It was early spring in Japan. The cherry blossoms were blooming in full debut; spreading the pink petals across Ouran Academy's front grounds. The host club customers always looked forward to the cherry blossoms blooming. They romanticized the delicate flowers, silently casting their wishes into the trees in hope for a spring miracle. Their lives were simple – lavish – they never went without, and yet they dreamed.

Mori relaxed on a window bench with his back supported against the wall. The host club was in action behind him. Each host entertaining their guests with fragrant teas served in collectible tea sets. Their tea cups chimed against the matching saucers. Cakes were served with petite English forks. The young ladies hushed their laughter to appear ethereal. The commotion behind Mori was lively – bustling – and he enjoyed listening to his fellow hosts perform their delicious acts. They knew how to make their customers swoon with delight.

Tamaki, the host president, performed his princely act (although it was soon obvious it was no less an act than his actual self). He was the most requested host. He entertained the ladies with sweet nothings. He knew how to charm them – presenting himself as a knight in shimmering armor.

Kyoya, the host vice-president, didn't participate as an active host but rather an observer. He was considered the cool type – intelligent, quiet, and refined. He spent the majority of his time calculating budgets, configuring the next cultural expedition, and recording data collected from the customers. One could say Kyoya was the real mastermind behind the host club.

The Hitachiin twins, Hikaru and Kaoru, offered a unique spin to forbidden love. They captivated their customers with their taboo displays of affection for each other. One might blush after witnessing Hikaru soothing Kaoru's paper cut with a kiss but for the Ouran Academy ladies it was all in the name of passion.

Hunny, formally known as Mitsukuni, didn't have to portray an act. His bubbly personality, excessive sweet tooth, and not to mention his short stature (148 centimeters to be exact) naturally lead him to be the innocent child-like host. The customers loved his vivacious laughter and his adorable obsession over his stuffed rabbit.

Then there was Haruhi, the commoner host, who took advantage of the poor lifestyle to win over the ladies' compassionate hearts. What made this host truly special was not the economic status but that he was actually a she. A young lady disguised as a young gentleman to work towards paying off an $80,000 debt – owed to the host club.

Mori, the wild host, benefited from his shyness. He was a man of few words. Mori was considered a giant compared to his small cousin, Hunny. Thankfully he didn't have to converse idly to entertain his guests. They adored his silence. It allowed them to fantasize in secret.

Mori didn't consider himself the wild type, though. Yes he was exceptionally skilled in kendo but that was the only part about him that could be considered ferocious. At heart he was a gentle giant. He honored loyalty, respect, and character above economic status and lineage. He considered himself to see past the rich façade his classmates naturally displayed and saw their true intentions – their true selves.

Mostly the young ladies busied themselves in finding a suitable husband who could manage their expensive tastes. The young gentlemen studied hard to prove their worth in becoming an heir to their fathers' companies. The students at Ouran Academy were not difficult to read. After all, everyone knew the underlying reason they attended such a school. What other school would allow rich teenagers the freedom to flaunt their wealth? Ouran provided the perfect balance of education and sophisticated leisure.

Mori listened to the wind against the window glass. It seemed so peaceful outside – so quiet. As much as Mori loved his friends and their activities together he looked forward to a tranquil evening. His description of recharging after a long day was simple; settling into a hot bath and spending time with his chicken.

The sky turned a dark gray since the lunch hour suggesting a brewing storm. Mori's eyes followed the dark heavy clouds as they trudged across the sky. He hoped the storm would pass before the host club finished for the day.

"Mori-senpai, would you like a cup of coffee? You seem tired today."

Mori turned to see Haruhi standing beside him with a styrofoam cup half-filled with black coffee. It was how Mori liked it. He smiled and gently ruffled her hair before accepting the coffee. He took a sip and welcomed the bitter taste. It was enough to keep him awake until the host club finished up.

"The sky is getting dark. You don't think it'll storm do you?" Haruhi asked as she stepped toward the window. She leaned forward to better see the sky directly above.

Mori watched her brown eyes search the clouds – her deep milk chocolate eyes. Every time he caught a glance at her beautiful eyes it made him crave a chocolate truffle.

