//Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club.//

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

A DAY OUT

Asami snores away in her bed, sprawled across it with Salem trapped between her arms. "She looks so sweet." Hikaru coos, reaching out and nearly pinching her cheek when Kaoru quickly slaps his hands away. "Hey!"

"We need to wake her up gently," he hisses, "or do you want to die?" Tamaki is hiding behind her dresser and is watching with wide eyes. "Milord, why aren't you helping?"

"Because she might not kill you guys but she will kill me. I've been waking her up too much." Tamaki informs them and shakes. "She nearly pushed me out the window the last time I woke her up." They all slowly look over to see the open window and Hikaru quickly goes over to close it.

"Is Takashi getting Mitsukuni up? Maybe we should wait for them to come." Hikaru suggests. "That way we have two people to defend us in case she comes after us."

"No, Mitsukuni is going to take a while to wake up and we still need to go wake up Kyoya," Kaoru sighs. "Let's deal with the lesser of the two evils."

"I'm not sure about lesser." Tamaki mumbles.

"Asami," Kaoru whispers while gently shaking her. "Asami."

"I wonder what she's dreaming about," Hikaru muses as he hovers a feather over her nose.

"So, I agreed to be your fiancée, are you going to tell me everything else?" Asami asks, settling herself down next to Kyoya on the couch in the host club room. "I'm curious." Silence surrounds them for a moment and she goes to leave when Kyoya reaches out, grabbing her hand to keep her there.

"As I have said before, I am not heir. I have two older brothers who have excelled in school. Yuuichi, as first born, is the natural heir. Akito is perfectly content in being second and just helping Yuuichi with the business." Kyoya frowns. "I'm not." She blinks in surprise. "I want to beat my brother and became heir."

"I only agreed to be your fiancée because you weren't an heir." She hisses. "That was your whole selling point."

"I know." He says. "But you and I will no longer be engaged when I become heir." She tilts her head at him curiously. "I merely need you to show my father that I am able to form strong connections that can benefit the family business. When I become heir, I will dissolve our engagement if you wish for it on the basis that I do not want children which wouldn't be fair to you."

"But if you're the heir, you need to have a child." She points out. "What if your father revokes your heirship for dissolving our engagement?"

"I can name one of my nephews as my heir and I'll convince my father it's for the better so I can focus more on the business." He explains.

"Okay," she sighs and leans backwards, staring up at the ceiling. "What can I do to help?"

Asami blinks her eyes open when she feels someone tickling her cheek. She raises her eyebrows, locking eyes with Hikaru who is holding a feather. "I told you it would work!" He exclaims proudly. "I tickled your nose too, but that didn't work for some reason."

"Why are you here?" She asks and props herself up to see Tamaki cowering behind her dresser and Kaoru trying to coax him out.

"Because my darling sister, we have a new mission to accomplish today!" Tamaki shouts. "We will fully immerse ourselves in commoner culture by attending the great expo at the mall!" She stares blankly at him before flopping back down onto her bed.

"Do you forget that I was a commoner?" She mumbles, burying her head in her pillow. "I don't need to immerse myself in commoner culture, it was my culture for years."

"Which is exactly why you need to come with us, to show us the ways of commoner culture." Tamaki grins. "I don't want to bother my precious Haruhi today."

"Because she's still pissed about you ruining her vacation." She grumbles.

"So," he ignores her, "what do you say?"

"No."

"But Asami!"

"Leave me alone."

"We can't do this without you."

"I'll kill you."

"Twins! Get her!"

"Woah, unhand me, you heathens!"

•••

Asami watches in bemusement as the host club tries to wake up Kyoya.  "Interesting, don't you think, Kyoya? The impoverished commoners organize such expos from time to time so that they can heal their feeling of emptiness due to not being able to go travelling. By obtaining products from many different places, they can enjoy the feeling of travelling to a minor extent. And thus, as a project, we will go and personally experience this commoner culture and better understand Haruhi's feelings next semester. So... come on, let's go! Let's go now! Ah, by the way, on account of the purposes of this project, Haruhi won't be joining us today. Okay?"

Kyoya stirs and wakes up, groaning, "Ngh..."

Tamaki, Hikaru, Kaoru, and Mitsukuni try to wake him up more actively. "Come on, come on. You think it's okay to sleep until noon on the last day of summer vacation?" Tamaki urges.

