Hi everyone! Yukihime211 here. Sorry for the super long wait! Well, here we are. Chapter 14. Its been three months. But anyway, this chapter will be a bit angsty. But don't worry! The next chapter will bring in a lot of fluffy scenes. Anyway, I have a poll on my profile for ideas on the next chapter, so please feel free to vote or PM me with ideas. I also have a contest going on for artists out there if you're interested. But anyway, enough of this. Enjoy the story. ^-^
Disclaimer:I own nothing except my own OC's Ouran belongs to Bisco. Sorry if the characters are a bit OOC.
Chapter 14
Out in the Open
The others looked down at me with surprise just as Ryan looked over at me with a smirk. I shivered as I glanced over at Chika and Satoshi who also seemed confused.
"Uhm...Is something wrong?" I questioned.
There was silence as Chika wrinkled his nose at the direction Ryan had exited.
"Who was that weirdo?" he questioned.
I blushed slightly.
"He was once my childhood friend," I explained.
The others looked at me with anticipation as to what that meant, I suppose. Satoshi nodded in understanding.
"What about now?" he asked innocently.
I was speechless. I wasn't really sure. The customers were all listening intently and that was when Kyoya decided it was time to get back to work. The group dispersed and I sat quietly in my spot. Seeing as I didn't have any customers, I retrieved a book from my bag.
I tucked my legs underneath me and settled on the couch to read. Ever so often, I'd feel the eyes of the majority of the original host club members looking my way. A bit unsettling, if you asked me. I was sure I wasn't the only one that noticed this strange behavior.
"What's with all the staring?" demanded Chika.
The others ignored him and went back to work. I sighed as I knew this was going to be a rather long day.
/
Ryan smirked with pleasure as he whipped out his cell phone.
"Heh. Great idea with tearing the little 'family' apart, 'cuz," thanked Ryan.
A small chuckle was audible from the speaker.
"It was rather simple really. Just your average teenage angst can make the time worthwhile," explained Yuichi.
The two smirked and hung up. Ryan walked nonchalantly out of the school and into a black car as it drove off towards his cousin's estate.
/
"Fantastic," muttered Hikaru.
Kaoru glanced over at the calm minded Sakuya. He just couldn't believe that what Ryan said was actually true! Or could it... He had noticed Sakuya's...bashfulness in front of him.
He sunk in his chair feeling a wave of depression over his head. Hikaru noted the strange behavior and decided that after closing up, he'd question his actions.
Tamaki seemed like an empty shell as he sat looking around blankly as the shock had really gotten to him. His customers looked at him with concern.
"Tamaki-senpai, is something the matter?" asked a girl with long brown hair.
He looked ready to turn to dust. Kyoya seethed silently and sauntered over towards his direction.
"Please forgive Tamaki. He is in a bit of shock. I would gladly take his place if you would like," compromised Kyoya.
The girls giggle with pleasure and gladly walked over to his station. Chika rolled his eyes in the direction. Now that he thought about it, he rarely saw Kyoya hang around the girls like the others. He usually just hovered to each station like a teacher to check on her children. He snickered softly at his own joke.
/
I gazed out the window and was shocked to see it drizzling. Strange...it was a lot nicer this morning. I shrugged and snuggled closer into the couch feeling the warmth comforting. It was a good thing I didn't have anymore customers for today. I was especially grateful that we didn't have to Cosplay today. Maybe it was due to the fact that we had Chika around. I stood from the couch and made my way to the door. The twins immediately stood in my path.
"Where are you going?" they asked in unison.
I looked at their strained faces and looked back with confusion. I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.
"To the restroom. Is there a problem?" I questioned.
Their cheeks flushed and I walked by feeling really lost. I shrugged and promptly left the room. But not before hearing a faint whisper.
"Do you think what he said was true?" whispered Hikaru.
There was a long pause and finally Kaoru responded.
"I...I really don't know," he pondered.
My heart clenched slightly. What did he mean by that exactly?
I walked slowly towards the bathroom.
My mind drifted towards home. Recently, my father had sent me that stupid message about...about the anniversary. I tried calling him to tell him I wasn't going, but he wouldn't even return my calls!
The nerve! I entered the restroom and sat on the couch as I checked my cell phone. My eyebrows furrowed with confusion. I had a text message from...an unidentified caller? I clicked on my inbox.
/
Chika glanced over at the twins with an annoyed expression. He was sure something was up and he was determined to find out. After his customers dispersed, he marched over towards their direction. The two glanced over placantly.
"What?" they questioned.
He crossed his arms in annoyance.
"What's your attitude with her?" he asked.
They cocked their head
"Who?" Kaoru questioned.
Chika furrowed his eyebrows and blushed slightly as he tried to form the words.
