The "Lovable" Type| OHSHC x OC

Fierce and Bold

Amei watched as workers bustled about, setting up for the fair's opening ceremony later that day.

A stick of Pocky hung from her mouth, which she chewed absentmindedly.

To her left, Haruhi sighed, looking thoroughly exasperated. "Aren't school fairs supposed to feel more... I don't know, homemade? Like we actually made everything ourselves?"

Amei chuckled softly and patted Haruhi's head in amusement.

Kyoya, standing on Haruhi's other side, actually answered her. "You're referring to schools in general," he said, snapping his notebook shut and slipping it into his pocket. "At Ouran, the emphasis is on planning and leadership. Most students here are expected to become future leaders, so they're required to showcase their strengths and impress others."

Amei's gaze flicked to him thoughtfully before she reached over and plucked the notebook from his pocket.

Kyoya merely raised a brow, offering no protest as she flipped it open and jotted something down.

Satisfied, she slid the notebook back into his pocket and walked off.

She had her own preparations to attend to—her statement piece for the event.

The idea had been Kyoya's suggestion, though it had taken her time to warm to it. Displaying it at the fair would be a public act of defiance against her family's expectations.

She wasn't sure if she was ready for that.

As the carriage rolled along later, carrying her and the other hosts, Amei's thoughts spiraled.

Guests lined the path, their eyes filled with admiration as rose petals floated through the air.

A petal landed in her lap, and she absently pinched it between her fingers, lost in thought.

Seated between Kaoru and Honey, who were contentedly quiet, she sighed and looked up at the cascade of petals.

Funny how things had changed.

The first time petals drifted toward her, they'd triggered anxiety. Now, she welcomed them.

How she carried herself, how she spoke—it was all different now. And she owed that transformation to the Host Club.

She smiled, grateful they hadn't listened when she'd told them to leave her alone that first day.

A sharp gaze caught her attention. Looking forward, Amei found Kyoya's eyes on her.

His stare pinned her in place, but it wasn't chilling or unnerving. It was the opposite, and that was what truly intimidated her.

Shy and uncertain, she offered a small smile before looking away.

The bells chimed minutes later, signaling the start of the opening ceremony.

Guests danced gracefully as strings played, rose petals brushing their skin like fleeting whispers.

Inside, the Host Club bustled in the central building, now open to the public.

Haruhi wheeled a dessert cart, while the other hosts turned on their usual charm, heightened by the presence of parents and other esteemed guests.

Amei maneuvered through the room effortlessly, a tray balanced in one hand as she served with quiet poise.

Anxiety still tugged at her. The large painting she'd created, hidden behind a curtain, was scheduled for its reveal today.

Earlier, Kyoya had told her that fear was natural—it was her choice how to handle it.

Now, she had 30 minutes to decide if she wanted to unveil it.