"Yes," Asami mumbles while stretching.

Kyoya sits up, looking at them groggily. "Ngh... Let me make this clear: I slept at 5 AM. And who gave you permission to come into my bedroom?" Tamaki, Hikaru, Kaoru, and Mitsukuni cower away from Kyoya's bed, taken aback by his irritation.

Mitsukuni comments, "Kyo-chan, you really wake up with a bad temper, huh?"

Takashi interjects, "You're not in the position to say that." Asami snickers. "Neither are you."

"I didn't say anything!" She protests.

Kyoya's patience runs thin, "Screw your 'commoner culture'. I'm getting damn tired of this commoner gag of yours, you boring people that follow the same old pattern. If you wanna go, then just go." Asami covers her mouth in shock, never seeing Kyoya lose his temper quite like this before. He falls back into bed, pulling the covers over his head.

Tamaki, undeterred, exclaims, "Huh? We can just go? All right! The low-pressure evil lord has given his approval!" The Host Club members spring into action, determined to get Kyoya ready. Tamaki directs, "Fellow subjects, let's dress up the evil lord and bring him to the car! Hurry, that one! No, not that one! Yes, that one!" Asami looks away as they dress him with a slight blush on her cheeks.

•••

The Host Club members, minus Haruhi, arrive at the department store. Asami shakes her head at their awed expressions. "Ahh..." they collectively sigh.

Hikaru's eyes light up. "Wow, look!"

Kaoru echoes his excitement, "They're selling a ton of the same kind of clothing!"

The twins chant together, "Mass production! It's mass production!"

Tamaki, ever enthusiastic, exclaims, "Wait, wait! There's a pet shop! We must first go to the pet shop!"

Mitsukuni chimes in, "I want to eat ice cream on the roof!"

Tamaki examines a floor guide, his excitement growing. "Ahh! Oh, they're doing some cool event on the roof!" In his eagerness, Tamaki lets go of Kyoya, who lands on a bench as the others rush ahead, leaving him behind. Tamaki eagerly grabs onto Asami as they rush ahead. Asami glances back at Kyoya before shrugging and ignoring the situation. Kyoya will probably enjoy his time alone more than with them anyways.

Hikaru looks around, puzzled. "What? What?"

Tamaki rallies them, "All right! Fellow subjects, let's go!"

Mitsukuni is ecstatic, "Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream!"

•••

Kyoya finds himself alone at the mall. He contemplates the situation. "I see. That's how it was..." he thinks, looking at the floor guide. "My current location is the Izumi Shopping District, not exactly somewhere I can walk home from." He decides to call for a car but realizes his phone is missing. "Ngh..." He searches his pockets, discovering his wallet is also gone.

A young boy runs around behind him, laughing and playing. Kyoya's stomach growls.

The boy bumps into Kyoya and falls backward. "Ah... Ngh... Ah, I'm sorry..." Kyoya looks down at the boy, who gets frightened and runs away, calling for his mother.

Frustrated, Kyoya mutters, "That Tamaki... He's dead."

Just then, Haruhi sees him and approaches. "Huh? Kyoya-senpai?"

Kyoya looks up. "Hm?"

Haruhi, surprised, asks, "What are you doing here?"

Kyoya contemplates for a moment before asking, "Haruhi, how much money do you have on you?"

Haruhi is taken aback. "Huh?"

Later, Haruhi and Kyoya head to a fast food restaurant. Haruhi, concerned, asks, "Kyoya-senpai, are you sure you're fine eating here? There's a restaurant upstairs, you know."

Kyoya replies, "We don't have a choice since you don't have that much money on you, right? Ah, remember to ask for a receipt. I'll get Tamaki to pay ten times the amount afterwards. Haruhi, how do you place an order?"

Haruhi offers, "Ahh, I'll order for you. What would you like?"

"Whatever's fine. Get me something big," Kyoya responds.

Haruhi orders, pointing to the items on the menu. "Then this and this, please. And some fries."

"Welcome! We'd also like to recommend our new dessert..." The cashier begins.

Kyoya, uninterested, replies, "No, I'd rather not have sweets."

The cashier, smitten, insists, "Then how about our new kind of shake?"

