Hide Away

Chapter 8: Beware, An Exam!

A few days had passed since the party, and Setsuko found herself standing outside on a cool spring afternoon. Since the weather was warming up and the cherry blossom trees were blooming, the hosts decided to hold a flower viewing party out in the school's courtyard. Once again it was another cosplay day, she didn't know the exact theme but the twins, Tamaki, and Kyoya were wearing waiter attire while Mori, Honey, Haruhi, and herself were wearing Yukatas.

Currently she was sitting under a tree with a few girls sitting in front of her on a floral picnic blanket. As she was talking with her guests, she heard a crash and looked over towards the source, watching as Hikaru and Kaoru put on their 'brotherly love' act. Apparently, some hot tea had spilt onto Kaoru's hand and Hikaru was 'comforting' him. Normally Setsuko would have just ignored them, but they were practically right next to her and impossible to ignore. How girls found it attractive she would never know.

"Honestly, Kaoru, you have to be more careful." Hikaru said, placing his lips on Kaoru's burnt finger. "From now on, keep your eyes on me."

"Hikaru..."

The girls at a nearby table swooned, one of them placing a hand on her forehead. "I can't take it! It's overwhelming!" She said as she turned away.

The other girl gasped, "Watch this! You may not get another chance who knows when it'll happen again!" The other exclaimed.

Why would you want it to happen again? Setsuko thought.

Familiar footsteps walked up to the table and Kyoya walked into view, a smile on his face. "You are absolutely right, Mademoiselle. All beauty Is fleeting." He held up a small branch of cherry blossoms, "Just take a look at these cherry blossoms. You'll never be able to see them this vibrant again. And that's why," he reached into the apron he was wearing and held up some magazines, with the Hitachiin twins on the cover. "I compiled this picture book that contains photos that capture the beauty of each passing day." He spread out his fingers and a few more magazines appeared from behind the ones with the twins. What shocked Setsuko was that there was one featuring her on the cover. "Incidentally, I've prepared similar books for everyone else. And if you ladies are interested in collecting all six, I'll discount the full set for you."

"I'll buy them!" One of the girls at the table said.

"All of them!" The other added.

"Well now we know how the club makes extra money." The twins said, looking over at Kyoya with a deadpan expression.

"Which raises the question." Hikaru started.

"When did he take pictures of us?" Kaoru finished.

It's not that hard to answer that for me. Setsuko thought, looking over at Kyoya, I'm asleep half the time so it's easy to snap a quick picture.

Halfway through the club, Setsuko, along with the other hosts were able to have a small break in a secluded area in the garden, since all the girls from the first part of the club activities had left.

"The flower viewing reception is going over quiet well, but even so, it's rather daunting to spend more time being admired than doing the admiring." Tamaki's voice drifted over, causing Setsuko to look over towards him from where he was sitting.

"Oh, wow, senpai, you're blooming in more ways than one." Haruhi said.

"You noticed!" Tamaki exclaimed, striking a pose and sparkling- how did he do that anyways? It actually might be helpful as Momoko. "Yes, today my beauty is quite splendorous. I'm in full bloom. I bet you'll fall for me soon."

Can you be any less humble? Setsuko thought. Did he always flirt with Haruhi like this? She watched as the twins slunk over to Haruhi, Hikaru wrapping his arm around her while Kaoru stood by her with some papers in hand.