A Twin's Love

Chapter 9

"I'm a little confused," Haruhi admitted as she lifted her arms. Jenna wrapped a measuring tape around her and started taking various measurements, Kyoya silently taking notes of them for her at her side. "Is it your sister who makes the cosplay outfits, or you?"

"Both of us, actually. Although Emma is more skilled and creative than I am, we both enjoy doing it as a hobby." The young woman tossed her ponytail back, then stood up on a chair to take Mori's measurements.

"Well, I would still consider it an honor to wear a creation as beautiful as you, if you made it." Tamaki exclaimed in dramatic excitement.

"It shouldn't take more than two weeks. Is there any preference in materials you guys have? Any irritations that I should be aware of?"

"What do you mean?" Haruhi asked curiously.

"Everyone is different when it comes to clothing. For example; I've never been fond of lace because it itches, some people prefer cotton over wool, or silk rather than satin, and I once knew someone who was allergic to polyester."

"Ah, that makes sense."

"You're really smart and considerate, Jen-chan! I can't wait to see what you make for us!" Honey praised joyfully, tossing his stuffed bunny into the air.

"Alright, thank you, Mori-senpai. Next host, please."

"I'm ready when you are. Take your time, and feel free to measure whatever you'd like." Hikaru said with a smirk as he stepped forward, lifting his arms. Karou eyed him suspiciously. He's trying to irritate me, I know it. Watching Jenna put her arms around the other hosts somehow made him ache with jealousy and desire.

"Hey, Karou? Are you and Hikaru the same size? If so, that might save some time."

The young man jumped a little as her voice brought him back to the earth. "Um, we might be. But it wouldn't hurt to check."

"Alright. Just remove your jacket and I'll be with you in a moment."

As her tender hands grazed his frame, Karou felt his cheeks blush, his heart thump inside him. She's so close to embracing me! And she's so cute when she's focused.

She was finished all too soon. "Okay, that's all I need. Thanks for letting me do this."

"Here are the measurements for all of the hosts, and a list of cosplay ideas that the Host Club has come up with for the next few weeks." Kyoya said politely, handing the young woman a couple of papers from his black book. "We sincerely appreciate your help."

"No problem, senpai. I'll see you all later."

"I'll walk you out." Karou suddenly volunteered, pulling his blazer back on.

"Oh. Um, thank you." Jenna tugged the elastic out of her hair, letting her wavy locks fall around her shoulders. Though she turned her face away as he approached her, he noticed her cheeks blush a little.

After a few minutes of walking in silence, Karou finally tried to break the ice. "So, I've actually been meaning to talk to you for a while."

"Oh? What about?"

"A couple of things. Your sudden absence, for starters."

"I wasn't feeling well, so I stayed out of school to not let anyone else get sick." She responded, a little too quickly. How many times has she recited that?

"Really? And it has nothing to do with what happened when Emma came to visit?"

"No. That's a completely different topic."

"Alright. In that case, may I ask why you ran off that day?" What am I saying? Am I prying too much? I probably shouldn't question her, but I feel like I need to know.

"Like I said, I wasn't feeling well. Probably something I ate that day."

Karou had finally had enough. He quickly stepped in front of her, stopping Jenna in her tracks. "Stop lying to me."

"What makes you think I'm lying?" She looked down at the floor, avoiding his gaze.

He grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look him in the eyes. He stared with a seriousness that he's rarely used. "I know you, Jen. You can't lie to me."

Jenna stared back at him, chewing her bottom lip nervously. After a long minute, though it felt like an hour, she finally spoke softly. "There's really nothing to talk about. It was just a misunderstanding."

The young man's heart sank. "What do you mean by that?"

"Emma likes to draw her own conclusions based on her illogical assumptions. I'm sorry she caused such a scene that day."

"I don't know about her assumptions being illogical. She seems pretty observant and clever." Hitachiin reluctantly let go of her shoulders and stepped back a little.

"Maybe, but she can still be a bit annoying. Siblings can be like that, even twins."

"I guess you're right." He chuckled, still feeling a little uneasy about her response.

"Anyway, I should get going. Thanks for walking me out, Hitachiin." Jenna turned to leave the hallway.

"Hey, wait!" Karou called out, suddenly hesitant to let her leave. "Um, do you want to go out sometime? Say, Sunday, maybe?"

Her eyes widened in absolute surprise. "Uh, are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Why not?"

"Well, after what happened last week, I'm not sure if it's a good idea for us to be seen alone together too often. Your clients might think it's. . . inappropriate."

"Oh? I didn't think about that." Karou stroked his chin thoughtfully. "But there's one problem that makes your argument invalid," he paused, stepping up to her once more and looking straight into her eyes. "I don't care what they think. I just want to be with you."

If the turquoise orbs could get any wider, they probably would have in that moment. "I-I. . . I have to go. I'm sorry, Karou." Jenna turned abruptly and ran off, leaving the young man alone.

"Hey-!" he called out, running after her immediately. Before he knew it, she turned the corner and disappeared from sight. Somehow, he lost Davidson and couldn't find her. "Jenna? Jenna!" He searched for quite some time, before he reluctantly gave up and decided she was long gone from the premises. With his heart in his stomach, Karou sadly walked back to the music room. I didn't even get the chance to tell her how I felt, that Emma's assumption was correct. I really hope she doesn't try to avoid me again.

**************************************************************** What do you think happens or should happen next? I'm always open for your ideas and input. Thanks for reading! Until next time, my loyal readers.