Kyoya, looking down menacingly, repeats, "I said I don't need it."

The cashier, intimidated, exclaims, "Eek!"

Haruhi steps in, "Excuse me, could I have a receipt, please?"

•••

Asami finds herself also abandoned by the group. She curiously looks around with her bubble tea in hand, wondering where they went off to when she was busy. "Asami?" She freezes and slowly turns to see Sakura approaching her nervously. "How are you?"

"I'm good, how are you?" She asks, shuffling her feet.

"I'm good as well. Are you here alone?" Sakura glances around for any sight of the host club.

"No, I just broke off from the group." She replies. "I'm actually on my way to find them again." She goes to leave but a hand stops her. She sharply looks at Sakura's hand on her elbow before glaring at her.

"I'm sorry," Sakura apologizes while releasing her elbow, "would it be okay if I join you?" Asami ponders this, remembering her talk with Tamaki. He would not care if she formed a relationship with Sakura, but she is unsure about it. How can she befriend her half-sister? Someone she never knew existed until one of the worst moments of her life? Can she separate Sakura from Emica? How would Shizue react? "I understand if my presence makes you uncomfortable," Sakura picks at her fingernails, "but I do assure you that Emica is only my mother by blood. I am an Ito."

"Isn't she going for custody for you as well?" Asami questions.

"Yes, but I am of age to make the decision myself." She responds, carefully eyeing Asami. "When is your hearing?"

"In two weeks." She replies. An awkward silence surrounds them. "Would you like to go shopping?" She coughs slightly to clear her throat.

"Sure," Sakura smiles and holds out her arm. Asami stares at it, knowing that Shizue will be absolutely furious to see the two together. After a moment, Asami willingly links her elbow with Sakura's and the two set off to go shopping together.

•••

Sometime later, Haruhi and Kyoya sit down to eat. Haruhi glances at Kyoya. "Kyoya-senpai, you may be in a bad mood, but there was a better way to say no to her," she says. "She was only doing her job."

Kyoya responds, "Excessive service isn't always the best method to deal with customers." He takes a bite out of his burger. Haruhi watches him, surprised. "Hm? What?" He asks.

"Oh, nothing. You're eating it in a grand manner, much to my surprise," Haruhi replies. "I had an image in my mind that you'd eat it with more class or that these foods don't suit your tastes."

Kyoya acknowledges, "In fact, they don't, but did you think I was the unreasonable kind of person that would complain when someone is treating him?"

"Oh, no..." Haruhi's thoughts betray her, though because she certainly did think so.

Kyoya continues, "Besides, the selling point of fast food is that it can be eaten quickly with our hands, right? Eating it that way will ensure the best taste. And whether or not I eat it with class, it wouldn't matter since no one is watching me. Just to make it clear, I meant that there's no merit for me to eat in a classy manner here. Being polite and mannered with you brings me no merit," Kyoya clarifies.

"Ah, is that so? I guess you're right," Haruhi concedes. Three girls walk near their table, whispering excitedly.

"Hey, hey, look! That guy with the glasses looks so cool!" one girl says.

"Wow, you're right!" another agrees. They approach, asking, "Excuse me, are these seats open? And could we borrow this chair since you're not using it?"

"Go ahead," Kyoya says.

The girls squeal, "Kyaaa~! Thank you very much!"

"Don't mention it," Kyoya replies. Haruhi blinks in surprise at how cold Kyoya can be when there's no merit in acting gentlemanly. How can Tamaki be so close to someone so different from him?

Kyoya breaks her reverie. "If you're wondering why I'm close with the likes of Tamaki, the answer is simple. There are merits for me. No other reason will move me. I'm an egoist," he states plainly.

"If Tamaki-senpai heard this, he would cry," Haruhi remarks.

"Oh, he wouldn't. He knew this from the very beginning. We are cooperating knowing that fact. Hikaru and Kaoru, even Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai... We're all in this together because there are benefits for all of us, whether it's for the relationships between our families or personal benefits here and there. Basically, there are still a lot of things you're not aware of yet. Well, sometimes I have to deal with Tamaki's idiocy even when there's no merit for me. Indeed, there's not even one millimeter of similarity between me and Tamaki," Kyoya explains.

"Ahh..." Haruhi sighs.

