Three days after what was perhaps the grandest collaboration among the students throughout Ouran's History, a press conference was held by the Suoh Corporation, informing the general population of recent developments within the group. At the world-broadcasted conference, Suoh Yuzuru brought about two important pieces of news. One bore the announcement that the recently retired, Suoh Shizue's re-entry into the group as a broad advisor. While the other was the reveal of a brand new addition member to the Suoh family - a young girl at only age sixteen. Journalists were quick to embellish in their articles, describing how her presence alone was enough to captivate the entire audience; how her beauty was unparalleled with her silky strawberry-brown hair and shimmering hazel eyes; how elegantly she carried and conducted herself despite the eager and enthusiastic interviewers, and how her smile was so infectious that she'd light up the room and everyone around her along with it. Those articles garnered many nicknames, calling her the 'Beautiful Princess,' 'Modern-day Rapunzel' or even 'The Incarnation of Aphrodite.'
As for her real name, well, that was also reported at the conference and printed in black and white ink on the morning newspapers distributed across the world.
Her name was...
"Miki-chan-senpai! It's Miki-chan-senpai!" On the first floor of the mostly empty south wing, a girl began to wave her hands up in the air as she spotted a long-awaited figure approaching them from down the hallway. With her cry of excitement, the other three girls who accompanied her all turned their heads in suit, following her gaze to spot their upperclassman with her signature strawberry-brown hair.
"Hello, everyone!" Jogging over, Miki returned the enthusiastic wave with one of her own. "I hope you didn't wait for too long." She said, arriving before the girls with a small huff.
"Not at all, we were all looking forward to meeting you in person anyway." A girl who wore a pair of dark-rimmed glasses replied courteously.
"You look wonderful, by the way." Another noted, gesturing the white and golden toga dress as well as the shimmering golden headpiece that laced through her strawberry brown hair. Miki glanced over, pausing for a second as she noticed the girl had a pair of gleaming amethyst-like eyes hidden behind the shadow of her bangs.
"Thank you very much!" Shaking her head to stop herself from continuously staring into those uniquely coloured-eyes, Miki then lowered her head into a bow. "I'm also terribly sorry for not appearing as promised to guide you all around on the first day of school. I hope I didn't cause too much trouble from my unannounced absence." She apologized.
"No, it's completely fine." A girl with medium-length, silver-hair hummed nonchalantly as she plucked out a strange-looking chip from the plastic package in her hands. "Sora-senpai and Sumire-senpai were great guides either way. I've heard about what happened, so I'm honestly just glad you've returned to school safe and sound." She said with a dry smile, eyeing Miki with a mixture of pity and relief.
"Oh, I heard about it too." The final girl chimed as her gaze flickered upwards. "I watched the press conference over the weekend, and it's still a little hard to wrap my head around the news." She said, tucking a few strands of dirty blonde hair behind her ears. "But I gotta say, you looked great during the interview. Those reporters weren't lying when they talked about how pretty you were." She concluded, turning back to Miki with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Why thank you." Miki beamed, recalling the number of absurd articles that had exploded across the world in the past few days. "Though I do think they were exaggerating a little." She asserted. "It's too much, calling me 'The Incarnation of Aphrodite.'"
"Hm?" The girl with purple eyes tilted her head slightly, looking a little confused on the subject at hand. "What sort of press conference are you talking about?" She asked curiously, only to jolt when the three others whipped their heads around to stare at her with a questioning gaze.
"That's right, you've just settled in from Britain, so I suppose it's natural that you haven't heard." After a few moments, the girl with glasses was the first to speak as she heaved a wry sigh before beginning to explain. "Recently, the Suoh family held a press conference and made recently two announcements. One of which, they revealed that Miki-chan-senpai here is the first-born daughter to theirs and that Fernández family from Spain." She retold patiently as she lifted an all-knowing finger. "According to sources, she was a secret child of the political marriage between the current Chairman and the recently-retired Duchess."
"Oh my," Hearing that explanation, the girl with purple eyes brought her hands to her lips as she couldn't help but gasped in surprise. "That is quite the news." She commented, turning her attention back to her upperclassman.
"Now, now." Holding her hands behind her back, Miki sounded. "There is no reason to treat me differently because of something as simple as a family name. I'd much prefer it if you all were to act a little more familiar with me, so just treat me as a normal 'senpai,' alright?" She insisted before allowing her gaze to sweep over the girls one last time only to notice that they were missing one. "Hm? Is this all of you?" She blinked a couple of times, recounting people that have gathered. "Sora-chan mentioned that she met with five students."
"Ah, Aoi-chan?" The blonde girl hummed as she reached up to wrap her arms behind her head. "She's a little busy with club activities today, so couldn't join us. But she did ask us to say 'hi' to you for her." She notified.
"Aoi-chan...?" Tapping a finger to her cheek, Miki repeated thoughtfully. "I see. Well, if that's the case, shall we all do a round of self-introductions so I could learn your names?" She suggested, earning a few nods in approval. "Allow me to start then. As all of you know, my name is Suoh Miki. I am a student of Class 3-A, and some of my personal hobbies include designing, exploring and travelling. It's a pleasure to meet you." She flashed a bright smile before lowering her head in a formal bow.
"I guess I'll go first." The girl with silver-hair volunteered and as she brushed off the residue of chips on the tips of her fingers. Miki's eyes widened a little, noticing that she had sapphire blue eyes, much like Tamaki. "My name is Tashiro Kayda. I am a member of Class 1-B, and I've recently been elected as Class Representative. As for personal hobbies..." She paused for a second, thinking. "Well, I like to dance and play music... Oh, and I also really like to eat." She added, playfully gesturing the strange bag of chips in her hands. "Would you guys like a piece?"
"Oh, sure."
"Yes, please."
"Hm... These are really good." Miki remarked, indulging in the exotic flavour that lingered in her mouth. "Where are they from?" She asked curiously.
"Hm... I think my father imported them from North America?" Kayda muttered as her gaze flickered upward, a little unsure. "I'll have back to you on that."
"Please do, I'd love to try more of these another time." Nodding happily, Miki chirped before turning to the blonde beside her. "And you?" She urged with a small head tilt.
"I am Safia Leclerc, part of Class 1-C." She replied, bringing her arms down from behind her head and patting her chest confidently. "My family is French, and we moved here when I was around two-years-old." She informed. "I actually have a sister in your grade, senpai. Do you know her? Her name is Roselyn Leclerc, in Class 3-C." She said.
"Roselyn... Leclerc...?" Tapping a finger to her chin, Miki closed her eyes as she began to search through her memories for a person with that name. "Ah, I do know her. Leclerc-san and I were acquainted during the sports festival as she was apart of the white team. I see, so you are her younger sister." She murmured, her gaze sweeping over the girl that stood before smiling as she spotted the resemblance between the two. "Well then, I hope we can get along, Safia-chan!" She chimed, grabbing her underclassman by the hands as she flashed an airy beam.
"Y-Yeah, same here." Safia flinched a little, feeling a little pressured in the face of such overwhelming friendliness.
Seeing the Safia looking a little troubled, the girl with glasses then cleared her throat. "I suppose we should go too." She suggested, adjusting her twin braids on her shoulders. "My name is Akiyama Tsuki, and I am the Class Representative of Class 1-A." She introduced herself with an air of confidence. "I-"
"Akiyama?!" However, before she could even finish her sentence, Miki lunged forth as she held her hands before her chest. "As in that famous water-colour painter Akiyama-sensei?!" She questioned, her eyes shimmering out of sheer excitement.
"Huh?" Tsuki blinked a little. "O-Oh, yeah." She then nodded, after finally processing what that her upperclassman was mumbling about.
