Disclaimer: Ouran and the characters associated with this popular anime/manga series aren't mine. I'd tell you the name of the mangaka and all, but it'd be like telling the bird it can fly. It's that obvious. Unless of course, the bird is a chicken and chickens can't fly and… can penguins fly? Are penguins another bird species? And… where was I? Ah yeah. Ouran ain't mine. I just wrote this story. Enjoy! )

----------

Haruhi exhaled silently and stared out the closed window, an indecipherable look crossing her features. Gingerly, she replaced the teacup in her hand to its saucer and placed both onto a table. Her fingers were deft in refilling the cup and she found herself immensely enjoying the aromatic fragrance of the cinnamon flavoured tea.

Maybe this club is changing me.

Haruhi was at peace, but not from the thought. She closed her eyes and silently enjoyed the piano composition played by agile hands.

Tamaki.

The music, an effect of skilled fingerworks resounded in the room, the harmony embracing her, relaxing her. She opened her eyes again and stared at the pianist. It seemed almost mystical, the softened expression on his face and the effortless dance his hands played as it continued to produce beautiful music.

'You look thoughtful'.

Haruhi immediately identified the owner of the voice. Nonchalant and monotonous, that was the style in which Kyouya Ohtori spoke.

'I'm just wondering'.

Haruhi continued her stare, barely giving Kyouya a glance to acknowledge his presence. He, however, was not offended. They were used the each other's personal form of regard.

'Oh?'

At the lilt of intrigue, Haruhi turned to face her bespectacled friend.

'You sound curious.'

'What is so wrong with intrigue, once in a while?'

'It's not. From you, it is.'

Kyouya smiled slightly.

'I'm assuming my tenacity for business renders me completely ignorant to other forms of knowledge?'

'No. But I assure you, Kyouya-sempai, no financial gain is accomplished from knowing my notions or whims. It's not a marketable product, and you have no other interest in them otherwise.'

Haruhi gave her usual warm smile and looked up at him knowingly. Kyouya pushed up his spectacles and gave her a wry smile.

'If you say so'.

With that, he left her to resume her reverie, his pen and notebook faithfully by his side. His stride was confident and airy as he crossed the room and sat down on the usual table.

Haruhi however, has now affixed her gaze on a new subject. Kyouya. Her insightful and penetrating mind whirred with thoughts as a single question was ingrained into her head.

Why did he look offended?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kyouya stepped out of his limousine and entered through the massive doors of his mansion. Immediately upon arrival, servants graced him with attention, profusely offering unnecessary services. The interior of the opulently decorated mansion was immaculately clean as usual. Indications of wealth adorned every nook and cranny of the house, in almost every pretentious form available.

Pests, he thought sardonically.

He ignored the servants' plea for servitude and dismissed them as he ascended the marble staircase and entered his room. The substantive size and decor, equaling to at least a few millions was met only with nonchalance as he whipped out his laptop. There were calculations to be done.

A few minutes later, Kyouya found himself sprawled face-up on his bed, his work incomplete. From that instance, he knew he wasn't himself that day. He stared intently at the ceiling, a glazed look in his eyes. He knew exactly what was troubling him.

He pushed himself up.

I can't forget about it, can I?

Kyouya stood up and headed towards the bathroom. The intricate Victorian-esque design represented strongly the wealth associated with his family, the Ohtori clan. Marbled floors were associated with the popular Victorian era, gold faucets sat atop intricately carved basins and an exquisite fountain streamed out water inexhaustibly. He took a quick look in the mirror and headed to the shower. Kyouya grabbed a remote, turned on the internal speakers in the bathroom (Water-proof, of course) and deafened himself from all outside noise except the cacophony of rock instruments booming from the speakers.

What makes me not forget?

The problem troubled him further, burrowing deeper into the creases of his mind as he is incessantly reminded of it. Why is he, of all people, with his stance for indifference and his disinterest for matters outside of business, unable to forget a simple, yet truthful comment by Haruhi Fujioka.

You have no other interest in them otherwise.

