Ch.4 (1/1)

[Sade POV]After Maths, the four of us headed for Music Room Three. I called my mom to tell her I was going to be a few minutes late for pick up. She answered the phone within nanoseconds, causing the group to quiet down out of respect."Hello?" I said. Kaoru gave me a weird look, probably surprised she answered that quickly. I followed him and the others up a flight of red-carpeted stairs."Hey De-de," Mom said, using my nickname. "What's up? I'll be there in, like, fifteen minutes. I still have to pick up Corinne, Keano, and Alicia. The rain's slowing me down."As if on cue, thunder boomed outside, followed by a flash of lightning made visible through the enormous window in front of us. I quickly put out my free arm to catch Haruhi, who nearly stumbled. He nodded in thanks to me. All three of them exchanged worried looks and picked up the pace."Sorry about that," I told her. Thunder cracked on her end of the line. "I was just wondering if I could hang around with a couple of classmates until you got here." Fifteen minutes would be just enough time to chit-chat with Tamaki and give Honey-senpai those cookies from my lunch. "Yeah, sure. What grades are they in?""Two third years, two second years, and three first years." My company realized they were being mentioned and silently pulled in closer to me. We reached the top of the stairs and made a right to some hallway."Wow. So many people already? You're famous!" she teased.I chuckled. "Well, kinda, but not really. We're acquainted, but I've only been talking with the first years and one of the third years. One of the second years doesn't seem to like me too much. Could be fate. Could be because I should've given the school map a closer look.""Well, you're getting there," she said, "and you know that you can't be friends with everybody. I don't know what you said about the map, but I have to go baby. I'm driving.""Yeah. It's weird. I'll explain it to you in the car.""Okay," she replied, "meet you where I dropped you off this morning.""'Kay. Love you, Mom. Drive safe. Bye.""I will. Love you too. Bye."She hung up. I let out a breath of relief, thankful that she didn't ask any questions about the club itself, or the members' genders. I was able to push away the twinge of guilt from not telling her I was going to a host club because I planned on doing that later. That and the fact that the stories the first year members told helped me realize how not-shallow the club was."Sade?" Kaoru said as we drew nearer to the club room."Yes, Kaoru?" I replied.The two brothers exchanged surprised looks. Hikaru raised his uninjured arm. "Actually, I'm-""Hikaru. You're Hikaru," I said. Both twins froze. "You two gave it away earlier. However, like you said, I may not be able to tell you apart tomorrow. You know. With the casts and all.""But how?" asked Haruhi.These people were among the top ten of their classes. They weren't stupid. I couldn't reveal a thing. "That's a secret. Now, Kaoru," I ushered all three of them closer to the club room. "You had a question. What was it?""Oh, that," he said, "I was going to ask you why you said what you did before you hung up with your mother.""Said what?" I replied."You said 'I love you'. You're going to see her in less than an hour so why bother?"My first impulse was to ask him why not, but then I remembered how different each household was. Public displays of affection, be they familial or not, weren't exactly common in Japan. Not everybody could be as fortunate as me when it came to parent to child relations.I wondered. Did he and his mother say 'I love you' enough?"Well," I said, looking up at the ceiling for answers. "The way I see it, I don't know what's going to happen to my parents, or siblings, or anybody that I love. If I'm comfortable with someone enough for both of us to say it to each other, then I'm ninety-nine point nine percent of the time going to end up saying it whenever they leave the house or hang up the phone. I'd never want the last thing I say to someone to be something negative or insignificant. God forbid, what if they got mugged or got into a car crash and died?"We stopped walking upon reaching the third set of double doors. Hikaru and Kaoru each grabbed a handle."Wow. That really is--" started Hikaru."