"Really?!" Cupping her cheeks in admiration, Miki gasped in awe. "I'm Akiyama-sensei's big fan! To think I'd be able to meet his daughter here..." She muttered incoherently before jolting in shock as she remembered this tour was meant to be for them. Clearing her throat, she swiftly calmed and recomposed herself. "So Tsuki-chan, do you enjoy painting like your father?" She then asked with a sweet smile.
Miki-chan-senpai... The four girls couldn't help but sweatdrop. She's a freaking cinnamon roll!
"Y-Yeah, I do." Tsuki nodded. "Though I tend to prefer oil painting a little more than water-colour. Other than that, I like to sing and dance in my free time." She explained, unable to help herself from grinning at how much Miki resembled an enthusiastic puppy.
"I see." Backing up, Miki clapped her hands together cheerfully. "Then you have something in common with Kayda-chan, right?" She noted before turning to the final girl, who tensed a little, the one with those eccentric purple eyes. "And, who might this be next to you?" She urged softly.
"M-My name is Akemi Skyler, and I am in Class 1-A." She introduced herself in a little bit of an accent, lowering her head in a small bow. "I enjoy reading books as well as cooking and baking. I am a foreign exchange student from the campus established in Britain, so do forgive me if my Japanese isn't the best." She said, smiling shyly.
"No, not at all." Miki quickly waved her hands. "Your Japanese is very formal and accurate as a matter of fact." She reassured.
"Britain, huh?" Kayda murmured, bringing another chip closer to her lips as her gaze flickered upward. "I didn't know Ouran had a campus there."
"Oh, they do in many places," Safia asserted, leaned back against walls of the corridor. "The Chairman is a man with a strong influence across the world, after all." She pointed out.
"Yes. Britain as well as many countries throughout Europe, even in North America if I recall correctly." Tsuki listed, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
"North America...?" Miki repeated, eyes rounding slightly.
"Yes." Skyler nodded courteously. "They have quite a few established in the United States. Namely Los Angles, Miami and even Boston." She informed.
"I see..." Averting her eyes to the side, Miki hummed wordlessly before returning her attention back to the group as she clapped her hands together. "Well, now that we have all gotten to know each other, shall we be on our tour?" She suggested, lifting an all-knowing finger.
"Yes!"
"Wow, the drama club seemed like a lot of fun!" Safia snickered, letting out a satisfied sigh in an attempt to calm herself from laughing so much.
"Indeed." Walking alongside her, Skyler couldn't help but giggle as well. "I believe it'll be perfect for you, Leclerc-san. Since you're so outgoing and sociable." She commented.
"I heard that they put on stage plays every year during the cultural festival, are you sure you'd be able to memorize all the lines?" Glancing behind her with deadpanned eyes, Kayda teased as she bit into a chip.
"I definitely could if I tried." Safia retorted.
"Still, I never thought Kazehara-senpai would be the type to be in the drama club and all..." Tsuki hummed, ignoring the playful banter that was taking place behind her. She glanced up to study Miki's backside, a little estranged by how quiet she's been. "Where are we headed to next, Miki-chan-senpai?" Racing to catch up with the strawberry blonde, she asked.
Peering over her shoulder, Miki flashed a mysterious smile. "We are headed at the final stop of our tour, right now." She winked, pressing a finger to her lips mischievously.
"At the end of the Northern Hallway and top floor of the South Wing, counting to the Third Music Room." Speaking fluidly as if she were reciting a familiar poem, Miki led them before the grand double doors of Music Room #3. "Welcome! To the Ouran High School Host Club!" Giving the doors a gentle push, they creaked open to allow a swirl of rose petals to flutter out of the room as the silhouette of seven boys emerged from the blinding light of the room, dress in greek togas and posing in a mythical, Olympus-like environment.
"Welcome!"
The doors opened, to the world of Ancient Greece.
"Welcome back, Master Tamaki!" Cupping her cheek together with a love-struck smile, Tsubaki sighed dreamily. "It was as though the sun had ceased to shine during your absence." She said.
"Ah, my dear princess... How I grieve to have saddened you." Touching a hand to his chest, Tamaki, dressed as Apollo, spoke with so much theatrics, there was no denying the King of the Host Club has returned in his tip-top form. "But did you know that even Shining Apollo, the Sun God, could traverse the skies and his golden chariot if a goddess did not draw away the curtain of the night for him? You, my princesses, who have guided me out of the darkness, are the true sun! You are my Goddesses of the Dawn!" He said, reaching out towards the girls while giving a charming wink.
"EEEE! Apollo-sama!"
On the other side of the greek paradise, Hikaru and Kaoru were also busy entertaining their share of guests.
"Doesn't the story of Castor and Pollux - the Gemini constellation in Greek mythology - suit Hikaru and Kaoru perfectly?" One of their customers asked rhetorically, holding her hands before her chest. "Despite one being born human and the other being born of a god, their desire to remain together for all time was so strong that they prayed to Heaven divide the godhood between them and became a constellation! What magnificent brotherly love!" She exclaimed, wiping away the tears that gathered at the corner of his eyes with a handkerchief that appeared out of nowhere.
"True enough." Hikaru nodded enthusiastically. "But the aspect of Greek mythology that fascinates us the most aside from the details of love between siblings or men is how it the ancient Greeks viewed love. To them, it was full of envy and sordid passion." He then, turned to wrap an arm around his twin's shoulders, hugging him close as if he were something precious. "If only we had been born in that age, Kaoru. The two of us could have truly become one..." He declared with a breathy sigh.
"Don't say that, Hikaru." Playing along, Kaoru hugged him back with a wistful expression. "We've pledged to be reborn together as a single star in the sky, haven't we?" He said, causing the guests to squeal in joy at their antics.
Honey and Mori, who both seemed oddly skilled at slipping away from the university division, were busy enjoying some traditional greek snacks as they entertained the guests at their station.
"You would surely be the hero, Perseus, Mori-senpai!" One of the girls sitting across from them pointed out. "And Honey-senpai would be perfect as cupid, the God of love!"
"Hehe, thank you so much!" The lolita giggled, holding Usa-chan, who was allowed at school for the day, tight to his chest as Mori nodded in gratitude.
Haruhi watched from the side, feeling a tranquil smile curl upon her lips as she finally felt as if things had returned to the way they've always been. She was about to turn and grab a couple of fresh cups when Kyoya approached her from behind.
"Haruhi, how are we on tea and snacks?" He greeted with his usual unbalanced smile.
"Oh, look! Look!" Watching the two share a conversation from afar, Momoka couldn't help but whisper to her friends in excitement. "Dressed like that, Haruhi's androgynous beauty comes through even stronger!" She exclaimed.
"It's true! He could be the beautiful Adonis, beloved by even the Goddess, Aphrodite!" Kimiko agreed.
"Well, it seems to me he could also be the beautiful Hyacinth, who received the love of Apollo." Renge interrupted, rubbing her chin thoughtfully as she observed the situation. "Because then, based on Kyoya-sama's cool treatment of him..."
As she continued to ramble off about Greek Mythology, Haruhi couldn't help but sweatdrop a little at what she had managed to overhear.
"What is it?" Picking up on the shift in her posture, Kyoya questioned.
"Oh, it's nothing." Haruhi shook her head reluctantly. "It's just this is the first time I studied Ancient Greek myths, and it just seems like all the gods were extreme and did nothing but pursue their desires. I guess I don't understand why everyone gets excited about them..." She muttered, averting her eyes to the side.
