(picture above is Inukai)

Super long update as apology for not updating in over a year! I'm SO sorry!!!

Ryuko's POV
___________

I roll over in irritation as Hikaru's phone rings. 

We're three days into summer vacation, and the twins are sleeping over at our place. I was just gonna stay in my room, but Tetsu convinced me to watch movies with them and we all fell asleep together. 

"Hikaru.. Answer your phone.." Kaoru mumbles, and I hear him move around on the floor. A couple seconds later, Tetsu's phone rings too. I groan. 

"Don't you recognize that ringtone?" I mutter, already plotting murder.

"What does he want at six am? Can't he let us sleep?" Tetsu sighs, groping for his phone.

"He's probably been up since dawn." Hikaru says, grabbing his too. "Ugh it's a conference call. Yea, what?" Hikaru answers and so does Tetsu, just as my phone rings. 

Grabbing it, I answer. "Whoever had the mindset of it being a good idea to call me this early is asking for a death wish." 

"SHE'S GONE!" Tamaki screeches, causing all three of us to pull our phones away from our ears. "My beloved daughter has been kidnapped and taken for ransom! Sold to a band of gypsies! I just know it! Call the police! Kyoya get your police force out immediately!"

"Boss you're not making any sense." Hikaru says after Tamaki shuts up.

"Yea Tama-Chan, what's happened?" Mitsukuni's voice yawns over the phone. 

"Speak some sense will you?" Tetsu says, yawning too and sitting up. I crawl over to him to lay in his lap. I'm pretty sure he was cuddling with Hikaru and Kaoru last night..

"Haruhi! She's gone! I've been calling her to check up on her but no one's answered!"

"What do you mean Haruhi's gone?" Kaoru asks worriedly, answering his own phone to join in on the conversation.

"Haru-Chan's really missing?" Mitsukuni asks.

"And her family's gone bankrupt?" Mori asks, his deep voice sounding weird over call.

"It's the only explanation I can think of! I've been calling their house and Ranka's phone for the past several days! They must have been evicted and forced into slavery! We have to go and rescue them right now!"

"Can you please not be so loud?" I cringe at his continued screaming, not overly concerned about the Haruhi thing. Surely nothing bad has happened to her in the time span of three days.

"Have you tried calling her cell phone yet?" Tetsu suggests, running a hand through my hair, making me smile in content.

There's a moment of silence on the line before Tamaki freaks out again. "How on earth could Haruhi have a cell phone!? But of course.. she was given one by a secret underground network of commoners called the plebian exchange.."

"Dumbass.." I mumble quietly, rolling my eyes.

"Not to interrupt this delusion of yours Tamaki, but Haruhi is currently in Karuizawa." Kyoya finally chimes in.

"Eh? Haruhi was forced out of her home, kidnapped and sold to gypsies, and forced into slavery.. in Karuizawa?"

"Moron." Kyoya sighs and ends the call.

I do the same, along with Kaoru and Tetsu. Hikaru talks a bit longer before hanging up too. 

"Man she's gone and left us." He pouts, leaning back against Tetsu's side. 

"It's not as fun without her." Kaoru sighs, leaning against the other side of Tetsu.

"Am I not good enough for you guys?" I joke, and they both chuckle slightly.

"So.. what're we gonna do now?" Tetsu asks.

~*~*~ TIMESKIP ~*~*~

So now we're all in Karuizawa at a place called Pension Misuzu, where Haruhi is working. Oh, did I also mention Inukai was forced to come with us? But lucky for him, he knows Misuzu personally and has already gotten a room, that my mother is forcing us to share. What joy.

"These handsome young men must belong to Haruhi~!" Misuzu gushes over us all, looking at everyone. I'm also dressed like a boy by the way. Wrapped chest, black skinny jeans, red muscle t-shirt and a leather vest with a chain on the side. Spiked belt, and combat boots. Misuzu and I are playing opposites, though I must say he plays it off very.. charmingly?

"He's an old friend of Ranka's. They used to work together at the same shop years ago." Kyoya informs us and I nod.

"Of course you would know." Tamaki says in irritation and I see Haruhi rolling her eyes and staring at the ceiling in the background.

"Kill me.." 

I chuckle, walking over to her and patting her on the shoulder. "It's okay Haruhi. I don't wanna be here either."

"It's not that," She mumbles as the guys talk with Misuzu. "I like it here, but I just wanted to have the summer alone to myself without you guys trailing me wherever I go."

"Hey this wasn't my idea, blame the blonde idiot over there." I say, pointing at Tamaki. 

"Haruhi, dear, why don't you make some tea for these fine gentlemen?" Misuzu suggests, and Haruhi grudgingly goes to make it.

"Thank you Misuzu~ We'll just wait outside so we're not in your way." Inukai smiles warmly, and ushers us all outside.

"So Ryuko, you never did introduce your friend here." Kyoya says once we're all seated at tables.

