Alone Now

Author's Disclaimer: No, I do not own Ouran High School Host Club, or anything related to it. All rights go to their respective owners. I just enjoy playing with the characters a little now and then. After writing one story involving Ouran, I can't stop myself from wanting to write another one. I hope you enjoy it!

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It was toward the end of Haruhi's last year at Ouran University that she realized that things were changing.

She had now been with Tamaki for a number of years, surviving study abroad in Boston to come back to Japan to study at Ouran University for law. Thus far, her studying had been very successful.

Thanks to connections within the department, Haruhi had secured a job for herself once she graduated and officially became a lawyer. She had interned there already, and she liked the environment a lot. Any tests that had stood in her way had been handled, with much encouragement from Tamaki and the rest of the former Host Club.

However, between the increase in studying and the amount of trips Tamaki had to take so that he could learn about his family's company to become heir, time was tight between them. Certainly, Tamaki called her as often as he could, even if he forgot in his exuberance that it was well past midnight when he called sometimes, waking up Haruhi. At first, she hadn't minded. That was just Tamaki.

But the problem was, he was still Tamaki. He cared, but he had so much more going on. It was getting harder to make time for her, not that she was helping. Usually, when he could talk, she couldn't, and so it went on with them. That, and she was starting to get annoyed by the little things he did. Sure, his ways complemented hers well, but there was still that clash, especially when it came to affection. He still acted differently compared to her, and the differences seemed to increasing.

Haruhi had always been formal with Tamaki, and Tamaki wanted no part of it. Also, he still gave her such large hugs and loved to make her blush in front of everyone. It was something that she was getting tired of. That had been the turning point, when she was considering telling that that she was not free when she was. Something was obviously wrong if she was doing that. Why couldn't she face him or want to spend time with him?

The truth was, she just didn't like Tamaki like that anymore. He had tried so hard, but they were too dissimilar. And he needed to know that. She would only hurt him if she stayed with him. So, being the no-nonsense, natural host that she was, she decided to confront him about it and be honest. They could still be friends, but nothing more. He may go into his corner after this, but it was better than hurting him.

Once she knew that he would be home, she went to see him. He was overjoyed to see her, but the joy didn't last long once she made it clear that she wanted to break up with him. It was harder than she expected to tell him, so she just told him how she felt and how things had changed. For once, Tamaki was speechless. With that, Haruhi left to go quickly.

On her way out, Haruhi bumped into Kyoya. He looked genuinely surprised to see her, just as much as she was.

"Kyoya-senpai. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Nor was I expecting to see you. If I had known you were coming, I would have stayed away."

"How could you know?"

"I know Tamaki's schedule well, and he always tells me if you are coming over."

"Oh."

"Why are you here, Haruhi? You seem quieter than usual, more distracted. Are you well?"

"I'm perfectly fine, but-"

"But what? I haven't seen you much of late because of your studies, and I can see when something is wrong. What is it?"

"Well, you were going to find out anyway. I just broke up with Tamaki-senpai. I just don't have feelings for him anymore like I used to."

Kyoya adjusted his glasses. "I figured as much."

"How did you know? I just figured it out a couple days ago!"

"You've been sadder. You haven't been talking as much to Tamaki of late. I make it my job to notice these things about you, and the rest of the club."

"Of course you do. Well, now you know for certain. I'm sure Tamaki-senpai could use a friend right now, so I'll let you go to him. I am going to go home now."

"Let me walk with you outside first."

"Why? What merit is there for you?"

"You are my friend, too. Let's walk."

"Alright. Is there anything you wanted to say to me?"

"As a matter of fact, there is. Just because you are no longer with Tamaki does not mean that you are going to drop all contact with the rest of the Host Club. I hope you understand that. Tamaki will keep his distance if that is what you want. But, we, the Host Club, are not going to lose you."

"Don't worry. I wasn't planning to."

"I'm not worried. I'm just reminding you. You are a very real part of everyone's lives in the Host Club. Remember that. Let my driver take you home."

"You're kind, but no thanks. I'd rather walk."

"All the same, I insist. I don't want you to become distracted while walking and then get lost, forcing us all to have to go searching for you. Breaking up with someone when you've been together for a long time, especially as long as you have been with Tamaki, must be hard. It will give some peace of mind. Now, into the car you go."

Kyoya wasn't giving Haruhi a choice, so she went in. It probably was better, as that way, she could be alone and get home faster.

"Thanks for understanding, Kyoya-senpai. I appreciate it."

"Of course. I'll make sure that everyone leaves you alone for a bit. But do not expect it to last long."

And with that, the car left, and Kyoya went inside. Haruhi made it home safely and went to talk to her mom for a few minutes before going to bed early with a headache. Kyoya was good to his word, as the next week went by very fast for her. She studied harder than ever before, getting so far ahead that she would be all set until finals, with no intrusion from the club. That whole week, not one guy contacted her unless she initiated it, which was just fine with her.

After a week however, the club slowly made its presence known. It started on a Saturday. Haruhi had just finished cleaning the house when Hunny and Mori came by. They were both in the family business now, and doing quite well for themselves. They had grown up, dated a little now and then, but they still cared about their friends in the club. And Hunny had not lost his sweet tooth.

"Haru-chan! Guess what? A new bakery opened! And they have the best-tasting cakes in town! Will you come with us and have some cake?"