•••

Asami and Sakura wandered into the first store by where they ran into each other, a trendy boutique filled with summer dresses and accessories. Sakura picked up a floral dress and held it against herself, glancing at Asami for an opinion.

"What do you think?" she asks.

"It's pretty," Asami says. "It would look good on you."

Sakura beams. "You should try something on too! Let's find something that suits you."

As they sifted through the racks, Asami feels herself relax a bit. The act of shopping together, choosing clothes and sharing opinions, creating a tentative but growing bond. In the fitting room area, they both tried on outfits. Asami stepped out in a soft blue dress, and twirls a bit in the mirror. The soft blue dress was a vision of summery elegance. Made of lightweight, breathable fabric, it gently flowed with each step Asami took. Thin, delicate straps rests gently on her shoulders, crossing at the back in a graceful, intricate pattern. The bodice is fitted, accentuating her natural shape, while the waistline is slightly cinched, giving way to a flowing A-line skirt that danceds around her knees. A thin, satin ribbon, matching the color of the dress, is tied in a bow at the waist, enhancing the dress's femininity. Embroidered floral patterns adornes the dress, delicate and intricate. The light, airy fabric catches the sunlight, making the soft blue hue shimmer gently.

"You are a goddess." Sakura exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "That color really suits you."

"Thanks," Asami said, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

"Your fiancé won't be able to keep his hands off of you when he sees you in it." Sakura teases. Asami feels her smile falter a bit at that. Sakura furrows her eyebrows when she spots that falter but before she could ask, Asami changes the subject.

"You look beautiful." Asami says. Sakura twirls in front of the mirror, her floral dress swishing around her.

"I think this one's a keeper." Sakura agrees. "My treat, let's go pay for these and wear them out." She says.

"I couldn't let you buy this for me." Asami protests.

"I'm the big sister." Sakura bops Asami's nose. "Big sisters buy their little sisters clothes so let me make up for our lost sibling time."

"Yeah, it seems I have a lot of sibling time to make up for." Asami stated, thinking back to Tamaki.

•••

Kyoya walks through the regional product exhibition, with Haruhi following closely behind. "Senpai, weren't you going to go home by taxi?" Haruhi asks.

"Now that I'm here, I might as well take a look," Kyoya replies, stopping to examine some black pearl earrings and a matching necklace. "Hmm... Black pearls from Ishigaki Island... Some high-class items we have here. Will anyone here be able to buy them?" He debates getting them for Asami, knowing she likes pearls.

Haruhi is impressed. "Oh, wow. You can tell?"

"I've been educated that way," Kyoya responds. "It's not really something you need to bother knowing about, either. My family matters, that is."

"Isn't that kind of... unfair?" Haruhi asks.

"Mm... Unfair?"

"Because Kyoya-senpai knows all about my family to the extent of my father's work friends. That's kind of unfair," Haruhi points out.

"That's a rather interesting view," Kyoya comments.

"Kyoya-senpai, you have two older brothers, right? What kind of people are they?" Haruhi inquires.

Kyoya answers Haruhi's question thoughtfully. "They're very talented people. They meet all of my father's expectations without trouble. That's why he expects even more from his third son."

Haruhi feels empathy. "I guess things are pretty tough on you after all."

"You think so? I actually think there's not a game that could be more interesting than this," Kyoya says.

"Mm... Haa..." Haruhi sighs.

An older woman nearby admires some stoneware. "My, a work by Shouin Komatsu?" she says.

Haruhi and Kyoya turn to see her looking at the pieces being sold by a shady-looking man. "To be able to see such great work in a place like this..." she says.

"Ma'am, you have a great eye for things," the shady man compliments.

Kyoya becomes serious. "Senpai?" Haruhi prompts.

"Senpai?" she repeats when he doesn't respond.

"Yes, Shouin Komatsu's works have great colors, don't they?" the shady man continues. "To tell you the truth, these works aren't things that belong here. These are pieces that the Komatsu clan kept in private for generations."

"Oh, my," the woman says.

"Hehehe..." the shady man chuckles.

Kyoya approaches the woman. "These are fake, madam," he declares.

"Huh?" the woman exclaims.

The shady man gets defensive. "Wh-What did you say? Stop telling lies, you little brat!"