"Oh, this is Inukai, a suitor that my mom really likes." I introduce blandly, glancing up at him. "We're chill with each other."

He nods, smiling. "I've no intention of marrying you, but it gets both of our parents off our backs."

"Ah, so you still haven't told your parents about yours and Huni-Senpai's relationship." Kyoya infers, which I nod to.

"Here you go guys." Haruhi comes back out with a tray of tea cups, handing them out to everybody. 

"So you turned down our invitation to Bali for this?" The twins ask her as they take their tea. Oh yea that's right, those two invited Tetsu, Haruhi, and I to Bali. I forgot.

"And we asked you to go to Switzerland with us, didn't we Takashi?" Huni pouts. He also invited me too.

"Yea, we did." Mori confirms. He didn't want me to come. Haha.

"Which is why I suggested one of my family's resorts, and at a discount no less." Kyoya says, pushing up his glasses while writing in his notebook.

"Traitors." Tamaki's voice shudders with anger somewhere to my left, and I look over to see him coming out of the bushes. Uhh..? "Asking Haruhi to go on trips with you behind my back. What about our family? Togetherness is our guiding principle! Have you no shame? I work to the bone to make this club how it is, and this is the thanks I get?" He rants, crumpling to the ground, leaves and twigs stuck in his hair.

"We don't have any shame Tamaki. Why didn't you ask her to go somewhere?" I inquire, and I see him flinch and then sob.

"Why did you have-"

"Your cell phone turned off?" The twins interrogate, ignoring Tamaki like the rest of us.

"Yea how're we supposed to contact you?" Tetsu asks

"I just forgot about it." Haruhi shrugs and I see Tamaki get us and walk over to us.

"Did you say... you have a cell phone?" He asks, and all five of us hold up our phones.

"We convinced her to take one of our old ones so we can keep in touch." Hikaru says, smirking.

"It's all part of a special friends and family program." Kaoru continues.

"We're in each other's top five." Tetsu follows.

"Top five?!" Tamaki exclaims and goes off to his fantasy world for a second. "But.. i'm your daddy and buddy, so I'm part of the plan too, right?" He asks hopefully and I snort in laughter.

"Senpai, whatever planet your on, come home." She mutters. Smiling, I pocket my phone and go over to Huni and Mori's table, standing behind Huni and leaning on his shoulders. Misuzu brought him some cake, and I wanna steal some. 

I overhear Haruhi asking why we have to bug her during summer vacation while letting Huni feed me~

"According to the Ouran hand book, job's are prohibited." Kyoya reads and I laugh slightly as Haruhi pales. I sit back as the host club guilt trips her into letting them stay. I can tell she's internally screaming.

"I'm sorry boys, but I'm afraid there's only one vacant room left in the pension. I won't have enough room for all of you." Misuzu says, appearing out of nowhere and making me jump.

"Only one room? Then I shall stay to represent the club!" Tamaki declares and instantly the rest of the club exclaims in protest.

"Here's an idea!" I shout, shutting everyone up. "How about a little game?"

"But aren't you and Inukai already staying here?" Tetsu asks, confused.

"Yea, but this way you'll all stop fighting." I continue, "It'll be a competition, 'The Guest Relations Odd Jobs Contest at Pension Misuzu's.' You all lend a hand around the pension for the afternoon, and whoever is deemed worthy enough by Misuzu, will get the vacant room."

"That's a great idea Ryu~" The twins grins, patting me on the head. I send a glare their way and their hands retreat.

"That's an absolutely delightful idea! Yes, the winner will be determined by how refreshing they are! Remember, refreshing is the name of the game in guest relations!" Misuzu cheers, spinning.

"Refreshing! Refreshing! Yay!" The twins and Huni cheer, doing a little war dance.

"Now don't think this'll be just a walk in the park! I plan on working you boys to the bone." Misuzu says dramatically, pointing at the guys.

"Why me.." Haruhi mutters, groaning.

~*~*~ 

Inukai and I are sitting at one of the tables outside, enjoying cups of tea with Kyoya sitting next to us, writing in his notebook. Tamaki and Huni are out back trying to repair a fence, the twins are leading guests to their rooms, Mori is fixing a wobbly table, and Tetsu is feverently cleaning the bar area.

"Kyoya? Why aren't you part of this?" Haruhi asks, walking outside.

"It seems kind of pointless to me. Winning would mean being here alone, and that frankly doesn't appeal to me. I'll just sit back and watch, and then head for the cottage."

"Cottage?" I ask.

"Why of course. All of our families have one near here."

"Then why go through all the fuss of staying here?" Inukai asks skeptically. I shrug in response. It's the host club, what else do you expect?

"So who do you think would win? Do you have a preference?" Kyoya inquires, looking at Haruhi.

"Not a clue."

