REVISED 13/09/17
CHAPTER THREE - THE WHAT CLUB?
She lives in a fairy tale
Somewhere too far for us to find
Forgotten the taste and smell
Of the world that she's left behind
It's all about the exposure the lens I told her
The angles were all wrong now
She's ripping wings off of butterflies
Brick By Boring Brick ~Paramore
…
NALI
Time heals all wounds.
I had never really believed in that saying. Yes, it was true that as time passed old wounds scabbed over in an attempt to heal. However, scars always remained to remind you of the pain, and the wound.
I knew this better than most.
When I was a kid I looked at everything through a thick lens. I captured what I believed were the best moments, the ones that I wanted to remember in any case. Over time I perfected lining up each shot, tweaking the light so each laugh, smile and mischievous grin were caught in perfect detail.
But now, the lens was cracked.
Faint scars now marred smooth pale skin, a remainder of the one thing I swore I would forget. Some were small, faint white lines while others were thicker, puckered lines, the worst ran down the right side of my face, narrowly missing my eye, and stretching down my neck before curling around my collar bone.
Now when I looked through the lens, it captured a different scene.
My father used to put all his faith in the future, and in the people we would be. I think in his head, he had it all planned out. He thought he knew how it would end.
Except, nobody can predict what the future holds.
My father certainly didn't. The future he dreamed of died the day he did.
A bang brought me back down to earth with a start. A windy breeze had forced the window off its latch and allowed it to slam closed. Tucking my paintbrush behind my ear, I returned to staring at my blank canvas, waiting for some kind of inspiration to hit me. So far, no luck.
This would be so much easier if I still used my camera. But I hadn't touched since the day they had died.
"Hey, woohoo! Over here," a hand was thrust in front of my face and I jumped back startled.
What the hell is wrong with me? I'm so jumpy today…
"Off in La La Land I see. Here."
I blinked owlishly at the large cardboard box that was currently blocking my view of the canvas. Carefully placing my palette down on the table, I eyed my friend gingerly. Her face was split into the kind of maniacal grin that had me questioning her mental state.
"What's this?" I raised an eyebrow.
Mei sighed exasperatedly, settling the box on her hip.
"You've forgotten, haven't you?" I gave her a blank look, wondering what the hell she was on about. "The Package for the Host Club, remember?"
Realisation hit me like a ton of bricks and I slapped the palm of my hand against my forehead.
"I'm so sorry! I completely forgot," Rolling her eyes at my sheepish look, Mei thrust the box at me again and this time I grabbed it tightly.
"Thank you, Captain Obvious. Just, please, remember to give it to Kyoya Ootori."
I saluted her with a silly grin.
"No problem."
"You're the best!" She gave me a quick hug before grabbing her stuff and sprinting out of the art classroom so fast I swear I could see a cloud of smoke rising from her heels.
I glanced down at the box in my lap curiously, before peeling it open and peering in. Dozens of roses nestled in pink tissue paper stared up at me. I could feel myself visibly deflating at the sight of the red buds.
Red roses, how cliché.
Shoving the box to one side, I set about tidying away my equipment. I paused in front of my blank canvas, chewing on my thumbnail thoughtfully. This art project made up a huge part of my grade, and I was counting on my grade to keep my place in Ouran. My grades in every other subject were slipping, and if they dropped too low I would be in major shit. Art was kind of the only thing I had continued to excel in.
I may have abandoned the camera long ago, but the swirl of colours and smell of thick paint made more sense to me than the combination of neutrons and electrons ever did. It didn't mean that I didn't try, I just couldn't always get the dots to connect to make a full picture.
Inspiration wasn't going to hit me any time soon, so I turned away from the canvas and set the box on my hip. I would just have to come back later to finish it.
Closing the door behind me, and making sure that the box was sitting safely on my bag, I set off in search of the Host Club.
And then I realised I had no idea where they were.
Damn you Mei!
