Chapter 14 | The Winter Ball

--a week later--

~Kaoru's POV~

"My princesses, who have gathered here tonight, the Ouran Host Club bids you a fond welcome... to the Ouran Academy Winter Ball!" Tono said as the lights all suddenly came on, revealing the entire Host Club.

Well, all of us except Arabella. She wasn't here yet.

"We invite you to enjoy yourselves to your heart's content as you dance with the Host Club members! In addition, the guest who is recognized as the best dancer of the night and is chosen as tonight's queen will receive an impassioned kiss on the cheek from our very own king, Tamaki Suoh." Kyoya said.

"Good luck to you all, my beauties!" Tono said as he winked at all our customers.

The second he did that, they all either squealed, fangirled, fainted, or all three.

Haruhi just rolled her eyes. "Ugh... when is Arabella gonna get here...? She needs to come and save me..." she grumbled.

Hikaru and I approached her. "Haruhi, your enthusiasm is low..." we both said to her.

Haruhi sighed. "I'm not used to all this... I mean, we've never really had a real fancy event like this before... In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Arabella decided to back out and stayed at home. I should've done the same..." she grumbled.

As much as I did NOT want to see Arabella and Soga come in together, I have the feeling she wouldn't just stand us up like that... I mean, she would at least tell us that she wouldn't be coming.

"Oh, quit your whining. You're here anyway, why don't you try out the cuisine? There's quite a spread." Kyoya said.

"A-A spread...? Like, with fancy tuna...?" Haruhi said.

Tono's eyes widened. "FANCY TUNA?! WE DON'T HAVE FANCY TUNA...!!!" he shouted. He pointed at Kyoya, who immediately began dialing on his phone. "Kyoya, get some fancy tuna here, stat!!! And some deluxe sushi!!!"

Haruhi grumbled. "Damn these rich people..." she muttered to herself. Hikaru and I rolled our eyes at her.

Suddenly, a buzzing sound was heard. Haruhi pulled her phone out of her tux pocket.

"It's Arabella," she said, sounding relieved. "Freaking finally...! I'll have someone that I can suffer with...! She just arrived."

I looked around for her. "Where? I don't see her." I said. On the bright side, I didn't see Soga either.

Wait, why do I care so much that Soga asked Arabella to the ball???

Just a week ago, Hikaru and I overheard Soga asking Arabella to the ball. We also witnessed them giggling and whispering to each other like they were a couple already.

It was so sickingly sweet that I wanted to barf up my lunch.

Hikaru's hand was suddenly on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Kaoru, your girlfriend will be here momentarily." he said.

I probably turned fifty shades of red. "Sh-She is NOT my girlfriend...!!!" I studdered. Hikaru just shrugged in response.

"Besides, she came here with someone else." I snapped slightly. Hikaru gave me a look.

God, what is wrong with me lately??? Lately, I've been pissed off and mad at the world and everything and everyone in it. I have no idea why...

Hikaru suddenly smirked. "Oh... I get it... Kaoru, you're jealous..."

"What...? Jealous of what, huh???" I said.

"Isn't it obvious? You're jealous of the chairman because he asked Arabella to the Winter Ball before you could... Am I wrong?" Hikaru said.

My eyes widened. "O-Of course you're WRONG...! I don't even LIKE Arabella that way...! And I'm NOT jealous of anyone or anything!!!" I said.

Hikaru's eyes wandered away from me then suddenly stopped. "Well, speak of the devil..." he said.

Haruhi looked to where he was looking and smiled. "Thank goodness! Arabella's here!"

I looked where they were looking.

Yeah, Arabella was here alright, along with Soga.

The second I saw Arabella, one thought crossed my mind...

She looked beautiful.

She was wearing a silver dress that complimented her skin tone and everything. Her brown hair was curled perfectly and it cascaded down to her shoulders. She also had some makeup on, not too much though, just the right amount.

I must have been looking at her for a long time because eventually someone snapped their fingers in front of my face and said, "Uh, Kaoru...? Earth to Kaoru...! Anyone home???"

I snapped out of it and found Hikaru staring at me.

"U-Uh, what?" I said.

"You okay...? I thought I lost you for a second there..." Hikaru said.

"I-I'm fine." I said. Hikaru shrugged again.

"Alright then," he said. "Arabella looks great, doesn't she?"

I nodded. "Yeah... she sure does..." I mumbled.

Soon, she and Soga approached us. "Hey, guys! You all look great!" she said.

"Thanks, you too," Haruhi said. She nodded at Soga. "Hey, class rep. You look great."

Soga smiled. "Hey, Fujioka. You look nice as well." he said.

Then, he looked at Arabella. "You wanna go check out the cuisine?" he asked.

Arabella nodded. "Oh, yes, I'm starving." Then they took off.

I stared after them.

Hikaru put his hand on my shoulder again. "Don't worry, Kaoru, I'll make sure Soga gets completely embarrassed in front of Arabella... It'll be great..." he said. I rolled my eyes.

"Don't do that, that'll only ruin Arabella's night." I said.

