Idiot questions, he thought to himself. As if he could win her heart in a few hours.
Granted, that's how it happened originally.
But those days had been much simpler. In those days, one usually made a confession and found themselves in a relationship quickly. Sure there was a proper courting ritual, but it was reserved more for the reigning nobility rather than the common folk. Many in the small villages, such as the one they lived in, rarely followed it.
It had been one such rare occasion that brought Kyoya and Haruhi together. He had walked into the village pub, practically starving. He had refused to feed as a rebellious act against his father. Three very long days without a drop of blood. But it was taking a toll, and he had hoped to find someone at the pub to quickly ease his growing thirst. There were plenty of drunkards -- men and women -- to choose from.
Yet he was uncontrollably drawn to a young woman in a corner. She sat like a noble, her hair done up much like a proper lady. Even her clothes were better kept than the rest of the lot. She was simple, yet beautiful, sitting in the shadows and reading a book. Without thinking, he walked over to where she sat, and sat in a chair across from her.
"Good evening."
"Hello."
They conversed as if they'd known each other all their lives. Of course, she had looked familair to him, but he just couldn't place her. Even when she began talking about her family. They had many similar interests and she had recently returned from schooling in one of the larger villages. That triggered a memory in Kyoya. He'd had a friend that left the village to go to school. The elder's daughter. But this couldn't be her, he thought. She was too...proper. Too lady-like.
"You really don't remember me, do you," she asked.
He blinked at her, confused. "You look familiar but...."
"It's me, Kyoya. Haruhi."
He blinked again, this time in recognition. "It...so it is."
"Five years isn't to long, is it?"
"Apparently, it is."
They continued to converse, now catching up on old times. He was shocked to see her as she was, the woman she was becoming. But even for his calm demeanor, he couldn't keep a smile off of his face.
Not until his hunger started getting the better of him.
For over an hour his hunger had been forgotten. Then his thirst was too much to bear, and he couldn't bring himself to feed on her. Never her.
"You need to feed, don't you?"
"How.... How did you know?"
"Your eyes." A simple statement.
"My eyes?"
"They're turning red."
"Sh--!"
But when she offered her wrist to him with a simple command, “Drink," how could he refuse?
He took only the smallest amount, enough to sate himself until he could find better prey. She said nothing to him, showed no fear as his fangs elongated, sinking into her flesh. She watched with mild curiosity for those few moments. And the distinct hitch in her breath as he licked the wound he created made him equally curious.
They had been inseparable ever since.
But that was then.
"You kissed her at the very least, right?"
"Right?"
This new era -- the twenty-first century -- complicated everything.
"What's the rush," he said to his brothers, walking into the house. He moved down a long hallway and stopped at the doorway to the family living quarters. "Did you not enjoy playing with Fuyumi tonight?"
"What? They said they did!"
Fuyumi was in the room, cleaning up what was left of family game night. She looked up from the table, glaring at the doorway.
"I'm sure they did, dear," mother said. She was kneeling next to Fuyumi, helping to clear the mess. "He's only teasing."
"So how did it go, Kyoya," Yoshiro asked. He sat in a large cushioned chair, the dark red material blending with his black shirt and pants. "Did you kiss her?"
"Yoshi!"
He chuckled, knowing his wife was only defending her baby boy. He was going to apologize when Kyoya finally spoke up.
"It was a good beginning," he said. "And no, I didn't kiss her."
"Wuss," both of his brothers hissed from the hall.
"The two of you are single for a reason," Fuyumi stated.
"And you're married now," her father said. "Yet you keep coming home."
"Only because I love you," she replied. Moving away from the table, she leaned over her father's chair and kissed his cheek. "I'm turning in. Good night."
"I'm turning in, too," Kyoya said with a nod to his father. Fuyumi grabbed his arm as she passed through the doorway. "Good night, father. Mother."
"Good night, dear," his mother replied.
"We'll talk more tomorrow, Kyoya."
"Yes, sir."
Arm in arm with his sister, Kyoya walked upstairs. It was a bit odd for her to cling to him as she was doing, but his absence tonight -- despite her permission -- probably made her do such a silly thing. He hardly minded as it got him away from the all too hopeful glares of his brothers.
"So did it really go well?"
The young man nodded. "Well enough for a first date."
Fuyumi smiled, patting his arm. "I don't know what they're all expecting. Of course, to those two brute, if they don't get laid on the first date probably consider it a terrible night." She sighed, shaking her head. "Sometimes I wonder how I'm related to them."