"You know...Sakuya," he whispered.
Hikaru and Kaoru looked at him with awe.
"Since when did you become so friendly with Sakuya?" demanded Hikaru.
Chika looked at him oddly.
"Why is he so uptight?" he wondered.
He crossed his arms and waited for the response.
"Doesn't matter. So, what's your deal?" he pointed out.
Hikaru fumed silently while Kaoru just sighed heavily.
"You wouldn't understand," Kaoru explained.
/
My heart lurched and my hands trembled with fear.
It's your fault your mother isn't here.
I fell to my knees and felt the tears spill down my cheeks freely. Who could have sent this message? Who could have known? I had never told anyone about it, so who could it have been?
Shivers ran down my back and I wrapped my arms around my shoulders. I rested my head on the wall and sat there limply as my mind wandered to the message my father had sent me. The anniversary. Slowly, I rose from the floor and took deep calming breaths. I needed to get a hold of myself before I headed back to the guys.
As much as I dreaded the thought, it was about time I needed to go see my mother. My exterior was slowly deteriorating. I felt as if a layer of skin had been removed and now I was feeling very vulnerable.
I massaged my temples and managed to clean my face up to look pretty presentable. I adorned my mask and walked out of the restroom.
The hallways echoed the click of my shoes as I walked along the empty corridor. Rain was still sprinkling outside. I entered the club to find the members huddled together having an impromptu meeting.
Chika and Satoshi looked over with blank expressions. I quietly snuck behind the club members and proceeded to listen in on their conversation.
"Someone should put that guy in his place," raged Hikaru
Kyoya just shook his head.
"Do what you like. As long as my name or the club's isn't involved," deadpanned Kyoya.
Kaoru shifted uncomfortably as did Haruhi. Tamaki had yet to recover from some sort of...shock?
"Why can't we just ask Sakuya directly. I'm sure she'd be more than happy to answer this question, which I think is pretty stupid. You can't honestly be that naive as to think there is truth to what he said," insisted Haruhi.
My body froze in its place as my hands trembled. I didn't like where this was going.
But what was it that they wanted to know?
Hikaru just shook his head in disgust and crossed his arms across his chest.
"When have you ever known Sakuya to straight up just say the truth? She's always so secretive. Like she doesn't trust us, even after being here more than six months. What do we really know about her? Just that her dad is freaky, her mom is likely dead or divorced and she has a perverted ex-fiancé'," he sneered.
The cell phone in my hand clattered to the ground.
The five spun around abruptly and looked over at me in shock.
My hands trembled and my lip quivered. I looked at him with hurt in my eyes.
"Is that really how you think I am?" I asked painfully.
Hikaru looked over with regret as he walked towards me, and I inched away.
"Wait...Sakuya, I didn't mean t-," he began.
I just shook my head and felt tears well up in the corners of my eyes. My cheeks painfully flushed with embarrassment and betrayal.
I turned away in time to see the shocked expressions on Chika and Satoshi's face. I spun around and bolted out the door without looking back.
I faintly heard the pleading voices of my peers, but I kept on running. The crashing of shoe against granite echoed the empty hallways.
I just kept on running until I collapsed outside the gates of Ouran. The tears splattered the floor freely and with no way of consolence.
***
Tamaki's soul instantly entered his empty shell of a body. He glared over at Hikaru and snarled.
"You, you insensitive beast! How dare you talk that way to Sakuya!" he cried out.
Chika glared over at Hikaru and just shook his head as he walked out the door with Satoshi trailing behind him.
Hikaru looked down guiltily with frustration in his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair and gritted his teeth. Once more his mouth had gotten him in trouble.
Kyoya sighed heavily as he picked up her cell phone and backpack.
"It doesn't look like we will be able to locate her through her cell phone," he noted.
Haruhi sighed and glanced over at Hikaru.
"Why don't we all go look for her. We're bound to find her if we split up," she explained.
They agreed and began their search for Sakuya.
Kaoru and Hikaru took their separate ways and quickly went on searching.
Kyoya sighed and pushed up his glasses as he looked around the empty room. He shook his head.
"You realize it would have been a lot more simple if we had just sent my guards," noted Kyoya to no one in particular.
Slowly, he left the room with his cell phone in hand.
Chilling rain soaked me to the core. Not one part of my body was dry.
I didn't care. What was the point of even caring for my own health when the others didn't seem to trust me?
I shivered and pulled my legs close to my chest. How long had I been out here? I didn't know and really didn't care as I could no longer recognize whether my face was dripping with tears or rain.
I closed my eyes and felt myself drifting slowly into unconsciousness.
The deafening sound of sole against cement and puddles crashed down somewhere nearby. I rose my head slightly to see a tall figure running in my direction.
