SUMMARY: Somehow, discovering a disheveled Kyoya in a commoner mall was only the second strangest thing Haruhi found out that day. Your existence took the number one spot.
A/N: I love secret relationship trope so much... Tell me Kyoya wouldn't keep his relationship under wraps.
This was far from the worst day Kyoya has ever had, but. Well. Today was not making it into the top 10 of best days for sure.
He was dragged to a labyrinth in his sleep and then subsequently abandoned by his friends. In a terrible outfit, no less. Kyoya wasn’t sure if he was relieved to have Haruhi rescue him or if he was mortified that she had to see him in this state.
Haruhi wasn’t sure either. She was in awe watching Kyoya eat a burger— it was like entering an alternate timeline. Compared to the rest of the host club, Kyoya was always more knowledgeable on the lives of commoners, but in a superficial way. He knew statistics and basic facts about regular people like a child knew facts about dinosaurs. Without Haruhi, Kyoya was as disconnected from the real world as everyone else at Ouran.
“… Kyoya?” The pair looked up at the voice calling Kyoya’s name. For a second Haruhi thought someone from the host club finally came back to look for their missing parent, but the person standing in front of them was a stranger to Haruhi. They had a bag of groceries and a confused expression. An utterly normal person.
The strangest part was that Kyoya clearly recognized this person. “(Name)?” His eyes reflected the same confused expression that the bystander had.
“Why… are you dressed like that?”
Now Kyoya was sure that mortification was the strongest emotion he felt today.
“Kyoya-senpai, you know this person?” Haruhi tried to figure out what kind of person would be shopping for groceries at a commoner’s mall but also be acquainted with the shadow prince of the host club. Related to the owner of the mall? No, that was too small scale for the level of high society that Ouran students dealt with. Them being related to the CEO that owns every mall chain across Japan was more likely.
He hesitated to answer, gaze lingering on the person in front of them. Kyoya carefully put down his burger before pushing up his glasses and stating matter-o-factly, “yes. Haruhi, this is my partner, (Name). (Name), this is the Haruhi Fujioka I told you about.”
Haruhi blinked. Partner? She went through her known information about Kyoya, which admittedly wasn’t a lot, but nothing pointed to him having a partner. Especially not a commoner! But the living proof was standing right next to their table and Haruhi was miffed, to say the least. “Partner?! Kyoya-senpai, you have a partner?!”
“Must you sound so shocked?” Kyoya retorted, and there was some earnesty in his otherwise sarcastic remark. It wasn’t like she ever asked him if he had a partner. Everyone just assumed he didn’t.
(Name) bowed following the introduction. “Fujioka-san,” they smiled. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s nice to meet you.”
They really were a normal person. Dressed in plain clothes and unassuming. And polite. Haruhi realized early on at her transfer to Ouran that polite was rarely a word to describe the children of the wealthy and elite. Haruhi stood up to bow in return. “It’s nice to meet you too, (Name)-san. Sorry, I hope my reaction wasn’t rude. I had no idea Kyoya-senpai had a partner. Do you want to sit with us?”
Before (Name) had a chance to respond, Kyoya already grabbed a chair from an empty table and pulled it over. One exchanged glance with Kyoya was all it took to get (Name) to sit down. “Don’t worry about it, Fujioka-san. Kyoya doesn’t really tell people about me.”
“Please clarify that it is a mutual decision to keep our relationship private,” Kyoya sighed.
(Name) laughed. “Sorry, I was teasing.”
“No one knows? Also, you can call me Haruhi. Please don’t feel the need to be formal!” Haruhi was trying to figure out how to phrase questions that wouldn’t immediately get shut down by Kyoya. How did you meet, how long have you been together, how is your partner a commoner?
“Well, Tamaki-san knows. He found out after—“
Again, Kyoya was quick to interrupt. “Please don’t explain that story. It’s embarrassing.”
“I didn’t know you were worried about shame. Could’ve fooled me with that outfit of yours and your peculiar new hangout spot!” (Name) grinned, and Haruhi found herself in awe for the second time that day. She was used to Kyoya always having a witty remark ready for when one of the club members decided to yell at him, but (Name) might be his equal in that regard. Not only could they banter with Kyoya— Kyoya seemed to enjoy it. He had an unbeatable poker face but Haruhi definitely noticed the corners of his lips curling upwards as he looked at (Name). There was a softness in place of his usual cunning.
Haruhi leaned back in her chair, pleasantly entertained by the pair in front of her. “I guess it makes plenty of sense for Kyoya-senpai to have a private relationship. But, doesn’t that mean you don’t have a lot of time to spend with each other?”