--an interesting way to view things," finished Kaoru. They looked back at me at the same time, winking."Maybe we could add it to our hosting tactics!" they said. I rolled my eyes.Haruhi nodded. "I don't really think that's what it's intended for." He put his pointer finger to his lips. "But maybe I should start saying that to Dad. . ."I smiled, contented with the fact that I could spread small things like that."Anyways," Haruhi said looking back at me, "we're going inside to set up. Since you're not a customer and Tamaki-senpai invited you, you can come in a little earlier than most people. Sound good?""Mhm.""Wait," Hikaru said, pressing his ear to the door with his brother, "we hear something.""Yeah," Kaoru said, "I think it's Boss. . ." He scrunched his nose up and squinted in concentration. "But what's he saying?"We went silent, allowing me to hear muffled yelling from 'Boss'. It mildly interested me but I didn't want to intrude. I spoke quietly. "Guys, I'm not sure this is exactly ethica-"Haruhi joined them. "He's talking to Kyouya-senpai, I think. . ."Before I could intervene, the twins opened the door less than a centimeter, letting Tamaki's yelling escape through the crack."Kyouya!" Tamaki exclaimed. "Why didn't you do it?!""Do what?" Kyouya asked. He didn't seem much invested in the conversation, as his voice was accompanied by the incessant pecking of a keyboard.I couldn't see anything from where I was standing. He might be talking about me, but I wanted to retreat before I could find out.Too late."Apologizing to Sade!" Tamaki exclaimed.That's it. I was hooked. With me being a narcissist and all, there was no way in hell that I was passing up the chance to eavesdrop on people who were talking about me. I squished myself to the left of Kaoru trying to get a better view. No one objected because they were too busy listening.The blonde went on. "It's not very gentlemanly or host-pitable of yo-""Did you just say host-pitable?" Kyouya interrupted.Tamaki put his hands on his hips and mushed his lips into a pout. "It's a pun, Kyouya, get with the program."The bespectacled host rolled his eyes and returned to his duties."Anyways," Tamaki continued, "it's not very courteous. She had a point there. I think you should apologize to her. Our senpais, my darling Haruhi, and even those shady twins have already made up with her. It wouldn't do you any harm."The twins muttered lowly. Haruhi scoffed."And it wouldn't do me any good either," he rebutted, not missing a beat. "I regret nothing."Pfft. This guy was just as bad as me.Tamaki opened to reply but was interrupted again. Poor thing. Seemed like never got the chance to finish a thought.Kyouya wasn't the one doing the talking this time, however."Kyo-chan," said Honey-senpai.Honey-senpai had Kyouya's respect, evidently. He took a break from his laptop to give his senpai his utmost attention. Tamaki also listened."I really do think you should apologize to Sa-chan. If you listened closely when she was explaining why she didn't like being called commoner, you'd see that she talked about her mommy and daddy too." He stopped momentarily, most likely held up by a mouthful cake. "Remember? She said something about being a. . .what was it? Medium-class girl?"Middle-class girl, senpai," Tamaki supplied."Yeah! Middle class girl. She talked about being a 'middle class girl who is proud of her mother and father if we knew her.' She took our words to heart, Kyo-chan. She's not just here for herself. It looks like she's here to represent her family too."There was a mild grunt in the background that probably came from Mori-senpai.Jesus Christ. Nobody told me that while being a martial arts master and a sugar junkie that he was also some analytic philosopher. And he was right too. I took pride in my grades on my own, however, I did my best to make my parents proud as well. I suppose I was representing not only myself, but my family, and everything they instilled in me.This was new information to Kyouya as much as it was to myself. He was looking at nowhere in particular, and yet his brow held a slight crease in contemplation."But," Honey-senpai continued, dragging out the vowel sound. "I know that saying sorry isn't your favorite thing in the world, so maybe you could try to be a little nicer to her. Just think about what I said, 'kay?"He pushed up his glasses and gave a reluctant nod.The twins put out their hands in sweeping motions signaling for me and Haruhi to move out of the way. They held the door handles down and closed them without a click. We tip-toed a few feet away from the doors.Hikaru used his brother's shoulder as an armrest."We should wait before we go back. Hey Haruhi, do you really think Kyouya-senpai is going to listen to Honey-senpai?"Haruhi collected his thoughts then put an arm up to rub his neck. "Honestly, I don't know. I mean, Kyouya-senpai respects Honey-senpai just as much as the rest of us do, but Honey-senpai was right. Saying sorry isn't really something he does. I don't think it'll make a difference." "Terribly honest, aren't ya?" the twins said. "Well you did ask for my opinion," Haruhi replied shifting himself into side view.Something was off. Suddenly, I felt as if his face didn't look. . .right for a fifteen year old boy. It was absent of any stereotypical male features. His nose was small, mouth petite, and eyes were similar that of a cat: wide and observant. showed no signs of an Adam's apple whatsoever.It could have been many things though. Maybe having an androgynous face was a normality in his family. Maybe his puberty was just delayed (or he just turned out small. . .not to say that small boys don't exist). Perhaps he identified as