"I see." Following her gaze, Kyoya studied the girls' backsides as they continued to ramble on, fangirling over which host should correlate to which gods. "I think that's exactly why Greek mythology is so universally beloved and why its stories are still passed on today." He theorized. "People often fear power beyond the comprehension, and they attribute that power to 'gods.' However, stories of gods acting like humans allow people to feel closer to them while still serving as cautionary tales." He smirked. "Incidentally, I must say I find the tale of the Titan King Uranus being overthrown by his youngest son Cronus, most interesting." He said, totally not alluding to his own family circumstances as his sly grin sent a shiver down the brunette's spine.
His greek mythology character is probably Medusa... Haruhi remarked to herself.
"I'm back!" However, before either of them could say much, a cheerful voice rang beside them, immediately capturing their attention as they turned to spot the familiar strawberry blonde standing behind them with a satisfied smile.
"Oh, Miki-senpai. Welcome back." Haruhi greeted, a little glad to see her upperclassman back to her usual self, even after all the trauma she had been put through.
"How did the tour go?" Kyoya asked, mildly concerned over the subject.
"Oh, it was wonderful!" Miki replied happily as she clapped her hands together. "All the first-years were super kind!"
As the strawberry blonde began to converse with the two, fawning over how interesting and sweet the first-years were during her little tour; Renge and the others stood at the side, studying the scene before them intently.
"Miki-chan-senpai must be Aphrodite!" Kimiko giggled, covering her lips with the tips of her hand.
"I must interject there as well," Renge spoke, letting out a small huff as she rested her hands on her hips. "Under normal circumstances, senpai would no doubt fill the role of the Goddess of love and beauty. But for today, I sense that she may be the Goddess of the Moon, Artemis more than anything else!" She declared, lifting an all-knowing finger.
"That's right!" Momoka agreed brightly. "After all, Miki-chan-senpai is..."
"Tamaki-sama's younger sister!" The three girls cheered in unison.
Lounging on one of the grand couches in the center of the room, the newly re-instated 'Apollo' was utterly surrounded by customers, all eagerly gathered around to hear the recent developments within the Suoh family especially after the latest public commotion.
"So Miki-chan, Antoinette and the staff of the Second Mansion all live in the main mansion now?" One of the girls asked, hopefully.
"That's right!" Tamaki nodded with a shimmering gleam on his cheeks. "My grandmother arrange for everyone to move in two days ago, so now the Main Mansion is even livelier than the Second Mansion used to be!" He revealed proudly. "Speaking of lively, just yesterday when I was playing piano for my grandmother, she had requested a song that required a flute line that ran through the song; but since a piano alone cannot capture that song's essence, I couldn't find a way to play it. But to my surprise, Shima-san stepped in and offered to play the flute part herself. Suzuno then joined in with the castanets and as did many others. Grandmother picked up the triangle, and even Antoinette assisted with her melodious barking..." His voice trailed off as he bashfully pressed his hands against his chest. "Truly, it was a dream jam sessions. Wasn't it, Miki?" He questioned in a daze.
"Yes!" Miki nodded cheerfully as she fumbled through her bag, pulling out her drawing tablet with a soft smile. "It was such a relaxing afternoon, watching everyone play music together. I even drew a picture to commemorate the occasion." She said, flipping the screen around to show a replica of the scene in a piece of digital art.
"Ah! This view truly makes my heart swell!" Tamaki exclaimed dramatically as he took the device from her hands, staring down at it with sparkling eyes.
"How wonderful!" Tsubaki swooned.
"I'm so glad everything worked out for the both of you."
As everyone shuffled around Tamaki, all trying to gain a peek at the scenic artwork he was cradling in his arms, Sora snuck out of the crowd and appeared by Miki's side. "Miki-chan, Miki-chan!" She whispered, gently tugging at the sleeve of her white and gold dress.
"Hm? What's wrong, Sora-chan?" Miki hummed, staring quizzically at her friend's inconspicuous behaviour.
"Don't 'What's wrong' me!" Sora winked playfully. "Tell me, how are things with Ootori-san? Sumire-chan has been curious too." She teased.
"Kyoya-kun? What about it?" Miki cocked her head to the side.
"Well, how are things between you two?" Heaving a sigh, Sora elaborated before perking up once more. "If you need any advice, I'd be happy to give some." She said, gently nudging the blonde with a grin.
Miki blinked at the question, shifting her gaze over to Kyoya who was busy serving customers of his own. "We are... the same as usual." She concluded, turning her attention back to Sora with a blank stare.
"Huh? You mean, there is absolutely nothing of progress between you two?" Sora challenged in disbelief. "No dates or kisses? Did he not give some sort of grand declaration of love?"
"Well, Kyoya-kun is not the sort of person to do that, to begin with," Miki said, tilting her head to the side. "As for kisses, he's done that many times before. Though not on the lips." She stated bluntly.
"...Eh?" Sora sounded, staring at her friend dumbfoundedly as Miki stared right back without a hint of shyness or embarrassment. "Um... Excuse me for asking, but... When was the first time he kissed you?" She asked, a little scared to know the answer.
"Last August at the summer festival. Right here." Miki replied without missing a beat as she gently tapped her cheek.
"A-August..." Sora sweatdropped as she felt her shoulders slump in a mixture of frustration and defeat. "Miki-chan, are you sure you haven't been secretly dating in the last year or something...?" She muttered.
"Not that I know of." Miki murmured, averting her eyes to the side. "Ah, but we've never been on a date before, at least not an official one." She added, holding her hands behind her back.
Sora raised an eyebrow in confusion. "That's a little surprising. If that's the case, you should ask him out on a date then." She suggested.
"But I don't really know where we should go," Miki admitted awkwardly.
"Well, where do you want to go?" Sora retorted, tilting her body sideways as she popped into her friend's peripheral vision.
Miki hummed at Sora's question. Her gaze flickered upward as she began to tap a finger to her chin rhythmically. "I want to visit the rest of Japan." She announced, opening her palm before her as she proceeded to continue listing the places she wanted to visit. "Then I want to go to China, Korea, India, Thailand, the Philippines, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, England, Sweden, America, Canada, Peru, Australia... and Space!" She finally clapped her hands together with a bright smile, as if any of the places she just listed was an adequate spot for a 'casual date.'
"Space...?" Sora repeated incredulously, mentally facepalming at most of her answers. "And aren't most of those places, honeymoon spots if anything...?" She muttered under her breath before returning her attention back the blonde. "Either way, you should find a time when you're alone to ask him about it. Talk about where you want to go." She advised.
Hearing her suggestion, Miki's expression turned blank for a moment before a hint of trouble flashed across her lips. "Even if you say that..." She smiled wryly.
"I've utterly failed!" Over in the Ootori mansion that afternoon, Tamaki let out a grave cry for help as he hugged his head, shoulders dropping in shame. "I can't figure out what would be the best first date in the universe for Haruhi!" He declared gloomily.
"Um... Milord" The twins sweatdropped slightly, reaching out towards the blond's backside with twitching fingers as he continued to ramble on with his nonsense while flipping through dating advice booklets.
"A movie...? No! Haruhi will focus more on the popcorn than the movie. And she might feel bored midway through... No! She'll probably just sleep through the whole thing! If we go to the zoo, I'm fairly positive I'll run around like crazy, and she'll find it tedious! If we go to the aquarium, seeing the fish would probably make her think about preparing dinner!"
"Tama-chan, how about an amusement park?" Lounging on one of the many couches in Kyoya's room, Honey suggested with a hand raise. "They're fun, you know?"
Whipping his head around, Tamaki glared at him with a frightening look in his eyes. "PERISH THE THOUGHT, HONEY-SENPAI!" He shouted urgently. "Don't you know the saying that 50% of couples who go to an amusement park on their first date divorce in 10 years of marriage?!" He screamed, causing the lolita to break into tears at his harsh words. "AHHH! Confound it! If I take Haruhi to the beach, I'm sure she can't swim very well and will feel embarrassed by it! Likewise, taking her to a sports club would be the ultimate insult as everyone knows Haruhi can't play sports to save her life!" He continued to yell, hugging his head in distress.
