(6) The Apprentice

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MAIKO

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MAIKO.

"What happened?" I wondered out-loud as I strolled into the music room. "I saw the food fight. The twins are fighting?"

The entire Host Club was sitting around the long table, each looking physically tired. I assumed the Hitachiin fight was taking a toll on all of them.

The twins themselves were leaning back in their chairs with mischievous smiles painted on their faces. Based on everyone's expressions, I guessed that the fight was no more.

"Where were you this morning?" Tamaki was quick to bounce back up from his slouched position on his chair.

"I had to do something, so I skipped morning classes," I responded. My mother came back home from Paris today and I needed to be there to greet her. But it was utterly embarrassing when she didn't offer more than a simple 'hello' to her own daughter. It seemed like she couldn't have cared less whether or not I was there.

Which I knew wasn't true, of course, but it still wasn't a very nice feeling. I know that she cares and that she would be around more often if she could, but that didn't mean it didn't suck any less.

I just wish she was as passionate for her daughter as she was for her career.

Hikaru tapped his chin. "Hey, didn't your mom come home today?" He looked at Kaoru for support, who nodded.

"Yeah, our mom went to see her. Is that where you were, Maiko?"

Suddenly all eyes were on me, and I hated it. "Um..." Tamaki, luckily, came to my defence.

"Idiots! Can't you tell she's uncomfortable?" He pulled me over, stuffing my face into his chest. I would have pushed away immediately if it weren't for the fact that my cheeks were burning.

"Anyway," I recognized Haruhi's voice as they changed the subject. "Are we still open for guests today?"

I tuned out the rest of their conversation as I pulled my head away from Tamaki's chest. He grabbed my hand and led me to his chair, pushing me to sit down with both his hands on my shoulders. Since he was the 'king', his chair was at the far edge of the table. He didn't seem to mind giving up his seat for me, but I didn't want him standing.

It seemed that he predicted my move, however, as he placed a firm hand on my shoulder to non-verbally refuse while looking down with a sweet smile. I rolled my eyes and turned away, not bothering to brush off his hand from my shoulder.

By the time I snapped back into the conversation, Haruhi was blowing a heavy sigh through annoyed features. "I can't believe I fell for it."

"Fell for what?" I piped up. Haruhi turned to me and paused open-mouthed, glancing between Tamaki's hand and me. I hoped they would get the hint as I discreetly shook my head. I didn't even know how to answer the questions they had, but Tamaki was just a naturally-touchy person anyway: I was sure it didn't mean much to him.

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