Kyoya picks up one of the bowls and inspects it. "Heh... Although the way the blue is being brought out is similar to how Shouin did it, the real ones look duller at the base of the gradation, and the coating is also too exquisite."

"I'm going to report you for interfering with my business! What school do you go to, you delinquent?" the shady man threatens.

Kyoya turns the bowl over and narrows his eyes. "Ahh, I knew it. The way the mark is written over there is a bit different, too."

The shady man panics. "Ahh..."

"The real ones would have documentation certifying their authenticity. Shall we get the handwriting analyzed?" Kyoya suggests.

"I-I left it in the back of the store today..." the shady man stammers.

"Well, if that's the case, my family has had a long relationship with the Komatsu family. Surely you wouldn't mind if I called them up right now to get confirmation, right?" Kyoya presses.

"Gahhh!" the shady man yells as store security takes him away.

"Ahh..." Haruhi sighs.

The older woman thanks Kyoya.

"Helping others is still about getting benefits for Kyouya-senpai after all," Haruhi notes.

"Hm? Ahh, you wouldn't know. That madam is the wife of a large electronics maker's chairman," Kyoya explains.

"Huh?"

"This is my first time seeing her, but I knew it the second I saw the ring on her left hand. It's a company that does a lot of business with my family," Kyoya says.

"Ah... Ahh..." Haruhi says, looking at Kyoya with irritation. The older woman approaches Kyoya again.

"I didn't think I'd get to meet an obocchan from the Ootori family here. Did you sneak out, too? Next time, I'll be sure to frequent your family's resort facilities," she says.

"It is my honor," Kyoya responds. Haruhi remembers initially seeing the older woman but not being able to see the ring on her left hand—meaning, he had no idea who she was when he acted. "Hey, Haruhi, do you know about this?" Kyoya asks, interrupting her thoughts.

"Huh? What?"

"Is melon that popular of a flavor among snack makers?" Kyoya inquires.

"Huh?"

"I'm not really knowledgeable in this area, but to make corn snacks taste like melon, since they're not actual melon, wouldn't it just feel weird eating these?" Kyoya asks.

Haruhi bursts into laughter. "Fufufufu! Hahaha!"

"Hm?" Kyoya is puzzled.

"That's a rather interesting view," Haruhi says.

"Was that supposed to be funny?"

"Well, because you just said that there's not a millimeter of similarity or whatnot, but now you just said something Tamaki-senpai would say," Haruhi explains.

"Hm? I see. Tamaki and the twins would be happy to see stuff like this. All right, I'll buy it. Haruhi, your wallet," Kyoya decides.

"Ahh, so that's how it is. I'm the one paying," Haruhi realizes.

•••

The sisters wander into another store, this one full of an eclectic mix of vintage and modern fashion pieces. Asami's eyes lit up when she spots a rack of vintage blouses, and she eagerly starts flipping through them. Sakura follows, a bit more reserved, but curious. Asami pulls out a delicate periwinkle blouse with lace details. "What do you think of this one?" she asks, holding it up for Sakura to see.

Before Sakura could answer, a voice interrupts. "Asami, is that you?" Asami turns around to see Kazuki, his expression shifts to one of cautious curiosity when he notices Sakura standing beside her.

"Kazuki! Hi!" Asami greets him warmly, though she feels a slight tension in the air. "This is my  half-sister, Sakura."

Kazuki nods slowly, his gaze shifting between the two sisters. "Nice to meet you, Sakura," he says, though his tone is guarded. Asami frowns, unsure why her friend is acting so strange around Sakura.

"Nice to meet you too," Sakura replies, offering a polite smile.

Asami, sensing the awkwardness, quickly tries to fill the silence. "Kazuki and I go way back. We grew up together in a small town so we did everything together."

"Yeah, we've had some interesting times," Kazuki comments, his tone softening a bit. "So, what brings you two here?"

"We're just doing some sisterly bonding," Sakura answers, glancing at Asami with a smile. "Trying to catch up on lost time."

Kazuki's eyes narrow slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. "That's... good to hear."

"What are you doing here?" Asami asks.

"I'm shopping for some presents. My mother's birthday is coming up soon and I'll be heading back to Shirakawa. I thought she'll like some clothes from here." He says.

