Youkai Academy

Chapter 19

The next day~

The day after Kagome had stormed out, a heavy cloud of gloom and trepidation hung over everyone. With the exception of Haruhi, all of the Hosts expected her to be gone for the next few days, much like the last time.

But when Kagome appeared in the doorway of their classroom the next morning, Kaoru's breath caught in his throat as anxiety and anticipation prickled his heart. To his surprise, Kagome was smiling; it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. There was a vibrancy and buoyancy to her demeanor, like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

All of their classmates were instinctually drawn to her, offering her a 'good morning' as they passed and making many of them blush as Kagome reciprocated in kind.

Kaoru watched her with fascination, unable to reconcile that this same person had been so mad at them the day before. It felt too good to be true. He couldn't believe that just yesterday, she had been so angry and upset. But now, Kagome seemed to be a completely different person. As if sensing his stare, Kagome turned to him, and he flinched, but she gave him a comforting grin.

"Hey, Kaoru," she said. "I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that; please, be patient with me."

Kaoru couldn't believe it. Not only was Kagome not mad at him anymore, but she was also apologizing when she didn't have to.

"It's okay," Kaoru stammered, still in shock.

Kagome chuckled. "You don't have to be so nervous, Kaoru. I promise I won't bite."

Kaoru let out a laugh, relieved. As they walked to their seats, Kaoru couldn't help but notice the way that everyone was still drawn to Kagome.

Kagome really did seem to be back to her old self, maybe even better. He couldn't help but feel a little bit hopeful about it.

~o.O~O.o~

Walking into the clubroom was an entirely different situation.

Because Kagome had left abruptly yesterday, she hadn't known about the situation where some of the Host's things were regularly auctioned off on the club's website- hers and Haruhi's included without their consent. Now she would have been mad, but Haruhi had filled her in on the situation during lunch, so Kagome would be sure to bring up that any profits from their items would be taken from their debt with Kyoya- and there is to be consent going forward.

"My Kagome!" Tamaki shouted in a shrill voice, racing towards her in what looked to be drag.

Frozen in shock, Kagome was engulfed in shades of pink gossamer silk.

Tamaki, who was currently fawning over her, wore a stunning ballgown that flowed down in varying shades of red and pink, complimenting their long blonde hair that was curled into soft waves. The gown was fit for a princess, complete with a sparkling tiara and white silk gloves that added a touch of elegance.

Behind the blonde stood everyone else.

Kyoya wore a slim gown of black and violet, accentuating his sharp features and impeccable sense of style. The stunning gown featured a form-fitting silhouette and a glossy satin finish. His long satin black gloves lend him an air of sophistication, and his wavy black hair flows freely down his back. In one hand, he carries a silk fan, which he flicks open and shut with practiced ease.

Next was Mori, dressed as a personal knight in white pants and a blue jacket with gold details. He towers over everyone, his broad shoulders and chiseled jaw making him the perfect picture of masculine elegance. It made sense as to why he was dressed as a knight instead of drag as the others.

Beside Mori was Mitsukuni, dressed in a ballgown done in shades of pale pink that perfectly matched the color of his beloved stuffed rabbit, Usa-chan. His long blonde hair flowed beautifully down his back, adding an ethereal touch to his already angelic appearance. While a glittering bow finished off his look.

Finally were the twins; it was amazing how quickly they had been able to change as Kagome and Haruhi were just now heading back from the play put on by the Lobelia Zuka club. They wore matching teal and yellow off-the-shoulder ballgowns. Their spiral orange pigtails added a playful touch to their stunning outfits. The dazzling gowns featured intricate beadwork and shimmering fabrics, making them stand out even more.

Haruhi laughed, holding at her stomach as their club members all attempted to sound more feminine.

"Tell me!" Tamaki exclaimed in a shrill voice, twirling around with practiced grace."Do you not find me simply divine in this gown? It complements my beauty perfectly!"

Kagome couldn't help but burst into laughter. The sight before her was absolutely ridiculous and unexpected, yet strangely delightful.

Tamaki, in all his flamboyant glory, twirled around Kagome, his dress flowing like a waterfall of pink and red hues. His high-pitched voice reached an even higher octave as he squealed, "My Kagome, my precious jewel! How do I look? Do I make a beautiful princess?"

Unable to contain her amusement, Kagome responded, "You look stunning, Tamaki. Absolutely regal."

Tamaki's face lit up with delight as he curtsied before Kagome, the sparkling tiara on his head catching the light. It was an odd sight, but somehow Tamaki managed to pull it off with his usual flair.

The doors to the club room burst open, and in walked the Zuka Club, their leader Benio wearing an indignant expression; Kagome calmly shook her head with a gentle smile.

"We've come for your answer, Ms. Higurashi."

"I appreciate the offer," Kagome said sincerely, her voice carrying warmth and sincerity, "but I've found a home here in Ouran. This place and the friends I've made in the host club mean a lot to me. I can't simply leave them behind."

"You belong with us; you should be amongst your own kind."" Chizuru exclaims.

Kagome shook her head. "I decide where I belong, and it's here with them."

Hinako opened her mouth, ready to argue or plead, but Benio raised her hand with a gentle shake of her head.

"We shall leave for now," Benion declared. "But remember this, Kagome, the doors of the Zuka Club will always remain open to you. You may not be ready today, but we will patiently wait for the day you realize where your true calling lies. We swear- that we will rescue you from this place someday and destroy this Host Club!" And with that, they left.

As the Zuka Club walked away, a sense of camaraderie surrounded the members of the Host Club. Mori took a step forward, his usual placidity changing into a soft expression. He uttered kindly, "We're glad you stayed with us, Kagome."