"I'd say Tamaki, because he is refreshing but he gets no work done." I say, watching him as he caresses his thumb which he hit with a hammer. "Huni is too sweet for his own good. My brother is great and all, but he's kind of a clutz. Ideally you could say the twins, but then again there's the tall one." I nod towards Mori, who's now shirtless and chopping firewood even though it's seventy degrees.

"Good insight, Ryuko." Kyoya compliments me and I hum in response.

"So you think it'll be Mori-Senpai?" Haruhi asks.

"It could possibly well be, but you and I both know the likelihood of him leaving Huni-Senpai's side, so he's more than likely to drop out himself." Kyoya says, confirming my own thoughts.

"Which means-"

"Victory will be ours~" Hikaru and Kaoru say, walking towards us.

"When we do win," Hikaru starts.

"Your brother is free to join us too." Kaoru finishes, looking at me.

"Well maybe not. I looked earlier, and the vacant room we have only has one bed. There wouldn't be enough room for the both of you, let alone Kotetsu." Haruhi informs them and they both shrug.

"We don't mind, we can just bring another bed over from the cottage." Kaoru says, wrapping an arm around Kaoru.

"Or we could squeeze into the single~" Hikaru grins.

I hum, "How sweet~ You two are always together. Now you just have to squeeze my brother in between you two gay asses." 

"That'll be easy." Hikaru waves his hand dismissively.

"And of course we're always together." Kaoru continues, blushing faintly at my gay comment.

"We have been since birth, so we haven't ever needed anybody else." Hikaru says, taking my tea and drinking it himself.

"We never bothered with making friends until a couple years ago, Hikaru and I both thought the world was just made up of idiots." Kaoru says, taking Inukai's tea. 

I roll my eyes, "The world is made up of idiots."

"But then..." Hikaru hums, looking at me, then Haruhi, and glancing inside where Tetsu is. "Well that was before we met you, Haruhi. And Ryuko and Kotetsu~" 

"Yea we'd totally let any of you sleep with us." Kaoru grins and I move to slap him, but he dodges.

"Y'know the contest still isn't over. There are other ways to make this... more interesting." Kyoya pipes in, sipping his own tea.

"Oh yea? Like how?" Inukai asks.

"Thinking of helping the boss Kyoya-Senpai?" Hikaru asks.

"There's no point. We will win." Kaoru says in determination.

Kyoya chuckles as Misuzu calls Hikaru and Kaoru over to do another chore, and Haruhi leaves to go back inside. Inukai and I converse with Kyoya on who we think will win. After another twenty minutes, we hear Tamaki scream in agony and we all look over to see him sobbing on the ground with Misuzu walking away from him. Behind him, the fence he was fixing in an even worse state than it was before he tried fixing it. I start to laugh, and so does Inukai.

"So when were you planning on helping him?" I ask Kyoya, who pushes up his glasses and moves to stand. 

"Might as well be now." Kyoya smirks slightly and walks off. I get up to follow him but my phone rings. Looking at the called ID I see it's my mother and I groan. 

Knowing she'll flip a lid if I ignore her, I answer. "What."

"Greet your mother properly. Now I know you're in Karuizawa spending time with Inukai, but are you dressed properly?"

"Properly as in...?" I say blandly, a bitter taste filling my mouth.

"A lady!" 

"Nope, I'm dressed as a dude." I bite out, crossing my arms.

"I demand you change right now." Mother orders sternly. "And you have to send me a picture of you dressed nicely. Otherwise I'm sending Cletus over there to bring you home."

"God okay!" I groan as she threatens me. "Give me a bit will you?" And I hang up on her.

"Everything okay?" Inukai asks and I sigh heavily. 

"My mom wants me to be dressed 'properly' when I'm with you." I say, beginning to walk towards the pension doors. "Give me ten minutes and I'll be back downstairs."

"Oh, okay. Room 16 by the way."

"Thanks." Going upstairs, I find our room and see my suitcase set on the bed. Opening it, I glare at all the frilly clothes the maids packed for me. Grabbing a floral pleated skirt, and a light blue t-shirt I get dressed. Looking in the mirror I frown at how girly and cute I am. Taking the t-shirt off, I find a pair of scissors and cut it into a tank top that's tied in the back and cut it short enough to show my stomach. Putting it back on, I keep my combat boots on and skip the makeup. Sending a quick picture to my mother, I finally head back downstairs to the sound of a piano. 

I didn't even know the pension had a piano. Following the sound, I find Tamaki and Tetsu playing mozart together. Misuzu is gushing over them. Grinning I walk over to them. "Hey, how about adding a little singing?" 

"Aw my kosai looks so cute~" Tamaki coos, and I glare at him to shut him up.

"Sounds good. What song?" Tetsu asks as him and Tamaki finish their song.

"Everything Has Changed?" I ask, looking around the pension for Inukai. Seeing him across the room, I beckon him over. "Him and I will sing."

"What." Inukai says, looking down at me.

"We're singing."

