Just Look into It

19: Fly Away

Once again, for some reason she wasn't aware of, Ryo found herself in the Host Club's music room. A sigh escaped her lips as she listened to the chaos the twins were causing, unable to focus on the current issue occurring by the gates of the school. Resolving to let security handle it right away rather than wait for a sign of a true issue, the notification was released. She leaned back in her seat, rubbing her eyes. 

"Looking as excited as ever, Miss Ryo," Kyouya taunted from his spot across from her. 

"Don't you have guests to attend to, Mr. Kyouya?" she shot back. She winced at her wording. "Ah, sorry. This club and its members are one of the largest issues I deal with on a daily basis. Especially in the current situation."

Her eyes turned to glare at the twins, wincing as yet another argument broke out between them. She hadn't believed Kyouya when he had asked her to mediate the situation, but the system notifications were more than enough proof that this was a serious problem. 

Their arguments were driving away the normal tsunami of girls that would arrive, only a few long-term and devoted girls attempting to push through. Even they were struggling with the choice between longer, uninterrupted time with their hosts and loud arguments. 

Ryo would consider herself impressed if it wasn't causing such an issue for everyone else. Arguments between family always happen, but doing it in such a loud way in a very public space was pathetic. Sometimes there was no other choice, but this was not one such case. 

"Really, I find it very hard to believe," she mumbled, watching the twins with an intense glare. 

There was something wrong with the situation. 

Ryo wanted to tell herself that it wasn't her problem, but with a quick glance, she could already see how tense Kyouya seemed. There was little doubt that the whole scenario was costing the host club valuable money that was needed for Tamaki's schemes. 

"Ah, I'd better get going," she sighed, noticing the time. "I've got to meet with the doctor in charge of my mother. I've got to get Yuu home first." 

Kyouya paused in his typing. "I see. Well, have a safe trip."

"Thanks..."

Ryo sighed and packed up her things. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the twins storm out of the room. Following behind them, she couldn't help but watch the instant transformation. 

In an instant, the two were all smiles and schemes. 

"Oi, oi. Hitachiins," she called out. The two tensed as they whipped around to look at her. 

"Oh, Hisakawa, good to see you."

"You've been around the club more often."

She nodded. "Blame yourselves."

"Eh, why should I take the blame for Hikaru's actions?"

"What do you mean? You're just as guilty as I am!"

The brunette stared at the two. "Shut up, please. I'm not fooled. I'm impressed by the dedication, but please stop."

"Aw, you're no fun," they groaned. "How'd you figure it out?"

Ryo paused, considering her words carefully. "I've been around my fair share of liars and actors. Besides, make sure you're far enough away before dropping the act."

Without waiting for a reply, she pushed past the two and hurried out of the school. She knew the doctor was more than forgiving if she was late, but she hated the thought of making him wait. 

The twins are faking their fight in order to get
Haruhi to invite them to her house.
I'll see if I can help her snap at them faster.

I understand. 
Thank you.

On her way to the hospital, Ryo couldn't help but think back on the day she had spent with Kyouya at her home. They had simply ended up putting on a movie in the background while Kyouya and Yuu talked almost endlessly about his art and studies. She was thankful that the two got along, and the calm environment provided by both boys had lead to her falling asleep on the couch next to them. 

She hadn't been able to talk to him about much anything other than the Host Club or similar school business. 

Ryo wondered if it was alright for her to keep this kind of relationship with Kyouya. After all, they were from different backgrounds and had only met each other through a mutually beneficial business agreement. They had been getting closer as of late, and it was nice. 

She just wasn't sure if it was right to stay this way. 

"Ah," she sighed. There was no use worrying about it. Kyouya held the power, as he did in most situations. It was up to him how they continued. 

The meeting was fast and to the point like normal, and little had changed since the last time she had visited. In fact, she wasn't even sure why he had requested that she come to visit.

"How are you holding up?" he asked. 

"Just fine. Things are stressful, but nothing more than I can handle. I've got some good friends that I've been able to rely on." 

With that question, their meeting was done. It seemed he had just wanted to check in on her. Ryo pulled her hair down as she stepped briefly to the side of the hall, whipping out her phone to check for any alerts or messages. 

She closed her eyes and took off her glasses. 

Couldn't the universe cut her a break for more than one day?

Ryo took a deep breath and forced herself to stand up straight. She needed to be strong. She had people she could rely on if things got to be too bad. She could endure this for a little longer. 

Silence filled her ears as she made her way back home, unable to even find the energy for her mind to race. It was an odd sensation. Never before had she really been able to simply walk down the street and become so focused on the most basic of things. Her eyes caught on cracks in the sidewalk and lingered on posters in store windows. For a moment she stood still, eyes locked desperately onto a trio of birds perched on a wire above the road. 

She could think of nothing else. Three beautiful little birds, doing nothing but sitting. 

One flew off. Just like that.

It was such a simple image to recall as she pushed open the door to her home. 

Ryo had stood there for far too long, wondering what could make them fly away.