Tamaki shook his head vigorously, a soft tut escaping his lips. No lady should ever feel unwelcome at a ball, especially a guest of his own! "You would never embarrass me," he declared confidently. He was the princely type for a reason, and part of that was confidence and another dancing. "I will take you to dance at the ball, if you attend. I hope you do; it will be a beautiful affair."

Tamaki really did wish for her to be there. She was almost like a project of his - although not so wooden as the word might suggest. He cared for Ky, and in his rose-tinted spectacles, saw that she would be happier if she did things like this. Or so he thought.

~~~

Mimori listened to Kaoru, resisting the instinct to flee from the room. She could feel eyes on her, and Kyoya watching from afar. Kaoru's words seemed genuine, as did the regret in his expression. Hikaru still said nothing. Perhaps he didn't really care at all. She nodded at Kaoru's explanation, drinking again. It was damn hot. She never had dealt well with spicy foods. 

But she was a lady, born and bred. Mimori would not get angry or break down into hysterics. She simply rose, biting her tongue to keep herself from making any sort of pained sound. "Thank you, Kaoru." She bowed her head slightly, turning around to find Kyoya trying to offer her something as compensation. She waved him away with polite words, declining whatever he had. She doubted she'd be coming back; mostly because of Hikaru's attitude. They really didn't care, did they? Except for Kaoru, it seemed. It was a shame.

She started toward the door, head held high despite her red face and the pain inside her mouth and heart. There went her dance. There went the Host Club.