"Oh okay, what song?" He asks. I tell him as Tetsu and Tamaki start to play.

https://youtu.be/Vm6YB4XsQXE

I start, "All I knew, this morning when I woke
Is I know something now, know something now, I didn't before
And all I've seen, since eighteen hours ago
Is green eyes, and freckles and your smile in the back of my mind making me feel like"

Inukai sings with me, "I just want to know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just want to know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just want to know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just want to know you, know you, know you

'Cause all I know is we said hello
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name, everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed"

Inukai takes over, and I glance around at the packed cafe. Many people were watching us with warm smiles. 

"And all my walls, stood tall painted blue
But I'll take 'em down, take 'em down, and open up the door for you"

We sing together, "And all I feel in my stomach is butterflies the beautiful kind
Making up for lost time, taking flight, making me feel like
I just want to know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just want to know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just want to know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just want to know you, know you, know you

'Cause all I know is we said hello
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name, everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed

Come back and tell me why
I'm feeling like I've missed you all this time
And meet me there tonight
And let me know that it's not all in my mind"

Me, "I just want to know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just want to know you, know you, know you"

Together, "All I know is we said hello
Your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name, everything has changed."

The song ends and polite clapping fills the room. I grin slightly as Inukai blushes. Kotetsu gets up, saying something about needing to talk to Hikaru. I curtsey to the guests as Tamaki continues to play.  Humming the song to myself I walk towards the bar to ask for a lemonade when Hikaru pulls me into the kitchen.

Out of instinct I go to punch him because he surprised me. "Oh it's you. What do you want?"

"I can't find garbage bags." He pouts.

"And you think I know where they are?"I ask, shaking his hands off of me.

Hikaru whines, "Well help me!"

Sighing, I walk back out of the kitchen. Seeing Haruhi, I flag her over. "Hey, where are some trash bags? Hikaru's looking for some."

"Oh they're in the storage closet in the back of the kitchen. I'll get him one."

"Thanks Haruhi~ Would you wanna bring it out back for me? Kaoru and I are supposed to be sweeping the porch." He grins that cheshire grin and puts his arm around my shoulders, guiding me outside.

"Nani, why are you dragging me along?" I ask irritably, kind of wanting some sweets.

"Because~ It's more fun with you around~"

I roll my eyes, walking around back and finding Kaoru talking with Tetsu. Glancing up, a couple of guests open a window to listen to Tamaki's music better. Narrowing my eyes slightly, I gasp quietly as one of the girls leans out the window, knocking a flower vase off the window sill, with Kaoru and Kotetsu standing right underneath.

It happened quickly, Kotetsu looked up a split second before Kaoru pushed him out of the way. I was already running to them, Hikaru by my side.

"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry! Are you two alright?" The girl asks in a panic. I wanted to strangle her.

"We're okay~!" Kaoru laughs, looking at my brother. "Right?"

"Kotetsu!" "Kaoru!" We both shout, running up the steps and hugging our twin.

"Are you hurt?" I ask fretfully, looking him over from head to toe.

"No I'm alright, but Kaoru.." He frowns and looks at him.

"You're hurt let me see." Hikaru says sternly, examining Kaoru. Looking closer, I see a piece of glass cut his cheek.

"It's only a little scratch, I'm fine." Kaoru brushes it off, talking quietly.

"Are you sure? That looks like it hurts." My brother fawns over him, moving closer to the gingers, putting a hand on Kaoru's shoulder as Hikaru rests his head on Kaoru's other shoulder.

"G-guys..?" Kaoru asks tentatively, and I raise an eyebrow, backing up slightly as I spot Misuzu and many cafe guests watching this dramatic scene.

"You scared me.. both of you." Hikaru says, looking at Kotetsu and grabbing his hand.

"I-i'm sorry.." Tetsu says shyly, shocked he's being added in this brotherly love act.

"Do you forgive us..?" Kaoru asks, giving Hikaru a warm smile. Hikaru nods and smiles and hugs them both.

They stay like that for maybe five seconds and then Misuzu bursts out of the doors, crying profusely. "Bravo! Bravo! 100 points to the Hitachiin brothers and Kotetsu!! Perfects scores, all three of you win!"

"Congrats you guys. But next time you do a little stage act, don't add my brother in it. Thanks."

"Eh? You guys staged that?" Kotetsu asks, and I frown in the slightest. He thought it was genuine.

"Well now who could say~?" They both grin in unison, standing up. "But now you get to sleep with us~" And they both pull him to his feet. At this, my brother blushes and I laugh slightly, turning to walk back inside.

"Ne Ryu-Chan you're coming to my cottage with me right?" Mitsukuni asks, grabbing my hand as I walk inside.

"My mom wants me staying here with Inukai, I'm sorry Huni." I shrug slightly, and he pouts. "We can hang out tomorrow okay?"

At this he perks up and nods, smiling his adorable smile. He kisses the top of my head before skipping off to Mori. I roll my eyes, walking over to Inukai.