“Oh, sure. I wouldn’t call it ideal. But, Kyoya is married to his job, y’know? I couldn’t take that away from him.”
That time, Kyoya pinched (Name)’s cheek in retaliation. “You’re making me sound like a bad partner. Yes, we don’t spend as much time together as the average couple, but we always make time for each other.”
“Have I ever told you that you look uncomfortable when you explain our relationship to other people?” Kyoya pulled on their cheek. “Agh! Let go!”
Kyoya complied with the request, but not before pressing a light kiss to the cheek he just bullied. He was a host, after all. He knew how to treat someone right. His regular customers would probably be furious to know that he was so chaste on physical affection because it was reserved for his dear partner.
(Name) wasn’t wrong about Kyoya being uncomfortable. He knew how to play the role of a host, but having to be honest about something real, in public, was a different ballpark entirely. But the fact that he was in a space where no one knew who he was or what his status was served to be quite freeing. The usual pressure on his shoulders of being an Ootori was alleviated for once, so he locked hands with (Name) over the table.
It was Haruhi’s turn to be cunning since she would never be afforded this opportunity against Kyoya again. “Kyoya-senpai has been so grumpy today,” Haruhi started. “But he relaxed as soon as you arrived, (Name)-san. He’s really fond of you.”
If (Name) wasn’t here, Kyoya would’ve probably found a way to twist Haruhi’s comment into more debt for her to pay off. But (Name)’s eyes lit up, so Kyoya let Haruhi get away with it this time.
“You’re really good at reading him, Haruhi-san! I may be teasing a lot, but he’s really a great guy. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.” (Name) talked about Kyoya like he was the most precious thing on the planet. For (Name), Kyoya wasn’t just the third Ootori son. He wasn’t burdened with the harshest expectations. All he had to do was be good to them and sometimes Kyoya wished he lived in a world where that was the only thing he ever had to be worried about in his life.
But, right then, in a commoner mall Kyoya had no familiarity with, it was like living that alternate life. So Kyoya allowed himself to smile at (Name) and take in the praise.
RELATIONSHIP: Ootori Kyoya, Hitachiin Hikaru, Suoh Tamaki x Reader
SUMMARY: There's a bamboo plant near the front door of the Host Club. Here are some tanzaku hanging on it.
A/N: I didn't realize Ouran had a very active x reader community on here. My first Kyoya fic is by far my most popular post!
KYOYA OOTORI
(Name),
I know you’re writing a wish for me, so I’ll write a wish for you, too. My wish for you is to live a happy and secure life. You are always so focused on others, neglecting your own needs and happiness, so I will be selfish on your behalf. I hope this wish comes true for you, but I’m not content to rely on it alone. Whatever it takes to make sure you’re always smiling, I’ll take care of it.
HIKARU HITACHIIN
I’m wishing for a long future with (Name). I’m worried I’ll do something to mess up our relationship. They’ve always been understanding when I overreact or handle something the wrong way, but I want to do better for them. Even if I refuse to say that out loud. So, I’ll make my wish and keep working to make our relationship better. (Name), if you’re reading this, you’re getting pranked.
TAMAKI SUOH
My wish is for my dearest and loveliest (Name)! I’m always wishing for their eternal happiness and our love to last forever, so I’m going to use this Tanabata wish to take care of a more specific issue! They said they weren’t sleeping well lately, so I wish (Name) sweet dreams and restful nights! I hope the stars grant this wish because (Name) deserves the very best!
SUMMARY: Family politics deemed that you and Kyoya weren't even supposed to look in each other's direction. Regardless, your friendship blossomed into flowers that would spell your demise.
WARNINGS: Everything relating to the hanahaki trope (asphyxiation/choking, near-death experience, descriptions of coughing up flowers). I tried to make the hanahaki aspect quite horrific, but I don't think anything gets too graphic.
A/N: Writing a hanahaki fic for Kyoya in particular made me very nostalgic. I had no idea people still enjoyed reading this trope! Thank you for the request!
(Name) liked him for a long time, but the flowers only started after they accepted it would be impossible.
Their families crossed paths quite often; banquets, charity events, and business conventions were the backdrop of Kyoya’s and (Name)’s first meetings. Whenever Kyoya tried to find a quiet reprieve from the adult crowds, he found (Name) doing the same thing. They both had a knack for finding corners out of sight, and often being some of the youngest people at these events, Kyoya and (Name) developed a quick bond, trading book recommendations as they waited for those nights to end.
“Stay away from that boy!”
One day, at a banquet, (Name)’s mother happened to see them talking to Kyoya. She grabbed them by the arm and pulled them into another room entirely, forcing (Name) into a seat so she could lecture them about some family history they never cared about. “The Ootori family is nothing but snakes! Our wealth was halved thanks to a rotten deal the Ootori family made with your grandfather!”
