Okay, so I admit I wasn't in any real rush to get this chapter up, until I spoke to someone who managed to really get me revved up with her enthusiasm. Thank you so much TheBugLovesTheGhost! I really enjoy our chats and I can't thank you enough for sparking me to get this chapter out!

As you've probably guessed, it loosely follows episode 4 of the anime. But this time our dear, scheming Kyoya comes up with a sure-fire plan to evade Renge's overtures. I'll tell you this—our favorite redheaded boys won't be happy. XD

There was widespread murmuring throughout the room after Renge's announcement.

One guest that had been watching curiously cocked her head. "What? Is she serious?"

"The host club's getting a manager! Poo! If I knew they were looking for someone I would've done it!" another girl complained.

Hunny continued to fan a lifeless-looking Tamaki as he lay sprawled out on the floor, his face pale. "She called me…a phony." he mumbled brokenly. Mori helped him sit up. "P-Phony…"

Haruhi rolled her eyes as he continued like a broken record.

Kyoya, seeing it was up to him to take charge of the situation with Tamaki indisposed, stepped forward. "Hm. Renge Houshakuji…you couldn't be—" Hearing him speak her name got Renge's full attention as she whirled, her sparkling eyes trained back on Kyoya.

"Oh! It's you Kyoya! How I've longed to meet you…my one and only prince charming." She sighed blissfully.

Hikaru studied the pair. Kyoya looked as aloof as ever while Renge continued gushing. "Your fiancé?" he guessed. It wasn't so uncommon for wealthy families like the Ootori's to have arranged marriages.

"Kyoya-senpai is engaged?" Kaoru was honestly a little surprise. Kyoya never mentioned that. But then he wouldn't. It was Kyoya. And for someone who seemed to enjoy digging into others' lives, he was pretty closed off about his own.

Kasumi smiled a little. "Oh!" Well, Renge certainly seemed to adore him. Kyoya probably wasn't one for PDA, but she was sure they'd be a perfectly cute couple in due time.

Renge turned to them, looking proud. "Of course. My name, as I've stated, is Renge Houshakuji and I'm transferring to Ouran Academy in the first year's class A starting tomorrow."

Hikaru and Kaoru made faces.

"Damn…" Hikaru cursed.

"She's joining our class." Kaoru sighed heavily.

"She's Kyoya's fiancé. At least be nice for his sake!" Kasumi admonished them quietly.

They heard Haruhi's indignant yelp and turned to see a forlorn Tamaki had draped himself over her shoulder. She shoved him off roughly, a light blush on her cheeks.

"Why is he sulking? She's in our class." Hikaru scoffed.

"Because Mommy was keeping a secret from Daddy." Kaoru snickered mischievously, his previous dismay over the strange girl's sudden appearance forgotten for the moment.

"Whatever." Kyoya said roughly. "Why does everyone keep on referring to us like we're husband and wife?"

Before anyone could answer him, Renge popped up again, twirling over to Kyoya. "Ours is a story of love at first sight."

Kasumi smiled widely at Renge's dreamy expression. She wanted to know how her senpai had met the girl of his dreams. I couldn't resist the way you were adoring those flowers in the backyard when you thought no one was looking. Or how sweet it was when you reached out to that poor little injured kitten."

Kaoru and Hikaru shared an incredulous look. "She serious?" they asked together. Judging by the looks on their faces, Kasumi figured if they weren't so shocked, they'd be laughing.

Haruhi stepped up. "Could you maybe have the wrong person?" she asked tentatively.

"No way!" Renge vehemently denied. "I'd recognize my love anywhere." As she continued to describe Kyoya's alleged hidden attributes, the scene became more and more bizarre.

Kasumi watched her brothers clutch their heads as if in pain, yelling out.

"Aaah!"

"Who the hell is she talking about?!"

"Shut up! Make it stoooop!"

"My ears can't take anymore!"

Of course she thought they were being a little rude to poor Renge-san, but…it did sound a little unlike the Kyoya she had come to know. Yes, he'd been kind to her. All the hosts had in fact. And it wasn't like she knew him well enough to deny her claims, but by everyone else's reactions, she concluded something was a little wrong with the picture Renge was painting.

But she seemed oblivious as she finished up. "You're my real life Ichijo Miyabi-kun. Just like in Uki Doki Memorial!"

"Uki?" Kasumi repeated.

"Doki?" Hunny asked.