…
After three bewildered looks, five rabid fan girls and one crazy guy (who I'm sure tried to kill me with his death glare), I finally got the directions to the Host Club's base. Who would've guessed that they met in an abandoned music room?
The corridors were eerily silent as I made my way along the top floor. I knew for a fact that the club wouldn't open for another thirty minutes or so, so I had just enough time to slip in and slip out before finally being able to return to my project.
It should've been a piece of cake. Except for the fact that I couldn't seem to be able to summon enough courage to open the door.
I glared at the large doors with my arms crossed over my chest, the package sitting neatly on top of my satchel.
Come on, Nali. Stop being such a wuss and open the damn door!
I chewed on my thumbnail furiously. I was such a baby, I couldn't even open a damn door.
Mentally pushing away that annoying voice in the back of my head and gathering my failing courage, I slowly pushed open the door. A sweet-scented breeze blew dozens of rose petals into my face and I coughed.
I waved them away from my face, frowning. What was it with this club and roses?
Blinking, the last of the rose petals blew away and the room came into focus. It didn't really look all that different from any other classroom on this floor, except the desks were of course missing and there was no classroom board.
Instead elegant white tables were scattered throughout the room surrounded by rich red sofas.
But the room was as pink as ever with wide windows that look down onto one of Ouran's many courtyards. A breeze blew past me and my gaze was instantly drawn to the other occupants in the room.
A pair of red headed twins sprinted past me shouting about perverts while a tall blonde boy chased after them letting out a string of curses. Behind them sat a small blonde kid who looked vaguely familiar scoffing cake, and beside him sat a much, much taller dude, who was reading silently. The last was a smaller feminine looking guy with brown hair and large brown eyes who was studiously ignoring his chaotic company while making tea.
Shock had me rooted to the ground. This was the legendary and courteous Host Club?
"Can I help you?"
A deep voice cut through my shock and I spun to face cold grey eyes behind slim glasses, perfectly combed black hair and a calm expression. He was handsome, that was true.
Somewhere in my head, I was melting into a puddle of unresponsive goo.
Shit what the hell am I doing? Stop staring you stupid buffoon, and speak! Say something for pity's sakes!
"I…uh…"
Wow, you really blew him away with that little speech of yours, huh?
"If you would like to register with a host, I'd have to ask you to come back when the Host Club opens," He spoke calmly with a raised eyebrow.
His voice was deep and soothing and as handsome as his face was, but there was something about it. It sounded as blank and empty as his smile was. Almost cold. Was this Kyoya Ootori?
Stop gawking at the Pretty Boy, and give him the damn package!
He was kind of pretty, and really easy on the eyes and…wait what? What the heck was I saying? I didn't even know the guy!
While my mind persevered with its nonsensical ramble, I continued to gape like a fish at the boy. I felt like banging my head off the wall until I started thinking straight.
"I…uh," speak! "Have a delivery for Kyoya Ootori?" I thrust the box into his hands with a silly grin.
Thanking the heavens and all that was holy, I mentally sighed in relief.
"A delivery?" He glanced down at the box with a raised eyebrow.
Oh jeez, he wants me to speak again.
"Uh yeah?" I answered hesitantly.
"You don't sound so sure?"
Was he…smirking at me? Jeez, even the great Ootori was mocking me.
"Umm, it's from the Gardening Club,"
He studied me for a moment and I squirmed under his gaze.
Cute guy is creepy. Very creepy.
"Ah yes, I've been waiting for this delivery," He raised an eyebrow.
"Ooookay, well my job here is done. I'll be going then," I spun on my heel and headed towards the door.
"Wait!" I spun to face the Blonde idiot leaning into my face.
I blinked owlishly at him, wondering how he had gotten over here so fast. The twins he had been chasing were now openly staring at me with curiosity from behind one of the many red sofas.
"I've never seen you before," He stared at me, narrowing his violet eyes as if waiting for me to confess to a crime.
