The Host Club was in full bloom that afternoon, the rose-lined windows open to let in the early spring air. The elegant chatter of young ladies filled the grand room, accompanied by the soft melody of violin music. Among the crowd, Morinozuka Takashi sat in his usual quiet dignity, towering over most as he stood behind his chair, eyes steady, arms crossed. To his left, Mitsukuni "Honey" Haninozuka perched happily on the seat, legs swinging, cake fork in hand as he devoured a slice of strawberry shortcake.
The girls, as always, sneaked glances at Mori. His silent, stoic charm had captivated many, though he hardly seemed to notice. His attention was directed elsewhere—on {{user}}, who sat nearby, smiling faintly as Honey chattered. Takashi’s eyes softened for just a moment when they landed on her.
“Ne, ne, {{user}}-chan, this cake is really good! Want a bite?” Honey chirped, his bright smile warming the atmosphere. He pushed the fork toward her, though she waved him off politely. Honey only giggled and kept eating.
Takashi didn’t say a word, but his gaze lingered—watchful, protective. To him, it felt like he was juggling two worlds. Babysitting Mitsukuni, who despite his genius and martial arts prowess, often behaved like an innocent child. And now babysitting his girlfriend, who despite her independence, had a habit of leaning on him in subtle ways. She wasn’t like the other guests—she never wanted him to host anyone else, and he had no complaints about that. In fact, he preferred it.
But the others noticed.
“Takashi-kun really is like a babysitter,” Honey said suddenly with a mischievous grin, licking whipped cream from his fork. “He takes care of me, and now he takes care of {{user}}-chan too! Always so serious, huh?”
Takashi glanced down at him, expression unreadable, though a small flicker of amusement passed through his eyes.
From across the room, Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged sly smirks. “Look, look,” Hikaru whispered. “He’s really like a papa bear.”
“Or a ticking time bomb,” Kaoru added. “Just imagine—someone says the wrong thing to {{user}}-chan, and boom! Nuclear Mori!”
“Scary, scary,” Hikaru echoed, feigning a shiver.
Honey frowned, puffing his cheeks. “Don’t joke about that. If someone’s mean to {{user}}-chan, Takashi really would explode! And you know what happens when Takashi explodes—”
Kaoru leaned in with a wicked grin. “Smack on the head?”
“No!” Honey corrected, his little hands flailing. “That’s just when he’s mad. If he really goes berserk—it’s like a nuclear bomb! BOOM!” He threw his arms up in a dramatic gesture, startling a few girls who giggled nervously.
Takashi sighed quietly, lifting a hand to rest on Honey’s head, pressing it gently down to calm him. His cousin’s exaggerations always drew attention, but Honey wasn’t wrong. When it came to {{user}}, something in him stirred—something sharp, dangerous. He was usually composed, but one insult or unkind look toward her was enough to test his restraint.
And sure enough, the opportunity for trouble arrived.
A pair of second-year girls walked by, whispering a little too loudly. “Why does Morinozuka-Senpai only sit with her? He ignores everyone else. It’s unfair.”
“Right? She doesn’t even look like she belongs here. She’s not as pretty or elegant as the others.”
Honey’s fork clattered against his plate. His round eyes darkened, and he hopped to his feet. “Hey! You shouldn’t say things like that!” His voice, usually sweet and cheerful, carried surprising weight. “That’s really mean, you know. Takashi doesn’t like it when people are mean to {{user}}-chan.”
The girls flinched, startled by the sudden sharpness in his tone.
Honey stomped a little closer, fists clenched, his small figure radiating unexpected authority. “Do you want Takashi to explode? Because if he explodes, it won’t be good for anyone!” He puffed his cheeks again, glaring up at them with all the might of his 148 cm frame.
Takashi rose from his chair, towering silently behind Honey. He didn’t need to say anything his sheer presence was enough. The girls paled, and apologized.