"I'm going out," Haruhi called out routinely as she left her apartment complex dressed in her t-shirt and shorts, her father following her to the door.
"Come back safely." Ranka chanted.
Walking down the staircase, Haruhi froze when she spotted a familiar girl with strawberry blonde hair, wearing one of her signature chiffon dresses and radiant smile.
"Good Morning!" Miki was waving excitedly.
Ranka leaned over the balcony railing with a hum in adoration. "Why if it isn't Miki-chan, good morning. Are you here to hang out with Haruhi?" He greeted.
"Hello, Ranka-san." Bowing politely, Miki beamed. "Yes, she told me she was going to the supermarket. I felt like I must tag along." Clapping her hand together, she sighed dreamily.
Haruhi felt her eye twitch. She instantly regretted telling her about her trip to the supermarket, because who would be so excited as to bolt over five minutes after that text was sent? To go to the supermarket of all places?
She would.
"Miki-senpai, it's just a trip to the supermarket. You don't have to come all the way over here to-"
She was quickly cut off when her upperclassman looped her arm around her's. "Come on, Haruhi! The market isn't going to stay open forever." Ignoring the brunette's protests, Miki chimed as she began to drag her off with a cheerful bounce to her step.
"It's a twenty-four-hour supermarket..." Murmuring under her breath, Haruhi sighed in resignation that her day was going to be stuck with this overly-energetic girl.
"Ahh, youth..." Resting his cheek against his palm, Ranka hummed when suddenly two shadows darted over and grabbed both girls by the arm, startling them.
"Abduction..."
"...Complete!"
"Huh? What the..." Haruhi muttered, still trying to process the situation.
"Kidnapping?" Miki blinked.
Suddenly, a limo pulled over, and a window rolled down, revealing Benibara wearing sunglasses. She glanced at the two girls with a prideful smirk. "All right, take them in."
"Tama-chan, where is Miki-chan?" Climbing up the rigid staircase, Honey asked as he clutched Usa-chan closer to himself.
Hearing that name, the blond couldn't help but let his face and shoulders drop a little at the mention of that name. "She left me..." He muttered.
"Huh?" Raising an eyebrow, the twins pursued.
"This morning, she dashed out of her room and just left without saying anything to me..." Looking down dejectedly, Tamaki explained gloomily. "She's going through a rebellious phase." He sulked with comical tears streaming down his face as he held onto the cake box and began plucking at the perfectly tied bow.
"Don't you think it's cause she's gotten sick of you, milord?" The twins grinned mischievously as they suggested, watching as Tamaki become defeated by those words.
"Anyways, we are going to see Haru-chan now, so cheer up Tama-chan." Honey chuckled at how worried Tamaki was, watching as his mood quickly swing back around, and he was once again filled with smiles.
"Haruhi-chan, come out and play!" They chanted.
However, the one who opened the door wasn't Haruhi; it was a very groggily looking Ranka. "Huh?" He ran a hand through his tangled auburn hair, looking visibly annoyed at the intruders.
After a brief moment of silence, the seven turned to shuffle away. "Sorry, we have the wrong door," Tamaki muttered.
"Huh? Hey, hey, hey." Quickly snapping out of his hazy state, Ranka chased after the hosts and piled them back into the house. "Don't go so patently looking like, 'Oops, we just saw the tranny without his make-up, which we weren't supposed to see.' Even I have a bit of a beard when I've just woken up." He groaned.
"Hahaha... Ranka-san, you seem to be in good humour today-" Laughing uneasily, Tamaki leaned forth to try and greet the man only to wholly ignored when the man walked past him and swiped the cake box out of his hands.
"My, everyone, it's been so long! How are you?" His mood seemed to have flipped around once he had the cake in his hands as his voice just rose up into a higher pitch. "You'll have to forgive my dreadful appearance. I'm so glad you came."
"Is Haru-chan here?" Honey questioned.
"I'm sorry, Haruhi is out today. She met up with Miki-chan and some girlfriends of their picked them up early this morning, and they went out together with them." Ranka explained, eyes scanning over the assortment of cakes in the box.
"So that's where she went." The twins chimed.
"She's not home, huh?" Honey pouted.
