Keep It Together (OHSHC/Hikaru Love Story)

Chapter 24

Several days later, even though the hosts outside the twins didn't know why, they had definitely taken notice of a difference between Tamaki and I. It was a little hard not to. We were a lot more open with each other, but he was also more protective of me, if that was even possible. It seemed like Hikaru had regretted helping us in that aspect.

Right before we opened the Host Club, the door cracked open a bit. Nekozawa peered in, black cloak and all. "Nekozawa...." Tamaki trailed off. The one in question left the doorway.

"He probably got more sun than he ever will again in that one day," Hikaru commented.

"That may be true, but he immediately went running for the darkness again," Honey frowned.

"Yeah, we should have known. What a waste. He's back to wearing all those black clothes again," Kaoru said.

"But even so," Haruhi smiled a bit.

I told the others, "Kirimi isn't afraid of him anymore. That isn't what I call a waste." I looked back at the door. "Maybe he wanted something. I'm going to go see if he's there."

I moved to the door and opened it, almost jumping out of my skin. "Nekozawa!"

"I didn't mean to scare you!" he was quick to apologize. He had been standing right outside the door.

"No, it's okay. I just didn't expect you to be right there. I was coming to see if you needed something," I explained, trying to reduce my rapid pulse.

"I was hoping you might come out. I wanted to thank you for helping me, even though you couldn't cure me of my medical condition. I especially wanted to thank you, though, Katashi. You were very understanding of my situation," he said.

I smiled, "It wasn't a problem. We were happy to help. I'm glad you and your sister are on good terms now."

He continued, "But I noticed that you knew much about my family's business and that you weren't afraid of the dark or occult."

I laughed nervously, "Well, uh...."

Nekozawa told me, "Not many like you come around. I was wondering if you would take my hand in marriage?"

I shrieked, "Quoi?" How could he be so casual about it? I almost thought I heard him wrong!

"Of course, we would have to initiate you as a member of the occult before we got married, and you'd have to be willing to wear black, but these are very small things. You'd barely notice a difference."

"I-I.... I, uh...." I was at a complete loss for words.

Someone put their arm around me, and I heard Hikaru say, "I'm sorry, Nekozawa, but Katashi is already engaged to me." I gaped at him, but I was still mute and unable to yell at him.