Just Look into It

51. Distracting

Ryo felt embarrassed as the memory of the Halloween evening floated back to mind. Kyouya had given her a kiss. She had tried to tell herself that it wasn't anything special, as the hosts were known to kiss the hands of their guests. That it was a small gesture of affection that could be thrown around without any weight. 

But Kyouya had given it to her. 

And it wasn't on the hand, but on her temple, as he held her in his arms. 

He was proclaimed to be the "cool type" as a host, and as such didn't throw those gestures around nearly as much as Tamaki. 

She shook her head and turned her attention back to the task she had set herself on. An alert about students threatening someone else had reached her a few minutes ago, so she was tracking down those in question. At a school filled to the brim with heirs and heiresses of some of the most influential families in the country, threats weren't to be taken lightly. Thankfully, most threats were simple bluffs or were blurted out in a panic with no true ill-intent. It was easier to deal with them herself and avoid causing students additional stress by calling security or someone else to deal with it. 

The brunette turned the corner, catching sight of bright red hair and slumped shoulders. A sigh escaped her lips as she made her way over to the much taller student. His sharp eyes glared at her approaching before he looked away. 

"You again, Kasanoda?" she mused. 

"Hisakawa, whatcha here for now?" he replied. He ran a hand through his hair, shoulders seeming extra slouched. 

"Threatening language towards another student." She glanced up at him again, coming to a stop at his side. "I'm assuming another misunderstanding?"

"They were blocking the hall. Before I could even say anything, they were going off about everything I was going to do to them," he spat. " 'm sorry you had to deal with this."

She shook her head. In her opinion, he had far too much on his plate to worry about her. "Oh shut up."

He glared at her briefly before starting down the hall. "Whatever."

"Where you off to now?" she mocked. "I'm still investigating this case you know."

The red-haired male whipped around with wide eyes. "Since when do you make jokes like that?" 

Ryo blinked. "Uh, recently I guess? Is it really that odd?"

"Yeah. You're normally all business and little else," he shot back, waiting for her to catch up. "What happened?"

"Is the change that bad?" she asked, staring ahead. 

He balked. "Wha- What the hell? No, that's not-"

She smirked, giving him a smug look. "Joking, thank you though. I guess I just got closer to some friends. Any progress on your end?"

"What do you think?"

"You never know, I didn't think it would be possible on my end until recently," she chuckled, giving him a small nudge. "Besides, I suppose you've got me- though those rumors going around aren't very helpful I suppose."

"You must have died a million deaths," he sighed. 

"And I'll die a million more," she said. "How in the world is talking to you supposed to send me straight to the grave? Not even Nekozawa can accomplish that."

"You really know everyone, huh?"

"I suppose, but in reality, I'd say I've got like five and a half friends."

"How the hell do you have half a friend?" Kasanoda laughed. 

She shrugged, opening her laptop. "When they're family, I'm not sure if it counts. Say, where are you going?"

He jolted and stopped walking. Ryo glanced around to see that they were somewhat close to the third music room. His face was flushed as he avoided eye contact.  

"I uh-" he sputtered, glaring at her briefly. "What does it matter?"

"It matters because if you're planning something that has to do with the host club, I'll be taking my leave," she shot back, already filling out his paperwork. "As much as I enjoy their company, I like being in control of how I spend my time."

He sighed. "Fair."

"You don't have to explain what, I'll see you around, Kasanoda."

He huffed. "Stop acting like it's an insured thing."

"It is," she retorted. "In the span of just this year, how many incidents have you been involved in?"

"Shut up!" he snarled, walking off. 

Ryo sighed, feeling a bit guilty. "Goodbye. I'm still here if you need anything, that hasn't changed."

He didn't reply as he continued down the hall and towards the club. 

She honestly thought the poor guy needed a break. The first time they had met, she had been rather intimidated, but holding a conversation with him just proved that he really didn't mean to be so crass and threatening. At least, most of the time he didn't mean to be like that. She had met some of the people that were a part of his family, or whatever, and they seemed to care for him. 

Her phone suddenly started to ring, and she quickly answered. 

"Miss Ryouka?"

"Kyouya, is something wrong?" she asked instantly, placing her phone between her ear and shoulder to open her system.

"Not exactly. I do need you to come up to the music room for a moment," he mused. 

She blinked but started moving regardless of her confusion. "May I ask why?"

"I'll tell you once you arrive."

Ryo huffed. "Tell me now so that I am prepared for whatever I will be walking into."

He sighed. "I noticed a rather suspicious male student enter the club, though whomever it is has stayed separate from all hosts and guests."

"I see, I'll be there shortly." She suppressed a groan and picked up her pace. While she had been avoiding the host club, it seemed that she should have just arrived with Kasanoda in the first place. "The student should be Ritsu Kasanoda. He's a first-year and has some nasty rumors about him floating around. Please treat him kindly."

Kyouya snickered slightly on the other side of the line. "No promises, Miss Ryouka. I'll be watching for your arrival."

Her chest tightened for a moment as she smiled. "I assumed as much, Mr. Ootori."

The call ended and she slammed her eyes shut for a moment, willing herself to get in the proper mindset for what was likely to occur. Calls were nice, she decided. While not nearly as frequent as texts, calls were nice. 

She let out a slow breath as she stood outside the doors, taking a moment before pushing them open. Her back straightened as she took a confident step into the room, eyes instantly sizing up the situation before turning to where Kyouya was already watching her. He held a small smirk, arms crossed. 

The samurai theme was a nice choice.

Ryo blinked and forced herself to continue in further and concentrate her attention on Kasanoda and Mori. The red-head glared as he noticed her approaching, quickly glancing away as she gave him an unamused look. 

"What kind of misunderstanding happened this time?" she sighed. 

Kyouya stepped up to her side. "What makes you assume that there was some sort of misunderstanding?"

"Do you really want me to answer that? Now, what exactly can I do for you gentlemen?" she shot back, refusing to do more than glance his way.

Being in love was distracting.