| abstract
| - Flashback to Haruhi and Arai in middle school discussing Haruhi's plan to take the entrance exam for Ouran Academy. Though Arai makes it clear that he wishes they could attend the same high school, Haruhi is clueless and misinterprets all of his statements as generic; essentially dismissing him as a potential boyfriend. Kyoya, Honey and Mori are disappointed in Haruhi's callous behavior (inadvertent though it was) and Haruhi apologizes to Arai. Being good-natured, Arai lets it go but admits, "I always thought you were special." The group, minus Hikaru and Kaoru, then joins the ex-classmates to discuss Haruhi's middle school days. Hikaru loudly criticizes Arai, causing Haruhi to walk over to him and slap him, hard. Embarrassed and irate, Hikaru wonders aloud why Haruhi needs anyone else but the Host Club as friends and storms off, Kaoru trailing after. Back in their room, Kaoru gently confronts Hikaru's behavior, coming to realize his twin's developing romantic feelings towards Haruhi, though Hikaru remains oblivious to them. He also suggests that Hikaru apologize to Arai. Scene skip to the pension's exterior where the group bids Arai farewell and Haruhi begs pardon for Hikaru; Arai once again letting it go. Hikaru unexpectedly joins them and atones for his behavior, which Arai accepts. After he departs, Haruhi asks Kaoru why he's pretending to be Hikaru, being the only one who knew it. Kaoru says Hikaru's temper won't abate for some time, then asks Haruhi for a favor or, to be accurate, a date. Scene skip to the next day in town where Hikaru shows up in Kaoru's place telling her that Karou isn't feeling well. Flashback to earlier in the day, which makes clear (to the viewer) that Kaoru is "playing sick" to give Hikaru a chance to be with Haruhi. Cut back to the couple with Hikaru starting off on the wrong foot by calling Haruhi's outfit weird. Meanwhile, the rest of the hosts stalking the pair grow increasingly disheartened by Hikaru's un-gentlemanly words and actions. When Kaoru is asked why he set up the date in the first place, he replies that Hikaru needs to learn how to think of others' needs. His subesequent monologue reveals his innate common sense and sensitivity, impressing his clubmates greatly. As Hikaru continues being a jerk and Haruhi continues being polite about it, she notices storm clouds developing. The date continues and being empathetic, Haruhi purchases a get-well gift for Kaoru knowing that Hikaru's selfish behavior is due, in part, to his worrying about his brother. When Hikaru asks how she can tell he's upset about Kaoru, she says she just can; the fact being that it is Haruhi's attention to details regarding her friends that enables her to know them so well. The moment Haruhi "includes" Kaoru, the date begins to improve and the hosts leave them alone. As the couple shops and chats, Haruhi hears low thunder, signaling an oncoming storm. Arai bumps into them and offers to take them back to the pension in his uncle's car. Haruhi's anxiety grows as more thunder is heard and she specifically suggests they go with Arai, but Hikaru throws a tantrum and runs off, this time with Haruhi trailing after him. A bit later, Arai calls Misuzu to see if the two made it back and the hosts learn about what transpired after they left. Tamaki calls Hikaru's cellphone and reprimands him for leaving Haruhi alone, especially since she's terrified of thunder. Hikaru searches high and low, finally finding the terrified girl crying beneath the altar of a church. He drapes the altar cloth around her shoulders, places his headphones over her ears and sits beside her with his arm around her to comfort her. He also apologizes, perhaps for the first time in his life, to someone other than Kaoru. Haruhi's forgiveness startles him, but the emotion he feels after "reconciliation" changes him and for the better. The following day, Arai delivers a fresh watermelon for everyone to share. Hikaru approaches Arai and although he doesn't apologize, Arai offers him the melon which he accepts in a non-verbal peace exchange. From the overhanging balcony, Kyoya and Kaoru watch, and Kyoya asks if Karou had considered that his strategy to expand Hikaru's world might have led to romance. Kaoru says it's too soon for that because Hikaru is too much of a dummy about his feelings. Kyoya responds that it's a good thing because the club is full of them.
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