I do not own Ouran Highschool Host Club.

CH.22

Haruhi jogged outside and paused just outside of the library. It was sprinkling and the windchill was just cool enough that it was beginning to feel like fall.

"Takashi!" Haruhi yelled.

She didn't get a response, though she did get a few strange looks from people passing by. Could he have really run that far that fast? She knew he could, but Kyoya couldn't and that's who Mori had been chasing. Haruhi knew that their relationship wasn't ready to go public. They had only gotten close last night. It had felt so much longer.

She stood there for a little while longer. When he didn't show, she began walking back to the apartment. He knew where to find her. The walk felt much longer alone. By the time Haruhi got back to the apartment, the drizzle had turned into full blown rain. At least there was no thunder or lightning. Sighing, she let herself in and closed the door behind her. The house was dark and obviously deserted. If her dad had come home sometime today, there was no sign of it. The dishes were still neatly stacked by the sink and his house shoes remained by the door. It wasn't uncommon for him to not come home, but she thought that was behind them. He had promised.

Haruhi flipped on the lights and began cooking. Whenever her dad did decide to come back, he would at least have something to eat waiting for him. The rain got heavier and drummed against the ceiling. The clock on the wall ticked each second away. Overall, the combination of the sounds was depressing. She left the stove and turned on the radio. Smooth jazz could always lift her spirits.

For dinner, she had made chicken noodle soup. It sat in a big pot on the stove reminding her that she was the only one here to eat it. She made herself a bowl and sat at the table alone to eat. The sky outside had faded from gray to black and the clock read nine o'clock. An idea came to her. She ran to the phone and called the bar where her dad worked. Either he would answer or the manager would.

Someone picked up on the third ring. Instantly, she knew it wasn't her dad. This person was apparently a heavy smoker because their voice was all croak," Hello, this is Ray's LGBTQ Bar and Lounge. How may I help you?"

" Um…. this is Haruhi Fujioka. I'm looking for my dad, Ranka. He hasn't been home since yesterday night."

"Oh sweetheart, it's good to hear from you again. You haven't called here in almost a year. Your dad did pick up another shift, but he left about 2am. I know what you're thinking and no, he didn't take anybody with him. I haven't seen him since. He didn't come in to work today either."

"Okay, thanks."

"How are you Haruhi? I heard that you were in the hospital."

"I'm fine. I have to go. Bye."

"Bye."

If he wasn't at work or with a "client", where was he? The soup probably tasted good, but her taste buds weren't working. Haruhi slowly released her spoon. What was the point of eating? She wasn't even hungry. What was the point of having a family sized table to eat at, when you would be the only one sitting at it? Never had she felt so alone and angry. How come everyone left her? Her mom left. Her dad left her for his job or whatever else he was doing, and her first ever boyfriend couldn't be around her for one day without running away from her. A crystal tear slid down her face and dropped from her chin, mixing with the yellow broth.

There was a solid knock on the door. At first she thought it was just a figment of her imagination. Being at home alone at night can sometimes mess with your mind. The knock sounded again, but was this time accompanied by her name. This must be real. Haruhi ran to the door. She threw it open, thinking it was her dad, but she only disappointed herself. It was Mori.

"What are you doing here?" Haruhi crossed her arms over her chest.

"I came to apologize for earlier. I….."

"You left me! I stood outside waiting for you."

"See that's the thing. I never left the building. I was talking to Kyoya on the first floor. When we were done, I went looking for you. When I didn't find you, I figured you had left. I didn't leave you. You left me."

She stood there staring at him. Mori released an almost unnoticeable shiver. If his shoulders hadn't moved, Haruhi wouldn't have noticed it. He was drenched from head to toe and his hair clung to his face.

Haruhi moved aside and softened her voice and posture," Come in Takashi. You're soaking wet."

He gave a little sigh and stepped through the threshold. There he stood awkwardly, not knowing what to do.

"I don't want to get your floor wet."

"It's okay. I can mop. Follow me and I'll get you some dry clothes."

They began walking down the hallway, Mori squishing behind her.

"Where's your dad?"

"How did you get here and why are you just now coming here?"

"You can't just answer my question with two questions."

"I just did," smiled Haruhi.

They entered Ranka's room. The curtains were drawn and the room was dark. Trying to turn on the bedside lamp, Haruhi knocked over three empty beer bottles. She also kicked a few that were on the floor. Haruhi didn't turn around. She didn't want to see what Mori was thinking, what he thought of her dad, what he thought of her family, what he thought of her. She carefully made her way to the closet and pulled out a button down shirt and jeans for him.

She turned to him and smiled," Strip."

"I guess it's your turn to see my body, huh?"