"Milord! You've done nothing but insult Haruhi this whole time!" Unable to grasp Tamaki's incoherently screeching, Hikaru and Kaoru reminded in a panic.
"Haruhi said Milord looked busy lately..." Hikaru sweatdropped, watching as Tamaki retreated back into a corner of Kyoya's room, continuing to flip through guidebooks diligently. "You don't suppose it was because of this...?" He deadpanned.
As the only one who remained seated and not at all concerned over Tamaki's 'Life-Shattering Dilemma,' Kyoya took a sip of his tea with an unreadable expression. "It appears he wants to surprise Haruhi with a memorable first date that she'll look back on fondly for the rest of her life. But why he thought he needed to come to my house every day for the past few days to plan it is beyond me." He grumbled, slamming his cup back down onto the saucer with a passive-aggressive expression.
"What are you talking about Kyoya?" Whipping his head around, Tamaki stared up at his best friend with a bewildered expression. "Aren't you the one who invites us over every day?"
Feeling his eyebrow twitch slightly, Kyoya turned his head robotically to face Tamaki. "I recall inviting Miki alone, for sure. But I certainly don't remember inviting you." He reminded with a dark grin.
"Well, then that's fine, isn't it?" Shifting his attention back to the pamphlets, Tamaki dismissed Kyoya's comment. "Inviting Miki is like inviting me!" He stated, oblivious to what his friend meant by 'alone.'
On the verge of snapping at his absent-minded attitude, a demon-like aura quickly surrounded Kyoya as he rose to his feet. "No one minds if I kill him now, right?!" He snarled with gleaming red eyes, only to be pulled back by Hikaru and Kaoru out of the fear of him obliterating Tamaki in his fit of frustration.
Standing to the side, Miki watched the scene with a small head tilt. ... it's quite difficult to get Kyoya-kun alone lately because of Big Brother. She thought to herself, the end of her conversation with Sora resonating within her mind as she let out a wry chuckle.
"Say Big Brother, what about a magic show?" She suggested, lifting an all-knowing finger.
"A magic show..." Tamaki blinked a little at the suggestion, repeating it in a whisper under his breath. "Yes... Why not a little magic? If Haruhi gets bored halfway through the date, I'll just put on a magic show to enthrall her." He muttered, imagining the scenario as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It's perfection!" He yelled, fist-pumping into the air. "Now that's decided, Kyoya! Order the magic show props and have them delivered here on the double!" He requested, only for Kyoya to snap his head in the other direction in his pent-up anger.
"You're dreaming right now. Kindly do that in your own bed and house." He spat.
Ignoring the clear defiance his best friend had shown, Tamaki then pointed his finger at Mori. "Mori-senpai! You'll be my test subject for the 'Saw a person in Half' trick! Honey-senpai! The saw, please!" He declared, causing the silent giant to jolt in horror while Honey began to cry in fear for his cousin's life.
"H-Hold on Milord! We'll help you plan your date, okay?!" Immediately stepping in, the twins shouted urgently as they quickly put a stop in Tamaki's disastrous plan in the making.
"Hikaru... Kaoru...!" Staring up at the twins with teary eyes, Tamaki muttered. "You two are angels from heaven! Thank you!" He cried, grabbing hold of the two in a one-sided hug.
"Yeah, yeah. We'll pull an all-nighter." They hummed apathetically, mentally heaving a sigh at how helpless this couple was.
"Tama-chan, we'll help too! You have us quite worried." Honey cheered, raising a hand in the air as Mori nodded in agreement, a little relieved that he wouldn't be used as a test subject in a deadly magic trick anymore.
"Again, why does this meeting have to be in my room?" Feeling his eyebrow twitch in irritation, Kyoya voiced his question once again. "All of you, go home!" He demanded.
"Now, now Kyoya-kun," Wrapping an arm around his as the other hosts began to dig into the scheduling of Tamaki's 'Master Plan,' Miki peered up with an airy smile. "Let's help brother plan his date too since I'm a little worried as well." She suggested. "After all, it does seem like finding a good place to entertain Haruhi is quite the challenge."
"I think you are completely missing the point here." Kyoya murmured, his brows furrowing slightly as he heaved a long sigh. "Besides, are you okay with this?" He then asked, opening his eyes to stare down provokingly at the strawberry blonde.
"Huh? Why wouldn't I be?" Miki retorted, cocking her head to the side quizzically. "It's my elder brother's first date; I need to ensure it's perfect for him!" She asserted, holding her hands before her chest as she beamed readily.
Kyoya felt his mood grow even fouler at her words. Shifting his gaze away, he drew a long breath. "...I don't think there's a need to worry about those-"
"Dear me! You're planning a first date?! Tamaki-san's first date?!" However, before Kyoya could even finish his sentence, his elder sister, Shido Fuyumi appeared at the door with glimmering eyes. "Tamaki-san, you've got yourself a girlfriend? How wonderful! Congratulations!" She cooed, clapping her hands together in excitement. "You know, when I first met out husband- Well, our parents matched us, but I assure you, we really did marry for love!" She fawned in adoration.
"Fuyumi-neesan," Kyoya sighed. "I know my brother-in-law is out on business, but that doesn't mean you should visit here so often. Father will probably scold you again." He reminded sternly.
"But father is away at a symposium, isn't he? I'm safe." Fuyumi reasoned, giggling mischievously before spotting the strawberry blonde next to her brother, who stared back at her with her rounded hazel eyes. "Oh my, Miki-san! I didn't see you there!" She gasped, lunging forth and taking the girl by her hands in glee.
"Good Afternoon, Fuyumi-san," Miki replied, tilting her head slightly. "It's been a while." She greeted.
Fuyumi flinched for a second as Miki's words sank in; her expression slowly softening into a wry smile. "Not quite dear, it's only been a week, you know." She pointed out, tightening her grip around Miki's hands. "Though I'm sure for you, it's been quite a long week." She said sympathetically.
Miki's eyes widened in shock for a split second as her breath hitched. However, it didn't take long before her usual radiant smile spread across her cheeks once more as she nodded her head with enthusiasm. "Yes... Yes, it has." She agreed eagerly.
Seeing such an expression return to her face, Fuyumi's eyes crinkled benevolently.
"I'm glad you're alright." She whispered.
"Miki! We need your input on a maiden's heart!" As if right on cue, Tamaki called out to Miki desperately, pulling both females out of their little moment as Miki turned her head to check on her brother.
"Coming!" She called out, gently sliding her hands out of Fuyumi's. "It's great to see you again, Fuyumi-san." She bowed her head lightly before rushing off towards Tamaki and the rest of the hosts.
Nodding, Fuyumi waved back. "You too, dear." She chimed before peering over and casting her younger brother's closed-off body language a side glance. "So, a little birdie told me that you and Miki-san are officially dating now?" She teased, unable to hide the fits of giggles that escaped her lips.
"Oh?" Raising an eyebrow, Kyoya smirked irritably. "Would you care to share which bird told you such an intrusive rumour?" He questioned.
"Fufufu~ Just by looking at you two, I can already see all I need to," Fuyumi noted, covering her lips with the tips of her fingers. "So how did it happen? Was it some sort of sweet, galant confession in the romantic evening?" She pried.
"More like at the entrance of an airport, directly after rushing that idiot to see his mother again," Kyoya revealed, shifting his gaze away in an attempt to hide the embarrassed flush that heated his cheeks.
"Oh my, it was on that day?" She gasped, cupping her cheek. "Talk about the timing..." Her voice slowly trailing off, Fuyumi cocked her head to the side as she couldn't help but notice that her little brother was wearing quite an agitated expression. "But Kyoya-san, are you sure you're happy with the way things are right now?" After a few moments, she finally asked gingerly.
