Two Months Later
"How is it?"
Haruhi glanced down at her midsection, which stung a bit when she moved. Having had a surgery a while ago. Only being able to go back to work the next night.
"It's not that bad. It just burns a little."
Hikaru pulled her into a small hug.
"Okay. But if it gets bad just let me know so I can get you to a doctor."
Haruhi shook her head.
"I can walk myself if I feel something's wrong."
"Okay, I'm just saying."
Hikaru left with a small wave. Haruhi remaining alone in their apartment.
This was unfamiliar. But not completely weird. After all, Ranka's work was so demanding, Haruhi often spent a day or multiple days taking care of herself while her father tried to keep the small family afloat.
It was especially tough after her mother got sick. And Haruhi tried taking a job or two outside of school to try and help pay the medical expenses. Somehow, her grades stayed 90% or above as if nothing was going on.
This was what solidified her as the perfect student. And the person that everyone could count on to have a more successful future.
Haruhi hummed as a slight sting permeated her midsection. Going into the bathroom and closing the door. She figured she needed to replace the bandages, anyway.
Haruhi set out the supplies, rolled up her shirt, and started unwrapping the bandages. Raising an eyebrow as she caught sight of the incision. Was it normal to still be bleeding? It didn't look infected. In fact everything looked fine aside from the fact that there were still bits of blood.
Haruhi decided to keep track of her newer bandages. How long she wore them, and how much blood got on them by the time she replaced them. So if she felt like she needed to see a doctor, she could be specific right away.
For a moment, she was proud of herself for coming up with her solution so quickly. But all too soon after, she regretted it. It only reminded her that her quick thinking was one of the many reasons she was considered the perfect student. And led her through a miserable six years of school trying to be perfect.
She briefly recalled her telling Hikaru on their first official date—where they weren't being watched—why she changed her mind. The real reason. It sparked a minor back and forth, Haruhi explaining all of the expectations that had been weighing down on her ever since her mother was hospitalized.
Eventually, he asked if that was the reason why she gravitated towards the Host Club so much. Because of how chaotic it was. Somewhere in the reply, she recalled saying one sentence.
"I was so sick of perfection. I needed some chaos in my life."
Many times did Haruhi contemplate saying that to her friends, to her father. But it would be so shocking to hear from her that she often considered it not worth the energy to say. Everyone knew her as the logical student who desired perfection. Who hated chaos. Sometimes she didn't know for sure if they would have been friends with the real her, rather than the false image she had created involuntarily. Hikaru stayed, but he had known her for her real self for years now. Whereas before, he only went along with everyone else for the sake of avoiding conflict just like she did. So it was easy for it to be believed that he fell for her.
Haruhi spent the majority of that day fixing some broken furniture and practicing dishes. At least, until her midsection stung again and reminded her to take her antibiotics.
While she waited for the antibiotics to take effect, she paced a little around the apartment, making sure everything was ready. Well, the table and chairs needed to be moved. But other than that,
Her phone rang.
She went over to her phone, hissing as the stinging in her midsection increased, and she went to sit still while she took one of her pain meds.
"Hello?"
—"Hey! I just realized that you might be busy today, so I was wondering if we should reschedule the meetup to tomorrow?"—
Haruhi paused. Hikaru would be back by that night. So it would theoretically be a good time.
"What time would the meetup be? Wouldn't that mess with everyone else's schedules?"
Tamaki's reply was chipper all the same.
—"I already made sure that your father would be available at both times. And we all have flexible schedules."—
Haruhi sighed. Glancing at the table and chairs, and the empty boxes.
"Yeah, I can do tomorrow instead."
—"Wonderful! We'll all see you tomorrow!"—
"See you tomorrow."
Her reply was barely audible. Then, the call finally dropped.
"Wait, where is this meetup going to be? I have a shift tomorrow night."
Haruhi shook her head. She'd just have to cancel.
Another muffled groan escaped as a burning throb pounded with a heartbeat in her midsection. Haruhi gripping the table tight and hoping the pain med would kick in soon.
When Hikaru came back, he had a box with him and an extra gleeful expression. It was something he and Haruhi had talked about multiple times and wanted to do. Besides,
"What's that about?"
Hikaru smiled brighter.
"You didn't think I forgot it was our anniversary, did you?"
Haruhi hummed.
"Oh, I might have, though..."
Haruhi held up a dye kit. Just in case they both wanted to try different colors or styles.
"Or not."
Hikaru's jaw dropped.
"Did you go out today to get that?"
Haruhi nodded. Hikaru going over and sitting next to her on the couch.
"That didn't hurt you, did it?"
Haruhi snorted.
"Hika, I'm joking. Of course I didn't get it today."
Hikaru let out an audible breath of relief.
"I'm glad. Also, I know you didn't ask for anything. So mine is like yours in that it's kind of for both of is, but here."
Hikaru lifted the box and set it on Haruhi's lap. Haruhi blanching.
"Heavy! What did you..."
The look Hikaru gave her directed her to forget the question. Lifting the lid of the box slightly. Until something inside pushed the rest off.
A little, all black kitten stuck her head out and looked straight at them.
Haruhi gasped with surprise, but once the initial shock was over. Haruhi's happiness was so obvious that you'd think that she was producing sunlight.
Haruhi assisted the kitten in getting out of the box. Letting her curl up in her arms and meow softly. Hikaru having had plenty of time to cuddle the kitten before he got home.
"Hika, did you just pick her up?"
Hikaru nodded.
"Yep! I know we've talked about getting a cat. And I figured you could use some extra company while you're still recovering."
Haruhi wasn't that much of a crier, but this made her tear up. Hugging the kitten close and almost losing it completely at the sound of the kitten purring.
"Thank you."
