DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ouran and the quote in the summary.

SUMMARY: Love is a hidden fire, a pleasant sore, a delectable pain, an agreeable torment, a sweet and throbbing wound. In short a gentle death. KyoHaru

WARNING: Possibly OOCness.

PROLOUGUE

By Kalachuchi

KYOYA

I saw her.

She was standing by the fountain in the garden. The party had just begun but, knowing her, she must have gone out to escape the frivolousness of the whole situation. The moonlight shone on her and she looked up at the sky, face brightening at the myriad of stars that greeted her.

My God, she looks so beautiful.

HARUHI

I saw him.

He was talking to a couple of politicians when I went outside. He still looked the same way I last saw him, even better. He was more confident now, more at ease of his surroundings. The ladies smiled at him the way people looked when they want something but cannot have. He is an unreachable star, a dream.

He still is and forever will be.

KYOYA

She smiled at the gentle breeze teased her hair which has grown past her shoulders. I remembered how she would feel ticklish whenever I stroked her short brown hair and trailed soft kisses down her neck. She would scold and threaten to kick me out of the room if I don't stop.

I smiled at the memory, thinking why she had gotten tired of her short hair.

HARUHI

The gentle wind breezed through me and I smiled, feeling utterly refreshed. A lock of hair fell over my eyes and I gently pushed them back.

People have commented how I look better with long hair. I would simply smile but say nothing. After all, what would I tell them? That I simply cannot bear to face the mirror and see the way I looked when he was still with me? Or that I missed his soft caress on my skin?

No. I'm a different person now and I wanted to feel different.

KYOYA

I wanted to touch her, even for a moment, to feel her skin against mine. But my feet remained rooted on the ground. But I doubt she would even speak to me again. What I've done is something deplorable. Asking for forgiveness would be too much.

I've hurt her and she would never forgive me. Now, I have to face my own fate.

HARUHI

He has given me everything – a new home, a new life and a new beginning.

I suppose the wounds in my heart would take a long time before they heal. But I am strong. He has taught me love and for that I am grateful.

After all he has done, I couldn't get myself to be angry with him.

KYOYA

I was afraid. Afraid of losing my status and of my chances to be the Ootori Heir. And I was stupid enough to think that I would lose everything if I did not live up to what other people expected of me. So I chose glory over her, never realizing that I would be losing myself.

I am a coward.

HARUHI

I have full respect for him. He knows what he wants and how to get it. People may think his methods are scary, but that's just the way he is.

I am proud of him for choosing what he wants and being brave enough to face it.

KYOYA

I loved her.

She was the only woman who taught me how to live. And I still love her. But it's too late. She doesn't love me anymore.

HARUHI

I loved him.

He was the only man I've loved with all my heart, and I know I would never love anyone the same way again. I still love him but he is happy where he is.

I should move on.

KYOYA

She turned and our eyes met.

One last time. Just give me one more chance to hold her and I'll correct every mistake I've done. I won't leave her again.

But as I took one step forward, Tamaki came and took her hand. Haruhi smiled at him and they went back inside the party.

She is happy and so should I be.

HARUHI

Our eyes met and for a moment I felt everything back again – all the memories, the joys and pain we've shared. In that moment I saw the man I loved and I wondered if things could go back as they used to. Then Tamaki came to get me, his eyes full of love as he looked down on me. I couldn't bear to hurt this man, to let him feel the pain I've felt with his friend. So I forced a smile and we went inside together.

My life with Kyoya is over.

He is happy and so should I be.