I rose from the ground abruptly and turned to run once more, yet I only succeeded in getting a couple of steps when I was caught.
I looked over hazily at the tall figure and made out the caramel colored eyes.
Chika-kun? He glared down at me.
"Are you stupid?" he screamed.
I winced and slumped slightly. I had no strength to talk back to him.
I stared at him vacantly.
"What are you doing here?" I questioned.
He crossed his arms and shook his head with frustration.
"I could ask you the same thing! Aren't you worried about your own health?" he demanded.
I shook my head.
"What's the point," I whispered.
He growled in my direction.
"You're a nuisance! What's with your attitude. One minute you're all happy go lucky, and now you look as if you've lost a friend!" he exclaimed.
There wasn't much of an effect. He just shook his head.
"Whatever. Let's go inside," he said.
I nodded and slowly made my way in his direction, when all of a sudden my legs gave out. Chika stepped back in alarm and looked at me with expectation. I looked up with alarm.
"Sorry. My legs just gave out," I explained.
He sighed and knelt down to my level and scooped me up in his arms. I looked up at him in alarm with the still pouring rain making it a bit hard to make a clear view of his face.
"Weakling," he murmured affectionately.
When we finally entered the school, it was eerily quiet as the majority of the students had left the building long ago. He effortlessly walked all the way to the nurse's room and checked me in at the door.
He placed me on the bed and searched the room for extra towels. I smiled softly.
"Now isn't this a familiar setting?" I thought out loud.
Chika glanced over in my direction with confusion.
"Did you say something?" he questioned.
I shook my head as he threw a towel in my direction. I did my best to dry off, yet it did little to warm me up.
My body racked with shivers and I pressed myself closer to the bed to feel some warmth.
A warm arm wrapped itself around my shoulders. Curiously, I looked over to see Chika seated beside me.
I smiled up at him as he glanced in my direction. A faint blush crossed his face.
"Thanks," I whispered.
He tried to frown in disdain, but failed.
"D-don't you start getting any ideas," he stuttered.
I giggled softly.
Hikaru cursed quietly under his breath in as he searched the hallway for any sign of Sakuya. Why had he been such a jerk to her? Oh right. It was because of that bastard Ryan. When he found that guy, he'd be sure to give him a piece of his mind.
Kaoru felt his adrenaline pump with worry. But...where could she be? He looked up at the ceiling.
"I wish Hinny were here. Then maybe we could find her," he whispered.
His ears perked when he came across a soft tapping coming from the corridor. He immediately went into action and was in hot pursuit of the noise.
Tamaki howled as he roamed the hallways with tears shedding from his eyes. Haruhi had somehow ended up with him when they were supposed to 'split up', yet he dragged Haruhi along for morale support.
She rolled her eyes in annoyance. The empty corridors echoed his cries of woe.
"Cut it out Tamaki. The way you're going about, the teachers are going to think that there are ghosts roaming the hallways," muttered Haruhi.
He looked at her with wide eyes which began spilling more tears.
"WAAAH! Why are you being so rebellious Haruhi? Is it because you're jealous that we're paying attention to Sakuya-chan more than you? But I love my daughters equally!" he proclaimed.
His body flew at her and he engulfed her in a bear hug. She struggled to break free, yet she buckled under the pressure. She groaned and felt a tick mark appear on the side of her head. She wanted so badly to clap him on the upside of the head, yet both her hands were currently chained to her sides.
The sound of shoes against the floor came at them from a nearby location. The two were silent until the tapping came to an abrupt stop.
Curiously, the two looked over to see a very familiar face. Haruhi's face darkened.
The one with the cocky smile and snide remarks. Ryan Ackerman.
(Wait...what? But that couldn't be Ryan. He left to his cousin's house! Who could this Ryan look a like be?)
Hunny woke up abruptly with beads of sweat trickling down his neck. Something was not right. His senses were tingling with worry. The members seemed to be in turmoil... He glanced over to his side to see Mori sleeping in the bed adjacent to his. It was as if Hunny was the only one acutely aware that there was trouble back home...He knew it could only be one person.
Hunny rubbed his eyes and walked to the bathroom to get a glass of warm milk. It would help calm his nerves. If not, a slice of cake would surely do the trick.
"Now where'd the kitchen go?" Hunny wondered groggily.
Kyoya didn't bother searching for long as he seriously doubted she could go far without her two essentials in the clubroom and no way to get home. He adjusted his glasses and glanced outside the pouring rain.
He doubted she was stupid enough to make the same mistake that put her in the hospital and assumed she was probably hiding out in the Nurse's Office.
It was only a matter of time before the others found her.