"Well, I guess I should be glad that Miki is making other friends and hanging out with some of Haruhi's middle school friends, or whomever..." With his shoulders slumped once again, Tamaki and the rest of the hosts began to leave.
"It's kinda hard to imagine, huh?" The twins spoke in unisons with their hands over their heads.
"You see, this is why I was against a surprise visit," Kyoya commented.
"These girls weren't from her middle school days," Turning to close the door, Ranka explained nonchalantly. "But then, that's my little girl, having friends such as them. I mean, students from the famous Lobelia Girl's Academy coming all the way over here for her-" He was about to turn and close the doors when the hosts all bolted back over with terrified expressions.
"What did you say?!" Tamaki began to panic.
"Lo-"
"-be-"
"-li-"
"-aah!" They gasped in horror.
"My, how lovely you look! We have two little fairies here!" Chizuru squealed as she, Hinako and Benibara snuggled both Haruhi and Miki, who were practically forced into the Lobelia uniform.
"I think you should become a student now even more!" Hinako agreed.
"Gorgeous," Benibara gasped with tears in her eyes, letting go of the two. "It's almost as if that uniform were designed just for the two of you."
"Hold on!" Haruhi cried. "Please tell me what's happening! I don't know what's going on."
"I agree." Cupping her chin as she stared at a mirror in the dressing room, Miki let out a sigh. "This uniform doesn't suit me at all. The red and pink are clashing with my hair colour and washing me out, I much prefer the Ouran uniform."
"That's not the point Miki-senpai!" Snapping back to the Lobelia girls, Haruhi huffed. "We were going to the supermarket to do some shopping when you brought us here. You folks are just like the people in the host club." She grumbled.
"Maiden, stop that! Of all the people to compare us to, those guys?!" Benibara exclaimed in a fury before quickly calming down. "Oh, forgive me. It's only natural that you'd be angry. In all of our haste, we brought you here in your bedclothes."
"No, those aren't bedclothes, they're what I usually wear." Haruhi sweatdropped.
"Eh? Really?" Miki gasped, touching her finger to her mouth. "Those were your casual clothes? Haruhi, why don't you ask Hikaru and Kaoru for a little help, I'm sure they'll provide better clothes for you." She leaned forth with knitted brows and sparkling eyes, speaking genuinely.
"No, no thanks I'm good." Turning away with a deadpanned face, Haruhi mumbled.
"We have but have one request of each you, I apologize we had to ask this of you on the weekend. From our observations, maiden, you seem to go home in a limo under the protection of that obnoxious man, making it impossible for us to approach both of you after school hours." Benibara explained as she gestured Miki.
"Have they been stalking us...?" Haruhi averted her eyes, wondering how much time they had on their hands.
"That's a little creepy." Tapping her chin, Miki hummed in a quiet voice.
"As we have mentioned before, our purpose is to put on regular performances of songs and plays that we research, every day." Chizuru took over. "The truth is, today is what we call 'Pink Day,' when we celebrate the birthday of the founder of the White Lily league by putting on our annual special performance. We've been rehearsing very hard for a long time for this day..."
"...but of all things, the student playing the heroine was in an accident and is in the hospital, so we're in a real fix," Hinagiku raised a finger. "But we can't allow today's performance to be cancelled, for any reason. Which is why..."
"We want you, maiden, to play our heroine for us!" Posing dramatically, the Zuka Club requested together.
"I can't." Haruhi's response was blunt as the Zuka Club just, stared. "Thanks, but no. Come on, Miki-senpai, let's go."
"Eh? But I feel a little bad for them..." With a hand on her chin, Miki furrowed her brows. "Stage productions take a long time to prepare for; it would be a shame if they had to cancel the show."
"If you'd like to help them, please do it yourself. I'll be excusing myself then-" Haruhi reached for the door to exit the room when Benibara suddenly let out a shriek in distress, and a spotlight suddenly dawned upon her.
"I'm sorry, I cannot be as you were," She cried dramatically. "Please forgive me, Mother."
"Benio..."
"Benibara-sama..."
"Your mother?" Haruhi repeated, looking a little shaken.
