Chapter Text
"They need what?"
"A private baker, sweetie. They already have a cook, but the Haninozukas are in dire need of someone to bake cakes and other sweets for their eldest son. He's an absolute monster when it comes to food," My mother explains, her (E/C) eyes shining brightly. "Their two cooks can hardly keep up with both jobs." My mother gently pats my head, a beautiful smile gracing her aged but lovely face.
"Shouldn't they just hire more cooks, then?" I cut her off with furrowed eyebrows. I want to take advantage of her offer, but I suppose I just don't understand why they need me, an amateur baker, when the Haninozukas are a rich, well-renowned family.
"So," my mother drawls out, "Since they buy items from our shop in bulk, we figured this would be good practice for you! You always wanted someone to taste-test your food besides us, right? Plus, this kid is a sweets enthusiast. He'll be the most critical of how things taste. It's a great opportunity for you to improve, prepare to take over the family business, and help out your sister. You two wanted to run the bakeries together, right?" She smiles brightly. I haven't seen mom this cheerful in such a long time, "-Plus, he's your age and goes to your school."
"Why do they want me, though?" I click my tongue, thinking over her proposition. There are people vastly more talented than I am, and I know Honey and his family could easily afford to give jobs to all of them.
"Well, it's just-I wasn't going to tell you since you strive so hard to improve all the time, and I didn't want your work ethic to falter, but, ah-the Haninozukas really like our bakery, you see-" My mom waved her hands, trying to summon the right words, "-They love our themes, our aesthetics-to them, we have just the right taste. I've given them your food before, sweetie. They liked it more than anything I've ever fed them. When you do something perfectly, you do it perfectly."
My eyes widen. Do they truly enjoy my baking? Why? I mess up all the time and most of my stuff comes out mediocre at best. Well, whatever the Haninozukas reasoning is, I will accept! "Thanks, mama-" I smile but begin clicking my tongue, "-How often will I need to bake for Honey-Kun? After school? All-day long in the summer?"
"Exactly what you just said. And Kun? Are you close with Mitsukuni?"
I shake my head and flail my arms around frantically, smiling. "No! No, it's just, well, Honey-Kun insists that everyone calls him Honey Kun or Chan. He's very kind and somewhat childish, so I just follow what he wants."
My mother nods with an understanding look on her face, although she giggles, "I hope you like that Morinozuka boy as well. I was told that those two are inseparable."
"You mean Takashi-San-er, Mori-San?" Calling Mori Takashi is reserved for people close to him, like Honey, but I couldn't help but let it slip sometimes. Mori and Honey always seemed closer than anyone else, even a pair of best friends. There was something else to their relationship, but I wasn't quite sure what it was. The Morinozuka family had served the Haninozukas for generations, so perhaps-?
"Yes, the tall boy. Anyway, he'll apparently watch you like a hawk. According to the Haninozukas, he almost acts like Mitsukuni's bodyguard or servant of some sort. It seems pretty weird to me, but who am I to judge?" Mother giggles, shrugging. "Anyway, does that sound like an okay idea? Would you be interested?"
I rapidly nod my head, bouncing on the balls of my feet. I always got along with Mori and Honey, but this is my chance to get closer to the people in my grade and test my baking skills! "Yes, yes, I would love to!"
With a grin, Mom gives me a high-five. "Awesome! I'll schedule a meeting with the Haninozukas right away!"
***
Like a majority of the people who attend Ouranl, Honey's house is absolutely gorgeous. I stare up at the lightly colored house and the tall main entrance, entranced by the mixing of light yellows, pinks, and blues. I climb up the front stairs and approach the large, almost castle-like doors painted in a beautiful pastel blue. I find the decoration of the house stunning, yet amusing, too. One, if not the, strongest families in the world live here, but their house is adorable.
I notice all of the dojos around the main mansion, though, and take light of how the traditional Japanese style influenced the design of the main mansion, too. I expected nothing less from a family well-known for creating and excelling in their own style of martial arts.
I give my mom and dad nervous smile when I look back at them and then shift my glance to the large door. I gently knock on it, turn my gaze to look at the textures, and admire the engraved swirls and leaves on the framing of the doors. I notice a large door knocker and grasp the smooth handle, looking back to my parents again. My mom just smiles and motions for me to continue, so I give her a curt nod and tap the handle against the knocker-Boom! My eyes widen and I flinch upon hearing the thunderous echo. What? I've never heard one so loud before! No wonder they don't have a doorbell!
The door swings open, and I accidentally yelp as I jump back. Eyes wide, I look past the door which almost took me out and notice a kind looking maid. She's noticeably taller than me-then again, I'm mouse-like in comparison to everyone else-but she's buff, too. What muscular arms-!