a male or plainly a girl who preferred 'men's' clothing at the moment.Whatever it was that bugged me, I decided not to ask out of courtesy. If I found more evidence to support him biologically being born as a female, I'd ask him about it. Politely. My phone buzzed. It was text from Mom. Be there in less than 10I texted back 'Okay.' then pocketed my phone. "Sade?" said Kaoru. "Hm?" "Do you think he'll try to apologize?""Mm-mm. He won't gain anything from it. Not to say we'll be butting heads often though. However, based off of how he handled things rather kindly with the Newspaper Club and still managed to assert himself when things went too far with that--eh, what was that French student's name? The otaku girl? Rene Kurotsuchi?" "Renge Houshakuji," Haruhi corrected. "Yeah, her. Anywho, he seems to be the type who reacts rather than acts. He won't interact with me unless necessary or approached," I stated. Perhaps I could slip in a few remarks here and there to loosen Sales Boy up a bit, but I wasn't exactly looking to be best buds. For the umpteenth time today, the twins shot me suspicious looks, eyeing me like a piece of filet mignon they didn't trust. I rolled my eyes and pushed up my glasses. "Now what?" "We find it odd," they said, approaching me with arms around each other's shoulders, "that you're able to analyze the Host Club so accurately." They separated and surrounded me on both sides, each putting an arm on my shoulder. "What's your secret?" I chuckled, flattered by such a compliment. It was an honor to know I succeeded in analyzing a few people. I've tried doing it so many times only to later dismiss it as me trying to be too dramatic. Or perhaps taking life too seriously. Things like my parents, books, tumblr screenshots, and anime all taught me at varying degrees to look for the deeper meaning in things. Was I seriously about to say that to people that I just met? Haha, no. I shrugged. "Nothing special, really." Pfft. Good one, Sade. "It was just a wild guess, based off what you've told me." "But what if there was something hindering your analysis? What if we're keeping a secret?" asked Kaoru with a mischievous grin."One that requires us to exclude certain adventures," Hikaru added, stroking his own chin. I shrugged. "Then I'd respect your privacy." Did they really think baiting was going to work? "Drama and rivalries with other academies," said Kaoru."Sounds like a generic American TV program," I replied.  "Riveting beach episodes," said Hikaru."This is real life, not an anime.""Encounters with the yakuza!" Kaoru exclaimed."Oooh! Scary!" Hikaru said holding up his unbroken arm and curling his fingers like claws. "Intriguing, but I'll pass."   Haruhi stepped in and poked them both on their foreheads. "Don't forget the time you guys invaded my personal life in Karuizawa." Kaoru removed himself from me to pat  Haruhi's cheek. "But you were working." "I was enjoying myself," Haruhi replied, catching the redhead's wrist. Hikaru let out a dramatic sigh, still using me as an armrest. "Ah, it was kinda nice. I mean the food wasn't the best but we had lots of fun. A shame that Boss won though." "Won what?" I asked. "Sorry," the twins chorused, "you have to be level ten or eleven friend to unlock our secrets." "Oh jeez guys," Haruhi replied. "You do too much. Listen, if Sade wa--"He was interrupted by a voice nearing the door and then Tamaki himself bursting through it. "I texted them nearly ten minutes ago, Kyouya," he said, marching from the club room and right past us without looking back. "I'm going to go look for them." Kyouya didn't move an inch from his place at the doorway. His gaze flitted in our direction. "Look no further." Tamaki turned around, confused by what he said but breaking into a smile when he found what he meant. "Your Majesty," he said, slightly bowing with a forearm to his stomach, "you've received my invitation."I laughed at his reference to this morning's mishap, mirroring him. "I did, Your Highness. Sorry, but I only have five minutes, at most, before my mom arrives." "I see. Well, no matter. I'm not one for drivel anyways." Disagreeing murmurs came from behind me, causing him to to twitch slightly. He shook it off and came closer, parking himself outside my personal bubble. "Sade, I am very sorry for offending you this morning. Can you forgive me?" I nodded. "Sure. Apology accepted, senpai. Not trying to be rude or anything like that, but I want to repay Honey-senpai for a favor and I heard he likes sweets. My younger sister baked some cookies and I thought he'd like them. I need to drop them off and get a move on." "Good. Kyouya can take you to him," he said gesturing to his friend. Oi vei. He was trying to make things right himself, I see. Kyouya pushed up his glasses. "I'll pass. I highly doubt she'd need my help in walking across a room." "He's right," I commented, "I don't need assistance but thanks for the offer."I strutted past both of them and through the