"Benio's mother was a graduate of Lobelia too," Chizuru explained, pulling out a handkerchief and dabbing her eyes gingerly. "She was a senior member of the White Lily league and is regaled even now as a beauty in men's clothing."
"Especially today, on Pink Day, she left us with many legends of her magnificent performances in the songs and plays that she puts on," Hinako gestured the woman. "Benibara-sama has dreamed for so long that she could be like her mother."
"If today's performance is cancelled, that dream will be crushed," Benibara covered her face in sorrow.
"Your mother... you say..." Haruhi looked down in contemplation as Miki stepped closer to her with pleading eyes.
And so, Haruhi and Miki were ushered to the practice room as Haruhi began her preparations for the understudy of the heroine of the play.
"Ah, Marianne, how many thousands of nights have I prayed that I might see you?" Benibara recited fluently. "How greatly I despised being told that we were from different social classes and the thousands of other obstacles in the way of our love!"
"Frederick-sama!" Haruhi exclaimed monotonously.
"The gunshot wound I just suffered has it in for me..." Benibara sighed sorrowfully. "Is this where my fate ends?"
He's about to die from a gunshot wound. How can he talk so much? In the time that we're sitting here, can't I just drag him to the hospital? Haruhi wondered as she glanced up to see certain performers dancing routinely. Why are they dancing? Her eyes swept across the entourage of performers only to spot her upperclassman, standing on the sidelines with a handkerchief in her hands, dabbing her teary eyes. She held a pamphlet for the show in her arms.
"What beautiful acting..." She heard Miki faintly mutter, feeling a sweatdrop at the back of her head.
Unbeknown to them, the host club and Ranka, par Kyoya, were spying on Haruhi's robotic performance from the outside.
"Say, are Haru-chan and Miki-chan in there?" Honey asked, tugging on Tamaki's new Benibara Fan Club shirt.
"Yeah, Miki is on the sidelines, and it looks like Haruhi's playing the heroine in some tragedy," Tamaki answered, "But..."
"Frederick-sama," Haruhi spoke again, this time in even more of a robust voice.
"She is monotonous and sounds like an incredible daikon radish!" They sulked.
"I can't say anything to dress it up," Ranka facepalmed.
"Why doesn't anyone tell her?" Hikaru questioned.
"Apparently, that is the only line she has been given," Tamaki theorized.
As Haruhi began to 'sing,' Miki glanced around to try and find Chizuru or Hinako. Spotting the second-year on the other side of the room, looping around the singing Haruhi and not noticing the hosts near the window. "Um, excuse me, Su-" She attempted to call out to her when she felt her leg pull against something, followed by the sound of snapping then silence. She glanced down in confusion to find a pulled plug tangled in her leg.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I tripped on the cord." She bowed to Chizuru who turned around with a confused expression.
"It's alright. Be careful, okay?" Smiling wryly, she replugged the machine and pressed the play button. "You were looking for me, right? How may I help you?" Standing up as Haruhi's 'singing' continued, she then asked Miki.
"Well, Benibara-san mentioned that she had a request for each of us." Miki averted her eyes to the said person who currently laid on the hardwood ground of the practice room, playing dead. "You required Haruhi to play the role of the heroine, so what was your request for me?"
Chizuru hummed as she narrowed her eyes at Miki, who blinked in response. She glanced at Benibara, who was absorbed in her acting. "Benio wanted to ask of this herself, but I supposed I could, seeing as she is currently busy." She turned around and waved the confused strawberry blonde toward the door of the practice room. "Come with me," She instructed.
Tilting her head, Miki followed obediently.
"It's an honour to have one of the Ootori boys come visit." In the darkened theatre, Kyoya followed the manager of the school as she gushed over his presence. She guided him through the white lily theatre as the place was fully prepared for the show being put on later that day. "Please, take any seat you wish the show will be starting in an hour and a half or so, if you need anything, please just give me a call." She cupped her cheek, stopping at the front row.
"I will, thank you." His lips were retaining that unbalanced smile, he nodded his head as the manager made her way back up and out of the theatre. His attention was quickly turned to the stage once he heard footsteps against the hardwood. He glanced up to see Miki of all people, following Chizuru to the center, standing under the bright spotlights.