Tamaki suddenly sat up like he had come back to life. "Otaku!" he yelled dramatically, sounding scared.

The hosts reacted just as dramatically. "Otaku?!" Hikaru screamed, pointing at a confused looking Renge.

"I've never seen one before!" Kaoru whined, looking at Renge like she was a great, horrible man-eating spider.

"S-Should we be scared Takashi?" Hunny turned to him, tugging on Mori's sleeve. The taller boy put a protective arm around his shoulders.

"Just stay close Mitsukuni. I'll protect you."

"C-Could someone tell me what an otaku is?" Kasumi timidly raised her hand, blushing.

"Yeah, clue me in too." Haruhi nodded.

A girl in the crowd leaned over to whisper to them. "An otaku is…well I'd heard the rumors they existed but," she shook her head. "It's…it's someone who spends all their time reading manga and playing video games." She explained, sounding scandalized. "And they say otakus have no concept of reality. Being around them can be contagious!" she continued, trembling.

"I kind of doubt that last part." Haruhi deadpanned.

"So Renge-san is one of these…otakus?" Kasumi reasoned.

Kyoya seemed to be putting two together in his own mind as well. "I get it now." He nodded. "You've transferred your love for this fictional Miyabi onto me. I assume he also has dark hair and glasses?" he asked rhetorically.

Even as he explained to her, he could tell by the look in her eyes that she was unrelenting. She didn't hear a word he said, and really had supplanted her feelings for "Miyabi-kun" onto him. Letting her down gently wasn't an option, but neither was harshly tearing her apart like he normally would with persistent girls outside the host club. She was still the daughter of one of his family's best clients, and host-club Kyoya had an image to uphold. Normally, he would resign himself to letting her infatuation run its course until she woke up on her own. But…

"I'm sorry to inform you, Houshakuji-san, but we couldn't possibly be engaged."

As expected, Renge looked perfectly startled. "W-What are you saying, Kyoya-darling? We're getting married under the Eiffel Tower this summer. Oh, but we'll have a traditional Japanese reception, of course."

"All of that sounds splendid, and I'm sure one day you'll meet a fine gentleman who'll adore you, but I can't marry you, because you see I'm already engaged."

At that moment, Kasumi wasn't sure who screamed first, or the loudest, but there was a resounding "WHAT?!" From the entire room.

"K-Kyoya?" Tamaki stammered. "When…who is she? Why didn't you say anything?!"

"I'm sorry I didn't announce it sooner, but we were simply so caught up in each other, it slipped my mind." He swiftly caught Kasumi by the wrist, tugging her to stand at his side. "Right, darling?"

Her mind went numb, her mouth opened and closed uselessly the minute Kyoya purred against her ear. Her face, no her entire body, was too warm. She was going to—

"What the hell did you do to her you bastard!" she heard Hikaru roar. The last thing she heard.

Kyoya felt her go limp in his arms, and kept a firm grip on her as he deposited her on the couch.

"You broke her!" Kaoru accused. Both boys were frothing at the mouth. Only Mori and Hunny were holding them back as they looked at Kyoya with murder in their eyes.

"Well now you see why we couldn't publically announce it. She gets easily flustered by the attention." He told the others in the room.

"I…I can't believe it." A dark-haired girl murmured sadly. "I mean, Kyoya-senpai is already taken?"

"Is that why Hitachiin-chan came to this school? To be with her fiancé?"

Tamaki glanced backwards as the girls began to whisper. The Ouran Academy rumor mill was already churning. In a matter of hours half the school would know. By the end of the day, everyone would.

"A-Alright everyone, with all the excitement I-I'm afraid we'll have to um, close the club down for now." He announced placatingly. There was a collective groan. "I'm sorry princesses but we'd like to give the blushing bride to be…" he looked at Kasumi, who was blushing even while unconscious. "A chance to recover."

He motioned with a nod to Haruhi, who decided to give Tamaki a break and help him usher the girls from the room. It took them a fifteen minute to get the guests to clear out, but the moment they did, everyone whirled on the innocent looking Ootori.

"Kyoya," Tamaki growled. "What. Was. That?"

"I apologize for catching you all off guard but…I wouldn't want to give poor Miss Houshukuji false hope." He turned to a stunned looking Renge. "Wha…b-but Kyoya-kun was supposed to be my…Kyoya is…my one true love."

"I'm afraid that's just not possible." Kyoya explained sympathetically.