"True." Kyoya chuckled. Some days, he wondered that, too. No matter what the century, they were always annoying. And still competitive. They always wanted him to join in their little game of conquests, yet he never took the bait. Didn't they remember he had a job to do? "But I'm not rushing this. Haruhi is...very important to me."
They stopped by the door to his room and Fuyumi kissed his cheek. She really must have missed him if she did that. Her smile was somewhat sad as she looked at him. Was she thinking about him, or her own marriage?
"Just keep at it. I'm sure she'll come around." Fuyumi winked, disengaging herself. Her smile turned bright as she waved to him, continuing down the hallway. "Good night."
Kyoya turned to his door, but paused. His head turned, his eyes seeking out his sister. But the hallway was already empty. Shaking his head, he turned back to his door. With a smile, he muttered.
"Good night.... Fuyumi."
*=*=*
"Yay! Cupcakes!"
"They're delicious."
"What bakery slaved over these? I must know!"
Haruhi tried not to choke on her tea as she overheard all the comments. They had been such a hit three weeks ago when Kyoya first brought them in that they had become a week ending tradition for the Host Club.
So had Thursday evening dinner with Kyoya.
The very idea of him coming into her neighborhood and buying cupcakes at the tiny market she frequented was still odd. He appeared so out of place, despite the change in his appearance from school uniform to casual clothes. But the shopkeeper so enjoyed seeing him enter the store. And dinner just didn't feel like a real meal without his presence. She began looking forward to her usual Thursday routine. More so than normal.
And her dreams.... While they hadn't gone away, they had become somewhat bearable. Last week she remembered a night in a pub, reading a book and drinking tea while conversing with the faceless man. Five nights ago, she recalled an argument, between an older man and a young gentleman. A blond with piercing blue eyes.
The older man's face she could see clearly and he appeared to be an aged version of her father. Only much more masculine, with a square jaw and white hair. The blond was a young man, possibly a few years older than herself.
Herself? It was accurate, as she always felt as if she was there, living it rather than simply seeing it happen. The experience felt real. Like a past life coming back to haunt her.
'I really need to lay off the caffeine,' she told herself.
But there was no mistaking the young man in her dream. He looked like one of her schoolmates. A bit rougher around the edges, scruffy looking stubble surrounded his lips and chin. And his skin was a shade darker. A tan? Or maybe his face was just dirty? In either case, it was a face much more recognizable than the dark haired man with no face.
"Haruhi! Father saved you a special cupcake!"
The young woman tried not to flinch when she heard Tamaki call her name. She wished he'd drop the silly game of Father and daughter. It was quite ridiculous. And it made her feel like a fool in front of her guests.
"Wow!"
"A Special cake?"
"Will you share, Haruhi?"
But her customers appeared to be unfazed. In fact, they were delighted as Tamaki kneeled next to the table, placing the tiny plate and its contents on the top.
"It's a special cake, just for you, Haruhi," he said.
Her customers clasped their hands and squealed. It was almost disgusting. Haruhi managed a smile, nodding to Tamaki. "Thank you. But Hunny-sempai already gave me one."
Tamaki immediately pouted. His typical reaction if he believed Haruhi didn't like something. But this one was a bit more dramatic. Just for the guests.
"You don't like it?"
"Fine." Taking out a knife, she cut the cupcake into four parts. "But I can't eat in front of my guests without sharing."
"How thoughtful."
"Thank you, Haruhi."
"It's so delicious."
"Did you see that? Mother, she accepted my gift!"
"I see."
"We need more tea, Mother! More tea!"
Haruhi cracked a smile at Kyoya's disdain. How the young man could put up with Tamaki's behavior was beyond her. But his impatient look was belied by his usual cool body language.
He disappeared for a moment, reappearing with a tray and two warm pots of tea. He carried them to the table, setting one kettle on the top. With one hand he held up the tray and with the other held the second pot. Leaning over, he carefully poured the tea for each of the guests. Then for Tamaki, Haruhi, and finally a cup for himself. The tray disappeared as he sat with the group, his own customers joining them.
By the time the tea party ended, all of the hosts and their guests had conglomerated into a large circle. Everyone was laughing, joking and having a wonderful time.
But no one was happier to see it end than Kyoya.
Tamaki's behavior had been extremely reckless throughout the course of the evening. And he tried, much harder than usual, to monopolize Haruhi's attention. It was a miracle his own customers didn't simply walk out. Perhaps they all believed it part of the "play". All the hosts did it. But his acting went way beyond the norm, his grandiose actions causing the vice president serious concern.