"I can't believe I forgot!" Asami gasps, "I need to get her something too."

"It's okay," Kazuki assures her, "she understands how your life has been turned upside down this last year. She won't be offended if you don't bathing for her."

"No, here's some money," Asami ruffles through her purse and pulls out some yen. "Use this to buy her a shirt you think she'll like and make sure you tell her it's from me."

"You're too sweet, she'll be more than happy to get just a text from you." Kazuki states.

"Absolutely not, your mother has done so much for me throughout my childhood. She's practically my second mother." Asami states and shoves the money into his hands.

"She'll be so happy to hear you say that." He laughs, and accepts the money. "I'll send you a picture of your present later. I'm glad I ran into you. We should catch up about how our summer breaks went soon, maybe over coffee. I'll tell Hikari and Kaori so they can join us too."

"Absolutely," Asami agrees. "I can't wait for them to tell us about how that volleyball summer camp training went. Maybe Kaori finally landed Kozume." She glances at Sakura to see her awkwardly glancing around. "Sakura, you'd be welcome to join us too. I'm sure my other friends would like to meet you as well."

Sakura's eyes flicker with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. "That sounds nice."

Kazuki smiles, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Sure, the more the merrier." He turns to Asami. "I'll see you around then. Take care."

As Kazuki walks away, he pulls out a phone and is seen talking to someone urgently. Asami sighs. "Sorry about that. Kazuki can be a bit protective."

"It's okay," Sakura states, her voice soft. "I get it. He's looking out for you." They continue browsing the store, the encounter with Kazuki a reminder that building their newfound sisterly relationship would have its challenges. But as they shared opinions on clothes and laughed at some of the more outlandish outfits, Asami feels a renewed sense of hope. They are on a journey, and while there would be bumps along the way, they are taking it together.

•••

On the roof of the department building, Tamaki struggles on the ground as his new dog, Antoinette, licks him enthusiastically.

"Ahh! You're so heavy! I said you're heavy!" Tamaki exclaims, trying to fend off the affectionate dog.

Nearby, Mitsukuni eats ice cream contentedly, while Hikaru and Kaoru enjoy a ride on the merry-go-round, laughing together. "Hehehe... Hehehe..." they chuckle.

A stage show begins, drawing a crowd of children, including the Host Club members, who watch with wide eyes.

"Ahhh!" the children gasp in unison.

Mitsukuni eyes sparkle with excitement. "Ah... Ohh!"

"Ohh!" Hikaru and Kaoru echo.

From the stage, Renge's familiar laugh rings out. "Ohohohoho!"

Mitsukuni calls out to Tamaki, "Tama-chan, something's about to start!"

"Ahh..." Tamaki responds, distracted by Antoinette.

"Ohohohoho!" Renge continues her laughter. Renge finally appears on her platform on stage, striking a dramatic pose. "Ohohohoho! Ohohohoho! Hoho! Hi, everyone~!" She addresses the audience, "Second semester starts tomorrow! Have you all finished your summer homework?" The children murmur among themselves, uncertain. "Huh? Not yet?" Renge feigns shock. "Then don't be staying here. Go home and finish your homework!"

Tamaki, puzzled, asks, "Why is Renge-kun here?"

Hikaru and Kaoru exchange knowing looks. "Lately she's been..." Hikaru begins.

"... covering a very extensive range of activities..." Kaoru finishes.

Suddenly, Renge gasps. "Ahh!"

The Host Club looks on in confusion. "Huh?" they murmur.

A menacing figure, a namahage, grabs Renge by her neck. "Hahahaha!" he laughs sinisterly.

"Hey, kids! Naughty kids like you that are out playing and not doing homework won't be able to go home now!" the namahage threatens.

"Ahh..." the children whimper.

The namahage declares, "I, Dr. Namahage, have taken over this Bonmal Department Store!"

Renge, playing along, cries out, "Help me, Ouran Power Host Rangers!"

The children, caught up in the performance, cry, "Wahh..."

A heroic voice interrupts. "That's the end of it!" A black Power Ranger-type figure appears on stage.

"Ahh!" the children exclaim.

The namahage taunts, "Oh, you're the one they call the shadow leader of the Host Rangers!"

The hero strikes a pose. "Host... Black!"

