Kaoru's POV:


I hesitated when I found myself in front of the familiar market doors. Was it really safe to go here? Hikaru knew where I was now…I bit my lip in frustration. Dammit, Hikaru…! Why couldn't you just leave me alone? I'd have to relocate. I'd have to pack up my stuff, pay off my landlord, quit my job…Ah, this was so annoying. I knew Hikaru meant well, but I was doing this for him, so he could be happy. But…what if he isn't happy without you? I pushed that thought away, not allowing it to fill me with hope. No, no, no. Hikaru liked Haruhi and they deserved each other. That's it, end of story, no room for discussion. But…what was I supposed to do now?

I glanced around but only unfamiliar faces lined the streets around me. Wherever Hikaru was, it didn't look like he was here. But still…could I really risk working in public? I could use the money, but I still had some left over, so it wasn't like I was desperate. No, I should go in there, talk to Kobayashi-san, tell him I have to quite, and then…I blinked, not quite sure what I should do. Hide in my apartment all day? Well…I guess that was the best way to keep Hikaru from finding me. And then, come tomorrow, it was off to another side of town, or maybe even another city. I wondered briefly if I had the money for a train ticket. But I would have plenty of time to figure this all out later. With a deep, steadying breath, I pushed open the market doors.

I spotted Kana-san first. She was in the middle of ringing up customers, her light eyes bright with happiness. I started towards her, hanging back until the last of the customers had left. She grinned when she saw me, leaving the register and running over to me.

"Satou-kun," she said slightlessly breathless, "Are you ready for your first day?" I shook my head slowly, gazing into her eyes.

"Actually…something came up." The brightness of her smile went down a few notches.

"Eh?" It was weird, but seeing her sincerity towards me…I actually felt a little guilty.

"Ano…I'm afraid I have to quit." She blinked at me, her eyes wide.

"Eh?"

"Gomen, but could you tell Kobayashi-san for me?"

"Satou-kun…" I bowed deeply before looking back into her eyes.

"Kana-san…arigato gozaimasu. Even though you didn't know me, you helped me get a job. For that, I'm grateful. So…thank you, and…goodbye." I turned to walk away, but fingers locked around my wrist, tugging me back.

"Ano…" I glanced at her over my shoulder. Her cheeks were tinged with pink and…were those tears? "I know you don't know me very well, but…if you need anything, please…don't hesitate. Because…because Satou-kun seems so sad, so, I want to help if I can." I was at a loss for words. Never had anyone but Hikaru and, more recently the Host Club, ever said anything like that to me. I guess because, until recently, I hadn't had any real friends. I smiled gratefully, bowing once more.

"Arigato gozaimasu." I walked away without looking back.

I began my walk home, trying to inconspicuously keep tabs on the people around me. I was about halfway there when I felt eyes on the back of my head. I turned slowly, trying my best to look nonchalant, but there was no one there. That was weird…I turned back around and came face to face with…a chest? I glanced up into the all-too familiar face, my heart beating like mad.

"…Mori-Senpai…" I gasped. From behind me I could hear Hunny-Senapi.

"Tama-chan, we found him, we found him!" Crap! What the heck was I supposed to do now? I took a cautious step backwards, then another and then, as quickly as I could, I spun around and ran. I could hear Mori-Senpai fast on my heels.

For the second time that day I found myself weaving though the back streets in an effort to lose my chaser. I was fast, but Mori-Senpai's legs were longer and for every step he took, I had to take two. Just when I thought my flight was a lost cause, I noticed a door slightly ajar. It obviously belonged to one of the shops. I dove for it, slamming it shut behind me and turned the lock. It rattled as Mori-Senpai tried to force it open, but that was all.

I breathed a sigh of relief. That had been way too close. I carefully made my way to the front of the store and ducked out the main door without any trouble. I walked as quickly as I dared, intent on getting as far away from the store as I could. It would only be a matter of time until Mori-Senpai and Hunny-Senpai found their way to the storefront.

I sighed, rubbing a hand over my eyes as I trudged onward. It felt weird, running away from my friends. It almost hurt. I knew they only wanted to help me, but they couldn't. And I was almost sure that if they ever figured out my reasons for running away, they wouldn't stick around. Who would want to be friends with an incestuous, narcissistic freak? I wouldn't. I bit my lip as my eyes began to water with unshed tears. I was a freak. I didn't deserve to be friends with the Host Club members, and I certainly didn't deserve my brother. I was sick, and twisted, and just not normal.

It took me a moment to realize I had arrived back at my apartment complex. I blinked in surprise. Shaking my head to push my thoughts away, I climbed the stairs to my apartment. I unlocked the door, stepped into the room, and was just about to close the door when a hand shot out of nowhere and forced it back open. I looked up in surprise and fast growing horror at Hikaru. He had found me.


AN: I know, i know, this is a horrible place to leave off! But I'll update soon, I promise ^^