Chapter 7

Thankfully, I didn't have to continue into the Shiro mess. He wanted to be an apprentice for Tamaki to make a girl in his class happy, because he has a little crush on her. It was a fix with two grand pianos and many emails from Germany. He continued to stay in the club for a few more days before Tamaki was whining to Kyoya about his lack of customers due to the 'toddler in kahoots with Cupid' as he has so eloquently stated. I got told all of the Host Club antics within those days in Kyoya's room, since my father realized the toll of the club on me. He didn't make me leave school just yet, but I'm not to go as often, which is ridiculous! I still go everyday, I don't think he has the heart to make me stop. I love him and I usually follow his rules, but I actually have friends. Friends that care, that want to help as Mori said. Not that I'll let them.

"Mitsumi," Kyoya yawns out. I look up from the book he was letting me borrow. "The Ootori hospital conglomeration has been working on a realistic tropical resort, to help with the mental health and wellbeing of all. My father has given us a day or so to explore, and I was thinking of testing everything on the Host Club. Your thoughts?"

"The way you say test it on them is almost diabolical," I remark, making him chuckle. "But I think they'd like it. Plus, I wouldn't mind joining in a warm pool and fake sunlight."

"And seeing the pretty boys in swimsuits?" He teases. I throw a pillow from his couch at him, but he just bats it away, grinning. It's nice to be able to tease each other and act like kids once in while; whenever his parents are around, I have to act all prim and proper. I still have to wear my modest dresses around this house.

"More like the boys get to see a pretty me and Haruhi," I say, stretching out on the couch. "Not that I think they care about that stuff. I mean, none of them seem really interested in the customers or anyone, really."

"You'd be surprised."

"Okay, besides Tamaki and Haruhi, but they're so dense."

"Jesus, so are you apparently."

"What?" I demand, looking up at him, my double chin making him chortle. "I thought we went over this; Kaoru just has a silly little crush that's probably already gone and there's no one else."

"You're so stupid."

"And you're too analytical."

"If I wasn't, this club would fall apart."

"True."

He starts typing on his phone, replies happen within minutes. I'm guessing he's texting the Host Club, minus Haruhi since she doesn't have a phone. I get a notification on my phone as well; a list of numbers. I look at Kyoya quizzically.

"You're practically a part of us," He reasons. "Might as well have everyone's numbers."

I start plugging them into my phone, placing cute emoticons for each of the boys. Kyoya makes fun of me for it, and I throw another pillow, which dissolves into a full-on war. I miss these moments, I hope I don't have to get rid of them anytime soon.

I hop into Kyoya's limo after class, the rides being split up between us. I was with Kyoya, Tamaki was with the twins and picking up Haruhi, and the cousins were together as well. I already have my own bathing suit in my bag, but Kyoya said that the twins will at least try to make me wear a few designs of their mothers, as well as Haruhi. The drive wasn't too far from the school, all rich people facilities are together, So I was able to prepare myself for the resort.

It's beautiful, as is every resort that Ootoris have. Since I am a businessman's daughter and he is a colleague of Mr Ootori, I was allowed to join the resorts with Kyoya and his family when testing the place out. It was a Hawaiian-Tropical theme, with occasional tikis and bars with coconut and fresh pineapple. The air was warm, but not humid or dry; it was paradise.

"Well?" Kyoya asks after filling in necessary paperwork and prepping the changing rooms. "Is this one your favorite yet?"

"Nothing can beat the one with onsens near Mount Fuji during spring."

"That is a rather peaceful place." He makes a note in his little black book. I roll my eyes but smile at his constant note-taking. It's endearing that he likes to know what we like. "I'll be going to a changing room. Your father requested to have maids in the room for you and an oncall nurse on premises."

"I'll be doing the same, and then having a talk with my father once I'm home," I grumble. "I don't need all this help."

"He's just worried, Mitsumi."

"I know, I know."

I walk over to a changing room on the women's side. It's a yellow-beige room with two maids in it, and a plethora of swimsuits. All different types, all different colors. I marvel at them, every style having been designed by the twins' mother. She has exquisite taste with every suit, the colors not clashing or looking too bright. I wave to the maids and they bow in respect. I go behind a curtain and start changing into my suit, a sage green two piece. I've had it for a while, but it still fits snugly and why get rid of clothing that still works? I place a baggy white tee shirt over the ensemble and put my hair up into a bun. The maids smile and bow once more as I leave, I give them a smile in return.

