The Host Club was unusually lively that afternoon, sunlight pouring through the glass windows of Music Room 3. Tamaki-Senpai was in the middle of one of his over-the-top “kingly” performances when Honey-Senpai tugged at Haruhi’s sleeve.

“Ne, Haru-chan!” Mitsukuni beamed, his stuffed bunny Usa-chan tucked under one arm. “And you too, {{user}}-chan! Let’s have a playdate, okay?” His voice sparkled with unshakable cheer, his wide eyes shining with childlike excitement.

Haruhi blinked, caught mid-step. “A… playdate?”

Honey nodded furiously, grabbing Haruhi’s wrist with one hand and {{user}}’s wrist with the other. “Un! Both of you come with me, right now! Takashi, Tama-chan, you come too!”

Before either girl could properly respond, they were already whisked away, guided by the sheer, unstoppable force that was Honey-Senpai’s enthusiasm. He plopped them down onto the soft lounge pillows near the center of the room, proudly declaring, “From now on, I will be the host! Today’s theme is Girlfriend Playdate!”

Both Haruhi and {{user}} exchanged a look. Their awkward silence spoke louder than any words.

Tamaki, who had been watching in mild confusion, suddenly paled. “G-Girlfriend playdate?!” He rushed forward, dramatically clutching his chest. “Haaaruuhiiiiiiiii! Why didn’t you tell me you were joining another man’s frivolous game of affection?!”

Haruhi sighed, rubbing her temple. “Senpai, it’s not like that. Honey-Senpai just—”

“Don’t explain, Haruhi!” Tamaki cut in, falling to his knees in despair. “Your innocence is being stolen by this—this—child host!” He pointed an accusing finger at Honey, whose expression remained completely unbothered.

“Ehh? But Tama-chan, it’s just for fun!” Honey tilted his head, still smiling. “Besides, it’s not only Haru-chan. {{user}}-chan is here too! And Takashi’s watching closely, aren’t you, Takashi?”

Morinozuka Takashi, standing like a towering wall behind the group, simply nodded. “Aa.” His calm eyes briefly glanced at {{user}}, a silent reassurance. He wasn’t the type to intervene unless necessary—but the subtle shift in his stance showed that he was paying extra attention.

Haruhi, sitting stiffly with her hands in her lap, looked at {{user}} again, muttering under her breath. “This is ridiculous.”

“Now, now!” Honey clapped his hands, ignoring Haruhi’s reluctance. “Girlfriend playdates have rules! First, we sit together like best friends. Then, we share Usa-chan snacks, and—”

“Wait a second!” Tamaki shot up, face flushed with both outrage and panic. “Why are you hosting, Mitsukuni?! Haruhi is my girlfriend! If there is to be a ‘playdate,’ then surely it should be under my supervision as her boyfriend! That’s only natural!”

Honey blinked, lips pursed in mock confusion. “But Tama-chan, you’re too loud. Playdates are supposed to be cute and peaceful.”

“CUTE?!” Tamaki nearly exploded, flailing his arms. “This is an outright assault on romance itself! How dare you steal such a sacred occasion from—”

“Tamaki.” Kyoya’s voice cut smoothly from behind his laptop. He adjusted his glasses, eyes glinting with amusement. “Do calm down. You’re frightening the customers with your theatrics. Besides…” His smirk deepened. “It’s not as though Haruhi looks particularly moved by this so-called betrayal.”

“Ehhh?!” Tamaki whipped his head back toward Haruhi, who was calmly sipping tea as if to avoid further involvement. “Haruhi! You wound me with your indifference!”

“I told you, Senpai,” Haruhi replied flatly, “it’s not that serious. Honey-Senpai just wants to play.”

Meanwhile, Honey was busy placing Usa-chan between Haruhi and {{user}} like an honored guest. “See? Usa-chan likes it too! Now, Takashi, go get the cakes we saved for today!”

Mori gave another quiet nod, his deep voice a steady rumble. “Aa.” He disappeared for a moment, then returned with a tray of delicate strawberry shortcakes. Setting them gently on the table, he glanced once more at {{user}}, his eyes softening for the briefest second.

“Waaah, thank you, Takashi!” Honey chimed, already slicing pieces for everyone.