So this is a new project I came up with.I am also working a third chapter to Magic 8-Ball so please keep an eye out. I hope you enjoy.
In life…. There's always that one split second…
"Haru-Chan! Hurry up! I just got a whole lot of strawberry cake to share with you." Hunny-Senpai shouted from the other end of the host room. I only smiled at his antics. Sometimes I forgot that this boy was two years ahead of me. The way his smile just seemed so care free and innocent and young. I almost envy it.
"I'm coming. Just let me finish picking up."
Host hours were finally done. Today just seemed so much longer than any other day for some reason. I was exhausted and couldn't wait to get home. Well, maybe stop at the market first. I heard they are having a sale on Produce and Dairy.
"Okay! But you better hurry, or I'll eat it all." He chimed. His tone was playful, but I knew his threat was certainly serious.
"Be careful, Senpai. You don't want another cavity." Even from the other side of the room, I could still see the hesitance in his eyes and horrified expression on his face.
"You have to brush your teeth." Mori-Senpai spoke. Hunny-Senpai gazed up at him and in a split second his smile was back.
"Yep! I'll brush my teeth!" And with that he took another bite of cake. I shook my head, chuckling at him.
I Gathered the last of the tea set onto the tray, and went to go place it in the back for washing. On the way, I passed Kyoya-Senpai typing away on his computer. He gave me a simple nod of acknowledgment, but made no other movements. I returned the nod and continued on my way.
… A simple breath… A pause in time…
"Oh Haruhi!" A shiver went running down my spine when I heard the voice in that particular sultry tone. However, before I could make an escape, the owner's twin stepped in my way.
"We have a favor to ask you." Kaoru, the one in front, spoke. Hikaru closed me in so I couldn't make a get-a-away. I could feel his breath wafting on my neck. I kept up my non-care demeanor, though. It was my only chance of survival.
"We need you to model one of our dresses." Hikaru said.
"We won't be taking "no" for an answer." Kaoru backed him up. I looked Kaoru straight in the eye, enjoying the slight falter that I saw in their depths.
"Too bad." I said softly and swiftly side-stepped away from their grasps. I always found myself immensely proud when I escape the twins successfully. I knew it wasn't over but I won the first battle…
Even though, I'm sure I'll lose the war.
I shook away the thought and continued to my destination. I placed the cups and tray gently down into the sink. I saw the other sets and decided that I might as well do them too. Damn rich bastards and their limited skills in cleaning.
I felt the atmosphere shift around me as someone entered the back room.
"Oh Haruhi!" Tamaki's voice rang out. I sighed softly so he didn't hear me. I really liked Tamaki-Senpai. Honestly. He had many admiral traits… but he knew just how to suck all of my energy away by the simple call of my name. It's not like he did it on purpose either. That was the most exhausting part about it.
"Hi, Senpai. Can I help you with anything?" I asked trying to be polite. Perhaps he was just saying his farewells and would leave.
"I was just wondering if you needed a ride home." The tone of his voice caused me to turn and face him. He was surprisingly looking at his shoes. His cheeks dusted pink. "I know your father is working and I hate the thought of you walking…" His voice trailed off.
"I'm sorry, Senpai. The twins have already offered me rides when my father goes to work early." I answered him honestly. He almost seemed to deflate at my words. Despite that, he smiled brightly at me.
"Oh okay. Sorry for taking your time…" He spoke as he turned to walk out. At the moment… It dawned on me…
He was the one who didn't want to be alone…
"But… The twins are probably going to kidnap me to their house and use me as a doll. So, I believe I will accept your offer today." And like that, he lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Fantastic!" He shouted. I cringed at the sudden loudness. He must have noticed because he instantly apologized. "Just tell me when you're ready." I nodded and he finally left me to do the dishes. I found myself sighing again.
… The scary part… you don't even realize it until it's too late…
"Haru-Chan! I left you one piece!" Hunny-Senpai shouted as I walked out.
"Haruhi!" Hikaru whined, coming into my line of vision.
"You're ditching us for Tono!" Kaoru cried coming up beside his brother.