Mitsukuni suddenly wonders aloud, "Oh yeah, where's Kyo-chan?"

Hikaru, Kaoru, and Mitsukuni all look around. "Ah..."

Tamaki follows suit. "Ah..."

"And we're missing Asami," Hikaru states after realizing that she is also missing. Kaoru and Tamaki begin to full blown freak out as Takashi calms Mitsukuni down.

•••

Haruhi and Kyoya sit some distance apart near the floor guide, the noise of the bustling mall around them.

"Kyoya-senpai," Haruhi begins.

"Hm?" Kyoya responds, looking up.

"I'm sure Tamaki-senpai feels he's benefitted from helping others," Haruhi says thoughtfully.

Kyoya nods slightly. "I'm sure he does, just different kinds of benefits."

Haruhi tilts her head, curiosity in her eyes. "Then what do you consider as benefits? Money or reputation? Or some specific kind of material gain?" Kyoya remains silent, prompting Haruhi to continue. "I do think that Tamaki-senpai feels he's benefitted from things even I consider irrelevant, but I think you resemble Tamaki-senpai a lot." Kyoya stands up abruptly as a lost child announcement comes on over the mall's intercom.

"This is a call for two lost children. This is a call for a lost child. Ootori Kyoya-kun from Tokyo, Souh Asami-chan from Tokyo. Ootori Kyoya-kun and Souh Asami-chan. Your guardian, Souh-sama, is waiting for you at the second-floor counter."

On the other side of the mall, Asmai freezes and facepalms at the announcement.

"Ahh..." Haruhi murmurs, glancing at Kyoya. "I wonder where Asami is."

"Kyoya-kun is 180 centimeters in height and wears glasses..." The announcer continues. "Asami-chan is 158 centimeters in height and has blonde hair..."

The crowd around them begins to murmur. "Isn't it that person? It's that person. He got lost even at that age? Mister, are you okay?"

Kyoya's face flushes with embarrassment and anger. "That idiot... I'm going to kill him!" he growls.

"Eeeek!!" Haruhi yelps, startled by Kyoya's sudden outburst.

Others gather around Asami. "Dear, are you alright?" They warily eye Sakura. "Do you need help?"

"Tamaki! You're dead!" Asami shouts, stomping toward the second floor counter with Sakura in tow.

•••

Kyoya storms to the second-floor service counter where the rest of the Host Club is gathered.

"Oh?" they exclaim in unison as they see him approach.

Tamaki beams. "Ohh, Kyoya! You were safe!! Now we must wait for Asami to show up. Huh? But why's Haruhi here, too?"

Mitsukuni bounces excitedly. "Haru-chan, Haru-chan! Let's play together!"

Hikaru and Kaoru join in. "Let's play! Let's play!"

Haruhi shakes her head, exhausted. "No, I'm going home. I'm pretty tired today."

Antoinette barks and begins to lick Tamaki. "Ahh! Hey, wait!" Tamaki laughs, trying to fend off the dog's affectionate attack.

"Hm?" Haruhi pauses.

"Hahaha! Stop! Stop!" Tamaki pleads, still laughing.

Kyoya raises an eyebrow. "What's that dog?"

Tamaki grins sheepishly. "Phew... She's fine, right? I bought her from the pet shop on the roof. Haha! Stop, Antoinette!"

Kyoya sighs. "Haa... How exactly am I like this idiot?"

Haruhi looks up at Kyoya, a knowing smile on her face. "When you were helping that madam, you said you helped her after seeing her ring. That's a lie, right? When we first saw that madam, we couldn't see the ring at all. There was a flag standing in front of her. I really don't get it. Senpai, you purposely act like an egoist, but since you're really not an egoist, it feels weird." She grins up at Kyoya.

"Tamaki!" They turn to see Asami storm toward them with an angry look on her face and Sakura following her. They blink in surprise at the sight of Sakura. "That was so embarrassing!" Her hands wrap around his throat and she violently shakes him.

Kaoru and Kyoya both are blushing a bit, clearly checking Asami out in her new dress. "Asami," Kyoya calls out. Asami releases her brother and faces him. "I bought you something today. Please turn around and lift your hair." She raises an eyebrow but does as he asks. He goes into his pocket and pulls out the pearl necklace from earlier. He sent money over to Haruhi's card so she could buy it for him since his wallet was missing. He gently places it around her neck, clipping it into place.