"Hello! Are you the (L/N) family?" I nod at the maid, gently sighing to calm myself down.
"Yes-yes, we are, thank you," I stammer, although I smile brightly at the black-haired women. She gives me a smile back, waving her hand inside of the house.
"Right this way. Please put on the shoes we have set out for you," she requests politely. My parents and I enter the home, slipping off our outdoor shoes and replacing them with the indoor slippers the Haninozukas so graciously provided. I let out a pleasant hum, burying my feet in the cushioned slippers.
The maid leads us through a hallway that branched off into a few different rooms and a closet or two, probably. I caught a glance of the large kitchen on my right, and I found myself gapping at its elegance. Obviously, the kitchen in my home is the most extravagant room in the house, but theirs is splendid! She turns left and I follow a few steps behind, looking at art and lovely sliding doors decorating the walls.
We arrive in a room that appeared to be a main living area, which held a few chairs and couches as well as a few small tables. As we entered the room, Haninozuka-San, Honey's father; Honey-Kun; and Yasuchika-Kun stand and bow to us. My family and I mirrored them, and I smile pleasantly like my mother and father.
*Thump* "(Y/N)-Chan!" Honey glomps me in a hug, and I giggle in response.
"Mitsukuni," his father scolds, making Honey back up to his position. Haninozuka-San turns to us with a small smile on his face. "Ah, the (L/N)s. Pleasure to see you all this fine evening. I apologize for my son's sporadic behavior."
"You as well, Yorihisa," (F/N) greets back, taking Haninozuka-San's hand in his own.
"And Mitsukuni is fine! His excitement is refreshing," my mother adds in with a grin. Her words make Honey smile, although I see Chika rolls his eyes.
Haninozuka-San nods to my mother, "As much as I love having you all over, I'm afraid our cooks are completely worn out-"
"Only because Honey's some sort of monster-alien thing," Chika pouts, wistfully looking towards the hall. Maybe he's thinking of the kitchen?
Haninozuka-San ignores Chika's whines and addresses the main topic of our meeting immediately, "So let's get down to business, shall we?"
"That's why I'm here though, right? To relieve the cooks of most of that tension?" I cut in and look from Chika to Haninozuka-San.
"Well, yes, you're right, but allow me to speak with your parents over the boring info for the moment."
"No need, Haninozuka-San, I'm the one working. I'd like to hear about it too." I dismissively wave a hand, although I kept my tone light and friendly. I should decide how I work, right? It's my schedule, not my parents'.
"If you insist-" I nod to assert my opinion, so Haninozuka-San continues, "Now, with all that settled, we can decide when. Obviously, your daughter is an intelligent girl-she's top of Class 3-A, after all-and with the way she bakes I imagine she's busy as it is. I don't want her over here until she has all her assignments completed for the night, especially since I'm not paying her for the work-"
"With all due respect, Haninozuka-San, it'll take hours for me to bake everything for Hunny. If you want me to have everything prepared by 6, perhaps 7, I need to come right after club activities. My preparation is quick, but you can't rush the bake into the oven. Plus, it'll give my brain time to cool down and relax after classes, which makes it easier for me to focus on other work later on."
"Are-are you sure? I know you're a capable lady, but that's a lot to do in such a short time." Haninozuka-San raises an eyebrow, but I didn't falter.
"Of course! And I'll still have help, right? Plus, this is for my future, I can handle everything fine!"
"Sweetie, we know you're good at multitasking, but isn't this a lot to take on at once?" My mom lays her hand on my shoulder, giving me a gentle "warning" squeeze.
I look to my mom and dad, pursing my lips. "You think so? But you and dad handle hundreds of orders every single day! You get up at 4 to prepare things for the bakery's opening at 9, and then you don't get to sleep until 10. Won't this job help prepare me for long hours?"
"I, uh, I guess so…" father trails off, adjusting the cuff of his shirt sleeve.
"Then it's settled!"
"You're assertive, I give you that-" Haninozuka-San chuckles, "-I suppose it's official then. (Y/N) will come here after school, bake for my eldest son, and then go home and continue her diligent work."
"(Y/N)-Chan!" Honey glomps me in another hug, although I readily took him into my arms this time. "We're going to see each other even more often now!"
I grin and nod eagerly, "Ah-yes, I suppose we will! The pleasure is all mine, Honey-Kun." I pat the boy's head despite him only being a few inches shorter than me.
"Come on! You should bake me something!" Honey releases me from his tight hug, squeezing Usa-Chan in one arm and grabbing mine with his free hand. He bounces as he leads me down the hallway from before, and I look back at my parents and sheepishly grin and wave "bye" to them.
"Take as long as you need, Sweetie!" my dad calls after me, and I give him a small nod.
