Uru had completely replaced my sister in terms of waking me up in the morning. What was worse was that she was even more efficient at the task. Instead of jumping on me or pulling off the sheets Uru repeatedly punches me until I'm awake. Not just awake where my eyes only open the slightest bit, but awake to the point where I was too irritated to even fall asleep. This particular morning I woke up to receive some cheerful news.

"We have no food." She bluntly replied.

This is serious...

"I thought we had some money left from cracking open Buta-san."

"Two thousand yen can only do so much for a day."

"Then what now? Does that mean we can't have breakfast? Are you sure we're completely out of food?"

"Don't worry about me." She giggled. "I already ate my share. We don't have any food for just you."

"Doesn't that mean that you're the reason we have no food?"

"That was going to happen eventually. The problem is we have no funds for any more ingredients. We're broke. So go out there and earn some money."

Earn some money? Where can I find a job at such short notice. I don't even know where I'd qualify to with my skills. If I get a job that means I'll have to take some days off from the club. I checked my pockets, which were empty. I guess money will have to be earned in this world. That's a problem for later.

…

I entered the class thinking about how I should explain to Haruhi what happened last night. She was face down on the table which probably wasn't a good sign. I decided to approach casually, sitting down at my own desk in front of her's. She slowly raised her head revealing her gloomy expression and turned to face me.

"Hey there Haruhi." I greeted.

To my relief upon hearing my hello she sighed and returned.

"Good morning."

"I think there was a misunderstanding last night. Nagato left her glasses at home and she needed me to help her walk. You know how she is." I continued causally.

She kept still and silent, and continued staring with her empty eyes. Her face lightened the slightest bit.

"If you want we can go to the library again."

"No thanks I have a few things I have to do today." She said, the ends of her lips curving into a fine smile. "Maybe next time."

…

It was lunch break at last. I plan on eating two meals and packing a third for the road, man I'm starving! On the way to the cafeteria I bumped into Koizumi. It was going to be a part of our daily schedules, eating together to converse about 'matters'.

"Hey Koizumi."

"Yes?"

"Do you have any money?"

"I'm afraid I do not. After being supported by the Organization for three years I find it difficult to adjust to working part time myself. I'd personally like to go back to fighting shijins again. It's the thing I do best."

"What happened to the organization? Does it exist in this world as well?"

"No. In fact that was the first thing I confirmed when I entered this reality. None of my contact numbers are any good. I'm indeed alone in this world."

"Has there been any more connections since I last talked to you?"

"Of course, there have been plenty."

"Like what?"

"I can't say, I can't pin point any specifics, but things are definitely falling into place with the old world."

"About a part time job, do you know anywhere I can find one? How about doing some work with you."

"I can't say I'm in a position to be brings over my friends for hire. It seems that my other self had already started working when I got through."

"Really? Where?"

"Now before I explain Kyon, I need you to promise that you won't think any different of me for accepting this occupation. For being as knowledgeable about this space as I am, the slightest alteration to this world can bring on some catastrophic damage. As you see, personalities are anywhere from same old to completely polar opposites. If I was you then I would be able to freely do as I wish, but unfortunately my mischievous counterpart has preset me in a position I'd rather not be in. Since I have stepped into his shoes, I must continue life just as he would have or the entire balance of this dimension could be be offset. Trying to change the job predetermined by the old Suzumiya is an example of this alteration, and since it grew from the deepest desires in her heart I have no choice but to respect it."

"I understand, tell me."

"Must I?"

"Go for it."

"I think it would be better for you to come see for yourself. Meet me in front of the entrance after school."

…

School was over and Haruhi packed her bag and was getting ready to leave.

"Like I said this morning during home period. I have to go early now. Tell Nagato I'm sorry for not being able to come."

…

I went up to the literacy clubroom to tell Nagato that I would be leaving early as well so that I can find out where Koizumi was working.

"Hey Nagato." I said as I entered the room.

"Welcome Kyon, where's Haruhi?"

"She couldn't make it today. She had other things to do."

"Oh, I see. That's to bad." She said disappointed.

I was just about to tell her that I was about to leave as well, but leaving her along in the room was a bit too much.

"There's a place I need to go, would you like to come along?"

Nagato nodded her head and packed her bag. It was almost the time to meet Koizumi.