For the love of all that is…
"I…uh…Nali Tanaka," I thrust my hand forward putting space between us, and he stared at it curiously, before shaking it a little too enthusiastically.
The twins sniggered, and I scowled at them over the Idiot's shoulder.
"Nali Tanaka, second year class 2-A, art student, exceptionally quiet," I glanced back at the creepy boy with a curious expression.
Right, nice to know. Can I leave now?
A tug on my hand made me return my attention to the blonde idiot, much to the delight of my failing brain cells. I could feel them withering away as he introduced himself with a wide smile and sparkling violet eyes.
"Tamaki Suoh, second year and king of the Host Club. I don't believe I have ever had the pleasure of hosting you, my princess." He kissed my hand with a dramatic flourish.
So, this was Tamaki Suoh. It's amazing the things you don't notice about your classmates until you actually talk to them. I could feel my left eye twitching, and I was resisting the urge to throw him over my shoulder.
"That's because I've never been to the Host Club," I pulled my hand away from his ironclad grasp, trying to ignore the look of shock that lingered on his pretty face.
Oh here we go again. I could feel a headache coming on.
"You have never been to the Host Club! Why ever not!" He gasped dramatically.
He kind of reminded me of someone, although I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it was the way he spoke, or the way he acted that seemed so familiar?
Or maybe he was like this all the time and I had never really noticed.
"Because I believe it's run by arrogant rich idiots who can't tell their instant coffee from their tea bags, who do nothing but attempt to entertain a bunch of swooning airheads who have nothing better to do with their time," I paused slightly. "No offense."
Tamaki paled, turning ashen and as white as a ghost. I blinked and he was gone. My brows furrowed and I spun around only to find him huddled in a corner, growing – were those mushrooms?
"Wow, you really got him good," a lean arm snaked around my shoulder, and I turned to find one of the twins smirking at me.
"But don't you think what you said was little bit too harsh," the other twin quickly found his way to my side a matching Cheshire grin on his face.
"I was only being honest," I shrugged crossing my arms over my chest with scowl.
What was with these idiots anyway? Have they never heard of personal space? I mean Jeez Louise, it's not that hard.
"We're the Hitachiin twins, by the way. I'm Hikaru," the twin on the right spoke up.
"And I'm Kaoru," the twin on the left finished.
"I would say that it's been a pleasure but I'm not gonna lie."
Now that I got a better look at them, I'm pretty sure they were the twins that started that food fight last week, except I was so sure that one had pink hair and the other had blue hair. I cocked my head slightly, trying to think of the similarities between them. The twins stared me for a moment before turning to creepy dude, who was writing in a tiny black notebook.
"We like her. Can we keep her as a toy?"
I scowled knocking the twins off of my shoulders. They stumbled forward, before landing on the ground rather ungracefully.
"I am not a toy," I growled, glaring down at them.
"Right," the one I thought was Hikaru smirked.
"Whatever you say," the other added with a casual shrug.
I could my eye twitching in annoyance, and the beginning of a very tiring headache coming on. Turning away from the twins, I glanced at my watch with grimace. The time was really catching up with me, and I had a ton of homework to do, not to mention the comfortable bed that was calling my name.
"Look, it's been fun, but I really got to go. I have things to do, people to see, you catch my drift?" I turned to leave once again.
"Mummy! That girl is being mean! We need to help her!" Tamaki snapped into action, gripping me tightly, and sending my satchel flying onto the floor.
Mummy?
"Dude! Do you mind?" I shook the arm he was currently attached to, but he didn't even blink.
"Fairest princess, you must accept our invitation to attend the Host Club tomorrow!" He knelt down in front of me, gripping my hand tightly.
I watched him with eyes wide with disbelief. Was he for real?
"All I ask is that you allow me to bask in your presence, my princess, if only for a short amount of time," He leaned uncomfortably close, and I placed a hand on his head.
