The "Lovable" Type| OHSHC x OC

[Extra] Happy

I'm Amei Hinode—third-year university student, professional artist... and girlfriend.

The phone rings just as I finish painting a delicate petal on a flower. I glance at the caller ID, a smile spreading across my face, and flip it open.

"Hello?"

"Well, hello, Miss Hinode." The voice on the other end is smooth, teasingly familiar.

I absentmindedly brush my shorter hair back, still not entirely used to its new length. "We just saw each other earlier. Did you miss me already?"

"Maybe."

I arch a brow, twirling the brush in my fingers. "Or are you just bored at work?"

"Mmm... maybe."

"Well, Mr. Ootori, I no longer work for the Host Club. I'm afraid I'm unqualified to entertain you now."

His soft chuckle travels through the line—so familiar it feels tangible. "Qualified or not, you seem to enjoy putting extra weight on my last name. Is that because it'll soon be yours?"

My gaze drifts to the engagement ring on my finger, its gentle gleam a constant reminder. "Maybe. But I'm sure that's the same reason you put so much emphasis on mine."

"Touché."

"How's the budgeting going?" I ask, listening to the faint sound of typing on his end.

"Well enough, though it's getting tedious. How's work on your end?"

I shrug, returning my attention to the painting. "Just finishing up a commission."

Even though my family still offers financial support, I insisted they cut it down significantly.

I wanted to earn my own way, and since launching my career, everything I make is mine.

"What's the project this time?"

I chuckle. "A dragon in a field of flowers."

"Oh."

I paint another petal, laughing. "You don't have to pretend it's not... a little out there."

"It's definitely unique. Think you can come over tonight?"

I smirk, glancing at the phone. "Your bed should still be warm—I was there just last night."

"Barely lukewarm," he counters. "I'd like to change that."

I arch a teasing brow. "Are we actually going to sleep more than a couple of hours?"

"Maybe."

"Hm. Hard to believe you used to be the purest person I'd ever met."

"You bring out the worst in me," he says, the fondness in his voice unmistakable.

I let out a soft laugh. "Fine, I'll be free once I finish here."

"Perfect."

"Amei! Where'd you put the extra clay?" my dad calls from the next room.

"Red bucket!" I shout back, smiling. "I told you that already."

"Is that Ootori?" he asks, peeking in. "Tell him I said hello."

I roll my eyes. "Dad, we've been engaged for almost a year. Why are you still calling him by his last name?"

He grins. "What can I say? Old habits die hard. But thanks—red bucket, got it."

He disappears again, and I shake my head, chuckling.

Starting our art business during my first year of college was a new beginning for us. My dad works with pottery and sculpting—his lifelong passion—while I handle painting.

We used it to start over, for ourselves and with each other.

Kyoya's voice pulls me back. "Still holding out on warming up to me, is he?"

I smile, painting another petal. "Well, you did propose out of nowhere after just a year and a half of dating."

I grin at the phone. "Speaking of, I have a question for you, Mr. Ootori."

"And I might have an answer, Miss Hinode."

"Want to watch a movie tonight?"

"We can do whatever you want."

"Deal."

"It's a date. I'll let you get back to work."

"Alright. See you later."

"I love you."

His words make my smile widen. "I love you, too."

After we hang up, my phone screen lights up with my wallpaper—a photo of the Host Club taken at Haruhi and the twins' graduation. It's my favorite picture of us, perfectly capturing the bond we all share.

We're due for a reunion soon, as we always do from time to time. I glance at the photo again, warmth flooding through me.

"I'm happy," I whisper, returning to my work.

╚══ ❀•°𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝒯𝓎𝓅𝑒°•❀ ══╝

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story! I hope it resonated with you and that I've done justice to the spirit of the show.

And with that, I bid you farewell. Until next time!