Kyoya raised an eyebrow. "Of course, I am." He stated, giving his sister an estranged look.
"Then, why?" Fuyumi hummed, shifting her arms to hide them behind her back. "Why do you look so irritated?" She pointed out.
"Somebody! Help!"
The more she struggled, the more suffocating the darkness became. It was as if someone had chained her hands and feet down and dropped her into an endless void, allowing the toxins that bubbled in the shadows to burn away at her skin until there was nothing left but the mixture of her tears and screams.
"Please help me! I don't want to be here!" She squeezed her eyes shut as she continued to shriek out in agony, shivering in fear as she felt the suffocating sensation grow up to her neck, choking and drawing every last breath out of her. She tilted her head upwards, endeavouring to stay out and afloat on the abyss below.
"Somebody... Please...!" She wept fearfully, fingers twitching as she reached her hand up into the hopelessness above.
"Milady!"
Sucking in a harsh breath, Miki's eyes shot open as Arden's loud cry yanked her out of the chilling nightmare and back to reality. She stared up at the chandelier over her bed in a daze, panting heavily as the adrenaline that coursed through her veins slowly began to settle down.
"Ar... Arden...?" Miki whispered between breaths, noticing the tears that had formed in the corner of her eyes as well as the sweat that gathered on her back.
"You were screaming in your sleep, everyone in the west wing could hear you," Arden informed, setting the tray he brought down on her bedside table as he helped her sit up in her disoriented state, diligently draping a thin blanket over her shoulders in the process.
"I...Is that so...? I apologize for that..." Miki whispered, wrapping the blanket tighter around her body as she attempted to even out her breathing pattern. "What time is it right now?" She asked, eyes darting around hurriedly in search for her clock. "I need to be at Mei-san's place by 9 am to help prepare Haruhi for her date, and I-"
"It's only 4:30 in the morning right now, Milady. You have hours." Arden assured softly as he reached over towards the tray, holding out a warm mug to her with a wry smile. "Here, I brought some milk if you'd like." He offered.
Miki peered over in the darkness, staring blankly at the rippling liquid for a good second before taking it with trembling fingers. "Thank you," She said, cupping the mug with both hands as if she were trying to search for the warmth within it.
A small silence loomed between the two of them, only being filled by the faint ticking of the clock and the light sipping sounds Miki made as she drank her milk. Arden's brows drew closer together as he cast the girl a side glance, his heart swelling in pain at sight of her hazy expression.
"Was it that nightmare again?" Finally, he broke the silence, watching quietly as Miki's body tensed up at the memory before nodding. He sighed. "Milady, are you sure about this?" Shifting his body, he stood by the king-size bed, his arms laying stiffly at his sides. "Since this is not a rushed procedure, you still have a good two weeks before the government can complete the transfer. You can still change your mind. Are you sure you'd like to give your custodianship back to Master Yuzuru?" He asked earnestly.
"I am," Miki replied, absently rubbing her thumb over the handle of her mug.
"I-I understand you do," Biting his bottom lip, Arden muttered under his breath, causing Miki to peer up curiously. "But it doesn't have to be immediate, does it? I know it is shameful to say this, but I still don't trust Master Yuzuru completely and I-"
"Arden." Interrupting his sentence, Miki called out to the butler. Staring at him for a few moments, before breaking into a serene smile. "I'm alright, really." She reassured, her gaze shifting back down towards the opaque liquid in her mug. "I made the choice to stay with father, brother and grandmother myself, so these nightmares are just... a temporary side effect." She said, breathing out the last of her words.
"Milady..."
"Say, Arden?" Miki then called out once again.
"Yes, what is it?"
Miki didn't immediately respond. Instead, she stared down at her reflection within the milk that gently swayed along with her movements. She suddenly felt oddly at peace despite her previous nightmare, like for once everything was finally under control. She was safe along with her friends, she was free, and she was... Miki. And the one who made that all possible was...
Her eyes trailed up, searching for Arden's emerald ones in the twilight. "Whenever I was in trouble, you were among the first ones to rush to my side. And yet... I don't think I ever properly thanked you for it." She stated as her lips curled into a soft smile. "You are the reason I am who I am today. You gave up so much for me, your youth, your freedom, your everything just to serve me. And I will need to continuously rely on you for many years to come; please forgive me for that." She said wryly.
Hearing her sincere words of gratitude, Arden's eyes widened in surprise as he felt his nose grow sore. He gently shook his head. "There is nothing to apologize for." He answered, taking a knee and reaching out to take his liege's hand with an air of respect. "My duty towards you is not an obligation; it's a choice I made for myself. You are my pride and joy. Every breath I take, every decision I make is for the purpose of serving you. And so all I ask in return is for you to live however you'd like." He paused, slowly bringing her hand up to his forehead, pressing it close as if it were his way of renewing his oath of undying loyalty. "If there is a path you wish to walk, just say the word, and I will lay out the foundations for you. No matter how risky or dangerous it may be, I will support you, even if the world were to end." He declared sincerely, glancing up to meet Miki's tranquil gaze.
"Thank you, Arden." Tilting her head to the side, Miki tightened her grip around his hand in return, the previous fears that plagued her from her nightmares vanishing in the radiance of her smile.
Arden heaved a relieved sigh, straightening his posture as he took a seat next to her at the edge of her bed. "By the way, Milady." He said, watching as Miki leaned down to take another sip of her milk. "I have a suggestion on what we could do. It may not be able to repel those nightmares completely, but... it may be able to lighten the burdens, even just a little." He asserted, his expression turning serious.
Holding her mug before her lips, Miki peered up in confusion. "Huh?" She blinked.
Standing at the entrance of the Sea and Amusement Park, Haruhi leaned against an iron clock pole as she fidgetted awkwardly in her outfit. She was wearing a frilly, cherry blossom-printed jumper, a thin white cardigan, completed with many delicately layered necklaces as well as a soft pink cross-shoulder bag. As she anxiously wondered whether or not the clothes Miki and Mei had picked out looked good on her, she was left unaware of the six inconspicuous figures that stalked behind her.
Adorable...! Honey and the twins thought to themselves, trying their best not to sneak glances at the brunette as they attempted to disguise themselves into the staff of the amusement park. Hikaru and Kaoru were dressed as part of the cleaning staff, while Honey and Mori blended in with clown and jester costumes respectively. On the other hand, Kyoya and Miki were dressed as their usual selves, acting as part of the crowd of people that gathered at the park.
Lowering his cap over his face, Hikaru grumbled as he attempted to hide the blush that heated his cheeks. "Our plan was to spy on the most awkward first date in history and mock those two, but..."
"... Haru-chan is so cute that I want to date her too!" Honey whined, chewing on a bunny-shaped carnival candy in exasperation.
"Shhh, Mitsukuni. She'll overhear." Mori hushed, passing a dolphin-shaped ballon to a little boy.
"Aghhh, Miki-senpai!" Ruffling his hair in frustration, Hikaru snapped his head towards his upperclassman as he pointed at the brunette in the distance. "What's with that outfit?! She's super cute! Hyper-cute!" He complained.
"It's not me; it was Mei-san!" Miki reasoned, waving her hands in a panic. "She was the one who put together the outfit while I handled the accessories. She kept insisting Haruhi to wear that specific style, saying brother's type always loves those kinds of ruffled outfits." She explained as her gaze shifted over towards Haruhi, studying the adorable outfit the complimented her physical features well. She hummed, cocking her head to the side. "I wonder if I should try wearing them as well?" She muttered to no one in particular, eyes trailing down at her usual white chiffon dress that flowed from her waist like a translucent waterfall.
