Chapter 4: Hello Darkness, my Old Friend

Haruhi stepped into the apartment and absentmindedly messed with the buttons on her shirt. It wasn't a half bad place, actually. There were two bedrooms and one bathroom and the living room was connected to a tiny kitchenette. Yes, this wasn't bad. She kind of liked it. She sat down on the fireplace (and yes, there was an actual fireplace, which she had never had before) and took a moment to rest her eyes.

"Haruhi?" the girl didn't open her eyes as her father spoke, "I have… an announcement." Haruhi opened one eye. Her dad's announcements were hardly ever good. The last time he had made one it was that her mother was sick.

"What is it?" she asked, apprehension growing within her and an unpleasant feeling in her stomach.

"I've… I've met someone, honey."

Haruhi didn't really remember what happened after that. She had a vague memory of running out of the apartment complex and hailing a cab. She found herself standing in the rain outside of her old building and walking in dazedly. She didn't remember the elevator ride up or unlocking the door. The only thing that registered in her brain was the way her sheets felt against her cheek and that her wet clothes were sticking to her skin and making her cold. Then, just before she dropped off into sleep, another thought crossed her mind. Mom, he betrayed you. I'm sorry…

Haruhi didn't go to school the next day.

Her wet clothes and standing in the rain (as well as crying herself to sleep) had made her sick. She woke up in her pajamas, and went down to her living room.

"Dad? What happened?" Ranka walked over to his daughter and hugged her tight.

"You hailed a cab home and got wet in the rain. I woke you up when I got home to tell you to put your pajamas on," Oh yeah, Haruhi could kind of remember that. It seemed distant though, like something from a dream.

"Oh," she sniffled, "can I have some juice?" she could chew her dad out about fidelity to his wife when she didn't feel like puking. For now, she had to get better so she could go back to school. Still, having a break from the club would be nice, though.

Haruhi's break from the club lasted ten minutes.

Apparently the boys had all managed to talk their way out of school and into her house, so now they were standing around her bed and chatting away.

"Haruhi, are you alright?"

"What happened?"

"Yeah, I didn't think you could get sick, Haru-chan!"

"Everyone gets sick, Hunni," Haruhi groaned and pulled her pillow over her head.

"Can't you all just leave me alone for one day?" she grumbled.

"Haruhi," her dad called from downstairs, "you've got mail! Ooh, and it's scented!" he brought it up and handed her a letter in a powder blue envelope and a cup of tea before heading out again. Haruhi noticed a wax seal with a rose design, and broke it with care.

My dearest Haruhi, it read

I heard you were feeling under the weather, so I decided to send you a little note to help you feel better. As well, I have included a present for you, my love.

Get well soon,

Your Secret Admirer.

Haruhi felt her cheeks turn red as she read the note. She opened the envelope and a small teabag fell out. Looking at the label, she realized that she had heard this kind could help with colds. A smile crept across her face as she tucked the note away from her visitors' prying eyes.

"Hey guys, I think I'm gonna get some more sleep. Why don't you go help my dad make lunch?" she lied, hoping to get rid of them. Tamaki and Hunni were obliviously excited about the world of commoners as usual, but everyone else gave her a suspicious glance. Haruhi hunkered down under the covers and pretended to fall asleep until they all left. This investigation was something she had to do on her own, and she was determined to keep the host club away from this area of her life. Some things were better left private.