(Name) blinked, and wondered what any of that had to do with what was simply a friend they had made. But, their mother made herself clear: if she ever saw them talking to Kyoya again, there would be harsh punishment.
She couldn’t watch them at school, though, and the next day, (Name) learned Kyoya’s father had scolded him for a similar reason. That (Name)’s family were frauds and it would ruin their reputation if they spent any more time together. (Name) stared at him and nodded emptily, trying to swallow the reality that their shared sanctuary would be gone— then, Kyoya handed them a book.
“This is one of my favorite books,” Kyoya said, placing it gently into (Name)‘s hands. “So, please treat it with care. Let me know what you think of it as you read.”
(Name) clutched the book to their chest, honoring it like a promise. “… I will.”
As (Name) read the first few pages that night, hiding under their covers, they coughed up a single purple rose petal, and realized the trouble they were in.
They didn’t talk at banquets anymore. They didn’t even risk looking at each other. Losing each other as a safe space during the most draining social networking events was painful, but school was free from the prying eyes of their parents. There were few other students who knew about the bad blood between (Name)’s family and the Ootori family, so their interactions were innocuous. Just classmates talking to each other.
(Name) thought becoming better friends would stop the sickness from getting worse. They thought it would help them move on from their crush and accept their relationship for what it was.
There was a scarcely frequented spot in Ouran’s expansive gardens with a tea table that Kyoya and (Name) would enjoy lunch at. Even if they weren’t worried about other students letting their secret slip, the two of them enjoyed having a private space to themself at such a crowded school. (Name) poked at their food, eyes focused on the row of yellow tulips behind Kyoya’s chair.
“Is running the Host Club hard?” They had peeked inside once, but quickly turned on their heel when the Hitachiin twins greeted them at the door with more enthusiasm than (Name) was prepared for.
“I don’t find it too difficult. Sometimes Tamaki will ask for something impossible, but I manage him and his expectations quite well.” Kyoya sipped what suspiciously smelled like coffee from his teacup before continuing. His gaze softened on (Name). “Are you curious about what goes on? You could come visit.”
The suggestion made (Name) shrink inward. “I’m sure your schedules are already filled to the brim.”
“There’s an opening in my schedule tomorrow. Just for you.”
Their eyes widened, and (Name) finally met Kyoya’s gaze. He had the same charming smile he used on everyone, from businessmen to his clients at the Host Club. Even though it wasn’t special, (Name)’s heart skipped a beat. “… Just for me? I guess I can’t refuse, then.”
When they parted after lunch, (Name) had to rush into the bathroom to spew more rose petals into the trash.
The next day, when (Name) cautiously opened the doors to the Host Club, Kyoya was standing by to greet them— even with (Name) arriving five minutes early out of anxiety. As if Kyoya would throw out the reservation he encouraged them to make.
“Welcome to the Host Club, (Name).” Kyoya held out his hand for them, guiding (Name) to one of the open tables in a further corner of the music room. Some of the other guests watched with curiosity— unbeknownst to (Name), Kyoya was not typically the type to engage in any physical contact with his guests.
(Name) was used to sitting across from him, but being at the Host Club was a different atmosphere entirely. They fiddled with their uniform while Kyoya poured hot tea into their cup.
“What happens now?” (Name) asked quietly. The intrigued guests had stopped paying attention by then, but having felt eyes on them earlier, (Name) felt extra shy.
Kyoya matched their volume. “Typically, guests ask me about my day, my interests, or anything else they want to have a conversation about.”
”Oh. Simple conversation…” A hollow laugh escaped (Name)’s throat, causing Kyoya to raise a brow. “This feels like when we used to talk at banquets. Our parents would have our heads if they saw us like this.”
Their interactions at school were friendly and were much deeper than the ones they used to have in their first meetings. But, there was something that stung about the Host Club replicating an aspect of their relationship that had been burned to ash by the powers that be.
Kyoya’s smile faltered just slightly. A subtle change (Name) could only tell by knowing his expressions like the back of their hand. “Fraternizing with the enemy, as my father would call it.”
How stupid. (Name) had never even met their grandfather, and yet he was imposing his will onto them. “My mother called you a diabolical traitor at the last charity auction. Like you had somehow wronged her personally. She didn’t even know your name until I told her.”
“I overheard. I don’t think your mother was trying to whisper.”
It made the both of them laugh as much as it made (Name) want to cry. They didn’t know why it hurt so bad, why it was worth the roses currently rotting their body from the inside out. Kyoya had been a light in the abyss that was endless social politics that (Name) cared very little for. All it took were simple conversations in the corner of a dimly lit room to form a bond that (Name) had never had before, and it was something they would eventually have to give up. They only had one more year of high school, after all.