"Neither is you marrying Kasumi!" one of the Hitachiin boys shouted, still struggling against the combined efforts of Mori and Hunny. They had worked themselves up into such a frenzy that the older boys were fighting to keep their grips.

"You're never gonna get our approval!" his brother echoed.

"Renge…are you okay?" Tamaki moved to put a comforting hand on her shoulder, cautious her lashing out. But Renge seemed to be too deep in thought to notice.

"Approval…that's it!" she suddenly raised her head, an eerie smile in place. "I'm not giving up on you Kyoya-kun! We were meant to be together and this…this is just a test of love. I'll just have to prove to you that I'm the better woman, and then you'll see." She nodded to herself, smirking. "And she…!" She pointed to Kasumi, whose eyes were slowly fluttering opening. "Is my love rival!"

"I had the oddest dream…Kyoya-senpai said we were engaged and—"

"You won't be for long!" Renge screeched, getting in her face. She heard her brothers growl and sat up. They had broken free from their senpais grips and rushed to her protectively. Renge was a bit cowed, but then her face brightened. "Those are just the dark, angry looks I want to see to give your characters depth!" Hikaru and Kaoru looked at each other then at Renge warily.

"What?" they said in unison.

"I've decided, I'm going to direct a movie starring the host club! It'll be brilliant. My first official job as the manager. I'll do such a wonderful job, Kyoya is bound to fall for me!" She turned to address the host club. "I'll make some calls today. We'll start filming tomorrow, so everybody rest up, okay?"

She purposely ignored Kasumi as she bounced out of the room.

Everyone breathed a collective sigh. "Kyoya, explain," Tamaki said sternly.

Kyoya shrugged. "How else was I suppose to get her off my back?"

"The whole school's gonna think you're marrying Kasumi now!" Hikaru barked, remembering his anger at the dark-haired boy.

"Nothing can be done about that." he shrugged. "I'm sorry to put you in a tight spot, Kasumi." he said it so nonchalantly no one could be fooled into thinking he was being sincere. "But well, given my options, I'd much rather have you as my fiancé— even a fake one—any day." he smirked at her, and for reasons unknown to her, Kasumi found herself blushing.

"You'll need to keep up the act around Renge, for now, to drive the point home. So we'll have to put on the appearance of a true couple, though I'm not very fond of public intimacy." Kyoya began to talk about the act like he talked about a business deal. Straight-forward and emotionless.

"Time out!" Hikaru made an "X" motion with his arms.

"Yeah! This has already gone on way too far." Kaoru agreed.

"I've got to agree senpai, I mean don't you think that was really rash?" Haruhi shook her head. "They probably won't leave Kasumi alone about it now. You two being engaged is gonna be big school gossip for a while."

"Normally, I'd be excited by the prospect of doing the honors of giving our sweet Kasumi away, but…" Tamaki gave his best friend a hard stare. "Not to a scoundrel like Kyoya!"

"But if there's a wedding, there'd be all kinds of cake, right?" Hunny demanded excitedly, turning to Mori.

"Definitely." he replied.

"There isn't going to be a wedding." Hikaru said, raising his voice. Kasumi noticed her brother shaking and rushed to place a hand on his shoulder. There was no stopping his explosive temper once it came out. His arm flinched under the soft touch, until he looked up into his sister's concerned face. His eyes softened slightly. "Sorry, but I'm not letting you go along with this one." He told her.

"But I…I do owe Kyoya-senpai so much." she whispered.

"What are you talking about?" Kaoru gaped.

"The day I collapsed. He was the one that had me sent to his family's hospital, and the one that made sure the staff didn't tell Mom and Dad. If it weren't for him…they'd pull me out of Ouran after that." Her face took on a determined expression. "So if this is the way I can repay him, I'll do it."

Kyoya eyed her from behind his glasses, somewhat surprised. He hadn't thought much of that day. Calling an ambulance and having her rushed to the hospital had been instinct. That she would still feel such obligation and gratitude said a lot about her character.

"You truly are an earnest person." he conceded. This time there was no mockery in his voice, just amusement.

"That's very admirable of you Kasumi, but you don't have to go through all that. We help each other without expecting anything in return." Tamaki smiled tightly. "Right Kyoya?"

"…" The boy in question didn't immediately respond. His glasses took on their usual gleam, hiding his eyes.

"You can't make her go through with this," Kaoru insisted.