"You are perfectly fine, just the way you are," Kyoya interjected, not even bothering to glance up at her.
Leaning against the handle of his broom, Kaoru couldn't help but let out a wry chuckle at his upperclassman's words. "That's because you prefer an elegant style over a cute one, Kyoya-senpai." He pointed out, earning a glance of annoyance from him before turning his attention back to Haruhi. "Still, I don't know if I'm just jealous, but I'm really annoyed at Milord right now." He said, letting out a small sigh. "He should have made sure to be here before her, even if it meant camping out overnight."
"Hmm, he could be late because he's worried about what to wear for the date." Tapping her chin thoughtfully, Miki suggested.
"Ha! Like anyone would care about what he's wearing!" Hikaru spat snarkily.
"It'd serve him right if he appeared in some ridiculous outfit and gets dumped by Haruhi!" Kaoru nodded in agreement.
"Haha! Even Tama-chan wouldn't be stupid enough to show up like that." Honey chuckled, taking another bite of his candy.
Miki was about to say something when a silhouette in black weaving through the crowds swiftly captured her attention. "Is that so?" She tilted her head to the side, her quizzical gaze fixated on the moving target. "Then, why does big brother look so out of place right now?" She questioned.
"Huh?" The hosts glanced at her curiously.
"What do you mean, Miki-chan?" Honey asked.
"Look."
Following her pointer finger, everyone turned to see Tamaki running towards Haruhi in his usual goofy grin dressed in a traditional Japanese haori, complete with the Suoh family crest. The hosts felt their blood run cold. "Haruhi! Sorry to keep you waiting! I couldn't decide what to wear!" He laughed apologetically, not at all bothered by how he was practically making a spectacle of himself, dressed in such traditional garments to an amusement park of all places.
MILORD IS THAT STUPID! The twins mentally remarked with a look of terror.
Miki, on the other hand, clapped her hands together as a bright beam surfaced on her cheeks. "Grandmother must've chosen big brother's outfit for today!" She chimed joyously. "I must admit, the haori looks wonderful on him!" She praised, once again completely missing the point of the situation.
"It doesn't matter if it looks wonderful on him or not!" Kaoru shouted as he began to pull out something from his bag that appeared out of nowhere.
"Anymore of that, and he's in danger of being dumped!" As if Hikaru's words were a declaration of some sort, he, Kaoru, Honey and Mori bolted out of their hiding spots, snatching Tamaki up as Haruhi began to rub her eyes in disbelief. They dragged him into a nearby bathroom for a few seconds, striping off the haori and hakama before kicking him out, this time dressed in a more 'casual date' appropriate outfit.
As Haruhi and Tamaki began to exchange greetings, all the while wondering what on earth had just happened, the hosts collapsed behind the bathroom building, wheezing heavily at the swift outfit change they just pulled off.
"That was close..." Hikaru muttered, shaking the collar of his worker's uniform to fan himself of sweat. "I'm glad we brought an emergency change of clothes today..."
"Miki-senpai, could you please return this to the Main Mansion please..." Kaoru requested, passing the formal wear to her with a drained complexion.
"That's our Tama-chan. He never fails to keep us on our toes..." Honey said, wiping away the sweat on his forehead.
"Weren't you all wishing for him to fail a minute ago?" Kyoya commented with a deadpanned expression.
Miki, on the other hand, was still staring off in the couple's direction watching as they approached the main gates of the amusement park with a neutral expression. "Is that also what a first date should be like?" She asked, pointing out once again.
Following her pointer her finger, everyone turned around to find that a red carpet has been rolled out under the couples' feet, directing them towards the entrance of the park where a banner reading 'Your First Date ♥️' dropped from above. Staff members along with the park's mascot lined up on either side of the carpet, showering the two in rose petals. "Welcome, Master Suoh! Welcome, Miss Fujioka! Congratulations on your first date!" They cheered in unison as a marching band riding on a carriage appeared, playing a lively tune.
"Ahaha! Thank you, everyone!" Tamaki waved to the onlookers, acting as if the over-the-top theatrics that surrounded them was perfectly normal.
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" The twins screamed at the top of their lungs, immediately dashing in to scatter the crowd. "Break it up! Break it up!" They waved their hands around in a panic, shooing the staff members away before Haruhi could find the power in her legs to run away in such an embarrassing predicament. "Move along, people! Nothing to see here!"
"Why is there a horse and carriage here?! And Buggy-chan, you're not cute enough!" Honey yelled, turning to point at the mascot of the amusement park.
"I don't understand." Looming over the exhausted hosts, Miki tilted her head sideways. "Why did you guys send away the welcome parade? It looked like a lot of fun." She hummed absently.
"You don't understand, Miki-senpai..." Readjusting his crooked cap, Hikaru uttered between gasps for air. "I'll admit that some tiny corner in my heart the date would fail... but... If we left stupid milord to his own devices, he really will get dumped before the day is gone! We have to do something!" He proclaimed, pointing at Miki gawked back with a blank stare.
"I want their date to be a success, yet I want Milord to remain the silly fool he's always been." Kaoru let out a shaky breath as he gently hammered his chest with his fist. "My heart feels like it's being squeezed..."
"Could it be love?" Honey rustled, cupping his cheeks in shock.
Reaching out, Mori planted a hand on the lolita's shoulder as he shook his head. "No, Mitsukuni." He spoke in a low voice. "It's the feeling a parent gets as they watch their child go forth on his own for the first time." He pronounced, causing a bolt of revelation to zap down from the heavens behind the hosts as they all whipped their heads around to watch at the couple with serious expressions.
Seeing his clubmates act out such absurdities on what was supposed to be a lazy Sunday morning, Kyoya sighed. "If you all have the leisure to fill your heads with this rubbish, you should put your time to better use-" Noticing something out of the corner of his eyes, his voice trailed off while his eyes widened for a few moments.
"Kyoya-kun?" Sensing he had something to say, Miki called out to him. "Is something the matter?" She asked, cocking her head to the side quizzically.
"Nothing, I thought I saw some familiar faces," Turning around, Kyoya assured her as he readjusted his glasses. Though his gaze still remained focused on the area behind him, staring intently at a particular spot. After a few seconds, he shifted his gaze back to the group, noticing the blonde's large hazel eyes, still watching him intently. "Miki," He addressed.
"Hm?"
Kyoya hesitated for a while, staring thoughtfully at her blank expression before reaching up to gently tap her on the forehead with his index and middle finger.
"Make sure to stay near me," He instructed sternly, lowering his body to reach eye level with her. "Do not leave my sights."
Though curious as to why he would make such a demand, Miki nodded obediently.
And so for the rest of the morning and well into the early afternoon, the hosts tailed Tamaki and Haruhi around their date at the Sea and Amusement Park. They watched as the couple rode the theme park attractions, exchange playful banter and even share a tray takoyaki together. It seemed like other than Tamaki's antics earlier during the day; the date would go smoothly after all.
"They're acting like a couple now; it's sweet." Watching his two underclassmen pressed up against the glass of the aquarium as they stared at the graceful beluga whales, Honey whispered as he nibbled on the cone of his ice cream. "Maybe we were worried over nothing? I guess we can go home now."
"Eh, why?" Peeking around the corner beside him, Miki protested. "Tailing them like this is so much fun! It reminds me of the time we spied on Hikaru and Haruhi's first-" However, before she could finish her sentence, Kaoru slapped a hand over her mouth, effectively shutting her up as Hikaru whipped his head around in confusion.
"Huh? What was that, Miki-senpai?" He asked.
"N-Nothing! Ahahaha..." Ignoring the squirming Miki, Kaoru quickly played it off, laughing awkwardly.
