Prodigy and Policy
Chapter 3
It had been at least a week since I "joined" the Host club. It's actually going pretty well, since I can make sure Haruhi is alright and practice my music a bit. Of course, there are the downsides.
Like the fact that Suo- I mean, Tamaki-senpai, is getting on my nerves more and more each day. I find myself holding back curse words and punches when I'm around him.
Another bad thing is happening, Kyoya-senpai is still being way too nice to me. I can't figure out what he wants from me, but I know he isn't doing it just to be nice. I've seen how he talks to Haruhi and Tamaki-senpai.
That money demon is up to something.
"I don't know...I don't think I've ever seen Kyoya-senpai being nice for real, " Haruhi murmured, frowning faintly, "maybe he is up to something...."
She glanced down at her watch, suddenly grabbing my hand and rushing to Music Room 3. Once we finally arrived, both of us a little disheveled, I realized why she was in such a rush. We were late, ten minutes at least.
It wasn't like Haruhi to lose track of the time....
However, the club room itself was even more surprising. We opened the door, and immediately gasped. It was gorgeous, decorated like some kind of rainforest. Of course, upon closer inspection and realization that this was a prestigious school, I realized it practically was a rainforest. Real birds and all.
Haruhi was just as shocked as I am, though the only noise she made was a small grunt as a toucan decided to roost in her hair, and I couldn't help but laugh as I shooed it away, though I did try and hide it.
" They finally made it. I didn't think they'd ever show" one of the twin's smirked, draped across his brother in a seductive manner, as usual.
"We're hardly even late, " I scoffed, pouting and crossing my arms over my chest and even whining a bit to add to it.
"I could be wrong, but my calender says it's still early spring " Haruhi muttered, giving Tamaki a questioning glance.
" huddling under a kotatsu table and fearing the cold is nonsense" Tamaki-senpai made a dramatic pose as he said this, weilding a gorgeous fan that matched his outfit. " besides, the heating system we have is the best" he chuckled, flicking his fan down dramatically.
I sighed, rolling my eyes at his usual idiocy, as well as how crazy their otufits were.
Haruhi let out a tiny scoff and Kyoya smiled down at his clipboard " do you have a problem with the way we run our club, Haruhi? Be careful what you say, you owe us 8 million yen, remember ?"
heartless tax collector....
Tamaki began to ramble again, not even caring if anyone was actually listening, " gentlemen don't bundle up in bulky clothing, it may be chilly early spring out there in the real world, but here in the club we want to suprise our chilly little kittens with a warm, tropical paradise"
He grabbed Haruhi, waving an arm at the room,
"oh , yes , we've turned this place into Nirvana , a blooming tropical island of everlasting summer " He shouted, grinning and hugging Haruhi tighter.
" That's funny, " she muttered, huffing and trying to get out of Tamaki's grip. " Cause I feel a massive chill right now"
I ended up having to pull her out of Tamaki's arms, since the guests were going to arrive soon, and as much as I knew those ravenous bests would want to see a relationship between Haruhi and Tamaki, I couldn't just stand by and let him suffocate her with his ego.
The club was over just as soon as it had started, but I still couldn't go home. We had a meeting to discuss the upcoming dance, though Tamaki-senpai preferred to call it a ball. Rich people are so pretentious.
"But Boss, we have to end the night with a bang, and fireworks are perfect!" One of the twins pleaded, both of them pouting childishly when Tamaki didn't agree.
I had already taken a seat next to Haruhi, leaning against her affectionately and munching on a piece of cake.
"Sorry, what are we talking about again?" I asked, wiping my hands on the skirt of my unifrom. Yes, I was still wearing it. Normally I'd be all rebellious and wear whatever I want, but the puffy sleeves and ugly shoes were starting to grow on me. Just a little.
" The dance Tamaki-senpai's been planning, " She explained in a whisper. Of course, the blond heard her, and turned around with a huge grin.
" Haruhi! It's a ball, not just any commoner dance!" He exclaimed, waving his arms flamboyantly.
"Oh, brother..." I muttered, shaking my head at how obnoxious he was being, "they're the same thing.."
I was ignored by Tamaki, but I caught a chuckle from Kyoya-senpai across the group. Glad to see that someone was listening.