"I agree senpai. I mean, blackmailing me is one thing. But shouldn't you consider the consequences this is going to have on Kasumi if you let Renge and the rest of the school keep thinking you're engaged?" Haruhi pressed.

Kyoya suddenly stood up, not responding to anyone. He gave the rest of the host club his back, his stride purposeful as he left the room.

The other hosts called his name, and Kaoru and Hikaru made to go after him, but surprisingly it was Kasumi that held them both back by their wrists. She was staring after him with a knowing expression.

OHSHCxOHSHCxOHSHCxOHSHCxOHSHCxOHSHC

"This is stupid," a voice whined on her left side. None of them had even attempted to fall asleep. They were all too busy thinking about the day's events, and Renge's movie project.

"You've said that." she replied calmly. "You haven't stopped saying it all day, but it doesn't change my mind."

She felt the bed shift as one of them sat up on his elbows. "Since when did you get so stubborn?" Hikaru asked. "What happened to the Kasumi that never did anything to upset us? Remember when we were little and we'd tease you and ask which one of us was your favorite? You'd burst out crying you were so scared to hurt our feelings." She turned her head, still lying flat on her back, until gold met gold.

"You never would tell us who you liked more." Kaoru added softly. "You said we both were your favorites."

"You were." Kasumi smiled at the memory. Yuzuha would come running when she heard the fuss and scold the boys. "You're both still my favorite brothers and always will be."

Even in the dark, she could almost imagine them making faces. "Well if that's true," Hikaru began. "Call this whole thing off tomorrow and tell everyone the truth."

"It word serve Kyoya-senpai right."

"That Renge girl is exactly what he deserves." There was an evil chuckle from Hikaru following that statement. "And he'd be exposed for the liar he is."

Kasumi sighed. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be difficult. But I feel in my heart Kyoya-senpai has his reasons for asking this of me. I can't explain it exactly,"

"You know, on second thought…"

"Maybe you haven't changed much at all."

"You still go out of your way to help other people, even when it's a burden on you."

Kasumi smiled brightly. "Some things never change do they?"

OHSHCxOHSHCxOHSHCxOHSHCxOHSHCxOHSHC

"OOKAAAY!" Renge screamed eagerly. "Who's ready to make a movie!?" The hosts watched as she yelled through a megaphone, directing the crew members she'd brought in and having them set up the props for the first scene. It was admittedly, a nice day in the courtyard of the academy. And even though there was still a cloud of tension hanging over the hosts' heads from the day before, Tamaki seemed almost back to his usual self.

"I did a lot of thinking last night," he told his friends.

"Oh boy," Haruhi shook her head, "That's never good."

"I still can't say I approve of this fake engagement plan of Kyoya's, but Haruhi, maybe you should take advantage of Renge being here." He chirped.

"What?" the brunette asked flatly.

"You know, to get in touch with your feminine side!" the blonde declared loudly. "Sure, you're around Kasumi-chan in the club and she's an excellent role model." He pointed at the Hitachiin girl as she nervously read over the script Renge had angrily thrust into her hands earlier. She chewed her bottom lip unconsciously, delicately moving a stray curl of hair from her face.

"So cute~" Tamaki swooned. He turned back to Haruhi with a determined face. "Do that, Haruhi! Bite your lip and push hair out of your face just like that!" he demanded.

Haruhi glanced at the others for help. "That's uh…" Humoring him, she roughly shoved the bangs out of her face, only for them to fall back in place.

"No, no, no! The technique is all wrong. That wasn't a feminine gesture at all. Cup your hair behind and an ear and stare wistfully into the distance!" said Tamaki.

Haruhi gave him an annoyed look. It was really too early for this. "Why?"

"This is why having another feminine girl like Renge in the same homeroom will be good for you!"

"Ooh boys!" she called, purposely ignoring Kasumi. They looked up to see Renge bounding over, her megaphone set aside and a plate of cookies in her hands. "I almost forgot I made these this morning. I wanted to share them with my darling Kyoya-k—" she glanced around at the assembled hosts, noticing the glasses-wearing Ootori nowhere to be found.

"W-Where's Kyoya?!" she wailed dramatically. "Filming starts soon! What'd you do with him, she-witch?!" She glared at the orange-haired girl with accusing eyes.

"It's not Kasumi's fault." Hikaru stated coldly, glaring right back. "Did you ever think your prince charming was running from you?"