"Here, do what you've got to do!" Hikaru proclaims as I head out. The maids were near the entrance, so they instantly grabbed ahold of Haruhi, who was as confused as I was. "Choose whatever you want."

I leave the changing room hurriedly, not wanting to be forced into a suit like poor Haruhi. I go over to a table and place my stuff down. Kyoya looks over at me but carries on with his notes, a glass of coconut water next to him.

"Good thing we got here early, right Kyoya?" I say, sitting next to him in a lounge chair. "No hassle for us at least."

"No hassle for you, you mean," He says bemused. "I still have to keep the numbers and satisfaction up."

"I think you should relax with us."

"And I think the twins should take you back to the room."

"God strike me down before that."

"Kyo-Chan, Mitsu-Chan!"

I look over at the pathway leading towards the entrance. Hani and Mori come over, Hani in a kiddy ring and Mori looking as stoic as ever. I wave at them and Hani happily comes over, babbling about how today was going to be packed with fun. Mori keeps up with long strides and says nothing. I smile at him and he nods, averting his eyes. The noise from whatever shenanigans the twins, Haruhi, and Tamaki were on about stopped, making me curious. I went over to the changing room, and since I was a girl, I was allowed to go into the changing room where Haruhi was. She was giving an angry look at the maids who were holding up various swimsuits, all in different styles.

"Haven't made a choice yet?" I say, giving her a smile. She sighs in relief and heads over to me, keeping a wary eye on the door and the maids.

"If I knew what we were doing today, I would've brought my own," She grumbles, sticking close to me. "I hate it when I have to wear stuff that isn't mine."

"Understandable," I say, looping my arm through hers. "But there's no harm in trying a few on. C'mon, we can find something comfortable to wear."

I chose mainly pink tones for her, she has a very rosy undertone. Each bikini was an instant no, tankinis made her wrinkle her nose, and most of the one pieces were too frilly. Finally, we were able to pick out a light pink one piece with a swim cap that she agreed to. She grumbled while putting it on, but I walked out with her, grabbing towels for both of us. The twins were over by Kyoya and Tamaki went bright red at seeing Haruhi. He holds out a yellow hoodie for Haruhi to put on. I can't help but chuckle at his need for modesty when it comes to Haruhi.

"Senpai?" She asks, oblivious as to how she makes him react.

"Just hurry up and put it on," Tamaki almost snaps, his face cherry-red.

She looks confused and I grab it for her, Tamaki still turned away.

"A proper woman should not show that much skin until after she's married."

I hand the hoodie over to Haruhi who obediently puts it on, as well as a pair of boardshorts Tamaki also provides. I roll my eyes at Tamaki who goes back to his bubbly self once she's all covered up. Haruhi looks up, stunned at the resort we're in; a few tropical birds flew by, the squawks loud and piercing. Tamaki goes on to babble about the need for relaxation after constantly working so tirelessly for the club. I shake my head and walk over to one of the stand-still pools. I sit by the edge and place my feet in, the water not too cold. I sigh as the sunlight keeps the rest of me warm. It really was a mini-paradise here.

"Mitsu-Chan, want to swim with me and Takashi?" Hani yells, beckoning me over to the lazy river. Takashi still doesn't look at me, which I find so strange; whenever we talk, we always seem to make eye contact at least once. I smile at them and head over, the warmth after the cold water on my legs making me shiver for a second.

"Here, you can hang on to my swim ring and float with me," Hani instructs. "Takashi is a really strong swimmer, so he doesn't need a swim ring."

"I can imagine so," I say, taking my white shirt off before hopping into the water. My hair quickly unravels from the loose bun and the water makes it flow everywhere. I open my eyes in the water, Hani and Mori only blurry figures. I pop back up to the surface rather quickly, grabbing on to the swim ring. Hani cheers and I give him a big smile.

"Isn't this place so cool?" He asks, exuding childlike cuteness. "I haven't been to a waterpark in a while, what about you Mitsu-Chan?"

"Not since I was in middle school, I think," I reply, letting my body float up. "Father thought it was a little too dangerous with so many kids running around."

"That's too bad," Hani says, paddling about. "At least Kyo-Chan can take you to the fun resorts, right?"