My eyes drooped slightly as I snuggled closer to the warmth emanating from Chika's body. I was pretty sure that he was feeling pretty uncomfortable, but it was hard not to listen to my survival instincts of keeping warm. (she exaggerates
-_-')
I felt myself drifting slightly and sighed. Although all I saw was darkness, I felt Chika shift.
"What's on your mind?" I asked groggily.
He coughed softly and turned his head away.
"It's nothing," he muttered.
I opened my eyes and pulled away slowly. He was definitely hiding something. I crossed my arms over my chest and tilted my head slightly.
"No really. Just say it," I insisted.
He stood from the bed and looked away in frustration.
"Nothing okay?" he exclaimed.
I stood up abruptly with shock. I looked at the ground.
"So...you don't trust me?" I whispered softly.
He spun around quickly in alarm.
"No! It's not...It's not like that..." he trailed off.
I kept my head down cast and felt my eyes water slightly. Chika stepped back and walked around nervously.
"H-hey! Not the water works! Geez! Fine," he said in defeat.
My eyes sparkled as a smirk made its way onto my face. His eyes widened and he frowned deeply.
"You...you tricked me again!" he exclaimed.
I stuck out my tongue and shook my head. He sighed and just shook his head.
"You're so cute!" I squealed.
He blushed and looked at me with bewilderment.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he demanded.
I giggled up into his direction and ran into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"You're like a little brother I never had!" I exclaimed.
Crack! I pulled away from him and looked around. Did I just hear something break? I looked over at the slumped Chika with depression clouds surrounding his body.
"Brother?" he said with a dazed look.
I waved a hand in his face, yet he was long gone. I stood on my tiptoes and placed a light kiss on his cheek.
"See you later little bro!" I called out.
He waved back blankly and muttered some unintelligible words to himself. I shrugged and went on my way to the club room to get my stuff.
'Ryan' glanced down at Tamaki and snickered. He crossed his arms and cocked his head; waiting for an answer. Haruhi glanced over with annoyance.
"Hm...I didn't know you swung that way, Suoh," observed 'Ryan'.
Tamaki looked at him blankly and then looked over at Haruhi. He immediately pushed her away from him and he smiled at him nervously.
"O-of course not! Haruhi-kun just looked about to faint, so I caught him!" he exclaimed.
'Ryan' raised in eyebrow in wonder but just shrugged and left on his way with a smug look on his face.
Haruhi stood from the ground and dusted herself off. She glared off into his direction...wait that wasn't Ryan. If it were him, he'd be asking about Sakuya or calling Tamaki Suoh-senpai. Who was he though? The similarities were so uncanny, yet those light green eyes were not the same as the icy blue ones.
"Haruhi? Are you alright?" questioned Tamaki with worry.
She snapped out of her reverie and looked over at Tamaki with wide eyes.
"That wasn't Ryan," she whispered.
Tamaki stopped dead in his tracks and looked over at Haruhi with shock.
"What? But how is that possible. He looks just like him!" he exclaimed.
She shook her head. Right now was the time to go talk to Sakuya if it meant finding out the identity of the mysterious boy.
Kaoru's heart raced as he continued to follow the sound of the clicking heels. He turned the corner and tugged at the person's arm. He opened his eyes to see that his intuition was right.
Sakuya looked over at him with surprise. She struggled to break free from his grip as a look of hurt was written on her face.
"Let me go Kaoru," she insisted.
His eyes were soft as he looked into her eyes. She shut her eyes and looked away.
"Look...Sakuya. Hikaru didn't mean that. He was just feeling overwhelmed," he explained.
Her voice came soft at first as she didn't dare look at him. He cocked his head slightly.
"What did you say?" he questioned.
She opened her eyes and looked at him with watering eyes.
"If he didn't mean it, then why is it you that's apologizing for what he has done and not him personally," she replied.
He grimaced and pulled her along as they made their way to the club room. Sakuya winced slightly as she had never known Kaoru to be so rough.
"Why the sudden change of attitude?" she wondered.
They entered the club room where it seemed it was completely empty. Kaoru the door behind her and set her on the couch. He whipped out his cell phone and dialed Hikaru.
Sakuya slowly rose from the couch and searched the room for her stuff. They were neatly set near her station and inched closer to get through unnoticed.
"Hikaru. I found Sakuya. She's in the clubroom, so you better come and apologize," whispered Kaoru.
On the other line, he could hear Hikaru sigh. Apologizing wasn't going to be easy. Thinking back, he never once said sorry.
Hikaru knew he had to do this if he wanted to save his friendship and agreed to come over as soon as he informed the others that Sakuya was in the club room.
When Kaoru turned around, he realized that not only did Sakuya disappear, but the balcony window had been unlocked as rain drenched the floor.
He sat down on the couch in shock.
