A Tale of Business and Romance. Chapter 9

"Thanks so much for allowing me to practice with you," Haruhi's voice fell into their ears. She and Kanako were off the floor. Kanako was seated at a small table as Haruhi served her some tea.

"No problem," she reassured her, "I heard that you're not seeing any customers today so that you could practice dancing." She smiled at her. "I'm glad I got to spend this time alone with you."

"Umm…" Haruhi wasn't sure what to say at that point. It seemed the Kanako hopped hosts once again.

"Oh my," Kanako whispered as she looked at the porcelain pieces Haruhi served her tea in, "This is a new tea set, isn't it?" Gently, she lifted up the delicate green tea cup to her face.

"It's Ginori," she stated.

"Ginori?" Haruhi questioned obviously not knowing what Kanako was talking about.

"You have a keen eye, mademoiselle," Kyoya said as he appeared beside her, "In fact, we just received them yesterday. We decided it was time for the club to upgrade its tea sets."

"I see. What a pretty color…" The woman the touched the cup tenderly while gazing into the tea with a soft expression.

"I know that look," Kagome mumbled to herself. She closed her eyes and sighed.

"H-hello?" The soft click of the door opening followed by an even softer voice caught her attention. She looked at the doorway and spotted a man walking inside the room with a yellow box held in his arms.

"I'm here with the new tea sets you ordered," he stated his reason for being there.

"Ah, thank you," Kyoya said while walking up to him in greeting, "Every item you have chosen for us has been extremely popular with the ladies. I'm quite impressed."

"That's good to hear," the man said with a smile.

"Are you from the company?" Haruhi asked while she too walked up to the boy.

"No, I'm just a student," he replied jokingly, "Can't you tell by the uniform?"

"Oh Haruhi, you're so funny," Kanako said and gave a small laugh catching everyone's attention, "But that is understandable. He does not look like the heir to a first-class corporation." Kagome turned her head away, and sighed before walking over the table as the young man walked away. She could see right through Kanako.

"I get the feeling that you and that guy are pretty close," Kagome said.

"EH!" the woman shrieked and looked as if she was about to have a heart attack as she stared at Kagome in disbelief.

"D-Don't be ridiculous! What makes you say that, Kagome?" she said as she gave a small nervous laugh. Kanako quickly got up, sweating bullets, and walked to the door while waving goodbye. "Now if you'll please excuse me. Take care!"

"I wonder why she reacted that way," Haruhi commented on Kanako's sudden departure, "She's obviously lying."

"Haru-chan!" Honey perked up while waving his arms around, "You and Kagome didn't know? Tohru-kun is Kasuga-chan's fiancée!" He told them with a smile on his face.

"Kyoya," Tamaki asked, "How long have you known this?"

"About the two of them being engaged?" he responded and flipped open his trusty notebook and began scanning a particular page, "Well, as you know, I conduct background checks on all our customers. The two were childhood friends. It seems their engagement was arranged by their parents. The information does not pose any use to me, so I just ignored it."

"You…" Tamaki started but sighed.

"Tohru Suzushima," Kyoya continued reading, "Grades are impressive. Family prestige is so-so. Looks are average but he is reliable. If I had to pick a bad aspect about him—" The twins appeared on either side of him and finished his statement.

"He doesn't have a strong impression," Hikaru announced.

"And he's weak," Kaoru added.

"In other words, he's boring," Kyoya finished closing his notebook with a soft snap.

"But Tohru-kun is a nice person," Honey's cute voice tried to stick up for the guy. "Right?"

"Yeah," Mori agreed.

"Well then…" Tamaki's voice lifted up as he stepped forward getting everyone's attention, "Let's write out a plan."

"What for?" everyone questioned.

"Men, it is our responsibility as members of the elite Ouran Host Club, to make every girl happy!" he announced proudly and with much seriousness. Kagome groaned; whatever he had in mind, she wanted no part of it.

One Week Later

"It is so good to see you here tonight, my little lambs," Tamaki spoke proudly to everyone attending the host club's party while standing on top of the entrance stairway, "The Ouran Host Club would like to bid you…" He gave a soft bow as a spotlight shone on him along with the other hosts. "Welcome."

Then every chandelier came on as a live orchestra started playing soft music in the background. All the females on the dance floor clapped softly in applause as everyone rose from a bowed position. All of the host club members were dressed handsomely; Kagome was wearing a blue tux.

"As always ladies, the Host Club members are here for your entertainment," Kyoya started to speak with his arms open wide in a welcoming gesture, "So we invite you to dance till your hearts' content. Based on your dancing skills, one lucky lady will be chosen as tonight's Queen. The Queen's reward will be a passionate kiss on the cheek, from our King."

"Good luck to you," Tamaki spoke gallantly. "My darlings." He gave them a brilliant smile and winked at them while roses surrounded his form in a dramatic effect.

"Ah~!" All the women swooned—some even fainted—while hearts fluttered all around the room.

"Haruhi, show some enthusiasm," the twins ordered her as they appeared behind the brunette. She was slouched forward slightly not looking very happy to be there.

!!!Suscribe for more chapters in advance¡¡¡

Patreon: patreon.com/Suzy177