"Wow! This is absolutely amazing. The production value of this set, the large orchestra pit, the layout of the stage. It's brilliant!" Miki exclaimed, her round hazel eyes reflecting the harsh lights that beamed down onto them. Her hands remained clasped before her chest as she took in the elaborate set before them, her hands spread wide to see just how grand theatre was.
"Amazing isn't it?" With her arms crossed, Chizuru chuckled mysteriously. "How would you like all of this to be yours?"
"Huh?" Miki's awestruck state came to a halt as she turned to stare at the woman with a dumbfounded expression.
"From what we understand, you are the production designer for those lowlifes. However, we believe your talents will be much better suited for us." Chizuru explained. "We would like you to become the Zuka Club's set designer instead." She offered, crossing her arms before her chest. "If you'd chose to accept, Benio would be more than elated to introduce you to some industry professionals that would be thrilled to meet you."
"I don't know about that..." Miki averted her eyes back to the brilliant set.
"You seem conflicted." Chizuru hummed as she narrowed her eyes, walking past Miki, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We'll give you some time to think about it, give us your answer after the show." And with that, she exited stage left, disappearing into the wing.
For a while, Miki just stood there under the bright lights, just staring blankly at the grand stage. All of this space, all this equipment, connections to real industry professionals, all hers if she just said the word. She began to wonder what life would be like if she genuinely achieved her dreams of becoming the head production designer of a big time
Slow footsteps tapped against the hardwood floor, echoing through the empty theatre and catching Miki's attention, anchoring her back to reality. "Kyoya-kun?!" She gasped, watching as the boy walked out of the shadows of the wings with his arms crossed over his chest. "What are you doing here?"
"We went to Haruhi's place and found out from Ranka you two were abducted by the ladies from Lobelia Academy." He offered a swift explanation, stopping next to her as he turned to face the gorgeously over the top set the Zuka Club was planning on using.
"Is Tamaki-kun and everyone else here?" Spinning on her heel, Miki glanced into the crowd. "Where are they? I don't see them anywhere." She blinked.
"I believe they snuck in under the disguises as the Zuka Club fan club."He paused for a moment as a small silence ensured. "Quite the offer you've received." He finally commented as the lights of the giant billboards reflected in his half-lidded eyes.
"You heard that?" Her eyes still glued to him, she tilted her head to face him a little more.
Ignoring her question, Kyoya continued. "It's certainly a generous one at that. Accepting it will certainly fast track you to the top of the entertainment industry." He stated. "Are you planning on taking it?"
Miki bit her bottom lip as she returned her gaze to the intricately detailed set. "What do you think I should do, Kyoya-kun?" She asked as the light continued to surround them as if their conversation were part of a performance of its own.
Readjusting his glasses, Kyoya turned to walk away. As he slowly disappeared into the darkness of the stage wings, his response was simple.
"As I've told you, consider things from a perspective that would benefit yourself."
It didn't take long for that hour and a half to pass, as the white lily theatre was quickly flooded with the Zuka Club's fangirls. They rushed in like water from a sealed damn, filling up the seats in an amazingly coordinated manner. Whispers and dreamy sighs filled the theatre as the lights dimmed down. Miki stood off-stage peeking cautiously out the curtains and into the crowd, trying to see if she could spot her brother or the rest of the host club. It didn't take long before she found them leaned up against the side of the wall, gawking at the large crowd, wearing the Zuka Club fan t-shirts as Kyoya said.
"Miki-senpai, is something the matter?" Haruhi's voice rang behind her as well as the sound of heels tapping against the hardwood ground.
"Tama-" Letting go of the velvet curtains, Miki turned to respond. Only to freeze up when she saw Haruhi's costume and makeup. Subconsciously, a hand found it's way to her chin as she tilted her head a little concerned. Haruhi was wearing a hot pink ball gown with white ruffles. Her face was caked up with makeup, an unreasonable amount of blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow, all in the same shade as her dress. It was so excessive; one couldn't even pass it off as 'just stage makeup.'
"Haruhi, that look doesn't suit you very much." She pointed out bluntly.
The brunette felt her eye twitch and a sweatdrop at the back of her head as she turned away with a deadpanned face. "Ah, is that so?" She muttered.