The three adults and Yasuchika watch as Honey leads me away before turning to look at one another and begin a conversation out of my ear-shot.
As Honey and I travel through the hallway and turn to enter the kitchen, the same maid from before opens the front door.
"Ah, Morinozuka-San." The maid bows to the male before turning to allow Mori into the house. I watch the tall, attractive male casually step inside; his face was expressionless as usual.
"Mitsukuni-" he starts, until his eyes fell on me. He paused as he stared for a moment before shifting his gaze to look back at Honey, who had syarted to pull me towards the front door. Mori changed into a pair of slippers as Honey released me to hug his friend, and I grin at the two.
"Takashi! (Y/N)-Chan is gonna be baking all my cakes from now on!" Honey pulls me into another hug, and I grin sheepishly. Once he releases me from his arms, I give Mori a small bow.
"It's an honor to bake for someone who loves sweets so much!-" I look to Honey, who had little flowers dancing around his cheerful expression, before shifting my gaze back up to Mori, "-I know you two are close, so I promise to do my best and make him happy, Takashi-San!"
Mori stares at me for a while, although I notice his shoulders loosen from their previous tensity, "Mori."
"Huh?"
"He means just call him Mori, (Y/N)-Chan!" Honey explains.
My eyes widen in realization, but I smile brightly at Mori. "Oh! Right, thank you, Mori!" Shoot! I didn't even realize I said that.
With the slightly awkward explanations out of the way, the three of us head to the kitchen. I look around, itching to search for the locations of all the basic ingredients.
"Go ahead and look around! I hope you get comfortable," Honey offers, and I eagerly nod as I start to look through all the cabinets, drawers, and fridge.
Once I believe I'm generally familiar with the layout of the kitchen, I turn back to my classmates. "So, is there anything you're craving? Oh, Mori, I could make you something too, if you'd like," I ask politely.
"Ohh, a vanilla cake with strawberries!" Honey requests. I nod to the short boy and glance to Mori with a raised eyebrow.
"No-"
"Takashi likes traditional Japanese food!" Honey cuts in.
"Oh? Then how about mochi? Or Daifuku?" I suggest, looking towards the tall male.
Mori stares at me and Honey with no expression on his face, remaining quiet. "... Daifuku," he murmurs in his deep voice. I'm never around Mori often, and I know he doesn't talk much in the first place, so this is the most I think he has ever said in front of me.
"Okay! How about a strawberry Daifuku to match Honey-Kun?" I grin.
"Oh, sounds good! Do that!" Honey ushers me on.
With a clear go-ahead, I start pulling out ingredients from around the kitchen and placing them on the main counter.
***
It doesn't take much time for me to whip up a vanilla cake batter, which I separate into two small pans and put in the preheated oven. I then mix up a strawberry puree and vanilla buttercream, as well as chopping up strawberries to put inside the Daifuku. After, I focus on mixing the ingredients for the outer mochi ball, which I eventually roll out flat onto a piece of parchment. I place the rolled out dough in the fridge before turning to Honey and Mori, smiling.
"You're so quick, (Y/N)-Chan!" Honey comments, eyes sparkling.
I giggle, waving my hand dismissively. "Thank you. I've been doing this my entire life, so I hope I keep improving-" I start to mix my homemade, sweet red bean paste together, humming as I work. I put small strawberry chunks into the paste, too. "I've seen both of you fight before, though. If anyone's fast, it would be you two," I add.
Honey climbs onto Mori's shoulders, watching my each and every move. "We're just fast at different things, (Y/N)-Chan."
I look up at Mori and Honey. "I-yes, I suppose you're right." I waited about ten minutes to take the mochi flour out of the fridge and then cut about eight circles out of it. I put a scoop of red bean and strawberry paste on the circle and wrap them into small balls. I glance at the timer on the cakes, noticing I had nearly 5 minutes left. I finish wrapping up and sealing the already-steamed Daifuku, and place each ball on a plate, which I put back in the fridge.
"The Daifuku is all done, but I would wait until they cool to eat. You and Honey should be able to eat around the same time if I did everything correctly," I explain.
Honey and I idly chat as we wait for the cakes to come out of the oven and cool. They were now on the stove, and I took out a rotating cake plate for easy decorating. While waiting for the cakes to cool, I scoop the buttercream in a piping bag with a tip on the end and then pull out a long, smooth spatula to smooth it out with.
Once cooled, I flip and level the cakes and place them on the cake plate. I pipe a vanilla buttercream dam around the edge on the top, and then scoop all of my puree into the circle. I also add some broken graham chunks for texture, and then I stack the other leveled cake on top of that. I finish icing the cake and put a simple decoration on top, and I push the finished cake in Honey's direction. I turn away from the two males, grab a fork for Honey, and then pull the Daifuku out of the fridge to give to Mori.
