Benefits || Kyoya Ootori x Reader

Chapter 18: Exams

You and Kyoya don't discuss the events that occured at his house two months ago because nothing has changed since. Kyoya is still Kyoya, you still go to his house on occasion and he drops by yours sometimes. You had a short conversation the day after you were caught, but that's all.

"What happened?" you asked.

"I told him what I told my sister, but he just stared right through me. I think he assumes it's just a phase, so business should continue as usual," Kyoya replied monotonously.

"It won't hinder your progress toward becoming the heir, right?" you questioned worriedly.

Kyoya tools you hand in his and reassuringly kissed your cheek softly. "I don't believe so."

That was about how far you got on the subject, and now that exams are here, you can't dwell too much. The school year ends in a week, then it's off to a relaxing two months of summer vacation before your final year of high school.

Early in the morning, you're in Music Room #3 alone to study. You and Kyoya decided to be separated for this since you both take exams very seriously and need silence to look over your notes and textbooks for the year. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done as Tamaki strolls into the room.

"Hey, (Y/N)," he greets, walking over and sitting in the spot across from you.

"I'm really busy. What do you want?" you ask, not looking up from your papers.

"Kyoya told me what happened," Tamaki reveals in a voice you have never heard before. It's one with a mature undertone and not the familiar playful, child-like voice.

"And?" you urge, raising your gaze to meet his eyes.

"I know how their family is. My father isn't like that, nor is my grandmother, but I even feel nervous about if--" he hesitates "--if Haruhi..."

"I know how you feel about her, Tamaki," you say. "It's okay, you know. You can't help how you feel."

"That's not the point," Tamaki responds. "It's hard for Kyoya to go against his father, but don't let it affect your relationship. Accept what Kyoya is willing to offer because even though he has all the money in the world, you're the one thing that he can't pay for."

"I don't want him to ruin--"

"He'll be fine," Tamaki insists. "Kyoya always knows what he's doing. Let him handle the stuff with his family and you both enjoy life together, but be there for him all the same."

Tamaki gets a far-off look in his eyes as if reminiscing about something.

"Your mother taught you well, Tamaki. I hope we can all meet her one day," you reply gently.

"So do I," he says.

❁❁❁

"(Y/N), I finally found you," Haruhi says, sitting on the concrete step next to you near the courtyard.

"What's up?" you ask, closing your book and giving her your full attention.

"Hikaru and Kaoru invited me to Bali for the summer, then Mori and Honey invited me to Switzerland. I'm trying to stay as far away as possible," she explains.

"What the hell? They didn't invite me," you grumble.

"You are dating Kyoya. It's not customary to do that to their friend."

"Okay, true," you reply. "Kyoya hasn't mentioned going anywhere to me, so I assume he won't. We have to help at Misuzu's anyway."

"I just want to get away from them for a while. They're so damn annoying," Haruhi groans.

"They don't know where we're going, so unless they track us down somehow, we get to be away from them."

"Thankfully." Haruhi sighs in relief.

"(Y/N)."

You whip your head to the other side and smile widely. You set your book on the step and stand up to give Kyoya a hug when he approaches.

"Gag me," Haruhi mutters.

"Do you think you did well on your tests?" you ask, taking a step back.

This is first time all day you have gotten to speak since you both studied between classes and--of course--couldn't talk during the exams.

"I know I did," he answers. "We'll have to wait to see which of us ranked first this year."

"I know I did," you mock.

"Okay, enough of that. I have to ask you something," Kyoya says, peering over your head. "Evening, Haruhi. Do you mind if I steal her?"

"Not at all. I need to get home before I get kidnapped again or something," she responds, walking in the opposite direction toward the apartment.

"What do you need to ask me?" you question, going over to pack your books in your bag before strapping it over your shoulder.

"Summer vacation is coming up and I was wondering if you would like to join me for two months at a domestic resort anywhere in the country, considering you don't have a passport. Haruhi can come along as well," Kyoya offers with a grin.
You suppress a disappointed groan at how nice it would be to go to a resort and kick back at a spa after the stress the school year has brought you, but you made a previous engagement.

"I can't. Haruhi and I are going to Karuizawa for the summer to work at Ryoji's friend's bed and breakfast. I'm sorry," you apologize.

Kyoya frowns. "It's fine." He ponders for a moment as you both begin walking side by side. "Actually, my family has a cottage not too far from there. I could stay there--"

"No, no," you interject. "I don't want you going if you don't want to. I don't want us to be away from each other for two months, but I want you to relax."

Kyoya reaches over to entangle his fingers with yours. "I want to. Just like the movie on our first date, I want to go. I'll see you when you're working, I can work while you're working, then we can both go back to the empty cottage and spend time together. It comes around perfectly."

"I'll give you credit, that actually turns out really well for both of us. I'm in," you respond, elation hitting you because you'll get to see Kyoya and keep your promise.

"You're leaving on the last day of school, I presume?"

"Yup," you confirm.

"I have some family business to tie up, so I'll be there a week afterwards."

"Does--Does your dad know we're spending the summer together?" you ask hesitantly.

"Yes." Kyoya sighs. "He gave me a blank look, but didn't say much else."

"I'm sorry," you mumble.

"Don't apologize," he responds, stopping to turn you to him. "We're going to have a nice summer together to where we don't have to think about any of that."

Kyoya leans down and presses a kiss to your forehead. Your hope for this summer is for it to be a tranquil getaway from the Host Club's chaos and spend more time with Kyoya because you don't know how much of it you really have left.