Before Hikaru could even point out how strange his twin was acting, the sound of a loud thump followed by a child's cry quickly caught the hosts' attention. "WAHHHH! It hurts!" Peeking their heads around the corner of the aquarium tunnels, they spotted a little boy collapsed on the ground and bawling his eyes out. It seems like he had tripped on his shoelaces as he was running around the aquarium, taking quite the tumble.
"U-Um... Where are his parents?" Not knowing what to do, Haruhi began sweeping through the crowd in search for the boy's parents when Tamaki stepped forth and knelt next to the kid.
"Hello there, are you okay?" Greeting the crying child in a soft voice, he gingerly helped the boy sit up through his wailing before taking a closer look at his scraped knee. "Did you hurt your knee? Hold on. Pain, pain... Go away!" He recited the child-like chant as a sudden sunflower appeared in his hand like magic.
Immediately, the child's expression turned to amazement.
Tamaki didn't stop there though. He proceeded to continue with his spectacle of a show, generating little sunflower buds out of thin air with just a wave of his hand. A small crowd began to gather around them, clapping in awe as Tamaki cupped a few of the flowers into his palms, turning it into a magic wand. "And now for my final magic trick...!" He winked mysteriously, tossing the rod into the air as it popped, transforming to a shower of flower petals that rained down he, Haruhi and the boy under the aquarium tunnels.
"Keita?!" As the last of the petals reached the ground, a woman's panicked voice echoed through the sea of people. "Keita, where are you?"
Hearing his mother's voice, the boy named Keita jumped to his feet, completely recovered from his earlier blunders. "Mommy!" He waved, spotting the woman who popped her head out of the crowd. "That big brother did magic for me!" He said, pointing at Tamaki who waved back.
"Woo! That was amazing!" Someone cheered.
"Nice job, dude!"
"Milord... He really learned how to do magic..." The twins sweatdropped, clapping along with the crowd in a mixture of astonishment and disbelief.
"That was so cool!" Miki's eyes were practically sparkling, still in somewhat of a dazed trance from what she had just witnessed first-handed. "Did you see that, Kyoya-kun? Brother used magic to make flowers appear everywhere! It was so pretty!" She exclaimed, holding her hands before her chest and staring up at him with even more excitement than usual.
"Yes, I saw that-" Kyoya spoke nonchalantly, before freezing up as he spotted a couple of familiar silhouettes dance across his vision. Narrowing his eyes, he quickly grabbed onto Miki by the wrist and hid her further behind the corner.
"Kyoya-kun?" Miki tilted her head to the side, a little estranged by his sudden gesture.
"Stay here and don't move." He instructed, keeping his gaze glued to the figures who approached Tamaki and Haruhi.
"Maiden?" A voice sounded behind the two, cutting their conversation short.
"Huh?"
"That voice..." Haruhi muttered under her breath, turning her head to find...
"It really is you, maiden!" Sure enough, standing behind the couple was Benibara and Chizuru of the Zuka Club from the Lobelia Girl's Academy. "My, my! You've become even more adorable since we last met!" She remarked, glancing at Haruhi's frilly outfit.
"A fairy! There's a little fairy here!" Chizuru fawned, immediately latching onto the brunette in a tight hug, practically squeezing the breath out of her. "Come on, ditch this dumpster fire and let's go somewhere else!" She suggested.
"Not so fast!" Tamaki shrieked in objection. "Haruhi and I are on a date!"
"A date...?" Hearing those words, Benibara glared harshly at Tamaki, acting as if she hadn't noticed him up until now. "Impossible! Who would date an oaf like you?!" She shouted, taking Haruhi and Chizuru by the shoulders and guiding them further away from the blond.
Unbeknownst to all of them, the hosts have also stepped out of their hiding spots, leaving Miki alone and hidden safely around the corner. "Pardon, ladies." Stepping forth, Kyoya addressed the two ladies that were attempting to drag Haruhi even further away from Tamaki. "Haven't you heard that those who stand in the way of true love get trampled? It'd be best to run along now, wouldn't it?" He recommended with a passive-aggressive smile.
"Y-You guys are here?!" Tamaki gawked, jaw-dropping to the ground.
"Haha, so you finally noticed it?" Hikaru laughed, shrugging nonchalantly.
"Most people would have realized after having their outfit forcibly stripped off." Honey commented, winking mischievously as Mori nodded along.
"Wait..." Kaoru's voice trailed off as he deadpanned. "How did you keep the stuff you needed for your magic tricks after we changed you?" He questioned, watching as Kyoya moved forward to pry Chizuru's arms off of Haruhi.
"Get out of here now." He said, shoving the brunette into Tamaki without sparing either of them a second glance.
"Kyoya?"
"You owe me one." Peering over his shoulder, Kyoya asserted as he cast a smug smirk in his best friend's direction.
"Yeah." Returning a smile, Tamaki nodded as his grip around Haruhi's hands tightened. "Thanks, everyone!" He said before turning and making a bolt for the exit of the park.
"Wait! Maiden!" Benibara took a step forward, about to chase after the two when Hikaru and Kaoru appeared before them.
"We're your opponents." They sang in unison, acting as a barrier between the couple and the member of the Zuka club.
Gritting her teeth, Benibara's brows furrowed at sight of the twins. "Hmph!" She grumbled. "So the two of them are now in such a relationship... But that doesn't mean we'll be giving up on-"
"Huh~?" Before Benibara could finish her sentence, another familiar voice chimed not too far away, directly behind Miki. Taken by surprise, the strawberry blonde jumped as she whipped her head around alertly to find Hinako - the third and final member of the Zuka Club who had been noticeably absent. "I was coming back from the bathroom and look who I found!" She hummed gleefully, immediately clinging onto Miki's arm with a bright grin.
"Ah! Miki-chan!" Honey called out, only for two shadows to brush past him and the host club, leaving them a little in the dust.
"Come, let's go ride the Ferris Wheel together!" Appearing beside her in a flash, Chizuru suggested.
"Little Lamb!" Cranking her theatrics to the top, Benibara took a knee before Miki, acting as if she were the prince of fairy tale reciting their lines. "To think we should meet again here by pure happenstance! This is surely destiny, my princess." She exclaimed, gently taking her hand and kissing the back of it.
Miki stared down blankly at the spot the woman had kissed for a few moments. "Please let go of me," She then requested bluntly. "I'm pretty sure this is considered sexual assault-!" However, before she could finish her sentence, she felt another firm tug on her wrist as she was pulled out of the grasps of the Zuka Club and into a familiar pair of arms.
"Excuse me, ladies; but could you refrain from staring at my girlfriend with such wanting eyes? Others may get the wrong idea about your relationship with her." With his face locked in a darkened smile, Kyoya requested as he wrapped an arm around Miki's waist almost as if to make a point. "That would be quite troublesome." He added, voice growing threatening.
"Eh?" Miki blinked, still yet to processed that she was now in Kyoya's arm.
"Girlfriend? Don't kid with us!" Recoiling back slightly, Benibara objected. "As if this pure maiden would willingly be in such a relationship with someone such as yourself!" She shouted, pointing at a confused Miki.
Taking those words as a challenge of some sort, Kyoya smirked. "Then just stay there and watch."
No sooner than he uttered those words, he rested a hand behind Miki's head and tugged her towards him with great force, pressing his lips against hers and kissing her with greater intensity than ever before. Miki immediately squeezed her eyes shut as she struggled to return the passion, clinging onto him as her legs began to grow weak. Kyoya, on the other hand, kept his eyes opened and glued to the flabbergasted members of the Zuka Club, partially enjoying making such a show of the situation as he deepened the kiss.