When I arrived home, I immediately ran to my room to shower. No way I was going to risk getting sick again. The warmth washed over me and a smile crossed my face. Ah. These were the delights I most enjoyed. After drying off and changing into a tank top and pajama bottoms. With a towel wrapped around my head, I walked down the stairs and towards the kitchen.
The soft padding of my slippers on hardwood floor echoed silently. It was pretty quiet today now that I thought about it... I hadn't even seen Yoneko.
The kitchen light was still on and I guessed she was there. I slowly made my way there until, I heard the gruff voice that always had to come and ruin the good mood.
"Exactly where have you been?" his voice boomed.
I jumped at his voice and saw my father sitting at the kitchen table with anger. My eyebrows furrowed in annoyance.
"Welcome back to you too dad," I muttered.
He stood up from his chair and crossed his arms in displeasure.
"I asked you a question," he demanded harshly.
I winced but stood my ground.
"Club activities," I clarified.
There was a look of disgust in his face. I took a step back in alarm.
"You call fooling around with boys club activities?" he bellowed. He turned away from me and muttered under his breath," Kid these days and their so called slang."
I shook my head as I felt a migraine coming on. I rubbed my temples.
"No father. It's not some slang terms. I really was involved in after school activities. You know like the fashion club, tennis club, ect. ect," I explained.
He just shook his head and glanced out the window.
"Have you decided yet?" he questioned.
My eyes widened and I turned around abruptly. I felt my heart wrench.
"No," I whispered.
He spun around and glared.
"She's your mother! The least you could do was go visit her this one time. Its been five years, yet you still can't bring yourself to take fault for what happened to her! What kind of daughter have I raised? Do you think your mother would be proud to see her only child going around flaunting herself like a cheap prize? You think I'm stupid? That I don't realize what's going on? IS THAT IT?" He taunted.
Hot tears burned at the rim of my eyes. My head was downcast. Was everyone against me? I looked up and tried to muster up an answer.
"What do you know really? *Sob* Are you ever around? Do you really think that not a day has gone by that I didn't know it was my fault? *Hiccup* All you've ever done since the accident is go away. You can't even look at me in the face anymore without getting irritated. I get locked up in my room when I finally feel like this hellish nightmare is over. But it was just a fleeting dream to think I could achieve happiness. It will never change, will it? You will never approve of me no matter what I do because deep in your heart, you hate me for taking mom away from you...*tears continue to pick up* Don't you just enjoy all that I've been through. I hate myself so much that I feel that there is no reason for me to even be alive anymore, because if I had to choose between living in solitude or death, I would choose death in a heartbeat if it helped mom recover!" I cried out passionately.
Gasps echoed the room as soon the servants came out of hiding. I ran out of the room with tears flooding my vision. I bounded up the stairs and went directly towards my room.
At the top step, I unceremoniously crashed into a comforting embrace. I looked up to see Yoneko looking down at me with concern. The laundry in her arms dropped to the floor as she led me to my room as I continuously sobbed into her shoulder. We sat on my bed and felt all the repressed feelings come crashing down.
***888
The club members sat around the club room in awe. How could Sakuya possibly climb down the balcony without killing herself?
Hikaru sat on the couch sulking. If only he had gotten there sooner. Then he wouldn't be in this stupid mess. He shook his head and tried to clear his clouded mind.
Tamaki was crying all over the place and accusing Hikaru of driving away his youngest daughter.
Kyoya merely glanced at his computer and assured the others that she arrived home safely as he had hacked the chip inside her cell phone in able to track her down.
Haruhi groaned and looked out the window wearily.
She really wasn't sure what to say or do. Really, all she wanted to do was go home and take a much needed nap. She sighed as she thought about how much she longed to see Hunny and Mori again. The soothing salves that helped the members patch up their differences.
On his way over, Satoshi had found a dazed Chika sitting in a chair at the nurse's office. He had tried to knock some sense into him by jabbing him with his kendo stick, but it did little to change Chika's emotions.
He was so scared that he had gone into shock that he searched for the nurse treat Chika's 'illness'.
Kaoru sighed and shook his head. The only thing left to do was talk to Sakuya tomorrow. That is, if she even planned on showing up in school tomorrow. Kaoru walked over to Kyoya with concern.
"Hey Kyoya. Could I take a look at that tracker? It'll probably come in handy tomorrow. I have a feeling that she'll skip school," he whispered.
Kyoya cocked his head in curiosity. Kaoru far more observant than he let on. Kyoya nodded.
"On one condition," he whispered back.
Kaoru sighed. He figured there'd be a price for asking for Kyoya's help. He waited patiently for the answer as the others were busy discussing their next plan of action.
"What would that be?" he asked.
Kyoya smirked and glanced out the window.