Thankfully, Haruhi didn't seem to notice.
They cleaned up, wishing their guests a good evening before saying their goodbyes to each other.
Haruhi was the first to excuse herself. She sucked in a deep breath as she walked outside. A clock in the school tower chimed the hour of eight. Still early in the evening, but the sun had already set. She gazed up at the darkened school building behind her. A lone light appeared in a second floor window. The music room. Hidden by shadows was a figure. Kyoya. She recognized the outline well. She gave a wave, receiving one in return. Startled, her heart skipped a beat.
'What was that,' she thought, making her way towards the school entrance.
"Haruhi!"
She turned to see Tamaki jogging to catch up with her. He looked tired, a rarity, but he had worked diligently that evening. He smiled as he approached, finally stopping to catch his breath.
"Do you need a ride home?"
"I...." She gazed up at the lit window, but the shadow was gone. Why she felt the need to look, she didn't know. Taking another deep breath, she told Tamaki, "I'd like that. Thanks."
The ride was smooth and their conversation pleasant. The talked about the night's events, their upcoming exams and about random television shows. Haruhi had never seen a single program Tamaki talked about, but she listened as he spoke so intensely on the subject.
And his inquisitive nature towards the lives of the common folk still dumbfounded her.
"Actually, Haruhi. There's something I wanted to talk to you about?"
She was genuinely surprised as the young man turned serious. His brow was furrowed in thought and he looked somewhat troubled. "Is something wrong?"
"No, not wrong...." He shook his head. He stared at a spot on the floor. His feet perhaps? "I don't think, anyway."
Haruhi's voice was filled with concern. "Then what is it?"
"It's just that.... I've been thinking. About you." He fidgeted in his seat a little, his eyes daring a look at her. "A lot." He looked away just as quickly. "Lately."
The face of the young man in her dream flashed in front of her eyes and Haruhi was taken aback. But by his words or the memory as unclear. In her own daze, the only response she could manage was a single syllable.
"Oh...."
"You've been a good friend. Truly. And I appreciate that." He relaxed a little, a smile tugging at his lips. "I'm not always that easy to get along with, I know. Sometimes I try too hard, but.... I don't know what else to do."
Shaking her head, she tried to discern his problem. Brooding wasn't necessarily something the young man did often, and right now, it appeared he had something he wanted to say, but had no idea how to say it.
"Tamaki, I...."
His smile grew, happy to hear her say his name without the honorific she so often attached to it. He held onto that moment, inhaling deeply to feel the warmth of her concern. Finally he turned to her, determined to say what was really on his mind.
"It's just that...." He wasn't quite sure how to say what he couldn't quite understand himself. "I worry about you. I...don't like to see you get hurt. But when you were kidnapped, it...it...." He sighed. "I'm not sure how to explain it."
"I think you just did."
He looked up at her hopefully. "I did?"
She nodded. "Yes." Haruhi remembered the incident well. It had been scary at first, but in the end, it had all worked out. And it was all thanks to Tamaki. "But you shouldn't think about that any more. It's in the past now."
"The past...."
Tamaki's face suddenly turned sour. Angry. His entire demeanor changed as he turned away from the young woman next to him. He didn't say a word, his eyes averted to the floor of the limo.
She had no idea what the young man was thinking, but Haruhi suddenly felt uncomfortable. She scooted as far over as she could just as the door opened. The driver had opened the door. They had reached her apartment.
As if snapping out of a dream, Tamaki turned towards her, a surprised look on his face. "Haruhi?"
"Thank you for the ride, sempai," she said as she crawled from the vehicle. She turned and offered a small smile. "I'll see you on Monday."
The door closed.
"Good night...Haruhi."
There was no reply.
Tamaki didn't see Haruhi run up the stairs to her apartment. He sighed, leaning back into the limo seat. That had not quite gone as he had hoped. But it was difficult to explain feelings that he couldn't place himself.
All he knew was that he had to have her heart.
'In the past,' he thought as the car drove away. 'Perhaps.'
And he would stop at nothing to get it.
~TO BE CONTINUED~
DISCLAIMER:
Ouran High School Host Club is a brilliant piece of work by creator Bisco Hatori. Originally published in 2003 by HAKUSENSHA, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, this masterpiece is being translated and published by VIZ Media for fans in America and Canada. I do not own a single piece of the characters used in this story. They were kidnapped and used here without permission.