He abruptly turned the music off and laid his head against the cold shower glass, enjoying the chill coursing through his scalp, freezing his thoughts. A deviant smile was now plastered on his face

Only one way to find out.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tamaki's squeals of glee was audible throughout the school grounds as it echoed and reverberated off the walls of hollowed pathways and emptied classrooms. How he made that possible, was a mystery for another day. The twins, Hikaru and Kaoru were quick to join in on the excitement and forcefully hugged a defenseless Haruhi, resulting in only menacing stares from their hapless Lord.

'A trip, Kyouya-senpai? Really? Is Bunny-sama invited too?' Haninozuka's eyes starred in jubilation as he looked up expectantly at his junior and hugged his bunny tighter.

'Hold on. Let me go!' Haruhi grunted in effort as she wrestled her way out of the twin's encircling arms. It didn't help that a certain idiot was making peculiar noises and made it his role in life to deafen everyone with his unintelligible screeches. Having succeeded, she stepped up to the raven-haired vice president and took from him the brochure which ignited the initial tumult of joy.

'Borneo Islands.'

'Yes. It's in the South-East region of Asia.'

'I know that. But why is everyone so excited? Aren't all of you used to traveling overseas?'

The noise pollution that emanated from the 3rd School Music Room ended abruptly. Knowing glances were exchanged and happy smiles were formed.

'It's not the destination, Haruhi. It's the occasion'.

'Hikaru's right. We've been expecting this trip, but we didn't know it would come so soon. Ne, Kyouya-kun?' quipped Kaoru.

'Indeed. The plane leaves in 10 minutes. The private plane is waiting for us on the roof-top. I've taken the liberty of having all your baggage packed.' Impressing the others with his competence, Kyouya took a quick glance at Haruhi and noted her bewildered face. 'Yours too, Haruhi.'

'Huh? Wait, I can't go.'

The Hitachiin Brothers inched closer.

'Oh really?' They chorused.

'W-What do you think you're doing? H-Hey! Let me down! I don't wanna go! Someone help!'

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tamaki was restless as he sat in his seat. The spacious insides and numerous high-tech gadgetries of the private plane didn't stop him from being agitated and slightly claustrophobic. He fiddled with the belts, the safety equipments and even his recliner, much to everyone's annoyance. Hikaru's hand twitched as it inched closer to the nape of Tamaki's neck, while Kaoru was torn between stopping his twin brother or helping him.

Suddenly, Tamaki leapt up in his seat.

'I'm checking out what Kyouya and my beloved Haruhi is doing in the next room!'

'You shouldn't,' came the monotonous reply.

'Mori-senpai… Ahh! But I can't stand it anymore! I hope Mama is not treating our daughter badly! What are they doing in there!'

'Don't you know, Tamaki-kun?' Honey downed another chunk of cake before continuing with his explanation, 'Someone has to tell Haruhi why we're headed to Borneo. I hope she will be excited about this as I am!'

Tamaki sighed in exasperation and calmed down. The silence only lasted a few minutes before his hyperactive self continued to cause more ire, in which more fingers started to twitch for his neck.

Haruhi surveyed her surroundings and stared in awe at the lavishly decorated plane. Red, crimson drapes were hung over the oval-shaped windows. Marble counters and Italian tiles gave the room she was in an intimidating appearance. An ornate chandelier hung precariously over her head, a good ten metres away. Comfortable recliners were arrayed in an orderly fashion. She especially couldn't get over the walls with embedded flat-screens. Hundreds of them.

Turning to her left, she caught Kyouya's eye. He had been examining her.

'Kyouya-senpai, I have a lot of homework to do.'

'That can wait.'

'I need to catch up on my studying.'

'You're smart. You can do it another time. Besides,' he added, 'Today's a Friday.'

Haruhi sighed heavily. She was disdained by the overt show of indifference Kyouya displayed.

'Kyouya-senpai, I really can't join you. I have my own responsibilities at home. I'm sorry. Can I get off this plane please?' Haruhi tried her best to sound polite.

Her question wasn't immediately met with a response. Haruhi got ready to stand up and leave, before Kyouya halted her. Instead of answering, he stared at her with perplexing intensity.

'Did you know, Haruhi,' He sustained his stare, 'That lately, all I've been thinking about is you?'

----------

Comments are much appreciated!