"You'll soon find out," he answered mysteriously.
Kaoru felt his instincts tell him that the outcome would not be that great, yet there was no choice.
He nodded in agreement. Kyoya nodded and felt pretty happy deep inside. If only Kaoru knew what Kyoya was planning that summer...
Sakuya's head rested on Yoneko's lap as the woman stroked the distraught child's hair in comfort.
She glared at the floor as if her gaze could penetrate it and look at Kou with anger. How could that man even look at himself in the morning knowing full well that he was intentionally breaking Sakuya's heart.
The rhythmic inhale and exhale signaled that Sakuya had fallen asleep. The poor girl's cheeks were streaked with tears and the furrowing of her eyebrows noted for discomfort, yet the warmth coming from Yoneko's legs helped Sakuya calm down and look rather peaceful after such a shocking event.
"I'm sorry Sakuya-sama. If only I could protect you. But I can't really go against my boss' orders or I risk the chance of losing the job that brings me close to you. You're the daughter I've always wanted. I would be devastated if I were to be apart from you. I hope you understand. When your father is not around, you're always so sweet to your staff even when you don't have to. You are a good person and one day all the suffering you've gone through will be awarded with freedom," she explained.
Sakuya's lips twitched into a delicate smile.
"Mom..." Sakuya voiced out.
Yoneko smiled and knew that tomorrow Sakuya would have to face her fear and meet up with her comatose mother.
***888
As Kaoru had predicted, Sakuya had not showed up that morning to class.
He glanced down at the little tracker device in front of him and knew that the only way to get Sakuya to listen was to follow close behind.
So, with the help of the others, he ditched and hailed a taxi to take him towards the destination Sakuya was currently heading.
Hikaru looked down with disappointment but knew that if Sakuya was mad, the one to help smooth things out would be Kaoru.
Kaoru kept a close eye on the meter and wondered how long the ride would take as he was beginning to feel slightly antsy.
When it seemed like the ride would never end, an hour later the cab stopped in front of a hospital. Kaoru looked over in confusion.
"Is she here for a check up or something?" he wondered.
He exited the cab and paid the fare as he slowly entered the hospital. It was odd since he found this place strangely familiar. Had they come over once? He'd have to ask Hikaru about that.
The minute he entered, he could hear the buzz of people conversing and calling out doctors over the intercom. He scanned the area and immediately spotted Sakuya sitting with her back turned to him near the intensive care area.
He felt a knot in his stomach and walked over a quietly as possible. Her shoulders trembled as he neared and he instantly felt something very amiss.
I sat quietly in the hospital waiting room feeling anxious. My breathing came out irregular as I felt the pulsing of my heart become out of control. I closed my eyes and felt my tear ducts ready to give out. I wrapped my arms around my legs and shut my eyes.
"Miss Mazaki?" called out the doctor.
I stood up in anticipation.
"Yes," I replied.
He looked over at his clipboard.
"There hasn't been any change in her status since we first admitted her. It's been five years, hasn't it?" he inquired.
I nodded slightly as he looked over with cold and unattached eyes.
"Well, we're currently running the usual tests, but I'll have one of the nurses come get you when we're finished," he drawled.
He turned his back to me and walked passed the swinging doors.
My thoughts clouded over as I remembered the first time I had ever entered this wretched place.
I was rushed home without parent supervision and dropped off at the hospital with no idea how in bad shape my mother was. With no relatives to back me up, I was generally an orphan. (seeing as all my aunts and uncles had gone on vacation) My father was nowhere to be seen as he had decided that the pain was too hard to bare and he left the country to recuperate.
The nanny wouldn't come pick me up until the next morning and I had to spend the night at the hospital. A mix of fear and anger coursed through my veins at that point.
Through the glass window, I saw the battered shell of my mother. The operating room. I closed my eyes tightly and turned my back as I slid to the ground. The tears wouldn't come yet. It was as if I had no heart or soul.
Abruptly, I stood up to my stature of 4'6 and pounded my tiny fist into the wall. I tugged at my oversized grey sweater and fingered my newly dyed hair styled in a choppy bob.
Sure I was only ten, but hey, that was the first and last time I ever did that.
I pulled my legs to my chest and closed my eyes as I rested my head on the wall. It was only for a brief moment, but soon after, I felt a sudden tug on my arm.
My eyes flew open to see an elderly man with sagging skin and liver spots wearing a hospital robe. Drool slipped from his gummed mouth and his head shone with baldness. A nurse aid was slowly wheeling him over to his room. Those hollow eyes looked at me dully and I shivered involuntarily.
I tugged away from him, but for an old guy, he sure had some grip.
"Please. Let me go," I whispered.
The young nurse looked at her charge in alarm.