~*~ Next Morning ~*~

Luckily, the room Inukai got had two beds, so we didn't have to sleep in the same bed. Though I'll probably joke to Mitsukuni later that we had to sleep in the same bed. Waking up I put on a flowery summer dress the maids packed for me, though keeping my combat boots on instead of the intricate sandals they packed.

I woke up late, Inukai had already went downstairs to have breakfast. Looking at the clock as I tie up my boots I see it's already nine thirty. Walking downstairs, I come upon quite a scene. A scene you'd only find with the host club.

Tamaki was crying in a corner, Hikaru and Kaoru were comforting him, Haruhi was deadpanned and Tetsu was eating breakfast with Inukai. Kyoya, Mori, and Mitsukuni must still be at their cottages. 

"Tamaki is being a sissy again why?" I ask unconcerned as I go over to Kotetsu to steal some of his food.

"The boss made a manual for the host club," 

"And it required for us to be awake by six AM." The twins say, finally giving up on Tamaki's waterfall of tears.

"Then we mentioned you, Huni-Senpai, and Kyoya." Kotetsu says nonchalantly and it clicks to me. None of us would be awake at that time willingly, as we're not early risers. I nod in understanding, chuckling quietly.

The door chimes a moment later and a guy walks in carrying a crate of food. "Arai's produce!"

"Ah fine fine, a handsome high schooler who works~" Misuzu fawns, appearing out of nowhere. "Haruhi dear would you bring this produce back to the kitchens for me please?" 

"Sure, Misuzu-chi, right away." Haruhi calls, going over. All of us were watching curiously.

"Haruhi.. Fujioka?" The produce guy says, looking at her. Hmmmm?

"Oh.. hey Arai." Haruhi responds after a moment of shock. The twins and Tamaki both gasp and stare at each other as if this Arai dude was an alien who had the audacity to talk to their precious Haruhi.

"Aw it's a little reunion~" Inukai hums quietly. 

"He's kinda cute." Tetsu says quietly, and both of the twins stare at him skeptically. I laugh.

"So uhm.. are these your friends?" Arai asks awkwardly, seeing all of our stares.

"Oh these are just some classmates of mine. The twins are Hikaru and Kaoru, they're in my class. The other two are Kotetsu and Ryuko, and they're also in my class. The tall one is Ryu's friend, Inukai, and the blonde one is my Sen-" Haruhi stops herself, thinking of something and then continuing. "An acquaintance of mine." I laugh as Tamaki's soul breaks.

"Well are you two just going to stand there blocking the entrance?" I ask, standing up and walking over myself.

"Yea come in and have a drink, you and Haruhi can catch up." Tetsu suggests, smiling. I take the crate of produce from Arai, bringing it to the back where Misuzu said it should go. 

By the time I get back, the rest of the hosts are here, and everyone was sitting at a table with Arai and Haruhi, minus the gingers, who were at the bar drinking lemonade. When Mitsukuni sees me he skips over immediately to give me a hug which I reflect by flipping him over my shoulder.

"Oh gosh, are you okay?" Arai panics slightly, and I see Inukai's eyes widen slightly.

"Don't worry, it's a normal occurance." I respond casually, helping him to his feet after while he pouts at me.

"You're so mean Ryu-Chan." Mitsukuni pouts and I scoff slightly. 

"We'll be right back. Continue what is was you were doing." I wave my hand at the group and then grab Mitsukuni, steering him outside.

"Hm~? What're we doing Ryu-Chan~?" He giggles, grabbing my hand as we walk out.

"I wanna smoke." At this, he pouts slightly again, taking out a carton and handing it to me. He's still been carrying all of my cigarettes since mom brought those dogs. Him and I walk a ways away from the pension before stopping by a bench near a park. Sitting down, I light it up and take a drag.

"Arai-Chan seems nice, hm?" Mitsukuni starts a conversation and I nod slightly.

"Hikaru and Kaoru are jealous though, I can tell. Especially when my brother called Arai cute." 

"Wait- is Tetsu-Chan gay?" He asks questionably and I nod.

"Don't blab about it though." I warn him, giving him a side glare and he nods.

"Do you think Hika-Chan and Kao-Chan might start something?"

"There's a high possibility." I shrug slightly. We sit in a comfortable silence, Mitsukuni putting his arm around my shoulders at some point. Once I finish my cigarette we're still sitting comfortable, watching the people walk by.

"What if my mom forces me to marry Inukai..." I say quietly after a while, looking down at my lap.

"You still have four months, things can still turn out okay." Mitsukuni says reassuringly, squeezing my shoulders and kissing my temple. "And if it doesn't, the host club and I will come up with a way to save you~" He giggles and I can't help but smile slightly.

"You want me to rely on that group of idiots? I don't think so."

"Aw c'mon Ryu-Chan~ You know you've softened up to us~" He coos, and I roll my eyes.

"Even if I have, which I really haven't, they're still not reliable. Tamaki and the twins sure aren't anyway." I look at him.