"It might storm," he stated calmly. He rested the coffee cup beside him and continued watching the wind sweep the cherry blossoms across the grounds. "Will you be ok walking home alone?" Mori asked.

He knew about Haruhi's paralyzing phobia of thunder. Once thunder rippled through the sky she was sure to find the nearest table and hide underneath. Thunder rendered her helpless – completely destitute – until the storm stopped. All the hosts knew of her secret. They too worried about her on gray days such as this.

"I think I'll be fine. My dad told me to bring an umbrella today so I should be prepared."

Mori smiled. Haruhi had a blunt personality; she meant what she said. She didn't see the point in sugar coating. Mori admired this about her. She felt comfortable to say what was on her mind. She was also well known for her blunt apathetic personality; her comments were often delivered without cushion. Mori was able to look past that unlike Tamaki who allowed her brusque responses to hit him right between the ribcage.

"Haruhi! Your guests have rotated and are waiting for their host!" Tamaki announced from his table. Mori watched Haruhi whip herself around and give an apologetic smile to her new guests. "I'm sorry ladies," Haruhi said squeamishly, "I'm coming over now."

Mori felt a tang of regret when Haruhi walked off. He wished she could remain next to him at the window. Her presence seemed to complete the ataractic atmosphere. He looked at the sky one more time. It grew darker. No doubt a storm would hit Ouran before the club finished.

Mori stepped down from the window bench and walked towards Hunny's table. He saw his cousin glamorously recall an incident from last week when Hikaru and Kaoru fought over Haruhi's disposable pen. The ladies giggled at the Hitachiin brother's silliness – along with their host.

"Hikaru and Kaoru are so childish sometimes," chuckled one lady.

"Yes, they're absolutely amusing," agreed another.

"Haruhi fought for his pen all afternoon! If it weren't for Kyoya stepping in he would have lost that pen for good," continued Hunny.

Hunny's table held another round of light laughter. It all felt so uniformed to Mori; laughing on cue, never speaking ill of other hosts, and keeping the conversations light. He knew it was to preserve the light-hearted fun. Their customers wouldn't enjoy their time in the host club if they discussed topics that held meat like philosophy or their futures. It was better to shy away from deep conversations and focus their energy on the shallow.

"Mori-senpai, thank you for joining us," squealed the young guest sitting in the adjacent chair as Mori sat next to Hunny on the couch. "We were just discussing the Hitachiin twins. They are so reckless sometimes," she giggled. The other guests followed suit with light laughter.

"Takashi was there too," Hunny explained, "he saw the whole thing for himself." Hunny flashed his guests a beaming smile. The ladies giggled again.

"You were there Mori-senpai?" asked a guest sitting across the couch. "You must have found it hilarious as well."

Mori nodded his response. She blushed at his acknowledgment. Mori was very grateful he could rely on his silence to woo the young heiresses otherwise the host club would drain him completely.

"I apologize for my interruption," Kyoya announced from the room's center, "but the host club is once again coming to an end. We expect to see you all again next week," he said with a smile.

"Oh, how unfair. Mori-senpai just sat down with us too," Hunny's guest whined. The ladies quickly gathered their bags and coats and headed toward the cars waiting for them outside the front gate. Once the last pair of ladies left the music room the Hitachiin twins quickly closed the doors.

"Officially closed," they cheered in unison. They happily locked the doors to ensure no one would disturb their tidying up.

"Another successful day thanks to the dreary weather outside," commented Kyoya, "the impending storm helped bring in more customers. They were probably hoping to wait it out."

"Nonsense," Tamaki swept in, "our guests simply wanted to experience a refreshing atmosphere, one that contradicts with the gloomy cold outside. We welcomed them with warm open arms. We shielded them from the unforgiving rain!" Tamaki twirled on his heel and faced the host club, "tomorrow we should have a club meeting to discuss my latest idea; an Ancient Egyptian paradise! Hopefully they have enough gods for us to dress uniquely. Hikaru, I was thinking for you…"

Tamaki's voice faded into the background as Mori collected the tea sets. He glanced up to see Haruhi filling her tray with cups and saucers on the other side of the room. Without the guests present she was free to put her guard down and behave however girlish she pleased. In this instance she chose to balance the tray on her hip as she collected. Mori felt heat rising on the back of his neck as he watched her swing her hip around to travel with the tray.

