When Haruhi asks Kyoya how they became friends, Kyoya reveals that it was because his father, Yoshio Ootori, insisted that it would be good for business. Kyoya says he would do anything his father asked at that time so he puts up with the transfer student's odd requests, travelling all over Japan while trying to wrap his head around the effluvient Tamaki, but can neither anticipate nor control him, which he finds frustrating. One Sunday, Tamaki shows up at Kyoya's house unannounced, but before Kyoya can politely eject him, he's mesmerized by Tamaki's soulful musicianship (as are the other three Ootori siblings). Afterwards, as they share tea, Tamaki manages to push every button Kyoya has, who snaps at him for not appreciating his easy path to his family's patriarchy, whereas Kyoya, as the youngest son, has to fight just to be acknowledged by his father. Tamaki tells Kyoya that the only one holding Kyoya back is himself. Kyoya sees the ironic truth and laughs, demolishing the barriers between them and beginning a true friendship. Later that year, they sit under a kotatsu and make plans to form the Host Club.