"Haruhi, I recognized your great success today. Congratulations." Kyoya-Senpai spoke up, standing from his spot on his couch. His pushed up his glasses. "However, I also noticed that you weren't in your most exuberant moods today. They may have caused a disruption. Don't let it happen again." I felt a shiver go down my spine once more.
"Haruhi! Are you ready, My Precious Daughter!" Tamaki-Senpai gushed coming up behind me.
…Then it just hits you like a ton of bricks…
"Ah Miss. Fujioka. I was hoping to catch you here." The sound of a stranger caused everyone to grow silent and turned towards the door. There, stood a tall man with dark hair and eyes. He was adorned in a dark grey suit and a black briefcase.
Before I could speak, Kyoya-Senpai had made it to where he stood directly in front of me. In fact, the other hosts and come to stand, blocking me from the stranger's view.
"Hello, Sir. Can I ask what you may be concerned about with Haruhi." Kyoya-Senpai spoke sternly. The man placed down the briefcase and smiled in a way that sort of reminded me of Kyoya-Senpai. It was scary, but I recognized it all the same.
"I apologize, but that is something that is just not your business." He retorted. The air seemed to freeze all around. It then became a staring contest. My eyes shifted between the hosts and the man. I then focused all my attention on him…
I didn't recognize him. No, he didn't look familiar in the slightest. But whoever he was… he was arrogant and held himself high. To me, that was indication of higher class. Perhaps, he was sent by someone.
"Now, Miss. Fujioka, if you would please follow me."
"She will be doing no such thing." Tamaki-Senpai spoke. I had never heard his tone so stony before. "No until you tell us what this matter is about."
"I'm sorry, but you don't hold such authority over me." The man grinned smugly.
"Who does have the authority." Kyoya-Senpai demanded.
"Wouldn't you like to know."
"Look, it isn't a big deal. Let me just go with him, find out what he wants, then I'll come back." I said trying to form some peace to whatever was going on, but an arm halted my movements. To my shock, it was Mori-Senpai. His arm snaked around me, but his eyes stayed on the man.
"He gives me a bad feeling." His low voice mumbled. In the corner of my eye, Hunny-Senpai came from the other side.
"Same here. Don't let him near Haru-Chan, Okay Takashi?" His reply was a mumbled "Yeah" from the larger man.
"Very well." The man said. He bent down and picked up his briefcase. "I will just have to return in a later date. Miss. Fujioka, I look forward to our next meeting." And with that… he was gone.
The tension in the room remained the same for a long moment after he left. Kyoya-Senpai began to call people instantly, the twins had wrapped themselves around me, Hunny-Senapi and Mori-Senpai were whispering to each other, giving me glances every now and then, and Tamaki-Senpai went into panic mode.
I took a deep breath and untangled myself from Hikaru and Kaoru. I silenced their protesting with a stern look and glanced to the others who were now giving me their attention.
"I appreciate the concern. But I think you guys are overreacting. I mean seriously, it was most likely a personal matter that he couldn't discuss with anyone else in the room. Besides, I'm not a child… and even as a child I was very qualified of taking care of myself. Now, I will be on my way home. Thank you for the concern and I hope you have a great afternoon." I spoke in a hurry.
"But Haruhi. I thought I was giving you a ride."
"Senpai, if you need the company, join the twins. Right now, I need some fresh air. Oh, and if I even think one of you is following me, I won't talk to you for a week." With that I walked out.
The man did give me the creeps, but still it could've been because of the way the boys were reacting. The man was most likely just a supervisor for my scholarship. Though, if that were the case…. I don't feel comfortable with the outcome.
"Miss. Fujioka… I knew I would run into you…" The voice caused me to stop.
And before you know it… that split second… that breath… that pause…
Is over…
"If you would please follow me, I would like to discuss some matters with you." He smiled.
My gaze went up to the window of the Host Club. Then, I buried my uneasy feeling and nodded. I followed him to a couple feet away, where a car was parked. A black car with tinted windows… The uneasy feeling started to go into overdrive, but I swallowed it.
He opened the door and slowly, I made my way inside…
My moment passed… Right as the door closed… blocking my view of the Host Club Window…
The last moment I had anything to do with the Club and the members…
And there was no way to go back…