"Oh Kyoya, it's beautiful." Asami's fingers softly run over the necklace and a smile overtakes her face. "Thank you!" She leans up and kisses his cheeks. Kaoru watches with envy, wishing that it was him in Kyoya's place. His fingers fiddle with the gift he got for her earlier. He wanted to give it to her when he saw her, but now feels awkward since it's obvious that Kyoya's gift costs much more than his. Haruhi and Hikaru exchange a glance and silently communicate—they need to act if they don't want their ship to die.

"Sakura? What are you doing here?" Tamaki questions nervously.

"I ran into Asami and we decided to have a sisterly shopping trip." Sakura smiles at him.

"Really?" Tamaki is clearly surprised at this and looks at Asami. She nods her head at him, knowing the hidden question in his eyes. "Maybe we can all have a sibling shopping trip soon."

"I'd like that." Sakura states. Her phone rings and she pulls it out, glancing at it. "My dad's waiting for me in the parking lot. Bye Asami, thank you for hanging out with me." She hugs Asami tightly before releasing her and glancing at Tamaki. Tammi eagerly opens his arms and Sakura laughs as she hugs him as well. "Bye Tamaki, bye guys." She wave goodbye and leaves the group.

"So," Haruhi nudges Asami, "how was it?"

"It was nice." Asami replies with a soft smile. "Maybe I judged her too quickly."

Later that night, Asami is getting ready for bed when a knock sounds at her door. She opens it and tilts her head to the side when she sees Hana. "Hello Miss, someone left this on the doorstep for you." Asmai curiously takes the box and note.

"Thanks, Hana." She closes her doors and goes to her bed. She sits down, staring at the two items in front of her. She opens the note first.

Dear Asami,

In the quiet moments, when the world slows down, I find myself thinking of you. You, with your boundless drive and passion, inspire me in ways I cannot fully express. Your love for Thor, his strength and bravery, mirrors your own relentless pursuit of your dreams. I see that same spark in your eyes, that determination to conquer whatever stands in your way.

You have a grace about you, a subtle elegance that shines through, much like the pearls you adore. They remind me of you—timeless, beautiful, and full of depth. And then there's your love for cats, those independent yet affectionate creatures. I imagine you find comfort in their soft purrs and gentle companionship, a soothing balm for your emotions.

Periwinkle, that delicate shade of blue-violet, suits you perfectly. It's calm yet vibrant, much like your spirit. I've seen you light up when talking about Spirited Away and Attack on Titan, two worlds where you lose yourself, finding parallels to your own life—from being a scared girl thrust into the unknown to a resourceful woman determined to achieve her dreams.

I know you struggle with your feelings sometimes, but it's that very struggle that makes you so incredibly human and relatable. I often wonder what it is about chirashi and red bean cake that brings you joy. Is it the burst of flavors, the harmony of ingredients, or the simple pleasure of indulging in something you love? In many ways, you are like these dishes—multifaceted, full of surprises, and delightfully unique.

Asami, you are a constellation of beautiful contradictions and harmonious complexities. I wish I could tell you this in person, to see your reaction, to hear your thoughts. But for now, I remain in the shadows, your secret admirer, cherishing the moments I get to witness your incredible journey.

Perhaps one day, I will find the courage to step into the light, to stand before you and share these feelings openly. However, I am acutely aware that you have a fiancé, Kyoya. It is clear that he is a lucky man to have won your heart. My intention is not to disrupt the happiness you share with him, but merely to express the admiration and affection I hold for you.

Until then, know that you are admired, respected, and loved, more than words can convey.

Yours always,
Your Secret Admirer

Asami blinks in utter surprise, wondering who could've written this because she does not recognize the handwriting (Hikaru made sure that one of the twin maids wrote it after pointing out to Kaoru that Asami knows both of their handwritings). She slowly opens the box and grins when she sees a copy of Bella Swan's wedding ring.

Another note is inside the box.

Dear Asami,

But maybe you can help me step into the light by figuring out who I am and maybe I do want to disrupt the happiness between Kyoya and you. I want to be in his position, to be able to love you in the light.

I have Edward's wedding ring. 

Come find me.

Yours always,
Your Secret Admirer