"Ridiculous!" she spat. "He would never! My sweet Kyoya-senpai sees the good in everyone and would at least give me a chance to prove my love. She did something to him. It's the only logical explanation!" Renge insisted, advancing on Kasumi, cookies and all.

"Uh, wait, Renge-san—" Tamaki started, trying to mediate.

"Shut up, phony prince! Don't even talk to me!" she hissed. Tamaki immediately collapsed in a boneless heap, inconsolable.

Haruhi scowled. "So pathetic."

"Look, Kyo-chan's right there!" They looked to see Hunny was correct; the missing Kyoya was casually sauntering up to them.

"What?" he asked, surveying the movie props and his friends' faces, "Were you all waiting on me?"

"Of course!" Renge exclaimed, her demeanor changing alarmingly. "Nothing could start without you. Here, I made you some cookies." She thrust the cookies at him. "They're a little on the burnt side but I tried my best and I already know what you'll say. Anything I make for you, with love, will make you happy won't it?" Kyoya picked one of the cookies up and studied it.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't accept food from other women." Kyoya replied smoothly, placing the cookie back on the plate.

"B-But…"

Meanwhile, Hunny and Mori had wandered over and Hunny stood on his tip-toes to take a cookie from the plate. Sweets were sweets after all. He frowned as he looked at the cookie's bottom.

"She wasn't kidding these really are burnt," he murmured, lifting it closer to his face to sniff.

"Don't eat that Mitsukuni, it's bad for you." Mori warned gravely.

Renge turned on them, eyes spitting fire. "Aaargh!" Flustered and embarrassed, she tossed the plate of cookies to the side, where Kasumi managed to catch them before they hit the ground.

"Takashi, waaaah! She's scaring meee!" Hunny wailed as Mori ran away with him safely tucked under one arm, Renge in hot pursuit.

Haruhi decided to bravely took a cookie from the plate and bit into it. "Hmm…these aren't that bad. They've got a good flavor to them."

Kaoru and Hikari shared devilish looks. "Here, Kasumi," they said in unison. One of her brothers held a cookie to her mouth.

She opened her mouth to protest. Clearly Renge made them specifically for Kyoya and probably wouldn't appreciate it if she ate one. But Hikaru pushed it into her mouth with his thumb, his eyes gleaming and a smirk on his face.

"Good?" he asked.

"Mmph!" she tried to say around the cookie.

"Here, I'll help." Kaoru offered, biting into the cookie and taking the rest from her mouth. "It's no where near as good as the ones you make, sis." He grinned cheekily after he swallowed. Tamaki's jaw dropped and he rambled to Kyoya and Haruhi.

"I-incest…!" he squealed. "I-incestuous harassment!"

Haruhi shook her head. "I can already see this all going way too far." she remarked, studying Kyoya's stoic expression.

Hikaru chuckled. "You both have crumbs on your faces." Kaoru went to brush them away from his cheek, but Kasumi's warm thumb stopped him.

"There," she smiled serenely. Kaoru swiped at her own cheek, licking the crumbs from his thumb.

Hikaru grabbed her wrist, much to her surprise, putting her thumb into his mouth and sucking the crumbs off. He released it with a pop, nodding solemnly. "I agree. Your cookies taste much better."

Kasumi squealed, backing away right into Kyoya, who had decided to slink over.

"That's enough of that for today." He gave the Hitachiin boys a forced smile as he looped an arm around Kasumi's shoulders. "Wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea since the two of us are engaged, after all." He glanced over his shoulder to where Renge was panting after wearing herself out, chasing down Mori and Hunny. Luckily she seemed to have missed the whole exchange.

When she stomped back over looking slightly ruffled, she had her megaphone in hand again. "O-okay! Enough exercise…let's get started on the first scene."

Renge began handing out rolls without hesitation.

Hunny became the baby-faced thug. Mori was his childhood friend and flunkie. Haruhi was their target, a bullied honor's student. Kaoru and Hikaru became basketball stars who were neurotic and trapped in their own world. Kasumi noticed them flinch a little when Renge gave them the description. Tamaki was the school idol with the inferiority complex.

When she got to Kasumi she glared, eyeing her from head to toe. "You're the school diva desperate for attention. You put boys under your love spell and then hang them out to dry when you're done. People think there's a lonely soul under all that meanness, but nope! You're as shallow on the inside as you are out." Renge finished proudly, skipping off.

Hikaru and Kaoru's jaws drops and they looked ready to protest. They turned to their now-sworn enemy Kyoya, the only one who was told not to change at all.

