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The Kubo estate loomed ahead, its sprawling gardens glowing under the soft light of lanterns strung between ancient oak trees. Fountains sparkled like liquid silver, and guests in elaborate suits and gowns flowed toward the grand entrance in a cascade of color and laughter.
Haruhi adjusted a thin ribbon on her gown as she stepped out of the carriage with the Host Club. Her gaze swept over the grandeur before them—a scene right out of a storybook, yet tinged with an undercurrent of tension that she couldn't ignore.
Two families, alike in power and pride, divided by ambitions too vast to reconcile. The Ootori and Kubo rivalry was something Haruhi had only heard about in passing, yet today she could feel its weight pressing against the air.
Tamaki strode ahead, his golden cufflinks catching the light as he beamed at the passing guests. "Let's lay low today, we don't want to cause a scene," he whispered.
The twins followed close behind, their steps perfectly mirrored as they shared knowing smirks. "I wonder," Hikaru began.
"...if Kyoya's already inside," Kaoru finished.
At the mention of his name, Haruhi glanced over her shoulder. Kyoya hadn't come with them—at least not officially. She worried about his attendance and hoped he did the right thing by not showing up. Though, she already knew he hadn't.
"Of course he's inside," Haruhi muttered under her breath. "Kyoya isn't the type to sit back and let someone else control the narrative."
Behind the glittering facade of the estate, a shadow moved. Kyoya adjusted the cuffs of his sleek black suit. His every step was calculated, his movements silent as he found a side entrance to the estate.
The Host Club made their way through the towering gates, their vibrancy standing out among the muted elegance of the other guests. Haruhi hesitated, letting the others drift ahead as she lingered just outside the main doors. The air here felt different, heavy with expectation. She glanced back at the garden, wondering how the day would unfold.
Beneath the surface of the wedding's glamour, secrets were already in motion. Haruhi couldn't shake the feeling that something else was waiting in the wings, something unplanned and uncontrollable.
She had sensed it from the start. She should have put a stop to it the moment she realized a story was beginning to unravel, woven from rivalry and deception, truth and desire. Haruhi took a steadying breath and stepped inside, her thoughts following Kyoya, wherever he was.
She had to think quickly before he did something stupid. Maybe she should start from the beginning, so that she could understand how this mess came to be.
...
Shoes clicked at the end of the hall. A girl in brown overalls, a white shirt, and a blue bandanna walked slowly with a handful of petunia flowers. She stopped in front of her father's office and was about to enter before hearing voices inside. She hesitated before pressing her ear against the wooden door.