“Sometimes,” (Name) started, even quieter than before. They stared at their hands wringing in their lap. “I wonder what it would be like if we had met differently. Without family politics.“
The air felt still as Kyoya watched them carefully. “As normal people. How would we have met, if not for all the networking events our parents have us attend?”
“I’d like to think that… we’d find each other.” (Name) regretted the words as soon as they left their lips. Their body stiffened as they nervously looked up at Kyoya in the wake of such a vulnerable, stupid statement.
Kyoya didn’t respond right away. His gaze was unreadable; as kind as it was dangerous. The fear of the unknown overwhelmed (Name).
“I don’t like talking,” (Name) blurted out. It seemed to have interrupted Kyoya’s train of thought, but (Name) was torn on if they actually wanted to know what his response would have been. “I like it better when you’re talking. About your day or your interests.”
He was taken aback by (Name)’s words, but he recognized the call back to form. Kyoya smiled, pouring (Name) another cup of tea. “You’re my honored guest,” Kyoya mused. “I’ll keep talking. As long as you stay.”
(Name) didn’t get the chance for more reservations with Kyoya. They found themself rushing home as soon as the school day ended to lock themself in their room, coughing up rose petals for the rest of the night. Sometimes their mornings would be interrupted by the flowers choking them, causing them to call in sick.
During a lucky day (Name) managed to go to school, Kyoya asked them if they were alright. He cited their sickly complexion and bags under their eyes as concerning symptoms, but (Name) shrugged him off.
“I’m sure it’s just fatigue,” (Name) lied through their teeth. Complete with a reassurance that they hoped would keep Kyoya from looking in too closely. “I’ll do my best to get more sleep.”
Kyoya was too skeptical to be convinced by that weak excuse, but (Name) didn’t have the strength to think of anything better. More and more purple roses filled their lungs the more they thought about Kyoya. Maybe trying to be better friends with him was a fatal mistake.
On a particularly terrible night, after (Name) had spent the entire day choking in their bed, their mother informed them of a banquet they had no choice but to attend. (Name) had skipped the last few events, and other families were starting to call them lazy. Their mother refused to allow such insults to spread, so they dressed (Name) up like a doll and brought them to an opulent banquet, despite (Name)‘s obvious sickness and protests.
(Name) didn’t know what the banquet was for or who was hosting it, nor did they care to find out. They sat at their assigned table while their mother mingled with other guests, trying to spin some grand tale about how busy (Name) had been as of late as a more flattering explanation for why they had been skipping events. (Name) stared at the far wall, waiting for the perfect opportunity to escape into a quiet corner.
Then, a glimpse of noir hair. (Name) didn’t even realize they were looking at Kyoya until their eyes met his cool gray ones. It was an inevitability at most events— but, that night, weakened from an already difficult day, (Name) felt petals well up in their throat.
Their eyes widened and they clutched their neck, stifling the cough until they started to suffocate. (Name) dashed out of the room, stumbling their way into the first empty room they could find before collapsing onto the floor.
Purple rose petals painfully ejected from their lungs. Each cough only provided a moment of relief, where (Name) could get one shallow breath in before the flowers filled their throat again. They clawed at their throat to no avail, and a scary thought crossed their mind.
Am I going to die here? Suffocating alone in a dark room? All because I wanted something I couldn’t have?
Tears began to trickle down (Name)‘s face, but that only made it more difficult to breathe. The petals were relentless, and each breath they took seemed to take in less and less air until their vision began to fade. What a cruel existence.
Before their consciousness fully slipped away, someone lifted their body from their corpse-like pose on their stomach. Turned on their back, a hand held the back of their head up so (Name) could more easily cough up the petals. With just a bit more air in their lungs, (Name)’s vision cleared.
Kyoya was the one holding them.
Their whole body trembled with shock. He was the last person who should have to see (Name) like that. And it was doubly unfair for (Name) to have to see the very cause of their sickness in their last moments.
“D- Don’t— Don’t look—!” (Name)’s voice was mangled by the flowers in their lungs. No one should have to watch a friend die.
Kyoya clutched their body closer to his chest and leaned down to (Name)’s ear. His lips ghosted over their skin, a warm contrast to the way (Name) was retching and heaving for air.
“I have time. Just for you.”
(Name)’s eyes widened. Kyoya’s face was hidden from their view as he pulled (Name) into a proper embrace, but they knew his expressions like the back of their hand. They could make an informed guess from his tight grip and the way he buried his face into their shoulder.
(Name) took a deep breath. The flowers had vanished.
