Chapter Three:

Welcome to the Host Club!

….

Haruhi slowly opened her front door, peeking both ways before letting out a sigh of relief. It was Saturday, one day after Riku had come to Ouran. She had messaged him, hoping to meet up this weekend, and they had both agreed that Saturday would be the best day for her to visit. He had texted her his new address, but still, she couldn't help but feel wary.

Not because of Riku, no, but because of the other members of the host club. She knew for a fact that if Tamaki figured out she was visiting him, he would surely want to come. Now Haruhi had no problem with Tamaki trying to get to know Riku better. She was actually glad that he wasn't as wary and frightened as he was when they first met, but knowing Tamaki, he wasn't going to give up until Riku agreed to join the host club.

Riku didn't need Tamaki breathing down his neck every second of the day, and Haruhi definitely didn't want him knowing where Riku lived. Riku deserved peace and quiet while he still had the chance.

Still, Haruhi knew that she wouldn't be able to keep him safe and free forever. She wouldn't be surprised if they knew where he lived and were already there, most likely due to Kyoya snooping around his personal life. But even if Kyoya did know where he lived, Haruhi was sure he wouldn't have gone unless Tamaki begged him to.

At least he lives close by. Haruhi thought to herself. Back in junior high, they lived quite the distance away from each other. It was about a 20 minute walk from her house to his, but she often went to his house because his grandmother had a hard time moving.

Naoko Tokura, Riku's grandma…

Haruhi remembered how excited she was when Riku first brought her over to visit. She was so happy to have another girl around the house, and her cooking was phenomenal. Haruhi was devastated when they just seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. She had tried to call and message them multiple times and had even gone to their house at one point.

It had been empty, and when she asked their neighbors what had happened they said that something with the police involved. They said they had seen the police and an ambulance outside the place in the middle of the night and that after that they had just gone. That was it. No sign of them since.

Now she knew that the reason they left was because of his grandma. Haruhi knew she had a few medical problems, but Miss. Tokura had always reassured her they were small and hardly caused her any pain or discomfort. Seemed that she was wrong, or was she hiding her condition from her? Either way, Haruhi couldn't help but feel a bit sad that they didn't trust her enough to tell her what had happened, or to bother to keep in contact with her.

They must have had a good reason…right?

….

"Oh, how nice." Haruhi said softly to herself, having just reached Riku's address. It was an apartment complex, similar in size to hers. The building was a pretty, light blue with white doors for the residents. According to the address, he was in #13, meaning he was on the bottom floor. Haruhi had always wanted to be on the bottom floor of her apartment complex, mostly because it was easy to bring in groceries without having to go up a flight of stairs.

She headed for the door marked '13' and raised her hand to knock, stopping when she heard someone call out her name from behind.

"Oh Haruhiiiii!"

Oh no. Was the only thought that went through Haruhi's head before she felt someone grab her from behind, swinging her around in a circle.

"Ack, Tamaki-senpai! What are you doing here?!" Haruhi yelled at Tamaki after roughly pushing him off, causing him to pout. She then looked over his shoulder, an annoyed expression coming onto her face when she saw the rest of the gang behind him.

"Let me rephrase: what are all of you doing here?"

"We all wanted to hang out with you Haru-chan! We saw you heading out and Tama-chan said we should follow you!" Honey answered for her, giving her a big, innocent smile as Haruhi turned to Tamaki with a dark look.

"Oh he did, did he? Care to explain senpai?" Haruhi glared at him as he began sputtering out incoherent words, trying to find a good explanation.

"Where were you going, Haruhi?" Kaoru asked as both he and Hikaru stared at the apartment complex with curious looks.

"I came to visit Riku and his grandmother, meaning you guys should leave."

"What? Why?!" Kaoru and Hikaru asked simultaneously.

"Because there's no reason for you to stay here!"

"But Haruhi-"

"No buts! Honestly, you guys are way too much trouble and I don't wanna be kicked out of his house if you guys do something wrong or offend him in some way."

"What nonsense, we would never!" Tamaki explained with a hurt look that quickly turned to one of excitement. "This is the perfect opportunity to convince him to join the Host club!" He then began to head for the door, raising his hand to knock as Haruhi tried to pull him back from his shirt.

"No! Scram already!"

"Don't be dramatic, Haruhi! I'm sure he'll-" Tamaki stopped when the door opened right before he could knock. They all looked down to see a small, elderly lady looking at them with a surprised look. Her eyes landed on Haruhi, causing a bright smile to appear on her face. A smile also appeared on Haruhi's as she recognized Riku's grandmother, Naoko.

"Haruhi dear! Oh, it's been so long!" Naoko said, gently grabbing Haruhi's hands before giving them a pat as she continued: "When Riku told me you were coming over I nearly fainted from shock! And are these your friends?" She then turned to Tamaki and the others.