…

"This must be Nagato! Nice to meet you! I'm Koizumi Itsuki" he held out his hand. Nagato looked at me annoyed as if saying, 'Who is this person? And are you the reason he's treating me like this? What did you tell him?' as Koizumi continued to tease her.

"Integrated Humanoid Interface, Nagato Yuki! Whatever happened to the mighty alien fraction?!" he continued, his full on laughter echoing throughout the street, a laugh which was frighteningly out of place (Hosaka).

"Hahaha hahaha ahahahaha!" he laughed as he shook Nagato's hand. Irritated enough, Nagato kicked Koizumi in the shin as hard as she can, losing balance and falling backwards. I caught her in mid drop and helped her up. Being lightly brushed by Nagato's foot, Koizumi doubled up in even more laughter.

"Ouch! I have to admit that hurt!" Koizumi squeezed out sarcastically between his waves of giggles.

I knocked Koizumi on the head. He immediately stopped laughing.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I asked him amazed.

"I'm sorry, Kyon." he apologized in his regular controlled voice. "This is the first time, I lost control of my other self. He believes this is all extremely funny." He took a deep breath. I'm extremely sorry Nagato.

Nagato nodded.

"What's up with your other self? Don't let that happen again."

"I'll try hard not to. I'm very embarrassed about all of this. I can't guarantee it though, it happens whenever I reach an emotional spike. My other self is a very assertive version of my current self. Please excuse him."

"You mean 'excuse you'. If you two share the same head, there's no proof to deny you weren't thinking the same as well."

Koizumi smiled and shrugged.

"I see you have your own SOS Brigade going on. You could've at least invited me or told me about it.."

"It's not an SOS Brigade, it's now an actual literature club."

"Is it even more enjoyable than what we used to do in the old?"

Was it? I can't decide. Of course it's a lot more easier to my mind and body to be reading quietly in the Literature Club with the New Haruhi and Nagato. Although I once again start to miss the liveliness the old Haruhi had brought into the dull clubroom every day after school.

…

We stopped in front of a building without any windows. It seems that Koizumi's work place was on the second floor.

"Here were are. The place where I work." Koizumi presented.

My goodness, I'm surprised he was even considering telling me at school. These types of things shouldn't even be discussed in public, if the student council found out someone was working here then they'd go crazy.

"Host Bar?" I asked. "Are you serious?"

"Unfortunately yes. It seems my other self has a liking to these types of things."

I'd hate to actually meet your other self. Aren't host bars the male equivalent of a cosplay cafe? Could it be? Koizumi is a stripper?!

"The system is different and is in no way sexual. Instead of going around and serving food in outfits, host clubs are places where females can come to when seeking male company."

"You seem to know a lot, do you enjoy your work?"

"It's not as bad as I expected it to be. Everyone here treats me very nicely. They pay is unusually generous and I have a fun time entertaining everyone that comes by."

"Generous pay? How hard is it to entertain?"

"It's nothing complicated. You have to have at least a talent for telling stories or you won't be able to keep them interested. Sometimes all you need to do is pour drinks and talk for money."

What the hell am I thinking? I was considering for a moment to get a job here. Although I wouldn't mind pouring drinks and talking for the amount I think Koizumi gets.

"Let's go in shall we?" Koizumi asked.

"No freaking way. I'd rather be caught dead than meet anyone from school in there. Who knows what kind of rumors might spread."

I turned around and headed in the opposite direction, Nagato ran in front of me and started pushing me back.

"What?! No! I'm not going!"

"I want you to pour me a drink, lets go." She said pushing me up the stairs into the host bar. I reluctantly went with my eyes shut tight.

…

"Open your eyes Kyon, we're here." Koizumi nudged.

I opened my eyes and sighed in relief. It was almost exactly like a fast food restaurant except it was dimmer, had more group seats and dark corners. It wasn't that crowded. There we're a few girls chatting with a few other guys who look about the same level as Koizumi.

"This is a host bar?"

"Not a real host bar. It's a more tuned down version for teenagers. The basic idea is the same, we serve no alcohol here."

Way in the back was a counter where I guess they served the drinks. I couldn't believe who was serving them, in a sort of goth maid attire I might add...

"Hello there boss." Koizumi waved as he approached the counter.