Hikaru looked shocked. "Well, look who's the pure one now." he said.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "Whatever." I said.

Then, the music started for the first song.

Everyone found a dance partner.

Of course, Soga and Arabella partnered up.

Hikaru and I eventually found partners as well. So did the rest of the Host Club.

I looked away from my partner for a second or two to see that Soga had lifted Arabella up and spun her around. They laughed and looked like they were having a good time.

I sighed.

"Uh... Kaoru...? Are you okay? Wait, you are Kaoru, right...?" my dance partner asked me.

I turned back to her. "Yeah, I'm Kaoru. And I'm fine." I said.

~Arabella's POV~

Soga and I danced and laughed.

"This is great," I whispered in his ear. "I think the plan's working...!"

Soga smiled. "Is she looking?"

I turned around to look. When I saw her looking, I nodded happily. "Yep! She's looking alright! And she looks jealous...!" I whispered.

Soga's smile grew. "Really??? You think so???"

"Trust me, I know so." I said.

After several minutes of dancing, Soga and I took a break. He went to go get some refreshments while I hung out next to Haruhi, who was the only one not dancing.

"So, how's it going?" Haruhi asked.

"Good. You?"

Haruhi shrugged. "Alright, I guess."

"Haruhi."

We both turned to see Kanako. She was wearing a beautiful blue dress. She smiled at Haruhi. "I've been looking for you. You'll dance with me, won't you?" she said.

"Of course." Haruhi said before she offered her hand to Kanako, who took it happily.

Tamaki and the rest of them rushed up to me. "Kanako's here! That means our plan is underway!" Tamaki said.

I nodded.

"Roger!" we all replied.

We all immediately grabbed Haruhi and ran off.

Then, we went into one of the classrooms and made sure to shut the door.

"Jeez... you didn't have to be so high-handed..." Haruhi mumbled.

"Whatever. Just get changed." Hikaru and Kaoru said before they handed Haruhi a bag.

Then, Honey pushed her behind a curtain.

"Hm... Having an accident happen at the end would be more thrilling, don't you think?" Kyoya suddenly said. "Remember, Haruhi, your time is twenty minutes until the climax of the Winter Ball. We've already called Toru to the adjoining classroom."

When Haruhi was finished getting dressed, she came out.

She was wearing a pink dress with a long wig on her head.

Then, I got to applying her makeup.

"Gracefully ask him what his feelings are." Honey reminded Haruhi.

"Although, since this is the boss's strategy, there's something unsettling about it..." Hikaru and Kaoru said.

The door suddenly opened to reveal Tamaki. "Hey! Come on, you guys! What's the big idea with everyone still in here??? You were all supposed to be out by now! Who's looking after our guests--" He cut himself off at the sight of Haruhi.

He blushed pink.

"Well... What do ya' think, Tono?" Hikaru and Kaoru sang.

"Haru-chan! You look cute!" Honey said as Haruhi attempted to walk in her high heels.

"My face feels heavy and it's hard to walk in these heels...!" Haruhi complained as she walked. Then she exited the room to go do her part.

"Good luck in there!" Hikaru and Kaoru said.

"Sh-She's just too cute..." Tamaki mumbled as he watched her go.

Kyoya set a timer for exactly five minutes while Tamaki ran out of the room.

Exactly five minutes later, we all suddenly heard running and soft weeping.

Two people sped past our classroom.

"Kanako! Kanako, wait!!!"

It was Kanako and Toru.

Just as planned.

We all exited the room and met up with Tamaki and Haruhi.

"Didn't we just complicate things...?" Haruhi asked Tamaki.

"He did go running after her. Didn't he?" Tamaki replied.

Haruhi smiled. "I guess you're right." she said.

Then, we immediately hurried out of the hall and to the balcony, not before Haruhi quickly changed back into her tux and took off the long wig.

Then, not more than a minute later, Kanako and Toru came running outside.

Toru suddenly grabbed Kanako by the arm.

They both stopped running and just stared at each other.

Spot lights shone on them, and Tamaki began speaking.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, this enjoyable evening of ours has come to an end with the final song," Tamaki said, allowing all the windows to all the balconies to open up, therefore allowing all our customers to watch. "The Winter Ball's last dance falls upon this couple."

Kanako and Toru just stared. Toru slowly let go of Kanako, who just stepped back slowly.

Toru took a deep breath and held out his hand. "Princess Kanako, may I have this dance?" he said.

Kanako blushed as her eyes widened.

Toru waited for her reply.

Kanako then smiled before she placed her hand in his. "Yes." she said.

Toru smiled before the music started, they began to dance.

"I love you," Toru suddenly said to Kanako. "I've always loved you. So, I'm proposing to you once again."

Kanako smiled the biggest I've seen her smile. "Tonight, my hopping around to different hosts is over!" she announced happily.

Tamaki smiled and threw his arms into the air. "May this awkward couple be blessed!" he shouted.

Hikaru and Kaoru grabbed two microphones. "Tonight's dance queen..." Hikaru started.

"... is hereby declared to be Princess Kanako Kasugazaki!" Kaoru finished.