Just as Miki felt she was about to lose her breath, Kyoya broke the kiss, leaning back and taking in the pink flush on her cheeks before addressing the Zuka Club once again. "I warned you about getting trampled." He said smugly.
"Wait just a second!" The one who responded to such a statement, however, was Hikaru who looked as if he was about to pass out from how confused he was. "K-K-Kyoya-senpai, what was that!? Y-You and Miki-senpai are..." His voice trailed off, pointing his quaking finger at Miki who glanced over.
"We are dating." She confirmed straightforwardly.
"What?!" Feeling as though he'd been betrayed, Hikaru hugged his head in confusion. "S-Since when did that...?"
"Everyone already knows, Hika-chan." Honey chirped as Mori nodded in agreement. "It's just you, Tama-chan and Haru-chan who didn't pick up on it." He stated innocently, lifting an all-knowing finger.
"EH?!"
Standing behind his confused twin, Kaoru stifled a small chuckle. "I guess you can't blame them." He winked mischievously. "They've been too busy, wrapped within their little love triangle and what-not..." He hummed, eyes trailing over the where the Zuka Club had been standing only to find it completely empty. "Ack, where'd the Zuka Club go?!" He questioned, immediately whipping his head around to find them.
"Over there!" Honey shouted, pointing at the backside of the three women, bolting at full speed in the direction where Tamaki and Haruhi ran off in.
"After them!" The twins yelled as they along with Honey and Mori took off, leaving Kyoya and Miki in the dust.
"Ah! Wait for us- !" Just as Miki was about to jog after them, she felt a tight pull on her wrist as Kyoya began to pace off in the other direction, dragging her along with him. She stared down blankly at his hand around her wrist before gazing up at his backside, feeling a sense of tranquillity rise within her from being alone under the aquarium tunnels and the rippling blue waves. "Kyoya-kun, you're going the wrong way, you know." She pointed out in a soft voice.
"As I've said before, those two will be fine on their own," Kyoya replied in annoyance.
"Huh?"
Heaving a sigh, Kyoya's steps slowed down to a stop as he turned to face her, reflecting on his previous actions. Perhaps he had been a bit zealous and overly irritated, but who could blame him when all this girl would think about is how well her brother's relationship is progressing?
"We're going somewhere else; I'm tired of tailing those two around on their date." He asserted, studying her expression as her large hazel eyes rounded in surprise. "Objections?"
"No, not at all!" Shaking her head, Miki instantly broke into a radiant smile. Sliding her hand down, she took hold of his, tenderly interlacing her fingers with his. "Where would you like to go?" She chimed.
"K-Kyoya-kun..." In the darkness of the room, Miki let out a soft gasped as the tips of her fingers brushed over her lips in awe. "Is this...?" She whispered breathlessly.
"Yes," Kyoya replied, peering at Miki's dazed expression before gazing up himself in a mixture of peace and adoration. "It's the projection of the night skies." He announced.
Standing in the reserved projection room of the Tokyo Planetarium, a velvet night sky had spread out above the couple, littered with twinkling stars. Some patches were lighter than others, while some clustered together in faint and bold lights. These were the same stars that reflected in the sky. The same constellation of old, and the same ones that have and would continue to remain for millions of years.
"It's beautiful." Sliding away from Kyoya, Miki floated to the center of the seemingly boundless room, slowly spinning in awe as she struggled on deciding where to look.
Kyoya's attention shifted toward her at her words, watching as her white chiffon dress and fluffy strawberry brown hair lingered behind her movements, flowing and leaving trails of stardust as if she were some sort of goddess dancing among the stars. "Very." He agreed, eyes crinkling.
"It feels like if I just reach out far enough... I can..." Miki muttered, slowly extending her hand out towards the stars only to trip over the benches that she failed to notice in her amazement. "Woah!" She let out a small shriek in surprise, closing her eyes and bracing for the impact when Kyoya grabbed her hand just in time.
"Be careful." He scolded mildly, pulling her back to her feet.
"Thank you." Miki hummed absently, staring down blankly at their hands for a few seconds. For some reason, that particular part of her body suddenly felt... foreign to her. Like it somehow had been switched for someone else's while she wasn't looking. She cocked her head to the side, thinking for a few moments when she remembered something. "Ah, that's...!" Flinching, her hand recoiled in a jolt as the memory of Benibara kissing it resurfaced in her mind.
Though surprised at first, Kyoya quickly realized what caused her to falter as he reached out to capture her hand once again. Briefly locking eyes with her, he then leaned down wordlessly, pressing his lips against the back of her hand as if he were attempting to overwrite whatever had occurred before with his own kiss. Miki felt her breath hitch at the gesture. She watched in a heated daze as he continued to trace kisses up to the tips of her fingers, acting as if he had conquered that part of her body as his own. Though she would admit, part of her didn't mind that notion.
"Miki." After a few more kisses, Kyoya whispered, causing her to shiver as she felt his hot breath glaze against her skin along with his words.
"Y-Yes?" She stuttered, snapping out of her trance.
"From now on, don't let others touch you so easily." He warned, brows furrowing at the memory as he began to caress the spot where he had kissed with his thumb.
Miki's eyes rounded for a second before softening. Instead of words, she squeezed his hand back in response.
"Say Kyoya-kun; I have a question." After a few moments of comfortable silence in the projection room, Miki piped up again.
"What is it?"
"What made you decide on the planetarium?" She asked curiously.
Kyoya froze for a few moments, his gaze shifting to a downcast at her probing question. "I asked Yotsuboshi-san." He admitted, turning away in an attempt to hide the visible signs of embarrassment that surfaced on his face. "She mentioned that you wanted to go to space amongst many other places, but it'd be difficult to see the stars in the city lights, and your physical state isn't exactly incapable of enduring such a long journey to space itself. So I figured this would be the next best option." He concluded, peering up at the digital stars above in a thoughtful state, though at the very edge of his vision, he could still sense Miki staring at him with her usual wide-eyed expression.
"Thank you, Kyoya-kun." Tilting her head to the side, Miki quickly broke into an appreciative smile as strands of her strawberry blonde hair slipped down her shoulders as if they were made of silk. "Do you remember you once told me that you'd be the guiding hand that pulls me out of the darkness?" She reminded, bringing their interlocked hands up between them as she sensed Kyoya nod in recollection. "Well, I don't think you need to be that hand anymore."
"Why is that?" Raising an eyebrow, Kyoya questioned.
"The body always follows the heart." Sliding her fingers out between his, Miki instead took ahold of his hand with both of hers as she guided it upwards. "No matter where I go, I'll always find my way back to you," Pressing his palm against her cheek, she beamed up brightly at him. "It's because you stole my heart, Kyoya-kun." She announced.
Taken aback by her sweer yet bold declaration, Kyoya's lips quickly tugged into a satisfied smirk. "And I'm never giving it back." He asserted, wrapping his hand around the back of her head and pulling her closer to him before planting a playful peck on her lips. "I really am no match for you, Miki." He whispered, resting his forehead against hers.
"Hm?"
"It's nothing." Slowly shaking his head, he pulled her in for another kiss. "I love you." He said.
Miki giggled, throwing her arms around his neck as she buried her face in the nape of it. "I love you too." She chimed, nuzzling him softly.
After a few seconds, she slowly opened her eyes. The smile she wore slowly dropped as she stared up blankly at the twinkling stars, eyes shifting to the side at Kyoya. "Hey, Kyoya-kun?" She called out to him.
Sensing the oddly serious undertone in her voice, Kyoya slowly pulled away as if urging her to continue on.
"There is something else I wanted to talk about." Averting her eyes in a wistful smile, Miki explained. "It's about something Arden had suggested this morning. I already talked to father and brother about this too, but... I... I want your opinion on this as well." She announced, staring back at Kyoya with resolute eyes.