"I thought I was your day off today? Did you come for more?"

"No I brought my friends along. They wanted to see what kind of job I had."

You were the one who insisted we come.

Koizumi's boss came from around the counter and looked at me closely.

"What's your name?"

Too close!

"K-Kyon!"

"Not too bad. Would you like to work here?"

"No- No thanks!"

"I'm sure you'd do great! You have a lot of potential." Koizumi's boss said pushing a glass of soda into my chest which I quickly received. "Koizumi!"

"Yes ma'am!"

"Show Kyon here how it's done!"

"Should I change?"

"No, I like the school uniform. New thing to try here. I want him begging me to work here by the time you're done!" she said and went off to serve some more customers.

"I thought this was a host bar. What good is a maid type in these types of places?" I asked.

"I believe she serves as an older sister type. Since she's the boss and leads all the males here, it's easy for first timers to enjoy their stay without being too intimidated."

"Thank goodness it wasn't Arakawa."

"I do agree it wouldn't fit his character. I'm glad it turned out that I was working for Mori. It feels at home here being with someone from the organization. It's one of the reasons I accepted working here."

...

We sat down at a group table with the cushioned bench that curved around the corner, you know, the ones you see at the family restaurants. Koizumi sat at the center of the bench and we at on chairs opposite him. He took out a cooler from under the bench and refilled my cup with some juice and gave Nagato empty cup which she pushed my way to have me pour it for her. After making me fill it to the brim we we're joined by none other than...

"Hello there Haruhi!" Koizumi waved as the long dark haired lump of shy sat down next to him. "Are you here for the usual?"

The usual?! She comes here often?! Why the hell are you allowing this Koizumi.

"Koizumi... Do you know who that is?"

Koizumi looked confused at Haruhi.

"Who? Haruhi? She's one of my regulars."

"Regular?!"

"Yes, regular. You see Kyon, when you become a host there are some girls who like to pick one host and stick with them-"

"Koizumi... That's... Suzumiya Haruhi..."

Koizumi's face went from confused, to a smile. A frozen smile. A smile that had 'Oh sh*t' all over it.

"Is-is that true?" Koizumi asked, the person who always had sensed Haruhi with his powers instead of his eyes. Unable to identify the Haruhi with long blacked hair, no ribbons, and bangs partially covering her eyes, in contrast to the Haruhi he could easily pick out, with the short brown hair, yellow ribbons, and outstanding aura. He had no clue he would be meeting her here out of all places. So did I!

"Who's that?" Haruhi asked as she looked around and saw Nagato, her glasses gleaming in the dim light. "Nagato?! So you go to these places as well!"

Nagato silently pointed in my direction. If the place was properly lighted, I could've gotten a glimpse of Nagato's evil sneer.

"Kyon!" Haruhi exclaimed as she met eyes with me. "This isn't what you think!" Haruhi denied, her hands flailing in all directions. "Ah... Ah... Nyah!!!" She yelled as she ran out of the bar.

Mori had come to see what the commotion was.

"I knew it! You have the stuff Kyon! Girls are running out because of you already! I'll let you work for a day! I beg you try it out!"

Koizumi and I merely stared at each other in pure shock.

"I... Had no idea..." Koizumi said with his hair in his hands.

"So did I..."

"Have a drink." Nagato said, passing the both of us glasses.

To Our Beloved Readers: Thank goodness, I thought I'd never get this chapter released. I'm sorry for the huge gap between the stories. The first few days I took thinking up new ideas and brain storming. A few days after that I became one of the many people who caught the spring cold. After feeling horrible for days on end, lack of sleep, with sore throat, runny nose, and losing massive amounts of blood through the nose (I'm very prone to nosebleeds), I didn't have enough energy to focus on my story. Entire days passed without any inspiration while I desperately tried to spark some life back into my mental factory and trying to revive this chapter which I endlessly edited, even rewriting entire parts of it at a time. So to make up for the long absence I made this chapter as longs as I could write it.

Now that my condition has bettered (or at least my mental condition), I glad to say that I'm back and up to write some more!

Lessons learned? Never try to write when you're sick. You're story will end up coming out less that 100%. Put it off for now and come back when you've got to FULL POWER!

Thanks for Reading: LordPlagus777