doors. "Hey, wait for us! We want to try the cookies too!" the twins called after me as I pulled said item from my bag. The club room was awfully spacious and devoid of instruments for a music room. There was furniture set in some places, all of which were pink as the walls. Honey and Mori-senpai were sitting on two couches surrounding an oval glass table with their backs facing me. "Sorry about that," said Haruhi catching up with me before the twins fell in step with him.I gave him a 'why for' look. "Just that in general. It was awkward." He eyed the bag. "Hey, can we really try the cookies?"I smiled. "I don't know. Depends on how generous Honey-senpai's feeling. Frankly, I'm sorry for leaving you guys in the dust.""'Not butting heads often' you said," teased Hikaru."Yeah right," Kaoru added. Honey-senpai turned around where he sat and laid his chin on his arms. "Hey Sa-chan!""Hey senpai. I'm stopping by to give you these." I handed him the bag. "Share them if you'd like, whatever you prefer. My sister Corinne baked them. The chocolates were a more than sufficient apology and I wanted to repay you. Sorry I can't stay long. I'm getting picked up soon." He tore it open and swallowed an entire cookie at inhuman speed. "Thank you!""Yeah, thanks," said Mori. As expected, his voice was deep and gravelly. It was the first time I heard his voice. Very manly. Very attractive. Inwardly, I laughed at my thoughts. Would it kill these people to not be so beautiful?"No problem," I replied. "Haru-chan, Kao-chan, Hika-chan! Come over here and try these!" Honey called. They obeyed, coming over and picking up their shares."These aren't half bad," Hikaru said. "The filling is yummy," said Kaoru."I like the flavor. I think I've baked this recipe before. . .but it tastes different. Would you mind texting me the recipe later?" Haruhi asked."Not at all. I'll ask my sister through message right now." I swore that Mom was super human for calling me the moment I took my phone out. I answered it, excusing myself from the group and heading for the doorway. "Hey Mom." "I'm here. Hurry up, the rain's pouring even harder." Poor Mom. I could hear my siblings bickering in the background. " 'Kay. I'll be out in a few. I'll need time because the school's huge.""Do you--QUIET DOWN--have your umbrella?" Ah yes. Concerned Mommy."Uh," I blindly felt around my school bag, finding nothing. "No."She exhaled sharply, frustrated. "Oh my god Sade--" "I'll be fine, I'll be fine. It's just water. The segments separating the primary, junior high, and high school buildings have overhangs anyways."Her voice was stern. "Sade. The front of the school is meters away from the actual pick up spot." Crap I forgot about the gigantic grass area and leaf sculpture thingies in the front of the school. "Then it's on me. If I get soaked, I get soaked. You know I like the rain, and you're probably using the heater anyways." Another disapproving sigh. "You know what, fine. But don't come crying to me if you start coughing later.""Yeah. Love you bye."  "Bye." She hung up. Jeez. No 'I love you' back? I see how it is. That was sarcasm. I know she loves me. She's just the 'tough love' kind of mom. I called across the room. "Guys, my mom's here. I'll see you later." They said their farewells. I went out, pausing to ask myself a very important question: did I even remember how to find my way out? If I took too long she'd probably get even more pissed. . ."Would you like me to walk you out?" Tamaki asked behind me. "Ah!" I jumped having forgotten he was even there. "Uh, thanks for the offer. I mean. . .I don't know. It's pouring outside and I wouldn't want you getting soaked before the club even opens. Do you have an umbrella?" "Your concern is greatly appreciated. And yes, I do." He pulled a white umbrella designed with little crowns from from his school bag. He looked down at it fondly, his mind wandering somewhere else for a moment. "Haruhi gave this to me. From the supermarket, when they were having a sale." He looked up, having returned to the present. "Shall we go?" "Yes. We shall," I replied, smiling.   <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><(A/N)  PLEASE HELP ME I'M DYING INSIDE (bc I'm trying to figure out where I am here)Hehe, I'm so excited to get to the drama llama parts but eh, c'est la vie. (No, I can't speak French. I wish. Je suis trop bête pour cela. JK.) (I used Google Translate for that last bit).Please forgive me for my slow updates. And please (great googly moogly I say please a lot) remember to comment what you thought! Especially constructive criticism. I'm eager to make my work better. AFF (Author Fun Fact): #1: Honest (and mid-story) comments mean more to me than votes. #2: I'm going to make a special Microsoft doc with all the nice things you guys have said to me. (Thank you, you people warm my stone cold heart). Expect next update soon!*sweats because I've made a promise which I now have to keep*Oh well. Love you guys!I'm out. ~Nua