"Eye makeup that matches your dress colour is a little too much," Giggling into her fingers, Miki spoke. "Fushcia is a colour that would suit a more neutral makeup look, as it balances out the attention you are getting for such a bold outfit." Her voice trailed off as she began to ruffle out the white parts of the dress. "But I suppose we don't have time to change it now, the best we can do to balance out the colour is this. It will help balance out the palette just a little."
"Miki-senpai, you are really knowledgeable in these types of things," Haruhi commented as she instinctively raised her arms, watching as Miki went to work on her uncomfortable dress. "To think that you would do well in fashion design as well..."
"This has nothing to do with fashion design, Haruhi." Stepping back a little to scan Haruhi's outfit one last time, Miki winked playfully. "This is the colour theory; it's a basic in visual arts, and any kind of design be it regular art, production or fashion." She explained as she lifted a finger, a sweet beam curling on her lips as usual.
Seeing such a childlike expression return to her face, Haruhi gave a wry, unsymmetrical smile. "You really like art, don't you?" She asked.
"Of course!" Miki exclaimed in a hush as to not cause a fuss before the show. "I've been studying art as a hobby for almost seven years, Arden has always brought back these things called 'craft kits' for me. And then, he would also buy me colouring books, art books, as well as art guides. I learned the ten commandments from the colour theory from there. The number one rule is to always..."
As Miki began to blabber off into her own world of excitement, Haruhi sighed endearingly. I thought she looked a little troubled before, but she really looks the happiest when she's learning new things or talking about designs. She thought.
Not long after that, Haruhi was ushered off to the center of the stage as the curtains rose. As she 'sang' and danced, the play reached its climax as they rose on the rising platform. Benibara was clutching Haruhi in her arms.
"At last! The long-awaited kiss scene," Someone screamed from the crowd.
"The deep passionate embrace between forbidden lovers during their all-too-brief tryst!" Another squealed.
"They've risen from the trap door!"
As the two on the risen stage leaned in, a loud voice shot across the theatre, causing a ruckus.
"Haruhi! Don't do it!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Miki peeked out of the curtains in a hurry. Spotting, Tamaki sprinting at full speed from the back of the theatre and down towards the stage, the rest of the hosts and Ranka following behind him.
Haruhi also noticed as she head snapped away from the kiss. "Tamaki-senpai?! Dad?! Why are you all here...? And what's with that t-shi-" In her fit of panic and surprise, she failed to notice how she began to back away from Benibara as her heel got caught in the rise of the platform and she began to fall, letting out a shriek.
"Haruhi!" Miki's eyes widened with worry as she stepped out of the wing only to see Chizuru and Hinako push over an airbag, catching Haruhi snug in the center.
Letting out a dry laugh, Benibara smirked. "Greetings, host club. How kind to show your boorish incompetent faces." A new spotlight lit up as the stage cleared. Benibara jumped down from the platform to meet with Chizuru and Hinako, who held a sign that read 'Surprise Great Success!' "Thank you for such a torrid display in this swelting heat." She continued. "You do realize we've videotaped you from the moment you entered school grounds?" Turning to the dancers and actors, she raised her hand to point at a projection screen that rolled down as the lights shone. Images of the host club attempting to climb the fence outside of Lobelia Academy, them stalking and conversing outside of the practice room, them sneaking around in the theatre, rolled across the screen like a slideshow.
"Vassals, did you watch carefully? This is what I tell you to never do." The woman laughed. "This is exactly what vulgar men do in their effort to break lovers apart."
"Ew! How unsightly!" Someone exclaimed dramatically.
"How they debase themselves!"
"This is just what Benibara-sama was talking about when she said we must stay on guard!"
"Yes," Clicking her tongue, Benibara shook her finger at the host club who deadpanned her. "Even when performing a male role, there is no need to adopt the sheer ribaldry of real men. We must remain smart and beautiful as we act out the fantasies of young ladies."
"Yes, Benibara-sama!"
"Thank you for your guidance!"
"Now then," With the snap of her fingers, lights suddenly illuminated Miki who was standing on stage. She quickly raised her arms to cover her eyes from the harsh treatment her eyes were shocked with. "Maiden, now that you have been enlightened by us regarding their brutish ways, are you going to accept our offer to become our set designer instead?"