"Yea you do have a point."

The both of us laugh. Mitsukuni stands up and offers his hand. I brush him off and stand up myself. "You think we should head back?" I sigh when he nods. "Alright, but let's take our time."

~*~*~

"She's got lots of friends so she doesn't need you around anymore, got it?" Hikaru says as Huni and I walk in, just in time to see Haruhi slap him across the face. My eyes widen in shock. Shit's been down and we missed it. Well damn.

"That's not something for you to decide Hikaru! I'm not going to stand by and let you torment my friends that way, got it?!" Haruhi shouts, fuming.

"Hikaru.." Tetsu says quietly, standing up.

"Why should anyone else matter to you?" Hikaru whispers, glaring at the floor. "Are we not enough for you? I thought we were your friends!" He shouts in Haruhi's face and runs out of the room, upstairs. Kaoru and Kotetsu both follow.

"Um... what happened?" I question curiously, walking over and taking my brothers place at the table.

Kotetsu's POV
______________

"Hikaru!" I call his name with Kaoru as him and I chase after him to our room.

Kaoru knocks softly and we both walk in. "You have some anger issues.. aren't we a little old for that?" He asks, a teasing note to his voice.

"Don't act like you weren't upset too." Hikaru mumbles as Kaoru and I sit on either side of him on the bed.

"Well maybe, but I was more rational than you. You acted like a child with how selfish you were~ I've never seen you like that before. Haruhi was definitely surprised." Kaoru points out.

"I couldn't help it. I don't know why I was so angry but I was. I can't figure it out." Hikaru pouts and I rub his back.

"To me it sounded like you were jealous." I say quietly.

"Jealous? Jealous of what-?" Hikaru starts angirly, but Kaoru cuts him off.

"Why don't you go down and apologize to Arai." 

"No." He says flatly and lays down on the bed.

"Then let me at least. Give me your clothes." Kaoru stands up and holds his hand out. Groaning in protest, Hikaru complies, stripping to his boxers and handing his clothes to Kaoru while I try not to blush. He grabs his DS and then lays back in bed. Kaoru changes and then heads down to apologize as his twin. I lay next to Hikaru.

"So how long are you gonna be moody?" I question, watching him play games.

"I don't know. Until Arai has left." He mumbles, not looking at me.

"How about you and I go on a date tomorrow? Get your mind off of it?" I ask casually, resting my cheek against his shoulder.

"Wh-what?" 

"A date." I say simply, glancing at him to see him looking at me with a faint blush. I smile at him. "Please? I'll plan everything~"

"Eh.. alright..." Hikaru agrees after a couple moments, making me smile wide. I hug him as he blushes more.

~*~ The Next Day - Ryuko's POV ~*~
_________________________________

"You did what now?" I ask as everyone's rushing out of the pension to follow Hikaru and Haruhi.

"I faked being sick so Hikaru would take my place and treat her right." Kaoru says simply. We walk to a small cafe and he pushes us all inside, seeing the two up ahead.

Tetsu's been pouty the entire time too... As the hosts fawn over the two I pull my brother to the side. "What's wrong?"

"I asked Hikaru if he wanted to go on a date today to make him feel better about yesterday.. and he said yes. But then Kaoru made this plan.." He pouts slightly and I smile warmly, side hugging him. 

"I'll talk to the ginger for you okay?" I promise him and walk back towards the group.

"So these are the people you hang out with daily?" Inukai asks curiously and I see Mitsukuni give him a look.

I sigh heavily and nod. "It's a lot to take in I know. I'm surprised you've put up with them all for so long. Without my coping devices I'd've surely killed one of them by now." 

Inukai laughs while Mitsukuni pouts. Kaoru was holding Tamaki back while he screams fire about how he'd show Haruhi a better time than Hikaru.

"Baka king, calm the hell down." I say warningly and his shouts subside to whimpers as he slumps to the floor. "Kaoru, can I talk to you?"

"Hm~? Yea what's up~?" He walks over to me and I go out of earshot of the others. 

"Did you know that Kotetsu asked Hikaru on a date today? But you made him go on this date with Haruhi." I scold him, crossing my arms as I look up at him.

"W-wait, really?" He frowns, looking over at my brother, who was talking with Inukai while Mori was casually holding Tamaki back from sprinting outside.

"Yea.. make sure you make it up to him." I tell him sternly and he nods.

"Hey.. do you think this is Haru-Chan's first date?" Mitsukuni asks, looking at Hikaru and Haurhi who were still talking outside. As Kaoru and I walk back over, he hands me a small slice of cake the cafe offered. I smile faintly, eating it while watching Tamaki freak out all over again.

"How dare you do this?! And look at what she's wearing!! It's adorable!!!" Tamaki cries, shaking Kaoru's shoulders.