"Washitaro-san, please let go of the little girl. I know that this has been hard on you, but there are only a few more days until the therapy will all be over," she promised.
He shook his head violently and tugged at my arm to come closer. My heart felt ready to explode from fear.
"No...*wheeze* I can't... *wheeze* take it anymore. I'm... *Cough* too old to go through... *cough hack* this anymore. Just stop. Please...*cough cough* help me," he pleaded.
He pulled me so close that I could see his tonsils. I felt myself slowly sink to the ground. His eyes widened and a coughing fit erupted. His eyes rolled back in his head and the grip on my arm became limp.
The nurse gasped as she glanced at the IV hooked to his arm.
The line was dead...just as the poor man was. Screams echoed the halls and panic erupted.
"Why would the nurse be screaming? Shouldn't she be used to this by now?" I wondered.
I looked at the nurse to see her with determination. If she wasn't screaming...then who was?
Another nurse came to their aid and sped over in my direction with concern.
"Little girl? Are you alright?" she questioned.
Wait...that was me? I collapsed on the floor and had to turn away. My body shook and I felt the air pressure inside me begin to diminish. The world around me faded as I heard the voices of many crowding around me.
I had witnessed the death of helpless old man who just wanted to end his life in peace. Ever since, I just couldn't bare being in the hospital.
A single tear rolled down my cheek. There was a slight tap on my shoulder and I slowly looked up. Kaoru's sympathetic honey colored eyes looked down at me.
My cheeks flushed as he handed me his...handkerchief? Why was I suddenly feeling like this had happened before? I took it and turned away as I wiped away the traces of tears.
"What are you doing here?" I whispered quietly.
He sat down beside me and placed his arm around my shoulders delicately.
"I should ask you the same question," he answered lightly.
I felt myself sink deeper in depression. I just couldn't help it. All the overwhelming feelings inside me were beginning to leak out.
"My mother. She's currently been staying at the hospital. I was ten when the accident happened. It was a hit and run driver case. Most cases would have been less severe, but he just left her there for almost more than half an hour. Luckily, the doctors were able to stabilize her so we returned back here. Ever since, she's been in a five year coma and all of it is because of me," I whimpered the last part.
Kaoru shook his head and cupped my chin in his hand to make me face him.
"How is it your fault? Were you the one driving the car?" he questioned.
I shook my head as I felt the tears come pouring down.
"Were you the one to leave her to die?" he asked once more.
This time, I hesitated and turned away.
"No. You were nowhere near her when it happened. Am I right?" he explained.
I looked down.
"But I've always been told its my fault," I whispered.
His eyes widened in shock and he racked his brain to figure out who would say such a thing.
"My father. From the moment he found me, he has always blamed me. I'm a horrible person. If I hadn't run away none of-" I began.
He slammed his fist on the coffee table. I jumped in surprise.
"No! It's not your fault. Haven't you listened to a word I said? How can you say you're horrible when all I've seen from you is kindness, sincerity, and friendship? You always saw the good in others. Like when Kuragano hurt you. You never once said it was her fault," he explained.
He took his hand and brushed away the tears from my face. He smiled slightly.
"Don't believe a word you dad says. Its not only me that knows you're great. Tamaki, Haruhi, Mori, Hunny, Hikaru, Satoshi, and hey you even got Kyoya and Chika on your side. That's quite an accomplishment," he teased.
I nodded and placed my head on his shoulder. Somehow, his words had brought me out of my funk. Kaoru shifted and gasped in realization.
"What is it?" I asked.
He blushed slightly and looked down.
"I actually came here for a reason other than the one at hand. You know, you should just forgive Hikaru. He just doesn't know how to express his feelings. I know you weren't satisfied with my answer last time, but he does have a point. Sometimes, its hard to read you. There's so much we don't know about you that it hurts sometimes to see that you don't trust us," he explained.
It dawned on me that what he was saying was absolutely true. I smiled softly and nodded.
"I forgive him," I proclaimed.
He smiled and ruffled my head. I glared playfully.
"What was that for? I'm not a little kid!" I explained.
He shook his head.
"Sure you're not," he drawled.
The swinging doors opened and the doctor signaled me to follow.
"Could my friend join me?" I asked timidly.
The doctor pushed up his glasses and nodded warily.
The two of us walked passed the now silent hallway where patients were quietly waiting to be attended.
Room 502
A soft knock was placed on the door and we entered. My mother's face was healed and her hair had grown out. She looked exactly as she did before the accident. The IV was securely in her vein. Kaoru stared at my mother in awe.
"You look a lot like your mom. She's really pretty," he breathed.
I blushed and placed a vase of flowers on the dresser.
"I've been told. Its so strange. After five years, she still has her baby face. But I'm glad she looks the same. That way I'll never forget how she looks like," I explained.