"Fix this."

"Hm?" he looked at them innocently.

"A shallow…diva?" Hikaru scoffed.

"Who loves boys then leaves them?" Kaoru added.

"If our sister's your beloved pawn, then at least protect her reputation from being run through the mud by this stupid movie." Hikaru growled.

"It's the least you can do."

Kyoya looked thoughtful. "I'll talk to Renge about revising her role a bit," he glanced over to see Tamaki and Renge talking animatedly. "But really, the boss seems all for this now, so there's nothing I can really do. Besides, Kasumi's trying her hardest isn't she?" He tilted his head to the redheaded girl that was discussing her role with Mori and Hunny, looking determined. "She's rather cute."

He looked smug as he strutted off to leave the orange-haired boys to stew angrily.

"So it looks like Hikaru and Kaoru's scenes up first." Haruhi said.

Kasumi nodded. "Mm."

They watched intently as the boys' scene played out on the basketball court, until Kaoru went down, and Hikaru was instantly at his side. That was nothing new.

"Hikaru, listen to me. Please don't worry. You can't share my pain, there's nothing you can do. You're not the one who got hurt. Now go on."

"Wow, this sure is intense." Haruhi whispered.

Kasumi nodded. "I think Renge-san co-wrote the script with a Hollywood screenplay writer she brought in."

As Renge continued her voice-over, Tamaki appeared, selling up his role as the lonely prince.

"I think it's your turn soon, Haruhi." Kasumi smiled.

"You're right. I'm gonna go get ready." Haruhi walked over to the director, waiting for her cue. As the first scene ended, she, Mori and Hunny started theirs.

Kasumi watched her friends get into their roles. 'I just hope I don't screw this up. Playing a role within a role…' Kasumi looked to Kyoya, who caught her eye and nodded back. Silent reassurance. 'I can't let Kyoya-senpai down. And I can't ruin the movie everyone's working so hard to make. Alright Kasumi, head in the game!'

That was when Hunny started crying and everything ground to a halt. Renge ranted at them while the hosts complained about how far things had gotten out of hand.

"Holding up alright?" Kasumi looked over her shoulder to find Kyoya at her side.

"For now," she nodded. "I'm trying to follow up everyone's performances. I'm a little nervous. I've never done anything like this. I was always too shy."

"Mm." Kyoya nodded in understanding. "Well I've spoken to Renge about your role. Instead of being an ill-tempered and shallow prima donna, your character now has a redeeming quality after befriending the straight-laced A student of the class."

"O-oh?" Honestly she wasn't sure she completely understood.

Kyoya chuckled quietly. "You'll be alright. If you freeze up at all I'll see to it that it's cut out. Daunting though this role may be, try to entertain Renge's wishes for just a little longer."

Kasumi straightened, looking like a soldier awaiting orders. "Y-yes!"

Surprisingly, Kyoya's eyes softened as he patted her head. Her heart skipped a beat and for a minute, with Kyoya's warm hand on her head breathing was hard.

"I must say your resolve is rather endearing."

"Thank…you?"

"Alright, next! Hitachiin number three!" Renge called.

"Is that…me?"

"You'd better go," Kyoya told her.

Renge narrowed her eyes as Kasumi walked over. "Alright, listen. Here's how it's gonna go. In this scene, you and your two boy toys slash flunkies are harassing Haruhi. He keeps resisting your wiles and you're sick of it. He gives an impassioned speech about not needing to use others to feel whole inside, and you realize he's right, causing you to vow to love Haruhi forever!" Renge said with one long breath. Haruhi, who had come over at the same time, sweat-dropped as she shared a look with the red-haired girl.

"I found these two to play the roles of your flunkies." Kasumi's eyes widened as Renge stepped aside to reveal two irritated looking boys she'd never seen before.

"I must admit, I've outdone myself with this casting. I studied up on them and their families have ties to the Japanese mafia!"

"Uh, Renge..." Haruhi noticed both boys looking more irate as she continued talking.

"What's she talkin' about? I never agreed to any of this!"

"Are you messing with us?"

"Oh, just come stand right here and wait for your cue..." Renge continued, pulling on their arms.

"Hey, get your hands off us!" The boys went to roughly shove Renge away, and everything happened in a blur. Kasumi managed to get behind her and absorb most of the impact, falling hard on her back. The other hosts came racing over, her brothers snatching one of the boys by the collar while Tamaki grabbed the other. In all the chaos, Haruhi had also been pushed trying to protect both of the other girls, and was kneeling on the ground, her eyes watering.