" so, do I have to go to this dance or ball or whatever you want to call it?" I asked, running a hand back through my hair, " I really don't have the time or anything to wear.."
" We'll provide all those things, Kessaku, since it is a required club activity" Kyoya smirked, Haruhi groaning beside me. Evidently, she didn't want to attend either.
" Haruhi, I hope you know how to waltz, because it's also a requirement to dance with your customers"
" I...can't say I know how to dance at all...." She murmured, flinching when Tamaki suddenly tackled her into a hug.
" Don't worry, daughter dearest, I will teach you to waltz!" He crowed, and I couldn't help but snicker a bit. Seeing as I had to perform, I wouldn't have to learn something as silly as the waltz. Not to mention I already knew how I just hated doing such a rich-person exclusive dance.
" I wouldn't laugh so soon, Kessaku, since you're going to have to learn as well," Kyoya chuckled, having gotten up and come over to sit on the other side of me, " It is required, and it is possible you'll have to dance with one of us as well"
"What? No way, screw that!" I retorted, only to be reminded that it was to help Haruhi with her debt. Stupid Kyoya. Stupid Host club. Stupid debt. Stupid WALTZ!
Thus began our dance practice.
The worst part was that we had to practice and attend the Host club, so by the end of i,t I was absolutely exhausted. What's more is that Haruhi is having to pair with Kanako Kasugazaki, and Tamaki is taking it out on me, calling me his 'other daughter'. Like that's happening.
Of course, I'm plenty busy trying to keep up with the practice regimine as well. Kyoya is an absolute beast when it comes to schedules, I've barely had time to go to the grocery this week.
Speaking of Kyoya, I've noticed something about it him recently.
It's that he's a fucking jerk.
I thought he was being genuinely nice to me like Haruhi said, but it turned out that whatever gene made him a shadow-money-demon was more prevalent than ever. It seems all he can do is insult me during practice as if I didn't already know how to waltz. It doesn't have to be perfect, but he insists on working me to the bone.
"You're a musician, aren't you? At least try and count the beat correctly, Kessaku, you keep getting slower and slower"
This is his latest insult, and I can't help but scowl as I attempt to match his steps. Haruhi has it easy, since Princess Kanako is teaching her a much simpler set of steps, with a slower count. Meanwhile Kyoya has me nearly tripping over my own feet with how complicated and quick the steps are becoming. It doesn't help that he has an absolutely insufferable personality.
"Alright, I suppose that's enough for the day. Haruhi is doing far better than you are, she easily keeps up with Ms. Kasukazagi" The raven sighed, wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead.
Seriously, he's being more and more of a dick every day!
He certainly wasn't sweating as much as I was, I looked like I had run a marathon!
I was definitely going to smell for the rest of the day.
" There is an extra uniform in one of the dressing rooms if you'd like to change into it" the male murmured, fixing his glasses and grabbing his bag. Funnily I found the offer more insukting than anything.
" and try not to be late, the Host club has a reputation to maintain" he added, before leaving the room.
" and here I thought he was actually attempting to be nice..." I sighed, doing as he suggested and changing into the spare uniform.
{ Kyoya's Pov}
It's been a week since Kessaku and I began practicing the waltz, and I can't say she's doing well. She's a musician! She should be able to conquer the waltz easily!
It's like she isn't even trying. So, I've started practicing with her in the mornings as well.
She still hasn't improved.
I sighed, fixing my glasses and starting towards the club room. However, I stop once I arrive outside the door, listening. It's our usual practice music, and when I peek into the room, I see that Kessaku is practicing by herself. She looks exhausted, but she's actually doing rather well. I finally open the door and step inside, smiling faintly.
I can't help but be a little impressed.
She's too focused to notice, and when the song finally ends she's panting and sweating terribly. It's...a rather disgusting sight.
" Ha! This'll show that bastard!" she exclaims, and I simply sigh.
My smile fades into one much more mischevious as I greet her, a little pissed off that she was only doing this to spite me.
{Kessaku Pov}
" Good morning to you too, Kessaku"
A shiver goes up my spine, and turn to see Kyoya standing in the doorway.
The grin on his face is anything but joyful, and I can tell that he heard me call him a bastard...
