invisible [ kyoya ootori ]

『Chapter Twenty Two || Mori-senpai Has an Apprentice Candidate!』

"I didn't know that late-Edo era cosplay would be this popular," Haruhi commented as she picked at her costume. This time, the Host Club's theme was "late-Edo era." The Hosts wore the uniforms of the Shinsengumi, while Fumika and Renge wore late Edo kimonos.

"What are you talking about?" Hikaru said, "That's one of the basics of the basics."

"There are more girls that like the late-Edo era than you can imagine," Kaoru told her, "Especially the Shinsengumi."

"And in any case, among those who like it, there are lots of real maniacs," Honey added.

"Perhaps the reason for their popularity was their gallantry in giving their young lives for the sake of the country," Renge said, "In their single-mindedness to live the bushido code, and in the stoic way in which they comported themselves. Or perhaps..."

Suddenly, Kaoru let out a strangled gasp and clutched his chest, falling to the ground. Before he could hit the ground, though, Hikaru quickly grabbed his brother's wrist and pulled him into a hug.

"Don't you die," Hikaru muttered.

"I'm done for," Kaoru sighed, causing their guests to squeal.

"...they detect the scent of something forbidden, coming from this gymnasium-type group of young men," Renge finished, "The Ikeda-ya Inn may indeed be generally well-known, but for me, just imaging the back of Hijikata-san, facing the northern lands, following the battle at Tobafushimi, sorrowfully wandering, trying to defend the Shinsengumi by himself, I could eat three whole bowls of rice!"

"Renge-chan sure does cover a lot of territory," Haruhi muttered.

"Following your advice to not have us cast ourselves in any specific roles, saying it would be better to leave it up to our guests to freely fantasize for themselves, was the right choice," Kyoya complimented Renge.

"Naturally," Renge laughed "Still, sure enough, having Haruhi-kun be Okita Soji is perfect."

"He does indeed fit in as the handsome evanscent young swordsman!" one of Haruhi's guests squealed.

"No, Haruhi-kun, don't die!" another girl cried.

Meanwhile, Fumika was intently staring at the fake ponytail on Kyoya's head. She hesitantly reached a hand towards it before quickly drawing it back. She did this a few more times before suddenly batting it with a hand. Watching the ponytail swing from side to side, Fumika's eyes sparkled as she began to bat it between her hands.

"Fumika, what are you doing?" Fumika quickly hid her hands behind her and placed an innocent look on her face as her boyfriend turned to give her a questioning look.

"Nothing~"

Kyoya rolled his eyes. "Don't think I didn't feel you playing with my ponytail," he told her, "Honestly, you're like a cat." He then smirked and leaned in towards her. "Which reminds me..." He suddenly took something out from-a hidden pocket, or his sleeve or something-and placed it on Fumika's head.

"Nya!" Fumika mewed automatically before realizing what he had put on her head. "Kyoya!"

Kyoya chuckled, causing Fumika to turn red. "Adorable."

"Wh-why do you even-why do you even have cat ears?!" Fumika questioned, taking them off her head, "It's not even somewhat close to being related to our theme!"

"The twins gave it to me at beginning of club hours," Kyoya told her, giving her a nonchalant shrug. "They gave me a matching tail as well, and if I remember correctly, I believe we still have that maid outfit you wore during our cherry blossoms theme."