Mori knew he had feelings for Haruhi but he wasn't sure how deep they ran. He was comfortable around her. He felt free to speak to her. He was very protective over her. All this would suggest he was in love with her, though he wasn't ready to admit it to himself. Being in love would be a wonderful thing, something he looked forward indulging in, but there was the damning fact; Mori was a senior ready to graduate and Haruhi was still a first year.

"Alright guys I'm heading out now," Haruhi said as she zipped up her bag and swung it around her shoulders. She picked up her black umbrella and untied the waterproof sleeve.

"Alright Haruhi, make sure to give us a call once you arrive home," Kyoya instructed.

"I will but I promise I'll be fine," Haruhi reassured her friends.

She unlocked the doors and left. Just like that, she was off.

"Takashi," Hunny happily hopped over to Mori with his stuffed rabbit held firmly in his arms, "can we stop by the pastry shop on the way home?"

He checked the window one last time and noticed heavy raindrops spilling from the sky. He felt a slight rumble vibrate through the air. His eyes widened realizing the storm was right above them now.

Haruhi sprang open her umbrella before walking into the rain. The raindrops were heavy now. She sighed, realizing too late she should have left earlier. If she said goodbye fifteen minutes ago she'd be on the train by now. She rested the umbrella against her collarbone and started home.

The raindrops pattered against the plastic fabric above her head. Haruhi didn't mind the rain. It was almost soothing to listen to; nature's drumming. She didn't mind rain storms as long as…then she heard it… a soft rumble.

Her pupils dilated as fear shivered down her body. "No…" she whimpered.

She spun herself around frantically while looking for a shelter, a park bench, anything. Thunder cracked the sky followed by whips of lightning.

"Aah!" A faint scream escaped her mouth as she squatted on the wet pavement clutching to her umbrella with both hands. She took a deep breath and slowly breathed out. And again. And again. If she focused on her breathing she could drown out the thunder.

Suddenly she felt too strong hands scoop her off the ground; one supporting her back and the other nestled under her knees. It happened so quickly Haruhi didn't have time to react. Someone was holding her against their chest.

"Mori-senpai?" she was surprised to see Mori. If any of the hosts were to rescue her it was certainly to be Tamaki or Hikaru; the two hosts who thrived on praise. Mori held her gently as he walked towards a black car waiting outside the front entrance.

"Mori-senpai, where are you…"

"Haruhi," Mori said, "you'll be warm in the car."

Another crack of thunder pierced the air. Haruhi ducked her head onto Mori's chest and grabbed onto his coat. She was so close to him in that moment. His earthy cologne wafted from his neck. His tanned skin reminded her of toffee. His strong chest dressed in expensive soft fabrics was inviting like a pillow.

She heard a car door open and felt her body lowered into a leather seat. Mori released her legs and leaned over her to fasten her seatbelt. She watched his eyes grow serious. He let out a quiet groan as he moved in the tight space.

"My driver will take you home." He said. He closed the car door and walked around to the other side. He crouched through the door and placed her backpack and umbrella on the seat next to her. Just then another clap of thunder struck.

Haruhi buried her head between her knees and covered her ears with her palms.

"I'm going with you." Mori decided. He pushed her things further towards the middle and sat down.

"What?" Haruhi asked.

"You're not going home alone." Mori stated has he buckled his own seatbelt.

"I'll be fine once I get home, you don't have to…" Haruhi trailed off from her thought when Mori gave her a look. He didn't look mad. He didn't even look worried. The look in his eyes said something to Haruhi – this is what he had to do. She decided to sit quietly in her seat and let Mori take her home.

By the time they arrived to her apartment the storm simmered down. The thunder and lightning stopped to Haruhi's relief. They stood outside her front door as she fumbled for the keys in her backpack.

"Thank you for taking me home Mori-senpai," Haruhi said as she inserted her key into the deadbolt lock. "I have some birthday cake from my neighbor's party. Do you think Hunny-senpai would like some? Dad and I aren't eating it." She pushed the door open revealing her clean – yet crammed – apartment she shared with her father. The hosts have been to her house many times before. They loved her apartment not because it was her home but because it reminded them of a doll house. Her apartment could easily fit inside one of their bedrooms.