"O-oh, hey...Kyoya..senpai" I greet, " I-I was just...you know.." I chuckled sheepishly, honestly a little worried. Surely he wouldn't make Haruhi's debt even higher? Would he?
" well, are you ready for practice? I think we'll pick up the pace a little today" He smirks, too obviously pissed off.
Well, fuck.
By the day of the ball, I was exhausted. Kyoya has been pushing me harder and harder, I've barely been able to walk the whole week! I still hadn't gotten a dress, mostly because I really don't want to go to Kyoya's house to get it. I've seen him all week for two more hours than usual, I'm just trying to keep my distance.
So, today I'm relaxing and going grocery shopping. It's just what I need before tonight.
However, my trip was cut short.
I was swept off my feet the moment I arrived at the store, cringing when I heard the twins' annoying chant. " We got Kessaku! We got Kessaku!"
I'm probably going to have nightmares about them for the next month.
They towed me to a limo, and soon we were all in and on the way to Kyoya's house. Or so I thought.
Apparently, there had been a change of plans, and we were heading to the twins' house. Their mother was a fashion designer and had designed tonight's outfits.
The worst part was that everyone else was already there, including Kyoya.
" You can pick any dress you like, Aku" Hikaru grinned.
" Our mother has a huge collection, and she can even fit it to your measurements" Kaoru added.
I cringed.
I wasn't all that into dressing up ( though I didn't mind the school uniform), and having to pick my own dress? I don't know the first thing about fashion or style, I'm more about comfort.
We finally arrived, and I managed to pick a dress that wasn't too terrible. Seeing Kyoya wasn't so bad either since he seemed to be too tired to really annoy me.
We were even fed lunch, and it was actually really good!
Of course, the happy times ended when we had to get dressed and head to the school.
Ugh.
My Saturday nights are usually about staying up all night and watching cop shows, not going to dances and being surrounded by annoying rich girls. I wouldn't have a problem if they didn't have such annoying voices since their faces are cute.
We all dressed and piled into a limo, sitting in uncomfortable silence until we got to the school. Talk about awkward. Weren't they supposed to be Hosts?
Everything had already been set up, and I rushed over to the piano, itching to play. After all, I hadn't even looked at an instrument for the last two weeks, I'd been far too busy.
Of course, Kyoya ruined the fun by telling me I had to wait until the clients began arriving. It wouldn't be time for the ball to start for another thirty minutes.
So, I got up and ate a bit, as well as picked out a few music scores to start off with. The guests finally began to arrive, and I played to my heart's content. Tamaki announced something about the best dancer winning a kiss from him, and I couldn't help but laugh. Who would want a kiss from him? I spent most of the ball sitting at the piano, but as the night was ending, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
" Kessaku, would you like to dance?" Kyoya asked, smiling pleasantly. He didn't seem angry or annoyed, so I agreed.
I was much better at dancing by now and was honestly pretty impressed with how well I kept up with Kyoya. Of course, the fact that I wasn't entirely perfect made me feel a little ill, but I tried to keep from showing that side of me. I couldn't bear it after all.
" Well done, Kesskau. You've actually improved a little " He commented, and though I was a little annoyed that he thought I wouldn't, I shoved the thought aside and enjoyed myself. After all, I earned it.
Once the song finished, everyone was called to the balcony. I reluctantly went, a little bored now that I wasn't dancing or playing music. Apparently, Haruhi's dance partner won their little 'dancing contest'. However, the twins sent Haruhi instead of Tamaki. He tried to stop her when I told him it was her first kiss but slipped and somehow managed to make their lips touch.
I simply sighed, he really is an idiot. Of course, I would have done the same. If anyone were to take Haruhi's first kiss, I'd want it to be me.
" You seem jealous" Kyoya commented from behind, " perhaps you'd like to dance rather than watch this?"
I reluctantly agreed and found myself grinning ear to ear by the time the ball ended. I had actually had a lot of fun.
{ Author's Note: I extended this chapter by A LOT , and fixed some of the mistakes. Yes, this is the plot from Chapter 7. I felt the need to be rid of a lot of the chapters in between, so if the plot is all messed up, this is why. Another thing! I've decided Kessaku is bisexual, thus some of the gay thoughts she has during this chapter and chapters to come. Any questions?}