"Does the words personal space mean anything to you?" I asked pushing his head out of my personal bubble.
Next thing I know, my feet are dangling above the ground and Tamaki is looking up at me. A wave of nausea rushed through me and pain spiked deep in my bones. I blew out a deep breath pushing the sickly feeling deep down.
Twisting around, I found myself looking at the taller senior who I was sure had been, just moments ago, reading his book on the red sofa with the tiny kid. I glanced behind the giant, and sure enough the tiny kid was still there scoffing his sweets.
I stared at my saviour curiously.
"Uh, thank you, senpai?"
"Hm," He placed me back on the ground, before crossing his arms over his chest.
Who is this guy?
"Uh, Mori, you didn't have to go that far. I wasn't hurting her!" Tamaki wailed from behind me.
"Ah," The one now named Mori said with no facial expression.
"It seems like boss was enjoying Nali-chan's company a little bit too much. What do you think Kaoru?" Hikaru popped up beside Tamaki who went pale.
"It certainly looked that way to me,"
"It wasn't like that you…you shady twins!" Tamaki cried, turning on the two.
The twins sped off shouting insults over their shoulders, while Tamaki chased after them cursing. As I watched them, totally astounded, sprint around the Club room, I felt someone stop beside me.
"Don't worry they're always like this."
I blinked owlishly at the boy beside me, who was smiling kindly.
"Really?" I asked bewildered.
I'd nothing thought that a club like this could be so…so weird.
He nodded with a shrug, glancing down at me briefly. I had ever felt so small. I mean I knew I was pretty small for my age but seriously, was everyone in this god damn club a giant?
"You get used to it, I'm Haruhi Fujioka by the way."
"Nali Tanaka, I would shake your hand but you're holding a tray," I gave him a small smile which he returned.
"It's nice to meet you."
I glanced up at him curiously. He seemed different from the others, almost kind of…girly.
"Unlike the rest of these bozos, it's been a pleasure."
Hands latched down on my shoulders and a startled squeal escaped my lips. Someone spun me around painfully and I had to resist the urge to puke as Tamaki's shoved his flustered face uncomfortably close to mine.
"Tell them it wasn't like that Nali-chan! Tell them!" he shook me slightly, and a dull throb began behind my eye socket.
"I…uh…" My face was heating up as I spluttered.
Oh merde, someone kill me now. My inner self was banging her head off a wall at my inability to form a sentence.
Speak!
"Gotta go!" I turned and sprinted out of the door.
The door shut with a slam behind me, which echoed throughout the empty hall. Sprinting round the corner, I hugged myself to the wall, panting. I glanced around the corner with wide eyes, but the corridor remained empty and silent. I let out a sigh of relief. At least they weren't following me, another quick glance at my watch revealed that it was close to their opening time.
That reminded me, where were all the Host Club's clients? Didn't they wait outside while the Host Club were preparing to open? Shaking away those thoughts, I ruffled my hair until my fingers bumping against the forgotten paintbrush I had tucked behind my ear earlier on.
I almost groaned out loud at my own stupidity. I had willingly walked into their Club in my raggedy uniform, with a paintbrush behind my ear and streaks of paint covering my face. Was there any chance of the ground swallowing me whole at any point soon?
I paused by the window, watching as the rain bounced off the panes. Pressing my forehead against the cool glass, I watched as the skies thundered, threatening an oncoming storm.
The throbbing settled slightly as willed my stomach to settle. A doctor's appointment was well overdue.
The thought drew me back Yori's revelations. They still weren't sure what was going on with me, but it was definitely getting worse.
Yori's words echoed in my ears and I blew out a strained breath. Had I stopped focusing on the past? Was I really moving on with my life, or was I still stuck on what ifs and dreaming about what could've been if the accident hadn't happened.
Turning away from the window, I made my way down the corridor, unaware of the cool grey eyes that followed me or the larger frosty hand print that was left on the window where I had placed my hand just moments before.