"Yup," I say lazily, the water and the sun making everything feel sleepy. "He's always taken me to the places I seemingly need to go to."

"Wow, so you've known him for a long time?"

"Ever since I met his family, when I was like, six? Seven?"

"That's a strong friendship! Like me and Takashi."

I nod and continue floating along the lazy river with Hani and Mori, Hani filling the silence with his questions and talks and musings. We go around a couple times before I get out of the pool, I'd rather fall asleep on a lounge chair rather than accidentally drown. I try to lift myself out, but my arms aren't as strong as they used to be. I try hopping up once, twice, but then I feel a pair of hands on my hips that lift me up. I yelp and scramble about once I get placed on to the side of the pool. Mori looks startled for a second and makes eye contact, the first time today. His face goes pink, probably from how much fake sunlight he's been getting. It must still have a UV ray effect, I'll have to ask Kyoya about that.

"Thank you, Mori-Senpai," I say, adjusting myself to sitting by the pool. "Looks like I need to work out for once in my life, huh?"

"I think you're fine." He mumbles out, his eyes back to the water. "We'll be here to help."

I can't help but smile at what he said. I get up and walk over to my lounge chair, my towel still on top. I shake my head like a dog, the droplets hitting Kyoya accidentally. I apologize and he makes a show of brushing the water off his shirt and I roll my eyes. He's a bit of a drama queen just like his best friend.

"Hey, we have a question for you," I hear Hikaru say. I looked over at him, where he, Kaoru and Tamaki were in the middle of a conversation. Haruhi was over by the bar, getting coconut water.

"Why'd you put Haruhi in that yellow monstrosity?" Kaoru finishes, pearching his elbow on his twin's back.

"I would've thought for sure you'd be all," Hikaru starts imitating Tamaki pretty well. "'I wanna see Haruhi in a swimsuit!' Not make her cover up like that."

I hold back a laugh as I sit with Kyoya, the situation is so ridiculous. Hanging out with these boys is like a TV dramedy constantly playing. Tamaki turns several shades darker than his normally pale skin.

"It was surprising," Kaoru says, checking out his nails. The brothers look at each other and give matching mischievous smiles.

I know what he's up to," Hikaru stage-whispers. He made haruhi cover up because he didn't want anyone else to see her in a bathing suit!"

Kaoru feigns surprise, their acting overly done. I can't help but giggle, letting the twins see they had at least one audience member.

"Do you really think that's it?"

Hikaru nods.

"He must be one of those jealous pervert types. That's pretty twisted."

By the end of their little conversation, Tamaki looked like a ripe tomato who was about to pop. He hurriedly tried to explain he'd never, and we all know he would never; he's too oblivious to his own feelings and he generally respects women. Even when he's playing a weird character during club time, he's always careful with the girls and their boundaries. Haruhi goes to sit with me and overhears their conversation as well, and a wave of irritation could be felt from her. I place a hand on her and she relaxes for a second and talks with Hani, who jumped out of the pool to get another friend to swim with him. Then, before I could decline as well, we heard metal gears running. I jump a little in my seat, my heart beating a little too fast for comfort. I slow my breathing, my hand over my heart. Kyoya looks over at me, alarm in his eyes, but I don't pay attention to him. Instead, I look at the miniature stage that pops out of the ground with Renge in a navy blue bikini and temporary tattoo. Probably a cosplay of hers, considering her major love of dating simulators and anime.

"It's like the rig follows us," Haruhi says, shaking a little.

"You mean to tell me this happened before?" I ask, incredulously.

"Oh, yeah, right after you and Mori-Senpai left when Shiro was here."

"But it's a music room."

"That's what I've been saying this whole time!" She sighs exasperatedly. "Damn rich people."

"Hi Mitsumi-Senpai!" Renge trills, hopping down from the little stage. "You look so cute in your green outfit, too bad it's not Kyoya's favorite color."

"Thanks, I guess?" I shrug. "I still don't like him, so go ahead."

She swoons over him for a second before going on a tirade about her costume and the meaning behind it. Tamaki, Hikaru, and Kaoru, crouch for a second and I can barely hear their conversation.

"Hey boss," Hikaru starts. "Are you sure it's okay for Renge to be dressed-"

"Like that?" Kaoru finishes, gesturing to the slender girl in a bikini, a stark difference from Haruhi and her hoodie and boardshorts.