"Did they make the cake or buy it?" Mori asked.

"Does it really matter? Hunny-senpai would eat it anyway." Haruhi chuckled.

Mori smiled. She was right. Hunny wouldn't refuse cake, especially cake offered by Haruhi.

"Come in, I'll make us some tea while I wrap up the cake." Haruhi walked inside and tugged her black shoes off. Mori happily entered behind her, taking off his shoes too. He took his seat in the living room while Haruhi turned on the teapot. He watched her move with grace. Her body memorized the kitchen's dimensions so she reached for items with ease. She didn't have to look up when she grabbed the tea can or the spoon from the draining board. She moved with purpose, another thing Mori admired about her. Unlike the ladies who attended Ouran Academy Haruhi didn't mind doing the work herself. She understood what she needed to do and she did it. It was simple yet rare in Mori's world. He appreciated a woman who was willing to put forth the necessary hard work. She proved that already by attending Ouran Academy. Their school wasn't meant for common folks. It was never open to the public until a year ago when Ouran released their first scholarship. Haruhi must have worked hard for years to maintain the grades she needed to be accepted.

Mori felt himself melting in affection for her. She worked hard even after meeting her rich friends. They could easily afford her needs but she refused their money saying she's perfectly capable on her own. He respected that greatly.

"I hope green tea is fine." Haruhi handed him a tea cup before joining him on the floor with her own tea. He took a sip. The tea was bitter like dirt. He understood the poor couldn't afford luxurious things the same way he and his friends could but he wished she wasn't forced to drink this tripe. It was cheap in price but nearly criminal in flavor.

"It probably doesn't suit your tastes, sorry about that." Haruhi seemed to read Mori's mind.

He shook his head, "No, it's fine."

They sat in silence as they sipped their teas. It was a different silence though. Not the kind that awkwardly filled the air but the soothing kind that seemed mutual. They welcomed the silence like a spontaneous vacation from the noisy bustling world around them. Mori felt calm in silence. Haruhi felt safe in silence. So they shared that moment together; quietly sipping their teas and not saying a word.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Mori and Haruhi simultaneously faced the front door as they stilled their teas.

"Are you expecting visitors?" Mori asked.

"No." Haruhi answered, her head slightly shaking to accompany her response.

She set her tea cup down to answer the door but before she fully stood on her feet Mori caught her arm. She looked at him surprised and noticed he also set his tea aside. She knew what he was saying. I'm going with you. Together they approached the front door and Haruhi had to admit, she did feel a little safe with the looming figure behind her - not that the situation called for her to be fearful in any way.

She opened the door to reveal a middle-aged man in a wrinkled business suit standing inches from her threshold. He appeared disheveled; his thinning hair swept to one side - most likely disturbed by the wind, he shamelessly sported a five o'clock shadow, and his tired eyes seemed to droop along with his aged wrinkles. What caught the most attention was the envelope he gripped in one hand

"Ms. Fujioka?" The man questioned in a hoarse voice.

"Yes, I'm she. What can I do for you?" Haruhi asked cautiously.

"We need you to pass this to your father." The man said. He extended the envelope in a swift motion but instantly regretted his haste actions when Mori stepped forward past Haruhi, prepared to defend.

Haruhi looked at the envelope and noticed the official seal stamped in the corner. It was a letter from their bank. Why her bank sent such a suspicious man to hand deliver was beyond her but nonetheless she accepted the envelope.

"Why is my bank involved?" She asked, curious to learn if the man knew more than he let on.

"Please pass this to your father, Ms. Fujioka," was the only answer she received before he quickly took his leave. Mori's deadly glare targeted the man's back and as if he could feel the heat from Mori's eyes he sped up his pace until he nearly ran past the neighboring apartment doors.

"That was weird, don't you think?" Haruhi watched the man round the corner and disappeared.

Mori nodded, "Yeah…"

author note:

Hey, thank you for reading the first chapter :) I'm a huge MorixHaruhi fan. I truly believe they should have married at the end of the manga. Oh well, that's why we have these sort of websites. To create our own stories! Let me know if you're a huge MorixHaruhi fan too :) and don't forget to review 3.