Tamaki flipped his hair dramatically as sparkles seemed to fly out behind him. He gave her a little bow before taking her hand, giving her his dashing prince smile before saying:

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm terribly sorry for the sudden visit. We're Haruhi's classmates at Ouran." He then gave her a wink as Haruhi and the twins rolled their eyes. Naoko chuckled a bit, her eyes filled with kindness as she patted Tamaki's head.

"You must be the host club I've heard so much about. I'm Riku's grandmother. Please, come in." She beckoned them inside. Haruhi looked around when she made it in.

Their old place had been smaller, about the same size as Haruhi's, with just a simple kitchen, living room and bedroom. Now, his new apartment had the kitchen and living room combined, making it into a single, fairly large room. Haruhi could also see three doors that also lead to other rooms, but the doors were all closed so they couldn't see what rooms they were.

"You have a lovely place, Miss Tokura. What does your family do for a living?" Kyoya asked, looking around with a curious expression.

"Oh, it's just me and Riku now." Naoko replied, shuffling around the kitchen as she asked: "Would anyone like anything to drink? I've been known for my jasmine green tea."

"We would love some." Tamaki said.

"Wonderful. Take a seat, please." She waved a hand at the chabudai (japanese traditional table with short legs) and they obeyed, trying their best to save some space for Naoko and Riku, wherever he was.

The order of them sitting is: Mori, Honey, Kaoru, Hikaru, an empty space, Kyoya, Tamaki, then Haruhi with an empty space on her other side.

Tamaki shuffled a bit closer to Haruhi, lowering his voice so that he was whispering.

"Haruhi, you never told us that it was just him and his grandmother!" She gave him an annoyed look out of the corner of her eye.

"It's not my place to tell you anything personal about them. You just need to ask them yourself if you want to know."

"But it seems like a sensitive topic!"

"All the more reason why. Honestly Tamaki, she won't mind you asking. I'm sure she's been pretty lonely and would love to talk."

"Hey, what's in here?" Hikaru asked, carelessly sliding open one of the rooms. Tamaki jumped up, rushing to pull him away from the door as he scolded him.

"Hikaru! Don't you have any manners? You can't just barge into a room without asking first!"

"Sorry, jeez. You don't have to yell." Hikaru replied, covering his ears.

"Who're you?" They both turned when they heard a groggy voice from the doorway. Riku was standing there, his light green eyes squinting at the group. His hair was disheveled and he yawned, seeming to have just woken up.

"Oh!" He exclaimed, his eyes seeming to brighten a bit as he recognized them. "If it isn't the King and Twiddle-dee! Am I still dreaming? 'Cause I don't remember telling either of you where I live."

"Tweedle-dee?" Hikaru questioned as Tamaki let out an awkward laugh.

"Hah! Well, you see, we unexpectedly met up with Haruhi, who was already heading to your place, and agreed we should all come with her to see you!"

"Speak for yourself!" Haruhi yelled from her seat on the floor. She gave Riku an apologetic look as he moved around Tamaki and Hikaru before heading to the kitchen. "Sorry, Riku. I would have asked you if they could come over, but apparently Tamaki-senpai doesn't know how to listen or take no for an answer."

"It's fine. I was just a bit surprised 'is all. We've never had this many people in our home before. I've got it Baba." Riku added that last part, gently taking away the teapot Naoko was holding.

"Aw, dear, I can handle it. Why don't you go sit and talk with your friends?" Riku hesitated before handing her back the pot.

"Alright. Just let me know if you need any help." He then took the open space next to Kyoya, who was scrolling away on his tablet without a care in the world. Riku glanced over, his eyes widening as he asked:

"Are you looking up the price range of my apartment complex?"

"I was just a bit curious about how you're able to afford living here. Both you and your grandmother are listed as unemployed."

"Kyoya!" Tamaki exclaimed, glancing at Naoko, who only smiled calmly.

"Well, if you must know, I have a side job. I dabble in a bit of music every once in a while." Riku explained.

"You don't look like a singer." Kaoru commented as both he and Hikaru explored the place. Riku barked out a laugh.

"Hah! Me? Sing? Not in a million years. I write and play."

"Ooo! What instrument do you play, Riku-chan?" Honey asked, finally speaking up after all this time. Mori nodded his head, seeming to agree with his question. Riku seemed taken aback by how casually Honey said his name, but replied anyway.

"The violin, though I've been trying to learn piano. You play the piano, right King?" Riku then turned to Tamaki, who gave him a surprised look.

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"You just seem like a piano guy. Plus, Haruhi told me."

"Haruhi? You talk about me? Aww!" Tamaki then enveloped Haruhi into a tight hug, seeming lost in his thoughts as Haruhi let out a deep sigh.

"Here you all are." Naoko said, approaching them with the teapot from before and a few small cups as she sat on Riku's other side. She and Riku helped set the table before Naoko took the space next to Haruhi just as Honey reached behind him, seeming to pull a lunch box out of nowhere.