"Well, yeah, that's okay," Tamaki shrugs and looks over at Renge, not really caring about her in any sense. Because he's in love with someone else, duh. I take a sip of my coconut water to hide my rolling eyes and smirk. I shot a look over to Kyoya. He catches my eyes and sighs, shaking his head.

"And why is that?" Hikaru quizzes Tamaki. He tilts his head in thought.

"Because it's cosplay?" He asks, not sure of the answer himself.

"Okay, then what about Mitsumi-Senpai?" Kaoru asks, turning the trio's attention to me. My cheeks start heating up and I look down at the table. "She's dressed immodestly too."

"Although the only one staring at her is Mori-Senpai." I look up, openmouthed, and look over at Mori who was climbing out of the pool. He also seemed to have heard and his face and ears turned bright pink. He shakes his head hurriedly and I see red from the accusations of the twins. It's bad enough they tease Haruhi and Tamaki, but they don't need to drag Mori and me, we're just friends. I stomp over to them as they continue their conversation. I grab the two gingers' heads and slam them together, making a rather loud 'bonk.'

"Kyoya Senpai, tell her to stop!" Hikaru cries out pathetically.

"Yeah, that really hurt." Kaoru whines.

"Sorry boys, you should know by now that she decides and does whatever she wants. Maybe you shouldn't have teased her." Kyoya pushes up his glasses and smirks before continuing to go through his notebook. The twins cry crocodile tears as Tamaki laughs at them. I go and grab my white shirt and put it on before heading over to the current pool, where Hani and Mori were. I huff and sit down with my legs in the water once again.

"Don't worry about them, Mitsu-Chan," Hani consoles. "They're just being mean."

"Oh I'm not worried, but thank you Hani-Senpai," I assure. "Are you okay, Mori-Senpai?"

He grunts in surprise as I acknowledge him. He nods his head and sits about two feet away from me. His face is a lighter pink than before.

"If I made you uncomfortable in any way, I'm sorry," I say, pulling my shirt on to my knees.

"You didn't."

"Are you sure? You've only looked me in the eyes once today."

"You're very pretty today. That's all."

I felt my heart pick up a bit, a normal thing to happen at this point, but my cheeks turn into a light pink, something I can see in my water reflection. I dip my hands into the water and slap my cheeks, to make the color go away.

"Thank you, Mori-Senpai."

He grunts once more before expertly diving in the water at Hani's call.

"Hey look everybody! Check it out!" Hani calls, getting the group to look over at him. "Look, even though we're swimming really fast we never go any further than we are now!" He giggles while sitting on top of Mori, who was swimming quickly, but the currents stop him from going forward. The rest of the gang, after whispering for a second, pull out water guns from who-knows-where. I watch the separate groups go about their fun.

I don't think I would mind joining the water gun fight, or swimming again, just maybe not in the current pool. Mori leaves to take a break so I watch Hani tread water enough to not move too much.

"Hi, Mitsu-Chan!" He yells, waving at me. I copy his movement with a small smile. "Want to join me? You can hang onto my swim ring again, I'm a lot stronger than I look." I look over at Kyoya who was more into his notebook than what I was doing. I know he wouldn't like it if I tested the waters, so to speak, since he's supposed to be notifying my father of anything that happens to me. I keep my shirt on this time as I slip into the water, Hani getting closer to me so I can reach him faster. It took a little bit of effort, but the current wasn't too strong and I used to be a really good swimmer. He places my arms around the swim ring and I help kick against the current, making sure not to tire myself out.

I feel eyes on me again, and as I turn to look over at the rest of the group, a shadow is over Hani and me. I looked up to see a wave, large and foreboding and then I couldn't breath. I hang on to the swim ring as tight as I can, holding on to Hani's hand for dear life. I gasp and open my eyes, the chlorine stinging them slightly. Hani is unconscious and we're both still underwater. I put my arms around his chest and kick up to the surface, the swim ring helping us get to the surface faster. I gasp once more, but this time air is able to get into my lungs and we're in a new part of the resort. I dragged both of us over to the side of the pool we landed in. My breath turns heavy, and I can't stop gasping. Hani coughs a little and I want to sigh, but I started to become dizzy.

"Mitsu-Chan?" Hani looks at me, a little fearful. I give him a weak smile and lay down for a second. "What happened?"

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