Hitachiin Triplets

Chapter 8...

The mall we ended up at was massive. Everyone gawked at the stores lined up of all the brand fashions. "Welp, hot topic is my store. See you boys later." I smirked, heading left for said store. Hikaru and Kaoru were already looking for their favorite places while the rest just wandered about.

"A day to hang out with your brothers and you three still split off." Kyoya mentioned from behind me. I jumped at his voice and sheepishly turn around. "Yeah, well, I'm still getting used to the idea of not running off to the next country." My answer seemed to have been somewhat amusing as he chuckled. "Indeed."

I was silent for a few steps, quietly wondering why this bespectacled boy stayed around someone like me. "Is there any specific reason you stick around me so much?" The question was out before I could stop them. But, I was too curious to take it back.

Kyoya matched pace with me with a casual smirk. "It's simple, really. I find you intriguing. You hide yourself better than I could on a good day. Your strength and stubbornness are qualities that I find pleasant. But, your past is a puzzle that I can't seem to put down."

Deep violet eyes glanced at me as I looked down. He knew that my little hobby was only the surface of what happened to me. My scars were much deeper than the ones on my skin. I gave a huff and looked back up. "You may not like what you find, Kyoya. But, for once, I'll let you poke around. You seem to be the only one who wants to know about all that stuff anyway."

Shrugging, I turned and walked up to the best floor, finding my favorite store. Kyoya followed me around the gloomy shop while I glanced over the shelves of t-shirts, accessories and hair dies. Nothing tickled my fancy for the day, unfortunately. So, I drug the raven haired boy around to other shops.

Glasses, suits, dresses, shoes, ties, jewelry. Anything I could think of, I took my shopping buddy to see. Soon enough, though, we both needed a break; and some coffee.

After a few sips of a mug of dark roast, I was able to enjoy Kyoya's company. He wasn't loud or particularly annoying. He was simply observant and inquisitive. A smile touched my lips as I remembered the kiss. I could feel my blush as I looked in a different direction.

Something caught my eyes. Well, three somethings. One blond and two orange heads of hair peeking behind a pillar. I could have groaned, but didn't. "Kyoya?" I asked instead, getting his attention. "It would seem this place is going to get hectic in three seconds." Kyoya looked at the three musketeers and sighed. "Indeed. Honestly, those three are the largest headache."

"Dearest trouble makers, do come out. You all look ridiculous" I huffed in a strange, posh way. Tamaki jumped up, placing his hand on his chin. "Of course, a beautiful, intelligent young lady would find us so quickly." Kyoya and I could do nothing but shake our heads. Kaoru stumbled out from his place with Hikaru behind him. "It's impossible to scare Mina." "But she's good at freaking others out."

I gave a snort and stood, tossing my empty cup away. "Alright, shopping done for the moment. Anyone up for a theme park?" My doppelgangers and Tamaki raised their hands enthusiastically. "Great, let's go find the others and ditch this joint!" Pumping my fist, I led the way to a bookstore where Haruhi was bound to be. Then a sports equipment outlet for the other two.

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I could hear Haruhi scream behind me as the coaster spun again. My hands were in the air and a smile was plastered to my lips. Glancing at my cart partner, Kyoya looked to be enjoying himself as well; though he tried to hide it. I laughed and gave a whoop just as the ride came to an end.

Everyone around me had wild hair and big smiles. Starting off with a thrill coaster was one of the better decisions of the day. "Should we go on a small ride next, or the giant swings?" I questioned. Que the excited talking and discussing. For once, I didn't truly mind the hectic atmosphere. "THE GIANT SPINNING SWING SET IT IS!" Tamaki exclaimed, running off with Haruhi in tow. Poor girl.

Coasters, merry-go-rounds, cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream, souvenirs, laughter, fun and friends. My day had been the best in my life. Everyone had piled into the limo for the ride home, and most had fallen asleep. Kyoya seemed to be slightly dozing even.

I smiled and leaned against the door, eyes unfocused and gazing out the window. Something bumped onto my shoulder and I nearly laughed. Kyoya had finally succumbed to his tiredness. Leaning my head back, I let myself relax. No one was going to hurt me. No one wanted to run me off. Today proved that.

Unknowingly, I fell asleep. My mind going completely blank as I rested my mind and body. It was finally time to stop running and start owning up to my fears. Even if it returned to how things started, I will refuse to run again.

●●●

"I don't think Mina has ever fallen asleep with someone before."

"She's so cute! She looks like a doll!"

"Maybe Usa-chan would like a nap too."

"Guys, leave them alone. Can't you see how tired they are?"

"Well, yeah. But we have to get them out of the car."

My nose twitched as I started to wake up due to the noise. Rolling to my side, I buried my face into the fabric. Then the fabric moved. My eyes shot open, body bolted back and I quickly tumbled out of the vehicle. I landed on my back and looked up to the shocked faces of the host club.

Groaning, I sat up. In the car was Kyoya, looking around and wondering what just happened. "Well, that's a first." I grumbled, getting to my feet. "Okay, I'm heading inside." I turned and bolted up the steps and into the house. It was only when I opened the door that I realised that it wasn't my home. It was the Ootori mansion.

Again, I turned and nearly collided with Kaoru. "Uh-uh, you're not going anywhere. Exams start next week and you're studying with us today." Hikaru popped up behind Kaoru with a cheshire smirk. "We let you have fun for the day, now you get to study your brains out."

"If it isn't Mina Hitachiin." The velvety voice of Lady Ootori called from the stairs. "Running away so soon? Why, you're all just in time for tea. Do come in and enjoy yourselves." I paled as my eyes locked with hers. For some, strange reason, she scared me more than a heavy weight champ in Brooklin.

The hosts and I were now sitting in one of the lounges. The luxury furnishings and art work kept my mind slightly distracted from the piercing gaze of Kyoya's mother. A painting of a ballet caught my eye. The flowing paint and perfect color scheme melded together like music.

"I see that you have an eye for beauty, Mina Hitachiin." Miss Ootori cut unto my thoughts.I gave a subtle nod before glancing at the woman. "Two dancers, by Edgar Degas. A piece I never thought I would see in Japan."

Kyoya cleared his throat and sent me a small grin. "It was a gift from Tamaki, after all, he is from France." His mother didn't look amused, but didn't mention anything. I sipped at my tea in thought just as Hikaru jumped in my lap. "WE FORGOT SOMETHING IMPORTANT!" He yelled, shaking my shoulders much like Tamaki does to Haruhi.

"THE NIGHTMARE GAME CAME OUT TODAY AND WE FORGOT TO GET IT!" I sweatdropped at my brother's stupidity. "If you're that worked up over it, I'll stop by and pick it up while you're hosting."

Both of my brothers glomped me in joy and all I could do was puff a sigh and let it be. "So." I started once my brother's detached. "Weren't we supposed to be studying for those exams?" Everyone in the room sweatdropped. They all forgot about that little detail.