"I can explain!" Kaoru whines, prying Tamaki off of him. "I think it's a good idea for him to find other people he can be close to rather than just Kotetsu and I." Kaoru says, looking at my brother and giving him a smile. "Hikaru and I have really only depended on ourselves, and didn't care about what others thought. It's probably why we're so self-centered."

"Wait you're admitting it?" I ask, a little shocked.

"We've never had friends since joining the host club, and even then we still depend on ourselves more than anyone else. Now that Haruhi and Kotetsu and Ryuko are in the club, it's been different. A good different of course." Kaoru reassures us. "We all know Hikaru's a little immature, and can let his emotions take over. I'm not sure if you're all aware of it, but he truly cares about Haruhi, he just doesn't know how to react and his emotions take over. He's selfish and wants all of her attention. He wants her to notice him, but doesn't know how to make that happen. If you want true friends, friends who aren't your toys, then you have to learn to respect them. That's the only way to have a meaningful relationship. Since our little world, Haruhi and Kotetsu have impacted us the most.. and I think it's time for Hikaru to realize that himself." Kaoru finishes, nodding his head. We were all dumbfounded.

"That was.. amazing." Tamaki compliments, surprised Kaoru would share that much. Kotetsu runs up and hugs Kaoru tightly and I laugh quietly.

"So basically this is testing Hikaru to see if he can be compassionate towards others." Kyoya says bluntly and Kaoru nods.

"Just promise you won't interfere okay?" Kaoru pleads.

"Fine, but then why're we following them?" Tamaki asks.

"Because who would miss something this good~?" Kaoru snickers, watching the two from a distance. I facepalm.

"If that's the case then I'd rather just walk around town. Inukai you wanna come with?" I ask, and he nods gratefully. He's probably had enough of the host club. I don't blame him, poor guy.

"Ryu-Chan can I go with you~?" Mitsukuni asks hopefully and I shake my head.

"Be with your friends. My mom wants proof I've been spending time with Kai anyway, so we have to go take pictures." I roll my eyes and he pouts. "It's fine, I'll meet back up with you guys all later okay?"

"Be safe my little kosai~" Tamaki goes in for a hug but I put a hand up to stop him. He smiles sheepishly and pats my head instead. I wave, sending a smile towards Tetsu before leaving the cafe with Inukai. 

Him and I walk around looking at the different vendors and such. Inukai took a couple selfies with me to send to both of our parents. It all went smoothly~ 

"Oo free samples~ let's go try them." I say, spotting them across the way. Grabbing Inukai's hand I pull him towards the vendor. They were offering chocolate covered cherries. Score! I take a couple, handing one to Inukai and eating my own. So creamy~ "I'll take two boxes please." 

As I'm purchasing my sweets I look up at the sky. Was that a distant rumble? I shrug it off and look at more vending stands. Karuizawa has a lot of neat stuff~ After about twenty minutes the sky rumbles again with thunder and I look up again. "Ne, do you think we should head back..?" I ask Inukai, turning to look at him. But he's not there. Wait, did we get separated?

I feel my chest tighten in fear, looking around me and not seeing him anywhere. The streets were full of people, but I didn't recognize any of them. We must not've been paying attention and drifted apart while looking at things. No big deal, I'll just call him and it'll be okay. Wait. Where's my phone?! Shit i left it back at the pension when everyone was rushing out the door!

I blink as rain starts to fall. Shit. I feel like I'm alone. People are starting to disperse and leave the rainy weather and head indoors. Where's Inukai? I can feel myself start to panic as I frantically look around, calling his name.

3rd POV
________

~*~ Back at the Pension ~*~

"I hope they made it out of the rain okay.." Huni says worriedly. Watching the storm slowly get worse through the window.

Kotetsu and Kaoru were talking between themselves, often giggling or laughing. Tamaki was pacing in worry, while Kyoya was watching in interest. Mori was watching out the window with Huni.

Suddenly, the phone rings and everyone looks over as Misuzu answers. "Hello, this is Pension Misuzu~! Oh it's you Arai! What was that?... What?... Hikaru and Haruhi?... Hm.. mm.. thank you, Hikaru should have his cellphone on him so I'll try giving him a call. Bye bye now." She hangs up the phone and looks at the hosts. Everyone was staring with rapt attention.

"What happened?" Kaoru asks.

"Evidently, Hikaru left Haruhi in front of Arai's shop and decided he'd head back on his own. Arai said Haruhi took off after Hikaru and that's when the storm started. He was worried, and called to see if they made it back alright."

Everyone was looking at each other in shock. Tamaki then grabs his cellphone, calling Hikaru and shouting at him in anger. "You idiot! I want you to turn around and start looking for Haruhi right now! What kind of an asshole would leave a girl out alone in a thunderstorm like this by herself?! Now you listen to me, Haruhi is scared of thunder! Whenever she hears it she gets so terrified she can't even move! Why don't you put aside your ridiculous jealousy for one second and worry about someone else for once!" He shouts and hangs up on him.

