How I Met Boys in a Fountain

Days past, but the incident with the Host Club, and the wreckage of my beloved camera was still fresh in my mind. I didn't really think that they could fix it, but I left it with them anyway, maybe they could work miracles.

And I haven't taken up their offer to visit them in the Third Music Room.

It wasn't like I was embarrassed or anything. A couple of my friends go there regularly, I never went with them because I think it would be uncomfortable for me and I didn't want to spend some money just to talk to a guy. If I wanted to do that, I'd talk to Toshiro or my brother. Plus, if I went now, my friends would have made such a big deal out of it. I hate that.

Obviously, I didn't plan to go to the Host Club, but fate, once again, shoved them in my path.

I was walking around the school's gardens looking for subjects for my pictures for the Photography Club. I rounded the corner and, lo and behold, I see a boy in a fountain.

But not just any boy, Tamaki Suho to be exact. And he wasn't alone.

With him was a small boy with a mop of brown hair. I had no idea what they were doing in there but I saw the wet school bag and supplies on the floor. It didn't take a genius to figure it out.

"Need some help?" I asked. I was in the middle of taking of my shoes when Tamaki spun around. "Noriko-hime!" he exclaimed and waved his arms around I couldn't see him standing five feet away from me. "There is no need for your assistance! Haruhi and I have already found all of his possessions and will be coming out now!"

He and the other boy, Haruhi, stepped out off the fountain and made their way towards me. As they got closer, I got to see Haruhi up close. And boy, did he not look like a he. His eyes were huge and brown, probably bigger than my pale green ones.

"Oh, well do you need help drying your things? Haruhi-…kun?" I tentatively added. It didn't feel right to call this 'guy' a guy cause he was so feminine. Maybe he swung the other way? I wouldn't be surprised; with his looks he would probably get a guy faster than I could.

"Ah. No thank you, Senpai. Tamaki-senpai helped me a lot already. I think it would be fine leaving my things here to dry." Haruhi even sounded like a girl. I would have asked him if he was a she, but I guess that would be a bit rude.

"Haruhi is a new first year, Noriko-hime. And is also our new host! In fact, I have taken it upon myself to train him to be a first class host!" Tamaki said proudly with those stars in his eyes. "Speaking of which, I haven't seen you in club yet, Noriko-senpai. We still owe you for the tragedy that occurred!"

My shoes and the garden suddenly got interesting. Look, a bird. Oh, it's a plane.

My eyes flicked everywhere.

"Well…" I can't say that I was avoiding it; he obviously was…passionate about the club.

"Oh, you must come tomorrow, Senpai! I will expect your presence there. Come see Haruhi in action, he's a natural! Don't worry, I'll even ask for Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai to fetch you after class to escort you to the club!" No way will I let that happened. I blushed at the thought of being escorted by Mori anyway. I imagined the looks I'd get if he came for me in my class. I shuddered at the thought of all those eyes trained at me.

"Ummm…" I scrabbled for an excuse.

Then Tamaki unleashed…the Puppy Dog Eyes. Of course now, looking back on it, it was kind of weird that a second year boy could pull off the face so well. But back then all that was going through my mind was awww.

"Help me convince her, Haruhi!" He said not putting down the face for even a second.

"Um. Please come senpai." Haruhi bowed. "It would be my thanks for you offering your help. Arigatou, Noriko-senpai." She..er…he…Haruhi finished straightening. Then gave me this adorable smile.

"Awww, Haruhiii. You're so kawaiiii!" I squealed hugging her.

You would react the same way if you were there, so don't judge me.

"Ah, you have seen the natural charm of our newest host! Can I expect you in the club tomorrow?"

I let go of a flustered Haruhi, gave Tamaki a small smile and said, "Sure."


Whatever I once expected the Host Club to be like, it certainly wasn't this.

Before I entered the Third Music Room, I had that fight or flight feeling. This was partly because I would have to deal with all seven- actually, maybe six- boys showering me with compliments. Another part of it was for reactions I would get from my friends, should they be there. A larger part was because this would mean that I would have to interact with Mori.

Flight or fight?

Neither.

I was pulled in then assaulted by a blinding light and flying rose petals.

After all that, I requested for Haruhi. I had to know Haruhi's gender so that I could start using the proper pronouns.

Kyouya told me, with his cold friendly smile on, that Haruhi would be available after his current customer. He sat me down at a free table and told me to help myself with the tea and cake. He then promptly left me there.

Awkward alone time for most, but this was one of my favorite past times, people watching. People reveal a lot about themselves when they think no one is looking. Subconscious behavior, I guess. Most would find it unbearable to just sit and observe, but it's one of the reasons why I love photography so much. You tend to notice a lot of things if you just looked.

For example, I saw as a young girl reach for a cake, hesitated, then just continued to sip her tea. She was probably watching her weight, thought personally; I don't think she needed to.

I looked around the room when I spotted Haruhi and the customer. Their table was different from the rest. It seemed tense. The customer didn't have hearts on her eyes nor did she swoon at everything Haruhi said. Actually, Haruhi didn't even speak much. The customer with long red-ish brown hair continued on, placing her elbows on the table. Finally Haruhi said something.

It must have been something, cause the next thing I knew, Haruhi was pulled on top of the girl, knocking over a table and breaking everything on it. The customer's screams shocked my out of my chair. She had my, and the rest of the room's, attention. She screamed about how Haruhi was violent and how she needed help. I was about to set the liars pants on fire, when the twins pour water over the pair.

I don't know how that was supposed to help. There was a silence.

My testimony as a witness was not needed. Tamaki revealed how the customer was the one who threw Haruhi's bag into the fountain. She was then banned from the club.

I frowned at the revelation. Bullying was not unheard of in Ouran, but it was rare for it to happen. Poor Haruhi.

The Hosting hours ended after that end all the girls slowly left. I was making my way out when I paused. I should talk to Haruhi, let her know that she isn't alone in the school. Sure, the rest of the club was most likely helping her, but a bunch of boys isn't exactly what you call affectionate.

Determined, I turned around and marched towards the changing rooms. I was going to announce that anyone changing should make themselves decent, then I saw Haruhi. In a dress. I was right, she was a girl.

I stood behind Kyouya as Tamaki was murmuring nonsense and the rest of the Host Club didn't seem to be shocked with the news. I was shocked that he didn't figure it out. I thought the fountain thing was a really indirect way of flirting.

I couldn't help but giggle when Tamaki turned bright red. This unfortunately revealed my presence and they all then stared at me.

Blush Nation, population: Tamaki and Noriko.


Hey guys, I know, it's been a while. I guess I didn't really know how to push forward with this. I've got a start and a finish, but I don't know what to put in the middle.

Thank you to everyone who has read or reviewed this, it means the world to me!

-Shnitzel