"All done!"
Honey eagerly takes the fork out of my hand and sticks it in the whole cake. In contrast, Mori takes his time as he takes a small bite of his Daifuku, and I just watch the two. My weight shifts from one leg to another and my stomach churns with anticipation.
"Well..?"
"It's really good, (Y/N)-Chan! The cake is moist and fluffy, the buttercream is sweet but not overly so, and the puree adds a different texture. What was the crunch in the middle?" Honey's review came off surprisingly serious. Does he understand why I wanted to do this, then? Is he taking my wishes seriously..?
"It was some graham cracker I added in the center," I explain with a grin.
"It was all really good! A little sweet, but that's how I like it!" Honey set down his fork to hug me again, which made me smile brightly.
"Thank you so much, Honey-Kun! I appreciate all your feedback!" I give him a small bow when he returns to finish his cake.
"There's no need to be formal! I know you're doing all this without receiving much in return, so I'll help you get better as much as I can," Honey replies cheerfully, stuffing more bites of cake into his mouth in rapid succession.
"Ah! Honey! Don't eat so quickly, you could choke!" I squeak in warning, and Mori nods in agreement. Honey pouts but slows down to properly chew his food, and I smile up at Mori, "And how's the Daifuku? I haven't made any in a while…"
"Good-" Mori finishes off his first one as he looks at me, and then he suddenly holds out the plate to me. "Take one."
"Oh, no! That's okay, I made them for you-"
"Take one," Mori repeats, his tone just as calm and assertive as before.
I purse my lips, but it quickly turns into a smile. "Okay, thanks," I murmur, plucking one of the dough-balls off the plate.
The three of us-well, mostly Honey-continue to eat the desserts before I have to leave.
***
"(L/N)-Senpai!" I hear a voice call. I turn to see who it is, only to see Tamaki Suoh taking my hand in his as he bows. He places a light kiss on my hand, and, surprised, I carefully pull it away from him with furrowed eyebrows.
"Oh, Suoh-"
"Tamaki is fine, Princess." He gazes at me with flirty, narrowed eyes, and his kind, prince-like smile.
Although I didn't enjoy people in my personal bubble, I smile at the kind male. "Ah, right! Tamaki, how can I help you?" My voice quietly trails off when I notice Kyoya Oh Ootori, Mori, and Honey behind the tall blonde, and I furrow my eyebrows again.
Kyoya wastes no time and pulls out his notebook, "Seeing as you're the heir to the (L/N) Bakery, we assume your skills are nothing short of spectacular-or so we've heard from Honey-Senpai."
"I-well, I do hope-"
"They are!" Honey cuts me off, grinning cheerfully from his spot on Mori's shoulders.
"And having this information, we also know you love baking for others and desperately want critique from a wide audience to prepare for your inevitable inheritance."
"Right, but why are you-?"
"We want you to bake sweets for the host club, Princess-" Tamaki takes my chin in his hand, tilting my head to gaze up at him. I furrow my eyebrows again, "-If your desserts are as sweet as you, I imagine they'll be the talk of the town."
I smile but gently pulls away from Tamaki, who lets his hands drop. "Thank you, but you don't have to flirt with me-"
"Ah, but I want to!" The blonde pouts.
"Um, anyway-"
"Our club, as you know, spends excessive amounts of money on tea sets, tea, cosplay, events, and everything in between. Due to Honey's eating habits, a large chunk of our budget goes into sweets from different bakeries. We would like to hire you to be a full-time baker."
"Because I'm cheap?"
"Because it gives you an opportunity and saves our club money. This is mutually beneficial."
I stare at Kyoya, pursing my lips in a tight line. "I already bake for Honey-Kun outside of school, and I have clubs of my own-"
"Well if you're baking for Honey anyway, then what's the difference? It's your job, right?"
I give the male a small glare for taking my hand, but think over his plan. I did benefit from it, at least. "Will I be getting paid?"
"Since you'll have to bring in your own ingredients and this is a favor, yes. We'll pay you enough to cover your ingredients and a little extra to make it worth your time."
"And that will still be less than buying and ordering sweets from a company?"
"Easily."
Although I still felt a little uneasy about the whole idea, I give in with a bright smile. "I'd love to help!"
My smile brightens as Tamaki and Honey cheer and glomp me in a double-hug. Tamaki rubbed his cheek against my own, making me giggle quietly. As I gently push the slightly overbearing male a small distance away, my eyes fall on Mori, who I had grown a little closer to since taking the position in the Haninozuka household. I give him a small smile before shifting my gaze away.
From that day on, my life was now intertwined with the Host Club's crazy schemes and Mori's kindness.