Everyone clapped.

Kanako smiled.

"Now then, the blessed kiss from the king..." Hikaru announced.

Tamaki smirked. "I'm on!" he said.

"... is now switched to Haruhi Fujioka!" Kaoru finished.

"WHAT?!" Tamaki and Haruhi said at the same time, surprised looks glued to their faces.

I have to say, I'm surprised too. This definitely WASN'T part of the plan!

"Uh, what are you two doing?!" I whisper shouted at the twins.

"Well, Kyoya-senpai did say that having an accident happen at the end would be more thrilling!" Hikaru and Kaoru said.

Toru put his hand on Kanako's shoulder. "It's just on the cheek, right? Go ahead and accept it, to commemorate your graduation from host hopping!" Toru said.

"Of all the things to put me through..." Haruhi grumbled.

"We'll cut your debt by one third. We'll cut both you and Arabella's debts by one third." Kyoya said.

I gave Haruhi the death-stare. "Haruhi, no offense, but suck it up and kiss the girl!" I said.

Haruhi sighed. "Well... it is only a peck on the cheek... Fine, I'll do it." she said.

Haruhi made her way down the stone steps of the balcony to where Kanako was.

"Say, by any chance, would this be Haru-chan's first kiss?" Honey suddenly asked.

Tamaki's eyes widened in horror. "W-What?!" he said.

Haruhi slowly leaned in to Kanako's face to plant a small kiss on her cheek...

"STOP THAT KISS!" Tamaki shouted before he suddenly raced down the steps and tried to grab Haruhi back...

But, instead of pulling Haruhi away, he accidentally pushed her into Kanako...

Which ended up with Haruhi not kissing Kanako on the cheek, but on the lips instead.

Tamaki fell to the ground.

Everyone's eyes widened and everyone gasped.

Haruhi and Kanako immediately jumped apart, blushing red.

All of our female customers squealed and screamed with hearts floating above their heads and in their eyes.

Tamaki gasped as well as the look of horror on his face only grew.

Kanako looked up at Toru, who just chuckled at the whole display of events.

Well... Haruhi's first kiss ended up going to a girl...

What an interesting evening for sure...

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soon, everyone left and we were left to clean up after the Winter Ball.

"Well, over all, I think this ball was a success." Kyoya said.

Tamaki gave him a look that said, "You've got to be fucking kidding me!"

Tamaki had also apologized to Haruhi several times over.

Just as we were finishing cleaning up, Kaoru approached me.

"Hey, Arabella...? I'm sorry for being such a jerk last week... I just... I just didn't really know what was happening and... I don't even know why I freaked out over the fact that you and Soga like each other... I hope you had a great time with him tonight and I hope you two are happy together..." Kaoru said.

Wait, WHAT?

My eyes widened before I giggled, then chuckled, then full out laughed.

"Kaoru...! Are you... are you serious right now??? Did you actually think Soga and I had feelings for each other??? Because, if so, you're completely wrong...!" I laughed.

Kaoru looked confused. "So, wait... if you two DON'T like each other... Then why did you seem so excited that he asked you to the ball???"

"Because, the only reason he did that was to make Kurokano jealous!" I explained.

Kaoru's eyes widened. "Really...?"

"Yes, really! A week ago, when Soga asked me to the ball, he confessed to me that he had a huge crush on Kurokano for awhile now, but she wasn't noticing him! So, he asked me to be his date to the ball to make Kurokano jealous and notice him! I guess you could say I was kind of his wing-woman!" I said.

Kaoru nodded. "Oh... That makes so much more sense...!" he said, finally seeming to get it.

Hikaru appeared out of nowhere. "I knew it!" he said.

"Oooh! In fact, here they are now!" I said as I spotted Kurokano and Soga leaving the school. Soga waved at me and smiled as if to say, "Mission accomplished!" I smiled back before I gave him a thumbs up. I noticed that he hand his arm around Kurokano's waist.

The plan had worked, just as I knew it would!

"I'm so happy for them." I sighed as we watched them leave.

"Yeah, me too!" Hikaru said.

"So... just to clarify... you DON'T have any feelings for Soga AT ALL??? Nothing's there???" Kaoru said.

I shook my head. "Nope, nothing's there. Not at all. Besides, he's not my type; I'm not into brunettes." I said.

Hikaru leaned into me and whispered, "So... you're not into brunettes... But, are you into redheads??? Because, if so, I know someone that's very interested in y--"

Before Hikaru could get another word in, Kaoru elbowed him hard.

Hikaru sputtered. "N-Nevermind then..." he said before he stepped back.

I chuckled at them. Boys will be boys.

"So... We're cool?" Kaoru said before he held out his fist.

I smiled and fist-bumped him. "We're cool, Hitachiin." I said.

He smiled. "Good."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soon, I arrived home and rang the doorbell.

Daniel came to the door. "Mom! Arabella's home!" he shouted before he let me in and closed the door behind me. Mom greeted me. "Hey, sweetie! How was the ball?"

I smiled at her. "Well... to sum it up... it was an interesting evening... a very interesting evening..."