She explained that the boys had been provoked by a persistent Renge and they were released. Not wanting to face the angry hosts they took the opportunity to flee. While Tamaki crouched to inspect Haruhi, Kasumi winced in pain.

"Are you alright Renge-san?" she asked.

Renge, who was on top of her, slowly sat up, looking stunned. "You took the fall for me? But why?"

"W-well it was the right thing to do?"

"Sis! Are you hurt? Can you sit up?"

Renge quickly scrambled off of the other girl, watching as her brothers slowly helped her to her feet.

"Renge..." she turned to see Haruhi looked at her. "All this could have been avoided if you hadn't stereotyped those boys based off appearances. Getting to know people for who they are, instead of trying to change them into who you want them to be, is how you really get to know and appreciate people."

"What...?"

There was a loud crack, and she turned to see Kyoya holding the camera used for shooting, which now sported a broken lens. "I think we've all entertained this enough for today. Our hosts put themselves in danger to protect you. Please stop being such a nuisance."

"Nuisance? But...but! Why are you suddenly so different?!"

"Kyoya hasn't changed. You were just too caught up in imagining him as someone else to see him for who he is." Tamaki explained.

Renge frowned. "You're right...I went about all of this the wrong way and I almost made a mess out of everything. Forgive me?" she looked at the hosts with pleading eyes.

"Nothing to forgive." Tamaki said cheerfully.

"Yes, yes there is!" The Hitachiin boys argued.

"And it'll be a while before-"

"I forgive you, Renge-san."

Her brothers gaped.

"What, Kasumi?"

"Just like that? Are you serious!"

"You got hurt because of the stupid stunt she pulled."

"Yes, but...she understands now and she wants to change. When someone sincerely tries their best to fix their mistakes, it's wrong to judge them for who they use to be, right?"

"That's...that's really beautiful." Renge smiled. "Thank you, all of you, for accepting my apology. And you know, I think you and Kyoya make a really cute couple!"

"What?" Everyone said, surprised.

"Yep! I've seen the error of my ways! No point in chasing after someone who's taken, when the right guy has been right here in front of me this whole time." She turned to Haruhi with adoring eyes.

"You're my hero Haruhi-kun! Oh, I can't wait to get to know you better." she batted her eyelashes.

"Yeah?" Haruhi asked in amusement.

"Since filming wrapped up early, do you wanna come back to my house and play video games. I want you to know about the real me, too!" Renge began tugging Haruhi by the arm, dragging her away from the other hosts.

"Wait! Wait just a minute!" Tamaki protested. "This isn't what I had in mind." he wilted.

"All's well that ends well." Kyoya smirked.

"This didn't end well!" Tamaki insisted. "She's taking Haruhi awaaaay!"

Everyone laughed at Tamaki's forlorn expression.

"It's like you said, Kasumi. Some things never change." Kaoru grinned.

"Well, I appreciate everything you've done today, Kasumi. From following through as my fake fiancé without complaint to doing this whole ridiculous movie."

"What about the rest of us? We all kind of suffered through today too, ya know." Hikaru protested.

Kyoya ignored him. "But I've realized something today..."

"What's that senpai...?"

"The rouse of an engagement...what if it wasn't a rouse?"

Kasumi stared, unsure of what he was trying to say.

"I believe it may be too soon to make it official, but if you'd allow me, I'd at least like the chance to get to know you better. Maybe in time, we'll try this whole engagement proposition again, under different circumstances." Kyoya remained completely serious, neither mocking or shy.

No one knew what to say, least of all Kasumi. Had Kyoya-senpai just declared he was interested in her?

It was Hunny who broke the silence. "Hey Takashi, does that mean I'll get to eat wedding cake after all?" he asked innocently.

This chapter…whew! Poor Hikaru and Kaoru. They thought Kasanoda was bad, but now that Kyoya claims to be serious, what're they gonna do?

Did I ever have fun with this chapter~ I hope everyone ejoyed it. Please review. Next chapter will be based off the episode The Twins Fight. Of course, since this story has them as triplets some things will be changed accordingly. One thing I can't decide…should Kasumi be in on the Hikaru and Kaoru's "game" or should she be in the dark? I'm leaning toward having her be in the dark, just so it stirs up more drama. Or would that be too evil? Lol Opinions on how that should go down are appreciated!