"Uhm, sure, why not? I haven't seen you guys in a while. Are you sure?"

"Of course, Haru-chan! We miss you. Don't we, Takashi?"

"Yah. Come with us."

"Let me grab my coat first, and then we can leave."

"Yay! Haru-chan is going to walk with us to the new bakery!"

As it turned out, the bakery was new, and not too far of a walk from Haruhi's home. When they got there, they ordered a cake to share, even though Hunny ate half of it all by himself. How he ate so much cake and still managed to be so thin was still amazing to Haruhi. Yes, he had grown taller, but it couldn't counteract the eating that much, could it?

The conversation was easy between the three of them. Haruhi heard all about how their work was doing, the new people they had met, as well as all the new restaurants in town. Hunny had been to them all and was able to give recommendations. Mori kept busy as well, and occasionally he would join Hunny on missions to try new food. He was far pickier about what he ate.

Eventually, the talk turned to Haruhi and how she was. She was able to talk about how well classes were going, and how she was excited to be graduating soon and start working as a lawyer. It wasn't until they were walking back that she felt comfortable telling them about her and Tamaki, and they were both sympathetic. They only wanted the best for both, so they were glad that she decided to do it sooner, rather than later. After that, she felt a little better, and then the guys left.

Not two days later, the twins appeared on her doorstep, ready to steal her away for the day. As it turned out, they had just finished designing another line of clothes, and they wanted her opinion on them. She agreed, with the caveat that she refused to try any on. The twins just grinned their devilish grins and dragged her with them. The rest of the day, she spent walking around the various parts of the Hitachiin estate, arm-in-arm with the twins as they showed each outfit on the dummies. By the end of the day, she was exhausted and happy to stay for sushi for dinner.

Some days after that, Tamaki and Kyoya appeared. Haruhi allowed Tamaki a small hug before she escaped, but only a loose one.

"How are you, Haruhi? Did you have fun with everyone recently? Did those pervert twins try anything?"

Haruhi smiled. Some things will never change with Tamaki. "I'm better now, Tamaki-senpai. Thanks for asking. I did have fun with them all, and don't worry, I told the twins that I refused to dress up."

"Good. I told them to be on their best behavior. Though I'm pretty sure they only listened to the glare of Kyoya."

"Somehow, I am not surprised by that. They always liked to ignore you when they could. But, how are you?"

"I've been better. I've had mon amie with me, and he has been a true friend."

"He has a good heart, even if he won't admit it."

"Your words, not mine, Haruhi."

"I know, Kyoya-senpai."

"So, Haruhi, I had a question from the last time we talked."

"What is it, Tamaki-senpai?"

"We are still going to be friends, right?"

"Of course we are! Don't doubt that for a second. I still care about you, though only as a friend. A friend who prefers not to be squeezed to death."

Tamaki's face lit up for a moment, then saddened slightly. "I'll try harder not to do that, but it will take time."

"You've been saying that ever since we started dating. I just want more distance between us for now."

"You'll have that, Haruhi. I'll make sure of it. But, have you forgotten what tomorrow is?"

"Eh? I think I have, Kyoya-senpai. What is happening tomorrow?"

"The fashion show."

"Oh, that! So that was why the twins were insistent on showing me every last outfit they had."

Kyoya chuckled. "That is probably part of the reason, yes."

"I wonder what the twins have found for me to wear this time."

"No doubt, it will be something that flatters you well. They have a good eye for that sort of thing, especially for you."

"That is what I am afraid of. I would rather not have any attention on me while there."

"Doubtful, knowing them. But, seeing as you were supposed to go with Tamaki to the event, would you rather have someone else from the Host Club act as your date, or would you rather go alone? We will all understand if you do."

"In this case, I prefer to go alone. Thank you for asking, Kyoya-senpai."

"Good, now that's settled. So, what do you want to do today, Haruhi?"

"Today? Nothing, to be honest, Tamaki-senpai. After all I've done in the past couple days, I would rather stay here and relax."

"In that case, we will just stay here, then! How about we all watch a movie?"

"Are you sure that Kyoya-senpai is fine with that?"

"He's the one who suggested we ask you first."

"That is true. If we stay here, there is the benefit of being able to get more done, which is always preferred."

"Then a movie it is. You two find one while I make some popcorn for us to share."

A movie was found, and all gathered around to watch. Kyoya watched for the first five minutes, lost interest, and took out his laptop. Tamaki watched with rapt attention, while Haruhi switched between watching the movie and the two men in her home. Tamaki seemed thinner, while Kyoya was busy as ever. Kyoya would do a good job managing several of the smaller subsidiaries of the family business. Once the movie was over, the boys let themselves out. Tamaki almost squished Haruhi in a hug, until Kyoya grabbed his collar and pulled him away, reminding him to give her space. Tamaki gave his best puppy dog face to both before giving up and leaving.

"Thank you, Kyoya-senpai."

"You're welcome, Haruhi. Remember, the limo will come for you six. The dress should be here five hours before that to allow you ample time to get ready. Until then."

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Author's Notes: This story has its inspiration from the song "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James and the Shondells. It's a cute, wonderful oldie, and in that spirit, I wrote this one, though the beginning is much more somber than I'm used to. Imagining how Haruhi would split up with Tamaki afterward has been something I've seen several different people write about, so I thought I'd try it here. This is a different pairing from my last one, as these are my two favorite pairings. I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading and reviewing!