Just as the call ends, the door to the pension chimes, and Inukai walks in, soaking wet. "Is Ryuko here?" He asks worriedly.

"No, she was with you." Kotetsu says, standing up from his table. "Where is she?"

"We got separated in the market and then it started to rain. I was trying to look for her and she wouldn't answer her phone. I thought maybe she'd've made it back here okay." Inukai says, clearly worried about her.

"You mean she's still out there? By herself?" Huni asks, glaring faintly at Inukai.

"If she hasn't made it back, then I'm afraid yes."

"I'm going to look for her." Kotetsu says instantly, walking towards the door.

"I'm coming too." Huni follows him out. 

In the end, everyone went to town besides Kyoya, who stayed back to let them know if either Haruhi or Ryuko returned. Back in town, the hosts were spread throughout the streets, looking for both Ryuko and Haruhi, though more concerned for Ryuko. 

After twenty minutes, Kyoya sent them all a message that Haruhi and Hikaru made it back okay. Which was a relief to everyone, but Ryuko was still somewhere. Kotetsu and Huni were both panicky, knowing her fear of being alone.

Ryuko's POV
_____________

Yea so like I'm totally not freaking out or anything. 

No I'm losing my shit, I swear it's been like three hours since Inukai and I lost each other. 

Right now I'm sitting under a tree in a park, hugging my knees and hyperventilating. And crying. And shaking. 

I couldn't hail down a cab and I swear the whole town just shut down once this storm started. 

"Ryuko!" 

I snap my head up quickly at hearing my name being called. Seeing someone run into the park I stand up, my legs shaking. Is that one of the hosts? Holy shit it's Mitsukuni. I run to meet him halfway, literally jumping on him and hugging him, burying my face in his soaking shirt.

"Hey it's okay.. you're okay." He soothes, petting my hair while holding me up. I nod silently, my body still trembling slightly and my breathing uneven.

"M-my bags.. th-they're by the tree.." I mumble quietly and he nods, walking over to pick them up while still carrying me. 

"Ne, Ryu-Chan, you wanna grab my phone out of my pocket and text everyone that I found you? We were all searching." He says and I nod, grabbing his phone and sending a text to the group chat and that we're on our way back to the pension and to meet them all there.

We don't talk as he takes me back, and I don't let go of him. He silently comforts me, carrying me into the pension where I finally let him set me down. Instantly, everyone was around me asking questions and seeing whether or not I was alright.

"Ryuko I'm so sorry we got separated, I was trying to look for you and you weren't answering your phone and I thought you must've come back here-" Inukai starts to rant but I cut him off.

"It's okay, I forgot my phone here." He nods, still feeling bad. I look at everyone and see them all watching me. "I'm okay, alright? Now stop staring at me." I glare at them and everyone laughs.

"I don't know about you, but these wet clothes are really uncomfortable." Kotetsu says and everyone agrees. 

"You look pretty good though." Kaoru mumbles, and I see Tetsu's face turn scarlet. Looking around I think him and I were the only ones that heard that. I chuckle quietly. 

Some of us part ways, Tamaki, Kyoya, Mori, and Mitsukuni having to go back to their cottages. I give Mitsukuni a tight hug before he leaves.

"Oh hey~ I bought you chocolate cherries today." I remember, grabbing the bags that he brought in for me. "Here," I hand him his box.

"Aw Ryu-Chan you're actually sharing with me?" He beams happily, acting like he's reached a new level in our relationship. I roll my eyes and push him towards Mori. 

"I'll see you tomorrow, bastard." I laugh at his pouty expression.

~*~  Few Days Later ~*~

It's too early for mornings.

Tetsu came and woke me up, telling me Arai was here. Not really caring, I took my time getting up and getting dressed. Walking out of the room, Kyoya and Kaoru were looking down at everyone from the balcony. I go to stand between them. Hikaru and Arai were smiling at each other.

"A question about your strategy." Kyoya comments, watching everybody down below. "Did you ever think the date might go too well and the two might fall in love?"

"Nah it's too soon for that. And Hikaru's kind of a dummy." Kaoru waves it off.

"And kind of a little gay." I add on, smirking at Kaoru as I refer to him too.

Kotetsu looks up at us all and grins, waving. "Are you guys gonna come down or not?"

"Yea Arai brought a beautiful watermelon!" Tamaki shouts, jumping around like an idiot.

"Well then he's lucky because our club is full of dummies." Kyoya chuckles, making both Kaoru and I laugh as we all head downstairs to join everyone else.

I JUST WANNA APOLOGIZE FOR MY EXTREME TARDINESS I DESERVE TO BURN IN HELL IM SORRY. I purposely made this chapter super long (7.5K words long) because I feel terrible T^T I know I haven't updated in over a year and I sincerely apologize. School has been busy and motivation is a bitch and I just had a death in the family so I've been a lil depressy so please forgive me kittens! I hope this makes up for it <3 I love all of you~