"What!?" Tamaki screeched in terror.
Quickly allowing her eyes to adjust to the light as she squinted, Miki stood on the stage to face the Zuka Club. The side of her face that was lit up burned as she bowed her head. "I'm sorry," She apologized, still squinted. "I'm afraid I'm still going to have to refuse your offer."
There was a brief second of silence as the Zuka Club retained their pose and a loud gasp waved through the crowd. Fans began to whisper and murmur about how she had just 'turned down Benibara-sama's earnest request.' Glares and words of spite started to shot at her, not that Miki herself noticed.
"Why?!" Benibara was the first to break as she dashed forth, grabbing Miki by her wrists and holding them up. "Why would you accept such an offer? Have you truly forgotten your grace and pride as a woman? Have they truly brainwashed you so?"
"Please let go of me; I'm pretty sure this is considered sexual assault," Miki spoke as she stared down blankly at the woman's gloved hands that clutched around her wrist.
They felt... unpleasant.
"Oh, I apologize." Quickly retracting her hand, she continued. "But why, maiden?"
After taking a step back just to be cautious, Miki began to explain as she rose a finger. "For one, the Zuka Club's shows consist mainly of live shows and musicals; you would require a set designer for that. I am a production designer, meaning I specialize in sets for film and TV. The two may sound similar, but are very different." She pointed out with a head tilt. "Secondly, while I admire the fact that you have pride in being a female, but I don't agree with your ideals of berating the male gender. I simply don't believe I would enjoy working with a group who do not hold the same ideals and beliefs as I do." She stated bluntly, still wearing that all too innocent smile.
Those words seemed to have sent another wave of panic through the crowd. The whispers turned harsh, and the glares turned sharp, everyone on stage, par Miki was starting to feel uncomfortable from the hostility being directed at the clueless strawberry blonde.
"And finally," As if she hadn't done enough damage, she continued as her face turned soft. Closing her eyes, she placed her hand in front of her chest. " While I genuinely appreciate the offer, I do not want to rely on other people's connections to achieve my dreams." Her eyes fluttered open; she then offered the Zuka Club a sincere bow. "So I apologize, but I must decline."
"Miki!" Hearing his sister's moving speech, Tamaki had comical tears streaming down his face as his system began to fill with relief from the announcement that she would be staying.
"I see." Benibara let out a sigh as her eyes darted to Haruhi who was slightly dumbfounded. "Young lady, we are terribly sorry." Her voice was once again filled with drama and flamboyancy. "We wanted to recruit this maiden over to our club, as well as offer a negative example of their roles. I'm sorry to have burdened you with such an unpleasant task." Suddenly, Chizuru and Hinako gathered around as the three struck a pose. "But we would still like you to join our club as well. If you are so inclined, please retain your role of heroine-"
"If I'm not being forced to act, I'm going home." Haruhi flat-out-declined.
"Young Ladies, we will come and fetch you again!" Benibara declared.
"Don't bother!" Quick to defend the two girls, Tamaki and the twins snapped.
As the group began to banter back and forth, Kyoya approached Miki from behind as he stood next to her under the spotlight. "I thought I told you to consider things from a perspective that would benefit yourself." Adjusting his glasses, he could hide the small smirk that formed on his lips. Somehow, it felt like a rock that had been dangling in the air finally landed in his chest.
"What are you talking about? I'm very much considering this for my own benefits." Turning to him, Miki blinked. She looked slightly confused before bursting out into a radiant smile that matched the light that illuminated her face. "I created and chose this dream to become a production designer on my own, so like that, when I do one day work for the professional industry. I want it to be because of the recognition of my skill, not my connections."
Seeing her usual expression, no matter how flawed and naive her logic was, Kyoya's smirk deepened, not commenting on it. He hid his face by turning back to focus on the idiots that were running around back and forth on the stage as they all simultaneously slipped on banana peels.
"Seriously where do these things come from?"Shifting her focus to the hosts and the Zuka club who were groaning to get up, Miki wondered out loud.
Only to slip on a banana peel of her own and fall face-first onto the stage.