"Hey, Riku-chan, I brought sweets and snacks! Do you want some? Strawberry cake is one of my favorites!" Honey then set the lunch box on the table, grinning.

"Hell yes!" Riku exclaimed.

"Language." Naoko scolded him, but her expression showed amusement.

"Do you like sweets then, Riku-chan?" Honey asked, seeming surprised at his excited reaction.

"Of course I do! Who doesn't like sweets?"

"Hehe, yeah! Try this one!" Honey and Riku then began to discuss their favorite desserts as Naoko turned to Haruhi.

"Haruhi, dear, it's been so long. How have you and your father been? I miss having him around." Naoko asked her, taking a sip of her tea as she waited for Haruhi to respond.

"He hasn't changed one bit, but when I told him about you guys he was happy. He couldn't come today because of work."

"Aw, how sweet of him. What about you? How's school been?"

"It's been fine. I've been keeping up my grades, that's how I got into Ouran."

"Oh, I'm so proud of you! I'm so happy you and Riku made it, I just knew you could."

"What about you, obaasan? Riku told me you got into an accident and had to be hospitalized."

"Don't worry about that, I've gotten much better. I'm just so happy to see you, and with such a charming group of friends. Riku has told me a lot about your club. Are they treating you right?"

"They're treating me just fine." Haruhi said with a smile.

"Miss Tokura, I wanted to ask you-"

"Please, no need for the miss." Naoko interrupted Tamaki before letting him continue.

"Oh, of course! Well then, Naoko-san, I was wondering if you would allow Riku to be a part of our club?"

"I would love for him to join, but that's up to him. You all seem so kind, and Riku needs some friends. He's been so lonely." Tamaki watched her for a moment before shuffling around nervously.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but Riku's parents…are they not here?"

"They passed away when he was 9. I think it would be best if Riku told you about it."

"Oh, I'm sorry. If I would have known I-"

"It's okay, dear. But thank you for asking. It's nice to see someone who cares."

"Baba, try this!" Riku blurted out, handing his grandmother a pink macaron. She took it from his hands before taking a bite, a smile coming to her face.

"Wow, this is delicious! What is it?"

"A macaron. It's a French dessert! Isn't it wonderful?"

"You should make it sometime. These would be fun to hand out to the neighbors."

"I should! Doesn't seem too difficult."

"You can make desserts, Riku-chan?!" Honey asked with bright eyes.

"Oh, for sure! Desserts and music are my passions. I'll make you something sometime."

"Really?"

"Promise, though I doubt they'd be as good as the professional ones you get."

"I still wanna try! I bet you make the best desserts!"

"Thank you."

"You know, if you join the Host club, you'd be able to make desserts whenever you want, I'm sure of it!"

"Ohhh, I see. Is that the real reason why you guys came here?" Riku asked, turning to Tamaki, who gave him an embarrassed smile.

"Well, in a way, yes. That's our main reason for coming."

"I'm surprised that you think I'd be good enough. I'm not the best when it comes to talking to people, and I might end up scaring off your guests instead of bringing some in."

"Actually, since Tamaki invited you to the Host club I've been receiving multiple questions about you. I also created a voting system for the school to see how they would feel about having you as a new member and a high amount of the votes were ecstatic about the thought of you joining." Kyoya spoke up, giving Tamaki a reassuring smile.

Riku grew quiet, glancing at his grandmother who reached forward to gently grab his hand.

"Don't worry about me, Riku. I know the reason why you never left the house or joined any activities was because you wanted to take care of me, but I'll be fine. I want you to have fun and make friends you can spend time with." Riku stared at her for a long moment before he gave her a smile. He then turned back to Tamaki, who was looking at him expectantly.

"Alright, King, I'll join."

"Really?!"

"Yeah yeah." Riku waved a dismissive hand. "Seems like fun. What happens now?"

"Now? Now we celebrate! Operation: Welcome the Newcomer is now beginning!" Tamaki then jumped up before rushing out the door, leaving the others staring after him before getting up.

"Tama-chan, wait for us!" Honey yelled, skipping after him with Mori on his heels. The twins rolled their eyes before following after, leaving Riku, Haruhi, Kyoya, and Naoko.

"Well then, you kids have fun. I think it's time for this old geezer to take a nap." Naoko said, slowly climbing to her feet. "Haruhi dear, feel free to come over whenever you want, and that's the same for you, young man. You all are welcome here." Naoko said that last part to Kyoya, who nodded his head at her before she departed to one of the other rooms.

"You know, you don't have to come." Haruhi told Riku, seeming to be worried.

"Nah, I'm fine, but thanks for the concern. Just give me a few minutes to get ready." Riku gave her a smile before heading back to his room.

"Haruhi, Kyoya! Come on, we're heading out on a bonding adventure!" The pair of them heard Tamaki yell at them from outside.