Benefits || Kyoya Ootori x Reader

Chapter 24: Reluctant Outing P.2

"I'll be right back," you say, departing from the two and walking over to a random booth.

You had to separate yourself for a few minutes to get your emotions in check and not freak out in public.

"What is she doing?" Kyoya sighs.

"I don't understand you, Kyoya," Haruhi says. "If you're under so much pressure and scrutinizing from your family, why are you with (Y/N)? What does she do for you?"

Kyoya gazes at your pretending to examine an assortment of items with the far-off look in your eyes indicating you're deep in thought, but he knows your real reason for walking away.

"I was confident I had the ability to see through other people's facades but that they could never seen through mine, then I met (Y/N)," Kyoya says fondly. "She sees every vulnerability, every good thing and every bad thing in me. It's rare, especially for the rich, and when you find something like that, you hold onto it."

"That's not what I expected," Haruhi replies.

Kyoya looks down at her. "You still have a lot to learn, like I said."

You saunter back over just in time to distinctively hear an older woman's voice nearby talking about the antique bowls. Kyoya's narrowed eyes of annoyance in the direction of the conversation indicates his near future actions. Meanwhile, you sneak over to Haruhi's side.

"Remember how I said not to trust his word?" you whisper. "Watch this."

You and Haruhi follow Kyoya with your eyes as he treks over to the small stand to interrupt the sketchy man's bidding.

"With all due respect, these are fake," Kyoya starts and picks up a bowl. "This blue is strongly reminiscent, but looking closely around the base, you'll notice the color graduating isn't quite dark enough to be authentic. That and lacker is too clear."

"That's enough of you, Mr. Expert. I'll report you for obstructing my business," the man threatens.

"Actually, selling a fake product that you claim is real is fraudulent and can land you many years in jail," you inform factually as Kyoya continues to inspect the bowl and flips it over.

"Just as I thought. The brush strokes on the seal are uncharacteristically broad as well. For your sake, I hope you have a certificate, that is, if you still insist it's real," Kyoya says with a smirk.

"O-of course it's real! I have the certificate at home," the man claims nervously.

"Then surely you won't mind if I call the Kamazu family right now to verify your claim. My own family has had dealings with them for generations. It would only be a matter of minutes," Kyoya says, setting the fake bowl back on the stand.

"I love when he does that," you say adoringly and pat Haruhi on the shoulder.

Security guards end up dragging the man away and the older woman incessantly thanks Kyoya for helping her out, and Kyoya, of course, tells her it's his pleasure. Kyoya walks back over to your side and Haruhi has her inquiries prepared.

"After everything you've told me, stepping in on a complete stranger's behalf seems a little out of character for you," Haruhi comments.

"She's hardly a complete stranger. Her husband is the C.E.O of a major electronics company. This is my first time meeting her personally, but that ring on her left hand is unmistakable. My family has dealings with her husband's company," Kyoya explains smugly.

Haruhi looks horrified but you're still beaming up at Kyoya with pride and happiness.

"Oh, one of the Ootori boys. Imagine running into you here incognito," the old woman says after approaching the three of you. "The next opportunity I have, I'll be sure to take advantage of one of your family's beautiful health resorts."

"We would be honored," Kyoya replies politely.

The woman walks away and out of sight. You turn and engulf Kyoya in a hug to express yourself. Haruhi is more confused by your display and then it skyrockets when Kyoya wordlessly and delicately puts his arms around you while looking down at you with the softest smile she has ever seen on his face.

You pull away to lay a quick peck on his lips and proceed to saunter ahead to put your arm around Haruhi's shoulders with Kyoya now following the two of you.

"What just happened? Why did you do that when he just used that situation to get his family's name more recognition?" Haruhi rapidly asks.

"Because of the flag," you answer.

"The fla--holy shit," Haruhi mutters and looks quickly back at Kyoya.

"I was never as observant of my surroundings until I had Kyoya to challenge me, but I think there's no competition, really. He does things like that because it's in his heart. He has grace and gallantry when being a smartass, and if I tried that, I would just be a smartass. He has me beat and I love to see him win," you say.

Soon, the three of you catch up with the rest of the guys and head back to the pension. You sit around a larger table with them jabbering away and Kyoya writing in his notebook and the reality of life hits you full-force. A girl, lost and left alone in the world who finally has friends, well, a family to call her own. The Host Club is truly an amazing thing.