Kaoru cocked his head in confusion.
"What do you mean?" he questioned.
I glanced over in his direction nonchalantly.
"You've been to my house a few times. Haven't you ever wondered why we have no pictures? Well, about a year after this happened, my dad packed up all our family photos. I was beginning to fear that I would forget how she looked like. I only have a single photo I was able to salvage. It was of my dad, mom and me when I was three. We were at the obon festival," I said nostalgically.
Kaoru came from behind and hugged me tightly. I jumped slightly and tipped my head back to see what had gotten into him. He rested his head on my own and breathed in deeply.
"Your life is a lot more complicated than I first figured," he whispered into my hair.
The sound of his breathing was rather...calming.
"You have no idea," I mumbled.
He lifted his head from my own and cocked his head.
"What was that?" he questioned.
I giggled softly.
"Oh nothing," I replied.
I walked over to my and placed my hand atop her own. I placed a light kiss on her cheek.
"Bye mom. I hope you'll wake up soon. I love you," I whispered.
Kaoru glanced over in my direction.
"Is it okay if I have a little alone time with your mom?" he asked.
I cocked my head in wonder, but obliged.
I walked out of the room, curious of what he had to say.
Kaoru smiled weakly over at Sakuya's mother. He dragged a chair next to the bed and sighed.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Mazaki. I'm Kaoru Hitachiin. I'm your daughter's friend. Although I kind of want our friendship to evolve into something more. You see...I think...no. I know that I've fallen in love with her," he explained.
The only sound in the room was the constant beeping of the monitor, yet he was still embarrassed of the proclamation he had confessed to Sakuya's mother.
He glanced at the ticking clock.
"I'm still not courageous enough to tell her, but when I do...I'd really like it if you could be there. So...wake up soon. Sorry for taking your time. But anyway, sleep on it. Ah! Sorry bad pun. Well, it was nice meeting you," he concluded.
He patted her hand and sat in the chair for a while until he regained his composure.
He knew that deep inside, he would never be able to deal with all the crap Sakuya had to in a daily bases. It must have been hard masking her feelings, yet like a professional actress, she was able to fool everyone into believing she was okay.
He rose from the chair and waved. As he turned his back, Mrs. Mazaki's lips formed a tiny smile. There was still hope.
The next morning, I was greeted by Hikaru in front of the door.
"Look Sakuya. I...I want to apologize for acting like a jerk two days ago. So, let's get back to being friends," he said quickly.
I giggled softly and nodded.
"I forgive you. Why should I be mad now that I realize what you said was partly true. I should be more open with you guys. I'm not used to having so many friends, so it will take me a while before I can truly open up, so I hope you can put up with that for a while," I explained.
His face brightened and he nodded. As we were about to enter, his face darkened again.
"Wait. Before we go in. I have to ask you something," he began.
I waited patiently for his question.
"Yes?" I questioned.
He looked down at the floor.
"You remember that day when you went looking for Chika? Well after you left, the foreigner told us something kind of shocking. I just want to make sure you know so we can clear things up," he explained.
My face paled. Ryan was behind all the distance I was getting from the others? I should have known. My hands rolled up into fists.
"What did he say?" I asked calmly. (Although on the inside, it was otherwise)
He scratched the back of his head.
"He...he said you two kissed," he whispered.
My eyes widened.
"WHAT?" I cried out.
Heads popped out of the classrooms in curiosity. Hikaru glared over at them and they instantly popped back in.
"So...does that mean he's lying?" he wondered.
I blushed and looked away.
"The thing is, what he said was partly true. He forced a kiss on me during my exam," I mumbled.
His eyes widened and then narrowed.
"I'm going to kill that bastard!" he exclaimed.
I shook my head and tugged at his arm.
"This is precisely the reason why I didn't want to tell you!" I explained.
He just shook his head and sighed.
"Fine. But that guy better watch out because the next time he tries that on you, the Host Club will personally make his life hell," he answered devilishly.
I shook my head.
"You're starting to sound like Kyoya," I commented.
He glared over in my direction. He waved and grinned.
"Oh hey Kyoya," he called out.
I spun around abruptly with fear in my eyes. The halls were empty... I turned back to him and glared.
"Very funny," I mumbled.
He chuckled to himself.
"That's what you get for comparing me to the Dark Lord," he commented.
I inched away from him slowly as I saw a dark shadow loom overhead.
Hikaru just shook his head.
"I'm not stupid enough to fall for my own trick. Seriously Sakuya, you've got to do better than that," he teased.
The glinting glasses attack appeared just as he finished the sentence.
"The Dark Lord, am I?" asked the male voice.
Hikaru slowly turned around and sped off to class with me in tow.